The City of the Head of the Elder Known as Olongapo City

This city traces its name from a legend about two warring tribes and whose elder's head resting on a bambo pole was found by a boy. The boy then ran around town shouting "ulo ng apo" which means the head of the elder. Thus, the name Olongapo came into fruition.

Today, Olongapo is a busy independent city which has seen ups and downs through the years. As in any other centers in the different regions of the Philippines, Olongapo has its share of city problems that go with progress.

The local leaders of the past and present have made Olongapo City to what it is now...bustling, progressive and self-reliant. Thank God for government officials who have genuine love for the city. When I visit Olongapo, discipline is very evident. This discipline goes to the minds of its citizenry that is why it is clean and beautiful.

After the Americans left Subic Naval Base and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, many thought that it was the end of Olongapo City which relied much on the blessings that the naval base brought to its people. These two and the order of then President Estrada to close down business establishments inside the base made it hard for the people to cope with a triple whammy.

Olongapo City was able to return to its feet and they even have an SM City and an SMX Convention Center. Since it is a much sought-after place for seminars and convention, there should really be a venue for such events.

Local businesses still have their own markets despite the presence of a major mall and even with the shops inside nearby Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. With the increasing population of the city and the swell of visitors, there is always a niche for everyone.

Being a busy city should not be an excuse for government services to be neglected. Different government offices have their branches in Olongapo. This is to make sure that the people's needs will be addressed and served.

Olongapo City still have it natural charm intact. The beaches in the different barangays near the sea are conducive for family outings and swimming. The river is as clean as can be. Olongapo is synonymous to cleanliness.

Being at the gateway of the province of Zambales, Olongapo City is indeed in a strategic place that will help further its enhancement as a city and a catalyst for the further development of its mother province. With new highways built going to and coming from Olongapo, commute has become very easy.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph coupled with the discipline of its people, Olongapo City still has greater heights to achieve. It has been blessed and will continue to be blessed because its people are always aware that their city has to be the "ulo ng apo" in this side of the region.

Special mention to a departed friend, Brenda Lopez, who welcomed me and my friends to her home and family whenever we had weekend getaways to Olongapo City and Subic. We miss you and may you be at peace in the embrace of our Lord.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

I was Able to Sleep Well in Seattle

The film "Sleepless in Seattle" is a misconception to me. Yes, I was able to sleep well in the city. What with that rainy weather which is conducive for resting and sleeping. But, of course, the film is not all about sleeping as we know.

Seattle is a city located at the northwestern-most side of the US state of Washington. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It is where some big companies started their businesses. It is the trade gateway of the country to Asia.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is very important in the trade and tourism of the United States. Major Asian airlines fly to the city and Alaska Airlines has Seattle as one of its major hubs.

Until 2001, Boeing had its headquarters in Seattle. Though it has transferred it main office to Chicago, Boeing still maintains its Seattle factory in the manufacture of several narrow-bodied as well as wide-bodied airplanes. It has its own runway exclusively for Boeing.

Amazon.com and Washington Mutual have their main offices in Seattle making it a software and financial center in the northwestern region of the country. Their modern edifices are striking enough not to be noticed in the city business district.

Naturally, Seattle's Best Coffee is based in the city. Starbucks is also headquartered in Seattle where it has a huge building and is the company's support center. Almost in every corner of Seattle, there are Seattle's Best Coffee or Starbucks side by side or just opposite each other. Then, there is this drive through coffee store called Espresso for people on the go.

Moving around the city is easy. With the many roads in Seattle and the abundance of buses from the residential areas to the city center, commuting is pleasurable. They also have an efficient train system to several points of the city. Then, they also have water taxis since Seattle has many waterways and going around by land transport will take you longer to travel.

The public market is one place where you can find the fresh catch of the day. Many people go there to experience what Seattle can offer in terms of seafood. For amusement, there is the Seattle Great Wheel where you can see an overview of the city.

Despite the modernity of the times, Seattle has a lot of nature for everyone to enjoy. It is called the "log state" for the many timber surrounding the city. Centuries-old trees can be found in in-city forests. Water also abound since Seattle has lots of waterways and the sea.

Restaurants, mostly seafood, can be found in almost nook and cranny of the city. What Seattle residents enjoy most are the ones found in the suburbs for they serve freshly-cooked food straight from the sea. And they are abounty.

Modern infrastructures such as the Seattle Central Library and the Seattle Center prove that the city is a conducive place for learning and for the arts. The city government gives emphasis and support to places such as the two.

Despite Seattle's seeming modernity, it has maintained it own charm and has remained to be one of the most livable cities in America. Its residential district has the peace and quiet that one can experience only in Seattle.

Special THANK YOU to Jun Vicencio and Jun Pilapil for letting me stay in their Renton house for 7 days. They even toured me around Western Washington and went as far down as Portland, Oregon. Also, another special THANK YOU to Ernie Rios for letting me stay in his house in Seattle. Despite his busy schedule, he was able to take care of me for 3 days. Thank you also to Ms. Zarina Roque for always being there. Given another chance, I will sleep again in Seattle.

Credits to the owners of some of the photos.

A Petal of Rose Called Lipa City

Lipa City is a component city of Batangas and is one of the four cities of the province. Since its founding in 1702, Lipa has undergone a lot of transformation through the years...keeping up with development, of course.

Lipa City has always been busy since the olden days. People doing their own business as well as vehicles plying its streets have been usual sights since way back then. The Casa de Segunda, which was a favorite hang-out place of our national hero Jose Rizal, is still up and standing.

Local government leaders, from the past to the present, made and make sure that Lipa City maintains its good image and excellent peace and order situation. True to their  motto of Virtud and Trabajo, Lipenos value work with virtue.

Being a center for commerce and education, Lipa City is a host to many educational institutions. It has its own city college and other public colleges and universities. It is also home to high standard schools such as De La Salle-Lipa.

A big and busy city such as Lipa will not be complete without the modern-day amenities of malls. SM City Lipa and Robinsons Place Lipa have large malls that cater to the needs of its populace as well of those from neighboring towns.

The city has a booming economy. Aside from malls, business establishments are scattered in the city. In fact, the traffic problem is one thing that the local officials are trying to solve. New roads and highways have been constructed for the ease of the riding public.

Despite the busy-ness of the modern atmosphere, Lipa City exudes a homey feeling. My parents once owned a farm there and they spent their weekends in our property. Believe it or not, I was not able to visit the place before they gave it up. Unlucky me...

Lipa City is known for its lomi and the kapeng barako. It is a must to eat lomi when in the city. Liam's Lomi House is a favorite among Lipenos. They usually bring their visitors to try this delicacy. Whether night or day, savor their delicious concoction of a Filipino comfort food.

Twice, I was invited by Lipa City tourism office and museum president Minnie Atienza and fashion designer Rey Lazaro of the Designers Circle Philippines to judge in their annual Miss Lipa Tourism held at the Lima Park 0/0utlets. It is a sprawling area of outlet stores and it also has a hotel called Lima Park Hotel which, for me, is the best this side of Batangas.

Other hotels will not be left behind in terms of accommodations. Lipa City is always ready to welcome local and foreign visitors with open arms. After this pandemic, I hope that visitors will put Lipa City in their itinerary.

Filipinos being a religious lot, Lipa City is home to a cultural heritage church which is the San Sebastian Cathedral. In this city, you will also find the Mt. Carmel Church which is said to be the venue where a rose petal shower miracle happened in 1948 after an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

 But despite the skepticism of some people, Lipa City can be aptly called a petal of rose.

 Credit to the owners of the photos.