Scenic and Gorgeous Germany

Weihnachtsmarkt in Cologne

Finally, my dream of traveling to Europe came true. I took a 14-hour flight (not counting the 2-hour stopover in Abu Dahbi) from Manila to Düsseldorf in December of 2012. Having lived in a tropical country all my life, I was excited of spending a white Christmas so I prepared winter clothes since September. I was half an hour delayed in my arrival in Düsseldorf and a bit paranoid that my luggage might go missing (after my dad told me horror stories of luggage getting lost). Turns out, I won't have a white Christmas after all, as Germans said that 2012 was one of the warmest winters they have experienced. It was 12 degrees outside and they felt warm, whereas I was shivering. 

Lovelocks along the Hohenzollernbridge

My first stop was Cologne, so I dropped by the Cologne Cathedral. We walked along the River Rhine passing hundreds or even thousands of love locks lining the Hohenzollernbridge. Since it was Christmas, the cathedral square was packed with locals and tourists alike visiting the big Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). Christmas Markets go way back to the late Middle Ages in German-speaking countries in Europe. Popular stalls sell hot kakao, mulled wine, toys, books and the famous Aachener printen (pastries  from the city of Aachen, Germany). 

Inside the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen. A statue of the blessed Virgin Mary can be seen in the entrance. Upon entering the impressive structure, you will see the medieval statue of St. Christopher welcoming visitors. On the south side of the cathedral, five beautiful stained glass windows can be seen. These were given by Ludwig I of Bavaria. It's a sight to behold when the sun's rays hit it, displaying different colors inside the cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral from the train station.

Kinder...one of the popular chocolate brands in Germany.

 A trip to the Imhoff Schokoladenmusuem is a must for chocoholics around the world. Visitors can try their hand in creating their own chocolate by signing up to the museum's chocolate-making sessions. My fiance and I bought a huge heart-shaped Lindt chocolate but we didn't have the heart to eat such a pretty thing. Also, visitors will be treated to wafers dipped in fresh molten chocolate in the room where chocolate production is shown. 

The Bahkauv

But my favorite German city so far is medieval Aachen. Considered as Emperor Charlemagne's seat of power, it has been the place of coronation of German kings and queens. Aachen is known as a spa town and for its many fountains. Each fountain has its own story. My favorite is the Bahkauv (maybe because I see it everyday when we explore the city). The Bahkauv is a mythical creature that is a cross-breed of a calf (or sometimes panther) and a dragon. It is said to pounce and attack drunk men coming out of pubs. 

A panorama of Aachen, on top of the viewing deck in the Netherlands.

The Shrine of Mary

A trip to Aachen is not complete without visiting the Aachen Cathedral. It is considered the oldest church in northern Europe and it houses the remains of Emperor Charlemagne and the Shrine of St. Mary which contains four of the important relics of the Christian world: the Virgin Mary's cloak,Christ's swaddling clothes, John the Baptist's beheading cloth and Christ's loincloth. As was the tradition since 1349, these relics are taken out of the shrine and put on display every seven years during the Great Aachen Pilgrimage. The relics were last put on display in 2007. 

 Although, I have only seen three cities in Germany (Cologne, Aachen and Essen), I am looking forward to coming back and see Schloss Neuschwanstein of King Ludwig II in Bavaria, the Benedictine convent in Tutzing and so much more. I also intend to visit other  countries in Europe like Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa), France (Paris, Provence), the UK, Austria, Spain and Portugal. 

Here are more photos from my trip.

A statue of Kaiser Wilhelm II along the Rhine

The quaint side of Cologne

The Nativity placed on display in the Weihnachtsmarkt in Cologne.

Yummy pastries displayed in an Aachen shop.

Inside the Imhoff Schokoladenmuseum...check out the huge bonbon!

The lobby of the Schokoladenmuseum

A display of a chocolate shop in the 1800s.

Breathtaking Bohol

Waves crashing along Alona Beach

This has post has been long overdue. Actually, I have forgotten to post about my trip to Bohol until I found time to clean up some space on my camera's memory card (I know,  it's been ages!). My trip was actually a rediscovery on how beautiful my country is. Amid the smog and pollution of Manila, there lies a little island in the Visayas that boasts of a beautiful and scenic countryside, quiet and pristine beaches and wonderful, friendly people.





I was feeling sick on the way to the docks of Cebu but I wouldn't let that get in the way of seeing Bohol. I didn't have time to drop by Shamrock so I could let my boyfriend taste Cebu's famous otap but found some in the stalls of pier (only, it was quite expensive compared to buying it from the store).

Quiet and tranquil Alona Kew

Onboard supercat, I fell asleep and woke up to dark clouds and a little drizzle spattering the windows of the ferry boat. We met our driver Tatay Dodong at Tagbilaran port and he drove us to our accomodations at Alona Kew Beach Resort. On the way, he regaled us with stories about the island. That's when we decided that we will hire him as our tour guide for our countryside tour the next day. ^^



Furry beach bums

We didn't waste time in exploring the beach upon our arrival at Alona Kew. Even meeting a few beach dogs lounging and napping by the beach. Compared to the noise and parties of Boracay, the beaches of Bohol are quiet and ideal if you want to relax and enjoy some peace. Like on most beaches, you will find some ladies offering massages, manicure and pedicure right there on the beach.

Blood compact memorial

The next day we had our countryide tour. We visited the blood compact site and the actual place where the ship of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez De Legazpi docked. Our guide even took us to another place where he said the ships were actually docked. He said it is not really open to the public because it is owned by the owner of Alone Kew Beach Resort.





 

Next, we were off to see the tarsier sanctuary. They don't charge any entrance fee but there is a box where they accept donations (they use it to buy food for the tarsiers, so if you visit, put in a lot! ^^, ). It was great to catch them before they doze off. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to touch them because they easily get stressed. One of the guides pointed to us some of the female pregnant tarsiers.  I also went to the gift shop to buy some tarsier headbands for my nieces, which I find really cute.

Chocolate Hills

Next stop are the world-famous Chocolate Hills. It was a bit sunny when we got there, and the climb can be very tiring. But the view when you reach the top was amazing! For first time visitors you have to ring the bell on top for luck. The climb down was a litle steep so it's important to be extra careful.









We had our lunch at one of the floating restos. They served a lot of seafood so boyfriend did not eat much(",). But he did eat the the pork and chicken. There was a singer onboard who sang songs from each country to the delight of guests who came from Japan, China, Korea, US and of course. It was nice sharing meal on a moving vessel and seeing pretty sights.




Our second to the last stop was the Baclayon church, the oldest in Bohol. You cannot come in the church if you're wearing a short skirt or shorts. But they have some shawls you can tie around your waist if you want to go inside. They also have a museum that houses priests' vestments that dates back to Spanish colonialism, old religious statues, old furniture and a lot more. The guide even took us to an area on the second floor where the rich and affluent families sit during masses. We felt we were transported back in time. Who knows, some plots were hatched within those very walls.





Our last stop was pasalubong shopping. We got those sugar-free coffee mixes as well as peanut kisses. Then back to Alona Kew and lounge at the beach with a good book.

We had dinner by the beach that evening. It wasn't crowded so the ambiance was really nice and relaxing. The next day we went back to Cebu. We will definitely come back and stay longer in Bohol. ^^

An evening with The Phantom of the Opera

The world's longest running musical The Phantom of the Opera by the great Andrew Lloyd Webber has finally come to Manila. I remembered getting excited seeing the great billboards lining SLEX and city buses advertising the show. I did not expect that I will watch the show because of my schedule but imagine my joy when it was extended until October 14! I consider it another great birthday gift that I will see the show after all.

The stage and the famous chandelier

We got to the CCP quite early so we took it as a chance to take photos and get our souvenirs. My friend Kit (she is officially my fellow Phan) and I were so thrilled to get good seats at orchestra level. It was truly a wonderful experience to see this masterpiece. The stage with all those impressive sets were jaw-dropping, the music enthralling and the amazing cast equals to an unforgettable night. 

I'm no professional theater critic but I felt Mr. Jonathan Roxmouth's portrayal of the Phantom brought intensity and passion. Absolutely loved how he sang Music of the Night and Point of no Return. It was a moving performance. The lovely Ms. Claire Lyon delivered a beautiful and effortless performance as well. Their final scene together moved us to tears (thank goodness tissues were handy!). 

Meeting the cast after the performance was icing to the cake. The two leads and the rest of the cast were so accommodating and gracious. It was madness at the stage door but they were still all-smiles as they signed souvenir programs and posed for photos. I even heard Head of Wardrobe Mr. Eugene Titus saying that the crowd is getting bigger every day. 

We went home with big smiles on our faces, thankful for having the chance to see this amazing musical. Here's hoping there will be more performances like this in years to come. ^.^



Here are some photos from October 12's performance. ^.^

Loved the seats we got! :)

The talented Mr. Jonathan Roxmouth

My operamate Kit with Mr. Roxmouth

A thrilled Kit with Ms. Lyon

With the beautiful Ms. Claire Lyon 

The dashing Mr. Anthony Downing with two "phans" ^^

Fabulous Cebu

Magellan's Cross

Finally after two years I got myself a decent holiday. The destination: Cebu and Bohol. I have fallen in love with Cebu since flying there twice for work in 2010 and 2011. So I thought the Queen City of the South would be the place to go for my well-deserved holiday. Then my friend Zap came back tanned and happy from her holiday in Bohol. That's when I knew that it should be included in the trip.

But first, I must visit Cebu. Being the oldest city in the country, it boasts a lot of history evident of the Spanish influence you can see around you. Another thing I love about the city is how affordable almost everything is. The trip to Cebu was not just about the sites but glorious food as well! Two of my favorite restaurants are Casa Verde and Mooon Cafe (note the 3 "o"s). I remembered on my first trip there, my friend Neil took me to Mooon Cafe to experience my first baby back ribs. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish it by myself but I had a lot of help from Neil. From then on, I took it upon myself to start a tradition of having some ribs on my first day (or night) in Cebu every time I fly in. And don't get me started with the humongous hamburger at Casa Verde! When you're in Cebu, prepare for a gastronomic treat. But of course, if you're in Cebu do not forget their mouth-watering Lechon de Cebu. CNT Lechon is the most popular. However, you will find other brands just as good.

Compared to the horrendous traffic in Manila, Cebu is definitely better. The cab drivers are friendlier and they  return your change even if it's 1 peso. The Cebuanos are also very religious, owing to their devotion to the Sto. Nino. One cab driver told us that they rarely suffer from natural calamities because of their faith and devotion. Also, here in Manila, the Tagalogs find the accent from the Visayan region funny. However, when I stayed there for a month or two it's music to my ears and I love their easy-going ways. When I flew back to Manila I sometimes speak Tagalog with a Visayan lilt.

Cebu is getting more modern each time I visit. You will see high-rise buildings, call center buildings and the like. But amidst the changes, it still retains its charm. It truly deserves its title as Queen of the South. Stay tuned on my next post about Bohol.

Here are some photos from my last trip, courtesy of my wonderful boyfriend (who I might add was a real trooper given the warm weather).  J

Yummy Mexican Ribs from Mooon Cafe

It's amazing how a 9-inch burger is only worth Php 350.00!

During a stroll along Asiatown IT Park

BF got so amused by the jeepney

Still at IT Park, surrounded by call center hubs.

Mooon Cafe and Casa Verde at Asiatown IT Park

One might think this is somewhere in Europe. Freedom Park on the way to the Basilica Minore of Sto. Nino.

A visit to Cebu won't be complete without dropping by the Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino.

Statues of the 4 evangelists in the square (also in the basilica premises).

Garden inside the Basilica premises.

Inside the Basilica Minore de Sto. Nino.

Before flying back home treat yourself to Casa Verde's Big Bang Burger measuring 9-inches.

Andy Whitfield: In Memoriam

We watched him as he brought to life Spartacus. The Thracian who was sold to become a gladiator and who rose in the ranks as champion. Spartacus was a fighter, and so was the man who played him in the Starz TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand...Andy Whitfield.

The Welsh-Australian actor was relatively an unknown until he was casted as Spartacus. He played the role with such intensity earning him and the show millions of fans worldwide. With his career going well and preparing for season 2 of Spartacus, it seemed Andy was unstoppable until he was diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma in March 2010. He went through treatment and was declared cancer-free two months later.

However, in September 2010 Starz announced that Andy will leave the show to resume treatment. Another Australian actor Liam McIntyre was chosen to replace him. In the facebook page of the show, fans posted their well wishes to Andy and for his speedy recovery. 

Yesterday, September 11, 2011 Andy Whitfield passed away at the age of 39 in Sydney, Australia. His wife Vashti issued a statement that Andy, "a beautiful young warrior," died on a "sunny Sydney morning" in the "arms of his loving wife."

I would like to share with everyone a beautiful statement made by his Spartacus co-star Lucy Lawless, she described him as "a gentle man who never said a bad word about anyone, a gifted photographer, engineer (no really!) and a brilliant actor. Andy’s incandescent film presence made men want to be him and women want to marry him. Andy’s two babies will always know that their Daddy cherished them and their mother, Vashti, above all things. How lucky we were to have him grace all our lives. Godspeed, Andy!"

To a brilliant and amazing actor...Andy Whitfield, you will surely be missed. 

Caterina Sforza - Il Tigre (Part 2)

"More is always said than the real truth."

In 1488, two months after the death of her first husband Girolamo, news that the Countess was about to marry Antonio Maria Ordellafi spread. The latter had started courting her and he felt confident that she will say yes to his proposal. He wrote to the duke of Ferrara saying that Caterina made promises to marry him. The possible nuptials will eventually end the claims of the Ordellafi family on the city of Forli. Upon hearing the news of her supposed marriage, Caterina imprisoned all those responsible for spreading the rumors. Antonio Maria was also summoned to the Senate in Venice to address the "promises" made. He remained there for 10 years.

The truth was, Caterina fell in love with a young courtier named Giacomo Feo, the brother of Tommaseo Feo who was the castellan of the Ravaldino who remained faithful to her after her husband's assassination. We can say that Caterina is like one hot momma of the renaissance (25 years old, gave birth to 6 kids and still looking good for the men!) as she was known to take younger men as her lovers.  Being head over heels in love with the young dashing Giacomo, she married him in secret in 1488 to avoid losing custody of her children and the regency of her states.

She made her new husband the new castellan of Ravaldino and her uncle Ludovico Il Moro, de facto Duke of Milan awarded Giacomo with an order of chivalry. She bore him a son whom they called Bernardino in April 1489, later named Carlos after Charles VIII who granted Giacomo the title Baron of France.

According to the chronicles of that day, Caterina was very much in love with Giacomo. She gave him important posts in the ruling of her states. Over time, people started to worry that she might remove her son Ottaviano the true Lord of Forli from the government and give all the important appointments to her new husband. Conspiracies were hatched by those loyal to Ottaviano which involved assassinating Giacomo and Caterina. However, she found out about it and imprisoned or executed all those involved. Immediately after that failed attempt, Antonio Maria Ordellafi organized a plot but that too failed.


With Giacomo's power and influence increasing, his ruthlessness and impertinence earned him the hatred of the people and Caterina's children. On one occasion he slapped Ottaviano in full view of the public. Sadly, no one came to defend the true Lord of Forli. The situation in Forli became unbearable after that which prompted Ottaviano's supporters to try once again to get rid of Giacomo.

The conspirators chance came on the evening of August 27, 1495. Caterina along with her daughter Bianca Riario and her ladies-in-waiting returned from a hunt  riding on a carriage. Her sons Ottaviano and Cesare along with Giacomo were following on horseback. Giacomo was suddenly attacked and was fatally wounded.  On the same day the main conspirator Gian Antonio Ghetti went to Caterina. She wasn't aware that her children were involved with the plot and was convinced that Gian Antonio ordered the death of Giacomo. When her first husband was assassinated, she acted according to the criteria of justice at that time. This time she acted with vindictive fury. She wasn't contented with the just the executions of the conspirators, she also hunted down the wives, mistresses and offspring of those involved, including infants. All were tortured and executed.

The massacre she orchestrated lost her the love and goodwill of her people.

Caterina Sforza - Il Tigre (Part 1)

"If I have to lose, although I am a woman, I want to lose in a manly way."

For my posts for the upcoming months I'm going to feature those incredible, strong women of the past. If you think the concept of Girl Power was first started by Lara Croft, the Spice Girls, Destiny's Child and all the other girl bands, think again! These women would definitely give them a run for their money.  This month I will be featuring Caterina Sforza, the Countess of Forli. 

Caterina was the bastard daughter of Galleazo Maria Sforza, the Duke of Milan and Lucrezia Landriani. As it happens, Lucrezia was a the wife of the duke's good friend Gian Piero Landriani, a courtier. Perhaps Gian Piero opted to step aside and turn a blind eye to the affair. The duke was known for his cruelty and violence, and this was what the young Caterina seemed to have inherited from him.

Even if she was a bastard, Caterina was given a noble's education. However, she found the lessons boring. She enjoyed the most rigorous activities like riding, hunting and dancing. Being a girl she was expected to advance her family's fortune and prestige by getting married to a rich and influential nobleman.

In 1473 at the age of 10 she got engaged to Girolamo Riario, Count of Imola and Forli. He was also Pope Sixtus IV's nephew. The couple married that same year but the marriage was consummated when Caterina reached the age of 14, which was the legal age at that time. She bore him six children. The marriage may not have been a love match, but Caterina and Girolamo shared a common passion...the advancement of their house.  She ruled in her husband's place while he was away to defend the papal states. She fortified defenses, recruited men for their army and oversaw everything herself.  When Pope Sixtus IV died, chaos erupted in Rome. Those who suffered from the regime of the dead pope looted and sacked the city including the couple's home, the Orsini palace in Campo de'Fiori. Caterina, seven months pregnant at that time rode on horseback to occupy the fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo on her husband's place. Disorder and chaos still pervaded in the city. Only the election of a new pope can instill order but the college of cardinals refused to enter conclave as they feared Caterina's artillery. The cardinals negotiated with Girolamo who was able to occupy a good strategic position. They reached an agreement that Girolamo will leave Rome for 8,000 ducats and the confirmation of his lordship of the lands of Imola and Forli. Caterina found out what her husband did and proceeded to make preparations to resist so the cardinals will be forced to parley. The cardinals approached Girolamo again and he opposed his wife. Caterina surrendered Castel Sant'Angelo to the Sacred  College and left Rome with her family. The cardinals were then able to elect a new pope, Pope Innocent VIII.

The new pope was a long-time opponent of the family. The new pontiff deprived Girolamo any influence in the military and refused to make payments for Girolamo to leave Rome. Upon arriving in Forli, law and order was maintained in Forli with the help of her uncle Ludovico Il Moro (an interesting figure, but I'll save him for another post :) ). Girolamo refused to reimplement taxes on his people despite his loss of income. However, he was persuaded by the Council of Elders to levy taxes. This act earned the hatred of the people of Forli as those who were affected greatly with the increase of taxes were the artisans and landowners. By this time many conspired to assassinate him.

After many failed attempts, Girolamo was killed on 14 April 1488 in a conspiracy led by members of a noble family in Forli, the Orsis. They also took Caterina and her children as prisoners. The fortress of Ravaldino refused to surrender to the Orsis, so Caterina offered to go and convince the castellan Tommaseo Feo to concede to the rule of the Orsis. Convinced that she was not going to double-cross them since she left her children as hostages,  the Orsis allowed her to leave. Of course she was bluffing. The minute she entered the fortress she released vulgar threats and promises of vengeance on her captors. According to legend, when her captors threatened to kill her children, it was said that she lifted her skirts and exposed her genitals saying "Ho con me lo stampo per farne degli altri! (I have the instrument to bear more!)." With the help of her uncle Ludovico Il Moro, she was able to rescue her children, defeat her enemies and regain her dominions. As was expected in society at that time, she avenged her husband's murder by ruthlessly torturing and executing all those involved.

 Stay tuned next week for the next post about Caterina Sforza...Il Tigre.