Discovering Mulat, scholarly paper and audio visual exhibit forum

Academic paper presentation especially on subjects of socially significant phenomenon interests me. More so if the papers are from students of the State University.

Catching the tail end of the four day forum, the program flow follows a format in presenting the two sections, the paper presentation and criticism and the audio video exhibit. Hosts provide intro, presenters discuss their paper to the audience and to a panel, a critic reacts to the presentation, the audience throws their questions and segment ends with the host giving a short summary. When the sessions resume, audio video exhibits are presented. After the last presentation, the creators are introduced and expound of their works. Floor is open to question and answer.

A wealth of academic outputs and creative AV works was revealed to the public in the Mulat: 6th Sining Del Pilar at the UP College of Mass Communication from 15-18 March 2016 to an audience in the college studio and to the outside world via radio broadcast, web streaming and social media such as Facebook, Twitter. Synopses of the works of the 13 papers and 13 clusters of audio visual exhibits are in the printed abstract issued for free to the participants. Papers and exhibits are works of the undergraduate and graduate students of the college adding documented references to the dynamic social discipline.

Sitting in the studio with about a hundred participants is like sitting in a million dollar seat where the authors of the abstracts and respected subject matter experts dissect the profundity of the works although very briefly. Through the online streaming and DZUP radio broadcast, the knowledge is shared with perhaps a hundred or thousand other scholars in Metro Manila and all over the world.

It is through social media from the Facebook page that I first learned about Mulat. First I expressed Interest, viewed a sampling through a live online streaming then eventually declared going. The learning experience was further enhanced attending the live sessions at the studio in the company of other students, scholars from the university and other schools, interacting with the creators and reading more information of their works in the handed written abstract.

I look forward to appreciating the works in depth when the condensed online summary is made available. Mulat is UP CMC’s gift to scholars and to those keeping track of scholarly works. Professionally conducted, it is not surprising that this is 100% student collaboration. After all, it is a State University CMC initiative. Looking forward to the 7th.

Photos from https://www.facebook.com/SiningDelPilar/photos

Sitting in in a discussion on "improv" and watching a performance

Intro to concept. Generating insights 6 Feb 2016

Just what is an Improv? Short for improvisation? A performance without preparation? Spontaneous? Free for all? Unstructured?

The proponents say it is a no borders anything goes gig. It is tapping your available resources for a desired result. Where there are no performers and observers. A workshop where one need not participate but can participate.

But they say it is also a type of a performing art. That relies on words, actions, linkages, visuals primarily using games or preconditions to draw out involvement and engagement. It is neither theater, nor a musical nor a study group neither exactly a standup comedy or a play. It can be all of the above or none of the above.

There is a mandated prerequisite. It requires a certain mindset. That of being open, being game. The response it will draw out from you depends on the level of your engagement. Engagement means saying YES but following it up with an AND. It has a structure though. Engagement demands involvement. There is an introduction, middle and an end. And not lasting more than two hours.

What it is? Still to find out where Franco, Abe and Vince will lead us to. Only if you say initially YES to be there and eventually be open to get engaged. If you do, it will be fun and an eye opener on who you are and what you can be.

___________________________________

Watching an Open Jam 5 March 2016
Validating insights

Be not afraid of you who you are and what you can be. Flow with the group and the story with your verbal and non verbal communication. As you communicate, you expand the idea, you deepen your linkage with the group and the community, you contribute yourself and commit to a greater whole and you discover what else you can be. In safe environment and in the spirit of fun. That was Katipunan Improv this 5 March 2016.

Subscribers to the principle of Improv gathered at a garage to practice and perform their craft in a jam. Coming from several classes with different ranks they played their unique brand of games mainly interacting with one another viewed by an audience. While collective in effort, once an individual owns a spot, you sense the intensity, the passion for the craft, the wit, humor, spontaneous free association, split second thinking, acting and timing expressed in animated non-verbal body language matched with a verbal narrative to tell their story.  It can be any story from the trivial to the mundane leaning towards the outrageous.

It is amazing that most guests who are strangers to each other have become familiar with each other in a short span of time through games and a series of warm up activities. There appears to be a preset mindset of openness and a willingness to play and contribute one’s self to the session. After only several animated verbal and non verbal exercises, they have been primed to peak performance thus playing with utmost confidence, infectious fun and heightened involvement even with the more difficult gigs to the delight of both participants and active and passive observers in the hall. At 7:30 PM for the non-involved, it was a wait and see. At 8:30, we were fully engaged casually watching the expected and the unexpected.

While appearing to be casual and spontaneous, the activity is paced by a host or a facilitator who initiates and manages the conduct of the games.

Improv breaks down boundaries and inhibitions casually. Improv develops the "I" transforms the "I" to "We" and eventually to just "You" in a light and fun way via games, gigs, gags and whatever medium that conveys expression.

Imagine the potential application of Improv as a skill competency building module where the marginalized can learn how to express themselves, the passive can shift to assert their views,the introverts try out to be extroverts and the extroverts to be bolder extroverts. Through expression, the possibilities are endless both on a personal and corporate level.

The naturally charged group. Photo courtesy of Mico Manalaysay

Quoting Franco Liwanag of Katipunan Improv partner of Abe Barreda, host of the Katipunan Improv on what it is, “. . . improv can be a way of life. It is having an attitude of mutual respect and an instinct to veer away from stagnancy. It is having the mindset for acceptance and growth. Further, it is the key to creativity and collaboration.”

Thanks to Abelle Joseph Don Barreda, Franco Liwanag, Vincent Ong and the participants from QC, Makati, Ateneo and to Amotore Pizza Garage @35 Abada. Until the next time they say Yes . . . And.

Foto and inputs courtesy of Franco, Vincent and Abe, KatipunanImprov, venue courtesy of @35Abada. Group foto by Mico Manalaysay.
______________________________

Coming from zero knowledge, introduced with motley of ideas, formed a concept, hypothesized, stalked a public session, enjoyed the gag, tempted to butt in, validated the concepts, concluded. Highlighted characteristics: variety, spontaneity, split second response, top of mind association, randomness, quick thinking, mental sharpness, anatomy, flexibility, diversity, hilarity, outrageousness, intense, highly charged, respect, rescue, connecting, linking, never ending group storytelling. Ended writing notes.

Imperfections of a sincere and authentic relationship

Several films on relationship were on cable TV the eve of Valentine’s day.

TMC (Tagalized Movie Channel) aired Nicolas Spark’s The Best of Me an American production about an unlikely relationship between two young lovers that abruptly ended yet reunited again decades after.  On the same night, it telecast My Love, My Bride, a Korean film originally in Korean dubbed by Filipino voice talents  about the post honeymoon stage of college sweethearts who separately go through struggling moments in their lives kept to themselves not sensed by their partners except to friends. The undetected struggles were sufficient motivation for the mutual discomfort and dissonance.

Cinema One aired two 2013 Cinemalaya’s entries, That Thing Called Tadhana and #Y. That Thing Called Tadhana is film capture of an initially shallow developing into a sincere conversation between a woman striving to move on after a failed relationship and a stranger. That Thing has been dubbed as the “ultimate hugot film of the year 2013.” #Y is about the conyo generations’ ultimate escape from life, suicide after a failing to reconcile between self image and reality both in personal and family relationships.

My Love, My Bride is hilariously novel in character and situation. It is about a sincere and an authentic young relationship of an apparently perfect match put on a blind spot. He is a social worker and a budding poet, she an art teacher and a portrait artist. Set in modern Korea, the days of their respective his and her lives were dramatically executed with wit, humor, pain and seriousness. Daily, you empathize with the joys and sufferings of the busy professionals. Four separate episodes dramatize the ups and downs of their relationship starting with happy moments, showing conflicts and ending with the redemption of winning back each other. She got hurt when his friends sing and drink in their condo. He got hurt when she entertained her friend in the movie house. He got hurt when she watched the concert of her former musical director admirer. They both get hurt when she did not sense his pain of losing a poet mentor and he her medical condition. All these test their relationship giving reassurances of its sincerity.

Seemingly treated lightly, the movie eventually delivers a profound message of relationship expressed in a poem by a poet the social worker handles and from whom he gets advice on writing poems and in setting priorities “Ang buhay ay isang tula. At ang tula ang dahilan ng buhay. Kaya lang huwag mo sanang hayaang maagaw ng tula ang mga bagay na mahalaga.”

Similar to how That Thing Called Tadhana successfully captures the nuances of relationship in an engaging dialogue, My Love My Bride succeeds too but differently. The situations happen and the emotions are the real. And the reality is imperfect. It is the imperfection that deepens the tie that binds beyond the honeymoon stage. Life after the honeymoon stage after all is no longer a fairy tale but not totally a nightmare. My Love, My Bride shows it can be a maturing happy reality. Both films show the universality of falling in love regardless of cultural setting. One falls in love, falls out of love and recovers. If there is no recovery one moves on.

____________________________________________________________

“My Love, My Bride is a 2014 South Korean romantic comedy film starring Jo Jung-suk and Shin Min-ah. Young-min and Mi-young are a young couple who get married after graduating from college. Following the honeymoon period, they begin to bicker with each other. As they struggle to make their marriage work, Young-min and Mi-young gradually understand what love really is.”

Tagalized Movie Channel is in Channel 82 on Sky Cable. Cinema One is in Channel 56.

Travel via Travel Channel

Travel Channel on Channel 82 Sky is currently my favorite cable channel initially because of 36 Hours hosted by Kristen and Kyle.

The show, a broadcast version of a New York Times feature is well written and produced. It's about food, activities and cultural significance the two American hosts experience in 36 hours in a choice city. They start off checking in a boutique hotel, move around the city with cultural significance yet not too popular, eat at either exotic or gourmet restaurants. In the afternoon, both separate ways for their respective physical activity. It can be a culinary visit, a farm visit or a sports activity. Day ends with booze and entertainment. A resource person or at times a New York Times correspondent joins them in the discussion of their food trip. 36 Hours ends with a breakfast where they summarize their takeaways.

I like the Nashville, Istanbul, Portland, Istanbul and Barcelona episodes. Their one minute closing spiel captures the spirit of the 36 Hour visit and the one hour show.

Ending the Nashville episode, Kyle narrates "Music is in their lifeblood, in their DNA . . . when you sing from the heart for your family, for yourself for the city, you are in the light.

"Wrapping up 36 hours in Istanbul, Kristen says "Istanbul is a city that spans two continents and negotiates the push and pull of two cultures. Progress is struggling on the grip of tradition. There is an expression in this country. Turkey is like a man running West on a train headed East. East or West, we fell until the spell of this magical city."

Over breakfast at Berlin, “. . .of course you are leaving and of course you are coming back! In our 36 hours, Kristen and I had a major taste of Berlin. And indeed, we will be coming back.”

Expounding on Barcelona, “Barcelona is one of my favorite places that I have been in all my travels. Catalonia's struggle for independence sparked its defiant spirit, a passion for perfection in a whimsical way. You see it in the streets and taste it in every dish. There is a pulse about Barcelona that you can feel from the moment you set here. The buzz that makes you excited about what’s around the next corner. Makes you want to be in the Catalan culture for more than 36 hours. Catalan’s wonder for independence is making it the city of their dreams. Ours too! To Barcelona."

Three other reasons I am glued to Travel Channel are Expedition Unknown, Booze Traveler and Uncommon Grounds.

Josh Gates of Expedition Unknown rates Rio de Janiero, Papua New Guinea and Panama as the exotic and adventurous 2016 destination. His expeditions are supported with resource persons and experts.

Booze Traveler narrates how and what to drink anywhere in the world. Host Jack Maxwell calls for a "skol, kampai, salute, hoopa or even tagay!" with either gin, scotch, tuba, lager, beer with anyone anytime, anywhere in a day. Jack already featured the Philippines tasting the sugar cane based basi in a Vigan food strip. Unfortunately, relative to the other continents' episode, it was flat without any spirit at all. Tuba from coconut should make an interesting drink and the practice of "tabi-tabi lang" offering the 1st drink to the spirits may interest the booze traveler to revisit the Philippines.

Uncommon Grounds brings us to dangerous places like Morocco for a coffee maker, rare meats and to Colombia for expensive coffee beans. Todd Carmichael hosts Uncommon Grounds.

These shows are enough triggers for me to leave the sofa and pack to see life beyond the cable channel.

http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/36-hours

The 1995 Climbing Year

Giver’s Gain. You share an experience because it means so much to you. That’s what PALMC is all about. The thrill and the fulfillment of a climb are passed on by the membership to the new ones with an interest and passion for nature. This is the same reason that PALMC is still an institution in climbing in the Philippines. It shares its interests unselfishly to about anyone who hears about it.

Pre PALMC climb with Chacha Cordero

Chacha Cordero, who exposed me to the discipline of climbing two years ago, invited me to join the club. After several attempts to attend an orientation, I finally caught up with one at the start of the year on January 31, 1995. The 1995 climbing calendar was impressive. Mountains I’ve never seen before and climbs guided by perhaps the most seasoned in the country. From then, I got hooked to PALMC.

First batch effort was the Laiya climb immediately on February 4. Under the able leadership of Don Jose and TL Jojoy Cadungog, one of the most dedicated members, we got the most out of our climb. The informative lectures of Joey Quimpo, the likes of Mean Santos, Chris Luciano and myself were educated to what climbing is all about. Other than the short trip to Mt. Catmon and the short walk along the beach, the sight of corals and fish was a grand bonus. We wrapped up this experience with a post climb on the 9^th at the PAL Conference Room in Makati. Gladly we passed the exams and the interviews.

The hard core climbers of the 90's

March 15 to the 20th, our group immediately reaped an unforgettable gift from nature through the Batanes, Sabtang expedition. EL Joe Abiad allowed us to get the most from the trip with his attention to our flight needs, plane, luggage transfers, and accommodations. Nature was so strongly felt; it melted all the hang-ups of the urban workers. How can you fail with the open seas, the high ridges and the fresh cool air? After staying for 6 days, we wouldn’t want to go home.

Banahaw photo courtesy of  Jojoy Cadungog

Induction of the 1st batch of the year was done at Mt. Banahaw on 29 April to 1st of May. Led by Jojoy C., this was a major climb con clean up of the uncollected garbage left last Holy Week. Even for the seasoned members and climbers, Banahaw was humbling. Legs and thighs ended up sore even days after the descend. To those inducted, it was rewarding. To those who joined the initiates, it was fulfilling.

A big gathering for members, initiates and their immediate families caused excitement on 27 May with the summer camp at Mt.Makiling. Kids enjoyed as much if not more than the adults did whose concern was the future of the club.

Rare capture of Lex Evangelista with Romy Valdez

This June 3-4, new batch was gladly initiated into this sport. Lex Evangelista brought the batch to the foot of Mt. Banahaw via Tayabas. Despite of the threatening storm, the group was safely whisked to the campsite. We loved the cold river and the usual initiation jitters. New faces like Christine Medina, Abe Abesamis, Norbert Calderon, Mira Rosales, Mitch Soria, Manolet Ramos showed up. These faces have become common features in the important climbs for the balance of the 1995.

An awesome “alpine” experience yearly undertaken by the club pushed through this 21 June for the Mt. Ugu Memorial Climb. Seasoned mountaineer Emil So led it. In this climb, homage was paid to those who perished in a crash. One also paid greater respect for the gift of nature as the cold air, the heights of the mountain balanced with the depths of the flowing river. Inductees got to know and appreciated better Benjie Lara, Brian Onteco, Gerald Muriel and Alex Katipunan who were treated not as members but as equals, like peer mates.

Not much happened between June and August as most of the activities were foreign based. Even the usually popular Mt. Apo and Timpoong climbs did not generate as much participation. Not until in August. Personally memorable to me was the Mt. Banahaw induction climb this August 4-7 ably led by Ponjaps. This induction I shared with the 1st and 2nd quarter initiates.  September 30, Banny delivered an expedition to Guis-guis for the 3rd batch. It was to be a prelude to the most attended Mt. Kanlaon Climb con Maskara festival last October 19-22.

With the 2016 indefatigable President Fernandon Ding Calipan

Finally, on November 21, 10 months after, I together with some batchmates of the 1st orientation for 1995 got our validation for membership to PALMC. As I look back at what I received from the club, I feel an obligation to give back to others the blessings I got from the organization and the climbs. I also sense a stronger sense of responsibility to protect the earth from further decay, so that those after me can still enjoy the thrills of climbing. In the coming years, until the new leadership of Tony Cayaba and Jazz Aquino and the new board, PALMC will continue to offer itself to those who would gain from it.

Pay it Forward. How to return the "Giver's Gain?" Give by writing about the memories of a climb, lead a group wishing to experience it.

Chito Razon

5 December 1995

Reel Time's Lagalag (Coachsurfers)

Lagalag.

Initially, it was an informative narration of the function of a couchsurfer, a type of home stay of a unknown backpacker almost like a vagabond. This I assumed was booked online through a network of local hosts that matches surfers. As a home stay, there are no fees.

Host surfer basically provides shelter and practical info about places, events, culture, food, travel documentation and basic survival kit.

The short one hour episode eventually wove the narration of the deepening appreciation between the host and the visitor. It helped that the visitor is open, adventurous, practical and grounded and the host hospitable, gregarious, well-informed. What worked well for the host is the rich and diverse Philippine culture, people and natural resources behind him.

When relationship in a short span of time moved from superficial to sincere and a bit deeper, places seen from vicinity of Antipolo, Sumulong Highway to remote Pagsanjan and Boracay, the more engaging narration unfolded.

That was how Reel Time (GMA News TV 11) Lagalag put to life Nuki, Sheila, Bryan and Nathan.

I wonder how they are now two years after. (Episode replayed 25 Jan 2016 Monday 3 PM over Channel 24.)

Objects from the Past

These objects used to be fully functional and were available in several quantities. You don't find them anymore. At some point they have become collectibles. Now they are considered memorabilia. Surprisingly these items are housed in an over sized garage tucked in the corner.

They don’t get noticed except for those with an affinity with the products either as a consumer or as seller. Let me share happiness or affliction whatever experience is applicable to you. To me they are priceless triggering nostalgia.

Want to recall your memories? Over pizza baked in a wood fired stove?

Pugon Pizza. Bagong Tambayan

Tell me where you can find a wood fired oven in the city. In a garage?

A place that is bike friendly in an inconspicuous garage somewhere in District 3 QC serving affordable "Italian inspired" pizza just opened this 8 January 2016.

Oven is fired by fallen tree trunks in an over sized GI sheet enclosure giving the bread a smoky flavor. The ancient cooking process is matched by old motor and pedal bikes parked or on display all over @35 Abada.

One of the partners who designed the oven and prepared the recipe disclosed that the tomato used is imported as the consistency is ensured. In support of the local farmers, my wish over the long run is sourcing from our own produce provided specifications are met.

My first education on pizza baked on Italian stoneware was by The Lone Rider who wrote about the outlet BMK Apizza then at 154 Maginhawa st. in QC which has closed down. This longing for this type of pizza was momentarily satisfied by Fruili Trattoria also along Maginhawa st. which was favorably reviewed by one of the pioneer food bloggers Anton Diaz.

Pugon Pizza in its non-traditional food outlet setting is a welcome option to pizza lovers.

Inside a big garage, this man cave where men's interest on sports, motor bikes,

sports, bicycles are scattered all over the place, this makes an ideal tambayan

for anyone who wishes for have a private sanctuary in a public place.

Buon Appetito!

Buhayin natin ang mga pangarap ngayong Pasko!

Reel Times' Mga Kwento ng Pagibig episode aired on 27 December over free channel Channel 11. Replay will be aired on 1 January Friday 10:30 AM.

Playlist on youtube

15 Things I like about the movie Heneral Luna

1. The laughter of John Arcilla
2. The musical score of Jerrog Tarog
3. Production design and costume. Authentic but unobtrusive
4. Assassination scene in Cabanatuan
5. Binondo family flashback
6. Jose Rizal encounter
7. Drinking dance of Heneral and Isabel
8. Cabinet meetings
9. Support groups: their capability, dedication and loyalty to HAL
10. Guitar solo and poetry of HAL
11. Stoic, calculating but scheming Emilio Aguinaldo
12. Seeded thought that brilliance comes with eccentricity
13. Inferred message that we deserve what we get
14. Mascardo and HAL and Felipe Buencamino and HAL showdowns
15. Implied humanization of Goyong as a sequel by the same production team

https://www.facebook.com/Heneral.Luna
http://henerallunathemovie.com/

A Band of pickpockets in Naples Italy and in Rizal Avenue Manila Phil

Sometime this year, I caught on National Geography channel a video on pick pocketing in Naples, Italy. American Bob Arno, a pickpocket himself immersed himself in the pickpocket capital of the world to witness the techniques of professional pickpockets. Pros operate as a group (in twos or threes) and are well coordinated. They use diversionary and distracting techniques. Person assigned to pick the bag or picket is skillful.

From a video I suddenly was a witness to a band of pickpockets operating. Live from Rizal Avenue while seated on a bench facing the sidewalk, I saw how they victimized the unaware Filipino. Like the band in Naples, they operate as a group. They prey on their potential victim from a vantage point.  Upon spotting an easy and a loaded target, action begins.

Detailed is my account.

There is a band of pickpockets operating at the strip between Soler and Katubusan streets (before Gonzalo Puyat st.) along Rizal Avenue. This is between National Bookstore and Save More Supermarket. Numbering about 20, they come in all ages, sexes and forms. The men are typical of the profile you spot in Recto dressed in shirts and shorts. A number of women are toothless, some fully made up. Youngest must be about in early twenties and the eldest in their forties. From about 11AM to 1PM in broad daylight, I witnessed them pick the backpacks of more than 20 passerbys. Seated at the steps just below Padi’s Point spotting from National Bookstore at the North to Save More Supermarket at the South, they pry on their prospects and quickly mount their operations. They target only those with backpacks slung at their back with protruding zippers and with handbags loosely hanging. It did not matter if one was walking solo, with someone or a group, a student, a middle aged foreigner, a shopper or an elderly. The more inattentive with a bag at the back, the better a prospect they are.  Once candidates are spotted, action begins. Sometimes, only 1 would go at times 2 and even 3 depending on what they see. It is team work seamlessly done. Some come from the stairs; others suddenly show up from the side street or another corner. Done quickly, it starts with spotting their victim, walking with him or her, groping the bag with their hands for the object, opening the zipper, picking the item and pocketing it or relaying it to the next pickpocket walking with them. In seconds, it is done.

 

Most of the time, they are successful. But there were a handful (about 3) who noticed just at the nick of time looked behind. Fortunately, both parties casually walked away. Those who were aware they were being robbed did not confront the pickpocket.

Be conscious and vigilant. Some tips:

1. Men should keep their wallet in tightest pocket.  Better if placed in a corded pouch and tucked under the pants. Carry your bags in front and tightly hold on to them. Bags slung from the back are easy targets as you will not notice a groping hand especially if you are in motion.
2. Do not expose phones, wallets, expensive jewelry.
3. Be suspicious of persons who tail you. Divert immediately.
4. When you catch them stealing, it is best not to confront. Just walk away. A band operating has backers and protection.
5. Walk briskly.

Young lovers walking hand in hand are easy preys as they are unmindful of their surroundings while leisurely strolling.

Ingat lang palagi.

Before travelling, view this video.  http://www.documentarytube.com/videos/pickpocket-king-bob-arno

View on the past from the current

Transitioning from Gov Gen to Uncle Sam at Fort Santiago

Carlos Celdran of Walk this Way tours says, "there are no grand edifices in Manila unlike other sites in Asia as the most solid foundation sourced from earth prior to the Spanish rule is adobe." Prior to the colonization of Spain and with a scarce population, the most solid structure is made of bamboo.

The landed's house greeting visitors at Las Casas

Mt. Samat honors the men who fought the war. It remembers the atrocities of world war two fought by the gallant Filipinos, Americans and the Japanese. The commemorative site attempts to heal the wounds reminding today's
generations of the pain and sacrifices our forefathers went through to earn our freedom. The historical landmark at 555 feet above sea level in Pilar Bataan is marked by a cross designed by Lorenzo del Castillo and Napoleon Abueva.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is place and life in the colonial Philippine era, “a place where we can trace our heritage, re-live our past, and partake of our culture.” Through viewing and appreciating the structure of ancestral homes from different parts of Luzon and from the distant and recent past, Filipinos take “pride in the past and hope for the future.”

A bahay na bato.  Starting with moving houses of wood,
they have not progressed to moving houses of stone
and lately even churches

Pinto is a sanctuary in the city to experience the fullness of life and to recover.  Dr. Joven Cuanang, a neuroscientist, art collector, owner of Pinto Art Museum says in creating the Antipolo museum “every part of our body should be stimulated.” The experience of a 4-hour immersion in Pinto opens doors. And in appreciating the landscape, the works, architecture and collection, in the collector’s words, “you sort of heal yourself.

A restored church at the coast of Bagac, Bataan

Healing the mind, body and spirit at the Pinto Museum

Four tours provide us a perspective on the past from the current. Carlos’ tour starts at Fort Santiago in Manila and ends at San Agustin Church and at Plaza San Luis. Mt. Samat is at Pilar Bataan, three hours away from Manila via the Olongapo Road or the NLEX/ SCTEX (North Luzon Expressway/ Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). Las Casas is a creation of Architect Jerry Acuzar buying heritage houses, disassembling the parts, reconstructing and restoring them back in this site along the coast of Bagac, Bataan.

Pinto is in Grand Heights, 1870 Antipolo City.

Texture of greens and natural wood

Cordillera in Antipolo

Where every part of the site is an attraction and a visual feast

Sites visited were appreciated better the places because of the personalized annotations of Leo Gregorio at Acuzar and Andy Orencio at Pinto. Both were knowledgeable and authentic advocates of the works of their masters and passionate in imparting the messages. The tours took about 3 hours each to complete which was leisurely paced.

Entrance at Pinto with artists' names engraved

Alternative mobility between SM North EDSA and Katipunan/Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City

To get from one point to the other covering about 11 kilometers one:

1. Drives taking either Xavierville Avene to Quezon Elliptical Circle or Katipunan to Tandang Sora. About P 75.0 in gas estimated at 40 minutes in 1 ride.
2. Rides the LRT2 from Katipunan station, disembarks at Araneta Center Cubao, transfers to MRT to North Avenue. Roughly 30 minutes for about P 30.0 in 2 transfers with several meters of walk. .
3. Commutes in a jeep from (1) Katipunan to (2) Aurora to (3) EDSA to North Avenue. About P 25.00 in an hour in 3 transfers.

Map lifted from Rappler

Now with COMET (City Organized Managed Electric Transport), it takes just 1 ride to cover SM North EDSA via North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Luzon Avenue, Tandang Sora crossing over Commonwealth Avenue to Katipunan. Ride is about 45 minutes for P 20.00. You need a card bought at P 20.0 with a pre-loaded value of P 20.0 tapped  upon entry to ride this 20-seater electric powered jeepney. Interval per ride for now is 30 minutes. Ride is smooth, ventilation breezy. It doesn't emit carbon dioxide but you are exposed to other vehicles' emission. End-to-end is one loop in areas not covered by mass transport. There is a GPS which tracks the transports' movement, a CCTV for security, an electronically inputted passenger head count and movement and a wifi.

1st trip is at 6 AM, last at P 9:30 PM.  Terminal at the SM North EDSA is at North Avenue. There is no stopping terminal under the Katipunan flyover. You need to catch it on the road for your trip to North EDSA.

This alternative public transport in a new route is one way of beating the Katipunan traffic. One just sits down safely assured and charged fairly whichi is measured accurately. Like the jeepney fare, minimum charge is P 7.50.

Map
Rappler article

The Suffering Man

Cross at the Manila Cathedral

As humans, we experience joy in living as well as pain.

When we are in pain and sense helplessness, remember compassion, with passion. We are assured that Christ understands. That is the mystery of redemption when Christ became man to experience the passion.

Cross at the grandstand

Suffering to us is symbolized by the poor, elderly handicapped, individuals separated from family, the helpless, victims of natural calamities and the lonely whose human dignity is compromised.

Burdens are further made more difficult in general by society due to social inequality and the denial of support from fellowmen, institutions like church, bodies, communities and the government.

Like the challenged, all of us as ordinary mortals face through struggles as well. There are times we face difficulties and go through moments when there are no answers. Faith tells us to look up to Christ as he understands. Allow Him to surprise us.

Cross at the Cathedral altar

Faith opens us up to hope. As Filipinos, it is our deep faith that gives us a profound dignity. Most of the time we recover. When we overcome, it validates the promise of redemption.

Continue to commune with God in prayer and to the communities through action.

Pope Francis State and Pastoral Visit Post Mortem Reflection 20 Jan 2015