the traveller & her thoughts: January 2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

MY CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Benefits of Chocolate and Candies:

1. Energy Booster. Even a tiny bit of sugar surges your energy then you can sing out loud “I’m alert, alive and enthusiastic!”

2. Increases waking hours. This can cure your I-need-to-study-but-I-get-sleepy moments.

3. (And because of number 2) Grade upgrade.

This might be true based on experience of some people. If you are one of the lucky ones, grade F will be A+ because of chocolate! (some research also concludes chocolates stimulate the neurons)

4. Behaves children. Try giving a candy to a crying child and see for yourself.

5. Decreases your appetite. (not applicable to all) IF and ONLY IF, you eat not more than a pack in just one seating.

6. Gives you a life lesson. That is, when you get a toothache. :-D

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My top 3 favorite chocolates:

Cadbury Dark Chocolate/Fruits and Nuts

Hershey's Cookies and Cream kisses

Toblerone White

THE WALK IN INTRAMUROS (Manila)

Intramuros (within the walls), known as the oldest district of Manila, is one of the historical attractions that shouldn't be missed when you visit the Philippines. In this place, stone walls, old churches and historical structures can be found which can take you to the Spanish era and give you a glimpse of how Manila looked like when it was colonized by Spain. Aside from the old churches, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church; and the famous Fort Santiago, here are some other historical structures that can be found while walking or riding the calesa (carriage).

These infrastructures has been used for businesses and other offices

but the Spanish architectural designs were preserved.

Fact is, we didn't ride a calesa because it's more fun walking here. (and the calesa ride is costly) hehehe.

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A travel that satisfies the heart

and fills the brain with cherished memories.

This is TRAVEL-licious.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

KIDS ON STAGE

What do I miss being a child?

1. Going around the house naked.

2. Punching my siblings without feeling sorry.

3. Breaking a PYREX without paying for it.

4. Breaking an antique and it's still okay.

5. Having someone wash my butt after pooping

6. Strolling with a personal bodyguard for free.

7. Eating dirt without being worried.

8. Crying, and not being laughed at.

9. Receiving presents from "Santa Claus"

10. Finding great joy in just a tiny piece candy.

Those are the things I had been reminded about on that day I watched a children's play.

The title of the program was LOVE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, participated by preschool and kindergarten students of my alma mater, Saint Joseph College. It was held at the school covered court which, at that time, was jam-packed with supportive parents and teachers.

They really are soooo admirably cute and adorable, that I can't help but take pictures and blog about them.

Enjoy and have a taste of their innocence and cuteness!

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH and MUSEUM (Manila)

This is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines (a collective term for the Spanish-era churches in the Philippines) which were inscribed by UNESCO World Heritage in 1993. Built since January 1607 and still standing until now, it is known to be the oldest surviving church in the Philippines.

The facade may be very plain, but this church is historically extravagant

the beautifully elaborate carvings on the wooden door

According to the church attendee, near the altar is a vault containing the tomb of the bones of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and other Spanish conquistadors, Governor-Generals and archbishops. (May add to a pretty eerie atmosphere!)

SCHEDULE OF MASSES

Monday to Friday – 6:30 am, 7:00 am, 5:30 pm

Saturday – 7:00 am, 5:30 pm (anticipated mass)

Sunday – 8:00 am (children’s mass), 10:00 am, 6:00 pm

Located just beside the church, is the San Agustin Museum which houses the different unscathed and preserved things of the past. The architectural design involves a two-storey square building with a courtyard at the middle. At the entrance booth, you will be asked to submit your baggage and umbrellas and pay the entrance fee.

As you enter the museum, you will be first greeted by this huge bell (weighing approx. 3,400kg) and a signboard emphasizing the route in touring the museum (yes, you'll have an organized tour)

The hallways are decorated with old century paintings and artworks which depicts stories of the past.

The ground floor consists of the: Sala De La Capitulacion (with artifacts and statues) Sacristy (with an altar and more statues and painting) Sala Profundis (a dining area of priests long time ago with an awesome Aztec-designed ceiling) Crypt (which displays the graves and tombstones of priests and archbishops)

the old staircase made of Chinese granite, a climb to the second floor.

The second storey consists of the San Pablo Hall (with more painting and a miniature of the church design) San Agustin Hall (displays photos and pictures of churches in the Philippines built by Augustinians) Porcelain Room (artifacts collection on the decade of Chinese- Philippine trading) Church Vestments (preservation of elegant garments of the priests) , Biblioteca , Antechior / Choir Loft.

Father Manuel Blanco's Garden. is located at the central part of the museum. He is given credit for having studied the plants for herbal and medicinal purposes. Unfortunately, I didn't have any chance of strolling in the garden due to lack of time. (no pictures for now)

But I am looking forward to visit the museum again soon. :)

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OPEN hours: 8:00am - 12:00nn

1:00pm - 6:00pm

Entrance Fee: (as of 2011)

Php 100 - general admission

Php 30 - students (present valid ID)

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Picture taking inside the rooms (where artifacts and historical things are placed) is prohibited.

But allowed at the lobby.

527-4060 and 527-4061 for more information.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

TAOIST TEMPLE (Cebu)

Location: Beverly Hills, Cebu City

Opening hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm

How to get there:

Option A. Ride a jeepney with the signboard to LAHUG or CALUNASAN, (php 10-20 only) and ask the driver to drop you off near the TAOIST TEMPLE (but you have to walk for 15minutes or ride a "habal-habal" a motorcycle if you do this)

Option B. Or most conveniently, ride a taxi. (php 40 above)

SHORT REMINDERS:

1. Don't wear shorts/sleeveless if you wish to enter the temple's altar.

2. Observe silence (since obviously, this is a temple -- a place of prayer)

3. Don't take pictures of the altar. (It is not allowed)

RITUAL:

Wash hands.

Go barefoot before going in.

Get 2 wooden blocks (bean-shaped/kidney-shaped) and drop them.

If both face up, you can make a wish.

If none/only one faces up, you can't and you have to come again next time.

Worshippers and non-followers alike are welcomed in this temple. I am not a disciple or follower of Taoism, but I surely appreciated the architecture of the temple. So here are a few glimpses...