Along The Road

Holy Week 2016. We braved the traffic and the long road travel just to visit my hometown. One of my friend who was with me 4 years ago, invited a bunch of his friend to visit the island of Ticao once again. The last time, we sat on a 15 hours journey in an ordinary bus, and crossed the island in a RoRo (Roll on Roll of) boat. This time we drove a lite ace van for more than 24 hours!!!

This epic road tripping in a jam packed, with an open window van involves a  lot of stop over to  car mechanic along the road, losing gasoline kilometers away from the next gas station, stopping over for halo - halo, looking for some local eatery, emergency stop over to spend the night in some public park  hundred of kilometers away from our destination after spending whole day on the road, and missing the last boat to cross the island!

Sound like a travel nightmare right? Well, even the worst thing produces something fun and amazing if you keep your cool and just enjoy the whole mishap that would sum up the whole trip.

halo-halo stop over somewher in Quezon Province

emergency camp in Sorsogon (cto sir Niko)

breakfast.  seafoods freshly caught from Bulusan Lake

the view of our e-camp in Sorsogon

home

The Leaning Tower of Milaor

One of the most famous church in Camarines Sur for visita inglesia during holy week is the Milaor Church or St Joseph the Worker Parish Church in the town of Milaor, Camarines Sur. We found this historical church by accident when we were looking for eatery along the road that serves local cuisine.

What so special about this church is that its bell tower is leaning. According to the historical committee marker, the first church started in 1725 and completed in 1735, was destroyed by fire in 1740. The present church was constructed in 1740, its belfry in 1840. 

It's an old church like many churches in Bikol region. The stone structure is amazing and will make you wonder how they survives the ravages of time. But what makes me wonder was not just the structure of the church and its leaning tower but the inside of the church where there is no statue of any patron saint in sight. 

Or Not

so you throw out the one we had
because you thought it is one and the same
out of the thousand out there
but what you didn't know
mine is the only one you could have best
but you throw it out baby,
for some knock off
you see, it isn't the same
the real one and the same one
aren't really the same
if you know what i mean
but it's clear that you don't 
cause you throw it all out
for a knock off
my love
you throw it all out
for a knock off

9.9.14

Something I want and Something I need

Choosing between my needs and  wants have always been a battle of will. Most of the time, I lost in all the drama and ended up with something I don't really want. Not because I picked a bad choice but because I have the tendency to let everything float for too long that in the end the choices seems like it doesn't matter anymore.

For my birthday this year, as a celebration for my big 3.0 natal years, I took a stand not to procrastinate on something I need.  No. This is not a paid post. This is what  I call  "maturity". lols

Life and Health Insurance for a brighter life. xx

For the "want" part, let me just get a book.

Eiga Sai (Japanese Film Festival)

I heard ( tagged in Facebook actually) something that makes me giddy in excitement. The big news was that the Eiga Sai Film Festival already kicks off!! Yey free movie!! Not just it is free but I think their film entries in their film festival has substance compare to our film festival which entries are mostly sell out movies like, My Little Bossing etc. If you watch the movie, which I didn't. You would know why I don't watch our own Film Festival. I watched Korean Film Festival before and now I'm excited to watch Japanese Film Festival too.

 Sixteen ( 16 ) movies are featured in this 16th Japanese Film Festival. All film will be shown with English subtitles and all film will be open for the public at Cinema 2, Shangri-La Plaza mall (July 3-July 13) on a first-come, first-served basis so come in  early. According to my friend they give away tickets 30 minutes before the film screening.

Here is the schedule of the Eiga Sai lifted from The Japan Foundation.

 "The 2014 “Eiga Sai” is presented by The Japan Foundation, Manila in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, Shangri-la Plaza and Film Development Council of the Philippines, and supported by WAO Corporation, Akira, SumoSam, Shu Uemura, ClickTheCity.com and Net25 TV and Radyo Aguila. The Eiga Sai  is part of the “ Philippines-Japan Friendship Month” celebration. "

A Look Back to Move Forward

I'm not gonna lie. The reason why this blog has been neglected was because I feel so unmotivated to write. Not because I didn't do things that worth remembering by-to write down events in my life to remember is the main reason why I put up this blog. The posts are all crowded in my folder waiting to be edited,left unfinished, untouched and seem to be forgotten. Pictures that I love to look at to make me remember the happy times and important moments are just hiding in the memory of my computer. (sigh)

I need Me back. But with all the things that happened, the uncertainties and disappointment. I was left wondering, was it deliberately meant to hurt me? Or was it just a burst of emotion in the middle of anger? But then maybe not. You pride yourself to be smart. And for me smart people has to have a strong harness of their emotion especially when the same words was thrown to them in the past and it hurt them too. You don't simply say words that hurt you in the past to the person you say you love,because YOU of all people should know that they hurt.

I just need me back. That's all I want..for now.

It's three days short before my birthday. That's what I want. Me. I want to like writing again. To have a glimpse of what I feel in some moment in the past through the words I've written.

I just talked to a friend. And an emotion I've been hiding for a long time I just suddenly shared. What for? It was a long time ago when I vow to never celebrate my birthday anymore. I was 21. It was a day before my birthday, I'm sitting on a bus going home to attend my father's funeral.  Since then, my own birthday for me is depressing. It is not something to be celebrated at all. It opens old wounds that's too painful. But what can I do? I can't live on the past forever, am I?

There was a time that I push myself to take it all back. That is by creating a wish list for my birthday. I love gifts on my birthday,forget the other occasion there is. Just give me a present on my birthday. So that I would have something to be happy, to be grateful, to smile and forget an event that brings bad memories.

And for my birthday this year? I wish for nothing! Instead I'll buy myself a gift. Something I want,and something I need.

 Also a promise, to write again.All I need is just  to look back to what happen a long time ago for a part of me to get back. So that's why I'm telling myself. Not to be afraid. Not to hate, not even when people tries to hurt you,because I AM A SMART PERSON. I can always choose what I should  feel. And I choose to Love.

It isn't too early to give myself a birthday gift,is it?

The Real Coffee and Tea Cafe With Their Famous Calamansi Muffin

The fascination all started with a box. Unassuming box of muffin that is. "The Boyfriend" came home in one of his trip from the island of Boracay with a box of Calamansi muffin. I'm a girl with overwhelming attachment to everything sweet so a sour muffin is not something I would prefer. Well, not until I took the first bite. Since then whenever "The Boyfriend"  go to the island he has a standing order to bring home a box of it.

So when I visited  the island one of my goal was to have a calamansi muffin at Real Coffee and Tea Cafe and experience the famous calamansi muffin with their own brew of coffee. And they didn't disappoint!

tuna sandwich, calamansi muffin with Real Coffee coffee 

Their store that time was at their old place in Station 1. Now they moved to Station 2 with an exquisite view of the beach. And sipping coffee while munching  calamansi muffin became another level of experience.

I've already tried a lot of food in their menu, but every now and then I still crave for that sour muffin with hot cup of coffee while watching the view.

mother and daughter owner with their amazing staff 

Paint it Fiery Red

I have two nature obsession in this world;-sunset and clouds hovering in a blue sky. No wonder I love beach, they showcase the best of those wonders when you're facing an ocean.

Sunset of Boracay viewed from the port of Caticlan

On a boat to the island of Boracay

See how the sunset color the clouds fiery red?It's like a painting of bursting fire in a blue canvass. A sight to behold to remind us to be thankful to the Creator, and appreciate the amazing beauty of life.

For a Special Woman

Ang Aking Nanay 

Joie (5/6/11)

Sa katanghaliang tapat nitong aming buhay

Katirikan ang init ng araw

Aming ina'y wala ng mapaglagyan

Mistulang ligaw na bulaklak sa daan

Hindi ka na alintana ng mga anak mong mahal

Pagka't hindi na makatungo,malayo na ang tinatanaw

Sa ihip ng hangin ika'y sumasayaw

Lahat kami iba na ang nais kaulayaw

Hindi na binigyang halaga ng mga anak mong alibugha

Mga dagok at hirap na iyong sinagupa

Gabing hindi naitulog,kaning ipinaubaya

Bigat ng dibdib na iyong iniluha

Babae mong anak kawangis mo sa iyong paningin

Noon ay nene kung iyong tawagin

Ngayo'y estranghera na kung sayo'y makatingin

Tila baga ika'y nananalamin

Mga anak mong lalake ngayo'y pag aari na ng iba

Hindi na iyo, ganap ng asawa't ama

Sa atensyon nila may kaagaw ka na

Apo na nga lang may kahati ka pa

Anak mong bunso 

Bawat daana'y may luha at dugo

Akala ata moog syang nakatayo

Sa tibay at tatag hindi na makayuko

Kami ay lumaki sa mapagpala mong kamay

Natuto at nagka-isip sa iyong gabay

Nabuo sa kaibuturan ng iyong dugo't laman

Ngayong nagkamalay , kalayaan ang isinisigaw

Kung kami noo'y pumapalahaw

Sa bawat sandaling hindi ka matanaw

Ngayo'y kanya-kanyang alsa balutan

Pag sasarili't kalayaan ang isinisigaw

Kami nga yata ang iyong sumpa

Na kailan ma'y hindi mo maitatatwa

Pagkat pagmamahal mo sa amin

Ay sadyang wagas at dakila

Salaula man kami sa iyong paningin

Pag kakausapin lahat ay iwas tingin

Yoon ay dahil mahirap lang tangapin 

Sadyang kami ay hindi na pwedeng  maangkin

Ang iyong laging turan

Ang utang na loob sa mga magulang

Kailan ma'y hindi matatawaran

Maliban sa pag dating ng araw 

Na ang AKO ay maging IKAW

Dun palang sasapat ang kabayaran

A girl at any age need a MOM to hug, and share a smile with. I'm not a perfect daughter, but you did just great. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Thank you for everything. 

photo of Edward Mikehell Grylls

Hello Summer!!

photo by Edward Mikehell Grylls

This photo was taken at the idyllic island of Cagbalete in Mauban Quezon. The fun I had were capture in  this one candid shot. It is ended a summer to remember.

The Dream That Never Was

I have a lot of dream places,and sometimes when the opportunity opens for me to visit those places I was left on the curb waiting for the next bus. There's not enough time,my schedules does not permit and the saddest part? THE budget. So wait it is. For there will be still a next time.

And while waiting for it, let me share with you one of those dream destination that I wish I'll be able to visit. That for now would be just a picture of a dream maybe..or maybe not?

photos courtesy of Edward Mikehell Grylls

Pulag Happening

How to get there,what to wear,what to bring how much is the budget are some of questioned asked especially when you aren't a climber but just a tourist that want to see Pulag because it was featured in your idiot box as on of the best park to visit. But  you see,as it is a "park" it's a mountain first and there are more to know before going there than just having the money for your journey.

Below is the  the itinerary of our Pulag Trip and the Things to Bring from our Pulag adventure. Hope it could help you when you decide to go there too.


Example IT

Day 0
10:00  pm Assembly Victory Liner Pasay/Cubao
11:00  pm ETD to Baguio

Day 1

05:00 am ETA Baguio
5:30   am ETD to DENR
7:30   am ETD Ambuklao Dam
9:00   am ETA DENR for orientation and LNT by Ms. Albas
11:00 am Ranger Station
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00   pm Start Trek
5:00   pm ETA Pulag Campsite
6:00   pm cook dinner
6:30   pm Dinner
7:00   pm Socials
9:00   pm Lights Out

Day 2

3:00  am Wake-up call
3:30  am Start Trek to Summit
5:30  am Summit
7:00  am Descend
8:00  am Break camp
11:00 am ETA Ranger Station
12:00 pm ETD to Baguio
4:00  pm Baguio
Expenses:

Manila to Baguio via Victory Liner -P455 x2 =P910
Guide Fee and Camping Fee- P300
4x4 jeep (15 person capacity) - P8,500 from Baguio to Ranger Station v.v 
Cultural Fee:P20
Porter Fee: (optional) P500

Things to Bring: (The usual w/ extra freeze protection)

A.) Equipment:
1. Backpack or Daypack
2. Tent (sharing is highly recommended)
3. Sleeping bag/earth pad (highly recommended)
4. Stove -group equipment
5. Cook set -group equipment
6. Headlamp/Flashlight or torch light (highly recommended)

B.) Protection:
1. Trekking Shoes* or Sandals
2. Jacket ** Highly Recommended
3. 3 Sets of clothes (for day 1, day 2 & emergency clothing)
4. Gloves - Recommended
5. Bonnet
6. 2 sets Socks *
7. Poncho / Umbrella

C.) Personal Hygiene:
1. Mess Kit - Recommended (BAWAL ANG DISPOSABLE) i.e. spoon, fork, bowl etc.
2. Tissue or Paper Towels - Recommended
3. Garbage Bag - Recommended (also for water proofing)
4. Kikay Kit
D.) Medicines:
1. First Aid Kit - Group Equipment
2. Personal Medicine
3. Sunblock - Recommended
4. Lip Balm
5. Mineral Oil / Baby Oil - Recommended

E.) Nutrition:
1. Trail Food - i.e. Nuts, Chocolates, Raisins, etc. (Jelly - Not Recommended)
2. Trail Water
3. Group Meals - *please see Meal Plan
4. Hot Choco, Coffee, Noodles etc. - ask us for hot water
5. Nutritional Supplements - i.e. Vitamins (optional)

F.) Gadgets: (optional)
1. Camera
2. Video Camera
3. MP3 players

Have a nice safe trip!!!

Add caption

For the Sake of an Old Love

"An old lover is calling...The one I can't resist. "

the port of Bulan. i'm almost home.

My dearly beloved Alma Mater, called me to stand in front of her graduates, I humbly accepted. And the task to be there on time is daunting for I never expected the buses bound hometown is full! The buses in Cubao  was fully booked for that week,and also in Pasay terminal. But hell will get loose if I can't be there. So here it is the timetable I beat just to be there on schedule!

Sunday
11:30 PM Cutting trip Manila to Legaspi, the last bus for the long ride.

Monday
10:30 AM  was in the middle of street in Daraga,Albay waiting for a bus ride to Bulan,Sorsogon.
2:30 PM Bulan port at last!
3:30 PM Bulan port to San Jacinto port. A miracle that I was able to catch the last boat to the island cause IF not I would probably sleep in the bus station and wait for the first trip early in the morning and go directly to the graduation ceremony the next day!

5:00 PM Finally home after a 17 hours travel!

Tuesday
7:30 AM Graduation Ceremony
10:30 Finished
10:30-11:00 AM  Lunch
1:00 PM Left home to Bulan Port
3:00 Bulan to Manila
5:30 Pasay terminal
6:00 AM Home
6:30 AM Off to work!

You might say, why in the name of the good lord din't you just take the plane?  Well, Moi is as poor as a country mouse.

A Journey Chasing Clouds

FEBRUARY 17-18 the faithful day I went to Benguet to conquer Pulag and failed.  The highest mountain in Luzon. With its majestic panorama I felt humbled. In the presence of something so wonderful I felt a higher being working above us all. The mountain is an easy one to climb, that is in my point of view since it's not the first summit I scaled. But the weather and the temperature in the mountain is notoriously unpredictable that everyone should be prepared to be in the worst situation. Cold is the worst enemy you've got there. And the journey of many to glimpse its majestic peak being kissed by the clouds in the early morning sun was all so worth it that a lot of climbers that went there and not blessed to be with the clouds go back again and again just to see the breathtaking sea of clouds. And I think I'll be one of those that will go back because even though we were blessed to have a clearing during that time I wasn't able to summit and see first hand the famous wonder of Mt. Pulag.

Photos of Edward Mikehell Grylls

Oh Beach!!

It is now oh so hot!! That as early as this month of February I'm already thinking of going to the beach and just bum out. Lay down in a hammock, bury my feet in the sand to feel them underneath my feet, to walk barefoot in the sand, to just sit there play and get dirty like a child, to wiggle my toes in the water and stay afloat  while watching the clouds pass by, to watch the sunset and boats sailing by.. Oh how I missed the ocean breeze!. My dear summer,even though you are very bad in my skin(i hate sunscreen) I want you to hurry up and let's play again!

With my said fave beach activities you can now probably guess that I am not a very good swimmer! J

A Day in a Girl's Life

YESTERDAY was the most celebrated day for the lovers all around the world. Do I feel left out?With all of those lines I've been lining up for the past days valentine day is a just another working day.  Nah,I didn't feel left out at all. I'm too busy processing some document and I am happy that Valentine day is just a special holiday counted as another working day. Processing documents are definitely a big pain in the ass but with those girls happily trotting their flower bouquets yesterday in the streets with their giddy laughter walking hand in hand with the guy they love is enough to put a smile in my tired face.

Coldest Temperature Indeed!

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has recorded the coldest temperature in Metro Manila for this season on Thursday morning. That's according to yahoo news.

And it is cold indeed! I don't need an alarm to wake up in the morning because the cold is seeping in my bones and crawling in my skin. Brrrr...I can't imagine what it would  feel like to be on the top of the tallest mountain in Luzon!

But a dream is calling me and no amount of cold would hinder me to climb Mt. Pulag, to climb the playground of the gods, to be in a place where the moon and the sun share the same sky,(hope we could see this!),and to be embrace by the sea of clouds! I can't wait to see you Mt. Pulag, to  glimpse your majesty beauty. It is cold but my heart is burning with my desire to be with you.

photo credit to it's source

Two is Company,but Three's a Friendship

 

We were connected with the long walk to Cavite,we talked out a dare,we met in a clean up, and as they say- the rest is history. We are so different from one another but with some common ground we bonded as one. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ms. M! (i love the two of you dearly)

The Search for the Perfect Fit

It's been awhile since I blog. So sad to see that I wasn't able to meet my personal quota of fifteen post a month. There was a lot of reason why I wasn't able to do so. But the most was because a friend got married!
And we were all so excited to be bridesmaids!! It was not an easy task. It involve lots of drama and cat fight about a lot of things but most especially the SHOES!!... L

Let the shoes fight begin...

The first three choices of the bride,all by Steve Madden.

The takes of the bridesmaids!!

 
 

Two weeks before the big day!At this point we could not afford to place shoes order that we decided to look for local brand shoes!

Rusty Lopez! This one was a hard one to let go. 

Last minute choice of the bride.A black and white Cardams shoes. In this time she was trying to pacify all the bridesmaids not to start pulling each others hair. lol

And the winner is!!! The one on top of the Two Towers. A Cardams shoes chosen a week before the wedding. Still not everyone was happy for the chosen one! Everyone has its own favorite sadly we had to compromise for one since that's the bride wish. For her bridesmaids to walk the aisle with same shoes. And it was a daunting task.

But in the end..my aren't we look so pretty? J