How Travel Changed My Life

Buckle Up! Zoom! Hi! How are you? I hope you will enjoy this journey. Just call me Supermarkymacky! I'm your chauffeur for today. Let me take you back to the darkest days of my life and how travel became the only silver lining. Oops! No worries. I won't scare you. I will make sure it will be from bumpy to smooth ride. An inspiring trip to everyone. It was 2013 when I unintentionally became a breadwinner. I was the youngest child, just graduated and newbie in the corporate world. I felt that my dreams were fading fast away. My goals like to buy a house in my twenties, be a millionaire by the age of thirty and save a lot of money for retirement were dying. I didn't know what to do. I tried to refuse additional responsibilities many times. Depression started to control my emotions. Worries, insecurities and disappointments started to eat the whole me. If not overthinking, negative thinking became my pastime. My soul was divided and became a lonely man.
"Surround yourself with good people". Great thing someone said that to me and my friends knew the word "positivity". One day, they invited me to go to Boracay and I was really hesitant at first. I thought it would be better to just pay my bills than to go with them. Guess what happened? "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make life". It was totally perfect timing when I saw this online and that helped me decide to join them.

Boracay, Philippines

My perspective in life changed in just a snap after that getaway. Swimming under the crystal clear water of Puka Beach in Boracay gave temporary memory loss to my stress. I realized that there are problems that we can't fix right away or can never be solved. So, just relax and continue diving into the deep blue sea.

Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas

Travelling changed me from over-thinker to beach lover. From one unspoiled beach to another beach. Those white sands I touched, splashing waves I heard and dramatic sunset by the sea I witnessed helped me to stop for awhile and just enjoy life.

Aninuan Beach in Puerto Galera

I knew I didn't want to stop. Going to different meditative places like the Aninuan Beach in Puerto Galera changed me into a guy without expectations. I realized that disappointments will continue to exist if I will continue to put requirements in everything I do and later on may lead to severe depression. I learned to accept and move on.

Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas

I always ask myself "why I'm still single?". Travelling changed my often question into "why you need to be patient?". When you seat on the beach without doing anything from 5 am to 5 pm. You'll see how sun will rise and set. How morning will change into evening. I learned not to rush things and wait in God's timing. Maybe I'm so special. Just kidding!

Mt. Binacayan in Rodriguez, Rizal

Whether you like it to or not. Travelling sometimes is painful. That sweats from my first-ever mountain climbing will never be forgotten. It broke the record of my stereotyped getaway and it also gave me realization that there's a lot of things you can do aside from swimming when you travel. Like fishing, spelunking or just simply conversing with the locals. It reminds me that life has really no boundaries and there's no room to be lonely. 

Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila

Life! Oh what a wonderful life! Travelling really changed the whole me and gave me a reason to breath again. It's like the walls of Fort Santiago that continuously protect me from depression. For almost four years of chasing sadness away, I know I learned to be immune. I wholeheartedly embraced different issues in my life and I will make sure that next time I will just drink my problems away with coconut water under the sun while sunbathing on the beach in El Nido, Palawan.

I will continue to walk in Intramuros, hike again in the mountains of Montalban, experience hide and seek in the sunflower maze in Pangasinan, attend Burnham Park Run in Baguio, dive into one of a kind beaches in Palawan next month and sky dive in Pampanga's Hot Air Balloon Fiesta next year. Travelling changed my long term thinking. It allowed me to live my life because our days are numbered and our time is short. There you go! Our trip has ended and tomorrow is another great escape! 

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Seven Sacred Manila Catholic Churches That You Can Visit Even After Holy Week

"Happy Easter to you too. They say it's a new beginning. Hopefully! God bless too!". That's what I replied to a caller before my last shift of the week ended when she said to enjoy the holiday. Oh Yes! Definitely because it's rest day mode again. How was your weekend? Last sunday was not really different to me and all I remember was coachella totally crashed instagram. Yeah! Congratulations for being part of it! Oops! Let me not forget that I also visited different churches in Manila for the second time around. It was last year when I did "Visita Iglesia" or Seven Churches Visitation and I never thought that this would happen again because of my busy work schedule. Like what I wrote on my previous article, religion really plays a vital role in the life of every Filipino. Admittedly, even before I'm not deeply religious and this is the main reason why I decided to do this again. It's my way to give praise to Him and continue pray for my worries away.

According to studies, the Philippines is the 3rd largest Christian country on earth(after Brazil and Mexico). It is believed that more than 86 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. Well, even without study you can see the strong proof because of the church on almost every street corner. Like many, as a follower of Jesus Christ I also consider Holy Week as a very special and sacred time of the year. We yearly mark our calendar at home and save this week. What's the difference of Lent and Holy Week? Oh! That's a great question! I was confused at first but Lent is actually a period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Catholic calendar. It starts on Ash Wednesday and Holy Week is the last week of the lent season. The week before Easter, starting on Palm Sunday. 

There are a lot of religious practices during Holy Week especially in the Philippines and one example is "Visita Iglesia". It is said that it was started by Saint Philip Neri around 1553 and was introduced by Augustinians in the 1560s. A very old practice where devotees visit and pray in at least 7 churches. There are people who do this to seek penance for sins while others like me use this as a form of pilgrimage and meditation. Devotees either visit 14 churches for each of the 14 Stations of the Cross or the usual is they pray two stations in each of the 7 churches. Like last year, to make it more personal and soulful I just mostly prayed(a lot). Visiting churches can be done in one day, usually on Maundy Thursday or it can take days until Easter Sunday if churches are far apart. Same goes with what I did before, due to work heavy load I already started Holy Tuesday and ended morning of Maundy Thursday. It took me three days to complete seven churches visitation. Two churches on my first and third day. Three churches on second day. Definitely, they were all somewhat within reach and Metro Manila churches.

Supposedly this article already rolled out before Maundy Thursday but I decided to just post this on a normal day after the lent season. Like? Today! I remember the 4th commandment "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy". I would like to at least help people out with this article that it's not only during Holy Week or Easter Sunday where you can go to church freely. Actually, I'm also referring to myself. Here are the seven Catholic churches in Manila that I visited last Holy Week where you can go this Sunday and be enlightened with His words.

St. Pancratius Chapel

First on the list is the home of peace and very nature-loving, the Chapel of St. Pancratius in Belen, Paco, Manila City. I never thought that there's a small church inside Paco Park until I researched about it. Well, at first I was hesitant to go here because it's a bit an isolated place. I felt unsafe right away but that didn't stop me. Everything I know about Paco Park is just word-of-mouth and hearsay until I went there. If not a venue for grand wedding I mostly hear this place during Halloween(All Saint's Day). Many believed that this place is haunted and there are ghosts around the park. Understandably, horror stories will just continue because it was once Manila's municipal cemetery.

I was at the most relaxing and untroubled place in the city of Manila that time. Truly an urban oasis! There's an entrance fee of 10 pesos(roughly USD .20). This oval chapel was dedicated to St. Pancratius who was beheaded for his faith at the age of 14. His Greek name literally means "the one that holds everything". The altar was originally white and gold. Each side of it is the repositories for the remains of Governors and Bishops.

This park is circular in shape with an inner circular fort that served as the original cemetery. Its walls were made as niches and as the population continued to grow, a second outer wall made of thick adobe was built. Not only a place for worship but it also has a historical value. It was declared as National Historical Shrine because the area where the remains of three martyred priests(Fathers Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, Jacinto Zamora) and other great Filipinos were buried. This was also the first burial place of Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines.

Schedule of Masses

Sundays and Holidays

10:00AM-11:00AM

5:00PM-6:00PM

Every 12th day of the month 

9:00AM

Schedules may not be accurate and updated.

San Fernando de Dilao Parish

Just nearby Paco Park is San Fernando de Dilao Parish or more commonly known as Paco Catholic Church. It was built in honor of the Spanish King Saint Ferdinand III of Castile. Its romanesque-byzantine interior with recently Italian Baroque styled altar will give you solemn mood when you go inside. There's also a Latin inscription similar in style to Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

It is said that the church is also active in medical mission for its poor parishioners within the community. Also dental and ENT(ear, nose and throat) charitable services.

Redemptorist Church

A picture of  Redemptorist Church taken at early 6 am. A very popular church in Manila. Like the sun that is about to rise on the picture, it gives full of hope to many worshippers who pray here everyday.

The also known as National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is also one of the largest Marian churches in the Philippines. However, people more commonly called it "Baclaran Church" and every wednesday is popularly called "Baclaran Day" where pilgrims attend Mass and pray the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Considerably, the place of Baclaran is also a "Shopping Mecca" of Metro Manila.

Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life

This church is the fulfillment of the late Pope John Paul II(now a Saint) when he visited the Philippines in 1995 for the World Youth Day. It was spearheaded by Archbishop of Manila, the late Cardinal Jaime L. Sin. With the help of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sy Sr. of the Shoe Mart Group of Companies(Forbes richest family in the Philippines) the dream materialized. Many bikers and runners pass by this beautiful church and pray. 

Church of Malate

This Baroque-style church fronted by Plaza Rajah Sulayman and Manila Bay is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios(Our Lady of Remedies), the patroness of childbirth. The church of Malate used to be known as "Maalat" due to the saline waters of the bay and was established by the Augustinian Friars on September 8, 1588.

Despite of many natural and man-made disasters, the church remains its beauty.

National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Of all the churches I visited last Holy Week this church was not on my list. Simply because I didn't know National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I was looking for a church just within Makati City and my colleague suggested to visit a church in Dao/San Antonio Village. Thanks to google and I didn't get lost.

Another peaceful sanctum in the middle of urban life and a perfect place to pray. 

St. John Bosco Parish Church

After Greenbelt Chapel and Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish last 2016, St. John Bosco Parish Church was the third modern church I visited last Holy Week in the city of Makati. Don Bosco church(mostly called by the parishioners) is located along Arnaiz St. formerly Pasay Road, at the corner of Amorsolo Street in Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati City.

Not only with its wow geometric architecture but you will surely go back here because of the inspiring story of St. John Bosco. He was a 19th century Italian century, writer and educator. He was given the title of "Father and Teacher of the Youth" because of his dedication to improve the welfare of the disadvantaged youth like street children and juvenile delinquents. 

There are still many churches in the Philippines I want to visit and pray. I would like to know their stories and share it to you. My blog is for everyone who wants to read it. Feel free to like my facebook page to Supermarkymacky etc. and supermarkymacky instagram account.

Sunny Day Of Valor At Fort Santiago, Intramuros Manila

First of all I would like to say super thank you to Upside Down Museum and also to my friend who owns Lagaw Travelogue, a travel blog for reposting my previous article about the newest and off-the-wall attraction in Manila. That was a hit! For more than 2 years of blogging and continuous posting useful articles it was my first time to gain more than a thousand views in less than 24 hours. Wow! Maybe it could be just a piece of cake for bloggers who started very early in this industry but for me it was record-breaking and totally beyond my expectation. That feeling like you were floating on cloud nine did not lose right away but hey! I need to wake up and create another article. Okay! Challenge accepted! It was the 9th of April when I asked my sister to go with me in Intramuros Manila. My main plan was to visit Fort Santiago but since it was also Palm Sunday I decided to include Manila Cathedral on our Day Tour. A very sunny and hot weather welcomed us when we went out of the church. The heat was really painful but still I never thought of bringing umbrella or putting sun screen for protection that time. What I thought was to bring back my tan skin tone. Oops! Just kidding. We were walking toward the gate of Fort Santiago holding our palm branches and felt a bit uncomfortable since I needed to use my two hands to take photos. That was a challenge though and we had no choice. Putting palm branch over the front door is an old tradition to Catholic families like us. They say that it's not only a simple decor but it also pushes bad spirits away. Our mom might get frustrated too without this when she returns from Iloilo so we bought two for 60 pesos(roughly USD1.20 ) and got blessed by the priest using his holy water after mass.

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to go to Fort Santiago. Simply because I always forget to go here everytime I'm in Intramuros. I've been to different landmarks and historical places inside the "Walled City" before a few times but not here. Only last Palm Sunday that this dream turned into reality. It is given that this kind of place will just show you the Philippines during Spanish era. Yes! Just history and the traces of the past. And that's what I like. Even on my previous articles I also shared that aside from Chinatown this is also one of my favorite places in Manila. It brings you back to the great old days and there are also quiet parts inside where you can relax. If you want to find somewhat a more quiet Manila and away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Intramuros is still a nice place for that.

Welcome to Fort Santiago! You will not get lost inside Intramuros if your way is going here. There are historical landmarks too that are just few minutes walk to this place such as the old and grandly designed Manila Cathedral and an old government building Palacio del Gobernador. For a fair and reasonable price of 75 pesos(roughly USD1.50) you'll be able to see various traces of the past. I highly advise to go here in the morning especially during summer or dry season. Because of the hot weather you may not be able to walk for a long period of time and see other parts of Fort Santiago. They open 8am-6pm daily though. The extreme sweats and painful heat may irritate you so don't forget to bring bottled water. Much better to just wear comfortable clothes too. The image above is the reconstructed main gate of Fort Santiago. Let's now enter the time machine! 

A calm moat can be seen before you enter the main gate where water lilies grow beautifully. Fort Santiago indeed makes a big contribution to the rich historical Intramuros and the Philippines, mainly stories of Filipinos during Spanish period. Because of that, it's not strange to see this in someone's bucket list. Either local or foreign tourist will surely include this on their Manila full day city tour. Just a brief history, the fort was named after Saint James(Santiago in Spanish). The patron Saint of Spain. It was a main fort for the spice trade to the Americas and Europe before. 

Rizal Shrine. When you enter Fort Santiago a very simple yet striking house can be seen even from far distance. This is a replica of Jose Rizal ancestral house in the province of Laguna. It was dedicated to the lifework of the national hero. 

Different photos of Rizal. It is said that great Rizal was multifaceted during his days. This small museum inside Fort Santiago houses various memorabilia such as artworks, manuscripts and books that will prove this. He also discovered and collected numerous specimens of sea shells, butterflies, insects, reptiles and other invertebrates during his Dapitan exile. I got a chance to see also a taxidermied winged lizard which his name appeared in the classification of it(scientific name "dracorizali").

Dr. Jose Rizal was one of the members of a patriotic newspaper organized in Spain "La Solidaridad" or The Solidarity before. This is the interactive area of the museum where you can be part of his life-size photo and other Filipino national heroes. To be more realistic you can wear costumes provided and act like an inspirational writer too. 

Footsteps of Rizal. For someone who doesn't know the great guy Jose, this may be just a unique artwork but for someone who know him and truly admire his works this can be heartbreaking. Stepping on these bronze-plated footsteps and following it may later on give you goosebumps. It is because you're also retracing the last footsteps of the national hero before his execution. It's his death walk. On the other hand, walking as if you're Jose Rizal in his last moments will definitely inspire you because of his bravery and sacrificial act for the Philippines' true freedom.

Ruins of Rajah Sulayman Theater. Fort Santiago was declared Shrine of Freedom after World War II and everything was almost erased. Today the ruins serve as traces of the very painful part of that period. One example is an entrance of a theater before(picture above) now somewhat became an old dungeon. Everywhere you look is just brick walls. 

Fort Santiago(Fuerte de Santiago) started its construction after the establishment of Manila as the capital of newly colonized islands of Spain in 1571. 

Day of Valor. Only after we left Fort Santiago when I realized that aside from Palm Sunday it was also Valor Day that day. I was totally not sure what would be the title for this article at first but to honor the heroism of Filipino soldiers especially during World War II I included the name of this special day. It is also called Bataan Day or "Araw ng Kagitingan" in Tagalog(Philippine language) to commemorate the fall of Bataan(Corregidor) during World War II. Thousand of Filipino and American soldiers died here during many battles in the past.

Islands Souvenirs "I Love Manila". The very last time I saw this souvenir shop was way back 2013 when I was in Boracay. It was a happy feeling to see this in Manila. Now, local and foreign tourists can buy quality printed and personalized T-Shirts just outside Fort Santiago.

Minokawa and Bakunawa(Street Art by Gerilya). We left Fort Santiago roughly 3 in the afternoon. Sun's heat was still painful. While we were walking outside there was a street art that caught my attention. What's that? It was painted with very striking colors at the Intramuros Parking Lot. What are those creatures? The description tells "Bakunawa is a giant sea serpent with dragon-like features and abilities. It has a mouth the size of a lake with a red tongue, whiskers, gills and two sets of wings. It is believed to be the cause of lunar eclipses in the Visayas region. Minokawa is a giant bird which also belongs to the dragon family. Its eyes shine like mirrors with feathers as sharp as swords and everything else of its majestic body made of steel. It is believed to cause solar eclipses in Mindanaoan tales. (A public art project sponsored by Davies Paint, Intramuros Administration, Gerilya, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Association of Southeast Asian Nations: "A Retelling of the Philippine Mythological Dragons Legend using Street Art)We really thought it's from an anime film or manga characters but no it's proudly from Filipino folktales.

Door of San Agustin Church. I already made article about this church but I didn't get a chance to take a picture with me included. Great thing my sister was with me that time to help. Without a doubt San Agustin church has beautiful doors and no one in the world who would want to miss the opportunity to use this as profile photo on social media. Am I right? There are still a lot of things I would like to discover in Manila especially those attractions in Intramuros. I will make sure to keep you updated when I get back here. Don't forget to like my facebook page Supermarkymacky etc. and instagram supermarkymacky.

Upside Down Museum Is The Newest Interactive And Off-The-Wall Museum In Manila

Hello April! Great news! I will be flying to Japan next week. Time to prepare and pack my things! Who else got pranked last April 1st? Too bad you're innocent. For sure you didn't miss hearing this from a friend or relative. This is just one of the pranks or fake news spread out mostly on social media when the first day of the month started. These hoaxes like your friend posted a pregnancy test with two positive lines on her facebook wall even if she's single, your favorite actor died in car crash or someone got robbed will surely trigger your gullible brain. So, be careful! Aside from academic graduation season in the Philippines, easter egg hunt and summer, this month will never be special without April fool's day. It's like a huge party popper to welcome the new month. Oh, wow! Time flies way too fast, I can't believe that we're done with the first quarter of the year. How are your new year's resolutions going? Well, I never created one, so I don't have so much pressure. But no worries, you still have nine months, just continue trying, okay?

Welcome to Upside Down Museum! Totally I consider this as coincidence, to post an article somewhat relative to April fool's day. Why? No, don't worry I won't crack a joke. These past few weeks this art museum trended on my facebook news feed and my feet couldn't wait to visit. Hell Yeah! And we made it. It was my first time to visit this off-the-wall place and the sixth museum I visited this year. Tell you what, I thought I was like in a movie of "Alice in Wonderland". Very fictional, interactive and playful. Literally everything is Upside Down. Wow! It will really fool your eyes. Located at the former "Boom Na Boom" grounds, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila. You'll never make a wrong turn since it's surrounded by famous places in Manila such as an exhibition center World Trade Center Metro Manila, 24 hours spa and health club Wensha Spa and amusement park Star City.

We went there early afternoon but their hours of operation: 11am-9pm daily. We thought of taking advantage on their promo at first for 580 pesos(roughly 11 US Dollars) per visitor there is inclusive of Star City Ride-All-You-Can but due to lack of time, later on we decided to pay the regular price of 450 pesos(roughly 9 US Dollars) per visitor. The entrance fee may sound pricey to some but you'll realize it's worth and the "value for money" when you get there. One major thing I like about Upside Down Museum is they have assistant(s) who will take pictures of you using your camera or mobile phone from start to finish. I can say that it's not an easy job and they will truly give justice on what you paid for. They will be the one who will create a pose for you and all you need to do is to follow. Voila! Amazing topsy-turvy photos you can post on your instagram. There are more than 15 features inside like the Leaning House(pictures above and below), Floating Corner, Upside Down House, Mirror House, Giant Sneaker and Giant Headset. They also have photographers who will inform you that they will take also pictures of you and it's up to you if you want to buy 2 hard copies of your favorite photos inclusive of soft copy of all the photos for roughly 500 pesos(roughly 10 US Dollars). You may review the photos and decide to buy before you exit. Here are our epic photos that will trick your eyes.

The Leaning House will never be a perfect home. No one can rest here and sleep. Mom! Let's find another house and make sure to pay the mortgage. 

This made me sweat a bit. On the photo, all you know is I'm climbing up the ladder but no. In reality, sad to say I was crawling up the ladder that time. There are poses that require extra effort and this is one. If you wanna dare yourself and create jaw-dropping shots I may recommend you to just wear shorts to feel more comfortable.

Only in this museum where I can be like Spiderman. I remember the music video of A-Teens when I was a kid on this photo. I got hooked into their music and had LSS(last song syndrome) for like a week. Sorry, I think until now? "Upside down bouncing off the ceiling. Inside out, stranger to this feeling. Got no clue what I should do? But I'll go crazy If I can't get next to you". For sure 90's babies can relate here.

Oh my! What are you doing here? This happens when there's no sign in the bathroom door or the worst is there's really no bathroom door. 

Strike a cute pose even if you're in the middle of something. Ah? Forget about it.

Make sure to see an ENT doctor after this. Your eardrums might have ruptured.

Yes! My vacation request got approved. Where do we go next?

This happens when you're grounded but you were able to go to your friend's birthday party. Make sure your mom will not hear you or else this will be your position until morning. 

If you're working in a company for almost ten years and doing the same thing everyday, it's fast to get bored. So, to stay and live for another ten years I would say this position could be helpful.

What's the way to exercise your mind but also your muscles? Ah! Play chess upside down.

What if you're watching soccer then suddenly your TV turned off? Later on, you realized you didn't pay the bill. No choice but to do acrobatic moves.

Time to cook! Hey brother! Can you please give the knife? This is how we bond when everyone doesn't have work on Sunday.

This position might help not to have nightmare. Let's sleep!

Every Sunday, we have different chores to do. I always do the laundry, my other roommates clean the bathtub, shower room and dive into a toilet? That seems strange.

When you went from a party with Disco 70's theme and forgot to remove your afro hair at the waiting shed. 

This is like a throwback to one of my favorite movies when I was a kid, "Honey, I shrunk the kids".

I told you guys not to do it again. There's a stair at the back door. I hope my mom won't hear us.

When we tried to have a groupfie with one of my favorite classic cars, the "Volkswagen Beetle" but. I guess let's try another day? 

I told you guys I won't fool you on this article. Upside Down Museum is really a happy place for everyone, whether it's a family bonding, get together with friends or going solo you will enjoy being part of different features. Maybe you can treat your son or daughter here after graduation ceremony or alternate place to visit this dry season. For promo you can visit their website www.upsidedown.com.ph and don't forget to like my facebook page Supermarkymacky. Oops! Also follow me on instagram. Super thanks and see you!