Issue One: River's Song

Mixen Rivera

Photograph by: Vonna Vista, Son Pacheco and Mira Vista 

Issue One: EDITORIAL - Regenerate

Vonna Vista & Cholo Macabasco
Rics Macabasco & Viva Vista
Photograph by Mira Vista

Issue One: End of Summer Syndrome

by Jovanne Flores

Vacation has ended and a new school year is about to begin. Such uneasiness, we students feel as the month of June approaches. Because this will mean, no more “hayahay-ness” and “petiks mode”.

Summer vacation is, by far, our favourite time of the year. Liberation. The siesta time, the hot scorching sun and seasoned fruits are definitely a winner. And along with it are the extended holidays, that gives us a lot of time away from home, or school, or business, and to go out, relax, and actually have fun without worrying about the threat of flash floods or the next PAG-ASA update. It is basically the utmost time we finally free ourselves from pressures and notorious deadlines.

The start of Summer usually begins immediately after the school year ends. Once that graduation song and uniforms are tucked away, it’s jumping off to the nearest pool and having that best-seller dirty ice cream from Manong Sorbetero. But here in Pakil, we have our own way of spending summer and in true blue Pakilenyo fashion.

Beating the summer heat, the immediate advice is jumping off at our local pool. The Turumba Swimming Pool that is said to have miraculous healing powers. Other than that, it’s the perfect destination to quench the heat wave and another excuse to spend time with your friends or probably stalk your crush that you could go to almost every day for its right in the heart of the Pakil poblacion. Usually summer time in the swimming pool is jammed packed from 8 am to 5 pm onwards and sometimes, people go on night swimming which is quite dreadfully cold. Foods aren’t a problem because there are local sari-sari stores to buy from right outside the pool gates or if you want homemade food, you could settle on a cottage and have your own picnic right beside the pool. A little hint of advice, being a Pakileno pays off, you absolutely have nothing to pay for the entrance fee on this one.

Another summer destination is a test of endurance and strength, hiking to Mt. Ping-as. True enough this is the ‘no guts, no glory’ challenge because an hour and a half hike is a no laughing matter but even so, locals, especially teens, love to hike up Mt. Ping-as to experience some nature loving and, wait for it, another excuse to hang out with friends. This is another getaway destination for barkadas, for picnics and hang out time. The seclusion of the destination away from piercing public eyes, with just the sole company of your friends, is enticing and is always a well-loved accessible destination for teens.

On a side note, responsible citizenship should be practice. Please note that the roads and guide posts aren’t murals to vandalize your name with. It is first and foremost a sacred place of worship and decency should be observed. That includes cleanliness and orderliness from each of us. No throwing of bottle of rums on whatever piece of land you could find. Let’s be responsible citizens and remember, “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

And lastly, another hiking spree for the more adventurous Pakilenyo, hiking to Mt. Inumpog. Honestly speaking, I haven’t been to Mt. Inumpog, they say it is a bit more of a challenge without the cemented route to guide you, just trails. But they also say, the scene is more breathtakingly beautiful. You also get to see areas that aren’t accessible when you take the main route, which is Mt. Ping-as. Also, Mt. Inumpog is a destination for eco-lovers. There are areas to which people could plant trees to keep the soil firm enough to avoid erosion. And yes, this is also a sacred site, so decency must always be observed.

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Though 2 months is pretty quite a long time, for students, this is a mix of excitement and dreadfulness. Vacations meant freedom, doing anything freely. But during school days, homework forbids us to do so. During vacations, we can stay awake at wee hours of the night but during school days, we stay awake for homework reasons and yet the need to wake up early. Vacations meant going online endlessly and text our friends unlimitedly. But in school, we can only go online with a limited time and text others only at nights, for phones are not allowed using inside the school.

As we approach the back-to-school season, looking back, maybe this is why we love summer so much, the possibility of doings things that we don't normally do on school nights. The unpredictability of everyday. But should we be satisfied if our everyday life will only be classified as vacations and no school days? Wherein you’ll just sit there and live life carefree? No. It'll be boring. The special things wouldn't be special anymore. Summer wouldn't be that one thing we look forward to every end of school. There is no point of missing your classmates even.

So my fellow students, as much as it burdens me to say this. We should never forget the importance of school. Without attending school, aside from not learning new things, we can't meet our teacher and be terrorized by them, or have real fun with our classmates. It is in all the same that things are meant the way they are, that's why summers are always special. 

Issue One: Taga-Pakil ka kung...

by Vonna Vista

Aminin na natin, iba ang kulturang Pakil. Mula sa mga malalalim na pagsasaliksik, atin pong tunghayan ang mga katangian ng isang tunay na Pakilenyo.

• Suki ka sa Turumba Spring Resort - at dire-diretso ka lang sa loob na walang bayad.
• Naka-ahon ka na Mt. Ping-As at alam mo ang madaming shortcut dito. Minsan pag hard-core ka, mas trip mo pang dumaan sa Inumpog.
• Alam mo na ang Monterey ay hindi lamang isang Meat Shop.
• Madalas mong nadadaanan ang Bahay ni Dalena pero hindi ka pa nkakapasok dito.
• Alam mo ang secret shop ni Ka Elex. (Hala, alam mo nga ba?)
• Alam mong pwedeng pumunta ng Taiwan ng palakad o pa-tricycle.
• Nakapag-Turumba ka na - ikot sa simbahan, libot bayan at sa Intramuros. Nakasama ka na sa train-trainan ni Ka Billy. .
• Alam mo kung saan ang Marsi at ang tanging tubig na trip mo ay ang tubig na inigib sa Marsi (allergic ka kasi sa ibang tubig)
• Nakapunta ka na sa Estaca at nakapag-muni muni na sa sunset dito
• Alam mo na hindi lang piyesta ang Turumba, dahil isa rin siyang super mart, hardware store, bangko at Children's Choir.
• Alam mo na may "Bicol Region" sa loob ng Pakil.
• Nakakain ka na ng Halo-halo sa Lerma's at sa Macabasco.
• Alam mo kung nasaan ang Bato ni Royo.
• Alam mo ang Beatles ay hindi lang isang banda kundi isa ring kainan.
• Nakasali ka na sa Street Dancing sa Turumba Festival (Turumba Sa Birhen! Hey!)
• Na-experience mo na ang walang kapantay na Salibanda sa Pakil. (Tubig pa!)
• Mortal na kalaban mo ang mga taga-ibaba kung taga-ilaya ka, at vice-versa.
• Alam mo kung saan ang Malaking Bunton.
• Miyembro ka ng dalawa o higit pang grupo sa Facebook na tungkol sa Pakil.
• Nakakain ka na sa Manay at nakapag-lugaw ka na sa Gonzales.
• Alma mo na hindi lang pito ang barangay sa Pakil. 
• Alam mo na walking distance lang ang Saray (Talaga lang ha?!)
• May damit ng Birhen ka sa wallet mo (o iba pang gamit).
• Alam mo na ang bagong daan sa Rizal ay luma na.
• Nakapg-shopping ka na sa M&W at TSM.
• Matatawa ka sa salitang "Katiro" (Itanong sa matatanda)
• Tropa mo sina Tetet, Loni, Paso, Mac-mac, Vilma, Perba, Pare, Linta, Pipaw at si Ramon (tuhut) 

*** PAUNAWA: Isa lamang po itong gawa-gawang listahan na karamihan ay base sa katotohanan, wala po sanang mapi-pikon.

Issue One: Minutes of May

by Mira Celemin

May would always be the diva of the year due to its event-filled schedules. Among its activities before the rainy season kicks in are the three most awaited ones in Pakil.

FLORES DE MARIA

The month of May signals the bloom of the flowers and the harvest season. And as part of the religious culture of Filipinos, we celebrate it in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary by offering her flowers to show our gratitude hence the tradition of what is now dubbed as "Queen of Filipino festivities" known as Flores de Mayo/Maria.

Every town, barrio and city have their own way of celebrating Flores de Maria and Pakil is no different. We celebrate it for the same reason. But we've got specifics on how we are supposed to celebrate it.

First of, you ought to know that the Bulaklak ng Bayan administers this long-standing tradition. Each year, they appoint  someone to be the Hermano and Hermana, which were generously accepted by Roel Supendio and Ritchelle Bobis for this year. Along with that, a handful of Cabesillos and Cabesillas for each barangay to govern the task of inviting sagalas (young men and women) to participate in the event. The bulk of the task lay on their shoulders as to which they have to decorate their own barangays, prepare flowers and food, musiko and offertory to the church. Aside from this, the Cabesillos and Cabesillas are to finance their own term that's why most of the Cabesillos and Cabesillas were chosen by their age months before the celebration commence in May.

Preparations of the flowers to be offered
Photo by Mira Celemin

Flower arranging
Photo by Mira Celemin

Since there aren't much Calachuchi nowadays, we improvised. Bernard Vista on photo.
Photo by Mira Celemin

The start of May signals the opening of the celebration, and the Cabesillos and Cabesillas were to have a procession with their Hermano and Hermana around town. After that opening, scheduled dates for each of the barangay's 'alay' commence - one day for each of the main barangays here in the poblacion. And then, the culminating activity which was held last May 19.

This culminating activity known as the Kapistahan is a part of the Flores de Maria festivities to which each of the Cabesillo and Cabesilla with their respective Sagalas of their barangay are to join the procession -  a very very very long procession of pretty girls in gowns and charming boys in their barongs offering  flowers to Mama Mary.

Although , joining the sagala is a mark of street cred as well, with the teen's active participation for this kind festivity, there will be more years of these annual religious semi-fashion show for years to come.

Kapistahan. Pamamaalam.
Photo by Bernard Vista

Blessing of Cabesillos and Cabesillas with our Hermano and Hermana.
Photo by Bernard Vista.

Long Procession
Photo by Donna Escarcha

New tradition: Awarding of plaques to the Hermano and Hermana.
Photo by Donna Escarcha

On a personal note though, this year, I made Cabesilla to which I have personally experienced this unique tradition first hand. Base from my experience, being a Cabesilla isn't that all glamorous. It dawned on me on how hard it is to invite a sagala nowadays. Teens tend to shy away from the spotlight or they just don't want to participate somehow. But still you have that drive to not disappoint your barangay and Mama Mary, of course. Gladly there are kids who confirmed and it is with that, I feel truly blessed. An after the long months of preparation, it was an over-all success. My co-Cabesillos and Cabesillas managed to pull through with the events with lots of support from our barangays, family and out Hermano and Hermana. We somewhat even try to revive the very unique flower arrangement known as the Bastagan in our own terms, despite the lack of Calachuchi in the area.ost awaited ones in Pakil. 

AHUNAN SA PING-AS

The last Saturday of May is always reserved for a day out of town. Actually, the whole town is out-of-town. The annual Ahunan sa Ping-as, for many, is their last attempt for a summer getaway before June kicks in.

A familiar scene. Ahunan sa Ping-as 2013.
Photo by Son Pacheco.

Families, friends and organizations hike up the mountains at the burst of dawn to celebrate this day of social gathering and spiritual healing. They say that the way to cross is not easy and that's what we have to remember, even if it means literally. Activities such as station of the cross, mass, games, tree planting and salo-salo awaits you at the top of Mt. Ping-as for a whole day of fun, frolics and faith. This is the first time that there has been a tree-planting activity simultaneous with the event.

This year, the crowd turn out is a little bit fewer because of a simultaneous event downtown. But still, many of the hikers arrived the night before the event itself, and this has been an issue for over the years. There is nothing wrong about having over-nights at Mt. Ping-as, but teens mostly turn this into a party that leads to many drunkards on the event itself. Most of the patients of Pakil Emergency Response Team (PERTs) are the drunkards who over-night the day before coming to them with bruises, lacerations and other wounds. The annual event was a cooperation of religious and socio-civic groups. The visible ones that day are PERTS to apply first aids and the newly formed 4017 Radio Assistance Group, to monitor the happenings on different stations for a peaceful day ahead.

Palo sebo. (2010)
Photo by Mira Celemin

Pagod-buster. The view is always worth the climb.
Photo by Son Pacheco.

In place of the Hermano of this year's Ahunan sa Ping-as, late Engr. Cesar Dalena (+), the Jimenez family managed the event and called ban liquor drinking at Mt. Ping-as, in lieu with what happened and in respects to Engr. Dalena.  Despite this great misfortune, many attended the yearly climb and enjoyed a day out in the sun.  Well, it heavily rained that day, but that's just in preparation on what awaits the people on that night - the annual Santacruzan.

SANTA CRUZAN

"Why do we celebrate Santacruzan?"

I personally don't even know the answer to this question. I just sort of celebrate it, that's all, because it is fun.  I thought of Googling about it but then Rev. Fr. Mario P. Rivera explained it more convincingly. We celebrate the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helen, where our Lord was crucified. But then he followed up with a question that raised more than a few eye-brows, "How old was St. Helen when her son, Constantine, was already an Emperor?"

He explained further, "The Emperor should be in his 30's or 40's to be considered to rule. Which makes the mother of the Emperor, the Queen Regent, around 50's or 60's." True enough, upon researching for this article, Queen Helen was about 60 plus years already when she was converted into Christianity and found the Holy Cross.And then he added, "Why is it that we represent the Constantino as a child and the Reyna Elena as a young lady during Santa Cruzan?"

A moment of thought dawned on me. Sure Father Mario is right. But I digress because tradition makes us think about the glamour of the Santacruzan was more directed specifically to the young men and women of the town. But since the whole reason why we celebrate Santacruzan has been disclosed, I think, it's time we do things differently for this celebration.

And with that, a special and one of a kind Santacruzan commenced in many years, Santacruzan - Mother version.

2013's Hermana. Reyna Emperatriz, Mrs. Imelda Someros.
Photo by Son Pacheco.

Reyna Elena.
Photo by Patrick Valiente.

Queen of Angels.
Photo by Patrick Valiente

Reyna Elena I
Photo by Patrick Valiente

Queens of the night.
Photo by Donna Escarcha.

Apparently, this decision surprised a lot of people. Mothers? Why? Why not?  I say. If we will do a tribute to these awesome women of history, why not make it accurate as possible, starting with the age. Right?

It didn't rain that night even thought it was threatening to pour down any minute, the Queens, all dolled up in their beautiful gowns, crowns and wonderful assortment of Arkos decorated and filled the town with excitement.

It was a more fun Santacruzan that night, in fact, instead of mothers tailing their daughters  for food and retouch, it is them who are in their mother's position now. Their sons are the ones carrying the arcs - You could actually see the family effort they did for this version of the Santacruzan. Also, there wasn't a lot of "Hey, who's that girl?", but more of the "Wow, si Kumare pala yun! Ang ganda!" Spearheading the event is Reyna Emperatriz - Mrs. Imelda Someros - the Hermana of this year's Santacruzan.

It's a different but wonderful take on the way we do things here in Pakil. It wasn't the norm, but it was special. It was truly the Queens' night to shine.

Issue One: From Laguna's Sleepy Town to Little Hollywood

by Enzo Gool

Our quest for the Bakal na Krus is on. Are you brave enough to venture Juan de la Cruz's birthplace?

Standing its three hundred year old grandeur completed in the 1700s. The church of St. Peter of Alcantara towers above this little town with great magnificence in its golden brown facade - a mark of power and pride of Pakilenyos. An enigmatic mammoth structure that is waiting to tell its story.

And just recently, the church of St. Peter of Alcantara just became as one of the most iconic church to ever graze our local television.

 'Epic' serye - a new approach on modern television viewing that let us explore our rich history. This newest hit Kapamilya primetime television series aptly named Juan dela Cruz has been rated highly for having a refreshing and original storyline. The program offered a more very Pinoy flavor to our daily evening habits by having a modern aswang-fighting hero with a magical multi-faceted weapon cheekily portrayed in the form of a cross. A totally different approach  from the face-slapping and hair pulling 'teledramas' that we came accustomed to.

Upon its pilot episode, it became a massive hit and trended all over to twitter. But the best part of it is that a lot of people are commenting more about the where it was shot. "Sa Pakil yan ah!" most tweets would say and Pakilenyos on Facebook had been bursting with statuses and shares.

This is due to the fact that months before JDC aired, we, Pakilenyos, experience the JDC fever first hand because of the productions they've had in our little town. And with this, our church became the backdrop of what is now known as the icon of the Juan dela Cruz brand. From the trailers down to the merchandise, our church is featured in all of them. A complete 180 degree turn for our little sleepy town - our town has awaken.

Photo from Juan dela Cruz's Official Trailer

Photo from Juan dela Cruz's Official Trailer

Photo from Juan dela Cruz's Official Trailer

Photo from Juan dela Cruz's Official Trailer

One of the reasons why they chose Pakil as their location is because it is just a 3-hour drive down south. Location Managers don't have to go to far-flung provinces to get that authentic provincial look for their show. They'll just look for a place in Pakil, and it would fit right perfectly to what they are looking for. And also, Pakil has numerous vicinity closely knitted together with nearly complete supplies to cater their production needs.

I still remember the first time Juan dela Cruz had their shoot here. It was for their teaser and everybody got so excited because there were rumors that Coco Martin was the lead star. And true enough, during the first few weeks of the shoot, Pakilenyos gathered and watched Coco Martin live in action. Even the adjacent towns came over just to see him. It was utterly chaos for such a big star to visit this little small town. Coco had to be escorted by body guards wherever he goes.

With the continuous shoot of Juan dela Cruz in our town, adjacent people from different towns started pouring in trying to get a glimpse of Coco Martin and his co-stars and clamor to get a photo with them. Technically, this brings quite a good attention to Pakil. People visiting, and needing to eat, which gave the local stores around the plaza a pretty good income. Even the local barangay tanods had a little something extra from the shoot. This made our town bustling with people, business is sort of booming quite a bit.

Though as weeks past, I noticed that people are getting bored of them as well. I thought I was the only one. We have been accustomed to seeing media people hustling and bustling around the town. But people aren't that excited as they were before. Probably because Coco Martin isn't as much shooting in our town anymore because of the working story.

Personally, it's a kind of relief that there aren't much people around the church which is usually the base of the television production. By-standers and the fans tend to cause too much litter. Especially when they are waiting for their favourite actor to show up and they get hungry and opt to buy street foods and just throwing their litters everywhere. That is one of the downside of having the shoot in town.

In addition to that, the national road was closed during the tapings which is right next to the church, so they block off he main road and divert the traffic on the hi-way,  which makes it harder for commuters to travel because they have to catch their ride all the way to the outskirts of town and wait. Some local drivers are not thrilled as well with their confusing routes and unstable income.

Also, business owners along the national road aren't amused. If the route gets diverted, it isn't convenient for their customers to come all the way from the hi-way especially to the medical businesses on Tavera Street.

Nevertheless, these all go with the changes whenever Juan dela Cruz is in town.  These are just little prices to pay in exchange of the unique tranquility of our town. The fact that it has been recognized by the big bosses of media to be a strategic spot for shooting locations is a such a big thing. And nothing makes us even more proud as a Pakilenyo than to see our church flash on our screens.

But even before Juan dela Cruz started shooting in our town, Pakil has been featured in television countless of times. Even back then, the grandeur of our church has appealed to producers even having the great Dolphy back then, shooting way back in the 70s and 80s. Though recently, Pakil has had strings of media attention. During 2010, Pakil has been featured in Umagang Kay Ganda for our September festival. Also in the same year, Juanita Banana (ABS-CBN) did some production here too, wherein Vista's Art Space and Cafe was under the spotlight. Then, in another primetime bida roster Piolo Pascual's Dahil sa Pag-ibig generated attention (ABS-CBN) wherein there has been a big assassination scene of Christopher de Leon and Piolo fighting over the veranda of the church. They involved a lot of people on that production as well with elementary kids as majorettes performing in front of fake towns people.

Photo from Fr. Mario Rivera

Photo from Fr. Albert San Jose

Photo from Fr. Albert San Jose

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

Also, whilst Juan de la Cruz was shooting in Pakil, they shared the same backdrop to a rival company's epic serye as well, GMA's Indio. Their Spanish themed program would definitely have Pakil on their radar because of our one of a kind church. And on one occasion, GMA and ABS-CBN had shoots back-to-back. Even the people were  confused on who's shooting in town "Ano ba to? Juan de la Cruz o Indio?"

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

With the success of Juan de la Cruz, the big bosses of ABS, did another first in their playing cards, they created a spin-off for the young Juan dela Cruz. Since the early days of young Juan is so much entertaining and appealing to kids, they made a show of its own. Which means, every now and then, up to now, there will be grip trucks and cameras rolling around town for the shooting of the well-received afternoon television show, My Little Juan.

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

Photo from Dra. Cyndee Fornoles

Juan dela Cruz currently airs in ABS-CBN right after TV Patrol and My Little Juan during 2:30 P.M.

Issue One: The Hitchhiker's Guide to Pakil Laguna

by Mira Celemin

Far out in the murky waters of the Laguna de bay, lies a small unregarded little town known as Pakil. This 'sleepy town' as it is called by city people is situated in the coordinates of 14* 22' 39 N & 121* 29' 8" E in the Sol star system of earth.

Now, I could give you all the facts and history of this little town but that task would be tremendous enough in this little space and far more quite appropriate for Wikipedia, Google maps and travel bloggers. But what I have here, as you are currently reading this, is a guide - a truly remarkable guide for those who wants to get to know Pakil in a locals' perspective entitled The Hitchhiker's Guide to Pakil, Laguna.

What you have to know about this gem of a guide is that its brilliant story starts simply, it starts with you.

THE CHURCH

If you found yourself in Pakil, Laguna stuck for a day with enough resources to go by then I suggest you start sight seeing. And where to start your conquest of sight seeing? Well, the church of course!

Right in the heart of Pakil, towering in its great magnificence stands proud the 18th century structure built by the town folks of Pakil. St. Peter of Alcantara parish has been destroyed and reconstructed altogether in the past years yet it still stops people from their tracks to marvel at its beauty. Make sure to enter the front doors of the church as it leads directly to the altar. The painting of Jose Dans' Judicium Finale will welcome you hauntingly along the right side of the church. Also, notice the crucified Jesus on the right of the entrance, as it is has a mighty role in Pakil. Being the Senor during the Holy Week, its hands could be detached and the image could be taken down from its position.

Other areas worthy to have a look are the choir loft, church bell tower, the second floor of the convent to which,the dresses of Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba are displayed. And the Capilla de Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba. Heading back to the church's grounds, the left side of the walls heading to the altar, is a visual record of the Church of St. Peter of Alcantara, its activities and milestones are on display for tourists and locals to see.

Outside the church courtyard, you will see stations of the cross portrayed through almost human-sized stone models. Then there's the newly constructed candle stand, where people can buy candles and again, pray for their intentions. Right beside it is the Pahalikan, where people could go up and touch and pray Our Lady of Turumba. It is directly behind the altar  so it is just climbing a few steps so you could reach it.

But before leaving, be sure to stop by the little shop on the way out of the convent, a little something to remind you of Pakil would be very nice indeed. I suggest you buy a "Damit ng Birhen" of Our Lady of Turumba, as it guarantees safety and Oil to cure for illness.

The church is opens daily. Peak seasons are mostly during the month of April for the 'Pistang Lupi' or 'Biatiko' and September for the Grand Turumba Festival. Tours are mostly serviced by Ka Efren.

THE PLAZA

Fancy taking a walk? Right after you come out of the church, you will immediately see the plaza. It is located right in front of the church to which the Spanish town designs were mostly constructed. (See all adjacent town in Laguna with the same structure) Now there isn't much to see in the plaza on a regular basis unless you want to meet some of our local heroes' monuments like Jose Rizal and Marcelo Adonay. But during the Months of April, May and October, the plaza is packed with Sideras and vendors of all shapes and sizes. And during September, the town is jam-packed with locals and devotees for Our lady of Turumba as it is the month of the Grand Turumba Festival. The basketball-laden plaza turns to a loud and heated dance floor due to fancy-dress wearing young Pakilenyos who celebrate Street Dancing Competitions. The plaza is the heart of Pakil whereby social and religious activities combine to celebrate the uniqueness and pride of Pakilenyos. So be sure to be here during September, this is an order.

DAN DALENA'S ART MUSEUM

If you think you like sipping black coffee, vintage houses and going to museums, then probably this is more of your taste. Located behind Plaza Rizal, Dan Dalena's Art Museum is a gold mine overflowing of artistic creativity. On its walls, are the numerous paintings by Danilo Dalena, a primed artisan in the field of painting in the Philippines. He was famous for his Jai Alai series and had been recognized by numerous art organizations for his bold and unique style that chronicled the times he lived in Pakil and his early life. The museum is open for public viewing for tourists and locals alike. Though Mr. Dan Dalena currently lives in Manila, make sure to check his displayed caricature and cross collection. Also, don't forget to be amazed at his vintage jukebox and old barber's chair, try a spin. Two little notes I would like to point out, the backyard is little odd place to have a no-where staircase and that Dan Dalena's signature in his paintings are more of like numbers. *wink*

MT. PING-AS

For the more adventurous taste, we got something up our sleeve, hiking~! To have your adrenaline pumping and fats burning, a hike up to Mt. Ping-as is best for you. Heading up the mountains isn't just a walk in the park - literally. It is also a spiritual journey, because as you head up atop the mountains, you would pass by stations of the cross, which are a favourite for pilgrims because they could overcome their spiritual journey and have some sight seeing and picnics while they are at it.

Also, when you found yourself visiting Pakil during the last Saturday of May, don't be shocked to learn that there aren't many people in town, because during this time, the people of Pakil are up in Mt. Ping-as celebrating the 'Pistang Pagpanaog' or the annual 'Ahunan sa Ping-as', whereby many activities are lined-up for  the whole-day.

SWIMMING POOL

 A relax and chill person, perhaps? We have something for you! Relax and take a dip at the Turumba Swimming Pool, its cold refreshing waters will calm your nerves and soothe your skin for a rejuvenating feeling - that or people could jump, run or trip on you on this public pool. This place is one of the bragging rights of Pakil for having a public pool and because it generates a lot of income for the town due to the Our Lady of Turumba devotees who frequent this place to attend the Turumba Festival during  April. Note: for that rejuvenating feeling that I'm talking about? It is best to avoid the month of April. May is usually a good time, but that's the time where the water gets really cold. Make sure you have your medical insurance for pneumonia or hypothermia. And no bathing at this place during Good Friday, because people say you are gonna turn into stone. When you visit, make sure to look at the protruding rock atop the tiled area. Okay? You'll be surprised.

WHITTLINGS

Thinking about taking something home? Well, I bet you would love our Pakil-made unique souvenirs. One of the pride of our little town is the 'Whittling' that we call. It's a very special delicate wood shaving technique exclusively made here in Pakil. Usually they are shaped in the form of a peacocks, birds, butterflies and fans through the uses of different knives with different thickness and young freshly cut solid branches. The prime place to get these whittlings is from E&R Handicrafts managed by Rudel San Gasper located at the outskirts of the town. They kept this long-standing tradition among Pakilenyos to keep it specifically unique to our town. Demos of these intricate whittlings crafts have been renowned worldwide and local demos are shared with tourists who wants to know more how these master carvers  create such a unique work of art.

Issue One: Editor's Note

EDITOR'S NOTES: Ever wonder how light is directly proportional to sound? No? Good. Because this is not the magazine for that and I have to start explaining  things to people beyond this point, so moving on...

First of all, Congratulations~! You've got in your hands, one of the most remarkable online magazines to ever come out of the vicinity of Pakil, Laguna, so far. You, dear reader, are beyond awesome! Too much? For the record, I am obligated to say that because this is our team's long-awaited magazine, one can only be his own best and worst fan right?

Secondly, apologies for the untimely launch of this magazine. This should be launched around early June but what date is it now? Meh. We are still in our experimental stage, trying to figure out how to conjure deadlines and would we be able to keep up this sort of heavy writing with our own personal schedules. So, yeah, fingers crossed.

Now, most of the featured articles are focused on past events that are heavily influenced by the events of May.  Also, the photos in this magazine were carefully collected from select individuals. We cannot put everything and feature everyone in this magazine. So I apologize if I missed something or overlooked an important person. But we will definitely try to feature the prominent events accordingly.

Speaking of events, June isn't quite eventful but the days were mostly reserved for getting this maiden issue up and running. We took a great leap of faith on this decision... fine, fine, sort of a hop. Most of the people I invited to be involved in this project are more than ready to help out, so it isn't that quite hard to gather up people who would like to pay homage to our little town.

Speaking of our little town, that's the theme in our maiden issue right here - being a Pakilenyo. Who are we really? Time to establish that identity by knowing the basics of our little town in our first ever article -  The Hitchhiker's Guide to Pakil Laguna, decorated boringly with old photos of Pakil. We deconstruct some of the known tales and history about this sleepy rural area. Also, a guide to knowing how to spot a fellow Pakileno in the crowd with the checklist "Taga-Pakil ka kung..."

Sleepy town? Nah. Pakil is no longer dubbed wit this name but more of like Little Hollywood. Unsure? Come along and rediscover Pakil in the eyes of the media in our special spread about the newest local television craze - Juan dela Cruz.

And lastly, May means a countdown to the end of Summer. We list down the things we do before the school year starts and the events that came along with the month of flowers.

So let's kick-start this time travelling experience. Allons-y!

 M