In Dire Need Of Patriots

These are worrisome times. As diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China grow increasingly testy over a few disputed islands, feelings of nationalism are being stirred by politicians to conjure resentment towards a much larger force already at the gates.

Although both nations are free from colonial rule and have separate sovereignties, one is stepping on the other. China's sense of nationalism evokes tyrannical behavior towards weaker countries such as ours.

We could learn from the examples of the American Revolution for inspiration, and in our current plight, I feel it's appropriate to point out the importance of patriotism during these troubled times. As China continues to insult us by establishing cities within our domain, more than ever, we need patriots.

America's great men, freemasons and fathers of independence didn't won their freedom because they felt that they are better than the English, but because they believed that they are equals as "all men are created equal."

Thus, it is in the spirit of equality that the American Revolution was born and won. Taking up arms just became a necessity in order to protect that independence.

Let me point out that there are slight differences between freedom and independence. Freedom is separation, independence is control. A nation can be independent without absolute freedom.

Case in point, The British Empire. While Canada, Australia and other members of the British Commonwealth have sovereign and independent governments, they are still under the passive rule of one queen. Laws cannot be passed and elections cannot be called without the blessings of the queen through the senate and the Governor-General who represents the crown.

Jose Rizal, National Hero and Patriot

Let me also point out the difference between nationalism and patriotism.

Nationalism gives more importance to unity by way of a cultural background, including language and heritage. This way of thinking results in valuing one's country's virtues and not it's deficiencies, creating a sense that one's country is better than any other which makes accepting criticism a difficulty.

Patriotism on the other hand pertains to the love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs. It values responsibility rather than just blind loyalty towards one’s country. Patriots believe that their country is one of the best and can be further improved in many ways.

It is through nationalism that our history experienced two world wars. Through patriotism, we ended both by defeating the ideals of racial superiority and dominance.

I call upon our leaders, our great men and women to teach the values of patriotism and to appease our resentments, but be ready, if necessary, to take up arms and lead us when the worst becomes inevitable to protect not just our territory but the collective aspirations of our people.

As a pacifist, I believe that taking up arms is an option of last resort. Resolving differences through diplomacy should be our goal of priority. We should avoid nationalistic pride to better our emotions and cloud our judgements.

Nationalism is a poison to society. Novelist George Orwell referred to it as "the worst enemy of peace." I think it's a disease that prevents a nation to reach true greatness. In the end, isn't greatness what we ultimately want for our nation?

Tale of the tape

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

The Holiday Doomsday Blues

Would Dying Stop You From Living?

Would you still celebrate this holiday season (Christmas) if you know that the world would undoubtedly end on the 20th of December?

As humans, we have a natural inclinations to ask and discover. Our inquisitiveness has led us to question both scientifically and spiritually, the true meaning behind and beyond our existence.

Since we developed reason and logic, we've grown increasingly concerned about the end of our civilization. Internet search bots came up with a set of numbers: 21-12-12. When translated into the Gregorian calendar system, it stands for December 21, 2012.

Nobody's sure what would happen on this particular date. We can only assume. But I can guarantee that its either (1) something huge is going to happen or (2) nothing at all.

Doomsday theorists and prophets are all looking up to the skies for answers...while researching through vague ancient knowledge. The date itself is actually correlative to the Mayan Long Count Calendar which also coincides with the Precession of the Equinoxes, the gradual shift in the orientation of the Earth's axis of rotation.

The Mayans calculated that the current "creation age" will end on the 20th of December and a new creation age will begin on the 21st based on the 5,125 year cycle of their sophisticated calendar system. Although the MezoAmericans left no clear suggestions (aside from recurring references to sky and water), the words end, begin and creation all seem to point to something cataclysmic and horrifying regardless of how you look at it.

The culprit to our potential sadistic demise seems to point up to the heavens. There are theories about a rouge planet, binary star combinations, pole shift effects, a super massive solar storm, interplanetary gravitation, intergalactic alien invasion, a harvest, and spiritual rapture. Whatever it is, we don't know. In fact, winter 2012 could very well be just another ordinary day.

Before you panic, think. What sets off our fear for the unknown is our civilization's collapse and all that entails. In this age of superficial materialism, wouldn't it suck if your life ends? What will happen to your kids, your car, your house and your iPhone then? Who cares? If the world ends, everything will end with it.

And yet, life endured on this planet for millennia despite constant threats from here and space. We've been bombarded by interstellar debris, cooked by magma, poisoned by deadly gases and yet we remain. As the universe constantly gave us hell, it also gave us catalysts that reinforced the creation and continuity of life.

Looking at it from the universe' perspective, we are just a mere speck of space dust that could get crushed in an instant. It's telling us that we are not the center of this universe. Although it is not efficient in creating life, we are still here through random tinkering of the forces at play, perhaps a means for the universe to discover it's true self.

As constructive and destructive forces play a game of perpetual probabilities, we are mere pawns, ingredients that could easily get recycled, swapped and processed in this vast infinity of time and space. We are at the mercy of energies beyond our comprehension.

Thus, perhaps we exist to serve a much greater purpose -- life and death and rebirth -- not necessarily here nor in this form but certainly in whatever shape the universe wants us molded to be.

When I was about 7 years old, I had a near death experience. I fell from the stairs and hit my head. I remember everything was in black and white, I remember becoming deaf and crawling back home, passing out when I reached my mother.

My consciousness during that brief 5 or so minutes showed me a dark and smokey place with a light source in the middle that hurried towards me. When I reached the light, I vividly saw my older brother who died just a few years before. He told me "go back" and "not yet." Then I was pulled away so fast. When I came to, my mom was crying and my dad was holding a glass of water.

I don't know if that was just a dream or my mind playing tricks as I cling on to a small thread of life. But that experience sure had a lasting and profound effect on me. I've read an article once. We are all but light that originated from the same "one-ness" looking to find our true selves so that we can all become "one" once again. The laws that created the universe is the same laws that created us, albeit, in a smaller scale...or maybe not. Who knows?

Although I am not a very pious person, I do believe that there is a God somewhere. Maybe God is the universe itself. Somehow, that kind of makes some sense. If the universe is creation and destruction, isn't it God-like in it's power? Think that one through.

Whatever your beliefs are, if this lifetime ends just days before Christmas, there are a few things to think about:

1. Would dying stop you from living?

2. Would you call on some unexplainable power or force greater than anything you know while you face your extinction?

3. What would you do if nothing happens?

Life is a game of chance. It's a game that tests your courage, your resolve and your faculties. And yet, life is so fragile, so rare and so insignificant. Our existence could very well be a random occurrence. In our infinite desire to understand our role in the universe, we fall short to realize the sheer enormity and minuteness of our place in the "true" grand scheme of things.

Tunnel vision makes us measure our existence by what's in it for us rather than the other way around. All I know is if we cease to exist, whatever remains of us becomes building blocks for the creation of other life forms and cosmic entities. The universe will continue on, or it could just collapse on itself (again). Once again, who knows?

To me, that's the closest we're ever gonna get to understanding the meaning of our existence.

Note:

You should, perhaps, still celebrate this holiday season if the world would undoubtedly end on the 20th of December.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

Extra: Now something to think about...
(Source)

General Facts List

Philippines: Matter of Taste

Note: ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES! !!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO RELIEVE STRESS..... 

This is so funny...take time to read it all the way to the end..

The following is from a British journalist stationed in the Philippines . 

His observations are so hilarious!!! !

MATTER OF TASTE 

By Matthew Sutherland 

I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in most respects well assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road to full assimilation, which I have yet to take, and that's to eat BALUT. 

The day any of you sees me eating balut, please call immigration and ask them to issue me a Filipino passport. Because at that point there will be no turning back. BALUT, for those still blissfully ignorant non-Pinoys out there, is a fertilized duck egg. It is commonly sold with salt in a piece of newspaper, much like English fish and chips, by street vendors usually after dark, presumably so you can't see how gross it is. 

Food dominates the life of the Filipino. People here just love to eat. They eat at least eight times a day. These eight official meals are called, in order: breakfast, snacks, lunch, merienda, merienda ceyna, dinner, bedtime snacks and no-one-saw-me- take-that- cookie-from- the-fridge- so-it-doesn' t-count. 

The short gaps in between these mealtimes are spent eating Sky Flakes from the open packet that sits on every desktop. You're never far from food in the Philippines . If you doubt this, next time you're driving home from work, try this game. See how long you can drive without seeing food and I don't mean a distant restaurant, or a picture of food. I mean a man on the sidewalk frying fish balls, or a man walking through the traffic selling nuts or candy. I bet it's less than one minute. 

Here are some other things I've noticed about food in the Philippines : 

Firstly, a meal is not a meal without rice - even breakfast. In the UK , I could go a whole year without eating rice. Second, it's impossible to drink without eating. A bottle of San Miguel just isn't the same without gambas or beef tapa. Third, no one ventures more than two paces from their house without baon (food in small container) and a container of something cold to drink. You might as well ask a Filipino to leave home without his pants on. And lastly, where I come from, you eat with a knife and fork. Here, you eat with a spoon and fork. You try eating rice swimming in fish sauce with a knife. 

One really nice thing about Filipino food culture is that people always ask you to SHARE their food. In my office, if you catch anyone attacking their baon, they will always go, "Sir! KAIN TAYO!" ("Let's eat!"). 

This confused me, until I realized that they didn't actually expect me to sit down and start munching on their boneless bangus. In fact, the polite response is something like, "No thanks, I just ate." But the principle is sound - if you have food on your plate, you are expected to share it, however hungry you are, with those who may be even hungrier. I think that's great! 

In fact, this is frequently even taken one step further. Many Filipinos use "Have you eaten yet?" ("KUMAIN KA NA?") as a general greeting, irrespective of time of day or location. 

Some foreigners think Filipino food is fairly dull compared to other Asian cuisines. Actually lots of it is very good: Spicy dishes like Bicol Express (strange, a dish named after a train); anything cooked with coconut milk; anything KINILAW; and anything ADOBO. And it's hard to beat the sheer wanton, cholesterolic frenzy of a good old-fashioned LECHON de leche (roast pig) feast.. Dig a pit, light a fire, add 50 pounds of animal fat on a stick, and cook until crisp. Mmm, mmm... you can actually feel your arteries constricting with each successive mouthful. 

I also share one key Pinoy trait --- a sweet tooth. I am thus the only foreigner I know who does not complain about sweet bread, sweet burgers, sweet spaghetti, sweet banana ketchup, and so on. I am a man who likes to put jam on his pizza. Try it! 

It's the weird food you want to avoid. In addition to duck fetus in the half-shell, items to avoid in the Philippines include pig's blood soup (DINUGUAN); bull's testicle soup, the strangely-named "SOUP NUMBER FIVE" (I dread to think what numbers one through four are); and the ubiquitous, stinky shrimp paste, BAGOONG, and it's equally stinky sister, PATIS. 

Filipinos are so addicted to these latter items that they will even risk arrest or deportation trying to smuggle them into countries 

like Australia and the USA , which wisely ban the importation of items you can smell from more than 100 paces. 

Then there's the small matter of the purple ice cream. I have never been able to get my brain around eating purple food; the ubiquitous UBE leaves me cold. 

And lastly on the subject of weird food, beware: that KALDERETANG KAMBING (goat) could well be KALDERETANG ASO (dog)... 

The Filipino, of course, has a well-developed sense of food. Here's a typical Pinoy food joke: "I'm on a seafood diet. "What's a seafood diet?" "When I see food, I eat it!" 

Filipinos also eat strange bits of animals --- the feet, the head, the guts, etc., usually barbecued on a stick. These have been given witty names, like "ADIDAS" (chicken's feet); "KURBATA" (either just chicken's neck, or "neck and thigh" as in "neck-tie"); "WALKMAN" (pigs ears); "PAL" (chicken wings); "HELMET" (chicken head); "IUD" (chicken intestines), and BETAMAX" (video-cassette- like blocks of animal blood). Yum,yum. Bon appetit.. 

WHEN I arrived in the Philippines from the UK six years ago, one of the first cultural differences to strike me was names. The subject has provided a continuing source of amazement and amusement ever since. The first unusual thing, from an English perspective, is that everyone here has a nickname. In the staid and boring United Kingdom, we have nicknames in kindergarten, but when we move into adulthood we tend, I am glad to say, to lose them. 

The second thing that struck me is that Philippine names for both girls and boys tend to be what we in the UK would regard as overbearingly cutesy for anyone over about five. Fifty-five-year- olds colleague put it. 

Where I come from, a boy with a nickname like Boy Blue or Honey Boy would be beaten to death at school by pre-adolescent bullies, and never make it to adulthood. So, probably, would girls with names like Babes, Lovely, Precious, Peachy or Apples. Yuk, ech ech.. Here, however, no one bats an eyelid. 

Then I noticed how many people have what I have come to call "door-bell names". These are nicknames that sound like -well, doorbells. There are millions of them. Bing, Bong, Ding, and Dong are some of the more common. They can be, and frequently are, used in even more door-bell-like combinations such as Bing-Bong, Ding-Dong, Ting-Ting, and so on. Even our newly appointed chief of police has a doorbell name Ping . None of these doorbell names exist where I come from, and hence sound unusually amusing to my untutored foreign ear. 

Someone once told me that one of the Bings, when asked why he was called Bing, replied, "because my brother is called Bong". Faultless logic. 

Dong, of course, is a particularly funny one for me, as where come from "dong" is a slang word for well; perhaps "talong" is the best Tagalog equivalent!! ! 

Repeating names was another novelty to me, having never before encountered people with names like Len-Len, Let-Let, Mai-Mai, or Ning-Ning. The secretary I inherited on my arrival had an unusual one: Leck-Leck. Such names are then frequently further refined by using the "squared" symbol, as in Len2 or Mai2. This had me very confused for a while. 

Then there is the trend for parents to stick to a theme when naming their children. This can be as simple as making them all begin with the same letter, as in Jun, Jimmy, Janice, and Joy. 

More imaginative parents shoot for more sophisticated forms of assonance or rhyme, as in Biboy, Boboy, Buboy, Baboy (notice the names get worse the more kids there are-best to be born early or you could end up being a Baboy). 

Even better, parents can create whole families of, say, desserts (Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Honey Pie) or flowers (Rose, Daffodil, Tulip). The main advantage of such combinations is that they look great painted across your trunk if you're a cab driver. 

That's another thing I'd never seen before coming to Manila --taxis with the driver's kids' names on the trunk. 

Another whole eye-opening field for the foreign visitor is the phenomenon of the "composite" name. This includes names like Jejomar (for Jesus, Joseph and Mary), and the remarkable Luzviminda (for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao , believe it or not). 

That's a bit like me being called something like "Engscowani" (for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland ). Between you and me, I'm glad I'm not. 

And how could I forget to mention the fabulous concept of the randomly inserted letter 'h'. Quite what this device is supposed to achieve, I have not yet figured out, but I think it is designed to give a touch of class to an otherwise only averagely weird name. It results in creations like Jhun, Lhenn, Ghemma, and Jhimmy. Or how about Jhun-Jhun (Jhun2)? 

How boring to come from a country like the UK full of people with names like John Smith. How wonderful to come from a country where imagination and exoticism rule the world of names. 

Even the towns here have weird names; my favorite is the unbelievably named town of Sexmoan (ironically close to Olongapo and Angeles). Where else in the world could that really be true? 

Where else in the world could the head of the Church really be called Cardinal Sin? Where else but the Philippines.

Note: Philippines has a senator named Joker, and it is his legal name.

Extras: More Sources of Inspiration

Molannen Commits Suicide

Gretchen Molannen Commits Suicide after Florida Paper Reports on Her Rare Genital Arousal Disorder

By Jenalyn Villamarin | December 5, 2012 4:26 PM EST

Gretchen Molannen, a 39-year-old woman featured in a Tampa Bay Times story, was found dead late Saturday at her home in Spring Hill, Florida. Officials of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office did not give information on exactly when and how Gretchen Molannen died but records revealed the deputies responded to a suicide call around midnight on Saturday.

The Times received email messages from Gretchen's two friends who confirmed her sudden death and lamented that she did not receive the help she needed.

For 16 years, Gretchen Molannen struggled with a rare genital arousal disorder which is an unbearable condition marked by continuous sexual arousal. Women suffering the rare disorder are physically but not psychologically aroused. Some doctors deem that the condition is caused by a nerve malfunction.

Molannen sought help from numerous medical professionals but several claimed they had never heard of the condition. With not enough money for tests or treatments, she tried to work but her condition affected her job performance. Molannen was also unable to maintain steady employment after 1999. Her devastation over her condition eventually tempted her to commit suicide at least three times.

The Times discovered Gretchen Molannen's story on Craigslist in early 2012. She was still looking for help from medical professionals. Molannen agreed to tell her story to Times in July. The Times interviewed her for a total of 10 hours, half in person and the other half on the phone.

Before the publication, the Times thanked her via email and phone call to which she responded in an email message that stated: "Thank YOU for taking an interest in doing a story for me! I am flattered that you cared so much to want to help. I just hope this will educate people that this is serious and really exists, and that other women who are suffering in silence will now have the courage to talk to a doctor about it. If men have suffered with the shame of impotence or even priapism, now it's time for women to get help as well. Thank you for your patience with me and for devoting so much time to this. I'm sure your editor is very proud of your work and I'm excited to see my own story online."

After revealing Gretchen's story, the Times received several offers to help Molannen both from legal and medical professionals. Two women even called to say they had a similar problem with Gretchen and hoped to talk to her about it. Too bad it is already too late. Gretchen's story was also shared on a support group for women with the persistent genital arousal disorder. Their web site www.psas-support.com provides more information about the support group.

Paralleling Life In The Age Of George

“I remember thinking I just want more. This isn't it. Fame is not the goal. Money is not the goal. To be able to know how to get peace of mind, how to be happy, is something you don't just stumble across. You've got to search for it.”

― George Harrison

When the Beatles broke up in 1970, George Harrison had the most interesting solo career. With a couple of hit albums, several chart-topping singles, a historic benefit concert and other smaller productions, Harrison emerged from the shadow of The Beatles to reveal his rich, eclectic and diverse musicianship that rivaled both the rebellious John Lennon and the flamboyant Paul McCartney. And yet, Harrison lived quietly and simple. The last decade of his life was spent tending to his home in Friar Park, surrounding himself with family and friends, and living his religious philosophy; all to achieve happiness.

Eleven years ago today, Harrison died of complications from cancer. When Martin Scorsese released the biopic "Living In A Material World," I quickly got myself a copy and watched. What unfolded was the inspiring story of a man in search not for fame nor money but genuine happiness, all from the perspective of those whose lives he touched.

"When you've seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there."
― George Harrison

My life's journey took some unexpected turns but, in retrospect, is headed towards the same parallel. Being in Canada for eleven years, away from family and friends, was finally wearing me thin. As beautiful as Canada is, there's something, many things missing.

My homecoming vacation last year helped me see what I've been searching for in my life. Learning more about George Harrison's life and philosophy gave me the courage to pursue it.

“The biggest break in my career was getting into the Beatles in 1962. The second biggest break since then is getting out of them.”
― George Harrison

Despite a case of anxieties, this summer, I quit my job as a well-paid public servant. I paid off whatever debts I still have and gave away practically all my possessions to my Canadian friends. I cried for a little bit and bid Canada farewell. As difficult as it is to leave everyone and my life there, I left to pursue my own happiness.

Six months after leaving Canada, I find myself thanking the Lord for giving me enough courage to do what I did. There are people who'd see my actions perhaps as idiotic specially in today's economy. I just smirk back at them. They will never understand that it's not always about the money or the pursuit of it. In the end, happiness, the hardest thing to find in this world, is what's important, at least, to me. Like George Harrison, I found that which I've been searching for.

I don't know where life will take me. I haven't made plans about returning to Canada yet. I avoid looking too far ahead into the future. But I am enjoying my time in the old country. At least a part of me is at peace now. Thank you my loving, beautiful wife, my adorable son, and my supportive parents.

Finally, thank you George for inspiring us with your beautiful life.

“It is one of our perennial problems, whether there is actually a God. From the Hindu point of view each soul is divine. All religions are branches of one big tree. It doesn't matter what you call Him just as long as you call. Just as cinematic images appear to be real but are only combinations of light and shade, so is the universal variety a delusion. The planetary spheres, with their countless forms of life, are naught but figures in a cosmic motion picture. One's values are profoundly changed when he is finally convinced that creation is only a vast motion picture and that not in, but beyond, lies his own ultimate reality.”
― George Harrison

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa spent over a decade working as business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College.

Video: Does The Universe Have A Purpose?

Recently, Templeton University rounded up the leading astrophysicists, biologists and naturalists in the world to answer perhaps the ultimate question: "Does The Universe Have A Purpose?" Big names such as Jane Goodall, Owen Gingerich, Paul Davies and Neil DeGrasse Tyson where interviewed. Surprisingly, a consensus wasn't made with all 12 participants split in the middle with their opinion on the matter.

Of course, this is a very profound question and not easily explained. Depending on what perspective you are looking at, the universe could be of some purpose or it could all just be a random coincidence at play. With the 21 December 2012 end of the world talk closing in, everyone surely wants to know the meaning of our collective existence.

Minute Physics, a popular nerd channel on Youtube attempts to explain celebrity scientist, Neil DeGrasse Tyson's take on this most intriguing question in a fun, creative way. I wonder what Stephen Hawking thinks about this question, though?

Our Special Day in Bagac

Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our first year of married bliss at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. We got a rare complimentary private tour of the place plus a free night's stay. The weather was a beautiful 30 degrees warm, perfect for sun-lovers.

Getting there by local bus from the provincial capitol city of Balanga costs about P50 each and takes about 45 minutes through winding roads that snake around the mountainous terrain. Amazing, scenic views of the countryside, the rice farms and Mt. Samat greeted us during the bus ride to Bagac. Coincidentally, Bagac was also celebrating it's town fiesta yesterday so I know we were in for a treat.

During the bus ride, we sat with these Koreans, a guy and a girl. They don't seem to be a couple and we didn't try asking. We didn't caught their names, but they would, for some reason, hook up with us throughout the day.

Bagac is a small quaint town. Its quiet and simple. There's not a whole lot to see but whatever the locals have, they proudly share it. Everything is small and packed in. There are hamlets spread about by the only road leading to and out of the town. Yet, being there gives you this snuggly feeling. Perhaps it's the warmth and friendliness of the people there to travelers. They are very accommodating and helpful to oblivious outsiders like us.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (LCFA) is the town's pride. A tourist trap for the "can afford it" types. It's a resort-like community or a themepark of sorts. They call it a "Heritage Resort" and it features old houses from during the colonial age. Mansions or Casas aged hundreds of years from all over the Philippines are procured, photographed and demolished on location then transported and re-assembled piece-by-intricate-piece here for the public to enjoy. For P650 entrance fee per head, you can be mesmerized and inspired by the now rare houses that are impeccably restored to their old glory. The Koreans entered the place with us paying the minimum entrance fee without the guided tours. They brought their own snack. The guy's backpack has a jar of kimchi and the girl was nibbling at crackers and navel oranges. We asked them to join our tour but they both opted to scout the place on their own.

Everyone is clad in traditional Filipiniana style clothing. The staff, who didn't mind me bugging them for photos, is friendly and helpful.  Being there feels like you are back in time to pre-independence Philippines. Of course, modern amenities are also given a colonial flare. There are restaurants and snack bars serving local and foreign (Spanish) cuisines. They have their own church for weddings and a mini golf course across the wooden grandfather-bridge. Since LCFA is located by the ocean, they have their own beach with white glowing sands. There's also a 4-foot deep swimming pool and a spa. The place is huge with at least 20 Casas and more still being built.

For P1500 per head, you can get a tour package of the place with buffet meals. We, on the other hand, got a special complimentary (private) tour with one of the executives, Ms. Olive who kindly showed us around--and it's quite a huge place. Statues of children playing and olden time Christmas ornaments decorate and bring a sense of the holiday festivities, complimenting the cobblestone roads that expanses the entire compound. She gave us a tour inside one of the new mansions, Casa de Lubao, and boy were we surprised. The furnishings are rustic, minimalistic yet beautifully designed with matching paintings from the era. So much care and attention to detail is obviously given to ensure authenticity.

After the tour, we ventured outside to the town plaza. We visited a local carinderia called Olive's Food House. As you might've guessed, it's Ms. Olive's mom's restaurant. She served us a hearty, delicious serving of menudo, sinigang, lechon kawali and liempo with matching atchara. Boy were we stuffed! Finally, we strolled the local beach strip. We didn't stay long but we caught up with our Korean friends and hung out with them for a bit before heading back to the town poblacion for church, some "kasoy" shopping and the mardi gras parade. We spotted them later at the flea market haggling with local souvenir vendors.

At around six, we checked into our free room and enjoyed the rest of the quiet evening, reflecting on our beautiful and enjoyable day in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. As we look forward to another year of marital bliss, over a cup of nightcap coffee, I jokingly proposed to my wife asking her if she'd marry me again. She answered amusingly, "of course, sweetheart."

And whatever happened to the Koreans, you wonder? We didn't see them after we spotted both at the flea market. I'm sure they had an interesting time with stories to tell about their Bagac adventure. My wife at least thinks serendipitously about it. Something about this place truly brings people together.

My wife and our son John with Ms. Olive

My wife and our son John with Ms. Olive

Me and my wife Aileen