I love picnics. My friends and I used to do this every year after high school, but because of work, drama and other obligations, we hardly go on picnics anymore. Our usual venue was UP Diliman’s lagoon, but this time, we decided to check out the La Mesa Ecopark.

I seem to be determined to humiliate myself this year

 
Serious copy and pasting ahead:

La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. The property is owned by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a government agency. La Mesa Watershed is 2700 hectares, 700 hectares of which is the reservoir and 2000 hectares of which is the surrounding forest. This forest is the last remaining one of its size in Metro Manila and serves as its carbon dioxide sink. La Mesa Watershed, therefore, is vital to the city, not only because it is a primary source of drinking water, but also because its forest functions as the lungs of Metro Manila, providing it with clean air.

Due to lack of funds, illegal settling, poaching and logging, La Mesa Watershed came into disrepair and ruin. In 1999, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. created Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch) and, in partnership with the MWSS, undertook the Save La Mesa Watershed Project. The project aimed to rehabilitate, reforest, preserve and protect La Mesa Watershed. The total area that needed reforestation was 1500 hectares. Today, eight years since the project started, only 158 hectares remain to be planted. Bantay Kalikasan’s strategy of actively involving the general public in the project, through its Adopt/Protect-ATree/ Hectare programs, was key to its success.

To sustain the Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Bantay Kalikasan, in partnership with the MWSS and the Q.C. Government, rehabilitated and renovated a 33 hectare public park located right outside the natural boundaries of the watershed and 40 meters below the reservoir. In September 2004, it was renamed La Mesa Ecopark and reopened to the public. All revenues generated by La Mesa Ecopark are utilized for the continuous preservation and protection of La Mesa Watershed.

Source: La Mesa Ecopark website

Paradise

It’s pretty hard to imagine this kind of place exists here in Manila. Driving along Commonwealth Avenue (a highway known for its heavy traffic, notoriously accident prone and lined with illegal vendors and squatters), it makes you wonder whether the ecopark would live up to its promise and hype. Closely following the map we downloaded from the ecopark’s website, we turned right into East Fairview Subdivision, just after passing the Fairview Market in our left. Rey opened his window to ask the guard for directions. Before he can open his mouth, the guard tells him to turn left at the first corner and to just follow the road.

Green never looked this good

 
We drove along Dunhill street and just when we started wondering how much further we’d have to drive, we came upon a trelis-lined steel bridge. We knew right then that we were in the right place. There was still some ways to drive from the bridge. We had a glimpse of the picnic area through gaps in the foilage; the place was packed. When we turned into the parking lot though, it wasn’t full. Turns out that there was still quite some distance to cover from where we parked to the La Mesa Ecopark’s actual entrance.

The flower terraces

 
As we walked with our picnic stuff, a staffer approached us and pointed us to a hut where we can pay for admission. The park’s admission fee is only Php 50 for adults and kids 3ft. and up. Quezon City residents get a discount: Php 40 for adults, Php 20 for students and free admission for senior citizens.

Boating Lagoon

 
We reach the park’s entrance, and the security guards check our things. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside the park, and the guards check each bottle to make sure you’re not smuggling any liquor. There’s a shelf behind the staff members, used as a package counter for bottles of beer, gin and wine that people still insist on bringing.

The tree-lined road

 
There was a shuttle waiting just past the entrance. It looks like a minivan that had a jeepney-style seating at the back. However, unlike the jeepney, this shuttle is solar and electic powered. It hardly make any noise and you’d think that it’s gliding along the path. We opted to walk, marveling at the tall trees and the variety of plants lining the pathway.

The solar-electic powered shuttle

 
It was very quiet inside the ecopark. Well, you can’t hear anything from outside the park, just the din of too many people talking all at the same time. The peace was broken by the squeals of children in the salt-treated swimming pool. The pool has a separate admission fee; if you want to swim, you have to shell out an extra Php 80 per person.

The Pinkies are eating better than we are

 
I got the impression that there weren’t any food stalls inside, but there were a couple selling grilled and binalot meals. Nevermind that though, we had the best picnic food: a Pinoy bento of pork adobo, fried eggplant, tomatoes, bagoong and heaps of rice. There are picnic tables around the park, but you’d have to be there early to claim one for your group. However, there are plenty of open spaces where you can lay your picnic mats. There are also sinks where you can wash your hands or dirty dishes, and the all important toilet facilities.

Walking trail

 
There are lots of things to do inside the park. Apart from the swimming pool, there’s a fishing wharf where you can cast your lines and, well, fish; a walking trail, a butterfly hatchery, a lagoon where you can row boats, a zip line and wall climbing facility, even a paintball field.

The fishing wharf

 
The La Mesa Ecopark is a great place to escape from the city while still being inside the city (did that even make sense?). Though peace and quiet may be hard to find during a busy weekend, there are still areas in the park where not a lot of people go to (usually at the other end of the entrance). My only gripe about it are the people who go there who clearly don’t care about the environment. In the La Mesa Ecopark website, they state that littering is strictly prohibited and fines are imposed on those caught. It was pretty disheartening though to see people still leaving their trash everywhere, even when there are numerous trash and recycle bins around the park.

The fitness trail

La Mesa Ecopark
La Mesa Watershed
Fairview, Quezon City
Phone : (02) 430-4051/ (02) 430-5207/ (02) 430-5207 (telefax)
E-mail: lamesaecopark@abs-cbn.com
Website: www.lamesaecopark.com

How to get there:
By car: From Quezon Memorial Circle, drive along Commonwealth Avenue, passing the Sandiganbayan and the Fairview Market. As soon as you pass the market on your left, look for the first corner on the right (Winston Street). Turn right, then left at the first corner (Dunhill Street). Follow the road until you reach the bridge.

By public transport: Ride a Fairview-bound bus or jeepney (make sure it’s going further than Litex). Ask the driver to drop you off at the East Fairview Subdivision gate. Ride the trike to the ecopark.

Popularity: 10% [?]

The plan was to meet at the Quirino Grandstand at 1pm to take portrait shots of the contingents. I have been sleeping in for the past couple of days, and when Saturday finally rolled in, I found myself still awake at 8:00 am. Hearing the household showly waking up, I got out of bed and joined my sister and her kids at the table for breakfast.

Flying high

 
After an hour, I resumed my attempts in getting some sleep. I finally did doze off — at 10:30 am. My alarm went off at 11:30. Stumbling out of bed, I went to the bathroom to wake myself fully with a cold, refreshing shower. Of course, a cold shower during summer in the Philippines can only do so much. A couple of minutes out in the sun waiting for a jeep, fx or a cab had me sweating.

These boots are made for dancing

 
I barely made it in time for our 1:00 pm meet. Eric was already at Quirino, taking pictures. We meet up at the food stalls across the Manila Ocean park entrance. After downing a glass of cold mango shakes, we headed off to take pictures before it got too dark.

Laoag’s prize winning float

 
We first went to the area where the floats are parked. You can really see the effort each contingent poured into their entry. Both the dancer’s costumes and the floats have been given a lot of attention, and were fine tuned to the last detail. After all, there was a Php500,000 prize for the best float.

All smiles

 
Afterwards, we went out to the field where the dancers are assembled and waiting for the cue to start the parade to the Aliw Theatre. I overheard one dancer telling Eric that they put on their make ups as early as 10:00 am. That meant they were probably changing into their costumes at 9:00 am, and up at 7:00 am. They have been up for close to 8 hours at that point, yet you can still feel the energy emanating from them (and from the pile of empty energy drink bottles in the middle of the field).

Waiting for the go signal inside one of the floats

 
They all look so young. There were kids as young as 8 or 9 years old, high school teens and probably some in their early 20’s. They were all dedicated to their craft, and you can just see how much they love their province and their heritage.

You can clearly see the passion in their eyes, the pride in their hearts and the braces on their teeth

 
After shooting for close to two hours, Eric and I had a quick bathroom break, then we each bought a can of cold soda. Laguidly walking back to the area where the contingents are lined up, we were stopped by a barricade guarded by a bunch of burly men. We have to be authorized to enter the area, they said. We didn’t really mind; we had our pictures. Just as we were discussing whether to make our way to the Aliw Theater, where the performances will be, huge drops of rain started falling from the sky. Our decision was made: we’re riding a taxi to the CCP complex.

Dahil saging lang ang may puso

 
Luckily, a cab just drove into the Quirino Grandstand, dropping off its passenger. We quickly got in, and told the driver to take us to Aliw Theatre. It started pouring in earnest, and we wondered what happened to the gorgeous floats and to the make up and body paints meticulously painted on each dancer.

Another smile for another photographer

 
Understandably, the parade was delayed. To while away our time, we paid a Php 60 entrance fee to go inside Star City. A lot of people were there, waiting for the rain to let up, so all the restaurants facing the performance area was packed. We passed the time having heavy merienda and buying snacks, knowing that once we took at place at the press box, there would be no going out.

With Sto. Niño, their patron saint

 
The rain finally let up around 6:00 pm. We eagerly went out and saw that several hundred other people had the same idea. The rain was definitely not in their agenda, and the organizers were doing all they can to drain the puddles (or mini rivers) that formed thanks to the sudden downpour. As the water slowly receeded, the rain started up again several times, though not as hard as it did earlier.

Piyesta ng mga Photographers

 
Soaked with sweat and rain, feet squishing inside wet shoes, exhausted due to lack of sleep and tired from standing up for more than an hour, I was elated when the announcer said the first contingent were already in Vito Cruz. Finally at 8:00 pm, the program started.

They never tire of smiling

 
It was amazing to see the groups perform. After hours spent baking in the sun, getting drenched by the rain, parading from Rizal Park to the CCP complex, they still have the energy to dance so beautifully during their performance. There aren’t any traces of fatigue in their eyes, only their dazzling smiles as they go through each step.

Wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care

 
Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to revive me. I mustered up the energy to watch four groups, but gave up afterwards. I wanted to at least watch up to contingent number 9, but I really couldn’t take it anymore. Stumbling from the pressbox and squeezing through the crowds, the only exit I found required one to go under the bleachers and stepping through a rather high rail. What an experience! Can’t wait for next year

Bonus picture: Bloggers Da Who!

 
Da Who itong blogger na na-ispotan namin sa Aliwan Fiesta na nag papapicture kasama ang isang hybrid na zebra/baka?

Popularity: 17% [?]

I’m a wuss. After only four performances, I chickened out and left the Aliw Theatre, where the Aliwan Fiesta 2008 contingents were performing for the judges and the public. In my defense, I barely had an hour of sleep, I was at the Quirino Grandstand by 1:30pm, took photos under the midday sun for an hour or two. Then, when it started raining, we quickly hopped into a cab to take us to Aliw Theater. It was pouring when we got there and neither one of us had an umbrella so we had to dash from the cab and through a huge puddle of water.

After passing the rain and the time inside Star City, Eric and I headed out to the press box, eagerly waiting for the first contingent’s arrival. Because of the sudden downpour, the first performers didn’t arrive until almost three hours later. I was sleep deprived, my clothes are wet and I’m exhausted.

But I managed to take this short video clip of the Pamulinawen festival’s performance.

More photos from the Aliwan Fiesta 2008 coming up tomorrow! Here are my rather colorful updates while I was at the Aliw Theatre via Twitter:

evilmartian: inulan ang aliwan. Here in front of aliw theatre, waiting for the performers about 5 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: This is so tagal ha. Running on an hour’s sleep. I feel so soggy. about 5 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: There’s no way i’m going to the cs party. I need a long soak in the bath. Ugh. about 5 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: First contingent already at Vito Cruz. They’re taking too long *grumpy* about 5 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: NNNNGGGGHHHH about 5 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: opening dance: teeny boppers dancing ala vilma santos complete with half baked cos and high heels about 4 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: 8pm. They’re just turning into the ccp complex. Will i be able to finish all 24 performances? about 4 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: ay nalalaglag ang tube dress nya. Tsk, i dnt think i got that in the video about 4 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: Pyrolympics? More like lightning- lympics about 4 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: finally starting. Yay! I want to go home now. about 4 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: san ka nakakita ng mangingisda na kumekembot? about 4 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: , dnt introduce the judges anymore. I want to watch the kalintad of maguindanao! about 3 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: wat the fuck?! There’s no way out! about 3 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: gave up after 4 contingents. Waiting for a cab, seeing parts of the pyrolympics from a distance about 3 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: driving along roxas, groups are still parading from quirino grandstand about 3 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: A lot of cars hav parked on the inner lane and are just watching about 3 hours ago from phtwitters
evilmartian: we’re in front of rajah sulaiman, and hav just passed the last contingent about 3 hours ago from phtwitters

Yes, I’m high maintenance

Popularity: 28% [?]

Ferdz, a fellow pinoy travel blogger, an awesome photographer, and a non-high maintenance hiker (at least not that I know of, heehee), invites everybody to his first solo photo exhibit at the Alcove Perspective, Filipinas Heritage Library on May 12-27, 2008.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
From time immemorial, civilizations have thrived and lived near bodies of water. The reason is crystal-clear: water is vital to man’s existence. It is the reason why this exhibition pays homage to water and its significance to how and why people live by the water. Featuring photos that tell stories about the coastal Filipinos’ living conditions, reveal their culture, and relate their stories of survival.

The exhibit will carry a raft of striking images from across our archipelago. The Badjao Stilt Villages of Basilan. The Muslim Stilt Village of Rio Hondo in Zamboanga. The fishermen of Siquijor. The T’bolis of Lake Sebu. The rugged shores of Itbayat in Batanes. And the tranquil coasts of Iloilo.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Ferdinand is a travel photographer and award-winning blogger. A graduate of Fine Arts, Major in Advertising at the Far Eastern University, he got started on film photography during his college years. He worked as a graphic artist and web designer for three years, pursuing photography as a hobby.

Landing his first publication job as an Art Director enabled him to embark on a new career as a professional travel photographer. Getting his fair share of freelance jobs and assignments, his works eventually got published in a number of travel magazines both here and overseas.

His website Ironwulf.net: En Route at www.ironwulf.net, is the chronicle of his many travels and insightful photography. It has received recognition from the both local and international media.

I’ve long been a fan of Ferdz’s work (both his blog and his photos) , and I was so happy that I was able to meet and travel with him three weeks ago. His photos, from what I’ve seen in his blog and his flickr are simply breathtaking. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’ll put up for the exhibit.

For more information about this exhibit or just to read about Ferdz’s travels, head on to Ironwulf.net.

Popularity: 17% [?]

This weekend seems to be packed with events that you’re spoilt for choice. Rather, make that overwhelmed with options that you wouldn’t know which one to attend!

I will be going to two: The Aliwan Fiesta with Mr. Byahilo.com, and a bunch of Couch Surfing Manila members. Afterwards, we’ll be headed to a CS Manila birthday bash. My first CS party!

The Aliwan Fiesta is a yearly event anticipated by the many. Organized by the media outfit Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), the Aliwan Festival aims to promote the rich, colorful and vibrant festivals of the Philippines. Through the Aliwan Fiesta, one does not need to hop from one island to another just to experience the non-stop streetdancing, and the loud drumbeating. No need to take a bus and roam all over Luzon and fly to Visayas or sail the high seas going to Mindanao. It’s all being carried here in the country’s capital, Manila. Get the chance to see Cebu City’s Sinulog Festival represented by the Lumad Basakanon perform their Dance ritual. See the Tribu Paghida-et of Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival perform their dance routine. It’s also your chance to see other equally colorful and beautiful festivals like the General Santos’ Kalilangan Festival, Zamboanga City’s Hermosa festival, Baguio City’s Panagbenga Festival and Maguindanao’s Padang-padang Festival. Its seeing all the country’s best all in just one sitting.

Source: Byahilo.com

Since the the CS party would be held at the pool deck of one of the condominium buildings lining the Roxas boulevard, I was wondering if we’d be able to see the fireworks at the 3rd World Pyrolympics at the Mall of Asia?

WORLD PYRO SATURDAYS OF MAY
May 3
7.30pm China’s The Glorious Group
9.00pm Germany’s Nico Lunig Event

May 10
7.30pm Canada’s Pyro Studios
9.00pm France’s Fetes et Feux

May 17
7.30pm Italy’s Parente Fireworks
9.00pm Venezuela’s Venefuegos Fireworks C.a.

May 24
7.30pm South Korea’s Hanwha Corporation
9.00pm Australia’s Explosive Productions Pty Ltd

May 31
7.30pm Fellowship of Fire - Collaboration of all Countries with Philippines
9.00pm Philippines! La Mancha Pyromusical Grand Finale

Source: Our Awesome Planet

On the otherhand, a lot of bloggers I know are headed to Greenhills this Saturday, for the Man Blog’s Banana Gangbang Rock Festival.

To the truckloads of fans of The Man-Blog (TMB), here’s your chance to see this awesometastic blog’s denizens do something other than entertain you with finely written dickery. TMB will be having a gig dubbed “The Banana Gangbang Rock Festival” happening on May 3, 2007 at Bela Bar in Greenhills, San Juan.

Marco Palinar, Mike Villar, Ade Magnaye, and Lauren Dado’s bands will be performing. BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM! You’re bound to eargasm four times right there and right then!

Source: Fritzified.com

Or if you choose to stay at home, why not work on your Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf story? Who knows, you just might end up winning a trip to Hollywood!

Share and inspire others with your passion.

Remember your first date over soul-warming cups of Chai Latte? Or when you landed that important business deal over Cappucino? And how relaxing your Me-Time felt curled up in the couch with your Double Vanilla Ice Blended?

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf invites you to share your most memorable experiences at The Bean online by joining My Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Story. Tell us what’s brewing and get a chance to win a trip to Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA for 4 days and 3 nights, with accommodations and pocket money.

Source: What’s your Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Story?

So, where are YOU going this weekend?

Popularity: 26% [?]