Thank you 2011

It's been a week. Hometown for the holidays.

Today is the last day of 2011. And what else can I say? Cheers to the past, they make us stronger. Looking forward to the future, it's where hope and dreams reside.

On the 25th, we went to Cotabato for Christmas. I was tired from all the red bags I carried all the way from our office building to Shangrila Mall (that's more than a kilometer) two days back. To give you a brief background, red bags is a CSR program of First Gen which aims to give out Noche Buena for Christmas to the needy and less fortunate. This year, we packed and distributed more than 1,600 bags which contain 1kg spaghetti pasta, sauce, 4 canned goods, cheese, and 2 kilos of rice. Now I gather each bag would mean 6kg approx. I carried 2 for more than a km since I could not find anyone I wanted to give the red bags to. Outcome: a very tired me.

Manila Manila. I keep coming back to Manila.

Sometimes the place grows on you. And it becomes a comfort. The familiarity of it all, the rush. We keep coming back to Manila. :) Four years now. :)

This here are pictures of good food, good fun in the familiar grounds.

Tagalong. aka Sabit.

7,107 islands minus 100.

Bolinao and Alaminos, Pangasinan.

May 2011

I was invited to an out of town trip, by the CPh Process Group. Of course, I said yes. When did I ever say no? Wait. I know. One time, June, I said no to Bellaroca. I shall see you next time, Marinduque. :)

Enough of the segues, we left for Pangasinan on a Friday.

Bolinao Falls. Never Stop Exploring.

Gala in Galera

First time in Puerto Galera. And so far the only time. I was with Alot and her high school buddies Tey and BB. 

The girls were awesome! I love 'em! But I am not much fan of the place.

March 2011.

Sunset Beach

 We went there even after a warning. A huge tsunami just hit Japan, but the plan was so long been made, and we were adamant on postponing it. So there we were.

Giddy

Hihi

Ramon Bautista in the flesh, ladies and gentlemen. He was behind me while I was queuing for ATM. Dear Lord. Pinagtadhana na magtagpo aming mga landas. Hahaha. Ang feeling ko talaga!

December 21, 2011. 12/21/11. My. Best. Day. In. 2011. EVER.

:)

We will always go back to the beach

My first time in Boracay was spent with officemates.

Eto yung sinasabi ni Ramon Bautista. "Bakit pa kita i-aadd sa Facebook eh nakikita ko naman ang Boracay pictures mo?" Hahaha. Feeling ko lang! :)

March 2010.

My Sunset

I misplaced my wallet then. And could find no ID. Good thing the airline decided they can accommodate me.

And wee, I was off to the famous white beach off the coast in Aklan!

Let's Kapit-Bisig!

December 5-8. Cagayan de Oro and Butuan

December 15-16. Davao City and Kidapawan
December 24-January 1. Davao City.

A week after my CDO trip, typhoon Sendong devastated the city. Last I heard, there were 500+ people dead already. Let's all help folks! Here's how:

from the Philippine Red Cross website:
1. SMSText RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)
2. G-CashText DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=314662605221457&id=314177328603318

http://nusp.org/tulong-kabataan-for-the-victims-of-typhoon-sendong/

http://mylittleways.com/typhoons/how-you-can-help-typhoon-sendong-victims/

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-inbox/help-sendong-victims-095238780.html


God help our fellowmen.

Peeta

My ride decided I'm too hot to handle, he overheats and I hafta pay a humongous amount of sum. Hahaha, I kid. Peeta, babe, you rob me more than a newborn human would. I still love you, though. We shall continue going places. And we shall discover Luzon! 

Read the story here.

Around the world in 80 minutes

Are you familiar with the book - Around the World in Eighty Days? Maybe you're more familiar with the movie. It stars Jackie Chan. Anyway, back to the book, it's a classic written by Jules Verne.I am not much fan of classics, but this one, I liked instantly. The book was bought by my sister for 20 bucks. Quite a bargain, really. To think that it was considered a masterpiece... By me! Hahaha. Oh well. I liked how the protagonist, Phileas Fogg, a wealthy bachelor, won the bet by a simple miscalculation. Of course, when you travel the world towards east, you lose a day. Oops! Forgive my blunder, that might've been a major spoiler but who cares, right? Everybody loves a happy ending!

And everybody loves Christmases!

Restless

Sometimes, I just want to leave everything behind - and travel. But that would be terribly irresponsible. Not to mention, expensive. I could tick off a lot of excuses, but this fact remains. I am a coward. I feel afraid of so many things, for no reason at all.

I need to dwindle down this mistrust. And this restlessness. :) And hope someday. Something worth it, is waiting. For me to be ready to receive it.

Meantime, this here's a good read. :)

11 Things to Know at 25(ish)

I don't know why I'm too restless. I thought this was what I've wanted. Here's the proof. 

I must settle.

When girls party - They party in Boracay

Because girlfriends are the bestest forms of bestfriends.

Grecian-inspired resort in Pinas

Close but not quite. Imma take you on, Santorini. Someday.

Meantime. Here's Thunderbird Resorts in Poro Point, La Union. 7 hours drive away from Metro Manila.

May 2010

Just another photoblog.

Kilig

This is nothing related to traveling. But a lot related to something, or someone, I so adore.

Ramon Bautista is <3.

These here're snapshots of the three questions which I asked, and he answered! Ayan Alot, naka 3 nako, ikaw wala pa!!! :))

Boondocks - Mt. Manalmon

Adventure is out there! -Russell

While we were out prancing, they posed for the camera

Kidnap

The three of us, on a Friday, watched 'The Adventures of Tintin.' Chabs and I were under the impression that Tintin was a girl. And the movie was for kids. We were wrong. Aside from the noticeably serious theme of the animation, there were gun shooting, sword fighting, and blood all over! Ha. Who was I kidding. I was just too engrossed with the film. Anyway, the movie was superb. And I loved Snow. :)

So we were all going home. But wait there's more!

I left Peeta at the office parking since I was expecting traffic in Ortigas. Chabs and Yeye walked me to car. And we decided to drop by Meralco. But it was nearing 12 mn and the lights exhibit was closed. We then decided to go to Tagaytay. What is it with me and Tagaytay these days? :D

She's expensive

The sister was in town. Had to treat her. Bubba Gump it is.

This here's a transparent bribe to prevent future kvetching.

Up North

A fun-filled field trip with officemates and their kids.

February 2011. It was my second time to go to Ilocos Norte. This time, we went further below to see Ilocos Sur.

We took the bus, a ten-hour travel turned eight hours, to Ms Mencee's place in Ilocos Norte. We rested some. And took a van to visit the sinking church, lighthouse, and the windmills.

Pretty girl

Let me introduce you to Daryn. She's three. And a little bit miffed by strangers. She does not actually talk to us, but basks in the comfort of Mommy Chu's arms. She, however, is a darling. And talks in English, cartoon-ish way. I quote, "It's so fun Ate, weeee!" After four days in our company, she gradually warmed up. And thus, the Kodak-moments when she let's us carry her up.

2009

Some people feel love in their hearts. Some of us feel it all the way into our souls. We're the ones who can't forget.

Cebu-Bohol

I love the beach. They calm me.

July 2011. Alot and I went to Cebu to take the SuperCat to Bohol. And here we are. These pristine white beaches keeping my soul intact.

Bulls eye!

I clicked. I aimed. I fired!

So do tell, am I a hobbyist? Perhaps I am. This time - Paintball.

Winners

A new sport

Last Saturday was spent with a new, hmm can i call it hobby already?, I'm a hobbyist perhaps?, well in any case, Chabs and I played tennis with instructors. It was noteworthy that, kuya was telling me I have beautiful forehand swing form, but a terribly fancy backhand swing. My feet prances around like chacha. Haha. Good to know I can still learn new stuff, and be brilliant with it. Haha!

Now it hits me. I remembered Justin Timberlake in Friends with Benefits, "Why can't we have *** like we're playing tennis?" Lots of laugh!

Shangrila Boracay. It's something else.

May 2010

Boracay is yadida - one thing. Shangrila Boracay, it's something else. Entirely.

Three entries in a row regarding company outing. Nice, eh?

Top View shot of Shangrila Resort by Tristan.
This is plain brilliant

This here's a photoblog. So you'll most likely see pictures instead of words. :)

Houses on stilts built to a hilt!

Apulit Island
previously known as Club Noah

I shot this from my iPod.

May 2011. It was summer and it was once again a time to kiss Mr. Sun. Hi dearest Sunshine. Did you miss me? I missed you lots.

A splendor of sorts

April 24 - 26, 2008

Lagen Island, El Nido Resorts, Palawan

c/o Caloy

It was a first time to ride with Island Transvoyager, Inc. Their planes are German-made 19-seater Dornier 228-212 aircraft. Low flying, and scary.

Picture circa 2011. Dinna own any digital camera back then. :)

But I did love the scenery.

The world is just awesome.

Surfing Philippines - Bagasbas Edition

After Calaguas, we went to Bagasbas.

Tidied ourselves up.

And crashed more waves of infinite dimensions.

I loved Bagasbas. It's supple swells a welcome change for the one who was used to playing Zambales. (Haha who was I kidding. Been there once!)

Surfing Philippines - Zambales Edition

One September day. A Saturday. Right before Boracay, Jenina invited me to crash the waves. 

With Lenzy, JFel, and JFel's family, we took a roadtrip to San Felipe, Zambales.

Like a pro... Propeller!

Okay so this entry, to showcase how a newbie staunchly walks on water.

Calaguas - Beach Camp Extreme

Ah! Calaguas.

Our trip to Calaguas started on a Thursday. We bought bus tickets in Cubao. And shopped a bit for stuff we might need.

Batad - Sagada

The start of non-stop weekend getaways.

And may I reiterate, this post is loooong overdue.

(c) Earl

It started in April. With no plans for the then upcoming Holy Week (except for this option: go to the airport and get a round-trip ticket to first out of country flight and explore), I was nudging bugging, Chabs to say yes to a trip to Sagada where she was invited. Of course, I will be tagging along, since weekends bore me. Especially after having classes on Saturdays for a whole year. That summer, I was bummed out. And I needed the getaway.

So, then, after much prodding, Chabs conceded, albeit reluctantly.

The Addams Family - Click click

'Twas a merry merry Nightmare Before Christmas.

Thing! You must pose for the cameras.

The Most Beautiful Bride

11.11.11
The Wedding of Arlene and Mike.

Albeit the wedding was not one of the best I've attended, what with all the hoopla with her wedding coordinator (and all the Arline Charices), it was, and still is, a memorable one. The date, for instance, is something one cannot forget. And well, it was the wedding of one of my dearest high school friend and confidante. Arlene!!! You're married! Best wishes to you and Michael. :)

Here's a fire lantern cheers to you both! ;)

Boondocks - Batulao

Our holding company organized a climb to Nasulo Batangas. Batulao. Or batong umiilaw (illuminated rocks). Saturday. November 12, 2011.

Here was our itinerary:

High [Aviation] School

High school. We never outgrew it. It was a Sunday. Sunny. But at 8AM, no one was moving from their respective positions in their respective beds. But when Mike, or was that Pam, arrived, we gots to talking. On our day's itinerary. It was October 23. 

Clark Pampanga. Peeta, my trusty old car, was immersed for the first time to a long drive. My bottom was not left unhurt. 

Happy bunch

Of old temples and new beginnings

Ah Cambodia.

The trip was an overload of culture education.

Eat, Play, LOVE

The three trips that made my year.
Eat. Bangkok Thailand. March 2011
Play. Singapore. May 2011
LOVE. Vietnam-Cambodia. October 2011

2011. What a very significant year. Crazy stuff. Crazier weekends. I am, first and foremost, a traveler. However, this has taken a backseat for the past 25 years. I do love to do new things. And experience new culture. But there were several key factors limiting the love for travel. Money, as always, have been scarce. Up until last year, that is. I have just enough right now to feed my need to go to places, and see new sights.

Eat. A trip to Bangkok alone. I was never fond of trying out new cuisine. But Bangkok taught me otherwise. And I was overwhelmed at how I was left incredibly in-love with the local delicacies. The sweet, tangy, and just the right hint of spice in their food, left my mouth watering and craving for more. I loved how the sourness of the Tom Yang Soup and the sweetness of the mango and sticky rice ravishes the tastebuds which are ignorant for the most part of my life. Haha. How utterly sensible that I should try this now. When I'm mid 20's. Sharing with myself.

Vertigo

Play. Another solo trip abroad. I was never scared, nor a teeny wee bit concerned, what with friends who were scheduled to pick me up at the Budget Terminal airport. My crazy habit of never asking anyone to travel with me, and just saying yes to invitations, have left me with a severe disability - I could never write an itinerary. Aside from touring the local sites and destinations in Singapore from the trusty handbook of 4-hour itineraries I found in my friends' home, there was the intoxicated evening. When we were in recluse, inebriated without heed. And holding a hand of someone I barely recognize. Haha. Good old days, thinking we were back in college. Nada a care in the world.

The Cast
(c) Princess

Love. Now this trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, I shared with my trusty travel buddy, Isabel, who we fondly call Chabs or Biik or Boi. And the most important part was the bus ride. Haha. We have not even set foot in Vietnam for a day. So I relish the moments we were traveling, in style, bus-style. I had to reiterate to myself, that worthiness of oneself is all about outlook. I am worthy to be loved. Especially by me. So lowered self-esteem should have never been an issue. Albeit, I should've looked at it as if it was rejuvenation and a healing. This love for oneself is powerful enough to carry on. And I ended up loving me.

Angkor Wat Gate

Surfing Philippines - Baler Edition

The forecast was bad. Very bad. But we went ahead as our crazy feet was itching to ride the swells that Baler is providing.

Ah Baler! Where the movie of Anne Curtis and some guy was shot. Where things happen. Where waves are non stop. And where, I decided, I must move on some more. Hahaha.

Reaching the Summit

That was prolly my 8th "mountain climb." I can't seem to remember the others, but some were work-related,

Bicol - Soil Sampling
(c) Princess

CSR Tree Planting

some friendship climbs,

Sierra Mountaineers - Coto Zambales
(c) Aizza

some, I dunno. For the heck of it.

Sabit Mountaineers - Pinatubo
(c) Dunno hehe

CE - Banaue Rice Terraces in Batad
(c) Earl

CE - Manalmon
(c) Earl

Chiyoda Engineers - Buntot Palos
(c) Kate

In any case, Franke invited me to the event way beforehand but I was only able to confirm last Monday. So with all the last-minute preparations, I was actually scared and paranoid. To wit, I was doing last minute buying, prior to our meet-up at Jose's house somewhere in Pasay. Or was that Magallanes? Pardon my poor sense of Manila Map.

We were at the bus station at exactly 9PM. And we waited. Waited still. Waited some more. Haha.

Travel Far and Wide

Travel high and low.
Travel to the far far abodes
Travel to the wide wide roads
Travel to the chilling colds of mountains
In full view of the majestic curtains
Travel to the deepest recesses of the sea
Little critters waiting to be seen

Fire and Snow

There's a war waging inside my soul
Emanating from it's greatest depths
A smorgasbord of emotions
Boiling from the core
Consuming
Blinding
Hurting

There's a fire within my soul
Quenching the calm of the most rigid of shores
Anticipating
Pawning
Ever so ever weeping

There's the coldest snowflake inside of my soul
Indifferent
And mature.
Wanting, no, needing
For everything to be cool.

;)

Fly along the color blue of sky
And burst through the happy hues of rainbows.
Hear them skittles pouring high
Tic tac laughing in the meadows.

And leave be free run high never nigh
Feel wind wisp, whisper
G'bye sweet dove
I will see you on the next treetop.

Hum a tune on nights so bright
Love the love we love to have.

See you on the next sun run, love.

Bahura Resort - Dumaguete

To showcase my point-and-shoot skills!
February 2011

Swing