MacArthur Landing Memorial Park (Red Beach, Palo, Leyte)

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES:

I have returned. By the grace of the Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil – soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come dedicated and committed to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy cordial over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible strength, the liberties of your people.

At my side is your President, Sergio Osmeña, worthy successor of that great patriot Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re-established on Philippine soil.

The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.

Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! strike! For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of divine God points the way. Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!

- Douglas MacArthur

A walk down history lane

Red Beach and the grassy park

Black Butterfly

For how long can we remain faithful to someone who has made a big impact in our life we initially called our teacher? Do we still give the same amount of effort on the founded relationship up to this day? Do we stress our mentor’s importance in our day to day ride we call journey? How can we easily slip into forgetting the part they played in our early life, as we pursue happiness that’s supposed to make us any happier? How come by a single text you realize at once the same amount of affection hasn’t become any less through the years, saying that your teacher missed and loved you?

Two weeks ago, I was in a company of high school classmates for a prayer vigil over the body of our Biology teacher who passed away from cancer. I remember her as soft-spoken, someone who rarely got mad at unruly, naughty students, and with eyes carrying a shade of blue. I don’t know if she ever wore contacts, though, but that’s exactly imprinted in my memory. She’s one of the teachers whom I admittedly have become a fan of.

When we went out of the funeral parlor, while talking and waiting for someone, the very moment the door went open after us, a big black butterfly rushed its way out and man, did I feel its wings flapping against my head. I’m not superstitious, but it’s hard to ignore something that’s all too powerful at that moment.

I thought I felt her presence for the last time.

Image: Calbiga, Samar, Philippines

Pandanon Island (Getafe, Bohol)

After a complete standstill in the middle of our way to our destination because of a leaking fuel tank, opting for brief diving and snorkeling activities in the area while waiting for the second motorized banca (the rescue!), Pandanon Island was after all close to getting us all sunburnt.

Pandanon Island is part of Getafe (or Jetafe), Bohol. It is a very small island inhabited by probably only a few hundred people (that is based on what I saw, just a fair estimate). What attracts tourists to the island is its long stretch of white sandbar that is more like a long extension of mainland Pandanon.

When we got there, it was almost noon, and the sun was peaking turning the area into a desert of white sand. It was a very hot day, a reminder that summer isn’t over yet.

I had fun! I enjoyed snorkeling and swimming hastily back to shore because of a disturbed sea snake! :) 

I would like to thank the May and June birthday people! What a treat! And to the life of the party, thanks, it was fun with less effort. We could hardly contain the jokes and the mere thought that you were a little less sober. Ha ha! :)

Crossing the San Juanico Bridge (Leyte - Samar)

A beautiful sight to behold and an experience in itself. That’s how I could sum up the San Juanico Bridge when I got the chance to actually feel its power, charm, and travel along its almost 4 decades of significance in Philippine history.

the Leyte side of the bridge

islets below the bridge

trusses over the arch of the bridge (pic 1)

trusses (pic 2)

Construction started in August 1969
and was completed in December 1972

To actually see the longest bridge in the Philippines that connects Leyte (Tacloban City) and Samar (Sta. Rita) over a 2.162 km. span is this lone traveler's dream come true. I was feeling the whole experience. In addition to that, it must be that I have become more than curious over the story behind the bridge. Word has it that the San Juanico Bridge was Ferdinand Marcos’ gift for her wife Imelda Marcos, a native of Leyte, as a testimony of his love. Well, that's what love can do.

When I finally arrived in San Juanico, from a 10-peso jeepney ride from Tacloban downtown, I asked a military officer if I could actually take a walk over the bridge. He eagerly said anyone has all the time in the world to do so. It rang as kind of cool to me.

San Juanico Strait, the narrowest in the world (pic 1)

I thought walking over it would be easy, but it occurred to me as a rather daunting experience, especially that I was pacing against strong winds the San Juanico Strait brought that day and had to hold on to the beams due to vibrations and movements I could feel every time buses, jeepneys, and vans passed by. When I reached the middle of the bridge, I let out a sigh of relief, I have to say less panicky there were lesser winds at those altitudes. There I met Mr. Base, one of only two bridge sweepers who are employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Well, thanks to him, for allowing me to bother him for just a minute or two of chitchat. He’s been working there for almost 2 years now.

I should have crossed the bridge to the Samar side. But as I said, it was daunting taking a walk over the bridge against strong winds, besides being all alone. But I’m telling you this, I realize I missed getting a better perspective of the bridge that you could only get when you’re standing on Samar side (how could I forget the arch!). Well, that’s regret right there, but I'm already thinking of redoing the experience. Hmm.

Walking down from the middle of the bridge to its Leyte end would take you about 10 minutes.

grazing sheep beside the bridge

San Juanico Strait (pic 2)

San Juanico Strait (pic 3)

San Juanico Strait (pic 4)

San Juanico Strait (pic 5)

San Juanico Strait (pic 6)

forming an "L" which stands for Leyte

"WELCOME TO LEYTE"

a picturesque view

"WELCOME TO SAMAR"

that's an "S" which stands for Samar

Mr. Base, thanks!

Uninspired

I just don’t know what love really is. It is for me inexplicable and having a hard time in place (right here). Unsettling that is. I have been through a lot -- heartbreaks, tear jerking moments, seriously rough circumstances, even pitiful situations, name it, I’ve been there.

When I loved someone, I would subconsciously levitate myself reaching cloud 9 and become a freak trying to make special out of something ordinary. But all the while, I realized, things were falling apart I warped myself to sick atmosphere, and the reasons were either valid or just plain complicated that needed no logic. I think I’m just tired that I can love nobody right now. I’m growing sick weary, fatigued that I need to go to places that accommodate whatever is left of my content side. They say it’s not healthy when you’re uninspired. Probably they’re right, but I say in defense, they only know just one way and no other way.

My main thrust towards living now is family. That is where I draw happiness from. When things go in place through God’s help, that will be the time to fix my personal happiness, which has been pushed back since priorities became clearer.

Image: MacArthur Park, Palo, Leyte, Philippines