Showtime | Isang Tanong, Isang Milyon

Nagkatotoo nanaman ang isa sa mga pangarap ko this year. Last year kasi sabi ko: "sana makita ko sarili ko sa big screen" at nag-katotoo nga dahil sa appearance ko sa "Call Center Girl - the Movie." The next year, which is 2014, sabi ko: "sana makita ko sarili ko sa tv naman" at ito nanaman s'ya, nagkatotoo ulit. Matagal ko tong inantay, dumating nga sa point na nawalan na ako ng pag-asa, pero positive parin ako.

Before the game started, I met the other contestants and we created a a great bonding. Kung anu-ano nga nga napag-usapan namin eh. Feeling ko nga close na close na kami. Tingnan nyo pic namin sa taas, gaanong ka-close? Anlapad ng space sa left pero nagsik-sikan kami sa right. Ilang oras din kaming mag-kasama sa backstage.

Photo by Green - harutan with Vhong Navarro

Noong nag-simula na ang Showtime, message agad Nanay ko sakin. Lalo na nung nag-simula na ang Isang Tanong, Isang Milyon.  Dumayo pa mga cousins ko sa bahay namin, mga ka-office mates ng mga kapatid at kaibigan ko, nanood din sa kani-kanilang lugar. Sabi nga ni Mudra, para daw akong si Manny Pacquiao dahil anlinis daw ng kalsada sa may amin, kasi nanonood ng tv. Naku baka mamaya pag-uwi ko next year, may Heroes Welcome ako. Bonga diba?

Photo by Gino - sa shot nato, mabibigyan ako ng award "Miss Close Up Smile" pati gums ko muntik-muntikan nang lumabas sa bibig ko at iwan ako sa stage. Pero infairness, natakot ako bigla, kasi medyo ngayon ko lang napansing medyo malapad na pala talaga noo ko.

Kahit wala pang masyadong tulog, tingnan nyo, hindi halata diba? Ganda lang talaga ang puhunan. Pagka-galing sa office, nagmadali pa akong sumakay ng FX, tapos akyat ng MRT station, praying na sana wag tumirik sa riles; ayoko kasing malate. And of course, I was so excited!

Sa mga kumuha ng pictures sa kani-kanilang mga monitors at ti-nag ako, maraming salamat talaga huh. Kala Gino, Green, Nil at Lance; maraming salamat sa magagandang kuhang ito at talagang napaka-stolen. Bebe Joyce and Pam, salamat din dahil binigyan nyo kong idea dun sa tinanong ko sa inyo. Kung makapag-pasalamat naman ako parang artista lang eh no? Natutuwa lang ako dahil proud na proud pamilya ko, AT YUN ANG PINAKA-MAGANDANG GIFT KO SA KANILA THIS YEAR - ang makita nila ako sa TV.

Kabundukan o Kabuhayan

Tawagin nyo nalang po akong Erika, 26 years old, working for a BPO company and it’s been more than two years since I started hiking. Ngayon, malalaman nyo kung gaano nabago ang aking pananaw sa buhay at kung paanong naapektuhan nang pamumundok ang aking trabaho. Gusto ko ring patunayang hindi totoo ang sinasabi nilang wala daw trabaho sa Pilipinas. 

Matagal ko nang pangarap ang may makilalang mga hikers at maranasan ang mamuhay kasama ang kalikasan.  

 I grew up in a province that’s very far from Metro Manila; a province that has everything in terms of natures beauty and richness. So, when I stayed here in the Metro, I totally missed everything. So I want something that can balance what I want and what I am doing.

2012, aksidente akong naimbitahan nang aking mga ka-trabaho na pumunta sa Anawangin Cove sa probinsya ng Zambales. Noong una, hesitant pa akong sumama dahil syempre hindi ko pa masyadong kilala mga sasamahan ko, pero nung tumagal na at nakita ko ang mga pictures kuha sa beach na iyun, agad akong napa-sama. At para medyo may challenge daw, sa trail ng Mt. Pundaquit daw ang aming daan instead the regular boating. Sa narinig ‘kong yun, mas lalong napa-init at na-boast ang eagerness na marating ang lugar. To make the story short, the event happened successfully and it was a remarkable one.

 The next month, I was again invited by the same individuals to hike Manabu in Batangas. Because of the remarkable experience we had with our previous hike, I said YES to it. That time, we spent over night on the summit together with nature. Mt. Pundaquit and Mt. Manabu has a bit of difference, but still the experience was dissimilar because of the different people who were with us. 

A month after that hike, I was again invited by the same group, Batang Hamog Mountaineers. Hindi ko alam kung anung meron sa group na ito kung bakit na-addict ako sa hiking. Dumating pa ang panahong hinahanap-hanap na ng katawan ko ang pag-panik sa kabundukan kesa pagpanik sa opisina. Nakakapagod at magastos, pero hindi ko maipaliwanag kung bakit hinahanap-hanap ko parin ito.

 Noong una, akala ko additional expenses at time lang ang affected sa buhay ko ng dahil sa hiking; pero nung iwan ko ang kompanya na aking pinag-tatrabahuan at lumipat sa panibagong kompanya, doon nag-simulang ma-apektuhan ang aking career. Majority of the companies would not allow their trainees file their VLs within specific range of time, unless given by certain circumstances – at yun ang naging problema ko.

While I am on a training status, every time that someone invites me to join their hike, hindi muna ako sumasagot ng Oo, pero hindi talaga ako mapakali at makapag-focus sa aking trabaho kapag walang hike within specific duration of time. After passing the training and probationary status, and if we’re already eligible to file VLs, hindi ako nag-papahuli sa pag-file. Kapag hindi approved by the scheduler yung gusto kong dates, nagagawan ko parin ito ng paraan. Kaya, ilang valid medical certificates ang aking naipresinta. Pag “No Choice” na talaga, “Resign” or “Awol” ang nangyayari. Kapag may nag-invite sakin, at sumagot ako ng “Hindi” agad nila akong binabasag ng “Alam mo na gagawin mo, resign ka  ulit or medical certificates.”

This 2014, I am already in my 4^th company. Imagine that? Sinong nag-sasabing walang trabaho dito sa Pilipinas? Hindi ko yan ipinag-mamalaki huh. I know that’s really bad, hirap kaya mag-process ng mga RDO change, but I am hoping that by next year, career muna! Promise, I’ll do my best to at least manage what I want and what I desire! Babala, wag gayahin! To know more about our group, click here: Batang Hamog Mountaineers photos by: Sobrang Yaag

Ang Pagbabalik | Mt. Pulag | Benguet

Photo above was taken on the summit of Mt. Pulag - it was February 14, 2013. First time to hike Mt. Pulag and I was able to experience the famous Sea of Clouds. And this 2014, I want more. Kasi naman hindi ako prepared last time, ayan oh, nag-camouflage ako sa background. Kaya sabi ko, uulit-ulitin ko talaga ang pag-akyat sa Pulag with vibrant colors na. This time, prepared na ako sa wardrobe ko, yung talagang makikita na ako.

We booked our tickets almost a week before the scheduled hike. We met at Victory Liner Cubao and Baguio City was the destination. We left Manila at 8:00PM Friday and arrived in Baguio at around 2AM Saturday. Iba talaga pag Victory Liner ang sinasakyan, siguradong makakarating ka ng matiwasay sa iyong patutunguhan. Mababait pa ang driver at konduktor; sinisigurado nilang walang maiiwang tao o mga bagahe bago umalis. Napaka-komportable pa sa loob ng bus kahit nasa likod kami naka-upo. First time na nag-byahe kami na nakatulog ako sa byahe.

Since we left the bus terminal so early, we arrived at DENR Office before the sunrise. But before falling on the line for the seminar, we had our breakfast in Ma'am Gina's Carinderia,  and bought our packed lunch. After breakfast, proceeded to DENR. We were still early that time and the office was still closed. We had a lot of time for photo ops and chatting. As the office admins opened the doors, I saw the people falling on the line for seminar, as in a lot, numerous, countless people – OA masyado no? Basta marami, majority were students na kutis mala-sutla. Nakakaloka nga mga eksena eh; kaharap ko tagalog, sa right side ko may mag-jowa at naghaharutang Japanese, sa left side naman yung mga englesherang students na akala mo eh lahat may brashes at sa likod mga Ilokano. Ako yung naguluhan kung kanino ako makikinig eh. Para akong nasa Miss World together with the other contestants na iba't-iba ang lengwahe. At the DENR Office, hikers should comply with the policies and procedures. Needs to register and attend the seminar. You can also buy souvenir items, shirts and many more. Powder and wash rooms are also available.

After the seminar was one of the most challenging part, the zigzag and muddy road to Ranger Station. Regardless of those challenges, we still enjoyed the whole journey because we are Batang Hamog, kahit san ilagay, kahit pa sa EDSA, hindi nawawalan ng mga katatawanan. The breeze was really cool and the ambiance was perfect for nature lovers. While taking the winding road, it’s very essential to always ready yourself and your camera for the gorgeous spots. You can easily notice the vegetable plantations, in terraces style. Everything is really green - pati mga isipan namin, dumikit ang green.

11:16 AM we reached the Ranger Station. After getting off the jeepney, we processed the registration, secured porters and guides. Did the final packing. After 30 minutes, we started ascending. Syempre mawawala ba ang group shot? May maganda sa picture nato - may blue sa katawan nya nya.

 

Few meters walk from the Rangers station; I was able to see this gorgeous cabbage plantation. Napaka presko ng hanging at mga tanawin. Nagmukhang paintings ang bawat detalye ng mga taniman. Matapos kumuha ng ilang larawan, dumeretso na ako sa paglalakad. Habang tumataas ang elevation ng trail mas lalong numinipis ang hangin at lumalamig pa lalo. 12:45 PM, narating ko ang Camp 1.

Mt. Pulag is really one of the mountains in the Philippines that attract tourists and hikers. Look at the shot above, not only EDSA is experiencing the slow moving traffic but also on the trail, taken few meters from the first spring water.

Photo taken at the Camp 2 at around 1:57 PM. Pahinga ng very light, kuhang pictur. At dumeretsong extension camp ng Camp 2. Dun kami mag-papalipas ng gabi. Medyo very light palang ng mga tents at mga campers, pero ilang minuto lang ang pagitan dumami na agad. Check the photos below.

Pag-karating ko ng Extension Camp, ganito pa yung ambiance, kaunti pa lamang ang mga tents, pero after few hours, please check the photo below:

Mabilis na napuno ang extension camp ng iba't-ibang kulay na tents. Habang tumatagal mas lalong lumalamig ang hangin at napupuno ng fog ang lokasyon namin,nag-zezero visibility pa nga kahit alas kwatro palang ng hapon.

Habang mga liwanag pa, nag-luto ang nag-handa muna kami ng aming meryenda para sa isang birthday boy. Isinunod naman namin ang preparation for dinner. Mawawala ba ang pinaka-bagong  putahing tatawagin nating "sinigang?" syempre mawawala ba ang "at marami pang iba?"

Habang lumalalim ang gabi, akalain nyong nasukat ko ang lalim ng gabi? Mas lalong lumalakas ang hagupit ng napakalakas na hangin na may kasamang ambon. Kinakabahan ako na baka habang tulog kami eh, tangayin na kami ng hangin at pag-gising namin nasa Maynila na kami? Diba nakakakaba yun?

Bago matulog, itinago muna namin ang mga pag-kain at mga kagamitan. Pero pag-pasok ng aming tent, napansin naming basa na ang loob. Dahil ito sa lamig at pati loob na-penetrate na ng moisture. Syempre dahil sa pagod, ayun burlogz kami lahat. Pero every after two hours, nagigising-gising kami dahil sa basa ang aming kinahihigaan.

Ang balak naming gumising ng 2:30AM ay nawala na dahil tinatamad na kaming lahat lumabas ng tent dahil sa fog at lamig. Sabayan pa ng malakas na hangin na may dalang manipis na ambon. 3:30AM kami nag-silabasan ng tent at nag-prepare ng pampainit. 4AM started ascending to summit. The trail going to summit is easier because of the rock placed on it but some parts were still an assault and muddy.

Pag-dating namin sa summit, ayun mala-fiesta ang peg, napakaraming tao at napaka-colorful. Everyone was waiting for the clearing and hoping to witness the spectacular Sea of Clouds. We staryed there for more an hour, but we didn't see the Sea of Clouds, instead we saw the Sea of Fogs.

After taking photos by the marker, we left the summit. Descending is much challenging, because we were facing against the position of the cold wind. Disadvantage talaga kapag may kalaparan mukha mo, salo mo lahat. Tinakbo ko nalang pababa para mas maramdaman ko ang init ng aking *pag-nanasa; - pag-nanasang makarating agad ng camp site. Pagkarating ng camp site, prepared breakfast. Then, *breakcamp and left the camp site at around 10:30AM. Same scenario, traffic on trail.

12:08PM, I finally reached the Ranger Station. Ayun, same scenario, dami paring tao. Sa dinami-dami kong makikita at makikilala, tong mga boys nato pa?? Hahaha. Tagal narin naming hindi nakikita. Last was the unforgettable Mt. Romelo, na gusto ko nang kalimutan, for some reasons. Hahaha. At dahil inaantay namin ang iba naming mga kasama, mas nagkaroon pa kami ng maraming oras para mag-repack ng mga gamit, malibot ang Ranger Station at nakapagpa-picture pa kung saan-saan. Nung kumpleto na, push na pababa. Haaayyy. Ingay parin namin sa jeep kahit pagud.

Kana Ma'am Gina parin kami nag-banlaw at at kumain ng meryenda. Pag-katapos naming madumihan, mabasa, lamigin; ito talaga ang aming mukha sa likod ng camera. Ganda nung naka-blue no? Ilang oras din kaming tumambay at nag-ingay sa lugar na yun. Tapos byahe ulit papuntang City of Pines - Baguio City! Iniwan lang namin yung gamit namin sa Victory Liner tapos deretsong pakengke para mamiling mga pasalubong sa mga fans. Tapos daan ng SM Baguio, tsinek lang namin kung naka ON ang kanilang aircon, tapos deretsong Good Taste - lumang branch.

9:20 PM, we had a dinner at GoodTaste Cafe & Restaurant. Prices were affordable. Tapos dami pang servings. Dami tuloy naming take out. Sarap nung buttered chicken, nung chopseuy, at nung kanin. Syempre yun lang inorder namin eh. Tapos kunting kembot lang Burnham Park na.

Pag-katapos ng dinner, at ang alis ng bus namin eh 11:10 PM, lakad lang ng very light patungong Burnham Park para ma-experience ang tinatawag na "Night Market" sa gabi. Kakaiba no? Night market sa gabi? Siguro mahigit isang kilometrong kalsada yun na puno ng mga ukay-ukay at mga pagkain. Kalahati palang nalalakad namin, bumalik agad kami eh. Panu malalate na kami sa trip namin. Ikaw anu bang trip mo?

Hindi man namin nakita ang Sea of Clouds ng Mt. Pulag, naging matiwasay naman ang aming byahe, marami pa namang pag-kakataong darating. Sa akyat na ito, mas naramdaman at nalaman pa naming ang kalikasan ay may sariling pag-iisip. Kaya nyang iparanas ang mga bagay-bagay na hindi ini-expect ng mga tao.

Marikina Shoe Museum

This is part of my Ang Buwan ng mga Museo

As a person who loves Imelda Marcos and the history, visiting the famous Marikina Shoe Museum is a dream come true and highly recommended; since it's one of the programs that allow the public to see the elegance of the past. This museum is situated just few steps from Marikina Church and the Metro. But sadly, that day we were only two in the museum, me and a girl from New Zealand. One of the reasons maybe because it was a rainy? I don't know, I am just hoping that in the future, many Filipinos  will appreciate what's in the museums. See the photos below taken in the museum.

Pair of shoes, from the former President Ferdinand Marcos

The museum also has the collection of shoes donated by some influential people; from politics and entertainment industry.  Like former Presidents Manuel Roxas and Ferdinand Marcos; Senators Loren Legarda, Meriam Defensor Santiago, Jose de Venecia, Bong Bong Marcos; Comedy King FPJ, Christine Reyes, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, and many more.

It is said that a lot of shoes in these collections were specially handcrafted by the shoe makers from Marikina and were given to the former first lady, as a gift. Like the photo above, showing the signature of the former first lady Imelda Marcos, everything seems to be special. Because the idea, designs and effort of the shoe makers were exerted just to please the imeldific taste of the first lady.

State dinners, state visits, press conferences and other gatherings - these shoes were worn by Imelda and serve as the silent witness happened during her time.

The designs and details of the shoes in Imelda's collection are really glamorous. The quality of the leather, beads and stones decorated on each piece is in the high standards.

Imeldific - that word was created and was being place to the vocabulary, which means beauty and elegance, which pertains to the Imelda Marcos herself. At the second floor, there's a huge painting; I tried checking on the details, however I wasn't able to get the painters info and the year, or maybe I already forgot. Imelda is still young on this portrait and if that's the case, maybe it was painted few decades ago. Agree? So meaning, I am not born yet. Medyo 20-ish palang kasi ako eh.

In every corner of the museum, you'll see paintings and photographs which were captured few decades ago. Some photos were actually taken from a mansions and palaces in different parts of the world. Main subject is the former President Ferdinand Marcos with the first lady, together with some worlds powerful individuals.

Inside the museum, you'll see the wood cabinets which are covered with clear glass. Each divider contains pair of shoes which are stunning, the color and the materials were properly selected by the maker to be paired to the first lady's terno. 

Photo above shows how the shoe makers use their hands to create a new footwear. Sawing machines, cutters and leathers are always part of the tools on the makers table. After Marikina Shoe Museum, I proceeded to the Philippine National Museum in Manila. More photos and info, click here. To see more photos and my stories in this travel, click here.

HOW TO GET HERE:
From Cubao Aurora, ride a jeepney bound for Cogeo or Padilla. Alight at Robinsons Metro East. Walk on the footbridge crossing Sumulong Highway. Few meters from the footbridge, take a ride in a tricycle going to Marikina Shoe Museum. Approximately 10 minutes travel.

Manila | Philippine National Museum

This is part of my Ang Buwan ng mga Museo

Few months ago, I've been thinking to visit the Philippine National Museum, but due to schedule conflicts, I wasn't able to do that. But when I knew that the whole month of October is for free, I decided to schedule a visit the Philippine National Museum. Before the end of October 2014, which is the Museum Month, I finally made it - alone. Here's what I saw:

First part will the artifacts displayed at the second floor, the early discoveries of the underwater archeology. These artifacts were part of the early discoveries in the 16th Galleon - San Diego. San Diego was a 3-masted trading ship built in 1590 in Cebu by Basque, Chinese and Filipino shipbuilders. The ship used different kinds of Asian woods and was about 35-40 meters long, about 12 meters wide and 8 meters high. It has at least 4 decks and could hold about 700 tons of cargo. - details by the Philippine National Museum

The Philippine National Museum houses the hundred collections of porcelain jars, handcrafted by the Filipinos, Chinese and other Asia countries. These jars were primarily used in every day basis. Some were discovered in the caves of the Philippine archipelago, early trade galleons, and Chinese dynasties. The artistry of these jars symbolizes prosperity and elegance of the people in the past.

The Butuan Boat

During my elementary days, our teachers taught us that the word Baranggay (the smallest social unit in the Philippines) was derived from Balangay, which is also a type of an early boat. This Butuan Boat was excavated in 1978 by the archeologists and considered as the living proof that the Philippines was already part in the Regional Maritime activities in Asia. Three boats were discovered in the side and it is believed that this boat was built in 320, 1250 and 990 A.D. Pots and ceramics were also buried together with this ancient boat.

The Manunggul Jar

 In Philippine history, one of the famous jars discovered in the country is the Manunggual Jar. Why famous? It is because the image of this jar can be seen on one side of the one thousand peso bill. This jar was discovered in Neolithic burial site in Manunggul Cave of Tabon Caves in Lipuun Point, Palawan. It was used as a coffin in a primitive way of burial in the Philippines.

Speaking of burial discoveries, the Philippine National Museum also houses a lot of burial jars and wood coffin, like the photo above. Just so you know, those skull like artifacts are earthenware handcrafted in older ways by the ancient Filipinos. These items were discovered in different parts of the country. In the middle is the wooden coffin discovered in the one of the caves in Banton, Romblon. More details, click here. These treasures are inside an enclosed cabinet for protection.

Speaking of the cultural heritage, this museum have the items from the south; like this Sarimanok and Kulintang. Even this generation, these musical instruments are still part of their cultural presentations, events and festival.

One of the highlights in the building is the Baybayin or the ancient and traditional scripts of the Philippines. A lot of artifacts, like books and jars were also displayed here for reference. After seeing these artifacts, I decided to have a tattoo with my initials written using these scripts. Hopefully by Whang Od in the Province of Kalinga. By the way, Whang Od is the oldest tattoo artist in the country, I think she's now 95 years old. I am also planning to visit the 3000 years old petroglyphs located in Angono, Rizal.

The Philippines is composed of more than 7,000 islands and with that factor, this country bears not only the heritage and archeological factors, but also the flora and the fauna. Like these preserved butterflies, bugs and other animals - a proof that we have everything.

Last part of my tour was these amazing artifacts. We call them as fossils where insects, leaves and other things were preserved for centuries and was discovered by the scientists. The details of each items were perfectly made by nature. For more photos, itinerary and stories, click here.

Aside from the gorgeous places in the country, I would suggest to visit the Philippine National Museum as it bears everything that has historical value from the past to present. Let's not forget these things because we can't reach this far without the past - lalim no?

Oktubre - Ang Buwan ng mga Museo

Hindi lang kalikasan ang kadalasan kong sinasadya sa isang lugar, nasa interes ko rin ang kahalagahan ng ating nakaraan. Matagal ko nang pangarap malibot ang iba’t-ibang museo sa Pilipinas, kahit sa Metro Manila, okay lang eh, subalit dahil sa maraming hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, hindi ito natutuloy.

Ibahin natin ang araw na ito – sa kasamaang palad, nag-palit kaming rest days, from Friday and Saturday, naging Tuesday and Wednesday ito. Wala akong choice dahil trabaho ito. At dahil dun, nabawasan ang pamumundok ko, pero mas nagbukas naman ang historical sites at museum.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 – nagkatotoo ang matagal ko ng pangarap – ang mapasok ang National Museum. Pero bago yan, Marikina Shoe Museum muna ako. Nakatira ako sa Cainta, Rizal kaya konting kembot lang, nasa Marikina na ako. Along Sumulong highway, in front of Robinsons Metro East, sa may footbridge, sumakay akong tricycle patungong Marikina Shoe Museum. Habang nasa byahe, biglang buhos ng ulan, buti nalang prepared ako sa ganung sitwasyon, iba na ang girls scout. Ang pamasahe ay 25 pesos lang hanggang sa may pintuan na mismo ng Museo. Wala pang sampung minute ang byahe ko. Bilis no?

Pagkababa ng traysikel, dumiretso sa entrance, nag-register at nagbayad ng 50 pesos. At dun nabusog ang mata ko sa walang katapusang sapatos. Ang bawat pares ng mga sapatos ay nakalagay sa mga eskaparate. May mga panlalaki at pambabae. Pati ang mga tradisyunal na sapin sa paa sa iba’t-ibang panig ng mundo ay mayroon din.

Ang mga sumunod naman ay ang mga pares ng mga sapatos na dating pag-aari ng mga sikat na artista at TV personalities. Katulad nalang ng sapatos ni King of Comedy Dolphy, Christine Reyes, Rhea Santos, Lisa Macuja at marami pang iba. Hindi rin mawawala ang mga sapatos ng mga taong nasa politika, katulad nina Former Presidents Manuel Roxas at Ferdinand Marcos; Vice President Noli de Castro; Senators Meriam Defensor Santiago, Loren Legarda, Bongbong Marcos, Jose De Venecia at marami pang iba. Lahat ng mga sapatos na ito'y ibinahagi ng mga naturang personalidad para sa ikagaganda ng Museo.

At syempre syempre syempre, mawawala ba ang pares ng mga sapatos ng aking idol na si Madam Imelda Marcos? Syempre hindi! Dito lang naman matatagpuan ang 800 sa kanyang 3,000 na koleksyon na pares ng kanyang sapatos. More photos and information, click here.

Mahigit isang oras din akong umarte, nag-lakad at nag-emote sa loob ng Marikina Shoe Museum. Nakalulungkot lang isiping sa araw na iyun dalawa lang kaming pumasok sa Museo. Isang taga New Zeland at ako. Syempre maliban dun sa mga empleyado ng museo. Ang susunod na destinasyon ay Philippine National Museum.

Sa harap ng Shoe Museum, sumakay ako sa jeep patungong Pasig/Rosario at bumaba sa Ligaya. Minimum fare lang ang pamasahe. Isang eksena pala ang hindi ko makalimutan habang nasa jeep. Ako: kuya dadaan tong Ligaya? Driver: Oo sir. Ako: Magkano ho sa Ligaya? Driver: Mura lang sir, 8.50 pesos lang. Ako: Buti pa dito, ang mura lang nang Ligaya. Driver: Bakit sa inyo sir, umaabot ba ng 250 pesos? Hahaha. natawa akong bigla sa sagot nya. Double meaning pa naman ang nasa isip ko. hahaha. Si kuya parang may alam sa kalakaran ah? Hahaha.

 Pagkababa sa Ligaya, sumakay akong muli sa jeep patungong LRT 2 Terminal. Sumakay akong LRT patungong Recto, tumawid sa LRT Line 1, Doroteo Jose Station. Sumakay muli sa LRT 2 at bumaba sa Estasyon ng United Nations. Lumakad ng ilang metro patungo sa Entrance ng Philippine National Museum. Ngayong buwan ng Oktubre, libre ang entrance fee, kaya malaking katipiran ito para sakin. More photos and information, click here.

Napakalapad ng Pambansang Museo, malinis at puno ng mga CCTVs para sa siguridad ng buong gusali. Lahat ng mga bagay sa loob at talagang kahanga-hanga at talagang kumuha ng aking atensyon. Mag-mula sa katubigan, kalupaan, kabundukan at maging mga personal na koleksyun. Ang bawat bagay ay talagang pinaghirapan ng mga archeologists na maipreserba para sa hinaharap.

Ngunit sa panahon ngayon, napapansin kong mas nagiging moderno na ang pamumuhay, at habang tumatagal mas lalong nawawala ang ganitong klaseng mga programa. Kung saan pa nauuso ang mga social networking sites, saka naman nababawasan ang mga nagpapahalaga dito. Bakit ko ito nasabi? Bago pumasok ng museo may nakapaskil na mga regulasyon, kasama na dito ang hindi pagkuha ng larawan na naka-ON ang flash ng camera. Subalit ilang beses akong nakakita ng mga estudyanteng kumukuha parin ng litrato na may flash. Ipinagbabawal talaga yun sa lahat ng mga museo na may mga lumang koleksyon dahil maaaring masira ang mga ito at mabawasan ang kalidad at halaga nito. At kung sa gayun, para narin nating

Isa pa sa mga regulasyon ang "Bawal Hawakan, Huwag Upuan" ang mga bagay sa loob ng museo, subalit hindi parin ito masunod ng mga dumadalaw dito. Sa totoo lang, nagagalit talaga ako dahil English Tagalog ang regulasyon, bakit hindi ito masunod-sunod? Nakakatuwang makita ang isang pamilyang sama-samang naglilibot sa loob ng museo; ang hindi ko lang maintindihan ay kung bakit maraming mga magulang na hinahayaan ang kanilang mga anak na mag-laro sa loob (playground lang ang peg?) at kung anu-ano ang mga kinakalikot na maaaring mag-resulta sa pagkasira ng mga koleksyon. Diba, mas magandang hubugin ang mga bata sa tamang paraan para paglaki nila, alam nila kung anu ang tama at hindi tamang gawin sa loob ng museo? Sa aking pananaw, hindi naman nagkukulang ang pamunuan ng museo dahil ginagawa nila ang lahat para mapangalagaan ang mga koleksyon; ngunit kung hindi natin sila tutulungan sa pag-preserba ng mga ito, darating ang panahong hangang sa larawan nalang natin sila makikita. Sana po ay matuto tayo sa pagkakamali ng iba - at wag nating gawing tama ang mali. Maraming salamat po at Magandang araw. Kung gusto nyong makita ang ibang mga larawan at impormasyon, maaari ninyong i-click ang mga dilaw na mga salita.

Ilang oras din akong nasa loob ng gusaling iyun, subalit hindi ko parin nalibot lahat.  Kaya kung kayo ay nagbabalak gumala at pumunta sa lugar na ito, kailangang 10AM nasa building na kayo, kasabay nyo ang pagbubukas ng gusali. Sayang hindi ko napuntahan ang mga paintings sa kabila. Sana po ay natuwa kayo sa mga picture at isturya ko for today.

Banton Burial Cloth

This is part of my Oktubre ang Buwan ng mga Museo

One of the artifacts that got my attention in the Philippine National Museum was the Banton Burial Cloth, not just because of its historical value and age - but because it was discovered in my province - Romblon. Few years back, I read an article about this discovery and I thought this cultural treasure was brought to an International Museum for display. But I was wrong.

Banton burial cloth is considered as a type of an Ikat cloth, made of abaca fiber woven with complicated designs by the indigenous weaving method in Southern part of Mindanao and Indonesia. It is the oldest textile in the Philippines and the earliest existing specimen of warp tie-dyed textile in the Sourtheast Asian region. This was found in one of the wooden coffins (photo below) inside a disturbed cave in Banton Island. The side, a cave complex, was already known as early as 1937. A local from Romblon, Zoilo Festin, reported the side to the National Museum, and a team led by Alfredo E. Evangelista and Avelino Legaspi went to the place on April 22, 1966. Among their finds in addition to wooden coffins were Chinese stoneware jars, Chinese and Siamese Plates, bowls and ornaments, carnelian and blue glass beads, turtle she combs and bracelets, modified coconut shell and bamboo that may as well be flute. The estimated date of the assemblage was from 13^th to early 14^th century. Declared as a National Cultural Treasure on June 14, 2010. - information by Philippine National Museum

the Coffin carved with Serpent and Crocodiles head.

Like the old burial traditions in the country, it is one of the items of the indigenous people in the Philippines that requires rites and rituals upon making and using it. Today, the coffin and the burial cloth can be seen in the collection of the Philippine National Museum.