Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal

The Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, Rizal is one sweet haven for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers and those who simply appreciate beauty!

The place is located inside Grand Heights Subdivision, just a few kilometers off the main road from the Ynares Center. The museum's humble facade and entrance would not give a hint on the vast beauty that awaits inside. It is a simple rough plastered, white wall with its name above the door and a pair of bells hanging at the center... inside, it's a different world!

The front lawn is well manicured with steel and rock sculptures nicely placed around the garden. Steel couches and beds with crisp, white cushions are elegantly displayed outdoor. The contrast of white metal furniture against the lush greenery creates a refreshing, calm ambiance that evokes a feeling of oneness with nature!

Serenity....

A wooden door frame, white stucco walls and beautiful paintings!

The structures that house the indoor art pieces are open-air, Mediterranean inspired villas with big arches and windows, rough plastered walls in white stucco finish and wide framed, wooden doors. However, it is also reminiscent of Vigan houses with its capiz windows and Spanish tile roofing. The pretty, white villas are built on a hilly, rich foliage adorned with beautiful staircases and roof decks that compliment the blue skies during the day and the stars at night! Some galleries have boulders inside, incorporated as art. This is indicative that the design and engineering tried to align itself to nature to preserve it. The architecture and landscaping are undeniably impressive!

At the roof deck!

Art gallery below the roof deck!

A life-size, metal rocking horse!

I've got this! Yiiihaaa!

Now, let's try cows! Oh, my goodness, It's not a cow!  It's a carabao!Haha!

An outdoor, metal art piece... and there's the cow on my right side, or is it a sheep? Geez! :)

The Pinto Art Museum is nestled at the heart of a 1.3 hectare property, the Silangan Gardens owned by art enthusiast, Dr. Joven Cuanang who is also the head of the Silangan Foundation for Arts, Culture and Ecology. The idea to create an art venue amidst nature started in the late 80's in collaboration with then Silangan Foundation's artist-in-residence, Antonio Leano. Initially, the purpose was to house the growing art collection of Cuanang. Antonio Leano, a multi-awarded painter and a recipient of the CCP 13 Artist Awards in 1994, is currently the Museum Designer and Director. The Pinto Art Museum opened its doors to public in 2010 and is still a work of art in progress. Other expansion projects include an area for the Arts and Science Academy!

The Pinto Art Museum is nothing like the traditional museums, where art pieces are highly guarded and protected in ropes or encased in glasses that you feel afraid to come a meter near it lest you break them and the alarm goes off. On the contrary, the venue is refreshing, informal and very inviting. It even has a nice restaurant where you can dine in a garden setting. The art pieces are displayed in such a cohesive and blended way that the audience is encouraged to stay, stare, think and feel. There are many old oil paintings in exhibit but most are modern, contemporary art pieces by local artists. The 21st century art must be compelling and powerful to invoke at the very least, the interest if not the admiration of  the young audience in this digital age when toddlers use touch screens to draw and paint.

Open your heart to me...

Say whuutt?

Let's swing it!

To be kissed and held...

Look at the children!

A mother's protective embrace...

Wired not weird!

Iron Lady!

Prim and proper ladies...

Mixed media, made of fibers and other materials...

The parents...

Staring at each other on the staircase...

Indigenous art... ommmm...

You've been warned!

There are 6 galleries with different themes and art media inside the Pinto Art Museum. The well curated art pieces on exhibit are so massive and diverse that lead to a graphic explosion, a true visual indulgence that is almost sinful to eye-feast on!  You try your best to take it all in with the naked eye in one passing, simultaneously clicking away the shutter button to preserve the image... Oh yes, it is a kaleidoscope world!

Back lighted art piece

Hmnn... forever?

A message in a shoe box... crocodile leather.

More paintings....

In black and white...

In full color!

Framed oil paintings in different proportions depicting ordinary life...

A boulder inside the room... the theme in this exhibit room is erotic art.

Portaits...

Oil painting

The entrance fee is well worth it for only P180. Discounted rates apply to students and senior citizens, make sure to bring your ID as proof. A special rate also applies to PWDs and entrance is free for children below 3 years old! So bring the children, the younger you introduce them to art, the better! Surely, they will enjoy taking their selfies and groupies! I sure did!

It is advisable to wear light, cool clothes because the venue is not air conditioned but the ventilation is really good. Put on comfortable footwear as you will be climbing stairs and walking outdoor on grass and pavements from one gallery to the other. Remember the area is H-U-G-E!

See you again soon!

    

Book For Less Warehouse Sale August 1-31, 2015

I roused at around 6 A.M., an hour early before the set alarm had the chance to go off which was rare more so, on a rest day. I usually hoard the sleep that I could whenever possible since I work night shifts but the Wednesday of August 5th, was an exception. I made plans of hoarding something else...and the idea brought a big smile on my face that lovely morning.

I was too excited for a heavy breakfast so I just made myself a sandwich and drank my brew strong and black for a good kick! I browsed the net once again for the location's directions which I already memorized by heart but screenshot and saved it just the same. I checked one last time the list I prepared... satisfied, I was convinced that I was all set for a good treasure hunt that morning!

It was an easy ride to my destination. At around 9 A.M., my eyes lit up as I saw the signage hanged on the gate, it read: "Books for Less Warehouse Sale August 1-31, 2015 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. (Except August 3,10,17 and 24) Thousands of books @ P20.00."

Adrenalin rushed!

I saw the sign!

I saw a box-type building a few steps away from the gate and had a glimpse of the hidden treasures inside even though it looked dark from afar! I literally restrained myself from skip-dancing and instead walked in normal pace towards the warehouse while taking snapshots with my phone. 

Just a few steps more and I will be there... 

The place was adequately lighted inside... I panned across the big space filled with books tucked on shelves and piled in big boxes on top of wooden tables each for only P20! I gasped and almost clapped my hands!

Books everywhere! I have arrived!

I noticed I was not the only one excited for the great book sale as a handful of early birds probably arrived even before the warehouse's gate opened! Why, it was only a bit after 9 A.M.!

On my mind: "I hope the early birds do not find the early bookworm's treasures!" :P

Surround self with happiness! Let the joy of book hunting begin!

And so the quest began... I first made a quick round of the place to check where the lightweight paperback novels were because I preferred it than hard covered ones for easier hoard-hauling. Then I requested for a box to secure all my finds. During the quick round, I noticed there were no shelf labels although books were tucked neatly and organized according to four categories: fiction, non-fiction, hardbound, paperback. The children's books were stacked high in big boxes atop wooden tables and the mommy-bookworms were already busy rummaging through it!

I realized on my quick round that I may not be able to find the books on my prepared list of favorite authors so I carefully scrutinized each shelf and just picked out the books that caught my attention. I got best sellers of renowned authors of different genres such as Robin Cook for medical suspense, Tom Clancy (one of my dad's faves) for psycho-political thrillers, Michael Crichton for Sci-fi thrillers and Jackie Collins for Romance. The best thing about the experience was the freedom to select non-favorite but equally great authors' book titles because of the price! It was my first time to own a Mary Higgins Clark Mystery, a Dean Koontz Horror, a Patricia Cornwell and Jonathan Kellerman Detectives! There were best selling authors whose beautiful book covers and synopses caught my fancy like Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Sudden Change of Heart. What I did to come up with decisions regarding authors I was not familiar with was to Google their names right away. Other bases were  recommendations/reviews of favorite authors as in the case of Anne Rice's Introduction on her sister Alice Borchardt's Devoted and Nora Roberts' published comment on the book cover of Patricia Gaffney's The Saving Graces. I got one intriguing book which was also a triumphant film, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg and an episode of a successful TV Series, Murder She Wrote. There was one pre-loved, inspirational book I was fascinated with because of the former owner's simple signed dedication to self that read: "Stillness and peace"... for the book, A Stillness without Shadows by Joseph J. Juknialis. For old times sake, I bought a Francine Pascal Sweet Valley High Super Edition! (Now, I wonder where my collections of Sweet Dreams and Sweet Valley High Books have gone...). The best buy for me however, was a 1989 Pulitzer Prize Winner by Anne Tyler, the Breathing Lessons! What great, great finds for only P20 each!

All these treasures for only P500! Indeed, happiness is cheap! :)

Children's Books Galore!

Such a beauty for only P20! A rare find!

A Pre-loved Book...

I was too absorbed in the magical world of fiction that 3 hours of book hunting elapsed with me hardly noticing. The place, by around 12 noon was packed with more book enthusiasts! Time to give some space and bring home the treasures!

By the way, do not worry that all the good books are gone because they load thousands of new book titles each night according to one staffmember. But expect the place to be humid and dusty... it is after all, a warehouse and not a store in the mall. Rest assured however, that aside from the books, the good service will definitely compensate for the dust and heat! The management ensured organized and easy shopping and the staff are friendly and helpful.There are industrial fans around, bottled water and eco-bag of different sizes for sale and free boxes for hoarders! One of the baggers even carried my fully-loaded eco-bag from the warehouse to the next street for me to get a cab!  What a nice gesture!

Thank you Book for Less Bookstore for this great adventure! It was such a wonderful customer experience. I will surely come back for more books before the promo ends on August 31, 2015!


For Directions:

DIRECTIONS/INTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET TO BFL WAREHOUSE (LANDMARK IS LA CONSOLACION COLLEGE):


1. From Shaw Blvd.(EDSA Central)
-take jeepney going to pasig palengke or san joaquin rotonda(fare
P10). Take tricycle going to La Consolacion.
2. From Rosario
-take jeepney going to pasig palengke/san joaquin. Take tricycle
going to La Consolacion.
3. From Ortigas/Meralco
-from ortigas ride a jeepney (San juan Pinaglabanan/San Juan Taytay Resettlement Area. Or pasig palengke. Take a tricycle from there going to La consolacion.
4. Mega Mall
-take FX going to pasig Palengke Rotonda (Jollibee or PLDT). Then take tricycle to La Consolacion College
5. C5 Boni Serrano Katipunan Interchange QC.
- Ride Jeepney(cubao-rosario) to Ortigas Ave/Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave intersection. Take tricycle going to La Consolacion.
6. QC EDSA
-ride a bus going to Robinson's Ortigas, take jeepney(Pasig
Palengke). Take tricycle going La Consolacion College
7. Taguig -Pateros
-from Taguig ride a bus(Eastwood Libis-Marriot Terminal via
Acropolis) to E. Rodriguez Jr.Ave Pasig or Ride a jeepney(Bagumbayan Taguig-Pasig(TP) via San Joaquin) From Bagumbayan Taguig-Pasig(TP) via San Joaquin to Caruncho Avenue/Market Avenue Intersection Pasig
(Estimated Fare: P21.000) take a walk to Mercedes Avenue, then ride tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
8. From Taguig C5
-take a walk to Carlos P. Garcia Ave Taguig. Walk right to lane,then walk left to path, walk right to service road, walk right to
McKinley Parkway, walk left to parking aisle. Ride a bus(Eastwood
Libis-Marriot Terminal via Acropolis) From there to E.Rodriguez Jr. Ave Pasig (Fare: P12.00).From E.Rodriguez Jr.Ave,ride a jeepney(Pasig-Ugong via Rodriguez),from there to Caruncho Ave Pasig (Fare: P7.50). Ride a jeepey(Angono-Pasig) to Market Ave, then take a walk to Mercedes Ave. From there ride a tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
9. From Sta Mesa
-take a walk to Valenzuela Extension/V.Mapa Blvd, ride a jeepney
(EDSA Shaw Quiapo via Sta Mesa to Dr.Sixto Antonio Ave/Pasig Blvd Extension intersection Pasig (Fare: P15.00). Take a walk to Mercedes Avenue, then take a tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
10. From Taft
- From Taft Ave.,ride a bus(Fairview/Monumento/Novaliches) up to Shaw Blvd Intersection Mandaluyong. From there, ride a jeepney(Pasig Palengke) to Dr. Sixto Ave., take a tricycle going to La Consolacion College in Mercedes Ave.
11. From EDSA North Avenue
-A)Ride a Train MRT Line 3 to Ortigas. Take a walk from MRT Ortigas Station, walk right to POVEDA Drive. Walk left to Service Road. Ride a jeepney(San Juan Pinaglabanan-SanJuan Taytay Resettlement Area) to Mercedes Ave Pasig (estimated fare: P12.00). From there,Ride a tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
-B)Ride a Bus(Baclaran/Ayala/Ortigas Ilalim) to Ortigas POEA Take a walk from MRT Ortigas Station, walk right to POVEDA Drive. Walk left to Service Road. Ride a jeepney(San Juan Pinaglabanan-SanJuan Taytay Resettlement Area) to Mercedes Ave Pasig (estimated fare: P12.00). From there,Ride a tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
12. From Marikina
-Ride a jeepney(Marikina-Pateros San Joaquin via Pasig) to Dr. Sixto Ave Pasig (estimated fare P12.00). Ride a jeepney(Pasig Taytay) to Market Ave Pasig (estimated fare P7.50). Take a walk to Mercedes Ave. Ride a tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
13. From Antipolo
-from Antipolo Ortigas Ave. Extension, ride a Bus(Antipolo-Pasig) to Mercedes Ave Pasig (estimated fare P23.00-P24.00). From there, take a tricycle going to La Consolacion College
14. From San Juan
-Ride jeepney(Rosario/Robinson's) up to Ortigas. From there, take a jeepney(San Juan Pinaglabanan-San Juan Taytay) to Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave Intersection. Take tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
15. From Cavite
-Ride a bus to Baclaran, from there take another Bus(Fairview/Monumento/Novaliches/) up to Crossing in Shaw Blvd., then take a jeepney(Pasig Palengke/San Joaquin Totonda). From Pasig Palengke, ride a tricycle going to La Consolacion College.
16. From LRT Gateway Cubao
-From LRT Gateway, walk down to Araneta Center, take the footbridge and walk up to MRT Station Cubao, ride MRT up to Crossing Shaw Blvd. From there take a jeepney(going to pasig palengke or san joaquin rotonda(fare P10). Take tricycle going to La Consolacion.

Bataan, Philippines... a Tourist Destination!

A vacation is something that each one longs for to break the monotony of daily activities and chores that we do, whether in school, at home or the workplace. It is a period of time to spend away from all the usual buzz and grind of our busy lives that gives us the "wear and tear." Everyone acknowledges the need for one yet only a few really takes advantage of this much deserved hiatus to hibernate and be rejuvenated! Sadly, a vacation has become "wishful thinking" for some. It is true that it takes time and money to enjoy a nice sojourn in a beautiful place that it seems to be a thing of luxury not everyone can afford but overall careful planning and saving will allow you the leisure and pleasure of one unforgettable getaway. As they say, you can always make more money but not beautiful memories.

It is best to spend a vacation in a place you've never been to as it allows the senses to open up to a whole new discovery and adventure! Yes, the sun shines and sets unfailingly each day but experiencing it in another location, close to nature such as the beach, gives out an exhilarating feeling! To wake up in an enthralling, strange place for the first time sharpens all senses as you inhale and breathe out the fresh, crisp morning air... you just don't smell it but can actually taste the cool salty sea breeze that gently embraces you at the same time as the waves make gentle lapping sounds and your eyes feast on all the glorious beauty that suspends time and freezes the moment as a lovely memory, such as Bataan.

Basking in the Bataan Sun

Breathing... Tasting... Seeing...Hearing... Feeling... Ahh, such a lovely, lovely morning in Bataan!

The original vacation plan was to visit Pangasinan on the third Wednesday after Easter, in time for the Our Lady of Manaoag's Feast Day. One of my sisters is  a devotee of the Our Lady of Manaoag who visits the church yearly with her family. She invited me, my other 2 sisters, my only brother and my BFF to join her this year. My brother however, declined the invite because of work schedule conflict. So, it was supposed to be an all-girls pilgrimage and leisure trip. We already made plans to stay for 2 nights and 3 days to enjoy the province that is a popular tourist destination due to its tour of the 100 Islands and the many food delicacies it offers! Unfortunately, my two sisters backed out due to more important commitments and the devotee sister could only spare one day then head back to the metro. I have visited Pangasinan several times in my childhood, being my mom's birthplace and we still have a lot of relatives living in this part of Luzon. It will definitely be worthwhile to go back to touch roots some other time. 

For the meantime, since BFF and I already filed our vacation leaves from work, we checked out other options available. We made a list of nearby provinces then separately researched each and compared notes. Bataan emerged as our best choice after deliberation and elimination due to its proximity, exciting places to visit, fun activities and rich history. It was a very good decision!

A short 3-4 hour travel by land, our first stop was at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) or the Mount Samat National Shrine in the town of Pilar. You should not miss this spot when touring Bataan. It is the very heart and essence of the province, the legacy of its ancient heroes, the valiant warriors of WWII "...whose blood soaked every rock of this land so that this nation might endure,".

Lest we forget...

The Mount Samat National Shrine is a fitting memorial to honor the gallantry of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought the most vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942 that is called, The Battle of Bataan. Around 78,000 exhausted, sick and starved men surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942, as prisoners of war and was led to the brutal horrors of their Death March which was later on judged as a Japanese War Crime. The scene of their last stronghold was at Mt. Samat, the very site of the Dambana ng Kagitingan. The shrine was designed by Lorenzo Del Castillo and Landscaped by Dolly Quimbo-Perez.

The entrance fee to the park is surprisingly affordable for only P20. The well-maintained area is said to be approximately 73,665 hectares (182,030 acres.). From the parking lot, there is a wide three series of steps. At the center of the topmost landing, is the Philippine flag, majestically hanging on its pole being blown by the wind, as if waiving its warm welcome to visitors.

Hike to the top!

The Philippine Flag, majestic and proud!

The last series of steps to the Colonnade level are bordered on two sides by two pedestals topped with bronze urns symbolizing the eternal flame that will forever burn in the hearts of the Filipinos for the bravery of the heroes of WWII.

One f the 2 bronze urns symbolizing the Eternal Flame.

"The Colonnade is a marble-clad structure surrounded by an esplanade, itself surrounded by marble-clad parapets. The outer side is covered with 19 high relief sculptures by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, and alternates depictions of the war with 18 bronze insignia of USAFFE Division units by Talleres de Maximo Vicente, Leonides Valdez, and Angel Sampra and Sons. Each bronze insignia has a flagstaff for the flags of each division.

In the center of the Colonnade is the altar, behind which are three religious stained glass murals designed by Cenon Rivera and executed by Vetrate D'Arte Giuliani of Rome, Italy. Four large bronze chandeliers hang from the ceiling, while inscribed in marble on the two lateral walls is a narrative of the “Battle of Bataan”." Source: Wikipedia

Rear view of the colonnade with the beautiful 3 paneled stained glass murals!

In the center of the colonnade is the altar, behind which are the 3 stained glass mural
and hanging from the ceiling are the classic bronze chandeliers .

 

Posing at the altar with the stained glass murals as background!
Such a remarkable work of art!

3 of the 18 bronze insignia of USAFFE Division units
and the alternates high relief sculptures depicting the war. 

Wall inscription of The Battle of Bataan

Beneath  the Colonnade is an underground war museum with a rich collection of armaments, uniforms, photos, paintings and other WWII Memorabilia.

Mt. Samat War Museum

One particular exhibit that caught my attention was the tattered, worn out 3 pairs of shoes probably used by the Prisoners of War during the Death March. I imagined to have stepped on those shoes and experienced the utter ugliness of a world war! Goose bumps!

Imagine, walking a thousand miles on someone else's shoes...

Another interesting exhibit that moved me was a framed photo of General Douglas MacArthur's landing in Palo, Leyte. He looked determined and proud with his chin up and chest out as he marched forward with other officers and soldiers. In my mind, a dramatic entrance followed by his 2nd most famous line: "People of the Philippines, I have returned! By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil." 

Yet, when I came across a popular epic war poem with the lines below, it stung my eyes...

We're the Battling Bastards of Bataan,

No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam,

No aunts, no uncles, no cousins, no nieces,

No pills, no planes, no artillery pieces,

And nobody gives a damn!    

Click LINK to read the full text of the poem, The Battling Bastards of Bataan by Frank Hewlett I make no claim that the poem's text found on the link is the original.

"People of the Philippines, I have returned!" ~ Gen. Douglas MacArthur

I always enjoy going to museums as it transcends you to another era and allows you to peek at a different kind of  life, immortalized by art.

Peace not War... Love is Victorious!

"The Memorial Cross is a towering structure at the highest point of Mount Samat, 555 m above sea level. The monument is made of steel and reinforced concrete with a lift and viewing gallery at the Cross's arms. A staircase also leads to the gallery in the wings. The height of the Cross is 92 m from the base; the height of the arms is 74 m from the base, with each arm measuring 30 m (15 on each side). The viewing gallery is 5.5 m by 27.4 m, with a 2.1 m clearance.

The base until the 11 m level is capped with sculptural slabs and relief titled Nabiag Na Bato also by Abueva, depicting important historical figures and events like the execution of Jose Rizal, Lapu-Lapu and Antonio Luna." Source: Wikipedia

The Memorial Cross towering at 555 meters above sea level
on the apex of Mount Samat  is visible all over Bataan.

Nabiag Na Bato, a relief sculpture by National Artist Napoleon Abueva

After making the rounds of the colonnade for more pictures, we stopped over at a convenience store that also sold keepsakes and souvenirs. It was a bit past 10 A.M. by then, and the heat was harsher. I had to take a break for a cold drink and buy a cute, black and orange cap with a nice embroidery of the Mt. Samat Shrine.  

Goofing around the Colonnade before climbing the Mt. Samat Memorial Cross

Behind the Colonnade is a footpath that leads to a 14 plight, zigzagged and railed staircase to reach the Mount Samat Memorial Cross. Its uphill flights in a mountainous slope left me breathless as I stepped on paved bloodstones, said to be from the Corregidor Island. The greenish bloodstones with red inclusions that resemble spots of blood are obviously, another symbolism.

Posing for a pause or pausing for a pose?

The small elevator manned by two security guards was crammed with local and two Japanese tourists. One of the guards accompanied the visitors up the Memorial Cross. The ascension was uncomfortable and seemed slow since there was almost no space for movement. When the doors slid  open, a gust of refreshing cool wind blew my hair! We reached the viewing area!

The arms of the cross serve as the viewing areas. Each side have lounging chairs, rectangular viewing windows that visitors are allowed to open and a circular window where one could sit and enjoy the panoramic view of Bataan and take selfies too!

A perspective from a bird's-eye view elevates the mind
to a wide-scale panorama to zoom in focus right on target. Rise above!

After the eye-feasting, it's high time for tummy feeding! Lunch at Ima's Pamangan at the junction of Pilar Road! The exterior of the small, air conditioned restaurant looked inviting with a "Free Wifi" signage. The interior reminded me of Buddy's Restaurant with its wooden tables and benches less the sunflower carvings and decors. The staff members were pleasant and the service was fast! It was yet another eye-feast because the menu on display looked so tempting!

The restaurant caters delicious dishes which are uniquely Filipino such as Bagnet, Sinigang na Ulo ng Salmon, Pakbet, Binagoongan, Tortang Alimango, Ginataang Kuhol, Inihaw na Liempo, et cetera... et cetera.... oops, not to forget the famous, Halo-Halo! Souvenir shirts and other keepsakes are also available. The best deal is that everything is reasonably priced and there are candy giveaways, such as pastillas de leche and bukayo as tokens of appreciation to customers! The restaurant which is also frequented by mountain bikers is definitely recommended by this blogger! Be sure to stop by Ima's Pamangan when in Pilar, Bataan.

Stop for good stuff and nice staff at Ima's Pamangan when in Pilar, Bataan.

Next in our itinerary was the Dunsulan Falls, a quick 15-minute travel from the Pilar Junction. There were no trails to hike. It was a very easy, short walk from the entrance. The entrance fee was P50. There were five young boys enjoying the water falls when we got there. I heard them laughing and screaming aboard an improvised balsa (raft), a perfect picture of how children typically enjoy Philippine Summer. I found myself smiling as the scene brought back memories of summer outings with cousins and siblings years, years ago in different beach settings. According to our guide, there was a zip line that tourists can enjoy but the heat was in full blast since it was then around 2:00 P.M. so we just enjoyed the cool wind under the shades of trees and took pictures!

Blessed are the children!

Dunsulan Falls, Pilar, Bataan

Then, it was time to check in! It was a race to see the sun set in the beaches of Bataan! So, off we went for a fast hunt!  As usual, we did not pre-book our accommodation but had a string of resorts to choose from. Good thing that the resort on the top of our list got all the 3Cs (Clean, Cozy, Cut-Rate and safe) so we settled right away! It was still  the "peak season" when we visited but since the Holy Week was over and it was a workday Wednesday, there were only a few guests in the resort. Thus, we were able to get a beach front room with the best view! The resort's amenities include villa rooms, nipa huts, dining huts, a restaurant, an infinity pool with jacuzzi and 24-hour security guards and life guards.

It was past 4 P.M. when we finally reached our room. We quickly unpacked,  showered and changed to our swim wears and ran to the beach! The hot, fine, silvery-grey sand felt good under my feet and the sky glowed in shades of blue and orange as the sun prepared to set... the sea was calm yet surprisingly cold despite the summer heat in contrast to the pool's tepid water.

Swimming in the sea is only allowed until 7 P.M. for security purposes but visitors may enjoy a bonfire by the beach for a fee. Locals also offer to set up a bonfire for a lower cost. A young boy of about 12, offered to light one up for us for only P100, which we declined. Instead, we gave him his rate so he could go home early to his family because he said he would buy dinner for them. The pool, on the other hand is open to guests until 10 P.M.

We ordered an early dinner at the resort's restaurant and had it served by the beach to witness Bataan's sunset. Then, we downed a few of my all-time fave, San Miguel Pale Pilsen with its perfect match, crispy pata (crisp, deep fried pork leg). The night lamps all over the place looked fab but nothing can compete with the loveliness of the moon! What else can I say? Well, life is indeed a beach!

Life is a beach and it's beeaaachin' good! 

We woke up early, excited to experience Bataan's Sunrise! It was still dark when we stepped out of the villa... the cold, damp air smelled fresh and tasted deliciously salty to me. We took photos when the sky started to clear up with beautiful cloud formations to welcome the rising sun. We walked along the shore line and enjoyed its lonesome serenity, save from another early riser, jogging on. Then, we took a refreshing plunge to take advantage of the newly cleaned swimming pool, all to ourselves.

We ordered a hearty breakfast of beef tapa, daing na bangus, fried rice, eggs and fresh fruits. Too bad there was no strong, brewed coffee available on the menu which I badly needed so, I drank 3 consecutive cups of the 3-in-1 instant coffee to compensate.

Then it was time to visit the Pawikan Conservation Center in Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan.

The Pawikan Conservation Center's viewing fee is only P20 

Nearly all species of sea turtles in most parts of the world, are classified as endangered. These ancient marine creatures that outlived dinosaurs, symbolize wisdom and long life yet now the same are threatened and in peril of extinction. Sea turtles are hunted and slaughtered for their meat, skin, shells and eggs. They also face habitat destruction due to irresponsible fishing and poaching. Another factor that endangers them, is their reaction to climate change because it alters the sand temperature that affects the sex of hatchlings and also water pollution. It seems most challenges faced by these old, gentle, toothless mariners are man-made.

Hatchlings!

The sea coasts of the Morong and Bagac towns in Bataan are blessed to be the nesting grounds for 3 out of 5 sea turtles species in the country, namely the Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and the Green Turtle. It takes several decades for an adult sea turtle to reach sexual maturity to reproduce. The mature female turtles return to the beach where they are hatched to lay their own eggs. They leave their feeding grounds and travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to faithfully go back to the very same nesting ground each breeding season! Therefore, off springs of this matriarchal line as old as time, have all the right to a safe and peaceful co-habitation with the citizens of the land! Philippines is also their home and birthland! Thank God for the initiative of good people who put up the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan to protect, conserve and rehabilitate the dwindling population of the Pawikang Pilipino.

Brown-Shelled Turtle, Kayumangging Pinoy Pawikan :)

The rest of the day was spent buying souvenirs then we headed back to Pamarta Bali Resort to enjoy the beach and take a good rest to prepare for the home bound trip in the morning.

Souvenirs!

While preparing the itinerary for our Bataan trip, I realized that I have actually visited the province in the past. In the summer of 2013, a high school class mate invited me and other batch mates to stay at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club, a very beautiful place I immensely enjoyed with the company of good, old friends! I thought then that we were in Subic, Olongapo but found out recently that the site is in fact part of Morong, Bataan.

Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club, Morong, Bataan

There are plenty of other places to visit and activities to experience in Bataan like the bird watching in three known birding sites, the Sibacan-Lote Bird Site, Pto, Rivas Ibaba Bird Site and the Tortugas Bird Site. The terrain, weather, scenic view and the good road of the province make it a very popular destination to mountain bikers and hikers. Mountain climbing the Pantingan Peak in southeastern borders of Bagac, Mt. Limay in Limay, Mt. Bataan, Tarak Peak and Mt. Mariveles would be a good challenge to adventure seekers and nature lovers as well as trekking the Pasukulan Falls in Abucay and the Pilis Falls in Samal. I have only visited one waterfall site which is the Dunsulan Falls but Bataan is much endowed with so many beautiful water falls such as the Kairukan Falls, Limutan Falls, Tukal Falls, Marukduk Falls and Ambon-ambon falls. There are also resorts with natural spring water swimming pools coming from the Sibul Spring in Abucay, like those in Laguna. For the religious, there are many old churches to visit. Also a "must-see" is the latest addition to the Philippine's architectural and heritage pride, the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a 400 acres, open-air museum and heritage park in Bagac, Bataan!

I vow to go back to the land of the brave just as Gen. Douglas MacArthur promised more than 70 years ago...

"Bataan... I, too shall return."