Departure Excitement

Along with a travel buddy, we left Manila around eight o’clock in the morning and landed on the City by ten.  Since we were both restless from last night’s party, we opt to snooze for a couple of hours before heading for the city tour.   

In five years, the city had remarkable developments, one of which is their own “Baybay” similar to Manila’s Baywalk.  Locals and tourists find relaxation here be it on daytime or nighttime.  Fast food chains and restaurants continue to sprawl.  We were told locals prefer to buy signature apparels from “Wagwagan” or commonly known now as ‘Ukay-Ukay”.  It is evidenced by year-round marked-down sale of brands like Bench, Penshoppe and Rusty Lopez.  They are actually worried if the rising Robinson’s Mall will be patronized. 

Back on the tour, our first stop is the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, also known as “Crocodile Farm”.  Despite the excitement, it is heartbreaking to see the center is degrading due to lack of government support.  The center used to be funded by the Japanese and it was well maintained before.  My friend told me that Zoobic Safari has more crocs simply because it is commercially operated, thus, it is well funded.  Anyhow, the learning you’ll get about the crocs will be the same.  I’m sure the local government is not innocent of the center’s situation. 

Don't let the crocs out!

Next stop was on the Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm.  It’s a prison yet the prisoners can move around the 26,000-hectare farm.  They actually live as if a freemen with farming as their livelihood.  We were told the harvests were sent to the different prisons in the country including Manila City Jail.  Aside from rice, they also produce handicrafts made of wood and wood scraps.  I bought myself a letter opener.  What I detest is they also made keychain out of melted plastic.  Is it not the smoke harmful to their lungs?   

 Moving on, the part I like best on our first day is our stop over to Mitra’s Ranch.  You guess it right!  It is owned by, the former House Speaker, Ramon V. Mitra.  It boasts of a breathtaking view of the Honda Bay.  The ranch is on top of a picturesque hill.  The cool late afternoon breeze from the bay brings refreshment to the tourists, a perfect way to end the day. 

As early as 7 o’ clock in the morning on our second day, we headed to the Subterranean National Park where the world-famous Underground River is located.  The almost two-hour bumpy ride up the mountains is worth it.  This tourist-spot was highly publicized by the Department of Tourism as evidenced by variety of foreigners visiting the place.  As of this writing, this nature’s wonder was ranked at the top on the on-going search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature.   

On the third day of our trip, we toured three islands on Honda Bay.  Pandan Island, I must say have the finest sand among the three.  As soon as we get there, we jump on the clear blue waters with our goggles on.  There we saw several species of fishes and coral reefs.  Next was the Snake Island, named such because of its snake-like form.  We also did snorkel on this area but what we saw is almost the same as in Pandan.  Here we had our sumptuous lunch.  Last stop was on the Starfish Island.  We were told that it is a sanctuary of starfishes but now I barely see one.  Anyway, this island is home to a rich mangrove area.  I learned a resort would be built here soon.  My friend says the development will be a threat to the mangroves.  How sad, isn’t it?  Nevertheless, island hopping is the best way to end this trip.

Photo Ops at Pandan Island

Oh! Just before I forgot, on our last night, our travel agent who instantly became a friend treated us to a free dinner at Kinabuch’s, another famous nightspot here in the city.  Much to our surprise, we were served a plate of “Tamilok”, a kind of earthworm that thrives in a log.  Challenged we were and as our way of building camaraderie, we gave in and tasted it.  It’s like oyster with an after taste of old wood.  I swear not to eat it again.  Well, it’s just me.  Who knows you might love it. 

Coffee Break at Itoy's

I’ll never forget this trip.  Not only I was delighted to see new places, had a good rest and eat good food… I’ve found new friends.  After all, I guess that’s how trips should be… It’s you and everything around you. 

I never consider myself genius or even intelligent.

I always brag that I’m just industrious and I would like to believe that.

Give me a goal and I’ll persevere to accomplish it.

Until recently, I learned that I have so much potential within me.

From the moment I was conceived in my mother’s womb, I’m already a victor!

I’m that sperm cell who succeeded! 

God said, “Even before you were born, you were in my care…”

He also declared, “I have only plans to prosper you…”

Those were such powerful words from the Creator.

Yesterday, I was told that I passed and admitted to the top graduate school.

I was in awe, amazed at this wonderful, great blessing from the Lord!

Who would have thought that I who earned a bachelor’s degree from a simple business school would be able to achieve it?  Only God knew!

The author and finisher of my faith, made it happen!

It is written that God gives us strength when we are weak.

Let Him be glorified and honored!

The morning of September 13, when typhoon “Marce” has just left the country, a friend and I packed our bags and make our way to Baguio.  In fact, rain still pours in many places of Luzon that day as we endure the six-hour bus ride.  A little drizzle and thick fog welcomes us as we approach the city at two o’ clock in the afternoon.  

Tired that we were, we snatched few minutes of snooze in a decent inn that we were able to afford.  The last time I’ve been here with my “berks”, we stayed in a pension house that cost us Php150 per night per head, safe and secure but hot-cold shower is not available, good thing that we were pre-advised and so we brought our own portable water heater.  This time, after closing’s hardwork, we deserved a little pampering, the double-bed room, breakfast included and standard amenities, of course, the hot/cold shower, costs us Php2,695 per night.  The inn is even willing to secure our luggage even after we checked-out at 12nn of the next day, for free!

At 3pm, hungry pangs moved our feet to SM Baguio, it’s time for a late lunch.  Vegetables are fresh and cheap here, so we go for Bodhi Restaurant, it’s my first time!  Apology that I was not able to take pictures, aside from the veggies, I was busy struggling to finish the “veggie-meat” course.  It’s quite awkward for first timers like me to find the meaty taste in it.  We’re about to make our way to Burnham Park and Central Market when rain suddenly pours like there’s no tomorrow.  We head back to the inn and snooze some more. 

Nightlife here is not as loud in Manila but the cold weather is perfect for a cozy dinner down the session road.  Never be so carefree strolling at night because the city is not crime-free.  We found this “Gecko” restaurant, owned by a foreigner, and this is where I had a delectable dinner ever!  The prices are standard for its class, about Php200-Php250 per person.  They serve salad, pasta, sandwiches, steaks, sizzlers, etc.  But what caught our fastidious palates were spinach aioli, pesto in broccoli and grilled corn, yummy!

We begin the morning of the next day by attending Sunday mass at the famous Baguio Cathedral.  After the mass, we spend some time at the Burnham Park, quite serene at this time.  God heard our prayer for a sunny day and so we toured the Mines View Park, Good Shepherd Convent, St. Joseph’s Church (where Aga & Charlene exchanged their vows), The Mansion, Wright Park and Botanical Garden.  At noon, we traded lunch over Camp John Hay.  One should not miss the Butterfly Sanctuary, the Historical Core, the Secret Garden (not secret anymore) and the Cemetery of Negativism.  Aside from enjoying the nature, I took this chance to take some photographs of flowers using my ever reliable 5MP SE K850i.  Oh, look that butterfly couple, too! 

It’s been a long and tiring two-day Baguio trip but it’s all worth! 

These past several days, I’ve been to another emotional point in my life.

The point where you felt cared for and in a moment it will be gone. 

Words to say is nowhere to be found and my heart would burst out.  

Letting go to give peace of mind to the one I love despite I feel it will make us both unhappy came out… later on realized was a lie. 

Love is not something you can just turn-on and turn-off.

Taking all the courage left and leaving the pride I got…

I returned to fight for this love and asked “Is it all or nothing?” 

I’m thankful, it’s a yes and rewarded a second chance. 

It is the best morning so far and wishes to have more to come.

What matters most is to treasure the best memories and let it inspire you to keep moving forward.

Life is FAIR and God is GOOD!  We can never tell His plans because His ways is not our ways.

It’s high time to live and move with great FAITH.  Believing even without seeing.

Trusting that in everything… there is a purpose and it’s part of a great plan He has set for us.

At present, whom you can trust most?!  it is written, it is better to trust in the Lord than any great man.

Yesterday maybe painful but how good it is to know that today is a new day!

Choose to be happy the moment you open your eyes. 

Unknowingly,  this I learned from my father…

“Be industrious, keep your hands working faithfully and a great future will unfold.”

To my dad, wherever you are…

I love you and I’ll miss you.

I longed for this moment and it came when I least expect it.

I’m thankful because someone is beginning to trust and care for me.

For rasing me up the best way you know…

For providing many things besides my basic needs…

For loving and caring though we’ve been apart most of my life…

You are the best dad I could ever have!

I’m forever grateful to God for your life.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DAD!!! 

She’s been to US for more than a month of training.  Truly, absence makes you long for each other.

As a coming home gift…

All day I just want to look at her face, I missed it!

I work for a global energy firm and I serve Europe companies.   The rise of BPO industry in the country brought better opportunities for us.

That explains.  Cheers!

FYI:  The word “Pinoy” is a corruption of the word “Pilipino” (Filipino).