Slowly Feeling Alive Again
Life has been a challenge for me this year and it was hard for me to go out. Feeling afraid and paranoid I have been locked up from home for more than a year. We go out to get supplies but that is it. No wandering around to enjoy being outside. I have fought depression and started my recovery. After more than I year I finally was confident enough to take a stroll again at our local park.
PASEO
I was surprised to see that the walkway was being renovated. It looks like a mess and a wreck at this time but I'm sure they will finish the reconstruction soon. I can personally relate to this scenario to my life which has been a wreck but is being reconstructed slowly.
Half of it is almost finished and is starting to look good. Back then this area used to be filled with food stalls in the afternoon. Lots of people, good food and a great place to spend time with the family. That is no longer allowed due to health and safety reasons.
Out here it was hard to find a spot to sit and relax. Now people don't spend much time here anymore. I feel this is a different place even though I have been here so many times already.
An online casino is being constructed on the other side. Used to be a resort that has a small zoo. Lots of crocodiles, monkeys, and tigers.
Fish pens are common here and can be seen almost everywhere around the city.
The 13 Martys
Our city is rich with history and the place where the 13 martyrs have been executed. 13 Filipino patriots who supported the Revolution against Spain.
In remembrance of the martyrs. This monument was built and their names listed so they will never be forgotten.
Names and occupation
Luis Aguado • A son of a captain of the Spanish Navy
Eugenio Cabezas • Goldsmith
Feliciano Cabuco • Hospital worker
Agapito Conchu • Artist, photographer, teacher, musician
Alfonso de Ocampo • Sergeant of the Spanish army
Máximo Gregorio • Soldier of the Spanish Army, War commissary chief clerk
Máximo Inocencio • Freemason, construction contractor
José Lallana • Tailor
Severino Lapidario • Corporal of the Spanish Navy Marines
Victoriano Luciano III • Freemason, Pharmacist
Francisco Osorio • From a wealthy family, Pharmacist
Hugo Pérez • Doctor, Freemason
Antonio San Agustín • From a wealthy family, Book store owner
People from different backgrounds stood together for freedom.
As we continued to walk I noticed that the lamp post stands were painted and beautifully decorated. I love this one, in particular, a sea turtle that moves slow on sand but swift when in the ocean. I too am also slowly moving forward in my life. Slowly reaching for the ocean where I can again swim freely with no troubles in my mind.
TAHO
At the end of this walkway is a Taho vendor. What is Taho? It is a Philippine snack that can be found all over the country.
It is made from soft tofu and vendors can be seen peddling in the morning.
A syrup made from brown sugar and sago pearls is added with the soft tofu.
It is a delicious snack and can even be enjoyed as breakfast.
Life is sometimes bland but friends and family are like the sugar syrup that helps the loneliness go away. Sago pearls are round and bouncy just like our hobbies, passion and interests. It adds happiness to our lives.
THE PARK
Let's continue with our stroll in the beautiful morning. For a moment there I even forgot that there is still a pandemic going on.
I feel stronger and did not even feel fear while moving forward.
An old fountain that is no longer being turned on. I recall this also has lights and is very beautiful at night.
At the park, you can see people jogging and exercising. I have started exercising at home daily to stay healthy. I have lost pounds already which is also an important part of my recovery. A healthy body and a healthy mind should not be taken for granted.
Old trees still stand here that go back from the pre-war era. If trees could speak they have a lot of stories to tell.
A monument of our national hero can also be seen here.
Let's take a moment to rest for a while. I recall this lamp from 4 years ago. I made a post with my daughter here Meet Bear Kid that sparked my love for photography even more.
ERMITA DE PORTA VAGA
In 1667 there used to be a wooded chapel here and in 1787 they upgraded the chapel to a church made of stone. The church was damaged by an earthquake in 1863 but was rebuilt. During the war in 1932, the church was completely destroyed. In 1935 they decided to rebuild the church in a different location.
This model was built to teach us about our history and to remind us of our resilience.
Churches are my favorite subject and this made me realize to revisit the churches again soon.
This place and history reminded me of what happened to my hive account. Have been thru a lot of ups and downs but continued on. Then I lost my keys which completely destroyed it but continued to move on by using a new account and rebuilding.
TIME
As I recall there used to be an older clock here when I was young. I think the clock inside is still the original but they created a new tower for it.
Time never stops, time heals and let's make every moment worthwhile.
Trees are abundant here. A lot of these trees were planted by American soldiers. After decades of friendship, these trees still stand and bear fruit every year.
Kindness and love bear fruit. Like trees, friendship grows strong as time goes by. I didn't expect much support here when I came back. I am thankful for the people who supported me here. Some old friends and also gained new friends too.
To the people who are gems to this community who reached out. Thank you!
There are also those who dropped by to show their support. I will be forever grateful.
Still, a long way ahead but this time around I'll be stronger. Slowly healing the mind and soul. Continuing with what I love doing and feeling alive again.
Thank you for joining me today in one of my daily strolls. I am hopeful that I will be sharing more in the future as I slowly go out again and feel the warmth of the sunshine. Revisit places and share my thoughts with you.
All photos are original and taken with
Lumix GX85 and Olympus 45mm f1.8