Walking Tour in Mumbai

I had a terrible experience in Mumbai, but it was unforgettable. Mumbai is India's financial and cultural capital and one of its finest and wealthiest cities.

But with its glamour comes the downside of bustling city life for the Mumbaikars. It's the chaos of daily living like other major world megacities. And with a month-long stay in Mumbai, I couldn't help but stay much longer. I had had enough of the good times and the bad times.

The district of Bandra, where I resided, was a vibrant hub of street commerce, offering a unique shopping experience. The streets were lined with a variety of businesses, primarily showcasing ready-to-wear, colorful garments, and other personal products. My limited wardrobe from New Delhi prompted me to indulge in some local shopping, and I ended up with a few shirts and a new pair of shoes from a Nike outlet store in Bandra. These were all I needed for my explorations of Mumbai's streets and downtown areas.

In Bandra, I would take a daily walk along the bandstand and pass by the mansion of Shah Rukh Khan, one of the famous Bollywood actors. The Bollywood "Walk of Stars" was newly installed then. The names of stars like Kareena Kapoor, whom I've known from the movie "3 Idiots" and other celebrities whose expressions and body marks are inscribed and molded-- their version of the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."

On certain days, I would take a cab from Bandra and traverse the awe-inspiring Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This majestic bridge, a symbol of modern engineering, connects Mumbai's two most essential districts and serves as the gateway to the downtown area, where the world heritage sites are located.

During my explorations, I often found myself passing by the tower mansion of the Ambanis, India's richest family and business tycoon. The sheer opulence of this million-dollar house, located in Mumbai's most expensive real estate location, never failed to intrigue me.

As I reached the old downtown area, my walking tour started with appreciating the old European structures like the Gateway of India and the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was rich in colonial history and built during the British Raj.

I enjoyed the gallery viewing inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From its construction, the Royal visits, and the terrorist attack, I learned a piece of its glory and gruesome history.

One day, I decided to experience Mumbai's local train system. I traveled from Bandra to Christchurch station, but I had a horrible experience with the ticketing system. Due to a misunderstanding, I was fined for not having the correct ticket. This incident taught me the importance of understanding the local transportation rules. Despite this setback, I continued exploring the cricket field around the University of Mumbai and the nearby areas. I enjoyed watching students play cricket, a popular Indian sport similar to baseball.

I spent more days in Bandra, and so I explored the streets. Some days, I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino in a café, and some days, I visited the nearby churches to pray. I went to a church on a hilltop, a short car ride via Hill Road.

Before I left Mumbai, I had yet to find Bollywood. It's not a place, but it's a film center. I understand they're the largest producer of films in the world. I've watched some of Shah Rukh Khan and Amir Khan's films not in Mumbai but in Delhi cinema. There's more to Bollywood in Mumbai, but I needed more.

That was a month-long stay, during which I learned about the place and its people, culture, food, music, and lifestyle.

Mumbai has a colorful heritage and history; whenever I have a chance to return in the future, it will be much more wonderful and truly memorable.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

His Eminence the 9th Filipino Cardinal

Many were surprised when Pope Francis announced that the Archbishop of Capiz, Most Reverend Jose Advincula, would be one of the new 13 Cardinals of the Catholic Church.

It's a tradition that the Vatican appoints an Archbishop to elevate to the title of Cardinal from the Archdiocese of Manila and Cebu. But this time, our very own Capiz Archbishop Advincula was chosen by the Pope to join the College of Cardinals. It's the second highest position in the Catholic Church, next to the Pope, and also an elector to the conclave of the next Pope.

On November 28, 2020, the Pope confirmed the appointment of the new 13 Cardinals, including His Eminence Most Rev. Jose Cardinal Advincula.

Cardinal Advincula's new role holds immense significance for the Catholic faithful of Capiz. The Holy See's recognition of our growing faith and devotion to the church is a source of great pride and honor for us.

Pope Francis's message was powerful and meaningful in that he went beyond the peripheries, choosing neglected areas away from the traditional centers of power.

It's a blessing and a heartwarming experience for Cardinal Advincula as an Archbishop. He was the principal celebrant on the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish on June 27, 2019, in our hometown in Jamindan, Capiz.

Cardinal Advincula of the Archdiocese of Capiz started several Catholic Mission Stations and Mission schools in Capiz. 

In 2012, the Archbishop of Capiz planned to establish a Mission Station on the Hill Road of Linambasan, Jamindan. On January 13, 2018, it was elevated into a Parish. From a Mission Station, it's now called the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in honor of the blessed Mary, the Mother of Christ.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish will continue to grow in faith, love, and service today and in future generations.

The church becomes better for spirituality and religious service to the faithful.

We continue to grow in faith in Christ Jesus and in the blessed Mary to become the children of God and Mary.

As a community, we offer our prayers to Cardinal Advincula, hoping he'll continue to be a beacon of hope and faith to those who need Divine love and light.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

Related Posts:

👉 The Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Our Love and Devotion

👉 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: A Divine Gift

The Captivating Mantalinga Island

What captivates the soul more than a small island on the coast of Roxas City, Capiz, known as Mantalinga Island.

It's a tiny island just a kilometer from Baybay Beach's shore. It's famous for its long stretch of beachfront restaurants.

The place is popular in the Western Visayas as the best food trip destination. It has gained national recognition as one of the best sources and suppliers of seafood in the top restaurants in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila.

Roxas City, known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, offers abundant marine products like fish, shellfish, and oysters. The best part? You can enjoy these fresh seafood dishes at an affordable price, a fraction of what you'd pay in high-end restaurants in Metro Manila. At Baybay Beach, you can indulge in unlimited fresh seafood, day and night, without breaking the bank, ensuring a satisfying and budget-friendly culinary experience.

Imagine the sea's soothing waves and the cool breeze on your skin. Now, add to that the breathtaking sight of Mantalinga Island, a natural wonder that serves as the most famous background and landmark in Roxas City.

Thanks to its proximity to Roxas City's mainland, getting to Mantalinga Island is a breeze. You can easily hire a pump boat service or a kayak to get a closer look at this captivating island, making your trip convenient and hassle-free.

Local fishermen have a unique belief about Mantalinga Island. They call it 'Good Luck Island' because they believe that inscribing their name on the rock before fishing or on their boat before its main voyage brings them good luck. This local tradition, steeped in cultural significance, adds an intriguing and enriching layer to your visit, sparking your curiosity and appreciation for local customs. 

We all want good luck. We want a good journey in life. And when you visit this laid-back city in Western Visayas, see Baybay Beach and experience the enigmatic charm of Mantalinga Island. You'll come for sure, and you'll ask for more.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay 

Related Post:

👉 The Sacred Heart on a Hilltop

Bollywood and Mehandi Night in New Delhi

An Indian wedding would last three days. That's a very long celebration, and yes, it could also be expensive if it is too grandiose.

In New Delhi, I was invited to attend the Mehandi night, a pre-wedding celebration held a day before the main wedding ceremony.

The Mehandi night, a significant part of the three-day Indian wedding celebration, is a fun and colorful event that symbolizes the love between the couple and their families, relatives, and friends. 

In Hindu culture, the bride applies a red-orange Mehandi or a henna tattoo on the back of her hands, palms, and feet. I had the privilege of witnessing this intricate process, which is not just a tradition but an art form for the bride. The detailed patterns and designs are not only attractive to the groom's eyes but also a symbol of the couple's love.

The Mehandi night was a joyous moment for everyone present at the event. There was dance and Bollywood music all night long, with the couple being the center of attention as they made a Couple dance surrounded by family and friends.

The Bollywood music was a highlight of the evening. Its upbeat rhythm and lively tunes kept everyone entertained. The live performances from invited Bollywood artists were fantastic, and I had a great time. It was an enjoyable and unique wedding experience to remember.

Of course, an Indian wedding is also about food and delicacy, with the finest cuisine from all over India. The buffet meal, featuring a variety of traditional Indian dishes, was a delightful accompaniment to the soulful Bollywood music and entertainment.

Mehandi Night has a casual lounge feel with colorful pillows and clothes everywhere. I had a wonderful conversation with other guests and learned more about their Indian wedding culture.

The Mehandi night is a celebration of vibrant colors, from the traditional Indian clothes to the lively decorations. It's an extravagant but meaningful moment filled with energy and excitement.

The wedding venue was full of decorations, with fresh flowers everywhere. It was like a night of fantasy—a fairytale.

That was a fantastic and magical night. It was a pure and magical delight.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

The Japanese art of Forest Bathing

When it comes to natural healing, the Japanese know better. They came up with a term, "Shinrin-yoku," popularized in Japan in the '80s and later introduced to the world. 

Forest bathing isn't taking a bath in the forest in a literal sense. It simply means reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from life's stressors -- causing diseases.

It's been a year since I've lived in a rural area; in my hometown. It's countryside living away from too much noise and chaos.

Since the beginning of the pandemic and due to the lockdown, some plans weren't able to happen, and since then, I wasn't able to come back to Manila.

I'm living my best life away from distraction and pollution; forest bathing on weekends is my healing wonder. It's all we need in times of stress and whenever we need to relax and rejuvenate. It cleanses and purifies our physical and mental bodies.

So Japanese people are considered world leaders regarding health and longevity. Their approach to health and wellness is just holistic and admirable. Hence, they're a world record in having supercentenarians. 

We Filipinos adapted to this Japanese form of natural healing. Forest bathing is slowly gaining recognition, especially among health and fitness enthusiasts.

Hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and yoga and meditation practitioners are among those groups gaining from the healing benefits of forest bathing.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip.

In the Philippines, there are places I've done forest bathing on a day trip. Camp John Hay in Baguio City is where you can find the most pine trees. And has the most forest cover in the area.

At Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines

That was a refreshing forest bathing experience as I felt the foggy place's mists. It feels so great to be surrounded by trees, which give off natural cleansing energy.

Bucari Highlands in Iloilo, Philippines, is one of the best mountain resort destinations in the country.

When we visited, it was rainy on the way up and with a foggy and misty climate. Like Baguio City, it has many pine trees making the environment more relaxed.

Bucari, Iloilo, Philippines

There are other places where I've enjoyed forest bathing. The Mount Arayat National Park in Pampanga, Philippines. The La Mesa Eco-park in Quezon City, Philippines, and Naddi Village in Dharamshala, India.

My parents were inspired to develop our farm over a decade ago, so they planted Mahogany trees, making it a mini-forest. Now the trees have reached their peak maturity and are tall, giving a cool shade in the surrounding. 

 

Our Mahogany tree park

And so, every time we visited the farm, I would do forest bathing. I walk barefoot and remain under the trees until I've reached a meditative state. Feel the serenity and inhale the life force. 

Anyone can do it. When life gets tough, we must take slow and find a greener space to unwind and re-energize. 

The Japanese people are doing it as a lifestyle, so we can learn and adopt their healthy and balanced lifestyle.

©️2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 The Highlands of Baguio

👉 The Highlands of Bucari

👉 Stairway to the Mountain

Living with the Gods in McLeod Ganj

A balanced living where nature meets progress and development. It's a place that's a blend of culture and faith.

These are the Indians and the Tibetans, living in harmony with the Gods in McLeod Ganj.

In February 2013, I traveled to be with the Gods in McLeod Ganj. They call it "Little Lhasa" because it had had a large population of Tibetans in exile since 1959 when the Indian Government accepted them and gave them a place to put up their Government while in exile. 

That's only in India. They warmly embrace refugees and protect their rights, safety, and security. 

The greatest love is the Indian Government's support of their expression of faith in Tibetan Buddhism.

My journey in McLeod Ganj was graced by a unique encounter with the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual leader of the Tibetans in exile. I was fortunate to meet him at his residence, where he shared profound insights about 'Jataka Tales' with local and international pilgrims.

I'm a Christian, but I've studied Major religions in India for over a year and incorporated their beliefs into my faith.

The world would be better if we were not too fanatic about our religious affiliation. When people would tend to fight for their faith as the best and the only truth, I would try to learn and understand others' faith deeply.

I befriend people of different backgrounds and faiths in India. It's about respect and understanding, not prejudice and religious superiority. 

With the universal God, we're all equal. God just happened to appear in different places and times in a completely different image depending on the culture and language unique to each country.

When I was in India, their Gods were my Gods. The Gods and the Goddesses in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. All are Gods, but also a universal God.

In McLeod Ganj, I felt the Divine Beings, the Gods of the Tibetans and the Indians. It was different images, but I prayed to their Gods on its universal form.

Stepping into the Namgyal Monastery was a transformative experience. It was a union with the Divine that didn't diminish my Christian faith but instead deepened and enriched it. 

That's why Major religions thrive in India, and people learn to live in harmony and reverence for each other's faith.

My visit to Himachal Pradesh was Divinely inspired. I traveled alone, having faith in the Divine guides. 

Whether you're a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian, we're all brothers and sisters here on earth. We share a common humanity. Your suffering is also my suffering, and our joys are shared. We are all part of a larger, interconnected whole.

During these challenging times, what we need most is a sense of shared humanity. We need to pray for each other without boundaries, religious affiliations, prejudice, or discrimination. What we need is love, the purest form of reverence to God, to guide us and inspire hope.

Just love.

Ultimately, our love for humanity is our highest reverence for God. It's a love that transcends religious boundaries and unites us all. It's a love that inspires us to be better, to do better, and to create a world of understanding and respect. 

So it is.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay