December 20, 2011
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Walking culture
After watching Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, I decided to walk home. That would give me around 12-15 kilometers walk for the day!
So I walked home, from the city all the way to our town by the foot of the dormant volcano Talinis (sharp). Around 10 kilometers. Took me around two hours to reach home. I know I'm a bit slow, a friend told me she can do it for half that, but I'm not really into walking except for short distances.
It was quite an experience and while walking I was inspired to do a stint and walk the whole island or even the neighboring island of Cebu. I would call it Walk! and I will be doing it to raise awareness on the need to walk and the beauty of walking. (Of course, this are all plans and I hope I'd push through with this, perhaps by April).
These days people hardly walk. Even if the destination's just around the corner, people would just kick on their motorcycle and vroom all the way to wherever they wish to go.
My plan is to talk to my editor and do a series on my experience during this walk. Perhaps come up with stories of the people I meet, the interesting places and sights that I'll pass by, and all those stuff. It would be exciting. And then of course, I'd document it here on Xanga. I was thinking how hospitable my people are these days considering the many poverty-related crimes happening all over the country, would they welcome a complete stranger in their abode? I plan to stay in homes of people I meet along the way since I definitely would not have any budget to stay in lodging houses.
While I was in the boondocks of Negros, people were pretty hospitable, even feeding us for free. They would even want us to bring food with us when we were about to leave. Would we see the same attitude in the people in the lowland?
So, what do you think of the idea?
Here is a great video on walking for a cause:
(Photo credit: My Fitness Tune | Video credit: Walk of Causes )
Comments (24)
I think it's a great idea, and it would be so interesting to hear the stories of the people you meet along the way. Cool video!
@songoftheheart - i would agree... i was looking around in YouTube and learned of this, now I am more inspired... but won't be until April 2012
a month month project would be great!
That would be a great idea. I heard of several people who have done long-distance walks, for various reasons. About 36 people, from different countries, have even walked across the land surface of the Earth. I think there were at least three Filipinos who have done so.
@RighteousBruin - wow, that's news to me
I'll look into that and find more inspiration in their stories 
I think that's a great idea. I've been a walker most of my life. It was the only thing that set me at ease when I was young and over the years I have found it a great way to stay connected with the area I live in and to remember not to be in a hurry. People aren't so nice when they're in a hurry and I want to be a nice (and happy) person as much as possible... eating good food and relaxing the mind are huge components. During some periods of my life I've routinely walked many miles as part of the daily routine.
@oceanstarr - that is so true... I always have this mantra... if in a hurry, do nothing very very slowly
Even my scooter is sort of moving fast, but at least things don't pass by like a blur in a car. Then again there are probably no sidewalks outside of cities.
I traveled a bit in California. My ex wife's religion had branches all over California and staying at the Churches/homes saved a lot of money. I did do some plumbing when staying at some of the places and most places welcome a helping hand instead of money. I suppose you also do some cooking? Helping with the cooking and cleaning is also welcomed and a good exchange instead of money.
Hmm, I wonder if there is a good GPS for the Philippines? You will need a cell phone that works for longer than a day. The contrast with walking thru Lebonon may not be as hard.
However, now that I am older, there are parts of Los Angeles that I would not really want to walk thru. Skid row seems to be safe only because there is a police presence there.
@PPhilip - I guess that's one of the downside... the likelihood of being mugged... I guess that would be more common in urban areas, but I hope not so in rural areas...
now that would be a great exchange, helping a bit in the house in exchange for a place to stay for the night 
I think its a fair exchange 
Scooters and skateboards are both transportation and good weapons. Then again I don't look like an easy victim.
I also do a bit of herbology and massage. You could probably practice a bit of free physical therapy. However in Rural areas they would probably be better farmers than what my botanical studies taught me. I suppose the rural areas would want to know more about city life and you would love to learn about rural living.
hahahaha never thought scooters could be good weapons...
I saw a NOVA TV program where a geneticist proved the Lebanese are direct descendants of the ancient Phoenicians. They have the same DNA markers. So this video is a kind of time travel. And remember, the Carthaginians were Phoenicians too.
@tribong_upos - Nice. So true.
That's so philosophical! Can't wait to read your experiences! =)
Many people walk for a cause .At this time in some arab countries . They are courageous .
But we can walk without cause too. In each step we can observe something or people new around us . Walk is discovering for an attentive man .
In friendship
Michel
Now I think thi sis a great idea and I hope that you keep a journal of your walks here on Xanga too as this would be interesting to follow.
@hesacontradiction - I pray I'll push through with it
@fauquet - I totally agree, Michel
Its a way of reconnecting with one's community 
@Grannys_Place - If I push through with it, I definitely will
@we_deny_everything - hmmm that's an interesting information
@oceanstarr - :D
i think it is an amazing idea and would be very interesting as well.
@andreas_d - Thank you Andreas
Walk for hunger,
Walk for freedom,
Walk for peace,
Let's get start.
yey!
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