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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Bollywood and Mehandi Night in New Delhi

An Indian wedding would last three days. That's a very long celebration, and yes, it could also be expensive if it is too grandiose.

In New Delhi, I was invited to attend the Mehandi night, a pre-wedding celebration held a day before the main wedding ceremony.

The Mehandi night, a significant part of the three-day Indian wedding celebration, is a fun and colorful event that symbolizes the love between the couple and their families, relatives, and friends. 

In Hindu culture, the bride applies a red-orange Mehandi or a henna tattoo on her hands, palms, and feet. I witnessed this intricate process, which is not just a tradition but an art form for the bride. The detailed patterns and designs are attractive to the groom's eyes and a symbol of the couple's love.

The Mehandi night was a jubilant affair, brimming with joy and excitement. The air was filled with the infectious beats of Bollywood music, and the dance floor was a riot of colors as the couple, surrounded by their loved ones, performed a captivating Couple dance.

The Bollywood music was a standout feature of the evening, adding a unique and entertaining element to the celebration. Its lively tunes and upbeat rhythm kept everyone engaged, and the live performances from invited Bollywood artists were fantastic, making it a night to remember.

Of course, an Indian wedding is also about food and delicacy, with the finest cuisine from all over India. The buffet meal, featuring a variety of traditional Indian dishes, was a delightful accompaniment to the soulful Bollywood music and entertainment.

The Mehandi Night, with its casual lounge feel and colorful pillows and clothes everywhere, provided a perfect setting for cultural exchange. Engaging in wonderful conversations with other guests, I learned more about their Indian wedding culture, which was a delightful and enriching experience.

Mehandi night celebrates vibrant colors, from traditional Indian clothes to lively decorations. It's an extravagant but meaningful moment filled with energy and excitement.

The wedding venue was a sight to behold, adorned with elegant decorations and fresh flowers that added a touch of romance to the night. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale, a magical and enchanting evening.

That was a fantastic and magical night. It was a pure and magical delight.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing

The Japanese know natural healing better. They invented the term "Shinrin-yoku,"  which was 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 tranquil rural area in my hometown. It's a countryside haven, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Since the beginning of the pandemic and due to the lockdown, some plans have been able to happen, and I haven't been 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.

The Japanese are considered world leaders in health and longevity. Their holistic and admirable approach to health and wellness is why they hold the world record for having supercentenarians. 

We Filipinos have embraced this Japanese form of natural healing. Forest bathing is gaining recognition, and we, especially among health and fitness enthusiasts, are proving our adaptability and commitment to holistic wellness.

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 numerous places where you can easily experience the rejuvenating effects of forest bathing on a day trip.

In the Philippines, there are places where I've had 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 had a foggy and misty climate. Like Baguio City, it has many pine trees, making the environment more relaxed.

Bucari, Iloilo, Philippines

I've also enjoyed forest bathing in other places, such as 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. The trees have reached their peak maturity and are tall, providing cool shade in the surrounding area. 

 

Our Mahogany Tree Park

So, every time we visited the farm, I would do forest bathing. I would walk barefoot and remain under the trees until I reached a meditative state, feeling the serenity and inhaling 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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