Up to now, my parents always tell tales about the EDSA Revolution and how they carried me with them and rallied among other Filipinos fighting for democracy. How the late Aquinos have fought against  dictatorship and for our rights.  I was like 3months old that time. Almost every girl on their picture wears pink but me as a kid, almost all my stuff were yellow. Growing up with Aquino supporter parents, even my first birthday was yellow-themed, and I always smile with the “Laban” sign in pictures. My parents never fail to tell us about the heroism of Ninoy and Cory everytime our discussion ends up with Martial law.

It was a very shocking news when I heard that President Cory Aquino died last Saturday.  It was kind of sad because the woman that we always lookup to is gone and yet somehow peaceful in a way because everyday,  I can hear from the radio that she is having a hard time.

It‘s a good thing that Wednesday, was declared a holiday and I get the chance to at least pay respect to her by waiting for funeral cortège and at least say a little prayer.  Even just waiting at the Quirino Avenue, I saw in my own eyes that Filipinos have not forgotten what she had done for us. It felt as if I was in EDSA (though I can’t remember. I was so little that time)

Everyone was patiently waiting for her cortège and some are giving away free yellow ribbons.  Everytime a part of the cortege pass, it’s like everyone knew each other.

Exchange of smiles and signs of “Laban” is what I witnessed. I have never seen such respect given to anyone. Really, she doesn’t need a state funeral. It is very clear that her greatness is very much appreciated.

It’s just sad because there are always opportunist that make use of these moments in a bad way. AKBAYAN,  Rissa Hontivero’s Party list was so disrespectful. Her party came with a very big banner that instead of saying good stuff for the late president, there they were using the chance to protest to GMA. I don’t like GMA either but they should have chosen another time and not during a solemn funeral.  That is just unethical. She even went to the burial (I saw on TV).

In my heart, I will always remember that if it wasn’t because of President Cory Aquino,  we never had the democracy that we are enjoying right now. Let’s not forget to fight for our right just like she did.  She had lived as an example of selflessness and  courage. Thank You President Cory.

Everybody is out for vacation this holy week. But me, I just stayed home. Well not exactly at home. Haha.  Even before, we always stay at home to observe the Holy Week, I remembered when I was a child, we always go to my grandparents to sing “Pabasa” (a traditional singing of how Jesus has been put to death) and since they are already dead, no more of those singing stuff,  it’s just me, the tv, Dvds and my bed. A weekend of   movies and pigging out (we were supposed to be fasting).

I’m glad we still have one tradition. Bisita Iglesia. It is a Filipino custom to go to at least 12 churches and pray on each stations of the cross. At least I was able to get out. Argh!

Catholicism is one of the main contributions of the Spanish Occupation here in the Philippines. Because of these, churches here in Manila can be considered places of interests because its architecture has Classic European Influence.  Many of the Church were built hundreds of years ago but still looked magnificent.

Then just this last Saturday, I was supposed to do some bicycle exercise as part of my therapy. My bf and I went to CCP Complex in Roxas Blvd to go biking. But there were no bike rentals there anymore. So we decided to just walk around the area and took some photos.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and belonged to NCR or National Capital Region which serves as the center of industrialization of our country. There are lots of interesting places that you can actually see here.

Before we go downtown, let’s start somewhere near out place, UST. The oldest, royal and pontifical University of Santo Tomas. I studied here in highschool and I would say,  the prettiest campus in town.

The Kilometer zero. Bagumbayan, now known as Rizal Park, where our National Hero Jose Rizal was shot to death.  Rizal Park has been a place for people who likes picnic. It is the prime park here in Manila. Aside from Jose Rizal, Lapu Lapu’s statue was also placed here donated by Koreans it is also the spot where the Gomburza was punished to death.

Intramuros or the walled city and what I considered closest to the beauty Vigan because of its Hispanic feel. I just love walking around here. Around the area is Fort Santiago, and of course my Alma Mater Mapua Institute of Technology along with other colleges. You can actually go up the wall and relax, watch golf and study (yeah right) oh well just bum around.

Fort Santiago is where Jose Rizal was detained before he was shot at Bagumbayan.

CCP Complex Harbor Square is a very silent area where you can jog, play badminton, do some yoga and whatnot. I was surprised that you could actually find something not so busy here in the city. You can see here the Manila Skyline. You can also do some cruisin around Manila Bay. 250.00/pax for a cruise, add another 250.00 for dinner. What a romantic way to spend your sunset with someone. Yay.

Even Before, Manila City Baywalk is famous for it’s beatiful sunset. It was a very long time since I last saw it there. Oh gosh it still awed me.

Even though I wasn’t able to go far this holy week I could still say that I had blast.

more photos at http://carlakatipunan.multiply.com/photos/album/139

Who would have thought that there is a nautical transportation here in Manila? Of course there is! Pasig Ferry has been operating since 2007 and a practical means of transportation for those who likes a traffic-free travel plus sightseeing. Biyaheros or Merchants (transporting goods from Manila and then sells it) also finds the boat very useful way to travel since they got masses of goods. The boat runs where else? But of course in the historical Pasig River! Way back Spanish occupation, Ilog Pasig (or Pasig River) has been a mode of transportation since it runs from Laguna de Bay to Pasig passing different areas in Manila. The Boat is very clean follows safety precautions. Underneath the chairs are individual life vests and only allows passenger at maximum seating capacity.

Pasig River has witnessed the triumph and pitfalls that have happened here in Manila. Ilog Pasig was also the setting of the first Chapter (Bapor Tabo) of Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo (My favorite Filipino fiction). When I tried to ride the boat, I thought I was warped back through time. Haha! So much drama! Going back to my story, the transportation operations was stopped. For some reasons, the Pasig River that used to be clean became polluted. Mainly because of industrialization, the waste products are carelessly thrown on the river. Now I am glad that at least the government and some NGOs are trying to do something about it (a bit late though). Pasig wasn’t that polluted anymore.

Pasig ferry operates from Intramuros to Kalawaan and vice versa. Below is the list of schedules. I took a photo on the bulletin board at the Escolta Station

What to do

hmm.. street photography. you’ll observe loads during the trip.

No-no’s

Seriously, you can’t jump on the river. Haha kidding! Who in the right state of mind would do that anyway?

They strictly follow schedule so don’t be late.

Firearms and other pointed objects are not allowed inside.

You cannot smoke inside the boat.

You can’t take a picture of the Malacanang Palace (Presidential Residence). They said it’s for security purposes.

Lastly, Don’t throw anything on the river. It’s the simplest deed to help save the river. unless it’s a fish food which is very unlikely.  And I don’t think you like breeding  janitor fish.

Title: 16th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2009
Location: SMX Convention Center
Link out: Click here
Description: The TravelTour Expo was conceptualized by PTAA in 1994 to showcase the products and services of its members. Since then, the show has evolved into a much awaited annual industry event, covering practically all segments of the travel business.

After its successful move to SMX Convention Center this year, preparations are again underway for the 16th TravelTour Expo 2009 which will take place on February 6 to 8 at Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

With the theme “Travel in Style” , the event features two new segments – lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and wellness products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas.

Why join TravelTour Expo 2009?

* TravelTour Expo is the biggest event for the travel and tourism industry
* TravelTour Expo offers you an expanded customer base
* TravelTour Expo is the ultimate destination for the best travel deals
* TravelTour Expo is the prime marketplace for your destinations
* TravelTour Expo is continuously doing its best to bring you a special show every year!

Date:
06 to 08 February 2009

Venue:
SMX Convention Center Halls 2, 3 & 4,
Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Opening Hours:
6 February – Friday
11 AM – 9 PM

7 February – Saturday
10 AM – 9 PM

8 February – Sunday
10 AM – 5 PM

Ticket booths close 30 minutes before end of show hours

Accompanying Events:
Daily Raffle Draws, Entertainment & Games and Exhibitors\’ Presentations & more surprises
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-02-06
End Time: 17:00