A Journey Begins
It's been several weeks now since I last wrote in my journal. I've been kind of busy with exams and both my parents have gone off on business, with my Dad having gone off to Korea whilst my Mom's currently attendind the annual CRCPD in Newport Rhode Island-USA.
Here, I've taken the liberty to take a few snapshots of the beautyful area that is Tagaytay.
Taal Volcanoe
It's an amazing sight, but don't be fooled by its size since this volcanoe has already erupted back in 1754, so this isn't the original volcanoe, in fact that's baby Taal right there.
Caleruega Church, Tagaytay
This is a photo I've taken of Caleruega chapel, situated atop the highest point of Caleruega.
The Chapel's own façade itself is complete replica of the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain. Its hut-shaped roof is in remembrance of the temporary sheds that the apostles wanted to build for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the transfiguration (Mt 17:1-
.
Uncle's car Outside a shop or Changey as we call them.
Had to buy load for my cell phone.
Mang Inasal-My favourite chicken house.
Strolling through Picnic Grove (farmers markets)
St. Lourdes Church
Palace in the Sky-This summer retreat was designed by Imelda Marcos for her late husband President Marcos.
Entrance to People's Park
This is Christ the Redeemer- A statue that stands in people's park overlooking the valleys below.
Seen this picture before? Well its actually very similar to it's more famous latin cousin in Rio De Janeiro-Brazil
This place is well known as the highlands because it looks very similar to areas found up in North America & Europe.
Notice the Pine Trees? Well, Tagaytay is the only area in the Philippines and South East Asia to have Pine trees that grow in tropical conditions. This is because Tagaytay sits on very high altitude and because of the cool air, pine trees can go there.
The cool air is the reason why many city folk Makati business men/women go there during the hot summer season, but due to high land values, Tagaytay is well known across the country as rich man's paradise.
Uncles house located near the highlands
This is the place Juan, this is where your Granddad used to take me and your father everytime we'd visit Tagaytay.
Really? Wow, its so old, yet the window shutters are still on, is someone living here?
No, infact this was the home of your great, great, great grandfather Emilio Jose de Velazquez before he moved his family from Leyte.
I was just amazed, I mean I was going to ask him if he knew anything about our family's roots, yet I couldn't figure out why he'd taken me here. As if something was trying to tell him.
You know Juan, before you, I or anyone else you knew including your grandfather were born, my grandfather and his family used to live here in this very house. Not only that, but 4 generations of the Velazquez have lived here.
In fact, this place was once owned by our family before it was abandoned during the war. Since then, this place has litterally become forgotten and as you can see overgrown.
But why did you take me here? Surely you haven't just taken me here to tell me that my ancestors used to live here.
But I mean I dunno where to go, where to start or what to do from here? I mean where should I go from here?
You go to Cebu where it all began, to Magellan's shrine where God willing he will guide you from there onwards.
As for the other questions, well that's for you to find out yourself.
Anyway, lets get home and tomorrow I'll take you to the airport.
But what about my studies? What about our leadership seminar?
Don't worry, my contacts at Santo Tomas have taken care of everything.
Just remember, you can contact me for anything if you ever get stuck.
l was left speecless because I had planned to go out there and find out the truth behind my family's past, but I never knew that it would happen this fast. It's as if this has been planned all along.
However, I'm ready for this, I can do this and I know that if my Grandfather is watching above, that this is what he would've wanted.
What time do I leave for Cebu?
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