Niyogyugan Festival 2016: The Center of Attraction in Quezon Province during August

It is August once again. 

All roads lead to Perez Park in the vicinity of Quezon Provincial Capitol in Lucena City for the 4th staging of the colorful "NIYOGYUGAN FESTIVAL". 

NIYOGYUGAN comes from the words "NIYOG" (Coconut) and "YUGYUG" (to move to beat). Quezon Province is the number one producer of Coconut in the Philippines. The festival was conceptualized by Congresswoman Aleta Suarez. It is a commemoration of the birth of President Manuel Luis Quezon, an illustrious son of the province.

This is my 3rd time to witness this captivating festival. I was not able to witness when the festival was first held in 2012. 

PEREZ PARK and QUEZON PROVINCIAL CAPITOL in Lucena City, the venue of the "NIYOGYUGAN" Festival

There was no NIYOGYUGAN festival in 2014 because of the devastation caused by natural calamities.

For this year, 2016, the duration of the Niyogyugan Festival is from August 18 to August 27.

The captivating booths crafted with utmost creativity adorned by materials from coconut and other agricultural products.

Numerous agricultural and other products are being sold in every booth.

The booth of the town of CALAUAG

The booth of the town of CATANAUAN

The booth of the town of PLARIDEL

The booth of the municipality of AGDANGAN

The booth of the municipality of San Antonio

Some of the furniture products of Quezon Province for sale

The booth of the town of Buenavista

Another beautiful creations in one of the booths

Pineapple harvests in Quezon Province

A closer look inside one of the creative booths

Some of the products from Quezon Province

Root crops from Quezon Province

Amazingly crafted out of materials from Coconut or "Niyog"

I am looking forward to witness the Grand Parade of Colorful Floats on August 27, 2016 (Saturday)...

Be there when it happens!!!

Most Interesting Festivals in Quezon Province

Quezon Province is an ideal destination for short out of town trip  due to its close proximity from Metro Manila.  

The refreshing environs of the province is magnified by diversified and interesting destinations. Additionally, Quezon Province is home to numerous colorful festivals from 39 municipalities and 2 cities. 

The Capital City, LUCENA CITY, is a booming center of the province. There are already numerous popular establishments in the city such as SM City Mall, Save more, Pacific Mall, Metro Gaisano, Pizza Hut, 7-11 Convenience Store, National Bookstore, Jollibee, McDo, Mang Inasal, Chowking, KFC, Bonchon, Tokyo Tokyo among others.  

This BLOG is purposely written to present and discuss the most interesting among the festivals in Quezon Province. 

1. PAHIYAS FESTIVAL 

    (LUCBAN)

PAHIYAS Festival happens every 15th of May in the municipality of Lucban in honor of SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR, the Patron Saint of Farmers. 

PAHIYAS Festival deeply rooted in the traditional celebration of the town folks in thanksgiving for bounty harvest.Decorations called "Kiping", leaf  shaped and multi-colored rice paste wafers which are used to decorate the facades of the homes along with wide varieties of fruits, trees, plants, leaves, and flowers.

PAHIYAS is a very popular festival that tourists, both local and foreign, flock to witness the display of overwhelming and captivating creativity of the residence of LUCBAN.

2. NIYOGYUGAN FESTIVAL 
    (LUCENA CITY)

This festival happens every month of August at Perez Park infront of the Quezon Provincial Capitol in Lucena City. 

NIYOGYUGAN, which comes from the words NIYOG (Coconut) and YUGYUG (to move to beat), was conceptualized by then Congresswoman Aleta Suarez. The first NIYOGYUGAN Festival was held in 2012. Coconut is the primary product of Quezon Province. The festival is also being held in honor of President Manuel Luis Quezon, the illustrious son  of the province. 

All the 39 towns and 2 cities of Quezon Province participate in the annual event by displaying booths adorned by agricultural products especially coconuts. There are also Float parade, dance contest and "Binibining Niyogyugan Beauty Contest" to make the festivity more interesting.

3. MAUBANOG FESTIVAL
    (MAUBAN)

This festival coincides with the Mauban town fiesta every 15th of July in honor of Saint Buenaventure, Patron Saint of Mauban. It is to showcase the locally-fermented "LAMBANOG" and unique cuisines of the town. Other activities during the week-long festival are boat racing, wine-drinking contest, street party, and dancing and cultural extravaganza.  

Do you know other interesting FESTIVALS in Quezon Province that you want to be added in the list? Please leave your comments below. Thank you!

5 Compelling Reasons why PHILIPPINES is the best PLACE to live

PHILIPPINES is one of the countries in the South East Asia. The country was colonized/invaded by different countries; Spain, Japan, and United States of America . The longest was that by Spain. 

Many Filipinos regularly travel around the world that greatly contributed for the country to have widely diversified characteristics. 

However, the country has still its own unique identity that everyone will LOVE and EMBRACE once unmasked. 

There are actually 7,107 reasons to visit, stay, or even live for the rest of your life in the PHILIPPINES but here are the TOP 5 in the list:

1. FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE

According to a survey conducted by HSBC, Philippines is the friendliest Country in Asia and 8th in the World. Filipinos are  the most hospitable people on earth. They can adapt to any situation and deal with any people around the world. Filipinos are considered one of the "happiest people" on earth. They can still smile,laugh, and enjoy life even in the most challenging times. They can still entertain even when they in the most uncomfortable situations. They can still offer help with others even if they need help, too. 

2. EASY TO COMMUNICATE

With 92% of the FILIPINOS who can speak English and among the TOP 3 in the WORLD with the most number of English speaking population next only to United States and India, it is easier to communicate to Filipinos and when in the Philippines.

It is convenient to ask for direction when you are looking for someone or a place to go. Even a child can communicate with foreigners who can speak English.

It is not surprising for a country where English is being used as a medium of instruction even in Kindergarten. 

Public establishments usually have English instructions and signage.

3. WORLD-CLASS AND UNIQUE TOURIST  DESTINATIONS

The country is composed of 7,107 islands and home to most beautiful beaches in the world and other natural wonders. 

Whatever natural wonders you are looking for, Philippines has it. May it be a beach, volcano, mountain, hill, river, waterfalls, or lake. Here are some of the popular tourist destinations in the country. 

1. Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan (one of the NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE)
2. MAYON VOLCANO in the province of Albay (WORLD'S MOST PERFECT CONE VOLCANO) 
3. BANAUE RICE TERRACES (considered as the 8th WONDERS OF THE WORLD)
4. Boracay Island in Aklan (One of the Best Beaches in the World)
5. Chocolate hills in the province of Bohol. 
6. Mount Apo in Mindanao
7. Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite
8. Taal Volcano and Taal lake in the province of Batangas.
9. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan.
10. Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
11. El Nido Islands in Palawan.
12. Batanes Islands in North Luzon
13. Camiguin Island in Mindano
14. Malapascua Island in Cebu
15. Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
16. Coron, Palawan.
17. Hinatuan Enchanted River in Surigao Del Sur.
18. Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur.
19. Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.
20. Langun Gobingob Caves in Samar.

The mouth of the Puerto Princesa Underground River,
the longest navigable river in the world

Aside from natural wonders, there are also beautiful man-made tourist destinations in the country. In Metro Manila, some of the best destinations are RIZAL PARK, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES, INTRAMUROS, MANILA BAY, BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, QUEZON CITY CIRCLE among others. Outside Metro Manila, one of the remarkable structures is the San Juanico Bridge (the longest bridge in the Philippines) which connects the provinces of Leyte and Samar.

4. CONVENIENT FOR SHOPPING

If you love to shop, there are thousands of reasons to visit the Philippines! 

Three of the largest malls in the World are in the Philippines!!!

There are a total of 56 SM Malls in the country. There are also other chains of malls with numerous branches nationwide like the ROBINSONS PLACE, AYALA MALLS, PACIFIC MALLS, GAISANO MALLS, NCC among others.

You can almost find anything in one SHOPPING MALL or PLACE in the Philippines.  Various international and local brands are widely available at reasonable prices.

If you are looking for markets with amazingly low prices, there are plenty of destinations especially in Metro Manila like DIVISORIA, BACLARAN, GREENHILLS and CUBAO. On the other hand, if you are looking for branded and high quality products, wide variety of top brands are available in the numerous shopping malls.

Divisoria has almost everything at reasonable price...

5. WIDE VARIETY OF CUISINES  

After visiting different tourist destinations and shopping, it is time to fill your stomach. 

If you are looking for any international restaurants, there are plenty to choose from in the Philippines especially in Metro Manila. You name it, Philippines has it. There are also "must-try" local restaurants that will complete the unique travel experience in the Philippines.   

Some of the local Filipino food that "must" be tasted when in the Philippines are: lechon (whole roasted pig) , adobo (chicken and/pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce) , kare-kare (oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) , tapa (cured beef), torta (omelette), kaldereta (meat in tomato sauce stew), mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato sauce), puchero (beef in bananas and tomato sauce), crispy pata (deep-fried pig's leg), and sinigang (meat or seafood in sour broth).

So what are you waiting for? 

Plan a trip to the PHILIPPINES to have 7,107 unique wonderful experiences... 

Mission: Explore the 81 Provinces in the PHILIPPINES!!!

PHILIPPINES is composed of 7,107 beautiful islands. 

These islands are grouped into 81 PROVINCES aside from the NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) or METRO MANILA.

Since it is almost impossible to visit all the islands, my MISSION is to at least visit the 81 provinces. 

May GOD Bless my JOURNEY in LIFE to fulfill this mission.

@BACLARAN CHURCH
THE BEST JOURNEY begins and ends with a PRAYER... 

Enumerated are the 81 PROVINCES classified according to regions. Prominent TOURIST DESTINATIONS are also listed in each province.

This blog will serve as my MONITORING CHART as I continue with the journey to fulfill my MISSION. The PROVINCES in COLORED YELLOW are those that I already visited.

REGION I - ILOCOS REGION

1. ILOCOS NORTE
    
      Pagudpud
  Paoay Church

2. ILOCOS SUR
    
    Vigan
  Tirad Pass

3. LA UNION

     Faga Reef
  Agoo

4. PANGASINAN

    Hundred Islands
  Agoo

REGION II - CAGAYAN VALLEY REGION

5. BATANES

    Batan Island
  Diura        

6. CAGAYAN

    Callao Cave
  Rio Grande de Cagayan - PH's longest river

7. ISABELA

     Divilican
  Dicotcotan and Didanguan

8. NUEVA VIZCAYA

     Mt. Pulag

9. QUIRINO

     Madella - 7 waterfalls 

REGION III - CENTRAL LUZON REGION

10. AURORA

      Sabang Beach, Baler
   Charlie's Point

11. BATAAN

      Mount Samat
  Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

12. BULACAN

      Barasoain Church - Malolos
      
13. PAMPANGA

      Mt. Arayat

14. TARLAC

      Death March Monument
   Mt. Pinatubo

15. ZAMBALES

      Pundaquit
   Mt. Tapulao

16. NUEVA ECIJA

      Minalungao National Park
    

REGION IV-A - CALABARZON

17. CAVITE

      Corregidor Island
   Pico de Loro or Mt. Palay-Palay
   Tagaytay City

18. LAGUNA

      Jose Rizal Shrine
   Mount Makiling
   Pagsanjan Falls
      
19. BATANGAS

      Mount Batulao
   Taal Volcano

20. RIZAL

      Avilon Zoo - Philippines' Largest Zoo
  Our Lady of Light Parish

21. QUEZON

      Cagbalete Island
  Kamay ni Hesus Shrine

KAMAY NI HESUS SHRINE, Lucban, Quezon Province

REGION IV-B - MIMAROPA

22. ORIENTAL MINDORO

      Apo Reef
   Mount Halcon

23. OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

      Puerto Galera
   Tamaraw Falls

24. MARINDUQUE

      Talao Caves
   Mount Malindig 

25. ROMBLON

      Guyanga Cave
   Fort San Andres

26. PALAWAN

      Puerto Princesa Underground River
  Coron Reef
  Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

REGION V - BICOL REGION

27. CAMARINES NORTE

      Bagasbas Beach
   Vinzons Shrine

28. CAMARINES SUR

       Caramoan Islands
   Camarines Sur WaterSports Complex (CWC)
   Mount Isarog

29. ALBAY

      Mayon Volcano
   Ruins of Cagsawa Church

30. SORSOGON

      Bulusan Volcano
  Donsol - home of Whale Sharks / "Butanding"

31. CATANDUANES

      Puraran Beach
   Maribina Falls


32. MASBATE

     Minalayao Islet
  Bat-ongan Cave

REGION VI- WESTERN VISAYAS REGION

33. AKLAN

      Boracay Island
   Kalibo Pina Village

34. ANTIQUE

      Malalison Island
   Bugtong-Bato Falls

35. GUIMARAS

      Baras Beach
   Roca Encatada

36. CAPIZ

      Baybay Beach
   Pilar Cave

37. ILOILO

      Miag-ao Church
   Concepcion Islets
   Nagsadjan Falls

REGION VII - CENTRAL VISAYAS REGION

38. BOHOL

      Chocolate Hills
   Baclayon Church

39. CEBU

       Magellan's Cross
   Boljoon Church

40. SIQUIJOR

      Cantabon Cave
   Cambugahay Falls


NEGROS ISLAND REGION (REGION 18)

41. NEGROS ORIENTAL

       Apo Island
   Manjuyod White Sand Bar

42. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

      Capitol Park and Lagoon
   Balay Negrense


REGION VIII - EASTERN VISAYAS REGION

43. BILIRAN

      Tingkasan Bat Cave
   Tomalistis Falls

44. LEYTE

      Leyte Gulf
   Kalanggaman Island

45. NORTHERN SAMAR

      Biri Island
   Capul Island

46. SAMAR

      Langun-Gibigub Cave
   Look Beach

47. SOUTHERN LEYTE

      Sogod Bay
   Kuting Reef

48. EASTERN SAMAR

      Kantican Island
  Amandaraga Falls


REGION IX - ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

49. ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

      Dakak Beach
   Sicayab Cliffs

50. ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

      Lapuyan Falls
   Dao-Dao Islands

51. ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY

      Buluan Island
   Mt. Kipit


REGION X - NORTHERN MINDANAO

52. CAMIGUIN

      Katibawasan Falls
      Sunken Cemetery

53. BUKIDNON

      Pulangi River
   Dahilayan Adventure Park

54. LANAO DEL NORTE

      Maria Cristina Falls
   Limunsudan Falls

55. MISAMIS ORIENTAL

      Birhen Milagrosa Beach
   Punta Gorda Beach

56. MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

      Balingao West Land Park
   Lake Duminagat


REGION XI - DAVAO REGION

57. COMPOSTELA VALLEY

      Mainit Hot Springs
   Mount Candalaga

58. DAVAO DEL NORTE

      Pearl Farm Beach Resort
   Monfort Bat Cave

59. DAVAO DEL SUR

      Mount Apo
   Virgin Falls

60. DAVAO ORIENTAL

       Mt. Hamiguitan
   Pygmy Forest

61. DAVAO OCCIDENTAL

      Olanivan Island


REGION XII - SOUTH CENTRAL MINDANAO

62. SOUTH COTABATO

      Lake Sebu
   Seven Falls

63. COTABATO

      Rio Grande River
   Marbel Falls

64. SULTAN KUDARAT

      Kalamasig
      Tacurong

65. SARANGANI

      Gumasa Beach
   Isla Parilla


REGION XIII - CARAGA

66. AGUSAN DEL NORTE

      Lake Mainit
   Kalinawan River

67. AGUSAN DEL SUR

      Tugonan Waterfalls
   Bunawan Eco Park

68. SURIGAO DEL NORTE

      Puting Bato Cave
   Lumondo Falls

69. SURIGAO DEL SUR

      Tinuy-an Falls
   Enchanted River

70. DINAGAT ISLANDS

      Kisses Islet
   Natural Bonsai Forest


REGION XIV - CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

71. APAYAO

     Apayao River
  Swan Hilltop View

72. ABRA

      Bolo River
   Holy Cross Church

73. BENGUET

      Mount Pulag
      Mount Ugo

74. IFUGAO

     Batad
  Banaue Museum

75. KALINGA

      Chico River
   Mabilong Weaver's Village

76. MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

      Bontoc Village
   Samoki
   Echo Valley


AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

77. BASILAN

      Santa Isabel Cathedral
   Monte Santo Shrine

78. LANAO DEL SUR

      Agus River
  Lake Lanao

79. MAGUINDANAO

     BlueLagoon
  Bogo Diving Spot

80. SULU

      Raja Baginda
   Maubo Beach

81. TAWI-TAWI

      Bud Bungao
   Sama Dilaut Village

If you have any suggestion, please write in the comment column to continuously improve this BLOG. Thank you very much for your attention... 

Insights from a Filipino Student in CHINA!

       Today is our Graduation Ceremony for the 10 month Command and Staff Course at the Air Force Command College in Beijing, China. I finally arrived at this glorious destination after exerting considerable amount of diligent effort and steadfast sacrifice. Indeed another comprehensive education...education beyond classroom...education beyond borders... and education at its best while exploring the remarkable tourist spots and alluring environs in Beijing and other parts of China!

      When I was selected to study in China for 10 months, people had varying reactions. Some congratulated me for the great opportunity not only to be able to study in a foreign country but also to be able to explore numerous interesting places in China including one of the New Wonders of the World, the GREAT WALL. On the other hand, there were also people who have apprehensions because of the escalating tension between the Philippines and China due to the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.

At the DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Building just few hours before the
GRADUATION CEREMONY

         For me, it was just another tour of duty. For an officer being in the active service for more than 20 years already and who had been deployed to various places in the country, I am already accustomed to usual trips to unfamiliar places performing combat sorties as helicopter pilot and other duty assignments in the different areas of the Philippines from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and National Capital Region (Metro Manila). 

           Although this particular travel was outside the country, for me it was just another part and parcel of my duty in the profession of arms. 

After the GRADUATION CEREMONY 

            During my almost 5 hours trip from Manila to Beijing, excitement was all that I could feel. There was no fear or apprehension. I fully welcomed the great and amazing opportunity with grateful heart and open mind. It was a great honor to represent our country in a foreign land. A rare chance only accorded to few privileged individuals.

            I actually reported late since my travel authority was also approved late maybe due to the ongoing territorial dispute in the South China Sea. The course was already on its 3rd week when I joined the ENGLISH CLASS. There are other sections according to LANGUAGE being used inside the classroom, they are RUSSIAN and FRENCH classes. Interpreters are being employed to assist the CHINESE speaking professors in translating the lectures from MANDARIN to ENGLISH and the questions from the students from ENGLISH to MANDARIN. This is also true in the RUSSIAN and FRENCH speaking classes. There are 50 individuals in the English class from 28 countries, including the Philippines. I was the lone representative from our country while other countries had 2, 3, 4, or 5 students. We have also 9 Chinese classmates. They joined the English class because they can speak and write basic English words and they are willing to learn more. A good mix for us to learn from each other. I was warmly welcome by my classmates who already knew each other for the past 2 weeks. However, there were still other classmates who joined the class later than me.

        Everything is inside one building, at the DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (DIS) building. The building has 7 floors with about 15 rooms in each floor. We were billeted by room individually. The classrooms are located in 2nd and 3rd floors. The DINING HALL is situated at the 2nd floor while the gymnasium or weights room is at the 7th floor.

      I didn't feel any animosity or bad treatment from my Chinese classmates or school staff. They were all good to me, welcomed and assisted me in my needs and answered rightly my questions related to the course and even during my usual visits to the tourist spots during our free time.

        The course has given me so much knowledge, experiences, and insights not only with classroom lectures and discussion, but more significantly by the presence of  students from other 43 countries around the world. It was a complete package of education!!! I have known so much information about the cultures, languages, systems, behaviors, ways of thinking from different countries, and people around the globe. We were billeted in one building, bumped each other during class breaks, dined together at the same hall, traveled together during educational tours, interacted and exchanged ideas during group discussions, and maximized our stay in China in many other occasions and activities.

The evaluation sheet from the Air Force Command College

       

My apology to the FILIPINO PEOPLE.
I was not able to get the PERFECT ACE...

       The education and experiences that I obtained for the past 10 months will absolutely occupy remarkable pages in the colorful chapters of my existence. The lessons learned will be optimally utilized as I go on with my journey in the profession of arms and even in my private life. The friendship developed with my classmates will play significant role in international relationship. The information, knowledge, skills, and attitude learned during the entire duration of the course will forever be treasured and put into maximum good use.

          Everything was shouldered by the government of China, from airfare, accommodation, food, school supplies, some items of uniform, and other course requirements.

            We were treated to 3 major educational tours. I said major because there were other numerous trips for a day or two. Each major trip has a duration of 9 to 10 days. 

          The first major trip was in the East China Region where we visited 5 cities including SHANGHAI, HANGZHOU, YANGZHOU, JIAXING, and NANJING. During that tour, we were able to visit the NANJING MASSACRE MUSEUM. The museum was built in honor of the 300,000 Chinese massacred by the Japanese. 

           The second major trip was in South China Region where we visited 3 cities including CHANGSHA, GUANGZHOU, and SHENZHEN. Shenzhen is the adjacent City to Hongkong.

During our Educational Tour at the South China Region

           The third major trip was in Southwest China Region where we visited 3 cities including CHENGDU, XIAN, and NANCHONG. The visits to the TERRACOTTA WARRIORS and HORSES MUSEUM in Xian City and the GIANT PANDA BREEDING CENTER in Chengdu City were actually the highlights of the trip in that part of China. I was also able to visit SM CITY CHENGDU, one of the 6 branches of SM CITY in China, when I had the chance one vacant afternoon.

@ TERRACOTA SOLDIERS AND HORSES MUSEUM at XIAN CITY, Southwest China Region

       In total, we were able to visit 14 major cities in China including the capital city of Beijing. During those educational tours, we stayed in 4 to 5 star hotels and dined at the best restaurants in China. Experiences that did not only fully satisfy our stomach and senses, but also given us exposure to the VERY BESTS of CHINA!

The WANGFUJING STREET is the widest, busiest, and most popular pedestrian lane in the heart of BEIJING.
The SNACK street is a must to visit in Wangfujing, where you can find wide variety of food and drinks including exotic ones like fried scorpion, starfish, snake, and many others .
Famous restaurants, different products of international and also Chinese brands and many other shops are all located in Wangfujing.

         We also had educational tours to the famous GREAT WALL OF CHINA, TIANANMEN SQUARE, FORBIDDEN CITY, CHINA AVIATION MUSEUM, NATIONAL MUSEUM, SUMMER PALACE among others. We were also treated to witness various SHOWS such as acrobatic shows, basketball games, and other presentations with Chinese characteristics.

One of my most remarkable destinations in CHINA, the GREAT WALL!!!

        Aside from the lectures and discussions about MILITARY STRATEGY, TACTICS and other pertinent subjects related to our future assignments and designations as Senior Staff Officer and Commander, we were also provided with lectures in MANDARIN (the official language of China).  It was another important additional knowledge that we can utilized as we deal with the Chinese people.

      Individual written turn-ins with 2,000 to 3,000 words and powerpoint presentation were the basic requirements for every subject. There were also group works that completed our exciting stay in China.
           
           We were also given the option to either take the Masters Degree or not. Considering that taking another Masters Degree is an additional learning experience, I accepted the challenge. As a result, I gained additional essential insight on how research paper with Chinese characteristics is being done.

          It was also amazing to note that there are more than 100 individuals from 44 different countries staying in one building. It was even overwhelming to know that there are 50 individuals in the English Class from 28 different countries sharing ideas and insights, enriching each others' existence. In the dining hall, it was absolutely delightful to have 8 individuals in one table from 8 different countries sharing stories while enjoying the buffet, nourishing each others' hunger for knowledge.

           During weekends and holidays, I was able to visit together with my classmates other interesting places in Beijing such as TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, OLYMPIC SPORTS CENTER, THE CUBE, BEIJING WORLD PARK, BEIJING ZOO, BEIHAI PARK, WANGFUJING STREET, SANLITUN, and other equally remarkable tourist spots. We were also able to explore markets and malls like the GR MALL (the second largest mall in the world), PEARL MARKET, ZOO MARKET, WALMART, IKEA, MINISO, among others. 

GR (Great Resources) Mall is the largest mall in Beijing
and the second largest mall in the world.
GR Mall is just one SUBWAY station or 20 minutes walk
away from the Air Force Command College.
This mall is our regular destination during weekends
and after dinner during weekdays.

      But the best exploration was when I was able to locate the 4 Catholic Churches in Beijing!!! THANK YOU LORD for this amazing JOURNEY!!!

The ST. JOSEPH CHURCH is 1 of the 4 Catholic Churches
in Beijing.
The Church is also called EASTERN CHURCH and WANGFUJING CATHOLIC CHURCH because of its location.
It is situated along WANGFUJING STREET, the largest pedestrian lane in Beijing.
Other Catholic Churches in Beijing are the SOUTH CATHEDRAL (the Oldest), the NORTH CATHEDRAL (the largest), and the WESTERN CATHEDRAL.
This is one of my constant destinations during my 10 month stay in China.
Mass service in ENGLISH is scheduled 
every 4pm during Sunday only.

         One of the things that impressed me during my stay in China is the the deep-rooted nationalism and patriotism of the Chinese people. It can be illustrated by the names of their companies mostly bearing their country. Major Telecommunication companies are CHINA Mobile and CHINA Unicom. Major BANKS are the Agricultural Bank of CHINA, CHINA Construction Bank, Bank of CHINA, CHINA Development Bank, Postal Savings Bank of CHINA, CHINA Citic Bank, CHINA Merchants Bank, CHINA Minsheng Banking Corp., Export-Import Bank of CHINA, CHINA Everbright Bank and CHINA Zheshang Bank.

          Entering a mall or bank in China without passing thru a security inspection was a welcome change for me at least for 10 months. It assured me of a more secured environment, a hassle-free journey, and convenient visit to the malls and banks.

              If you don't like Chinese food that much, there are numerous international restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. You will still enjoy Mcdonalds, KFC, Yoshinoya, Starbucks, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, 7-11 among other food shops while in China.

         Another first time for me was to be able to experience the SNOWFALL. It was an amazing moment for me.

Together with friends from BOTSWANA and BANGLADESH while enjoying the heavy SNOWFALL infront of the Department of International Students building.

         The efficient transportation system in China is one of the things that I will surely miss when I go back to the Philippines. The presence of about 17 SUBWAY LINES in Beijing which are interconnected with each other is a testament to that remarkable transportation system. You can travel to almost every important destination in Beijing by subway train. You can actually plan the exact time of departure and arrival at every destination. Trains arrive every 2 minutes at the subway station. Buses only stop at the designated bus stops. You can avail of these public transport by using only ONE CARD. The HIGH SPEED TRAIN that can travel more than 300 kilometers an hour is another admirable means of transportation in travelling from the capital city to other parts of China.  

The presence of durable garbage bins along the wide walkways and the absence of foul-smelling garbage and litters along the streets are surely to be missed, too...  

MY ULTIMATE WISH...

        The peaceful resolution of the ongoing territorial dispute is the ultimate objective, fervent hope, and unified direction of all efforts. If I will be given the opportunity to help and reach out with our Chinese counterparts especially with my classmates, professors, interpreters, and school staff, it will be a great honor and another noble tour of duty that needs to be successfully fulfilled. I always believe that PEACE is the ultimate goal of humanity. Going to WAR is the last recourse of resolving any conflict, but definitely no one or only few wants to go WAR. 

Just some thoughts from someone who studied in CHINA....

Xiexie nin...