I grew up in Calamba, this is where I spent (and lost?) my youth. Incidentally, Calamba City is also the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal. Rizal Shrine is one of the most frequented destinations in this part of the province.
Concerned groups made a lot of noise when the City painted this Spanish colonial home this ugly puke green color. Personally, I like it better in white, which is actually the original color of the house. It looked more dignified that way. Not sure who ordered the repainting or what were they thinking when they decided to repaint it.
The old wishing well.
I used to throw my extra coins in there, then wish for more coins so that I can buy some donuts. Then whenever someone would give me money, I would think that my wish had come true. At that time there is no Krispy Kreme yet in the Phils. and Dunkin Donuts just made a debut. Honey glazed and Bavarian Cream is just two of my favorite flavors.
The Rizals' old Nipa hut is an one of my old playgrounds of mine. I love going here as a kid.
I often wonder how can they feed a large number of people in this simple kitchen set up. Gone were the days when meat is simmered the whole day and the only veggies fit for human consumption are those that are freshly picked from the garden. Nowadays, we have gas stoves, electric stoves, microwave ovens, pressure cooker etc but I still make a lot of mess when I cook.
Literally a few steps away from the Rizal Shrine is the Saint John the Baptist church. The church is where Dr. Jose Rizal was baptized and due to it's historical significance, it has been declared as a National Historic Landmark.
The Church's intererior
A lot of homeless people are live outside the church. I heard that sometimes the Church's caretaker would chase them away. Whatever happened to 'help thy neighbor....'?????
A closer look....
I actually forgot her name but she didn't forget mine...
One thing's for sure, I wont ever forget her face....
Tried to convince her to stay at the homeless shelter... she told me that she's not homeless.. talk about putting someone in its place.
