Under Sun and Rain

Before the rainy season officially starts, our department went out for that final summer outing. Naambon resort at San Juan, Batangas isn't exactly what you call paradise, but if you're looking to rest, relax, enjoy the sound of crashing waves, and get away from the hustle and bustle of work (read: no mobile signal), it's the place for you.

Yes, absolutely no signal.

The place isn't ideal for swimming despite the beach because three steps from the shore, you'd find yourself surrounded by corals sharp enough to break the skin. It's good for snorkeling, I guess, since varieties of fish are already visible within a few feet from the resort edge. As with every place that has limited distractions, it is highly recommended for team bonding, may it be over alcohol, frisbee, or boodle fights.

Definition from www.urbandictionary.com

A downpour after our short swim made a perfect balance of sun and rain on this getaway. I think I really need that waterproof camera soon.

and Back (part 2)

...continued

We have now reached the top; it was time to settle down and have lunch. Ric had a ground cover big enough for all 11 of us to have lunch and take naps on. We shared our packed food and dozed off one by one for a good 30-45 minutes. After that, we started our descent. 

 
As I have been repeatedly proven wrong throughout this trip, I was yet again astonished upon realizing that going down was harder for me than going up. Here's my aftermath reasoning: By this time, half the gripping thingies on the soles of my shoes are gone, leaving me with no traction whatsoever. I was not only slipping off rocks and earth, I was even slipping on branches and fallen leaves. Marc had to block my foot using his so I had something to anchor to. Sand, soil, and pebbles kept finding their way inside my shoes, causing my feet to hurt more that they should. Also, I was deathly afraid of heights and every time I had to look down was pure torture.

From my learning experience in Sagada, the best way to descend a path with nothing to hold on to was by sitting on the ground and edging yourself slowly down from it. This was what I did, slipping and sliding on the way. Unfortunately, this took a really long while, and by the time we reached Papaya River (the small paradise I mentioned in part 1), I was way past exhausted. The group sans Gerich, Marc, and me, had fun cooling off by the mini falls doing poses, sharing jokes, and laughing at each other. They kept motioning for us to join them, but I was too drained to move. I had contented my self instead to pouring a liter on my head and arms to cool off.

A few more minutes after, I psyched myself up again convinced that the trail from that point on would be loads easier. I failed to factor in the fatigue and the soreness of every part of my body. Ric and Lexy had to alternate carrying my almost empty backpack in hopes of getting me to speed up a bit as we were slowly losing daylight. This time, the pace was slowly but surely moving with just a couple of rest stops to tide me over. After walking forever, we were back at the jump off point, at 7PM. I have made a 9-hour hike into a 12-hour one. 

Despite this, as I took my well deserved bath, I was really happy. It was a new accomplishment for me, a challenge conquered, and a new appreciation for nature, for life, and for friends. Marc, Ric, and Lexy had all the patience in the world to guide me through this. It was a really wonderful first time, and I owe it to them.

Been to Tarak (part 1)

I was so excited to do this post that I kept being distracted doing my MOP (method of procedure) for work this morning. Now that I've finally finished it, I'm actually at a loss where to start, so I guess I'll just dive right in.

There I was, too giddy and excited to care that I was about to embark on a super strenuous journey that will leave me drained and sore... I set out with the group full of energy and optimism for the hike ahead. We left my place around 3:15AM. Reached the jump off at 7, I think.

Being a level 4 climb, I had to expect some sort of difficulty so I decided to forgo doing vanity shots along the way. The trail started out 

--Intermission: At the start of this post I've gushed about how excited I was to finally be able to blog about my recent adventure, then half way through spilling narrations, this happens:

I lost my internet. For hours. Annoying. Really. Anyway--

As I was saying, the trail started out fairly easy. It was a long stretch of incline, about 15 degrees maybe. Despite my last minute attempt of weekly jogging to get myself into shape, I was huffing and puffing after the first 10 minutes. I had to stop and think about whether I really wanted this or not. The answer was a fast and easy yes! So I hauled myself and my backpack up the path, and ignored the tightness that I almost immediately felt in my chest. 

Think happy thoughts. I started remembering how ecstatic I was when I finally had this chance of climbing an actual mountain. I thought of how fulfilling this would be compared to my Sagada trek. I saw the company I had --they were laughing, joking, and everything was great again. The truth of what people say about challenges like this being as much psychological as it was physical was so darn real.

After the wash of fairy dust (the happy thoughts), I was good to go again. We started to observe the shrubbery thickening to eventually cover the road and leave a single beaten path. We had to climb over fallen trees a couple of times and swat a few bees along the way.

I remember thinking, if this is what a level 4 climb is, I could do this for 5 hours, easy. How wrong was I to assume that. After everything has been covered with flora, we found ourselves in the thick of the forest climbing steeper and steeper trails, until we finally reached this:

It's a little piece of paradise! I was in awe at how clear and comfortably cool the water was. The pictures I took don't actually do it justice. I wanted to stop right then and there and stay overnight, but obviously, we can't. So after 30 minutes of cooling down, resting, snacking, and taking pictures, we were back on the trail hiking up the 2nd half of the ridge.

The next part would be twice or thrice as hard, or so we were warned. Excruciatingly hard  was what I would call it. Surely it was at least 5 times as hard. Cliffs threatened every turn, and to say that I was scared of heights would be an understatement. I was petrified. I wore running shoes that has started to split its soles from the abuse I've been putting it through the past hour and a half or two. I started losing stable footholds and kept sliding off small rocks. As they fall a few feet and bounce off the edge of the path, I became increasingly aware of how much I underestimated the difficulty of this climb. Nonetheless, I kept pushing.

It felt like an obstacle course intended to torture lazy asses like me. I had to climb mounds with nothing to hold on to but branches and twigs that snap off without warning. The height of most of the rocks we had to climb over were higher than knee level, and I had to hold on for my dear life a few dozen times. You'd think I was exaggerating, but well, let's put it this way: this. is. not. for. beginners.

Pushing and pulling my way up, I finally reached the top. Thank God. Not without help, though. Tons of it, actually. Marc had to carry my bag for me on half a dozen buwis buhay moments. (I especially hated the part where rocks were sticking out a wall of earth and we had to climb Spiderman style to get to the other side.) Lexy had to wait for us a few times to make sure we don't get lost. It was all worth it though. The view at a thousand meters above sea level was breathtaking, both literally and figuratively. Again, no matter how much pictures I took, I would not be able to do justice on God's creation. At that moment, there it was... another reason to praise God. This time for being a God of beauty and greatness.

To be continued...

Things to Look Forward To

Remember my list? If all goes well, I'm about to accomplish #6! Climb a mountain.

I have my sights set on Tarak Ridge at Mariveles, Bataan for my first mountain climb experience. Now, you'd have to bear with me as I do not know the proper terms for things yet. Anyway, the day hike is scheduled this Saturday with a few of my officemates and their friends, and I couldn't be more excited! According to experts this hike is a level four. Hmm, I don't know what that means, exactly, but I get that it's not particularly one for beginners. Anyway, I've been known to challenge myself every now and then. Fingers crossed for no injuries after.

To get ready for this, I'm planning on carrying as little as possible, which is tough for me. My every day bag has kindle, external hard disk, earphones, a bottle of lotion, alcohol, wet and dry tissues, nail cutter, vics, lip balm, three phones, and sometimes even a small bottle of liquid soap. This is on top of necessities such as my office ID, wallet, and the like. So I guess I'll be needing a list, and strict discipline to stick to that list. I promise to get a picture of the things I'll be bringing so you get an idea.
(edit: see picture as promised.)

Aside from the packing, I've also been running a bit lately as a last minute effort to get myself in shape for this. I do hope I don't keel over and die pass out. Oh, and I guess I need to hydrate.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting an awesome experience out of this, not to mention pictures and memories. Hopefully nothing that scars. Haha. I really gotta get me a decent printer.

Ciao!

Vacation

A few shades darker and a few pounds heavier --that's what I came back with from my recent vacation, but definitely worth it. ^_^ Our family trip consisted of a departure of 2am to arrive on time for our 4am flight. Then a 6-hour drive from Iloilo to Boracay. Summertime peak season meant no more flights left from Manila to Caticlan. 1 and a half day stay at Bora, then a 6-hour drive back to Iloilo. 15 minutes of ferry to Guimaras, 1 hour drive in Guimaras, an overnight stay, an hour drive back to the pier, 15 minutes ferry back to Iloilo, and a few hours short of an overnight stay at Iloilo, and back to Manila via the 6am flight. Sounds stressful? It was. In fact I was kinda expecting the same level of disappointment we had with our Sagada trip. Well, that was the pessimist in me. Surprisingly, it wasn't like that. For every mishap we had, I catch myself actually thinking, "Hey, this is still tons better than the Sagada experience, no biggie." Although tiring, I found myself enjoying the time off from work.

Boracay is Boracay is Boracay. Meaning, Boracay will never disappoint. The long stretch of fine sand and clear water never fails to put a smile on my face. This was despite the algae washing up on the beach and the low tide. I'm still really bummed about the condos being built on the small island. It kinda takes the "vacation" feel away. T_T They're ruining it. Anyway, I got to do some shopping and bonding with my brothers, and the seafood albeit expensive was scrumptious.

Guimaras was an altogether different story. It was a good change of scenery; see for yourself:

Unfortunately, the resort we stayed in exhausted whatever patience we had left from the tiring island transfers. We stayed at Villa Igang. We were originally given a shack (look closely at the walls) which I could not fathom to be a legit room. For people. Actual, real, live people. Not a house of pigeons. Or that furnace box where you roast pigs in.

To give the staff (at least 2 of them, the rest were playing cards the whole time) credit, they were accommodating and really kind, but well their umm policies, for lack of a better term, were weird. This was the only place I ever stayed at that charged for service water and ice and everything else! Anyway, after complaining about the shack, which had one puny light bulb, and a tiny air conditioner (that probably has less than 1 horsepower), we got transferred to a better room, where we didn't have to marinate in our own sweat. This, believe it or not, was a cheaper room.

Moving on, we went island hopping and stopped to take pictures with a hundred year old pawikan, bigger-than-me groupers, and tons of colorful fish I can't name. My brother and the turtle:

For pasalubongs, we stopped to buy mangoes to take home. I have yet to taste one so the verdict on them would have to wait.

Going back to Iloilo, we sent the rest of the trip with my brother's girlfriend's relatives --hands down, the coolest family I have ever met.

That's it so far. If you think I've had enough, you're mistaken. I'm still hoping for at least two more summer outings. I guess It's the heat. :D Ciao!

P.S. I'm not ready to go back to work yet. x_x

March Recap Part 2

Continuation...

I was finally able to go to Sagada. Spent 4 days (March 27-30, 2013) there. While I enjoyed the short trek down a cave to see the hangging coffins, the buwis buhay spelunking in Lumiang Cave, 2-hour turned 7-hour (I did not enjoy the delays that caused this) hike-trekking experience across the banawe rice terraces to the hidden falls within (forgot the name of the falls), hindi ko nasulit yung experience.

How I wish I had a gazillion pictures to prove my bliss, but alas, the pictures and the bliss were not meant to be. Not yet, at least. Due to this, for the sake of maintaining good vibes, I have decided to defer narrating this less than acceptable experience and have instead vowed to redo the whole trip... sometime this year... somehow.

For April, we're bound for Iloilo, Guimaras, Roxas, and Boracay. Let's see what will happen then.

Some More Plans

I've just decided that I want a jetsetter month! At this point, I think I'm way over my head, but this is what I really want... to go places, see sights, take pictures, keep memories. I love going somewhere new, trying things I haven't tried before. Of course, that includes the other two things I love most: eating and shopping. I want to revisit places I've been to when I was a child, but was too young to remember. I want to not worry about work or about life.

I have to plan it though. Budget's always a snag, but I'll find a way to make it work. How about August? Does August sound ok?

Christmas Comes but Once a Year

I don't know what it is, but there's something about doing wishlists...

Here's mine for 2012:
1. I currently have an awesome Fossil watch already, but since I've recently revived my running, I would like a sporty one with a timer. G-Shock GR-8900-7DR or G-8900A-7D:

They'd probably be too big for my flimsy wrist, but hey, me want!

 

2. Now that I have more time for myself, I have been reading tons of books lately. I want the old Kindle. I don't really know if this is still available, or which version this one actually is, but here's a pic:

 

3. I want to go hiking. I've been wanting to since last year. Maybe it's time. 

 4. I want a vacation, peferably by a beach. A quiet place to relax and stop worrying about everything.

 

5. Additional 3 more checks on the list. (items 3 & 4 also here)

 



Simple Joy #7 Long Overdue Student Permit

after n years of commuting and enduring the pains of mrt hazards, i finally decided to get my student permit. it was either this or a permit to carry (smirk) as i really need to defend myself from the other passengers nowadays. i opted for the lesser evil. simple joy #7.

here's a layman's run through as based on my experience in their san juan branch.
first, obtain an application form from the man at the first desk you see when you enter the establishment. you will have to provide him a copy of your birth certificate, which he will attach to the form before handing to you.
fill out the form, making sure you write legibly. for someone like me who's already employed, your tin will be required; a photocopy of your tin id will help. in my case, i had a photocopy of the e-confirmation.
after filling out the form, the tin id photocopy and a makeshift oath that you will be required to read out loud (just for them to make sure you can actually read) will also be attached to the application you just filled up.
you will then be directed to the evaluator window. once you have submitted your form, sit back and wait to be called. the lady will be calling you to the window for some follow up and/or further questions and clarifications on the documents.
another call will lead you to the picture taking and electronic signature thing. simply look at the webcam through the window and smile (or not, if you'd prefer a badass pic on your license to hopefully scare off the buwayas).
after a few minutes, it'll be the cashier window for the necessary dues. for mine, it was 317.63php. i would advise bringing smaller bills for the obvious reasons. in less than five minutes your student permit will be released. voila! complete with the hideous picture (no matter how prettily you grinned) and weirdly scrunched signature. yay! the whole process took me less than an hour.

in other news, i have new shoes. ^_^ pictures later.

For the Sake of Posting

i've been wanting to post some updates, but as usual, fighting my lazy bones have been oh so hard.

anyway, since my last post, i have been hospitalized.. first time ever in my life, i think.

stayed there for two days, diagnosed with gastritis and severe dysmenorrhea. crappy girl thing. still currently doing follow up checkups. tsk.

then i got sent to marinduque for work... i don't have any pictures as we were not able to go anywhere apart from the hotel. by the way, marinduque apparently doesn't have jollibee or mcdonalds. still better than the office. haha.

new shoes from so! f.a.b.

after that, dampa dinner at home depot with officemates and ex-officemates. good food, great friends, we should do it again soon.

last friday, we became the unexpected champions of the office bowling event. yey.

last but not least, watched batman with rovi and jean yesterday.

overall, a pretty balanced month of july.

September Hangover

still for september, here are a few events i feel the need to post about..

haven't had the time been too lazy to blog about my cebu-bohol trip last september 13-17. also haven't had the time been too lazy to print and crop pictures for the album and this blog.
i've actually been to bohol four years ago. back then, we did the loboc river thing, man-made forest, the tarsiers, chocolate hills, and too much churches. this year, we did all of that minus the churches, and more of some other stuff.
since pictures do paint a thousand words, see what these say..
may 2007:


september 2011:


that being the week of my brother's birthday (16th), we celebrated at johnny rockets on the 18th. just me, him, and tan. i was not able to take a picture then.

the next weekend, september 24-25, i spent with tan's family at poracay, porac, pampanga. it was perpetually crowded, noisy, and soooo much fun! ^_^ they're all so nice to be with and very accommodating.

i miss them already :)

that's it.. ciao!

Third Quarter Evaluation

apparently, 2011 is the year of weddings, baptismals, and travel. here's a list of noteworthy events, some of which i regret to have been unable to attend:

1. family's hong kong, macau, china new year trip - january 2011

2. chad's wedding - january 2011

3. magalawa trip with tan, jay, jane, rommel, and viviane - january 2011

4. sir nic's wedding - february 2011
5. ip ilustrisimo's baptism - february 2011

6. my birthday at boracay with tan, eybi, rain, gio, and nel - february 2011

7. renz's wedding - march 2011

8. pingul's wedding - april 2011 (this i was not able to attend T_T)

9. family trip to puerto princesa, palawan - may 2011

10. lassie's wedding - may 2011

*a little 2-month break*

11. ady talan's baptism - august 2011

12. cara buenaventura's baptism - august 2011

13. cebu bohol trip with tan, eybi, rain, gio, and nel - september 2011

14. athena rosel's baptism - september 2011

i haven't even included the fontana long weekends here. this coming weekend, we have a pampanga overnight scheduled. by december, it'll be arjay's wedding. i wonder if i'll get to go to sagada before the year ends. :)

for the rest of the year, i have the following goals:

1. lose the pounds i gained before the year ends

2. run and actually place in the closing of sportsfest for 5k