Tech and Gear
After mass and lunch, Michelle, Jeanne, and I went to the Ark of Avilon Mini-Zoo. It’s a “branch” of Avilon Zoo. It’s way smaller than its parent but it’s also way more accessible. And most importantly, Jeanne (and Michelle judging by the photos) had way more than mini-fun!
Last night, Jeanne and I were seated on the couch when she started a conversation.
Jeanne: Witch.
Me: What?
J: Witch.
M: Where?
J: Outside.
M: There’s no witch outside.
J: Only birds.
M: Yes, birds. And cats and dogs. Did you see those?
J: Yes.
After Sunday mass and lunch, Michelle went off for a massage and a facial. That left Jeanne and I with at least two hours together. No biggie, I’ve done it before.
First we went to Gymboree where Jeanne had a great time playing alongside the kids. All the other kids were doing the same. I guess the typical visitor still haven’t learned how to play with others. Still it was lots of fun for her even if the interaction with other kids is limited to things like “That’s my ball!”, “I’m still playing with it!”, and “No! No!”. Most of the time, I just let Jeanne romp. Only later did I find out that they recommend you to be a “hug distance”.
Next, we went windows shopping at iStudio and ROX. Jeanne had fun with the white iPad at iStudio but said she likes her black iPad better. At ROX, she had fun with the ramps at the shoe section. I also took the opportunity to look at the gadgets and gear.
Finally, we dropped by the Spa. But Michelle wasn’t done yet. So we strolled around some more inside and just outside The Spa. After a while, Jeanne was getting bored so I took her to Dimensione which I like visiting and which Jeanne seemed to also enjoy. But it was stressful for me with all the breakable stuff within her arms’ reach.
Finally, with Jeanne becoming cranky and sleepy, I decided to head home. After leaving a text message for Michelle, we went to the parking and then drove off. Halfway there, Jeanne was already asleep.
Michelle and Jeanne came home last night. Thanks be to God. Thanks to Michelle for giving me this chance. Thanks also to my family and friends for their prayers and support. Now for the harder part, to live each day as a husband and father as God intends it.
My parents, James, Jack, Michelle, Jeanne, and I went to Corregidor Island. For those who are not into history, Corregidor aka The Rock, is an island on the mouth of Manila Bay. From this strategic location, it controls access to one of the best natural harbors in the world. Little wonder why the Spanish, the Americans, and even the Japanese fortified and garrisoned it. But it was the fierce fighting there between the Americans and Japanese during World War II when it earned its legendary status.
Corregidor is actually one of the more easily accessible tourist spots. A ferry goes there from a terminal at the CCP Complex every day 8AM and back again at 3:45PM. There’s a day trip and an overnight trip.
Activities for the day trip includes a guided tour on board small tour buses made to look somewhat like pre-war trams, across the island’s many monuments and gun batteries. There’s also an optional Malinta Tunnel light and sound show. Malinta Tunnel is actually not just a tunnel but the access point to a sprawling complex of tunnels which was the headquarters of the US and Filipino defenders during World War II. Although you only get to see the main tunnel for the show, since you’re already there, might as well go for it.
For those staying overnight, you can stay at the Corregidor Inn or camp out at the camping area. We stayed at the Inn which is quite small. It has a distinct feel: quaint, pre-war, antiquated, haunted even. Five-stars it is not, but it’s reasonably clean, reasonably well-maintained, reasonably priced, and most importantly, the staff is excellent.
There are other activities such as a night tour of Malinta Tunnel complex, hiking, biking, fishing, ziplining, swimming at the hotel pool or on the waters of Manila Bay (if you’re willing to risk the mutation of your progeny), and even rock balancing (if you’re really bored).
But the best thing is the solitude and closeness to nature of the island. There are no permanent settlements or residents. The only motorized vehicles are the touring trams and one or two hotel service vehicle. Once the day tourists are gone, especially on the off-peak days, you are pretty much alone with the staff and a handful of hotel guests. Considering the closeness to Metro Manila, that’s remarkable.