Overseas travel finally!

Yes, this is what we are waiting for, for a long time and finally, it happened! After so many years of being cocooned into our own comfort zone for more than 2 years, we were out traveling, and seeing the place where I grew up is one of the best things I can have as a gift to myself for surviving this pandemic. So many things changed for sure but the feeling never changed. Though some places change and the population grows every year the traffic still amazes me (both in a good and bad way) being with your loved ones (my father, siblings, close relatives, and old friends) makes me happy and the simple things in life to be together and bonded once more. So while you can, do give your love to those people who are an ocean apart from you. This is our second chance in life to show them how important they are and they feel the same about you too. Cherish the moments! Enjoy life and still stay safe and follow the rules!

Please check my Youtube channel and the video below showing my 2nd hometown in the Philippines which is Tagaytay. The second summer capital as it is cooler than Manila and has beautiful nature. Please show your support by liking this video and do comments there or here. Much appreciated. Thanks!

PINOYSWISS ABROAD YOUTUBE CHANNEL

COPYRIGHT

The photos and articles on this blog are the property of the blogger EveWanderer11 and PinoySwiss abroad unless otherwise stated. None of them should be used without her permission. Snippets and links could only be used on one condition: full credit is given to Evewanderer11 and the site, “Wanderlust, A new chapter”.

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Taal Volcano, Philippines

 

It’s with sadness that I am writing this to you that my favorite holiday destination in the Philippines is now experiencing hard times. You probably heard by now in the news that Taal volcano in the Philippines erupted but still on alert level 4 which means we are all waiting for it to fully erupt to level 5. No, we really don’t like it to happen but it’s inevitable and will happen one day! It’s even harder waiting as the more it stalls the longer the people cannot move on with their life!

As you can see… Taal Lake is big and the volcano resides in the lake within the lake. A very unique feature and lots of tourists were amazed by the beauty of it close up. From riding a horse to hiking it and eventually seeing the crater with your own eyes and it’s a very green sulphuric lake which one vlogger LINK experienced it, an experience of a lifetime. I don’t think I will do the same thing as it’s scary for me even though the volcano was calm at the time. But nobody knows that just after a week… it will get angry and gives a frightful smoke and thunder within itself not coming from the sky.  As of today writing this, the green sulphuric lake has now dried up!

Another fact that in our days we knew that the Taal volcano is that “Binintiang Malaki” as shown and taught in our school.  Lot’s of people are now debating about this today that why only the old people (who are survivors of the past eruptions) know about the truth?  Why they haven’t corrected us that the real Taal volcano is the one sunk in the middle which you can’t see from afar? (see above photo).  This past week we learned a lot about this small volcano.  There is a saying “small but terrible”.  It may be small but it is one of the deadliest among other volcanoes in the World (fully erupted).

Unfortunately, most of my relatives from my mother’s side we’re living within the radius of the danger zone which is within 14 kilometers around the famous lake & volcano. That province is called Batangas. It’s so beautiful and full of nature. I had an old post LINK1 & LINK 2, about it if you want to read it too.

It’s a great thing that FAMILY is a big part of our lives. It’s a big deal and I am proud to say that we are a close family up to 2nd degree of consanguinity. When I was a child I was about to finish College/ University… I knew & met my relatives on my mom’s side up to the 4th degree of consanguinity. I even call my grandma’s sisters and brother’s grandma/grandpa to that time they were still alive. The longest grandpa lives for about a 💯 year old.  Since I do not live in the Philippines anymore and only come for a visit my knowledge of my old relatives and their families dwindled as I do not see them when I visit the province when I stay for about 2-4 days maximum.

So in times like in this situation. Relatives don’t have to go to a relocation/evacuation center as the “family” contacted them to let them know they can stay at their home away from the danger. They’re more than happy to welcome them and help. I am proud of knowing they’re safe!

I am glad too that my father and siblings were alright safe and further away from the danger as they live within Metro Manila. The only inconvenience they get is the ash fall.

FYI, the ashes from the volcano are a health hazard. It’s not good to breathe it as it will cause some lung diseases and it’s microscopic that it’s not visible in the naked eye and so a mask N95 is necessary to get. Unfortunately, having it is harder to find as people panic buy and some pharmacies are out of stock. Some bad people also manage to sell it at a very expensive price! Yes, the government is giving it to evacuation centers for free but it’s never enough.

Anyway… some good things come out of this. It shows humanity and unity. Lots of people from other provinces who also experienced calamities in their lives came to support and give help in kind or donations (foods, clothing, sanitary items, etc.) even some celebrities and famous vloggers go their way to help!

I hope once this is over, there will be a rainbow in Taal. That someday it will prosper and show its beauty again for the people to appreciate and be proud of once again. It may not be easy to start again from scratch but the hope and the will to rise up within these strifes will overcome all the hardships. And yes, of course, believing there is GOD to help us stand up. Filipinos have been through all types of calamities already and I believe Filipinos are a bunch of resilient people.  At the moment, the volcano seems resting.  We do not know what will happen but they are now ready.  God bless all the people from all over the country and the World who are helping them.

I will always LOVE you!!

 

MOA Eye, vinneve foto

I found this quote and somehow it is true for me.  “A HOME is not a place, it’s a feeling!” which is why I keep coming back to my birth Country, THE PHILIPPINES.

No matter where I go and lived, I keep coming back to my roots and of course, my old friends and remaining family and relatives are mostly living here.  This is where I experienced a very good childhood though we are not rich!  A childhood that was gadget-free but full of real knowledge about the world we lived in.  A warm welcome every time that I keep coming back for more!

Taal Volcano, Tagaytay, vinneve foto

Wind Residences, Tagaytay, vinneve foto

We spent our time in Tagaytay province in Southern Luzon.  Just 2 hours away from Manila depends on traffic.  It’s always my destination for relaxation and family bonding where my father can spend his time with his only grandchild.  Away from the hustle and bustle of the City.  Manila is BIG. Where I grew up PARAÑAQUE (click the link to know more) also a big city that is part of Metro Manila.  Tagaytay weather is cooler than Manila.  Fewer people, less traffic.  I love the feeling of being in the provinces because of their laidback way of life.

Rhapsody Residences, Muntinlupa City, vinneve foto

After 10 months of temporarily living in Muntinlupa City (above and below photos), I felt connected with this City (South of Metro Manila).  So yes, obviously I came back here for the second time. I found new friends in 2017 that make it worthwhile to stay here.

Landmark/Festival mall Alabang, vinneve foto

“HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS…”

S Maison mall, beside MOA, vinneve foto

I recently discovered this mall which is very handy connecting to a Convention Center, Conrad Hotel and SM MOA (one of the biggest malls in the World).  It’s smaller compared to other malls but it is spacious and lots of branded products.  They are hosting 2 tourist attractions which are:  DESSERT MUSEUM and LAKBAY MUSEO (will post next time!)

SkyRanch, Tagaytay, vinneve foto

Aerial view of Manila, vinneve foto

I cannot understand why I feel sad that soon I am leaving again as this is only a quick vacation (with a purpose).  I guess I will always love this country no matter what.  I agree with our national hero JOSE RIZAL quote “He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.”  

So for all former FILIPINOS whether legally you are not entitled anymore, surely will agree with me… I will always love you, my Philippines!  We are happy and proud when we hear something good about you and sad when we hear bad words about you.  There is no perfect in this world.  Even to a place where I will come back to after this.

PAALAM, Adios!!

 

Aesthetic beauty near Taal Volcano

This is in response to the Daily Post Challenge via Daily Prompt: Aesthetic.

“Art is the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the pattern.”  by Alfred North Whitehead.

Before going up north as per my earlier post under this LINK, we head down to the South of Luzon.  TAGAYTAY is one of my favorite destination in the Philippines.  The second summer capital of the Country.  The beauty of nature speaks for itself.  

Can you see that?  It is the 2nd active volcano in the Philippines see Wikipedia. So many stories about this volcano that killed thousands of people as early as 1572.  Even my late mother told me a gruesome story of what she knows from the story passed from generation to generations.  A volcano inside the lake within a lake. Interesting.

Taal Volcano, Tagaytay

We visited Museo Orlina as I always love museums and have been to many Countries that are famous for their museums so finally I saw what this can offer.  It is a simple one but it is enough for the family even with kids to explore the grounds and it’s art inside and out. 

Museo Orlina exterior facing the volcano, vinneve photo

woman1, vinneve photo

woman2, vinneve photo

Museo Orlina garden, vinneve photo

man with horn, vinneve photo

man&flower, vinneve photo

These are just a few to show you.  You better go and see it for yourself to really enjoy the beauty of  Mr. Ramon Orlina art, it is better to see to appreciate it. There’s also some vintage cars in the garage and perhaps not many people know about it as it is hidden underground.  Here you go!

Aesthetic and natural beauty indeed.