CEBU REVISITED

I never thought that I will be able to squeeze my Cebu vacation from a very tight schedule. The purpose of going home is to mingle with my relatives whom I have seen ages ago. Fiesta of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva was commemorated last Sunday, September 20, 2009.

Day 1: September 18, 2009, Friday

We fly via Cebu Pacific at around 1:30 p.m. The promo we availed was Go-Lite. Supposedly, our schedule was 8:00 a.m. but the airlines has policy that the boarding gate closes 45 minutes before departure and passengers should have already checked-in 30 minutes prior to departure. Unluckily, we arrived at around 7:30 a.m. at NAIA Terminal 3, so we were technically late for boarding. We paid Php 17,000.00 as penalty charge. What a way to earn profit...

But with as the saying goes, "there is a purpose for everything." And how lucky we are because we bumped into Mr. Gabby Concepcion, one of the Philippine's finest actor. I never thought that Mr. Concepcion is very warm and accomodating. He even pose for a picture with my mom, sister and myself.

We took our lunch at Mr. Donut by buying their sandwich or turnovers. I grabbed a bite of Tuna turnover and bottle of mineral water. We also purchased 14 packs of Kopi Roti Coffee Bun as take home to my cousins and relatives. Well, after 6 hours of waiting, we were about to board the plane bound to Cebu.

Upon arrival we visited our cousin who owns a cellphone shop at Mandaue. Dinner time was spent by eating grilled liempo, chicken and chorizo along with pochero at Neoneo Grillery.

After the sumptuous dinner, we checked-in at Jacinta Pension House in preparation for our Bantayan Island trip the following day.

Day 2: September 19, 2009, Saturday

We woke up at around 4:00 a.m. and checked-out of the pension house. Our uncle drove us to Ceres Bus Terminal so that we can go to Hignayan Port and ride a ferry on our way to Sta. Fe Beach Club. It was a 2.5 hour trip from the terminal to the port.

We checked-in at Sta. Fe Beach Club resort. I should say, the hotel is affordable.

We rented a boat so that we can have some island hopping.

The view was really breath-taking especially when we went to the neighboring island. The island is not yet fully developed. My cousin told me that it is a Virgin Island. What a way to relax by watching the tranquility of the beach. We also had lunch by the island. It was really a feast because we had grilled liempo (pork belly), fish and crabs, plus a pot of rice to partake.

I was able to get a glimpse of the coral from the boat.

This is the Sugar Beach. It was named so because the sands are sugary in texture.

We also went to Ogtong Cave, also in Sta. Fe. It is a pool that is cave-like in structure. But we did not stayed long because we have to go to our cousin and have dinner with him.

Day 3: September 20, 2009, Sunday

We checked out at Sta. Fe Beach Club at around 8 a.m. But we also had a photo op inside our hotel room. Then we fetch our cousin and take the ferry bound to Hignayan Port.

From there we rented a van from the port to my mom's hometown to attend the Fiesta.

It was another feast. There is lechon, hamonado, baked macaroni, fish and shell fish. There are also some desserts served not only to us but also our guest.

We left our ancestral home at around 10 p.m. and we checked-in again at Jacinta Pension House to call it a night.

Day 4: September 21, 2009, Monday

We woke up at around 7:00 a.m. to pack and freshen up. We have to check out at around 9 a.m. to go to Magellan's Cross and the Sto. Nino Basilica.

There are so many devotees lining up to get the glimpse of the Sto. Nino.

Before boarding, we went to Park Mall and took our lunch at Joven's Grill and Seafood. The service is buffet so I was able to eat well. In fact I did not took my dinner upon arriving to Manila because I'm really full.

At around 2:00 p.m., we checked in at the Mactan International Airport. We arrived ahead of schedule @ around 5:05 p.m., 10 minutes in advance.

The Cebu experience is worth relaxing. I never regretted every single minute of it. I was about to upload some pictures and update my blog, unfortunately our computer hardware crashed therefore giving me a luxury to publish my experience only now...

IMAGES FROM CORAZON AQUINO'S FINAL MARCH

Another look at the former President Corazon Aquino's funeral march and burial.

photo credits: Associated Press thru http://news.yahoo.com

This is dedicated to the late former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. 1933-2009

CORY AQUINO'S FINAL JOURNEY

Corazon Aquino, 76, was finally laid to rest at around 9:00 p.m., Manila time, August 5, 2009.

At 9:00 a.m., the last funeral mass was held at Manila Cathedral. Prior to the mass, a white cloth which symbolizes Baptism was placed on top of the casket, followed by the Book of Gospel and a cross.

Her youngest daughter, Kris Aquino was very emotional at the duration of the 4-day wake. I can't help but be emotional too.

At around 11:00 a.m., the casket made its final journey from Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park.

Thousands of people flocked to the street to witness another milestone in Philippine history.

Most of them braving the heavy downpour of rain. It seems that heaven cried with the entire nation as they joined in bidding farewell to the late former President Cory.

Thank you for your selflessness, your Excellency Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. You will truly be missed. I will always wear this yellow ribbon in my heart as a remembrance that once upon a time, a widow and single mother fought for our nation's democracy and freedom.

photo credits: Associated Press thru http://news.yahoo.com and http://www.coryaquino.ph

NINOY AND CORY REUNITED IN DEATH

I'm very fond of love stories. Normally, I'm the type of person who loves happy ending. But as I grew up, I realize that love is not about happy endings.

Benigno Aquino Jr. was a budding politician married Corazon Cojuangco. Their union produced 5 children namely Balsy, Pinky, Viel, Noynoy and Kris.

Their lovestory was tragic. Ninoy was captured while fighting for the country's democracy, being separated from her wife and 5 kids.

Their reunion in the U.S. was bittersweet. But according to Kris, that was the happiest days of their lives. When in jail, Ninoy was able compose a song for Cory:

I have fallen in love with the same woman three times

In a day spanning 19 years of tearful joys and joyful tears

I love her first when she was young

Enchanting and vibrant

Eternally new

She was brilliant, fragrant and cool

As the morning dew

I fell in love with her the second time

When first she bore

Her child and my

Always by my side

The source of my strength

Helping to turn the tide

But there were candles to burn

The world was my concern

While our home was her domain

And the people were my

While the children where hers

To maintain

So it was in those 18 years and a day

Till I was detained, forced in prison to stay

Suddenly she's our sole support

Source of comfort our well, spring of hope

On her shoulders fell the burden of life

I fell in love again with the same woman third time

Looming from the battle, her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained

Undaunted and unafraid

She is calm and composed

She is God's lovely maid

When Ninoy came home from the U.S. on August 21, 1983, he was ambushed. Cory and her children was devastated. It was the first time I heard Cory expressed her sentiments over the death of her husband and the injustice in the current administration.

Two years after, the colleagues of Ninoy invited Cory to run for public office. All she can think of was she was a house wife and she does not have an experience in politics. But she cannot refuse the request of the Filipino people who saw her as a symbol of hope, peace and democracy.

During her term she survived coup attempts and military instabilization. But she stood by. Prayer became her powerful tool in battling crisis and problems. When she ended her term, she made a graceful exit and decided to retire to private life.

She continued her role as a mother to her children and honed her artistic skills. She became active in charities and religious activities. Until the last few months of her life.

A year ago, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. This month, doctors admitted to her children that she has barely weeks to live. They even told them that she might not make it to commemorate the death anniversary of her husband.

A few weeks ago, it seems that Ninoy is already fetching her lady love. Maybe, he wants to celebrate his death anniversary, this time, with Cory at his side. Truly, they made a promise to love each other even after life...They are a part to whole and they will always be one. It's like a deja vu. As her body was being transferred from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral, it's like a replay of her late husband's funeral march. Truly this a memory that will be forever etched in our hearts, a lovestory of all time...

photo credits: Arnold Barredo thru http://ninoyaquino.50webs.com

THE LEGACY OF CORAZON AQUINO

Barely 20 days before Ninoy Aquino's death anniversary, her wife and our national mother, Cory Aquino joined him to be with our Creator.

She gave herself to serve our country. That's why Filipinos are paying tribute to her in her final days.

Her sign will always reminds us that once upon a time, she lead the country in a non-violent People Power revolution.

She did not die in vain. She surrendered herself to the Lord just like what she did when this country needed a leader. And she will always be in our hearts forever.

credits: Associated Press via http://news.yahoo.com

THE POSITIVE FORCE THAT IS CORY AQUINO

This is truly the death of an era. More than a month after the death of King of Pop Michael Jackson, another historical icon passed away today at 3:18 a.m. Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino passed away after more than a year of battling colon cancer. She passed away 20 days before the death anniversary of her husband, former senator and democratic advocate, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. She was a picture of strength when his husband was ambushed.

From being a simple housewife, she ran for public office as the first woman President, ending the 20-year Martial Law term of the late President Marcos. I even remember, I was still in elementary when my mom and cousin went to EDSA to participate in the historical EDSA Revolution. It was also during those to time after the snap election when we had no classes for a week due to security reasons. My mom would even wear yellow because that is the symbol of the Aquino party. She was cited as "Woman of the Year" for Time Magazine in 1986.

She was a positive force in our nation. Aside from bringing back democracy, she was able to survived 6 coup attempts during her term.

She had a word of honor. She promised that she will never go back to Presidency after her term. And she was true to her word. Instead, she continued to help others in her own way thru giving advice, actively participates in charities or religious activities. Whenever face with problems, she remains calm and she always seek God's guidance.

Last March 2008, Sen. Noynoy and Kris Aquino issued as a statement about their mom's condition. She said that her mom is battling colon cancer and she's taking everything calmly. Friends and family testified that she remained strong in the final days of her life.

Truly she will definitely be an icon. She will always serve as a leader in the hearts of the Filipino people.

HIS MUSIC WILL LIVE FOREVER

Fans from all over U.S. trooped outside Staples Theater to see Michael Jackson. They carry different Michael Jackson paraphernalias with them to show their undying love for the King of Pop.

Staples Theater, L.A. is jampacked. They are celebrating with the legendary icon.

There will be no pyrotechnic effects. He won't be singing, dancing or moonwalking to his songs. Instead, his family and friends will do it for him. But...

He is still onstage. Ironically speaking.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop might be gone for good. But his music leaves an imprint in our hearts. I felt a wave of emptiness as I listen to his colleagues and friends sing his song...while he is lying inside the casket.

THE ERA OF MICHAEL JACKSON

I'm not an avid fan of Michael Jackson. My brother was. But I grew up to his music because I hear them on the airwaves.

I was in elementary when I heard the song "Beat It." Still in elementary when I first saw his "Thriller" music video.

I was in high school when my brother and his friends were singing "BAD." Still in high school when he starred in a movie entitled "Moonwalker." Of all the Michael Jackson songs, I'm fond of listening to "Black and White," which was revived by American Idol Season 1 finalist, Adam Lambert and "Heal the World," a socially-relevant song.

He was dubbed as the "King of Pop."

Later on he underwent cosmetic surgery, was filed with child molestation charges, but later on acquitted. He was ridiculed due to his eccentricities and weirdness. But that was Michael Jackson.

Inspite of the negative write-ups and comments hurled against him, he made a big impact on the music industry. He was an inspiration to some of our local and international musicians as well. I cannot imagine the world without a MICHAEL JACKSON. He might be gone but definitely, his music lives on. And I just hope that in his demise, we should remember the things he contributed to the art of music.

He is definitely the KING OF POP. He is an ARTIST. He is an ICON. As the curtain closes, I give him my own standing ovation.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, MICHAEL JACKSON.