Dapitan City

“Ang kabataan ay pag-asa nga bayan (the youth is the hope of the nation),” says Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National Hero. This is one of the most significant quotes of the national hero who may not have fought in the physical battle but rather, in powerful words that awakened the spirit of every Filipino.

Rizal hailed from “Shrine City of the Philippines,” Dapitan City. Its history became remarkably rich because of Rizal who was exiled in the city. He built a hospital for those who seek healing, school for the illiterate and water supply system for clean potable water consumption of the people in Dapitan. As a teacher, doctor and engineer, he has been very significant not only in the city but in the world as well. This was during the Spanish colonization.

When Jose Rizal died, Dapitan City erected the Rizal Shrine as commemoration of his heroic deeds for the country.

How to pay:

Philippine Peso

How unique:

The city is not only unique because of the heroic existence of Jose Rizal. It is also unique for the fact that as people come to the city, they relive history. As they walk along the streets of the Rizal’s residential home, they are transported back in time. At the Rizal shrine, there are also people who spend the time of their lives in dedication for Jose Rizal. These people are referred to as the Rizalians. Their belief rotates and revolves around Rizal as their divine messiah.

The etymology of the city name comes from the Cebuano term, dapit, which means “to invite.” Furthermore, Dapitan City is a twin city of Litoměřice, Czech Republic.

Where to go:

Generating an itinerary for a trip to Dapitan is not a bit of a problem. The tourist spots of the city are notable and accessible. Three of the most popular tourist attractions are the Rizal Shrine, Dakak Park Beach Resort and Gloria’s Fantasyland.

The modes of transit in the city are motorcycles for hire, tricycles, vans, jeepneys and mini-buses. Going to the city can be by airplane or ferry boats.

When to go:

The best time to go to Dapitan City is during the Hudyaka Zanorte Festival. This festival is celebrated from late May to early June. Huyaka means revelry or celebration while Zanorte is a combination of “Zamboanga” and “del Norte.”

What to do:

Spending time with friends and families in Dakak is a memorable experience. Some people refer this beach resort as a mini-Boracay (best white sand beach in the Philippines) because it also has white fine sand. However, it is a man-made beach. Dakak offers jet skiing, banana boat riding, and many more. It also has hiking extensions for adventurers and trekkers.

Tourist tips:

Taking a vacation in a group lessens the expense of the entire trip. Hotels and lodging houses in the city usually offers discounted price for groups – a minimum of ten. It is better to avail of the package deals when going to Dakak because these packages offer a tour around the Gloria’s Fantasyland with free rides.

Manila City

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is the second most populated city after Quezon City. For more than one and a half million people in an area less than 40 square kilometers, Manila is known to be the most densely populated city in the whole world.

Manila is considered to be the Chief Seaport of the Philippines because it has an remarkable harbor that is given optimum protection. The seaport is also the most fully engaged in the world industry. The work done includes transportation in import and export of electronic goods, chemicals, clothing and artifacts.

The most identifiable landmark of the city is the Rizal Park. It is where the monument of the national hero (Jose P. Rizal) was erected in 1913.

How to pay:

Philippine Peso

How unique:

The history of the city traces back to the 10^th century when it was described as an Indianized Kingdom. This is for the reason that the city had an intimate connection with the Kingdom of Medang, Ancient Japan and Song Dynasty in China. The word Manila was coined from the phrase that refers to an area where a shrub called nilad grows. The phrase was may nilad. Later on, it changed to maynila and eventually became manila.

The language spoken by the natives is Filipino. This sometimes create an ambiguity because the term filipino has two meanings. First is “Filipino” as a person who lives in the Philippines while the second meaning is “Filipino” as a language. As a language, its system is patterned from the tagalog language. This is the national language that serves as the lingua franca of the Filipinos.  The inhabitants of the city are called Manilans or Manileños.

Where to go:

Below is a list of tourist spots and must-go places of the city:

• Rizal Park
• Fort Santiago
• Bahay Tsinoy
• Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium
• National Museum of the Philippines
• Intramuros
• National Library of the Philippines
• Manila Ocean Park
• Quirino Grandstand
• Pacific Manila

When to go:

Nothing matters a lot if people go to Manila in any season of the year. Most of the tourist attractions are fully operative in serving people. However, there are also events that give extra spark to the place like the Feast of the Black Nazarene that attracts millions of followers (every 9^th of January). On June 24, the city celebrates the Manila Day when it was chartered as a city.

What to do:

If a person is fond of roller blades and skates, he or she can slide along the wide Rizal Park skating rink. It is also a good avenue for friends and family gatherings for picnics, chitchats, and bonding. For music enthusiasts, the Hard Rock Café is available as a hangout place. People enjoy jazz and acoustic music in this restobar (restaurant and bar).

Tourist tips:

When people visit Manila, they would never fail to stop by Intramuros (Spanish word meaning “inside the walls”). It used to be a barricade to protect wealthy people who reside in well off houses or mansions. It also protected churches and schools against enemies. A person that visits Intramuros feels like he or she is transported into another dimension of an epic adventure.

Davao City

Peace. Prosperity. Power. These three words are summed up in one city – Davao City. Its peacefulness as a city in Mindanao proves its worth as the most livable city in the country. In a larger scope, it is among the top 20 most livable cities in Asia. It has been a popular city around the globe with its powerful mayor (formerly Rodrigo Duterte; now, daughter Sara Duterte) who walks in justice for the people in the metropolis.

With the land area of approximately 2,443.61 square kilometers, Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines that even Metro Manila needs to be tripled in order to match its largeness. According to the Foreign Direct Investment Magazine, which is the news and foreign direct investment publication by The Financial Times Ltd, this city is known to be the 10^th Asian City of the Future.

With all these presented, Davao City is indeed one of the must-go places in the country.

How to pay:

Philippine Peso

There is a market in the central downtown area, Aldevinco Shopping Center, which offers various currency conversions and sought-after tourist items for gift purposes and pasalubong (Filipino term for “keepsakes,” “goodies,” or “presents”).

How unique:

The term davao is named after the Davao River. The ethnic groups had several name versions of the river. They called it Davo, Davau, Duhwow (trading settlement), Dabu, and Davoh (beyond the high grounds). Finally, it was then called the Davao River. That was how the name of the city was coined. The inhabitants of the city are called Davaoeños.

Where to go:

Although Davao’s airport is an international airport, it is still developing its stead. Anyone can go to the city by going on board from the country’s international airports like Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay and Mactan International Airport.

Upon reaching the city, there are various tourist spots that must be visited. The modes of transportation in the city are taxicabs, jeepneys, tricycles, small boats, buses and vans. Here is a list of some notable tourist spots:

• Crocodile Farm (Riverfront, Diversion Highway)
• Davao Museum (C.M. Recto)
• Eden Nature Park (Toril)
• Mindanao Taoist Temple (J.P. Cabagiuo)
• Battle Memorial (Mintal Elementary School)
• Davao City Hall (San Pedro)
• Japanese Tunnel (Matina)
• People’s Park (Palma Gil)
• Philippine Eagle Center (Malagos)

When to go:

Although the city does not use fireworks for celebration, the Kadayawan sa Davao festival is the most awaited event in the year. It is usually celebrated in the middle of August. The name of the festival came from the term madayaw which is a usual salutation used by Davaoeños.

What to do:

It is best to experience the pride of Davao which is the durian fruit. It is famed for its distinctive smell and thorny green covering. Several businesses also expanded this pride with different kinds of versions such as durian ice creams, shakes, coffees, candies and many more. Another thing to experience is talking with the mayor. There are also cafés and malls available for shopping and entertainment.

Tourist tips:

Commuting around the city is not a problem because, even if the city is the largest, streets are easy to remember. Bringing a map is also recommended in order to have a much easier transit experience. In addition, Davao is a non-smoking city.

Dumaguete City

Dubbed as the “City of Gentle People”, Dumaguete City is known to have a rich multi-faceted culture mainly influenced by a combination of Spanish, American and Chinese civilizations. These influences were determined by the different academic institutions that were established in the city such as Saint Paul University (Spanish), Silliman University (American) and Holy Cross (Chinese).

Presented with various intercultural exchanges, the city is definitely worth visiting.

How to Pay:

Philippine Peso

How Unique:

The local residents of the city are called “Dumagueteños”. The city is known with a lot of epithets. One of which is the “City of Gentle People” because people are said to be peace-loving, hospitable, respectful and good-natured. As recorded in statistics, the least number of terrorists can be found in this area. If there are terrorists, Dumaguete is their place of rest; not a place for conquest. Foreigners love to visit the city especially during holidays.

Furthermore, Dumaguete is also called the “University Town” because it holds about four recognized university institutions in the country — Silliman, St. Paul, NORSU, and Foundation. Students dominate the population in the area. When school days are off, you can see that there are only a few people roaming around the town. When classes start, brace yourself. The synergy of the whole bunch of students breaks the relaxed lifestyle of the city.

Where to go:

The city is abundant with several historical landmarks and recreational establishments. Whether a day tour or a night life, Dumaguete can feed all those tourist-hopping cravings. Here’s the thing. The establishments around the metropolis can be circled in half a day. Not just because the place is small, but because the facilities can easily be found and identified–and maybe because the place is small. Anyway.

The following is a list of suggested places that an interested tourist can go to:

• Hayahay
• Barefoot
• Robinson’s Place Dumaguete
• Lee Super Plaza
• Cathedral Church
• Rizal boulevard
• Bell Tower
• Tierra Alta
• Quezon Park
• Freedom Park
• Gabby’s bistro
• Why Not Music Box
• Café Mamias
• Bethel Guest House
• Sans Rival
• Café Antonio

When to go:

The city is known for its “Kabulakan Festival”. In other words, a “flower” festival. Held during summer days particularly in the month of May, Kabulakan is a must-experience celebration as celebrities are invited to march their way on a parade. As early as 12 noon, people already gather in the streets to get their best view of the event.

What to do:

Barbecue chicken reigns supreme in Dumaguete. There are several BBQ hotspots at the Silliman Avenue, and smaller evening operations set up along Rizal Boulevard. Moreover, best steaks can be found in famous restaurants still located in the boulevard area: Mamias, Don Atilano, Le Chalet, etc.

Tourist tips:

Almost all accommodations are within walking distance to the market and town plaza. There are taxis that can get you from the airport to the city proper. But nothing beats the Dumaguete experience using “tricycles”. Tricycle drivers make the trip with baggage from the seaport to the pueblo with about 10-20 pesos only.

With all these being said, Dumaguete is definitely a must-go place in the country.

Philippine Island Hopping: Zamboanga City

Situated in the southern part of the Zamboanga peninsula, Zamboanga City is Asia’s Latin City (Ciudad Latina de Asia, in Zamboangeño language). The city has been very influenced by the Spanish and Latin culture. Even the people have physical features of these influences. The inhabitants speak broken Spanish which they call chavacano. In the Philippines, there are about 600 thousand people who speak this language, majority of which are in Zamboanga City.

The city continues to promote education, profitable businesses, health care services, trade industries, and commerce. With this, the city has become one of the central hubs of the Philippines. In addition, Zamboanga is also the country’s jump-off point to several destinations in Asia.

How to pay:

Philippine Peso

How unique:

The etymology of the word came from the term sabuan. It changed as time passed by to sambongan which means “wooden pole.” It later became Zamboanga because of the Spanish influence. If other cities hold international airports, the city operates an international seaport which ships goods around the world; although it also has an international airport.

The city also caters the most number of military bases in the Philippines such as the 3rd Air Division of the Edwin Andrews Air Base, Western Mindanao Command, Philippine Army, Marines, and Navy. The city has about 19 seaports that are fully functional for transportation.

People that reside in the city are called Zamboangeños. Some people also call them Chavacanos.

Where to go:

The city established the special economic zone which is called the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority or the Zamboecozone. It is also known as Zamboanga Freeport Authority or ZFA. The Zamboecozone operates to achieve global competitiveness. It promotes the industrial development of the city that also links with the entire country. It is situated in about 20 kilometers from the city hall. Aside from this, there are many tourists attractions that anyone can visit:

• Catribo Complex
• Mindpro Citimall
• Midtown Plaza Mall
• Yellow Beach
• National Museum of Zamboanga City
• Fort Pilar Shrine
• Pasonanca Park
• Zamboanga Golf and Country Club
• Lantaka Hotel

When to go:

Since Zamboanga City is a typhoon-free zone, choosing the best time to go to the place is not much of a hassle. This goes when a person visits the place in his or her utmost convenience. However, if he or she is planning to enjoy and experience the Latin City, he or she must join the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. This is the most awaited event of the year because Zamboangeños gather together in celebration during the first two weeks of October.

What to do:

Learning how to speak Chavacano is as exciting as going to the city’s Fort Pilar Shrine. There is also a barter place wherein anyone can buy foreign delicacies. The city also has a sardines and seaweeds industry. Bringing these as pasalubong (present given by a person who arrived from a trip) will be like bringing the city in canned packages.

Tourist tips:

It is regretful to miss eating seafood cuisine because Zamboanga is a haven with regards to that matter. The best-selling restaurant that offers these delectable food is the Alavar’s Seafood House. A tourist will never worry about the price because the food in the city are not expensive yet very delicious.

A Note on Love

06-10-11

We live in a world where dogs are chased by cats.

Experiencing odd events in life don’t matter a lot. In fact, they automatically adapt to the norms. That’s how the world doesn’t make sense. We, ourselves, try to create our own ambiguities which, nevertheless, become a natural things to do. Other people attempt to unravel these complications and some leave them as they are. This is when the funny part goes inside the pond of still water.

People have different opinions and insights that, one way or another, can meet but we still persist on making our own as better than the other. Crab mentality as they would label such. Yet so complication, something in the middle of the web establishes a common ground and this is the point of the entire blog — love.

Words such as war, violence, hatred, anger, etc. never existed in the first place because the only reason why they were generated is the absence of love. People try to mold their views regarding this matter. Society defines love with several different types, which truly, doesn’t make any sense at all. It all boils down to one thought and we don’t need to rock the boat in order to sink in to this point.

The truth of the matter is that – with all the love that is classified – there are only two kinds: Man’s Love & God’s Love. (I guess there’s no animal, plant or alien love for that sense)

As a human being, we are created in the image and likeness of God. Fact: our true self is a spirit and that spirit is God-breathed. And by the way, that’s a perfect creation but with our fleshly desires and “will”, we end up committing mistakes over and over again. What is needed is to strip away the flesh and build the spirit. Anyway, going back, we are not perfect as human beings. How much more is man’s love? So in this light, we are left with the latter kind.

God’s love is the perfect love no one could grasp. His love is so big that it’s radiance doesn’t only cover the earth but the entire universe. So big that He gave His only Son to prove it.

©dust

Frienship: Classified

06-17-11

Society has created several categories of friendship (e.g. an acquaintance, a close friend, a best friend, a true friend, etc.). What marginalizes each sort is the intensity of the relationship — and it is mutual.

An acquaintance is simply defined as a person known to one through personal knowledge as a result of study, experience, or etc. It can also be when two persons just exchange their ‘HIs’ and ‘HELLOs’ without a sudden halt of excitement to take a chat. This type of connection may be taken for granted but in essence, this is already friendship.

In Sims, the highly-addictive game which I consider in my case, you are tasked to do what your Sim (character) desires that will pop out in his ‘needs and wants’ sidebar. One common aspiration is to have a friend. When a Sim chats with another Sim, automatically, the met-up Sim will become an acquaintance. The relationship would not abruptly become a close friend or a best friend afterward. It will all start from being an acquaintance; then to be a friend, an effort should be made use. The point is, in reality, having a friend is not a happy-go-lucky crack because you need to earn it.

A close friend is described as a trusted person whom you share and chatter with knowledgeable thoughts and commendable ideas. Compared to a best friend, you can have a couple of close friends. As what we’ve learned in our high school English subjects, a superlative degree of a word is singular. So, a best friend is supposed to be merely ONE. Nevertheless, a close friend is usually an inspiration to the other (or vice-versa) since both carve up a sense of stimulation that charges every brainwave to a purposeful and meaningful relationship.

The term ‘best friend’ has crafted a sense of bewilderment because people are usually misled in claiming to have best friends but actually, there is only one (reiteration). In this state of friendship, two individuals have a mutual relation in divulging each others’ secrets and hush-hushes. This is a higher scale of amity given that there is a valued trust in both parties. If one thinks that the other person is his/her best friend, the other should also respond to it.

Remember: it takes two to tango.

A true friend is not one of the types of friendship; better yet, it is more of an element or a quality. Three key words of this element is relationship, trust, accountability. Many people say, “Oh, he’s/she’s a good friend of mine,” yet they never take time to spend time with that “good friend.” Friendship takes time: time to get to know each other, time to build shared memories, and time to invest in each others’ growth.

Real friends encourage and forgive one another whenever there comes an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. According to an anonymous author, “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” In supplementary, when everything else goes on fire, the oil will always be separate from the water no matter what – and with that, you are the fried fish.

Aside from these sorts of friendship, we have the most indispensable kind.. the faithful friend.

A faithful friend is the medicine of life, the ancients wrote and modern scientists agree that “the strongest predictor of a person’s health is the quality of his/her relationships.” A quote taken from a professor of interdisciplinary studies and expert on health analysis at Western Washington University in Bellingham who has found that friendships help people out of depression.

The Bible says, “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24. This is a precise and exact statement in defining a faithful friend. Faithfulness to us in our faults is a certain sign of great reliance in a friend. You may depend on a person who will tell you of your faults in a kind and considerate manner like a professional psychoanalyst. You might probably meet fawning hypocrites and insidious flatterers who are but the parasites upon that noble tree with palatable fruits of true friends who put enough trust in you to tell you openly of your faults.

Indeed, there is too much to talk to with regards to friendship. It is definitely a broad topic to be tackled about. This is emphatically an unfussy note to be shared, for the reason that people tend to forget the value of how it is to create a genuine bond of companionship. I hope we will not expunge or destroy the engraved link intertwined with our friends because it is so difficult to find another one for replacement – in fact, it’s simply irreplaceable.

©dust (Published in tWS)

First Blood.

My first post.

This phrase (first blood) has been used as an epic cliché of what is said to be classic domination over a first kill in a highly addictive game called, Defense of the Ancients (DotA). But I guess, people are missing the whole point of this phrase.

First. This is defined as something that is coming before all others in time or order. In other words, earliest.

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” With this verse, it presents a sharp description of what the beginning looks like. It’s the Word = God.

Blood. This may be just the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of homo sapiens and other vertebrates but it’s more than what meets science. This is the “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18)” which took the sins of the world.

In amalgamation, First Blood refers to the only blood which delivered us all from eternal damnation. It is the commencement of a new life of victory. All because of the first drop of blood of the earliest existence, we’re assured of a life of salvation.

End of my first post.