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

The Charming Town of Lucban

There are many old, rustic, but charming towns in the Philippines. On the main Philippine island of Luzon, South of Manila, you can see and experience the historical and cultural municipality of Lucban, Province of Quezon.

Lucban, with its mild and breezy climate,  is a sanctuary of peace, nestled at the base of the mystical Mount Banahaw. Its coolness, reminiscent of Tagaytay Highlands, offers a serene escape, especially for those seeking respite from the bustling Metro Manila.

At Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

In the Summer of 2014, we took a great road trip from Manila to Lucban to celebrate Holy Week. The journey was filled with scenic views of lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, making it a soulful week to remember.

As a lover of old Spanish towns, Lucban's rich and well-preserved colonial past never fails to captivate me. The pleasant vibe of history that permeates the city is a sight to behold and a story waiting to be discovered. 

Truly fascinating!

Ancestral houses, centuries-old churches, and plazas feel like time travel with ancient Kalesa or Horse-drawn carriage on a narrow street.

At Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

Lucban is renowned for its 'Pahiyas Festival,' a vibrant celebration of the town's bountiful agricultural harvest every 15th May. The town comes alive with colorful decorations made from local produce, creating a lively and unique cultural experience that is a must-see and a feast for the senses.

I also appreciate that Lucban has a nature-inspired resort and restaurant, a relaxing place for family bonding. The resort is nestled in a serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery. It offers a range of activities for all ages, making it the perfect place for a peaceful and enjoyable family getaway.

A restaurant with a natural background overlooking the golden rice field is rejuvenating. The swimming pool water flows from nature's spring—excellent, clean, greenish-blue water, so refreshing.

 

At Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan

With its old-world charm, delectable cuisine, warm locals, and serene natural scenery, Lucban is a small yet enchanting town that has mastered preserving its heritage and culture. It's a place where the past and present harmoniously coexist, and nature and culture blend perfectly, inspiring a deep appreciation for both.

Living in the past meets living in the present: living in peace with nature and being captivated by culture.  

© 2020 Del Cusay

Kalesa Tour in Intramuros

A horse-drawn carriage, or Kalesa in Filipino, is not just a mode of transportation but a significant symbol of our cultural heritage. It represents a bygone era when these carriages were a common sight on the streets of Manila.

Imagine stepping into the past as you embark on a nostalgic tour inside the walled city of Intramuros, guided by the iconic Kalesa. This horse-drawn carriage is not just a mode of transportation but a living testament to our rich cultural heritage, a heritage we should all be proud of.

That was 333 years of Spanish colonization, which ended in 1898. But then, we could only speak fluent Spanish in the Spanish-creole language in the provinces of Zamboanga in the southern Philippines and South Luzon in the Province of Cavite. 

The Main Entrance

Anyway, we do speak Spanish, but it's broken Spanish. We have tens of thousands of Spanish words in our Filipino language. It's just that Americans took over the Philippine Islands and had to change the identity again that the Spanish had built for more than three centuries.

And so, to glimpse our Spanish colonial past, I should have experienced a Kalesa ride. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves, the gentle swaying of the carriage, and the sights and sounds of Intramuros passing by are a tour as old as time in Intramuros, Manila, and an experience not to be missed.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Are we a Latino? Asian or a Pacific Islander?

That's hard to explain since we're a mixed race in the Far East. That could be all of the above, or we might be confused with our racial identity.

Riding a Kalesa inside the walled city of Intramuros is not just a fun experience but also a thought-provoking journey. As Filipinos, it's crucial to delve into our past to shape our present national identity.

Passing along the streets of Intramuros are the restored walls and Spanish architectural buildings that can transport you back to the good old days. Schools, Churches, Spanish government buildings, and old Spanish Houses have all been restored and brought back to life.

Foreign tourists in Intramuros may now know about our Spanish colonial past, why we say "pero, para, mas, menos," and why some Filipinos may look like Spanish mestizos and not brown Malay skin as we are known.

Palacio del Gobernador

Passing through the Old Wall on a narrow street

That concludes my cultural journey through downtown Manila. A Kalesa tour is a must-try for all, especially Filipinos, as it allows us to explore and reconnect with our history and identity without altering it.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Surfing at the Crystal Beach

Gentle waves at the beach are fun. The sun shines, the sand is sparkling, and the people surf.

In the Philippines, the coast of San Narciso in the province of Zambales is one of the country's finest beaches and a surfing destination. Crystal Beach is a surfing paradise in the North. 

In May 2019, I traveled about 4 hours from Manila, the Philippine capital, to reach this surfing spot. Its proximity to Manila makes it an ideal weekend getaway to escape stress and regain vitality briefly.

We need a place like this. Great for total rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul.

Crystal Beach has its surfing school for beginners and a surfboard rental for any surfers.

Have I dared go on surfing? 

I love water adventures and have long been interested in learning about surfing, but I was still looking for a better moment.

And so, I was closer to my dream of surfing. It just takes a single step, a show of interest.

It's good that a country like the Philippines is blessed to have one of the best surfing spots in the world. 

The Cloud Nine waves of Siargao in the South are world-renowned and the surfing spot of La Union. It's a favorite destination among local and international surfers and beach lovers.

I was just fine with gentle waves. It's ideal for beginners, and watching some people surfing is already a fun water show.

Crystal Beach is a sparkling Jewel and a rising surfing destination in the Philippines. The waves from September until January would be the best since it's a monsoon season when the wind blows stronger.

That was a great weekend at the beach. I'm filled with gratitude for having had the chance to enjoy it before the pandemic. As we wait for local tourism to recover, I'm reminded of the precious moments we've had and look forward to the day when we can be closer to nature again.

The coast of San Narciso and the sparkling shore of Crystal Beach is truly a paradise for everyone who appreciates nature.

Great memories always live on, and the ripple goes on.

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Taste of Eid

Halal certified. This is why I've developed a habit of meticulously checking food labels in grocery stores and supermarkets, a journey that has led me to discover the world of Halal food.

But then, I wanted to dine in a Halal-certified restaurant in Manila. It was a crowded, busy scene in bustling old downtown Manila, the Philippine capital.

Halal, a term that means 'permissible or allowed in Islam ', is not just a dietary standard. It's a cultural practice that is gaining global recognition, even among non-Muslims.

And so last year, in 2019, I celebrated Eid in the busy district of Quiapo in downtown Manila, where the Golden Mosque is located.

The mosque was commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and built in 1976 to welcome Libyan President Gaddafi, but he couldn't visit the country.

It became a community for our Muslim brothers and sisters, where they settled and established their livelihoods.

Businesses like Halal restaurants are thriving within the vicinity of the Golden Mosque.

Halal-certified food isn't just about religious guidelines. It's about choosing a 'clean and healthy' diet, free from alcohol and pork-derived products, which can have significant health benefits.

For health reasons, animal products sometimes carry diseases transferrable to humans. Regular consumption can develop into diseases like common hypertension and high cholesterol, leading to cardiac disorders or heart ailments.

Since the pandemic, we have preferred to eat organic vegetables, which we grow on our newly developed farm. We just want a healthier body to boost our immunity to fight diseases.

Investing in health and wellness is wise, so we're adapting health standards like Halal.

The world and humanity must be health-conscious. We now understand how vulnerable we are to diseases if we don't adopt the best health practices and lifestyles. It's not just a choice; it's a responsibility.

The taste of Eid is just as tasteful as any cuisine in the world. However, they have improved their practice to the highest health standard.

We always choose to be healthy. We choose to be well.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Baywatch at Camp Rofelio

The West Coast of the Philippines is a treasure trove of summer destinations and the crown jewel? The picturesque coast of San Felipe is nestled in the province of Zambales. With its captivating beauty, this tranquil town in the North is a place that beckons to be explored.

The waves, the blue-green waters, and the greyish-powdery sand make it an excellent 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 sanctuary of serenity, with several cottages and tents for overnight stays. As I woke up each morning, I felt the peace of the place, a place where 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 robust 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. We must be vigilant and protect our haven.

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 Highlands of Baguio

Baguio City, an American town nestled in the Cordilleran region of the Philippines, is a unique hill station in the North, waiting to be explored.

The "Little America," also known as the City of Pines, attracts tourists from all over the country and foreigners who want to explore the rich culture and heritage of this highly urbanized City in the Cordillera region, which literally means a mountainous area.

However, the 'American town' label is a relic of the past. It was bestowed during the American colonization of the Philippines in the 1900s.

Baguio is one of the most incredible hill stations in the Philippines. It is good that the Americans have developed this place as their mountain resort to escape the lowland heat, especially during the summer. 

And why do Filipinos love Baguio City? Undoubtedly, its higher elevation provides a cool climate almost all year round. When summertime comes, more people pack up for an adventure. It's not just during the summer season. Still, it has become a weekend getaway for people from the nearby provinces and Metro Manila, the National capital region.

In the present day, Filipinos are in complete control of the former US military base, Camp John Hay. This was not after they gave back our independence in 1946, but it was just a not-so-distant past in 1991—almost three decades ago.

That's just a little piece of history. Yes, the Igorots of the Cordilleras have a colorful and vibrant culture, which even Americans could not change or take away their identity.

Having lived and worked in Baguio City in the summer of 2015, I witnessed its natural wonders. However, this paradise is now under threat from commercialization, the foremost adversary of environmental preservation.

Housing projects, malls, and big infrastructure projects are on the rise, and it costs thousands of century-old pine trees to be cut down to make way for these projects.

Baguio City is now crowded, and you can see the hillside full of houses and even faraway mountains almost full of places. That was not what I witnessed when I first visited Baguio in 2004.

Development on this mountain resort was so fast, taking place in just a decade, and developers are eager to exploit more and make the City miserable.

The development would have made Baguio a highly livable Philippine city, but overdevelopment for business profit will slowly kill its natural charm and beauty. The once serene and picturesque landscapes are now marred by concrete structures and the loss of century-old pine trees, a stark reminder of the cost of unchecked urbanization.

One thing I admire most about Igorots (the local name for the Cordilleran people) is their hospitality and friendliness. They are also kind and honest people. I hope that they will be able to preserve its rich culture and pass it on to the next generations. Their resilience and determination in fighting for their land, despite the challenges posed by overdevelopment, is a testament to their love for their home.

Burnham Park, Wright Park, Bell House, Kennon Road, and Brent School are places of interest named after Americans who have contributed significantly to Baguio City's development.

So, Americans showed us how to build a highly master-planned city on a mountaintop. Initially, they made it for less than 30,000 people, but after over a century, the population has become ten times larger, at more than 300,000.

The highlands of Baguio are genuinely captivating to tourists. Their history and culture, steeped in the traditions of the Igorots and the influence of American colonization, are the souls of the place and the local people. The fusion of these elements creates a unique cultural tapestry that is a must-see for any visitor. 

After the Pandemic, more people will again be stuck in a traffic jam on its zig-zag road and all the way up just to feel its mountain breeze again and the warmth of the Igorot people.

In the Highlands of Benguet Province, Philippines, Baguio City is a cultural gem and a hub of great people deserving of recognition and reverence.

Baguio City is home to charming people.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Stairway to the Mountain

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

Press Freedom in The Philippines

This is another attack on Philippine press freedom. The Philippines is crippled and crushed again. The Filipino people are saddened and mourning.

Today marks another tragic chapter in the erosion of press freedom in the Philippines. The country's largest television network has been denied its 25 years of congressional franchise, a move that strikes at the heart of our democracy.

This is a grave injustice. The Philippine Congressmen on the legislative franchise committee have turned a deaf ear to the network and the Filipino people at large. They have not just killed a network, they have silenced a nation. In these trying times, they have deprived us of our right to vital news and information.

While the country is currently surviving the pandemic, the government is losing its priorities. It has turned around and faced the wrong enemy, turning the battleground against its own people.

We demand accountability. Our government has suppressed press freedom and the freedom of speech of those who dare to criticize autocratic leadership and abuse of power. This is not what we deserve. 

We don't cry. We mourn! We suffer! We are not being heard and are made to be silent and not dissent. Why Can't We Speak?

To our fellow Filipinos around the world, we need your support. Our beloved country is under siege. The democracy we have fought for over the years is now in peril, threatened to be plunged back into its darkest history.

Stay strong. This is not over yet; together, we'll regain our voice, our true democracy, the absolute freedom of expression, and the freedom of the press. We deserve to recover what we have lost and are about to lose. We deserve good governance for a better Philippines. 

Be heard!

© 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

Stairway to the Mountain

Nature's spring is nature's best. That was a tremendous and meaningful adventure on the foothill of the Mountain, Mount Arayat National Park.

For most city dwellers, being closer to nature is a weekend and holiday destination. It is an escape from noise pollution and the hustle and bustle of city life, an escape from the real world of unending work and tasks, an escape from reality, even for a short while.

An adventure worth sharing led me to the enchanting and tranquil town of Arayat in the Province of Pampanga, on Central Luzon Island, the Philippines, six years ago. It was a journey of discovery and exploration that I will never forget.

Two months after arriving in the Philippines after a year of living abroad, I experienced a profound adventure and soulful healing. It was April 2014, a time when I was yearning for a deeper connection with nature. That was when I finally had a closer glimpse of Mount Arayat, which can only be seen from a distant highway when going to the country's Northernmost provinces.

Nature's retreat at Mount Arayat National Park offers excellent healing results for the body, mind, and soul. The fresh air, the serene environment, and the physical activity of a day hike all contribute to a sense of rejuvenation. This is all we need after a long and tiring work week. And for the physical grounding, a day hike to the Mountain feels like rooting to the earth. It's Nature's Way to reconnect to the world as our mind wanders and boggles, accompanied by anxiety, worries, and fears.

At the park's entrance to the hilltop community, you will be greeted by a serene environment and the soul-soothing sounds of nature. The park is also a sanctuary for a variety of bird species and wildlife under conservation, adding to the peaceful ambiance. 

The park is an excellent escapade for families, team building, and even solo retreats. There are cottages, picnic areas, playgrounds,s and campsites for everyone's needs.

A hundred-step stairway to the hilltop community is a great calorie-burning and offers a stunning view of the Mountain. Closer view to the roof of Pampanga -- the province's highest peak.

Take a deep breath and a little more hike, passing through the treehouses and all the Way to the Arayat Bikers Club. A solemn spiritual community awaits, where one is closer to nature. Truly, it is a heaven on earth for the residents and visitors.

Before heading down to the lowlands, I paused, meditated, and reflected on the Divine presence and a meaningful journey ahead.

The Mountain of Arayat and its Natural Park provides excellent service for people seeking respite from suffering, loneliness, stress, and grief.

As we navigate the 'new normal' and emerge from the pandemic, there is a collective yearning to reconnect with nature, take a deep breath, release the toxins of the body and mind, and cleanse our souls. And when we need to reset or start anew, there will always be a mountain to climb for soul-searching—to heal our being and inspire hope for the future.

© 2020 Del Cusay