Hongkong Circa 2007

One year and a few months-old Hongkong pics here.

The challenge is to blog about an adventure that took place more than a year ago. Anyway, here's my Hongkong Top 10 as far as I can remember:

10. taking the Disney Train;
9. purchasing "In the Mood for Love" OST at Virgin Records;
8. wearing a newly bought Giordano v-neck black shirt along Nathan Road;
7. walking along Chater Garden on a Sunday afternoon just like a true blue OFW;
6. enjoying at least three sticks of street food before calling it a night;
5. having a picture taken with Belle at Disneyland Hongkong;
4. cruising from Kowloon to Hongkong Island through Star Ferry;
3. being mystified by Ocean Park's Sea Jelly Spectacular;
2. feeling the evening atmosphere at Victoria Peak; and
1. staying at "Chungking Express" for a night (or a few hours).

Terminal

Stitched unedited celfone pics, 1.3 megapixels.

Wala lang magawa sa isang espasyo sa SM Lucena para sa sakayan ng van papuntang Lopez. Miyerkules Santo n'yan. Masyado yatang maaga ang gising ko n'un, sa takot na magiging masikip ang daan para sa mga uuwi ng probinsya.

Wala ring masyadong event sa aking mahabang bakasyon. Napinid ako sa bahay, kapiling ang aking mga magulang. Nakatulong ang Heroes Season 1 marathon at ilang pelikula sa DVD (La Vie en Rose, Lives of Others, Haplos, Sicko at Frailty).

Penitensya 2008: Filing BIR Form 1700

Wala lang, gusto ko lang i-blog na at long last (at ilang paggalaw ng aking keso), I finally filed my 1700 at the BIR Office in Atrium - Makati. Di naman talaga penitensya dahil mabilis lang nalagyan ng stamp ang mga papeles. Ang matindi ay 'yung ideya kung saan hahantong ang mga tax na binayaran (napapakanta ako ng "Do you know where you're going to...?"). Pero nakakaaliw na rin dahil muli ko namang nasilip ang loob ng Atrium. Na-remind na naman ako ng ilang lumang building sa Singapore.

I'll keep this blog short: mag-file na rin kayo ng ITR n'yo sa inyong suking BIR Branch. Isabay na sa Holy Week para kakaiba ang feel!

Have a blessed Holy Week.

Si Jao Mapa at ang Martir sa Golgota

Kinaladkad ko ang sarili ko n'ung Lunes ng gabi para saksihan ang "Martir sa Golgota" ng Tanghalang Sta. Ana. Unang beses ko itong mapapanoood matapos ang ilang taon ng pangungulit ng dyaryo at ilang artikulo tungkol sa nasabing proyekto. May ilang personalidad na rin ang nagtangka na gumanap na Hesukristo at mukhang nagtagumpay naman. Ito ang unang hype ng produksyon. Maliban dito, wala na akong ibang ideya kung ano pa ang dapat abangan.

Kadalasang hindi ko ito napapanood marahil siguro sa maaga kong pag-uwi sa Quezon at pananamantala ng long weekend tuwing Holy Week. Kung tutuusin ay malapit lang sa boarding house ang unang tahanan ng senakulong ito (isang plaza sa Sta. Ana).

Ngayong taon, may ilang dahilan kung bakit ko ito pinilit panoorin. Unang una, si Jao Mapa ang gaganap na Hesukristo. Huli ko yatang narinig mula sa kanya ay isang proyekto na ginawa ni Quark Henares, 'yung "A Date with Jao Mapa" (maliban sa isang cameo sa unang pelikula nina Sam Milby at Toni Gonzaga at ang "Super Noypi" n'ung 2006). Kung hindi ako nagkakamali (at hindi ko ikakaila), nakakamangha na n'ung aking kabataan ay may isang aktor na katulad n'ya ang napapagsabay ang showbiz at ang kurso n'ya sa UST. Tila binasag n'ya ang banga ng madumi at maningning na buhay-artista sa Pinas. Marami namang sumunod pa sa mga yapak n'ya kabilang ang nasirang si Rico Yan at iba pa pero hindi lang d'yan nanahan ang kayang ibigay ni Jao. Pinamalas n'ya rin ang isang klase ng intelligent acting sa Pinas na bihirang bihirang masaksihan. Pinakilala n'ya ang isang nag-iisip na karakter (ito'y opinyon ko lamang).

Naging bahagi ako ng paglalahad ng interes ni Jao sa role na Hesukristo. Hindi yata sinasadyang mag-reply to all s'ya sa isang Yahoogroup na tinatambayan ko rin. Nag-iwan ang isang "Joao Mapa" ng kanyang celfone number sa nasabing film group. Kinuha ko ang aking celfone at sinubukang hamunin ang isang sa tingin ko ay nagpapanggap.

Text ko: "Kung ikaw nga si Jao Mapa, anong meaning ng ATGB?"
Jao: "As Time Goes By"

Ikalawa, mas pinalawak ng Tanghalang Sta. Ana ang kanilang audience. Hindi ko alam kung kelan nag-umpisa pero maraming venue na ang kanilang pagtatanghalan kabilang ang Pagsanjan, Laguna at isang bayan sa Cavite. Sa unang leg, pinili nila ang Remedios Circle sa Malate. Dito ako nagkaroon ng interes dahil hindi naman kalayuan ang nasabing lugar (at kailangan ko ring magpahangin lalo na sa panahon ngayon).

Ikatlo, sa Miyerkules Santo (bukas/mamaya) pa ako bibiyahe pauwi ng probinsya.

Mula opisina, sumakay na ako ng taxi papuntang Remedios. Inisip ko na ring mag-MRT at LRT para mas mabilis pero naharang na ako ng ilang office work. Sa katunayan, pinahirapan din ako ng paghahanap ng taxi. Pinalad lang na ang isang manong ay uuwi na sa kanyang bahay sa San Andres kaya't wala nang boladas pa, inihatid n'ya ako sa Malate (pumatak ang metro ng P120).

Dumating ako ng ganap na ika-8 ng gabi. Maraming batang naglalaro sa ibaba at itaas ng entablado. Malamlam lang ang mga ilaw sa poste. May kakaibang ingay at amoy. Nasa Malate na nga ako, naisip ko. Ang ilang magsisiganap ay abalang abala sa make-up at ilang last-minute na ensayo. Maging si Jao ay napansin kong inaaral pa ang ilang choreography kasama ang mga senturyon. Pinasya kong mag-quicky dinner muna na naudlot agad dahil magsisimula na ang palabas sa una o dalawang subo ko pa lang ng kanin at liyempo.

Ang "Martir sa Golgota" ay hindi old-fashioned na senakulo. Hindi masyado. Hindi ito kamukha ng Wakefield Passion Play o 'yung mga pinapalabas sa open field sa Boac, Marinduque. May konting "That's Entertainment" ito sa paglalagay ng ilang interpretative dance sa pagitan ng mabibigat na eksena sa buhay ni Hesukristo. Halimbawa, habang nagdarasal si Jao sa Gethsemane ay merong papasok upang kantahin ang "The Prayer" ni Bocelli sa wikang Filipino.

Nilagyan din ng palabok ang pagkukwento. Inumpisahan ang dula sa makabagong panahon na mala-Lola Basyang. Ginawa siguro ito upang tumaas ang relate factor sa masa. Pero hindi rito natapos ang estilo. Dahil nga ginamit ng dula ang pangkasalukuyan, ipinasok na rin ang ilang pangkasalukuyang isyu sa politika at ang araw-araw na pagkakapako sa krus ng pangkaraniwang Pilipino. Isiningit ito sa ilang production number at lyrics (semi-musical ang senakulo). Kinilabutan ako na ang ilang teksto na hindi man diretsong sumumbat kay Gloria ay inawit na tila isang pasyon. Bravo!

Si Jao bilang Hesukristo ay hindi perpekto pero hindi nalalayo sa kagampan. Nagustuhan ko ang angsty na rendisyon n'ya ng Salitang Nagkatawang Tao. May kakaibang engkanto ang delivery n'ya ng beatitudes (kahit na halatang hindi pa n'ya ganap na saulado) at ilang berso. Naiparating din n'ya ang paghihirap, pagpepenitensya (isang bloke ang tinahak ng kanilang "station of the cross") at pagkakaligtas. Maliban kay Jao, nararapat ding bigyang-pansin ang musikang nilikha ni Vincent de Jesus para sa senakulo. May ilang mumunting ginto mula sa buong cast (si Bodgie Pascua bilang San Juan Bautista, ang artistang gumanap na Nicodemus, ang umawit sa huling bahagi na nakaputing robe at iba pa).

Maliban sa buong produksyon, gusto ko ring bigyan ng blog time ang mga batang makukulit at maiingay na nagbigay-buhay sa buong pagtatanghal. Nand'yang nagmumura sila, sumasagot kay Pilato, nangungulit sa aking photo-op at paminsan-minsang namamangha sa mga dugong lumalabas kay Jao. Dahil sa kanila, umuwi akong pawisan, may ngiti sa labi at nahimasmasan.

Movie Digest # 039

10,000 B.C.
Power Plant, Cinema 6, March 8, 5:40pm

Nice CGI but the treatment is a bit passe for me. Siguro kung n'ung 90's, sobrang OK 'to. Well, there's nothing much in the storyline either. Ang hirap sigurong mag-isip ng mga kwentong tale as old as time, 'yung medyo universal at hindi kumplikado. Sa "Apocalypto", kahit papaano, mas ginawang realistic (magalaw na camera work, ancient language, etc.). There's one scene though that reminds me of an old Spielberg film. Naaliw ako r'un sa ostrich chase scene. Other than that, just like an American Idol judge, I find the film boring.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven't seen a film for ages.

MEET THE SPARTANS
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, March 11, 7:30pm

Well, a spoof's a spoof. If I can write down the scenes that could be perceived as funny like Xerxes turning into Megatron, male Spartans having a torrid kiss as a form of greeting or Paris Hilton as the hunchback, that could be exciting. Viewing it is totally different.

Friends who might appreciate it: tropa.

ATONEMENT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, March 14, 10:30pm

I have high expectations over this film. I love Joe Wright's other film "Pride and Prejudice" (also with Keira Knightly) for its linear storytelling, simplicity and the low-budget feel. "Atonement" is more of geared for the Oscars or Bafta Awards with its scale and grandeur. There's nothing wrong with it actually. The house where the first few scenes were shot is somehow similar to what I imagined while reading the book. Cinematography is also topnotch specifically the "show-off" scene where the camera pans over a beach scene of war tanks, tired soldiers, carnival and march bands. I am not sure about the acting though. The lead actors' rendition is a bit detached and, err, bookish. Yeah, it has a story. It has that magnet that keeps you wait for the film's atonement (if there's any).

Friends who might appreciate it: those who are still on the book's page 102.

Love Kita, Makati!

Just visited the Makati City Hall (new building) this morning. I had to secure a cedula (also known as Community Tax Certificate) for my ITR. I’ve been renting a room in Makati for roughly ten years now and it was my first time to actually visit the city hall (the tallest in Metro Manila, I think). I went there at 8:15am, passing through a throng of employees having an event in front of the building. There was an awarding of sort.

The lady guard welcomed me in the help desk. We exchanged “good mornings” and she prompted me to proceed to the third floor for the cedula (after glancing at the wall clock). I then proceeded to the elevator area. I noticed that each lift is marked with “1st and 26th floors only”, etc. and the closest I can get is “4th floor”. I just took the stairs down to the third floor where, at one end, has a campus ambiance of registrar-like windows. Two of which are allotted for “cedula” (others are for marriage contract, etc.). Going to that end was like walking inside a modest Ayala office: carpeted, air conditioned, clean and cozy. At least on this aspect, I am rest assured where my tax goes.

At the cedula window, I was asked to fill out a Mercury Drug-type of slip. I wrote in details like name, address and birthday. The attendant asked me if I have my ITR with me and I answered with “No, I don’t”. I was asked instead of my monthly salary. It will be multiplied by 12 and a peso for each P1,000 will be added to my community tax. Honestly, it was difficult to lie so I just took the plunge (hey, it’s Lenten Season and words like “Give Caesar what is Caesar’s” kept on bugging me like a fly).

I got my cedula in less than 10 minutes. It was “computerized” and not the usual handwritten one. On my way out, I admired the building once again and right before I crossed JP Rizal, I took a cell phone photo of it.

SIDE TRIP: Two weekends ago, I was enjoying the musical “EJ” with The Dawn’s live music and Jett Pangan and Julienne Mendoza as leads (two great vocals, by the way). The musical was a blast and left me awestruck (and teary-eyed) for a time. In the evening, Incubus lang with officemates (stalking at Araneta Coliseum’s South Gate was fun). Last Saturday, I had a trip to Quiapo for an enormous “shopping”. At 1:30pm, I was already at Gateway’s Fully Booked to fetch my Bangkok little travel book (got Fodor’s Bangkok’s 25 Best for 20% less). My weekend trip didn’t just end there. I proceeded to Glorietta’s Alter Station for my vintage pants’ second life (I have it with me since college!). At 5pm, I was at Beppo Barber Shop in A.Venue along Makati Ave for a haircut and a well-deserved scalp massage (a total of P500 with 20% off). Whew, life is indeed a treadmill.

Top Ten - Revisiting Tagaytay

10. Wisecracking with friends on a two-hour trip;
9. Buco tart shopping at Amira's;
8. Visiting Caleruega on a sunset;

7. Enjoying a little night music at Taaleña;
6. Contemplating at Pink Sisters convent;
5. Admiring Taal Volcano for the nth time (with a rainbow is a bonus);
4. Nice and pleasant breakfast at Bag of Beans;

3. Yummy Greek coffee and other mediterranean food at Mano's Greek Taverna;
2. Photographing honeybees and flowers at Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms (already part of Silang, Cavite); and
1. That Tagaytay summer breeze.

Movie Digest # 038

THE KITE RUNNER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, March 3, 10:30pm

Well, if the book made me cry (it's the scene where Hassan and his "father" left Baba's place), the film did the same to me in the last part (right before the end credits). Both materials are too eventful which works for the book but not really in the film adaptation. Nagmukha tuloy masyadong Hollywoodized 'yung film. Nawala na 'yung mga nuisances and quiet moments n'ung libro. Good points go for the kite flying scene. Ang ganda ng angle d'un, nasa 'taas ang POV (ng camera). The story itself can please the audience. May kwento s'yang gustong ikwento at nagawa naman ito ng movie. Sayang lang at tinanggal ang isang eksena (tungkol kay Shorab bago makarating sa US) na pwedeng magpabigat pa sana sa pelikula.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who value friendship a lot.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 4, March 5, 9:00pm

One of the best visually stunning films that I have seen in years. Kakaiba ang creative output at siguradong mae-entice ang MTV generation na panoorin at magustuhan ito. Nagustuhan ko rin, sa totoo lang. The only drawback for me is that the concept to create a film out of Beatles songs is too obvious. At times, masyado nang pilit not to mention that the storyline itself is too thin. Parang "Rent", parang "Hair". When it comes to concept, two musicals "Mama Mia" (soon to have a film adaptation) for Abba songs and "We Will Rock You" for Queen songs are comparable. Mas may effort lang ang "Mama Mia" dahil mas complicated ang plot nito tungkol sa isang dalagang ikakasal at gusto n'yang papuntahin ang tatay. Sa kasamaang palad ay hindi alam ng kanyang ina kung sino sa mga nakatalik n'ya ang totoong ama ng anak. Ang "We Will Rock You" naman ay tungkol sa isang binatang gustong nangangarap maibalik ang totoong "rock and roll".

Friends who might appreciate it: Judes and Lucies out there.

Ilang Hinuha sa Paghihiwalay

1. Kailangan ng tapang ang pagharap sa katotohanan.

Malalaman mong oras na para harapin ang katotohanan kapag masyado nang masakit. Kapag masakit pa lang, pwede pang palampasin. Pero kapag masyado ka nang basag, panahon na para batukan ang sarili at hilahin sa pagkakalugmok. Mahirap bumangon pero mas mahirap ‘yung nakaratay ka na nga ay pinapatay ka pa. Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, isipin mo ang maaari pang masamang mangyari kung ipagpapatuloy ang pagkaratay. Isipin ang sarili. Maging selfish, maging demonyo. Ito ang magsisilbing drive sa pagharap ng katotohanan, isang pagharap na nakakapaso at maaari mong ikamatay. Ito ang ginawa ng gamo-gamo sa isang kwento ni Rizal. Sa sobrang pagkamangha sa katotohanan ng apoy, nasunog ang kanyang pakpak. Pero happy ending para sa akin ang kwentong ‘yan dahil buong tapang at walang hunos-dili na hinarap ng gamo-gamo ang isang bagay na maganda.

2. In Denial ka sa maikling panahon.

Ito marahil ang hang-over kung nalasing ka na nang sobra. Halos lango ka na sa mga nainom mo at hindi mo ito kasalanan. Ganun talagang mag-react ang sistema mo. Para sa akin, ito ang pinakamahirap na bunga ng paghihiwalay, 'yung makalimutan mo ang wisyo mo at maisalang ka sa isang mundo na halos ikaw lang ang diyos. Make or break ang estadong ito. Maaaring hindi lang katinuan mo ang mawala, baka buong pagkatao mo ay patayin nito (at buhayin sa ibang anyo). Dito ka magtatanong kung saan ka nagkamali. At hindi mo aamining nagkamali ka dahil ija-justify mo ang mga masasayang ala-ala na naisalpak mo sa katawan mo. Dito ka aasa. Dito ka magmamakaawa. Dito ka mabibigo.

3. Na magiging OK ka rin pagdating ng panahon.

Na matapos bigyang tuldok ang isang relasyon ay magiging masaya ka rin at tatawanan mo na lang ang mga katangahan mo. Pero bakit ba nauso ang katagang “pinana ni Kupido”? Dahil ba alam na ng nakaisip nito na ang paghugot ng palaso ay isang masakit na proseso? Napakamasokista naman natin na ang pagpana pala ay isang masayang bagay. Na ito ay isang pambihirang karanasan na dapat abangan sa tuwing sasapit ang kabilugan ng buwan. Sa kabila ng konteksto, nakalimutan natin ang sugat na maaaring ibigay ng pagkapana. Karaniwan, kapag dinala ka sa ospital, unang unang gagawin sa ‘yo ay huhugutin ang palaso, pahihintuin ang pagdanak ng dugo, lilinisin ang sugat at tatahiin. Maaaring natutulog ka habang ginagawa ang operasyon at magigising ka na lang na may konting hapdi. Totoo marahil na magiging OK ka pagdating ng panahon pero alam naman natin na ang lahat ng sugat ay may iniiwang peklat sa katawan.

Video 48 (Plus) Contact Details

To all movie buffs out there, if you can't find it in Quiapo, try Video 48 Plus first. They have a wide range of Pinoy movie titles, Oscar winners (including a complete list of Foreign Language Film Winners, etc.) and more (action figures, posters, memorabilia, Lino Brocka's borrower's card, etc.)

Reach them at +63-2-4150108 (and tell them "sa Video 48 po") or +63-917-3874452.

To go there by cab, kindly ask Manong Driver to bring you to Metro Bar along West Avenue. That's the best landmark I could give, since the street intersecting/perpendicular to West Avenue is not that popular (I think it's "Liwayway St."). There's a pastry shop in the corner and beside it is Mary Santos Arcade where the video shop is located at the ground floor.

Some pictures:

The Original Jolly Barkada!

From left to right:

1. Chickee - She used to represent Jolly Chicken Joy but I no longer see her around. I think she was already laid off for she's too generic. Baka sa Mc Do na s'ya lumipat;

2. Mr. Yum - As in Yum Burger (clue: his hat!). Hindi ko na rin s'ya nakikita. Maybe Armani suit is becoming more and more expensice nowadays;

3. Milko - He used to represent milk shakes. Yes, they had milk shakes during the 80's. Since the product is not anymore available, Milko has to say goodbye too (he looks like one of my officemates);

4. Hetty - As in spaghetti (too given). She's still around. She recently starred in a backdoor scandal with Jollibee but I think the company gave her a second chance. Vanessa Hudgens, you are not alone;

5. Jollibee - Everybody knows Jollibee. I had a picture with him (or her?) finally when my niece celebrated her 3rd birthday in our house. Oh boy, was I teary eyed;

6. Lady Moo - Honestly, I don't know what this girl represent. Beef patties? But we already have Mr. Yum and Champ and that makes her redundant. I hope she got the separation pay she rightfully deserved;

7. Champ - Jollibee's answer to Big Mac. I am not sure if he's still around. I haven't seen him for a long time. I'm sure he's a he for he only wears nothing but a boxing shorts and robe. I remember I had a picture with him when my brother brought me to Manila Zoo when I was in Grade Four. I was starstruck;



There's another mascot named Popo to represent fries. I am not sure but I guess the time I got that Jolly Kiddie Meal toy set, the company was already starting to cut its budget and recession was becoming trendy.

Movie Digest # 037

3:10 TO YUMA
Glorietta 4, Cinema 7, February 28, 8:00pm

For me, this old school cowboy film is highly recommended as a popcorn film. Russel Crowe and Christian Bale won't disappoint you with this one. It doesn't require much to think about the plot or the turn of events. It's simple but not too simple. What I particularly like about the film is that it puts your right through the heart of the story. Wala nang mahabang intro o exposition pa, basta sumakay ka na lang. For an action film, it delivers. For something that has to be critically regarded, this film doesn't create much pressure. Kung meron man akong hindi trip, ito 'yung ilang eksena na nare-resolve sa isang monologue ng bida o kontrabida. Scenes like that could break the momentum.

Friends who might appreciate it: cowboys and cowgirls alike.

VANTAGE POINT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, February 28, 10:30pm

Some indie films already used the storytelling devise in "Vantage Point" but it is still enjoyable. Eight characters tell and retell the film in their own vantage point. The idea is to establish the film's tension which was effectively executed. Pang-edge of your seat ang mga eksena sa huli kahit na bumandera pa rin ang formula ng mga car chase scene at ilang camera handling na pinauso ng "Bourne" series. Casting is good with Forest Whitaker (though a bit "emote na emote" with this one), Sigourney Weaver (I was expecting for more meaty scenes for her), the great William Hurt as the US President and Dennis Quaid.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who haven't been to Salamanca, Spain.

DAYBREAK
Robinsons Galleria, IndieSine (Cinema 8), March 2, 7:50pm

Oh, well. Not another "Brokeback Mountain"-themed film. But let me get this straight (no pun intended). The film tries very hard to give the viewers something new by using a one-act play-like concept: two characters, one location and limited time. Two male lovers spend one night in Tagaytay, trying to put a halt on their relationship. Maganda at challenging sana ang ideya pero hindi na-capture 'yung agony na may ilang oras silang kailangang palampasin. Parang ang lahat ay napakabilis at eventful. I hope the filmmaker tried to put more talky scenes or hysteria. Or kahit walang speaking lines, basta merong sangkaterbang poetic images na pwedeng magpaalala ng haba ng gabi. Nagmukha ring mababaw ang pelikula at lantad ang inaasahang market sa paglalagay ng ilang flesh/sex scenes. Separation is such a painful and multi-dimensional journey but "Daybreak" seems to make it trivial. Sayang. Both actors (Coco Martin and Paolo Rivero) deliver the goods. May intensity. May lalim na hindi nakuha ng storyline o maging ng mga dialog nila.

Friends who might appreciate it: friends of Maxie Evangelista III.

La Mesa Dam You!

In celebration of having my 503rd Friendster friend, below are the 10 best things about tapping the La Mesa Watershed:

1. Trekking and camping fees cost P400 (there's a P100 savings when availing both). That's cheap consdering that the "park" is considerably the last forest in Metro Manila (though I have some doubts about Fairview still being part of the megalopolis);

2. The sanctuary is currently managed by ABS-CBN, my favorite TV station in the whole wide world (hahaha). That's until 2015, as our guide had shared;

3. Plants-wise, there are two seasons in the Philippines namely Evergreen and Deciduous. Evergreen is the leafy one, equivalent perhaps of spring or summer in Europe (or the US) while Deciduous is not really the balding one but could be autumnal in terms of colors;

4. Trek is easy except for some "itchy worms" and a little acrophobia while climbing Tower 11. The tower is the "peak". Stay there until sunset for an amazing view of the city and the lush watershed;

5. "Lipang Kalabaw" should be avoided for it is both poisonous and irritating. We saw one while crossing a small bridge. I am not sure if it has other variants like "Lipang Aso" o "Lipang Baboy";

6. Camp site is conveniently located near the gate. You can have your cars parked beside it (just don't pee on it at night when moonlight is not sufficient);

7. Enjoy stargazing. Bring your loved one and hold his/her hand tight;

8. The road to the trek's starting point is rough. That itself is an experience. Bring 4x4 if you can. It's both dusty and picturesque;

9. Caving is part of the trek package. There's nothing much in it really but it is still worth visiting;

10. Dried wildflowers are everywhere.