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

A Moment of Healing and Memories

Where do you go when you need to unwind, relax and set free?

In Baguio City, people would go for a reason. It's a place like no other in the country. It relaxes the body, mind, and soul. It liberates from worries and fears. And it helps get revitalized and healed.

That's the highlands in the Northern Philippines. A City of Pines and Strawberries. A historically rich and vibrant city where people would go for a beautiful journey.

When we feel exhausted and need to rejuvenate, traveling to a particular destination helps us recover. It changes our mood and uplifts our spirit. Then, we feel good again and do great things again.

In Baguio City, you feel welcome. The friendliness of the people makes you stay, although you'll have to leave anyway. With momentary healing and rejuvenation, you'll be ready to face another race in a much more challenging place.

Not just for friends and lovers, but Baguio City is also for the family. A getaway for fun, learning, and appreciation of arts and culture. Baguio City's charm invites everyone to learn about their stories, heritage, and identity.

If I choose, I'd rather live in a place that balances nature and city life. Living in Baguio is like living in a mountain resort, surrounded by natural wonders for healing and relaxation.

Amidst uncertainty, when time permits to travel a long distance and return to Baguio, I would love to recreate those memories and visit the finest places it offers. The memories create a lasting impact as the place where learning and training started.

We couldn't go places as much as we wanted for now. All we can do is reminisce about the good times. And when we're set free, we can travel again endlessly.

©️  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

Moving Forward and Going Further

When was the last time you thought of giving up? Your goals, ambitions! Your dreams and desires!

When we're no longer fueled by our passion and motivation, quitting is easy. But what happens when we no longer serve our purpose just by giving up? 

One thing I've learned in the corporate world is to keep on burning. Keep in mind the desires, hopes, and positive future.

Working at Ford made me realize the importance of going further; in life and everything. To "go further" means many things to people. For me, it's about achieving our ultimate potential and doing our best to be at the top of the line, at the peak of performance, always full tank and energized.

Ford Global City and Ford Manila allowed me to be success-driven to go further. There may be some crossroads, but I always remember to move forward and keep the passion alive.

This time, keep on moving no matter what happens. The road to the peak may be rough sometimes, but we're not giving up because we believe we can always choose to go further and live a better life.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Wellness and Balanced Life Strategies at the MDP Village

Fitness and wellness. That's our goal to achieve year after year at the start of the new year. 

Fitness goals must be part of our health journey. Being healthy and free from diseases and illnesses makes us truly alive. It makes us jump high to reach a new level of success as we start our year right.

The higher the jump, the lighter, the better.

Yes, the past years may have been out of control when our unconscious dietary lifestyle hit us badly, eating junk foods of no nutritional value, making us ill and could kill us.

Then work and stress eating or overeating may have led to being out of shape. Our physique changes as we add years to life when metabolism hits low. 

That's terrible, but we can regain control.

Through the years, it's been a challenge to be in shape. To be fit takes a lot of discipline and commitment. It's always challenging but doable and possible. I used to make it with minimal discomfort but had achieved the desired goal.

I can, and I will!

This year 2021, is about returning to what we used to be. To be fit and healthy; to be well and not ill; to feel better and not bitter; to see things brightly and not ugly.

Getting sick is expensive and deadly. I can't afford it, so I choose to be well and avoid getting ill. 

Through the years, we have listened to various health teachings. From fitness and wellness gurus, medical experts, health trainers, and healers.

There's a great Master who has greatly influenced my belief about achieving balanced health and the esoteric causes of diseases, now revealed to humanity.

Balanced life strategies focusing on health and wellness are what I have learned from a Master of life, Master Del Pe, since 2011.

I'm grateful to have known and been mentored by a modern Sage and an international life coach who's visionary in leadership and has a deep love for humanity and the world.

After decades of world travel and working with individuals, families, governments, groups, and companies in more than 100 countries, the Philippines is truly blessed to have Master Del Pe return and settle in his hometown.

Master Del Pe's new Shangri-La is beautiful in the highlands of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, in the Northern Philippines. 

His MDP Village is a wellness and healing center hub in the North and is gaining recognition among health enthusiasts from the Philippines and other parts of the world.

Master Del Pe had hosted an international convention at the MDP village where attendees get a perspective about higher consciousness and mastering life ahead of its time.

MDP village is also a spiritual sanctuary, an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and in regaining life to have peace of mind daily.

I've attended and listened to Master Del Pe's interviews from various social media like Facebook and Youtube; his insights and expertise are mindblowing. 

If you want to visit him at the MDP Village or meet him in Metro Manila, follow and contact him on his social media accounts below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterdelpe/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/MasterDelPe

Website: https://www.mdpvillage.com/

I've learned a lot from Master Del Pe. He's a master in life who can help us live the best life we deserve. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay 

Reaching for Cloud 9 in Antipolo

There's a beautiful 360-degree view in Antipolo. The city's highest point is cloud nine, heaven in the city.

As I waited for the sunset, I was so thankful to see the panoramic view of Antipolo City and the magnificent skyline of Metro Manila.

The City of Antipolo, Province of Rizal, is blessed for its higher elevation and proximity to the Philippine National Capital Region, Metro Manila. You'll feel its cool and windy climate in less than an hour's drive.

I like the city vibe of Antipolo. It's a clean and peaceful city. The people are friendly and very welcoming to the tourists. No doubt that it's a favorite weekend getaway for people from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

The Cloud 9 hotel and restaurant is my favorite spot in Antipolo. I had a sumptuous lunch after a short day trip around the city. The wide-open restaurant in the sky serves delicious Filipino dishes and is a favorite destination among food lovers, including returning Filipinos in the country for a vacation. Filipinos' best cuisine is very well-served to the diners, and the Cloud 9 restaurant always gives a lasting impression.

The best 360-degree view is on the hanging bridge and reaching the tower on the other side. It's a great view with a romantic appeal to families, lovers, and friends. 

The place isn't just for a romantic couple. It also attracts families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers. Everyone enjoys the scenery. Wait until dusk, and you'll be captivated by the purple hues of the sky; even more romantic if someone is on the side.

Cloud 9 is reminiscent of "The peak" in Hong Kong, but the former is Filipino pride. I enjoyed it. I love it, and I'll surely come back for more.

Life is good and bestowed with Divine grace. As we reached the peak, we paused for a while, closed our eyes, held on with breathing, and breathed out. And as we open our eyes, we see the magic happening on cloud nine.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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 a distance to be with the Gods in McLeod Ganj. They call it "Little Lhasa" since 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're accepting refugees in a warm embrace and protecting their rights, safety, and security. 

And the greatest love is the Indian Government's support with their expression of faith -- Tibetan Buddhism.

In McLeod Ganj, I met The Dalai Lama, the Spiritual leader of the Tibetans-in-exile. I was lucky to have met him at his residence when he gave a talk about "Jataka Tales" to the local and international pilgrims.

I'm a Christian, but I've studied Major religions in India for over a year. And incorporate the 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 faith in India. It's about respect and understanding and not about prejudice and religious superiority. 

With the universal God, we're all equal. It just happened that God appeared 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.

As I entered the Namgyal Monastery, it was a heaven-and-earth experience of being one with the Divine. It didn't make me less of a Christian, but it helped me strengthen and appreciate my faith even more. 

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

My visit to Himachal Pradesh was Divine- inspired. It was solo travel with my 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 have a shared humanity. Your suffering is also my suffering.

And so what we need most during these difficult times is shared humanity where we pray for each other with no boundaries, no religious affiliations, no prejudice, and no discrimination.

Just love.

Because our love for humanity is our highest reverence to God. 

So it is.

©️ 2020 Del Cusay

The Palace in the Sky

There's something mysterious about the ruins. The old and well-preserved structure that's built to last for 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 Taal 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.

How this "Palace in the Sky" became famous ruins has a different story from the other ruins in the country.

This one has got a unique story.

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 

That "Palace in the Sky" would have been beautiful if the construction had been finished. But sad that it was just 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 was indeed built with love.

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

A must-visit! 

A great weekend getaway for the family, partners, or even solo travelers. A romantic destination that captivates the soul of just anyone.

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

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Highlands of Baguio

An American town in the Philippines. That's Baguio city in the Cordilleran region. A hill station in the North.

The "Little America," also known as the City of Pines, attracts tourists from all over the country and foreigners who would want to explore the rich culture and heritage of this highly urbanized City in the Cordillera region -- literally means a mountainous area.

But the tag of American town is not its present-day description. That was what it was called back in the 1900s during the American colonization of the Philippines.

Baguio is one of the most incredible hill stations in the Philippines. It is good that the Americans have developed this place as their mountain resort to escape the lowland heat, especially during the summer. 

And why do Filipinos love Baguio City? Undoubtedly, it's a cool climate almost all year round due to its higher elevation. When summertime comes, more people will pack up for an adventure. It's not just during the summer season. Still, it has become a weekend getaway for people from the nearby provinces and Metro Manila -- the National capital region.

In the present day, Filipinos are in complete control of the former US military base; Camp John Hay; not after they gave back our independence in 1946, but it was just a not-so-distant past in 1991 -- almost 3 decades ago.

That's just a little piece of history. Yes, the Igorots of the Cordilleras have a colorful and vibrant culture, which even Americans could not change or take away their identity.

I lived and worked in Baguio City in the summer of 2015 and have witnessed its natural wonders, but this place is slowly losing its balance due to commercialization. It's a number one enemy for people who are into environmental protection and preservation.

Housing projects, malls, and big infrastructure projects are just on the rise, and it costs thousands of century-old pine trees to be cut down to give way to these projects.

Baguio City is now crowded, and you can see the hillside full of houses and even far away mountains almost full of places. That was not what I witnessed in 2004 when I first visited Baguio.

Development on this mountain resort was so fast in just a decade, and developers are eager to exploit more and make the City miserable.

The development would have made Baguio a highly livable Philippine city, but overdevelopment for business profit will slowly kill its natural charm and beauty.

One thing I admire most about Igorots (the local name for the Cordilleran people) is their hospitality and friendliness. They are also kind and honest people. I hope that they will be able to preserve its rich culture and pass it on to the next generations. And yes, I hope they will fight for their land and not be taken away.

The Burnham Park, Wright Park, Bell House, Kennon Road, and Brent School. These places of interest were named after the Americans who have contributed significantly to what Baguio city has become.

And so Americans showed us how to build a highly master-planned city on a mountaintop. Initially, they made it for less than 30,000 people, but after over a century, the population has become 10 times larger at more than 300,000.

The highlands of Baguio is genuinely captivating to any tourist. Its history and culture are the souls of the place and the local people. 

After the Pandemic, more people will again be stuck in a traffic jam on its zig-zag road and all the way up just to feel its mountain breeze again and the warmth of the Igorot people.

In the Highlands of Benguet Province, Philippines, Baguio City are a cultural gem and a hub of great people deserving of recognition and reverence.

Baguio City; is home to charming people.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Stairway to the Mountain

Stairway to the Mountain

Nature's spring is nature's best. That was a tremendous and meaningful adventure on the foothill of the Mountain, Mount Arayat National Park.

To be closer to nature is a weekend and holiday destination for most city dwellers. An escape from noise pollution and the hustle and bustle of city life. Escaping from the real world of unending work and tasks. Escaping from reality, even for a short while.

An adventure worth sharing 6 years ago brought me to the beautiful and peaceful town of Arayat in the Province of Pampanga in Central Luzon Island, Philippines.

Two months after I arrived in the Philippines after a year of living abroad was a great adventure and soulful healing. That was April 2014 when I finally had a closer glimpse of Mount Arayat, which can only be seen from a distant highway when going to the Northernmost provinces in the country.

Nature's retreat offers excellent healing results for the body, mind, and soul. This is all we need after a long and tiring work week. And for the physical grounding, a day hike to the Mountain feels like rooting to the earth. Nature's Way to be reconnected to the world as our mind wanders and boggles, accompanied by anxiety, worries, and fears.

At the park's entrance to the hilltop community are a serene environment and the soulful sound of nature. The park is also home to different species of birds and wildlife under conservation. 

The park is an excellent escapade for families, team building, and even solo retreats. There are cottages, picnic areas, playgrounds,s and campsites for everyone's needs.

A hundred-step stairway to the hilltop community is a great calorie-burning and offers a stunning view of the Mountain. Closer view to the roof of Pampanga -- the province's highest peak.

Take a deep breath and a little more hike passing through the treehouses and all the Way to the Arayat Bikers Club. A solemn spiritual community awaits where one is closer to nature. Truly a heaven on earth for the residents and for the visitors.

Before heading down to the lowlands, I paused, meditated, and reflected on the Divine presence and a meaningful journey ahead.

The Mountain of Arayat and its Natural Park provides excellent service for people seeking respite from suffering, loneliness, stress, and grief.

On the new best normal and after the pandemic, people would reconnect with nature, taking a deeper breath and breathing out of toxicities of the body and mind and purifying their soul. And when we need to reboot or restart, there will always be a mountain to climb for soul searching -- to heal our being.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Quantum Leap of Faith in the Summit

You didn't believe it until a leap of faith brought you to where you are; your present life. Your current state doesn't define your whole life, and your pause is like a slingshot ready to launch you to what you have imagined.

Timeless energy is more than a fantasy, just like our state of consciousness that creates our reality. And so if you believe that thoughts are energy, whatever you think, you become - - the becoming of who you are or who I am.

What makes this year special is another leap to complete the cycle. Another day is added to make it whole. And that's the essence of a leap year; to wait for the right time to make it full and complete.

We are once incomplete or broken at some point in our existence. And it took us days and months, and years to finally fix or fill in what is missing.

When we have found an answer to 'who am I?', we dare to take a quantum leap of faith. We move forward and say, 'what's next?' what is there waiting for us that needs to unveil. 

Who is the person of our dreams? What's the kind of life that lies ahead? What does the future bring? These are tough questions we must uncover, not instantly but intuitively. Not something we figured out, but it just came to our higher consciousness.

The quantum leap of faith is like a leap year. We believe that time will heal and, in time, will make us complete. We could wait for years for someone to come along. That's a new beginning. A new milestone to move on.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Windows' Wind Blows

Waking up early morning staring at the window. That's a great feeling when witnessing the timelapse from dawn to sunrise! The purple skies at dawn and the silhouette of the trees are a soulful morning greeting— an experience worth living.

In my hometown, the second half of February is the coolest day to remember. The cool wind and the foggy morning are perfect for a cup of hot coffee.

A rainy day is a perfect time to hibernate and spend some pure thinking over a cup of hot beverage. It's all coffee... coffee and unlimited coffee!

So many thoughts coming in, just like the non-stop pouring of the rain. And when it's time to contemplate, it has to be the finest frequency of tuning in. Only the best frequency for healing the body, mind, and soul.

What makes us feel heavy at times is when we tune in to so many frequencies simultaneously. Whenever our thoughts are in the past, it gives us certain anxiety about whether we did our best. When we tune in to the future, it worries us about what lies ahead. And then, we forget to live in the present moment.

As I stared out the window, I could tell the taste of my coffee, hear the birds chirping, and feel the gentle wind blowing. That's how I tune in to the present, and it's just a wonderful thing.

While tuning in at present, I couldn't let it pass to tune in to one of the finest frequencies of the recent past. A heavenly frequency of a great climb to remember.

That's a selective tuning-in for a Soulful Sunday moment. It brings back not just pleasant memories but also relives heartfelt moments.

The wind blows of February will be missed. The foggy mornings will soon be over, and the rainy days will quickly end. But the memories will stay forever and be tuned in to be an excellent frequency for all seasons. 

The next time I stare out the window, it will never be the same again until the same season comes again. But I have learned to tune in to a healing frequency even when it is raining and when the sun is not shining.

© 2020 Del Cusay