Magdalena, Laguna

Magdalena town in Laguna is situated in the foot of Mount Banahaw.  A small sleepy town of a little more than 20,000 in population, its primary source of income is rice farming.  Took a quick side-trip to the town a couple of months ago while doing work in Laguna.  

Mount Banahaw in the distance. 

Rice fields and coconut trees. 

The lush countryside. 

I have a penchant for old churches, and this church was really beautiful.  Atop of a slight incline, it was a magnificent presence.

The church had a big yard, beautifully manicured and maintained.  

The church was situated in a way that people in the town would see the belfry even from a distance.

This is the top of the belfry seen from a distance.

Top of the church.

The town's municipal hall, fronting the church. 

Closer look at the Municipal Hall.

The town's layout, with the church fronting the Municipal Hall was reminiscent of times when the church had a big say in the town's activities.  You could almost imagine a Padre Damaso walking towards the Municipal Hall to give a piece of his mind to the Mayor.  You would think it was something out of the Noli Me Tangere or El Filibusterismo.

The next time you're in Laguna, try to visit more of the country side.  You will be surprised at the wealth of culture you can find in small municipalities like Magdalena.

Tranquility in a Farm

A couple of months ago, I joined good friends BG and Jhoey and their kids in visiting a sustainable, organic farm.  They had very interesting processes but with me being me, it wasn't that that impressed me.  I was drawn to this one spot in that farm.  A place where you would want to sit back, open a book and just sit there for hours.  It was this one spot where you would want to immediately kick off your shoes, drop your shoulders, and breathe.  

There is comfort in the quiet

Peace in the silence

Breathe in the air of rest

Soak in the warmth of peace

A chirp, a tweet,

A splash, a rustling

Sounds of the lake

The lush green

The blue skies

Reflections 

Of life

Of love

The farm is located in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.  About 3 hours north of Manila.  The farm is existing on sustainable, renewable energy and organically grows all their crops.

I never expected to find something so refreshing in this farm.  The most I expected was to learn a lot about sustainable energy and organic farming.  This discovery was definitely worth the trip.

Calm in the Heart of the City

When living in the metro, one has to find ways to take a breather in the midst of the hustle and bustle.  I usually need to take a few breaths in between work-weeks and I look for spots in the metro to unwind.  Most often than not, I find myself gravitating to the bay.  I usually sit by the breakwater, be still and watch the sun set. If my favorite taho vendor is around, I get a warm one and catch up with him.  My favorite taho vendor has weathered quite a few storms with me.  

 

This is the kind of beauty I see on a good day.  

This kind of beauty allows you to take deep breaths in between work-weeks.

Calming.  Relaxing.  Breathtaking.  These scenes make you appreciate the beauty of life.

Fiery intensity.

Quiet moments by the bay rejuvenate the mind, renew the spirit and feed the soul.

There is a peace that envelopes me when I see visions such as these.  There is a sense of calm, of well-being.  I find my center, my inner strength.