"KALAYAAN?"

I am a novice when it comes to this. I would even fear colors. But a sudden creative surge inspired me to start learning and embracing art. This is not a technically strong piece. It doesn't have to be. For now. This would just be the beginning of my journey, exploring the creative aspect of my being. There are still a lot of things to learn and discover! And I've never been so excited.

This is called "Kalayaan?".
Filled with a lot of symbolism, this is exactly my statement on what is going on in our current situation. There is uncertainty with what we now call as "freedom" and "change". The  dominant colors were representative of the Philippine flag, and dark shadows were added to give a melancholic feel.

#Kalayaan?

#WatercolorPencils

LAKWATSA: Camiña Balay nga Bato | Taste of Nostalgia

Just a short walk from the town center of Arevalo (where the miraculous Sto. Niño de Arevalo resides) is a place frozen in the past. Camiña Balay nga Bato, is but a testament of the rich Ilonggo heritage during the Spanish colonization.

The house, built circa 1800s now stands for more than 150 years. Upon entering the structure, you will be greeted by a souvenir shop, selling various goods and products including tablea (made from native cacao) among others. There are also traditionally woven hablon, with its vibrant colors that channel the personalities of the Ilonggos.

The lower part of the structure or the silong, houses an antique grand piano and chandeliers made out of capiz shells. Various urns, and other antiquities are also visible. The silong boasts its 24 posts, a status symbol during the Spanish period.

Before reaching the upper storey of the house, one must pass by the escalera or the grand staircase. Built on a 46-degree angle, these stairs are what the elites take during the spanish era. This was constructed as it is, for the purpose of warding off the tulisans attempting to rob the illustrados. To be able to safely climb the stairs, one must carefully and gracefully traverse each step side ways - like a true member of the upper class.

The upper part of the house is spacious with high ceilings, allowing for air to circulate inside the room. There, one could locate the altar where antique statues of saints are found. It is an area where the family could gather and pray together. The biggest part of the house, the sala mayor, overlooks the streets of Arevalo. Its floors are a combination of narra and kamagong, two of Philippines' toughest trees. The ceilings are made of stamped tin, inspired by Dutch design. A large window made of Capiz shells adds a touch of history to the place.

The place also contains wooden narra furnitures suitable for guests to dine if they wanted to. A buffet of authentic locally sourced dishes suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner, will be prepared at a reasonable price. To complete the tour and overall experience, a must try would be their "tsokolate eh"(thick native chocolate). Prepared and concocted like how the illustrados of the past would enjoy it, the perfect balance of richness and delicious taste would linger even after leaving the house.

There are numerous age-old houses located in Iloilo, and Camiña Balay nga Bato is definitely a go-to! Experience the past, and have a glimpse of the loyal and noble city of Iloilo!

[OPINION] Halalan 2019: A Series of Unfortunate Events

Every aspect of the grueling blunders on the election process are to be scrutinized. Numerous people took to social media their dismay and anguish on the frustrating results, with others even planning on migrating from the Philippines. People on various social media platforms are starting a revolt against the candidates leading the unofficial tally of votes. You couldn't blame them. Who would want to see murderers, plunderers, and thieves assuming a seat in the Senate? Who would want to see incompetent individuals dominating the race? Here are 6 reasons why the results of this year's senatorial race would make everyone wish it's all just a joke.

 1.Malfunctioning machines

Numerous reports of malfunctioning machines, temporarily hindering operations, spread all over the internet. Three years of preparation before the election and you serve us with technical hullabaloos?

2. Pre-programmed Votes

The trend of mishaps continued with reports of ballot receipts as being different from the actual votes casted.  Netizens have claimed of voting their bets only to find out that the count went for someone else. These claims may be difficult to prove yet, but these measures just sound so desperate, don't they?

3. Cynthia Villar leading the race

Yes, it's a tough pill to swallow. Cynthia Villar, the woman who wanted to ban 'unli rice'. The same woman who said that our nurses need not finish a nursing degree because "hindi naman nila kailangang maging magaling". We may not know this senator personally (yes, she's eventually going to be a Senator for Christ's sake), but these statements from her are enough to prove her incompetence in the legislative body. At least for me.

4. The Rise of the Undeserving 

Among the leading senatoriables, emerged the names of those who deserve it the least. They are the likes of Revilla, Bato, Marcos, and Go. Do we need to say more? Disreputable records of these politicians were served left and right, yet they manage to gain the majority of the votes! Is this just the product of blind, foolish and uneducated voting? Or a result of the government's long-term plan to monopolize power?

5. The Counting Begins, or does it?

Topping-off the day with COMELEC's not-so-transparent counting completes the disaster. A dramatic climax to this thrilling comedy. It started with the release of 0.4 percent of the votes, followed by hours-long delays and voila! numbers jumped up and went down forming the Magic 12. Do we finally have proof that magic is real? (*insert sarcasm here)

6. The Downfall of the Ideal

Unfortunately, the clamor in social media is not loud enough to put the likes of Gutoc, Diokno, and Colmenares on top. With the emergence of the undeserving, ideal candidates backed by their outstanding credentials failed to make the cut. This election yet again proved that politics is never about competence and good track record.

The Philippines is in dire need of salvation and a life-changing plot twist. With the majority of voters thinking the way this election turned out, is it still safe to say that sovereignty resides on us, citizens of this country? It is imperative to note, however, that some of the voters were just victims of circumstances. Of unequal access to basic rights such as education. And their minds were influenced mainly by superficiality. It's not their fault. It never will be. It's the fault of those who were privileged but chose to be ignorant. Today marks the commencement of the modern-day revolution. We haven't lost yet. The quest for change continues. We will not keep quiet. Not now. NOT, EVER. 

#Halalan2019
#LabanPilipinas

PATAWAD

LAKWATSA: Islas De Gigantes | A Call From The Sea

The best thing about the Philippines being an archipelago is that it is blessed with a lot of scenic and beautiful islands. And this is just one.

Welcome to Islas de Gigantes, a prime summer destination which is located in the town of Carles in the northern part of Iloilo. To reach the town, one could take a van or a bus from the Tagbak Terminal in the city. The vehicle would then head to the north which could take approximately 2-3 hours. When you reach the pantalan, there would be pump boats of all sizes that could fit both small and large group of travelers. These pump boats could be rented all day, to enable you to reach various islands in the area. And there, the fun begins.

A pump boat ride would take around 1-2 hours to reach the first island. Sounds quite a long travel right? But who would care if it's definitely worth it? Besides, you get to enjoy the blue sea, salty air and the sun kissing your skin all at the same time. The first island we reached was the Tangke. It has towering rocks with a crystal clear lagoon in the center where one could enjoy swimming and diving from the rocks.

From there, you could just jump from an island to another in just a few minutes. Another remarkable island was the "little Boracay". With its fine white sand shoreline and clear waters, anyone would just want to jump in and splash around. Truly resembles the Boracay which everybody loves.

And what would complete an Island experience? Right! Food. You could take a break and stay on some of the islands to grab a hefty seafood meal. We stopped by one of the islands and took our lunch. Of course, you could order seafood ranging from crabs, shrimps, and local fishes. But what I really enjoyed were the scallops, which amounted to a whopping 1 peso per piece! Yes. Just 1 peso per piece! Who wouldn't want that?

After lunch, you could enjoy swimming and continue to explore other islands. Our final stop was the famed Cabugao Island. The island hopping wouldn't end without stopping by one of Gigantes' most well-known Island. The catch? Stone stacked pieces are scattered all over the area. There is also a spot perfect for all selfie-fanatics out there. You just have to climb a few steps and you could take a picture-perfect shot with the island in your background.
If you are just in a "day tour", and you wish to go back to the city by afternoon, you need to leave the islands earlier so you could catch a ride back. However, there are also accommodations in the area that offer tourists a chance to stay overnight.

So, go get your sunscreens and shades ready, Tara! LAKWATSA TA!

KAON TA: Batchoy | Spotlight on an Ilonggo Classic

A classic of the Ilonggo culture, Batchoy definitely completes your Iloilo experience. This dish, that had become popular all over the country traces its roots in the City of Love, Iloilo City, specifically in the district of La Paz.

Currently, there are already numerous stalls offering this Ilonggo favorite.  Netong's, for example, is a name that has been recognized in Iloilo's batchoy business. One could just easily spot a restaurant in malls(SM City Iloilo and Atria Park District). But those who choose to enjoy a rustic experience could also have it in La Paz Public Market.

Netong's authentic batchoy boasts a handful of fresh miki noodles topped with a mixture of boiled pork, and other organs, all drowned in delicious pork and beef broth(seasoned with various spices). Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the fried garlic, spring onions and crispy chicharon on top. They would also offer a variety of noodles like the bihon(made with thinner, translucent noodles). One even has the luxury to enjoy extra bowls of broth if they wish to. The richness of this broth is perfect to calm your afternoon. This combination of ingredients produces a certain depth of flavor that is pleasing to the palate.

There are a lot more places in Iloilo that offer an equally satisfying batchoy dish. Places that we have yet to discover. But for those who plan a trip to the city, Netong's Batchoy is definitely a must try!

HULI

Sana ito na ang huling gabing papatak ang iyong mga luha.

Ang huling beses na sasabihin sa sariling tama na.
Tama. Na itigil na ang lahat.
Upang ang sakit ay tuluyang magwakas.
At sana, kasabay nang pagpanaw nito,
Ay ang paglaho din ng lumbay.
Dahil sa bawat gabi na siya ay dumalaw sa iyong isipan,
ika'y tila presong iginagapos ng kalungkutan.
Ito na ang huling gabing ika'y mistulang bilanggo.
Sa mga pangako ng kahapon.
Ang huling gabing ikaw ay aasa, na baka puede pa.
Kaya't ngayon, hayaan mo lang na ang puso'y masaktan
Kahit hanggang ngayon lang.
Hanggang ngayong gabi lang.
At sana bukas,
Kasabay ng pagmulat ng iyong mga mata,
Sana...Matapos din ang dalamhati.
at tuluyang makalaya mula sa tanikala.
Dahil ngayong gabi... ito na ang huli.
At ikaw, ay mabubuo muli.

HIMAGSIKAN

Katulad ng dati, ito ay isa na namang gabing puno 

ng hindi matapos tapos na kalungkutan. 

Humihimlay habang nakatingala sa kawalan.

Ang mga mata’y unti unting ipinipikit,

Pinipilit na makatakas sa katotohanan pero pilit

na bumabalik yung alaala nang iyong pagkawala. At ako,

Ako’y naiwang duguan. Kaya ngayong gabi, ang pagpatak nitong mga luha,Ang siyang magiging hudyat 

na ang himagsikan ay nagsisimula.

Paghihimagsik ng damdaming sabik, sayong yakap at mga halik.

Dahil ang pagkatao’y sinakop na ng sakit.

Sinakop na tulad ng mga dayuhang umalipin sa ating bayan.

Inagawan ng kasarinlan at kinamkam ang buong kalupaan.

Dala-dala nila’y matatalim na espada 

kaya’t anong laban ng aking salita?

At sa halip na dugo ang dumanak, luha ang bumabaha.

Patuloy akong nakikipaglaban sa digmaang mula simula,

alam ko nang pagkatalo ang kahihinatnan. Na mula simula,

tila imposibleng pagtagumpayan itong himagsikan.

Kaya ngayon, ako’y nakakulong sa mala hawlang poot. Nakatanikala sa lungkot. Sumusulyap sa itaas, 

at humihiling na sana abutin pa ng bukas.

Dahil baka bukas bumalik ka. 

Baka bukas lahat ng sugat na ito'y maghilom na.

Na sana bukas, itong pagkataong sinakop ay makalaya na.

Ngayong gabi, sa gitna nitong kalungkutan, 

ako’y mistulang Crisostomo Ibarra.

Na ang himagsikan ay idinaan sa pagsulat nitong mga talata.

Ang bawat luha ay tila naging tinta 

ng plumang naglilikha sa bawat salita.

Na kahit sinakop na ng sakit,

At ngayon ay nakapiit, patuloy pa ring maghihimagsik.

Subalit kung ang panaghoy ay hindi na abutin ng umaga, hanggang sa kahuli hulihang hininga, ipaglalaban pa rin kita...

...aking Maria Clara.

ULAN

Ang kadiliman ay bumabalot sa buong kalangitan.
At ang ulan, nagsisimulang pumatak... 
Tila ang ang mundo'y nakikidalamhati sa damdaming puno ng pighati
Ngayong gabi, Dahil ika'y wala yakap ko ang ambon
Habang nangungulila sa yong tinig
aking ibinabaling ang pandinig sa bawat ulang tumatagaktak
Akoy napapaisip... Habang tinatanaw ang karimlan
Paulit ulit binabalikan ang mga alaala ng nakaraan.
Ang mga sandaling tayoy magkasama
Na ikaw at ako ay masaya pa sa piling ng isa't isa
Mga panahong walang lungkot. Walang anumang sakit.
Pero ngayon...  Ganun pa rin ba?
Bakit tila ang dating tayo nawala na?
Pilit na lang itinatanim sa isip na mahal kita.
Na mahal pa rin kita
Na sana... mahal pa rin kita.
Pero bakit ang puso'y iba  na ang idinidikta?
Siguro nga... mahal pa rin kita pero parang nag iba.
Siguro nga mahal kita, pero di na alam kung sapat pa ba
Siguro nga mahal kita, pero hindi na tulad  noon
Siguro nga mahal kita pero ewan!
Ewan. Hindi ko na alam.
Ako na ay naguguluhan.
Lumuluha habang ikinukubli sa ilalim ng ulan.
Iniisip kung dapat na kayang pakawalan, itong pagmamahalang tila wala nang patutunguhan?
Napakaraming katanungan... ni hindi ko na namalayan ang pagtila ng ulan.
Kasabay ng paglisan nito... ang pagmamahal ko na para na ding naglaho.
Kaya siguro, kailangan ng tapusin itong talatang nasimulan. Tulad nung "tayo". Na kailangan nang wakasan...


DITO.

Ayoko Na

Sinabi ko na ayoko na. Ayoko na ng sakit. Ayoko na ng hapdi.
Ayoko nang maramdaman ang luhang umaagos mula sa pusong sugatan.
Ayoko na. Puso ko'y napagod na. Pagod sa kasisigaw ng salitang "Mahal Kita".
Gasgas na sa pagpapaalalang "Mahal, mahalaga ka."
Kaya't sinabi ko na tama na. Pero, tama ba?
Tama ba na itigil na ang lahat?
Marahil. Marahil ito na nga ang hudyat ng unti-unting pagmulat...
ng mga matang mula umpisa'y nabulag, nagpadala 
sa mga matatamis na titik, na tila mga hele sa gabing naghihinagpis.
Kaya't sinabi ko na ayoko na.
Ayoko na matulog na kapiling ang lungkot imbes na kumot...
Ayoko nang humimbing sa bumabahang luha imbes na sa unang malambot
Ayoko nang gumising na ang tanging nilalaman ng isip
ay ang pagdududang ako'y mahal pa. 
Kaya't sinabi ko na ayoko na.
Ayoko na lumipas ang bawat araw, na patuloy na nagbabakasakaling
maging akin ka pa. Patuloy na umaasang maging tayo pa.
Araw araw gumigising, humihinga, nabubuhay pero unti-unting namamatay.
Pinapatay ng kalungkutan dahil kahit kailan hindi ka na mahahagkan. 
Kaya't sinabi ko na ayoko na...
Upang ika'y pakawalan.
Pero iyong tandaan, "Mahal,
mahal pa rin kita... pero paalam na"