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

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

Nine Mornings

TODAY is the 2nd day of the Nine Mornings ritual that the Spanish brought to the Philippines. The tradition consists of nine daily novena masses that start on December 16th till 24th,marking the beginning of Christmas season and preparation for the Nativity of Jesus.

Nine Mornings also known as Misa de Gallo- a Spanish which literary means roosters mass because masses are held in the break of dawn where roosters began to crow. This religious event became popularly known now in Filipino language as Simbang Gabi or simple Evening Mass.

The usual practice after Simbang gabi is having delicacies like puto bumbong (purple-colored glutionous rice cake topped with shaved coconut) and bibingka ( rice cakes) paired with a mug of hot chocolate.

One more reason the Nine Mornings has become more than just a tradition for Filipinos is that they say who have completed all nine masses is entitled for one special wish.

photos by:Edward Mikehell Grylls

Sunset

       Streaks of golden light, 

       Glisten into my naked eyes.

       As the horizon sees the night,

       The sun speaks its goodbyes.