Leonor Rivera-Kipping's Mansion in Camiling, Tarlac

The last time I visited the Kipping Mansion was in 1991, no digicams, not much of the internet, mobile phones were still struggling for higher pixels thus, to shoot objects and memories was quite expensive. To maximize rolls of 36 shot films if you could afford, was somewhat a status symbol.

Every Filipino student of Philippine literature and Filipino language subjects come across the life of Leonor. Known to few, she's a distant second cousin of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal. Antonio Rivera was Leonor's father and a cousin of  Jose Rizal's father, Francisco Mercado, thus, Jose calling Antonio his uncle.

I went to Camiling to accompany my students at DLSU Manila for their research project. The letter I gave to the group wasn't enough to gain entrance to the mansion. Their thought of bringing with them their Instructor was the best passport. I said, Yes... eventually.

There is an annex to the mansion that houses the memorabilia of Leonor. I've heard that this is now well kept and indeed much better.

Me and my students were toured by the relatives of Leonor around the mansion. I marveled at the antique collections of course.

The granddaughter, grandnieces and grandnephews of Leonor were very accommodating. They explained in detail every piece of furniture and object in the annex museum.

Upon gazing at Leonor's collection, I can't help but recall all the lessons I've learned and was teaching at the same time about Rizal and his greatest love.

Questions started... Why was the wedding gown of Leonor blue? Is this blow up picture of Rizal authentic from Europe? How come it's embroidered? What happened to the letters sent by Jose to Leonor? Did Leonor die lonely? 

The Answers to these questions? Let your eyes start to move while probing inside the museum.

Most of these questions were of course answered by the surviving relatives of the Rivera-Kippings. The fact that those answers were also relayed to them by their elders. Lots of undying proof of love mementoes are waiting for you at the house of Leonor Rivera-Kipping Mansion. 

St. Francis of the Assisi Church - Gen. Trias, Cavite

The Church was first built in 1611 by the Franciscan Missionaries. Rebuilt in stone in 1769, repaired and enlarged in 1834 and in 1893. Partially damaged during the earthquake of July 18,1880. The Facade was rebuilt in 1881, beatified in 1885.

Indeed a historical Church, this is where the Banda Matanda practiced the Marcha Filipina before it was played for the Declaration of Philippine Independence by General Aguinaldo in Kawit.

You can also find beside the church the wood statue of Saint Francis of Assisi that was carved in a century old Acacia Tree, this tree once stood beside the General Trias Church but it fell in 2006 during Typhoon Milenyo's onslaught. Instead of simply abolishing the tree, locals decided to carved this statue as this tree played an important part in town's colorful and rich history.

The Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church is located at the Poblacion. General Trias is 35 Kilometers from Manila. It is beside the General Trias Town Plaza.

The Gates of Intramuros - Puerta del Parian, Manila

Long before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, the Chinese were already active in business. Social hierarchy in Spanish Philippines set the status of every individual and his/her functions in the community. This did not spare the local Filipinos who were below the Middle Class. Prior to Manila's  affluence, caused by the opening of Manila to World Trade, some local Filipinos weren't allowed to wander or linger inside the walled city. This was also true among the Chinese. The Chinese were not allowed to conduct business inside the walled city.

The Parian was built to house the Chinese merchants. This can be accessed by Intramuros residents through the Puerta del Parian. It was named after the Parian de Arroceros, one of the earliest concentrations of Chinese merchants located in the area now occupied by another endangered Manila landmark, the Metropolitan Theater.

The Parian gate was built in 1593 and was one of the first entrances to the Walled City. It became the official entrance of the Governor General in 1765, in place of Puerta Real which was destroyed during the British invasion.

Serene Laiya of San Juan, Batangas

A very close friend and college classmate sent me a private message on Facebook, and was bugging for me to decide and choose a very nice destination for her and her husband coming from Michigan. I suggested many places, Fortune Island, Calatagan, Vigan or anywhere in Ilocos. They went to Cebu and Bohol instead. And for us her good friends? We stayed in Batangas, another close friend suggested Laiya. I thought of rejecting the idea, since Laiya is quite popular and expensive when it comes to accommodations.

She said she can manage... Oh well...

We scouted several resorts and of course chose the good ones if not the best. I don't want to quote the prices here since it was an off-peak season, but for us it was still expensive. Nonetheless, our room was very, very cozy like in a five-star hotel and the views... oh! so breathtaking that the pictures I took below will pass for some very good post cards.

Savor the views of Laiya... you would always want to come back at the soonest possible time.