Memories of Halong Bay

It was in 2006 that he suggested Halong Bay. In 2007, when I get to go to Vietnam the first time he again suggested that I go to Halong Bay. But I said, I was bound for Ho Chi Minh City. In 2008, I went back to Vietnam and told him that I am going to Hanoi. It was unfortunate though that Halong Bay was not part of our itinerary. This year, just last week, I was finally in Halong Bay. As I was relaxing on the viewdeck of our boat, I told myself: "Heck, I am finally here!"

But I haven't told him yet. I couldn't seem to find the exact words to describe it to him. But he was right. Halong Bay is enchanting.

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Canigao Island: Almost like Potipot but NOT quite

View of the whole Canigao Island from Brgy Itom with the lighthouse at the far, right side.

Every time I go and explore a new place, I try to find certain uniqueness to it. Going to Canigao Island reminded me of my travel to Potipot Island in Zambales. The resemblance is hard to miss but Canigao has its own unique beauty to show off.

The long stretch of white sandy beach.

Canigao Island is located in Brgy Itom, a fishing village in Matalom, Leyte (East Central Philippines). It’s around 4-5 hours ride from Tacloban City, the capital of Northern Leyte. In Brgy. Itom we hired a boat that would take us to the island. It took us less than 10 minutes to get there. Getting near the island, I got excited as I saw the long stretch of white sand and the blue clear water.

The water is pristine in Canigao.

There is no electricity in the island. But it has a prominent solar-powered lighthouse that becomes prominent as our boat approaches the shore. The moment that we got off, I immediately looked at the quality of the sand in Canigao. It was off white. Boracay sand is finer and more bleached. What struck me are the “facilities” available in the island. There were sari-sari stores, huts and cottages. The resort is LGU-owned and requires everyone a minimal entrance fee. The huts and other housing facility range from 300-700 pesos but one is allowed to camp out if you have no money.

The newly-painted solar-powered lighthouse located at the back of the island.

I looked around and found people enjoying the beach. It was Sunday when we arrived there so obviously a lot of people were making the most of the long weekend.

Beach bummers having photo op behind the signage. Oki and Deb are waiting for their turn.

Aside from the white sandy beach, the island is a sanctuary of coral reefs, sand bars, fishes, and other species. The island is also rich in vegetation so it’s nice to sit and relax under a tree and watch the sea.

It was way passed noon and the sun was scorching hot. The contrast was nice though, a good opportunity to take more postercard-like photos of the island.

That's me enjoying the scene. I wasn't able to bring my tripod but I found a nice, stable spot to place my heavy camera. :-)

Just like what I did in Potipot Island, I tried exploring the whole area, taking photos of every thing and any thing that caught my interest. It took me at least an hour and a half to finish the 360 degree turn. You can walk around the whole island in 30 minutes (more or less). Half of the route, I decided to rest for awhile and enjoy what nature has to offer--the white sand, the pristine water, the blue sky, the lush vegetation, wild flowers, people passing by, dead trees, falling leaves, floating branches, seaweeds, shells, colorful pebbles...and more.

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[To get to Canigao Island:]

Take the flight from Manila to Tacloban City Airport. From Tacloban City, go to the Van-Van's Terminal and buy a ticket ride going to Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte. This terminal provides an airconditioned van ride to Matalom which is more comfortable than taking the bus. Tell the driver to drop you at Brgy Itom.

From the highway, hire a pedicab that will bring you to MB San Pedro de Nonok and look for Sayong Daño. From there, you can hire a boat to bring you to Canigao Island. The boat ride costs 450 pesos (two-way, minimum fare). Entrance fee is 10 pesos for adult and 5 pesos for a child.

Potipot 01: An island so small you could scoop it with your hand :-D

We seek solace in the things that remind us of how “small” we are in this world. Somehow, it keeps us grounded to know that these small parts make this enormous world whole and perfect.

When Charl asked me to join her trip to Potipot Island, I didn’t think twice. She would be accompanying some Chinese friends from her office to spend the whole weekend in Potipot and back to Shenzhen on Monday. This trip enabled me to meet a classmate from college whom I haven’t seen for ages. She got married last year.

View of Potipot Island from Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales

Potipot Island is around one kilometer from the mainland shore of Uacon in Candelaria, Zambales. Uacon is 240 plus km from Manila or five traveling hours by land.

Entrance going to Sun Bloom Resort in Uacon

There are no resorts in Potipot Island so visitors usually stay in Uacon and just hire boat to take them to the island. In Uacon, we stayed at Sun Bloom Resort, a very homey place with all the necessary amenities. The staff are friendly and the rooms are relatively clean and convenient. You can bring your food and cook them in the resort before heading to Potipot. If you plan on spending the whole night in the island, then you need to bring more food since there are no stores there.

To reach the island, we had to ride a small boat. It would only take 5 minutes to get there.

The water was cold and refreshing, a good way to beat the summer heat. :-)

By boat, we reached Potipot Island in five minutes (or less). We paid 400 pesos for the boat ride (roundtrip) which can accommodate 5-7 persons. In that short of time, my eyes were able to feast on the long stretch of white sands that surround the island. The clear water was calm and the lush vegetation and trees provide shade while strolling under the summer heat.

A peak of the long stretch of white sand , just a few feet away to the shore.

When we reached the shore, we were met by a lady who collected fifty pesos (P50/head) for the entrance fee. For an overnight, you have to pay 100 pesos. The small tables and benches are free but for the cottage, you have to pay 500 pesos.

White beach meets lush green trees.

After settling our fees, my companions immediately hopped in their swimming attires and hit the beach. Our Chinese friends looked excited and happy. Some of them have been enjoying what the Philippines has to offer having already visited Bohol and Palawan last year. One of them has nothing to say about Potipot but “Oh wow, beautiful, beautiful!” Of course I felt proud to hear and look at them in great awe.

One of our Chinese friends enjoying the clear, calm water.

While they were plunging into the beach trying to ease the effect of the summer heat, I started my stroll around the island. They say that one can finish the whole round in the island in 30 minutes. With a camera, a tripod, a hat, a scarf, and an umbrella, I took as much photos as I could gather. People were looking strangely at me but I did not care. I hate getting sunburn, it’s itchy and it’s painful so I’d rather look foolish than get sun cooked.

A bench under a shady tree that faces the vast blue sea--the best set-up to meander and daydream!

A lady in deep thought while enjoying the sun.

Even though Potipot Island is small, there were so much activities going around: men fishing under the beating heat of the sun, people strolling and taking photos, people meandering while enjoying the vastness of the sea, group of young people collecting sea shells, and more.

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[Postscript:]

Paano ko ba sasabihin na nasasaktan ako para sa' yo? Na alam kong kahit nakangiti ka at nakiki-tukso, kitang-kita ko ang labis na kalungkutan sa mga mata mo :-(

I say Potipot Island is the most 'poetic' place i have ever seen (and that's me being super-emo again!)

The long stretch of white sand in Potipot Island is a feast to my eyes.

Did I say the water is clear in Potipot Island?

I always say, "Different beaches for Different folks!"

Certain place appeals to people in different ways. If you say Boracay Island is pretty, I would not have disagreed. But certainly, I could give a different perspective of why I would prefer, say, Sangat Island in Coron, Palawan over a foretaste of your favorite white powdery sand in Boracay. Sangat is both beautiful and peaceful. Least to say, I enjoy a piece of myself there than anywhere I have ever been. I would not have enjoy that much in Boracay (or maybe I could) but you get my point right? You will only "feel" a place once you get there. Most of the time, I associate a visit to a new place through a particular emotion. That's how I describe a place.

Potipot Island is no different.

My friends who knew I went there during the weekend asked me straight away. “How was Potipot?” My answer was unanimous. Potipot is photogenic! Now some people took it in a positive tone, but those who (really) knew me, knows there is (always) an underlying meaning to my rather inert statement. Go figure. Or maybe I should have said: Just look at the pictures and imagine yourself there.

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Maha Viharn Temple and one fine, busy Sunday

One thing that you will never run out of when you’re in Thailand is the myriad of temples. There are at least 430 temples in this country, in Bangkok area alone there are less than 50. Now if you enjoy “wat trips” like me, visiting Thailand should be a breeze. Not only does it make me slobber gloating over these shimmering architecture, admiring wat (temple) also provides me with some photographic moments.

On our way to Bangkok from Nakhon Ratchasima Province we passed by this new temple, Maha Viharn which one of our Thai companions suggested that we visit before going back to our hotel. The area is huge and some portions are still under construction (but relatively, the area is nearly finish). This is more of a sanctuary that offers both the luxury of a park while admiring the wat amidst its beautiful, vast landscape. There are restaurants and souvenirs stores too.

This is the recieving area where visitors can get the information about the place (mostly in Thai). Inside are little versions of Buddha (reclining, sitting, praying) in gold, silver and wood.

The east side temple which was on top of a hill. Before getting there, you'll pass by a series of wishing bells.

This is the main pagoda or temple with the moat in front. Inside the main hall is a huge statue of Maha Viharn, a highly revered monk.

View from the main temple.

A variety of flowers which I spotted as I was making my exit going to the west side to visit another temple.

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[Postscript]

Friend: What's one of your guilty pleasures aside from listening to Air Supply?

(An embarrased) Rayts: Watching Manny Pacquiao fights! (*smirk with rolling eyes*)

Last Sunday, as early as 6 am, I met my friend Crim in LB to watch the most anticipated Paquiao-de la Hoya fight at SM Megamall. Thirty minutes before 8AM, we made our way into the mall without a hassle. I don’t usually patronize going to the malls just to watch a Pacquiao bout but realizing it was with dela Hoya and chances are I will be getting what I paid for and that I will be watching a history in the making, I insisted of going. I asked Crim to come along (even though she could have just watch the live feed at the comfort of their television set). She's the nicest. Always there to lend a hand for a low-life like me. :-D

Overall, the experience of watching a boxing bout on a big screen was fun. It was fun watching a fight with fellow boxing enthusiasts. But it was never a breeze. Aside from the fact that we weren’t able to purchase the best seats , there was this old man beside us who could not contain himself from his seat that he had to belt his hearts out screaming while watching the game: “Wala pang 12 rounds bagsak na yan si dela Hoya. Bugbog sarado yan kay Manny! Wala, wala yang sinabi!” (Manny will knock out dela Hoya in less than 12 rounds. He’s nothing!) He kept saying it like, there’s no one beside him. I pity the guys who were beside and in front of him. Their ears probably got busted because of his megaphone-like voice. Another thing, since Megamall subscribed to Solar Sports live, the feed was ironically delayed and the picture was not clear (as I have expected it). But I guess it’s a lot better than watching it on Channel 7.

Horde of people coming out of the cinema after the Pacquiao-dela Hoya fight.

After watching the fight, we decided to see Catherine Hardwicke's movie adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. We headed for the bookstores for some new titles. Afterwhich, we went to our final destination at a nearest coffeeshop for another swig of coffee (that's after having two cups already, before and during the Pacquiao fight). Now that's one hell of a Sunday!

Getting ready for a dance (and a postscript on 100)

Still inside the Pimai Historical Park, as I was heading my way towards the exit, I brushed air with these young dancers getting ready for a performance. Immediately, I positioned myself in a nice spot and took a series of shots as they were passing by me. The ladies looked really pretty even with the hot weather.

Young ladies in parade.

They glitter under the beating heat of the afternoon sun.

A big smile for me?

"Stop wagging your tail, dude!"

The paintings on their bodies are part of the costume.

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[Postscript]

Why do we love numbers?

The same reason why we often enumerate in 3s and why we always want to be number 1. The same reason why we say 1-4-3 instead of saying “i love you” or 1-4-3-4-4 instead of “i love you very much”. The same reason why I love Wong Kar Wai’s 2046 or David Fincher’s se7en or Kim Ki-Duk’s 3-Iron. The same reason why I love Chris Martinez' 100.

Last night, together with a few friends, I went to see 100, an indie Filipino film that premiered in the recently concluded Cinemalaya Festival but was released in five selected commercial theaters in Metro Manila last night. The movie is about a woman who was diagnosed with malignant cancer and was given 3 months to live (100 days). Through a series of post-it which she patiently posts and updates (together with friends and family), she lists down all the things she wanted and needed to do before finally kicking the bucket. This actually reminds me of the 2007 flick, Bucket List but it’s different. You need to watch to know. I like how 100 approaches the idea of “death” as something light and in a way both funny and sad. We will all die—that’s a given. What’s not is that, we need not to be sad and all too messy and emotional about it. Mylene Dizon's act is something to be swank about but Eugene Domingo is a nice spice to the film. Oki and I love her. Considering that this movie is about “death” I laughed most of the time.

* Before this film, I was already a fan of Chris Martinez because of his comedic masterpiece, "Last Order sa Penguin" which one of my professors in my MA required us to read. This professor, invited Chris to our small class to speak and well, we're supposed to ask him about his work and all that but I couldn't even ask one question. I dunno why but I get stun when I see 'great author' come alive before me. I always do. I always think of them as something surreal and err, dead? hehe. Anyway, most of my MA professors and classmates are "veterans" in the field so I should get used to it.

Pimai Historical Park: Angkor Wat’s Little Cousin

Located in the Northeastern Province of Nakhon Ratchasima and less than two kilometers away from Sai Ngam, lies the Pimai Historical Park, home to one of Thailand’s finest surviving Khmer Temple complexes, very much like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

[Some quick facts:]

Built during: end of the 11th century (reign of King Suriyaworaman I)
Size: rectangular in shape (565m wide and 1,030m long)
Architectural style: Baphuon
Religious sect: Hindu-Mahayana Buddist temple
Features: ornately carved sandstone and laterite structures
Special characteristic: the sanctuary is facing south while the others face east

Entrance to the Pimai Historical Park leading to the sanctuary's west passage.

Gate to the main temple from the east entrance. Even though the complex is reminiscent of the Angkor Wat, one can visit the temple in less than an hour.

Columnar passage at the west side of the complex. There's nothing much to see here . The last passage is a cul de sac.

Still part of the west passage. I was kinda disappointed because there are no carvings unlike Cambodia's Phnom Bakheng which for me, is truly a feast in the eyes.

The gopura with the two lions guarding the entrance to the main shrine.

The Naga bridge, this feels like Angkor Wat all over again.

Outer walls and columns before entering the main shrine.

The main prang (pagoda) is located at the center made entirely of white sandstone. The pagoda is 28 meters high, has a square base, a portico and stairways and doors in all four directions. The temple is undergoing construction when we got there and as I saw the sign, looks like there's going to be a big event that particular night.

A closer look at the carvings (not as intricate as that of Angkor though).

The main shrine, Prang Brahmadat which is entirely made of white sandstone.

There are other pagodas, one of which is the Prang Hin Daeng to the left.

Another is the Ho Phram (Brahma Hall) located at the right side of the main shrine.

Inside the Bhrama Hall.

The park is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee costs 40 baht (around 60 pesos or $1.50). There are free brochures available at the ticket counter which they will provide to visitors. It has an extensive information about this historical sites.

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Sai Ngam Park: Where the beautiful figs abound

One good thing about having to join a study tour is that even though we have an itinerary to follow and a series of events to cover, the host country will bring you to places where tourists would likely to go. But since they are “unscheduled” they tend to be “fillers” meaning, you’ll be given (a very little) amount of time to look around and for my case, to take (good) photos. Also, because our hosts do not talk a lot, they didn’t even tell us that they brought us to Sai Ngam Park. They’d probably thought we could understand Thai calligraphy.

The roots of a Banyan tree hang down from its branches.

Sai Ngam Park is located at Phimai District, about 59 kms from the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. Later I learned that “sai ngam” actually means “beautiful banyan trees” which pretty much tells a lot about the place having been known for its 350-year old banyan trees.

Sai Ngam passes through an irrigation project which has a dam built across Moon River.

The branches and roots of banyan have become so intertwined that it is impossible to identify where one tree ends and the next begins. The only way to be sure that there is more than one tree is by counting the trunks under the canopy providing shades and covering the island on which the grove is situated. The Thais believe that this may be the biggest banyan grove in Asia.

One of our Thai companions informed us that visitors could walk underneath these interwoven trees taking in the scenic views and the tranquility of the place. Since we had very little time for that, I didn’t even bother going inside.

Further along the road there are souvenir stalls.

Standing tall are lines of tamarind trees offering shades to visitors.

Tamarind and mango vendor. She selling fish powder too with chilli of course.

One thing I enjoyed though are the huge tamarind trees which I languidly stared at while we are having our lunch at the park. They are so huge and the fruits dangled from the branches as if they were teasing me.

Anyhow, there were vendors selling all sorts of processed tamarind food.

They always look good in uniform

THE DRILL. PMA is the training school for future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

THE SALUTE. There's a rule of thumb for the salute and the "good morning" greeting. But I got the greeting every time they passed me by, which made me smile at all times.

A LADY IN UNIFORM. She looks pretty even with the short hair.

I was traversing through the manicured ground of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) while enjoying the thick fog that was coming my way. The fog touched my face and felt the cool breeze. I stopped walking and suddenly found myself lost in the middle of oblivion.

While I was enjoying a fleeting moment of my solitude, my other two companions were exploring the area. My boss opted to stay in the car. She is a resident of Baguio City, after all.

I scouted the place for some photographic moments. I went to the Lopez Hall of Leaders, quite a new building that would probably attract any visitor because of the beautiful landscape. While taking photos of the flowers, a group of men and women came out of their classrooms, marching their way towards my direction. They look awesome in uniforms. And even with a military cap and a very short hair, I spotted a few female cadets marching with the men. Biologically speaking, there’s still quite a clear delineation of how a woman and a man marches. Nonetheless, they all look smart in their uniforms.

Although PMA was established in 1905, it was only in 1993 that it started accepting women in the Academy.

Located at Fort Gegorio del Pilar on Loakan Road, PMA is a favorite spot among tourists who visit the City of Pine. It has a museum, an exhibit of vintage tanks and other historical military weapons on the ground.

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[postscript]

some random thoughts...

...Oki and I met a long-time friend at starbucks. Oki had to leave early though. It was just me and the friend. we talked about her life and got surprised of how opened she was about it. somehow, without her realizing it, i got (so) enlightened by her experiences that i was left asking her all the time. asking like an innocent child. it occurred to me that most of my 'serious' conversations (often) happen either over a cup of coffee or a (tower) of beer. cheez.

...i wanted to start reading books again. but every time i pick a new title, it always ends up beside my bed (or under my pillow). it takes me at least a month or two before i finish one. sad.

...my chance of getting an MA degree this year is getting (more) hopeless (than ever). this morning, i had to cancel a subject because of a misunderstanding (or stupidity?). will there ever be a cure for stupidity? i told a colleague that i will try to finish my thesis this semester (or at least a draft of my manuscript). he smiled. i took it as a sign of sarcasm (which i always do). i never finish anything.

...i am liking the ellipses. you know the dot, dot, dot...not-finishing-a-sentence-kinda-thing.

...i invited this someone for coffee and what do i get as a reply? "i will send you a memo." is there any subtle word for "crushed"???

...i love Wong Kar Wai's latest flick, My Blueberry Nights, so much so that i wanted to watch it again and again.