Mr. & Mrs.’ Phuket-moon

Google didn’t fail us when we asked him for suggestions on where to go for honeymoon. Phuket came up as one of the frequently-traveled destinations of newlyweds. Phuket (and the whole vast of Thailand) has so much to offer to tourists and true enough, we were able to discover its beauty.

I (almost) felt at home in Phuket since the environment was very much like the Philippines. I thought of the Thai natives as a close relative of the Filipinos because of their warm and hospitable behavior. We stayed in Tropical Garden Resort, Kata Beach in Phuket, thanks to Asiatravel for recommending this hotel on their website. Our room has a sea view which we found very refreshing. After "decades" of preparing for the wedding, this place was worth staying at with the gentle wind blowing the stress away and the beautiful sunset mesmerizing our eyes. The moment was like a pat on the back for a milestone attained.

The hotel management also surprised us with a cute (and romantic) bed arrangement for honeymooners! Other than the beautiful amenities this resort has to offer, their buffet breakfast is something we looked forward to every morning when we woke up. It catered to the Western, Asian (and vegetarian) tastes.

One of the highlights of this escapade was the visit to PhiPhi Island – a pristine paradise silently waiting to be discovered. The water reminds me of El Nido, but the shores remind me of Boracay – with shops everywhere. One has to ride a cruise ship for almost an hour to get to the island. Once on the island, people can shop, eat, buy stuffs, swim or mingle with the locals. The trip to PhiPhi Island was a one-day affair but tourists may extend depending on their plans. 

On the next days of the escapade, we found ourselves busy with elephant riding, visiting talented Thai monkeys, trying out honey delicacies and exploring the bee farm, studying the cashew nut livelihood and trying out Thai food. There was so much to explore, yet time was limited. But of course, the serene times in the beach were my favorite moments.

After five days, it was time to go home. With a heavy heart, we finished going to a few shops and headed on to the airport. We thought the best moment was over but then I suddenly realized that my wallet was missing. We were halfway on our way to the airport when I discovered it was not inside my bag. Good thing my hubby had a reliable memory and we were able to figure out where we left it. Our very kind Thai tour guide brought us back to the place (despite the traffic) and arranged with the airport in case we’d be a little late for the flight. When we arrived at the shop, the Thai owner hurriedly ran to me and said “I was looking all over for you! Here’s your wallet.” My wallet was returned to me and not even a single cent was taken. Tearfully, I said the most heartful “Kappunka” (Thank you in Thai) I ever mentioned. Thai people are worthy of commendation. They restored my confidence in the honesty of other people even in a country not our own and that there is always good in people’s hearts.

It was a joy beyond compare to experience Phuket in just a short time. It was an extraordinary trip because it was our first trip as husband and wife. The beauty of the land and the sterling heart of the people made it even more special.

Zamboanga: Asia's Latin City

More than the Spanish touch of the Chavacano tongue, there are some things that make Asian’s Latin City one of the best attractions in the Philippines. Zamboanga City is known as "Asia's Latin City". And indeed, this highly urbanized city in the south-western part of the Philippines offers other interesting facets beyond its rich heritage and culture. 

An itinerary in Zamboanga wouldn’t be complete without visiting the different attractions in the city proper as well as going to Pasonanca where one can visit parks and climbed a hill to have a good view of the city. 

Latin or Filipino Touch?

These days, tourists will be glad to know that Vinta Sailing is offered at
Paseo del Mar during weekends. The boats docked there are managed by
fishermen who, after heading out to sea in the morning for the day’s catch,
unfurl the colorful sails on their boats and, weather and wind conditions
permitting, offer rides around the area.

Baby Comes with Mommy to Work

Barako Ice Cream to Keep the Conservation Going on a Late Night

(Country Chicken)

The food most associated with Zamboanga City is curacha, coconut crabs that
can only be found in the deep waters of Zamboanga. The dish is served at
the Alavar Seafood Restaurant, an institution here and a top destination
for serious foodies in Zamboanga. Curacha is served with a delicious blend

of coconut milk and spices at the restaurant located along Don AlfaroStreet.

 Seafoods and Buco Juice for the Strong Tummy

 Knickerbocker of Palmeras  - A Bestseller We Can't Leave Without

(mixture of watermelon chunks, banana slices, papaya with gelatin chunks

 and topped with Strawberry Ice Cream)

Colorful Trike, Inspired by Vintas

"Mas Alegre na Zamboanga" - Kids at Play

Go Crazy with "Lokot-lokot" - an indigenous delicacy found in Zamboanga

Also called Zambo Rolls -  crunchy roll made of rice powder

 which looks like thin noodles bound and rolled into this crunchy rolls

Go visit Zamboanga, Asia's Latin City.

The Day I Went to Jail

“I went to jail because I was charged with murder, twice for attempted murder and the last time was frustrated murder. During those trying times, I didn’t care. All I wanted was to get even.”

The man next to me said these words and looked at me intently, without blinking an eye.

I listened with interest and smiled.

If I had stumbled upon this guy out in the streets, I would have trembled in fear upon hearing his statements. But no, not in a setting like this. 

We were in Marikina City Jail – the nearest haven for prisoners and detainees in my hometown. We visited the inmates to conduct a preaching campaign to interested detainees and inmates, thirsty of guidance from God. In coordination with mature organizers and elders in our team, the City Jail warden and officers were very much cooperative in this endeavor.

There were two areas (male and female section) and visits were scheduled on a regular basis. Upon entry, we had to surrender our mobile phones, umbrellas or any violence-triggering tool.

I noticed that not all in jail committed heavy crimes. Some were just accused of things they have not committed (such as stealing, money matters, etc.). Some were sentenced to short prison terms because of minor acts (offensive acts to neighbors, etc.) while others remained detainees if their cases stay unsolved.

Nevertheless, it was very heartwarming to see the inmates listen, embrace the truth, and apply these changes in their everyday living. Truly, “...the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.”—Hebrews 4:12.

Yes, reading God’s “word,” or message changed a lot of the inmates' lives. It helped them to examine themselves as never before. The way they reacted to the message revealed their true thoughts, even the very intentions of the heart.

The inmate returned my smile. He never blinked an eye because he felt inner peace and happiness after sharing how he changed for the better.

“What I did was very bad,” he said contritely.

It took some time before he ‘forgave and forgot’ and I’m sure he’ll continue improving.

Some of the inmates are released for good, but as they leave, they also leave shadows of the bad past. Some inmates stay in prison, but now they face life more positively and look forward to a brighter future with Jehovah God to back them up.

Is Your TV Watching You?

With the emergence of the latest innovations in technology, the couch-potato-career also takes a boom. The releases of flat-screen LCDs, top-of-the-line plasmas and LED HDTVs offer a breakthrough in the entertainment industry. Yes, relaxation now means Lazy-Boy-sitting style, gobbling a handful of popcorn and gluing your eyes on the tube for loooong hours.

“People who on average spend six hours each day watching TV can expect to live 4.8 years less than those who watch no TV. Put another way, every hour of TV reduces a sedentary adult’s life expectancy by about 22 minutes.” – British Journal of Sports Medicine, Britain

Indeed, all too much is bad. So time to hit the OFF button on the remote control and exercise your body (and mind). Talk to your family, go for a walk outside or visit your old-time-bookshelf like this.

Happy weekend folks!

HABAGAT - Days Without the Sun

I treasured the moment I last saw the sun.

This thought reverberated through my head as I stayed awake and wide-eyed before the earliest morning alarm clock went off. Distracted by the heavy rains and the images of deadly floods surrounding major cities of the Philippines, a heavy sigh was all I let out to express fear and disappointment as my hometown Marikina got more swamped.

This catastrophic incident was similar to Milenyo (2006) and Ondoy (2009). Having learned life's greatest lessons, residents and local government of Marikina are now more aware and more-than-ready to prepare each family’s survival kit – a strong will to live and help others survive.

To friends and family who are asking for our condition, we are fine. Thanks for the concern.

Despite the alarming peak of 21.4 meter-level of Marikina River, gushing floods out in the streets, alarm sirens sounding on and off every now and then, impassable roads, and hoarding of goods in nearby stores; we are all in good condition.

Let me share some photos of how "habagat" or seasonal monsoon rains worsened and caused widespread flooding in the Philippines.

Swamped Shoe Capital

Marikina River's Raging Waters 

'Drowning' Marikit-Na Statue 

 Walang makapasok na manggagawa :(

 The Vllage that Never Slept

Forced Evacuation for Residents Near the River

There are things that, once again, were proved. Priority and values are really unsinkable. Floods may rise, rains may pour, but a sacrificing character and indefatigable humor survive. No material thing can surpass family togetherness and faith in God.

After days of darkness, finally we saw the sun shine this afternoon, a truly treasured moment for all of us. There's hope to see Marikina as beautiful as before. As I sleep tonight, I hope and pray that when we open our eyes tomorrow, a new day will start with the sun shining brightly. Goodbye to the days without the sun.