Top of the World

First outing of 2013. First hiking experience, never again.

January 13, 2012


Every semester, I get to have an out-of-town trip for a major class. This is probably because I'm taking up Philippine Arts and learning and experiencing hands-on activities are better for this kind of course.

For my PA 110, Philippine Indigenous and Ethnic Arts, class we went to Mt. Arayat, Pampanga and was able to meet one of the outstanding Pampangeños for 2012, Sir Mike. He served as our guide tour and brought us to Gintong Pakpak, located at the foot of the mountain.

Magalang, Pampanga - the hometown of National Artist Emilio Aguilar Cruz. It was said that some of his ashes are kept here and the rest were scattered in Mt. Arayat.

Gintong Pakpak is located at the foot of Mt. Arayat. 

The waterfalls is said to be the bathing quarters of Apong Sinukuan, their deity god. Unfortunately, it has been damaged in the long run. Natives still continue to use this place as source of food, and place to unwind. 

Wanderlust: Bataan 2012

I've always wanted to go to places and make a travel blog in the future. It's a dream that I plan to start now.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine  

September 01, 2012
Bataan, Philippines

Three hours away from Manila, I went to Bataan along with my college blockmates for a major class, Philippine Arts 198 (Introduction to Cultural Heritage) outing. We had to take the Bataan Transit bus from Doroteo Jose station in Manila at around 6 in the morning and arrived at Bataan at exactly 8AM.

Upon our arrival, the jeepney we rented was already there and the driver brought us to Jollibee for a quick breakfast stopover before the whole trip starts. We met our professor at the terminal and drove our way to Mt. Samat.

9AM: Mt. Samat, Bataan

Mount Samat is the location of the historical marker for the Bataan Death March. Also found here is the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan which is found near its summit.
From the terminal, we drove our way through the zig-zag roads around the mountain to reach almost the top of Mt. Samat. There we found the Holy Cross/Shrine of Valor which was really a great view up close. We also found ourselves inside the museum that showcases artifacts (Japanese soldier uniforms, bullets, grenades, rifles, pictures, flags, etc.). Unfortunately, picture taking wasn't allowed inside the museum. My professor was also able to buy a framed bullet which only costed Php 2000. Other historical collectibles are sold for a great price (in case anyone is interested, do visit because items are really a great addition to a historical collection).

Shrine of Valor/Dambana ng Kagitingan

 All the while, I thought we could view the Shrine of Valor only by standing from afar. What I didn't know is that we could still hike up going to where the cross actually stands. It took us 400+ steps before reaching the summit of Mt. Samat, and we were able to ride an elevator all the way to the TOP OF THE CROSS. Yes, the view was really breath-taking. The cross showed carvings of the lives and struggles of Filipinos who took part during the Bataan Death March.

Captivating view from the top of the Shrine of Valor.

 1PM: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

It was a very wise decision for us to push through our trip by going to the "living museum of Philippine customs and traditions" (www.lascasasfilipinas.com). At first, we had second thoughts because of the price rates they implement. But since we were already in Bataan, me and my blockmates decided that visiting Acuzar would be a first for all of us and it would be nice to have that first experience altogether.

Direct Encounter With An Aeta

July 31, 2012


For  my major class, Philippine Arts 198 (Introduction to Cultural Heritage), my professor always told us that there will come a time that we will be given a chance to speak to a minority. Fortunately, an Aeta studies in our school also (University of the Philippines Manila).


A 2nd year BS Behavioral Sciences student, Norman (I wasn't able to get his last name.), gave us a glimpse to his life as an Aeta. At first, I thought it would be a simple storytelling but, honestly, I learned a lot from him and was impressed by his dedication in life.


Norman belongs to an Aeta community in Pampanga. When he was a kid, he was brought to an orphanage by his parents. Norman didn't find anything negative about this because he was able to communicate with different types of people and boosted his confidence. After high school, he had to stop and work as a helper in Pasay City. He also worked as a call center agent (no wonder he really spoke English fluently. I was shocked.) and after years of working experience, Norman's father asked if he wanted to go back to college and he eagerly said yes and is now an Iskolar ng Bayan. We asked about his age, and he said "Age doesn't matter. 'Wag na natin pag-usapan 'yan."


Since Norman didn't want a one-way communication, me and my classmates were able to ask him questions (personal, about his community, their practices, and the like). The first time I saw Norman, I was bothered by his tattoo on the arm. It looked like a tribal symbol, so I asked him if it was a symbol, indeed. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Haha! It only symbolized his pride of being a katutubo. The more important tradition of the Aetas was the "pagkikikil ng ngipin" or the sharpening of teeth. He said the sharper an Aeta's teeth was, the more attractive they find themselves.


Minorities here in the Philippines always end up becoming the object of the subject. People study their culture, then after that, left behind. Meaning, pinag-aaralan natin sila para lang sa sarili nating ikabubuti. Makakakuha tayo ng matataas na grado, ggraduate with flying colors, makakapasok sa magagandang opisina, tapos ung mga katutubo, wala na. Hindi na natin babalikan para magpasalamat. Yes, Aetas are given the recognition, but how about importance?


Hunting

Aetas are great hunters. That's a fact. What we do not know is how they do it. Norman said there's this act of mimicry. They imitate the sounds of birds to be able to catch them. "Kung hindi ka marunong gumaya ng tunog ng mga huni nila, eh patay tayo diyan. Wala ka talagang mahuhuli." He even gave us a sample of the mimic styles he do! I was so amazed. Before hunting, Aetas believe that it is important to give an alay or offering to the spirit guardians. They also believe in the saying na kailangan mo mag-tabi-tabi po para hindi makaabala sa mga nagbabantay ng kalikasan. After being able to catch wild animals, they have a specific way of cooking them. They use less condiments except for onions and pepper. Most of the time, they only grill or ihaw. If there are no wild animals to catch and cook, they eat vegetables.

Kalayaan 2012

Yesterday, June 12, 2012, marked the 114th Philippine Independence Day. I never really had a chance to celebrate this important and historical event but for this year, along with Cultural Center of the Phils. (CCP), National Historical Commission of the Phils. (NHCP), and ABS-CBN, I was able to be part of the production team for Kalayaan 2012.

The theme of the celebration this year - KALAYAAN: PANANAGUTAN NG BAYAN PARA SA TUWID NA DAAN - shall focus on the vision of our President Benigno S. Aquino III for a nation of sovereign people. It shall stress the accountability and responsibility of the citizenry as embodied in the Constitution.

The flow of activities at Quirino Grandstand were divided into three parts, patterned to the three main islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Corona on Trial Finale

Yes, I know... It sounds like a TV series with its last episode on air. Haha!

I was in the office today when we looked for an online site that gives free live streaming of the ‘Chief Justice Corona on Trial’ coverage. Unfortunately, it was too slow so we had to be thankful for the radio.

The senators were given unlimited time on giving their explanation, views and comments, and final vote. An alphabetical order was followed. The said verdicts were given: