Mental Health and Coping during Covid-19 Pandemic

Today's world is full of stress that makes us tired and sick. That's part of living, but we need to stay healthy and full of vitality. We need to let go of the stuck energies affecting our health. We have to release what's unwanted on our bodies. We need to be well.

How can we become healthy when our world becomes smaller, yet only a few choices are left? How can we show vigor when not feeling about our best selves?

The Covid-19 pandemic is an addition to our stressors. It's making us sick day by day. The news updates we read and hear regularly cause anxiety and sadness. 

We can't just ignore the news and stay calm at all times. To feel empathetic is fine. It's normal to feel the suffering of other people. It's normal to sympathize with those whose lives were lost and who are still fighting for their lives to survive.

We can't just be feeling that way again and again. We can choose to stay above our lower emotions, and we can start to build up ourselves to become strong and unbreakable.

Dealing with our mental health during this pandemic is essential to our well-being. We need to continue living with sanity and clear consciousness. A sound mind is what we need for clear and best judgment. 

We can always release our stress, anxiety, and fatigue wherever we are. We don't need to physically go to the beach at this time of the pandemic. We can sit still in the comfort of our homes or lie in bed.

Meditation is our best weapon to release stress and peace of mind. Since we can't travel a great distance to our favorite beach destinations, we utilize the power of our minds through meditation.

We always choose an ocean or a beach whenever we meditate. The saltiness of the water extracts the stuck energy from our bodies. 

When we think of an ocean or a beach, its saltiness becomes a powerful extractor of our negativities. Same as physically visiting an actual beach, but this time we imagine and recall vividly the beautiful memories that made us feel good about ourselves. 

Releasing the stuck energies in our physical, emotional, and mental bodies enables us to plan and energize our future. 

This pandemic shouldn't make us feel bad about ourselves and the world that we're living in. We can always feel good and choose our thoughts, emotions, and intentions wisely.

We may be unable to do as much in our community or help save as many people as possible. However, in our little way, we can start the healing on ourselves first. The healing always starts within us. That's our gift to ourselves and our contribution to our community -- to stay healthy and happy.

Despite the pains and sufferings, we share our best selves by choosing wellness over illness. Being physically fit, emotionally stable, and mentally healthy in these times of uncertainty.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Boracay's Environmentally Conscious Tourism

Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the top tourist destinations and remains one of the top beaches in the world. 

Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the top tourist destinations and remains one of the top beaches in the world. This island is recognized annually by various international magazines and travel websites as one of the world's best. And since then, it has contributed to the influx of tourists from all over the world.

What I like about Boracay is its diversity, from different nationalities and locations where it suits the taste and preferences of the tourist. It's like a melting pot of cultures and personalities, making it a world-class tourist destination.

Boracay Island may seem like a perfect paradise, but it has its hidden imperfections uncovered. I've seen it! I was there in April 2016, about two years before President Duterte made an order for the island's closure for rehabilitation in April 2018.

For years, big businesses like hotels have deceived tourists and guests by providing reading material explaining the algae that make the shoreline dark green and unsightly. I can't believe how they disseminate disinformation by making it appear to be a natural occurrence.

I saw the big pipes from establishments that excrete wastewater to the shore where untreated sewages are flowing, making the water in the area dark green and dirty.

The president called it a cesspool, and that observation is very evident. Then he ordered a 6-month closure of the island. That move was a big sacrifice for the thousands of businesses and island workers and the number of affected tourists. The projected billions of pesos lost for the island's tourism paved the way to pursue its rehabilitation for intended revitalization.

What can we do to help our tourism significantly impact its sustainability and environmental protection? I believe that the 6-month rehabilitation of Boracay made us realize that money from tourism alone won't make us truly rich and progressive. But our environmental consciousness as a tourist will help destinations like Boracay to be sustainable and highly livable.

Tourism is our number one industry, booming before the Covid-19 pandemic came. When the lockdown happened, tourism was down and almost dying, but we've seen the clear waters of Boracay. Business establishments and tourists mainly contribute to the island's pollution.

Do we need a 6-month rehabilitation of our topmost islands every six years? Well, that would surely hurt tourism, but it's for the good of the environment. We must balance our tourism and its environmental impact to call it a paradise.

There's progress in Boracay compared to the first time I visited the island in 1998. It's becoming too commercial, and the island may have lost its serenity and ambiance due to its fast-growing present-day development.

We need to boost more and promote our tourism. We have the best islands and beaches, but we also need responsible Businessmen for us to be environmentally conscious tourists. We leave no trace but footprints and great memories. 

When we can travel again without restrictions, we'll become better tourists. And together, we help revive our tourism and our God-given paradise.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

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👉 Weekend Getaway in Boracay

Easter Sunday 2021: The Promised Land

Where will our destination be after this Covid-19 pandemic? Will a promised land be waiting for us, just like God's command for the people's great exodus in ancient Egypt? Will our top leaders become like Moses, who will make a great sacrifice and lead its people safely away from threats and destruction?

The hostility and uncertainty during this pandemic brought misery and deep suffering in our lives in modern times. The powerful and influential became strong, and the weak and poor became poorer.

That's our current reality. With billions of people suffering, we feel the oneness of humanity for a great plan of the massive exodus. This time is to end the pains and suffering of the pandemic that's killing us.

Moses protected its people under his leadership, and they succeeded and reached the promised land. Today, it's the time our leaders must follow the footstep of Moses and hear the voice of God to protect and fight for its people against the unseen enemy.

Religions of the world play a role that influences the nation's government and its leaders to save us and overcome this great challenge of our time. 

Our leaders should keep going even after the end. We may never know how long we will fight and remain steadfast. But one thing is sure God speaks to the leaders of our land amidst the noise and chaos.

We hope our leaders listen to the voice of God that speaks to them and will accept the crosses entrusted. We all have our crosses we carry because God is testing our faith in the greatest challenge of our time. 

We'll all live in the promised land when we survive this pandemic. Hopefully, our nation and leaders will be wiser. We'll eventually become great believers, and all our lives will become better than ever.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2021: The Path to Salvation

We live on earth for a purpose. We have a mission to fulfill for the glory of God and our salvation.

That's the promise of Christ. We live to do good and find a deeper meaning to our existence, and then we live in eternity when we die.

But how can we find a meaningful living amidst the threats and chaos in our times? With the Covid-19 pandemic, we all seem to suffer, and many people are getting sick and dying.

Have they fulfilled their purpose? Their mission? 

The rich and the poor, the young and the old, the weak and the strong are dying. No one seems spared once infected by the deadly unseen enemy.

A year has passed, and we repeat our mistakes. It's like suffering continues until a lesson must have been learned. It's a cycle, and we keep experiencing a predictable turn of events. We know what will happen next. We've been there, and we're just watching a rewind and another season of the same circumstances.

Are we in control of all of these? Is God in control?

One thing that Christ sacrificed is his passion, death, and resurrection to save humanity from sin. He endured sufferings for us to understand our nature of living. And not to be cowardly or defeated by our demons and weaknesses.

If the world is doing its cleansing, we all suffer; either we survive or die. We're the first or the last in line. Eventually, our fate is that we die. Not our will, but His divine will.

Who will save us? What happens when we die?

Christ taught us that, He is the way, the truth, and the life. He'll be eternally in our hearts and minds when we listen and follow Him. Our path to salvation will always have Divine guidance. Our salvation is to live each day with faith in our hearts. To track and be guided, to suffer and survive, to be crucified and resurrected.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Holy Week 2020: Faith in Uncertain Times

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

Timeless Magical Moments

What makes you bring back to the timeless moments in your life? Those times when you're ecstatic and almost living in a fantasy.

There are times in our lives when we're chasing time, which create excitement. An exhilarating experience of a magnificent journey.

If only we could bring back time, it would have been the moment we got to believe in magic. It happens, and it puts us on cloud nine.

Time is just an illusion. When we're in a hurry, time seems so fast, and when we're waiting, time seems so slow. But what's certain is that we can always return time to a specific life period.; those times when we celebrate our journey to love -- whenever we feel loving and giving.

There are also moments when we feel some regrets whenever we bring back time. There are those moments when we don't listen to our intuition and become out of direction.

When I'm in a state of joy, it brings smiles and lightness from deep within. The magic suddenly happens, and the pain disappears --it truly heals.

And what makes us glow is our timeless and meaningful experiences. We keep on rewinding, and we keep on reminiscing. 

From this moment, I won't be chasing time because the magical moment has already happened, and it can make things happen.

Time can tell whenever we look back or see the future ahead. Just live in the present moment. Enjoy and let time do its magic.

©️ 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

Year of the Ox and the Valentine

It's a different celebration of Chinese New Year this year. I visited Manila Chinatown for the new year, and it could be more vibrant and festive due to the health threat of the pandemic.

I remember how the district of Binondo in Manila was full of energy with the massive crowd celebrating the Chinese new year. 

It was colorful. It was fun!

And so this year is my year! I was born in the year of the Wood Ox according to the Chinese animal sign, and this year happens to be the celebration of the year of the said animal sign.

Ever since my younger years, I used to be fascinated with the Chinese zodiacs and astrology that we follow even up to this day.

With the Ox sign, it exhibits some characteristics like dependability and productivity. It may always be challenging initially, but eventually, things will be easy.

An ox-born individual may have higher expectations and good leadership potential. The robust and hardworking build of the Ox will make all obstacles and challenges be overcomes.

The most meaningful message for this year is to stay calm and patient that, eventually, the wheel of fortune will turn in one's favor. That's what I need to work on myself. I've been patiently waiting after a deep slumber, and may this year be a new beginning.

A new hope, career, passion, and energy!

And so, just two days after the Chinese new year is the celebration of Valentine's Day. It's about evoking emotions of love and care, remembering and reminiscing.

February is the month of love, so we chose this month for our lifelong undertaking. This time may be the most beautiful moment of meaningful and soulful expression of love.

And so, today is the heart's day. It's the time when we send special wishes to our loved ones. Despite the distance, love will always be there, not just for today but in every moment of our lives.

The new year is about a new beginning. We express our love, and we nourish it. And so, just like a flower, it will bloom and become beautiful. It gives smiles and makes one cheerful.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

A Historical Gem in Downtown Manila

The favorite place for bargain hunters in the metro and probably from all over the Philippines is the busy district of Binondo and Tondo in downtown Manila.

It's often a chaotic and disorganized shopping destination causing traffic congestion and petty crimes. People would dare to follow the crowd across the street full of carts and products laid over.

It's too crowded and sometimes needs to be more passable to vehicles and pedestrians. Even shoppers would get stuck during rush hours and weekends due to the massive crowd.

For several years that was the scene until a change in leadership took place in 2019 with the new Manila Mayor, Isko Moreno. Since then, I've witnessed how this old shopping district has become much more organized and clean than the previous administration.

Downtown Manila, in the district of Binondo and Tondo, has been the center of trade and commerce since pre-colonial times. It thrived even during the Spanish era and post-World War 2, as it was rebuilt and bounced back stronger and wealthier, being the home of the Chinese-Filipino businessmen and their families.

The district has a hidden gem that's often taken for granted and ignored by the people despite the crowd. But this structure has caught my attention since I love historical buildings and sincerely appreciate the government's restoration efforts.

This building is the old Tutuban Railway Station, built in the 19th century during the Spanish era. It was the country's first road-rail network in mainland Luzon, the line from Manila to Dagupan. 

The old structure was through the acquisition and restoration efforts by the Ayala company in 2016. The 20-hectare Tutuban property is even made beautiful and more pleasant, and a better shopping experience for visitors with the Tutuban Shopping Center adjacent to the old Tutuban Main Station. 

The 20-hectare Tutuban property is made even more beautiful and pleasant, making it a better shopping experience for visitors with the Tutuban Shopping Center adjacent to the old Tutuban Main Station. 

There's also a monument and a mini-park in memory of the great Philippine hero, Andres Bonifacio, born in Tondo. Only a few people may have noticed, but this little park and monument are significant and remind us of our glorious past. The next time you visit downtown Manila for a bargain hunt, take a closer look and pay attention to this charming building that underwent restoration to meet the new age and generation of mighty Filipinos. 

©️ 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 

A Weekend Stroll at Quezon Memorial Circle

There's a breathing space in the center of the largest city of Metro Manila lies the monument in honor of former President Manuel Quezon.

This kind of environment is all we need to take a break and have a weekend leisure walk at Quezon Memorial Circle. It's believed to be the last lungs of Quezon City with the protected 27-hectare green oval park.

The 66-meter shrine has three tall Pylons. That's a center of attraction in the busy elliptical road where six major lanes meet. It has three angels on the top, symbolizing the three most prominent Philippine Island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

I like it when you can find green space in a large metropolis where people can visit for leisure, and Quezon Memorial Circle is one of the best places for fitness, shopping, museum tour, and food trip.

The remains of former Philippine President Manuel Quezon are inside the monument with his wife, Aurora. He's one of the best and most dignified statesmen the Philippines ever had, making his life worth remembering.

What's good about Quezon Memorial Circle is the many activities that visitors can do. I've seen many fitness groups doing exercises like jogging, biking, dancing, and even just sitting on benches or a simple walk exploring different areas of interest.

This place is also best for people who collect various ornamental plants. So many business stalls sell different varieties of plants and flowers. It makes the home greener and more relaxed, which makes it an ideal outdoor park. 

During this pandemic, indoor and outdoor gardening became a hobby for many people in the metropolitan area. It became part of their health and wellness goals to go green and relieve stress surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.

A leisure walk in a park brings invigorating energy from the greeneries and the active people. We would want to achieve balance in our Livinges. Though life in the metropolis can be exhausting, we must take a deep breath and have a youthful glow. And so we could also share that lighter energy and vibrant glow with others.

Quezon Memorial Circle has a lot to offer, and since the 1950s, it has undergone several transformations and the newest attractions. 

We need more green parks in major cities all over the Philippines, and Quezon Memorial Circle is one of the best parks to be replicated or become a source of inspiration.

Green living is Godly Living. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 World Refugee Day: In Memory of President Quezon

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