Ten Interesting Facts about Manila and the Philippines

From My FaceBook Page the Other Day: Filipinos need to go out of the Philippines to look at their country in a better light and perspective.

Manila, Philippines- Some Parts are Chaotic with Traffic Congestions, but the Rich Suburbs are Places for Big Mansions, First Class Shopping Malls and exemplifies the luxuries of Living on Planet Earth.

I will badly miss the following. I was born and raised in the Philippines but now I am residing abroad- Quotes from the Author of this Article

1. The sun- sun here is constant and reassuring. We know it will rise at 5am and sets ut 5:30 to 6pm, 365 days.

2. The chaos, traffic and smoke- it can be overwhelming for newcomers but a constant sense of adventure for us. Everyday, we ride on motorbikes and gets a different vibes, different level of thrill and danger.

3. The language and chatter- I will miss hearing Tagalog and local dialects if I am in a foreign land. I miss speaking it.

4. The smiles- I will miss the smile and gentle nods of the taho vendor, the grocery store owner and neigbors.

5. The ease of meeting friends- Filipinos are always just a call away. Need a coffee date, message a friend, meet halfway. Need a drinking buddy, call the tropa and head to the local bar. Or just go anyway and talk to the waiters.

Typical Rural ( Provinces) Scene in the Philippines

6. The entitlement- yes, as a natural born citizen I will miss that liberty to complain, rant, and vent without being discriminated, validated or threatened.

7. The beaches- It hits different here because our beaches are generally full of locals and not foreigners.

8. The food- Filipino food isn't recognized as world's best but for all I care, our food are nostalgic of the love and warmth of our mother's hands and father's hard earned labor. It was never meant to please a foreign palate. It is always meant to be shared.

9. The Filipino humor- it always comes easy and handy.

10. The natural calamities- on hindsight, it is a constant reminder of our mortality. Hence, we are more grounded and act with a sense of humility..

The Black Sand Beaches of the Philippines

So if Manila is the riskiest city to travel why are we making it to 3rd Friendliest country? Also, as one of the happiest nation on earth? Think! Don't just agree

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of Batman- one of my pet Tuxedo Cats ( Black and White). His Brother Cat look-alike is named Robin.

Lastly, Did you know that during the American colonial period, Manila earned the nickname "Hollywood of the East." As a vibrant hub for U.S. films being distributed across Asia, Manila’s film scene thrived, showcasing American cinema to a wide audience in the region.

The city became a bustling epicenter of cinematic culture, with theaters and film studios popping up to cater to the growing demand for movies. This period marked a significant cultural exchange between the Philippines and the United States, influencing local filmmaking and entertainment.

Twelve Tourist Places in California in Your Bucket List

Did you know California is the only U.S. state were you can stand on the hottest spot on Earth in Death Valley and, on the same day, snowboard down the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains! Here are the top twelve tourist places you must put in your bucket list.

. . 1. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic drives in the world, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and landmarks like the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.

2. Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to awe-inspiring waterfalls, giant sequoias, and the majestic granite peaks of El Capitan and Half Dome.

3. Venice Beach in Los Angeles is a lively destination where you can enjoy street performers, vibrant murals, and the buzzing boardwalk scene.

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases active geothermal wonders like bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, a must-see for nature lovers.

5. The Napa Valley and Sonoma County regions are a wine lover’s paradise, with rolling vineyards, picturesque scenery, and world-class wine tastings.

6. Disneyland in Anaheim, the original Disney theme park, continues to enchant visitors with magical attractions and classic Disney charm.

7. Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is the largest alpine lake in North America, offering year-round adventures like skiing, hiking, and paddleboarding.

8. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is not just a feat of engineering—it’s a global symbol of beauty and innovation.

9. Death Valley National Park, the hottest place on Earth, features surreal landscapes like salt flats, sand dunes, and the colorful Artist’s Palette.

10. Monterey Bay is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching, where you can spot humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

11. The Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth, surrounded by serene trails and ancient forests.

12. Hearst Castle, San Simeon National Park

How many places above have you visited? I have been to all except the Death Valley National Park.

Meanwhile, Did you Know?

Callao Man – The Philippines’ Earliest Human (67,000 Years Old!)

Before the discovery of Callao Man, it was believed that the first humans in the Philippines arrived 50,000 years ago. However, this finding changed history.

Found in Callao Cave, Cagayan

Dated to be at least 67,000 years old

A newly identified human species called Homo luzonensis, distinct from Homo sapiens & Neanderthals

Scientists found foot bones suggesting upright walking

This discovery challenges theories of early human migration and suggests that ancient humans were already thriving in the Philippines long before expected.

Lastly, here's my Poem of the Week

"When You Are Old"

WHEN you are old and grey and full of sleep,

And nodding by the fire, take down this book,

And slowly read, and dream of the soft look

Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,

And loved your beauty with love false or true,

But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,

Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled

And paced upon the mountains overhead

And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

~W.B. Yeats

Travel with Me to France via Carenna's Recent Photos

Carenna and Me-The Lolo, Grand Pa or Abuelo!  Photo Taken, September, 2023 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/11/my-youngest-grand-daughter-carenna.html

Carenna my youngest grand daughter is spending a semester of college in Paris this spring semester. She sent me photos of Paris and surrounding areas, on French Food, architecture, art and popular tourist spots the other day.  She said:

Bonjour Lolo!!! Im having an amazing time in France. Learning a lot of French and eating good food! Here are the photos:

Meanwhile enjoy this Monet Painting: 

and my cat abstractionism

Just received from Dodie and Ruth- They are in Machu Pichu now and on their way to the Galapagos Island next week.

And Lastly, here's the latest news on President Macrons plan to leave a mark on the Notre-Dame windows

https://www.foxnews.com/world/backlash-may-shatter-president-macrons-plans-leave-mark-notre-dame-windows