Marching off to Bataan

Guns are already silent, and the winds of the past have blown away the moans and groans of the American & Filipino soldiers in Bataan Peninsula. It’s a long three-hour drive going to Balanga, Bataan, the place where I spent the early stages of my childhood, but never got the chance to look at its rich history until my colleagues tagged me along to this trip.

I’ve been always fascinated to sitting by the window of the bus, and gaze on the long stretch of greenery on the side of the road looking for a carabao ploughing the fields, or enjoy staring at a threshing machine as it jolts the rice paddies upwards separating the grains from its stalks.

But, this time I rarely see them near the highway because the rice fields have been turned into sub-divisions.

Our team arrived at around noon in Balanga, and at least four tricycles drove us to one of Apple’s house, my co-worker, where we ate lunch and rested for an hour or so before a van and an SUV arrived to lift us to Juness Resort in Morong, Bataan.

                                         “Long Morong”

Nagbalayong, Morong – I never expected this place so far, that even without any traffic congestion it took as an hour before dropping off to our destination.

Juness beach resort doesn’t offer much beach activities, but its serene atmosphere, fairly clear beach waters, fish ponds, mountain views on the western side, and the karaoke makes a good place for reflection, and team bonding.

I spent my first day unpacking my toiletries, and preparing my planned outfit for each possible event that might occur, but the boodle fight, and karaoke makes up most of my night while others jumped into the pool, and get boozed.

                         “Pawikan Conservation”

I was surprised to learn that a non-government Pawikan Conservation Center that only charges Php 20 viewing fee is established here at Nagbalayong, Morong Bataan, I’ve never seen in person any Pawikan, a specie belonging to the family of tortoise scientifically known as testudinidae, before this trip so there was a lot of excitement to see these magnificent reptiles up close and personal.

Pawikan Conservation

The Pawikan Conservation is seated near the beach so you can release a hatchling for Php 50 to their natural habitat, while there are only three Pawikan adults in captivity they belong to three different classes namely: the Green turtle, Hawksbill, and an Oliver Ridley.

This institution aims to educate the people on the value of conserving these species, their role in the eco-system, and the laws that protect these wild animals from being poached, which I think is vital information in this place where fishing is one of the primary livelihood of the locals.

A life-size life cycle of a Pawikan is also crafted here for educational purposes, and general knowledge of the Pawikan’s struggle in preserving their survival in the wild.

             

Reaching the Summit of Mt. Samat

I was grateful that the organizer of this trip made this trek to Mt. Samat possible in spite of our hired van backing out. A non-typically customized Jeep, used to be called Ford Fiera in the 80s, agreed to elevate us to the historical Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valour).

It is a 30 minute drive from Nagbalayong going to Pilar, Bataan, then add another 20 minutes to reach the giant cross atop, but if you are a backpacker or just want to go there the primitive way make sure your endurance and stamina will last for two hours.

Stranded on the road side

My cousins, who just live in Balanga, always say that at least one or two accidents occur here every year, and it was only this day that I believe the stories might be true because of the steep zigzag road going up.

We had to straddle ourselves tight to the handrails as our overloaded wheels almost give up. Our faces turn pale as we scream whenever the vehicle is gravitationally forced to reverse near the cliffs, and we all rejoice with a bursting laughter and applause whenever we surpass a treacherous track.

A big cross greeted us when we reached the top destination, it looks primeval, but it was erected in 1970 during Marcos administration to honour the heroism of all the people that laid down their lives to defend the freedom of our nation.

Before the cross, lies a colonnade where it houses a war museum that displays an array of paintings of Filipino heroes, world-war 2 pictures up to the armaments and uniforms used during the war.

105mm Howitzer

Artillery guns, and .50 Caliber browning machineguns are also in display outside the museum, that are of my interest, but I could not wait to elevate on the 36-storey Giant Cross. My friend was gasping for breath when we hurriedly climbed the stairs going to the cross, but I would not want to miss the opportunity to view the West Philippine Sea at more than 1500 Ft.

Giant Cross Observatory

We paid additional Php 10 to get 302 meters higher on top of the Php 20 entrance fee at the gates, the arms of the cross serve as observatories allowing visitors to view the entire Bataan, it is windy up here and it offers a great view for taking pictures.

.50 Caliber Browning Machinegun

Our Bataan travel’s purpose was maybe just to enjoy the benefits of team building, to capture and upload new pictures on our internet social accounts, to bond our diverse personalities, and maybe just to simply get away from the stress of our daily routine, but we cannot deny the fact that on this trip no matter how we served its purpose educated as historically and, environmentally.

*Did you know?

The movie “Platoon” Starred by Charlie Sheen (Scary Movie 4 & Hot Shots) and Willem Dafoe (Spider Man 2 & Daybreakers) was filmed in the jungles of Bataan.

Sudden Trip to Baguio

I don’t know how to stress more the excitement I feel everytime Baguio is written on my travel list, even though I’ve been to this place countless times since my childhood, the feeling of excitation still strikes me.The last time I went here was in November 2007 together with some really close friends, and since then our promise to go up together yearly did not come into picture the following year due to unexpected happenings that I do not intend to share on this story.

We were not supposed to go anywhere this day except to seek counseling for our friend’s diabolic experience with the unholy spirits wandering around her at the CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines) in Intramuros.

However, we were told that exorcism is wielded at the San Carlos Seminary, the Archdiocese of Manila located in Guadalupe, Makati.

Feeling a bit frustrated for not witnessing some exorcism rites, we walked a bit to take some pictures of the Casa Manila, and off we went to road.

The car was already cruising in Tondo, Manila when Duke asked “San Tayo?” (where do we go?) and at last JT Ong has spoken “Let’s go to Baguio” while already hailing a gran for the gas.

The excitement in me lingered on that moment, but I was a bit fussy at the same time as going to far places unplanned has not been in my vocabulary, but tell me how to resist when the car already sped up to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

We didn’t have breakfast then so a short-stop at Razon’s to eat took us some minutes before speeding up to the road. We had to get there before darkness hid the foggy mountains on Kennon Road.

We took the newly built Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) for faster route, and I could see that speedometer’s arm hitting the 160 km/hr mark. We were in a speed craze overtaking other vehicles on the right lane, and I don’t know if Duke was testing the limit of the car or we were really in a rush to catch some scenic experience along the treacherous curves of Kennon road.

Duke is a great driver though, we arrived at the steep tracks of Kennon with the sun still up, but with a wind cold breeze flashing through the windshield. Yipee! We’re almost there.The Lion head marked our initial glimpse of Baguio.

We arrived in the city proper like stowaways with nothing to wear extra unless we buy at SM Baguio for apparels to wear for the cold night.

The hardest part comes in when we had to look for a place to stay for the night as almost all of the transients were fully booked because we arrived at the height of Panagbenga’s celebration without prior knowledge.

We stayed at JT Ong’s relative residing along Naguillian to catch some Z’s and the next day is history.

“Adrenalin Rush at Burnham”

As much as we wanted to do extraordinary on this trip we could not resist to stroll the busy park of Burnham. Biking, boat riding, walking, and of course picture taking with the locals on the background what else would we do in this people stricken central park?

I was anxious with boat riding back in 2007 until a friend introduced me in a dragon boat rowing scheme in Manila Bay. That rowing experience gave me the license of confidence to initiate boat riding in Burnham, and with the help of Duke’s big arms we succesfully stirred the shallow water of the small Burnham lake.

Thirty minutes passed and the wavy ride made us hungry that we ate in full meal at a cheaper cost in canteens found at the far end of the parking area.

“Going out of the Box”

As we have said we wanted to go out of the box by going to spots that was never part of the regular itinerary. After visiting bell tower, enjoying strawberries at the farm, and enjoying the classic atmosphere of Camp John Hay we trek the road going to Ambuclao Dam, but this short expedition was a failure due to the insufficient gas to drive us back to the city proper.

Strawberry Farm

Instead, we just stomped at Alberto’s Baguio resto-bar for some midnight entertainment before going south drive for some ghost hunting adventure. Diplomat, the White House, Teacher’s Camp, Camp John Hay name it and we passed by on it to verify the unseen.

We went to Hangar wet market on our last day to purchase very cheap cauliflower, broccoli and lovely mushrooms. In this way, I believe, would make my stay in Baguio worthy for my worried family in Manila who learned my sudden trip a little bit late.

My words may not be enough to describe the excitement we experienced on this unplanned road trip. Nevertheless, it proved that if you have the tendency to go out of the box don’t forget to keep some clothes in your trunk, and if you love going off-road make sure your car has a diesel engine as gas stations in remote areas only leak diesel.

A quick stroll in Binondo

Binondo Church

If there is such a place I never thought I would visit? It is Binondo, not because I hate this Sangley district, but I thought it was totally off the beaten track, or not the usual path for a seasonal traveller like me who would rather ride a bus far north on weekends or fly down south of this archipelago.

But this day was something different, and we got a little tired exploring the Walled City of Manila (Intramuros) so my beautiful partner thought that we should try strolling around Binondo.

I’ve been to this place almost every weekend with my grandmother when I was a kid, but I never had the chance to really explore this place because we only spend the entire morning on two Chinese drugstores where she buys medicines for her patients (She was a Chinese herbal doctor), and after all the Chinese weird stuff were packed we would leave the place to distribute them to her patients.

Tablea Chocolate of La Ressureccion adjacent from Binondo Church

I was still hesitant to go, but I quickly changed my mind when she mentioned of my fondness to Chinese cuisine especially the noodle soup, and the dimsum. We rode a Jeepney bearing a sign board Divisoria, and we dropped off near Binondo Church, and from there we started to look around and put out our Binondo Map we bought at Bahay ng Tsinoy in Intramuros, and started looking for the nearest stretch of Chinese restaurants.

Beef Noodles

restaurants are easier to find by simply asking the locals for direction, as maps can give you street directions, but the street itself is still a challenge to find.

We have visited several restaurants and tried their dish, all almost serve the same, they only have their own variations of cooking it, but I would say that they’re all good, and are worth to try.

Shark's Fin Dumpling

Sincerity Restaurant on Yuchengco St is the most remembered in this short trip not because of their popular fried chicken, but because of the poor customer service they offer, I would not give details as to how they treat their customers, but I will not revisit this place anytime soon.

Shrimp Siomai

Located at 809 Salazar St., Binondo Manila is the famous “President’s Teahouse,” this is where we enjoyed Chinese delicacies, as the service is better, and though the food is a bit pricey, it will surely satisfy your gastronomic desires.

 

Arranque Market

For those who have bigger appetite, but still want to chow authentic Chinese food, they can go to the original Savory restaurant in Escolta near the Jones Bridge, this restaurant not only boast their orginal home-style Savory Chicken, and big servings, but the nostalgia of the place, which has been in existence for 60 years brings you back to the groovy atmosphere of the yesteryears.

After a luscious lunch at Sangley restaurants we headed past Arranque Market place where we bought the famous Tokwang Arranque, Mitsa, a squid looking vegetarian meat made of flour, and other spices that are perfect for cooking Chinese delicacies.

Human Blow Torch in Recto Ave.

We could not dine at all Chinese restaurants in Binondo, and feed our eyes with the colorful lucky charms, and Talismans on Ongpin St., but we’ll surely come back to scout the temples, haggle with lucky charm vendors, and of course indulge ourselves in a Chinese wok.

Fish cake at Ying-Ying Teahouse

“Did you know that?”

Hot Herbal Tea

Did you know that Hot herbal tea is served in Chinese restaurants to help their customers with digestion? It simply helps dilate your intestines, and cleanses away all toxic, and fatty substance that we get from the food we intake. No wonder many Chinese live longer lives reaching up to 90 years old or more.

For a healthier life style, get the habit of drinking hot tea before and after meals.

Boracay

Willy's Rock

The place has been featured, written, and visited for Gazillion times every year, and almost every article I read is all about the goodness of this little paradise.   But who wouldn’t be thrilled to see the white sand beach, and the night-life it offers for local and foreign tourists?

I seldom go to Boracay. I’m not a big fan of beaches as I prefer scouting terrains with cooler atmosphere especially upon reaching its summit.  But when friends asked me to join a trip back to the island, I never hesitate to answer a yes.

I packed my gear, readied a plane ticket, and went to Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 3 to board a turbo-prop aircraft bound for Caticlan.

Station 1's Shoreline

We arrived at Caticlan Airport after a 45-minute joyride.  We had to saddle on a trike that goes to a port where you have to shell out a hundred peso or more, to pay for an environmental fee, before paying for another fees for a 10-minute boat ride that will cross us to Boracay.

It’s really disgusting to discuss the safety measures being conducted by boat operators, and the regulations that have been implemented by the Coast Guard. The visibility of its (Coast Guard) inspectors is very limited.  I think there’s an inferior safety standard regarding boat rides that need to be addressed.

Regency Lagoon's Breakfast Buffet

Nevertheless, my woes flushes out when we booked at Regency Lagoon situated at station 2, where we stayed in a family room that has complete amenities. The hotel also offers a breakfast buffet catered with multinational cuisines that gave us a cosmic gastronomical experience.

                                                                  Bora at night

This is what everyone is waiting for in this foreigner-stricken island – Bora at Night: a night life by the shore where booze, music, entertainers, and food blend to create a cosmic atmosphere. Everyone is in high spirits, and almost getting tipsy as the night dissipates.

Fire Dance

We leisurely walked the white sand shore in search of a scrumptious feast until we found a cheap row of eat-all-you-can restaurants at Php 250 per person only at station 2. The variety of food served is limitless, but sea-food lovers will savor a great selection.

Bands, discos, and karaoke bars, are just as common with what we see in Manila, but a unique flaming entertainment called “fire dance” has become one of the major attractions of “Bora at Night.” The fire dance performers lit up each end of the Poi, a pair of an arm-length chain, and used their skills in spinning the Poi on fire which creating tricks and fire illusions amid a vigorous music in the background.

Bora in broad daylight

As the night makes us young and tipsy, during the day, it gives us a wide view of Boracay’s long-stretched shoreline, an inter-island activity, and a closer look at the little known “Wilson’s Rock,” in station 1.  Local folks labeled this a “Grotto” because of Mother Mary’s Shrine that rest in one of its boulders. The statue is one of Boracay’s attractions.

Sand Sculpture

One of the amazing things about Boracay’s sand is that you never have your feet being get “roast” in the heat of the sun, so you don’t need to worry of getting blisters when walking on barefoot.

Boracay also have wonderful sand-sculptures during the daytime.  These locals, or simply called sand-artists are commonly seen digging, and molding sand castles, which have lured foreign and local tourists to pose for pictures in exchange for a little fee, or you could also request for your own design to be molded with an additional P50 fee.

To individuals who want to look like a beach-hatched buddy, you can get a dreadlocks hair style at any stall there. Or, you can try the Henna & Permanent tattoo stands sprouting on every corner of the three stations.

Boracay from the top

For three days and two nights in Boracay, we have explored the wonders of this small island that we called little paradise, because of its blend of modern culture and natural beauty.

Humpty Dumptying in Pateros

Salted Eggs

A simple market shopping turned into a morning stroll when we visited Pateros, the smallest municipality in the Metropolitan Manila houses an 18^thcentury tradition in architectural design and in merchandising goods.

Pateros, formerly known as “Aguho, shady trees along Pateros River, or Embarcadero, which means a small port, is not only famous for its “balut,” a fertilized duck egg, it is also home to local products that have circled this town for many decades such abnoy, a balut cooked like a rice cake, which is perfect with vinergar, Inutak, a sweet delicacy made of coconut milk, and the famous alfombra of Hanakuchichi, a durable slippers made with colorful designs, are just a few of Pateros’ living legacy.

Inutak

The century old Spanish edifices adds to your nostalgia despite the existence of the modern trend in this place, but we also discovered that this town have several resorts that are usually available in provinces to suit the needs of a town visitor.

There is a 25 room Grand Villa Hotel that we come across in town, it is a fantastic yet very affordable place to spend your summer vacation, attend functions, or just simply enjoy cool waters of the swimming pool.

hanakuchichi's Alfombra

The room rates start from Php 1,540 for Deluxe Rooms and Php 3,080 for Suite rooms. There is also the executive and superior room that charges Php 1, 870 to 2, 090 per day. For those who just want to swim the swimming hours is from 8 am to 11 pm for only Php 150.

We knew this short visit to Pateros did not come close to what we expected, but surely we’ll go back for another tour to rediscover the entire beauty of this town, to immerse ourselves in shopping galore, and to get pampered in one of its famous resort like the Grand Villa Hotel in Herrera St.

grand villa hotel

Letter of my father

Burnham Park Circa 1992

I would like to share a piece of letter written by a father for his son. This letter that was inked on a bond paper, and sealed in a white plain envelope has won the hearts of the reverends, teachers, and students in a high school retreat.

11-29-99

Dear (my name)

Maikli lang ito dahil wala naman akong masasabi tungkol sa’yo. Magmula nu’ng magsimula kang tumakbo, madapa, magasgasan, maumpog, wala talaga.

Pero, may mangilan-ngilan din na dapat akong sabihin hinggil sa mga pag-uugali mo-una, mabait ka, pero may pagkasuplado. Pangalawa, marami kang mga hangarin sa buhay, kaya lang, medyo naguguluhan ako sa mga trip mo. Pangatlo, may pagkamatipid ka, yun nga lang kang matitipid dahil eksakto lang ang baon na ibinibigay ko iyo.

Ilang ulit o makailang beses akong tumunganga habang iniisip ko kung paano bubuhayin ang mga ala-ala nu’ng ika’y bata o musmos pa lang.

Mabilis ka pa lang tumakbo sa edad na walong taon nang habulin ka ng aso ng ating kapit-bahay. Ilang beses ka ring umiyak sa tuwing ikaw ay natatalo sa chess noon.

Pero, natutunan mong mamulat sa katotohanang ang “pag-asa” ay hindi lamang minimithi, dapat hinaanp rin. Marahil ito ang mga bagay na alam mong nararapat sa isang tao.

Paminsan-minsan naguguluhan ka rin sa kasalukuyang kondisyon ng pamumuhay-natin. Hindi mo maintindihan at gusto mong takasan, subali’t sa kadahilanang nakatatak na magmula nang ito’y makagisnan mo-ang kahirapan.

Years passed by, and you changed. There are many changes such as the size of your shoes, clothings, socks, and even your tastes. And you apparently made to understand that the angst was also part of a person’s everyday’s life.

Eiffel Tower

There is really one thing I really want to say, which I believe something (really) important-you made yourself a man, however.

Sincerely Yours,

Papa

My father Benjamin L. Vergara has been writing for the news print since Marshal Law era, he started as an Editor-in-Chief for a local newspaper in Bataan until he moved in to the Manila Times as a correspondent.

Before the end of the decade he transferred to the now defunct Manila Chronicle covering mostly coup de eta’t related stories.

Today, he is currently based at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) working as an aviation reporter for wires, and other online news agency.

Cast away at Anawangin

Traveling is not always convenience…Half of it is adventure. This is one quote that crossed my mind when we camped out at Anawangin Cove in Zambales, this semi isolated cove facing the open South China Sea brings back primitive outdoor with a distinct style.

Colorful tents enclaved near the beach, while others bunk underneath the shade of Pine trees to get a cover from the scorching heat of the sun on mid-day. It was morning and the sea breeze greeted us with delightful sights in the cove when we disembark from the 20-minute boat ride.

The shallow waters of the beach gives a clear view of the white sands underneath the sea, and the calmness of the waves is perfect for kayaking, but this is what makes Anawangin unique and popular, it is primeval, barely touched by commercialism this cove offers a real laid back vacation for backpackers to venture, for families to bond, and for lovers to spice up their romance.

The cove is hedged by a small mountain range on both sides, rocks are piled up on the eastern side, and the mountain on the west side of the beach have man-made trails that are easy to trek for novice mountain climbers. Trekking the mountain is less challenging for a cliff hanger, but it offers a great view for photo enthusiasts to shoot as it shares a breathtaking view of nature.

Sweating is inevitable when you climb up, but it’s worth the effort when you witness the beautiful panorama of South China sea, and the great view of the entire cove below.

“When Darkness falls”

Camping is a complete package during nightfall, flashlights beam from anywhere, and bonfires become the basic foundation of light in a place where electricity is unknown.

Grilling and booze shower are some of the common sights here at night, and anyone can throw a party of their own if they wish to.

We spent the night here lying on the sand looking at the constellation of stars in the sky, it was bizarre for city rats like us who don’t take notice of the movement of the stars in the city. It is soothing out the stress in our bodies, it brings peace in our hearts as it sprinkles serenity in the place.

The sound of the small waves is not a bother for slumbering humans, but the strong rush of wind coming from the southern part of the mountain woke us up when it shook up our tents, it occurs on a regular basis, but is strongly felt at night.

The following day was spent in souvenir shopping when Aetas arrived selling indigenous handicrafts such as bows, arrows, and mugs made of bamboo.

“Halo-Halo Rush”

I was really surprised to find a Halo-halo being sold on this semi-uninhabited cove, a small nipa hut-built sari-sari store by the shore boast its cold, sweet, and really toothsome halo-halo. You’ll get this satisfying treat for Php 30 layered in a 16 oz plastic cup, and believe it or not it’s the locally made “ube” that makes the Anawangin halo-halo earned it’s distinct luscious taste.

Nevertheless, I was quite unsure if it was the heat that made us go back for another 3 rounds of this mouth-watering sweet, or the sweet cold rush that it brings to the mouth, but one thing’s for sure it quenched our thirst.

“A view to remember”

After eating a scrumptious lunch we started dismantling our tents to prepare for our departure from the cove, we boarded the boat that will ship us back to civilization at around two o’clock in the afternoon.

Unluckily, we got stranded in the sea for a while after an engine trouble occurred, but this also gave me an opportunity to witness once more the natural beauty of the cove.

The white sand illuminates under the sun, and the pine trees that grew in the cove after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption perfectly blends with the beach, and the mountains on the side that looks like embracing the cove with its colossal size creates a picturesque of a place we always want go…Paradise.

***

For anyone interested to travel to Anawangin allot a Php 1000 for travel expenses and an additional Php 500 for extra money. Victory Liner in Pasay has a route going to San Antonio, Zambales, and you’ll get there in 3-4 hours after a Php 260 bus ride.

From San Antonio Php 30 fare for the trike is needed for a bumpy ride going to Pundaquit beach where you will be riding a boat for Php 200-250  two way ticket going to Anawangin cove.

The Banana Split breakfast

Stress is a killer, and one way to relieve it is by eating chocolates according to medical experts, but after a long night of answering emails we decided to indulge ourselves in a classic, sweet, and freezing to the palate dessert called “banana split.”

We spent more than a couple of hundreds to get a gastronomic experience on this jam packed dessert that we’ve been craving for days, and the PANCAKE House along Mckinley Hill in Taguig did not let us down to get a scoop of this lovely and mouthwatering cherry topped ice cream and banana.

The classic banana split that we ordered was filled with three ice cream flavors including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry garnished with whipped cream topped with a single cherry. It was served on a boat shaped platter walled by two halved banana to make a grandiose appeal to the eyes.

The cute presentation of this sweet course is its best asset for gaining popularity since its creation in the early 1900s by some sundae addicts that time. Its popularity have also streamlined to the movies where lovers date in a diner eating and sharing a banana split.

Today it has evolved into different sensations that would surely get your attention. Some add new ice cream flavors, nuts, chocolate chips, and other fruits to give an enhanced taste on this cold dessert, but for us nothing beats the original, it is nostalgic, simple, and so romantic lovers won’t split until they get a scoop of the Classic Banana Split.

A short walk to Manila’s European District

My feet would have been happier walking the cobbled stones of Europe, but I I’m too cash strapped to even buy a ticket to ride a jet plane. Fortunately, my friend Boo has one grand possession that never complain…Her upbeat car. A supposed to be a breakfast turned into a short-stop inside the old-lichened walls of Intramuros making the dust of heat our first meal on that day.

Well, the heat couldn’t do so much to stop us from scouring the place we’ve agreed to visit that morning. Now with some bottled-beverages in our h ands off we went to scout the farthest and most controversial part of the walled city, Fort Santiago.

Historically, this centuries old Fortress continue to keep the secrets of its past with itsdungeons kept in darkness up to now. We only knew the imprisonment of many Filipinos inside the fort and the torture chambers it flaunted in the prayle days, but as we conversed along the piled rusty cannons we’ve concluded that apart from the national heroJose Rizal the names of this fort’s victims are still unknown.

Our heads almost end up in a mush with so much dwelling on facts and fiction embodying this adobe-built fortress, but Duke initiated another photo shoot at the facade of FOrt Santiago, this time using his new gear Nokia 5800. The museum of Jose Rizal inside the fort showcased a gallery of his works, writings, and personal belongings in

which I have longed to possess myself. And, as Boo and Duke went to somewhere else inside the fort, Gold and I hopped into some open to public dung

eons after secreting some nostalgic energy in Rizal’s Gallery.

The dungeons beneath is filled with darkness giving us some goosebumps, that Gold even quipped that there might be some old ghosts wandering around us that moment because of the coldness deep inside dungeons despite of the scorching heat on the surface.

Luckily, we didn’t meet any member of the poltergeist family in the inky darkness of the underground jail house while taking some pictures on its stairway to the cobbled surface. Finally, the four of us converged at the footsteps of Rizal after wandering around the fort for sometime, we shared what we’ve felt, seen, and realized on this short walk on the cobbled stones. The conversation only stopped when the clock realized that it’s already time to catch some good food around the area.

Taal Escapade (the mushroom burger hunting)

Me, Boo, and Gold

Where in the world can we find a delectably unique hamburger?
Well, I believe we found it in Tagaytay City after wasting an 8 hour shift of deep slumber at the office.

Three lads and one lass quickly agreed to drive Alma’s Black but sleek Chevrolet Optra to the Southern Pine City of Tagaytay to hunt for the legendary Mushroom Burger.

We never hit so much traffic along the way as cars roll by along the excavations in SLEX (South Luzon Express) without slowing down a bit on the hi-way. The sun was still up but clouds gathered enough to cover the skies from the torching sun.

As we anticipated we arrived at the heart of Tagaytay after an hour of smooth ride on the road. Duke, a photography enthusiast, was readying his Nokia 6600 phone for some picture taking adventures on the steep cliffs of this majestic place.

Mushroom burger was the first on the itinerary and we reached its joint after 2 kilometers from the intersection of Silang and Tagaytay. The popularity of this burger house is very noticeable because of the number of its patrons’ cars parked outside and the long queue on its 2 cashiers.

It took less than 20 minutes before our pleasure-seeking tongue tasted the legendary, and mouth-watering “Mushroom King Burger.” The patty is made of mushroom and ground beef layered on a bun with coleslaw, sliced cucumber, and freshly cut tomatoes garnished with sweet dressing that creates its distinct flavor.
The scrumptousness of the burger is obviously reflecting on the customers’ faces, their mouths were opening widely for a big bite on the bun, while putting a smile on their excited cheeks as they chew it.

At the back of this joint lies a playground and a wishing well where children could play around while their adults are busy waiting for their orders to be called. And we, already in our 20s grabbed some wind breeze on the playground’s see-saw.

I guess it’s a cliche if we say that you haven’t been to Tagaytay if you never stop by at the Mushroom Burger house. We don’t know the best indigenous cuisine that this small city can offer to tourists aside from what we’ve learned about its mushroom burger. I even craved for the Banapples (banana & apple) pancake that my friend from Cainta has been telling me, but I felt fulfilled after tasting this luscious mushroom-turned-burger.

Bulalo (bone soup), on the other hand, is oppositely scattered everywhere but we never tried it yet because our tummies were full, we didn’t have much time to look for the best spot to eat it, and we had to catch a view before darkness hid the foggy hills.

After taking some pictures to mark our short-stop at the burger house we headed to the road going to Lemery, Batangas for some fog experience.

Alma has been saying “freaky weather ang Tagaytay,” every time fogs hover the trees after a short rain shower.

“Rich and Famous at Fantasy World”
“Sir bili na kayo sir, maka-benta lang man sa inyo sir sige na sir, wala akong pera eh, sir hindi naman halata sir bawasan nyo naman yaman nyo sir.”

These were the sale talks you would hear from local vendors outside Fantasy World in Barangay Masayang Lemery, Batangas. They were children selling sweets such as pinipig, macaroons, panutsa etc. at Php 35 each, and they would keep on tailing you until you buy one sweet product from them.

We were a bit irritated by the insistence of these children to buy their tooth-aching sweets, but we can’t blame them for their annoying attitude towards their customers because we thought at least they’re doing one of the decent ways to survive in a poverty-stricken town.

On the contrary, whose vendor wouldn’t believe that we don’t have a dime to spend in the first place? When we have a Chevrolet Optra to carry our humble feet to Fantasy Castle? Our accent sounds very Manila-Oriented with some English phrases used between conversations about Rapunzel lowering her long hair down from one of the towers in the Fantasy Castle? Gold even asked Alma “Can I borrow your car to take some picture?”

We bought some goods from these children after posing for some shoot, and as we’ve expected other vendors flocked us with their own sweets leaving us with no other choice, but to step on the gas and leave.

The short escapade to Tagaytay was quite an adventure for the four of us whose lives have been tenderly screwed to midnight offices in Manila. We were very delighted with the things we saw and felt in this place.

As we pondered along the way home we knew we didn’t just find Mushroom Burger on this short-trip, we didn’t just feel the cold breeze of the fogs nor found peace on the captivating sights of Taal. We found what we’ve always wanted to do in our lives…Traveling