Sunog Kilay

by Jennie Mallanao - Writographer, PhotoVille Club Philippines.

I’ve known this child back when we’re still in Tondo. Bugoy, as what they call him, lives in a not well-situated house with no electricity, no water connection, and has been an underprivileged student. His mother is a labandera, and his father; a construction worker. As the eldest to his 3 brothers and 4 sisters; Bugoy, lives with them in poverty; chewed and digested scarcity in order to survive; nevertheless, there is something remarkable with this boy. He happened to be the top in his class and every school year, he brings home a medal to his parents.

Every night, when darkness covers the sky, Bugoy would light a candle. With its radiance, he would start to do his assignments; he is used to do this as his parents cannot afford to pay for their electricity. “I don’t just study for myself. I study hard for my family, someday these medals will have significance as I walk in the path of success.” said Bugoy as he tried not to shed of a tear. It showed how fearless he is in struggling with poverty.

When the school year ended, I, together with my team got in high spirits when we heard the news that he graduated as a valedictorian. In his valedictory address, he stated that they have no electricity and use a 2peso candle every night for his studies. He admitted it was hard but his determination is unbreakable. Though he had to use one candle for two nights to light his small table, he hasn't lost a single strand of hope; and even dreamt higher. Bugoy, despite the inconvenience life has to offer, has surpassed and fought the endless battle of poverty. He strives very hard and gets his luck within their barong-barong, a candle, and burnt eyebrows together with the obstacles he deemed as challenges.

I just finished highschool and had the chance to go back again to Tondo. I heard again a news, that this young boy, has been supported by a wealthy couple who were very amazed with his courage and persistence to have a better life. I’ve learned that he has recently joined an educational competition in both local and international levels. With his wits and diligence, he has gone beyond a little boy’s dream and gave his family hope that there’s a great life despite the crisis.

Now, Bugoy needs not to use candles for his studies but still looks into it not just a thing, but a light that could brighten up anyone’s hope.

With his story, I hope it could inspire a lot of students who are using candles to study. There’s no reason to give up. What’s more important is to turn your weakness into strength and to surpass all the challenges in this world. People like Bugoy are to be praised and should be a model for everyone especially for those who just live in luxury but end up radical, just because they don’t get what they want.

Look around you; there are lots of people like Bugoy. Who do you think is lucky enough?

* * * * *

Poverty is one of the main causes of the country’s poor education record and has affected participation in education in more ways than one. It is no wonder then that our country continues to lag behind in terms of economic development compared to our other Southeast Asian neighbors who have invested heavily in uplifting the quality of their basic education system.

We have heard of many sad stories about the current plight of our public education system, only four out of 10 students manage to finish high school and only two are able to finish a four-year college degree.  Government has a role in giving people a hand up, but in the final analysis, as it is described in this story, it’s the choices made by individuals that seal their fate.

“Sunog Kilay” 
written by: Ms. Jennie Mallanao

repost : PhotoVille Club Philippines on Sunday, 17 April 2011 at 00:18

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The Essence of History

"Never forget the importance of history. To know nothing of what happened before you took your place on earth, is to remain a child for ever and ever."                      

                       - Unknown

Since I was a kid, I am always fascinated with things that happened in the past especially those that happened before I was born.  I always loved to hear stories from my late Tatay Fred (my maternal grandpa) on how he fought the Japanese when he was still a member of the guerrilla army during the Second World War, how all pretty women in his barrio were mesmerized by his dancing skills, the story about his treasured “Kris” (a symmetrical Muslim dagger or sword) which according to him, claimed many lives during the heights of war in Mindanao and how he courted Nanay Cande (my grandma) and got the latter’s sweet “YES” when they were still young.

Years passed, until I reached my adolescence, lot of things triggered my interest.  Especially those things I usually see around me, like the historical markers that we usually see in streets and some old structures that have relevance in our country’s past. But what are they? What's the relevance of these old houses in our history? I said to myself, if I will be given a chance to bring back the time and personally see and know the people and events written in history, I'll see to it that lot of questions will be asked to discover the real and actual truth behind the stories.

Having watched several documentaries of GMA News and Public Affairs that deals with Philippine history, most of it showed a picture of lack of interest in many Filipinos when it comes to topic about history.  The subject seems to fade out and will soon come to pass. Try to ask the people around us and you will realize how history is being neglected and totally ignored.  Few have given time to explore the subject as they are more proned and addicted to technologies giving most of their time to social interactions such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Apparently, Filipinos are suffering from national amnesia.  We already lived in time of rapid change, a time of progress and modern society has slowly turned its back on the past.  I grinned while watching GMA 7's 24 ORAS, where people were asked about the people behind those street signs.  Bystanders were asked who Pedro Gil was, why Rizal became a hero, so on and so forth.  Sadly, no one knows, but on showbiz matters they could give you a 100% reply, worrisome.

We all know the phrase "Past is past", and it is true that we can't change everything that already happened.  We could not give back the lives lost nor use the names of Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino and others as references when we apply for a job.  If we do use those names in our resumes, we would definitely not get hired. So what's the use of history in our lives?

History is important.  It is evident that ancient cultures devoted much time and effort to teaching their children family history.  We were taught that the past helps a child understand who he is.  When you know history, you can understand what it really means to be in someone else' shoes. We can take action or we can remain passive.  When you read history, you can understand the pain, the joy and sacrifices of the important people long ago.  You can understand what it means to have no food, or what it means to be rich and be loved. Through history, we will discover why this country is still suffering poverty in spite of its rich natural resources.

Learning history is an important step to love our country and be proud of ourselves as Filipinos. Teaching Philippine history subject is a must and must be strengthened especially by the academe, so that we can produce a new breed of Filipinos who can have a strong sense of nationalism in their hearts, minds and souls.  As a result, whatever the mistakes in the past are, the next generation may not repeat them and the future generation would be freed from the bondage of tyranny and slavery.

Rediscovering Quezon Memorial Circle

DIGGING UP THE CIRCLE

The Quezon Memorial Circle is a memorial park and a shrine located in Quezon City in honor of President Manuel L. Quezon and First Lady Aurora Quezon. The site was originally intended as the home of the Congress of the Philippines, but during the World War II, the plan was  aborted.

The Quezon Memorial Monument

Constructed in 1952, progress development was rather slow due to problems associated with the mismanagement of funds and cases of theft of construction materials.  The monument, designed by a Filipino architect Federico S. Ilustre, was a winning entry in a national contest being held for the purpose of designing the Quezon Memorial Project.  It consist of three vertical towers representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, 66 meters high and surmounted with sculptures of three angels holding wreaths of sampaguita.  The sculpture was made by an Italian sculptor named Monti. Underneath the tower is a two-storey structure containing a gallery from which visitors could look down at President Quezon's memorabilias and catafalque. The walls outside the gallery has stone carvings depicting early Filipino lives.

The catafalque where President Quezon's remains lies

In 1978, the monument was finally completed. President Quezon’s remains were reinterred in the memorial on August 19, 1979. During that time, President Ferdinand E. Marcos mandated the site as a National Shrine by virtue of a presidential decree.  On April 28, 2005, the remains of Mrs. Aurora Quezon, widow of the president, were solemnly reinterred in the memorial as well. The monument is now managed by the National Historical Institute while the Quezon City government administers the park.  It is the biggest monument in the country built to honor a Philippine president.

* * * * *

I can't remember how many times I have been to Quezon Memorial Circle.  Being a family oriented person, I usually go there with my wife and my kids during weekends to give myself a break from the stress caused by a busy work schedule.  I started to write my first blog a week ago about the La Mesa Eco Park and since it is the nearest Philippine landmark where I live, I thought of writing another article, this time, about QMC.  Why not?  Quezon Memorial Circle is one of the best known landmarks here in Metro Manila, and spending my free time to write a blog about it would definitely be a good idea.

Saturday came, I woke up early and asked my wife if she could accompany me to the Quezon Memorial Circle to assist me in jotting down informations which I think would be significant to complete this article.  QMC is only 15 minutes away from our place, so we decided to just bring with us a notebook, a pen and a camera to take some photos. 

* * * * *

CIRCLING THE CIRCLE

Generally, you need to pay entrance fees to visit a park, but Quezon City Circle is totally free of charge.  For those who would like to go there with a vehicle, there are ample parking spaces available within the Circle and they charge only P15 for private cars, P5 for motorcycles and P100 for buses.

A patio with food establishments will welcome
visitors who take the Quezon City Hall underpass.

There are two entrances, the first one is an underpass in front of the Quezon City Hall that will lead you to a patio of food establishments such as Max's Restaurant, Serye, Bacolod Chicken Inasal and Kamameshi (a restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine).  The place is a good venue for wedding, baptismal and other occassions because of its well-designed landscape.  The second entrance is also an underpass located near the gates of PHILCOA.  I guess this one is the main entrance because of its wide walkway and you can have a full view of the Monument while walking.

Full view of the Monument
from the entrance near PHILCOA

Contrary to some bloggers review, describing QMC as a low quality park because of its poor maintenance, (which I do agree after several visits), I was surprised to see some improvements within the Circle. Constructions were being set up and more picnic tables were added.  Before, you will find it difficult to look for one because the numbers are very limited and if you are early enough to get one, you will need to bring cleaning rugs to wipe the old and dirty picnic table.  But now, it is such a relief to see it clean and comfortable.  Garbage cans were also scattered everywhere in the place.

The Circle of Fun - Quezon City's mini version
of the Star City in Roxas Boulevard 

You can still see the old time park visitors' favorite, "The Circle of Fun".  It is a small carnival with different types of rides similar to the Star City in Roxas Boulevard. Since the last time we went there, it hasn't changed its entrance fees of P30.00. Children below 3 feet and senior citizens are free of charge. 

The children's playground known as "The Circle of Joy" still exist, but unfortunately,  the facilities are now old and not well maintained, a disgust for a parent like me to see my kids play in this type of playground.  Hopefully, the government of Quezon City has plans for its rehabilitation.  Added attractions were also present such as the zipline, go karts, paddled boats and the popular Fish Spa (an experience of having your feet tickled by small fishes). These new attractions are located across the children's playground.

Go! Go! Go Karts!

Place for boat paddling

The Zipline's starting point is located beside
the children's playground

For those who are interested to try these new attractions, here are the rates:

Zipline  

          

One Way : P100.00

Two Way: P150.00

Go Karts (20 minutes per ride)

AF Sport  : P50.00

Chopper  : P70.00

Explorer  : P60.00

Triker     : P40.00

Rocker    : P40.00

FXX         : P50.00

Cyclo      : P50.00

Boat Station (20 minutes per ride)

Pagoda       : P140.00 (5 persons)

Ducky         : P140.00 (5 persons)

Aqua Bike   : P80.00 (2 persons)

Swan          : P80.00 (2 persons)

Dolphin       : P120.00 (4 persons)

Paddle Boat :  (1 person)

For the Fish Spa, I regret that I wasn't able to get the rate because it was still closed when we get there and there are no signboards indicating how much it costs.

The Historical World Peace Bell

A closer look to the
World Peace Bell

Walking further, a small dome with a bell caught my attention.  Reading through the historical marker erected near the place, I learned that it was the World Peace Bell given to us  by the member countries of the United Nations as a symbol of our adherence for peace after the World War II. It weighs 365 kilos, 1.06 meter high and 0.64 meters in diameter.  It was turned over to the Philippines by the United Nations Executive Chairman, Tomihiro Yishida on July 1984. 

Covering over two hectares of land at the 
Quezon City Memorial Circle, the “Hardin ng Bulaklak” 
is touted to be the largest flower garden in Metro Manila.

Near the World Peace Bell is the "Hardin ng mga Bulaklak". It was a project of the City Government of Quezon City under the administration of Mayor Herbert Bautista, in collaboration with the Cactus & Succulent Society of the Philippines and the Philippine Horticultural Society.  It was inaugurated last August 19, 2011 during the 133rd Birth Anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon. For unknown reasons,  the said garden is still closed for public viewing. 

I also saw a sign saying that the park is aimed at becoming a world class park as well as an amusement place for those who are under-privileged.  Kudos to Mayor Herbert Bautista who is likely serious in rehabilitating the park to reach its high standards.  I hope that this one would not be another case of a "ningas-kogon" mentality that normally practiced by some politicians to gain popularity.

FOOD FINDS AROUND THE CIRCLE

After a few rounds of taking photos and walking around, my wife and I decided to check out the newly opened Quezon City Farmer's Market that sells organic food. Compared to other markets, the one here didn't have that much to offer, but there were some stalls that caught my interest.

The newly opened QC Farmers Market

Malunggay snacks

First to catch my attention were these packs of Malunggay snacks that comes in chips and some seems to be like French Fries.  When we stopped here, the storeowner told us about the health benefits of Malunggay.  He also offered us a free taste of his iced tea flavored Malunggay juice, which in my opinion, tastes more than a salabat (ginger tea).  It was sold for P50 per bottle.  

My wife, posed as sole endorser for this Malunggay Juice :-)

After few  walks, I saw a stall selling seafoods.  I wasn't able to inquire how much they cost,  aside from it, they also sell organic vegetables and fruits.  I didn't brought with me extra money that day, so I didn't buy anything. I'm looking forward to come back here and buy myself a bottle of that Malunggay juice.

The Coconut House serves Filipino dish
with coconut as its main ingredient

Aside from the four restaurants mentioned earlier, it is great to see that a lot of new food kiosks arise to add enthusiasm for anyone's visit. There is also the newly opened restaurant, The Coconut House that offers variety of Filipino cuisines, with coconut as its main ingredient for their recipe. With more constructions ongoing, I won't be surprised to see Quezon Memorial Circle to be included among top visited food haven in Metro Manila in the near future. 

The Quezon Memorial Circle is still evolving, even more so now that the Quezon City government is giving tourism a push.  It brings a sense of home and a sense of progress.  This place is worth coming back to. 

  

La Mesa Eco Park : An Ideal Picnic Grove for the Family

Spending Time with my Family at La Mesa Eco Park

It was Friday afternoon, I asked my wife if we could spend our free time the following day on a less expensive way.  I decided to browse the internet and tried to search the La Mesa Eco Park.  A lot of photographers say that it is one of the best nature’s get-away and a photographer’s haven in Metro Manila, hence, my curiosity about the place. 

The Entrance

La Mesa Eco Park, occupying an area of 27 square kilometers including the La Mesa Dam,  is situated in Quezon City.  The ecopark is a very good picnic ground for families who want to spend their time together.

With my wife Marj and my two kids, Inca and Anya,

enjoying every moment at EcoPark.

After an hour of researching, we decided to prepare things needed to bring including food, picnic stuffs, such as tent and mat, tripod for my camera and of course, my Canon 600D since shooting photos is the main purpose why we want to see the place. We cooked our all-time favorite chicken adobo the night before Saturday (actually, this is the only recipe I know that won’t spoil easily) and hard boiled eggs.  We bought drinks and other junk foods along the way.

How to Get to La Mesa Eco Park

The park is located in Quezon City.  For those who are commuting from the South, the best way to reach La Mesa Eco Park is to ride any bus going to Fairview or you may take the MRT.  If you choose to take a bus, look for the bus that carries the signboard “FairView” anywhere along EDSA. If you will take the MRT, get off at Quezon Avenue station.  From the station, take a short walk going to Quezon Avenue and take a jeepney/bus going to Fairview. Tell the driver or the bus conductor that you are going down the La Mesa Eco Park.  The bus will drop you at Winston Street and there you could ride a tricycle that enters the park.  The fare is only P30 if you will occupy the tricycle.  A tricycle terminal is available within the park’s gate so there’s nothing to worry going home.

For those who own a vehicle, La Mesa Eco Park could be reached via Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right to Winston Street and follow the signboards along the way. There are enough parking spaces within the park.

Entrance Fees

For Quezon City residents, entrance fee is P40 per person, students are charged P20.00 and senior citizens are free, showing proof of QC residency.

For Non residents, entrance fee is P50.00, students and senior citizens P40.

What to See Inside La Mesa Eco Park

Cottages for rent at P500.00,
Free picnic tables are also available only on a
"first come-first serve" basis.

The Lopez picnic ground is a nice place to relax if you want to spend family time. We went there at around 8:30 in the morning and a lot of picnic tables were still available. Good thing we came early because if you come later than 10:00 am, the place is jam-packed with people, looking for ideal picnic spots.  If you have extra money, cottages are available at P300/P500 per cottage.   The ecopark also has grilling facilities, so visitors can cook their food. 

Tent and picnic mat for my kids
and of course, my CDR-KIng tripod for the photoshoot. 

You may bring tents and picnic mats to complete your day and enjoy nature tripping.  The Park also offers various activities like horseback riding, boating, zipline, fishing, and paintball.  It has two swimming pools, but, unfortunately, the first swimming pool near the entrance was under renovation. There is also a small playground where you can leave your kids to get them from boredom.

Enjoying the food with my Dad

A variety of an orchid inside the Park's Orchidarium

Killing boredom

Love fishing? Fishing rods can be rented for only P30.00

It is worthwhile to stroll around the place, but, nothing is much to see, aside from the trees and its orchidarium. The place is not that large, so you could stroll around the whole place in an hour.  Visitors can bring their own food and drinks, but for those who forgot to bring something to eat, there are food stalls inside the Park that sells food stuffs. If you are a smoker, bad news for you because cigarettes are not available, hence, you have to bring your supply to enjoy your vice.  Littering is strictly prohibited.

Souvenir shops are present, selling native
keychains, shell, souvenir shirts, and other items

Henna tattooing is also available

La Mesa Eco Park visit will never be complete if you will not take a look to the La Mesa watershed. However, before seeing the watershed, you have to climb the stairs. The top of the stairs is also a good place to view the whole La Mesa Eco Park.

The stairs to view the La Mesa Dam,
but sadly, taking photos of the dam is prohibited.

After all the photo-shoots and family bonding, we decided to pack up.  It was about 3pm when we left the place to our heart’s contentment.  We were home at about 5:00 in the afternoon.  A promise to return to the La Mesa Ecopark at month’s end is in our itinerary.