0 HONG KONG: AVENUE OF THE STARS AND THE SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

We passed by this dancing fountains with different neon colours.

Like I said from my previous entry, we need to leave the fantastic place before the darkness wraps the city and the radiance of lights will start to ignite. I understand that it is hard to run off the place especially chasing the night where those soaring skyscrapers showing an awarding lighting arrangement. No regret after all. There’s always been a reason.

I think you know what I mean.

We need to get to Victoria Harbour before 8PM for the Symphony of Lights. The amazing skyscrapers lightings and sound presentation should not be missed when visiting Hong Kong. And why we need to go down if we can see it on the top? Well, better to feel the rhythm of lights following to the punch of music. There are huge speakers everywhere on the seaside area.

The Peak is situated in Hong Kong Island and we need to transfer to Kowloon where the Harbour is located and also Tsim Sha Tsui where we stayed. Instead of taking MTR which we normally do going everywhere, we chose Star Ferry for HK$2[P11.00]. Apparently we did not take any bus routes so I cannot provide an exact details how to get to ferry terminal. We just used our feet and follow the signage standing on every corner. I think it was 15 to 20 minutes of brisk walking. So what we did is to cherish the beauty of night.

Capturing Hong Kong by night.

After drums of sweat freely flowing to my skin we finally reached the ferry boat. I thought that was the end but we need to use our running skills because the boat is about to leave. I grabbed my wallet on my pocket; tap it on Octopus card reading machine and boom door closing. Buzzer beater!

Riding a Star ferry is quite amazing; I remembered when we had our cruise dinner sailing around Manila Bay. You can view the marvellous Victoria Harbour which is truly lifeline of Asia’s World city. Parades of different vessels and breathtaking panoramic view added the taste of the city.

Shot from Star Ferry.

We arrived earlier before the show begins. We walk around captivating the view in front of rising towers. And since Avenue of Stars is in vicinity, only few meters away from us we decided to look at the place. There are local names printed on the stars paved on floorboard. I guess these local names are famous on their specific fields. Sorry I don’t have any idea about those names, whoever they are.

After couple of minutes walking we decided to go back to seaside to witness the most awaited Symphony of Lights. Everyone was waiting. There were more and more people coming and sitting in front of the Bay. Everyone was excited. And the show began. Voice over started in introducing the participants. The lights were dancing through the rhythm of music. Hong Kong’s skyscrapers once again gave a spectacular show from different local and foreign spectators. No wonder it shouldn’t be missed when visiting this place.

3 SKY TERRACE, HONG KONG'S HIGHEST VANTAGE POINT

HK' second tallest building, International Finance Centre.

We had run around dealing with our stay, talking here and there with the house owner, we finally got the room after an unending conversation. We take a break for a while and still couldn’t believe I am in the room of nowhere in Hong Kong. I felt hungry and weary from our long trip from Manila to Clark to Hong Kong. Three places in a single day.

We need to stick with our first day itinerary; first stop – seek for money changer. We only have US Dollars on hand that we changed in Manila thru Sanry’s. We roamed around the area to look for money changer. Need not to worry for money changer, plenty of them sitting around the place. But better to look for best conversion to make your money worth. We got an Indian folks who gave us fair deal at Mirador Arcade.

Right after money conversion we had lunch at McDonalds nearby. I ordered Big ‘n Tasty for HK$30 [P165] with large fries and Coke. I learned that fast food chains are cheaper than local bistros. So we chose to go to these places.

By the way, I noticed that older peeps worked in food chains or eating places, younger are assigned to government sector like police officers, airport officers and jobs related to computer services.

After our lunch we were heading to MTR (Mass Transit Railway) for our first day activity which is: Victoria Peak or The Peak!

HOW TO GET THERE AND PRICES:

o   Via MTR: Starting from Tsim Sha Tsui to Admiralty Station then walk up to the exit of Pacific Place Mall, walk all the way to the third level and there will be exit toward to the Hong Kong Park. Take 10 to 15 minutes of walking to Garden Road where St. John’s Building situated and The Peak Tram across the street.

o   Via Star Ferry: Starting from TST Star Ferry Pier that will take you to Central, fare is HK$2.50 [P13.75]. You can use your Octopus card to avoid paying “cents”. Then walk toward Central Pier Bus Terminus, get in to Bus Route 15C to the Peak Tram HK$9.80 [P53.90].

o   Since we got all the tickets from Ate Yolly for discounted prices, it is HK$59 [P324.50] for Peak Tram ride and Sky Terrace.

Going to The Peak Tram, we passed Hong Kong Park where the famous Bank of China Tower situated. All I know that this unique and famous skyscraper is HSBC but I was very wrong until I saw the real HSBC Tower on the other side of the street beside Standard Chartered Bank. Of course I need to have a photo in front of Bank of China Tower as my dream when I reach Hong Kong.

Inside MTR and of course me in front of Bank of China Tower

City Skyscrapers at Garden Road on our way to the Peak Tram

As I mentioned we passed thru the Garden Road and saw St. John’s Building, we crossed to the opposite side where big THE PEAK TRAM letters with small tiny waterfalls located. It was around 2PM to 3PM and only few tourists and locals fell in line for the tickets. Good thing we had the tickets already so we went straight to the Peak Tram line presented with countless crowds.

The Peak Tram operated since 1888; cable is pulled up from Central all the way to The Peak. This is one of the premium attractions and famous transport routes of the city and it shouldn’t be missed when visiting Hong Kong. While waiting for the Tramway to arrive there will be no dull feeling because if you like reading back to its history, Peak Tram has small chronological information how and when it started.

The Peak Tram

Riding the Tram will take eight minutes all the way to the Peak from Lower Peak Tram Terminus in Central, it ascends 373 meters with 27 degrees inclination at May Road. The Peak Tram has a capacity of 95 seating passengers and 25 standing passengers. 

On our way to the terrace, there will Peak Market that sells souvenirs, some of them are I LOVE HK shirts, key chains, jewellery, charms and even stuff toys like Big Panda Bear. On the same level of the Peak Tower; Madame Tussaud’s [silent “s”] is also one of the attractions. It is a wax museum where you can have photos on your favourite stars, heroes, champions, and known people in the history. Unfortunately it is not part of our itinerary, or should I say as budget traveller I opt not to include Madame Tussaud’s on our itinerary. I am already satisfied to have a kick shot from Bruce Lee’s iconic ninja move. The price is HK$140 [P770] for adult, if you want to include these wax figures on your itinerary you can have combo tickets 2-in-1 for HK$225 [P1,237.00] for Madame Tussauds and Peak Tram two-way ticket or 3-in-1 for HK$255 [P1402.50] including Sky Terrace 428. Please refer to this website for more information.

Peak Market. Madame Tussaud's and my one and only free Bruce Lee shot.

Inside the Peak Tower

After our Madame Tussaud’s with only Bruce Lee photo experience, we headed to the Sky Terrace 428, the Peak Tower bragged 360° viewing platform. The Sky Terrace 428 [stands 428 meters above sea level] grants magnificent view of the enthusiastic city. My eyes were entertained by the tallest skyscrapers and the mountain ranges around the city.

We stayed for nearly two hours to relish the taste of the visited city. We monitored the sunset and the busy airspace, air traffic above the busy city streets. There were huge birds joining the planes on their fly. You can also hear engines and big machine building new skyscrapers on top of the mountain.

This defines Hong Kong!

Love! Love in the sky. You can write your message on a heart-shape card for free!

The International Commerce Centre, HK's tallest building struck by sunlight.

  

Shape of my Heart

The night is about the start, the lights are ready to ignite. I was waiting for the moment to witness the most panoramic view of the cityscape evening delight. Unfortunately we are about to live before the sun sleeps, but no regret. I tell you why on my next entry! The Peak I'm so in Love with You.

4 HONG KONG: FIRST TIME TO SET FOOT IN A FOREIGN SOIL

Leading to boarding the plane, I had the assurance that I’m going to set my first foot on a foreign country. The moment the plane took off, I’m a bit thrilled. I know its going to be welcome Hong Kong! However my heart still worried, what if’s questions still on my mind. What if these Hong Kong staff notice my red eyes? What gonna happen next?!

I had the mixed emotions on top of the earth. I was happy for my second fly yet my brain still thinking of what if’s. Nakakabaliw! Sea of clouds entertained my eyes and minutes later I feel bored so I had the power nap after filling all the information needed for arrival card distributed by flight attendants.

Hong Kong Immigration form to fill up, and Octopus Card. 

Finally, after more than two hours of flying, wheels touched down. I was excited. I can call myself a foreigner. My eyes were busy looking outside; I wanna know how HK looked like. I glanced across the wide airyspace. Clustered around the airport were different planes. There were pettite and gigantic buffalo planes. Kung kanina sa Clark, nalalakihan ako sa Cebu Pacific pero sobrang nanliit siya sa Cathay Pacific. My goodness, I can’t imagine how these big planes fly. I can’t help but to take picture of it. I feel so amazed. Nakaka promdi ng sobra..hayy patawad naman. FYI: The Airbus A380 is the world's largest passenger plane. It is also the heaviest and the costliest commercial passenger aircraft ever built. If you want to buy it, it will cost you more than $300 million apiece. The super jumbo is gigantic, like a Titanic in the sky. It's tail stands seven stories high; and the plane is as wide as a soccer field, strectching 260 feet from wingtip to wingtip. It is also as long as two blue whales. Source

The Gigantic Buffalo Plane

My heart was pounding as I heard my footsteps coming down the solid board. I felt the vibrations through my head to legs. My eyes began to manoeuvre around the area. Comparisons rolled over my head, I felt like I owned the place. This is it.

The Hong Kong International Airport is really huge. It seems like it housed a single city in Metro Manila. The facilities were excellent, centralized air con, ceilings were too high. I started seeing singkit people and Chinese letters. I know I'm not dreaming anymore. I'm also surprised with this walklator, I'm not tired of walking yet but I opt to try this moving walkways. Nakakamangha! FYI: Hong Kong International Airport is the 10^th largest airport in the world. Please click here to check the top 10 largest airports in the World.

The Walkalators

To picture out how big the airport is, after passing these walkalators and buzzing around the escalators I thought there was no ending. I was again wowed when I saw the train. We need to ride trains to get into the entrance section. Fantastic.

Trains arrived every after a minute.

Approaching to immigration counters, worried again for my sickness. I dunno what will happen next, I was again holding my scapular asking for a little help. I understand that they will be asking routine questions like - When is your flight back to Manila? How much money you have? Where will you stay? How many days you will be staying?

I gave my passport and look at the officer. She stared my face once or twice just to verify the photo. I was ready for the questions; couple of seconds later I heard the scanner and stamps. Gotcha! No questions thrown. I got it.

Next

We went to triage to purchase an Octopus card; my partner has the card already so I need one for myself. Initial deposit is $50, minimum stored value is $100 but we chose to preload our cards for $200. This $50 will be refunded once you surrender the card upon leaving the country. I didn’t return the card for souvenir. Hehe.

It is wise to purchase an Octopus card because you gonna need it to any form of transportation, whether MTR or Bus, also accepted at any convenience stores and fast food chains. No need to worry of any change or cash. For more info, please refer to their official website here.

After all the stuffs, we get to bus terminal that will bring us to Tsim Sha Tsui. We boarded A21, a double decker airbus. I only saw it from foreign movies. I chose to board on the upper deck, just to experience.

The AirBus. Going to Tsim Sha Tsui, always refer to A21 mark.

Upper Deck view

Passing thru the bridge. Clean and Smooth roadways.

Tsim Sha Tsui is the 13^th station but no need to worry if you forgot to count the bus stops, there’s a screen in front of the decks to tell you the next station in both Chinese and English translations with voice over. Otherwise, you can see a huge signage for every bus stop. On our way to Tsim Sha Tsui, it was an hour ride and again my eyes were gaze outside. The whole ride was fast yet comfortable; the roads were smooth and very easy to manoeuvre. I also noticed that the driver position on the right side.

Arriving on our stop, my partner walk around and get to Burlington House where the Taisan Guest House located, it is on the 15^th floor 58 Nathan Road. It’s his second time in Hong Kong same guest house so we had no problem on finding the place. Taisan has two separate guest houses located on the same building. We went to Ally’s place an Indonesian caretaker and gave us bigger room for one night only and costs $480 [P 2640], then transfer building B for the next three days of stay and costs $350 [P 1925], bit smaller but it was fine, our room has a fascinating view outside where the tallest building can be seen. FYI:The tallest building in Hong Kong is the 118-storey International Commerce Centre, which was completed in 2010 and rises 484 metres (1588 feet). It also stands as the 2^nd tallest building in People’s Republic of China and 5^th tallest building in the world. Wikipedia.

Outside Burlington House. Logo in red means MTR

I met Ate Yolly, Pinoy caretaker and gave us a very good deal. She sells all the tickets at discounted rates on our - Sky Terrace, Macau via Cotai Jet, Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park tours.

Lively Granville Street.

Less Traffic. Clean Roads.

Next stop. Explore Hong Kong!!!

1 PASSENGER WITH SORE EYES VERSUS THE IMMIGRATION

Like what I said from my previous post I acquired sore eyes from nowhere and I don’t even remember if it’s hit by something. I’m afraid I will not be able to fly for Hong Kong. I got only three days to recover from this hilarious illness. Destiny maybe since everything had happened “firsts” only for this year. First ever trip abroad and…first ever sore eyes.

The day comes. I was packing my things up with unsure feelings of excitement or boredom. I hate failure. But I still need to try my luck if I could pass through these unending airport checkups. Even my travel buddy turned partner had this disappointment feeling. We were waiting for this day and only sore eyes can stop us for this supposedly ecstatic adventure. And the blame was mine.

Apart from this illness, one more problem we never anticipate. Philtranco bus lines that happened to have 11 PM and 2 AM schedules from Manila (Megamall and Pasay) to Clark are no longer available. We called Pasay office, their last schedule was 8 PM. So we need to crash web sites again for an alternative route to Clark. There’s only one option, take Dau, Pampanga route.

We rushed to Dagupan Bus Lines that will take us to Dau, since they have 24 hours travel schedules. It was an hour travel to Dau [P150/person], then tricycle [P50] to airport’s main gate. From main gate, there were jeeps waiting [P250] that will bring us departure area.
Tip: Jeep fare is only 250 pesos no matter how many you are. If you got spare time, you can wait other passenger for you to share this fare.

We arrived on time so we need to wait for two hours before check-in. It is always better to be on time or ahead rather than hastening ourselves.



We arrived 2 AM  so we got two hours to burn, check in counters open around 4 AM. Meantime we prepared things needed upon checkin in. 
Lemme share to you on our checklist.
[1] Passports (please bring one valid ID just in case) | [2] Money, we already exchange our cash to US Dollars, thanks to Ms. Chyng for telling us about Sanry's  at Greenbelt| [3] Our Hong Kong Itinerary | [4] Pen and Paper (this is important guys, you will be writing a lot of things during your flight and paper where you write all important info like contact numbers and address | [5] Installed app on our phones for MTR routing maps.

And still don’t have the concrete feelings of excitement. There were stingy “what if’s” running on my mind. Voice over buzzed to check in. I asked Ae to go first and give our passports; I will be on his back. I asked to borrow his reading glasses so they don’t bother asking to take it off and also to conceal my eyes.

Waiting on the check-in counters, Ae paid the travel tax and terminal fee while waiting to open our counter. Now our turn, the girl assigned was nice. She didn’t ask for my birthday since she was doing it from other passengers. I kept my eyes looking down. I held my scapular and praying hoping the girl wouldn’t notice my red eyes. After couple of minutes, check in done. Thanks God.

Travel Tax - P 1,620/person
Terminal Fee - P 400/person [Terminal fee is much cheaper in Clark than in NAIA]

Next is immigration. 

Drum roll..heart beats faster. We were first on the line. I give him the passport. I was worried at the same time since it was my first travel abroad, passport filled empty so he might asking several questions. It was nerve-wracking moment. 

Again, I held my scapular and asked a little prayer, I make some disturbance gestures like I smiled, I showed my tongue and bite it with my teeth, I pressed my face. God’s planned. The immigration officer was also busy chatting with his colleague. I heard the stamps, my heart stops beating, my lips started to smile, my ears were moving..yohoo!!

Finally I saw this DMIA view that can only be seen from the blogosphere. I also got this wide smile and a peace sign before boarding. Thanks God for letting me fly and experience visiting foreign country. By the way, I noticed this mountain on my back, Sir Ivan can you tell me what it is? Thanks..

1 A DAY WITH HARDCOURT IDOLS, MEET AND GREET WITH SMC MIXERS

Source

Last Tuesday I had the chance to meet and greet plus a solo shot with my favourite PBA team. Thanks to my officemate now a friend which has a full access to these players. Lucky her to have all the access for practice schedules, text messaging from different basketball stars and lunch out. Shame on you my friend! Thanks Ms. Van Antonio. Ayan special mention ah. :)

Usually the SMC (San Mig Coffee) Mixers practice playground is in third level of Ronac Art Center in San Juan. I know this is not hard to find since it has the unique Cinderella-Rotating-White stairs which published on most architectural magazine in the country. SMC is not strict prohibiting fanaticos to watch their practice moves and tactics.

Getting there is I met other loyal fans who turned PA’s which started from also rooting these PBA stars. Kuya Sonny by example, a James Yap assistant started since UE days where JY’s Alma Mater and also mine. Others are from Pampanga who gave time and effort of travel just to visit their Idols.

I was just looking the entire practice game while waiting for the picture moment. I understand and noticed myself the pressure being mentored by proponent of the triangle offense Coach Tim Cone. One thing also is their basketball shoes, how I wished to get one of those. :(

And the most waited moment arrive, picture taking with the stars. They used to go out one by one so lucky us to take shot also each player. But one thing I have to make sure is the trademark shot with my idol, James Yap. He already know what I mean when I put my palm over his.

with my trademark smile and finger pose. :)

I asked James if I could have two shots from him. I told him that I remember the last time when he was still playing with the Red Warriors. The fact the he recognized that we both share the same institution is already an honour and pride. 

The Coach..

Happily that the coach is also into taking pictures with his fans. He also punched jokes to bring Danggit for their trip in Cebu in few days. Marc Pingris is also jolly when it comes to intermingling with his fans. PJ is also approachable.

with the SMC coach..Tim Cone

with jersey 15..Marc Pingris

one of my idols, court superstar..PJ Simon

I had the best experience. It was the first time ever having pictures with the court idols. This might be once in a lifetime experience so I grabbed the opportunity in kapal-mukha mode.

However, I dunno what happened. After practice going back home, Van noticed that my right eye was red. It wasn’t itchy and I can’t remember if it was hit by something. I’m also thinking if it was due to sleepless and tired since we get straight to the place right after our midnight shift. But I was worried. I only have three days before Hong Kong and I’m sure the airport would not allow me to get board if I do have sickness.

Good thing I had my health card so I rushed to Makati Medical Centre to confirm if it’s sore eyes or whatsoever. I seek an ophthalmologist and do some sort of tests, eyes up, down, right, left, drops, plus a dye (i dunno why need it).

I was waiting for couple of minutes for the result.

Faster heartbeat. I was praying, hope this will not ruin my first ever trip abroad. Lord knows that I was waiting for this almost a year.

Result shows that it was positive. Cheerless arrived. Speechless. I asked the doctor if he could give me the best medicine drop no matter how much it cost. I told him about my Hong Kong vacation but he didn’t give an assurance for recovery in a short period of time. It will last for a week or two.

I don’t like this, but it’s God’s will, it will be done.

I still try my luck to get in to the airport. I hope the management will let me pass and would not notice my eyes. :(

0 VISITING MEMORIAL GARDEN IN CAVITE

November is reserved for our departed loved ones; sadly only one single day is given to them the entire month and throughout the year. I have been living in Metropolis for a decade and visited several places but never the cemetery. Apparently, most of my family who passed away is buried in province so there’s no reason for us to visit this garden of remembrance. We rather put up candles outside house-doors where I believe most Filipinos do during the season of commemoration.

Finally, I got the chance to visit a burial ground. And for the record, it happened this year – no wonder 2012 is mine. A lot of things happened and all of them were firsts – Baguio, Boracay, “Cemetery” and Hong Kong. Sounds weird but it is all damn true. Anyway visiting Melda Memorial, Imus Cemetery at Tahimik St. Imus,Cavite is totally different from what I grown up. Well I presume all the city cemetery goes like this. I was expecting people walking back and forth but one thing I quickly noticed is a fiesta caravan. It feels like every corner of the street has this “boodle-fight”. Food stalls fell in line side to side both ends. I don’t know if I was still in cemetery or somewhere else.

Because I don’t know who am I visiting to, I was looking for the “common burial” (I dunno how you call it but in Visayan term, it was “kumon” for the deceased whom you can’t find and on another place). I believe all cemeteries have this so called place. 

Evening arrived, and the stomachs are empty, we promised the stretch to taste them all. We tasted each and every stall. Talking about dirty street foods is our flavour rather than fast-food chains where can also be found in the place. Common foods like peanuts, barbecue, ice-cream in a cone, intestines, shawarma, hotdogs, chicken skin, palamig, etc.

Hunger relieved and the stomach complaints. To plunge the food down from various foods intake we opt to walk around where there’s another cemetery on the end side. The Angelus Memorial Garden is a posh version of Melda Memorial. The memorial garden is known for Tropang Revilla and I’m not sure if they owned the place. Unexpectedly, entering this posh side is also the arrival of Senators Revilla (Sr. and Jr.) to pay tribute to their departed family and relatives. Fanatics hurriedly asked picture and luckily the younger one chose to give time for them. To my surprise my company also asked Mr. Showbiz Senator to take one for them. And as myself holding the camera, I have nothing to do but to press the button.

So I learned to give time for just a single day for our lost ones. They only take one day of our busy time in a year. 

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

0 MAKATI: THE 2011 SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS AND SOUNDS AT THE AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS

Entering the –ber months is obviously the start of the yuletide season. This is the most awaited worldwide celebration where people are preparing for this coveted event. We, Filipinos have the best yuletide festivity, as far as I know. Starting from the month of September, we are geared up decorating our home from customary lanterns and Christmas trees. Even public areas around metropolis are also getting ready to put in intense Christmas lightings in artistic decors.

While Christmas is fast approaching, part of our tradition, we do not forget as well the November madness. Halloween celebrations are everywhere – from corporate offices, to shopping Malls where boutiques furnishings in different creepy themes. This kind of celebration is being done right before the first day of November as it is reserved for our departed loved ones.

Following to this event is Christmas season.

Living in Makati Area has a hustle bustle lifestyle. True enough where the huge firms mostly reside. Thanks to have this Ayala Triangle Gardens that recommend the ideal spot to relax from topsy-turvy atmosphere. It is built to put distance from pester and getting in touch momentarily with the nature.

Since Christmas is closer, this place will surely draw another jam-pack audience. Last year’s Symphony of Lights and Sounds was really spectacular. It was an extraordinary display of lights twinkled in harmony to famous Christmas carols. I’m not sure if it is an annual event since the previous one withdrew attention nationwide. As I remembered the symphony shows three times daily with thirty (30) minutes interval and runs twenty (20) minutes per show. Photo above is one of my best shots while the show is running. I also got a chance to run a video with the inclusion of lights and sounds showcasing the stunning presentation. You may refer to youtube videos for better resolution. 

Living the expectation, the management will definitely give us another year of amazing presentation. I tried to check for hint of this year’s presentation and unfortunately it remained secret, Ayala Avenue has this ongoing Christmas decors on a white motif. Let’s all wait what kinda surprise should we expect.

5 PHOTOGRAPHY 101: THE BASICS

An office colleague invited us to join Photography 101 hosted by UP Diliman next month. A workshop teaches basic photography skills. I agreed quickly while seat is still available.

The price was also cut or same price for two heads. I dunno anything about photography; I don’t even consider myself as a photographer, just a practitioner. All my shots posted on this blog and uploaded on my facebook were self-taught. So I think ‘tis the first step to learn how to operate a digital camera. Though I browsed sometimes but the spectrum is too small for possible questions. I assumed Mister Google cannot respond the entire query unless you got patience to read forums. Thanks to Christian Sangoyo of Lakad Pilipinas for giving a heads up about basic shooting. I only hope that at the end of this workshop I would learn the principles and achieving proper exposure, correct aperture and composition, natural and artificial lighting.

Meanwhile in Boracay few months ago where panoramic and magnificent landscapes can be found, I can’t help capturing this nature given scenes. Everywhere else is charming to the eyes. So I took a photo with I-do-not-know-AV-TV-aperture settings. Through the power of self appreciation I found my piece superb. Or I maybe have this unique eye that appreciates self work. Please check the sample shots.

Well, I know this isn’t enough. I could revamp this innate talent on me with proper learning thru joining workshops. Someday somehow you wouldn’t like to hear my name in the world of photography because I will be yer best competitor. (Nagbubuhat lang po nag bangko, agree na lang! ☺). 

0 SAINTS PETER AND JOHN PARISH OF MALABON

I am being nailed inside the four corners of my station. It’s a usual routine for nocturnal people which contradicts a normal life. But why choose to this kinda life if there are better options outside? I know it will be an endless discussion, either income-wise or in a sense of fulfilment. So I chose to handle two things at the same time – work and pleasure.

Work during the weekdays and winding down during the weekends. Today, since I had a business to do in Malabon where I lived during school days; I came to decide to revisit one of my favourite churches. You might wonder why I used the word “favourite”, alright please don’t get me wrong. I know it is all depends on how you handle yourself in the middle of collection but I am after the ambience and solemnity.

Saints Peter and John seized my attention the first time I visited the place. It has two gates that open, seemingly welcoming devotees during Sundays. Going inside, the Church has a unique structural design with two stairs facing each other, meeting at the center. Upon reaching the top, a wooden door stands still, awaiting to reveal a fascinating  interior. The stairs are designed identical to what we normally witness in royal celebrations where the princes and princesses greet their visitors with grace and elegance.

Sombreness around the church is drastically felt. Churches literally the quiet place in anywhere but you opt to choose where you can focus your desires and prayers. Thus I know where to go if I want some peace. 

So this is SPJ, unluckily the church is closed the time I visited and opens at 6 PM that I could no longer wait due to small time frame. I should revisit this place to showcase the panoramic view inside. I judged this as a golden minster where pigment sets all over the place.

The church was my companion in my ups and down specially during college days. I went here on every examination and when I asked for a lil favours. ‘tis church also witnessed my incomplete Miza de Gallos.

If you wish to visit this place, you may call their office at  (632) 361 9924 or visit their website for mass schedules and inquiries.

Saints Peter and John Parish

#34 Orange Road, Potrero Malabon City 1475

(632) 361 - 9924