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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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The Lobó-Batangas City Road, Verde Island and Mindoro Island

After scaling the mountains of Lobó, we head our way back to Manila. However, instead of passing by the main road going there from Manila, we went on the road less traveled—the coastal road between the town of Lobó and Batangas City, right along the busy Verde Island Passage. As for us, it is retracing back memories of one particular barangay along the lonely road—Ilijan…

The route was more than a 40 kilometer sojourn from Lobó poblacion to Batangas City, about 10 kilometers longer than the main mountain pass road where most jeepneys and cars pass. The route traverses the rugged and isolated barangays of the two localities, notably Barangay Banalo of Lobó and Barangay Ilijan in Batangas City.

The Off-Road

The first few kilometers of the road within Lobó were asphalted. We had a smooth drive towards Batangas City. There are numerous beach resorts along the way, although not those powdery white sand beaches. By the time we reached the border of Batangas City, this is where the rugged trail starts.

Beating the heat while riding the bike at Batangas

It is surprising to know that the Department of Public Works and Highways has categorized this particular road as a “national road” yet it remained undeveloped. Rough as it seems with several concrete segments, the road may be pahirap or burdensome but the beautiful vista of Verde Island Passage, Verde Island, Mindoro and the ever popular Puerto Galera is a sight to behold in that afternoon.

Ilijan-KEPCO Power Plant in Batangas City

Verde Island Passage was peaceful and calm. Verde Island looming on the distance while Mindoro and her mountains are shy over the horizon.

I haven’t seen that much vehicles plying this route except for some occasional motorcycles and jeepneys.

One of the few jeepneys that serve beyond Ilijan, Batangas City

Where the road traverses, it is wedged between the green mountains and the blue placid sea. At times, it is narrow and sometimes turns into a spillway. Along the way, fishermen drop their products with fresh bounties from the sea, my mom wanted to buy one—kaso walang ice box. I bet its good cheap!

Verde Island Passage and Mindoro Island, Calapan City Port at the background

Isolation and the rustic beauty of this part of Batangas City were suddenly contrasted by the looming chimneys over the horizon. It’s KEPCO Power Plant. We are welcomed again to Barangay Ilijan.

KEPCO Power Plant

We have been here before, have stayed over the weekend and have liked it. My dad has a project there during the construction phase of the said power plant. It was a busy small barangay facing Verde Island and the sea. I remember when the locals told me about the 1994 tsunami that wrecked havoc in Mindoro and some areas of Batangas and the winds that they fondly call habagat. I can remember the beacon of light from Puerto Galera that guided the ships in every night and the morning when the king of Mindoro Mountains—Mount Halcon, stares its majestic prominence over the Verde Island with the warm sunrise of the east. Those days of simplicity come knocking back when we passed by Ilijan once more.

The Steep Road to Montemaria

With the power plant that supplies electricity for most of southern Luzon and Metro Manila, Ilijan became a community of importance. Back then, the road leading here was rough and made of dirt. Now, it is cement and asphalt all the way! Passing by Montemaria (see the article, click here), through the industrial sites of JG Summit and Shell. After the long arduous road, surprisingly we were back at civilization—surprisingly at SM City Batangas!

Batangas City--as viewed from Montemaria

One of the industrial sites at Batangas City

It’s more than 40 kilometers of journey, 40 kilometers of my family’s adventure and 40 kilometers of nature and industrial beauty. Contrasting images of rustic beauty and conquering urbanity.

View The Road Less Traveled-Lobo to Batangas City in a larger map

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With paved roads, it is easier to travel now from Ilijan unlike the by-gone days. However, there is one particular part of the road where I remember it has a very dangerous incline towards the cliff and the sea. It is where my dad’s personnel had an accident when their truck fell off the road. Beautiful, it is reminiscent to that of Batanes. Moreover, it has become a place of controversial pilgrimage. They call it Montemaria or Mountain of Mary. From this point, you could see the busy ships passing by and a magnificent panoramic view of Verde Island, Mindoro, Batangas Bay and even Batangas City from afar (hey, we’re still 20 kilometers away from the city center). Wow! This place is such a sight to behold (minus the cow dung everywhere).

The Lone Chapel on top of Montemaria Hill

This hilltop place at the edge of Batangas City has created stir among the faithful as Father Fernando Suarez, known here in the Philippines as “The Healing Priest,” sets his plan to create a five-hectare pilgrimage site in which the main masterpiece would be the statue of Our Lady of Poor which would best Cristo Redentor of Rio de Janeiro and the Statue of Liberty of New York! We even saw the face of Maria revealed on media.

The Ro-Ro and The Fastcraft at Batangas Bay

Batangas City Panorama from Montemaria

Another thing, the news of healing stones from Montemaria abound. An article of Inquirer in 2007 stated that there were reports of miraculous healings from different people due to the stones that are found in the place. Whoa! Does that mean I’m stepping on one?

The mountains touch the sky

It became so famous that people flocked all the way to this isolated part of Batangas, Indeed it became a popular “pilgrimage site” for those who seek healing through the priest.

The Chapel and the Abandoned Stores

By the time we passed by Montemaria, it is back from its old silent self. A white church stands guard on the slopes of a hill overlooking the “future shrine.” A lonely cross was erected, standing silently watching over ships that pass by. Abandoned sari-sari stores and stone gardens abound. When the buzz was over and Father Suarez left, so is the area. The colossal statue of Maria wasn’t there. However, the silence and abandonment has brought it back to paradise. Despite the cow dung littered almost everywhere, the place returned to the bosom of Mother Nature—the wonder of God itself.

The Lone Road

However, I know for a fact that this tranquility is temporary. The crowd may come back and we might even see the construction of the said Mary’s statue on top of the hill. But for now, let the placid winds echo Montemaria.

Where is Montemaria in Batangas located?

View Montemaria Batangas in a larger map

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My family and I went back to Lobó in Batangas province to have a break from the urban jungle and my dad’s inspection on the project site at one of the mountain barangays of the town. We went on to one of the most isolated towns in this part of Southern Tagalog region. Protected by rugged mountains and bordered by the Verde Island Passage, it seems that the town has been encapsulated in time by nature herself! When before, I had a brief visit to Malabrigo Lighthouse, this time I went off the beaten track and return to the placed I was enamored when I was in Grade 6 and a realization of an uphill countryside struggle for survival.

Lobó seems to be a very unfamiliar town in Batangas, partly because of its isolated location. Back at my elementary days, I find it funny that there is a town on the elementary school map named “Lobo” named after a balloon or a wolf. The town itself is situated in a coastal plain flanked with rugged mountains and a river beside it. According to the locals, the town’s name came from the Tagalog (or Spanish) word meaning “wolf.” I have doubts with its etymology although it may take some research to at least theorize a possible and more plausible origin of it.

Where to?

Lobo Municipal Hall

Anyway, the town itself is a small and rustic one. Agriculture and fishing are the major economic operators here—and tourism is up and coming. Looks like its simple living that is the forte here. A small public market, a plaza, a town hall, several new and Spanish colonial houses and a church makes up the entire población or town proper. Di ka maliligaw—you’ll never get lost and looks like I have the feeling that people here know each other well, just like in my home province. Well, for such a town with a big land area, it has only around more than 35,000 as according to the latest census.

Central business district of Lobo

Lobo Catholic Church

The day we went to Lobó, we went to the project site near Barangay Nagtaluntong, some few kilometers away from población. We went on a 4×4 pick-up truck of the company my dad’s working with. Traversing the river and crossing and going all the way to the steep, narrow and muddy trail to the mountains! The most thrilling was the ascent—note: narrow, muddy and steep. The cliff is just a few meters beside the road!

The mountains of Lobo--You have to pass through here before getting there

Besides the ride to the rugged mountains, one thing that caught my attention was the greenery all over! Isolation yet so near to Manila! Lovin’ it!

Golden Rice Fields of Lobo

Because agriculture is the main economic driver of Lobó, Batangas, it was interesting to note on how upland products are being carried downstream. Most of the people in the upper part of the barangay prefer to take horses instead of cars to carry bananas, atis, veggies and a whole lot more.

Up in the mountains, going here is difficult but being there is calming

The system of pricing also changes. Farmers sell their goods to the middlemen just located at the other side of the river for a cheap price. Then these traders or middlemen carry it all the way to población, Batangas City or even as far as Divisoria! Let’s cite an example: Manong Pilô sold his 2 baskets with only five pesos per bunch to the traders at the bagsakan. The traders there then sell these bananas with 10 pesos per bunch at Divisoria or FTI in Taguig. The traders from Divisoria or FTI then will sell it to different markets of Metro Manila for 15 pesos. Ganyan ang negosyo from the mountain farms to your table!

Sa Pula! Sa Puti!

Going there was one tough ride, but for the residents, it’s just like a stroll at a park. I’ve talked to a resident of Nagtaluntong and said that kids manage to walk the rugged trails all the way to school just at the foot of the hill—that’s for elementary students my dear. High school students there have to cross the river – take note: NO BRIDGES! When it floods, walang pasok! When someone is sick, he or she has to be carried by foot all the way to the town proper. You’re lucky when you have a horse or a 4×4 jeep on you. As another resident would say, “magkakasakit na lang sila dito, minsan dito pa lang inaabutan na sila ng kamatayan nila.” (They’ll get sick here, sometimes death even reaches them.”)

The Trail..Note: This is a steep incline.

It was only 15 years ago when electricity came into their barangay. Before that, gaseras and candles rule the night.

Crossing the River. Look Ma, no bridge!

It has made me think that despite the tranquility and the greeneries an urban dweller like me were craving for so long, these people don’t have a decent access to the social services that we have back at the city! No wonder, my parents, both provincianos, teach us the importance of perseverance and physical work—they too were on their situation.

Upland community at Nagtaluntong

The family that we’ve visited was generous enough to give us two heavy-sized organically grown pumpkins and a live white chicken. For such a gesture, we thank them a lot—that I promise myself to come back in this secluded Shangri-la, at least this time bring in something in return.

From Nagtaluntong’s mountainous side we descended. I’ve longed for such simple life that they have—something that an urban dweller like me would like to have, something that I envy with those who were born at the provincia. However, I realized that these isolated pockets of our country survive by striving hard—physically. We boast that we have one of the highest literacy rates in Asia, yet the children themselves struggle to walk for more than an hour in the treacherous trails and even cross the rivers. Health is another issue that seems to be far from for these mountain dwellers.

As we went back towards the poblacion, I went back to the provincia with a sense of fulfillment, joy yet mixed with pity and the fury to do something. My message is clear—education, health and accessibility is needed by the people! And  just hope that within this new administration, we make these rural countryside communities more accessible to these basic social services. I like to go back to Nagtaluntong sometime soon… Simple provinciano Filipino living has its price, just like city dwellers have—it is just the way we bargain in order to survive. Yet the Filipinos don’t just surrender, they fight, they persist and they persevere–not only to survive, but also to progress.

And so we’re off…going back to Manila on another route, beside Verde Island Passage and back to a place where I dearly remember and love. Its also another road less traveled.

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Batasang Pambansa - The Philippine Congress Main Hall

It was one Monday rainy afternoon. I was in a mission: To drop by at a Congressman’s office for an official endorsement. I have been to Malacañang, the Senate and the Supreme Court, but I haven’t been to The House of Representatives or locally known as Batasang Pambansa–that’s the legislative center of the Philippine Republic.

Yup. The area I guess most of us know as the center stage of the State of the Nation Addresses (SONA) of Philippine presidents, and as some critics would say, “The Crocodile Pit.” The Batasang Pambansa is where the Philippine assembly of legislative representatives from all over the archipelago, converge and make laws for the republic. Given the bicameral nature of our government, The House of the Representatives is the “lower house” while the Senate (which is in Pasay City) is the “upper house.” However, the said lower house is composed of influential people coming from the local governments.

All right, as we all know that Batasang Pambansa or Batasan for short, is found at Batasan Hills in Quezon City. I guess this is the farthest among the three centers of the government! Its just between Commonwealth Avenue, Fairview and just at the edge of the Marikina Valley. This area has been long surveyed as a planned new capital of the Republic, after World War II. Originally,”The Capitol” was supposed to be at the current Quezon Memorial Circle. However, revisions were made with the design of the new capital of the Philippines a “The Assembly” was moved to its current location near Litex and Constitution Hills. Architect Felipe Mendoza designed the complex, however, it didn’t pushed through until the former President Ferdinand Marcos pushed the plan through in constructing it.

The Batasang Pambansa became the center of the semi-parliamentary Philippine Republic during the Marcos Era. Technically, it became “the capital” of the Philippines. Upon the fall of Marcos in the mid-1980′s, the Batsang Pambansa was dissolved and became what we all know now as The House of Representatives or the Philippine Congress. However, it has marked the consciousness of every Filipino as “Batasan.”

Today, the sprawling complex is the office of the Philippine local and sectoral representatives, voted every three years as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. Joint sessions of the Senate and the Congress are also held here, and as I have mentioned earlier, the annual SONA.

Perhaps, the most recognizable icon or landmark of the said assembly would be the main Session Hall. With the podium, the seats and the balcony with that big Philippine flag at stage, it has marked in every Filipino’s mind as “Kongreso” or “Batasan.” I guess every Pinoy would recognize it–especially its always at the news everyday!

It was rainy. I went in the wrong gate last Monday. The office was at the South Wing annex building, while I entered at the north gate. I never knew that the area was sprawling. Wait, South Wing? I remember that there was a bomb that exploded here in 2007 where Congressman Wahab Akhbar, along with two casualties, was killed. Six were injured, mostly legislators.

Anyway, the main hall itself resembles that School of Arts in Mount Makiling at Laguna. Seemingly a legacy of the brute architecture during the Marcos Era. Two buildings beside it or the North and South Wings, serve as the office of the assemblymen. The newest addition is the South Wing Anne Building…well, we have an increasing number of legislative districts in the country, so better make a new space then.

For those who don’t like to walk around, the Congress provides a transport within their complex. The new e-jeepneys (electric jeepneys) now serve as the transport pod for those who have transactions from one building to another…much like how UP Ikot goes within UP Diliman. The good thing about this, not only its environment-friendly, but its also for free! Para sa mga tinatamad at pagod, merong solusyon ang gobyerno! Hehe!

It was unfortunate of me that I haven’t seen the Session Hall then. I don’t have much time plus the congressman that I was talking with was also rushing to do his business in the committee he was handling. Oh well, there is always a next time. But for now, it was my first time.

Location of Batasang Pambansa/Philippine Congress/House of Representatives, courtesy of Google Maps:

View Batasang Pambansa Complex in a larger map

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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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To Lucban!

Well, I guess I was excited back then. It was my first time going to Lucban for Pahiyas Festival. The feast that I could only see on telly or on books. I’ve seen Sinulog, Dinagyang and Masskara for countless times already but this crowning jewel of Quezon Province’s feasts is something that I would look forward into. Such colourful and attractive feast has made me like a bee, attracted to the colour of the kipings and revelry. It was my first time going there and I’ll be commuting. May 15 is a notorious date to any commuter or motorist going south, as horrific stories of traffic jams linger. But I dared!

Which is which?

I called in the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office and sought advise on what’s the best route going to Lucban. My friends from Quezon and the tourism people have a unanimous answer: Go Laguna-Pagsanjan instead!

Here’s why:

The Notorious Traffic at Lucban

1. We all know that Lucban is in Quezon Province and the main route is through Maharlika Highway which passes through San Pablo City in Laguna and towns of Tiaong, Sariyaya, Candelaria and of course Lucena City, the kabisera. Well, they’ve warned me of the infamous traffic that said to have spanned all the way to Laguna (San Pablo). Reason: Tiaong and Sariyaya have their own version of Pahiyas fiesta. Expect traffic that may last for hours for the whole day. Commuters and motorists are advised to avoid the Maharlika Highway route unless visiting the affected towns or necessary. Much better if mapa-aga na lang kayo pumunta ng Bicol o Lucena.
2. The Laguna Route, which passes by Santa Cruz and Pagsanjan, is the easiest and fastest way to go to Lucban. Besides that there are no feasts in this side, the distance to Manila is much closer. It only takes an hour or less to travel by jeepney from Santa Cruz to Pagsanjan.

So obviously we went on the easier one.

A long and winding road to Pahiyas

Bus Arriving at Santa Cruz Laguna

Travel Log:

• 15 May 2010 | 02:30AM – My friend and I arrived at the Green Star bus terminal at Taft Avenue corner Buendia in Pasay City. It was too early. The guard told us that the first trip leaves the terminal by 3:30AM. So we went to KFC and have our late midnight snack/early breakfast.

Note: There are several bus companies that serve Manila-Santa Cruz route: Green Star (Pasay City terminal/Aircon bus), HM Transport (Cubao Bus Terminal/Aircon bus) and Calamba Megatrans (Alabang Bus Terminal/Ordinary/Non-Air Conditioned bus).

• 15 May 2010 | 03:00AM – The bus is parked and calling in for passengers. Good! We sat comfortably.
• 15 May 2010 | 03:15AM – Whoa! Was there a group booking. A bunch of excursionists went into the bus…At this rate, we’ll be leaving early! The bus is almost full…5 minutes later, the last seat was occupied.
• 15 May 2010 | 03:30AM – We left Pasay and bound for Santa Cruz
• 15 May 2010 | 03:45AM – We have encountered traffic somewhere between Bicutan and Sucat. Skyway construction on-going. We were stuck in the traffic for 30 minutes…ang aga naman ng trapik sa SLEX!
• 15 May 2010 | 04:20AM – We finally made it out of the traffic but saw this huge fire engulfing some houses in Muntinlupa. Only later to find out that it was one of the worst fire disasters in Muntinlupa City.
• 15 May 2010 | 05:00AM – Finally, we reached Calamba City. Ang aga ng trapik dito! The narrow roads and on-going developments (there is a SM mall being constructed near the public market. Good luck for the traffic though).
• 15 May 2010 | 05:30AM – We were in College, Laguna (UPLB junction)
• 15 May 2010 | 05:45AM – We passed by the town of Pila. For the first time, I saw the old houses and heritage buildings in this town. I’m planning to go back here sometime soon.
• 15 May 2010 | 06:15AM – Finally, we reached Santa Cruz. We have to take a ride through a jeepney (a big one) to Lucban. At pila ng bigas ang scenario! The bus stops over at the junction where Lucban-bound jeepneys are parked. Just tell the conductor to advise you to bring you to the jeepney terminal. Most likely, the bus conductor would mention it anyway.

Jeepney bound for Lucban

And those who dared! I wish I was there, hehe!

• 15 May 2010 | 06:20AM – We left Santa Cruz and passed by Pagsanjan. Off we go up in the mountains between Laguna and Quezon Provinces.

Pagsanjan Gate

The Long and Winding Road from Pagsanjan to Lucban

Passing by Pagsanjan Church

• >> Note: Nakakatakot ang daanan! The jeepney was full to the brim, and we have people on the rooftop! The curves were sharp and ravine is just beyond the road gutter!Yet, fear was replaced with appreciation of nature and the sun rising in the east. The air was cool and crisp. May nagpa-andar ba ng aircon? The cool air would remain all the way to Lucban for the rest of the day! Sarap naman! Refreshing!
• 15 May 2010 | 06:40AM – Passed by the town of Cavinti in Laguna

Luisiana Plaza

• 15 May 2010 | 06:50AM – Passed by the town of Luisiana in Laguna (take note of the pronunciation: “Luwisyana”…you might thought its the State of Louisiana in US).

Inside the jeepney

• 15 May 2010 | 07:00AM – Crossed the border of Quezon and Laguna! Yehey! And Mount Banahaw welcomes us!

Bawal na ang Jeepney sa loob ng bayan ng Lucban! Tricycles line up for passengers bound for Lucban's town proper

• 15 May 2010 | 07:15AM – Junction Lucban. Jeepneys are not allowed to enter the town proper. Nagsisimula na! So we rode a tricycle that brought us all the way to San Luis Obispo Parish Church (or Lucban Church). We were just in time for the first activity of the day: The religious procession!

Procession of San Isidro Labrador at Lucban

Its just the start of my Pahiyas de Lucban experience…something that I wouldn’t forget! Mga wala kaming tulog pero nagsisimula pa lang ang araw namin.

Transportation fare:

Okay, for those budget-conscious or just plain cheap, here are the fares:

• Pasay City to Santa Cruz, Laguna (Air-conditioned bus) – PhP149.00 (US$3.00)
• Santa Cruz, Laguna to Lucban, Quezon (jeepney) – PhP45.00 (US$1.00)

More photos here:

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Basilica Minore de San Martin de Tours - Taal Batangas

Standing 96 metres long and 45 metres wide, the Basilica Minore de San Martin de Tours is said to be the largest Catholic Church in Asia. The church is located at the highest point of the hillside town centre of Taal in Batangas Province, surrounded by centuries-old houses or bahay na bato. She is  likened for a palace and a sentinel over the whole town. Kitang-kita at animo’y kastilyo sa isang fairy tale story! It sits prominently and majestically in front of the town plaza. This grand edifice is dedicated to the town’s patron saint, San Martin de Tours.

Details on Taal Basilica's facade

Built by the Agustinian friars, the basilica that you see now is the third incarnation of Taal’s church of Saint Martin of Tours. The first church was built somewhere in today’s San Nicolas in Batangas in 1575 by Fray Diego Espina. However, the eruption of Taal Volcano in 1754 destroyed that church. Later, it was moved to its current location and started constructing the new church in 1755. An earthquake toppled the church to the ground in 1849. It didn’t stop the Agustinians and the Taalenos to construct a brand new church designed by Spanish architect Luciano Oliver. The current church was built in 1856 to 1878. From that point on, it became the crowning jewel of the historical and heritage town of Taal—declared as a basilica in 1954 and as a national shrine in 1974.

If my Humanities 2 in college serves me right, Taal Basilica’s architectural design was more of neo-classical since the presence of Doric and Corinthian columns, two triangular and one arch pediment dominate its facade. Sometimes, I even thought that this was more of a civil building rather than a religious edifice. However, the facade is reminiscent of some great European churches. The basilica somehow differs from the usual baroque architecture that seems to dominate Philippine Spanish colonial churches.

The Main Retablo of Taal Basilica (From 2008 photo archives)

Side retablo and the church pulpit of Taal Basilica (From the photo archives of 2008)

Go inside and you’ll see how humongous this church is! Spacious and somehow, the baroque interiors are ever present—from retablos to chandeliers.

Outside, before you get into the church, you’ll be flocked by children selling red candles with a human figure on it. It’s kinda’ creepy for a first time but later on, you’ll get used to it. People here are friendly and are willing to help you out whenever you’re in need…something I’m longing for a buhay probinsya.

It was not my first time coming to the Basilica but somehow, it never fails to give me that gasp and awe that out Filipino ancestors left for us to marvel upon. Indeed, this goes to show that we Filipinos can aim for the best or even the greatest!

Taal Basilica peeking

Next stop…teka, lilipad na tayo. Tawid dagat! From the land of Kapeng Barako, we’ll be flying to the land of Batchoy–Iloilo, my hometown.

More photos of Taal Basilica and the Batangas quick trip here:

From the archives

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Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay

In observance of the Holy Week, HabagatCentral.com would embark on a journey similar to the Filipino tradition during these reflective times. With seven churches visited within the past three weeks in Batangas and Iloilo, tara na at bumisita tayo sa mga simbahan. More than just sites of Filipino religiosity, but also a mirror of the richness of Filipino culture and heritage. Our first stop: Batangas!

It was one hot summer Sunday when my family and I went on to Batangas. Just for a change of environment, especially church days, we went off to Taal. I’ve been here several times but I wanted to bring my family to this famed heritage village. Instead of heading to Pink Sisters in Tagaytay, we decided to go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay—believed to be the patroness of the Batanguñeos.

Caysasay Belfry

The Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay is found besides Pansipit River, just at the foot of the hillside town proper of Taal. The Shrine was believed to be where the image of the Virgin Mary was found amongst the casay-casay or kingfishers, sitting on a sampaguita bush.

The Legend of Juan Maningcad and The Blessed Virgin Mural

According to a legend, in 1603 at the town of Taal, a fisherman named Juan Maningcad found a six-inch image of Our Lady of Caysasay grabbed by his fishing net. Awe-stricken by its aura and presence, Maningcad began to praise the image and returned it home. Having learned the account, the priest of the town went to Maningcad’s house and requested that the image be venerated and celebrated a feast. From then on, under the guardianship of Madam Maria Espiritu, the image frequently disappeared. In 1611, the “Lady” was found on top of a sampaguita bush surrounded by kingfisher birds. Also, there were recorded miraculous appearances by the Lady and has done miraculous things. The people believed that the Lady would like to have her shrine built in the place where she was found, therefore the construction of the Shrine.

Ang Birhen ng Caysasay

The news spread like wildfire, first within Batangas, then beyond.

Inside the "pyramidical dome" of Caysasay Shrine

Up to this day, Batangueno Catholics go here and pay homage to the image of Caysasay. Believed to be miraculous, the image is located at the retablo in the church. Pilgrims have the chance to touch the image’s hair by going to the stairs behind the shrine.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Stairway

I have been here before, passing through Taal town proper then down to the grand staircase linking the uphill poblacion to Caysasay Shrine. Built during the Spanish colonial era, the grand stairway of San Lorenzo Ruiz is one major pedestrian link from the Basilica to the Shrine. Good exercise area too!

Our Lady of Caysasay Seal at the pediment of the shrine

Anyway, while I was taking a photo of candles at the front of the shrine, a local approached me and asked “Nakapunta na ba po kayo sa may balon?” I said, I haven’t. She replied, “dun po kasi huling nakita ang Mahal na Birhen, sana po pumunta po kayo din doon.” I wish I had the luxury of time–the Santa Lucia Wells, as they say, is worth exploring.

Red candles with a human figure

Something tells me that I’ll be returning in this shrine over and over again. Although small as compared to the Basilica just a few metres away, it still maintains its charm to be one of Batangas’s most significant religious places.

Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine Retablo

Next stop: That grand Basilica uphill! Basilica Minore de San Martin de Tours–said to be the largest of its kind in Asia!

Inside The Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay

More photos of Caysasay, Basilica, Batangas and more here: