New hopes under P-Noy

 President-elect Benigno Aquino III will officially seat into office today. He is now the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines. P-Noy, as media people and masses now fondly call Aquino, won the presidential election by a landslide. He was before a congressman in 1998 until elected then as senator in 2007. The political journey of Aquino is somehow a bit inexperienced compared to his opponents for the position, yet the fragrance of the people power legacy seemingly lifted him to the highest post in the government with less effort to take.

The much awaited inaugural badges much of festivities with people from all walks of life attending the ceremony. Peaceful transitions of the government from outgoing President Gloria Arroyo to incoming President Noynoy Aquino happened smoothly. After that, Aquino will be called President and Arroyo will be called Congresswoman (after winning a congressional post in Pampanga). Almost 500,000 people witnessed the event at the Quirino Grandstand. As I watch the artists' performances in the inauguration, I came to be enchanted with the inaugural song entitled "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) composed by Noel Cabangon. I instantly felt the Filipino spirit inside of me. The ceremony is starred with Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Nina and Charice (who sang the National Anthem in the right beat and I appreciated it most).

In a real edge of the situation, the country is facing another chapter in history. Will there be answer to unclosed questions from the previous administration? Will there be lesser problems now and greater improvements? Will there really be a difference?

Somehow, in a culture that we live on by, it is really quite fascinating to pursue great hopes with a new head of a country. The anticipation and the pressure comes along to the head that we forget in anyway that we are also part of the system. I, myself, did not vote for President Noynoy yet the right thing now is to move on and face the choice of the majority. After all, this is not all about Noynoy. This is all about the country.

It is right that the head must face the nation's problems. But, we must remember that the actions shall not come from the head itself. We as the body of it must learn when to be voluntary (to scratch or poke when the head seem goes wrong) and when to be involuntary (to follow the head when there are good actions) and with this simple coordination we will have a harmonious movement for the betterment of the country.

Strawberry fancies and more: "Escapade to Baguio part 3"

This is the most exciting part of my visit to Baguio City. I had a chance to visit the strawberry farm in La Trinidad. Strawberries are very much popular in the city and most of the visitors will have a chance to pick the ripe ones straight from the plant.

I was quite not that lucky because strawberries are not in season today. Well, few of them were sprouting. Strawberries are shy during rainy season. I got a few close-ups of some red pretty strawberries.

It is really no doubt that strawberry is very popular in Baguio. You may be able to see different delicacies in strawberry flavors or some with touches of strawberry, like this taho. This is a superb Filipino delicacy made with soya, this time with a twist of real strawberry and flavored syrup.

Moving on after these tickling strawberries, I also had a chance to visit the Bell Church. This place is very much similar to Chinatown in Manila. Here are some pictures of it.

The most solemn part of the day is having a visit at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. I also had a chance to visit the Good Shepherd House. Both are perfect place for silent moments and personal reflections.

This wonderful escapade is really unforgettable. It really made myself relaxed and enjoy the moment of it.

Somehow as I finally got home, my mind still sees this beautiful environment, cool breeze and nice places. Truly, I will still plan to go back and experience it over and over again. And now I see my way home at the expressway wondering when to come back.

Garden paths: "Escapade to Baguio part 2"

The cool breeze of Baguio woke me up with a smile and turned myself to be excited for the next journey we had. A cup of coffee will really start your day to ease the coldness of dawn until you feel the first rays of the sun. On the second day of our escape to the summer capital, we visited the Mines View Park.

There are lots of picturesque scenery you can find there. Actually, you will be amazed of different spots for picture taking. Also, you can find lots of goodies for memorabilia and for the nostalgia, all showing the rich culture of Baguio City. The photo below shows a view of different houses that looks like a connected Lego pieces.

A view of the mountains just very near the clouds and fog. Imagine the top of the mountain kissing the cool breeze of clouds. Rains fall down easily in Baguio and that helps a lot in maintaining its cool temperature.

Many jewelry lovers will also love a place of silver choices and ornaments for accessories.

Next stop is the Wright Park wherein I myself got fascinated with the horses. Horses there comes in different colors, really amazed me a lot. The staircases are also picturesque, much of a really good experience.

I also had a chance to see the front view of The Mansion. This is the official residence of the president whenever he is having a visit to Baguio or in some nearby areas attending functions and gatherings.

In the Botanical Garden, feed your eyes with different plants and flowers and enrich your sight with spots and scenery.

Shopping! There are lots of stores wherein you can buy different native products, all capturing the culture of this city. Delicacies such as strawberry wine, peanut brittle, strawberry jam and others are surely mouth-watering.

The Philippine Military Academy is also situated here. Here you can find a very large camp and training area for the country's future defenders.

Alright, so enough for the second day. I will now ride this white horse to drive me in this sunflower path to look for 'zombies on the lawn.'