A Valentine's Day Date Yourself Experience Inside Ayala Museum. Isn't It Lovely?

Thank goodness! I never thought I would survive that Valentine's day hype. If I could only skip that one day and jump to the next day but sadly I had no choice. Flowers, heart-shaped box of chocolates, dinner date and holding hands while walking, driving or in public. Love birds, can you just stop that? You're not doing it somewhat on a daily basis anyhow. Am I right? Sorry if I sound a bit bitter or am I just brutally honest? That day totally got me fed up and good thing I was able to recover from plasticity. Not because I was wearing a "this too shall pass" invisible ring or "live with it" transparent tattoo. Although they were useful too but the simplest way I guess was the art of "don't mind them". Yes! I had to mind my own business.

All the single ladies, guys, gays, transgender or someone from kingdom animalia. Now put your hands up! It was not really a sorrowful mystery for us. While those love birds spent their special day. We also spent our very antimatter "single awareness day" or let's also call it "independence day". Unexpectedly, my rest day just started that morning. I had no detailed plan of going outside. I thought it would be just a 12 hours of sleep but all of a sudden my workmates invited me for a coffee. 

Dating myself is not really strange to me. I've been doing this for almost a year. After self-realization that I might be forever single. I, right away had to put extra love for myself. Friends just come and go and the love for your parents is just there but the love for yourself is like a foundation of you. It's always the first thing. Believe on Hailee Steinfeld song "I'm gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else". And one of the effective ways I guess is to go out alone and treat yourself. It could be a dinner date with your soul, holding your camera while walking or buy yourself tickets to travel around the world. Wow! That's way better than chocolates and bouquet of roses. One of the places where I can find my inner self is when I visit a museum. I make sure to go there when the doors are open between 9 and 10 in the morning. Literally peaceful, it shuts down all your worries about your unpaid bills or unfinished works for an hour or two. It feeds your mind and relaxes your soul.

Ayala Museum- It's my first visit in a museum this year and I chose to start here near my place. It's only one jeepney ride. I don't know why only this Valentine's day I decided to go here maybe because I had so much free time and I would like to spend it here. The whole Ayala from Greenbelt Malls to Museum is a stress reliever because everywhere you look it's about the love for nature and art. Ayala Museum was originally inaugurated in June 1974 and later on moved to its current home in September 2004. Its started as a dream and became a reality because of the artist and philanthropist Fernando Zobel(1924-1984). He was a member of the prominent Zóbel de Ayala family in the Philippines and a patron of the country's first national artist Fernando Amorsolo. Now, this museum is the heart of culture and art in the Makati central business district.

The Diorama Experience- On the second floor you can see sixty dioramas designed to be a comprehensive visual approach to Philippine history.

This very attractive collection of finely crafted models of maritime vessels will welcome you as you pass through the galleries. Early Filipinos are known as excellent navigators and builders of boat.

Drawing of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero. Not only him but you can also see human-sized pictures of other national heroes. The fun part of it is you can discover what are their heights. Yeah! They are all cute. 

First tranvias in the Philippines were horse-drawn carriages that ran on tracks. It's like a trolley car or electric streetcar. The predecessors of today's LRT(Light Rail Transit).

Bring me back to the old Manila!

December 30, 1896 in Manila. Jose Rizal was sentenced to death by firing squad. This is where Luneta Park currently located and can be seen the famous Rizal monument. 

June 12, 1898 is when the Philippine Independence proclaimed at Aguinaldo's residence in Kawit, Cavite. Philippine flag was formally unfurled. 

BitterXSweet Exhibition- This was a special exhibition tailored fit to Valentine's day. Every object has their own sweet or heartbreaking memory. There were emoji stickers that you can stick if it's relatable to you or you just felt it so bad.

This handpainted fan is one of my favorites. There was a short message from the owner that somewhat impacted me.

"The world of eating is not just of ingestion, but also offering of thoughtfulness, of consideration, of transaction"- Doreen Fernandez

Third Floor- Sadly you cannot take picture as they would really want to protect the paintings. The galleries celebrate the talent of Filipino masters from the 19th to 21st century. It highlights the works of National Artists of the Philippines like Arturo Luz and artworks by Fernando Zóbel.

Fourth Floor- Crossroads of Civilizations. This special exhibition deserves an applause. This was my favorite part. I felt like a miner discovered a huge pot of gold. Although the galleries also highlight Chinese and Southeast Asian tradewares found in the Philippines from as early as the 9th century I focused more on different kinds of gold jewelry made by Filipino indigenous people. Indeed, the country has a secret love for gold. 

I would love you to experience this too. Yes! One of the ways to get to know the Philippines is to visit Filipino Museums. Check out below how much and how you can go to Ayala Museum.

Museum Pass(Ground Floor to Fourth Floor)

Regular Rate Adults- P425(8.50 US Dollars est.)

Regular Child, Student, Faculty & Senior Citizen- P300(6 US Dollars est.)

Local Resident Adult- P225

Local Child, Student & Senior Citizen- P125

From the Ayala station of the Metro Rail Transit, it is a 10-minute walk through restaurants and retail shops toward Greenbelt Park to get to the Ayala Museum. Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-6pm

Majority of the information here came from the guidebook available at the admission counter. Feel free to check their website too www.ayalamuseum.org

Make sure to follow me on my facebook page, instagram and twitter. Just search Supermarkymacky. Thanks! 

The Rocky Trail Of Mt. Binacayan. It's An Extra Challenge!

What is the most significant change you've seen in the world in the last 10 years? That was a question last 65th Miss Universe show. So what do you think can be an answer? Do you have an example? 

If I were in their position to answer this. I would say, Social media. There may be disadvantages like "cyber bullying" and somewhat compromise the quality of family bonding after dinner. But with this, we created a new generation called "Millenials". Evidently, it is a new platform for everyone to see the beauty of the world. As we Millenials, spend most of our time checking what's trending online. We become more aware on where to go on our next rest day and what's the best places to spend our grand vacation, it may be on a cruise, out-of-town or outside the country. These ideas we read and see online push us to go to that places and experience what backpackers or travellers felt. Mostly those shout-outs like "It's priceless!". We also get used to popular hashtags on instagram like #photooftheday, #instagood and let me include #itsmorefuninthephilippines. Sorry, it's addictive! This generation really saves so much memories like forever. You can't blame us. Because travelling is I can say living your life. The feeling of curing your soul and relaxing your mind. It is incomparable. Tell you what, you need this. You need a break! 

I'm not rich but it's not a hindrance for me to travel. Going to different places treated the pain of my depression before and now I still do it because it fights my stress at work. Somewhat it also refrains me from asking myself "why I'm still single?" Well, it's effective because I'm now very happy to be single like forever too. Everywhere I go I follow like what Bob Marley said "Live the life you love. Love the life you live".

To travel on foot

Rodriguez, Rizal- Totally I don't have any idea about mountaineering or trekking. This is new to me. But this tested that I'm really a risk-taker. Remember when I went to my aunt's house last month in Montalban, Rizal? There were mountains that really got my attention. It was a perfect view in the morning and I didn't know at first that it was famous. I found out when I went back to Manila that it has a local folklore about Bernardo Carpio. A legendary figure in Philippine Mythology who said to be trapped in between these two boulders(Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan). I said before I hope I could climb at these two mountains. Finally, it happened.

I didn't prepare so much for this although I researched about it. I thought it would a piece of cake for me since I also had my stretching a day before the hike. I was hesitant to continue because it was raining like 4 in the morning. So I had to chat my friend who is living in San Mateo, Rizal to check if we could go 8am instead of 6am. I thought it would be safer for us to do that time. I went out of our house 6am. 

Check out my itinerary and breakdown of our expenses during our climb at Mt. Binacayan.

6:00am- From our house in Manila ride a Jeep with Makati-Guadalupe MRT station(11pesos fare).

6:30am- The fastest and affordable way to go to Cubao Station is to ride MRT from Guadalupe station(20pesos fare).

6:45am- From Cubao station there is a terminal near Farmer's Market. Make sure to stand in the line for UV Express with route Latex-Eastwood (50pesos fare). There are instances that you will encounter long queue of people but if there's none sadly you will wait for like 30 minutes to an hour.

9:00am- From San Rafael Puregold ride a Jeep with Wawa Dam route (8pesos fare).

9:10am- It is a must to coordinate with their Barangay or local district to hire for a local guide(50pesos per climber for Barangay fee).

9:45am- We started the trek with our well-trained guide Richard. Again it is serious to hire one because not only they know first aid but they have been climbing these Mountains like Binacayan for more than 10 years(500pesos guide fee).

Locals plant different seedlings like this pineapple. 

It was neither good nor bad weather that time. It was cloudy and we didn't know if it would rain heavy any moment. Our guide said that the time was perfect though because it's not really hot and the sun was not painful. And in fact although we have not seen so much fog, a very beautiful rainbow welcomed us after that rain shower.

We took the normal trail and highly advisable for beginners like me. 

The trail became more challenging as we get closer to the summit. 

It was beyond my expectations. It was not a piece of cake. We had to stop for a couple of minutes and enjoy this view. We were not yet on our 70% but I felt of giving up. I had sweat excessively and although I brought bottled water I felt a bit dehydrated. I had realizations after that, one was don't give up.

Things You Need To Know Before You Climb Mount Binacayan

1. Be prepared! Do a lot of research. I was surprised that this is a rocky mountain.
2. If not necessary, don't bring big backpack bag. A quality drawstring bag is better to carry 1 extra shirt and short.
3. 1 liter of bottled water and biscuits are your best friends.
4. Wear a cap to protect your head and eyes from the rays of the sun. Make sure your skin is protected by sunscreen.
5. If you're on a tight budget and want to pursue this hobby. You can start to invest from the basic gears like climbing shoes and belay gloves.

Thank goodness! We had another stopover. Still I had a doubt why I did this. But on the other side I was thankful that I experienced this like not many can do this. One battle you need to face when you're a beginner is the muscle pain. Like this can kill you especially if you don't exercise religiously. You need to trust your immune system to get used with it quickly.

Now I can shout it out. This kind of experience is priceless!

It's an extraordinary journey.

Fear of heights no more! The summit.

2:05pm- It was more than 4 hours when we reached the summit. Sadly, I did not bring enough water to stay hydrated. I had to make a quick change of shirt. We stayed really short because we couldn't stand the heat. And even today I'm still thinking why the summit are mostly made of rocks. I'm still not sure if these are sedimentary rocks because if these are. These could be part of the ocean before?  Sorry for being so genius.                 

I'm gonna miss this view. FYI. These humps are already part of Sierra Madre mountains.

One of the best things why you need to hire a local guide is they know the story and the history of their place. Richard, our guide, said the name Montalban came from the famous white rock formations.

3:15pm- We took the 90 degrees trail when we went down. It was accident when my friend led the way. There were 4 very difficult rock formations we passed. It was an extra challenge! Although it was faster and only took roughly 2 hours until we reached the ground it required us so much patience and endurance. Since it rained, the trail was slippery and during those times you would question yourself why you were not wearing climbing shoes and belay gloves, even why you didn't eat enough to stay full. There were moments that you would say "thank you" to those bamboos beside you because you mostly rely on it. You would also appreciate those climbers you saw who said "take care" because honestly it's really a not easy journey. Good thing I only got bruise and minor wounds. 

4:35pm- Thank goodness! Now we're back on the ground. Before this, we stopped in a store that sells mango smoothie(35pesos) and refreshments. You would never thought that you could see it inside a mountain.

5:00pm- It is a must to go back to their Barangay Hall and sign on their form to assure them that you came back. Like what happened to me, since it rained I got a lot of mud. Not a problem, just a few steps from Barangay Hall there are bathrooms that you can rent for only 25pesos.

Not to brag so much, our guide was also the guide of Angel Locsin(Filipino actress) when she went to Mount Pamitinan last month. He was cool and he also took great shots of us during our hike. I said to him, "I will not do this again!" then he replied, "you will eat what you said". He is right! He will be our guide again when we go back. I prefer to go on weekdays. For more details you can also contact Richard-09983266559. 

"Ain't about how fast I get there. Ain't about what's waitin on the other side. It's the climb"-Miley Cyrus.

Okada Manila: Discover Extraordinary Way To Watch Miss Universe 2016

Okada Manila, Parañaque City- Mabuhay! I'm a Filipino, in my twenties from the Philippines! Oh! Still have that hangover from the very recent and fresh Miss Universe 2016 show? There are only two words I can say. Move on! Yeah! I know it hurts to see Miss Philippines didn't win. I know that many Filipinos are still jaded that back-to-back win didn't happen. Perhaps, it's too early for that and let's keep it a dream for now. Like what many of us say, "It's not always christmas!". Your effort and energy may not have paid off but there's still another year and another battle. So, be prepared!

It was last 1994 when Miss Universe held in the Philippines and the thirst for the crown that we felt last 2015 when Pia Wurtzbach won the title totally quenched too when Miss U organization announced that the show will be held in the country again. Filipinos really love beauty pageants and it's somewhat a world cup. It's always a pride to see a Filipina on stage confidently beautiful with a heart. It became more controversial when Steve Harvey, the host, announced the wrong winner last 2015. Luckily, the organization pushed him to host again. That switched from "It is too late to say I'm sorry" to "Give him a chance!". Honestly, he is really a funny host and he deserves a second chance. 

Like many Filipinos I can say that I'm also a fan of beauty pageants. Since it only happens like once in a blue moon in the Philippines why not make it special. Why not watch in Okada Manila?

This talk of the town is one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016, newest and one of the largest ultra-luxury integrated hotel-resorts in Asia. Surprisingly they opened live streaming to the public, so I went straight ahead to Mall of Asia with my teammate after our graveyard shift. It was roughly 7am, when we saw their luxury shuttle service patiently waited for those who would watch the show in style. You know what's great? Admission was free! 

Welcome to Okada! It was only like a 10-15 minutes bus ride from Mall of Asia Arena where the Miss Universe 2016 held to Okada Manila. When we went out of the bus although this Manila's world-class casino resorts is not yet fully operational, its shining gold exterior will stuns you still.

It was my first to time to enter a casino. Perhaps, I'm afraid that this might push me to play the slot machine. Anyhow, that thought changed like a big cut because not only staffs were very nice and well-trained but the place was heavenly. From the y-shaped hotel with a gleaming exterior, a very relaxing plum color inside to a sunny yellow color of the lobby lounge. Everywhere you look is "speechless".

Okada Manila is a Japan-based casino and this beautiful cherry blossom painting will make you sick. Bring me to Japan, please?

Membership Enrollment Area

Lobby Lounge

These chandeliers will remind you of the iconic sunset of Manila Bay. 

Great thing we were early and we got the perfect couch. We ordered like a clubhouse sandwich. Price was a bit expensive but very reasonable because of the place. (Sorry, I can't tell the price).

Now, back to Miss Universe! Exactly 8 am when the show started. Everything went smoothly, everyone was cheering for Miss Philippines then all of a sudden there was a technical issue. For roughly 20 minutes we were watching without a sound. Sadly, majority complained and had no choice but to continue watching on facebook live. The cheers heard again when the issue was fixed amid the announcement of Top 9. Thank goodness! 

That Filipina beauty! When Miss Philippines Maxine Medina made it to Top 13.

It was more than 3 hours show full of suspense and excitement. Everybody felt like it was a ferris wheel ride. Different emotions like everyone was disappointed and a bit mad when Miss Philippines didn't win, when Miss Venezuela didn't make it to the top.  We were sad when Miss Haiti didn't get the crown and happy though when Miss France announced as Miss Universe 2016. Miss Thailand was also a crowd favorite. One thing I will never forget and really moved me was Miss Kenya's very relatable answer when she made the Top 13.

She was asked how in the world did she get in the Miss Universe(beauty pageant). She answered it sincerely and with confidence that she was encouraged by her stepmother to chase with her dreams and pursue on what she loves. She even said to keep our hopes alive.

"Death gives meaning to life, to know that our days are numbered and our time is short. I live my life, I will always live my life like it's the last moment. And this moment right here, I will live to remember"- Miss Kenya Scarlet Were. This is just a close transcription of what she said. I almost cried I really felt her. 

And the show has ended! The curtains have come down! After more than two decades Miss Universe made another history in the Philippines. Hopefully, it would not take so long to hold another show here. 

And this would not have been possible without Okada Manila! Thanks for making this an extraordinary experience. To sum it up since I kept my feedback form I will just include it here. 

Service is indeed extraordinary from free shuttle service(back and forth) and well-trained staffs. Ambience is top-notch! An extraordinary beauty like you wanna stay there forever. This is highly recommendable when you want to relax or have fun. No one wants to be left behind, I will surely go here again and discover extraordinary!

Please follow my instagram and facebook page Supermarkymacky.

4 Reasons Why It's More Fun To Stroll Around Chinatown Manila This Chinese New Year 2017

Chinatown Manila - Kiong Hee Huat Chai! This greeting we mostly hear during chinese new year especially if you're living in Chinatown or part of the Filipino-Chinese community. I remember when I was a kid I used to hear also "Kung Hei Fat Choi!"(well, even today). I also saw a post online "Gong Xi Fa Cai!". It sounds strange at first but later on you'll get used to it. But the question is, do you understand it? Pretty much it's just a chinese version of the greeting "Happy New Year!". However, just this week I read that the greeting is more of "Congratulations and wishing you prosperity". I think that's much better though. In the Philippines, having a chinese blood is not really a prerequisite to celebrate lunar new year. Because of the centuries-old ties with the chinese, filipinos already learned to embrace their culture and traditions. Most of the chinese people living in Chinatown Manila came from Fujian, one of the provinces in China. They speak with their hokkien dialect that's why they always say that it's appropriate to say "Kiong Hee Huat Chai" than "Kung Hei Fat Choi" since it's a cantonese dialect or "Gong Xi Fa Cai", a mandarin dialect, China's official language. Now I know! So let's start to greet our chinese friends correctly. 

Like what I said many times that chinese people has a special place in my heart because I love their food. Yes! The pork dumplings! Oh my I'm craving again. I had visited Chinatown Manila many times. But one thing I noticed is it's much better to go a day before chinese new year's eve, preferrably morning to avoid sea of people. There's a lot to buy and it is truly festive. Definitely since it only happens once a year why not grab the opportunity and visit here. So that's what we did. It was only like 3 hours stroll around Chinatown Manila but my eyes were totally pleased. Wanna know why? I have 4 reasons and let's start with. 

1. Pray For Prosperity, Burn Incense And The Lucky Charms

I'm not chinese but everytime I go in Chinatown Manila I do this first. Like in Catholic religion where people light a candle and pray. Chinese people do this too but they burn incense. Because of colonization, do you know that most Filipino-Chinese or "Tsinoys" are catholics too? That's why it's no longer strange to see a cross in their altar.

It's the year of fire rooster! Like what most of us say "I claim it as my year". Well I really hope. Chinese traditions are very colourful like the more well-known chinese astrology, red is the lucky color, "Feng Shui", display 12 kinds of round fruits on the table on new year's eve, lucky charms and a lot more. I'm not a fan of these beliefs but one thing I can say If there's no wrong with it then follow it. We passed shopper's mart as we walked toward Ongpin Street and I recommend this place not only for buyers of lucky charms or displays but also chinese costumes with a very fair and reasonable price from 600-800 pesos(12-16USDollars).

2. Take A Selfie With The Largest Tikoy In the Philippines

This is a photo from Eng Bee Tin facebook page. Before anything else, this is the main reason why I visited Chinatown Manila this lunar new year. You know why? Because of their very large and unusual "Tikoy"(glutinous rice). It's indeed only in the Philippines. This I can say one of the best reasons why it's much better to stroll around here on chinese new year. It's only viewable for this occasion. I featured this home of the best chinese sweets and delicacies before and they are still first on my list. One inspiring thing about them is the owners of this literally yummy company are fire volunteers and their earnings are being used to buy fire trucks. And that's to serve the community effectively and efficiently. 

Do you know that this "Largest Tikoy in the Philippines" weighs 331 pounds, 6 inches thick and 36 inches in diameter? Amazing, right? You can check them on www.engbeetin.com

3. Very Festive Dragon And Lion Dance

You will not feel Chinatown Manila if you did not witness a dragon and lion dance. Most of the time you will see them on special occasions like the chinese new year.

They believed that dragon brings luck to the community so the longer the dragon the better. The ball on the stick that the dragon follows represents "Pearl of Wisdom". 

In every dragon dance there is a lion dance. Sadly, I got hit by a firecraker on my arm but still good thing not really bad. Make sure to don't get close too much while they are performing. 

4. Lucky Chinatown Mall

This shopping mall just opened last 2012 but it didn't fail to be the "Talk of the Town". I find this mall a bit small but very elegant. What I love about them is they showcase different chinese traditions every lunar new year. Like everything you need to know about chinese culture.

Look at the jaw-dropping lanterns on the ceiling.

More chinese lanterns will welcome you outside. 

I haven't seen a somewhat ancient chinese rickshaw even before it was only when we visited Lucky Chinatown Mall last week. I was not sure if this was just a display or if it's rideable(I hope). For sure this will boost the local tourism because of its unique and sophisticated look. 

If this prosperity tree literally are gold coins I don't know if I can't still take a beautiful photo of it. Chinese people always believe in good fortune and abundance of wealth. Me too! So this kind of display is definitely a must-see for your "Chinese History 101".

Wishing Buddha is so cute! Truly "Buddha" has an infectious smile. It is identified as one who has achieved enlightenment. They say that if you rub the tummy of "Buddha" it will invite wealth and good luck. If long ears it will bring wisdom.

If they are your Godparents I would be very jealous. How lucky you are? They are "Fu Lu Shou" or "The Three Star Gods" . They represent good fortune, happiness, prosperity and longevity.