Sunset

It is the grandest finale to the greatest show on earth. It is shown everyday, smooth like clockwork. It is predictable at times but more often it has a twist of glory that leaves the heart yearning for more… more time even for just a few seconds. Although it is one of the most photographed events, it does not cost a penny to be viewed.

It is the great sunset. Bright afternoon skies that gradually change into playful hues of yellow subduing into oranges, reds, purples and blues before finally fading into the darkness. White cotton clouds that give character to the bluest skies become splashes of color and eventually become the shadows that they cast.

For those who have the luxury of time to stop and marvel it – there is a gift of mixed emotions and feelings. Peaceful complexity and unleashed tranquility in a throbbing, shrouding, empowering calm and heart pounding contentment that validates the presence of a Creator.

Sunset signals the end of the day for many and the beginning for more. For those who have called it a day, the promise of rest, quality time with loved ones, sleep. For those who have just begun, bright lights, gatherings, parties, excitement.

In a modern world when time has become a commodity or even a luxury , appreciating the sunset has given way to rush hours and overtime.



Filipinos are one of the few people blessed with beautiful sunsets in more days of the year. With 7,107 islands across the archipelago, the version of this show from one place is just as spectacular as next door. Whether viewed from the white sandy beaches of Boracay or from the pine tree lined peaks for Baguio, The suns magnificent rays never fail to breathe awe into people’s lungs. The fabled and glorified sunsets of Manila Bay helped put the Philippines on the map of tourism.

Beauty. Sweet, natural, powerful beauty that defines poetry. A picture that only the mind can preserve.

The Philippine sunset.

Road Trip to Baguio

The road trip to Baguio is just as pleasurable as the destination itself, particularly upon entering La Union province where the rolling plains present a pleasant array of shades of green and yellow. The gently sloping hills are thick with foliage from trees of great variety – a perfect site for any Hollywood movie that needs a jungle setting. Clear rivers and bubbling streams offer a welcome distraction and so do quaint little woodcarving shops on the roadsides. These stores have an interesting display of eagle statuettes, life-size native braves, wood benches of unique shapes, and even wooden Buddha statues with smiling face and arms raised. As the bus takes no higher altitudes, a sweeping view of the lowlands that gets more and more breathless by the minute. The hills have turned to mountains, the flora slightly different and if the windows are open, the air lightly nippy. On a clear day, one can actually have a magnificent view of the South China Sea with the shores of La Union, the western tip of Pangasinan, and the curve of the Lingayen Gulf very prominent on the horizon. Lucky are those who can stop for a while to stretch their legs and marvel at such scenery. Then the bus makes one turn and you're surrounded by mountains, mountains, and more mountains with other vehicles further down the road nothing more than mere dots against a huge wall of green with occasional slashes of white that indicate the presence of waterfalls. There are fewer tropical plants and more evergreens in this area. The clouds are much closer and the mountain tops seem to kiss the sky. On rainy days, the scenery disappears as the entire surroundings are blanketed by thick fog down to zero visibility. First-time visitors are torn between silent fear and excitement. When the bus does a slow steep climb, it is the signal that the City of Pines is less than 10 minutes away. You notice the other passengers starting to gather and secure their luggage, fix their hair, and some put on warmer clothing. Then the conductor announces, “BGH! BGH!”, which stands for Baguio General Hospital, where many passengers get off instead of at the terminal. A sign greets you with “Welcome to Baguio City! City of Pines, City of Flowers and the City of Lights” Well, indeed, Welcome! And whatever you do, log on to Bluemaroon.com for the most practical information about Baguio City – hotels, restaurants, events, activities and many other things. Enjoy your stay!