Manila Central Post Office

October 24, 2015; It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when we decided to drop-by the Central Post Office in Manila.  The post office building is one of Manila's pride when it comes to its architectural past.  It was designed by Juan Arellano together with Tomas Mapua. With its neo-classical architecture and elegance, it once made Manila the 'Best City in the Far East'. Did you know that in 1838, Manila became the leading center of postal services within Asia.

In-front of the Post Office building is the Liwasang Bonifacio.  It was a park dedicated to the Katipunan's Supremo, Gat Andres Bonifacio. Without his heroics, we might still be slaves to the Spaniards.

 James poses at the fountain.

While John had his pa-bebe wave pose with the Mail-man at his back.

This side trip taught the kids about postal service.  In this digital age, they were amazed that such a service exists.

It was truly rewarding to learn our country's history through this historical place.

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Bell Tower

August 30, 2015:  The Philippine-Japanese Friendship Bell Tower in Bagac, Bataan was erected to symbolize the renewed friendship and reconciliation between the two countries after the events that transpired in WWII.  At 660 feet, the tower is located at the Y junction going to Morong and Bagac town proper.  It was a peace offering to the Filipinos to start world peace.  We were really surprised that the tower was well maintained with no vandalism or any litter of trash in the area.

Another great way to salute our Filipino heroes in celebration of National Heroes Day.

Pawikan Conservation Center

August 30, 2015: Conservation awareness trip. For this road trip, we drove all the way to Morong, Bataan to visit the Pawikan Conservation Center. The pawikan (sea turtle/tortoise) was listed as an endangered species because its shell and meat was being hunted by poachers.  According to the center, September is the time of the year when the pawikans come and lay their eggs. The center helps them hatch these eggs and later send them back to their natural habitat as soon as they are ready.

We are happy to know that there are still people or individuals who dedicate their time and effort to help protect and grow what mother nature had given us.  Keep up the good work!

Tayabas Heritage Road Trip

May 17, 2015;  Another road trip to the heritage town of Tayabas.  It is only a 30 minute drive from Lucban.  We dropped by the Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.  This is the largest Roman Catholic church in the entire province of Quezon.  Known to the locals as susi ng Tayabas, due to its key shaped building blue print, this church houses a replica of the Black Nazarene.  The church is famous for its long isle, its century old church bells and church clock found atop its belfry.  Installed in the 18th hundred, it is one of the oldest of its kind in Asia.

We also visited the Casa Communidad, a centuries-old building where Hermano Pule was sentenced to death in 1841.  Hermano Pule led a major revolt against the Spaniards for religious freedom and independence.

Tayabas is also home to numerous Spanish-era bridges.  Declared as a national treasure, Malagonlong bridge is a five span long stone arch bridge built during the Spanish-era.  It is also the longest of its kind built in the country.  The bridge also has 6 balconies where pedestrians can rest.

Prior to the 2nd World War, the structures in Tayabas can rival the Spanish-era structures of Vigan in Ilocos Sur.

The trip to Tayabas will not be complete without buying their famous yema cake and budin.  It was a another stress reliever road trip for the family.

Pahiyas De Lucban Festival

May 17, 2015; Finally, we were able to visit Lucban in Quezon during one of its famous festivals, The Pahiyas Festival.  Pahiyas is how the farmers thank their patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador for a bountiful harvest.  During the festival, farmers decorate their houses with their harvest of fruits, vegetables and the colorful kipings.  Kiping is made from ground rice flour, shaped using kabal leaves or any other leaves and colored in bright red, yellow, green and other bright colors.

As a side trip, we also dropped by Kamay ni Jesus shrine to thank our Creator for the blessing He has continued to shower our family.

We were truly blessed to be able to see this wonderful festival.

Black Nazarene of Capalonga

March 21, 2015; It was an impromptu road trip to Camarines Norte. Our destination was the quiet town of Capalonga. It was a 310 km drive from Antipolo via the back door. An early holy week pilgrimage to the Shrine of Jesus the Black Nazarene of Capalonga which is housed at the Parish of Saint Lucy. The church is right beside the municipal hall of Capalonga at barangay Poblacion. It was a quiet little town with lots of surprises. 

The road leading towards the Poblacion was a 4 lane paved road with lavish rain forest vegetation and abundant rice fields. A view of the winding road beside the shore line was definetly a postcard photo that you would not like to miss.

We truly thank our Lord God for this safe and wonderful trip. We will surely be back to explore this quiet little town of Capalonga and to pay homage to the Black Nazarene. 

Thunderbird Poro Point

February 8, 2015: To satisfy our urge to travel, we drove all the way to Poro Point in La Union.  We had pasta and pizza at Thunderbird Poro Point's Olives Restaurant.  One of the best pizza restaurants, if not the best, when you travel north.  Thunderbird resort is one of the high end resorts you can spend the night when you go to La Union.  Its architecture was inspired by Santorini in Greece, and is situated in a scenic cliff near the Poro Point light house.  The place is famous for its great sunsets, scenic views and  a very peaceful environment.  Some of its amenities include a huge pool, a casino and a golf course.

Indeed a stress reliever.