A Needle in a Haystack: A Little Kindness and Positivity, the Strongest Armor Against COVID-19

A Needle in a Haystack: A Little Kindness and Positivity, the Strongest Armor Against COVID-19
-April Anne B. Costales

“A needle in a haystack” as they say, something extremely difficult or impossible to find. All the bad news that we all have received for the past few weeks has placed each and everyone in a dark place. Every single article, post and comment on social media has been tainted with toxicity and negativity. Come to think of it, instead of working together to fight this pandemic, we have been working against each other. Instead of working against a virus, the fight is now among neighbors, friends, political sides, religions, and what not.

PANIC BUYING, whether it be surgical face masks, alcohol, sanitizer, food and every little thing we find in a store. Ever since news of this disease came out, I can’t ignore the fact that everybody has been buying supplies more than their families can consume. It started with wiped out shelves of alcohol and surgical masks up to food and paper towels. Yes, I get it, everyone is trying to prepare for possible lock downs and closure, but up to the point of wiping out an entire shelf for a family of 3? This, I cannot fathom. Then, some people decided to resell products, bumping prices up to 3-4 times their original prices, just pure evil. Positivity? where does this come in now? After all these? A needle in a haystack for sure. Only if, we try to pause, breath and think. Buying surgical face masks and disinfectants will keep ourselves protected, but since our neighbor ran out of stock it would be all and the same, we will be at risk. Please buy supplies only needed by the family, offer help to the less fortunate members of the community. One or two surgical face mask or a bottle of alcohol would not hurt much, wouldn’t it? Helping each other is essential in this times, It is humanity’s battle against a virus after all.

HEALTHCARE WORKER BULLYING, for the information of everyone, our front-line workers are being bullied around since this has started. How do I know? because I am a nurse, I’ve experienced it and I’ve heard a couple stories from my colleagues, especially those who use public transportation. Yes, we understand, we work at a hospital, we might carry the virus, we are high risk for contracting the disease, but we are doing this to help the rest of the population. A couple of co-workers were not allowed to enter public transportation by some of the public utility drivers just because they were working at a hospital. Some of their rides were cancelled or was not accepted because their drop off point was at a hospital. Health workers get stared at, isolated and hear negative comments just because their company I.D’s are showing. If only people realized how this health workers sacrificed so much to serve the rest of the population. If only they know, that healthcare workers are now living in the hospital away from their families, serving patients in need of health services while they risk their own, choosing to be in the front lines while everybody else stays at home to watch, and taking care of complete strangers. Yes, we are paid but we can resign anytime we feel we are not safe and yet we are here. So if you are still reading this, take a break from facebook, tiktok, youtube or netflix and take a little time off to say “Thank you” to all healthcare workers you know.

LOCKDOWN, COMMUNITY QUARANTINE, ISOLATION as social beings this is a hard time for all of us. Being away from work, friends and some family members is challenging as it is within our nature to go and socialize. Despite announcement from the government that this will be implemented, we still push ourselves to go out and do whatever we want. We even have the guts to go out in public in big groups to go against the goverment announcing that what they have done is Martial Law. Yes, I get it, you are being advised to stay at home and limit travel by the government but this is a medical emergency and the government has to lead us through this. (P.S POLITICAL STAND AHEAD). In a health workers stand point, we are currently experiencing a medical emergency not only in a country but the rest of the world, in order to contain the virus, community quarantines have been implemented to aid healthcare. This is not about the government trying to control our freedom, this is about containing an enemy that we cannot see. I’ve seen post such as “Healthcare force instead of Military force for a medical problem”, the military work hand in hand with healthcare, as everyone should know, hospitals cannot accommodate everyone right now. So a kind message from the healthcare community “We stayed at work for you, Please stay at home for us”.

BLAMING THE GOVERNMENT, all of us has our own opinions with what is happening at the moment and again negativity is taking over each one of us. The first case of coronavirus enter the country, “it’s the government’s fault they should have closed off earlier”. The number of cases increase day by day, “it’s the government’s fault, they should always be ready for this kind of situations”. Lockdowns and community quarantines have been implemented, “It’s the government’s fault, we cannot work, we don’t have money, we can’t eat, we will die of hunger”. The government decides to help oppressed member’s of the community, “This is their fault, why are a chosen few given help and the rest, no assistance”. The government encourages all companies and businesses to extend bill due dates, release 13th month pay earlier and more, “This is the government’s fault, Don’t they know that this is not enough for our family” and the list goes on and on and everybody always has a negative comment. All these negativity when we can all just say “thank you for all your help”, and instead of focusing on all the negativity why don’t we all be part of the solution and follow whatever the government and the healthcare community is trying to tell us all. A needle in a haystack indeed, focusing on all the positive things and blessings presented to us, instead of focusing on all the negative things.

I may not have mentioned all the things that you may be thinking of right now, but I hope my message gets across. A simple act of kindness and a little thought on positivity is all we need right now while the healthcare team leads us through this hard time.

What’s New in Atok?

And yet again, we went back to Atok, Benguet to see the new developments their tourism can offer. Since, I already posted about these places in the past, This post will only contain new developments. Kindly check below for the link of the original post for more information.

1. NORTHERN BLOSSOMS FLOWER FARM

As of the moment, current entrance fee is: Php 250 for adults and Php 50 for children.

New flowers have been planted since the last visit, sunflowers, cactus, milflores, and a lot more now inhabit the farm. Also, a special area has been designated for the free coffee after the tour and for tourists that opt to stay overnight, they added new rooms for rent around the area.

 

2. LEAVES AND SPIKES

Just a few minutes away from the flower farm is a place called leaves and spikes, this place is for cactus lovers. They have a variety of succulents, most are rare finds especially for people living outside the Benguet area, perfect for succulent collectors.

3. HAIGHT’S PLACE

Another addition to the tourist spots is Haight’s place, it is in Paoay, Atok, Benguet where the Sakura farm is also located. It is a new bed and breakfast log cabin in Atok, They have 3 bedrooms and one separate Kubo House which can fit 5-6 persons with a rate of Php 3500 per night. We stayed here for one night and all we wanted to experience is the cold morning winds in this place, and yes, we definitely felt it.

Also, One of its attractions if the Dancing Flowers or Cosmos, due to its lightness the slightest wind can make it dance around thus given its nickname “dancing flowers”.

 

For more Information, Read Original Posts at:

Picture Perfect Atok: Northern Blossoms

Picture Perfect Atok: Mt. Timbak

Picture Perfect Atok: Sakura Farm

Enter at your own risk: The Asylum Manila

Ever since the news came out that a new horror attraction would open its doors in Metro Manila, my colleagues and I decided to book a ticket for the experience. I am such a scaredy cat, although I love experiencing things that petrify me.

Of course, the first day that it opened, June 20, we were booked to enter the newest horror attraction in town: The Asylum Manila

The Asylum Manila is a horror walk through attraction which features 50 different rooms which would take 40 to 45 minutes. How to get in? You will have to get yourself admitted at the institution!  Rates are as follows: Php 699 on weekdays (Mon-Thurs), Php 799 on weekends (Fri-Sun) and Php 1200 for a VIP pass so you won’t have to wait in line.

Right after work at 5pm we directly went to Quezon City from Bonifacio Global City which took us around 1.5 to 2 hours. The asylum is located at 1148 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave, Mariana, New Manila Quezon City. They do not have a parking area, but they suggested that we use the establishment right infront of them and just inform them that we are customers of the asylum, the security will ask you to pay for a minimal fee to park at the area.

During our time, the line was short and it only took us about 20 minutes before we entered. While in line, there are times where the actors would get out of the Asylum to give you a sneak peek of what is to come. Prior to entering, everyone is asked to sign a waiver and a you are given time to take photos at the entrance since mobile phones should not be used in the attraction.

Time to enter! As we entered the asylum, a short introduction of the asylum is shared by bloody nurses and you will be escorted to enter. “Dr. Vanicutt, a psychiatric doctor from Pennsylvania, opened up the country’s first premier psychiatric institute for the criminally insane in 1939. However after his wife tragically died, and his only daughter Anastasia disappeared mysteriously, Vanicutt went mad and delirious – some even say he was possessed. The Asylum suffered in the process, with Vanicutt tormenting his patients, conducting grotesque and inhumane medical procedures that eventually riddled the hospital with death and evil”.

Welcoming us to our darkest nightmares are bloody nurses, doctors, clowns and anything you could think of in a horror attraction. You would not be only walking through the attraction, but also running as actors would be running after you. I guarantee a sweaty exit for all, Lol! I wouldn’t describe everything I saw because I would highly recommend everyone to come and experience it for yourself.

At the end of the attraction, pictures are taken by official photographers at each themed photobooth. Photos would be sold at the exit as souvenirs, although each photo costs Php 250, which I think is too expensive for 1 photo printout.

Again, Highly recommending that you experience the Asylum Manila.

‘Til the next lakwatsa 👹🤡

 

Breathtaking Batanes: South Batan

Although the day seems gloomy compared to the first 2 days of my Batanes tour, the tour must go on! We were picked up by the driver and tour guide at around 7 a.m for our last tour day, Hello South Batan 😊

1. CHAWA VIEW DECK

The first stop in our South Batan tour, Chawa view deck, this gave us a breathtaking view of the cliffs and the West Philippine sea surrounding Batan. The steep stairs to the ocean used to be open to tourists, but due to the strong waves and a gruesome incident due to the ferocious waters hitting the cliffs, the lower part of the view deck was closed. This is usually the first stop of the South Batan tour as it gives us tourists a sneak peek of what is to come.

2. TAYID LIGHTHOUSE

Located at the town of Mahatao is the Tayid lighthouse. Unlike the other lighthouses, Tayid lighthouse’s main power tower is hexagonal. It offers tourist a view of the marlboro hills and the blue ocean on the other side. Hold on to your skirts! As the strong winds would definitely blow it up. 😂

3. RAKUH A PAYAMAN (MARLBORO HILLS)

The dreamy grasslands of Batanes, Rakuh A Payaman, with its bright green grass, view of the blue ocean, cows walking around the hills and strong wind hitting everyones face. If only I wasn’t wearing a dress I would definitely try to roll around the hills. LOL! One picture perfect place indeed.

4. ALAPAD PASS AND ROCK FORMATION

The famous rock formation in Batanes offers two towering cliffs over a sharp curve road. In this area is where you will also find the famous and the distinct road side sign that can only be found in Batanes, “BLOW YOUR HORN”.

5. HONESTY COFFEE SHOP

One of the famous traits of the Ivatans is their honesty which made this shop truly one of a kind in the Philippines. The honesty coffee shop is a souvenir, coffee and dessert shop that features self service at its finest. No store steward is present once you enter the store, all you have to do is get whatever you want and leave the payment in a box provided. As the sign says “This shop is too small for dishonest people”

6. HOUSE OF DAKAY

Built in 1887 this is the oldest built stone house in Batanes. This is one of the houses that stood strong despite the strong earthquake that hit the island in 1918. It is called House of Dakay, after the name of the family who originally owned it and is considered a world heritage building by UNESCO.

7. WHITE BEACH

Another beach in Batanes where the sea is calm and shallow making it a good spot for swimming. There is really nothing like the beaches in the Philippines.

After the South Batan tour, I asked the driver if he could take me to eat dinner at the famous, Fundacion De Pacita, as this was already removed as a tourist spot because of issues regarding the hotel guests’ privacy. The driver again, was kind enough to call the restaurant if they can squeeze me in without a reservation, and luckily since I was alone, they gave me a spot.

For Dinner: Arayu kan Uvi (Dried dolphin fish) and Tubho Iced Tea (Fern tea)

This ends my wonderful tour in Batanes.

 

‘Til the next Lakwatsa! 🙂

 

For More of Breathtaking Batanes:

Breathtaking Batanes: Sabtang Island

Breathtaking Batanes: North Batan

Breathtaking Batanes: Sabtang Island

For day 2 at Batanes, it was an early call time since we had to travel by boat to reach another island, Sabtang Island. Our driver picked us up at around 6 in the morning to bring us to Ivana port where boats would travel to Sabtang Island.

It is a 30 to 40 minute rough boat ride to Sabtang Island. You will be greeted by the morning winds and peaked waves of the ocean, one hell of a ride. Despite this experience I was so amazed to see flying fishes, at first when they mentioned the fish, I thought it was only named that for no reason whatsoever, turns out they really look like they are flying around.

1. SAVIDUG VILLAGE

The village known for all its stone houses, unlike in Batan where you would find a few stone houses, Sabtang has a lot of stone houses especially in this village. Thick stone walls, cogon roof and special doors and windows are the main attraction in this part of Batanes. You would feel like you are walking around a totally different country along their roads.

2. CHAMANTAD-TINYAN VEIWPOINT

The marlboro hills of Sabtang Island, this place I highly recommend that you bring protective gear from the sun. It has a foot trail guiding you up and down through the rolling hills. I got sunburnt walking around the area, although because of the beauty of the place I really did not notice and cared much of the raging heat of the sun, well not until the end of the day when I realized how bad my sunburn was. 😂😂

3. CHAVAYAN VILLAGE

Again, another village of stone houses then a chapel located at its far end with a view of the ocean and the mountains. What amazed me the most about the history of this place is that they had to improvise to build their own stone houses, they had no supply of cement and so they used LIME instead (a mixture of dead corals and lumber). According to our tour guide, the preparation prior to making use of the mixture was time consuming, they had a way to cook the materials together and store them for months until it was ready to use.

4. MORONG BEACH/ NAKABUANG BEACH

For lunch we were taken to this area which had a couple of “carenderias” around. While we wait for lunch to be served, we decided to go around thee beach area. The beach had quite fair sand and clear waters compared to all the other beaches in Batanes. Also, the waves are a lot calmer on this side of the island, making it the perfect spot to swim around.

Right after lunch we headed straight to the port as boats headed back to Basco had to leave at this time of the day to avoid the strong winds and the ferocious waves in the afternoon.

On my way to find a good place to eat at for dinner, I came across our tour driver and he was kind enough to give me a ride to a restaurant he personally recommended, BEE-HAN restaurant. Again, I ordered local food for me to eat tonight: Lunis (Ivatan version of Adobo) & Uved Soup(Finely grated corm mixed with pork and beef formed into a ball) & Tamidok Salad (Fiddle Head Fern) & Supas (rice with turmeric and garlic)

That’s all for the day

‘Til the next lakwatsa…..

 

For more of Breathtaking Batanes:

Breathtaking Batanes: North Batan

Breathtaking Batanes: South Batan

 

Breathtaking Batanes: North Batan

Batanes has always been my dream destination and I went back and forth thinking through if I should even book the tour as this trip would, first, cost me a lot of money and second, I would be going alone.

Eventually, I found the courage to book the trip and at this point, there was no turning back. The flight via skyjet airlines departed early morning on March 30, 2019 and after 70 minutes, TOUCHDOWN BATANES!

Before anything else, you have to drop by their municipal hall to register and pay for environmental fees. This is essential as some of the tourist spots has assigned personnel who will check receipts before they allow people in. No big deal, this fees are paid in minimal amounts and is used to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the different tourist spots in Batanes.

1. TUKON CHURCH (Mt. Carmel Chapel)

 

“Tukon” which means on top of a hill, the construction of the chapel was spearheaded by the Abad family, most prominent family in Batanes. The chapel was inspired by the local Ivatan stone houses, stacking boulders on top of the other to create a wall. It opened its doors to the public on May 2008. Unfortunately, during our visit the chapel was under construction due to the previous storm that destroyed its roof.

2. NAIDI HILLS 

 

My first taste of the island’s lush greens, It was quite an amazing view to take in, truly BREATHTAKING. Of course, It was the best time to take selfies and jump shots thank you to my supportive local guide for making this possible 🙂

3. DIPNAYSUAN JAPANESE TUNNEL

Next stop was at the Japanese Tunnel, it was said that this tunnel was used by the Japanese soldier as their hideout during their war with the Americans. It is a 250 meter long tunnel with low set chambers inside. I was not able to take pictures due to low light settings. LOL

4. BASCO LIGHTHOUSE

Standing on top of Naidi Hills, a 66 feet tall lighthouse used to guide wayfarers through the sea. It was one of the three lighthouses that was spearheaded by Mr. Florencio Abad in Batanes. The lighthouse is one of the tourist attractions in Batanes due to its beautiful structural built and the luscious scenery that surrounds it.

5. VAYANG ROLLING HILLS

and yet again, another view of the luscious green hills of  Batanes. I definitely would not get tired of staring at this kind of view, such a serene and relaxing environment. This is really a good place to clear your headspace and reflect.

6. VALUGAN BOULDER BEACH

Due to the eruption of Mt. Iraya in the past, it scattered andesite rocks around the nothern half of Batan. With the fierce and strong waves coming from the pacific, andesite rocks from the eruption has been polished smooth creating this boulder filled beach which is now called “Valugan”.

7. OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL

Found in the center of Batan, is the church of our Lady of Immacuate Conception Cathedral. The church was built in the early 18th century, it was made with cogon and grass roofing until it was improved in the 1890’s.

Tour done for day 1.

Although not part of the tour, I had to look for a dinner place around the Basco Area to eat at before I settle in for the day. I found Harbour cafe near the port with a pretty view of the sunset. Eat like the locals they say, so I ordered “LUNIS”, their own take on the famous filipino dish- adobo, only difference is lunis is served dry.

 

 

One breathtaking day, ’til the next lakwatsa…

For more of Breathtaking Batanes:

Breathtaking Batanes: Sabtang Island

Breathtaking Batanes: South Batan

Picture Perfect Atok: Northern Blossoms

A place with cabbage roses? a garden full of flowers? I have been seeing photos of this instagram worthy place all over social media and it kept me thinking where could this beautiful place be? Turns out the owners are my mom’s cousin, what a small world? huh?

Northern Blossoms is a 2-hectare wide flower plantation in the province of Atok, Benguet. It is owned by Mellany Ganayan and her family. The area is full of rare varieties of flowers such as rice flowers, snapdragons, cabbage roses, delphiniums and a lot more. The garden also features a stunning view of the famous Mt. Pulag as its background.

My parents and siblings already visited the place months prior, so I wanted to go and see the place myself. So, from Manila I travelled to Baguio via bus (Victory Liner Deluxe-Php 750) and got some rest for a few hours in our house before travelling to Atok, Benguet. It is a 2-hour drive from Baguio via private car. I was with the my parents, siblings, nieces, titas and a couple of friends tagged along. It was a smooth ride along the highways and mountains of Benguet that greeted you with that extremely cold early morning breeze and after some time, there we were at the famous Northern Blossoms.

 

 

 

 

We were immediately greeted by Anti Lany (Short for Mellany), herself along with his husband, Uncle Nards, and a couple of our relatives. We were immediately brought to this house right at the entrance where we would be staying the night. The house is open to tourist who would prefer to stay at the area overnight. It is a house with 3 rooms where in each room can accomodate 4-5 people, it also comes with a small living area, balcony, kitchen, and bathroom.

Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for, LOL! Time to see the flowers! We were accompanied by my mom’s other cousin, Ate Riva , as our guide for the tour. The tours inside the area is always accompanied by a local guide who would tell you about the flower’s names, kind and whatever story that would come with growing them. We took a lot of pictures, appreciated the view, told stories and inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a long walk around the area, the tour was finally over, it is a must go to place especially for nature lovers out there. Just a quick reminder to everyone, walk on designated trails and never pick flowers or plants unless stated otherwise. Let us all keep this place as beautiful and breathtaking as it started.

 

and the Lakwatsa continues…

For more of Picture Perfect Atok:

Picture Perfect Atok: Mt. Timbak

Picture Perfect Atok: Sakura Farm

 

 

 

Picture Perfect Atok: Mt. Timbak

Since we were already in Atok we decided to climb one of the nearby mountains, few minutes away from the famous Northern Blossoms is the starting point of Mt. Timbak. Everybody was into the idea of an early morning hike and so we did!

Mt. Timbak/ Timbac is the 3rd highest peak in Luzon and 9th in the country. It is located in the province of Atok, Benguet and is 2717 meters above sea level. It is considered a minor hike and is for all ages.

The day started at 3 a.m as everybody had to prepare and eat before the hike. At 4 a.m, we were fetched by Kuya Charles, a relative and our guide for the hike. It was around 30-40 minute drive from northern blossoms to the starting point of the hike. You will be greeted by locals who’s houses are right at the base of the mountain and some would offer to be your guide at Mt. Timbak.

The hike started with steep stairs then followed a short grass trail leading to the long assault up the mountains. The area was pitch black at that time and everybody was quiet trying to focus on the trail. The air was very cold and was getting thinner and thinner by every minute.  After a couple of minutes, we stopped at a flat area where we could see a 360 degree view of the mountains. This is where we decided to greet my mom a happy birthday as we take our pictures with the spectacular view.

 

After catching our breath for a couple of minutes we decided to go on with our hike and this time it was going up, down and around the mountains. After around 30 minutes we finally reached its highest point, we took pictures and everybody was definitely proud of themselves.

On our way down we were able to pass by gardens of vegetables, took some pictures and continued on our way. The end of the hike was quite refreshing as there was a store selling coffee, food, and a lot more for tired hikers.

This hike was short but very memorable because of the people I was with.

Till the next lakwatsa….

For more of Picture Perfect Atok:

Picture Perfect Atok: Northern Blossoms

Picture Perfect Atok: Sakura Farm

 

Picture Perfect Atok: Sakura Farm

Dreaming of going to Japan or to Korea just to see cherry blossoms (also knowm as sakura tree)? No need to worry about expensive airfares as you can now visit some at Paoay, Sayangan, Atok, Benguet!

The sakura farm in Atok, Benguet was established by Edward Haight and Hirmo Yoshikawa in June of 2016. They planted 30 sakura trees and is expected to be in full bloom after 5 years. The park is 2000 meters above sea level and the weather is suitable for growing the said tree.

The park is a 30 minute drive away from Northern Blossoms, around a very narrow road up to Paoay. We were welcomed into the park by our relative, PJ Haight. The trees, at the moment, are still young and is about 8 to 9 feet tall. It started to show several flowers but is not yet in full bloom.

Several tourists has already started visiting the place and would even have picnics in the Sakura Farm. A couple of vendors are around selling souvenirs, snacks and coffee to keep you warm.

The area is also surrounded by vegetable farms and since our relatives own them, we were given a private tour and was even allowed to harvest cabbages and carrots.

Everybody enjoyed picking their own carrots, although they were teaching us how we would determine which ones to pick, some of us would accidentally pick the small carrots. LOL!

After harvesting vegetables, taking pictures and sharing stories, we left the area and visited some of our other relatives. This time they brought us to a flower farm full of Alstroemeria, commonly known as peruvian lily, and we were allowed to pick as many as we can.

After all the harvesting we’ve done, time to head back!

Til the next lakwatsa…

For more of Picture Perfect Atok:

Picture Perfect Atok: Northern Blossoms

Picture Perfect Atok: Mt. Timbak

 

 

Ze Creamery in Baguio

It was my brother’s birthday so we decided to try this new place called “Ze Creamery”. It is located in Bukaneg St. Legarda Road, Baguio City. The place is quite different to find but it is worth the try. What caught my attention when I heard about this place is their gigantic servings! The main reason why we actually wanted to try the place.

The first thing that came to mind as I entered the restaurant was the lack of space. The place is small and a bit crowded for a small number of customers, walk way was also a problem. Although besides the space everything was on point, the food, the service, and the price.

We ordered their best sellers, their Monster Burger (P328), Pizza Pullover (P288), Sriracha wings (P180), Fries (P108), and Monster Mugs (P250-P280).

I enjoyed their fries, it has a flavorful powder on it. I can’t pinpoint the exact flavor but it tastes like a sweet bbq/ sour cream powder.

Their Monster Burger is made of Half a kilo of pure beef patty, melted cheese and caramelized onions in an 8-inch thick bun, with fries on the side.

Their Sriracha Wings, one of the best wings I have ever tasted in town. It just feels like an explosion on your taste buds.

The Monster Mugs, they have quite a selection of flavors and all of them are gigantic plus it will definitely give you a sugar rush. The presentation is great definitely social media worthy.

 

The Pizza pullover is also delicious it is more on the tomato sauce flavored side, it come with vegetables and potato chips plus salsa sauce, I guess.

Ready to chow!

Over all the place is awesome for food lovers out there despite the lack in space. The food is definitely worth the price and you will definitely leave the place with a satisfied and full stomach.

That’s all for this blog, ’til the next lakwatsa…