picturesque: of glimpses and words: One Palm Sunday

It's the start of Holy Week and for Catholics its a devotion to wave Palms at Church and have them blessed by the priest after the mass. That's what happened today. We went to Manaoag, Pangasinan which is the "mecca" of devoted Catholics in Northern Luzon. We left Baguio at 5 a.m. today despite hesitation that the journey may be long and tiring considering there are many people who will be at church today. But my parents said that when you make promises going to Manaoag, you shouldn't postpone or delay it. So after further discussion that night before, we decided to go on. Besides saying our prayers, we went there to have Clau's car blessed. Indeed, there were no hassles when we got there. I'm sure God did want us to really go to his house. In fact, we had finished the car blessing, the mass and palm blessing by 9:00 a.m. that day. So swift!

After the car blessing, we dropped by Pugad Pugo, La Union. Actually, it's just along the way to Baguio if you're deciding to take the Marcos Highway route. Although it is still being developed, the place showcases a lot of budding promises. First stop were the zip lines. There were three zip lines - one which they call "superman", the fastest one which amounts to sitting down while traversing on a zipline and the last, the one going over the poolside. There was also rock climbing, rapelling, ATV buggy and other facilities which included swimming at the pool all day. I was told that soon there will be a firing range and paintball facility within the area.

We have planned on making the tour to Pugad and had brought along swimming clothes. However, we forgot to take towels and the things we use to make a shower. So we opted for the zipline. The zipline we chose was the "Superman". If you're reading my blogs, the superman is the same zipline I tried at Subic, Zambales. But unlike the last one, there was nothing to support your hands and feet to keep you balanced. But the amazing thing is, all things come naturally. Once you're there, the feeling exudes you. Looking down you glimpse various trees, fields and hills. Technically you're traversing from a 250-300 meter deep zipline with an elongation of 400 meters which I think is half deep and long as the one I've tried in Subic.

I had the mishap of getting stuck in the middle of the rope. I wasn't in fear only I was wondering why the attendant had to go to me and have me rescued to go to the landing stop. Soon did I realize that I was stuck with a possibly 250-300 meter deep zipline. But I was told that it happens especially because of the wind movements and if you're too light for the rope. Whatever it is, I did enjoy it. Although, I experienced my knees shaking after the adventure. So I must have been that courageous due to adrenaline rush. I thought I was already that brave!

Pugad have started only in September last year. I was told it was owned by a retired general. Compared to Kultura which was the next stop that day, there are more activities to do there and the entrance and cottage fees were less expensive. Also, you can bring in your own food and have a grill or a picnic. But if you're destination is for a splash, Kultura can make sure you have a fun time swimming. With the beautiful architecture, wave and dolphin-shaped pools, who can ask for more?

Oh, how I wish I was able to take a swim this Palm Sunday! Anyway, holy week is for more swimming in La Union. I can't wait!