Asia Tour '09 - The Philippines: The Doors of Vigan

People have been asking me why I hadn't kept my blog updates recent during my trip to the Philippines. The truth is, I was as religous about following-through with my blogs until something struck me like a bolt of lightning: I can't write about anything unless I actually do something! So in an effort to have much to write about, I dropped the blog almost entirely and decided to live, breathe and do as the pinoys do.

As a result, Philippines proved to be the answer that I had been looking for during this time of uncertainty. My goal in life has shifted from one of foolishness and self-centeredness to a life of giving - not merely in the tangible sense of the word (because actions speak volumes) but also in giving of myself to all needed organizations and charities that abound us today in our nation as well as around the world. I've made the very conscious decision to drop architecture and design and pursue a life of happiness while "giving". What has always made me happy (and what has always kept me young in all ways), is making other people happy. I know I know...completely cliched, but it's so simplistic that it's soooo modern. =) Just this week, I've looked into becoming part of 2 organizations that help others in insurmountable ways. The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. More info to come...

For as long as I could remember, the Philippines grew to be this black hole that I've tried to avoid for the passed 25 years. Not necessarily because of all the stories breathed by my immediate & extended family but because I had never really been. Now that I've been...I only yearn to go back. Every single ounce of experience was swallowed with no looking back and with no question or doubt in my mind. I can't explain every inch of my trip, but I will do my best now:

There is a town in Laoag called Vigan that was given the monicker "Historic Filipino Town". Its stone streets became a welcome mat cushioning every single step. There I came across a series of doors. They're not just any normal looking door, rather, they speak of stories long written in the books. Colorful, welcoming and adourned with trinkets unpretentious, these portals stared at me as if to say "Come on in!"