Ilocos Norte: The Marcos Country

Ferdinand Marcos mannequins

While Imee Marcos was speaking about tourism and the Ilocos region during lunch at the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center, I couldn’t help but feel the affinity I have with the Marcos Family. No, I’m not in any way related in blood nor do I glorify whatever late President Marcos did. But growing up with parents who were Marcos loyalists got to me, more so that I’m named after the president with the same birthday. That’s why Ilocos Norte has that soft spot. And visiting places where the Marcoses used to live was like visiting a distant relative.

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South Cotabato: Wandering Around Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu Net Tending

I was careful not to step into the water getting as close as possible to capture my subject. It was early morning and the light was perfect. The placid water only interrupted by the slow moving boat while a gentle mist lifts up on its surface. A boy, probably at least ten in age, sitting on the edge of the lake signature narrow boats was tending the nets. It’s a familiar scene on this part of the world known as Lake Sebu, yet a welcome and relaxing sight for a city dweller like me.

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Macau: Taipa Evening Stroll

Taipa Artificial Lake Cotai View

Our coach sped through the scenic lights of Macau-Taipa bridge coming from Macau Central. It didn’t take long before we stopped and alighted our coach again. Joao led us to a waterfront park with steel benches by the lake. Afar we could see the towering buildings of the City of Dreams at the Cotai Strip. Despite the dimness it was nice scenery. I could sit down on one of those benches and just space out.

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Macau: Fun and Wonder at Macau Science Center

Macau Science Center

I drop in a red rubber ball inside a large transparent water container with a simulation of a whirlpool inside. It looks fascinating seeing this small cross section on what is definitely an ocean phenomenon to be avoided. I watched as the red rubber ball get sucked into the pool and get discharged under the container. I wouldn’t want that ball be a boat with me in it at sea. It’s amazing I get fascinated by scientific displays as this whirlpool simulation inside the Macau Science Center whereas if I was a kid, I’d just be satisfied by pushing buttons and pulling levers to see what happens.

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Macau: The Ruins of St Paul’s Church and the Macau Museum

Macau The Ruins of St Paul's Church and the Macau Museum

We zigzagged along the streets of commercial establishments and restaurants coming from Senado Square and St Dominic’s Church until we reach the narrower souvenir street heading to St Paul’s Church Ruins. The street here filled with souvenir shops and Macau’s favourite take home gifts from pastelarias selling peanut cookies, plums and beef jerky to mention a few goodies.

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