The Captivating Mantalinga Island

What captivates the soul more than a small island on the coast of Roxas City, Capiz, known as Mantalinga Island.

It's a tiny island just a kilometer from Baybay Beach's shore. It's famous for its long stretch of beachfront restaurants.

The place is popular in the Western Visayas as the best food trip destination. It has gained national recognition as one of the best sources and suppliers of seafood in the top restaurants in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila.

Roxas City, known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, offers abundant marine products like fish, shellfish, and oysters. The best part? You can enjoy these fresh seafood dishes at an affordable price, a fraction of what you'd pay in high-end restaurants in Metro Manila. At Baybay Beach, you can indulge in unlimited fresh seafood, day and night, without breaking the bank, ensuring a satisfying and budget-friendly culinary experience.

Imagine the sea's soothing waves and the cool breeze on your skin. Now, add to that the breathtaking sight of Mantalinga Island, a natural wonder that serves as the most famous background and landmark in Roxas City.

Thanks to its proximity to Roxas City's mainland, getting to Mantalinga Island is a breeze. You can easily hire a pump boat service or a kayak to get a closer look at this captivating island, making your trip convenient and hassle-free.

Local fishermen have a unique belief about Mantalinga Island. They call it 'Good Luck Island' because they believe that inscribing their name on the rock before fishing or on their boat before its main voyage brings them good luck. This local tradition, steeped in cultural significance, adds an intriguing and enriching layer to your visit, sparking your curiosity and appreciation for local customs. 

We all want good luck. We want a good journey in life. And when you visit this laid-back city in Western Visayas, see Baybay Beach and experience the enigmatic charm of Mantalinga Island. You'll come for sure, and you'll ask for more.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

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The Japanese art of Forest Bathing

When it comes to natural healing, the Japanese know better. They came up with a term, "Shinrin-yoku," popularized in Japan in the '80s and later introduced to the world. 

Forest bathing isn't taking a bath in the forest in a literal sense. It simply means reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from life's stressors -- causing diseases.

It's been a year since I've lived in a rural area; in my hometown. It's countryside living away from too much noise and chaos.

Since the beginning of the pandemic and due to the lockdown, some plans weren't able to happen, and since then, I wasn't able to come back to Manila.

I'm living my best life away from distraction and pollution; forest bathing on weekends is my healing wonder. It's all we need in times of stress and whenever we need to relax and rejuvenate. It cleanses and purifies our physical and mental bodies.

So Japanese people are considered world leaders regarding health and longevity. Their approach to health and wellness is just holistic and admirable. Hence, they're a world record in having supercentenarians. 

We Filipinos adapted to this Japanese form of natural healing. Forest bathing is slowly gaining recognition, especially among health and fitness enthusiasts.

Hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and yoga and meditation practitioners are among those groups gaining from the healing benefits of forest bathing.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip. Camp John Hay in Baguio City is where you can find the most pine trees. And has the most forest cover in the area.

At Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines

That was a refreshing forest bathing experience as I felt the foggy place's mists. It feels so great to be surrounded by trees, which give off natural cleansing energy.

Bucari Highlands in Iloilo, Philippines, is one of the best mountain resort destinations in the country.

When we visited, it was rainy on the way up and with a foggy and misty climate. Like Baguio City, it has many pine trees making the environment more relaxed.

Bucari, Iloilo, Philippines

There are other places where I've enjoyed forest bathing. The Mount Arayat National Park in Pampanga, Philippines. The La Mesa Eco-park in Quezon City, Philippines, and Naddi Village in Dharamshala, India.

My parents were inspired to develop our farm over a decade ago, so they planted Mahogany trees, making it a mini-forest. Now the trees have reached their peak maturity and are tall, giving a cool shade in the surrounding. 

 

Our Mahogany tree park

And so, every time we visited the farm, I would do forest bathing. I walk barefoot and remain under the trees until I've reached a meditative state. Feel the serenity and inhale the life force. 

Anyone can do it. When life gets tough, we must take slow and find a greener space to unwind and re-energize. 

The Japanese people are doing it as a lifestyle, so we can learn and adopt their healthy and balanced lifestyle.

©️2020 Del Cusay

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Strolling in the Garden of Dreams

A Garden in the city balances life and achieves a healthier lifestyle. It's a breath of fresher air amidst the toxicity.

With an urban garden in the city center, I was fortunate to have an afternoon stroll in the fully restored Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu, Nepal, in August 2013. It reopened to the public six years after several decades of closure.

Kathmandu's lifestyle, while less lavish than in big cosmopolitan cities, is rich in culture and its people, making it a unique and fascinating destination. 

The entire city of Kathmandu blends cultural heritage with a modern society due to its preserved structures, such as monuments and temples, and the restoration of public places like the Garden of Dreams and other modern infrastructures.

As I strolled inside the walled garden, I was enveloped in a serene atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling city just outside. It was a mere 5 minutes from my hotel, a perfect spot for a peaceful respite.

The Walled Urban Garden

The garden's European-style architecture has been noticeable since its restoration with the help of the Austrian Government. It has features like six pavilions representing the '6 seasons of Nepal', which is how the place got its second name, the "Garden of the Six Seasons." 

The garden has a veranda, fountains, and a pergola, giving it a European vibe. Also, the Amphitheater is where visitors can sit or lie down to chat or read a book. Such a relaxing scene.

The Amphitheater

European-inspired pergola

The lush greenery of the garden, adorned with flowers, shrubs, and trees, is a testament to the dedication of its caretakers. Its pristine condition and rejuvenating ambiance are truly inspiring.

I appreciate art, so I spent time at the gallery and conversed with the locals. That was a meaningful encounter as I learned more about their culture. 

Café by the garden

That was a delightful afternoon stroll at the Garden of Dreams, and before leaving, I had a cup of cappuccino as I reflected and planned for my next journey around Kathmandu.

The Garden of Dreams is true to its name. It's a sophisticated garden of its time and became more beautiful after its restoration. Urban dwellers need green space for leisure, and hopefully, more cities will adapt to this kind of garden that offers respite to the people from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Garden of Dreams. The Garden of the Six Seasons. A garden for the soul.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

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Island Hopping in Guimaras

We need to regain ourselves. At times, we get stressed, and it's due to various stressors of daily living, such as multitasking work, daily commute, never-ending problems, and the pandemic.

This global health crisis, the pandemic, has brought our lives to a standstill. It's a battle we all fight, a choice between victim and survivor.

Since the lockdown early this year, we have been thinking of ways to stay mentally healthy daily. How to keep our sanity and not experience loneliness, apathy, and depression.

Every day is a battle for survival, but we have a powerful weapon-our thoughts. We can divert our consciousness toward happy thoughts, reminiscing about the happiest moments in our lives. These are the times when we truly live our best lives, and it's a reminder that we can always find joy even in the darkest times.

The boat ride from Iloilo to Guimaras Island

For me, there's one great way to relieve stress and rejuvenate: traveling to beautiful places and spending weekend getaways for pure thinking moments, distressing through meditation, and appreciating the healing wonders of nature.

Every Sunday, I reminisce about the times when I had my Soulful travel moments. Due to restrictions, we can't travel during this pandemic, so the best way is to have a mental vacation. 

It works! It's as good as visiting the place in real-time, with almost the same feeling. It's just that we process with our mental power—our wild imagination.

The power of the mind is a miraculous healer. It contributes significantly to our well-being. When we're in a state of sadness, loneliness, or depression, we lack the energy to do our daily tasks and be productive. But when we're happy, we're inspired to do great things and lift others with our positive energy. It's a reminder that our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and we should always prioritize it.

Positive energy is contagious, and so is negativity. That's what I believe.

I would rather be with someone or a group that inspires me or makes me happy than suffer from negative emotions brought by someone, a group, or, worst of all, a personal creation—becoming an enemy of oneself.

Creating a mental vacation is a powerful tool. It's a heavenly experience that doesn't require leaving the comfort of your home. With the power of our imagination, we can visit almost any place we dream of, those on our bucket list.

One of my favorite Islands in the Philippines is Guimaras. It's one of the most minor Islands in the Province, and I'd like to return whenever I am in the region.

Island Cove on Guimaras Island

Guimaras is just a 20-minute boat ride from the coast of Iloilo province on Panay Island, so near the distance that both islands are visible.

One thing I like about Guimaras is the serenity of nature. It's not a very touristy place, so definitely not crowded, and you'll enjoy soulful moments on the waters, on the shore, or on a cliff.

Guimaras is not overdeveloped as compared to Island destinations like Boracay or Siargao. That's one reason I like it even more, especially since there are Filipino-style cottages and not huge hotels that can pollute the place's ecosystem. 

I hope Guimaras will retain its grandeur. It's a natural environment and will not be subject to over-commercialization.

The naturally beautiful environment on Guimaras Island

Guimaras is already beautiful in its present state, and many people would appreciate its hidden beauty and natural charm.

Guimaras is not just a tiny island; it has friendly, hospitable people with good hearts, making them different. It has the heart and soul at its best.

© 2020 Del Cusay

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The Palace in the Sky

There's something mysterious about the ruins—the old, well-preserved structure built to last a lifetime.

That's what the ruins are for. To stand the test of time. 

In the Philippines, just an hour from Manila is the ruins we call the "Palace in the Sky," now more popularly known as "People's Park in the Sky," which gives a chilly feel due to its geographical location on the summit of Mount Gonzales in the province of Cavite.

At the veranda overlooking the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love

The view deck overlooking the Taal Lake

The structures' old and rustic charm attracts local and foreign visitors due to its breathtaking view of the famous Taal Volcano and Lake. 

Truly captivating!

The highest point. That's the description of the place, as it is located on the summit of the highest mountain in Cavite at 709 meters (2,326 ft.) above sea level. And so, it offers a 360-degree view of the Tagaytay Highlands, including nearby recreational parks and villages.

The story of how this "Palace in the Sky" became a famous ruin is different from the stories of the other ruins in the country.

What sets this ruin apart is its unique story, a tale that's unlike any other in the country.

The view deck overlooking the mountains

In the late 70s, during the administration of the late President Marcos, "Palace in the Sky" was commissioned to serve as a guest house for the visit of then-US President Ronald Reagan. That's a show of Filipino hospitality at its best. 

A royalty welcome and treatment.

However, the construction was left unfinished when the visit of US President Reagan was canceled.

We have been left with the "Ruins in the Sky" since then.

The rustic and mossy Palace ruins 

It's a bittersweet sight, imagining the beauty that could have been if the construction of the Palace in the Sky had been completed, but instead, it was left abandoned.

That was supposed to be consistent with the Imeldific brand, the highest extravagance attributed to former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Honestly, I love the place on the summit. Although the ruins can be a little creepy at first sight, their beautiful ambiance captures the heart. 

It's clear that the Palace in the Sky was built with love and admiration, a testament to the beauty of the place.

The next time you visit Tagaytay, you should never miss this place. 

A must-visit! 

It's a great weekend getaway for the family, partners, or even solo travelers. It's a romantic destination that captivates the soul of anyone.

The "Palace in the Sky" is not just an abandoned ruin. It possesses timeless elegance and natural charm. It represents our glorious past and creates beautiful memories to last.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Baywatch at Camp Rofelio

The West Coast of the Philippines, a gem of a summer destination. And the crown jewel? The coast of San Felipe, nestled in the province of Zambales. A tranquil town in the North, beckoning with its beauty.

The waves, the blue-green waters, and the greyish-powdery sand make it a great getaway for rejuvenating and having some pure thinking moments.

In May 2018, I discovered a newly built camping site on the coast of Liwliwa, a town in San Felipe.

It's a haven of tranquility, with several cottages and tents for an overnight stay. The moment I set eyes on it, I knew it was a place I could truly unwind and connect with nature.

Standing barefoot at the seaside gate of Camp Rofelio, you can enjoy a perfect view of the horizon. The water is clear, and the waves are relaxing. You can also sit on the sand, meditate, and capture the best view of the surroundings.

A great weekend retreat. Camping at the beach. A soulful moment to watch the sunset. Fresh-grilled seafood for dinner and a bonfire night to remember.

It was indeed a memorable and fun moment at Camp Rofelio. It's a decent weekend destination—a solemn place where you can be at peace and one with nature. When you hear the waves inside the tent at night, you'll have the most relaxing and deep sleep ever.

But, hey! I'm supposed to be bay-watching!

A Baywatch, to appreciate the area, the surrounding waters, and the place facing the West Philippine Sea, had created controversy from unwanted intruders. The pirates of the sea had been inside our Philippine waters, causing tensions and threats to the fishing livelihood of the locals.

The Philippine government is supposed to protect those waters, defend our territorial seas, and secure what's best for our people.

There were spotted dredging foreign vessels in the territorial waters of Zambales that threaten our territorial rights and the fishing rights of several Fishermen on our territory.

We are standing as a Baywatch. Someone who sees intruders from afar. But our local fishermen are powerless, and even the regional and national governments must be more powerful to defend the territory.

I love Zambales and would love to return for the next summer season. But the best Baywatch is to see happy people and not stories of intrusion—like thieves of the sea. Camp Rofelio is a good place for Baywatch, but be mindful and have a telescopic eye for the pirates of the sea.

We dream of creating and preserving safe and thriving tourist destinations. But to do so, we must be vigilant and informed about issues that threaten the rights of our people. Our silence could cost us our paradise.

San Felipe is a place of kind and peaceful people. Protect it and make it a heaven-on-earth experience—a paradise. Together, we can protect it and become a good Baywatch—a good Filipino.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Breathtaking View of Taal Lake

As a tropical country, the Philippines is hot and humid almost year-round.

And so it's even hotter in summer!

When people need to relax and unwind over the weekend, there's a place we can travel to escape from the lowland heat.

It's Tagaytay! Overlooking Taal lake.

Tagaytay, with its cool climate, is a unique gem that I adore. A mountain resort just a short one-and-a-half-hour journey from the bustling Philippine capital, Manila.

It's not just the climate but also known for its scenic and breathtaking view of Taal Lake and, one of the world's smallest active volcanoes.

In June 2018, I had a great weekend in Tagaytay. It was just a brief moment to rejuvenate from the noise and stress of the metro. That was my third and last visit, and it was memorable.

But this charming tourist destination has a sad story about the recent volcanic eruption in January 2020. Its eruption was one of the most destructive, causing a struggle for livelihood, health, safety, and loss of lives in Taal, the province of Batangas. It affected nearby areas and reached as far as Metro Manila.

Will I ever come back to this place?

Yes, I will return. This enchanting place, nestled between the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, will always hold its allure. The people here are resilient, and their determination to bounce back after a natural disaster is truly inspiring.

The destruction of the ecosystem threatens the livelihoods of fishing and farming and will significantly reduce the tourism sector.

Now, during this Pandemic, the people in Taal and Tagaytay are again under a significant threat of livelihood due to the disruption of businesses caused by the lockdown. They have not fully recovered from the volcanic eruption in January, when the lockdown due to the Pandemic was ordered in March 2020.

That's like continuous disaster and suffering. I hope it will end.

Tourism was a big loser during this Pandemic. Given the strict travel restrictions and protocols on health standards, it could hardly recover. 

As we look forward to the end of this pandemic, it's crucial that we all play a part in reviving the tourism industry, which is a cornerstone of our country's economy.

Is it safe to visit?

Since it will take years for another volcanic eruption to happen.

Tagaytay, overlooking Taal Lake, is close to my heart. It has memories to cherish for a lifetime. It will be a breathtaking place to visit for a lifetime.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Weekend Getaway in Boracay

I need a vitamin sea. That's how millennials or young travelers would say whenever they need a break.

The sea is medicine, prescribed not by physicians but by none other than our very own friends, our colleagues, or people closer and special to us. We feel calm and relaxed when we are in a body of water. Our mind becomes clear, and our soul is uplifted. Our well-being is healed and rejuvenated, and that's the ultimate goal to achieve.

The truth is we want to escape reality once in a while, to live in a fantasy land where there are no pains and stresses. We pause, pack our things, and go on a travel and adventure.

Dream on and go on.

In April 2016, I had a breathtaking weekend getaway on a small island on the west coast of Panay Island in the Philippines—Boracay Island, a true gem of the world.

It's a hotspot for the world's beach and island lovers. A multi-cultural hub where the East meets the West.
That was my 5th time visiting Boracay in about two decades. And each time I saw it, its ecosystem and culture had undergone several transformations. I the old Island culture I missed.

 I may have seen Boracay during its pristine days when it was less developed and had its Island vibe. So that brings back vivid memories worth remembering. 

Last year, when it underwent temporary closure, it became like a ghost Island. Only a few tourists and businesses closed for about half a year. If we humans deserve a break, a busy Island deserves a much-needed break too.

When an ecosystem is damaged by commercialization, it has to clean and heal itself before serving people again. Other more popular Islands in the country and Southeast Asian region followed suit. They also rehabilitated their Island paradise. That's a great move, made with great sacrifice and love. 

Take a break from the crowd. The party. The noise. The pollution.

I love Boracay. It has a different vibe from other Philippine Islands and beaches. So, I am pro-rehabilitation if needed so it can breathe again and rejuvenate—just like us human beings.

The Nami Resort will take you over the hills and allow you to experience exhilarating fun from an old-style elevator reaching the hilltop. Nami Resort had the best view of the Island, which was just fantastic. The food, the music, and the ambiance are great. The experience was magical.

When people can travel again without restrictions, Boracay will open its paradise for responsible business owners and kind travelers who understand the importance of preserving its beauty.

Boracay is for everyone, and I look forward to the day when I can once again swim in its water, witness its captivating sunset, see the sandcastles, and leave footprints in the sand.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Father's Day at The Farm

Life at the farm is the best news every day during this Pandemic. We benefit from a clean and green environment for healing and rejuvenation.

Today, we bask in the joy of celebrating a special Father's Day. We've chosen to spend this Sunday at the farm, a sanctuary we've lovingly nurtured over the past year. It's a day filled with warmth, love, and the beauty of family bonds.

As I swing through a hammock, I reminisce about how it all started in June 2019, from when it was conceptualized until it materialized.

Today, a year after the pandemic, we're literally reaping the fruits of our labor. The fruits and vegetables my parents started to plant after the lockdown and home quarantine are now ready for harvest. Even in adversity, their unwavering commitment to organic farming is genuinely inspiring. This journey of growth and harvest is a testament to our resilience and determination, a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

Our farm is a cornucopia of nature's bounty. We have various vegetables like eggplant, bitter gourd, string beans, spinach, and squash. And that's just the beginning. We also have fruits like Philippine lime or Calamansi, tomatoes, avocado, banana, watermelon, and coconut. These and many more in weeks to come as we expand and develop other areas for planting.

We aim for sustainable farming practices to provide our own food on the table in this time of crisis and as a way of life—a new lifestyle.

In previous years, I may not have celebrated Father's Day at home, so this year is a precious opportunity to be present and to show gratitude and appreciation to our dear Father. It's a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen our bond.

I'm filled with gratitude for the love and inspiration that has guided us through this crisis. It's been a time of profound learning, allowing us to plant, grow, and harvest not just food, but also personal growth and resilience. We've learned to appreciate the simple joys of life and the power of family bonds.

Father's Day isn't just a day; we celebrate it throughout our lifetime. Wherever we are, he will always be in our hearts—our Father, our hero, our motivation, and our source of endless inspiration. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Journey of A Thousand Miles

Life brings us to the place of our dreams. That's the beginning of a beautiful journey ahead. We dream it, we believe it, and we live it.

We manifest and hold on to that dream; we bring our intentions to life, and it starts with a single with— a single step.

Life may bring us to several places in our lifetime. Some destinations may still need to be planned, but opportunities and destiny take us there.

In 2016, after a thousand-mile journey abroad, life brought me to a lovely place known as the city of love—Iloilo City, Philippines.

I hold a special place in my heart, having lived there for a year, from mid-2002 until mid-2003. It's where I embarked on my college journey in a city epitomizing the region's higher education. The city's charm, with its century-old churches and meticulously preserved ancestral houses, was a sight to behold—a beauty that transcends time.

True to its moniker, the city lives up to the expectation of being the 'City of Love.' But it's not just the name; it's the warmth and love of the people that truly make it a place that captivates the soul.

13 years after I left, I came back to live and practice my profession by working in a medical center near the esplanade, where I used to spend some morning strolls and sunset viewing. I have seen the city's growth as it embraced modern infrastructure development while preserving its old heritage. Now, the city is a fusion of the ancient and contemporary world. It has a more charming vibe among the developing cities in the Philippines.

That journey to the 'City of Love' brought memories to cherish for a lifetime, until one day, another journey began to another place; to the country's capital region of Metro Manila, back to the site where I started to work and discover places and the world.

Today, our world may have stopped. Life may have led me back to my greater comfort and security, to my birthplace, and to be with my family — my loved ones. This return to my roots, where I was born and raised, has brought me peace and stability during these uncertain times.

The thousand-mile journey brought meaning to life but also took me away from my family. Now, a journey of a thousand miles includes a 'home sweet home' closer to my family. Home, where I find comfort, security, and love, is not just a physical location but a feeling of belonging and connection.

Life is good to return to their loving and warm embrace during this crisis, where uncertainty unfolds. I was far away from them for years, searching for a living, but now I am living with them, searching for meaning.

Now, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Wherever we are in this world, no matter how far the distance we've been, we'll always return to the most special place in our hearts-our home, where our family resides. It is the love and warmth of our family that makes any journey, no matter how long or difficult, worthwhile. 

Life will always protect and comfort us, leading us back, even after a thousand-mile journey and beyond. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

Living Our Best Normal

We want to live our best lives. That is not just an aspiration but a realization of our life purpose. Our goals and dreams fuel our being toward not just success but also fulfillment—our heart's desire.

In these times, we are now one world and one humanity, a beautiful tapestry of diversity that used to be divided by the color of our skin, the amount of money in our wallet or bank, and religious affiliation and social status. Our differences now unite us in a shared experience.

Today, we feel the oneness of humanity, that we are united through a shared experience. We are all vulnerable to the global threat to human health; either we survive or continue to suffer—we're all in this together.

We are slowly adapting to a 'new normal,' which is an initiation of how much we have learned about survival skills and the test of our life's top priorities.

In the 'new normal,' people may realize that money may sometimes not save a life, that it isn't our ultimate purpose, and that the health we sacrifice for cash will be gone when we lose the battle. 

Living in the city would start to lose appeal, and people would see the value of life in the rural area-- in the countryside.

The pandemic has been a profound teacher, revealing to us the beauty of the natural world that was once distant. The surrounding mountains, the chirping of the birds, and the clear blue skies, once the privilege of rural areas, have now become a part of our urban lives in isolation.

Now, more than ever, we realize the value of health and wellness over material wealth. Choosing a sustainable life in a safe and peaceful rural area can give us the peace of mind we crave. This shift in mindset will lead to healthier and more vibrant lives.

Between life in the city and in a rural area, the 'new normal' would point the arrow to the less crowded place where one can breathe fresher air and enjoy a fantastic view of the natural environment free from pollution.

And hearing from someone I highly respect, Master Del Pe, a Modern Sage, and an International Life Mentor, inspired people about living not just the 'new normal' but living our 'new best normal'-a life where we prioritize health and wellness, strive to live with our best self, and adapt to the challenges and threats that will arise in the future.

To live our most extraordinary life and our 'new best normal' is to go beyond a safe and secure life to a sustainable one we all deserve. Sustainable living promotes a healthier environment and enhances our well-being, allowing us to live our best lives. 

© 2020 Del Cusay