ALIW SA LILIW

We follow the Lucban-Majayjay-Nagcarlan road to reach the small but very accommodating town of Liliw in Laguna. No wonder why they were tagged as the country’s Tsinelas capital because assorted footwear are scattered along the vicinity. While waiting for our friend who manage to escapes from their company party just to join us on our bonding moment, we roam on the busy street of Gat Tayaw where different showroom of slippers can be found. It was very entertaining to witness a group of visitors who has full support to Liliw’s pride. Either they went there to buy something or merely plain wanderings only. Like us, we don’t have any plan (at first) of buying slippers because we are avoiding the hassle of bringing too much stuff. (Nyahaha, mahirap magbitbit pag palipat-lipat ng sasakyan). But when we started the store-hopping, fitting our size and even asking the price….OMG…we all end up carrying our own pasalubongs.

Here in Liliw, there are plenty of design to choose from whether the end-users are boy or girl, lavish color that will suit your preference and competitive prices that will surely match your budget. Can you imagine for as low as Php100.00 you can bring home 3 pair of slippers. Bongga! My business-minded friend come with an idea of purchasing more quantity and sell it to their neighbors. When we enter each stall we were amaze ont their creativity  of producing a colorful slippers that could easily attract each consumers. Liliw make a trademark that their home-made slipper was indeed a good catch without compromising its quality.

Pili na! Bili na!

If Edsa was dominated with appealing advertising board then Liliw had jumbo slipper hang above the ground as well as immense modern sandals along Gat Tayaw. Even some of the store-owner had life-size display of tsinelas next to their shop.

After almost 1 hour of slipper sightseeing and shopping, we visit the notable St. John the Baptist Church which is a walking distance from the market. There’s no mass inside but on that day it was open for public.  The church are so spacious to welcome all visitors who wish to offer  prayers. Though the foundation itself were built many decades ago and outside appearance can’t hide its old age, still the Parish magnificent charm remains the same. The red bricks that serve as the backbone are one of the acclaimed feature of the Liliw Church.

Being in Liliw is great manifestation that their very own identity is preserved despite living in a highly commercial world.

THE CLIMB TO KAMAY NI HESUS

After our happy-tummy food trip at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, we proceed to our next destination: Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center in Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon. Our tricyle journey from Kamayan to Kamay is filled with lots of nature sight-seeing. A scent of fresh air accompanies us all the way to the blessed place. There’s an ongoing healing mass when we arrived and bunch of devotees were happy celebrating their special moment with God. It’s really amazing how the founder, Mr. Joey Faller, did selfless job by sharing this place to thousand of people looking for spiritual guidance, physical and emotional healing capital and serves as a good platform for family bonding.

My friends and I went first to Garden of Eden where effigies of biblical animals as well as miniature of Adam and Eve are clearly identified.  It was a pellucid representation of what actually described in the Book of Genesis. Imagination works whenever I saw a picture of sanctuary but this time I got an opportunity to be physically present on this man-made paradise. Of course, Noah’s Ark generates a huge impact to its visitor for it was so gigantic that can catch your attention from afar. Sorry, due to time restriction, I didn’t check what’s inside (hopefully, NEXT time!!!). For now, I’m contented to be an enthusiast onlooker outside. Hehe.

It’s time to step forward and get closer to Grotto’s pinnacle where a towering sculpture of Jesus is waiting for our arrival. Just by looking at the height  of the grotto and a multiple steps ahead will absolutely  test your  hiking endurance.  I am not a mountaineer but I believe my energy is enough to surmount the challenge. I even saw some lola’s and kids who meander succesfully  to the top. Then who am I to back out??? Afterall, I am more excited to stand beside Him at the peak. It’s not how fast I can reach the zenith but it’s the climb that matters (parang kanta lang ah!).

To God be the Glory!

So we began our first step with energy and faith as our priceless weapon! Actually, all my travel buddy friends  visited this place many times and they just accompany me on my journey (how sweet, yehey!). Since it was a religious site, a proper dresscode is a must (naks buti na lang pa-konserbatib ang suot ko, toink! Tamang respeto nga naman) As I set foot in each level, I am mesmerized for the undeniable beauty of Lucban. The aerial view from where I stood is much fulfilling compare to the strength consume when I take my first step. Yes, the journey is somehow tiring but but we are blessed with a good weather. The sun keeps on hiding in the clouds and the wind generously share its power that motivate each visitors to climb a little bit easier.

Well, pilgrims can also look forward to Station of the Cross in a life size sculpture which is available in every level. They can spent some minutes to meditate, pray and appreciate His unconditional love for all of us.

For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son…..

Finally, after a series of trekking we felt glorified to stand at the topmost. You know what I feel????? It’s like enduring all pain then afterward gifts of gain await us. It was an inspiring climb! The supernatural breathtaking view where mixed of greeenery, aquatic body of water and the cerulean sky  was truly worth eye-feasting.

Oh…wwwwoooooowwww!

Same with other visitors, we offer a prayer, take a little rest while keeping our eyes busy for the impressive scenery and be reminded that God is with us all the time. The climb to Kamay ni Hesus could assess your stamina challenge (for some) but at the same time creates more space for spirtitual growth.

If you want to see this haven’s place then firmly stand tall at Kamay ni Hesus!

KAMAYAN SA PALAISDAAN

It’s weekend when we finally pursue our plan to visit some parts of CALABARZON. Our first stop: Quezon Province. Few years back, I already visited some of its town on various occassion to attend a family event. This time I went with my friends for a typical unwind session. Since our call time is about 5am we only  got a super light breakfast  at home and decided to have brunch at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan.

Almost past 9am when we reach the Lucena Grand Terminal. From there we look for a public transport going to Tayabas. It will surely pass baranggay Dapdap where Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is located. I notice that most of the jeepney in Quezon were design for a big purpose. It’s not an ordinary 12 seater but the passengers can also seat at the top if they want. When asked why it was bigger than normal they told me that it is used also to transport goods to the nearby provinces. Ah okay, parang sa Baguio lang. It’s also funny how the Driver of the jeepney got his own assistant someone like the “kunduktor” in the bus. Sa sobrang haba ng jeep may taga kolekta ng bayad, kulang na lang may ticket na rin.

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is such a indigenous restaurant that promotes our very own Filipino culture.  They have an ample count of Nipa hut floating in a bamboo raft where we stay for a while for our gastronomical experience. Since the Nipa Hut are floating in a man-made body of water, we have to pass a bit narrow bamboo bridge in order to find a comfortable seat. Well, for all first-timers, try to have a good balance while walking or else you will fall down. We saw lots of water lilies around  the area and even their furniture on the side are made of carve old tree which I think serves as a waiting area in case all table were fully occupied. The place can cater the needs of both small  and big group but there comes a time that it was loaded especially during Holy Week and weekend. So far, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is one of the distinguished eating destination which is near to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center, another crowd’s favorite place in Quezon.

Living in a modern world, its nice to find a place with a native-inspired theme.  We, Filipinos are known for eating “naka-kamay” style. This is what you can expect in Kamayan– from the name itself- all guests can  set aside the pair of fork and spoon and try to use bare hands while eating. Of course, Handwash in a passe banga is available in every corner.

If the interior/exterior design of restaurant are made to emphasize our historical identity, they make sure to put an exorbitant pinoy-touch to their dishes. We find here a variety of genuine filipino food that is uncommon in other chain of eatery. Like ensaladang pako (Fern Salad), fresh fish and seafoods prepared in a different cooking techniques as well as locally produced vegetables. From so many listed meals on their catalog, we all agreed to order Sinugno Tilapia (grilled tilapia in a coconut milk), Laing which we don’t know why their version is a bit sourish (or maybe because of grated kamias mix with it???), Sinigang na Sugpo, rice and Pancit Habhab (Lucban’s local delicacy). When all these kind of of food is in front of you, under the provincial ambience of Bahay Kubo then what else I’m waiting for—masarap kumain kung naka-kamay!

Kamayan Dessert

We didn’t order any dessert because we reserve it for our Liliw trip. Unfortunately on our way out, we can’t resist the newly-cooked and mouth-watering Kamayan Dessert display near the restaurant’s main entrance. So we bought some pieces and ate while waiting for any public jeepney that will bring us to our next stop over.

Well, for me, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a good escapes if you want to avoid the urban’s noisy surrounding and feel the rhythm of nature while indulging into palatable Filipino cuisines.

HOME SWEET HOME

WELCOME HOME!

I’m so happy to see Philippines again. Aside from re-uniting with my family and spend a quality time with them, I could also meet most of my dear friends from childhood to college. It was the best moment to relax and wholeheartedly appreciate my off without thinking my work, my expat life and everything about Dubai. I’m sure some of Filipino working thousand miles away can relate on my excitement to come home. Stepping on our native land is always a dream destination for all who were temporarily away from our loved ones. So making each day memorable and worthy plays a vital role in achieving vacation grande, ika nga nila.

Though its not a rainy season, there’s a fair share of rainfall anytime of the day. I was surprised with the kind of weather here (winelcome ako ng sipon, nyahaha) as I don’t have an idea when it will suddenly fall so hard.  That’s why I always keep my folded pink umbrella in my bag wherever I go. I am thankful that whenever I need to go outside (whether official or personal gala) the weather is so cooperative. Its giving me way to finish the things I must do in a day then afterward saka bubuhos ang ulan. Thanks to SM for giving me a free pink umbrella when I shop on their Department Store. Speaking of SM and other mall nearby as well as our public market, I was fascinated with their idea of taking seriously the no-to-plastic campaign. Afterall, this is a small step to save our mother Earth and will be a beneficial to the next generation.

It’s more fun in the Philippines. Even just at home, each day counts as memorable stay. I can eat the food which rare to find in Dubai like Lansones,  Lomi or hot pandesal. So nice to know that we have a home-grown Patola in our backyard ready to harvest anytime which is a good match to fried tuyo or Tilapia. I can also explore my hour by visiting some of my relatives and their house become my tambayan. Watching TV is my other source of entertainment. I enjoy being too close to remote control as I alwayas shift from 1 channel to another. There’s a lot of well-documented shows that deserve my time and attention so when commercial break—alam na…..lipat sa kabila! Listening to radio program at night is also my pampalipas-oras till I fall into sleep.

Lots of happy events where I am invited are still counting–birthday, anniversary, wedding and even simple gathering but I’m a bit apologetic for refusing some of them due to my conflict schedule. If only I could spare my time to each one of them, then I will do so. Coming home means reviving the opportunity to meet my friends I never seen for years and have a fantastic day with them. As a matter of fact, I’m always looking forward to our escapade which they never fail to plan everytime I visit Philippines. Despite of their busy schedule they gave atleast 1 day just to hang out with me.

Though most of my days were spent being an expatriates, I love to see myself landing on the place where I am mostly welcome. To see my hometown after months of living in a distant city is indeed a promising event. Full of line up activities, people who was eager to exchange a conversation with me, the place waiting for my presence, the vacation that freshened up my mind. In short—— There’s no place like HOME!