The Palace in the Sky

There's something mysterious about the ruins—the old, well-preserved structure built to last a lifetime.

That's what the ruins are for. To stand the test of time. 

In the Philippines, just an hour from Manila is the ruins we call the "Palace in the Sky," now more popularly known as "People's Park in the Sky," which gives a chilly feel due to its geographical location on the summit of Mount Gonzales in the province of Cavite.

At the veranda overlooking the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love

The view deck overlooking the Taal Lake

The structures' old and rustic charm attracts local and foreign visitors due to its breathtaking view of the famous Taal Volcano and Lake. 

Truly captivating!

The highest point. That's the description of the place, as it is located on the summit of the highest mountain in Cavite at 709 meters (2,326 ft.) above sea level. And so, it offers a 360-degree view of the Tagaytay Highlands, including nearby recreational parks and villages.

The story of how this "Palace in the Sky" became a famous ruin is different from the stories of the other ruins in the country.

What sets this ruin apart is its unique story, a tale that's unlike any other in the country.

The view deck overlooking the mountains

In the late 70s, during the administration of the late President Marcos, "Palace in the Sky" was commissioned to serve as a guest house for the visit of then-US President Ronald Reagan. That's a show of Filipino hospitality at its best. 

A royalty welcome and treatment.

However, the construction was left unfinished when the visit of US President Reagan was canceled.

We have been left with the "Ruins in the Sky" since then.

The rustic and mossy Palace ruins 

It's a bittersweet sight, imagining the beauty that could have been if the construction of the Palace in the Sky had been completed, but instead, it was left abandoned.

That was supposed to be consistent with the Imeldific brand, the highest extravagance attributed to former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Honestly, I love the place on the summit. Although the ruins can be a little creepy at first sight, their beautiful ambiance captures the heart. 

It's clear that the Palace in the Sky was built with love and admiration, a testament to the beauty of the place.

The next time you visit Tagaytay, you should never miss this place. 

A must-visit! 

It's a great weekend getaway for the family, partners, or even solo travelers. It's a romantic destination that captivates the soul of anyone.

The "Palace in the Sky" is not just an abandoned ruin. It possesses timeless elegance and natural charm. It represents our glorious past and creates beautiful memories to last.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Charming Town of Lucban

There are many old, rustic, but charming towns in the Philippines. On the main Philippine island of Luzon, South of Manila, you can see and experience the historical and cultural municipality of Lucban, Province of Quezon.

The place, with its mild and windy temperature, is a haven of tranquility, nestled at the foothill of mystical Mount Banahaw. Its coolness, reminiscent of Tagaytay Highlands, offers a serene escape, especially for those coming from the bustling Metro Manila.

At Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

In the Summer of 2014, we took a great road trip from Manila to Lucban to celebrate Holy Week. The journey was filled with scenic views of lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, making it a soulful week to remember.

As a lover of old Spanish towns, Lucban's rich and well-preserved colonial past never captivates me. The pleasant vibe of history permeating the city is a sight to behold. 

Truly fascinating!

Ancestral houses, centuries-old churches, and plazas feel like time travel with ancient Kalesa or Horse-drawn carriage on a narrow street.

At Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine

Lucban is renowned for its 'Pahiyas Festival,' a vibrant celebration of the town's bountiful agricultural harvest every 15th of May. The town comes alive with colorful decorations made from local produce, creating a lively and unique cultural experience that is a must-see.

I also appreciate that Lucban has a nature-inspired resort and restaurant, a relaxing place for family bonding. The resort is nestled in a serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery. It offers a range of activities for all ages, making it the perfect place for a peaceful and enjoyable family getaway.

A restaurant with a natural background overlooking the golden rice field is rejuvenating. The swimming pool water flows from nature's spring—excellent, clean, and greenish-blue water, so refreshing.

 

At Kamayan Sa Palaisdaan

With its old-world charm, delectable cuisine, warm locals, and serene natural scenery, Lucban is a small yet enchanting town that has mastered the art of preserving its heritage and culture. It's a place where the past and present harmoniously coexist, where nature and culture blend in perfect harmony, inspiring a deep appreciation for both.

Living in the past meets living in the present: living in peace with nature and being captivated by culture.  

© 2020 Del Cusay

Kalesa Tour in Intramuros

A horse-drawn carriage, or Kalesa in Filipino, is not just a mode of transportation but a significant symbol of our cultural heritage. It represents a bygone era when these carriages were a common sight on the streets of Manila.

Imagine stepping into the past as you embark on a nostalgic tour inside the walled city of Intramuros, guided by the iconic Kalesa. This horse-drawn carriage is not just a mode of transportation but a living testament to our rich cultural heritage, a heritage we should all be proud of.

That was 333 years of Spanish colonization, which ended in 1898. But then, we could only speak fluent Spanish in the Spanish-creole language in the provinces of Zamboanga in the southern Philippines and South Luzon in the Province of Cavite. 

The Main Entrance

Anyway, we do speak Spanish, but it's broken Spanish. We have tens of thousands of Spanish words in our Filipino language. It's just that Americans took over the Philippine Islands and had to change the identity again that the Spanish had built for more than three centuries.

And so, to glimpse our Spanish colonial past, I should have experienced a Kalesa ride. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves, the gentle swaying of the carriage, and the sights and sounds of Intramuros passing by are a tour as old as time in Intramuros, Manila, and an experience not to be missed.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Are we a Latino? Asian or a Pacific Islander?

That's hard to explain since we're a mixed race in the Far East. That could be all of the above, or we might be confused with our racial identity.

Riding a Kalesa inside the walled city of Intramuros is not just a fun experience but also a thought-provoking journey. As Filipinos, it's crucial to delve into our past to shape our present national identity.

Passing along the streets of Intramuros are the restored walls and Spanish architectural buildings that can transport you back to the good old days. Schools, Churches, Spanish government buildings, and old Spanish Houses have all been restored and brought back to life.

Foreign tourists in Intramuros may now know about our Spanish colonial past, why we say "pero, para, mas, menos," and why some Filipinos may look like Spanish mestizos and not brown Malay skin as we are known.

Palacio del Gobernador

Passing through the Old Wall on a narrow street

That concludes my cultural journey through downtown Manila. A Kalesa tour is a must-try for all, especially Filipinos, as it allows us to explore and reconnect with our history and identity without altering it.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Surfing at the Crystal Beach

Gentle waves at the beach are fun. The sun shines, the sand is sparkling, and the people surf.

In the Philippines, the coast of San Narciso in the province of Zambales is one of the country's finest beaches and a surfing destination. Crystal Beach is a surfing paradise in the North. 

In May 2019, I traveled about 4 hours from Manila, the Philippine capital, to reach this surfing spot. Its proximity to Manila makes it an ideal weekend getaway to escape stress and regain vitality briefly.

We need a place like this. Great for total rejuvenation of the body, mind, and soul.

Crystal Beach has its surfing school for beginners and a surfboard rental for any surfers.

Have I dared go on surfing? 

I love water adventures and have long been interested in learning about surfing, but I was still looking for a better moment.

And so, I was closer to my dream of surfing. It just takes a single step, a show of interest.

It's good that a country like the Philippines is blessed to have one of the best surfing spots in the world. 

The Cloud Nine waves of Siargao in the South are world-renowned and the surfing spot of La Union. It's a favorite destination among local and international surfers and beach lovers.

I was just fine with gentle waves. It's ideal for beginners, and watching some people surfing is already a fun water show.

Crystal Beach is a sparkling Jewel and a rising surfing destination in the Philippines. The waves from September until January would be the best since it's a monsoon season when the wind blows stronger.

That was a great weekend at the beach. I'm filled with gratitude for having had the chance to enjoy it before the pandemic. As we wait for local tourism to recover, I'm reminded of the precious moments we've had and look forward to the day when we can be closer to nature again.

The coast of San Narciso and the sparkling shore of Crystal Beach is truly a paradise for everyone who appreciates nature.

Great memories always live on, and the ripple goes on.

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Taste of Eid

Halal certified. This is why I've developed a habit of meticulously checking food labels in grocery stores and supermarkets, a journey that has led me to discover the world of Halal food.

But then, I wanted to dine in a Halal-certified restaurant in Manila. It was a crowded, busy scene in bustling old downtown Manila, the Philippine capital.

Halal, a term that means 'permissible or allowed in Islam ', is not just a dietary standard. It's a cultural practice that is gaining global recognition, even among non-Muslims.

And so last year, in 2019, I celebrated Eid in the busy district of Quiapo in downtown Manila, where the Golden Mosque is located.

The mosque was commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos and built in 1976 to welcome Libyan President Gaddafi, but he couldn't visit the country.

It became a community for our Muslim brothers and sisters, where they settled and established their livelihoods.

Businesses like Halal restaurants are thriving within the vicinity of the Golden Mosque.

Halal-certified food isn't just about religious guidelines. It's about choosing a 'clean and healthy' diet, free from alcohol and pork-derived products, which can have significant health benefits.

For health reasons, animal products sometimes carry diseases transferrable to humans. Regular consumption can develop into diseases like common hypertension and high cholesterol, leading to cardiac disorders or heart ailments.

Since the pandemic, we have preferred to eat organic vegetables, which we grow on our newly developed farm. We just want a healthier body to boost our immunity to fight diseases.

Investing in health and wellness is wise, so we're adapting health standards like Halal.

The world and humanity must be health-conscious. We now understand how vulnerable we are to diseases if we don't adopt the best health practices and lifestyles. It's not just a choice; it's a responsibility.

The taste of Eid is just as tasteful as any cuisine in the world. However, they have improved their practice to the highest health standard.

We always choose to be healthy. We choose to be well.

© 2020 Del Cusay