Shopping for Schools (I Wish!)

Alright, I’m quite in the ‘academic mood’ at the moment. This feels pretty much like a few years back when I was ‘shopping’ for universities. As I’ve previously pointed out, I’d very much like to study in Ireland.

So far, I’ve learned of four universities in Dublin alone – the Trinity College, University College Dublin, Dublin City University, and Royal College of Surgeons. Since Trinity College is the oldest in all of Ireland, I automatically had a bias for it.

Trinity College was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Only Protestants were admitted, and Catholics had to renounce their faith if they really wanted to enter the university. This denominational restriction was lifted in 1873 but Catholics did not start enrolling until the 70s. Among its famous students were Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Jonathan Swift.

The university is accessible via taxi, rented car (i.e. Car Hire Dublin), or tourist bus.



Books by Monks

I’ve always dreamed of studying in Europe. Attending classes in gothic buildings, staying in old dormitories, and pouring over some old manuscripts are just among my personal version of adventure that I habitually fantasize about.

I’ve read about the Book of Kells and I can only imagine how thrilled I’d be to see it. It is a medieval illuminated manuscript written in the A.D. 800. It was created by monks, and is one of the oldest surviving books in the world. The oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College in Dublin, houses the manuscript and holds a regular exhibition about it, dubbed as “Turning Darkness Into Light”.

Perhaps one day I could at least visit Trinity College as a tourist. I’ve read that one can take the daily buses bound for the university. Or I could just hail a cab anytime or rent a car from Car Hire Dublin.

Witches’ Town?

Kilkenny Castle: oh-so-medieval!

Besides vampire stories, accounts of witches and witchcraft have never to failed to hook me as well. I’m particularly interested with the Medieval ones. It was indeed some dark era in history – sad yet very intriguing.

While browsing the internet, I came across the city/county town of Kilkenny in Leinster, Ireland. I have noticed that it was always mentioned in the accounts of medieval witch-hunts.

I have no doubt the old prejudices have long disappeared. What remains in the town though are the spectacular edifices of that period such as the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle and the divine St. Canice’s Cathedral.

I can only imagine the countless reminders of the history of Kilkenny. I’ve already marked the town in my ‘Notebook of Must-Visits’. There’s no reason you shouldn’t. If you’re visiting Ireland, book a train ticket or hop in your car (don’t worry, there’s lots to rent from such Car Hire Ireland) and see for yourself.

Where Vampires Are Born

I’m such a vampire stories fan that I’m still hung over  HBO’s True Blood. As such, I thought it best go back to places that influenced the ultimate vampire story: Dracula by Bram Stoker.

It is said that Stoker was significantly inspired by his visits to the catacombs of St. Michan’s Church in Dublin. I’m particularly interested with the character Eric on True Blood, a millenium-old Viking vampire. Incidentally, the church was built on the site of an early Danish chapel as part of an old Viking settlement in Dublin. The original church was erected on 1095, around the time Eric was still a very young vampire.

The church’s crypts house a purported crusader, a four centuries old nun, and some prominent figures in Irish history. St. Michan’s church is definitely a must-visit for vampire, history, or old church lovers like me. If you’re in Dublin, why not hail a cab or rent a car (e.g., Car Hire Dublin) and head for Church Street, Dublin 7?

Bubble Mania in Laguna

Nothing beats a weekend getaway out of Manila. I was so glad that my friends and I went ahead for a nearly-canceled 2-day vacation in Laguna at my landlady’s “hacienda” =) Thanks to Anne who loaned me the fare as I was so destitute at that time, the main reason I was hesitant to join the trip.

The getaway was only for a couple of days but I felt like it made me shed years of accumulated stress, tension, and cynicism. I think it was because of the BUBBLES!

We visited an old church and the girl selling bubble toys was so charming and effective in her sales pitch that we gave in. Who would have thought that the 20 pesos we spent on those toys were the best entertainment and rejuvenation investment we’ve made in years.

For every bubble that we blew, it was like a part of picture of our childhood was flashing back. Everyone among the four of us has spent a part or most of their younger years in the province so we couldn’t help but reenact those olden summer days of chasing each other in the grass. Even my middle-aged landlady, her “already-mom” nieces, and (most appropriately) some of her grand-nephews joined the fun.

Bubbles… gosh… they’re just Magical.

Shrine for Scribes

Not only am I in love with old churches but perhaps anything that is connected with the days of antiquity. With such interest, what better place to fly to other than museums.

Irish literature and history are stoutly bound in Dublin Writers Museum. Here you’ll find books, letters, and personal belongings from literary giants such as Oscar Wilde, W. B. Yeats, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, etc. I can’t wait to lay my hands (or at least my eyes) on the earliest editions of Gulliver’s Travels or Dracula; or more thrillingly, read these writers’ personal letters to their loved ones. It’s not unlikely that I’d get confused where to start with the vast collection that is undoubtedly a literary and historical paradise.

For tourists and soon-to-be ones, get in your Car Hire Ireland rented car or tell the cab driver to head for 18-19 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1.

I Love ‘Em Old Churches

Being raised Catholic and a passionate lover of ancient architecture, it follows that the first thing I would look for in any town is the church. The older, the better.

Since Dublin can be safely classified as a ‘Catholic city’, I could only imagine the how its ancient churches could take my breath away, particularly the Christ Church Cathedral which is Dublin’s oldest edifice. Founded in 1038, it shares a similar story with several Philippine churches: originally made of wood, later made permanent with stone, and renovated several times.

(*Note: since the Irish Reformation, the church has been under the Church of Ireland)

This historical landmark is located at Christchurch Place, Dublin 8. If old churches interest you too and you happen to be in Dublin, make it a point to visit the cathedral. Hop in your car, cab, or rented car (like Car Hire Dublin) and indulge in religion or history.

Let’s Travel Luzon by Train!

I have yet to see it for myself but it seems that one of my simplest dreams for this beautiful country is starting to take some shape: a train system that encompasses the full length of Luzon, otherwise known as the Northrail-Southrail Linkage Project.

A few weeks ago, I saw this news feature that showcased PNR’s (Philippine National Railways) new trains. The coaches appear to be modern and spacious, similar to that of the “purple line’s”. So far this is the fourth line in Metro Manila, and is the first stage of, as I was saying, a more exciting and vast trans-Luzon railway.

I’ve read a number of news articles, blogs, website contents (including those found on the official PNR and Northrail websites) and was very glad and hopeful at what I found out. It is indicated that the project is divided into several phases, with completion dependent on time and budget (plus of course bureaucracy) constraints.

The new coaches shown on TV are part of the already operational line which is the first part of the entire project. This one is expected to connect Metro Manila to one of its nearest neighbors, Laguna.

The Southrail project, on the other hand will be implemented in two phases, as follows (taken from the PNR website):

Phase I : Rehabilitation and reconstruction of the existing railway line from Calamba, Laguna to Legazpi City (423 kilometers)

Phase II : Construction of a new railway extension line from Comun, Camalig, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon (135 kilometers)

*Note:  Matnog is the southernmost town in Luzon, home to a seaport; known as the gateway to the south (Visayas and Mindanao).

As for the north, the railway is expected to extend as far up as San Fernando, La Union. At present, the North Luzon Railways Corporation is already laying the tracks for the first phase of the project which will run from Caloocan to Clark, Pampanga.

Should this project actually turn into reality, it is the single truly tangible legacy of the GMA administration. Who knows, she may earn a little more respect from Filipinos if they could at least travel cheap and conveniently from La Union all the way to Sorsogon.

The trans-Luzon railway line

L: Phase 1 of the Northrail,  R: The new Tutuban Station with new coaches

brand new coaches!

newly-constructed railways in the FTI-Bicutan area

*photos taken from the PNR, Northrail, mocssasaudi.blogspot.com, and Wikipedia websites

Dark Irish Ales

Ok, I said I’ve mellowed down on alcohol but my interest seems brewing again. Bailey’s Irish Cream is among my favorites but I haven’t tried stout yet – it seems pretty dark and “dangerous”.

Dictionary.com says that stout is a dark, sweet brew made of roasted malt and having a higher percentage of hops than porter. Stout describes the strongest or “stoutest” beers, typically 7-8% alcohol.

While world-popular Guinness is Dublin-produced, I’ve read from travel articles it’s best to try locally-made stouts in the Irish countryside, such as in Cork. If I were to visit Cork, I’d surely drop by these small micro-breweries.

I’ve given tips on how to get to Cork in my previous blog. In addition, note that driving a private/hired car (from Car Hire Ireland, for instance) is perfect so you can stop anytime at any spot or capture countless photos.

San Miguel Beer: 100% Pinoy and World-class

I used to be a frequent drinker in college (who wasn’t, right?) but I kind of mellowed down in the past 2 years. It makes me just laugh to think of the times my friends’ and I would become restless and utterly unhappy if a Saturday night passed by without some drinking spree.

We were karaoke lovers as well! Broke and very young, we tried so hard to squeeze the Saturday night life into our meager allowances. All it took was 2 or 3 bottles of beer plus lots of singing.

When ordering came, the normal question would be “Pale or Lights”? We were actually referring to San Miguel Beer (SMB) varieties. Pale is short for the classic (I believe oldest among all) Pale Pilsen while the latter means San Miguel Beer – Light.

I have a friend who used to be a member of a University choral group that tours Europe every 4 years (to perform, compete, etc.). He’s been on two European tours and he said San Miguel beer is quite popular in Europe. A humble nation that we are, this was actually good news as we thought that a Filipino brand would hardly make it to international market, let alone in the beer industry where I’m sure Europe has countless brands to offer.

However, my friend told me that San Miguel drinkers in Europe have no idea that the beer is actually Filipino-made. They thought it was Spanish. Well, given the brand and the relative anonymity of the Philippines, who could blame them?

I wish the country could gain a little credit for the product but I guess that doesn’t matter anymore. It’s at least nice to know the brand is doing very well internationally.

Furthermore, SMB is always recognized by international food and beverage associations for its quality. I stumbled upon an article on the San Miguel Beer website which says:

Have they got any idea it's Pinoy-made?

“Market leader San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMB) once again bagged gold and silver medals for five of its beer brands   — one of which is its newest product San Miguel Premium All- Malt Beer — in the Monde Selection Awards, said to be the most prestigious international award-giving body for finished food and beverage products.“

“…Since 1964, SMB’s beer products are consistently recognized by Monde Selection’s jury of expert tasters bringing the company’s awards to 5 International High Quality Trophies, 8 Grand Golds, 126 Golds and 76 Silvers, on top of other special citations, to date.

San Miguel Brewery, Inc. is the largest producer of beer in the Philippines, with a market share of more than 95%.  The company has five state-of-the-art breweries strategically located in key major cities and a highly developed distribution system serving approximately 471,000 retail outlets nationwide.

Founded in Brussels, Belgium, the Monde Selection is the oldest and the most prominent award-giving organization in quality selections, garnering thousands of entries from around 70 countries annually.  It is regarded as the ultimate measure of the finished product’s adherence in international standards for taste and quality.”