Tales of the Nomad

By Fung Yu

Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.3Mb each.

My foot kept slipping from the palm-leaves covered roof of the "Diwata ng Lahi" as I tried to balance myself and the camera-tripod combination; any sudden jerk or misstep would mean the lost of the precious equipment to mighty Poseidon, not to mention a wet and injured photographer, the first person to fell off from the balangay as she sails in the middle of Manila Bay.

Fortunately, it was a smooth sail as the balangay glided thru the water at about 4 knots; I was able to get a good foot-hold to the opposite side and finished panning my shots in a complete circle. Such was the inherit 'thrills' of shooting in 360, you sometimes live the excitement of the scenario and gets to brag about it thereafter.

One day before the balangay was set for her historic maiden voyage across the Philippine archipelago; I finally found the time to join her for my first, and her last training sail within the safe confines of Manila Bay. Having witness her from construction to launch, I felt a certain connection as I stepped into her bosom that day. Like a father who watched his child grew-up and was now ready to conquer her world, with full knowledge that the sea will sometimes be harsh and tempest awaits yonder, nonetheless, I'm confident she will achieve her eventual purpose and glory.

We set out from the breakwaters of CCP at around ten in the morning under a clear blue sky, a glorious sun, and a light breeze. The waters were calm and particularly 'clean' too, a perfect condition indeed for sailing.

Assisted by "Tiririt", the motorized service-boat of the balangay, Diwata ng Lahi unfurled her multi-colored vinta-like sails upon reaching suitable wind position, from thereon; she's right in her elements, cruising just like her ancient sisters, a gallant bygone era where she ruled the seas, a maritime heritage that this undertaking hopes to instilled, a pride of the Malay race that Filipinos everywhere can be proud of.

All VRs taken on August 31, 2009. Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

By Fung Yu

Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.4Mb each.

The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century happened last July 22; the duration of totality was a few seconds shy of 7 minutes, making it one of the longest in 300 years; an event that will not be surpassed until June 13, 2132.

The moon's shadow covered most of Southeast Asian countries with the path of totality extending from northern India, central China, and southern Japan. Countries like the Philippines, which lie outside the moon's umbra shadow, witnessed only a partial solar eclipse.

It was during 1995 in Manila that I saw my first solar eclipse, albeit a partial one; it nevertheless rekindled my interest in astronomy, and all things heavenly.

The eclipse in China was the most easily reachable in terms of geographical distance and monetary resource that prompted me to make a spot decision to go.

Joined by a team of like-minded individuals from the UP Astronomical Society, our group of 13 set foot in Shanghai on the 19th, a few days early in preparation for the anticipated celestial event with much enthusiasms and expectations.

The city of Shanghai, situated in the upper northern hemisphere, is subjected to the annual four season cycle of atmospheric conditions. Having arrived at the height of summer, days are excruciatingly hot! The temperature is a few degrees higher than Manila in a sunny day, but the feeling one gets, was probably in the forties Celsius!

It was precisely the heat that prevented me from exploring the city and its myriad of tourist attractions. Public transportation was not a problem really; Shanghai's extensive subway system allows you to travel within the city almost effortlessly. With English translations of each station and stops, one only needs to know where to get off and how to transfer from one subway line to the next.

Armed with a map, and eager to explore the following day after arrival, I took on the challenge of going to LongHwa Temple via the subway as it appeared to be the nearest from where we were staying. Alas, I was gravely mistaken! The site may seem near the subway station on the map, but in actuality, it was far, in fact, several blocks away... and a block in Shanghai can be like the equivalent of 3 to 5 blocks in Manila... add to that the extreme heat, wet shirt and underpants from all the accumulated sweat, you'll understand why I had to give up and forego the rest of my traveling plans; seeking instead, the air-conditioned comforts of the hostel for the remaining duration. Lesson learned? Go during spring or fall, or winter if you relish the cold temperatures.

We stayed in a place called the Shanghai Blue Mountain Youth Hostel, an inexpensive lodge run by the government with pleasant amenities. Catering more to the backpackers, the two-story building is located in front of a subway station, and within easy reach of other public transportations. It has dormitory rooms of up to 8 beds with common toilet and bath to the quieter single-bed rooms with private showers. It has a cozy bar-lounge with free wifi, 3 desktop computers with Internet access (also for free), a pool table, LCD TV & player, a fireplace for winter, popular board games & cards, books and magazines, and relaxing sofas. Friendly English speaking staffs manned the counter 24 hours a day that can assist in all your traveling needs. Groups and couples of mostly European and American backpackers filled the hostel during our stay. The price for a twin room is at US$30/night and a hearty meal at the hostel cost RMB20 (about 150 pesos).

On the day of the eclipse, we hired a van together with three new found friends to Jianshenwei, a coastal city south of Shanghai, roughly 2 hours, 80km away. It supposes to offer better weather conditions than Shanghai, but the predictions the night before were for cloudy skies with rain showers throughout the day.

The sky was already full of clouds when we arrived at Jianshenwei, hoping against hope that weather conditions will improve as the eclipse progresses; but such was not the case. All throughout from first contact to totality, the sun was blocked by thick clouds, it was so covered that you don't even need a solar filter to shoot the sun.

As seconds to totality approaches, I settled to the inevitable fact that my very first total solar eclipse, the one that I journeyed to witness, the grandeur that I envisioned it to be, was stolen from me. I was disappointed, felt cheated, and left wanting. I feel like a mythical dragon out to devour the sun, a promised meal that in this case, was ultimately denied. A psychological emptiness was also created, a void that can only be filled with seeing the next "blacken sun."

The only consolation was the sudden transformation of day into night and back again in that short moment of time, an experience that can almost be describe as akin to being magical.

The next total solar eclipse will be on July 11, 2010 in South America, centering on the Easter Islands. For the Philippines, the next total solar eclipse will be on April 20, 2042; it will pass by most of the Palawan mainland, the Panay Island, Masbate, and the Bicol region. It will have a totality duration of 4 minutes 51 seconds; occurring just right during the dry season, if global warming doesn't change the prevailing weather patterns by then, it shall be truly a sight to behold.

All VRs taken on July 20-22, 2009. Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

By Fung Yu

Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.3Mb each.

Former President Corazon C. Aquino peacefully passed away on August 1, 2009 at 3:18AM after more than a year of battle against colon cancer; an icon of democracy and a symbol of 'people power' in the Philippines and around the world.

An advocate of peace and unity, we thank her for what she accomplished, for what she achieved, and for what she sacrificed for the Filipino people.

What follows are some scenes from the wake in De La Salle Greenhills (August 1), in the Manila Cathedral (August 4), and the funeral parade (August 5).

The Funeral Parade

At the Manila Cathedral, Intramuros

At the La Salle Gymnasium

Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

By Fung Yu

Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.3Mb each.

ANOTHER great dream is being unfolded in a little corner of space near the grounds of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Led by Art Valdez, the man behind the success of putting Filipinos on the summit of Mt. Everest, the new project will embark on a maritime adventure across the Philippine archipelago using a traditional wooden boat called the "balangay."

The aim of this endeavor is to re-trace some of our ancestor's journey in the Indo-Pacific during pre-colonial times in the effort to rekindle Filipino pride and spirit in the long forgotten maritime heritage.

First excavated in the late 1970s in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte by the National Museum, the balangay (also called 'Butuan boat'), is a plank boat adjoined by carved-out planks edged through pins or dowels. Nine balangays were actually discovered. The first one was preserved and displayed in the excavation site, carbon-dated at year 320AD. The second was dated to 1250 and is now displayed in the National Museum. The third was moved to the Butuan Regional Museum for preservation works, while the remaining six balangays remained in their original waterlogged condition, and are yet to be excavated.

Measuring 3 meters wide by 18 meters long (roughly the length and width of a passenger bus), and about a meter depth, the newly constructed balangay is made from a hardwood locally known as lupanga (or lutanga), an ubi-ubi family of apitong and dungon trees sourced from the eastern part of Tawi-Tawi.

A team of 10 Badjaos, also from Tawi-Tawi, led by Jubail Muyong from Sibutu and Haji Musa Malabong from Sitangkai built the boat from April to June, for a total of 41 days, with no drawn plans but based solely on knowledge passed from one generation to the next.

Based on the latest hydrostatic testing, the balangay will float in 18 inches of water at zero load, a capability that will allow it to come close to shores or to sail in shallow waters.

The maiden launch is scheduled on June 27. There is also a plan to sail it through the Pasig River in support of the river clean-up project. After which, the balangay will sail thru 67 ports from Manila to the tip of Mindanao in a voyage that will take about 6 to 8 months.

Sailing mostly during daytime with a speed between 4 to 6 knots depending on prevailing wind conditions, the boat will travel along the coast with an alternating crew of 18 personnel; the core team consists of the 8 members of the Team Everest, 4 Badjaos, 4 members of the Philippine Coast Guard/Philippine Navy, and 2 members of the Joint Manning (Seafarers) Group.

While on port, Team Balangay will undertake medical missions, school lectures, mini forums, video showing, and visits to archeological, cultural, and tourism sites.

After completing the Philippine voyage, the balangay will sail to Southeast Asia in 2010, to Polynesia and Madagascar in 2011, across the Atlantic and onward to the Pacific in 2012 and returning home in 2013.

In the words of Art Valdez, "The Balangay will become the catalyst to stir up historical consciousness among Filipinos today, a sine qua non in transporting our people to our cherished goals. Without that keen knowledge of history, our people will continue to suffer as our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, aptly described, "Ang taong hindi lumilingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa patutunguhan."

All VRs taken on June 3, 2009. References: wikipilipinas.org. Balangay's website: www.balangay-voyage.com. Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

By Fung Yu Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.2Mb each.

Eldar's Tent was filled with soap bubbles reflected against multi-colored stage lights, the interior was made to appear like an underwater scene. The play was a summer special entitled "An Under the Sea Experience" which showcase the talents of EK's cast members and select GMA artists.

Dressed in colorful costumes, cast members serenaded the audience with songs and dance that told the adventures of the sea creatures with the surface dwellers. The musical play captured everyone's imagination, and for a brief moment, it can truly be described as magical!

Together with a group of select bloggers, this writer was invited to experience Enchanted Kingdom's many attractions, foremost being the newly launched "Magicalympics."

Magicalympics is a team building activity that fuses certain tasks with the park's rides in order to accomplish a team's goal in the least amount of time. Call it ala Amazing Race with a little twist. It was meant to foster camaraderie amongst the participants while being immersed in the challenges of a competition--all in the spirit of goodwill.

Notable challenges include catching tomatoes with a net while swinging in the Anchor's Away ride; retaining the most amount of water in a cup atop your head while taking a precipitous slide aboard the Jungle Log Jam; capturing flags in bumper cars with sentries blocking your way; singing your lungs out in the karaoke competition; and identifying landmarks atop the Wheel of Fate.

Prior to the start of the Magicalympics, all of us were treated to a 4D showing of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" starring Brendan Fraser. 4D being, apart from the 3D visual effect, the viewer gets to experience added new sensory sensations with the upgraded 4D Theater.

The day ended with a 5-minute fireworks display and with the satisfaction that our team won 2nd place in the Magicalympics, but more so in the relief that I survived the various thrilling rides, without screaming like an eight-year old kid!

All VRs taken on May 10, 2009. Enchanted Kingdom's website: www.enchantedkingdom.com.ph. Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

IF you love Singapore and a good deal, then this is good time to book Jetstar.

The carrier is now offering one of its largest promotions in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board.

The package offers the carrier's passengers a Singapore experience, including accommodation, a ride on the Singapore Flyer--the world's largest observation wheel--and shop at the airport--all for free.

Jetstar says passengers booking flights to Singapore between June 8 and 16, 2009 for flights between July 1 and 31 October 2009, will receive a free return flight (excluding airport taxes).

For every one-night stay at participating Accor properties--IBIS Singapore on Bencoolen, the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel or the Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay--Jetstar passengers will also get the second night's stay for free during this promotional period.

The freebies do not just cover the flights and accommodation. By presenting the Jetstar boarding pass, passengers participating in the promotion will be able to take a free ride on the iconic Singapore Flyer and enjoy a 5 Singapore-dollar voucher to shop at Singapore Changi Airport on the way home from their Singapore holiday.

Each traveler stands to save and even get to see some events in the pipeline: • Great Singapore Sale (29 May - 26 July 2009) • Ballet Under the Stars (17 July 2009) • Singapore Food Festival (17-26 July 2009) • Jazz by the Beach (4 July 2009) • Nine Inch Nails Live in Singapore (10 August 2009) • Singapore Sun Festival (3-12 October 2009) • ARTSingapore (9-12 October 2009)

Promotional packages can be booked via jetstar.com or 1800 1611 0280 (24hr TOLL FREE) or Jetstar Makati Office (632) 810 4744, Cubao 913 2792, Cebu (32) 254 9604, Davao (82) 224 6001. Terms and conditions apply visit www.jetstar.com/specials/1for1

Fung Yu Contributor

Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Click the images to view the 360-degree VRs. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required. Average VR size is 2.5Mb each.

THE fireworks started at exactly 7 p.m. in SM Mall of Asia, a usual weekend occurrence, except this time, I was watching it from the waters of Manila Bay, aboard the cruise ship 7107 Island Cruises while partaking our sumptuous 10-course dinner buffet. Seeing the fireworks display from afar, I noticed that the lights reflecting by the surrounding waters. The sight was kaleidoscopic.

The invitation for the Corregidor cruise came from 7107 Island Cruise, the only Filipino owned interisland cruise company that seeks to redefine travel in the Philippines. The ship currently offers cruise within the tourism triangle of Subic, Coron and Boracay.

Docked at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila; the ship, formerly Coco Explorer 2 from Danish-owned C&C Travel was originally built in 1968. Fully renovated in 1990 from keel to mast to fulfill international standards, all cabins are made from fire-secure material including an extensive sprinkler-system installed throughout ship.

I arrived around 3 p.m. that day to an already short queue of equally excited passengers. Upon boarding, and right after being led to my assigned cabin, I immediately set out to explore the features and amenities of the ship.

Capable of accommodating 600 guests, the ship features an entertainment lounge, a small open-air pool, a deck, a salon, a clinic (staffed with a doctor and a nurse for every voyage), a spa, and a restaurant & bar. Cabin types range from the standard/deluxe rooms in deck A, B, and C to the exquisite suites in the promenade and bridge levels.

Cruising at 8 to 10 knots (1 knot being 1 nautical mile per hour and 1 nm = 1.852km), the overnight trip to Corregidor passed by with all of us in restful slumber. By the time I woke up, the ship was already docking at Corregidor pier.

"The Island of Valor" as Corregidor is often known, lies 48 kilometers west of Manila. It is a tadpole-shaped island located at the mouth of Manila Bay and partly of Cavite. The island is actually a remnant of a volcano, Corregidor Caldera, which was active about 1 million years ago. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology still consider it to be a potential active volcano to this day.

Due to its strategic location, the island was fortified and called Fort Mills in 1908 by the Americans. Divided into three parts--Topside, Middleside and Bottomside--the island was a military outpost made prominent by numerous coastal artillery and gun emplacements.

Corregidor saw its glory during World War II by delaying the advance of Japanese forces in the Far East to Australia, giving Allied forces the time needed to overturn the war to its eventual victory.

I met Steve, our tour guide who is about 6-foot-six and bespectacled American in barong. Now this was my fourth visit to Corregidor and I thought nothing of the regular tour would surprise me anymore. I wrong.

Steve Kwiecinski and his wife, Marcia came to live in the Philippines sometime in October 2008. Both retirees, they chose to settle in Corregidor, away from the 'chaos' of city living and primarily because of a historical and emotional attachment.

Steve's father, Walter, was a soldier stationed in Corregidor during the siege. He was commander of the last functioning gun battery (Battery Way) that was silenced by enemy shelling in May 1942. A survivor of the infamous Death March, he was able to share his stories of Corregidor with Steve that the latter grew up to love and admire.

During the tour, Steve narrated some of the events that took place from the personal exploits of his father. How Walter, with engineering background, repaired the Battery Way after the initial heavy bombings by the Japanese.

Walter Kwiecinski passed away in May 8, 1988. By staying in Corregidor and recounting the stories of WWII to the visitors of the island, Steve hoped to honor the memory of his father.

The present day island of Corregidor is a significant site for both historical and tourism value. Today, its guns may be silent. But the place is a testament to an era's past; where sacrifices and bravery of many heroes, many unnamed, would forever echo in generations to come.

VRs of Battery Way, Japanese Memorial Garden, and Malinta Tunnel taken on June 19, 2005. All other VRs taken on March 15, 2009. 7107 Islands Cruise's website: www.7107islandscruise.net. Reference: wikipedia.org. Article archive at: www.virtualjournals.net. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph

SIGHTSEEING by boat in the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan is not enough. If you want to feel nature in this place, it's best to try trekking and kayaking. You can do both in this national park found in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Our trip to this beautiful place started early in the morning. Didi Camara of Sun and Sea Sports Systems, Inc. gathered people for an eco-tour of the Hundred Islands.

From the sands of Bolo Beach, we passed by a laidback community: I saw a mother bathing her toddler daughter while other kids played with the water pump. We then walked on a narrow bridge made of soil in between fishponds. Good thing the weather was good at that time. It was nice to see the reflection of the blue skies on the water.

We started trekking on a rocky slope. I must admit wearing slippers was not a good idea especially if what you have is not meant for trekking. Fortunately, it survived. But then again, I have to endure minor scratches caused by the sharp rocky floor.

As our team arrived at Camantiles Island, which is two kilometers away from Bolo Beach and located at the Southern side of Alaminos, Camara told us that the area, which could accommodate 50 people, served as a camping site for kayaking enthusiasts and for team building activities.

Val Camara of the Philippine Kayaking Association gave us instructions. Then we put on life vests, hopped into the colorful kayaks and began our nature trip.

Paddling under the summer sun was tiring but the sight of the greenish water, white sands and the blue skies was worth the sweat. As we paddled along, Mae from the Hundred Islands Eco-Tour Association (HIETA) named each island we passed by. The Hundred Islands National Park has actually 123 islands and she memorized all names after eight months of training. She admitted though that there are more unnamed islands.

They usually charged P250 per hour for tourists who wanted to rent a kayak and got members of HIETA to assist them, according to Mae. The most visited islands were the Quezon Island, Governor's Island and Children's Island. Quezon Island, she said, was the most beautiful island.

While we were on our way to the mangrove area, we saw flocks of wild brown ducks. We then paddled through to a century-old cave called Quirino Cave. It has a 27-meter underground stream. As we entered the cave, we saw bats flying around. Under the stream is a rock formation similar to a table top. But no one dared to jump into the water after we were told that sea snakes also live in the water.

As our team got out of the cave, rain began to pour. The rain brought worries to some. Some thought that it might cause strong waves. But our fears were literally doused when we found that it was such as joy kayaking through the rain. Eventually, the rain stopped when we arrived at Shell Island, where our team took a dip into the shallow yet rocky lagoon.

Kayaking a 7-kilometer stretch for almost three hours is an achievement for beginners like me. It might have caused sunburn and aching arms but it was worth communing with nature, especially if you're surrounded by it, literally.

By Fung Yu Contributor

Author's Note: This article uses virtual reality technology to provide an immersive experience. Adobe Flash 10 or higher is required to view the 360-degree VRs. Average VR size is 2.5Mb each.

BEING a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines is host to 'endless' religious festivals and celebrations. Next to Christmas, the Lenten season, which falls either on March or April, is celebrated throughout the country.

Conventionally, this is a 40-day affair representing the time, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.

The traditional purpose of Lent is to prepare a believer--through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial--for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. The six Sundays in Lent are not counted among the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter," a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death.

People observe the season by usually reading (or singing) the Passion; fasting or abstinence from eating meat, particularly pork; and on the extreme, self-flagellation and crucifixion.

Although crucifixion rites are performed in many places around the country, nowhere is it more evident than in the small town of Cutud, Pampanga.

A mere two-hour drive north of Manila, the province of Pampanga (its capital being San Fernando City) is located in Central Luzon, it enjoys the distinction of being known as the culinary heart of the Philippines.

The Cutud crucifixion, performed every year on a Good Friday, has now become more of a commercial event that seeks to attract tourists both foreign and local. Anywhere from two to as many as eight persons volunteer to be crucified, both men and women.

Other penitents, with faces covered in thin cloths and wearing a crown of thorns, beat themselves in the back with bamboo sticks tied to a rope as they parade around town. The penitents perform these rites believing it to be for the forgiveness of their sins or as gratitude for prayers answered.

The Catholic Church authority does not endorse crucifixion nor approves of it. Nevertheless, a certain degree of tolerance is granted as being a community "tradition."

All VRs taken on March 21, 2008. Portions of text from wikipedia.org. The author can be reached at: fung@firefly.ph