Philip's Travel Blog: May 18: The Two Trees and The Simple Llife

The day began early again. We went to mass at 6 am and went to my in-laws' farm. We visited their grave and went to their farm nearby. It is 5 hectares I think with mango trees and a lot of other fruit
trees.

Panoramic view of the farm

One of the two mango trees felled by Haiyan

What amazed me is that there were two trees
that fell down during the Haiyan typhoon and managed to survive and are still bearing fruit. The strange thing about this is that the tree was going to be cut down and when the typhoon happened, it fell. All of a sudden, it started to bear fruit.

This reminds me that Jesus told us that we are to bear fruit, in abundance. This tree shows me that even if it was cut down by the typhoon, it continued to bear fruit. The nice thing is because it has fallen down, the fruits were easier to get.

We are called to bear fruit. And even when difficulties come our way, we are still expected to bear fruit. No excuses! The nice thing about this is that our fruits will be easier seen when we a down. Obviously, the tree had deep roots to be able to withstand being cut down in the typhoon and still life.

Lord, help me to bear fruit in the midst of trouble and difficulties.

Sta Monica Church 300+ years old

We went to a resort close by and had lunch. Food was good but it was very hot! 39 degrees celcius! Very, very, very hot. Yet, in the midst of this, I saw the beauty of a simple life. If I were to retire, I would like to be in a place where I can go to mass and then spend some time reflecting on God's word. It would be nice to live in a place without stress. But I must be dreaming, yet, with God, all things are possible.

We also dropped by the Church. It is about 380 years old and on entry, I was amazed. The ceiling was painted similar to the Sistine Chapel.

On our way home, we went to a store that sells goodies. The treats are really good. One thing I notice is that food tastes better here. The servings may be small, but the taste is better. Maybe because most, if not all the food are free from hormones.

One thing I can say on our trip is the highway. It is well maintained. And it can compare to the highways in Canada. Not in the US though. The roads are asphalted and gives a smooth ride.

Outside the expressway is different. The streets are narrow and not as smooth. Some potholes. But relatively smooth.

We passed through the Angat river. This river goes to a dam that supplies water to Metro Manila and the river is dry. There seems to be a draught. No rains in the forecast. What a relief some rain would bring. The problem is when it rains, it floods. So you are in a no-win situation.