My Suicidal Trip to Banaue Rice Terraces

Whenever I see postcards of this wonder of the world, I can't help but to get astounded over its wonderful steps and simply fall in love over its breathtaking view, lush greenery and artistic waves. Banaue Rice Terraces or the Ifugao Rice Terraces is definitely a must-see before you die. But make sure that you don't die because you went here wearing the wrong outfit! Hahaha!

Me wearing shorts and slippers 
on a 20-degree Celsius temperature!

December 28, a day after my friend's wedding in Nueva Vizacaya, I and another friend, decided to go uphill to see the glorious and heart-stopping beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces. I never thought that it would be that cold in Ifugao, going there was not part of our plan. I never thought I would survive that cold; we were so stupid to forget about the weather. I never thought it would be that challenging to go up there, but I'm glad we've made it. IT WAS SO MUCH JOY TO BE THERE.

Tayo na sa Antipolo!

It's been more than a decade now since I started doing Station of the Cross or Via Crusis, and during those years, I usually barefooted people walking on the street, who look  like they are going out on a field trip. 

Well, They are actually on a field trip, but instead of taking bus, they are all walking. I only discovered that they are all heading towards the mountain when I started discovering the churches in the eastern part of Metro Manila. Yes, during Maundy Thursday, pilgrims are all heading to Antipolo - to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or Immaculate Conception Parish and then take on separate routes as they leave the place on the morning of Good Friday.

If you'll have a chance to visit the churches in the eastern part of Metro Manila - churches in Pasig, Mandaluyong, some parts of Quezon City and Makati - on Maundy Thursday, you'll notice this great number of people walking barefoot. There are some who are wearing uniformed shirts and yes again, they are all heading to one direction. Mostly youth, these people are doing an old tradition of hiking up to Antipolo for the annual pilgrimage to Lady of Peace and Good Voyage .

If I'm not mistaken, my first and last pilgrimage to the Church of Antipolo was when I was still in Primary School. I was so young then and I was with my old aunts and old neighbors, so we didn't walk, rather we hired a jeepney to take us up to Antipolo.

Kamay Ni Hesus: Lucban's Holy Week Destination

Just in case you have no plans of going out far this Holy Week, but still wanted to see the country in a different way - a church and healing center in Lucban, Province of Quezon has been becoming a popular Holy Week destination since it was opened to the public in 2004. Fr. Joey A. Faller and some of his friends are behind this majestic Risen Christ grotto that you can only see at Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church.

I've been eyeing to visit this place since I heard of its miraculous works and truly inspiring story, and luckily, last year, I finally had the chance not only to see but do the Station of the Cross or Via Crucis by climbing its 305-step Via Dolorosa Grotto, where the world's 3rd tallest Risen Christ is standing. It is 50 feet in height, to be exact - and overseeing almost the whole lot of Lucban and its neighboring cities and municipalities.

But before we proceed to the Grotto, let me take you first to the other places of interests that you could find here inside Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church.

DIY Glamping with Coleman Philippines

Believe it or not, I cannot remember when was the last time I camped out. Since I'm not that good in setting up tents and I find it inconvenient too, since most of "camping" trips mean no toilets and bathrooms, I'm honestly saying that it is one of my least favorite thing to do outdoors. But last week, when I finally said yes to Coleman Philippines' invitation to try out "glamping" trip - glamorous camping, as they say it - my perception towards camping has changed, hence I can't wait for my next "glamping" with them!

If you think glamping is camping with different spelling only, you are so wrong! Because with "glamping", Coleman proved that we don't have to give up our familiar conveniences just for the sake of enjoying the outdoors; Coleman proved that we don't have to spend so much energy and time in setting up tents; and lastly, Coleman proved nothing beats a "real" human interaction than spending a day or two with your love ones in a cozy and fun tents using friendly and easy-to-carry Coleman products.

Last week, at Pico de Loro, Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, Coleman Philippines marked the start of a fun and rekindling summer with the launch of their latest products ready to cater the "Glamping "trend in this side of the world. Categorized into three "Glamping" related outdoors themes, Coleman Philippines put us all in excitement mode as they started presenting these colorful and inviting "glamping" setups, I bet you all will love!