family

Diving into Historic Arts

| Chris

One of the most memorable places in the Philippines I was fortunate enough to visit was the National Museum of Fine Arts. Being an artist, I could not help but be inspired by the works of art made by remarkable Filipinos throughout history.

Formerly known as the National Art Gallery, the National Museum of Fine Arts resides in the monumental Old Legislative Building in the heart of Manila. This historic structure was built in the early 20th century. Originally intended as the National Library, it later transformed into the Legislative Building.

During World War II, Japanese forces used the building as their stronghold, modifying it with defensive installations. American forces bombarded it, resulting in significant damage. The building was rebuilt after the war, maintaining its original footprint but with a less ornate façade. But it’s still beautiful though, if you ask me.

Inside, there are numerous galleries and hallway exhibitions, showcasing a diverse collection.

As I entered the building, I was greeted by the iconic Spoliarium. Yes, this museum is home to the 1884 gold-winning opus by Juan Luna, the famous Filipino artist and political activist during the Philippine Revolution of the late 19th century. Luna’s masterpiece captures the intensity of gladiators in ancient Rome, evoking raw emotion and grandeur.

In some galleries, there were portraits of notable figures in history. Yet the most impactful pieces to me were those that depicted life. Emotional pieces that showed what it was like to live as Filipinos both historically and perhaps in some places, even today.

I also admired the works of 19th Century Filipino Masters and other artists who have molded the nation’s art culture.

And not to be missed was the contemporary creativity by modern painters, sculptors and printmakers. They were nothing short of exceptional.

The National Museum of Fine Arts offers a captivating journey through creativity and history. It’s a treat to both art enthusiasts or casual visitors. It was for me!

Folk Dancing in the Moonlight

| Chris

This post is a follow-up to my previous blog about Las Casas. I did not mention the part about the evening show they put on because it’s so great it deserves a spotlight all its own.

The Philippines, with its vibrant culture and rich heritage, boasts a dazzling array of native and folk dances. These rhythmic expressions have been passed down through generations, each telling a unique story and offering a glimpse into the Filipino spirit.

Some of the most beloved dances from the archipelago were performed by local students and out-of-school youth that night – and it was majestic, to say the least!

Tinikling is probably the most popular folk dance in the Philippines. Imagine bamboo poles rhythmically clashing together as dancers nimbly hop and weave between them.

Maglalatik originated from the Tagalogs and features warriors adorned with coconut shells strapped to their bodies. The rhythmic clashing of these shells creates a captivating beat, celebrating both strength and grace.

Cariñosa is a romantic dance about courtship. It showcases the elegance of traditional Philippine movements. Dancers gracefully sway, flirt, and exchange handkerchiefs, capturing the essence of love and longing.

Singkil is inspired by the epic tale of Princess Gandingan, It transports us to the Maranao culture. Dancers nimbly step over bamboo poles, symbolizing the princess’s escape from falling trees during an earthquake.

Hailing from Leyte, Kuratsa is a lively dance performed during celebrations. Couples twirl and sway, their footwork echoing the joyous rhythm of life.

Picture dancers balancing oil lamps on their heads and hands, creating mesmerizing patterns of light. That’s Pandanggo sa Ilaw. It pays homage to the grace and resilience of Filipino women.

Originating from the Kalinga tribe, Banga celebrates the strength of women who carry heavy water jars on their heads. The dancers mimic these movements, showcasing their endurance and resilience.

A Spanish-influenced dance, La Jota Moncadeña combines European flair with Filipino zest. It’s a lively waltz that captures the fusion of cultures.

Tayaw is an Igorot wedding dance and celebrates love and union. Dancers sway, their colorful attire reflecting the festive spirit of marriage.

From Batangas, Alitaptap imitates an insect that flies only at night, carrying a lamp. Dancers move gracefully, their steps echoing the mysterious beauty of the night.

Filipino folk dances seems more than just choreography to me. They’re truly a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of the Filipino people. They remind us that their culture is a living, breathing art form.

Nostalgia and Charm

| Chris

During my visit to the Philippines a few weeks ago, my family and I went to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a Philippine heritage site. What an adventure it was! Allow me to share a little bit of my experience with you.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, if you don’t know, is a hidden gem located along the coast of Bagac, Bataan, Philippines. As one who loves exploring historical sites, I was in for a delightful surprise when we drove through its gates and around the cul-de-sac of the welcome center.

Spanish-era stone houses transported from different parts of Luzon are the heart of Las Casas. Each house has a story to tell. Casa Biñan, once home to Jose Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo, witnessed gripping family dramas. Casa Lubao’s distinct green interior owes its fortune to a Japanese colonel who saved it from demolition during the war. And Casa Candaba, one of the oldest structures, served as a film setting for Noli Me Tangere.

My family and I embrace the nostalgia by taking a ride in a traditional horse-drawn calesa. Clip-clopping through cobblestone streets, it felt like I’ve stepped back in time.

We also rode the jeepney to see spots too far for the calesa take us to.

But the best part was the boat ride. This afforded us unique views of the magnificence that is Las Casas. We saw the property from an angle we would not have otherwise seen. The sights were endless, so Instead of listing every one of them, I will just let the photos below do the talking.

Whew! That was quite a ride!

Once we got out of the boat, we were then treated to an amazing show. A re-enactment of the Philippine Revolution at the end of the 19th century. I really loved that!

Las Casas also offers a pristine beach where you can unwind, swim, and enjoy the sun. However, we didn’t have a lot of time so we skipped this part. For now, anyway.

This beach, by the way, could be one of the prettiest you’ll ever see anywhere. The view is breathtaking! I wish I could’ve taken more photos of it. I don’t know why I didn’t. Ha ha! Anyway, here’s one…

Amidst the historical charm, Las Casas also surprises with a mix of classical and modern art installations. The fusion of old and new. Feast your eyes on the magnificent array of fountains, sculptures, lamp posts, architectural design both interior and exterior, and even strange looking palm trees that resemble a fan!

My curiosity led to a quick search. According to Wikipedia, it is the ravenala madagascariensis. It is commonly known as the traveller’s tree, traveller’s palm or East-West palm, and is a species of monocotyledonous flowering plant found in Madagascar. It is not a true palm but a member of the family Strelitziaceae. So there you go…

As we were strolling along, we happened upon a wedding photo op! How cool is that?

And as the sun gently dipped below the horizon, we marveled at the rows of light as they gradually powered over through the darkening sky. Such a magical panorama!

The restoration efforts that brought these heritage houses to life are awe-inspiring. It’s a reminder that preserving the past is both a collective endeavor as well as a worthwhile effort.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a journey through time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach lover, an art aficionado or someone simply seeking a unique experience, this place is sure to leave an indelible mark on you.

So, do yourself a favor and check it out, if you can.

A Day in Taal

| Chris

One of nature’s greatest wonders lies just an hour’s drive from Manila. Nestled in the middle of Taal Lake, Taal Volcano is a little stunner that offers breathtaking views worth experiencing up close.

On a recent day trip, my family and I decided to take a little boat ride to get a closer view of the island where the volcano lies. We didn’t actually get off the boat as it was currently prohibited to get on the island due to the volcano’s active state. We did get a nice up close view of it though. It was great!

Taal Volcano has a rich geological and cultural past. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with intense volcanic activity. It began forming around 500,000 years ago through a series of eruptions. The caldera we see today was created during a massive eruption around 5,000 years ago.

What makes Taal unique is its location. It sits on an island within a lake, the Taal Lake. It’s a volcano within a volcano. And that phenomenon is rare worldwide.

Taal Volcano has erupted multiple times throughout history. The most devastating eruption occurred in 1754, forcing the inhabitants of Taal town to relocate to safer areas. The town of San Nicolas, now submerged beneath Taal Lake, was another casualty. In 1977, Taal erupted again, causing ashfall in nearby towns. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. The most recent significant eruption occurred in January 2020. Ash plumes reached high altitudes, affecting Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Thousands of residents were evacuated, and the landscape changed once more.

Now, a little bit about the town. Before the Spanish colonized the Philippines, Taal was considered sacred by the Tagalog people. They believed it was the home of the gods and spirits. The name “Taal” itself comes from the Tagalog word “tala,” meaning “star.” When the Spaniards arrived, they established settlements around the Lake. The town of Taal, now known as Taal Heritage Town, became an important religious and cultural center. A lot of residential structures from the time still stands to this day, and they are gorgeous. The Basilica de San Martin de Tours, built in the 16th century, still stands as well as a testament to this era.. It is also considered to be the largest church building in all of Asia

Taal remains a captivating natural and historic wonder, blending geological marvels with cultural heritage. Witnessing it up close, and taking in the lake’s stunning vistas and the town’s architecture, it’s an adventure I won’t forget anytime soon.

Like Father Like Son

| Chris

On May 26th, it will have been my dad’s 84th birthday.

Time. Wow! Time can be so merciless. I can still vividly remember him taking me to the barber. And I hated it every time! Perhaps, I’ve always wanted my hair long.

I realize how undeserving of God’s kindness I am. He’s been so good to me all my life. And I am complete today because of him.

Yet, if there was one regret I have in life, it would be that I failed to forge a meaningful relationship with my earthly father. A dreadful iniquity on my part. And the aftermath will no doubt continue to weigh on me for as long as I live.

This song I wrote is not so much a tribute as it is a confession. A longing. A moment in sackcloth and ashes, if you will. It was a difficult one to write, for sure.

I wish I could tell my dad, for both the first and last time, that I love him. Because I truly did! But it’s a bit too late now, isn’t it? I was given countless chances and I blew them all.

Indeed, time’s up.

Florentino

| Chris

We called him Tino. Our family did. I wish I had a picture of him to show you. This guy with an all greased up hair much like the Fonz‘s. Except he’s short. Not quite intimidating, I don’t think. In fact, you’d hardly notice him when he’s mixed in with the crowd. He was never the center of attention nor did he aspire to be one.

But to me, he was.

The guy was always around. When I was growing up, that is. Always present. Always visible. More importantly, he was ready, willing and able to do whatever, really. A dedicated and sacrificial man. Simple but trustworthy. And a funny one at that! Seriously, he didn’t have to crack a joke to get you rolling on the floor laughing. His mere presence and toothless smiles did the trick easily. He was the person you laughed at. At his own expense, in fact. And he loved it. During my college days, my brother and I, along with our friends, would hang out while Tino tagged along. He was the life of the party many a time. I remember my brother and I pulling pranks at him. Like, when he’s driving us to go some place, and suddenly someone cuts him off in traffic or something, he would get really ticked off, right? We knew, at this second, that he would want to chase the guy, if only to holler some inappropriate words at him. Then, in a fraction of a second, my brother and I would glance at each other as I covertly slide the gear stick into neutral. And then… vvvvvrrrrrrooooooommm!!!!

That moment alone would keep us laughing hysterically for a few days straight. Tino, included.

The memories seem endless. I would not have the time or energy to go down the list. But there were special moments that stuck with me forever. I remember when I was about four years old, I was just beginning to learn about life. Tino would be there to hang out with me and tell me stories and things about the realities of life. He would tell me that there are actually bullies in school. And this was months away from my being enrolled in Kindergarten! Great!

I can never forget that one day we were sitting together at our house, just talking. He revealed to me a very dark reality that I came to know him by, to this day. He told me that everyone dies at some point in time. That one day, though hopefully it would take very long, all of us will come to pass and will be no more. My very first “aha” moment, I suppose. And I remember vividly, this was the time my mom would come to interject, being the good Catholic that she is…

“Tino is right. However, you must not commit a mortal sin, ever! No forgiveness there, I tell ya! Venial sins? Well, you have about a hundred points to your credit, little boy. The first ten is okay. Use it up wisely though. Because after that, it’s Limbo time. It’s boring there, I heard. And the next ninety shouldn’t be wasted either. Or else, you’ll be spending eternity with some very ugly guys inside a big hot oven.”

Oooohhh! Let me tell you, that freaked me out so bad, I got good in math if only for that reason!

Anyhow, back to Tino. I almost forgot to mention. He was our family’s hired chauffeur. Yep, I consider myself lucky, not only because we had one growing up, but we also had the best. He worked for us from when I was born until after I graduated from college. He drove me to and back from kindergarten school. He also drove me back home, one too many times, hammered from an all-night college party. He was definitely family.

When I moved to California, we lost touch. Apparently. My siblings and I were all grown up now and living on our own. From what I had heard, he had moved on to other things as there was no longer a family for him to tend to. That job for him was well over with. Yet, very well done, I must say.

Those were the days. And it’s long been gone.

Tino had passed now. Just a few years back, if I can remember correctly. However, what I can remember for sure is what my family told me. They said that he had mentioned to them that he was always waiting for me to come back home. But that he couldn’t wait any longer now. Shortly thereafter, he was gone. I can’t remember how many days I spent in tears after that. I missed him. And yes, I miss him today.

Every once in a while, a glimpse of a memorable childhood such as this one would come to me, for no reason, and make me remember how blessed I truly am for having spent my formative years with such inspirational people as Tino. It continually helps me to grow as a person. It’s a constant reminder that life, no matter how hard it gets, is always good. A blessing in disguise, even.

Faster than the speed of life

| Chris

My mom had a huge family. If I’m not mistaken, originally, there were 15 siblings, all in all. I’m not kidding, our Christmas parties in the 70’s used to be bigger than the entire neighborhood itself. And, I had fond memories of those days.

Today, only four of them are left. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to God for keeping my mom, not only alive, but very well, to this day. Her family history isn’t exactly what I would call pleasant. In fact, it is extremely tragic, in my opinion. I believe, two of her siblings died from birth; another two would die unexpectedly at different times; one would be kidnapped, never to be seen again; and, still another one would be murdered in his sleep.

Sometimes, I feel for my mom. It’s not her fault. But what a waste of life, I thought.

Today, I thought of one of her brothers. An uncle of mine whom I’ve only known from a distance. We were never close, for some reason. However, he was one whom I thought had started out with an incredibly blessed life. To start, he had married into a ridiculously wealthy family. They ran thriving Vegas-style businesses such as casinos and night clubs (remember those?), among others. I remember when I was little, we used to get invited to my cousins’ birthday parties. And I would overhear phone conversations regarding the party plan; that we would bring certain gifts, arrive at a certain time, and that it would be held at the white house. The white house? Oh, it’s what my uncle’s place was fondly called back then. When I saw it for the first time, sure enough, those gigantic Greek pillars made it seem like it was a presidential mansion, indeed. And if that wasn’t enough, there were Cadillacs on one side and a couple more on the other whose names sounded a bit German and Italian to me. But what really blew my mind, was that my five year old cousin’s bedroom was big enough to play ball in without actually breaking a China. I mean, it was unspeakably huge! I never forgot that to this day.

Years have passed since, and I haven’t heard much from or about him and his family until fairly recently. My sister had told me that he eventually became so stinking rich. Needless to say, he had also fallen into the usual traps that money brings, such as substance abuse, gambling and marital unfaithfulness. He had a child out of one of his affairs. His marriage eventually came to an end and was kicked out of the (white) house. He lost all his money and was homeless for years. I was told that he camped out in the back of his old beat-up Lincoln Continental. Though, usually, it was just parked somewhere for long periods of time, because he didn’t have money for gas. That is, unless someone (like my sister’s husband. God bless him) actually thought of him, paid him a visit and handed him some cash, just so he could eat.

To make a long story short, things didn’t improve one bit. In fact, he died abruptly. The doctor said his lungs were black like charcoal. He was in his late fifties, I think. And, it was just a few years ago.

What a tragic story. Though, much like with my relationship with him, I could only mourn his death from a distance. I think of his life. The beauty. The abuse. And, the pain. I can only imagine.

I remember the few times I had to come up to greet him during family occasions. I was always terrified. He wasn’t exactly the approachable type. He was way up there and I was way down here. As if I wasn’t worthy of him. Even to this day, when I think of those times, I feel awkward about it.

But what does it matter now? He’s gone. Life is so quick. Though, I’m learning that sometimes, we can easily live life faster than we should. Whatever happened to stopping and smelling the coffee? Or was it the roses? I’m definitely in no position to judge my late uncle. But when I thought about him today, I couldn’t help but think of a parallel universe. Maybe, he could have been more grateful for what he was given in the beginning. Parents who broke their backs to afford him a good life and education. A beautiful and wealthy wife that truly loved him for who he was. Beautiful children who desperately needed him to be the example of how life should be lived. And, even luxury that one can only ever dream of. If this was the case, maybe things would’ve turned out different for him. And for everyone else involved.

I mean, he had the cake, the icing and the cherry on top! If only I could pick the crumbs from under the table, I’d be in heaven.

But maybe, I’m really the lucky one here. Because I do not have the unnecessary distractions that could keep me from slowing down and enjoying life at a pace that was meant for me. I wake up in the morning and remember to smell my coffee before taking a sip. Much like I remember to smell my food before I start to eat. Much like I remember to close my eyes before I listen to music. Much like I remember to drive slower so I can enjoy my trip. And be safe, at the same time.

I believe, if we don’t go faster than the speed of life, it can give us a lot more than we can ever ask for.

A stranger in my hometown

| Chris

It was a year ago today (Actually, three days ago, but who’s counting?), since my trip back home to Manila. I feel sad that I’m not able to go this time. And it doesn’t help to think either, that before that, the last time I was home was in 1987.

You would then think ,that last year’s trip was nothing short of a joyous and momentous occasion. And it was. I am grateful, indeed. But maybe, it was my divorce right around the same time which made the trip a little bit of a blur now, as well.

I actually felt so bad also, that I hardly remembered the city I grew up in. The streets seemed narrower. And the traffic, unfathomable! The population, doubled. Half of them trying to cross the superhighway! Yikes! And, is that our house? You gotta be kidding me! But it was. And the food! I enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately, the ol’ beloved flavors seemed to have left my palate. Oddly, most of them tasted almost foreign to me. I was left wondering if this was, in fact, the same food I grew up eating.

One day, my brother drove me to my old high school and university. Wait, wasn’t this the football field? What’s this building doing down here, then?

For the first time, I had met my sister-in-law, my niece, my nephew and a few cousins too. For the first time! Where have I been? My dad is now sporting a cane? He used to be Robert DeNiro in Goodfellas. What happened? I’m glad, though, that my mom is still the same ol’ spunky woman she’s always been! The only one that has not changed or aged a single minute, I’m not even kidding, was my old pal, Buddy! Best friend since third grade. He’s still the same ol’ crazy redhead who’s more concerned about his Nikon camera than life itself! I love the guy.

But today, I am left with nothing but memories. Although, I had a great time then, I was sad. Still sad, as a matter of fact. Sad because I could’ve enjoyed it even more but I didn’t. Sad because I could’ve given to my family more but I didn’t. And sad because I seemed to have forgotten a lot about home.

Yes, I was a stranger in my hometown.

So far so good

| Chris

Greetings everyone. First of all, belated Merry Christmas. And if I’m not able to respond again soon, Happy New Year as well.

Obviously, I have not been able to follow up on my blog lately as my schedule and current location does not allow me to. But you can be rest assured that my first trip back home in twenty years is going absolutely fantastic. One thing I can tell you though, is that I am very well fed, to say the least!

I can’t tell you enough how wonderful (though bitterwseet) it is to actually set foot in the land of my youth and speak face to face with the people I grew up with once again. Some things have stayed the same but for the most part, everything seems to be new and unrecognizable. I really thought I’d spend most of my time here shedding tears, but to my surprise, everyday seems to be a celebration to simply savor and smile about.

I wish I had time every night to post a blog as every hour (since my plane took off from Denver) seems to bring an eventful surpirse worth sharing in great detail. Unfortunately though, not only am I fully booked, Internet access is extremely limited as well. So bear with me as I wait a while to share with you my experiences. It probably won’t happen until I come back home to the States next month. But trust me, it’s worth waiting for!

Meanwhile, if you’ll excuse me… I have to get back to my “all you can eat” desert binge-fest!