"California, here I come!" (US Trip recollection, Part I)

Can you believe how much shit must I go through just to secure my US visa? Because I requested for a work visa instead of a tourist visa, matters became complicated. It was good enough that the company took care of everything, but still what was bad was the waiting time. Waiting for the interview schedule and then waiting for the passport to be returned by the US Embassy. What was especially worse was the waiting for the passport to be returned. I felt like I was in limbo. Will I go? When do I go? And to top things off I had to reschedule my flight many times over.

But finally, I got news that my passport has been returned on that Monday, April 23rd 2007. After yet another flight schedule rearrangement, it was finally decided that I was to leave Manila on April 26th 2007. 3 days were good enough time for me to prepare for logistics, but 3 days were not a good enough time for me to be mentally-prepared to leave Manila. It was not that I wouldn't be coming back, but leaving a place that I've grown accustomed to to live in another place for about 2 months brought a tinge of sadness to the whole matter.

However, going to the US was something of a lost hope to me, considering that if I go there by my own, I would be left penniless. Getting a US visa after 9/11 seemed to me like a rather uneasy affair as well. Personally, I used to dream about going to the US when I was younger. Why? It's America! Who wouldn't wanna be there? San Francisco, Hollywood, New York (not to mention all those vending machines!). But I lost sympathy and respect for the great U. S. of A. after Bush junior took the wheel. So, I wasn't really hoping much regarding traveling to the US unless I get paid for it. Which was exactly the case this time. That was why, I was so looking forward to coming here at the time that the matter of leaving Manila, a place where I have grown to like, was not a big deal. I was the lucky son of a bitch (no offense, mom).

So, on that Thursday night, April 26th 2007, my driver dropped me off at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. I was a little giddy and nervous about going to the States. You know how it is: airport security checks, whether or not they'll accept my visa and passport, whether or not they will strip me down to complete nudity for security checks, whether or not they will send me back to Manila without my clothes on and make a damn fool out of me and and so on and so forth. And I was going there alone. That was the second time I had to embark to a foreign land on my own without any companion whatsoever. I was a little bit unsure of myself, but I kept telling myself that, hey, the embassy okay-ed my visa and I got all the docs that I need. My luggage was packed neatly and I got everything I need. So, nothing to worry bout.

Security checks at Ninoy was as annoying as ever (thanks to the US). Good thing I came prepared. No belts was on me, and I made sure that the pair of shoes I was wearing was easy to slip into and slip out of. Had to take out my laptop from my backpack, but that was to be expected. Soon enough I was boarding the Philippine Airline plane heading off to San Francisco. The flight wasn't so bad, it only lasted for about 1o hours which was an hour earlier than expected. I had to sit between two old coots (oh how I hate NOT having an aisle seat), and one of 'em even had her one foot up on her seat. It ain't your house, lady, and you ain't here alone! Have some manner, please. It wasn't a big deal though, it was just me not liking uncouth behavior in public spaces. Aside from that, thank God that I didn't have to make more than 2 toilet visits during the journey. Did I mention I hate NOT having an aisle seat? I slept like a baby almost all the way through. Phew.

I woke up seeing the sun through the window of the plane. If I didn't know any better, I thought it was morning. It was 7 pm in the evening, however, and the sun was still shining bright as if it's only 3 pm in the afternoon. The first sign that I was in foreign land.

Soon after that the plane landed at San Francisco International Airport. I was finally on foreign land. My first impression of SFO was that Changi Airport in Singapore was still way better in matters of interior design-wise and the availability of shops. The affair at the immigration was far better than I expected it would be. They didn't whisk me away to an enclosed room for interrogation or did such thing. All they did was took my photograph (the immigration booth was equipped with web cams) and asked for my petition documents. The immigration officer even said "Welcome back", as if I was once lived in the US. Trouble free immigration, very much unlike what I had in mind and what I heard from other people's experience. Probably because my Visa was published in the Philippines, not Indonesia.

The air was really cold outside, and in the parking garage I almost thought that the garage was air-conditioned. Another definite sign I was in foreign land. You see, I always associate cities with hot weather. The reality that was San Francisco hit me like a wall of cold air.

The driver who picked me up was a tall Caucasian. At first I thought he was an American until he opened his mouth and started talking. His English was rather stiff, and he had an accent. I later found out from him that he was a Russian. Divorced, with two kids. Told me to be careful with women, because they were liars and only love you for your money and not who you are. Asked me how old I was and told me that I was still young and try not to rush into marriage because that's the way women trapped us. Enjoy life while you're still young, he said. Be careful of women, he warned me. I took his words to heart (with a grain of salt, no doubt).

There were other things we talked about. Asked me how much people like him (a driver) make in the Philippines a year. I told him that I didn't have an exact figure, but at least I could tell him that drivers in the Philippines in general make a lot less than he does in the US. Told me that in the US, it was all about the money and nothing more. Not a very encouraging words for someone who just set foot on a place he's been dreaming of going to, but understandable and actually made sense to me later on. All I had to do is to turn the TV on and see all those ads for consumer goods and other stuff and I understood what he was talking about. In any case, the most important thing about visiting a country for me is not about buying stuff, but seeing new places. And I would dearly love to see the US. And what better place to do that than California, right?

My first impression of California, visually, was that there were lots of highways. Lots. And they are massive in size. So much space! And the bridge where I passed through (which I would later found out called Bay Bridge) were so big and long. And the second impression of California, for me, was that it was such a big place. So many highways, so many massive structures. At least, space is one of the things these Americans can afford to spend. So...spacious, California was. Other than that, due to the sun already setting, I didn't see much else except the city lights.

Client's office was in Concord, but I was to stay at a small town 45 minutes from San Francisco (and only 10 minutes from Concord) called Pleasant Hill. Arrived at Summerfield Suite, the hotel-slash-apartment where I will be spending most of my resting time for the next (then planned) 2 months. Told my driver sorry for not being able to tip him (since I didn't have a denomination smaller than USD 100 at the time), but he said that it was okay because it was already included in the fee. Took my two luggages and a backpack inside with me. A colleague went down to see me and make sure that everything was taken care of while I was registering my name and my stay there at the hotel.

Went to my room, number 207, and realized that the place was smaller than my apartment back in Manila. No matter, as long as I have the place all to myself. It has everything that anyone would ever want in an apartment (you know, the obligatory TV, a kitchen modest in size but generous in cooking equipments, a bed, sofa, table, sink, a cupboard to store clothings, a bathroom, and, thank God, internet connection) and I was content. Tired from the 11-hour journey, it didn't take long for me to doze off comfortably on the bed. Couldn't wait to see how the client's office looks like the next day.

It was April 26th 2007, Pacific Time, and I was happy. Later days would prove to be quite trying (especially during the first few weeks), but at the moment (and in retrospect) the only thing I could think of was: one of my life's dream had come true earlier than I'd expected.

Very Interested in This Movie (Install Quicktime to View it)

Batangas: Fun!

As I sit here in my temporary cube in Concord, California (more on that later...), contemplating the fact that I am once again about to leave a place I just got accustomed to, I tried to recall the significant events that happened during the course of my life starting on early April 2007 up until this point. Trying to put them up here before I lose steam and the stories become more like entries without any passion inside them. Just see my Baguio entry, I believe I could make that one better, but before my memories fail me (and before it gets overwritten by newer, more memorable ones here in California), I decided to quickly write it up and get it over with. The result was okay (see for yourself), but still I pretty much believe that it could have been better if I got it done soon after the trip rather than two and half months later.

Anyhow, what's done is done (and the fact that I still could edit it should any old memories surfaced puts me more at ease). Now, another quite memorable event needs to be written down. Sometime in mid April, the gang decided to go to one of the beaches near Manila (near being around 2-3 hours drive). Having nothing better to do during the weekend (which is usually the case there in Manila during weekends), I signed up without thinking twice.

There was supposed to be more people coming with us, but some of them cancelled during the last minute. That didn't matter though, those who did go was a fun bunch anyways (there was Do, Put, Yang, Win, Mul, Ro and myself). The journey took us about 3 hours and we stopped a couple of times to stock up on food supplies and gas.

The first thing that we did when we got there was to find the best spot to have some sea-side fun in the sun (oh yeah, the sun was shining pretty bright that time of the year). The first place that we got to offered us a pretty steep fee for a beach side package (a bungalow, buffet meal that we don't really need since we got our own food, and to add to the insult, the place wasn't really that nice either). So, we went away a bit disgusted but still keeping our hopes up high to look for a better place with a more reasonable price.

What's this? No white sandy beach? Boo...

Which we finally did. At first, we were a bit disappointed with the place. Why, you asked? Going to a seaside resort WITHOUT a strip of white sandy beach is pretty much like NOT going to the beach at all. And this is the Philippines for crying out loud! There were only concrete tables to have (not much of) a picnic, and right next to it is just plain sea water where a bunch of families swim and just plain have some wet seaside fun. But no sandy beach. Bummer. Luckily, one of the guides there pointed out that he could arrange for a small boat to take us to a place with good view and a strip of white sandy beach for us to play with. And guess what, the price was just right! Not THAT cheap, but still reasonably cheap.

Doesn't the sight of water just calms you down...?

The boat whisked us away from that mediocre picnic place with its jet engine, and along the way, the guide told us that we could stop by where the water was clear and we could see tons of fish underwater. Mul, our happy-go-lucky friend, is one that can not resist the charm of the water being a boy who grew up near a beach. In no time, he jumped down into the water and just go a-swimmin' along with the fishes (no, I'm not talking metaphorically, you crazy Italian mafia). Infected by his cheerful manner and complete abandon when it comes to watery fun, we joined him in the water soon after. True to what the guide told us, the water was quite clear and if you equip yourself with a goggle you could see them clearly. We spent about half an hour or so in that spot, just soaking in the water, having fun under the sun (yes, that rhymes and I love it), swimming along with the fishes and just enjoy the feeling of floating in the water.

No concrete table in sight!

After we had enough of watery fun with the fishes, the boat finally took us to our destination: a white sandy beach. It was located not too far from where we had set off, but the difference was quite obvious. Nice, white sandy beach; beautiful palm trees skirting the beach; and small cliffs marking the borders between one small sandy beach haven from another. A nice little paradise (with no concrete picnic tables in sight!).

The beach, the cliff, and the sea

Soon after we cast ashore, Do and Put started putting together a sand castle, others started to play beach volley. Mul was practically everywhere. I guess he missed his home town in Bangka. The white sand was dastardly hot, so I stayed in the water most of the time, enjoying the warm sea water and taking in the beautiful view around me. Took a bit of photo snaps here and there, as always, while keeping in mind that my digital camera is not water-proof. After we all had our fun on the sand, we went to the water to just play around or float around and enjoy the day while the sun was still up.

Sailing away...

It's one of those days where you wished that it wouldn't end. But that's no fun, right? So, as the sun was beginning to set, we thought that it was time to wrap things up and go back to Manila. The small boat took us once again to where we were. We took a shower at the many shower stalls you'd find in beach resorts, get ourself dressed up properly again, and finally set off for Manila. As always, we made a couple of stops again on the way, one of them for dinner.

We got back to our apartment to find Pil waiting outside. He just came back from his flyback to Jakarta. It would've been great if he were there in Batangas. All in all, the trip was a lot of fun, especially since it had been quite awhile since I last had a blast on a white sandy beach.

Back to reality here in Concord office. Time to adorn this post with resized photos. I'm going back to Manila soon enough. Hope there will be more white sandy beaches.

Beautiful Baguio

"So, we'll be going to Tagaytay and Laguna then, since you told me that both are quite near. But we won't be going down to the crater since I don't think my mom could stand the boat ride and the horse ride," I told my driver, Lito. He nod his head, but I could see that there's something bothering his mind. Before I could ask, however, he went ahead and said "Sir, I think it would be better to take your mom and her friend to Baguio, since they're only here from Friday to Tuesday. It would be a complete waste to take them to Tagaytay and Laguna since Baguio is much better."
"But, it takes at least 6 hours to get there during daylight, right? You told me so. And the only way we could go there faster is to go during midnight and arrive there around 5 or 6 in the morning."
"I don't mind."
"Really? You don't?"
"Yeah, I know how to get there, and it's been quite awhile since I last went there."

So, with that, I settled my plans to take my mother and her friend to Baguio........

It's been awhile, hasn't it? I was there in March 2007. It was probably one of the best times in my life...it was in the period where I was so full of life and full of love. It's amazing how love could really bring colours into life. And I was like a cup brimming full of that wonderful concoction...I was in love, in love with life, and in love with the whole notion of love. That's a lot of loving there ha ha ha.

So, as I sit here in my comfortable Concord office, I tried to recall as much as possible my tour in and around Baguio. 2 months ago...feels like an eternity has passed.

Anyways, back to the story...

Mom and her friend arrived in Makati on Friday, March 23rd 2007. My driver and I picked her up at the airport at around 9 in the evening (after a very satisfying promotion dinner party). We first put their luggages in the apartment and packed some necessary stuff to bring to Baguio. The next stop was my friends' apartment, where we usually hung out. We had a one-hour chat so that Mom got a feel of what my friends were like, and then around 12:30 in the morning we headed out of Makati to go to Baguio.

We made a couple of stops along the way, and after 6 hours of driving we finally got to Baguio. One thing I noticed during that first morning light was that the hills around us were quite steep. I noticed also that there were signs of landslides. My driver told me that landslides happened quite frequently during the rainy season.

First order of the day was to find ourselves accommodation for the one night that we would be staying there. After looking around for options, we finally settled on a small hotel (which name I forgot) and rested there for about 3 hours. We woke up quite refreshed and ready for lunch.

Baguio's Pink Cathedral

We drove into town to find a restaurant and we did. Lunch was quite tasty, probably due to the fact that we just went through quite a tiring 6-hour journey. Mom saw a church along the way and was interested to pay a visit there. It was Baguio's Cathedral. I saw the photo once in a brochure I got from my driver about Baguio, and it was white. But it seemed that someone came up with an idea and painted it pink, which gave it a rather cheap image. Took a couple of pictures here and there, and the place look quite good inside since there was a wedding on that day and the decorations were beautiful. Not long after the photo session we were off on the road again.

Lit0, our driver, took us through a park called "Burnham Park", a park named after the original city's planner. It was quite packed that Saturday morning, so we decided not to get off the car and instead we went to a place called "The Mansion".

Outside 'The Mansion'

The Mansion is, well, a mansion. It is usually used by the Philippines' presidents during their official visit to Baguio. We didn't do much there except take pictures, but that day was an especially fine day with blue skies and nary a cloud in the sky. The pictures taken was exceptional and the place felt peaceful. Nothing else to mention except that mom and her friend bought some oranges. But that's not saying that it was bad. It was an exceptionally fine day. That's why we bought oranges. I think...

Mines' View Many Pasalubong Stalls

Lito suggested that we go to Mines View next. So, that was where we headed after our little sightseeing at the Mansion. There was a lot of stalls there selling many 'pasalubong' (souvenirs in tagalog) of many kinds, from trinkets, clothes, to variety of food. But the (supposedly) real treat was a natural veranda overlooking the valley nearby Baguio. I (finally) managed to get there, after having to wait for my mom and her friend buying souvenirs and gifts. The steps were quite steep, however, and considering my mom's knees condition, I told her to wait at a nearby shop while I take a look down. The veranda was jam packed with people, and I managed to take a shot or two there, but nothing much. The view was indeed good, but according to Lito, there was less houses down at the valley from 11 years ago when he was still there. I guess that means that the view must have been more beautiful in the past, uncluttered by houses and concrete.

Valley cluttered with houses

View from the top of the Grotto

Lito took us to a place called Lourdes Grotto. Lourdes Grotto is basically a shrine dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. It sits atop a hill. You can go there either by a winding road or climbing the 250-something steps at the side of the hill. We went by the road since my mom wouldn't be able to climb the steps. It was getting foggy at that time, and it was drizzling as well. After saying a quick prayer in front of image of Mary, we went for a quick tour around Camp John Hay. The place was, to me, a resort for rich people. Some areas inside were restricted, and we were only able to see the houses from the outside. Oh well...

Zola at Session Road

The last place we visited that Saturday was Session road. Dinner was in a cafe called 'Zola'. Pretty nice place with wi-fi internet connection (wow!) for those who has their laptops with them. After dinner we took a stroll along Session to see what they have in store. It was nice to see the road full of activities: people walking here, there and about; many restaurants serving many kinds of food; stores selling many different merchandises and 'pasalubong'. On the whole, I would say that this road is Baguio's equivalent of Singapore's Orchard Road or Yogyakarta's Malioboro road...probably more to Yogyakarta's Malioboro but less ethnic. The road was full of activities, something that I really like. We ended the day feeling very tired, but very happy and relaxed.

Actually...


Before we called it a day, we had a short visit to Burnham Park. It was only a big park with a large pond in the middle where people could go on a paddle boat to enjoy the day. But since it was around 9 in the evening, the place was rather deserted and quiet. We didn't do much there except walk around the perimeter of the pond to enjoy the night breeze and have a little chat. Nothing special there, so we didn't spend too much time and not long we were on our way back to our hotel to finally call it a day.

A good spot for a morning exercise

In the morning the day after, I went to Lourdes Grotto again with Lito. Something he said when we were there the day before intrigued me. He told me that once, he went up the stairs up to the Grotto while praying along the way for his wish to come true. He said that anyone that climbs the stairs up to the Grotto will get his or her prayers answered. At least, he got his answered (he got his promotion in his previous job). I found this to be quite intriguing, not in the religious sense but more to a stamina-testing sense. So, I went there in the morning for some exercise (and hopefully get my prayers, whatever they are, answered along the way).

The climb wasn't too bad. 255 steps were not as hard as it sounded. Sure, I was out of breath by the time I got up. But I was not THAT out of breath. The weather that morning was really good, the sky was clear and there was no fog. After saying our prayers and taking some pictures, we went back down the stairs and went back to the hotel to grab breakfast and pick up mom and her friend to go attend Sunday mass at Baguio Cathedral. The Cathedral was quite packed with people coming for Sunday mass. We took some pictures again after the mass, and again we went to Mines View. It seemed that the previous day's 'pasalubong' session was not enough for my mom and her friend.

Mines View Veranda

I took the opportunity to take more pictures there in Mines View (since the ones I got from the previous day was still lacking in matter of quantity). While waiting for mom and her friend to finish up, Lito told me about the big earthquake that happened a long time ago there. It was so big that it altered the course of a river.

We experienced a bit misfortune there, however. The key to the car we were using were broken and Lito had to go to town to get some tools to start the car without the key. He managed to do that, so after about an hour of waiting we were on our way again to have our lunch. We ran out of idea so we went yet again to Zola on Session road.

Before we left Baguio to return to Manila, we went to Philippine Military Academy. Nothing much special there, so we just took a couple of pictures and we finally left Baguio for Manila around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. We went through a slightly different route on the way back and the view was much, much better than the view we saw on our way there. Lito pointed out a bridge without water underneath it. That was where the river whose course got changed during the big earthquake used to be.

Sunset near Baguio

Baguio is a beautiful city. So, if any of you happens to be in the Philippines and have a couple of days to spare, definitely a place worth checking out. Planning to go there again when I have the chance. There are so many things that I missed out during my short stay there. Until then, I said my good bye to Baguio. Till the next time I see you again.