Last month, Anvaya Cove invited I Try DIY to one of their open house events. It was my birthday weekend, so I was a bit hesitant to go. When I managed to book a room for that Saturday night, I knew I had to go! I brought along a few of my crafts cousins/friends to help me out with the crafts table and to spend the special weekend with me!
(more…)
When the opportunity to visit Osaka, Japan for two weeks came up, I immediately cleared my schedule for it. Although the purpose of the trip was not entirely leisure, we made sure to maximize the visit. We were out most evenings and weekends. Japan was never on the top of my list of places to visit, but these past two weeks have definitely changed my mind.
ありがとうございました。
我々は再び会うまで。
On December 30th, a few of my relatives and I decided to go on a field trip. We decided to head on over to Intramuros (visiting San Agustin Church), Rizal Park in Luneta and Fort Santiago. I’m not sure if it was pure coincidence or if my relatives planned it, but we head on over to these historical sites on Rizal Day itself.
We walked around the San Agustin museum in the morning. Cathedrals and churches, especially those that are centuries old, are absolutely breathtaking.
Apparently, Juan Luna was buried there. I tried to look for him, but couldn’t find his remains in the crypt.
The exterior and landscaping around the church was as beautiful as the interior.
And as I always do in old buildings, I make sure to look up. The ceilings felt so massive, and reminded me of Grand Central Station and the Public Library in New York.
Everything was photogenic.
We then headed over to Luneta. We caught some Rizaleños celebrating by his statue.
Then, to Fort Santiago.
So much history. So many stories untold.
We walked Jose Rizal’s steps in reverse, back to where he was held.
Later that afternoon, the Rizaleños from Luneta were in Fort Santiago as well.
We roamed around the Fort, and took lots of photos.
It was nice to be in a real fort, and not “The Fort” that I live in.
I should remind myself to visit more of these places.
There’s still a lot of places to be seen!
Most of my childhood was spent in Antipolo. I grew up in the boondocks in a compound situated at the end of a highway named after my great-grandfather. Every year on December 27th, we’d gather at Sumulong Park for Sumulong Day. I’m so glad I was able to join in on the fun again this year.
The trek up Sumulong Highway was nostalgic. There was a mix of the new and the familiar. Roads were wider, and landmark corner stores were gone. A new still-empty market stood where the compound once was. Why haven’t I gone back to Antipolo sooner?
We first headed over the the Cathedral. It looked the same, but felt a little smaller than it used to be. Places tend to be massive in my memories.
