I Like... Part 2

 

Retirement

I like any day when I don’t have to go to work, especially on a snowy day. Retirement is such a blessing, a gift that I should have accepted two years ago.

 

 

BTS is back

I like that I will be seeing BTS, all 7 members, in August in New Jersey. Floor tickets secured, wowza!!! The BTS supergroup will release their new album on March 20th and hold free concerts in South Korea before embarking on a global tour across North America, South America, Australia, and Asia, including the Philippines.

 

"I Will Come to You"

I like “I Will Come to You” by Jin of BTS on piano. It is a poignant ballad sung by Jin with gentle emotion. He wrote it while he was on military duty. He came back and fulfilled his promise to BTS Army after his military discharge.

Travel and Quiet Moments

 I like to travel (but I hate the long plane hours). I love to write about my travels because I can share the little joys I find along the way, the food I get to experience, the sights that proclaim the beauty of the world we live in, and the people who make the places unforgettable.

In 2025, I vacationed in the Philippines and finally visited the beautiful island of Coron in Palawan; took a road trip to Connecticut and Rhode Island; and attended the 45^th college reunion in Europe.

But it is the quiet moments I love most, those times of introspection in between the hectic schedules of trips and sightseeing. In Norway, I sat at a corner table in the square, enjoying my chocolate ice-cream cone, and watched people go by. My classmates had walked ahead to the palace, but I was content (and tired of walking on the cobblestones) and actually thought, “I could live here.” I like the sunrise view from our cruise ship’s balcony. As we explored the magnificent Schwerin Castle grounds, the “tunnel of greens” mesmerized me; there is light at the end of the tunnel. In Coron, I went up the rooftop terrace of our Airbnb house, at the crack of dawn, to marvel at the glorious sunrise as my family slept after a full day of island-hopping.

The quiet moments are my precious “me” time, when I slow down, focus on myself, and recharge my batteries during a vacation marked by constant movement and a packed itinerary to hit all the tourist traps.

 

 

Painting 

I like that I started my painting journey.

I am continuing and exploring my artist journey. I dabbled in pencil drawing before, but painting intimidates me. I am a total amateur, but I am determined to grow in my craft. I am playing with colors, brushes, and techniques as I switch between abstracts, patterns, and graphics using acrylic paints, markers, pastels, pencils,

I like that my art supplies are ready for me to use. I have a corner of the dining table to lay out my acrylic paints and markers, sketchbooks, watercolors, pastels, etc.

 

 

"Walk for Peace"

I like the Buddhist monks’ “Walk for Peace”. They started their travel in Fort Worth, Texas, and arrived in Washington, DC, on February 10. They aim to raise "awareness of peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world." Amid the ongoing turmoil in the country, it is heartwarming to see crowds gather along the monks’ route to support and welcome them and their dog, Aloka. I see the Walk as a nonpartisan, nonreligious unifying force that has resonated with people from different races and faiths. According to their spokesman. "It's a spiritual offering, an invitation to live peace through everyday actions, mindful steps and open hearts”.

Ten states, 108 days, and 2300 miles later. I still cry when I see the pictures.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2042326629965078

 

Yummy

I like Ube ice cream with hot pandesal and Pineapple Upside Down cake. I don’t usually eat desserts, but these two tempt me every single time.

 

 

Pinoy Nurses in "The Pitt"

I like that the HBO Max medical drama “The Pitt” features two Filipino nurses, Perlah  (Amielynn Abellera) and Princess (Kristin Villanueva), as part of their ER team. Not just background players, but crucial to the emergency department team and highly respected for their expertise in the crazy, hectic world of emergency medicine. They provide comic relief when they speak Tagalog to each other, perhaps a coping mechanism to the work stressors. There is something therapeutic about bantering in your language, and sometimes communicating just with your eyes (and pointing with your lips).

After 15 seasons of “ER” without Filipino nurses, we see these bad-ass nurses and work besties claim their right to be seen as part of the team. As an ER nurse for 35 years, I felt represented. Finally.

 

 

 

K-drama

I like K-drama. Over the years, I have watched sporadically because of time constraints. After retirement, I am enjoying the time to watch as many as I can. I am currently juggling between several shows: Suspicious Partner, Crash Course in Romance, Can This Love Be Translated, Cashero, and Welcome to Samdari. Hey, I am picking up more Korean words as I go along.

 

 

 

 

I Like… (Part 1)

https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2016/06/i-like.html

 

 

 

Favorite Instrumental Music

 

Music is powerful, even if the lyrics are not in English. Music stimulates our brain’s emotional and reward centers by releasing the “feel good chemicals”, dopamine and serotonin.  It transcends language, whether they’re in French, Korean, Tagalog, or Spanish. I never thought I would appreciate rap music until the trio of RM, Suga, and J-Hope of BTS opened my mind to the beauty of music I wouldn't usually listen to. I don’t let my ignorance of the language affect my appreciation of the music.

Sitting in an opera, the audience is held spellbound, even if they do not know the traditional Italian, German, or French lyrics. You can read surtitles (subtitles projected above the stage) or read the libretto with the translated text beforehand. But when the melodies resonate with you and touch you, it is beautiful no matter what.

 INSTRUMENTALS

What is your favorite instrumental music> Classical or contemporary? The Beautiful Blue Danube, Ballade Pour Adeline, La Vie en Rose, or the joyful Filipino song called Katakataka?

Instrumental music lacks the advantage of on-screen surtitles in opera or the lyrics in a musical video, but it pulls our heartstrings as we recall forgotten memories. The unspoken touches us profoundly, as we close our eyes and let the music wash over us. The melody brings out powerful emotions that resonate with us and can bring tears to our eyes.

I wrote about the Stendhal Syndrome, also known as Florence Syndrome or hyperkulturemia, in a previous post. It is an emotional response to music and art that triggers a physiological response that activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2024/10/stendhal-syndrome-why-songs-make-us.html

 

These are my favorite instrumentals: 

DREAMS

Diana Newell, an 87-year-old Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran, never gave up on her dreams. Diana participated in Season 3 of the musical program “The Piano” to find the best amateur pianists in the United Kingdom. She performed her own composition, written after the death of Phil, her beloved husband of 63 years. Jon Baptiste, a Grammy-winning artist, was impressed by Diana’s performance and labelled her “the Queen of England”.

“This piece was born out of loss and grief,” Diana said. “From a young age, I dreamt of being a concert pianist. And it has taken all of my 87 years to finally realise that dream. So my message is to never give up on your dreams.”

 

 

ELEGY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE TSUNAMI OF MARCH 11, 2011

Nobuyuki Tsujii is an acclaimed Japanese pianist and composer who has been blind since birth due to microphthalmia. In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake triggered a tsunami killing 18,500 people. That same year, Nobuyuki performed his own composition to honor them.

Tsujii was visibly overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears while playing this piece, noted as a landmark performance of his career. The music was haunting and poignantly beautiful.

The accolades for him from other great musicians and music critics say everything:

 "Very seldom do I close my notebook and just give myself over to it, and he made that necessary. I didn't want to be interrupted in what I was hearing.”- Richard Dyer

“His playing goes straight to the heart, propelled by his phenomenal technique and the uncanny richness of sound he draws from the piano."- Clemens Trautmann

“For him to play the Chopin concerto with such sweetness, gentleness, and sincerity -- it's deeply touching. I had to keep from crying when I left the room."- Menahem Pressler

 

BALLADE POUR ADELINE

I discovered Richard Clayderman’s music among my father’s collection of vinyl records and cassette tapes when I was at college. Tatay was always playing Charlie Rich and Engelbert Humperdinck, so I “borrowed” Richard Clayderman’s tape and considered it my own property.

Clayderman, born Philippe Pagès in France, often partnered with Olivier Toussaint & Paul de Senneville and enjoyed an outstanding international career as a pianist. It all started when he recorded the gentle piano ballad that De Senneville composed for his baby daughter, Adeline.

There had been many versions of the popular ballad, but it has been his version that I always come back to, as well as his performance of Comme Amour, Souvenirs D’Enfance, and “Mariage D'Amour”.

 

 

LA VIE EN ROSE

 Édith Piaf’s signature song, "La vie en rose," is my favorite French song. Piaf herself wrote the lyrics, and the music was composed by Louis Guglielmi (also known as Louieguy). The song was popular in the late 1940s, translated as "life in pink" or "life through rose-colored glasses,", Piaf’s lyrics captured the hopeful, yet wistful mood of post-WWII France. The song inspired many international recordings, notably by Lou Armstrong and even achieved Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998.

This guitar version by Guitar Baba (real name: Sebastian Andrade) is a charming recreation of the beautiful melody that I had on continuous loop. He provides simple guitar lessons on social media for novice learners.

 

 

CHERRY PINK AND APPLE BLOSSOM WHITE (Cerisier rose et pommier blanc)

This song was composed by Louis Guglielmi in 1950 and became famous in English as "Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)". It has been played in Latin style as a mambo, with saxophones and trombones.

Hauser is a Croatian cellist who imbues this performance with his signature sensual and romantic style. Oh, those smoky long-lashed eyes, the swagger, the sexy smile, the come-hither looks. Who can resist?

 

KATAKATAKA

Katakataka is a Tagalog folk song composed by Santiago Suarez, and performed above by Rondalistang Parañaque. It is a story of a budding romance between a boy and a girl, their playful teasing, until the romance finally became serious.

I included this on the list because the song never failed to make me smile, even though I remember how I was as a miserable rondalla player during my elementary days. I did not make the audition. As consolation, I was one of the dancers for our elementary school presentation.

 

EL CONDOR PASA

"El Cóndor Pasa" (Spanish for "The Condor Passes") is an orchestral musical composed by the Peruvian composer Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913. The song is based on traditional Andean folk music and is now considered Peru's second national anthem.

Leo Rojas, an Ecuadorian musician, performed on the pan flute (also known as panpipes or syrinx) on the fifth season of the German television show Das Supertalent, based on Britain's Got Talent, which he won.

 

HYMNE À L'AMOUR

Marguerite Monnot composed the melody, and Edith Piaf wrote the lyrics for her illicit love affair with a married man. Gautier Capuçon performed this song with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.

Celine Dion delivered a stunning tour de force performance of this song in the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, France.

 

THE BEAUTIFUL BLUE DANUBE

This classical music by Johann Strauss II was played beautifully by André Rieu & the aptly named Johann Strauss Orchestra. It was recorded live at the grand Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. 

The concert I attended in Elmont, New York, did not have the glittering Austrian skies; the venue was the UBS Arena with the NY Islanders banners in the rafters. Yet, the audience response is the same. As Andre predicted, the aisles were filled with dancing couples as soon as the iconic "The Beautiful Blue Danube" waltz played.

 

HISTORIA DE UN AMOR

Written by the  Panamanian songwriter Carlos Eleta Almarán, the song was translated in many languages and recorded by various artists around the world

David Bay performed this song while riding the gondola in Venice, Italy.

 

Joyful Videos to Make us Smile and Laugh

 

Have you ever sat before your computer screen, transfixed by the videos? You suddenly realize that your jaw is aching from grinning from ear to ear. Happiness and pure delight fill your heart, your stress forgotten, a transient but much-needed respite from the worries of this world.

The news is depressing nowadays. During these trying times, when people forget how to be humane and kind, and political strife reigns supreme, I need diversion and distraction. It may last only a few minutes or hours, but I gladly welcome any opportunity to de-stress.

Laughter is healing. A 2023 meta-analysis reported that a single session of watching joyful videos reduces the stress hormone cortisol and releases the feel-good chemicals endorphins. A La Loma University study found that laughing is healthy, as it “strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and activating immune cells, making it an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.”

So, join me and let us laugh and smile together.

 

“You're the One that I Want” by Bobby Glorioso and Antwaan Taylor.                             Just two friends having fun at work. 

 

Victor Borge, comedian and pianist, the “Clown Prince of Denmark”. When life was simpler, the humor was cleaner, and no politician dictated your comedy routine.

Rowan Atkinson, the British comedian par excellence, is on another level. I will watch Mr. Bean anytime. Alas, he was never knighted, but he received the "Commander of the British Empire" award for his services to drama and charity.

TikToker @dfaguimba shares videos of himself dancing with random people on the street, coaxing them to release their inhibitions and dance with him, or simply giving them a hug. He uses the hashtag “Human is Human” in his videos.

Umaru Dante, also known as Ngobi Umaru, spreads smiles and happiness. He is a dance artist, choreographer, and entertainer from Kampala, Uganda. Who can resist his infectious smile?

 

 Ken Lee, remember that very familiar song? I love her conviction. Such chutzpah!

 

Kids being kids, enjoying life to the fullest, cute and carefree. May they keep their "joie de vivre" even in their adult lives.

Sometimes, children don't have filters, and they just surprise us with their honest revelations. To this day, we still don't know who or what the boy did to cause her ire. 

Mic drop!

Ellie and Emma

Kevin Bubolz realized the positive impact of dogs while deployed as a US Army helicopter pilot. He brings Ellie and Emma, two golden retrievers, to "spread smiles" in their visits as therapy dogs in schools, hospitals, and military bases.

 

 

 Baby laughing

Ed People (real name, Edouard Jaqmin) from Belgium asks strangers to dance with him. It would be fun to meet him on the street; I may be persuaded to bust a move, even if I have no rhythm.  Maybe I can teach him how to dance "Tinikling"? Oh no, that's too hard for my aching knees and hips. Maybe "Pandango sa Ilaw" or "Itik-itik"?

 

In 2014, the staff at Elmhurst Hospital filmed their version of Pharrell’s “Happy” song. So many familiar faces. I wish I were there.  

P.S. I am remiss for not mentioning the super-group BTS from South Korea. I am an ardent Army (name for BTS fans), and I have spent countless hours watching their versatile and entertaining discography, as well as their hilarious variety show videos- RUN BTS and RUN-Seokjin. I smile, I laugh, and for some precious hours, I forget that there's a world out there worth escaping from.

Travelogue: Rhode Island and Connecticut Getaway

 

August 8-10, 2025, a quick getaway to Rhode Island and Connecticut with my son and sister.

 

Mystic, Connecticut was our first stop. It has a charming and quaint New England atmosphere, still retaining a laid-back small-town vibe despite the multitude of tourists sampling Mystic Pizza (as popularized in the movie). The rich maritime history, combined with picturesque waterfront views, makes this town a popular destination and a quick getaway.

Newport in Rhode Island is renowned for its opulent mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, which served as the summer "cottages" for the ultra-rich and famous during the late 19th century, as dramatized in the "Gilded Age" HBO drama. 

The grand dame of these mansions is the Breakers, where the Vanderbilt family lived lavishly in this breathtaking display of grandeur and wealth. The 70-room mansion attracts many visitors who are dazzled by its architecture and interior decorations, featuring marbled floors, gilded high-vaulted ceilings, walnut and platinum-leafed panels, alabaster arches and columns, crystal chandeliers (probably costing more than my annual salary), and mahogany and oak furniture. 

So amazing how the other half lives. I am sure that all the other visitors fantasized about being one of the Vanderbilt children. Maybe this is where Anderson Cooper vacationed as a child. There is an inscription on the fireplace that was imported from a 16th-century French chateau:  "I laugh at great wealth, and never miss it; nothing but wisdom matters in the end." I strongly disagree with this; who in their right mind will laugh at wealth?

Providence has a vibrant arts and culture scene, a charming small town that was the setting for the American medical drama of the same name, which ran from 1999 to 2002. Chantal Krevaziuk crooned a whimsical version of the Beatles' "In My Life".

Providence is steeped in art and history. Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design attract students from all over, adding to the “happening vibe” of this place.

A must-see attraction is the WaterFire, an award-winning outdoor sculpture installation by local artist Barnaby Evans. We were lucky to catch the event during our visit. The iron braziers along the three rivers in downtown Providence were lit with small bonfires. The banks along the rivers were filled with people, a la Times Square. The scheduled evening event began at sunset with a ceremonial gong and music to hype the bonfire lighting. It was magical.

River Boat Tour

We took a scenic boat tour along the Providence River, with the boat captain narrating the historic milestones and pointing out the nautical and architectural highlights of Providence. It was interesting to learn that the Providence River Bridge was constructed elsewhere in North Kingston before the entire bridge span was placed on barges and floated into its final location. Voila, a new bridge.

Yale University

We also stopped by Yale University, a private Ivy League University in New Haven, Connecticut. Famous alumni include the two Presidents Bush (Senior and Junior), Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Jodie Foster.

Food trip

Of course, wherever we travel, food beckons. We dined at Il Massimo (Italian), Dolores  (Mexican) at Hope Street, Sherkaan (delicious Indian food), and bought PVD donuts home.

One funny thing happened. As we were driving from the WaterFire, traffic stopped because of a runaway turkey. The driver in front of us tried to coax the turkey to move out of the road, as the pedestrians on the sidewalk shouted encouragements (as if the turkey could understand). I was able to pass by Mr. Turkey. Fortunately, I saw him in my rearview mirror as he successfully reached the sidewalk, where a gaggle of pedestrians were ready to welcome him.

Travelogue: 2025 Philippine Vacation

 "Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller", according to Ibn Batuta.

That is why I love to write about my travels because I can share the little joys I find along the way, the food I get to experience, the sights that proclaim the beauty of the Philippines, the adventures I can tick off my bucket list, and the family and friends that I can hug and spend memorable moments with.

In March 2025, we came to celebrate my sister Bheng’s 60^th birthday. It seemed surreal to return a year after our mother passed away, but we knew our mother did not want us to stop enjoying our family, to live our lives to the fullest, to reconnect with our loved ones, and to make memories to last a lifetime.

I enjoyed the old tourism slogan, "It's more fun in the Philippines", but after 11 years, it is time for a change. The new campaign "Love the Philippines", according to the Department of Tourism, is not just for branding purposes. Still, it is a call to action to all Filipinos "to remember the beauty of our country, to honor our past, and to look forward to the future armed with the virtues and values of being a Filipino."

Here are the highlights of our Philippine trip:

 

BHENG’S 60^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

A significant milestone - my sister Bheng's 60th birthday celebration at Eurotel Hotel in Las Pinas. The event was well-attended by family and relatives, longtime friends, and neighbors.  I always marvel at my sister’s ability to maintain her connections with former classmates from elementary school, high school, and college. The celebration served as a family and friends reunion, featuring heartfelt reminiscences, enthusiastic picture-taking, and dancing led by two energetic dance instructors. There was a photo booth, a Pica-pica table, a coffee/juice/drinks bar, and games.

We also celebrated at home a joint post-birthday celebration for Bheng and niece Mikee Cerrudo-Baradi. Great food and fun company. The Sandok Bilao money game was hysterical, where kids and adults alike went crazy trying to pick up pesos and dollars using the sandok.

Of course, in any Pinoy party, there is karaoke. Confirmed: the Cerrudos are gifted with excellent singing voices, except for Bheng and me.

 

INC TEMPLO AND INC MUSEUM

Finally attended a worship service at the magnificent Iglesia ni Cristo Templo, which was completed on July 27, 1984. The Templo is the biggest church/place of worship in the country, with a capacity of around 7,000 people. The singing of the hymns was powerful and awe-inspiring, with the voices of about 100 choir members resonating throughout the Main temple.

We also toured the INC museum, which chronicles the successful evolution of the Church from its humble beginnings in 2014 to the present day.  The museum showcases historical artifacts and artworks, as well as the timeline of the Iglesia ni Cristo's growth in the Philippines, leading up to the Church’s global expansion, as evidenced by the magnificent houses of worship found all over the world.

The highlight of the day for me is hearing the recorded voice of Brother Felix Manalo as he preached a powerful sermon. It was one of those defining moments that touch your heart, to hear the Messenger share the words of God in a makeshift room reminiscent of a simple nipa hut with wooden benches for the listeners. The sermon brought tears to my eyes, and my faith was strengthened. This is the reason why I will remain a member of the church to my dying breath.

CIUDAD DE VICTORIA

The Ciudad is a 140-hectare enterprise built by the Iglesia ni Cristo in 2014, following the construction of the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in 2011. Attractions are the well-kept gardens, the zoo, and the bird sanctuary. 

Our guide was funny and delighted us with Instagrammable pictures as he acted as photographer, stage director, and videographer/human drone. He swayed, swooped, and performed acrobatic moves to capture us against the beautiful scenery. Human drones are fun to witness as they gave it their all.

At the end of the day at the Gardens, after exercising muscles I don't usually use and after taking more than 15,000 steps, I find comfort with Biofreeze. Hirap maging tourist!

CORON, PALAWAN

Palawan was cited by Tripadvisor as one of the Trending Destinations in the World for 2024. 

Day 1 - Our family of nine embarked on a three-day adventure in Coron, Palawan. Our Airbnb lodging was arranged at Adora's Place, a fully air-conditioned establishment equipped with four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a high-ceilinged living room, luxurious accommodations, an array of amenities, and our own concierge. Exploring the town to buy souvenirs and cashew nuts (in various flavors, such as honey, crispy, sweetened, spicy, caramelized, and barbecued), we noticed tourists everywhere in this town. Tourism is booming in Coron.

To explore Kabu Beach and the Maquinit Hot Springs resort, we hired two tricycles, navigating through rugged, unpaved roads that proved strenuous for my gluteus maximus. The seats were narrow and covered only the top half of our buttocks. The experience was akin to a Rollercoaster ride along the mountainous terrains. The Maquinit Hot Spring is reportedly the only known saltwater hot spring in the Philippines with the water temperature ranging at 38-40 degree Celsius. At first, it was intimidating to even dip your toes, but the water actually soothed and temporarily relieved our muscle aches and pains from the tricycle ride.  My brother Edwin, who can chat up any stranger, started joking around that the water can boil eggs (I thought balls, too). Such is the Cerrudo humor.

Day 2 - Tuesday marked the second day of our Coron, Palawan journey, which began with a peaceful morning reflection on the balcony of our Airbnb accommodation. An enterprising young man led our island-hopping excursion. While navigating the boat's entry and exit points proved challenging, especially for those with less-agile mobility, our group fortunately escaped unscathed. My son and the crew appeared startled (probably traumatized) by my unorthodox disembarkation method, reminiscent of Jackie Chan's signature moves.

The natural beauty of Palawan is breathtaking, boasting majestic rock formations, limestone cliffs, pristine turquoise waters, warm temperatures, and fresh, invigorating air. The tour encompassed visits to the Twin Lagoons, Banol Beach, Kalayan Lake, and CYC Beach. The young ones enjoyed snorkeling in the waters and coming up with a brown starfish. And yes, the kayak experience was an item off my bucket list, with our tour guide reassuring us that the boat would be able to hold our weight.

The crew cooked lunch for us, and we had our picnic on the beach: shrimp, pancit, adobong manok, sitaw at kalabasa, and inihaw na tulingan. The adventurous trio of Jordan, Kate, and my nine-year-old nephew Jacob hiked up 300 steps to the stunning Kayangan Lake, which offered breathtaking views of the lake against the clear blue sky. The Kayangan Lake is considered the cleanest lake in the country and has been recognized with the Presidential Fame award.  When we got back to our rental, we were exhausted (Salonpas time), but happy for our incredible experience.

Day 3- That's a wrap, Palawan. As I spent a relaxing morning at Adora's Place, I savored a cup of tea and PB&J toast, accompanied by the pleasant sounds of Music Travel Love in the background. Concurrently, Jordan and Kate ventured forth to conquer the 700-step ascent to the pinnacle of Mount Tapyas, which offered a panoramic view of the land, sea, and neighboring islands. How nice to be so young and agile. My brother, Edwin, and Bill, my sister's boyfriend, elected to rent motorbikes and navigate the picturesque thoroughfares of Busuanga. Following our 11 am checkout from Adora's, we made our way to MC Cafe for a delectable brunch, culminating in a final opportunity for souvenir shopping. Then, back to Manila via Cebu-Pacific at 430pm.

 

 

TAAL HERITAGE, BATANGAS

Taal Heritage tour. It was 85°F in Batangas. While everyone in my group still looked fresh and comfortable (even Jordan), I resembled a drowned cat with my hair plastered to my scalp from the rivulets of sweat from the heat. First stop at my brother Allan's house in Los Banos with their dogs. I missed Boomer in NY.

The Taal Heritage Town will appeal to history buffs with the cobblestone streets and the well-preserved ancestral houses, specifically the Villavicencio Wedding Gift House and the Agoncillo House. The Villavicencio house is impressive for its 1850s style of hardwood floors with elaborate carvings, canvases, and furniture. However, I was most touched by the display of copies of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as the La Solidaridad newspapers. Dona Gliceria was a fierce supporter of the revolutionaries during the Philippine-American War. Marcella Agoncillo sewed the Philippine flag as designed by Emilio Aguinaldo.

The towering Basilica church is the biggest church in the Orient. The Taal Market claims to be the Barong Capital of the Philippines, so of course, Jordan could not resist buying a new one.

INTRAMUROS, MANILA

Intramuros, or the Walled City, is a National Historical Landmark that features Fort Santiago, a large stone gate, and a shrine to national hero José Rizal, as well as several cathedrals and churches, barracks, fortresses, and armories used during Spanish colonization. Within the walls of Intramuros are four universities and the Casa Manila museum, which is filled with Spanish-era furniture and art. The Rizal Museum displayed the room where he was incarcerated before he was executed by firing squad. 

Rizal wrote Mi Ultimo Adios on a small piece of paper that he cleverly hid among his belongings in an alcohol stove. It was his last farewell to his beloved country, a farewell to oppression and tyranny from the Spaniards. I actually teared up when I saw a copy of his poetic tribute, which had been translated into several languages and was even displayed in Braille. I also remembered that we were required to memorize and recite the poem in our Spanish class.

One funny discovery is that my sister Bheng bears a resemblance to her namesake, Josephine Bracken, who was Rizal's girlfriend at the time. We then toured the rest of the walled area with the horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) that ply the cobblestone streets.

 

 

THEATER: LIWANAG SA DILIM

We attended the Musical show, "Liwanag sa Dilim" (Light in the Darkness) at RCBC Plaza. The musical featured OPM (Original Pinoy Music) songs by veteran musician and songwriter Rico Blanco. The superb performances (especially by Sisa) and the brilliant staging accentuated the twists and turns of the story based on an internationally recognized and heroic book by beloved author JPR.

It was funny when a Gen Z'er was teaching Clara the Generational lingo. Hello!!! I'm trying not to spoil anything, lol, but "gets ninyo"?

Day 14, March 29, 2025. This is it. Goodbye, Philippines. Until the next time. It has been a fabulous vacation; the 2-week itinerary was packed with diverse activities and memories that will last a lifetime. I feel most profoundly blessed to spend time with my family and friends.

Walang iyakan.

Next post: Food trip