Unplanned Adventures Outshine Careful Itineraries

Magic of Spontaneity: When Unplanned Adventures Outshine Careful Itineraries

There's something magical about plans that unfold without planning. What began as a casual invitation for a simple campus bike ride transformed into an epic 50-kilometer journey through challenging terrain to Antipolo and back—a testament to how spontaneity can lead to our most cherished memories.

When "Just a Quick Ride" Becomes an Adventure 

"Ikot ikot lang sa campus" The message appeared in our group chat just hours before kickoff. No elaborate preparations, no carefully packed bags, just a simple proposition among friends. “May konting hintayan siempre” Little did we know this casual invitation would stretch into a day-long expedition tackling the formidable ascents and descents of Antipolo.

The last time a long ride happened was a planned bike ride to UP Los Banos which unexpectedly led to a ride up Mount Makiling Aguila base camp in January 2024.

As we gathered with our bikes, the initial anxiety was palpable. "Kung plano niyong umalis sa campus, hanggang dito lang ako" someone asked nervously, eyeing the popular targets of young and seasoned bikers. The route ahead was no joke for us urban bikers—steep climbs that would test our endurance and technical descents that demanded focus. There was the practical concern of adequate hydration, and whether our bikes (and bodies) were prepared for such an unexpected challenge.  Are our bikes properly tuned? Two declared they are prepared; the two others were adamant.

Yet beneath the apprehension lurked an undeniable current of excitement. The spontaneity itself provided an adrenaline rush that scheduled events rarely match—there was no time to overthink, just time to ride. “Sigue na nga, isugal na natin, more of, sama na nga ako. TIgnan kung hanggang saan aabot”

Unplanned Delights Along the Way

The beauty of our impromptu adventure revealed itself in waves of unexpected pleasures. The grueling climb gave way to breathtaking views we'd never sought out. The sense of accomplishment at each summit was heightened precisely because we hadn't mentally prepared for these challenges.

This group has not biked this destination for months. It is the 1st time the 4 are biking together.

As the usual trips, the trip was successful with all of us reaching the destination. After a short meal, we roamed around the city to look for familiar landmarks and the ihawan before the city center where we would have budol meals. Unfortunately, we did not spot it.

Descending into town, hunger led us to a charming restaurant where we devoured well-earned pizzas in an ambient setting we'd never researched or read reviews about. The conversation flowed differently—more present, more alive—without the weight of expectations that often accompanies long-planned outings. Conversations covered anything from biking to politics on the hottest issues facing the country, ICC.

From the resto, it was a quick luyong all the way from Sumulong Highway, turning right at Blue Mountain until Marilaque intersection.

Our wanderings continued serendipitously: browsing a Korean store we happened upon, discovering deals at an Anta sports shop, an impromptu bike tune-up from a friend we hadn't seen in months. These unscripted moments carried a freshness that carefully curated itineraries often lack.

Bikes were tuned excitedly as if preparing them for the next long trip sometime.

As evening descended, I suggested karaoke if there are no other commitments for the day—why not? The day had already departed so dramatically from its humble beginnings. Hours later, voices hoarse from singing and legs aching from cycling, we found ourselves checking the time in disbelief. 

How had a simple campus ride stretched into this full-day adventure?

The Psychology of Spontaneity vs. Planning

There's science behind why unplanned adventures often create our most vivid memories. Without expectations to measure experiences against, we remain fully present, appreciating each moment for what it is rather than what we anticipated it would be. The unexpected challenges foster a deeper sense of accomplishment, while the absence of planning anxiety allows for more authentic connection.

“Nakayanan. May lakas pa pala”

Yet planned adventures carry their own distinct pleasures: the anticipation that builds over months, the careful optimization of experiences, the security of knowing what lies ahead.

Perhaps the most fulfilling life contains room for both approaches. The meticulously planned vacation has its place—the research, the careful packing, the bucket lists checked off with satisfaction. But so too does the impromptu Tuesday that somehow becomes extraordinary, the casual invitation that leads to an adventure no one saw coming.

Our 50-kilometer journey to Antipolo wasn't on anyone's calendar that morning. No sore muscles, the shared pizza and drinks, the unexpected reunion with old friends, the karaoke finale—none of it scheduled, all of it cherished. And perhaps that's precisely why it will be remembered long after more carefully orchestrated outings have faded from memory.

Should we plan carefully or embrace spontaneity? The answer seems clear: yes, to both. But never underestimate the magic that happens when you say yes to a simple bike ride and find yourself, hours later, in places—both geographical and emotional—that you never expected to visit.

What a day it was. Not exhausted. Invigorated. Ready for something spontaneous again in the forthcoming day.

Pansi North Luzon Noodle Trail

A Noodle Trail: Exploring the Philippines' Beloved Pancit Varieties

The fascinating world of Filipino pancit (noodle dishes) reveals a beautiful marriage of Chinese culinary influence and distinctly Filipino flavors. My recent journey through Northern Philippines led me to explore three iconic noodle dishes that have become deeply woven into the local food culture.

Pancit Malabon: The Pride of the River City

Venturing into Malabon, a city historically known for its thriving fishing industry along the river, I discovered the vibrant orange-hued Pancit Malabon. This seafood-laden noodle dish gets its distinctive color from achuete (annatto) oil and features thick, chewy rice noodles. The sauce, rich with crab fat (aligue), creates a luxuriously creamy base that's loaded with fresh seafood – shrimp, squid, and mussels. What makes this dish special is how it embodies Malabon's identity as a fishing community, with each bite telling the story of the city's maritime heritage.

Pancit Luglug: Pampanga's Comfort Classic

In San Fernando, Pampanga – the Philippines' culinary capital – I sampled Pancit Luglug at two renowned establishments. This comforting noodle dish features round rice noodles bathed in a rich, orange-tinged shrimp sauce. The preparation involves first blanching the noodles (thus the term "luglug," meaning to submerge in water) before coating them in the signature sauce. Topped with hard-boiled eggs, chicharon (pork cracklings), and tinapa (smoked fish) flakes, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that showcase Pampanga's sophisticated palate.

Pancit Batil Patong: Tuguegarao's Hearty Creation

My journey to Tuguegarao introduced me to the intensely satisfying Pancit Batil Patong. Having tried a award-winning recipe from a pre-pandemic cooking competition, I was struck by its unique composition. The dish features egg noodles topped with ground carabao meat, liver, and a fried egg (hence "batil," meaning beaten egg). What makes it extraordinary is its accompanying soup (patong) and calamansi-chili sauce. The combination creates a robust, umami-rich experience that reflects the hearty eating habits of the Cagayan region.

The Chinese Connection

The prevalence of pancit across Philippine cuisine stems from early Chinese traders and settlers who introduced noodles as a symbol of long life. What's remarkable is how each region has adapted these noodle dishes to reflect local ingredients and tastes. The result is a diverse array of pancit varieties that, while sharing Chinese roots, have evolved into uniquely Filipino creations that continue to captivate both locals and visitors.

Nutrition of Malabon, Luglug, Batil Patong

Pancit Malabon is a protein powerhouse thanks to its abundant seafood content. Shrimp provides high-quality protein and selenium, while squid offers vitamin B12 and zinc. The crab fat, though rich in cholesterol, contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The annatto seeds used for coloring provide antioxidants and vitamin E. Rice noodles make it a gluten-free option, ideal for those with wheat sensitivities.

The combination of eggs and smoked fish makes Pancit Luglug rich in protein and vitamin D. The eggs provide essential amino acids and choline, crucial for brain health. The shrimp-based sauce offers iodine and calcium. While the chicharon adds flavor, it can be moderated or omitted for a lighter version. The rice noodles provide quick energy through complex carbohydrates.

This protein-rich dish of Batil Patong is particularly notable for its iron content, thanks to the combination of carabao meat and liver. The liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, B vitamins, and folate. The egg noodles provide sustained energy, while the calamansi in the sauce offers vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. The bone broth-based soup provides collagen and minerals essential for joint health.

Today, these noodle dishes remain popular not just for their flavors but also for their cultural significance. They're essential at celebrations, casual gatherings, and everyday meals, representing both regional pride and the Philippines' remarkable ability to transform foreign influences into something distinctly its own.

Each bite of these different pancit varieties tells a story – of cultural exchange, local innovation, and the enduring appeal of a good noodle dish. Whether it's the seafood-rich Pancit Malabon, the comforting Pancit Luglug, or the hearty Pancit Batil Patong, these dishes continue to draw food enthusiasts on pilgrimages to their places of origin, ensuring their legacy lives on in Philippine cuisine.

This is it pancit!

Charm and Poetry of Pundaquit

The Charm and Poetry of Pundaquit Mountain, San Antonio Zambales

Located along the western coast of Luzon in the Philippines, Pundaquit Mountain in San Antonio, Zambales Barangay Luna stands as a testament to nature's artistic prowess. This coastal mountain range creates a breathtaking backdrop to the serene beaches and fishing villages that dot the shoreline.

What makes Pundaquit truly poetic is its stunning juxtaposition of elements. Here, the Sierra Madre mountain range meets the South China Sea in a dramatic embrace. Lush tropical forests cascade down steep slopes until they almost touch the golden sands and crystal-clear waters below. During sunset, the mountains are painted in hues of purple and gold, creating a canvas that has inspired countless artists and photographers.

The mountain's silhouette against the horizon resembles a sleeping giant, watching over the local communities that have thrived in its shadow for generations. Local folklore speaks of guardian spirits dwelling within its peaks, protecting fishermen who venture into the sea. At night, the sky is a large canvas showcasing stars and constellations clearly not visible from urban Manila.

The mountain trails wind through diverse ecosystems – from coastal vegetation to more temperate forests at higher elevations. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views that stretch across the coastline and to distant islands like Capones and Camara.

For the local Aeta indigenous communities and Zambaleños, the mountain is more than a geographical feature – it's a cultural touchstone. Traditional practices, from sustainable farming to gathering of medicinal herbs, connect the people to this land. The rhythm of life here follows the mountain's contours and the sea's tides, creating a harmonious existence that feels increasingly rare in our modern world.

Fishermen set out at dawn with the mountain at their backs, using it as a natural landmark to guide their return. Artists from across the Philippines make pilgrimages here, seeking inspiration from the interplay of light, shadow, and natural textures.

In Pundaquit, nature writes its poetry in the language of wind through trees, waves against shore, and changing light across ancient stone. It reminds us that true charm often lies not in grand spectacles, but in the quiet perfection of a world where mountains dream beside the sea.

Sit down at a farmland, view the mountain southwest lazily, wait for the changing color hues at the rise sets in at the West Philippine Sea.

San Antonio is about 3 hours away from the North Luzon Expressway passing through the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan.

Sofronio and his dream: Appreciative Inquiry

 Examining Sofronio Vasquez's journey from the perspective of the 4Ds of Appreciative Inquiry as a facilitator would.

On a brief trip to the Philippines after winning the title in the United States, Sofronio received recognition on the show It's Showtime with Vice Ganda, which hosts a national singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan in which he competed and received recognition but did not win.

Discovery: "What Gives Life"

Sofronio had an indisputable gift—his amazing voice, the passion, and the discipline for perfection—even though he didn't take home any major awards from Philippine singing competitions. As facilitators, we would concentrate on determining his most memorable moments and fundamental abilities. His path demonstrates that in addition to his vocal prowess, he possessed a profound understanding of music and the capacity to relate to other musicians. The Discovery phase would emphasize how each competition improved his creativity and broadened his knowledge of voice methods, rather than seeing his non-wins as failures.

Dream: Imagining "What Could Be"

When Sofronio went from being a contestant to a vocal instructor, his story took a significant change. This stage shows how broadening one's perspective beyond traditional success indicators might uncover unanticipated possibilities. As facilitators, we would observe the progression of his dream from self-praise to inspiring others. As a coach in TNT to now winners, he has influenced these champions, which is proof that dreams can come true in unexpected ways. Another layer of dreaming is demonstrated by his subsequent choice to try out for The Voice USA, demonstrating that one's own goals can coexist with helping others succeed. In coaching fellow Filipino aspiring singers to win in the competition where they eventually won the title, he wished, “they are now champions, I dream that I can be one too.”

Design: "What Should Be" is co-constructed.

SSofronio's journey serves as an example of how crucial it is to have several routes to success. His transition to coaching serves as an example of how we can create new positions that play to our talents. As facilitators, we would draw attention to the way he crafted a profession that integrated his teaching skills with his vocal expertise. This stage of his trip demonstrates that creating novel strategies rather than sticking to the tried-and-true routes is frequently necessary for success. Another deliberate design decision he made was to relocate to the US (he is a dental assistant), which altered his surroundings and opened up new prospects. After conquering the challenge of blind auditions, he honed his skills and sought assistance. His introversion and loneliness serve as the basis for his transformation when he goes on stage, takes the spotlight and eventually owning the song with his impeccable performance.

(Not drawn though was his preparation to enhance his vocal skills. In his interviews, he would diligently study scores, practice songs on his own.)

Destiny: Creating "What Will Be"

Winning The Voice USA, the peak of Sofronio's career, is the ideal example of the Destiny phase. It demonstrates how his past "failures" served as stepping stones to his eventual triumph. He gained artistic experience as a vocal coach, which helped him win in the end. His motivation is, I am able to help others win the gold, I should be able to do that for myself. In our capacity as facilitators, we would highlight how each stage of his journey—contestant, coach, and champion—built on the one before it to forge a potent future.

Key Lessons for Appreciative Inquiry Practitioners:

1.      Success often looks different from initial expectations. Sofronio's impact as a vocal coach was an unexpected but valuable outcome of his journey.

2.      Strengths can manifest in multiple ways. His vocal talent found expression in performance. Drive, persistence, passion for perfection, discipline, sensitivity, listening skills, intelligence are skills and virtues that propelled his recognition as a champion singer and artist.

3.      What might appear as setbacks can be reframed as preparation for future success. His being an introvert allowed him to internalize the song's messages deeply connecting the message with his audience.

4.      The path to achieving dreams may involve multiple iterations and roles.

1.      The path to achieving dreams may involve multiple iterations and roles.

This narrative demonstrates that Appreciative Inquiry isn't just about positive thinking - it's about recognizing and building upon core strengths, even when they manifest differently than expected. Sofronio's journey from contestant to coach to champion exemplifies how the 4D cycle can unfold in real life, with each phase building upon and enriching the others.

For facilitators, this story provides a powerful example of how persistence, adaptability, and strength-based approaches can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It starts with a roadmap. It reminds us that the Appreciative Inquiry process isn't linear - it's cyclical and iterative, with each phase informing and enhancing the others.

Inputs drawn from social and mainstream media interviews.

4Ds is a training module I learned and facilitated at Coca-Cola building competency of associates and friends.

Isang Himala

I've watched the Ishmael Bernal film Himala. Laura Centeno, a co-actor in Dulaang UP costarred as Chayong, while Joel Lamangan, who directed crowd control, was a fellow student in a Filipino literature course.

What I remembered about the movie were a rural girl Nora Aunor drew hordes of ailing people who were hoping for a miracle to heal them. Chayong, a friend, was helping her. The remark from the last scene, "walang himala, nasa puso ng bawat tao ang himala," has become one of the most memorable movie quotes.

That was in 1982.
This December 2024, I went to Gateway to see Pepe Diokno's film adaption of a musical stage drama as an entry in the 2024 MMFF. I perceived it as a Broadway production of a musical, as it was classified as such.

Forty two years have lapsed since my 1st exposure to the work of art.
Conditioning myself, should I appreciate it as a play, a broadway musical, a movie. How does a musical compare with the original movie drama?

Sitting in the newly opened Cineplex movie theatre, upon seeing the opening scene establishing the solar eclipse in a rural village setting, it was as if the movie was new to me conveying a universal message.

The message of Ricky Lee's literary work was further enhanced by the cinematography of Carlo Mendoza, production design of Ericson Navarro, Vincent de Jesus's lyrics and melodies, the ensemble's and the principal actors' performances, and Pepe's direction.
Aicelle Santos is Elsa, Noemi Gonzales is Chayong, Kakki Teodoro is Nimia, Bituin Escalante is Aling Saling, David Ezra is Orly, Floyd Tena the priest and Vic Robinson as Pilo. The creative theme recreated on screen a small Philippine village Cupang.

Among the universal messages that resonated were blind faith, fanaticism, exploitation, friendship and bonding, the mother's love for her daughter, blessing and curses of a small village, escape, human frailty, envy, eavesdropping, escape from poverty, the anguish of being human, and helplessness.

The fact that I was largely familiar with the plot and was anxiously anticipating the interpretation and execution of the famous line on screen when the lead characters' problems were still unresolved worked against me. I was getting impatient on how the musical would end.

I was able to observe how the main characters' struggles further agitate the audience putting closure to unfinished conditions. Filmmaker Orly balances his professional responsibility as catching the truth on camera withholding the moral truth, "ang lente ko ang katotohanan," while Aling Chayong affirms her love for her adopted daughter and corrects a mistaken idea she planted, “hindi totoo ang istampita ng birhen”.

As a lover and a devout disciple, Chayong, Elsa's confidante, could not get over her tragic abuse and left abandoned by her lover. She could not handle father's knowledge about her condition asking “alam na niyo father?”.

After having a falling out with Elsa and Chayong, Nimia finally had to face the truth about her condition and break bread with Elsa. "Pareho lang tayo Elsa, ako laman ang binebenta, ikaw, himala" is another crucial statement Nimia ranted on the similarities between Elsa's spiritual recovery and her own life as a cabaret operator.

The situations where people in positions of power are helpless are the most painful. When Chayong is pleading for assistance and Orly is recording the abuse, "wala akong magawa!" In the same circumstance, Elsa said, "di ko siya matulungan." Prior to stating this, Nimia assaulted Elsa saying, “ginagamot mo ang may sakit pero di mo nagagamot ang sarili mo!”

With a magnificent cinematic finale reminiscent of the intense fanaticism similar to the Traslacion of Quiapo where the believers go wild over a piece of clothing and Elsa's blood in a stampede, Isang Himala concludes powerfully, tragically.

While Elsa declared there is no miracle, two characters showed strength moving on with their wounded pasts, Aling Saling has demonstrated her loyalty to her child up to the dying moments; Nimia has accepted her fate and facing the struggle of life without her two friends and customers.

Isang Himala makes a dramatic universal point: the pain of being human. We must take responsibility for our own destiny rather than depending on outside help. Although it is not as painful as the suffering depicted in Bernal's masterwork, the musical Diokno supports the film's message in this modern time.

"Tama na na ang pagsikat ng araw at bituin, ang bawat tao sa mundo, ang isang sanggol ang ating himala. Hindi mo na kailangan makakita at nakarinig pa. Sapat na ang wagas na pagibig bilang himala." paraphrasing the lyrics of V. De Jesus sung by Juan Karlos Labajo

#MMFF2024 #IsangHimala #PepeDiokno
Himala on YouTube. https://youtu.be/u6J7m23-kcI?si=KX2xiEwc2qbERpSa

Liwanag at Pagasa 2024

 Liwanag at Pagasa

A compilation of summaries of the 9 homilies delivered by S.J. presiders of the 9 simbang gabi masses at the Gesu in 2024

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 1st night 15 December Presider Fr. RB Hizon • Chapel at the Ateneo campus near Gesu devoted to the Immaculate Concepcion has on exhibit various nativity scenes from collections of Fr. Javellana, Robert Alejandro among others • It is a various depiction in detailed colors and forms of the description of Matthew and Luke • Attention has been placed on details that may muddle the center putting Jesus at the periphery • These vibrant depictions can be interpreted as the drawing out of the ordinariness of our lives when we are blessed by our God • It is Emmanuel at work our reason for rejoicing • Rejoicing brings out a love so intense that we are able to love • Moments come when the Lord comes, and we see beyond ourselves • How do we prepare? Share whatever we have with the needy • Humanity flows • Rejoice, do not fear • The Lord is near https://www.youtube.com/live/c2ohK_JkZIg?si=SpWfAnYtWSuu6YnL

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 2nd night 16 December Presider Fr. Norlan Julia • The multiple roles we play • Team Leader. True Love • Identify the multiple roles we play in our unique settings professionally and personally • We pray Lord help me do the role well • Teach me your ways • John played a difficult role of shouting at the wilderness calling for repentance • He was questioned for his authority to do these things • Authority comes from actor, author • Who is the source of our energy, our conviction and passion? • Where do we draw our power? • It comes from the Father • Towards the father, for the father • For us to do our roles, we must draw from the one and only source • Lord Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit • I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me https://www.youtube.com/live/YY-Y0Ul4igo?si=VgRqTOqZr0uPbk_q

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 3rd night 17 December Presider Fr. Chris Dumadag • More to the uninteresting genealogy of Jesus • Proving Jesus is Jewish, a rightful candidate to be a Messiah • Jesus is part of our story both the holy and the sinful • Making a family tree is a tool for self-understanding and awareness including imperfections • Helps us see our path needing help from the community during challenging moments • All of us including Jesus have flawed past • We walk this pain together • Jesus has no last name • Pope Francis suggests that his is each of us • Thus, connecting between God and us, we are not alone • When we face pitfalls, face ourselves we cry to Jesus • God is with us • God loves us even in our brokenness • Offering the healing we alone cannot do • Find God in the stillness, solitude • Weaving these in the story of our lives • Jesus mends the brokenness as part of the family • I am your call for help https://www.youtube.com/live/jEpBXeF_rgw?si=AdySCeEvQWg8mXGL

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 4th night 18 December Presider Fr. Xave Olin • When our plans do not materialize, what do we do • There is so much more we can learn from Joseph • When our plans are interrupted and our dreams frustrated God is also unfolding before us his big his bigger dream for us • A plan far bigger and better than what our limited hearts and minds have imagined sometimes it appears as defeat and failure • Our choices, getting stuck or having an open mind • We are given gifts that we do not expect but better than what we hope for • Think of the Christmas story • Off balance • Using these moments to stir us to action leading us to where he wants us to be • A way of freeing us from being stuck to keep on moving • This Christmas, it calls us to see Christ more clearly and courageously https://www.youtube.com/live/cIFW8DRLCa8?si=FrYgN38E5GmOpoxd

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 5th night 19 December Presider Fr. Jhaw Haw Aging and growing old Embracing the reality of aging by accomplishing things beyond the normal Not losing the awe and wonder for life Become voices that inspire Not about our limitations, frustration, shame but God being gracious It is about God doing wonders with our limitations Writing straight in crooked lines We let not lose to imagine and doubt in seeing the signs of God’s grace around us Move beyond limitations to see what God is going with them When we open ourselves We become part of the God’s story of graciousness https://www.youtube.com/live/ovgLX6q8A4E?si=duFlHBStphulK50S Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 6th night 20 December Presider Fr. Jeff Pocong • Life of Mary • Is there a joyous moment in the Annunciation • I don’t know why I was chosen for this • I don’t understand why this is your will that you make me marry this perfect stranger • Saying Yes to Lord may take a longer process before accepting • Two reactions, yes immediately and delaying • Relate to our journey in faith, asking for a grace period • With much is at stake, it is not easy • Our yes is not a stable commitment • Asking God’s grace to assist us • Mary’s yes to the Lord is edifying • Have faith • Choose in the plan the Lord has prepared for us https://www.youtube.com/live/b78B2FWJoNs?si=IDws11SFiaowhbmA

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 7th night 20 December Presider Fr. Mon Bautista • Mary’s Visitation and the Virtue of Hope • Relates the story of an American soldier in 2012 kidnapped by Isis in Syria who was beheaded aired on social media • Mother of the soldier experienced anguish and sorrow • Eventually, the killer was arrested giving the mother a chance to visit the Syrian • She forgave him • We do not know what the future brings • But we know who holds our future • 2024 is the Jubilee year of hope that starts on the 24th December • There are three profound affirmations of hope: • Hope is not just a virtue but a relationship • At the center of hope is trust. It is humility that will empower us • Hope has twin actions, letting go and holding on, like how Mary reacted at the annunciation • Place our hope on someone, in Christ • Christ holds our future • The power in hope is bringing out the best of us and not the worst • In what areas of our lives do we need the value of hope • God alone is our sole source of hope https://www.youtube.com/live/N8kdDWkbA6U?si=FJrkpf3oEKvb4vJh

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 8th night 20 December Presider Fr. Bok Arandia • Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth while both are expecting • This is significant in the Christmas narratives • When we pay someone a visit, we show our support, concern and compassion • Simply being there is a special gift • Our presence reminds them that they are not alone • The Christ in Mary shows Christ’s desire to be with us • A father’s visit to his son in prison brings Christ’s presence experiencing God’s mercy and love • Christ’s presence in us, dwells in us, transforms us • Fill those in need with a visit and our presence https://www.youtube.com/live/9sPglOEz8hE?si=O4ztHTQxhLLqa9d3

Liwanag at Pagasa Simbang Gabi sa Gesu 2024 9th night 23 December Presider Fr. Jett Villarin • Goodness gracious, great ball of fire • God is gracious • When does grace work? 1. Grace works in surprisable people Grace is a gift Let us not be too old not to be surprised 2. Grace comes before not after Before we could love back, God loved us first Forgiveness is offered before not after Grace is once the indescribable joy we gave our parents when we were born 3. Grace begets gratitude Let us pray to be thankful always for gifts An entitled heart is a proud heart An entitled person is never a grateful one Grace can never be paid When we are grateful, we pay forward to others • The gift is the giver • Let us not miss the giver • The gift is greater than the great ball of fire

Malabon and nearby Navotas

 As I commute from the bustling streets of EDSA and head to the fishing villages of Malabon and Navotas, I'm struck by the striking contrast - a world apart but only a few kilometers from the center of Metro Manila. These cities, situated in the city's northeastern boundaries, have long been formed by their distinct histories and strong ties to the sea and the river.

My adventure begins with a search for the noodles and delicious kakanin that have sustained this community for decades. While navigating the roads in a public jeep and walking, I come across a central dry and wet market typical of Philippine markets that seem nearly stuck in time. Weathered vendors sell their items, their voices mixing with hawkers' screams and passersby's laughing.

However, as I wander, I am faced by the unpleasant sight of the Navotas river. Its dark and stagnant waters are a reminder of the environmental issues that have long plagued this once-pristine waterway. I am divided between admiring the quaintness and originality of this quaint semi-urban place and being repulsed by the harsh realities of its polluted river.

Seeking solace, I look to the churches that dot the landscape, from the grandiose San Bartolome to the smaller San Idelfonso parish church at Navotas east, more modest monuments that line the streets. Each one is a tribute to the resilience and faith of the people who have lived here, their pinnacles reaching for the sky like beacons of hope amidst the grime and grit.

Dwelling on San Bartolome church, throughout its history, the San Bartolome Parish Church has been a center of community life, not only for religious services but also for social and cultural gatherings. It has witnessed the pleasures and tragedies of generations of Malabon people, including baptisms, weddings, burials, and processions, typical of the services big churches in the Philippines offer to their laity.

San Bartolome Parish Church serves as a living witness to the Malabon community's enduring spirit, as well as the resilience and faith that have supported this fishing village over time. When tourists walk through its majestic wooden doors, they are transported to a bygone era, when the echoes of history murmur stories of a community

I'll return to this location, anxious to learn more about the area's history and traditions, and to search out the old houses and structures that have stood the test of time. However, I will be careful to avoid the industrial districts, instead focusing my attention on the lovely, unusual, and alluring aspects that make this fishing village such a mesmerizing escape from the craziness of the metropolis.

Traversing Makiling 1999

Traversing Makiling in 1999

We traversed Mt. Makiling from Sto. Tomas to Los Baños in the company of able climbers TJ Farmer, Danny Balandra and Larry Hillboy Honoridez. It was a five-hour trek on the first day highlighted by a tall wall, which we scaled against strong typhoon winds overlooking a deep ravine right below.

Right across the wall is an open camp called Haring Bato at the edge of a cliff good for 3-4 tents exposed to non-stop blowing winds. Estimated altitude is 900 meters ASL. Visible below from the campsite is Gubatan where a group of East Wing climbers were stationed for the night.

With my technical buddy, TJ, our shelter was adequately sufficient for the condition-tents that can withstand the wind, reinforced with guy lines and pegs. While it may seem dangerous, it was a safe trek to cross over the wall which a tin poster declared a 40 degrees inclination.

There were about 4 to 5 sets of ropes securely placed in branches or roots of miniature trees by good Samaritans in the last 30 minutes of the wall climb. Watch out though for leeches and poison ivy, which were in abundance in the forest at the foot of the wall. You can both bleed and itch to death.

The full moon was intermittently visible, as fast-moving clouds would cover it. Danny and Larry tested their new stoves in that extreme windy and cloudy setting. Stoves passed but burned more fuel than expected due to the 18° C temperature and the strong gusty winds.

Next day trek was a 2-hour ascent to the traditional Peak 2 Campsite. The crawling and the bending will humble you.

Completing the traverse was the usual 2 1/2-hour descent to the UP Campus. Upon reaching the campsite, we were told that Barry Barcelo , Russel Aguinaldo, and Elmer Cabotage, senior members of PAL Mountaineering Club did a day trek via Los Baños just to stretch their muscles.

The weekend completion climbs both for me and TJ were well documented courtesy of Larry. The persistence of TJ paid off as we explored a new adventurous world. Thanks to the encouragement of Regie Pablo of MFPI who provided us with references to the traverse.

Each time I see the span of Mt. Makiling from the Skyway connecting Katipunan Loyola to Katipunan Blue Ridge, I just stare and say to myself, “we crossed that range stating from Batangas to Laguna simply out of passion for the outdoors and for the discovery.”

And we did that that stormy weekend simply because of the passion.

Keeping track:

1. Enter Sto. Tomas trek via the Barangay San Bartolome arch. It’s a P 10.00 tricycle ride.

2. The private resort of Almeda is your jump-off point.

3. You’ll pass through a station of the cross ending in a grotto. Another trail skips the grotto.

4. There’s a hut surrounded by giant gabe leaves (root crops). Area serves as the link between two ridges. Profile of Maculot visible. Your last chance for water through a water pipeline.

5. You will cross two ridges in a dried-up stream. After the forest cover, it’s cogon all the way. Sto. Tomas, MakBan Geothermal plant and Malipunyo are visible from this site. Climb, climb, climb.

6. Enter a forest cover, reach the viewing deck, ascend further and descend at the foot of the wall. Expect poison ivy, leeches, and snakes. Trail a bit moist. There are deck signage and ribbons along the trail.

7. Rock climb in an open space.

8. Reach Haring Bato.

9. Crawl towards Peak 2.

10. After 1 1/2 hours of trek going up to 1000 meters ASL, you’ll smell stench and hear voices. You’re nearing Peak 2.

11. It’s a safe descent down to UP Los Baños.

Chito 30-31 January 1999

Revisited 7 October 2024