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Corregidor Lighthouse

Corregidor Island is more associated with World War 2 and the American Colonial Era, due to the development of the island as a fortress, military area, and the place where one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theatre of World War 2 happened. However, at the highest part of Corregidor, a beacon of light guides the mariners, as well as to signal impending attacks. The Corregidor Lighthouse or Faro de Corregidor is the only Spanish edifice in the entire island.

Going to where?

Just a few meters from the Topside area, Corregidor Lighthouse or Faro de Corregidor serves as the primary beacon for navigators entering and leaving Manila Bay. Perched on top of the hill more than 600 meters above the sea, it gives a complete 360 degree view of Manila Bay, Bataan, Cavite, and on a clear day—Metro Manila itself. The tall, whitewashed lighthouse sits on a red-orange plaza of souvenir shops and an office.

Weird. These OV-10 aircraft is giving us that World War 2 vibe at Corregidor that day

We were greeted with a post, depicting how far LA, Hong Kong, Sydney and the rest of major cities in the world are from this point. And just to set the mood, surveying OB-10 aircraft by the Philippine Air Force flew by—wow, seems like World War 2 tora-tora!

The portal to the top

We had a chance to climb Corregidor Lighthouse which stands almost 15 meters in height. Whitewashed walls and a big glass cross window dominate the structure. Below it is the Spanish mini museum, giving a glimpse of the infrastructure projects that the Spanish implemented during its last century of rule in the islands.

Ship passing by Corregidor--from the top of the lighthouse

The Mile-Long Barracks and Mariveles Bataan from the lighthouse

Corregidor Lighthouse was first built sometime in 1830s, during the time when the Spanish colonists poured in massive investment in its infrastructure in the Philippines to upgrade its antiquated navigational aids. The second and taller lighthouse was built in the late 19^th century to better serve the mariners entering and leaving the harbor. However, when World War 2 came, the lighthouse was heavily bombarded. Although it is still standing, the authorities need to construct a new and better lighthouse—and in 1950, the beacon was reconstructed using the original material.

The old Faro de Corregidor

Despite a bit of revision in its design from its original counterpart, the lighthouse became the only historical yet functional building in the entire island, while the rest of Corregidor’s became a shrine. In the late 20^th Century, the Spanish government, together with the Japanese government, renovated Corregidor Lighthouse to what it is now.

The lantern at the top of the lighthouse

The plaza

The lighthouse still guides the ships passing by the treacherous Boca de la Bahia de Manila (or the mouth of Manila Bay). It has stood the test of time, the elements and even war. She stands guard yet she silently watched Philippine history as it unfolds. And for generations to come, this beacon will still shine to guide the Filipinos on their path towards their future, by looking back into its history.

Misty mountains at Manila Bay

Oops, gotta rush. The tramvia bell is ringing. It’s time to go but the story hasn’t ended yet. For it was near 60 years ago when Corregidor witnessed its darkest day during the war—the day it surrendered to the enemy forces: 06 May 1942.

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Mile-High Barracks Corregidor

Last Christmas, I had an opportunity of visiting one of the bastions of Philippine history, Corregidor Island. As with my previous posts, from the beginning and towards the middle side area, this island has a lot of stories to tell, about valor of our forefathers who fought endlessly to defend our freedom from the invaders. Yet the highlight of that tour last December hasn’t been reached yet. As we reached high above the Manila Bay, the view of the nerve center of then-one of Asia’s best military camps, this island has still a lot to tell…from its head and all towards under its belly.

This is my tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the greater glory of freedom and for peace to prevail once more in this part of the globe. Today is April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan in the Philippines.

Mile High Barracks in Corregidor Island

Mile-High Barracks

For those who have seen the Mid-side barracks, you haven’t seen the main barracks on the topside of Corregidor…which is the “city center” of the said fortress island. Topside is where most of the high-ranking officials and officers do their activity while they are in the island. Aside from being the “nerve center,” it also serves as the commercial and entertainment center of the island back then. The topside area of today are dominated by ruined buildings—symbols of War’s ill-effect to mankind.

Inside the Barracks

Bombarded by War

The Mile-Long Barracks or the main barracks is reputedly the longest and the largest barracks in Asia during the American colonial era. It houses several hundred men; it serves as the main residence of the military personnel that served in Corregidor. And yes, this is the famous ruins that you see in the postcards depicting the island. When I saw the old photo of it before it was destroyed by war, its architecture reminded me of UP-PGH, a trend during that time. Now ruined, it was heavily devastated by bombs and artillery from both sides. This is also one of the ruins that can be safely visited “inside.”

Details of Topside Barracks

Cine Corregidor

Nearby, the Cine Corregidor was a theatre/movie house of the island. Talo pa ang IMAX at mga pirata ng DVD, because during those times it was one of the best movie houses in the Philippines, screening Hollywood movies before they even come to Manila’s shores such as “Gone with the Wind.”

Cine Corregidor

The Pacific War Memorial

Pacific War Memorial

Just beside it is the Pacific War Memorial and Museum. The old tattered US flag welcomes the guest and so were the war-time memorabilia, may it be Filipino, American or even Japanese. The display of old photos, from the glorious times of Corregidor, to the invasion, to the bloody battles and up to its retaking and even the gory suicidal episodes, the museum and the memorial reminds everyone on the valor, the honor and even the death of every soldier.

No "Brother" is Left BehindJuan and Sam helping each other

Inside the Pacific War Memorial Museum

I also saw some of these at the American Memorial at Taguig City

The memorial was constructed two decades after the war. It features an altar under an egg-shaped dome, with an oculus. Like the Pantheon in Rome, the oculus casts the sunlight to the circular marble altar at a specific time—an honor for those who have died in the battle of Corregidor and the rest of the Pacific Theatre of World War II.

The Altar to the Brave and Honoured

They say, the sun shines directly on the circular altar every May...

And just behind it is the 40 foot Eternal Flame of Freedom, designed by Aristedes Demetrios, one of the famed artists of the United States. Symbolizing freedom, this fiery crimson or sometimes tangerine steel structure is said to light up the Corregidor skyline at night. On a clear night, it can be seen as far as Manila, like a flame guarding the capital.

The Eternal Flame of Freedom Corregidor

Beneath it, says...

At the Topside…

The topside is where most of the activities happened. The parade grounds are the main plaza of the island. It is also here where the first of the paratroopers landed to reclaim the island fortress from the Japanese.

The "Bachelor's Pad"

Aside from what I’ve mentioned, there are still a lot of ruins within the area. The Bachelor’s pad, the main offices which once held one of the best altars, the official’s quarters and even the historical flagpole that was once part of the Spanish warship that the Americans took during the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898—for MacArthur and his men, hoisting the US flag again at that flagpole during the “The Liberation of 1945” is as symbolic as reclaiming victory.

One of the high-official's quarters

"The Office"

All right, the tranvia’s bells are ringin’! Time to head up to the highest point of the island and probably the only Spanish-colonial remnant there is in the island. As we leave Topside, there are so many stories to tell that my head starts to tilt—enthusiastic to listen and feel, yet fatigue has started to creep in. However, passion surges forward, and like our brave warriors of the past, I simply moved on forward—I’m fighting fatigue while they fight for our freedom!

That flagpole where the American forces fought to hoist the Star Spangled Banner once more

This was Topside...before the war

Today is the Day of Valor, Araw ng Kagitingan. Let’s look unto our history and see how our forefathers sacrificed for democracy and liberty. And we continue our Corregidor series until May 6, the day the island surrendered to the hands of the enemies…

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All right, all right…you may be wondering why the introduction for this article was with Felipe De Leon’s Christmas Carol “Payapang Daigdig?” Nope, its not that I’m forcing it to fit on Christmas (or this article was meant to be posted on Christmas eve). The song was made out of bombardment of Manila in 1945, when the maestro woke up one morning with such devastation that engulfed the whole city–world’s second most destroyed. We also have to remember that it was during Christmas of 1941 that the Philippines was invaded by the Japanese imperial troops and bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. These stories of melancholic Christmas intertwined with Corregidor’s embattled past. As we head on for our tour, one December morning, I can feel the sirens and the cool breeze…however with more tension.

Battery Way

Our first stop was the Middleside area of Corregidor. Its a plateau between Topside and the coastline. It is here were you can find the second longest military barracks in the world at that time, the MiddleSide Barracks, which houses several Filipino and American troops at that time. Near it was a reservoir disguised as a tennis court. A few meters away from it, is the ruined building of the YMCA. The area is a camping ground for most excursionists and scouts.

MiddleSide Barracks

MiddleSide Barracks...its so ruined...

...that its off limits!

We moved on towards the “Big Guns.” Yes, the Yankees have “big guns” able to protect Manila from invading ships from South China Sea. That’s how strategic Corregidor is. Ever since the Spanish colonial era, the island has served as a sentinel for impending naval invasion coming from the open sea such as the Moro, Dutch and even English invasions. The ones we’ve visited are the most important. One at Battery Way which, even though in the middle of a forest, can blast passing ships at the north channel of Corregidor. Another one was that long range cannon that was used in Japanese propaganda. The last one was …The island is littered with big guns everywhere! Oh the Yankees!

Big Guns...a este cannons at Battery Way

And when they say its big...

Well hidden indeed!

Ate Weng showed how Battery Way looks like back then

The best part of it…these guns weren’t usable at all! The Japanese invaded through air and land! Given that the United States signed, along with other nations, promising not to install more artillery–well, the Japanese withdrew even before they signed the treaty. Wais di ba?

The big cannon used by the Japanese as a propaganda tool

At this early, you can feel the persistence of memory through the war-torn and damaged buildings that hide the ghosts…phantoms of the horror of the atrocities of war. According to Ate Weng, it was intentional that they left Corregidor’s buildings in ruins as a memorial and a reminder to the future generations of the atrocities of war. Indeed, Corregidor Island itself became a shrine for international peace–a symbol of valor.

Battery Grubs, the entrance

The ammo storage -- smells like guano...and death here!

That hiding cannon at Battery Grubs

The cannon...again

The last thing before we go to Corregidor’s crowning glory, was we went to Battery Grubbs. This is where you’ll find that giant hiding cannon. The area is fortified yet scars of bullets and mortar are still visible. The ammunitions area now smells like guano…dark, however we felt as if someone is watching us. And to the top, a clear view of the entrance of Manila Bay, Mariveles town in Bataan and that puny island called Monha.

La Isla Monha

The scars of the past: Impact craters

Then off to the crown of gold and thorns of Corregidor — The Topside! Well, the runners are on their way now!

Runners, on their way to the top of Corregidor

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Binintiang Malaki -- Taal Volcano's most photographed cone/crater

It was Christmas Day, well a lot of urban-dwellers of Manila and its suburbs like to spend some time with the company of family and friends. My family though decided that we go to Tagaytay and pass by Pink Sisters then head on to one of the last “shack cottages” overlooking Taal Volcano and Batangas Province. It was cold and was drizzling when we went there. Tagaytay as expected would be crowded on a long weekend, but we never expected such mass exodus that would unfold later that day.

The Pink Sisters Convent is a popular pilgrimage site. From the once placid church site that reminds everyone of Europe, it has turned into one big Lourdes–full of people during Sundays…to the point of saturation! Since it was Christmas, obviously it was crowded. I missed those early days when this place was still that simple and peaceful area for church mass. Now, it seems that it turned into a mini-Baclaran up in the mountains on weekends!

TAGAYTAY CITY, PHILIPPINES -- Sightseeing amidst the traffic that snarled this city near Manila

Then we went to our usual shack cottages–FULL. Picnic Grove–FULL. Any place for picnics in Tagaytay–FULL! It was wet and windy too! We nearly lost interest on having our Christmas picnic when I suggested to my dad to go down–to Talisay in Batangas Province. Lake shore picnic that is! Guess what, I have no idea what resort would it be! Bahala na si Lord! So of we went down on the steep and crooked Tagaytay-Talisay Road.

BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES -- The Tranquil Waters of Laguna de Bombon (Taal Lake)

When we reached Talisay, we immediately turned right towards Laurel and looked for a resort just for a cottage. Just a few meters away, andyan ang resort! The cottage may be a bit expensive (about P400 the whole day) but its worth it for the whole family. Tourists here only have a brief lunch before they go to the Volcano Island. Yes, the resort we’ve went in was a launch pad for visitors going to the belly of the beast–Taal Volcano!

When I took this photo, I was actually lying down in a folding bed under the shade of talisay tree with cool amihan winds...sarap no?

For the whole morning until early afternoon, only a few visitors come and go…not the usual crowded cottage that we know. With amihan‘s gentle breeze and the tranquil waters, there ain’t a better time for relaxation but here! Life in the province is not worth the rush as what they say. We saw some residents getting their meal for the day by the lake…catching tilapia and the occaccional tawilis.

For Fishing and For Tourists

Bird of Prey--Fly me high!

3PM, time to go back home through Tagaytay again. Up in the steep crooked road again and into the cool highlands. Yet we came into surprise. What the?! What’s with all the traffic coming into Picnic Grove and People’s Park in the Sky (former Palace in the Sky of the Marcos family)?!! Hanggang dito may “Buhos?!” It seems that my usual rush hour Cavite traffic have moved uplands! Visitors from Manila and beyond are flocking the area! Wow! Tagaytay became “Divisoria of the southern higlands” that day! It seems that as year goes by, Tagaytay cannot accommodate more tourists flocking this nearby cooling haven of the urbanites.

One of the resorts at lakeshore of Taal Lake--I just hope that it wouldn't turn out as another runaway development. Just a few years ago, a foreign company would like to construct a spa at the Volcano Island of Taal. Good thing though, it didn't went through.

Anyway, its Cavite, its normal to have traffic like this…but in Tagaytay, that’s already too much! To think of it, the new chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was Tagaytay City’s former chief executive. (and came into my mind that Cavite’s traffic should be under MMDA jurisdiction!)

MMDA Update: Tagaytay-Calamba Road - Picnic Grove and Highlands-bound--HEAVY

And more heavy traffic

Talisay, Batangas is a spill-over of Tagaytay, however personally, I do not like it to suffer the same fate as Tagaytay’s. And as for Tagaytay, the towering condominiums along the ridge has finally invaded this once paradise. Looks like I’m gonna miss those simple shack cottages. The price of progress–I just hope it’ll be a sustainable and eco-friendly urban growth.

Marigold (?) - Perhaps Tagaytay's most prolific flower

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MiddleSide Barracks of Corregidor

It was one of those unplanned trips again that ended up great—and as a history student, a place something to look forward to. It was my first time conquering “The Rock of the Orient.” It is the tadpole-shaped sentinel island that guards Manila Bay from invaders—and indeed it held steadfast in Philippine history. The English name, “Corrector’s Island.” En español, “La Isla de Corregidor.”

The Philippine Flag at North Docks

Thanks to Ivan Henares and Sun Cruises, I, together with bloggers Joel, Cedrick, James, Estan, Claire, Rob, Patricia, Ivan Mandy, and Sir Bobby Aquino of Magsaysay Shipping, we embarked on a 1 hour and 15 minute fast cruise towards the mouth of Manila Bay as the sun is just reaching its rays over the skyline of Manila.

Leaving Manila very early in the morning

I was excited. Obviously, it’s because it was my first time setting on foot in this historically sacred shrine. Ever since I was a kid, I keep on hearing stories about Corregidor. It is the island where the Filipinos and Americans fought to the death for freedom against the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II. I saw those pictures of big guns, bombarded buildings, an egg-shaped shrine, a crimson steel monument and the seemingly endless ghost stories associated with it. Indeed, this little island has witnessed so much human drama as blood spilt on its hills and its coasts.

Sun Cruises Bridge

Disembarking at the North Docks

It was 7AM when we arrived at Corregidor. There was a half-marathon competition on-going. A lot of people at the north docks for the Corregidor Half-Marathon competition. While the runners are preparing, our tramvias (cable cars). These brought us to Corregidor Inn and Hotel, the only hotel in the island. From there, we ate our breakfast and relaxed as we prepare our journey through time of valor, agony and glory in Philippine history.

A short geographic lecture on Corregidor

Sunrise at Manila Bay from Corregidor

Corregidor Island is located some 25 nautical miles from Manila, the capital city of this republic. Situated in such strategic importance—at the mouth of Manila Bay, it holds as an impenetrable sentinel for ships entering and going out of Manila’s busy harbor. It is joined by four other islands namely Caballo, El Fraile and Monha. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology identified the island as a remnant of a caldera submerged at Manila Bay—and potentially active as well in the near future.

A Map of Corregidor

The island is about six kilometers long and 2.4 kilometers at its widest and has roughly 900 hectares of land, the island’s shape is like that of a tadpole (or to others, a sperm cell) characterized as hilly with plateaus at the western side.

One of the cannons at Corregidor

The island is divided into zones, usually for reference (like districts in cities): The Topside is the center of Corregidor’s attractions, with the ruins, a lighthouse, several offices, a memorial and most number of batteries is located. The Middleside is where several barracks, batteries and the hospital is located. The Bottomside is where the hotel, the port, the historic Malinta Tunnel, and the beaches are located; and The Tailside where several memorials were erected. (Now don’t get naughty from hereon!)\

For now, its time to relax and enjoy the cool amihan breeze of the north. Not everyday you’ll get to Corregidor.

To be continued…

Tramvia Corregidor -- To be continued

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Waiting Commuters at Talaba, Bacoor, Cavite -- ang tagal dyan kahit bukana na ng Maynila!

The first is, have you tried combat commuting? I think if you live in Manila, it is essential to know combat commuting. Its a war waged every single weekday in the Philippine capital. The climax of the war at Hell’s Gate? Rush hour madness. Everyday, people try to cram themselves in buses, jeepneys and metros. Well, asi es la vida en Manila! Can’t deal with it? Might as well leave for the provincias.

Now, for a Cavite resident like me, traveling from home to work is a fact of life. Manila has become crowded and the urban expansion reached the doorsteps of its neighboring provinces, one of which is Cavite. There may be 12 million residents in Metro Manila but including the Greater Manila Area (encompassing Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan), we may even be comparable with the population of that of Mexico City, Tokyo or Mumbai! Cavite has the largest share of GMA residents–3 million people, tw0-thirds of it lives in towns near Metro Manila and along Aguinaldo Highway–the sole main artery of the province. Three million, the most populous province in the country–and with real estate blooming like lumot in the pond, its like a heart chocked with cholesterol! After all, Cavite IS a bedroom of Metro Manila.

Counterflow or locally known as "Buhos" at Aguinaldo Hghway, Panapaan, Bacoor, Cavite

How does it feel to be a Caviteño commuter? Well, either your still in school or working, you SUFFER the same fate as the rest of Cavite’s commuters, most especially rush hour. How so? Try to imagine yourself, waking up while the sun isn’t yet shining. Took a bath, get dressed and rushed your way to Aguinaldo Highway. Reaching the bus stop, you’ll be with lots of people waiting for the bus to stop for them to ride. Yet, the buses by-pass the said loading and unloading area. You wait, the sun is up, the buses still pass by you, and more people are coming to wait for the bus to ride on. Lawton, Pasay, Buendia, Cubao, Baclaran, Ayala, Ortigas–San Agustin, Jasper Jean, Solid Star, Erjohn and Almark and a lot more bus companies, just–don’t mind you guys at the bus stop at all. Weird no? Why? Because these buses are already full to the brim! Malapit nang magsuka ang mga bus sa sobrang puno, di na nagpapasakay ang mga tsuper ng bus!

Traffic Congestion near SM Bacoor

Then luckily, you rode a bus…but damn! It’s butt-cramped! You can kiss the windshield or make manyak to the person beside you. The only thing that separates us from sardine cans would be the sauce! You have to be an expert in yoga to perform such positions far too uncomfortable for a morning ride! As we went by, we’ve passed by several bus stops along the way…pity, the commuters have been waiting and will be waiting for a bus to ride on. Punong-puno ang sidewalks ng mga mag-kokomyut.

Ooops…its not the end. Then, you came near Bacoor Rotonda–that’s in SM Bacoor, the traffic halted and you’ve waited…and waited…and waited…and waited…until the bus driver went down to puff some cigarettes while…waiting. 20 to 30 minutes later, you’re still waiting…until…swoosh!!! BUHOS TAYM!!! The Manila-bound cars and vehicles head for a mad dash towards Coastal Road…to escape the agony of waiting and the hell called Aguinaldo Highway! You’re lucky if you caught the first hour counter-flow…because it runs all the way to Coastal Road. By around 7AM, its good luck to you! Hephep! Kala ko bawal na ang counterflow sabi ni President Noy? Hehe!

As we reached Coastal Road, as if it was reaching nirvana! Usually, Coastal Road during early mornings is a paradise to motorists. Except for the toll plaza of course. If Aguinaldo Highway was hell, Coastal Road was salvation!

Caviteños have lived for this kind of life for more than a decade already. I can still clearly remember that rush hour traffic was only up to the Revilla residence in Bacoor. But now, it goes as far as Anabu in Imus! That’s umm, almost 10 kilometers of traffic congestion…of hell on earth! No traffic travel time from Anabu to Longos Junction in Coastal Road, less than 30 minutes. Travel time during rush hours, a lovely 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the “mood.”

Approaching Longos Junction in Bacoor Cavite, nearing Coastal Road -- the Gates of Heaven and Hell!

For now, we have to deal with it. Finding innovative ways so that we wouldn’t be scolded by our professors and bosses. But we pray for so long, sana naman may magawa naman para sa mga komyuter ng Cavite!

The morbid fact: CAVITE LACKS URBAN PLANNING OR IS THERE?! It’s a mess! And the residential areas are still growing while the infrastructure for roads and public transport is snail-paced! What the?! Haven’t they forgotten that eating too much pork is dangerous to Cavite’s health?! The incoming flux of migrants, residential and industrial developments of this province is clogging the arteries…and I have no idea if the body of the province, the local officials, are doing any drastic measure to change Cavite’s lifestyle…pero parang di masyadong maramdaman! Daang Hari and Molino Boulevard may be there but it’s not enough for the three million souls to move along! Regarding public transport, LRT South Extension project has been shelved–I heard about that crap since I was GRADE 5! For those who want the Coastal Road Extension to be stopped–kayo lang ba ang babara sa ugat namin dahil sa mga tahong at talaba? May mga ibang trabaho din naman po sa paligid, kumilos naman po tayo at huwag masyadong umasa palagi sa gobyerno! Pigilan nyo ang extension project at 2 milyong katao ang mas maapektuhan!

Coastal Road in Parañaque City -- Its mostly light to moderate traffic on early mornings except the toll plaza and Mia Road junction

It is something that the new leader, Jonvic Remulla, and the rest of the Cavite’s politicos should think and act about swiftly and wisely. There will come a time when the present “Buhos” system wouldn’t work anymore! What’s with being the most urbanized if we don’t have the proper infrastructure? As early as now, the province is already showing urban decay–this early! With the new president installed, I hope they should start acting up…before its too late. Cavite is already heading for a cardiac arrest!

Now, how does it feel being a commuter from Cavite? Ask me, that’s me on the photo.

I say, mabuhay ang mga bagong bayani ng Kabite! Mabuhay ang mga dakilang komyuter ng Kabite!

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Buendia Avenue, Makati City, Philippines (Photo from Skyscrapercity.com)

26 September 2009 – While working, our office is being bombarded with nature’s fury as Tropical Storm Ondoy unleashes his full fury in Philippines’ capital Manila. While we were busy taking calls, he was busy creating havoc and destruction in Manila that would make Filipinos shocked and awed with nature’s awesome power.

1 PM – Dismissal. The company would like to have their employees be safe at their site, so it was recommended that they wouldn’t leave the premises and would be given food. I decided to just leave since I was so worried with my family in Cavite. I ate a heavy meal before launching a journey in which I would never ever forget in my lifetime. Location: Market Market, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

2.30PM – Got an approval from my trainer but he reminded me to update him and at the same time, stay safe. I took the Fort Bus from Market Market in Fort Bonifacio Taguig. The driver said that the floods have subsided in some parts but EDSA was still a virtual parking lot for south bound vehicles.

2.45PM – I reached Ayala-EDSA corner. EDSA was at standstill for south bound vehicles while north bound was virtually empty. I tried to ride on a Cavite bound bus but after 15 minutes, I left and diverted to Ayala Avenue towards Buendia. For I thought that there would be an easier way up there going out of Makati through Buendia-LRT and Pasay.

3.00PM – I started walking from Ayala-EDSA through Greenbelt and Glorietta. Some shops were closed. Ayala Avenue was in the field of desolation. It was my first time seeing Makati CBD battered by a storm.

While walking the elevated walkway from Greenbelt to Rufino, Ondong unleashes again his missiles of rain and gusts. I was getting wet, but no bother…I stopped over at a 7-11 convenience store to buy me an energy drink. My motive was to at least walk all the way to Baclaran. And so I went off all the way to Makati Med.

4.00PM – The sky was sinisterly dark and rains still pour as if Chino Roces/Pasong Tamo was flooded. So, I passed through the shanty community near Makati Med which leads toward Buendia. Upon reaching Buendia, I was happy to see that there is a Buendia bus bound for Baclaran but thought why there are no Ayala bound buses around. And so I rode in the bus which was in a standstill for 30 minutes of no movement at all…I paid yet I left the bus afterwards. To my surprise, Buendia-Washington was in a torso-deep flood.

Flooded Street, Manila, Philippines (Photo by Romeo Ranoco-Reuters)

Buendia-Washington area was submerged under flood waters that smelled like oil…really! People made the center islands as their pathway since it’s much higher…but I thought it wouldn’t reach the soles of my feet…but no…it was ankle deep. May mga lugar nga na abot kalahati ng binti na. And everytime there is a vehicle that passes by, waves come crashing our feet…some would lost their balance and fell off to the flood waters. However, smiles and tons of smiles amidst the deluge still prevailed. It made the crossing somehow light and bearable. And for a moment, I thought the flood waters would end just at SLEX…but I was wrong.

4.45PM – Just as I thought that everything was over after 45 minutes of carefully threading the waters of Buendia-Washington towards SLEX, I thought there are no flood waters waiting…but I was wrong. I was about to face the toughest challenge yet…Crossing the waist deep flood waters of SLEX and Buendia all the way to Pasay City boundary! God in heavens name help me I said! But no matter, I said to myself, kakayanin ko poi to sir! With a grin, I started threading the deep waters of Rio Buendia. Never had I lost that sense of humor and smile upon crossing the waters. It’s almost a kilometer or two to cross all the way to Pasay! Despite the difficulty, the people surrounding me never lost hope of reaching their destinations safely…we’ve kept holding on with our dear lives and our sanity…

Just as I thought that I am confident to cross this avenue turned river, the unexpected happened. Cramps! I had cramps in the middle of the waist-deep waters! I was a bit nervous but nevertheless someone heard my prayers…a container truck is managing itself to cross the flood who is bound for Pasay. Four of us rode the backside of the truck. I was still managing my cramps when I started to talk to one of my companions at the truck. She said, “Oo nga, ganito sa Makati! Sana hindi naman ganito ang buong bayan!” I laughed at her remarks. She still managed to create a satire in the middle of the catastrophe.

West Avenue Flooded, Quezon City, Philippines (Photo by: Wally Tiu - Reuters)

We were lucky, we reached Pasay City boundary. We thanked the manong driver. Sana dumami pa ang mga tulad nila!

5.20PM – I reached Pasay Buendia area and gearing towards LRT station. Hahaha! It was also flooded…but unlike Makati, their sidewalks are very uneven and we even took precaution over opened manholes that are existent in the area. And so we moved on.

LRT Buendia Station seems very fine but it was operating. Taft Avenue is another long Venetian canal. I heard that the flood waters stretched from Baclaran all the way to Lawton! That’s the whole length of the avenue!

Anyway, LRT came in at around 5.45PM already. It was jam-packed with drenched and tired people. Upon arriving EDSA Pasay Rotunda station, it was a disaster! Pasay Rotunda, the already chaotic junction of EDSA…was in its eerie silence of vehicular traffic. No wonder, it was also waist deep down there! Good thing MMDA constructed the elevated footbridges!

Pasay Rotunda was also in a virtual standstill. Vehicles cannot push through north bound. No wonder there are no north bound vehicles down at EDSA-Ayala! And so the walk to Baclaran resumes…

6.30PM. Heritage Hotel Area (EDSA corner Roxas Blvd). Upon reaching the area, there was a bus who is bound for Cavite…I thought it would be the end of our kalbaryo! I was already tired but still managing to keep up my spirits high. I paid for my fare our bus was full. Then off we go to Coastal Road.

Along the way, I was quite shocked that Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard were also flooded. These areas are not flood-prone areas if I’m not mistaken.

By the time we’ve reached Coastal Mall, the bus turned left towards MIA Road. Macapagal Boulevard just at Marina Village and Sentosia Apartments are also flooded. What?! Those areas are not flood-prone areas and yet binaha pa rin sila?! With that thought plus the fact that the traffic was not moving more than 30 minutes, looks like this is no ordinary flooding of Metro Manila.

7.15PM. I said to manong konduktor, bababa na lang ako. Dami atang naglalakad. And so I did. I disembarked the bus and walked…and was shocked that Coastal Road was dark and virtually a parking lot for south bound vehicles and a runway for north bound vehicles. And as PEATC closed Coastal Road to vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic became its major concessionaire. Zapote-Talaba, the southern end of Coastal Road, was reported to have been flooded as well. The already notorious traffic of Cavite has another culprit to blame…no, not CTMO, BTMO or Buhos…but literally, buhos or outpouring of flood waters!

7.30PM to 9PM I started walking at Coastal Road from MIA Road junction towards Cavite. Mass exodus of people walking in the darkness, with only their phones lighting up the dark Coastal Road…thank goodness the rain stopped a bit. But the thought of walking all the way to Cavite was unimaginable…not until yesterday!

It’s a good thing that I have people to talk with while walking in the dark. I was not alone. I think there were thousands who were going back to Cavite from Manila. The scene was eerie. It’s as if like Manila was bombarded by an invasion…the scenes of World War 2 were reminiscent as people left by the thousands. Para syang scene sa Independence Day or War of the Worlds!

By the time we’ve reached Longos Junction, traffic was at a virtual standstill. Fast flowing floods are consuming the “Talaba Bottleneck” to its knees…and I mean knee-deep fast flowing flood coming from Zapote. So we need to hang on to vehicles or anything. I reached Talaba-Evangelista Junction (Bacoor Bayan) and the way towards poblacion Bacoor was dark and turned into rapids…Finally I reached Cavite after an hour and a half of walking 6 kilometers of silence, darkness and standstill!

Saint Dominic junction as we call it. It was already 9PM and Tropical Hut was full to the brim…I’m exhausted and hungry. Yet I was still thinking of walking all the way home to Imus…about another 5 kilometers away from here. Aguinaldo Highway was a river of strong waters. Buses and trucks cannot push through because of the deep waters in Talaba-Niog-Panapaan area. By the looks of it, I cannot push through with going through Aguinaldo Highway. I bet its flooded all the way to SM City Bacoor…but that was just an estimate…I turned myself instead towards Molino Boulevard…at least there is a way there to our place.

Ortigas Extention flooded, Pasig City, Metro Manila (Photo by Erik de Castro - Reuters)

And as I crossed the fast-moving waters at the junction, I hanged on with my dear life. Never had I seen this place having deep waters! And at last, I crossed the last “river” and homeward bound. I was desperate; I even told myself if there would be a tricycle or a motorcycle that is willing to send me home at Imus or Bahayang Pag-Asa/Molino. But thank goodness, there is a jeepney bound for Paliparan! And from that point off, it was smooth…except the fact that I was hanging at the back of the jeepney.

9.45PM – I reached Bahayang Pag-asa and called in a tricycle bound to our subdivision in Imus. I was already tired and my body is aching all over. Manong Driver told me that some flood waters reached some areas in Imus and Molino. Areas that are not flood prone.

Finally, I reached home…safely! Wet and tired…I told my mother about the experience that never would I ever forget for the whole lifetime.

If Frank had my hometown devastated, Ondoy did the same for Manila. An event that most people here thought it only happens in other Philippine cities and provinces. The only thing that surfaces is the will to survive…and not only that…but to make happiness out of misery, a strong trait that we Pinoys are made of. There was no looting, no panic, and no kaartehan! There was only the will, the smiles that shone in the darkness and the bayanihan spirit, thought long dead in Manila.

Manila shines through and still gives her friendly grin, courage and care to her people still despite the wrath. And as of my journey, it wasn’t an ordinary one…but a reflection of me and of the society in which I am living with.

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The ruins of Imelda Marcos's guesthouse supposedly for American President Ronald Reagan

Mount Sungay is said to be the tallest mountain in the province of Cavite, so any ideas of trekking the summit with your usual backpack and camping stuff? Heck no! On the top of the summit is a landmark that is known in Tagaytay City, manifestation on how white elephant should be.

Formerly known as Palace in the Sky and now called People’s Park in the Sky, the mansion on top of Mount Sungay was constructed in 1970′s as a guesthouse for then US President Ronald Reagan…but it was never used at all. Oh well, there goes the people’s taxes. The mansion (now in ruins) resembled somewhat like that of Laguna’s National Arts Center, which resembles a pyramid bent heavy in its brute features.

Yet it made its presence felt on Hollywood flick as Chuck Norris shot on this location in the 1980′s as a mansion of a drug lord (too bad, the image has really been tainted) in the movie “Delta Force.”

After that, although it was a landmark and finally opened to the public sometime during the Aquino administration, it was neglected and was left to ruins or pagnakawan pa. It was shrouded in the clouds for several years

I think it was in the 1990′s that it was renamed People’s Park in the Sky…probably because it was the people’s taxes that made this former building of grandeur.

Anyway, going here by commuting is easy. Just take a bus at Pasay Rotunda or Cubao Araneta Station bound for either Tagaytay or Nasugbu. Just drop yourself at the Tagaytay Rotunda and ride a jeepney bound for “People’s Park.” You wont miss it and get to enjoy the lovely vista of Taal Volcano and Batangas down below. It will cost you more or less about a hundred pesos for one way fare.

Anyway, the best part of it is to climb all the way up from the parking base below. I would choose this option as part of a healthy regimen. Pero sa mga tamad maglakad, there are jeepneys going up to the park itself. Oh by the way, 15 Pesos for the entrance fee.

I was saddened that the palace itself is laid to ruins, exposed to the elements of nature…or are they really doing this for a “more dramatic ruin” or something about protesting a Marcos legacy? Hmmm….Its a good thing that the once “scent of MMDA urinals” is gone (they constructed clean public restrooms maybe after tourists complained about that stench of ammonia-urea in the ruins). When I went there recently, the park is ongoing some major repair or adding up tourist facilities.

Anyway, its really touristy up here, shops selling souvenirs and a 36o degree view of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, some parts of Quezon and on a clear day the silver skyline of Metro Manila.

It truly deserves to be called “People’s Park in the Sky” rather than being a palace. The people’s hard earned money was invested here and was left to decay and made it as a white elephant. I say, its a good thing they opened this to the public, its not only making money out of being a tourist attraction, but also serving the public’s need for leisure. Shrouded no more, it made people closer to the sky.

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The heart of the Province of Cavite’s bureaucracy, the city that was built in 1954 and dedicated it to the thirteen martyrs of the province who have sacrificed their lives for the name of freedom from Spanish rule. The City of Trece Martires.

Located somewhat 43 kilometers down south of Manila, it is the seat of government of the province of Cavite which is located right smack at the heart of the province. Talking about transacting government business at its most strategic location.

I had a quick brush over the city as I was assisting my mom in her transaction at the Capitol, so I didn’t stayed there longer although managed to take some shots at the capitol grounds.

There is nothing much to see or anything that “interesting to tourists” in this city although its a major transitory point to the deep upland towns of Cavite such as Amadeo, Indang & Mendez-Nunez, and the coastal southwest of Ternate, Naic and Maragondon. Its virtually halfway between every town and cities of the said province, making it very convenient.

The city has steadily grew from being a rustic city. Banking heavily being in the crossroads and near the big industrial estates of the towns of General Trias and Dasmarinas.

The Capitol itself is of modern architecture, not that much to take note about it but the statue that is dedicated to the great leader of the Caviteno-Katipunan Revolution of 1896-98 is right at the entrance of the capitolio.

How to get here:

Being smack at the middle of the province, almost every town in Cavite has a jeepney route going to and fro “Trece” as the locals call it. From Manila, take a bus at Pasay Rotunda or Baclaran bound for “Indang” for it will pass the city before it heads deeper south to Indang. Its about 1 hour travel at most (without the legendary traffic of Aguinaldo Highway).

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Dito na marahil sinasabi sa mga aklat ng kasaysayan, idineklara ni General Emilio Aguinaldo ang kasarinlan ng ating bansa. Alam na siguro ng madla kung saang balkonahe dahil na rin sa nakagisnang berdeng limang pisong papel noon na may larawan ng heneral na iniwawagayway ang bandila ng bagong republika sa harap ng a’la El-Shaddai na tao na iisa lang ang nararamdaman, at yun ay kagalakan.

Ok ok, alam na natin na nasa bayan ito ng Kawit Cavite, ito ay may layo sa Luneta Maynila ng higit kumulang na 20 kilometro at matatagpuan ito sa baybayin ng hilagang Cavite sa Manila Bay. Kung pupunta kayo dito ng weekday, good luck at kelangan nyong magtiis sa “Buhos” system na iniimplementa ng mga traffic enforcers ng Cavite para maibsan (o kung minsan, madagdagan) ang daloy ng trapiko. Maglagay na lang kayo ng 45 minuto hanggang isang oras sa pagbyahe…

Sa mismong bahay ni Aguinaldo dineklara ang kalayaan ng ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa sa publiko ng Acta de la Proclamacion de la Indefendecia del Pueblo Filipino na sinulat ni Ambrosio Rinzares Bautista. Dito rin iniwagayway ang watawan na Made in Hong Kong sa mga kamay ni Doña Marcela Agoncillo at pinatugtog sa unang pagkakataon ang “Marcha Nacional Filipina” na sinulat ni Julian Felipe na ngayo’y ating pambansang awit (samantala sa iba ay “Bayang Magiliw” hehe!!)

Kahit na naging simple ang pagdiriwang ng ika-isangdaan at sampung taon ng ating kalayaan, ang diwa ng ating mga ninuno ng makabayan ay nawa’y isapuso natin hindi lamang sa espesyal na araw na ito, kundi pati na rin sa pang-araw araw na gawain natin.

*Ang Aguinaldo Shrine ay bukas sa publiko mula 8-11 ng umaga at 1:30-4 ng hapon Martes hanggang Linggo.