Month: December 2008

Bagong Simula, Bagong Umaga! Happy New Year Everyone!

Bernardo Arellano III Leave a comment

Well, I haven’t typed anything for several days already. Anyway, 2008 was a year of struggle and hardships personally, yet it was also the birth of a new inspiration and life.

Now that this year is ending in a few hours, as I reflect 2008′s travels…still I haven’t travelled that much. Just within the vicinity of wherever I live…wishing that someday I’ll travel far and meet new faces and places.

Anyway, I wouldn’t make it long…Lets celebrate New Years Eve with a blast. Reflecting what has been 2008 and learning from it, facing a new tomorrow and a new day full of hope and strength. A new beginning, bagong umaga, bagong simula! Padayon sa taong 2009!

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The Palace in the Sky at Tagaytay

Bernardo Arellano III Leave a comment
The ruins of Imelda Marcoss guesthouse supposedly for American President Ronald Reagan
The ruins of Imelda Marcos's guesthouse supposedly for American President Ronald Reagan

Mount Sungay is said to be the tallest mountain in the province of Cavite, so any ideas of trekking the summit with your usual backpack and camping stuff? Heck no! On the top of the summit is a landmark that is known in Tagaytay City, manifestation on how white elephant should be.

Formerly known as Palace in the Sky and now called People’s Park in the Sky, the mansion on top of Mount Sungay was constructed in 1970′s as a guesthouse for then US President Ronald Reagan…but it was never used at all. Oh well, there goes the people’s taxes. The mansion (now in ruins) resembled somewhat like that of Laguna’s National Arts Center, which resembles a pyramid bent heavy in its brute features.

Yet it made its presence felt on Hollywood flick as Chuck Norris shot on this location in the 1980′s as a mansion of a drug lord (too bad, the image has really been tainted) in the movie “Delta Force.”

After that, although it was a landmark and finally opened to the public sometime during the Aquino administration, it was neglected and was left to ruins or pagnakawan pa. It was shrouded in the clouds for several years

(more…)

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The Capitolio and the Cathedral in Malolos Bulacan

Bernardo Arellano III Leave a comment

I think I already tackled earlier about Barosoain…but Malolos City is more than just that. We do all know that it has been the capital of the first republic of the Philippines under the “dictatorship” of Kapitan Miong (the first president himself) and right now, the heart of governance of the province of Bulacan. We do all know that the women here has a special place in our history as Lolo Jose wrote about her women’s courage.

The second of the Malolos series. Ngayon naman, we’ll be passing by the Provincial Capitol of Bulacan and the Cathedral of Malolos. Both are of edifices of power, with the latter having an interesting place in Philippine history…

Capitolyo Provincial de Bulacan

Bulacan Provincial Capitol

Located just beside the main highway going to either Pampanga and Manila, this art-deco dominated capitol was said to have been constructed during the American colonial period, in 1930′s. Grand as it may be seen from the Provincial Capitol plaza, it manifests the best of neo-classical and art-deco mixture. Inside, the said style dominates the scene. It gives a commanding yet majestic impression of the province. (more…)

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The Cradle of The Republic: Barosoain Church of Malolos Bulacan

Bernardo Arellano III Leave a comment

Barosoain Church

It seems that the Cha-Cha issue is back again in the arena…sa pula! sa puti! I do agree with ammending our 21 year old Constitution since it may be innapropriate of times. But anyway, the Constitution is one of the most important elements in composing a sturdy state…kahit nga organizations meron nyan eh. It sets the guidelines and order to humanity’s usual chaotic self. The constitution of this country has created history of this nation…mobilized the power of the state and its people, but the foundations were not in Manila, but in a town up north, known for its women and that ten pesos church in which the constitution of the first republic was born…Barosoain Church in the capital city of Malolos in the province of Bulacan.

One boring Thursday, I decided myself to go to Malolos, Bulacan…I always pass by Bulacan but never been at her heart. This progressive province up north is the catchbasin of Manila’s expanding urban area but thank goodness for NLEX! (more…)

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