Lubong! (Part 1)

Pasalubong. One of the best things about traveling is the chance to experience what a place has to offer and bringing home something to share with others. Whether you call it pasalubong, lubong, take-home, regalo or a "bribe", no trip would be complete without it.

Taal Delights -  suman, peanut in panocha, Balayan bagoong, tapa, empanada, sinaing, longganisa... the list is endless and everything is delicious!

Antipolo favorites - no visit to Antipolo is complete without the suman and kasoy. Partner the suman with ripe sweet mangoes and go slow on the kasoy if you're prone to arthritis. Vendors now have a space to call their own beside the church and the badly-placed mall. 
 

Ahhh Vigan! - bagnet, empanada, sukang Iloko, bibingka, Vigan longganisa, palayok, baskets, Abel Iloko, garlic...the choice is endless. By the time it was time to go home, the trunk of our car was groaning and the back seat of the car was filled to the brim.

Kilometer Zero

Drive by too fast and you might miss the marker of Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan. Situated in front of the sea, beside a fastfood chain, a bayonet stuck in the ground with a soldier's helmet on top of it symbolizes one of the two places where the Death March began (the other one is Bagac). Flags of the Philippines and the United States of America also flank a memorial marker.

April 9 is Bataan Day or Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) or Ang Pagsuko ng Bataan. It was on that date in 1942 that the Americans and Filipinos surrendered to the Japanese Army. One of my favorite stories growing up was the one my Lolo Inggo told me about the Death March. He and his companions were taken prisoner and forced to join the Death March. They were able to slip off at one point and took shelter in a ditch. My lolo lay on the ground, playing dead and waiting for a chance to escape to freedom.  After hours, he finally stirred and poked at the man beside him asking him to "Dusog, dusog!" (Kapampangan for move, move). There was no movement and my lolo found out that the man beside him as well as the others with him were all dead. 

My lolo is now gone and along with him a million or more stories about his life then and our history now. If you have  family members who lived during those times, listen to their stories and record them so that the memories remain alive.

beat the heat, find your own waterfall

It's summer and the heat is simply unbearable, what do you do? Well, aside from taking a shower every single time you enter the bathroom, you could take a break and head to one of the country's numerous waterfalls. While I wish I had one right outside the house, I may just have to comfort myself with the memory of some of the  waterfalls I've been to...

Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo, Rizal is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Quezon City, depending on the traffic. Yes, the legendary HInulugang Taktak still exists today!  It's a beautiful sight to behold but a bit smelly and soapsud-filled from what we presumed were the waste of nearby factories. While I may not want to take a plunge in its waters  (however hot it may be), it certainly didn't stop the numerous barkada of kids and teens  who were there when we visited. (There are picnic tables galore and a pool for those who would rather not brave the waterfall.)

    

Cavinti, Laguna is where people gather to wash clothes in a roadside waterfall that you won't miss it when you cross  Caliraya to Cavinti proper.  A respite from the heat and a chance to catch up on what the natives are doing, the waterfall crosses an old road.... (Cavinti is home to many waterfalls including the famous shooting the rapids trek that starts from Pagsanjan)

Luisiana, Laguna - It may not technically be a waterfall, but how could you resist not stopping to freshen up from the cool water that flows through the mountains and trickles into the road via this tiny Luisiana water sprout? Wisik wisik na! 

Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna - Okay, the Holy Week may not be the best time to take a dip in everybody's favorite Majayjay falls  -- mas marami ang tao kesa sa tubig (more people than water!) -- but it's still an ideal summer destination to cool off and spend the day and night in (camping is allowed). A little patience and leg work is required as you make your way down to the waterfalls via a well-developed pathway.

Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu -  The long walk from our small hut near the beach up to the numerous wateralls -- small, medium, large and in between -- was worth it. Whether you just want to eat after the long trek, take a plunge in the cool waters or take a raft ride to get a relaxing massage from the raging waters, Kawasan Falls is truly unforgettable. 

 I wonder where the next waterfall adventure will be. Recommendations, anyone?

The Blood of Emilio Jacinto

Year after year, we pass by Magdalena in Laguna to say hello to our inaanaks and take in the beauty of the St. Mary Magdalene Church and the town plaza. Always in a hurry, we never had the chance to look for the spot where Emilio Jacinto's blood was shed when he took refuge there after being wounded from a battle with the Spaniards.  

This year, we made sure we paid homage to Brain of the Katipunan's heroism by finally locating the marker where his blood stains are now encased in glass. 

 A bolo, a knife and a sombrero symbolize the life of the young man who left his law studies to join the Katipunan and fight for his country. His image and a plaque also remind visitors of the writer-revolutionary. Too bad the list of donors and officials outnumber the things stated there about  the accomplishments of a great man.

okoy and empanada [special from vigan]