Capilla Santa Ana part 1 Labyrinth

What a wonderful experience it was stepping into the gates of Capilla Santa Ana or in English Chapel of Saint Anne. With a minimum entrance fee of 100 pesos  you are able to access and experience the labyrinth and be fascinated with the vast collection of Chrisitian artifacts and the unique details inside the chapel. 

By the way ladies and gentlemen reading this,  this post is just for the labyrinth garden. And another post will be made for the chapel. Because as I went through it, the labyrinth garden made me reflect on my life. Like the feeling you have when going around Good Sheperd during the Holy Week.

Anyway, as I was standing outside the labyrinth prepping myself for the experience. Mentally measuring the area. I thought that it was not like the labyrinth from the movie, "The Shining". Which had tall hedges and a much wider area. The area of the labyrinth garden was most like 100 meters and the bushes were just waist high. So you won't feel lonely going around the labyrinth garden but you would definitely feel breathlessness going round the circle especially if you don't walk a lot.

As I began my steps going around the labyrinth, I thought it would be quick but surprise, surprise it wasn't. Then the following words come to mind...It is not the destination but the journey.

The turns made me think that sometimes life has no shortcuts and literally the garden, as well has no shortcuts. Which is funny, personally deep in our hearts we want to be ahead of someone or of everyone. Which made me realize, for you to feel satisfaction of achieving a goal you work HARD for it. Plus, of course luck or divine intervention then you might get to your goal in a short time.

But honestly for most of us we got to work, work, work...work hard in life. To achieve that grand illusion of grandeur. But then again, we have to choose the right decisions in life which is not always easy to accept. Or accepted by commmunity.

As I continued my walk around the labyrinth, another  thought came to mind that our life has one entrance and it is also the exit...in the Biblical verse  it starts and ends with me. 

And yes, I finally arrive at the center with the image of Mother Mary with a special prayer that she gives me strength as I face the challenges of my life. 

And with the sun sinking behind me a sense of peace was felt in my heart.

Venice Grand Canal Pinoy Version

When I came to Bonifacio Global City or BGC as it is popularly known I was amazed. I felt transported to Venice, Italy, because of the gondola rides and the paintings of the buildings which are a replica of the original. Of course, I have never been to Venice, Italy but because there are lots of picture of Venice, Italy in the interenet, movies and everywhere else. You can't help but be familiarize with the structures of the the original. All the corners are meticulously inspired from the original and instagramly picture perfect. For me the gondola ride, the structure of the buildings and there paintings gives you the feel of being there but once inside the mall you know, you are in the Philippines.

The price of the gondola ride is honestly expensive. It looks fun being inside the gondola with the gondoliers maneuvering it but it is much more expensive than your movie ticket and just for 30 minutes. I had to pass and hoping that next time I go there I will afford it. The gondola ride at night is amazing with the booming music in the background and the lights from the buildings surrounding it reflecting on the water, it was just an amazing view.

10,000 Roses Cafe in Cordova

The reviews says it all. But there seems to be a division of opinions. One side says its not good , while other says it was a wonderful experience.

Thus I had to investigate it myself. This popularly known cafe in Cordova called 10000 Roses & Cafe.

I went there on a motorbike late at night so that I won't be stuck in traffic in Lapu-lapu city on my way to Cordova.

Scared at first because it was dark but when I got there I realize that coming there was easy. Especially if you take the taxi the only hitch is the traffic. If you take the public utility vehicle like the jeep, it will take you some time to arrive there. But whatever mode of transportation you are in you will eventually get there.

When I got there, the place was located at the end of the road by the sea. Thus upon parking the bike, you can smell the sea breeze. It was around 10 in evening, it was windy and the tide was high which made the place for me very picturesque and did I mention the moon was out that night ah ha ha.

Yes, the place gave a romantic set up. But since I went there solo the place was instagram perfect.

So let us start, upon arriving you pay for the parking fee amounting 10 pesos.

Next is the entrance fee of 20 pesos per person. Shocking but true. Yes, for you to view the so called splendor of this cafe you have to pay the price.

Beside the entrance is a canteen with junk food available.

Then a few steps forward I was now able to see the splendor of the LED lights encased in plastic white roses. And yes, this is what I came for, the plastic roses.

I didn't stop there, I had to go in the cafe because it seemed picture perfect inside. 

I ordered some food, and I must say it was E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E but the serving was plenty so it was good for 2. As in, totally shocked me but in the moment of wonder I went along with the price. Note, they only accept CASH no credit cards. 

As I went around the cafe, it had restrooms for men and women. It is not people with disability friendly. Anyway, the interior was cozy and when I stepped out to the veranda. The view was dreamy, soft lights, big colorful seats, it was windy and as I said the moon was out-it had a romantic vibe.

Moving on, the experience was on one side amazing to see the plastic white roses but the downside of the trip was food in the cafe is not affordable for most of the Bisaya.

Malacanang Palace at the Northern part of the Philippines

I have never been to Ilocos Norte or the northern part of the Philippines. So it was such an amazing moment for me to be there. And especially to be able to stand infront of the Malacang Palace of the north. It was just a great feeling.

Malacang Palace of the north is just one of the many touris destination in Ilocos Norte so for me it is a must go to place when in Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

So there I was standing infront of the majestic grounds of Malacang Palace of the northe. Upon stepping up the red round marble steps I noticed that there is a ramp on one corner for ease of access into the  house for people on a wheelchair.

Once inside the grand house, I was awed of the interior. It was so spacious inside. There were a few items of the former Presidential family who occupied there were left for display.

The Malacanang Palace of the North

Some pictures of the Marcos family left in the house

A beautiful painting of first lady Imelda Marcos.

The grand staircase made from the finest wood.

The staircase, arenn't they dramatic. They are long and not to winding leading to the second floor.

I wanted to have a shot of the waterbody infront but the sun was still high evidently so I opted to shoot the patio instead.

My Laoag Sand Dunes Adventure

It was my first time to be in theNorthern part of the Philippines. And one of the sites that we went to was called the Sand Dunes of Laog. 

And coming from the Visayas region, the scenery was just to unique for me. Why? To sand in a vast land made of SAND. It was just so unique for me.

This was also the site where they filmed the famous Panday by Fernando "FPJ" Poe  Jr.

 and Mad Max by actor Mel Gibson.  

And behind this unique branch where I pose are mountains of sands where you can slide away to your content.  With a fee of course.

Behind me are mountains of sands, to slide away. Love the ride but not the hike up . But the experience was just awesome.