The Purple Garden in the Sky

Purple color is known to be a symbol of spirituality. It gives a pleasant appeal before the eyes and deep into the soul. It nourishes the body and the mind and expands our consciousness.

That makes purple the color of choice among lovers who have chosen to celebrate a milestone with Divine love and light.

We see shades of purple everywhere we go, like lilac to lavender and indigo to magenta. It's soothing, and it aids in healing. 

And so, we choose a spiritual color that rejuvenates the body and awakens the power of the soul. That makes us feel good, look good, and do good; as we take the path leading toward another height -- our dreams, goals, and heart's desires. 

As we continuously seek the meaning of life and purpose, the purple color reminds us of our expanded consciousness and higher self. We're spiritual being that experiences love and compassion that radiates to others.

The purple flowers in the garden and the purple sky are reminders of a spiritual connection that challenges our imagination and ambition. With clarity of our thoughts and intentions, we see the light shining through us. The radiance makes us feel light instantly and out of the blue. 

It's this life we choose that makes us feel alive. We live each day with gratitude in our hearts, and we live to give inspiration and motivation, to keep on moving and in constant motion.

Life is good. We are very blessed with the people we share our love with so dearly. With the Divine blessings, we're even more delighted by the graces we receive daily, from this day, and for the rest of our lives.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Walking Tour in Ermita

The Ermita district in downtown Manila has been the economic and cultural center for centuries. It's where refined architectures of the 20th century are well-preserved or rebuilt back on their glorious days.

It's great to have a walking tour of a Historical site that honors the bravery and patriotism of the Filipino people. Truly built for the Filipino and showcased to the world.

Ermita was once a posh community for Manila's elite and high society, the center for business, education, finance, religious and cultural activities. 

As the Philippine capital, I would always feel great and proud to walk on the historical streets of the old district of Ermita. There are so many emotions to cling to the past, from the Spanish to the American colonial times.

When people nowadays prefer to go to malls as an indoor park, still it's different from the charm of a natural outdoor park where people would go for a weekend stroll and enjoy a relaxing ambiance.

It's good to have a developed and well-maintained central park in a large metropolitan where people can do several physical and recreational activities for health and leisure. 

A park in honor of the great Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, remains the premier landmark and attracts local and foreign tourists. Rizal is highly revered and remains an idol of the Filipino people, especially the younger generations. He's truly an icon of democracy, bravery, and national identity.

As a reverence to his heroism, it's always great to visit and be in touch with history in his life, emulate his ways, and learn about loyalty to one's country.

Before Covid-19, Rizal park was fully vibrant, with many people doing their fitness and activities for leisure. On June 12, 2019, I attended the flag-raising in commemoration of the Philippine independence day, witnessing the presence of Vice President Robredo for the traditional wreath-laying at Rizal's monument. That was a great experience to be part of a historical moment.

Today, Rizal Park in Ermita remains beautiful even with few people due to Covid-19 restrictions. I've never imagined how things would change due to the pandemic, but somehow grateful to have chosen a historical site for a romantic walking tour experience.

Ermita's parks and streets will remain refined and wondrous despite modernization in the 21st century. With a bustling metropolis and rising skyscrapers, it will still be the center of attraction with great learnings from the past.

I may visit famous global landmarks, but I would always look back to have a deeper appreciation and reverence for our national heritage and national treasure.

Wherever we are, Manila will always be our home and our identity. Today and in years to come, we'll always cherish the good times, great memories, and lessons it brings.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Old Walls and Cobblestones of Intramuros

Walking through Intramuros's old walls and alleys gives a pleasant taste of what life is like back in time. A time when life seems refined and where arts are highly appreciated.

Today, the streets of Intramuros are back to life with people from all walks of life. It was exclusive to high-ranking Spanish officials, their families, and other Filipino mestizos. 

Intramuros gives a new perspective on culture and heritage where the past meets the Present. The old Manila district of Intramuros is full of tales as old as time and turns into a magical place from sunset to dusk and beyond. 

The San Agustin church is a beautiful architectural wonder hailed as a World Heritage site and the oldest Baroque church in the Philippines, built in the 16th century. It's a testament to the deep and meaningful faith of the Filipinos back then, and now it's continued to be preserved and restored for the generation to come.

Intramuros is also a home of the premiere church and a minor Basilica --the Manila Cathedral. It's one of the most beautiful churches in the country that stood the test of time. It was heavily devastated during wartime and rebuilt several times to regain its glory.

The façade of the Manila Cathedral is full of art with sculptures similar to European pilgrim sites. It provides a beautiful backdrop and is always romantic. 

A year after the pandemic, more Filipinos, especially the younger generation, have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the rich heritage of Intramuros. We may have lost foreign tourists during this time, yet we Filipinos have not lost our sense of pride and nationalism as we patronage our very own national treasure.

The old walls and the cobblestone streets of Intramuros are a glimpse of our past. It's a window to our soul as a strong nation and a true Filipino.

As we continue our journey, we show our deepest desires to fully understand our past and relate it to the Present. Our old Manila walks are just a great learning experience of remembering the past while living fully in the present moment --the Present times.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Highlands of Tagaytay

When the smoke emits up high on a volcano, and the ashes fall, that must be scary. And what's even more frightening is when the smallest active volcano disrupts people's lives.

That was the scene in January 2020 when the Taal volcano erupted. People were frightened and put on forced evacuation. Nearby establishments were closed, and many families lost their homes and livelihood.

A year after, life is back to normal for the people of Taal and Tagaytay. The beauty and grandeur of the famous lake captivate one's soul from any distance.

The cool climate of Tagaytay is perfect for a bowl of beef bulalo and a cup of coffee with a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and the volcano. I love its romantic scenery and will never tire of it. I feel so relaxed, and it truly heals the soul.

People's Park in the Sky offers the best view of Taal Lake. It's cool and windy on the highest point of Tagaytay, and the backdrop is naturally stunning. Tagaytay Highlands and the Crosswinds offer a Swiss-like landscape with beautiful mountains and greeneries. 

I would love to be there. It's truly enchanting!

The picnic grove is a fun-filled moment with a closer view of Taal Lake. The place has changed a lot since our last family visit in 2016. More changes are in place, hoping that it won't lead to overdevelopment but a balance of nature and city life.

A year after the lockdown, more people visit places of interest, and they deserve a great place to unwind and rejuvenate. Tagaytay is beautiful, and Taal Lake is naturally wonderful and perfect for a weekend family getaway.

The Highlands of Tagaytay is a home away from home. It's a livable city away from Manila and will always remain to be beautiful.

It is enjoyable and romantic when you share happiness with your family and special someone. It's great to make lasting memories, and we'll always create meaningful moments to cherish and reminisce.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay