Is it too early for people to feel Christmas spirit this November? For us Filipinoes, it is a no-no. It would never be a surprise to us. As early as September, you can already see brilliant display of coloful Christmas decors on houses and streets, and new or familiar songs can already be heard over the radio or television to cheer us up. With Philippines’ rich culture, this country is such a heart-warming place to live and most people would rarely feel being alone…so let’s dance for that.
Christmas carol with a twist: no singing but dancing in the afternoon. A group of elementary students in Antipolo City did the dragon dance house-to-house. Rapid drum beats made the dancing more exciting.
It’s going to blink its eyes.
Say, ahhhhh. Controlled by a kid, the dragon opened its mouth.
Loosening up is the best thing to do after an energy-draining activity, right?
A toast for ending Book 1.
Feeling the coldness of a beer.
This was my last view of this little Christmas tree since I left Albay almost three weeks ago.
I’ve been carrying the recent memories of the province in myself - the laughter of the little kids, the pain and joys of rural life, and those people who touched my life. Of course, who would forget the beautiful local sceneries where I used to sprawl around?
As I take another step away from home gaining new perspectives, I will just fill my heart with hopes, optimism, and dedication on this whole new course (disregarding the city’s polluted air and brutal heat).
Whatever or whoever comes along, I would keep coming back for you, my home Albay. See you this December.
Advance Merry Christmas to all!
Zero visibility during the approach of Typhoon Reming. My family was blessed that we have a stronger house foundation located a couple of hundred away from the Basud-San Roque river.
Maximum velocity: 265kph
Philippine death toll: 720 or above (more than 300 from Bicol)
Damages: P3 billions
1. Beautifully preserved Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga withstood the strong wind velocity; 2. Ravage of typhoon ruined the well-known Cagsawa 1814 bar and restaurant near the ruins; 3. Devastated stalls selling local products near the ruins; 4. On the way to the ruins, rescuers tried to uncover possible buried bodies
5. Soccer field of Aquinas University; 6. Ginormous Boulders rolled over Brgy. Padang burying the victims; 7. Ruined dike at San Jose of Malilipot; 8. Destroyed households and livestock company building in Brgy Culliat, Daraga, Albay
9. Stripped cockpit arena in Tabaco City; 10. Blown off school roofs and cemented fence; 11. Blocked Padang-Bigaa-Arimbay road with gravel and sand; 12. Ricefield was totally covered with boulders and sand in Sto. Domingo
13. Mostly tree branches and twigs were left on the hill and its vicinity; 14. Wrecked and covered Lidong Bridge in Legazpi City; 15. Dikes were zapped in at Brgy Basud, Tabaco City; 16. We’re not in Divisoria, but in Serra Subdivision in Tabaco City
17. Whacked up doorknob at our house; 18. Finding your own way in Bacacay; 19. Strong blow of the wind caused this bus to lose control in Pawa, Tabaco City; 20. Poor dead eel in Sto. Domingo, Albay
Thousands of small spring channels – that’s what comes to my mind when I think of Malisson Spring Resort. The place will suffice your tired body with two pools of clear water.
The haven also provides you with cool activities where one can find an ample time to relax and enjoy mountains and lake view (e.g. Kawakawa Hill). To have a taste of nature, you can catch your own fresh, organic-fed tilapia through boating and fishing. Videoke machine is there to entertain dippers and tourists who would find singing a sort of relief. The resort with function hall, and open and close cottages can accomodate different occasions from simple children’s party to wedding reception.
It would be luckier than you can think of if you happen to be there during late afternoons of Fridays and Saturdays. The resort’s owner has local bands that would give sounds to calm your nerves from the stressful weekdays.
Have your quick escape into Malisson Spring Resort in Ligao City that would give a new perspective about nature.
Entrance: P40-P45
Getting at the resort: 3-kilometer ride though a well-paved road from Ligao City center; or 30-minute drive from Legazpi City
Kiddie Pool
Go boat and fish on a wide lake Picturesque nature resort Spoil your time singing in its bar and restaurant
Spiky decided to be in city cemetery late in the evening on November 1 just before midnight. During that time, mass was already done, most people left for their homes, and kids started to collate many candle waxes as they can. I then joined my relatives and friends for quick and short conversations, and of course, to offer sympathy. After that, Spiky had the chance to roam around a bit with my friends.
Candles in the dark made someone embrace their Undas (All Souls’ Day) moments.
Brighter lights in Cemetery. Definitely, there won’t be any momo (ghost) coming out.
Unique display of reminiscing love ones. I have never seen this before of my entire life, not until this Undas.
For my dearest Mama, I still miss you. I undoubtedly really miss you. Don’t worry about us, we’re ok here. Hugs and kisses.
For my lola, I hope you are in peace and harmony with God. I hope you are feeling happy especially together with your daughter. I miss you also.
For my friend Ace, I wish I have heard what happened to you a bit earlier. So long dude and ‘til our next jamming.
For Ondoy-Pepeng-Santi victims, I hope all of you heal inside and out, and live on in the hands of God.
My prayers for all of you this Undas and beyond.
