franklee

I was so little when my family and I went to this place. There’s a little school here for people who get “Care for Carers”. It’s a facility that teaches Tai’chi, a healing “martial art”.

A couple of things I remember about the place, though. The hills of grass where you can roll around, and the difference of the quality of air between Manila and Tagaytay. At first I thought I have forgotten how to breathe. Later I realized that my lungs, unfortunately, had gotten used to the pollutants of Metro Manila. The air is so clean that it would re-energize anyone who needs “decompression”!

I grew up here. When I first came to Marikina, it was somewhat similar to Barangay Bangbang of Pasig. Now, Filipinos take pride of the city that makes their shoes!

This city is more well-known throughout Paris and Italy. French and Italian shoes and pumps are made here (labor cost is cheap for these foreigners, but quality is A+++!) The French and Italians then put their signatures on the insole of the shoes, branding the shoes their own. Shame, huh?

Marikina is more organized than Metro Manila. The MMDA Chairman was once the Mayor of this humble city, and now he makes Marikina as the prototype for any program that he wishes to launch throughout Metro Manila.

Pink urinals, pink bridges, pink parking lots, pink billboards and posts… No, you’re not going mad. This city is in the pink of health, and is poised to be the new capital of the Philippines!

I wasn’t really born here, but it was my home for 9 years. I can say it was the best 9 years of my life, as I’m still 23! Hahaha! ^{_^}

Back then, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City wasn’t much. But thanks to the City Mayor Emano, Cagayan de Oro City is one of the safest places in Mindanao, considering the rumors and the reputation it had. He has a heavy hand when it comes to criminals, and very critical as far as safety is concerned.

CDO is also a rising community. Malls are now popping up from all over the place, the airport is rumored to be improved, more jobs are now being offered, and the schools are at par with the rest of ‘em! Liceo is a Center for Excellence in Nursing. Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan has the best reputation among the Ateneo Universities, educating brilliant, but MODEST role-models!

CDO is best known for its white waters. Best rafting course in the Philippines, with beginners, intermediate, and advanced courses all in the same river!

Investors can safely put up business here, since it’s hours away from the dangerous parts of Mindanao. You’ll be in Manila before the renegades enter the city limits. ^_

Like all tourist spots, locals get first priority. Let’s say, a full-body massage for P500. But when these vendors see (unaccompanied) foreigners, you wouldn’t believe the inflation! And foreigners will bite P1K for a full-body massage!

My officemates and I went to Malapascua for a much-needed stress-buster. Along the way, some Koreans at the back part of the bus got a little nervous. Then one brave woman went up to us and introduced herself. She asked if we were going to Malapascua. Seeing that they’re all Koreans, we let them tag along. Lucky for them! They saved about P3,000 on lodging alone, and the place where they were planning to stay didn’t have electricity 24/7. The place we got wasn’t beachside, but we were comfortable.

Long story short, we made friends with the Koreans, and they were very thankful that we were there with them. Malapascua can really make memories!