Patan Durbar Square and the Royal City

I've never seen such a magnificent old city as Patan Durbar Square, located about eight kilometers south of Kathmandu.

Patan, the old name of the present-day Lalitpur, is considered the third-largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara.

While the old city of Patan offers a nostalgic tour of its royal past, there's one place to visit, learn and appreciate -- the Patan Durbar Square.

I'm lucky to have visited one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other two Durbar Squares are in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, but I needed help to visit them.

But then, as I entered Patan Durbar Square, I could feel it had a rich cultural past and the most magnificent royal palace worth visiting.

It has 155 courtyards and 55 major temples significant to Hindus and Buddhists. I was able to get inside one of the main temples and had a great appreciation of architecture and the arts.

Patan is a city of fine arts. And the marvelous architectures are reminiscent of how skills are ingrained in their culture, preserved, and passed on to the next generations. Their craftsmanship is superb and brilliant as they create wood, stone, and metal carvings. 

Patan has preserved its rich tradition of artistic craftsmanship from the local woodcarvers and handicraft makers. From the time of Royal King Newar, creative skills still live on. 

I was fortunate to have visited Patan Durbar Square in 2013 before it was hit by a strong earthquake in April 2015. Some of the temples and structures were heavily damaged. The good thing is that it was reconstructed just like the original structure.

Patan Durbar Square is a truly unforgettable experience. Walking on the red-tiled bricks while staring at the red wall bricks was like a teleport to the old days of fine arts and excellent craftsmanship.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Tranquility at the Lotus Temple

Where can we find peace in a world of noise, hatred, and wars? People would fight for their beliefs and feel superior to their religion. Country versus country, religion versus religion, people have endless fights about their ideas.

In a country of over one billion people, I've found a place where people unite to worship one God regardless of social status and religion.

The Bahaí House of Worship is popularly known as the Bahá'í Temple or Lotus Temple. It's magnificent modern architecture that the world's people have to visit and appreciate its beauty. 

This architectural wonder was designed to form like a lotus flower. One can see it from the top, all sides, and even a kilometer distance. It was built to house thousands of visitors from different places in India and nationalities worldwide.

It was a great moment when I challenged myself to visit Lotus Temple in Delhi, India, sometime in December 2011. I remember the thousands of people inside the temple complex who endured the long lines to get inside the main temple. I had to follow the strict rules of patiently waiting in line and leaving the shoes barefooted inside the temple.

I had to find a good place to sit as I entered the temple. I chose to sit peacefully in the center and meditated for an hour. There was no noise but purely serenity. There were no religious objects, just the walls and interior designs. It was a calming and meditative experience as I was surrounded by people from all walks of life and different religion.

I felt good and inspired that people of opposing beliefs could come and sit together in the same place of worship. It could not be possible for other religions as they impose exclusivity to protect their faith.

At the Bahá'í Temple, everyone is a son of one God. And that all people believe in one God. That's the significance of the Bahá'į faith. It's about the oneness of humanity. No hatred, no prejudice, and no exclusive God. But only one God for all.

If every country had its Bahá'í Temple, the people, and even atheists, could have a place to visit to ponder their existence and purpose. To find meaning and contemplate the joy of living.

Bahá'í faith taught me about the realization of one God for humanity. The same God I adore and pray for wherever I am and maybe.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay 

Magical Night in Jaipur

To complete my journey to India's golden triangle, I was lucky to visit the lost Kingdom of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

It's known as the Pink City since many palaces and structures were painted pink, even in the old days of its monarchy.

It took us five hours from Delhi to reach Jaipur for a grand MDP talk about Harmonizing Power, love, and light among Women at the Marriott Hotel.

That was a well-organized event and an inspirational talk of Master Del Pe, as he empowered women about their societal role and awakened their inherent power.

Among the cities in India, Jaipur is one of the most welcoming. The hospitality of the Rajasthani people is heartwarming. That's one thing I admire even on a short visit.

Some magical moments happen at a Rajasthani specialty restaurant. That was a cultural night showcasing their dance and music. It was fun watching cultural performances that are wonderful and graceful.

After the cultural presentation and the welcome drinks, it was time for dinner, and we entered their indoor dining area and waited for the food to be served fresh and hot. 

It was a unique ambiance with a Rajasthani backdrop and painting on dim lighting. We were seated on the floor in a typical Indian seating position. The servers carefully pour over the food on the plate for every meal course that includes dessert. 

That was good Rajasthani cuisine and a light mood until we finished our meal. Then we took pictures on a backdrop resembling the palace's arches. 

That was a fiery hot night, from the cultural presentation to the sumptuous meal. I had fun and was delighted.

Magic happens when we see something unimaginable, and Jaipur showed us it's the best offering.

From Delhi to Agra and Jaipur. Finally, I'd completed the golden triangle. Those were the best moments worth reminiscing. There's always a spark, and there's always magic. And it leaves a lasting impact on our hearts.

© 2021 Del Cusay

Pashupatinath Temple: Of Life and Death

All life comes to an end. That's a reality that most of us are scared of or in denial of the fate of human existence. In short, we'll all die. But happens when on our earthy departure? And so, one day, I was brought to a place to see the dead bodies for cremation rites on the holiest Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. 

My tourist guide brought me to one of the holiest Hindu temples in Kathmandu. He thought my visit would only be complete with it since it's declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a highly revered place among Hindus.

It was a unique place since the temples and ashrams were on the riverside. The Bagmati River is holy among Hindus, where they bring the dead bodies of their love for cremation rites.

I can't believe in having witnessed cremation rites open to the public. More than five dead bodies were cremated in the first hour since I arrived.

I was on the hill portion of the riverside, where other locals also came to witness. You can see the greyish-white smoke emitted from the dead bodies as they burn. You can imagine the smoky air in the cremation area from afar. I initially felt uncomfortable, but I must respect and learn from their religious beliefs.

Hindus believe our physical body is irrelevant as we die, so they cremate it instead of burying it. In Pashupatinath, families bring the dead body of their loved ones. It's to perform the last rites before they bid farewell to their dearly departed.

As the dead body arrives on the Bagmati riverside, they wash their feet with water from the river. They sprinkle some rice and shower some marigolds on the face before it gets burned. Then the ashes are scattered in the river. The family members would also walk three times clockwise around a wooden funeral pyre before placing the dead body on top.

That was an unforgettable experience back in 2013. Suddenly, it flashed back to when I watched the mass cremation rites on television on open grounds in New Delhi. This time, families cremate their loved ones who died due to Covid-19.

Pashupatinath temple is a holy site in honor of Lord Shiva, the destroyer in Hinduism.

When I stepped out of the Pashupatinath complex, I had mixed emotions. The place and the cremation rites may not be for the faint-hearted, but I survived.

I may not have enjoyed visiting Pashupatinath much, but I'm glad for the learnings. It was like reliving a lesson from my world history class. 

I've learned that when we die, our families will be there until the end to care for us. Our bodies may have vanished, but great memories remain in their hearts. Like Hindus, we may believe in the concept of karma and reincarnation. That may be we don't only live once, but we're just waiting on our rebirth when our time ends.

©️2021 Del Cusay

Boracay's Environmentally Conscious Tourism

Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the top tourist destinations and remains one of the top beaches in the world. 

Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the top tourist destinations and remains one of the top beaches in the world. This island is recognized annually by various international magazines and travel websites as one of the world's best. And since then, it has contributed to the influx of tourists from all over the world.

What I like about Boracay is its diversity, from different nationalities and locations where it suits the taste and preferences of the tourist. It's like a melting pot of cultures and personalities, making it a world-class tourist destination.

Boracay Island may seem like a perfect paradise, but it has its hidden imperfections uncovered. I've seen it! I was there in April 2016, about two years before President Duterte made an order for the island's closure for rehabilitation in April 2018.

For years, big businesses like hotels have deceived tourists and guests by providing reading material explaining the algae that make the shoreline dark green and unsightly. I can't believe how they disseminate disinformation by making it appear to be a natural occurrence.

I saw the big pipes from establishments that excrete wastewater to the shore where untreated sewages are flowing, making the water in the area dark green and dirty.

The president called it a cesspool, and that observation is very evident. Then he ordered a 6-month closure of the island. That move was a big sacrifice for the thousands of businesses and island workers and the number of affected tourists. The projected billions of pesos lost for the island's tourism paved the way to pursue its rehabilitation for intended revitalization.

What can we do to help our tourism significantly impact its sustainability and environmental protection? I believe that the 6-month rehabilitation of Boracay made us realize that money from tourism alone won't make us truly rich and progressive. But our environmental consciousness as a tourist will help destinations like Boracay to be sustainable and highly livable.

Tourism is our number one industry, booming before the Covid-19 pandemic came. When the lockdown happened, tourism was down and almost dying, but we've seen the clear waters of Boracay. Business establishments and tourists mainly contribute to the island's pollution.

Do we need a 6-month rehabilitation of our topmost islands every six years? Well, that would surely hurt tourism, but it's for the good of the environment. We must balance our tourism and its environmental impact to call it a paradise.

There's progress in Boracay compared to the first time I visited the island in 1998. It's becoming too commercial, and the island may have lost its serenity and ambiance due to its fast-growing present-day development.

We need to boost more and promote our tourism. We have the best islands and beaches, but we also need responsible Businessmen for us to be environmentally conscious tourists. We leave no trace but footprints and great memories. 

When we can travel again without restrictions, we'll become better tourists. And together, we help revive our tourism and our God-given paradise.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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👉 Weekend Getaway in Boracay

Walking Tour in Ermita

The Ermita district in downtown Manila has been the economic and cultural center for centuries. It's where refined architectures of the 20th century are well-preserved or rebuilt back on their glorious days.

It's great to have a walking tour of a Historical site that honors the bravery and patriotism of the Filipino people. Truly built for the Filipino and showcased to the world.

Ermita was once a posh community for Manila's elite and high society, the center for business, education, finance, religious and cultural activities. 

As the Philippine capital, I would always feel great and proud to walk on the historical streets of the old district of Ermita. There are so many emotions to cling to the past, from the Spanish to the American colonial times.

When people nowadays prefer to go to malls as an indoor park, still it's different from the charm of a natural outdoor park where people would go for a weekend stroll and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.

It's good to have a developed and well-maintained central park in a large metropolitan where people can do several physical and recreational activities for health and leisure. 

A park in honor of the great Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, remains the premier landmark and attracts local and foreign tourists. Rizal is highly revered and remains an idol of the Filipino people, especially the younger generations. He's truly an icon of democracy, bravery, and national identity.

As a reverence to his heroism, it's always great to visit and be in touch with history in his life, emulate his ways, and learn about loyalty to one's country.

Before Covid-19, Rizal park was fully vibrant, with many people doing their fitness and activities for leisure. On June 12, 2019, I attended the flag-raising in commemoration of the Philippine independence day, witnessing the presence of Vice President Robredo for the traditional wreath-laying at Rizal's monument. That was a great experience to be part of a historical moment.

Today, Rizal Park in Ermita remains beautiful even with few people due to Covid-19 restrictions. I've never imagined how things would change due to the pandemic, but somehow grateful to have chosen a historical site for a romantic walking tour experience.

Ermita's parks and streets will remain refined and wondrous despite modernization in the 21st century. With a bustling metropolis and rising skyscrapers, it will still be the center of attraction with great learnings from the past.

I may visit famous global landmarks, but I would always look back to have a deeper appreciation and reverence for our national heritage and national treasure.

Wherever we are, Manila will always be our home and our identity. Today and in years to come, we'll always cherish the good times, great memories, and lessons it brings.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Old Walls and Cobblestones of Intramuros

Walking through Intramuros's old walls and alleys gives a pleasant taste of what life is like back in time. A time when life seems refined and where arts are highly appreciated.

Today, the streets of Intramuros are back to life with people from all walks of life. It was exclusive to high-ranking Spanish officials, their families, and other Filipino mestizos. 

Intramuros gives a new perspective on culture and heritage where the past meets the Present. The old Manila district of Intramuros is full of tales as old as time and turns into a magical place from sunset to dusk and beyond. 

The San Agustin church is a beautiful architectural wonder hailed as a World Heritage site and the oldest Baroque church in the Philippines, built in the 16th century. It's a testament to the deep and meaningful faith of the Filipinos back then, and now it's continued to be preserved and restored for the generation to come.

Intramuros is also a home of the premiere church and a minor Basilica --the Manila Cathedral. It's one of the most beautiful churches in the country that stood the test of time. It was heavily devastated during wartime and rebuilt several times to regain its glory.

The façade of the Manila Cathedral is full of art with sculptures similar to European pilgrim sites. It provides a beautiful backdrop and is always romantic. 

A year after the pandemic, more Filipinos, especially the younger generation, have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich heritage of Intramuros. We may have lost foreign tourists during this time, yet we Filipinos have not lost our sense of pride and nationalism as we patronage our very own national treasure.

The old walls and the cobblestone streets of Intramuros are a glimpse of our past. It's a window to our soul as a strong nation and a true Filipino.

As we continue our journey, we show our deepest desires to fully understand our past and relate it to the Present. Our old Manila walks are just a great learning experience of remembering the past while living fully in the present moment --the Present times.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Highlands of Tagaytay

When the smoke emits up high on a volcano, and the ashes fall, that must be scary. And what's even more frightening is when the smallest active volcano disrupts people's lives.

That was the scene in January 2020 when the Taal volcano erupted. People were frightened and put on forced evacuation. Nearby establishments were closed, and many families lost their homes and livelihood.

A year after, life is back to normal for the people of Taal and Tagaytay. The beauty and grandeur of the famous lake captivate one's soul from any distance.

The cool climate of Tagaytay is perfect for a bowl of beef bulalo and a cup of coffee with a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and the volcano. I love its romantic scenery and will never tire of it. I feel so relaxed, and it truly heals the soul.

People's Park in the Sky offers the best view of Taal Lake. It's cool and windy on the highest point of Tagaytay, and the backdrop is naturally stunning. Tagaytay Highlands and the Crosswinds offer a Swiss-like landscape with beautiful mountains and greeneries. 

I would love to be there. It's truly enchanting!

The picnic grove is a fun-filled moment with a closer view of Taal Lake. The place has changed a lot since our last family visit in 2016. More changes are in place, hoping that it won't lead to overdevelopment but a balance of nature and city life.

A year after the lockdown, more people visit places of interest, and they deserve a great place to unwind and rejuvenate. Tagaytay is beautiful, and Taal Lake is naturally wonderful and perfect for a weekend family getaway.

The Highlands of Tagaytay is a home away from home. It's a livable city away from Manila and will always remain to be beautiful.

It is enjoyable and romantic when you share happiness with your family and special someone. It's great to make lasting memories, and we'll always create meaningful moments to cherish and reminisce.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Wellness and Balanced Life Strategies at the MDP Village

Fitness and wellness. That's our goal to achieve year after year at the start of the new year. 

Fitness goals must be part of our health journey. Being healthy and free from diseases and illnesses makes us truly alive. It makes us jump high to reach a new level of success as we start our year right.

The higher the jump, the lighter, the better.

Yes, the past years may have been out of control when our unconscious dietary lifestyle hit us badly, eating junk foods of no nutritional value, making us ill and could kill us.

Then work and stress eating or overeating may have led to being out of shape. Our physique changes as we add years to life when metabolism hits low. 

That's terrible, but we can regain control.

Through the years, it's been a challenge to be in shape. To be fit takes a lot of discipline and commitment. It's always challenging but doable and possible. I used to make it with minimal discomfort but had achieved the desired goal.

I can, and I will!

This year 2021, is about returning to what we used to be. To be fit and healthy; to be well and not ill; to feel better and not bitter; to see things brightly and not ugly.

Getting sick is expensive and deadly. I can't afford it, so I choose to be well and avoid getting ill. 

Through the years, we have listened to various health teachings. From fitness and wellness gurus, medical experts, health trainers, and healers.

There's a great Master who has greatly influenced my belief about achieving balanced health and the esoteric causes of diseases, now revealed to humanity.

Balanced life strategies focusing on health and wellness are what I have learned from a Master of life, Master Del Pe, since 2011.

I'm grateful to have known and been mentored by a modern Sage and an international life coach who's visionary in leadership and has a deep love for humanity and the world.

After decades of world travel and working with individuals, families, governments, groups, and companies in more than 100 countries, the Philippines is truly blessed to have Master Del Pe return and settle in his hometown.

Master Del Pe's new Shangri-La is beautiful in the highlands of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, in the Northern Philippines. 

His MDP Village is a wellness and healing center hub in the North and is gaining recognition among health enthusiasts from the Philippines and other parts of the world.

Master Del Pe had hosted an international convention at the MDP village where attendees get a perspective about higher consciousness and mastering life ahead of its time.

MDP village is also a spiritual sanctuary, an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and in regaining life to have peace of mind daily.

I've attended and listened to Master Del Pe's interviews from various social media like Facebook and Youtube; his insights and expertise are mindblowing. 

If you want to visit him at the MDP Village or meet him in Metro Manila, follow and contact him on his social media accounts below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterdelpe/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/MasterDelPe

Website: https://www.mdpvillage.com/

I've learned a lot from Master Del Pe. He's a master in life who can help us live the best life we deserve. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay 

Reaching for Cloud 9 in Antipolo

There's a beautiful 360-degree view in Antipolo. The city's highest point is cloud nine, heaven in the city.

As I waited for the sunset, I was so thankful to see the panoramic view of Antipolo City and the magnificent skyline of Metro Manila.

The City of Antipolo, Province of Rizal, is blessed for its higher elevation and proximity to the Philippine National Capital Region, Metro Manila. You'll feel its cool and windy climate in less than an hour's drive.

I like the city vibe of Antipolo. It's a clean and peaceful city. The people are friendly and very welcoming to the tourists. No doubt that it's a favorite weekend getaway for people from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

The Cloud 9 hotel and restaurant is my favorite spot in Antipolo. I had a sumptuous lunch after a short day trip around the city. The wide-open restaurant in the sky serves delicious Filipino dishes and is a favorite destination among food lovers, including returning Filipinos in the country for a vacation. Filipinos' best cuisine is very well-served to the diners, and the Cloud 9 restaurant always gives a lasting impression.

The best 360-degree view is on the hanging bridge and reaching the tower on the other side. It's a great view with a romantic appeal to families, lovers, and friends. 

The place isn't just for a romantic couple. It also attracts families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers. Everyone enjoys the scenery. Wait until dusk, and you'll be captivated by the purple hues of the sky; even more romantic if someone is on the side.

Cloud 9 is reminiscent of "The peak" in Hong Kong, but the former is Filipino pride. I enjoyed it. I love it, and I'll surely come back for more.

Life is good and bestowed with Divine grace. As we reached the peak, we paused for a while, closed our eyes, held on with breathing, and breathed out. And as we open our eyes, we see the magic happening on cloud nine.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Invigorating Walk at the Lodi Garden

It's a great feeling when ancient architectural wonders are well-preserved and restored. Those structures were built to last and tell a tale as old as time.

In New Delhi, India, I was happy to visit a 15th-century tomb. It's a combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture. That was a decade ago, on my first visit to India in 2011.

Ancient tombs in India are grand and built with love. It says something about their character, status, and power in society. 

Lodi Garden is named after Sikander Lodi. He was an Afghan Sultan of Delhi Sultanate from the Sayyid dynasty that ruled places in Northern India, like Punjab, including modern-day Pakistan. Together with three other rulers, their remains are in the tomb of this beautiful garden.

I deeply admire Hindu and Islamic architecture as they reveal charm and character. Its artistic expressions are evident in the detailed carvings and designs.

That was a soulful moment when I strolled in the garden, touched the surfaces of well-preserved structures, and felt the vibe back in time.

The Lodi Garden is an ideal place for a morning walk and exercise. It's a solemn place to unwind, sit on the grass, and do yoga and meditation. The surrounding is calm and clean and has a beautiful landscape and greeneries. It's truly relaxing and revitalizing.

In our modern-day world, with advancements in architecture and technology, people will appreciate and value history and culture. It's valuable and priceless. It deserves recognition and respect. And so I did.

I had meaningful moments at the Lodi Garden. The history and culture are what fascinate me. I appreciate a place of such a very high historical value. It leaves a lasting memory and a pleasant reminisce.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Stairway to the Ruins in Macau

The former British colony Hong Kong brought a wonderful surprise for my parents as we explored the vibrant cosmopolitan in the East. And so, at the end of the 4-day trip, we had one last stop: a day visit and tour in a neighboring Special administrative region, Macau.

It was just an hour and a half ferry ride from Hong Kong, and there was a welcoming message Bienvenido or welcome in the Portuguese language. Macau is a former Portuguese colony, and its preserved buildings and other structures are reminiscent of European heritage.

I always love cultural and heritage preservation, and Macau is home to a famous World Heritage site, the Ruins of St. Paul.

In the early morning, before heading to the airport for our flight back to the Philippines, we had a walking tour from our hotel to the Ruins. It was the proximity of about 15 minutes walk until we reached Senado Square. Just a few steps away from the Ruins.

That was in September 2016. A surprise made possible in celebration of the 64th birthday of my Mother. That was our first family travel abroad, so it was truly memorable.

In the 17th century, they built the St. Paul Cathedral. It was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, leaving the façade as Ruins.

But even in its ruins state, it's still beautiful and a work of art, just like the great churches of European craftsmanship. People of different creeds come to visit, and it attracts both local and international tourists eager to see and know the history behind the ruins.

The Ruins of St. Paul in Macau had just preserved a piece of the structure. With the heritage preservation effort, they decided not to demolish it for the world to see. And to appreciate the once-largest Cathedral in Asia.

Macau may have been transforming into a bustling metropolitan, with beautiful lights from its mega and ultra-modern structures, but it remembered its history and culture.

Macau felt like a cultural city where its people live simply amidst modernity. It may transform into a much more progressive metropolis in the future. But it will have a unique identity blending East and West cultural influences.

We may have yet to explore much about other tourist sites in Macau, but we've seen one of the image structures of our faith. 

The stairway to the Ruins of St. Paul will always be a memorable travel experience. It leaves an imprint in our hearts, making the whole experience worth remembering.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay