Back to NY

It was my fifth time visiting the Big Apple, the "city that never sleeps", but this time was special because I was accompanying Cyd on his first visit to the USA. We had to leave soon after the final examination week so he could maximize his summer vacation (here in PH, springtime there).

For sure, Cyd was so excited to see the place. Gaining weight during this stay was top on his list. What to eat, what to do, where to go to. My sister who lives there was equally excited to have him there, much more with my nephew and niece. Here comes Kuya Cyd!

Easter Cantata

For the first time, our church choir held a cantata on Good Friday. The worship service normally focuses on the last seven words of Jesus but we all agreed and practiced early to have it. The initial plan was to perform it like a play but time ran so fast and we could only sing the parts following the original arrangement and wearing our costumes.

"How Great Thou Art" narrates through songs the life of Jesus from His triumphant entry to Jerusalem (Let Heaven Ring, Hosanna!) to His resurrection (Christ the Lord is Risen Today). It was a big challenge for me because I was assigned to sing the Mary part (When They Pierced Your Side). It's not my forte to sing solo, especially to a big audience but it will always be a privilege to sing for God's glory.

Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee...

25 Years of Service

When I started to teach at CvSU, I never imagined myself staying here for a long time. After I graduated and got my professional license, all I wanted was to get my first work experience. It has been more than 25 years since then. No regrets. And I'm honored to be recognized for my dedicated service to this institution.

Another 25 years?

Coron, Palawan

It was Christmas afternoon when the family arrived in Coron, Palawan. The trip was booked on Independence Day. Thanks to the 12.12 promo of our favorite airline. It was the first time for the kids to fly on a turboprop plane and their anxiety was punctuated after the rough landing at Busuanga Airport.

Coron is a small town, not as urbanized as Puerto Princesa City. It is noted for wreck diving, island hopping, and snorkeling. The owner of the pension house where we stayed was proud to tell us that the town has zero crime rate and it ranks first in the must-see destinations in the country.

Day 2. Stuffed with a home-cooked breakfast of sunny-side-up eggs, fried rice, and yummy lamayo (marinated boneless danggit), we were off to six destinations for our island-hopping escapade. A Brazilian guy and his French girlfriend joined the four of us. The first stop was Kayangan Lake, a brackishwater lake declared the cleanest lake in the country. Why is that so? The natives take care of this part of the island. The next stop was at Twin Peaks Reef where we truly enjoyed the under-the-sea experience. It was the kids' first snorkeling adventure. Then we had lunch at Banol Beach where the sand is powdery white and the waters crystal clear. Oh, I loved the seafood prepared for us. No kamayan as we were with foreign guests. Then we were off to CYC beach then more snorkeling as we reached the portion near the floating house, Balinsasayaw. Finally, we swam under a rock formation to reach the Twin Lagoon. Wow! I was truly amazed to see and experience God's wonderful creations in this part of Palawan.

Day 3. Cyd was not feeling well so he was not able to join us when we climbed the more than 700 steps to the top of Mt. Tapyas. The hike was all worth it as we admired the panoramic view of the town, the sea, and the nearby islands. We trooped to the gazebo downhill on the other side and rested for a while. Going down was a breeze and we managed to hire a trike to Maquinit Hot Springs. They say it's the only saltwater hot spring in the country. The hot water soothed our tired muscles and we were rejuvenated as we left the place.

Day 4. Bobby and I explored the town plaza. We were surprised to see the various Christmas lanterns on display after a competition. Then we visited the bay walk and bought our favorite lamayo and cashew nuts from the public market. After a hearty brunch, we were off to the airport.

Coron, you've got me. I'll see you again. :)

Batu Caves and Putrajaya

Good thing we did not avail of the package tour to Batu Caves being offered in the hotel because we discovered that the north end line of KTM Komuter is right at the Batu Caves. It really saves to have a map of the mass transport system.

The Batu Caves, which is just 13 km north of the city,  is a popular Hindu shrine. It is also where the world's tallest statue of Murugan can be found right before you take the 272-step journey up to the caves. Along the way, families of monkeys will greet you and wait for food to grab. We saw two cave entrances but we did not join the others who ventured out what's beyond. As we descended in front of the statue, flocks of doves covered the pavement also waiting for food. Before we left, we quenched our thirst with refreshing buko juice right from the nut.

On our way back to the city, Bobby insisted that we visit Putrajaya before we proceed to the airport for our midnight flight. The city serves as the federal administrative center of Malaysia.

We took the KLIA Transit and alighted at the station at around 3 p.m.  It was raining then when we saw the bus for the city tour. Fortunately, the guide was waiting for some passengers who reserved for the tour and there were available seats for the four of us. Perfect timing. For almost three hours, we toured the famous landmarks of the city.  I admired its carefully planned landscape. This is a very good example of urban planning and architecture. The designs of the bridges, mosques, and buildings are impressive. We dropped by the office and the official residence of the Prime Minister,  passed by the government complex, and other public buildings and monuments. Really impressive! And do you know what makes the tour truly awesome? The price was RM 1 (PHP 13.00) per person. Priceless!