Dear Mayor Domogan

Isa lang ako sa residente ng Baguio, at kung walang internet wala akong pag asa na tanungin ang mga bagay na ito sa iyo.

Natatandaan ko noon sabi ng Lolo ko, mabuti ka daw na tao. Simple ka  lang at kadalasan naglalakad ka lang nung nakikita ka niya noon sa minahan kung saan siya nagtratrabaho.

Noong 12 years old ako, nakwento ng mga matatanda na napaka mapagkumbaba mo daw na tao. Madami ka daw tinulungan maging scholar at napabuti daw ang Baguio dahil sa iyo.

Hindi ko nakalimutan ang mga kwentong ito...26 years old na ako ngayon at ikaw pa din ang Mayor ng Baguio.

Gusto ko lang sana tanungin sa yo, kung nakikita mo pa kung gaano kaganda ang mga Pine trees sa Baguio.

Balita ko mas madalas ka na daw ata mag golf sa John Hay ngayon.. di ko alam kung nabalitaan mo na ba na balak pala nilang mamutol ng 1,000 na puno doon para magtayo ng Marriott Hotel..

Di ko alam kung nararamdaman mo ba yung takot na nararamdaman ko habang iniisip...na mababawasan nanaman ang mga Pine trees na pwede kong tingnan at dalawin tuwing hapon.

Pero siguro, ibang iba ka na ngayon, palagay ko hindi ka na yung taong kwinikwento ng lolo ko.

Mayaman ka na ngayon, malaki na ang bahay ninyo, madami ka ng mga kaibigan na milyon milyon ang pera, madami ng nagbibigay ng galang sa iyo.

 Sabi sa akin noon ng classmate ko nung college, napasok daw niya ang bahay ninyo...ang gaganda at ang tataas daw ng kurtina ninyo.. ewan ko ba bakit naaalala ko yung detalye na yung hangang ngayon ...

Ang mga anak mo nakikita ko na lang sa Facebook nag babakasyon sa America, kumakain sa mga mamahaling restaurant, nag susuot ng mga damit at sumasakay sa sasakyan na iilan lang ang taong kaya bumili.

Pero hindi yan ang gusto kong tanungin sayo...gusto ko lang malaman kung naglalakad ka pa sa sa Botanical Garden, nakikita mo pa ba ang Burnham Park?nag pipicnic pa ba kayo sa Rose Garden? naglalaro pa ba ang mga apo mo sa Children's Park? 

Napapansin mo pa ba yung  mga players sa Melvin Jones tuwing hapon? Nadadaanan mo ba yung mga nag wawag-wag ng damit sa Harrison tuwing gabi. Kumakain ka ba sa Good Taste, alam mo pa ba ang lasa ng Siopao sa Luisa's.

Halos araw araw akong naglalakad sa Baguio, pero minsan lang kitang nakita na nakapila sa Chia's para kumain...hindi ko alam kung paano ang buhay mo ngayon.

Pero gusto ko lang tanungin kung alam mo pa ang pakiramdam ng isang residente ng Baguio.

Noong nabalitaan namin magkakaibigan na mag puputol ang SM ng 182 na puno, naalala ko pinuntahan ka ng mga kaibigan ko para tanungin kung mabibigyan mo ba kami ng tulong..

Sabi mo hindi, at bahala na kami na harapin kung ano man ang mangyayari.

 Naalala ko pumunta kami doon para humingi ng protection bilang residente ng Baguio, pumunta sila doon dahil sa puso nila--akala nila mararamdaman mo --ang poot na naramdaman nila habang pinuputol ng walang pakundangan ang mga puno...



Ako nakita ko, tumindig ang balahibo ko habang pinapanuod na hinuhugot nila ang mga puno isa-isa...at hindi ko napigilang umiyak ng mapanuod kong umiyak ang mga taga Baguio... ang mga matatandang lalake...hanggang ngayon naaalala ko pa ang message sa Chatbox ko sa FB galing sa madaming tao, nagtatanong kamusta na ba ang mga puno ng Baguio?

HIndi ko alam kung nababalitaan mo...gustong gusto ko na gumawa pa ng madaming project para lang mapigilan ang pagputol sa mga punong ito...di lang ng SM pati na din ng ibang corporation dito...Gustong gusto ko sana  magtanim pa ng madaming puno...

Pero minimum wage lang ang sweldo ko, wala akong sariling bahay, halos di ko mabayaran ang mga kailangan kong bayaran...araw-araw dinaramdam ko na napaka limitado ng pwede kong magawa.

Iniisip ko baka sakali kung mabasa mo ito...may mabuhay sa kalooban mo...palagya ko hindi ka naman nag simula na may ganitong paniniwala...merong isang simpleng Mauricio Domogan noon na totoong ipinagmamalaki ng mga tiga-Baguio. 

Nakikita na lang kita ngayon gumagawa ng speech sa loob ng City Council o sa interview mo sa TV.

Pero hindi ko alam kung alam mo pa ang pakiramdam ng isang taong normal lang ang buhay sa Baguio, hindi ko alam kung nakikita at nadadanas mo pa kung ano ang nadadanas namin.

Alam ko parati mong sinasabi na magtulungan tayo, na wag lamang isisi sa gobyerno ang nangyayari sa Baguio..Sinasang ayunan kita sa bagay na yan.

Lahat ng nangyayari ngayon sa Baguio ay naging gawain at kasalanan din nating lahat.  

Ginawa ko itong sulat na ito para intindihin ka, ang mga pagbabago na nangyayari sayo...ginawa ko ito para tanungin ka kung alam mo pa ba ang nangyayari sa tunay na Baguio.

Pero paano? paano ba kita mararating? Paano ba tayo mag tutulungan? Paano ba kita ma aabot? Paano ba namin masasabi saiyo, paano ba kita matutulungan bilang residente ng Baguio....paano mo ba kami mapapakinggan, paano ba tayo magkakarun ng paraan para magtulungan para baguhin kung ano man ang nangyayari sa bahay nating ito? 

Sa mundo namin na walang malaking bahay at mamahaling sasakyan, sa mundo namin na walang mahal na membership sa Country Club...

Sa mundo naming naglalakad, nag tataxi at nag je jeep lamang..

Marumi na ang hangin ng Baguio... sa amin na simpleng residente lang- hirap na hirap na kami nag papadeliver ng tubig lingo lingo dahil wala ng madaming pagkukuhanan ng tubig, halos lahat pinayagan na ng City planning na mag tayo ng naglalakihang condominium,  tuloy tuloy na lang ang kahit na sino na magputol ng Pine trees.

HIndi ko alam kung nararamdaman mo ang mga bagay na ito, pero ito ang nararanasan ng isang tiga-Baguio.

Hindi ko alam, kung ano ang naiisip mo tuwing progreso at ekonomiya ang pinag uusapan.

Siguro palagay ko sa isip  mo makakatulong na mas maraming shopping mall sa Baguio, palagay ko sa mga mata mo ginagawan mo ng pabor ang mga tao sa pag gawa ng madaming parking lot. 

Siguro mas progreso iyon para sa iyo..para sa iyong mas lumaki sa Minahan...

Napaka swerte mo noon...napaka ganda ng Baguio noong ikaw pa ang nag-aaral, pero paano kaming mga estudyante ngayon?

Gusto din sana namin ayusin ang proseso ng pag babasura, pero kahit kami litong lito kung saan ilalagay ang mga basurang ito...

HIndi ko alam kung nakaka usap mo pa yung mga taga- palengke para tanungin kung kamusta ang kita, hindi ko alam kung nakikita mo pa ang mga nagtitinda sa Maharlika arts and Crafts para malaman kung ano talaga ang kalagayan ng negosyo nila...

Dahil palagay ko madalas ang mga kaibigan at taong nakikilala mo ay hindi na mga taong gaya namin. Ang mga taong nakikilala mo  kayang kayang umalis ng Baguio sa oras na masira na ang lugar na ito.. Ang mga barkada mo at mundong ginagalawan ay ibang iba na..

Isa lang ako sa simpleng taong natutuwa na malakad ko lang ang Burnham Park, isa lang ako sa mga tao na masaya na makita ang Botanical Garden.

Simple lang ang kaya namin, hindi lahat ng tao sa Baguio kaya ang pinapangarap mong klase ng ekonomiya, hindi lahat gusto ang shopping mall, hindi lahat gusto ang parking lot.

Hindi ko alam kung naiisip mo, kaming mga walang sasakyan...kaming mga tao na gusto lang mapanatili na maganda ang Baguio.

Noon naman wala tayo ng sinasabi ninyong Economy friendly projects- noon naman wala tayong malaking shopping mall, noon naman wala tayong mga condominium...pero alam ko na tayo ang isa sa pinaka magandang tourist spot noon..

Noon naman kuntento tayo sa natural na itsura ng Baguio...hindi ko alam bakit naisip nating baguhin at tinawag pa nating progreso..

Mukhang bang mas progresibo ang Baguio City ngayon?

Minahal ng madaming tao ang Baguio dahil tahimik dito noon, walang masyadong pollution o sasakyan.

 Dumadating ang tao noon dahil malamig, gusto ng tao makakita ng pine trees, gusto niya masubukan na mag bonfire, gusto niya makapag hiking sa JohnHay, gusto niya maka pag picnic sa Burnham...meron tayong naiibang identity noon--meron tayong originality, meron tayong mga Pine trees na wala kahit saan ka lupalop ng Pinas magpunta...kaya nga tinawag tayong City of Pines.

Ginagawa ko din ang kaya ko, gaya ng magtanim ng puno kaso hindi ako gaya mo na madaming pera na pwede pag tuunan araw-araw ang serbisyo. Isa lang ako sa mga umaasa na sana proprotektahan mo ang mga taong gaya namin.

Mga taong mahal ang Baguio pero simple lang ang hiling. Hindi malalaking building ang kailangan ng lugar na ito, hindi madaming parking lot- mas kailangan ng mga residente ng Baguio ng mga proyekto na pwede silang makahinga ng mas malinis na hangin. Mas kailangan ng mga nakatira dito ng konkretong solusyon para buhayin ang namamatay ng kapaligiran ng Baguio...

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang plano mo sa Baguio, o kung nararamdaman mo pa ang pangangailangan ng mga tao...hindi ko alam kung naglalakad ka pa sa Session road para obserbahan ang totoong nangyayari dito.

Gusto kitang imbitahan, na maglakad muli at makisalamuha sa mga tao--gusto kitang imbitahan kasama ng mga City Councilors para alamin kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng maging tunay na residente ng Baguio, gusto kitang imbitahan na lakarin muli ang Baguio at alamin kung ano ang tunay na nangyayari dito..

Gusto kitang imbitahan na diskubrehin uli ang Baguio, gusto kitang tawagin para maglakad muli sa mga kalsada at mga trails ng siyudad na ito, gusto kong makita mo ang Mines View, gusto kong mabisita mo uli ang lugar na pinamumunuan mo..
Gusto kitang imbitahan na mahalin uli  Baguio. 

Nag babaka sakali ako na maintindihan mo kami tuwing sinasabi naming tama na ang pagpuputol ng mga puno. 

For those who stood up for the trees and continue to do so...

I remember sitting down at a Cafe with some of my Baguio artist friends when suddenly a big news was relayed to us.

SM City Baguio is planning to do an expansion that will require the cutting of 182 century old trees in Luneta Hill near Governor Pack road.

They first heard this through an active environmentalist group A Tree A day and an invitation to help save the trees was created by Michael Bengwayan on Facebook.


Almost all of the pine trees in the city are being cut--to give way to Parking lots  and concrete structures and while we cannot prevent people from building their homes and setting up their businesses- the question of what will the future of Baguio be like started to bother me...

The role of Baguio artists was really crucial in helping me understand what is going on in the city.

 It was them who opened my eyes and made me realize that the way we are living right now could not possibly sustain us in the future. But there had been also a number of people who just made me realize this is something that truly concerns us all.

Like many others I felt overwhelmed with the news, and started reviewing the implications of the expansion, the cutting down of the trees and the potential problems this expansion will create.

This is just my story...and thousands of residents here in Baguio City have their own story to share--In fact, if given a chance in the future I would like to tell the story of a number of people here in Baguio who have dedicated their time to make sure that Baguio will still have trees in the future.

 Many have participated and contributed in their own little ways and while the battle is not yet finished--we have seen the power of social  media, we have seen how concern for the city of Baguio can go a long long way.


And we have seen that even in just a short period of time...we were able to get united.

 The people who would normally ignore each other on the streets--felt the need to meet each other over coffee--because they all wanted to know how they could help Baguio

One anonymous member who called himself William Kim  died this week, and while the rest of Baguio don't know who he really is, many who are active in the social media circle have heard of his name and have observed of how relentless he is in providing social media campaigns for environmental awareness and consciousness in Baguio.

He was one of those who started the campaign of Going Local or supporting the Local Baguio industry, he suggested that instead of supporting just one giant mall, why don't we Rediscover Baguio again- This made a big impact on a lot of people whether he knew them or not and I am one of those who started to Rediscover Baguio again.



While , we are definitely aware that SM City Baguio is not the only one who is planning to cut trees, this will also include JohnHay and Moldex Residences as well as other local companies- we still insisted on using the energy that was created from this group in order to spearhead activities that are related to the environment.

A year has already passed, and while you will no longer see Baguio residents openly protesting the cutting of the trees- a new lifestyle has emerged, thanks to people like William Kim.

Many of those who protested, have opted to change their lifestyle, many like me have chosen to go local.

To support local products and to join as many tree planting projects- and not just that we were able to get in touch with Baguio artists--in many ways the community was strengthened--and while most critics of the group did not see this...those who have felt it--understand what I mean.

Other places in the Philippines started to get concerned, even people from Pangasinan now understand why it was horrifying to see the trees being cut  just to give way for road widening projects..and while yes, we were not able to prevent the cutting--we have to understand that something is being ignited inside our minds that did not exist before..

We are slowly gaining the idea that trees are valuable, that trees have life- that Nature should be respected--we are slowly regaining our ability to listen to the voice of nature. 

His real name is Edmund Cosalan, I never really saw him in person but he often contacted me in order to provide tips and guidance on how to help people Rediscover Baguio again.

Like many others who love Baguio he was open to providing ways on how we can make our community stronger.

Despite being anonymous, he found ways to support the group.

 I remember  once that he sent a friend to provide us pen and paper so that we could collect enough signatures with regards to the cause of the trees

. He was the one who connected me with other concerned Baguio residents, we were able to create several environmental campaigns because of this connection.

People like him made me realize that there are still those who care for Baguio, despite the fact that a lot of environmental issues have been raised like the air quality of Baguio-- My hopes are still  high.

In fact, because of the protest for the 182 trees I have come to realize that Baguio residents are still genuinely concerned and will do what they can- if they are just given a chance.

The more than 100,000+ signatures we have collected in Baguio alone, the tenacity of the people, the need of the people to join is something positive.

And while we are not yet able to understand why it happened and why the universe connected most of us--it does not mean that the purpose is lost.

I saw the passion of several artists groups who did their own performances and info campaigns just so the people of Baguio can get informed.

This people have not been paid, they willingly volunteered their time--because they all felt something must be done.

I saw how the young and the old were able to connect--I saw something wonderful- something powerful..something crucial and could be used to change the problems of Baguio City.

 Although many of them have been accused, I know with all my heart that this people did all that they could because they really felt the need to do so and I know that each of them who have given their time and heart to do this...have learned a valuable lesson that only they can interpret.

Because of this protest, a lot of people were encouraged to plant trees in various areas including Badiwan, Tuba, Asin Forest Park and other adopted areas in La Trinidad and not only that..groups who have ignored each other before like the LGBT community and the Catholic Church were able to unite for one cause--the ENVIRONMENT.

To me this was something crucial, something important, something valuable. Something amazing happened here and we must not forget it.

There are still various groups who are continuously working on environmental projects like the Badiwan Saturday habit.

 Members of active Facebook groups like the S.M.I.L.E movement continue to plant trees, other groups in La Trinidad that have been headed by Dean Cuanso were also able to create environmental projects including one group that is headed by Michael Stalley.

In fact, most of this active Facebook groups like A Tree  a Day continue to create projects.

Each and everyone in the city of Baguio who have felt in their heart to do something--will always come out again if needed. I know that if one day corporations will threaten to cut the remaining trees again people will do something about it.

Residents of Baguio and concerned neighbors still want to do something, and they  continue to prove that time and time again there is something that we will be able to accomplish if we really want it.

After the protest for the 182 trees I have seen a lot of Facebook groups emerge like Save the Needy Now. While this Facebook groups have their own different vision and mission- most of the people who started this met each other because of the call out for the trees.

Save 182 has no official members- it is a movement, If you love the trees and you love Baguio  and you feel that trees should not be cut then you are instantly a part of it.

It was never registered, and  while there are some who are vocal like me...it does not mean that this movement has limited support. In fact, I can vouch that a lot of people follow this movement by heart.

..Save 182 is a symbolic stand that Baguio residents made--and while some will directly connect with the issue of SM--I was able to see the larger picture.

This is not about hatred for one corporation--it is so much more than just the fight for what SM stands for in the Philippines...it is just one step towards understanding what is happening in the entire world.

I saw thousands of Baguio residents hoping for change and not just hoping but working to achieve this..the ideas live on and I know that anytime Baguio will be threatened again...the same people will rise up...People like William Kim ( Edmund Cosalan).

People who will always love Baguio no matter what.

We might not see them directly working, they might not always be present in newspapers, you never see them in the news- but it does not mean that they are not there. It does not mean that the movement has stopped..it does not mean that this people are no longer willing to do something...

It has just taken another direction--an evolved direction...an evolved consciousness that is still waiting to happen.

A Brewing idea that will change not just Baguio but everyone who will care to understand what it means.

Broadway Musical in Baguio City: Jesus Christ Superstar

Only a few of us are given the privilege to watch high caliber theater stage productions in New York and London.
Most of us can just dream to experience the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber-- I am one of those who are not presented with that opportunity.
But it has always been a dream of  mine to walk inside Broadway and see the Phantom of the Opera performed live.
It has always been my dream to see them perform live- but I have to be honest- I am not able to afford a trip to New York, not able to afford tickets even if they visit the Philippines because usually you would have to spend Php7,000 or more just to get a ticket, have a place to stay in while waiting--and that is already the cost of my monthly rent.

And so after hearing that the group Open Space composed of  Karlo Altomonte, Emerald Ventura,  Ethan Ventura, Eunice Caburao, Ryle Danganan and other members have decided to present excerpts of famous Broadway shows like " Evita", Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera--I made it a point to spread out the world in my social media profile and found time to watch them perform live in CAP John Hay.

I have heard that a Broadway trained artist was going to join them, Ms. Lissa Romero De Guia and I know that this is once a in a lifetime chance to experience--what fortunate New Yorkers experience every day.

The Cast:
Ian Paolo Acosta
Eunice Caburao
Jeff Coronado
Ryle Danganan
Adrian Esplana
Gemma Gonzalez
Emerald Ventura
Josef Ventura
Lissa Romero De-Guia

Famous Broadways shows they paid tribute to:

Phantom of the Opera
Evita
Cats
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat
Sunset Boulevard
Aspects of Love
Tell me on a Sunday

The Review:

I am no expert when it comes to discerning if a certain production stage is superior in quality, but this review will be a product of an honest observation of the musical production.
I love supporting these kinds of endeavor because I truly appreciate people who are giving their best in upgrading the level of artistry in the Philippines.

While, yes- in an honest review I felt that the production stage lacked a lot of elements like stage design- I have to give it to them for performing with their heart.

You can feel it- the passion in every performance- while they lacked the facilities and the budget- they were able to get the attention of the audience.

I especially love the performance of Jeff Coronado, the way he performed the last songs in Jesus Christ Superstar was truly amazing-- he was like a rockstar and you can feel the presence in the stage.

The performance of Lissa Romera De Guia was also notably high class. You  can be sure that she is well trained- with her proper command of the stage and timing. Baguio is blessed to have someone like her grace our stage.

We need to support endeavors like this, the efforts of Karlo Altomonte and his collaboration with Ethan Ventura for the musical production is commendable.

The City Government of Baguio should notice shows like these--how I wish universities would allow them to have shows for every semester-- some of the singers like Jeff Coronado and Ian Paolo Acosta came from the SLU-CCA glee club-- you can see the raw talent-- if only they are given the chance they deserve.

A lot of teenagers do not understand the value of these kinds of shows in Baguio--I just felt really blessed that I was able to experience it...for P250 pesos ( a friend bought the ticket for me ^__^) I got this wonderful experience for free.

The performances of the women like Eu Caburao and Emerald Ventura was also commendable-- the quality of their voices--- is simply astounding.

Verdict:

While there is so much they can improve on, like the design of the stage, and the quality of the speakers-- I have to give them a positive score for impressing the crowd.
I would have loved it more if they included other colors or pictures in the stage so that the audience will go into a trance like state--

They could add a bit more movement in the stage--a full use of the stage I should say- but for the first of its kind this musical show was surely one of the best performed in Northern Luzon.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152750858784606&set=vb.523809605&type=2&theater


Some of the songs that were performed made me cry... you can feel the passion in their voices. I hope they will bring this to a smaller stage so that the people can really feel the intensity--they could also shorten it for just 45 minutes with intense performances to leave the audience in awe.

But all in all..it was truly a treasure to watch them.

We should be thankful that these artists are giving their time to provide Baguio and opportunity to see and feel high caliber shows.

I know some councilors watched the show--and it is with fervent hope that they understood the need for shows like this to continue.

Thank you for University of Baguio and for the other sponsors of this wonderful experience. I am hoping they will have more shows in the future.

We need them here in the Philippines.

If you have the time please catch more shows created by this group. Stay updated https://www.facebook.com/KarloMarkoAltomonte

or you can also visit https://www.facebook.com/BaguioCommunityEvents for the latest updates on artistic events here in the city of Baguio.

Sage Restaurant: Baguio City

Sage Restaurant opened in 2013 and has gained a good reputation in Baguio City.

After hearing it from friends, my sister and I had to try the place out- here is a verdict of our experience of Sage Restaurant.

Owner: Arlene Alcantary Sy
Location: 95 Military Cut-off, Baguio City
Tel No. 442-2954/09175944205



Ambiance & Concept Design

Sage gets an A++ grade when it comes to the ambiance, it was a really cool place to be. It reminded me of a cute restaurant in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

The design is Victorian style inspired, it was feminine and fresh. The colors had been carefully chosen- they obviously took the time.to decorate the place.

In fact it is the cutest restaurant in town- I have been too a lot of restaurants in the city and so far this is the most feminine and most charming so far.

The Staff:

In all honesty, I love the staff service of Sage... they were more than willing to accommodate our needs and I love it that they smile.

Perhaps it is the mood of the place, or their training I am not really sure but they were more than willing to assist us.

We asked so many questions about the owner, about the comfort room, when did Sage start, what food they will recommend, can they take our photos, can they take the photos of the restaurant and they obliged.

Sure, this is something that a normal staff would do, but I will use the word Good Vibes-- the current staff had this.

( April 2014) Of course, I don't know how the next staff would be- but on April of 2014 we had the best staff service.

The Food:

We ordered beef salpicao, pasta with garlic bread. I got the stuffed chicken with  corn and then we tried the Kani Salad and ordered the Chocolate Cheesecake.

 For our drinks we ordered San Mig Light ( thank goodness there's beer) 

Then we got the candy inspired iced drinks tapos Avocado shake.

To be honest, this is where Sage failed, the  most important thing in a restaurant is the food. While I 100% applaud the presentation--the taste not so much.

I believe we expected too much considering the meals are priced at P100 and above. The food was well presented, it looks clean and well polished and it arrived on time.

While we enjoyed the beef salpicao, we cannot say the same for the pasta. It tasted generic, the stuffed chicken tasted like embotido and not chicken and the Kani salad--was overpowered by the Mayonnaise.

The Kani Salad of Hodori Restaurant is  still the best for me...the food serving was also very small, this place is not for people who are extremely hungry.

The avocado juice tasted bland, and the other drinks that we ordered--well--they lacked taste.

Fortunately, the chocolate cheesecake saved the day- it tasted heavenly, if it were not for the cake I would have deemed the food tasting experience a failure.

I would suggest that the owner get a more experienced cook--  I mean the plating was really beautiful and artistic but clients will go back to a certain restaurant because of the taste of the food.

I believe they could also increase the amount of serving--- it will increase their chances of getting loyal customers.

What I like about them:

The comfort room was really clean, this is an important part of any restaurant. In order to win the trust of clients your comfort room has to be really really clean.

We loved the fact that Sage staff took the time to sing a Happy birthday song to my 11 month old nephew, we love that they took the time to give him a birthday song on the background. You just don't get this treatment with other restaurants.

I would recommend Sage to clients who want to experience-- a new ambiance and for dating couples but it is not really suited for clients who are really searching for a meal that will hit the spot.

A review is a review.

I will give Sage the rating of B-.

For further information about Sage:

Go to:

https://www.facebook.com/sagebaguio

If you like me to give an honest feedback review for your restaurant, please feel free to leave a message on the comment section and I will schedule one for you.

Alternative Schools: The Entire World is a School

When I was in College I was fond of joining protests against Tuition Fee increase, don't get me wrong I know the value of protesting for your rights a student and there are certain policies that have been created successfully because of the help of tuition fee protests.


While I value the courage of people to talk and protest, with the kind of world that we have--we need to much more than shouting in the streets.

It has come to a point where peaceful people power protests are no longer effective. This is  the age of " creativity" and also the age of people having less attention span.



And because of that there is a need to recapture the attention of the world--not by revolution using the old way.
The old way is shouting and cursing in the streets- the old way is involves hate and curses for the government and politicians, the old ways is going up the mountains to shun away other people in the community...the old way is picking a weapon and using it to end a life.

This has been done before in history, countless of times. And while some revolutions have created certain positive effects--this method has remained ineffective in solving our current problems--we are still ruled by capitalists, and even those who protest against it are still under the rule of the government and corporations--even those who protest Capitalism use mobile phones and purchase products of corporations they claim to hate.


After College, it is safe to say that I have been able to see other forms of learning that universities or a diploma or Masteral degree will not be able to provide.
Sure,  there are ideas that we can get inside the school- sure--there are researches that we could use for our daily life--I am not removing the fact that current learning methods are also effective and has contributed in the way people think and live.

But I am also claiming that a University degree or Master Degree is not everything. After 5 years of being away from any Institution or school--I have come to learn more---using alternative schools and by meeting teachers from different walks of life.

After graduating I began to see that there are so many teachers, in fact...everything in the surrounding is truly a teacher if you observe carefully.
In fact I would be bold as to say--perhaps I have learned more about life if I did not spend that much time in school---just by merely walking in the streets you can gain perspective about hundreds of things that are not even presented to you in school.

One of life teachers that I have met are Community Artists...not those who are just focused on painting something that is subjective to them and putting them in art galleries. I am focusing on people who have lived a totally different life.

People who despite not having any degree--are able to appreciate their life daily--people who are able to create masterpiece out of trash, people who are able to calm their minds and solve their problems without the use of medications, psychology or any other existing solution that media provides.

People have forgotten how to interact well with their surroundings, while we have countless research about plants and animals--while we have scientific names for them--we are unable to truly connect with them.
You don't understand a  plant by merely discussing its scientific name--you begin to understand plants by learning how they should be planted, you get to know plants by using them when you cook, when you make something out of it--you don't understand an animal by discussing its bodily components--you get to know them once you learn how to value the life they have sacrificed in order that a human body could be nourished.

You don't understand a mountain by mainly looking at it inside a book...you have to conquer it, to touch what the substances that are within that mountain.

You don't understand human beings just by looking at their doctorate titles,  you begin to understand them when you hear how they discuss what they have always wanted to be--if they had the freedom to choose.

Learning how to play the guitar is not just about training inside your room and memorizing...you truly learn how to play the guitar once you start sharing the music with other people.

The world is an eternal classroom--let us not waste focusing on the hate, of what went wrong, of what cannot be done, let us not focus on whom we can blame--but on what we can do, what we can contribute, what we can change, what we can start--what we can create.

3 reasons that will make your Panagbenga Festival visit worthwhile

Thousands of Filipinos go to Baguio just to experience the Panagbenga Festival, but only a few people really understand the essence of the event.
In the recent years, the Panagbenga Festival has been so commercialized, it seems that the theme " Nature" and " Sustainability" is not met.
The Flower Parade instead of showcasing real creativity-- is filled with 90% advertising, only 10% of the remaining original theme and Igorot culture remains in the festivities.

Instead of experiencing the beauty of the Pine trees or having the chance to see the fantastic flowers and vegetable produce of Baguio and La Trinidad, most tourists are stuck in traffic.

There is hardly any beauty to be found in the yearly Market Encounter found in Burnham Park, the stalls are just filled with common "tiangge" or Made in China products, while the Session in Blooms regardless to say lacks character and originality-- common Fast food chains and restaurants take over the place-- its as if the stalls in SM City Baguio just went down- to offer the same thing that people all over the Philippines have already tried.

While this is a depressing thought, not everything should be depressing about a tourist visit to Baguio, after all the City of Baguio still has some of the best artists the world has seen.

Here are 3 ways to make your Panagbenga Festival visit worthwhile:

1. A chance to meet and see the works of Baguio artists


Needless to say, without the Baguio art community-- Baguio would be nothing.  Only the Baguio artists who continue to inspire creative works in the city remain as the only thing that will make a Baguio resident proud of their culture.
 Surprisingly, the city has yet to honor the efforts of various Baguio artists that continue to uphold the dignity of the city.


Vocas Artists and newly founded artist groups are the stronghold of the Baguio Community. Why?
Because without their creative thinking--there is hardly anything you would want to tour in the City that was once called the City of Pines..

In order to appreciate Baguio artists-- you need to visit some of the best artworks that they have created with combined efforts all over the city.

Not every artist in Baguio is mentioned in newspapers or documentaries, not everyone has been given the chance to get their names known like Ben Cab or Kidlat Tahimik-- but it does not mean that their work is not valuable, or that their work does not inspire countless of visitors in Baguio every year.

Where to go: Ben Cab Museum, Illy Likha art resto cafe ( Assumption Road),  Anito Bar& Cafe ( Mines View Park,  Tam-Awan arts village.

When we talk about Baguio artists, we are also talking about poetry slam artists-- fortunate guests who arrive in the right time would be able to hear some of the best poetry slam artists in Baguio perform their award winning poems in Mt. Cloud Bookshop.



Mt. Cloud Book shop is located at Casa, Vallejo a century old hotel in Baguio City.

When we say art, we also consider the efforts of theater performance artists such as Rey Angelo Aurelio and Dumay Solinggay who collaborate with Japanese artists and artists from all over the world--to produce one of a kind stage plays not only in Baguio but the entire Philippines.

People who want to see them perform live, could try their luck by hanging out in usual places where artists hang out like Assumption  Road, La Azotea, Anito Bar Cafe , Mt. Cloud bookshop, SLU CCA and U.P Baguio.

2. Baguio Musicians


Ever heard of Power Puff Corn? The Edralins?  the band Session road? well there is certainly more of this amazing talents in Baguio.

Although this people are not usually featured in TV shows like Darryl Shy or the Metamorphosis dancing group, you can be sure that lots of them still exist in the city of Baguio.

 Baguio is complete with every musician you can imagine, this is the home of theater performer, singer and composer Karlo Altomonte and the group Open Space.


This is also the home of John Gaerlan, a classical music artist who is also teaching music lessons at the University of Baguio.

Open Space is just one of the best theater and singer performers that can be found in Baguio-- they are composed of some of the best singers the country has seen.

If you feel like being entertained by classy and sophisticated voices-- go to  the Forest House and catch Ethan Andrew Ventura and wife  doing a memorable performance.

Some of the best musical groups still perform in some of the best bars and restaurants in Baguio. If you want to hear them sing, try your luck at Casa, Vallejo ( Hill Station) Ki'Kan bar ( former Ayuyang Bar at Gov. Pack road)

Ki'kan bar features some of the best folk singers in town, if you feel like hearing some of the best bands in Baguio try Ki'kan-- you won't be disappointed. If you just want laid back romantic music, you can try Duyan Bar owned by Brix Tan.



The Baguio music scene is still alive, and there are still noteworthy bands that people can check out.

Did I forget to mention this is also the home of the brilliant University of the Cordilleras Chorale and Orchestra?

During the Panagbenga Festival, Baguio musicians often come together at an event called " Baguio Music Festival", it is a free public event that is usually set on John Hay grounds near Techno Hub.

Have a picnic with the family while listening to brilliant artists..

3. Baguio Environmentalist Groups

Despite the deteriorating natural beauty of Baguio, some dedicated groups in Baguio are working hard to restore the former glory of Baguio.



There  are certain groups that are set on creating Eco-Forest parks that will benefit the people of Baguio in the long run.

This groups are highly active and continue to encourage residents and people outside Baguio to plant trees and more.

Some of the more prominent figures will include Michael Bengwayan and his FB group a Tree a Day, there is also another active community group by Sonn Fernandez called Save the needy Now.

 People who want to involve themselves in creative and environmental projects can add them up on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Atreeaday/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/463627880409008/

 If you feel like planting, or visiting private forest parks in Asin and Badiwan Habitat in order to help out and feel nature for a moment while in Baguio then this are the key people to contact.

Another forest park is being created called the Badiwan Habitat, it is still in the works. In the future it will be useful for so many people not only in Baguio.

Fruit bearing trees and amazing artworks are set to be created in Asin and places near Baguio. People visiting in Baguio could one day plant trees and place their names on it. One day sooner than expected people could actually dedicate trees for dead loved ones.

Groups such as this are getting more and more creative when it comes to making sure that the trees of Baguio will remain standing.

Remember the group that protested SM City Baguio for planning to cut 182 trees? well the members have been spread out all over the country to help spread out what they have learned about real environmental advocacy.

What to check: Asin Forest Park
Badiwan Habitat

https://www.facebook.com/groups/495279257193181/

https://www.facebook.com/libinganpark?ref=profileit.

Baguio City is so much more than just the Panagbenga Festival. Get to know the real community.

Just Do It!

As the facts slowly emerge, what the public has learned is that the bus was full of adventurous people in the prime of their lives. Among those who died were artistic souls who sought to connect their art with the real world. As young as they were, they had lived their dream. (A bus full of dreamers- GMA network)

The death of comedian actor " Tado" Jimenez along with 13 other creative souls while riding a bus for the purpose of a nature trip got me thinking.

Everyone seemed to think this was a tragic thing to happen, but death is everywhere- it can happen anytime, even the actor Tado was quoted saying pag oras mo na oras mo na kahit nasaan ka.

Tado was one rare Filipino celebrity, he is involved with a lot of advocacy especially environmental projects and the latest was with Dakila, a group he founded along with artist friends.

Ironically this was also the project that would claim his life.

I am not saddened because like I have said death is everywhere, it can happen while you are peacefully sleeping in your room.

In fact, I felt it was a poetic thing...to die while going on a nature trip with people who have creative souls...
To die while in a state of peace and rush at the same time...

In the past, my life was just a routine... I go to the office as a call center agent and work from Mondays to Saturdays.

The only recreation I have is trips in the bar, late night drinking sprees or going to the mall after my shift and drinking expensive coffee-expensive coffee that tastes just like any other cheap coffee.i

I get  my monthly salary just like every worker in the world, but the sad part is that I feel no gratification in buying clothes, gadgets or appliances--this was not the life I have envisioned--no gadget can make me happy for a long time--brand new shoes are just impressive for several minutes--after purchasing them the rush suddenly goes away.

In fact, I barely had anytime to live at all; I don't even notice how beautiful the sunrise or the sunset is because I am always tired. I don't have the time to talk to friends, did not have the time to play with pets, did not have the time to smell the flowers in the parks and gardens in the city...

While I did have good friends and good experiences while working at this environment--i felt empty.

Most of the time I just cry in my room, asking why I am in this situation and am there no other way to live my life- i had to wake up and fulfill my duties at work--but I don't know why I do this things--all my money goes to paying bills--every  month bills come and they increase and the cycle does not end.

Perhaps, that same wish led me to my current life...deep inside I wanted to be just like Tado or people like him...

I remember asking the universe to give me an awesome life...to allow  me to meet awesome people. I cried in desperation for all of this...and got them...the process was swift...the process involved great journeys...

People like Tado who join Fun Runs for a Cause, tree planting projects, who trekked on top of Mt. Pulag, who explored places  that some can only dream of- people who can just travel anytime--anywhere--people who trusted life..- people who chose their work and projects because they love doing it--they did things because they believe in them.

A life of integrity, creativity, balance and truth...

I want to be able travel from North to South..east to west... places in Mindanao fascinates me..exploring caves and  trying out experiences that cannot be bought by money.

I wanted to be free, while money is undeniably important--I don't want money to become my master--Life should not be about constant worrying of electrical bills, rent bills, water bills--there has to be some way to get out of my sad state.

It should not be lived impressing parents or others i--because this is your life--in the end you will not be able to blame anyone if you have not enjoyed it.

You need to do everything that you can to make sure that the life you are having right now--is based on your own will and decisions--that is the only way you will be able to justify it.

The death of these creative souls reminded me of my journey together with Baguio artists and several artists based on Singapore and Japan way back 2012.

We took the bus, there were around 27 people in the bus...despite coming from different backgrounds and having different jobs--we all had one common goal.--to enjoy life!

We took that bus ride and journeyed for 5 straight days to various places, we camped out and just set up bonfires and the artists shared their artworks to the community. Art should not be placed inside museums--art should be lived.

Perhaps, if it was our bus who fell down the mountain...I would still say the same thing...death is everywhere, death is not a sad thing--because I know that if it were our bus who fell down there-- we each would die without any regrets.

For how will we die with regrets when everyday our life revolved around bonfires, cooking pinikpikan, drinking brewed coffee, dancing to our hearts content--doing projects that we love to do--how will we die with regrets when we have poured out our hearts to the people we love even if they have rejected us.

How can we die in vain, when we have experienced being with kindred souls...people who have accepted us despite our weirdness...despite the fact that we can't offer much on the material aspect of things...?

How will you die with regret when we have experienced conversing with each other from 8pm to 9am in the morning...without stopping--because we have just enjoyed each other's company too much...?

The people I met whether they come from Baguio or any part of the world are individuals lived their lives outside the expectation of the world.

Many of my friends have traveled to more than 40 cities and more than 15 countries--despite not having any material things to boast about in life...

I call them the Just Do it people.... people who are brave enough to let out their inner soul and people who told life. I am here--Let's make this life an eternal party!

The person I have become was a totally different person 5 years ago...it seems amazing now that I am not even afraid to die--and that I know deep inside that people like Tado have lived their lives content and with no regret...

A lot of ideologies will tell you to avoid loving yourself too much--but then if you cannot love yourself…you will not be able to love anybody else... a lot of teachings will tell you to forget who you are and what you feel...a lot of teachings will tell you to sacrifice at the expense of yourself...

I say those are all lies...listen to you...Just Do it!