My first time in fourteen years here in Beverly Hill’s Taoist Temple in Cebu City. Today I’m back for more enlightenment, deep thoughts, and the wisdom of the four winds.
Ok actually no. Just experimenting some B&W snaps here in this lofty house of worship.
I believe everyone should see Cebu City in the old-fashioned way — on foot.
I have a boss a true-blue Cebuano. Finds it hard to communicate in Tagalog tongue. When he does, it’s like he has difficulty breathing. And I believe him when he says “all of Cebu City is just a walk away.”
“Walking cleanses you.” The old man is a genius.
And a Gemini too.
You can start the epic walk from any point — say — the Plaza Independencia! And git go early! Each moment is a day.
You’ll never miss a thing in walking. Like, the zebra dove atop the domed tower?
Or the Guardia Civil at the Fuerza de San Pedro — clinging to his piece.
The last time I have been here I rove the city alone. I like it all by myself.
Nothing but absolute liberty.
This time, I have two dolls in tow. Both are taxi-independent. Both hal-habal-terrified.
At least now I have someone to tell me when to stop.
They say walking is the most ancient exercise.
As ancient as the Basilica Del Santo Nino perhaps?
Cebu City package tour = $60/head. (scoff) Believe me when I say: don’t let people drive you crazy when you know everything here is hair-breadth’s away from each other. Walking distance, Bai!
I used to avoid asking for directions. Maybe because of the anomalous look in every stranger’s eyes. But that was a long time ago. When I was just a simple sprout!
Today, I have just rattled a bunch of Cebuanas by simply inquiring for the nearest cafe
Banawa Hill.
From downtown to uptown.
To march all the way up here is like Christ doing the Golgota.
Well this is embarrasing but the “Golgota” is no picnic. We took a cab up here, to be honest.
Wrapping up the day’s swing here at the Museo Sugbu. A prison-turned-museum and home to the original talked about Dancing Inmates.
Logged out.
Just a thought: don’t lose your love for walking.
I have always thought that taxi drivers here in Cebu city are far nicer than the ones we have in Manila. But as I hit this town today, I got an enlightenment from one loose-lipped local cabbie: “You Manileños don’t understand. Do not liken us with your abusive taxi drivers up there in Manila. They’ve got all kinds of tricks. They charge cut-throat fares, they’re picky with destinations and they arrogantly reject passengers. And sometimes they resort to extortion too! Not to mention they are madcaps on the streets.”
I couldn’t agree more. The very first thing that could ruin a tourist’s visit in Manila is a taxi.
“But you know,” continued the road hog “the thing is, those twisted cab drivers in Manila? They are mostly Cebuanos!”
Back here once again in this Queen City of the South. No fixed plans and aimless. That’s the way to do it. No red carpet roll out? It’s ok.
G.T.B.B Cebu City!
A year ago today I gave me the bossiest birthday present I could ever give to myself — the end to the 30-year old smoking habit. One bang up gift and one tough fight. Nevertheless, me and myself somehow made the killing! So it’s been a year and it feels like I can scale the mountains once more.
To those who haven’t crossed the bridge i say — go for the slam!
Elmer Nev Corado Valenzuela: 45 years on Earth today
The Libertad Channel Bridge used to be my favorite resting stop after each Sunday spin. Until everyone discovered the spot to have an eye-catching view of Manila bay in the west, and the Makati skyline in the east. Today, the bridge has become a stomping ground for sunset lovers, pausing motorists and — unsurprisingly — wedding photographers.
A shipful of sunset lovers cuts me off from the view. What are they having for dinner out there..
Formula One team LOTUS F1 with Filipino-Swiss hot rod Marlon Stockinger in the flesh this morning at the Luneta Grandstand for the Manila Speed Show. My first brush with formula one cars and — ah yes I see– these things are not even higher than my knees but they’re nothing short of monsters!
It’s a watch and listen event. Ermita district was filled with terrifying howls of machines today.
Rockinger: The man from Malate
