Exploring Philippines 5 - Rocky Falls (Antipolo, Rizal)

Come our common free day, those who committed in our group to join our out-of-town photo trip backed out the night before.  Even if there were only the two of us, we pushed through with the plan because it will take again several weeks before we can go out again.  Our destination was Antipolo.

The name Antipolo was derived from Tipolo trees which wee plenty in the area during the old times.  I remember eating the seeds of the Tipolo tree which are similar to that of Camansi and Nangka.  Anyway, the town of Antipolo is located in the province of Rizal.  Antipolo is famous because it is one of the favorite destination of the pilgrims especially during the lenten season.  Devotees would often walk coming from neighboring cities and would join other devotees toward the church in Antipolo.  The devotees would often start very early in the morning and before the sun rises because it is really a long walk towards Antipolo.

Aside from attending the Church of our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, a big come on also for the locals and visitors alike are the food stalls that lined up the area outside the church.  Antipolo is known for suman and cashew nuts.  Over time, more and more delicacies are being sold to the food stalls.  And some vendors are also kind enough to offer a free taste of what they are selling.

After our brief moment in the church and within the premises of food stalls, we asked around for the location of a ‘rocky falls.’  We were surprised to learn that no one seems to know where the falls is.   Before going to Antipolo, someone advised us to visit ‘rocky falls’ which is just near the area.  It was good because we were given the location where the so-called falls is located.  From the church, we hired a tricycle going to the place.

The tricycle driver was also clueless about the existence of the place.  Eventhough he was driving the tricycle for quite sometime, he has never heard such falls within the area.  Like us, he was also curious about the place. 

We took a long route and asked around about the place.  We passed the Ortigas extension and into a subdivision and went out into Marcos Highway.  The Marcos highway could be the shortest path hadn’t we known earlier.  Well, everything was part of the experience.  The moment we entered a particular barangay, the driver exclaimed that he knows the place and he was puzzled because there is no falls within the area.  He told us that there is a body of water at the top of the mountain.

The area that we entered is part of a mountain that is converted into a settlement area.  The only trace of the place being a mountain is its uphill/downhill slope and the rocks along the way.  We traced the road until we reached the end of it.  And we walked for several meters after parking the tricycle.

We reached the top of the mountain in no time.  Though it was high noon, the wind provided a cool relief for everyone.  There is a total 360-view of the whole place.  As we gazed around, there are still abundant tall trees in the vicinity and the area is still green.  But with the need for space, I wonder how long the mountains can hold unto their trees before houses and other structures would soon rise on their slopes.

We found out that the top of the mountain which was our destination was a quarry site.  There indeed a body of water in the area but it was a huge pond that catches the rain water.  When we asked some kids who were there that day about the ‘rocky falls’, they answered in unison that no such falls exists.  One of them jokingly replied that maybe the name ‘rocky falls’ pertains to the falling rocks come summer time and pointed to us a steep slope of the side of the mountain which is part of the wall around the pond.  He further added that with the rocks falling every now and then because of the remnants of the quarry, most likely, the place earned its name from it.  And we just laughed about it.

The pond was quite huge.  The people around the area, especially the young ones make this place their own haven.  Most probably, after the quarrying was abandoned, they found the perfect spot for swimming.  We saw kids and teens coming in by groups from either side of the pond.  And the pond becomes their instant free swimming pool. 

The pond is much bigger and wider than the olympic-size swimming pool.  Even with the influx of kids who would like to have a good day in the sun while enjoying a free swim, the pond can literally accommodate all of them.  It is indeed a haven for a hot and sweaty body to enjoy.

But then again, with the need for space, a couple of houses were already built near the pond.  It will not take that long before other similar houses will soon come to rise within the area.  The plight of this pond will be at risk the moment sanitation comes into the picture.  If the people who are living nearby are not disciplined enough to protect this pond, then sooner than expected, it will turn into a big dumping ground.

After some minutes, we left the place.  It was an epic-fail trip for us because we were actually looking for a good nature adventure.  Instead of a falls, it turned out to be a false.  Haha.  Actually, we were looking for some pictures of the place to validate the falls.  But since there is none, we just head on and explored it.  Anyway, everything was still part of our experience.

Quote 13 - Smile

Poem 5 - Missing You

Quote 12 - Listen

Something Wonderful 4 - Crazy Thing

What was that crazy thing you’d done that made you feel wonderful?

When I encountered this scenario, it was really a sight out of the ordinary.  Spectators were all smiles and cheered for the participation of a woman that suffers a mental illness in a parade.  She danced with grace and she really gave her best for the delight of the crowd.  Maybe she did not mind the crowd at all.  Maybe, the passing band enticed her spirit and upon seeing the lady performers, all of a sudden she just felt wonderful about joining and dancing with them.

There are times when we have to simply let go of our inhibitions and fears and feel the rush of the moment.  No matter how crazy we would be in the eyes of others, as long as we harm no one, then there is nothing to be ashamed of.  Imagine the satisfying feeling of greatness and feeling good about yourself for doing something beyond your limit.  And at times, it is the crazy stuff that will really make us feel wonderful.

Quote 11 - Peace

Food Trip 4 - Liempo with Kangkong

Liempo with kangkong was a surprise food when I dined out with some relatives.  One of us ordered this dish in order to have some vegie on the table.  I never expected to like the food since kangkong has never been my comfort food.  I have a good time with guisadong kangkong but not that much with sinigang.  But with liempo at kangkong of savory restaurant, it was indeed a pleasant and mouth watering experience.

Exploring Philippines 4 - Lenten Season (Tondo, Manila - Post 4)

I once again visited Balut in Tondo for the yearly observance of the holy week.  This 2014 I hope to be early as much as possible but then time was really running that fast when you try to beat it.  I got lost in the process and arrived late at the site.  Some of the photo enthusiasts were already packing up their gadgets and left the place when I arrived. 

Just like the previous year, I opted to stay near the San Roque chapel because this is the place where participants usually end their traditional penance activities.  There were so many people lined up on the side of the main road near the chapel and towards the entrance of Simeon de Jesus street.  By 9am, they were already able to witness so many participants where their penance activities ended at San Roque chapel.

Last year, given the same time, there were still several participants that paraded the streets in the area.  I was hoping that I was not too late but upon seeing the dramatization of person playing the role of Christ, I was told by a barangay officer that it was already the finale of the event.  Ouch.  My effort was in vain.

As I patiently waited at the main road to witness their version of ‘passion of Christ’, another group emerged.  A bystander right away commented that the one carrying the cross was a woman eventhough her face was covered with black cloth.  Her built revealed her form.  Following her were three men on penance.  The three men observed the traditional form of penance be covering their faces with black cloth while whipping their back.  This was the ‘true form’ of penance according to the older people who are witnessing the yearly Good Friday tradition in the area.  They further added that the younger generation no longer observe the ‘sacred’ tradition of the people doing the penance before them.

After lingering for a while witnessing the dramatization of the ‘passion of Christ’, I called it a day.  I walked towards the jeepney terminal. There were still plenty of people that lined up the street as well as those people flocking at the front of San Roque chapel.  I just promised myself to be back early next year, if ever.

After a couple of meters passing the chapel, I saw a large group of people coming towards my direction.  I thought I missed my chance but I was caught by surprise.  I right away readied my camera and I hastily took shots of the group as they pass along.

As they pass along, I wanted to stay in the middle of the street to have some decent shots of the participants but their columns would not permit me.  If ever I will be in their midst, they will definitely hit me with the slinging of their thing as they continuously hit their back.  Also, as I experienced last year, I would definitely get covered by blood coming for their bodies.

I then decided to stay on the side of the street just aiming my camera to get some shots of the people doing their penance.  After that, I followed the last one on the line and I took my sweet time taking pictures until we reached the chapel.  The group no longer entered the chapel.  Upon nearing the chapel, the group positioned themselves along the side of the road and performed their last rite of penance.  They lie flat on the hot pavement and their comrades gave each one of them several whipping on their back.

Before my morning ended that day, I was able to talk to that group and hopefully by next year I will be doing a docu with some members of the group.  That time around, as I walked with them towards their home, I got a glimpse of some stories about their ‘penance.’  And I must say that the stories become totally different the moment you hear their ‘real’ account of their lives.  Until next year and hopefully with a story.

Quote 10 - True Friends

Poem 4 - I Love My Girl

Quote 9 - Believe

Something Wonderful 3 - Magical Morning

A magical morning prepares us for the rest of the wonderful day.

How many of us wake up very early in the morning and experience that magical moment the moment the sun rises?  Isn’t it wonderful to experience the rising of the sun and be awed by the wonder of nature?

It has been my habit to wake up very early in the morning and find a good spot where I might be able to experience a good sunrise.  For me, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy and refresh my spirit since the city life offers no such wonder.  Well, except of course when you are living in a high-rise condo and you have a good spot of the sunrise over a scenic perspective.  But jut like any other city dweller that never experiences a good sunrise in their day to day activities, having a moment of solitude and good sunrise in a getaway is always a wonderful and blissful experience to cherish.

Quote 8 - Path

Food Trip 3 - Chicken Inasal

Chicken inasal comes from the Visayan region. In certain localities, it is called chicken inato.

The introduction of chicken inasal in a fast food defies the tradition of fried chicken which several fast food chains offer.  Furthermore, an unlimited rice that goes along with every order of chicken inasal meal makes it enticing to the chicken loving public.

With the introduction of chicken inasal to the city folks, especially here in Manila, only proves that there is an alternative to fried chicken and the way it is prepared makes the Visayan recipe a delight to every one.

By the way, do you know the plural of rice? The answer is extra rice. ;o)

Exploring Philippines 3 - Lenten Season (Tondo, Manila - Post 3)

Along the way, Jay mentioned that he wanted to hear a mass.  Since we were in Divisoria proper, I right away thought of Binondo church.  We had our lunch at a fastfood in Divisoria.  Due to the fact that I was observing a strict diet of less oil and less salt, I opted for a pasta meal.  Jay ordered a chicken meal and afterwards felt guilty because it was Friday and it was Lenten season.  I tried to appease his guilt feelings that it was a lapse in judgment and an honest mistake on his part. Hehe.

Just like what people used to say, during the Lenten season, Manila is free of traffic.  Even in Divisoria where every corner is literally occupied by vendors and shoppers, the season of Lent gives this place a breathing space. It was my first time in Divisoria at this time of the year and you can literally sit in the middle of the street (just like what I did, hehe) because the once busy street was suddenly deserted.  Wow!  It was like an unbelievable scene for the forever busiest place in Manila.

We went inside the Binondo church, hearing the mass and saying our prayers.  I just noticed one thing.  Even if the mass was ongoing, some people were busy with their station of the cross thing.  I found the practice odd because it was like ignoring a blessed mass celebration just for some to do their thing.  I am not holier than thou but I guess the Catholic church should do some measures in order to guide its flock.

Likewise, along the busy street of Binondo in ordinary days, the Ongpin street was almost empty.  I had my fill of sitting on the street, of course I had to be mindful of the approaching vehicle from time to time, and it was just like doing a fun and crazy thing time and again. 

We retraced our steps in Binondo streets when we were here last year joining the observance of the Chinese New Year.  And after making several turns on the almost empty streets of Binondo, the Sta. Cruz church came into full view.

Jay had his confession inside the Sta. Cruz church but he commented afterwards that he was not happy about it because it was not observed according to his previous experiences.  Most probably there was no personal touch because the connection was not there because the priest he talked to is a foreign one.  And he likewise confessed about eating chicken an hour ago. Hehe.

After spending some time inside the Sta. Cruz church, we agreed to proceed to Quiapo church.  We’d been seeing devotees walking barefooted as early as our visit to Balut, Tondo that morning.  Most of them were already on their way home.  We met several groups who were resting on the sidewalks of Palanca street, exhausted and tired yet with the aim of the camera, they readily posed for a possible facebook tagging of their pictures. Hehe.

We went straight to the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo but we were greeted with a huge crowd flocking in front of the church.  It was 3 o’clock in the afternoon and the image of the black Nazarene just entered the church, hence, a huge crowd of devotees waiving and singing.  I mingled with the crowd and took pictures in the process.  After the Plaza Miranda was cleared, we stayed for awhile and took more pictures of whoever fancied and caught our attention.  Actually, with the ongoing activity, one may have so many candid shots in his full 360-view of the place because of the huge turn-out of crowds doing their own thing. 

the empty streets of Divisoria

the empty street of Binondo

Quiapo