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UP IN THE MOUNTAINS

It’s about 11 o’clock in the evening and we’re still sitting at the waiting area of Victory Liner in Cubao, Manila along with other passengers with their back packs, travel pillows and cameras. It seems off that I’m with my family with our own heavy bags and doesn’t know the concept of “travel light.” My mom handed me my ticket, telling me I should hold onto my ticket and make sure I won’t lose it. I was scanning it, looking for the price going to our destination. Below the ticket it says: “FARE: Php 356.00” The price isn’t too bad at all, I hope it’ll be worth it. I killed time by putting up videos and pictures of my family with our sleepy faces in my Instagram story. Then, a loud beep awakened us at exactly 12 nn, it was a sign that our bus came! I gathered all my things and so my family and made ourselves ready in going inside. At last! I put my earphones on and now I’m ready for the long ride going to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio! We’re lucky enough to experience the last days of Panagbenga Festival!

I woke up at almost 6 in the morning, the foggy and 14 degrees atmosphere of Baguio, City welcomed us as we went down the bus. Bruno Mars hit song last 2017: “That’s what I like” was beaming in my ears so I end up singing allowed the line: “Strawberry champagne on ice.” Then, my brother removed my earphones and said: “Huy! Tigil tigilan mo nga pagkanta ng strawberry, strawberry na ‘yan! Baka may lumapit na magbebenta ng strawberry taho sayo.” I just laughed at his statement and fully removed my earphones and appreciated the sunrise approaching. My brothers went inside the Victory liner and bought first our tickets going back Manila with the same price going in Baguio. First things first, right? We might end up staying here for weeks if we won’t buy our tickets!

We can’t load yet our things to our condo so accidentally we had to go to our first stop: The Our Lady of Atonement, Cathedral of Baguio! From the Victory Liner we just walked around the cold streets of Baguio since it’s still looks like a ghost town at mornings, as we reached the church. We preferred to say a little prayer first since it’s still a Saturday that day. From there you can already see the great view of the city with the sunrise behind the hills.

After that we went first to Jollibee which is only going down from the church and fill ourselves first. It was only a very quick breakfast for us because our home for the next 3 days is now ready! We hailed a cab from there and headed to Moldex Residences a newly opened condo at Marcos Highway. We unload our things. Then I took a bath, dressed up and put some make-up on so I’ll be Instagram ready! My eldest brother rented a vehicle with a driver for the whole day to take us around Baguio! We pressed the ground button of the elevator since we are at the 3rd floor of the building and the car was waiting for us. Yey! It’s time for invading the city of Baguio!

Day 1

1.       Lourdes Grotto

In this place devotees of Lourdes starts to climb the 252 steps to see the Grotto itself at the top. As for us we decided to start from the middle since there’s a way. We’re kind of a cheater but it will take time to reach the top!

2.       Old diplomat hotel

It will take only a couple minutes of walk from the Grotto to the Old diplomat hotel but we rode the car though. The old hotel was a former Dominican retreat house then became a school afterwards. During the Japanese occupation, it became a house for the Dominican families and later on the Japanese used the place as their hideout but the Americans bombed the whole place and restored as a Diplomat Hotel under the supervision of Baguio’s local government. Beside from the historical background the fact that many have died here and the whole place was incensed with a use of a chimney gave me literal chills, it was really cold inside!

3.       Tam-Awan Village

This place was improved to become a place of the cultural heritage of the Cordillera people to provide us a great understanding to them in a form of art exhibits and workshops.

4.       Strawberry Fields

At La Trinidad Benguet a short ride from the City of Baguio holds a wide field of Strawberries and vegetables as well.

5.       Mines View Park

A breathtaking view? Mines view park gave us a good view of theCordillera Administrative Region mountain ranges! You can also try these activities: wearing traditional costumes, take a selfie with the St. Bernard dog and those pink-haired horses or wish in the wishing well.

6.       Good Shepperd

This place is only a distance from the Mines View park. Probably, most of us heard and taste already the pride of Good Shepperd which is the Ube Jam! But Ube jam wasn’t the only thing that they offer, they also sell strawberry jams and sweet goodies! Yum!

7.       Botanical Garden

The Igorot village was another term for the Botanical garden. In nipa huts that were actually the actual home for the natives before.

8.       The Mansion

The mansion was one of the infamous place for the mandatory picture when you go to Baguio. This is the home of the president during summer and for security issues, tourist cannot go beyond the allotted spot for picture taking.

9.       Wright Park

If I will stay here, will I be the WRIGHT person for you? Just kidding! From the mansion this one is just walking distance, you can take good pictures at the “Pool of Pines” an elongated man-made body of water and at the end of it will be the park circle.

10.   Philippine Military Academy

The PMA is a quite far from the city and trust me when I say that this Academy is big! This is established by the virtues of the Commonwealth Act. Now, this is a training school for the future officers of the Arm forces of the Philippines. If you’re a wanna-be soldier like my dad you will enjoy looking at the galleries, traininng soldiers and ancient weapons and canons that are free for the people to see.

11.   Lion’s head

Outside the heart of the City of Baguio you can see the Lion’s head and one of the trademarks here in Baguio.

12.   SM Baguio

The only SM that has no centralized aircon will be this SM due to the fact that it’s already chilly! We just had our dinner here for the first day!

Day 2

13.   The Our Lady of Atonement, Cathedral of Baguio

Since it was a Sunday that time, we decided to attend the solemn mass first thing in the morning!

14.   Session Road

After the mass, you just have to go down from the Cathedral and there you can see the session road. It was almost the end of Panagbenga Festival but still it is still a part of the festival so the road was used as a place for food trips! Take note at that time price was cheap and the quality of food was superb!

15.   Camp Johnhay

Now this place gave us nice photos because of the pine trees all over and you can also enjoy different activities at the tree top adventure, find different cafes and restaurants or see the Manor House.

16.   Choco-late de Batirol

Located at Camp Johnhay, visit the well-known Choco-late de Batirol and try their warm choco, suman with latik and turon!

17.   Burnham Park

Another tourist destination of Baguio will be this park! You can go biking or boating-. Biking fee has already been regulated by the City officials that cost 50 to 100 pesos depending on the type of bicycle. For the boat, it ranges from 100 to 150 pesos. But if you don’t want to the just enjoy the scenery!

18.   Good taste Restaurant

You should eat at this restaurant! No joke! Probably this is my most favorite place at Baguio, mainly because they give you good food! Good food in the sense that they give you big servings, delicious food and cheaper price! My favorite was their flavored fried chicken!

19.   Night Market

The night market located at the Harisson Road was our last stop around 9 pm. Ukayukay shopping in your place is cheap but here prices were cheaper! You can make good transaction with the seller if you’re good at it (lol!).

               On our last day, we already prepared our stuff going back to Manila. It was tiring yes but the trip going to Baguio was all worth it! If I were to rate this place it would be 8/10 maybe because it was my first time travelling so maybe if I go to more places I would rate this well more. But the fact that this place was unique and rich with history it creates all the difference. I was able to eat their food that is not different from ours, knew the place their culture, and meet new people and that was plus, plus, plus sign for Baguio City. To all the destinations, we have visited one thing is true: BAGUIO IS INSTRAGRAMMABLE! I just can’t wait for my next visit! But this time I hope that it will no longer be Panagbenga Festival because the amount of people was too much. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every second of the trip with my fam!

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MAYPAGASA: The Dream&Hope

It has been a month or two or three that the St. Teresa of Calcutta class of Canossa College have been preparing for the big day of Maypag-asa performance, the Andres Bonifacio story that perhaps captured the hearts of the audience of Canossa College and hopefully the hearts of the people in Likhandula in UPLB. But behind of those actings and singings, that everyone have seen was a great preparation that each of the class endured.

It was way impossible at first, they've thought when they heard that it was not just an ordinary play but a Historical Musical play. Not everyone was born with a good singing voice nor acting skills. We started literally from scratch. Ber months is a time for enjoying the Christmas coming, but for the class it was a time for non-stop rehearsals. They spent their time at their room doing limbering exercises, vocalization and acting workshops of course with the help of Artist Inc. They were the times that Director Edward Perez will yell at the amateur artists when they are late for the company call at exactly 8 in the morning. They were the times that the class would forget that they are artists in the making so they unknowingly goof around. As a result? They end up sitting at the hot seat. Who wouldn't forget as well the time they've fought for their right just to be in the Auditorium for the practices because they have a conflict with another club? Another problem occurred when costumes are not yet done and there is only a week allotted for them until the general rehearsals! It was a disaster that time. But they managed to resolve the problem until they went out for their retreat. Thank goodness!

Beside from those problems, the class have misunderstanding too during the production of the play. They were times that the cast were annoyed to their co-cast which is a stage manager as well who has been so bossy. Though, it was normal for them anyway. Without his "bossy" side, he was not a successful SM then. There has been a conflict between the two production managers and yelled to each other during a company call. Another stage manager has been furious because of the lack of attention of the whole class during limbering exercises. Lastly, late comers during practices were annoying! Everyone committed their own mistake.

However, at the end of the day, the pain, frustrations, and the sense of being tired for weeks have paid off when they have reached the moment when the lights, sounds, costumes, props, backdrops and the stage are done! A few runs of the play were held and our eyes are about to drop at 8:30pm because of the general rehearsal. But eventually, it was fine! Company call for the next morning? 6am!

The first day of showing is at 9am, everyone was so nervous while waiting for their turn to have their makeup at the backstage. It was a typical cast, everyone was so busy! Retouch there, reviewing of the lyrics over here, and of course goofing around was still there. It wouldn't be HUMSS if they are all serious though. But when the directing team of the Artist Inc. told us we only have 10 mins before the stage play starts we all went to our line backstage and compose ourselves. It was showtime!

Feedbacks and comments were said from the Administration and teachers of the school! Positive or negative statements? It was okay! Everyone have accepted their sincerest comments believing it would help them to do more in their Gala night the following day.

It was the same scenario backstage but this time they are ready to conquer the stage and do their best! It was the HUMSS class they are holding on to. It was the class who believed in each other abilities. It was a family who stand in front of the audience. With the talent they have shown, it was all for and from the Glory of God. While singing the last lyrics of the song: "Ang mangarap at umasa, Dahilsayo... Maypag-asa" truly it was hope that they have revealed to everyone.

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WHAT WE ARE & WHAT WE SEARCH FOR

In this make or break century, people are pressured to enter in various romantic relationships that cover human interests, needs or just wants. To suffice curiosity, they enter in a relationship with the opposite sex or for some with the same sex. Gender, environment, peer, interest are some factors why people tend to be involved in such relationships without knowing the reason why “Romantic Relationship” is appropriate for some while others are not.

For the people who say that they need care, love, affection, attention that is why they need boyfriend or girlfriend. Then what would be the role of your family member, your friends? Why do people are so desperate for Love? What is so great about it? Trying to enter to it was so scary for some. “Love was too complex.” And some people was so brave enough just to get that feeling.

Being in the state of no-boyfriend-since-birth which many people can relate, they have some reasons why they chose to be single at the moment as they experience the love that would enter their life. Probably the first reason would be: they do not feel pressured at all because they can get the love they need from the people around them. This kind of people are so lucky because the Love that they can get was pretty enough for them not to find romantic love. Going out on a sunny day at the mall, wild road trips, out of the town or country trips, eating at new restaurants with friends or family excited them so much. Carefree, and contented, these two C’s were the two words would be their feels. The next people would be: “Flirt now, Relationship later.” This is the current reality. Why does people fear commitments so much? Why does people okay with temporary feeling? Past affects the present and visualize the future, we heard this statement a hundred of times at History classes. As we hear they story and reflect upon it in much deeper sense, these people have trust issues. They felt alone, left-behind, depressed a couple of times already. Their hearts were completely shattered into pieces and little by little they fix it. So how could they even trust their flawed heart to someone all over again? It was a suicide mission, not all people are a tough cookie. Lastly, we have this kind of people who have insecurities that eats them alive. Body shaming could be the first reason. The used words: “People are unique, so don’t compare yourself,” does not even make the personality of these people okay. Honestly, beauty and size matters that is the ugly truth of our society. In South Korea, plastic surgeries, beauty clinics are very much trendy to all. Physical appearance became the first priority just to fit in the society they belong and of course to be loved. We feel good when people tell that you look good, you’re sexy, well of course. For this kind of people “Fix before Love.” They need to fix themselves first in order for them to enter in relationship, for them to be noticed.

Everyone could be guilty about this. Let’s ask all the NBSB out there why are they single? They’ll reply: “Acads is lifer,” “He is not the one.” Let’s all blame it on personal choice. The other reason could be: CHOICE. Well that is their choice, priorities were set already. Nothing is wrong being single. Single, happy and independent, that state was enough for them to live a life which is meaningful. “I-don’t-care” attitude is sometimes better than being paranoid as the society demands for romantic relationships.

However, the downside of it is: When will you learn if it is not now? Again, a very much used line says: Experience is the best teacher. A friend says, Love was an open sea, some people are swimming in the water, some dives straight to it, some slowly walks from the sand to the water, some are drowned already because they went to the water without knowing how to swim, some dip their toes in the water but eventually removes them, and some just stay in the shore while eating their chips and watching the people who are playing in the sea. How can they be able to know that the sea is warm, that assumes that it is cold as ice? How can they learn how to swim if they don’t even try? People are rational thinkers but they have their Id that unknowingly reminds them that they should try eventually. Being envy is unhealthy, but being zealous of knowing or learning would be the right term in diving straight to the open sea. They could bring a life vest, floaters, or personal trainers for them not to drown but as a guide only, because they are still the one who can make themselves learn how to swim, alone. It is a choice to learn. Life is a choice.

If we have this people who are allergic to love then we have this people who are immune to the pain and happiness caused by love. The first one would be, “First and Last” love. At a recent wedding that yours truly attended. The couple met when they are in high school. After 13 years, they decided to get married. Their proposal was held in the summit of Mt. Pulag which according to the best man who is the brother of the groom was the most mature thing that his brother have done. While their wedding was filled with flowers with bohemian vibe that made their garden wedding so nice. The vow started when the groom recalled the first time they met (Non-Verbatim): “Tandang tanda ko pa nung una kitang nakita 13 years ago sa labas ng simbahan nakasuot ka ng jogging pants ng St. Mary’s at ang gandang ganda mo noon, at hanggang ngayon I’m still captured by your beauty. The bride started to cry but she never disappoints the groom when she said in their vows (Verbatim): “Labis, labis na lang yung pagmamakaawa ko kay Lord, na sana ikaw na lang, sana ikaw pa rin.” And indeed, it happened. Her next statement was like this (Verbatim) “Ikaw ang una’t huli kong pagibig.” Who would have thought that Love at first sight could last? This kind of moment inspires our second kind of people: “Love can kill me, but I’ll still try.” Fearless and bold and can do anything to find the love they truly deserve. You can throw them a thousand of rocks along the way but they will not be scared of it they will continue their journey hurting but fighting. These people enthusiasm make their journey meaning and believes that at the end it is still worth it. The next one would be: LDR’s or the long-distance relationships. As we can scroll over through social media apps, this one is so much used in memes, love posts etc. Love gurus say that LDRs won’t work unless it will. If they don’t fight the idea of being away of each other then it won’t work. Distance makes this people love their partner harder. Next is: the waiting. They do not hate the idea of being in love and they do not seek for love as well. If this is in the field of economics they serve as the equilibrium of the graph. If people come then it’s fine, if they go, yes it will hurt but eventually they knew they will be alright at some point in time. Lastly, the people who are hurt and became bitter to sweet love. People end up being disgusted in the idea of Love because they were hurt before. They do not know how to tolerate the pain that their past relationship caused them. How can this people experience love again? If they knew that Love was not unicorns and rainbows but Love was a battlefield that they need to conquer.

The most common topic that writers pick is Love. In class everyone seems to be hyper when love comes along the topic, in group discussion everyone has something to say. Poet started to write beautiful literary pieces when they are in love and broken hearted. Love keeps the world moving, love keeps us moving. Even though it is the most common thing we hear every day the idea of being in love or just love alone was enough to express insights.

Love is a world that binds two people together and gives a great feeling, a fulfilling one. In those times that we knew that it won’t work, it will. In those times that we feel scared, we won’t. In those times that we are unsure if we are happy, we are. Love makes us feel fearless that sometimes leads us in being naughty but who cares? You are in love. People who are in love tend to be stupid, they call Love as their reason for being careless for their actions. But they fight for the feeling. Some may not understand, but Love keeps them going.

Relationships sometimes don’t succeed because it was their choice. Does love really fades? Does love really fail? Or was it only a choice?

Everyone fell in love or if not maybe wanted to feel love.

We all wanted to come into the day that we’ll walk through the aisle of forever or be the person who is standing at the end of it while beautiful songs are played and everyone was teary-eyed for that beautiful moment of your life. It was disney-like, probably princess weddings who have met their prince after the struggle they went through. This kind of ending is our goal that’s why kept ourselves fighting even though we are wounded.

But to those who are in love, growing old together was their main goal. The vows, “for better and for worse,” “For richer and for poorer,” “For sickness and in health,” “Till death do us apart,” was love’s true meaning. Love was not the at-the-moment feeling, date for a reason, date because you love the person, date because it was not just a thing at your age, love because you believe that love will give you so much reason and learnings.

As the time goes by, all those people who are scared will try, because love will keep them moving. Love will give them the courage to fight for what they think and feel. Love was a word that will eventually give meaning to humanity, that will give meaning to your life.

For those people who eventually in a relationship, they’ll keep caring for the person because of the same reason: LOVE.

Broken hearts will mend soon with the virtue of acceptance. The power of Love will suffice the process and they will fall in love again.

Love is a miracle. Love is a blessing. Love is gift from heaven that binds all people together.

Love of Christ showers all people to feel and share Love.

This is the last kind of people who are in love, the love was not only meant for those people who in love in the opposite or same sex it is also for the people who are bounded with greater Love with Christ. As we can see, they are people who devote themselves to the Lord because of the love they felt extremely unique and complete. They are married to the church to serve different kinds of Love we experience every day.

At the end of the day, as people reflect upon themselves. Love is not really bounded by only two people. Love is God-given grace. That is why we have the capacity to do things which are impossible to do. We learned to wait, try, move on, and learn from every love we experience, all because of love as well.

Everyday is a chance, a blessing. Being hopeless is a feeling that inner self can mend. Being optimistic in looking at life is a key to find the love that everyone searches for.

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HACKSAW RIDGE

At the beginning of the story, Hacksaw Ridge it was already evident that it was all about World War II that occurred years ago. Because of that, it was a glimpse of foreshadowing for the viewers. From the time that the lead’s (Desmond Doss) father was a part of the army before and he has two sons it was already understood that maybe one of them would be a part of the army. The flow of the story, casting, and setting were essentials factors of a certain movie. It was properly executed in the movie. Well done guys! This movie is different from other movie because it is from a point of view of a man who made a difference in the battle field. Gun is not his armor but the Bible. It captured my heart to the point I end up crying at the latter part of the movie. Maybe the downside of the story would be the lead character himself I wasn’t convince by his acting at some part of the scenes. However, he was effective though and made a good job as a flat character. When the movie has ended, I thought about it for a moment and the following hours I wasn’t thinking of it all over again. It wasn’t that iconic or the movie you wanted to watch over and over again. Moreover, the fact that this movie is an autobiography, as we realize it is very much motivational and inspirational for most people who are defending the country, curious of the past, and those people who are losing their faith in God. In this movie, I’ve come to realize that with God again, nothing is impossible, any good things can happen as long as you pray, pray and pray.