Hip Hoppin' on a Sunday

The venue was at the CCP's Bulwagang Francisca Reyes Aquino. The main participants were students of the CCP Summer Dance Workshop. Some were dance teachers from the CCP Dance School. And Karissa Adea was there - one of Ballet Philippines' young ballerinas. All of them were energetic... all them - young!

There were members from the Cultural Affairs Office of the US Embassy, the old-reliables from the Performing Arts Department of the CCP Josie and Bernie, Noordin Jumalon, the CCP Dance School Director; and Leslie Noble, Executive Director of Ballet Philippines. I went just out of curiosity as Hip-Hop is slowly evolving into another genre of dance.

Tweety Straker is a ball of energy. An alumnus of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, she eventually moved into her own as a hip-hop dancer and became known as a teacher of Hip-Hop. She's done a lot of teaching in the US as well as in europe and asia. Prior to her stint here, she was in Australia and New Zealand.

For twelve days Tweety will be conducting a dance workshop in Makiling, at the National High School for the Arts. But in this workshop, she will not only be handling representatives from the CCP Dance School but from a wide swath of the youth sector who are interested in dance from all the regions of the country especially for those in the South.



Nadjla, the cultural affairs officer of the US embassy realized that HipHop was becoming very popular among the youth worldwide. So they decided to tap the 16-19 year old dance enthusiasts to join the camp. It's interesting that the youth tapped to join the event were from different social strata, different religious backgrounds and from different regions as well. It's Hip Hop and the love for dance that serves as the amalgam that binds them all toegether for 12 days.

While at the camp, they learn to eat, live and breathe HipHop with Tweety at the helm. They learn the basics of HipHop, its history, its development and its many variations. Other than that, the kids learn the values attached to HipHop, the lifestyle, the philosophy and the social responsibility that HipHop espouses.

Given the objectives of the HipHop camp, I'd give it 2 Zs and a snap! Work it, Gurrlll!!!!

Sarangheyo!!!!

• I was informed of the tour by Ms. Susan Calo-Medina on Friday, 23 Friday, 2010 and was asked to get in touch with Ms Fina Robes; who in turn asked me to call her daughter Angelica Robes as she had a guest from Korea. The usual arrangements were made and I was intstructed to meet the party at Aristocrat Restaurant by 2:00 p.m.

• This tour was a shoo-in as there were many opportunities to “connect” with the guests on many different levels. I talked to the guest about the popularity of Korean soap operas and K-Pop which is quitepopular among the Filipino youth.

• She was also educated in California and she spoke and understood English well. We talked about life in the US and particularly in California.



• She was very inquisitive and was very aware of our Spanish heritage so we were able to interact with surprising ease. She was interested in a lot of things and ideas, asking about what contributions the Spaniards made towards our national identity as was the case when I brought up the commentaries about the British and the Japanese. Being Korean, had a clear perception of Japanese Occupation in her country and our efforts in the Korean war. As it turns out, she was biased against the Japanese and the Chinese as well.

• We talked about so many things under the sun including the surging interest of Manila’s youth in Korean pop culture as evidenced by the top rating Korean telenovela’s. Aside from my mentioning that I’ve been to the Korean community in L.A. and that the same things are occurring here. She was pleased and was convinced that it was cheaper for the Koreans to live here and learn to speak English.

• She also asked questions about Kilometer 0, the Rizal Monument, and Manila Ocean Park.

• The heat was sweltering and since the guest had just come from the airport, I had no choice but to begin the tour with San Agustin. She bucked the tour of Casa Manila since there was a wedding reception at the patio of Casa Manila and she didn’t want to see it.



• Then I decided to bring them to the Fort since it was mid afternoon and a little cooler.

• We went to all the areas of the fort and the guest punctuated my commentaries with questions taking photo ops along the way and straining the allotted time for the tour. Angelica it turned out had to be at School to take an exam that very afternoon. The Korean guest was delighted to see a translation of Mi Ultimo Adios in her language.



• The tour ended at around 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. with the party heading straight for EDSA so Angelica can be at University of Asia and the Pacific for her school examinations. Along the way I still talked about the Manila Bay and other TVPs. I asked to be dropped off at the CCP. I gave the driver directions to Macapagal Avenue so they could pass by MOA and then straight on to EDSA.

Republic Act No. 10066

I have something to be pleased about. The National Cultural Heritage Bill has been signed by President Arroyo in law. The bill originally authored by Senator Edgardo Angara essentially protects all heritage sites from being destroyed, renamed, or literally stolen from the country.

Honestly, we really have to be careful about how our national treasures are being callously eradicated. It seems that somewhere along the way... we stopped caring! Years ago, well funded French and American researchers went up to the mountain provinces to research on our epic songs and poems. They have amassed at least 14 volumes of our native HUDHUD (epic songs sung by the elders while in the process of preparing the rice terraces for and during the planting of seedlings). WE have none of the recorded copies...



The City of Manila is a treasure trove of art noveau and art deco buildings, not to mention the spanish colonial and american colonial buildings that have survived centuries of war. Do we care about them? Lito Atienza tore down the Skyroom of the Jai Alai buildings during his term as Mayor much to the chagrin of the National Historical Institute. Years prior to that, the Manila Ice Plant had to give way to progress by giving way to the LRT railway that passes squarely through it. Now both areas are parking lots. The site of the ice plant now serves as the Lawton Station of the Pasig River Ferry Cruise.

The Metropolitan Theater, a fine example of art deco architecture, is currently housing a government agency on its upper floors while the theater itself is being left to dust and decay. Alas, it does take money to restore and renovate these buildings. But isn't it easier to maintain these buildings and keep them in tip-top shape rather than spend ton's of money on repairs. Apparently, we've run out of patrons/patronesses who easily dole out the much needed funds for the upkeep of certain landmarks.



Enter Senator Angara with the National Cultural Heritage Bill and everything seems quite rosy again. Hopefully the government will see the value in preserving what we have for generations to come and admire if not appreciate them.

The Banaue Rice Terraces is 2,000 years old. It is unfortunate that not many people take effort nor money in maintaining its aesthetic and cultural value to the country. Nowadays, with the temperature at (its highest yesterday) at 36.8 degrees is posing a threat to the UNESCO Heritage Site. The San Agustin Church in Intramuros, another UNESCO Heritage Site, is scrounging around for pennies and cents in accumulating funds for its upkeep as well.



Very often, we're surprised that street names are changed as well... Duque street in Binondo was renamed Nueva street(included in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere) which until recently has been renamed into Yuchengco. Rosario Street is now Quintin Paredes. Gandara is now Sabino Padilla. Dewey Boulevard is now Roxas Boulevard. Buendia is now Pedro Gil. Vito Cruz is now Pablo Ocampo. Isaac Peral is now Pedro Gil. With all these names changed is small wonder that even Manilenos get lost in the city.

There is always hope... Until Republic Act No. 10066 is implemented and enforced, we are assured that no buildings will be destroyed, no names will be changed, no songs and poetry will be brought and exported abroad. Now all we have to do is be vigilant about it!

Loco Over Coconut Palace

It was a sweltering Saturday afternoon and I had agreed to join fellow Mabuhay Guide Yael and re-visit the Coconut Palace. Yael, with kids Kyle and Lara in tow, picked me up from Quirino Avenue and we proceeded to meet Mabuhay Guide Bryan at the gate of said building. Bryan, as usual, was at the palace way ahead of time so we rushed to meet him there.

The Coconut Palace, built out of the Marcoses "Edifice Complex" fixation, is the only one of its kind that does not function as a convention or performing arts venue. It was built solely as a showcase for the versatility of the "lowly" coconut that grows in abundance anywhere in the Philippines. It is also the only one that was not designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin within the grounds of the CCP. The Coconut Palace was created by Architect Bobby Manosa based on a concept of Madam imelda Romualdez Marcos.

In fairness to Mrs. Marcos, her much ballyhooed lavish and ostentatious spending were geared towards promoting the best that the Philippines had to offer. In international terms, IMAGE is everything! And boy, did she show them!!! The Cultural Center and the PICC served as benchmarks which were copied by our ASEAN neighbors. Now, of course, since the neighboring countries have achieved more progress they have built their own convention and arts centers and have added a few more features in a move of one-upmanship. Years ago, none of them had what we had.



But I digress... It's not true that the Coconut Palace was built to house Pope John Paul II upon his arrival in Manila. The Coconut Palace was created as a concept building showing what one can do with all the parts of the coconut tree. Everything from roots, to trunks,to leaves, to coconut shells were utilized in a myriad of ways. Everything was aesthetically pleasing and functional all at the same time.

It was built almost coincidentally when the Philippines was hosting the Manila International Film Festival. First daughter Imee Marcos was then heading the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (her headquarters were at the Manila Film Center.) But since the pope was arriving, Mrs. Marcos offered the palace for His Holiness to stay in. He tactfully declined the offer since his official residence while in Manila is at the Papal Nuncio (along Taft and Quirino Avenue). So rumors of a papal snub for Mrs. Marcos are baseless.



It was a sentimental visit of sorts for me... the last time I was inside the Coconut Palace was for a surprise birthday party for Tita King Kasilag+. Among the guests were Leslie Noble, Nes Jardin, Irene Marcos, Tita Bing Escoda-Roxas+ and many more. Back then, after the EDSA I Revolution, we noticed that a lot of things have been defaced or stolen. Now, it has become worse.

Years ago, the Palace was managed by the CCP Administration. All the lawns were green and manicured, the tap had hot and cold water running and entry was limited to a select few. With the looting that ensued after EDSA I who knows what items were stolen and lost forever? The building was well maintained and every nook and cranny was spick and span.


I don't know how eventually management of the Coconut Palace was turned over to the GSIS...I am clueless!!! Seriously, can a government agency handling financial affairs of the government's work force still have time to own and operate a building far detached from their headquarters? I think not. At present there have been many changes from the original structure. The lawns are in bad shape. Granted it's summer and the grass would be brown... but the high green fence that covered the palace from public view is all dried up... looks like nobody's been watering the plants...



Still, the Coconut Palace is worth seeing if only to give us a sense of what the Filipino ingenuity and creativity can achieve. The seven rooms in the upstairs level are open to the public upon special arrangement. Each room has its own motiff based on what the province has to offer. However, the Jusi beddings need to be replaced. Over the years, the fibers have become brittle owing to exposure to dust and heat and are getting frayed and torn in areas.

The president's room and madam's are on opposite ends of the north and south wings of the mansion each facing the backyard with the octagonal pool and the open view of Manila bay. This area is ideal for weddings and receptions especially with the famous sunset of Manila bay serving as a backdrop. However the entire household is blocked off from the public for gatherings such as these.

Incidentally, during our visit we chanced upon a taping of the teleserye aired on ABS CBN. The Coconut Palace is once again getting its share of media exposure as the setting for the presidential offices of this prime-time soap.

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

"Laoag" (Ilocano for "light or clarity"), is an old, flourishing settlement known to Chinese and Japanese traders when the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at the northern banks of Padsan River in 1572. Augustinian missionaries established the Roman Catholic Church in the area in 1580 and designated Saint William, the Hermit as its patron saint.
At the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippine Islands, they found out that the natives were divided into community groups, each having its own independent government. That there were centers of population as was observed by Captain Juan de Salcedo, Ilocos was extraordinary in size. In Laoag alone, the population reached as high as 6,000. This was the greatest number of inhabitants in a “barangay” or “purok” in the whole country at the advent of the Spaniards. The houses of the natives, made of bamboo and cogon numbered to no less than a thousand. These were built and compactly arranged around a hill known as “Ermita Hill”, located at the Southeastern section of what Laoag is now at the very brim of the northern bank of the Padsan River. The natives must have chosen this spot for the location of their community not only of its proximity to the river which is indispensable to them as the source of their protein, that is, fish, shellfish, and water for drinking and washing. Buzeta, commenting on the practice of the Ilocanos in constructing their houses very close to one another., that no space was left for their orchards contrary to the common practice of the natives in their places of island who constructed their houses isolated in the fields adjacent to their farms. The late Don Luis Montilla, who for several years, was Director of the National Library (now the Rizal Centennial Commission) unquestionable documents in the national Archives which mention 1580 as the real data of the organization of Laoag as a parish under the Patronage of St. William, the Hermit, whose feast is celebrated on the 10th of February every year.



Before the end of the 16th century, the missionaries, in their desire to improve the living conditions of the natives, resettled the big center of the community of Laoag from Ermita Hill to its present location. This center is the present Plaza of the city of Laoag. Following the gridiron pattern of Greco-Roman origin in laying out towns, Laoag was resettled by the Spanish missionaries by first laying out the central rectangle where the location of the plaza, church, convent, tower, “tribunal”, and other important edifices were indicated. These were followed by the laying out of rectangular street blocks. The Laying out of the poblacion done, the indigenous population was prevailed upon to construct their houses in proper places within the reach of the church bells. The poblacion was subsequently divided into different barrios, each named after a patron saint assigned to them.
In 1942, Landed from the Japanese Imperial forces entered in Laoag
In 1945, the U.S. & the Allied Philippine Commonwealth forces with the help of Ilocano guerrilla units headed by Gov. Roque Ablan Sr. went against the Japanese troops by which making Laoag and the whole Ilocos Norte region the only local government unit who has not surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Forces to the combined Filipino & American soldiers in Laoag.
Though Laoag was converted into a city in 1965 through a plebiscite, leaving its municipal status, it remained the capital of Ilocos Norte. The first city mayor was Hon. Eulalio F. Siazon.
The inhabitants of Ilocos at the arrival of Salcedo were a sturdy and industrial race predominantly Austronesian.
The first wave of Austronesian immigrants to the Philippines came about 200 to 300 B.C. These immigrants were the less civilized Austronesians – ancestors of the Igorots, Ifugaos, Bontocs, and Tinguians of Northern Luzon.
The second wave came after the Christian Era, beginning about the first century A.D. and continuing through the succeeding centuries until the 13th century. These migratory waves saw the advent of the alphabet-using Austronesians – ancestors of the present Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Visayans, Bicols, Pampangos, and other christian Filipinos. To these better civilized Austronesians belonged the Ilocanos that Salcedo found in the Ilocos in 1572.
The Spaniards found the inhabitants of Ilocos with distinctive peculiarities in character and culture. They looked very similar to the Tagalogs with faded hair, big eyes, olive-like color, flat nose and with very thin beard or none at all. However, they spoke a different dialect that, although belonging to a common mother tongue as the Tagalogs, had required certain modifications and idiosyncracies making the Ilocano dialect quite different from the Tagalog. Laoag City, the sparkling gem of Ilocandia, is located at the west central part of the province of Ilocos Norte in Northern Luzon, nestles in the vast plain in the idyllic bank of the Padsan River that course its way from the east towards the South China Sea. Laoag City is along the Manila North Road. Vigan is 78 km. from Laoag, 217 km. from San Fernando City, La Union, 363 km. from Tarlac and 488 km. from Manila. It is 274 km. from Baguio City.

Pampanga on a Platter

The Mabuhay Guides has just retraced its Pampanga route last Saturday, 10 April, 2010.

What a journey it was!

The Mabuhay Guides is finalizing its very own version of a Pampanga Food Tour... thanks to inquiries from the private sector. This much I have to say... be ready to pig out!!!!



Our version of a food tour will focus mainly on Heritage cuisine from Pampanga's mostly old, prominent families. And they have all so graciously acquiesed our request to share their family secrets with us. Culinary secrets, that is. Sorry guys, no dirty linen here... just heavenly FOOD.

One of the more animated food luminaries we visited was Mrs. Lilia Borromeo. She of the unparalleled fame for her dulce prenda and panecillos de San Nicolas is always a pleasure to chat with.

She has the chutzpah of one who has been through life's ups and downs and managed to survive it. Suffice it to say that her stories are peppered with satire, editorials, sarcasm and a whole lot of truth in it. Ever the perfect hostess, she regaled us wth her effortless charm and humurous anecdotes enough to write a concise paperback. She should write those anecdotes along with the recipes she selflessly shares to anyone interested.



At her home, on this particular visit, I learned her version of Tocino and skinless longganisa and candied tomatoes. She doesn't mind teaching other chefs her recipes either. It's no tightly-guarded secret...but she has the technique down pat so she's not worried about how the other chefs baked products will turn out.

Her ancestral home has clear indications that its foundations are well entrenched in vestiges of the past. Grill iron fences and intricate wooden latice work punctuate the design of her home.



In her demo area, which was formerly a gym, her cooking implements are scattered tastefully all over the place. Something like organized chaos - think shabby-chic and you'll get the picture. Kitchen utensils, copper pans, ancient cookie molds, wood fired clay ovens alongside religious images, and fine china are standard equipment. Guests also get to try their hand at making their own San Nicolas cookies.



I can't really say much at this point because the entire tour will take a full day of historical facts, food tasting and zipping from one end of Pampanga to another... but the food is to die for authentic Kapampangan food - none of the fusion stuff.

Mabuhay Guide Bryan Ocampo is in the process of consolidating the final book and we'll soon be motoring all over the province. Hope you all can tag along. Oh, and don't forget to bring your Lipitor just in case. It's guaranteed to be that sinful!!!

Manila Ocean Park

I had a little down time with my brother during Lent. It was Black Saturday and many years ago during my younger years there was nowhere to go if you were stuck in the city. Nowadays, the only day that commerce stops is on Good Friday.



I had recently recieved two complementary tickets to Manila Ocean Park and what better time to make use of them than on a hot humid Black Saturday with my dear brother. We arrived at the park a little past nine in the morning. A few measly joggers were left doing their laps in Rizal Park but it was surprising to see that there were a few busses that had already pulling up at the parking area.

The Manila Ocean Park is a marine facility that's owned by a Malaysian group. Thankfully, they did not feature any of the endangered species in the collection of live animals. The entire park is divided into four major areas:
Bahura - features marine animals that can be found near the shoreline; fish that live amongst the coral reefs. These are usually colorful, vibrant fish that are territorial and flit in and out of the living corals
Ang Kalaliman- these are the type that live in deeper parts of the ocean. They usually are the type of fish that have either protective appendages or are colorfully camouflaged to fit their environment.
Laot- Fish that are found in open seas. These fish usually swim in schools. What's interesting about this area is that it features a collection of fish that live together in one environment much like the wide open seas. The tunnel is a watertight acrylic tube with a view of 180 degrees. You can see manta rays seemingly flying over your head.
Buhay na Karagatan- features huge predatory aquatic animals like white tipped and black tipped reef shark. It makes a statement that the ocean is one huge breathing, living organism that supports a teeming variety of life with the rule that is: EAT OR BE EATEN!



You could actually walk around the Ocean Park and while away your time without even being aware of it. By the time my brother and I got out of the park it was way past lunchtime. It can be such an learning and enriching experience. and being the camera bugs that we were we never stopped taking photos of the animals in the tanks.

We had a blast taking photos of each other while walking through the tube. you can actually find a comfortable niche along the ledge of the tunnel and be hypnotized by the movement of the fish. We were lucky to have been there during feeding time for the animals. There' something so fascinating about the feeding frenzy... and when they've had their fill they swim lacadaisilly away...



We both found it obnoxious though, that Filipinos still use flash photography despite of the warnings given by the staff and the numerous signs that prevent the practice of doing so. When will we ever learn?

Added attractions are the Aquatica...a fantasy production...the fish foot spa and the jelly fish show...for a few more pesos you get access to these shows. The entrance fees do not include them. And when you get hungry from watching all the fish you could ever lay your eyes on, there are a great number of restaurants that you can try...there's even a souvenir shop where you can buy any number of small trinkets and t shirts to mark your visit to the place.

Coming soon is another marine park facility that will be erected in Palawan...

Abangan...

Holy Week in Retrospect

Holy Week was a singularly blessed time to be in Manila. No traffic jams!

Everything was quiet. No blaring sirens! No blowing car horns. No people rushing to and from work and/or school. Why anyone would want to be out of town for Lent is beyond me.

I had to work, though. The MS AMADEA was arriving at Pier 13 for its maiden voyage and it was on, of all days, Maundy Thursday! (Read my blog on the tour report posted on an earlier date.) I never thought I would have to work on Holy Week, but hey, it was worth the (pardon me) sacrifice.

After that I did get to do my spiritual obligations. I had actually planned to do Visita Iglesia to fourteen churches. Eventually, it had been cut by half. I had been to San Agustin in the morning and passed through Manila Cathedral with a busload of German tourists. Quiapo Church was its usual bustling self teeming with devotees of the Black Nazarene. Incidentally, about the only other time the Black Nazarene is brought out on procession is on Good Friday. It wouldn't have been a good idea to visit these churches after i worked all day long.

So for Visita Iglesia I visited the following eight churches:

Our Lady of La Paz (Makati)
St. Paul (San Antonio Village, Makati)
Sacred Heart Shrine (Makati)
St. Joseph, the Worker (Palanan, Makati)
St. Scholastica (Leon Guinto, Manila)
St Martin de Porres (Leon Guinto, Manila)
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (San Marcelino, Manila)
Our Lady of Remedies (Malate, Manila)

I was with friends and we were making good time doing the rounds of churches via a convoy. Years ago, the traditional Visita Iglesia was done on foot. Modern conveniences have altered the way we do things. Yes, now we ride cars and all sorts of vehicles to get to the 14 stations.

After that we were famished! And being in Malate, we landed at a newly opened branch of David's Tea House along M.H. del Pilar right across the church on the Remedios side. We dined on Pancit Canton, Pancit Bihon, Siomai, Hakaw, Asado, Chicken feet, Fish fillet. But since it was a time of fasting, we tried to tone everything down by ordering small portions and not family style orders.

It was nice to see young people going around the churches as well... and families too who continue to observe Lenten traditions. More and more people are skipping the yearly exodus from Manila during Lent. So judging by what I've observed, Holy Week is alive and well for generations to come...

MS AMADEA

THE CONTRACTING COMPANY: Baron Travel and Tours
ITINERARY: Group A Group B
Rizal Park (10 min) Rizal Park (10 min)
Fort Satiago (10 min) Casa Manila (10 min)
Manila Cathedral (10 min) San Agustin (30 min)
Casa Manila (10 min) Manila Cathedral (10 min)
San Agstin (30 min) Fort Santiago (10 min0
University of Santo Tomas Quiapo Market
La Loma (Lechon) Univarsity of Sto Tomas
Chinese Cemetery (30 min) La Loma (Lechon)
Quiapo Market Chinese Cemetery (30 min)
CCP Complex American Cemetery
Ayala Center Fort Bonifacio
American Cemetery Ayala Center
Fort Bonifacio CCP Complex
Back to Pier 13 Back to Pier 13
THE GUIDES:
Dennis Maristany* ** Candie Cobiao
Berna Camus Chito Tayag
William Tan Maria Morena Galvelo
Precy dela Cruz*
* Team Leaders for each group
** Team Head for Mabuhay Guides

GUEST DEMOGRAPHICS: Middle age to Senior Citizens
German Nationals
Little or no English
To be accompanied by Interpreter
BARON COORDINATORS:
Julius Puno
Nats Plata
Grace
Jovy Janapa

MEETING POINT:
Quirino Grandstand
1 April 2010
6:30 a.m.

Tour Details:

This is MS AMADEA's maiden Voyage to Manila and Baron Travel wanted to ensure that everything went as smoothly as possible in order for them to get return business from their client.

Baron Travel called for a meeting on Monday, 29 March, 2010 at 3:00 pm at the Baron travel Head office at Cityland 10, LGF, Valero and Dela Costa Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Aside from Mabuhay Guides, there were other guides onhand for the out-of-town tours to Pagsanjan and to Tagaytay. Mabuhay Guides in attendance for the meeting were myself and Berna Camus.

After all the details had been ironed out in the meeting, all information was cascaded to the Mabuhay Guides via email. Baron travel was not expecting much traffic in Manila as it was Holy Week and the exodus from Manila had begun and traffic flow would have been extremely light.

The half-day tour would start early morning on 01 April, 2010 with the Mabuhay Guides assigned to a particular bus with at least 30 pax per bus.

The Mabuhay Guides were at the designated meeting point at exactly 6:30 a.m. and we were met by the Baron Travel personnel. Sandwiches and drinks were handed out and we partook of the sandwiches ( which was a good idea).

While in Quirino Grandstand, we met with the other tour guides and my group discussed the route we were to take. William Tan and I decided at the last minute to change the order of our itinerary so as to facilitate the bus ride along "tight" areas where the busses might have difficulty maneuvering.

We thought of changing the order of going to to Quiapo Market first, then La Loma, then Chinese Cemetery after which we drive by University of Santo Tomas. From there we go Roxas Blvd to CCP Complex, then Ayala Center to the American Cemetery, The Fort and then back to Pier 13. We also thought that we could make it easy for everyone on th eteam to follow the route by going on a convoy of three busses. Ms Precy was in charge of Group B. All of us proceeded to Pier 13 on board one bus the other coaches followed.

The good news was Fort Santiago was opened for this tour despite the observance of the Lenten Season.

We reached Pier 13 and the ship was not even docked yet. there was ample time to refine the roads we were to take. Each bus had a guide and an interpreter was to be provided by the ship's crew. Maria was left without a bus assignment so I asked if she can assist on my bus so we can share guide duties.

We were wrong about the convoy. As soon as the busses were filled off they went. WE had 38 passengers, a baron representative, Kim, Maria, myself and the driver. A convoy would not have been possible. On the positive side, it prevented the sites from being over-crowded.

We were assigned a German interpreter who was fluent in English. Maria and I shared the commentaries. However, since Maria was seated beside Kim she had more of the commentaries for Kim to translate. I was still a bit hoarse and seated across the bus aisle from Kim so it was diffficult to give out my comments.

I did act as the sweeper when the guests went down on the sites particularly in Fort Santiago and the Chinese Cemetery. The tour of the Fort went well with Maria doing the ommentaries and myself as sweeper. There were some who were eager to see the collections and the walls at Fort Santiago. Pictures were taken and some lagged behind while taking photos. I bumped into Chito Tayag's group and also that of Ms Precy.

I did the commentaries in Casa Manila and at San Agustin. Casa Manila was closed for Lent. Traffic was particularly heavy near plaza Roma so we took an alternate route to San Agustin. There was a Chrism Mass in Manila Catherdal so the traffic was slow. San Agustin was filled with people doing the Via Crucis and Visita Iglesia.

The Museum was open though, so we did a highlights tour. However, Kim was not listening intently to my commentaries so the guests went aound the church and exited at the main door. I had to lead them in again to see the other collections of the church museum.

We left San Agustin and proceeded to Quiapo. They weren't interested in shopping. Candie Cobiao's group was so into experiencing Quiapo they went around to Plaza Miranda and even listened to a pabasa.

We were met with heavy traffic along Dangwa. Chito Tayag's guests stopped at Dangwa to purchase flowers. Their interpreter felt so good, he bought each guest a long-stemmed rose at 80 pesos pre dozen.

But traffic eased in La Loma and Chinese Cemetery. Our guests were interested in the Chinese Cemetery they were snapping shots of the mauseleums of the wealthy Chinese. It was here where I found out that coinciding with Maundy Thursday, the Chinese were celebratng their All Saint's Day based on the Chinese calendar. It was nearly noon by the time we prepared to leave for the rest of the itinerary.

The driver was instructed to drive a little faster if we were to get back to the pier by 1 p.m. We did go around the CCP Complex for teh guests to get a glimpse of the modern side of Manila. By the time they had seen Ayala Avenue they were mildly surprised at the development that had sprung up.

We reached the American Cemetery. The guests went for photo ops around the site. We were informed that some busses had arrived at Pier 13 (Candie Cobiao's and then Chito Tayag's). We had to wait a while for the driver who went on a bathroom break.
We then proceeded to take EDSA towards the Mall of Asia which was a dead zone as it was closed for Maundy Thursday. From there we went to back to the pier and we reached Pier 13 by 1:30 p.m. Berna had also arrived ahead of our group. We completed our itinerary while they had to adjust their respective routes. Some scrapped the Makati leg of the tour.

We were waiting for Ms Grace of Baron for our fees. She went to lunch so we were treated to a tour of MS AMADEA. This was a welcome treat for us. After the tour of the Cruise ship, we recieved our fees and decided to have lunch as the only meal we had were the sandwiches served early in the day. It was nearly 3 p.m. by then.

Nothing Follows.