RIZAL PARK REVISITED

For like 2 decades after, as i can remember, did i again see Rizal Park (Luneta Park) last Tuesday. This is one of the memorable places of my childhood. I brought with me my niece and nephew for a stroll for they haven't been to this place (but maybe they've been there during one of their school field trips but wasn't able to stay long). Excitedly that day, we strolled the long park. It was just too bad that area where the map of the Philippines is located now under renovation and even some of the fountains as well. We walked and have to stopped and sat on some benches just to have a look of how big the park is. It reminded me of how it was before when i was just a little girl during Sundays, the park was crowded with families having fun together, children playing around like they just do not care, and aged people in their fitness attire just walking around some phases breathing in fresh air.

But i heard that still a lot of people go there up to this time especially on Sundays and elderly groups do their exercise around the park. My kids enjoyed the landmark (even without much flowers to say it's a park said my niece) knowing it's a place where the national hero Jose Rizal's monument standing proud.

The gigantic statue of Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero, is my first time to see. An additional "can't be miss" spot right there in the middle part of the park and before Rizal's monument.

The Philippine Flags
Blue, red, yellow and white
3 stars and a sun

The clock right before you reach the grandstand

Jose Rizal's Monument, a Landmark

Jose Rizal, Our National Hero

More of places to check out while the kids on school vacation...more posts to follow on historical places in Manila.

Manila may not be the best city in the country but i am still hoping that someday it can be like what it was before... in its grandest or somehow close to it.

RIZAL @ 150

Jose Rizal, our National Hero

In commemoration of Jose Rizal's 150th year on 19 of June 2011.

Let his works inspire us especially the Filipino youths of today, and that for the love of his country keeps the roots of nationalism hold strongly in our hearts no matter where in the world we are at.

Be proud Filipinos!

Pilipinas, ito ang Bayan ko!

KIDS AND THEIR GAMES

See those tiny figures on top of the boxes on display? My nephew been wanting to download the game on my mac. He can not play the game on his laptop which is overdue for repair. I do some online games but downloading it on mime is a no-no! Most of my space were used up for my music, photos, videos and document files. So sorry kiddo! You have to ask your dad to have yours fixed! :))

LIKE A JOURNEY

Even i am a little scared to take trains (coz of the bombing incident that happened),
I think this is the cheaper and faster way to go around the Metro.

SLEX

I spend most time in traveling South Luzon Express Way everyday to work. I do not travel during rush hour and i only get to spend almost two hours commuting. This is the journey i need to take daily even years before when i was still working in Makati and Manila. I may say that traffic has improved (talking about tollgate to tollgate travel, because traffic in both cities are still the same), roads had developments and , on the sad part, fares as well as toll fees increased. What i pay for my transportation nowadays are like doubled of what i used to pay like 4 years ago. The only thing to blame? The regular oil price hike!

This is such sad thing affecting our economy with oil prices going up so do basic commodities relying on it. Poor Juan dela Cruz needs to struggle more with his daily expenses just to survive. Need i say more? I know each of us are struggling just the same.

I just hope there could be a better life for everyone.

REVISITED: QUIAPO

Most of the time before i go to work i pass by Quiapo Church since it is just walking distance from for me. Like in Divisoria, vendors were scattered around the area loudly calling for customers.

Ponkans on sale for 10php

Regular scene on the street just before you reach the church

A quick shot inside the church just after a holy mass

This church reminds me of my childhood. This was where my father used to bring us on Sundays together with my mom and sister. We usually leave the house early for the morning mass. All well dressed, my sister and i were always so excited. We rode bus to get there. After the mass has ended, a snack in one of the malls or resturants there, Good Earth, Jollibee, Happy Burger, Isetan, Shoe world to name a few i can remember, would certainly follow. Then right after, a stroll along Luneta Park, Manila Zoo or Fort Santiago if we are not shopping for anything. Visit to the park were always fun for me then because i used get some rides (bump cars, seesaw, swings) and take home some balloons with me.

Yes, those were the good old days and fond memories of me with my father. Short lived but the memories still lives on....

IN THE EYES OF A CHILD

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.

There are seven million.

~Walt Streightiff

Photo was taken last year at the second level of a bus
along Marine Parade, Singapore.
This kid caught my attention.
He was so seriously staring out from a bus window.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

It has been raining here since last night. It would stop then pour again. I just recently recovered from flu but i don't think i fully did. I have been coughing and sneezing still, and maybe this bad weather (heat is on in the morning then rain mostly in the afternoon) aggravates my condition.

Cool weather is ok but the rain...I hope i feel better soon.

ON EVERY BATTLE

After like so many years, again i was able to ride the LRT and MRT here in Metro. I just can not help comparing how convenient it is to ride them in the country where i have been for the past years. I really find it hard climbing high stairs because my knees and heels would hurt real bad when i do. Oh where were the lifts and escalators when u need one. But anyways, i always make it to the top and every ride went smooth and got me to wherever on time.


note to self: NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON EVERY BATTLE

WHERE WAS I?

Where i was on a Thursday?

I went ot the crowded streets of Divisoria. I was walking with no umbrella under the intense heat of the sun in the morning and rainy afternoon. Weather is so unpredictable! Anyways, I was there looking for some yarns for crochet projects. I was once so familiar with the place and can even walk my way thru all the pasilios there taking shortcuts to my destination just to avoid so much traffic along the narrow and crowded streets. It gave me joy seeing all the crafts materials, linens, fruits and all different kinds of merchandise lined up along the streets and stalls. The sounds you will most likely to hear there in unison was from vendors talking their way to the customers to get their goods or that of the buyers asking for more discounts. If you want to get something on the cheapest price, this is the right place to be.

Too bad i was not able to take shots of the busy streets there but maybe i can when i get back there so i can post here.

I paid Binondo Church a little visit on my way back to work. Took some shots outside from my phone. I said my thanks to my God above and also i rested there for a while enjoying the ceiling above my head. Painted on there were ways of the cross. I just love church architectural designs, the details and textures, especially that of the old ones.

Binondo Church

On my way home i passed by the streets of Intramuros. Because of the rain i wasn't able to take pictures much of the old buildings along the area. Here's a blurry shot of Barbara's. PSd to an old photo for some effects. I am glad it turned out ok and looks old. LOL!

These were taken from my phone. Now for sure even without my camera with me i can shoot anywhere.

MAC-HOT GOSSIP

A shout out thanks to my cuz for this MAC Hot Gossip in creme/sheen. One of my weaknesses though all others i never actually put on. Big thanks & kisses cuz!

PLAY WITH PICS 2

I found more sites where i can edit pictures online. I was so excited to do some of my niece's newest pictures for her profile.

Now i am very keen to take new shots of her or whatever subjects i can point my cam on to. I just wish i can go places and have more shots to play with and post.