TBT: My First Encounter With A Racist Korean

It's the 16th of April, nth day since the lockdown. I could not think of anything to blog besides ranting about how unfair my employer has been. I have already sent all my ugly feelings toward my employer into the void so I think I am done with that.

Earlier while doing some chores while thinking about what movies to binge watch next, I suddenly remember that painful incident in early 2000 in this Korean company that I worked. Let us hide this company in the name of LG Collins. I was thinking about not watching another Korean drama and lo and behold this was what crossed my thoughts. I have a weird RAM sometimes.

So this was the story. Back in early 2000, me fresh out of college would take any job any company would offer the naive, shy and so ignorant me. I applied for an entry-level position in this Korean company in Pasig that distributed electronic appliances in the Philippines. The kind human resource lady told me that this position was for a reliever to a staff going on a maternity leave, but I could apply for a permanent position when there's an opening. I took the offer because I could use some experience from that reputable company. And Pasig was just one ride away, location very accessible and those times heavy traffic was rare in the area.

So I started right away, introduced to the department after the usual HR blah blah blah then I sat with the staff who started to train me through her huge belly and shiny face ( and hair). It was an all-female department, managed by an unmarried woman in her forties, I think the youngest was I thought to be around my age. There were two student trainees too. Only two were nice to me, three monsters and the rest did not care about my existence. Except for the two trainees who were extra nicer to me.

Their office was a huge open space with cubicles with division as high just above my waist. So if you stand up from your cubicle you would see everyone in the entire floor. They had this sophisticated computerized system that made them an almost paperless transactions. Only the Executives, which were from South Korea, that changed every five years, who have their own offices and bathroom. Their restrooms are labeled "For Executives Only". I was told that their new executive just arrived a few months back and was kind of strict.

Anyway to begin with my horrible experiences I would start with what that pregnant bitch with oily hair did to me. In the first week she trained me and things went fine. In the beginning of the second week, I left my notes at home because I changed bag and left my notes unintentionally. When I could not remember the steps (computer system) to click next, she got furious and never talked to me the whole day. Her hormones, I had to understand.

The following day, I printed a document in the common printer. There was one printer shared by all the staff and it jammed. I pressed the on off button and when nothing happened I returned to my table and asked someone who do I ask for help with that damn printer then this not so prety lady yelled "WHO TURNED THIS PRINTER OFF there were important blah blah blah!" and her mouth was foaming acid. I told her it was me and I apologized and she ignored me.

In the same week, or so before it, I thought, I brought my own lunch and ate with the trainees on a spare table near the manager's table. The following days, I was told that we were not allowed to eat there anymore. I was told that the manager saw me eating there alone since the trainees were not on schedule and the manager did not seem to like it. Like what? The pregnant bitch jokingly told me, napag iinitan ka lang ni maam kasi bago ka.

But above all this, this was the worst that made me not go back in that company the following day, my first encounter with a Korean. It was early in the morning, the assistant manager, Susan, the kindest of them all was eating breakfast at her table ( this was allowed) so I made a little chat with her while she finished. I told her that though she ate a lot it did not look on her. It was the truth. She ate a lot of rice for breakfast. It was a nice atmosphere when all of a sudden the male Korean executive was approaching her direction. I stood up from the chair I was sitting, it was just in front of her table and sat to the nearest one hastily. The ugly Korean asshole a step away from Susan, in his Hitler tone of voice "Susan lets talk!" And then he pulled the chair, that chair where I sat, dragged and thrown it somewhere within the strenght of his pale thin arms, then pulled another chair out of nowhere and sat there like he was an angry bull then talked to Susan like it was nothing. Let me put this in Tagalog: hinila nya ng padabog yung silya na inupuan ko, hinagis nya sa isang tabi at humila ng isa pang silya at dun sya naupo.

Nobody explained to me why it happened. Everyone went on their work like normal, and I, wished that the ground would just swallow me alive.

And that day, it was a lesson learned, first hand experience that Koreans are rude and have no respect for Filipinos. That they looked down on us like slaves.

Five o clock came, I was so quiet while gathering my things, holding back tears, decided not to show up the next day and did not tell anyone good bye. It was one of the worst two weeks of my life at LG Electronics, a Korean company based in the Pasig City Philippines. That night, I cried like I had stage four cancer.

My Long Weekend Was

Last April 8, my family went out for a day tour in Batangas. My nieces and nephews wanted to swim in the sea waters and get some sunburn. My whole family, except for my mother and my aunt who refused to join because the ride was too exhausting for their age and we were joined by some other relatives. Our plan was Manuel Uy resort in Calatagan, but when we reached the place at sunrise the beach was already full. There were many people and vehicles waiting by the gates of the resort, and that’s probably because the place has become popular in social media when some travel bloggers share beautiful photos of the place. And holy cow did we forget it was a holiday long weekend. I actually warned my sister but they did not listen. Lesson learned.

And so we searched for an alternative resort. I felt disappointed but since we were already there, might as well enjoy the time. We had no other option but Matabungkay resort, since the other resorts nearby were either expensive (hello Stilts) nor just not ---- well, we can’t swim in there.

The cottages in the resort are made of bamboo and were all floating in the water. Most of which are old, and you can say that it’s been floating in there for ages, judging by the moss that stuck everywhere.  The beach was too crowded and the water was not very clean anymore. You can see people just don’t care about the trash floating around, and were not even aware that their own trash went floating in the water. The place was too noisy, men drinking Emperador and smoking cigarettes, on the shore some women belting some Beyonce song, and there were shouting and loud chatting everywhere.

We rented a boat and went to a short ride to a nearby private resort that’s clean and quiet. The boat driver told us that a businessman owns the property. The place was lovely. The sand was white, the waters are clean and clear there were even small starfishes in the water. I wanted to stay there for hours, but we were not allowed so we just took pictures instead and went back to our cottage.

I had a good time though I was tired from the trip. Despite the disappointments from not being able to go with the original plan,  I was glad to have spent some time with my family. I was just a little upset seeing people sabotaging our seas, and the environment as well. It’s just sad that there’s trash everywhere. We were charged an environment fee of twenty five pesos per head but where does the money go? Are the government of Batangas won’t do anything to protect their beaches? I guess it’s not really the government to blame, but the people also. Most Filipinos are a bunch of undisciplined people who would only think about nothing but personal gain. If these people won’t do their share in protecting the planet, I pity the future generation.  Even if the president close all the beaches in our country, but we are not doing our share, that’s nothing. It’s our collective actions that will reveal how much we care, and if most of us are assholes on our planet, then expect an asshole-r earth! Gosh!

I have read reviews from travel blogger about that Manuel Uy resort, and one said that the beach was really lovely, except that people started to flock in this place and leaving their trash behind. I just hope that those travel bloggers are at the same time would send the message, not only to the resort owners but also to the people going there to be responsible enough in taking care of the planet. Travel bloggers are social media influencers. Their opinions matter to people who read their blogs, and they should highlight in their reviews about people’s responsibilities when visiting these places. Just saying.

I need to end this post. I should probably write a separate one about my experience with seeing parents setting bad examples to their children about being abusive to the environment, so bye for now.

Lafang All We Can! Inday and Dodong's Viking's Experience

Dahil birthday ko, sinamantala na namin ni Dudung ang birthday promo ng Viking's na matagal ko nang plano pero di natuloy tuloy, ewan ko ba, pero this year natuloy na! One week bago ang aking special day, pina reserve ko na ang romantic table for two sa SM Marikina branch, ganun ako ka atat! Mahirap na maubusan, isang taon na naman ang aantayin ko, tumatanda nako hahaha!

Third time ko sa Viking's, yung first and second parehong libre lang,  at first time naman ni Dudung, so may konting briefing at tip ako sa kanya na hindi kami kakain ng madami bago ang lafangan, kaya lang hindi nakinig ang Dudung, kumain pa din ng rice. Kebs lang ako! Hanggang sa dumating na ang sandali na naka overwhelm ng aking sikmura!

Photo above: Upon entrace, itey ang bubungad. Ang shala ng place. Sosyal na ito para sa inday na tulad ko. Habang kumakalam ang aking sikmura at lumuluwa ang mga mata ko sa pagtingin tingin kung ano ba una kong kakainin, natuwa naman ako sa lighting effect ng place, at ang furnitures na kung pwede lang ilagay sa bag ko baka nagawa ko na. Ang taray ng ambiance. Happy ang Inday!

Would you believe na gulay ang una kong dinampot? Why o why? Nabasa ko kasi yung title, tapos naalala ko yung movie tungkol sa ambisyosong daga kaya ayan na curious ako sa lasa ng pagkaing may nakaka confuse na spelling at mahirap i pronounce. Ratatouille.  In fairness pag aaralan ko lutuin yan. Pasensya na nga pala sa malabong pic ;D 

Una ko ring pinuntahan itong  carving, dahil cheatday/birthday sige na sagarin ko na sarili ko sa laman ng sangkahayupan. Photo above ay si kuya sa Carving Station na may pagka suplado. Gusto ko lang naman ng roasted turkey, ewan koba sour face binigay nya sakin. Ayan di ko tinakpan mukha nya sa picture, bahala ka!!!! Bwahahahah!

I must admit na hindi na ako ganun katakaw. Noong bata pa ako kaya kong kumain hanggang tatlong rice sa mang inasal, pero dahil tumatanda, nagbabago ang lahat, at hindi na rin talaga ako pang buffet. So dapat sulitin ko ang mga kakainin ko.

Picture above is the shalang Sushi station. Napaisip ako medyo malaking space ang kinain nya, ganun ba kahilig mga Pinoy sa Japanese? Guys, hindi ako kumain ng anything galing dito dahil di ko talaga trip ang sushi. Nagandahan lang talaga ako sa mga ilaw kaya panay ang lingon ko tuwing dadaan ako dito. Hindi akma ang binalot na ewan sa kanin sa panglasa ni Inday!!! Hahahaha!

Mahilig ako sa soup, pero ewan ko ba bakit di ko naisipan kumuha kahit konti. Dahil siguro mas na tempt ako mag mirror selfie kasama ng mga crush kong ilaw dito sa side na ito, at ngayon ko lang napagtanto at medyo nagsisi ako na hindi ako nag soup. Well, there's no sense in crying over the missed soup...

Eto naman ang drinks station. One tip na natutunan ko from "buffet experts" wag daw panay ang inom para di ka mabusog agad. Pero ang sasarap ng mga drinks nila. Ganun pa man, sinunod ko yung tip, sympre gusto ko masulit ang bayad namin kaya pinigilan ko ang urge na tikman lahat sila lalo na yung beer.

Winner ang baked oysters, kaya lang ang nakaka disappoint ay ang medyo matagal silang mag refill. At pagka refill na ubos kaagad sa isang plato lang. Nakakasama ng loob ha, yung feeling na gustong gusto mo yung food pero pakiramdam mo pinagdadamot sayo??

This is heaven on this side of the earth! Joke lang, dessert station yan! Hahaha! Medyo nalungkot din ako ng konti kasi parang hindi na kasingdami ng dati yung sweets na pwede mong pagpilian. Na sad ako kasi walang creme brulee at hindi ko na pinansin yung leche flan. By this time, busog na rin ako pero yung puso ko tumitibok sa mga pagkain nato. Na inlove nga pala ako dun sa avocado na may cheesecake, ang sarap, as usual nalimutan ko yung pangalan at apelyido! :D

Gusto ko pa sanang tikman lahat ng nakikita ko kaya lang hindi na talaga kaya ng sikmura ko. Yung feeling na yun gusto pa ng bibig mo? Minsan kasi talaga sa buhay may mga bagay na hindi na dapat pinipilit dahil hindi na dapat. Dapat tayo makuntento sa tama lang, hind yung porke vulnerable ang paligid sasamantalahin mo. ;p

Nahahalata nyo na malamang yung matindi kong pagnanasa dun sa ilaw ;p. Anyway, sa laki ng place medyo hindi ko lang feel yung mga area ng table for two kasi medyo dikit dikit. Of course intindihin natin na this is business at kelangan nila i maximize ang space para maka accomodate ng maraming customers para mabawi naman nila ang kanila operating expenses. Need din nila sympre na na mag take advantage na paliitin ang variable expenses para naman hindi lumiit ang kanilang contribution margin para naman kahit hindi peak season maka break-even man lang sila na mas okay kesa loss. Pag masaya ang negosyo, mas masaya ang BIR! Hahaha!

Balik ako dun sa dikit dikit na table for two. In my opinion, hindi masyado ideal place ang Vikings kung doon kayo magliligawan ha, matao at medyo maingay ang lugar, pang food trip ng pamilya at barkada talaga! Pero kung gusto nyo doon mag date hindi ko kayo pipigilan!

Teka, mahaba na masyado itong post ko. To sum it up, was our "eat like a Viking" experience good? Ako okay lang, si Dudung sabi nya nasulit naman daw nya yung binayad namin na P 774.90 Vat inclusive. Not bad diba?

So sa December 14, SM Megamall naman ang plano namin. Viking's get ready! Until next time. See you!!!

I Know Nothing About Art But I Visited Pinto Art Museum Anyway

In all honesty, I learned nothing in my Humanities class back in college, blame my cute professor! It was all his fault. No, he wasn't incompetent, in fact I thought he was. It was just he was cuter than the lessons, hahahaha! Hi Sir, if you happen to come across this blog! I hope you still remember the thin girl with short hair sitting somewhere in the second row with her equally pretty friends :) (Landi!)

I have been planning to visit this museum which was not so far far away from where I live ever since I saw it on social media. When I finally had the free time, I forced my cousin to come with me since she was just sitting at home killing time while waiting for her papers to go back to UAE where she works. So off we went to Pinto Art Museum which was just a kendeng away from the city proper of Antipolo.

Let me share with you this really nice quote that I found in Instagram a couple of days ago:

"Once, Picasso was asked what his paintings meant.  He said, 'Do you ever know what the birds are singing?  You don't. But you listen to them anyway.' So, sometimes with art, it is important just to look."

Bingo! That's just us, right? The normal people who would not even distinguish which art is a Renaissance or whatever but just love looking at paintings and sculptures and anything that is called a work of art.

If you are not from anywhere near Antipolo, you won't be having a hard time looking for this place. Ask directions if you are driving your car, using the famous Antipolo church as the landmark, do this by singing along to the tune of Tayo Na Sa Antipolo, at Doon, Maligo Tayo! And if you're commuting, the jeepney and tricycle drivers would be willing to help you out, just yell "yeah, we're visiting the Pinto Art Museum, we're cool! I'm sure you wouldn't get lost! The place is very accessible.

Armed with my humble Samsung J7 Prime, I took more than a hundred photos when I was there so forgive me if I had a really hard time choosing the best one for you. So just scroll down and take a look, and I hope you like them:

At the entrance, you would be greeted by a staff, ask you to log your name on a record book, pay for P 200 each, (students and senior citizens have discounts) and a map of the place would be handed to you. Wow, the place was bigger and lovelier than I expected so I wished we came earlier in the morning (we arrived at around eleven so imagine the sun glaring brightly at us! The photo above was my first shot.

Pinto Art Museum is located in a residential area in Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo. I think it's not just enough to call it a museum alone. It's so big there's a chapel inside, a cafe, a swimming pool, the landscapes of beautifully manicured lawns, and with plenty of beds with white sheets in almost every corner, I don't know what to call it. Everyone who went there were so right, the place is Instagram worthy!

There was not a corner that I did not find anything artsy in here. I tried to look for a trash bin to check if they're also artistically made but I did not find one. Sorry, I should ask one of the staff pretending I was throwing away a candy wrapper. Maybe next time! :)

Photo above is one of my favorite spots. Inside this gallery are arts from the Ilocos region ( hope my memory serves me well, arts inside were labeled, correct me if I'm wrong and you've been there) And that curtain, which was made of something I wasn't sure if it was a fruit shell or what, I can't even tell. I would love to have something like that in my house!

Walls are all white, with windows that let light and air inside you would not need a flash for taking pictures. It was almost noon time so were a little sweaty wandering the place, but the cool air outside the gardens were relaxing. I wanted to jump in the pool but there was no sign that swimming was allowed,

One of the most memorable paintings I saw in my whole life was the famous Spoliarium during our field trip back in high school. The painting scared the hell out of me it even haunted me in my dreams, lol! Seriously, I wanted to see that painting again. Hope to check out the National Museum again soon. And take another back pose of me, like the photo above.

Back to Pinto Art Museum, there's a corner where I thought the paintings were alien inspired, because, the faces on those paintings were distorted and creepy, like that one above, and they were drunk. Now I regret that I did not really pay much attention to my art appreciation class back then. How would I interpret this painting now? Tsk tsk tsk!!! Ha ha ha!

Like they say, the place is a feast for the eyes, with so many beautiful and colorful paintings of all sizes, I lost count of how many galleries and rooms we entered, I even lost track of time I did not expect that two hours was not enough to see the whole place! If you're planning to come here, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, don't wear high heels and heavy make up. For art's sake, just don't, lol!

It was a weekday when we went there but there were a number of people inside, even in the cafe, so imagine this place on weekends and holidays right? The museum is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, and I assumed they have some maintenance works on Mondays, where they are closed. Better check the schedule :)

At first I was only interested to have a few cute pictures for my boring IG account, but the place would make you appreciate the beauty in even the simplest of things... like...uhm... a door. Okay, not funny! You know what I mean, right?  Who owns the place? What does he do for a living? Go google! There are plenty of articles written about this all over the net. Go check this article HERE very helpful.

Amazing view over one of the decks, and one blog I visited,  here you can watch the beautiful view of the sunset. Are you among us who loves the sunset? This place is for you! I would surely come back here for the sunset!

There's a place off limits to visitors. I guess these are still under construction, I'm thinking it would be really worth it to go back and hopefully these constructions in progress are done. I'm not exaggerating if I tell you a second visit is worth it. Namnamin ang ganda ng paligid! Maybe I would try a meal or drink in the cafe, if I have extra money.

Can you imagine life without art? I can't! Thank God for art! When things in life hits us really hard, sometimes it's art that helps us go through and cope with it. It helps us pour our frustrations and hopelessness into a meaningful kind of experience.

So! I'm running out of thing to say, but there's just one thing I want to tell you. Don't just be contented in seeing this in photos. Go see these art pieces for yourself. It's really worth it!

PS, all photos above are mine, raw and unedited. I did not  use any filter at all.

Thank you and leave a comment, tell me what you think, I'd love to hear it!

xoxo,
Claire

The Island That Is Boracay

Hey guys! I'm back! But this post has been long overdue. It was when the rest of the world was decking the halls with bells and folly, I went to Boracay with my beach body, I mean buddies! :)

It's never too late for post about a beach get-away that was spent in December because, you can feel it, summer has just began (at least in my part of the earth!) :) This was a nine-month vacation in the making because the ticket was purchased in March 2016 (if you really want to spend less money for a two-way air fare, you need to be patient for those airline promos, wink!) just like what we did. A vacation that was very cheap even a minimum wage earning woman can afford.

Meet the gang! Four lovely ladies who spends time together a lot (that's because we work in the same company and we have no other choice! No, they're awesome and we're fabulous! And boy do I need to tell where is that island when I know for sure Boracay is just one of the most sought-after beach in the Philippines? Anyway, from left to right: Me, Cel, Joanne, and Joy at the shores with the sands at our feet, the wind blowing our hair and the perfect water summoning us with its mighty powers. Oh that was a really lovely day!

Landed destination safe and sound

Did I mention it was my first time to fly? And I had the privilege (which I did not enjoy) to get the window seat. I said I was fine at the aisle, I said it was fine if hips of strangers keep bumping on my arms (and worse face) because I have fear of heights. I could not look down when I'm at a higher locations. I could not! But then, my seatmate insisted. So I ended up seating by the window despite my diplomatic protest. How was it. Oh it was fine! I was fine when the plane shook during its take-off and landing. But it was when I saw how the earth looked down from up there scared me. I almost cried. I felt so little, so insignificant to the vastness of the universe and the mysteries that goes with it. Okay, I'm overreacting!

 When I looked at the window and stared at this beautiful clouds, it was only then I understood why some people dreamed to fly. That feeling I could not form into words. That same feeling when Harry Potter soaring with his Firebolt escaping the dragon in the Tri-Wizard tournament? Almost. Well, I can fly again but not the window seat next time! :)

After around three (or four) hours of travel both land and air from Manila to Aklan, we reached Boracay mid-afternoon and the beach was crowded. It was a Sunday, the weather was perfect, and the place was awesome so our minds did not entertain anything that our bodies said tired. We changed into our sexiest (yeah!) clothes and hit the beach right away. FYI, it was a challenge shopping for summer clothes in the months where people were busy shopping for gifts, so excuse our OOTD's if that's the sexiest we can get! (Laughing out loud and winking out hard!)

I love the beach. I dream of owning a house just right next to the shores. I love waking to the sounds of the waves in the morning and the same gentle sound would rock me to sleep at night. I love the salty winds messing my hair along with the trees swaying to its rhythm. I would walk on the shores with the sands massaging the soles of my feet while collecting beautiful sea shells I could find. And in the afternoon, I would sit under a tree staring at the sunset contemplating about life (even the life after this life) and our reason for existence. Oh the dream life! :)

So how was the trip? I had a blast! Definitely a must see place you would never go back home grouchy! I intended (or tried whichever word works best) this post to be a bit of a how-to-travel-to-boracay-with-a-little-money-post but with my noisy thoughts, look how this has turned out? I'm sorry, I know I cannot do that travel blogging by now. I'm a lousy travel blogger! I can't even remember the name of that house we stayed where we had an awful experience. But anyway, I hope to blog another awesome vacation next time and will try to make it more information-loaded and helpful next time. I'm sure there's plenty of blogs out there that could help you if you have plans of visiting the island.  

Until next time. I love you for reading. Let me know what you think, please, please, please! :)

Thank you Ate Pretty Yzet Macay for the permission to use her photos.

Love,
Claire

Memories Of Baguio City

It was only lately I realized what I have been missing a lot by not going on trips outside my home town. Back then I have never dreamed to travel even if it becomes something I can afford, or best if its free. I'm a homebody. Happiness to me is peace and quiet, food and books at the comfort of my home during holidays and no work days with my loved ones. But, as they say, things change. February of 2016, I got the chance to have a weekend trip to Baguio with my friends at work. It was a cheap DIY weekend trip, for two nights and three days, spent less than two thousand pesos on room and transportation, of eight non-blood related people but treat each other like family, it was definitely a very memorable first for me.

The view from our rented house.

It's been months, and a little too late to blog it in Ber months, but like I always tell you, "better late than later". We left around 10 pm on a Thursday and reached Baguio around three am. It was colder than I imagined. I thought I needed three layers of clothes to avoid my knees from shaking.

The beautiful trees at the Ketchup Food Community

Our first stop was the Ketchup Food Community for breakfast. Inside this compound are number of affordable restaurants where you can choose according to your budget and taste.  We ate here at Rancho where they served mostly Filipino dish. The food was affordable and good. The place was clean (except for a few flies that's just probably normal for a non air-conditioned place) but it took a little long while to get our orders served.

After breakfast we went to the Baguio Botanical Garden. Most tourist never leave the place without a picture at this spot with these elderly people. Don't worry, you can afford their talent fees ;)

The flowers were starting to bloom at that time (a couple of weeks before the Panagbenga Festival). The sun was trying its best to peak every now and then but  mostly it was just the clouds that dominated the sky. In short the weather was just perfect. I had to wear my sweater because it felt cold when the sun was hiding even if it was noon time.

The locals were all friendly and smiley people. Several times we had to ask for directions and never we were given cold shoulders and snobbish replies. The city is cold and busy, but definitely not the people who visits their home. You would definitely feel very welcome.

Probably one of the reasons why I would come back to Baguio again is this strawberry taho. I loved taho as a child, but  as I grew older, I rarely eat this anymore. My first time to ever tried it in strawberry flavor and I loved it. I hope we have it in Manila, but no. Strawberry is kind of costly there. There's taho vendor everywhere in Baguio so it's not hard to miss it during our visit.

I had a really great time in Baguio and I wish I could go back again this time with my husband. My most favorite place in the whole city was probably Camp John Hay. You might want to guess why. Yes, because of the lovely trees! :)

We had an awesome time there, the surroundings was perfect for picture taking. The place was so peaceful, cool air and birds singing it made me want to just lie on the grass and look up at the clear bright sky.

We also visited Mines View Park and bought goodies at Good Shepherd Convent where the the view is as breath-taking as well. So, that's about it. This post has been sitting in my draft for months already. I just love to go back to Baguio and next time it will be together with my family this time. 

Until next time..

xoxo,

Claire

Hinulugang Taktak National Park Today

Nakakahiyang aminin, nine years na akong nakatira sa Antipolo pero lately ko lang nabisita ang Hinulugang Taktak.  Pero sabi nga nila, better late than later...

 At naisip ko na hindi ko rin masisi ang self ko kung bakit never ko binalak na pumunta dito noon. Many years ago kasi, (mga panahong hindi pa uso ang Facebook) puro pangit ang naririnig ko about Hinulugang Taktak. Kesyo madumi, madami basura floating in the river, mabaho, panget, panget at panget. Kaya ayun, siguro ito yung natanim sa isip ko. Pero one time, there's a voice inside me that tells me to visit the place, so yan, sometime in August 2016, sinama ko ang jowa kong kaladkarin at nakita ko for the fist time ang Hinulugang Taktak! And this is how it looks like today:

It was more beautiful than what I imagine it to be, or from what I've seen on tv and pictures. Nakakabighani ang waterfalls. Na imagine ko tuloy kung ano ang hitsura nito noong araw, baka pwedeng ipangtapat sa Niagara. 

Photo below ang daan patungo sa falls right at the entrace. Dito pa lang maririnig mo na ang tunog ng falls na very relaxing to the senses. Yun lang, kasabay din ng pagpasok mo may something smelly na you know that's coming from the waters. Pero tolerable naman yung baho aroma. Not sure if it's just me pero nawala din yung smell after a few minutes or na immune lang ang ilong ko.

Walang entrace fee dito. Malinis ang paligid, halatang may nag me maintain ng cleanliness, orderliness, and bongganess.  Sa entrance may mga uniformed personnel na may logbook na nakahanda para sa mga papasyal. Halos walang tao nung time na pumunta kami kaya tahimik ang lugar. Maraming punong malalaki at may mga birds pang humuhuni na ikinasaya ko ng bongga! Oh you know I love nature so much! 

Dahil sa kapayapaan ng paligid sinamantala kong mag ala model in a music video. Dito sa bridge na ito, sinamantala kong mag emote at mag conmtemplating-about-life pose habang nagpapanggap na hindi ko alam na pini picturan ako para sa mas madramang effect. Tagumpay naman. Sa ganda ng surroundings effortless ang pag eemote ko. Hahaha!

May mga cottages din para sa mga gustong mag picnic. Pero naghahanap ako ng basurahan, wala akong nakita. Saan kaya magtatapon ng basura? Inassume ko na lang na iuuwi mo yung mga kalat na dinala mo. Sige itatanong natin yan sa next punta ko. But the important is bawal magtapon ng kalat kung saan saan. Hello naman, tinuturo naman ito kinder palang diba?? (Nakataas kilay ko)

At para sa mga gustong mag isip kung paano iwawasto ang mga pagkakamaling nagawa nila sa buhay nila, may Meditation Area para sa inyo. Dito mo ibuhos lahat ng nilalaman ng puso mo habang nakatitig sa agos ng tubig at nakikinig sa huni ng mga ibong nagbabalik  ng masasaklap na alala at sugat na dinulot ng mapait na nakaraan... Hep tigil muna ang drama...Hihihi!

Meron ding pool sa loob ng park, may restrooms and shower rooms na perfect for a weekend family get-togetherness. Just inquire at the uniformed people in the area or you can call the city office kung may bayad or free. Ininspeksyon ko ang mga banyo, okay naman! Malinis ang pool, hindi nga lang masyado malaki pero pwede na. 

May wide space din na perfect for your playful little children. Pwede silang maghabulan dito hanggang sa mapagod at magutom sila. And all around was surrounded with a nice landscape na pa mountain char ang drama.

So what are you waiting for? Make sure you visit the park when in Antipolo. This is the second most visited spot in the city, next to the cathedral. Who knows, sa mga single baka dito nyo na mahanap ang forever nyo. Sa mga may asawa baka dito nyo mahuli ang kabit ng mister nyo, joke lang!. At sa mga tulad ko na naghahanap ng perfect backdrop for your Instagram photo, this is the place!!

xoxo,

Claire