🎵 I keep going back to Manila 🎵

Growing up abroad, my parents would always regale us with stories of how beautiful Manila was in their heydays. Places like Escolta, Echague, Carriedo, Sta. Cruz and Avenida Rizal among others were frequently mentioned.

In the 1980s, Dad was back in the home based assignment so while we lived in Mandaluyong, I have fond memories of going to Quiapo with Mommy using public transport to hear mass at Quiapo church, have lunch and then buying hopia for pasalubong.

My adventure in Manila continued during my collegiate years as I studied in UST. It was roughly one jeepney ride and a bus ride commute from our place to Espana which turned into a raging river every time there was a downpour. Let’s not get into my wading through knee high even chest high flood waters sojourns. Too painful to remember hahaha

Recently, well about 5 years ago, sister dearest and/or hubby and I would go to Bambang in Manila to buy medical supplies at wholesale prices for Mommy’s battle with cancer. Bambang was a familiar place for Dad as he lived there for several years during his working student years.

Through the years, we have ventured into Manila to visit some of our favorite eateries like Tanabe Japanese Restaurant and Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate area and Ristorante delle Mitre in Intramuros. 

Yesterday, our main purpose was to get new pair of glasses, as well as get our eyes checked at one of the numerous optical shops in Carriedo. We have read and heard that prices are way cheaper there compared to the optical shops found at malls.

First we had lunch at our fave Japanese restaurant Tanabe where their nabe (Japanese hotpot) is one of the best I’ve tasted in my life. Highly recommended, this dining place is found in Remedios Circle, Malate.

Since the Quiapo area where Carriedo is located is a congested area, we originally planned on using Grab to reach it. Yet the skies were gloomy and it looked like it could rain, we risked it and used Waze to find us a suitable parking area near Quiapo church. Luckily, we found one on Quezon Blvd itself and merely had to take the footbridge to get to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of The Black Nazarene, we dropped by to pray for a few minutes. Fond memories embracing us as we remembered Mommy.

Carriedo is just a short distance walk from the Quiapo church and it took us about 2 hours to choose suitable frames, get our refraction and wait for some of the glasses which were ready after merely 30 minutes. Quite happy with our affordable but quality eyewear.

A nice stroll along Villalobos street to buy hopia from Master Hopia and some slices of cooked ham from Excelente Chinese cooked ham store then back to Quiapo church for more prayers to express our gratitude to the Black Nazarene for keeping us safe and always watching over us.

I was pleasantly surprised that the whole area (plaza Miranda, Carlos Palanca, Villalobos streets) was not congested and even the church itself was well ventilated and seemed ‘cleaner’ than my memory of it from past years. Traffic was also light even during rush hour as it was already past 5PM.

We capped the long ‘Maynila’ adventure day with a lovely dinner at Ristorante delle Mitre which serves delicious home cooked style meals which are cooked and managed by Augustinians nuns. This eatery is located just across the famous San Agustin Church.  A slight drizzle as we walked back to the parking area but really happy with our Manila sojourn which was so nostalgic as we reminisced about our beloved parents. =)

Shingles

 

Today marks two weeks since I got Shingles.

Friday the 13th of June, I saw these rashes on my left hand. I thought some bugs bit me or I had an allergic reaction to something I ate.

I put some calamine lotion and drank my usual antihistamine meds. Take note, the rashes were not itchy nor did they hurt. But Wednesday and Thursday my left arm felt heavy which I thought was due to the fact that I must have mishandled the 2 kgs dumbbells I used for my daily aerobics exercise.

By Sunday, the rashes/ blisters spread along my left arm all the way to my shoulder area, in patches of red marks with some scattered blisters. It was accompanied by this tingling and sometimes shooting pain all throughout my left arm.

It became unbearable so I decided to go for a consult at a local clinic. Diagnosis: Shingles which is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Or a recurrence of chickenpox in adults. Apparently, after one recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as Shingles. Most prone are people with weakened immune system, and those over the age of 50.

Well with my autoimmune condition (hyperthyroidism) I was the perfect candidate. Suffice to say, I was given anti-viral meds to take 3x a day for one week, an ointment to put on my rashes 5x a day and some pain reliever/ supplement for the pain and to increase my immune system.

Two weeks later, some of the blisters have dried up while others are still taking their sweet time LOL The pain though still persists and plenty of rest is needed as I cannot use my left hand properly.

Hopefully I will heal soon as frankly I am beyond bored as I cannot do my normal activities. 

Harry Potter the Exhibition at The Londoner Macao

Admittedly, I am not a Harry Potter fan but sister dearest is one so I willingly accompanied her to the Harry Potter the Exhibition at the Londoner in Macau last January 28, 2025. 

I don't really remember how much the admission tickets were as sister dearest paid for everything. It was a fun experience, you can listen to an audio recording with interesting tidbits from the Harry Potter books/films, it had interactive games and activities that Harry Potter fans (both kids and adults) can enjoy. It was refreshing to do some activity which would keep my mind off my heartbreak.

 Take note though, it has ended its run in Macau. 

Beitou, Taiwan (part 2)

The main highlight of this Beitou day trip (January 16, 2025) was the green sulfur hot spring in Geothermal Valley. From the Beitou Hot Spring museum keep walking straight along the Beitou stream walk way. 

There is a bit of an incline until you reach this hotel which will be at your left side. We were using Google maps on our phone to guide us because there were no signs, or maybe we missed it. You cross the road and there will be a few shops on your left. The strong scent of sulfur hits you as you look up to see faint white sulfur steam hovering over the trees.

The Thermal Valley occupies an area of about 3,500 square meters and it's a deep valley created before the eruption of a volcano. The water temperature of the hot spring is over 90 degrees Celsius.

It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Free entrance.

The hot water comes from deep inside the volcano and is acidified by the infiltration of volcanic gas and mixed with water when it pours out of the surface.

Popularly known as "Jade Sulfur Springs" due to its green color. It contains large amount of sulfate and trace amounts of a radioactive substance called Radium.

After long period of precipitation, the crystallized surface of rocks along the Beitou river bed became the only rare mineral in the world to be named after a place in Taiwan, known as Beitou Stone. Green sulfur hot springs is also present in the Tamagawa onsen in Akita, Japan.

The design of this hand washing bowl is inspired by the shape of Taiwan and its different mountain ranges.

The spring water can strengthen your immunity, heal and beautify your skin and is good for your muscles and bones.

According to legends, when the indigenous Plains Aborigines discovered Thermal Valley, they believed that the area was haunted by ghosts and demons so they prayed to the Witch to protect the area with her magical powers.

She turned the mountain mists and smoke into a protective boundary and the water into a healing spring thus endowing the Thermal Valley with her blessings.

Soak your hands into this hot spring bowl but be warned it is really hot. Quite refreshing and relaxing since it was winter time. 

We stayed for about an hour then made our way uphill to the Puji Temple. One of the well preserved Buddhist temples in Taiwan, dating back to the Japanese era.

In 1905, the Railway department employees raised funds to construct a shrine dedicated to the statue of  the Goddess of Hot Springs, Kannon or "Guanyin of Hot Springs". 

Construction of the temple was completed in January 1916 and served mainly as the place of worship of the Railway department employees in Beitou.

After World War II, the temple was renamed "Lingquan Mountain Puji Temple".

In 1998, it was listed as a historical monument. 

In 2000, it was renovated and restored after it suffered damage from the September 1999 earthquake and heavy rains.

It is open from 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M

Entrance is free but there is an uphill climb of small steps to reach this serene place of worship nestled among a forested area with a stunning overlooking view of Beitou.

Beitou, Taiwan (part 1)

The first time we visited Taiwan in July 2024, I wanted to visit Beitou. Located in northern Taipei, it is a mountainous area known for its hot springs and natural wide open spaces. 

It was literally too hot to explore so when we returned to Taiwan during the winter, I made sure it was part of our itinerary.

January 16, 2025 from our hotel in the Daan district, we took the Tamsui-Xinyi (red) MRT line to Beitou Station. 10 stops and 40 minutes later, we transferred to the 2 stop pink line train to get to the Xinbeitou station.

This train ride was about 10 minutes long, moved at a slower pace as it climbed its way up to the base of the Yangmingshan mountain. Its interior panels had earthly tones and some of the seats were wooden and set in a strange configuration. 

The ride had an eerie vibe that felt like you are being transported to some parallel universe back to a forgotten era in the distant past.

When you step out of the train, the strong scent of sulfur hits your nosetrils The odor is not pungent but it lingers until eventually you get used to the smell as you begin your exploration of this charming and quaint mountainous town. 

The Xinbeitou historic train station was built in 1916 during the Japanese colonial period. The railway was constructed to promote the rapidly developing hot springs industry in the area. It was built with wood, featuring carved eaves and unique 3+1 dormers (the circular wooden windows located on the roof).
In 1988, the Tamsui railway line was abolished due to the construction of the Taipei MRT so the station was moved to Changhua county located just south of Taichung.

After various obstacles, the Xinbeitou Station was donated back to the Taipei City Government Department of Cultural affairs. In 2017, after some renovations, the oldest train station in Taipei was re-opened to the public.

It has transformed from a transportation hub into a cultural center for the Beitou community. Its exhibits displaying images and photographs as well as documents, poems and diaries to showcase the fond memories, people have of the beloved railway station.

It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.  Entrance is free.

Blue sulfur springs contain the rare element Radium. You can soak your hands even entire arms in these hot spring hand soaking pools. Water is really hot but therapeutic

Throughout Beitou, everything is within walking distance. The Beitou stream is visible and you can actually see the steam vapor emanating from the river so imagine how hot the water must be.

When the Japanese occupied northern Taiwan, they discovered hot springs and geothermal resources so people began to enjoy open air hot baths in the Hokuto stream (Beitou Stream) which originates from the hot springs of the geothermal valley.

"Taki" is a Japanese term for a waterfall descending along a multilevel riverbed. There are 5 taki in the Beitou Stream.

Numerous hot spring hotels abound on both sides of the main street. You can take your pick for staycation or spend several days just soaking in the natural and therapeutic hot springs.

Most of them offer packages that include accommodation with or without breakfast + hot spring/spa treatment with different rates.

Ketagalan culture center. Ketagalan are the  Taiwanese aboriginal people who originated from the Taiwan basin and now live in northern Taiwan

Beitou public library is Taiwan's first green library. Built of wood and steel, it has solar panels on its roof, eco friendly wooden balcony railings and its sloping roof drainage
system collects rainwater to water the plants and flush the toilets.

The Beitou Hot Spring Musuem is over 2,300 sqm and has two floors. To preserve this valuable cultural monument, you have to change your shoes into indoor slippers which are provided in the entrance. 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 P.M. 

Entrance fee: NTD 120 and 50 NTD for seniors and students.

It is now designated as a city monument so it does not provide bathing services. 

Formerly known as Beitou Public Bathhouse (Hokuto Public Bathhouse), it was the largest public bath in East Asia at that time.

The first floor consisted of the bathing area while a resting area occupied the second floor. 

Usually after bathing and changing clothes, the visitors would proceed to the second floor's tatami lobby to rest, have tea or a  meal, play chess or walk to the balcony for a scenic view of the Beitou Stream.

The Beitou Stream is home to the rare mineral Hokutolite which is formed as the green sulfur hot springs from Hell Valley and the waterfalls or "taki" descend into the thermal valley - the main source of the Beitou Sream.

It takes about 120 years for a single centimeter of Hokulite to crystallize so it is fairly rare.

A piece of Hokulite weighing 800 kgs is the most precious collection in the Beitou Hot Springs Museum.

 

Among more than 4,000 minerals in the world, the only toponym named after a Taiwanese place is Hokutolite and is considered a Beitou Stream treasure because it takes a long time to form and is endowed with special properties.