Baguio. So far....

Because of five faces I see in this photo, I am strolling around Baguio right this moment while J. Bond works. Decades had past since I've been on a road trip to Baguio. The last time  I was here was with Mother, a few days after I  graduated from College.  A lot has changed since then. The presence of a humongous MALL signifies that commercialism has paved its way for the benefit of "financial gain". Streets are narrower and clogged by traffic and pedestrians alike. But with these so-called economic boosts came the neglect of preserving the true Baguio I once knew.

Except for its cozy cool weather, Baguio has simply deteriorated :( 

Yet, I am glad to re-discover that the landmarks I knew as a child are still around--Cathedral Church, Victory Liner Bus Station, the Market, St. Louis University, Sunshine Bakery, Wright Park and the stall that got me started with my Archie Comics collection. 

But I am still at the midst of discovering and re-discovering more.  So far...

Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).  The recently opened alternate route that cuts travel time by an hour or more.  Really amazing, plus with sprawling farm lands to see. But boredom may set-in mid-way. It's all about the the same sights throughout a 90plus kilometer stretch. The yet-existent old route, on the other hand, leads travellers to pass through a multiple of busy towns.  Livelier but with hurdles like traffic and slow moving vehicles.

Still at SCTEX.  Mount Arayat behind the rice field. Within my sight's reach yet so far. I talked about its legend in this blog.

The narrow, winding road of Kennon Road.  With road signs all mixed up, we landed in Kennon Road instead of Marcos Highway.  At least, a reminisce of the road my family and I  took on summer trips to Baguio back then.  But with zigzags seemingly sharper and blind corners under repair,  I was a nervous wreck who thought that walking way up to Baguio would be safer.  I almost did.  I never thought and felt this way as a child.  I was fearless.  A sign of aging!

The famous lion's head under renovation.  A symbol that Baguio-proper is within arm's reach and the end tail of Kennon's winding road.  Gasp!

A relatively new sight within the compounds of Camp John Hay.  The Manor, our accommodation while at Baguio.  A few meters away is the yet being constructed office building of J. Bond, scheduled to be operational in May.  J. Bond must return for the turnover, and so am I! 

If I had a choice, I would pack my bags now, leave behind the harsh and stressful environmental reality of living in Manila, and live in peace in a mountain for the rest of my life. *Haha. The cool breeze and the scent of pine trees make me happy.

And, this is how my mountain abode must look.  Minus "Cantinetta" (an Italian resto).

Dinner at Cafe by the Ruins. I am a buff for quaint cafes with artworks of local artists displayed on walls.  Food, in reality, comes secondary.  The ambience makes me tick :)

 

Interior dining area of Cafe by the Ruins and the painting that I am still thinking of.

Kamote Bread of Cafe by the Ruins. Bought two for consumption on the road back to Manila.

My order, shredded tapa with Ifugao rice and fresh salad.

Dined with gusto!!!...

...and thought of stashing the kettle in my bag, which apparently is available in Manila as per the waiter.  And so is my necklace which I purchased  from Papemelrotti, Glorietta 3 before departing for Baguio yesterday morning.  Talk about last minute shopping!  *Hahaha!

In 30 minutes, I'm off to this place to browse ... and to shop more! 

But best part was J. Bond's brush with Pacman at a private party with media at The Manor last night.  I tagged him as "gate crasher", but he claims that seeing Pacman in person with the rest of the entourage comes very rare. Ergo..."So what! I will seize the chance!".  And he's right :) 

Happy weekend everyone!

The Legend of Maria Sinukuan

In celebration of EARTH DAY, I share with you the LEGEND OF MARIA SINUKUAN, a mythical mountain goddess who resides in the bountiful forest once found in MOUNT ARAYAT.

Known to be a dormant volcano, Mount Arayat is located in Pampanga, Philippines.  The southern half of the mountain lies within the municipality of Arayat.  The northern half, on the other hand, lies within Magalang, Pampanga. Today, Mount Arayat is known to be a climbing hub for Philippine mountaineers.

As you read the famous legend below, I hope you  take a few moments as well to gaze at a few borrowed  photos of Mount Arayat, inspirational images of Maria Sinukuan and my own photos of SONYAS GARDEN . 

The legend and the photos speak of one thing:  LET'S ALL DO OUR SHARE TO SAVE THE BEAUTY OF  MOTHER EARTH.

Thank you Wikipedia for the story ....

Sinukuan is associated with the unusual bounty of the forests in Arayat, and with the profusion of animals there.

Mount Arayat.  Courtesy of  http://zcap.freeyellow.com/pix3.htm

Mount Arayat stands in the middle of Central Luzon and is topped by a circular volcanic crater.  The southern half of the mountain lies within the municipality of Arayat, Pampanga, while the north half and the mountain summit lies within Magalang, Pampanga. Ten miles to the west of Mount Arayat is Angeles City and the former Clark Air Base. Mount Pinatubo is located a further ten miles west. 

It is known to be a mystical mountain, the legendary home of the diwata (in English, Fairy) Maria Sinukuan, and was once believed to contain a wealth of fruit.

An image of Maria Sinukuan by http://www.boholchronicle.com/2009/mar/29/bared.htm

Watching over the needs of the people in the nearby town, she used to regularly leave fruits and animals at the doorstep of locals who needed food during hard times.  At one point, a group of young men got greedy.  They sought out where Sinukuan's home was in the mountains, and when they found it, they asked for more than what they actually needed.  Sinukuan did not object to this, and allowed them to pick a great load of fruits.

She warned them, however, not to get any fruits from the forest without her permission. On their way back home, they decided they would get more. Why not? They asked each other. “She won't know we took home fruits and animals. They're so plentiful, she won't know the difference."

Courtesy of http://www.thepedia.com/define/Maria_Makiling

But she did. As soon as they had started picking more fruit, their packs began to feel heavier. They soon discovered that all the fruit and meat they were carrying had turned into rocks. The young men ran away, but before they managed to escape the forest, Sinukuan appeared before them. As punishment, she said, she would turn them into swine. And so she did.

But the other people in the village were also getting greedy. More and more, they stole from Sinukuan’s forests. Angered, Sinukuan stopped leaving food at their doorsteps. She made the fruit trees and animals in the mountain to disappear. And she also never allowed the villagers to see her again.

***By Beaded Story invites you to join its cause to Save Mother Earth by donating P50 when you order any bead work. This will be donated to World Wild Life Fund Philippines and your purchase will be delivered to you in recycled packaging instead of the usual pouch.  Visit www.bybeadedstory.multiply.com for details.