I ❤ New York : Taking A Bite of the Big Apple (Part 1)

This trip is something that I did not see coming. I definitely want to visit the United States someday but not this soon. I think everything just fell into place. Call it perfect timing, I call it fate.

I am suddenly reminded of Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." There's a line in the book that says, "When you want to achieve something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it." The universe finally heard my plea and I can't be more grateful. 

I don't know exactly when my fascination for New York City started. I just noticed that every time I watch a film set in NYC, I am immediately drawn to it. Every corner, every street, every avenue seem to be calling me on.

I never wavered in my desire to see New York at least once in my lifetime. The compulsion was way too hard to resist. I went on doing my usual routine but in my heart and soul, I knew New York City is waiting for me, beckoning me to pack my bags and leave my tedious existence.

So when the opportunity finally came, I left everything behind and embarked on this journey.

My NYC Bucket List

1. Gaze at the most famous lady in New York

You've never been to New York if you've never seen Lady Liberty. Since we still had enough time before our flight to San Francisco, Dan and I opted to take a ferry tour to Ellis Island. Sadly, the queue was a mile long. The only way we could see Lady Liberty was to take the free ferry ride to Staten Island. The ferry sailed from Manhattan to Staten. Midway, we had a breathtaking view of the statue. Again, this is such a "movie moment" to me. The whole experience was surreal. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

                                                 
                                       


2. Cross an iconic bridge

There is something romantic about taking a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The sight can be overwhelming. Imagine the cold breeze as it brushes across your cheeks, the sound of the busy traffic down below, people rushing about, the sight of the American flag hoisted high overhead, the breathtaking Manhattan skyline in the background --- these never fail to stir even the hardest of hearts.

This is one of the surreal moments of our trip. I felt like I was caught up in a dream only to realize that I was in fact living the dream...

Dan and I are plain lucky to have the best NYC tour guides --- our cousin Jordan and our friend Maricar. We couldn't ask for a better company. They made sure we experience New York the way a local would.

3. Have a close encounter with someone famous

CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER, April 23, 2017, SoHo, New York City. Allow me to share this short narrative about my John Legend encounter. Dan and I arrived in NYC on April 23. We were welcomed at the airport by my cousin Jordan and my dear friend Maricar. To fight off the jetlag, I was told to immediately adjust my body clock to the time of NYC. We arrived noon time, which means it was past midnight in the Philippines. The last thing I wanted to do was roam around the city half-asleep half-awake. But the energy of New York was way too hard to resist so I tried to stay awake even if my eyes were ready to doze off. 

My friend who had a prior engagement said she will meet us after two hours. We spent the time walking from Greenwich Village to SoHo with my cousin. All too suddenly, Dan noticed that there were paparazzi taking shots at our direction. He figured that there might be a celebrity behind us. When my cousin turned around, he saw an attractive woman wearing a tight fitting white shirt over a black blazer and sporting knee-high heeled boots. She was pushing a baby stroller. Then he gazed at the man walking beside her. That's when he realized it was John Legend! We were right in front of them. Just as I was getting my camera phone ready for a selfie shot, they turned left and headed to their apartment.

 I have no photo to prove that John Legend was only a few feet away! It would have been cool to have him as a photobomber. That, my friends, was an epic encounter! Oh, John...

 4. Pose for art's sake

We were supposed to have a museum day. But due to time constraints, we only got to visit one, the Museum of Modern Art or MoMA. 

Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night

The main attraction in MoMA is the gallery where the works of the great art masters are displayed. It has Monet, Picasso, Dali, Matisse. However, the artist who really owned the stage was Van Gogh. I saw how a small crowd gathered around his famous painting, Starry Night.

Admittedly, I cannot call myself an art enthusiast because growing up, I hardly received excellent grades in my art classes. But that does not mean I cannot appreciate good art.

Appreciation of art is not about aesthetics, it is a matter of perspective.

5. Party with a New York icon

Inarguably, the most recognized structure in NYC is the Empire State Building. It gives more life and energy to the lovely Manhattan skyline. Personally, every time we had an NYC nightout, I would search for the Empire in the horizon because it reminds me that dreams really do come true. 

Sadly, we didn't get the chance to go up the building. our schedule is always packed and we were always on the go. By God's grace, if I get another chance to visit NYC, I would have this at the top of my list. 

Dan was more insistent on experiencing the Empire on a totally different level. He saw online posts about a bar/club that has a magnificent view of the Empire State Building.

Clad in our very casual and laid back attire, we joined the NYC party scene at 230 Fifth Club along Fifth Avenue. The entire place was filled to the brim by partygoers who wanted to have a great time. This, I must say, is one of the highlights of our trip.

NOTE:  Entrance is free. We didn't spend much. We only had two glasses of beer!

6. Get romantic at Serendipity

We walked all the way from MoMa (53rd Street) to 60th Street (that alone is quite a feat for someone who doesn't like taking long walks) just to try Serendipity's famed frozen hot chocolate. 

When we got there, I immediately asked if we can be seated right where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale had their date in the movie. Sadly, the spot was already taken. We ended up being seated right next to it. The long walk was certainly worth it!

I ❤ New York : Taking A Bite of the Big Apple (Part 2)

7. Paint NYC red with love

                                                           

The LOVE sculpture is one of the most famous pieces of pop art and just happens to be sitting on the corner of 6th Avenue at 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan. In 1958, Robert Indiana was experimenting with love as he played with poetry and art by placing "LO" above the "VE."

I love how New York allows any traveler to walk a hundred miles only to end up finding unexpected sights no one thought were just around the corner. The LOVE sculpture is one clear example. We were on Fifth Avenue for two days, exploring the sights and all until we thought of venturing into the nearby avenue. I have only seen images of it online. It's different when it's up close. 

It is situated in the middle of a busy street with a hundred people walking to and fro. The sight just make you want to slow down for a moment and reflect... Do I have enough love in my life?

8. Feel the Hollywood vibe in NYC

I often wonder why most Hollywood films are shot in New York. It speaks volumes about the endearing character of the Big Apple. It is no surprise that some of the most memorable films have immortalized the beauty that is New York City. 

I have seen and proven that the entire city is a huge movie set. Its beauty is effortless. You can take a photo in the most unknown spot of the city but it will come out stunning once captured. 

Bethesda Terrace

Bethesda Fountain

This was our second attempt at Central Park. We didn't get to explore the area the first time because of the unbearable heat. We made sure the second time would be worth it.

Anyone who's visiting Central Park should allot one full day to explore it. The park is huge! We used the entrance near the Plaza Hotel since we were coming from 53rd Street, Fifth Avenue. This time I had one goal in mind --- the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. 

We walked for nearly an hour to get there. My feet almost gave up on me! When I finally laid my eyes on the stunning view, I almost shed a tear. The movies do not give justice to how beautiful the place is. I could not believe I was right there! I suddenly realized how blessed I am.

I love Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. To me, she personified timeless glamour, class and elegance. I can't forgive myself if I won't do an Audrey at the Tiffany and Co. along Fifth Avenue. Hail to the queen!

After a full day of exploring Fifth Avenue, our friend Maricar told us to meet her at the Grand Central before we head off to the Yankees Stadium. 

The Grand Central really lives up to its name --- GRAND. It is so much better up close than in movies or postcards. We were there past 5 PM, the dreaded rush hour! That explains the huge crowd in the photo above.

9. Commute Underground

New York City makes commuting a stylish experience. Majority of NYC residents rely on the subway. For someone who is only visiting, the subway system is overly complicated. I lost count of the times that I insisted on going my way, only to find out that my instincts seem to be out of touch.

The subway affirms the multicultural nature of NYC. It is not unusual to hear foreign languages on our daily commute. It felt like the whole world converged in NYC, bringing along their rich culture into a land which celebrates diversity and respects individuality. 

10. Be part of the New York major league

This is the first time that I have been part of a major sporting event. Baseball is a big deal among Americans. So when my friend Maricar invited us to a Yankees game, who are we to refuse?

The Yankees Stadium is a massive structure! It had a way of making you feel so small. Although I am not a huge baseball fan, the energy in the stadium was electrifying. I felt like I was part of something big. The only deal breaker was the biting cold. I couldn't stand the chilly weather. I was secretly praying for the game to end so I can get away from the cold. 

The best part aside form the Yankees winning was Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York as the game came to a close.

11. Get arrested by the finest

Who knew that getting arrested by the NYPD can be this fun?   

Times Square is frequented by tourists every single day. That explains police visibility in the area. Maricar thought of poking fun at New York's finest. It worked!

12. Pay tribute to a legend

Strawberry Fields, Central Park, NYC

This was Dan's special request. Being a huge Beatles fan, he was compelled to visit the memorial dedicated to the great John Lennon. 

From the Plaza Hotel entrance, getting to this part of Central Park was quite a challenge. We asked strangers for directions every 100 meters. All of them made it appear as if it's just a few feet away. But it took forever to get there!

There was quite a crowd in the park. All were there to honor John Lennon's memory. There were performers who played his iconic songs like Imagine and Stand By Me. It was a community of John Lennon fans who continue to celebrate his life through his music.

His Dakota apartment was a stone's throw away from Strawberry Fields. It was the site of his murder in 1980. He may be gone for nearly 40 years but his legacy lives on. 

Window #25

When your lifelong dream is in the hands of one individual, you do everything possible to make him decide in your favor. Or at the very least, impress him so he would be on your side.

I can only count with one hand the times that I willingly entrusted my future to someone. One was when I went through the rigid selection process of the agency that I wanted to be part of. Fortunately, I have been in the same agency for 17 years. The other one was when I accepted a marriage proposal that finally sealed my singlehood into oblivion.

But nothing prepares you for an embassy interview. I have this notion that consular officers base their decision primarily on one's appearance, financial stability and supporting documents. However, all that changed when I had come face to face with the man who would decide the future of my travel life in the next years.

Dan and I arrived early for our 8:30 AM appointment. We were allowed entry at 8 AM. (This was the same day when a bomb was found near the embassy). The X-ray machine detected that I had a headset and a Hershey's chocolate pack. I was told that I had to get rid of them otherwise, I won't be allowed inside the embassy. I had no other choice but to throw them in the trash bin. My headset is something I could not let go of because I always bring it with me anywhere I go to keep me company when the long travels get too boring. I can replace it with something new but you know how we become so attached to objects that we have had for years. Against my will, I let it go along with the pack of chocolates that had not been opened yet.

Inside the hall, there were 3 steps that every applicant needs to hurdle. The first is the pre-interview screening wherein an applicant's passport is scanned for verification. The next step is the fingerprint scanning. The first two steps were a breeze. It's the third step that makes even the bravest applicant a coward -- the interview.

The queue for the interview window gave me enough time to calm my nerves and prepare for the task ahead. Dan and I killed time by observing applicants. We were quizzing each other on who among the people in the line would jump for joy or get their passport back. The applicants were from all walks of life. There were students in their school uniforms, young professionals in their business attire, couples with young children, middle-aged employees with bulky envelopes in tow, senior citizens with designer bags, and a few, like Dan and I, who dressed very casually. (Read: a pair of jeans and a decent top).

When we reached the end of the line, a Filipino embassy employee said that we should proceed to window #25. So we did. We had to wait some more because there was a man who was probably in his 60s being interviewed by a young male  Caucasian consular officer (a deadringer for Gerald Anderson). The consul spent sometime asking the man about the purpose of his trip. Until it was found in his records that he was once deported for overstaying in the States. The consul made the decision to deny the man's visa application. An argument ensued between the consul and the old man. The latter was protesting against the consul's decision. The man behind the window seemed infuriated but he kept his composure and said to the man, "Do you want me to call the security so they could escort you out of the building?" That's when the applicant stepped aside and left the hall.

I was thinking, "Jeez, we're screwed."  The consul is in a bad mood following the argument he had with the applicant prior to us. When I heard him say "Next," I breathed deeply and just let go of my fears. As we came close to the window, he flashed a smile and greeted us a "Good morning." We returned the favor. God knows, my heart was pounding out of my chest.

This was how the interview went.

CONSUL: What is the purpose of your trip?
DAN: Just for a short vacation, Sir.
C: How are you two related?
SHARON: We're a couple, Sir.
C: How long will you be staying?
D: Just a month.
C: Do you have friends, family members or relatives in the US?
S: We have relatives, Sir.
C: (Looking at the computer screen) Alright, let me start first with Danilon. Can you tell me the nature of your job?
D: I am a professional medical representative for *** Philippines. I do .... (I can't recall what Dan said, it was too technical)
C: So is this pharmaceuticals or medical equipment?
D: Pharmaceuticals, Sir.
C: Commission-based?
D: Yes, Sir.
C: How much do you earn in a month? Gross.
D: It's ***, Sir.
C: (typing away in his computer) Alright, what about you Miss Pineda, what do you do?
S: I have been working as a college instructor at Tarlac Agricultural University for 17 years, Sir.
C: (typing away) You say, you've been working for 17 years. (Looks surprised) How old are you?
S: I'm 37, Sir.
C: (Sipping his Starbucks coffee) Wow, you look young. (Ito talaga ang nagdala e, haha!) So you started to teach at 20?
S: (flashing a wide grin) That's right, Sir.
C: What do you teach?
S: English and Literature.
C: How many students do you have in your class?
S: An average of 50 students, Sir.
C: Is that like an auditorium?
S: No Sir, it's a usual classroom.
C: That's a lot. (Looking at the computer screen) Okay, what is your itinerary?
S: New York, New Jersey and neighboring states.
C: How long were you dating before you got married?
D: Two years.
C: When is your wedding anniversary?
D&S: (answering at the same time) December 28, 2012 (my answer). December 12, 2012 (Dan's answer).
C: (chuckles) Hmm, so which is which?
S: (ako na sumagot baka magkamali pa) It's December 28, 2012, Sir. (I swear, I nearly punched Dan. Pero syempre di ko gagawin. Pa-effect lang.)
D: Exactly a month from now.
C: Have you traveled before?
D&S: Yes, Sir.
C: Where was your most recent travel?
S: In the Philippines, Sir, or abroad? (Parang high tide or low tide lang ni Charlene Gonzales sa Miss Universe)
C: Anywhere. Alright, in the Philippines?
S: (nag-isip pa) Davao, Sir. (I just realized na mali after I gave the answer. Davao was in May, Boracay was in September.)
C: Abroad?
S: In Cambodia, Sir.
C: (looking at the computer screen) Alright, your visa is approved. You will receive your passport next week.
D&S: (pinipigil ang tuwa) Thank you so much, Sir!

That was probably the longest 3 minutes of my life. On our way to the exit, it still did not sink in. Did it really happen? Is this for real? Then all of a sudden, I heard in my head the first line of Frank Sinatra's New York New York, "Start spreading the news..."

Indeed, everything happens in God's chosen time. This one is a surprise we never saw coming.

NOTE: At the gate, I suddenly remembered my old headset in the trash bin. I asked Dan to scour through the pile of trash. He found it! We walked away from the embassy with my headset intact and more importantly, with hearts brimming with joy and gratitude. It must have been our lucky day.

When in Baguio (Part 3)

Here is the third installment of places worth visiting in Baguio. You won't really run out of things to do in this charming city. One visit is just not enough.

Amare La Cucina
EGI Albergo Hotel, 1 Villamor Drive, Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City

I had to drag Dan to come with me and try Amare La Cucina because every time I google the best restaurants in the city, it always makes it to the list. So I figured, there really is something special about this pizzeria.

Pizza and pasta lovers will have a feast in Amare. What sets it apart from the others is that their pizza is perfected in a woodfire brick oven. In short, they do their pizza the traditional way, much like how Italians do it.

Enough of talk. I will just let the photos speak for itself. It is a must-try. It has generous serving, easy and relaxed ambience, excellent food and great value for money!

The plates bear the signature of celebrities who visited Amare.

The wood brick oven.

Pasta ala Sardines

Margherita pizza