𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠, 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨; 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.

As I celebrate the Lunar New Year of 2024, I have the desire to be fearless and feisty. I have to leave the energy of living in fear to unblock energies leading to success and prosperity.

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This year's Lunar New Year is special as we celebrate the 50th Annual Lunar New Year Parade in Vancouver. Thousands of spectators participated and attended this colorful and festive event.

In Vancouver Chinatown, I can see and feel the cultural inclusion and integration. The event is celebrated by people coming from different cultures and diverse backgrounds. Everyone seems thrilled and excited whether it's their first Lunar New Year experience or a regular event spectator, everyone feels welcomed and blessed by a Deity or Supreme being.

It's the enthusiasm to feel connected to a culture that is unique and beautiful. It's the eagerness to learn and understand about a culture that's so strong and vibrant. 

This year we welcome and celebrate the Wood Dragon. It's considered the luckiest of all the Chinese Animal signs. It brings the highest luck and prosperity in Chinese beliefs. This resonates with me as I believe in the power of a positive mindset to attract positive manifestations.

I've celebrated Lunar New Year through the years and I can attest to the power of manifestations to start the year right. 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: An Auspicious Celebration

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018: Prosperity and Abundance

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2019: Luck, Prosperity, and Faith

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace, and Harmony 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2022: Desire and Destiny 
• 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

I've learned to integrate cultural beliefs that are not unknown to me. It gave me a sense of happiness to accept something new and believe in myself when they inspire positivity for those who believe.

My desire for this year is about the most valuable thing; to have the willpower to achieve my greatest desires and destiny. I believe that luck and prosperity happen when I fight what's unwanted and unleash the fire within to bring out the best in me.

©️ 2024 Del Cusay

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙? 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨?

Our bigger world begins with us. When we discover more about ourselves, we realize our potential and how we can significantly impact the outside world while eliminating our fears and doubts. 

It begins when we question who we are and what we can do to make a difference and lasting impact on other people's lives and the community we live. 

As we celebrate the year of the water rabbit according to the Chinese animal sign, we have a moment for introspection for our greatest rediscovery and restart of our lives. 

The rabbit sign signifies springtime or rebirth, just as we would want to start a new world of living and experience. 

The rabbit is a gentle animal that commands peace and harmony. Like us, we would want to avoid hostility and violence in our thoughts and intentions. 

I do my yearly introspection during the Lunar New Year, and it's a great time to make changes in ourselves if we want to unblock the path leading to peace and prosperity. 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: An Auspicious Celebration

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018: Prosperity and Abundance

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2019: Luck, Prosperity, and Faith

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020: Love, Peace, and Harmony 

• Celebrating Chinese New Year 2022: Desire and Destiny 

We hope for a better life this year of the water rabbit. We keep on hoping for better days ahead. And we are hoping for the best decisions that will guide our path. 

As we are hopeful for the best year ahead, we also take action to fulfill our highest hopes and dreams despite the uncertainties. Our energy would bring us to a higher level of consciousness and allow us to live the best life we deserve -- living our life ahead of its time. 

©️ 2023 Del Cusay

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗸𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵

𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙠𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙟𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮. 

This outdoor destination is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. The breathtaking sea view from the sky and on top of the mountain is worth the experience. It's exhilarating and truly spectacular. 

Let's explore this stunningly beautiful destination in Squamish, an hour's drive from North Vancouver, passing through the scenic sea-to-sky highway. 

From the base station, The Sea to Sky Gondola is a 10-minute/ 2 km ride to the summit. You'll see the forested mountain and the beautiful turquoise waters of the sea (Howe Sound) as you ascend to a higher elevation until reaching the summit lodge, which offers the most spectacular view of the surrounding mountain, the valley, and the sea. 

On the summit lodge, there are restaurants and cafes for refreshments extended to the outdoor patio and viewing deck offering a view of the magnificent snow-capped mountains. 

The adventure never stops as you get to experience the surrounding trail network passing through the 100-meter Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. We walked through the most accessible trail (Spirit) and the best trail (Panorama), leading to the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, where you can capture the best shots of the snow-capped mountain as a backdrop. 

Other trails take longer to explore, but you'll always be aware since all trails lead and end at the summit lodge viewing deck. The courses are for beginners and intermediates, so it's a family-friendly hiking experience with viewing areas and platforms for picture-taking to capture memorable moments. 

Sea to Sky Gondola is an all-year-round adventure. It's best in any season, whether on a hot, dry summer or a snowy and chilly winter. The nature trail and the viewing platforms are alluring and worth revisiting in a different season. 

The land of the Squamish First Nation is home to the Sea to Sky Gondola. They protect and preserve the beauty of their heritage and share it with everyone. It's not just about fun and adventure but learning about indigenous people's culture, their early beginnings, and evolution as a First Nation. 

Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most incredible adventures of a lifetime in British Columbia. It's a place to go and chill, an adventure by nature with a thrill. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Surrey Fusion Festival Returns at Holland Park

The largest and most diverse festival in Western Canada returns in its 15th year. We celebrated and enjoyed a weekend of multicultural understanding and experiencing diversity in food, culture, live music, and entertainment.

British Columbians and the residents of Surrey once again gathered at Holland park after two years after the pandemic. It's the largest crowd since it started in 2008, perhaps due to the desire of the people to reunite and bring back a more lively scene where everyone can enjoy a wide variety of cultural offerings from different countries in the world.

This year's Surrey Fusion Festival theme is CommUNITY. A single word that describes how the world must be in difficult times where global health threats have affected us to live, interact and socialize.

From the Latin countries of Bolivia, Argentina, and Columbia. Asian countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Southwestern Pacific like Tonga and Fiji. And the Caribbean countries like Barbados and the Cayman Islands. These are some of the 40 pavilions that showcased their food, culture, arts, music, and dance.

The pandemic seems over as the crowd cheers for fun and a manic vibe. The delicious authentic food, arts, dance, and music draw people to taste and experience world cultures in one venue.

Other features include a wellness garden where people can learn and experience yoga and meditation in Indigenous Village to learn about their culture through traditional cultural sharing, Global beer and wine tasting to sip some cold beverages from around the world and A cultural cooking arena for a showdown in a cooking competition. Also, there are stages where world-class performers share their talents with the crowd.

It was a great experience to have celebrated the Surrey Fusion Festival for the first time, and I would be glad to make it a yearly event to celebrate and have fun. Community is about the spirit of camaraderie that builds bridges for multicultural understanding and inclusivity. We unite to bring peace, love, and compassion to make our world a better place to live in and for the next generations to preserve and enrich their own culture for the world to see and embrace.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

White Rock Gallery: Beyond the Frame

To appreciate art is about understanding the most profound emotion, its meaningful realization, and validation of purpose and intention.

That's the uplifting lesson I learned from a visit to an art gallery in White Rock, British Columbia. It's a city by the sea where arts, history, and culture thrive amidst the test of time.

An art gallery may be different from the usual place to visit in the present times. It may not be welcoming but intimidating to others interested in or appreciate fine arts.

Back in my home country, the Philippines, I've learned to admire and appreciate works of art and masterpieces in the Cultural Center since 2012. Since then, I've carried the same passion and admiration whenever I visit another country or place with high regard for culture and the arts.

In Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, every city has a public art gallery open to everyone, and White Rock Gallery is one of the most beautiful places to be. It was my first ever Art Gallery experience in Canada and a meaningful experience.

Nowadays, people choose modern forms of entertainment and have yet to discover and learn about the joys of visiting an art gallery or exhibit. However, fine artists and art enthusiasts have devoted their time, resources, and money to making art more relevant in today's generation.

What makes art galleries intimidating to others is that we need to appreciate and decode their meaning from the artists' perspective or point of view. We couldn't interpret abstract paintings or even find meaning in realistic images.

With our smartphones, we can take a raw picture of a place, edit it, and call it art. It's the most accessible form of art we can do. However, fine art demands time, energy, emotion, and soul to create a more valuable masterpiece, so paintings and sculptures are expensive. 

We tend to ignore or snub expensive things because we can't afford them. Like fine arts, some wouldn't appreciate its value because they can't relate to and find meaning in a painting. But to afford it isn't just about owning it. It's also about enriching our life experience and worth as human beings just by visiting an art gallery, even once in a lifetime.

Art is part of our culture, and a deep appreciation and admiration give us a particular connection with our community. Art evokes various emotions depending on what the artists want us to feel. It makes us joyful, sorrowful, awed, and puzzled. It moves us, touches our souls, and makes us love at first sight.

As I viewed the gallery, some paintings attracted my attention, drew me closer to scrutinizing, and finally gave meaning to them. It gave me happiness and a sense of belonging to a community of artistic people who have the desire for understanding, passion, and motivation for self-expression.

©️  2022 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2022: A Journey to Paradise

The earth is healing. That's the message of hope and love this Holy Week. Finally, we get healed from the suffering brought on by the pandemic. It may not end yet, but we don't live in fear and prolong the agony.

Travel is what we desire this Lenten season. This way, we get to experience a new perspective on living. We cross borders and travel across the sea—a hundred miles of the journey, with immeasurable faith in Thee. 

We journey to a paradise to see and feel God's heavenly creation, and this time in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. It's a charming city that's rich in history. A story from the first nations passed down from generation to generation.

A walk around downtown Victoria is reminiscent of the distant past, where laidback living thrives even in the present. I feel the calmness, the serenity, the relaxed vibe I'm eager to see. It's a place to explore, find meaning and start a new beginning.

The message of God is evident; beyond suffering is a promised land where we live a heavenly experience. We walk with faith and allow suffering as we carry the cross toward our destination and salvation. We do not fear, but we trust God's will. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Cherry Blossoms at David Lam Park

The spring has sprung. It's this time of the year when we experience a renewed season filled with joy as we see flowers blossoming.

Springtime reminds me of rebirth and reinvigoration. We become alive as days become more temperate and people enjoy the outdoors. 

This beautiful season is only complete with witnessing the cherry blossoms festival in Vancouver. And so we visit the charming district of Yaletown to celebrate the "Big Picnic" event. It's the best time to see the flower in full bloom and when many people gather as friends under the cherry trees. There are no strangers, but just friends and lovers.

The Big Picnic and the Cherry Blossoms Festival aim to bring people together from Metro Vancouver to experience a day of fun and excitement. There are programs, art exhibits, and workshops for everyone to participate in, learn and enjoy.

This year's event may have been more significant as people move freely without restrictions. The Mask mandate is no longer mandatory, and people see each others' faces. But beyond looks are beautiful smiles, laughter, and joy that brighten the day and lift the mood. 

David Lam Park is a magical experience when people enjoy the hundreds of Akebono cherry trees donated by the 25th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Dr. David Lam, named in his honor.

There are physical fitness activities like yoga. It's a great way of becoming one with nature while relaxing the body and clearing the mind. There:s also winning haiku and haiku installations where they connect poems to the cherry trees.  

Seeing families and children enjoy various programs and activities is a good feeling. It's good to see more people outdoors and appreciate the wonderful nature in the city's heart.

As the clock springs forward, we show the world how we're progressing despite the situation, making joyful cherry blossom experiences and incredible memories. The Big Picnic is a unique event that brings people from different places in British Columbia to see the magical cherry blossoms and to experience "why there are no strangers under the cherry tree." We're all united; we believe we can be.

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

A day trip in White Rock: City by the Sea

What makes British Columbia beautiful is its stunning views of landscapes and seascapes. In Metro Vancouver, there's a place to see the natural grandeur of a city by the sea.

It's the City of White Rock -- about 45 km. South of downtown Vancouver, and just 10 mins. Drive from the Peace Arch, where the US-Canada border is located.

What's significant about this place is its rich history as a fishing village and where it got its name. It's a literal white rock! A huge rock was carried away by glaciers to the South of the metro during the last glacial age period. It's also where Canada's longest pier is located, so people get to walk on a long and unique wooden structure originally built in 1914.

Walking down the steep hill heading to the main street is a magnificent view of Semiahmoo bay. There you can see beautiful houses on a hill overlooking the sea. Such a scenic view of the horizon on a sunny weekend. 

Approaching the main street is an ideal promenade place for fitness and sightseeing. We see people walk, jog, dine at a table, sit on benches, and simply take a deep breath to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. 

Just a few meters walk, and you'll be welcomed to enter the elevated wooden structure of the pier, a fantastic landmark about 470 meters long. It's where individuals, couples, and families stroll and enjoy the natural scenery. The majestic mountains, the flying seagulls, and the long stretch of beaches make it a relaxing place to unwind.

The pier bridge underwent restoration in 1977 and was rebuilt and re-opened in 2019 after a wind storm hit the place at the year-end of 2018. They restored the pier to weather the storm and withstand natural calamities this time.

Visitors must get down the wooden lane structure to be on the shore at its low tide, walking towards the 'white rock' visible even far away. It's vast and a significant landmark worth seeing. 

On the main strip of the town center is where you can see a long stretch of restaurants offering al fresco dining while enjoying the sunshine, the blue waters, and the cool sea breeze. Sunlight is fantastic as it gives a good vibe and a pleasant experience.

And whenever the sun shines so brightly, we shouldn't miss the outdoors and have some fun. That's what the city of White Rock has to offer -- simply the sunniest place in the metro.

A trip to the White Rock pier and promenade is a great way to experience living in a city by the sea, even for a day. They have preserved history and culture where peace and serenity are enjoyed by many. 

White Rock is undoubtedly a wonderful place to visit and live in. A vivid memory worth reminiscing, a fantastic destination worth revisiting. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

The Labyrinth in Fleetwood Gardens

The winter season has finally ended in Canada. Gone are the snows, frosts, and unbearable coldness for a newcomer like me. 

Finally, here comes the much-awaited season of all; spring. The blossoming of flowers and tree leaves are just everywhere. I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms in different places on the metro as it gives a naturally stunning view of a picture-perfect scene. 

As we welcome spring, it's the best time to visit a nearby park on a lovely sunny day. Enjoy the fun moment and relax, strolling and seeing people around. 

Fleetwood gardens are the best place to be due to its proximity to our home. It's in a vast park where cherry blossoms are waiting to bloom. The pergola gives a feel of a romantic walk for a couple, and the benches sit for soulful conversations.

The most impressive feature is the presence of a labyrinth. It's an ancient pattern found in many places and cultures worldwide. A maze has only a single path and no dead ends. As we walk inside, it winds throughout and mirrors our current state in life. We walk in peace with an open heart and a clear mind. 

The labyrinth in Fleetwood gardens is a classical 7- circuit or path. It's now installed in many places like wellness centers, churches, and community parks as an alternative for healing the body, mind, and soul. 

As we walk the path, we become more mindful of the sensation of walking. And as we go along, we develop a strong sense of concentration and awareness needed to gain insights. 

A labyrinth walk has 3 stages, and it gives beautiful healing benefits. The first stage is releasing or purgation. This is the time when we remove all unwanted thoughts and mental distractions. This is also the time to quiet the mind and open our hearts. 

The second stage is receiving or illumination. As we reach the center, we stay for a moment to sit and stand as we meditate, offer prayer, and allow ourselves to receive guidance from a higher power source. 

The final stage is returning or union. As we're about to exit, we follow the same path back out. We then experience a stronger sense of well-being and clarity of mind. We feel more empowered to pursue our life purpose and heart's desire. 

It feels good to welcome spring with an open heart and a clear mind. Like the spring season, we're about to bloom like colorful, fragrant flowers. A wonderful being with a beautiful soul, living daily to find meaning and purpose. We live our best life, give back and be generous. 

©️ 2022 Del Cusay

Patan Durbar Square and the Royal City

I've never seen such a magnificent old city as Patan Durbar Square, located about eight kilometers south of Kathmandu.

Patan, the old name of the present-day Lalitpur, is considered the third-largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara.

While the old city of Patan offers a nostalgic tour of its royal past, there's one place to visit, learn and appreciate -- the Patan Durbar Square.

I'm lucky to have visited one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other two Durbar Squares are in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, but I needed help to visit them.

But then, as I entered Patan Durbar Square, I could feel it had a rich cultural past and the most magnificent royal palace worth visiting.

It has 155 courtyards and 55 major temples significant to Hindus and Buddhists. I was able to get inside one of the main temples and had a great appreciation of architecture and the arts.

Patan is a city of fine arts. And the marvelous architectures are reminiscent of how skills are ingrained in their culture, preserved, and passed on to the next generations. Their craftsmanship is superb and brilliant as they create wood, stone, and metal carvings. 

Patan has preserved its rich tradition of artistic craftsmanship from the local woodcarvers and handicraft makers. From the time of Royal King Newar, creative skills still live on. 

I was fortunate to have visited Patan Durbar Square in 2013 before it was hit by a strong earthquake in April 2015. Some of the temples and structures were heavily damaged. The good thing is that it was reconstructed just like the original structure.

Patan Durbar Square is a truly unforgettable experience. Walking on the red-tiled bricks while staring at the red wall bricks was like a teleport to the old days of fine arts and excellent craftsmanship.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Magical Night in Jaipur

To complete my journey to India's golden triangle, I was lucky to visit the lost Kingdom of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

It's known as the Pink City since many palaces and structures were painted pink, even in the old days of its monarchy.

It took us five hours from Delhi to reach Jaipur for a grand MDP talk about Harmonizing Power, love, and light among Women at the Marriott Hotel.

That was a well-organized event and an inspirational talk of Master Del Pe, as he empowered women about their societal role and awakened their inherent power.

Among the cities in India, Jaipur is one of the most welcoming. The hospitality of the Rajasthani people is heartwarming. That's one thing I admire even on a short visit.

Some magical moments happen at a Rajasthani specialty restaurant. That was a cultural night showcasing their dance and music. It was fun watching cultural performances that are wonderful and graceful.

After the cultural presentation and the welcome drinks, it was time for dinner, and we entered their indoor dining area and waited for the food to be served fresh and hot. 

It was a unique ambiance with a Rajasthani backdrop and painting on dim lighting. We were seated on the floor in a typical Indian seating position. The servers carefully pour over the food on the plate for every meal course that includes dessert. 

That was good Rajasthani cuisine and a light mood until we finished our meal. Then we took pictures on a backdrop resembling the palace's arches. 

That was a fiery hot night, from the cultural presentation to the sumptuous meal. I had fun and was delighted.

Magic happens when we see something unimaginable, and Jaipur showed us it's the best offering.

From Delhi to Agra and Jaipur. Finally, I'd completed the golden triangle. Those were the best moments worth reminiscing. There's always a spark, and there's always magic. And it leaves a lasting impact on our hearts.

© 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