MY VACATION TO BAGUIO

I am here in Baguio City, far north of Manila since August 21, 2009. My original plan was to stay here only until August 31, 2009 or for 10 days. I like the place because of its cold climate, vegetables and fruits are fresh. I visited old places I have seen before but the pictures I posted now were taken during my visit to a farther place from Baguio which is Benguet province going to Nueva Viscaya. It was a 4-hour zigzag drive from the city until I reached my destination. This is Ambuklao dam. It was indeed a beautiful place and I was so amazed by the sceneries. It was a great experience I would always treasure. I will be going back to Manila on September 4. Today is a Centennial day here in Baguio City and there will be a big parade in the downtown area. I will also be witnessing this event. I am enjoying my vacation here away from my stressing job. I have to take more vacations in the future.

August 05, 2009...an unforgettable EXPERIENCE

(VIDEO FILE)

This was the day I could not forget...the day when I made myself a part of one historic event in the Philippines...the funeral of the former President CORY C. AQUINO. I braved both the heat of the sun and heavy rains during the funeral procession that will bring TITA CORY to her final resting place. I went early to the Cathedral to join the final mass in honor of our beloved President Cory. It was so beautiful service accorded only to bishops and cardinals but was given for the first time to a laity. The service was attended by top government officials, former cabinet secretaries during her administration and other foreign diplomatic officials. The eulogy of her youngest daughter, Kris Aquino, moved everyone in tears. It was so emotional that one can feel the love between a mother and her children...the love of the mother of Democracy and her people.

After the mass, a military honor was accorded to the former President. Then the funeral procession that lasted for almost nine (9) hours. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos joined the march. I could see a sea of humanity lined-up in all the streets we passed by. This was the day when young and old...boys and girls...rich and poor joined hands to show our love for CORY AQUINO. It was the day when everybody felt how good to be a FILIPINO. One shining moment that even in her death...she can unite the Filipino people and make them worth living and dying for.

As we braved the streets with heavy rains (as in I was totally showering in the midst of heavy rains), I never thought of getting sick...I never lost my energy even I did not have any food with me. I just had a bottle of water. The atmosphere was very highly spirited...everyone was chanting COREE...COREE...COREE with their hands flashing "L" sign meaning "LABAN"(fight). Many were dancing and singing in the streets. It was a manifestation of love for the departed leader of our country. It was also a celebration of the life of CORY AQUINO. How she touched the lives of millions of Filipino she led dearly and sincerely.

We all asked ourselves what is CORY's magic? What was in her that can move all of us. And we find answer from the simplicity of her life...from the goodness of her heart...and from the love she shared with her people. She will be best remembered for her humility...and honesty to serve the country she and her husband NINOY dearly loved. The late President CORY was a symbol of true greatness that each of us should also try to find from within us.

As she bid goodbye...she left us a legacy of how life is lived and how loved is shared. In life CORY taught me the value of decency... and in death...she has made me understand the true meaning of DIGNITY.

Goodbye TITA CORY

My GIFT to TITA CORY

I brought flowers to Tita Cory's house last night and offered my prayers. Many people were bringing flowers too at the gate of her house in Times St., Quezon City.

President CORY...the greatest GIFT to the Philippines

YELLOW RIBBON

Color yellow is identified to Tita Cory. Yellow ribbon means welcoming the return of unity of all Filipinos and the restoration of Philippine Democracy. Yellow ribbons were put to streets, bridges, trees, cars, houses and buildings all over the Philippines and months before her death, heaven was stormed by prayers and daily masses were offered in many churches all over the country for her speedy recovery. Radio and TV stations were making a non-stop coverage of her burial. Thousands of Filipinos(INCLUDING MYSELF) lined-up in the streets despite heavy rains leading to the place where her body was placed for public viewing. Even in death, she shared her life to the people she meant well and dearly served.

The PHILIPPINES mourns...

Our country is mourning over the death of our beloved former President Corazon Conjuangco Aquino better known as Tita CORY in the Philippines. She passed away 3:18am of August 01, 2009 at the age of 76. She lost the biggest battle of her life...the colon cancer. She went back to the country from the United States after her husband was assassinated in August 21, 1983. In Feburary 1986, she led the bloodless revolution that toppled the Marcos regime...the EDSA REVOLUTION. She became the 11th President of the country and the first female President of the Philippines. She was well-loved by millions of Filipinos who fought for freedom and democracy. Even before her death, Tita CORY symbolizes hope, peace and love for the country. She was an Icon of Democracy and well-respected political figure even in foreign countries. Her gifts to the country will always be remembered from generations to generations. Tita CORY was a symbol of Democracy...a great leader...a loving mother...and a true Filipino. She will be greatly missed. MARAMING SALAMAT PRESIDENT CORY!!!