Mabuhay Philippines!

I've always had it in my head that if you can commute here in the Philippines, you can make it anywhere! Its like survival of the fittest, eat or be eaten. Get crushed on the ground and be swallowed up by the mob. It's a stampede, and you're just in the middle of it.

Today I had to go to Manila for a job interview. I could have taken the bus- but that would have entailed getting up very early for more than two grueling hours on the bus. So, I took the MRT instead. That's the Metro Rail Transit. And its like hell on wheels. This is me telling it to you straight, do not ride it on peak hours.

It's literally like this big sardine can and everyone is just shmushed all together in the cars. If you're a little claustrophobic like me, you better hope you're a little taller than everybody else to get gasps of air. If you don't want the possibility of people sneezing on your face or being butt to butt and face to face with strangers, if you don't want the extreme proximity of being so close to people you see the insects in their hair or having them scratch their hair and inhale their dandruff- you best take other means of transportation.

People are rude and they squish you until you have no ounce of personal space left. One can emerge out of the MRT feeling harassed- even when riding the car only for the elderly and women.

However, isn't that the Filipino way after all? Magtiis ka lang ng kaunti, makakaraos ka din? To brave the battlefield because soon after there will be a pay off. Filipinos are hella survivors. They don't do it the way we do, but still you sometimes still have to admire the tenacity and strong will- even though we are overpopulated and lack a whole lot of discipline.

I feel very lucky to have gone to such a historic place. The atomic bombing of Nagasaki was the last act of World War II. This was three days after the US bombed Hiroshima and after this warfare Japan finally surrendered. My sister and I visited the museum, the peace parks and the epicenter- the spot where the bomb hit and killed so many people.

It was so sad to see the ruins and to learn so much of how the people suffered- to the aftermath of radiation and coping with the deaths of thousands. Regardless of who started what- violence is a senseless act of bloodshed. Wars don't solve anything. To this day they are strong advocates of anti-nuclear weapons and I've never visited such a peaceful place.

Mojiko Retro Town is this lovely place where one can stroll around, be at peace and have the wind in your hair from the ocean’s fresh breeze as you enjoy its scenic view. Our unit faces the most picturesque scene of the Mojiko Observation Deck and the pedestrian drawbridge and just overlooks the ocean and the town’s lights and everyday on goings. I’ve learned of the town’s history by visiting the Strait Dramaship, where one can learn all about the Kanmon Strait in the olden days filled with the most interesting stories of their past. Everyday I get to walk leisurely along Kaikyo Plaza, sit down and get some yogurt, sun and check out what new activities there could be- which there always seems to be, here at Mojiko Retoro!

View from our unit

First impressions

Right off the bat I was taken by how polite and friendly the Japanese are. In my country people would highly doubt your sincerity or excuse me for saying this- your sanity – if you cheerily greeted or talked to random strangers on the street. Here I can randomly greet people with a “Konnichiwa!” and a bright smile and it has never failed to be reciprocated in the same way. The first time I went to the grocery store and the cashier was so amazingly chipper and happy- it was disengaging. However, I’ve grown accustomed to it. I love that the people are so nice; “Sumimasen” and “Irishaimassen” are one of the first few words I ever learned. The first one was, “Wakarimasen” which when I tell people always makes them laugh. My nihongo is still “sukoshi” but I’m definitely learning fast!

Kitakyushu Life

Another wonderful thing about Japan is how everything is connected by train. So I walk down to Mojiko JR Station and hop to a comfy sit on the train and enjoy the ride as it speeds to my chosen destination, arriving ever so efficiently to where you need to go. You get the most amazing view of Kokura from the Ferris wheel at Cha Cha Town- where there are also awesome shopping finds. I’ve been inside Kokura Castle and have learned the local town’s history, I’ve eaten different kinds of ramen and tempura at the restaurants along Tanga Market and along with my sister and our friends we hang out by the famous Riverwalk and enjoy the sights. Also, speaking of the sights- one must visit the Kaikyo Yume Tower in Shimonoseki wherein you’ll feel so high, like you’re at the top of the world! I’ve also gone to Mount Sarakura via the Hobashira Cable Car which was lots of fun! It was one of those perfect weather days wherein lots of brave people were paragliding and I just watched them astonishingly- they were like birds in the sky. I also learned tons of new knowledge at the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History- from different rocks, bones, land and sea creatures, they have it all! Kitakyushu is one wonderful city! Sugoi ne!

Kokura Castle

Kaikyo Yume Tower

Needless to say, I have fallen in love with Kitakyushu and I haven’t even fully explored it yet, much less the whole country. To go abroad and visit foreign territory your nationality feels more pronounced as ever because it is defined to differentiate you from others. I’m a Filipino, who has travelled to Japan, I still have more stops to go like Nagasaki, Tokyo, Hiroshima and so much more and I feel as though the city is taking me in- making me feel more and more at home as I delve in deeper. I just feel so blessed and grateful, arigato gozaimas Japan! Thank you for making me feel like a part of your world.

The budding broke would-be traveller that I am, I only get to travel when I get free accomodation and last summer for my intership at a television network I got to go to Corregidor Island to accompany them on a shoot.

As we boarded the boat early morn and it whirred itself into life and start to move- we were off to sea, the adventure began!

The island was beautiful. Contrasts of green and blue, clear as day in the morning sun. Bleary eyed and rested through the boat ride we got off along with the other passengers, most of which were participants and organizers of the event we were to cover. Embarking on that Sports Unlimited journey with me were our two camera men Kuya Dong and Joseph, the writer Jazz, and of course the one and only Kuya Gene, the associate producer of the show.

Introductions were made, and cameras were pulled out. A mini tram took us to the hotel where we had breakfast, again the scenery was amazing. The hotel, Corregidor Inn, was pretty old and quaint. We enjoyed a complementary meal on the house. We enjoyed a couple of minutes chatting as I got to know everyone more and more. Soon after that, the games were starting and we were off to south beach to start working!

The day’s events includes beach football and volley ball, on going from side to side. It was noon and the sun was blazing hot. Collegiate players and invited participants played their hearts out and then congregated around the water cooler to keep them hydrated. People were swimming in the ocean, cheering, the island was alive.

Next for the evening, the awarding ceremonies! A poolside party set up by the organizers. The weekend was all about promoting the island, at the same time re-launching it as “Live Rock,” buhay na bato as they say- to make Corregidor this hip hop happening place to play sports, see the historic sites and have fun. And I have to admit, the idea is good. The island with the scenic views and everything- has what it takes to reach the levels of Boracay over time and over a lot of work and effort. You’d have to admit, giving the island a few more parties without ruining the historic sites would lessen the creepiness the island’s air seems to project. People could come and enjoy the best of both worlds of touring and partying.

Day number two started really early with a duathlon. We also got to tour around the island to get some footage and interviews alongside the Middle Long Barracks and entered the dark rooms of Battery Way filled with scary bats and other insects that made creepy noises. Corregidor really is this adventure filled island with the most interesting history. I learned so much. The island is formed like a tadpole and was used by the soldiers because of its strategic location that protected the Manila Bay. The likes of Manuel Quezon, Mc Arthur stayed there and the guide even showed us the Suicide Cliff where the Japanese plunged to their deaths than to surrender to the Americans.

I vow to return to that beautiful island again one day. Go on a retreat with my friends, visit the scary Malinta Tunnel I didn't get to see, have picnics by the barracks and take long strolls on the beach, watch the sunset. Corregidor Island is both business by its rich history and pleasure. It's a treat for your mind and your body. If ever you find yourselves in the Philippines, be sure to visit this island getaway!

Stay in tune for my next travel adventure!