Y.O.K.O.

“Someone always pays. Bullet don’t have name on it, that’s what people say. I think the same is true for vengeance. Maybe even for love. It’s out there, random and deadly, like a tornado.” - Tayari Jones

This is the first novel I read from Tayari Jones, and I am pretty sure, this will not be the last.

This is a story on how a happy marriage and a satisfying life can be ruined by being simply in a wrong place, wrong race, and wrong time.

Roy, a Black American, has been wrongly accused of rape, and was convicted for 5 years. Although, for some, 5 years may be a short time, but for Roy, it costed him his career and marriage, thanks to the justice system who more likely agrees on convicting a black innocent man than a guilty white american.

During his 5 years in prison, Roy has always believed that his wife’s affection will not change, even if everything has gone. His faith and love is always higher than his pain. Unfortunately, you cannot expect someone to stay when she has all the opportunities in life and a man to fill her loneliness, and you have nothing.

Here are some of the points I will always remember from this novel:

1. “Convenience, habit, comfort, obligation wear the same clothing as love sometimes.” Most of us, we stick to someone just because it is convenient. No efforts are needed. Simply a colleague or the boy next door. What if these factors have lost, then distance and time differences enter, would your love still be the same?

2. “There are too many poose ends in the world in need of knots. You can’t attend to all of them, but you have to try.” We think that life is unfair especially when we almost have what we wanted in life and then, life will suddenly put a twist and push everything back to where we started. And then again, that is our imperfect life. Quitting may come as a quick choice but if we could at least try to fix one thing at a time, at the end of the road, we would know that we are nearly finish. And since this is the second time, we are faster and stronger. All we need is another try.

3. “Maybe what has held me and Jeanette together all these years is what I had to go through and give up to be with her.” All people did bad things for the sake of something or maybe someone special. For the case of this book, Carlos, gave up his family just to be with his second love. This is not the most ideal, and of course, ethical in the eyes of many. But for the sake of living, he have to choose. Falling out of love is never an acceptable reason for putting an end to a marriage but for Carlos, it is enough to choose Jeannette over his family. It may not sound as heavier as sacrificing, it actually sounds as cheating, but I believe, even the worst person in the world suffers from guilt for his entire life. And for Carlos, his guilt has put him into lifelong bond, which brought suffering to both his first and current family.

Behind every difficulties, Tayari also assured her readers that we all have a Big Roy and Davina in our life. A Big Roy who may be our father, stepfather or a father-like figure who will never leave us even in the worst of times. When we think that we are in the lowest point of life, he will help us to start putting things back together and remind us that life is not perfect but worthy to regain our hope and faith. We also have a Davina that may not be present in the best days of our lives but is willing to assist us to stay out of the worst scene, and will help to complete the things that were lost during our journey.

Some may have lost their faith in mankind, but this book has actually restored my faith that this life was meant to be enjoyed, we are created to be happy, and if something goes wrong, God will make sure that we can have the justice we deserve today or in the near future.

ZAMBALES

It was summer in 2015 when my SGV Baguio family chose Zambales, the home of the sweetest mangoes in the World, as our summer outing place. The group includes my boyfriend - John Rey (not yet dating at that time), my manager - Ms. Gretchen plus her very supportive hubby, the branch executive secretary and office mommy, Ms. Janelyn, the cool experienced associates, Kuya Michael, Kuya Tom & Ate Venus, and my overly pretty batchmates: Ariane, Ella & Roxany.

From Baguio, Zambales is about 6-8 hours travel depending on your mode of transportation, would that be a private car or through a public vehicle. Victory Liner offers trips to Iba, Zambales and once you arrive in Iba, you can ride a tricycle to take you to your planned destination.

Photo 1: Capones Island

Our first stop is the famous Capones Island or in Spanish, “Isla de Gran Capon”. Capones Island is located off the coast of the town of San Antonio, Zambales. To get there, you must go to Barangay Pundaquit where a boat to Capones Island can be rented for round trip. This is actually the jump-off point to a number of other coves in Zambales.

Photo 2: Capones Lighthouse

The island is famous for the century old Capones Lighthouse which was built by the Spaniards in late 1800’s to guide ships entering Manila and Subic Bay. I only included a photo of the upper part of the lighthouse since I was not able to find good pictures of the base of this lighthouse which only displays years of abandonment of this Philippine heritage - from the plants that grown all over the place, glasses that were left to deteriorate, houses left to decay, to the shaky spiral iron stairs left to rust. I remember Ms. Janelyn trembling while climbing this tower so I think that it is really unsafe for visitors to climb the tower in the future.

Photo 3: Capones Lighthouse view on top

I am very thankful that we reach the top of the lighthouse safe. The lighthouse gave us a 360-degree view of the vast sea surrounding the island. We really enjoyed the fresh sea breeze.

Photo 4: Exiting Capones Island

This concludes our short visit to Capones Island. :)

Photo 5: Nagsasa Cove

Since there are no commercial establishments in this island, nor visible houses for short stay, we camped in Nagsasa Cove. You can bring a tent and other camping equipment for an overnight use but you can also rent and buy these equipment in Pundaquit.

What I love about our tourist guide is that you can also hire them to cook for you, especially that the stores in the area are quite expensive and with only limited goods, hence, you can enjoy the beach while someone is preparing your food. The beach in this cove is good for swimming and the night was definitely well-spent.

Photo 6: Masinloc Eco-tour

It was still dawn when we left Capones Island to start the Masinloc Eco-tour which is near the Masinloc Coal-fired Thermal Power Plant. I do not expect anything at first since it was known that Palawan still has the best marine view to offer for travellers in the Philippines. However, during our travel, it took me completely by surprise when I experienced for the first time snorkelling through the sea seeing giant clams, corals and other sea treasures. Masinloc really offers a wide range of natural wonders that is waiting to be discovered and appreciated. With the Masinloc Eco-Tour program, you can experience these hidden gems in one day.  (Apologies for the lack of pictures since we don’t have any underwater or waterproof camera at that time.)

Photo 7: Giant Mangrove farm

We went straight to the giant mangrove farm in San Lorenzo which is known as “Yaha Island” in Masinloc. When visiting the mangrove island, you can enjoy seeing many species of birds in the bakawans while rowing on a boat, sea grass plantation, sea cucumburs, seahorses and sea urchins.

Photo 8: Bacala Guest House

Our guide lead us to the Bacala Guest House where we took our lunch. This house is placed in the middle of the sea and was made for travellers to rest and feel the calm in the isolation of the ocean. You will also have the chance to swim to the clear waters around the wooden house.

Photo 9: D’farm

Our last destination where we spent our last night is at D’farm and Park where nature lovers can unwind, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. D’Farm has 3 pools open to the public for adults and kids. We rented a rest house for overnight which I think is only good for a maximum of 6 persons, but was presented to us as good for 10 persons. So unfortunately, we have to squeeze ourselves just to fit with the 3 beds. But we enjoyed the entire night since we extended the use of videoke until 11pm and we had a good time outside the rest house.

Photo 10: D’farm entrance

BAGUIO - The City of Pines

Baguio is my hometown so I want this city to be the first place to be featured in this page. After all, this is where my adventure with my beloved John began. 

Photo 1: SGV - Baguio Branch

This started with the social communication tool commonly used by all employees of my previous employer, one of the most dedicated audit firms in the country named after Sycip, Gorres and Velayo (SGV). And through that, although we are miles apart, we were able to connect, and have our first actual meeting and enjoy the beauty of the City of Pines together. 

Photo 2: Riverview Waterpark

This is our first stop. Not at all included in his plans, but since I want to personally welcome him in this city, I invited him to join with my family. After all, he’s with my senior, kuya Tom, Kathlyn (Kuya Tom’s girlfriend) and Grace (John’s friend) so my family would never think that we are dating :D (not yet at that time). Actually, my sister, Naomi, met him first at the jeepneys’ parking area before I finally had the chance to greet him at the resort’s entrance.

The Riverview waterpark is a family owned, built and managed water resort located in Asin, Nangalisan, Tuba Benguet which is about 1 hour away from Baguio City. You will need to pass two (2) caves and lots of green mountains before you arrive in the resort. It has four (4) pools for adults, three (3) kiddie pools, three (3) hot water pools, and six (6) waterslides. It has also a restaurant if you plan to order your meal in the resort, and room accommodations for overnight guests. What I appreciate most in this resort is that the management hires talented persons with disabilities to join the inhouse band that entertains all the resort’s guests.

Photo 3: BenCab Museum

The famous BenCab Museum is on the way from the Riverview to the center of Baguio City so it’s a good idea to include it in your list when you have already plans to visit the Riverview waterpark, especially if you're a lover of arts and nature.

The BenCab Museum houses the collection of the work of Mr. Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, the Master of Contemporary Philippine Art. His mission is to promote arts as well as to preserve and protect the Cordilleran environment, traditions and cultures  through his drawings, designs and sculptures.

Photo 4: BenCab Museum Garden

Below the museum is a farm and garden that showcase the organic farm produce of the different provinces in Cordillera. It grows strawberries, sweet potatoes and other seasonal vegetables.

Photo 5: Burnham Park

Burnham is the most famous park in the city where it features a man-made lake situated at the park’s center with rowboats for hire. The park was named after the American Architect, Mr. Daniel Burnham. Other activities you can enjoy in the park includes Children Playground where tourists can hire bikes while the children play with the swings, slides, etc., Skating rink for skate lovers, Rose Garden which is perfect for couples dating at night, Orchidarium, Igorot Garden which features the 5 main Igorot tribes, the Melvin Jones Grandstand which is famous for hosting a number of special events and concerts, the Athletic Bowl which is also open for citizens who loves jogging, and the Picnic Grove for families and couples who wants to relax in the park for free.

Photo 6: The Samgyeopsal House & Café

Since Baguio is already considered a home for many Koreans, Korean Restaurants are everywhere. The Samgyeopsal House & Café is a highly recommended restaurant in Baguio located at Governor’s pack road below SM Baguio. What I love about this restaurant is that any order you place comes with unlimited side dishes.

Photo 7: Mines View Park

The Mines View Park overlooks the abandoned gold and copper mines of the Benguet Corporation.

Honestly, this park is already known as the Pasalubong Center of Baguio since its main attraction was already the commercial activities such as the souvenirs and silverworks stores of the park. Tourists will also have a chance to get dressed in full Cordillera costume for PhP 10. A short walk from the view deck is the Good Shepherd Convent where tourists can purchase some of the Baguio’s culinary specialties such as strawberries, ube jams, cashew brittles and other goodies.

Photo 8: Camp John Hay

After the Mines View Park, we had our dinner at Seafood Island franchise located in the Camp John Hay. The camp still pictures the cool relaxing vibe which was a feature of the original plan for the use of the Camp called as the Rest and Recreation station for the exclusive use of the US Armed Forces in the Philippines. It was however turned-over to the Philippine Government which transformed it as a tourist attraction.

If you are planning to visit the Camp, I suggest you do it in the morning so you can enjoy the relaxing scenic view of the Camp.

Photo 9: Grumpy Joe

Our friends Kath and Kuya Tom invited us to meet their college friends in one of my favorite restaurants in Baguio City.

The Grumpy Joe is a recommended restaurant in the City located at Leonard wood where it offers exactly what I need in any restaurant, the good food with big servings at an affordable price. You will never go wrong if you order any of its pasta and burgers. It has also a relaxing ambiance perfect for family, friends and couples. I hope this restaurant will expand sooner since I really hate long lines before I eat in any restaurant.

Photo 10: The Camp

Our final stop is one of the Nightlife attraction in the City called “The Camp”. The Sala of the Camp is a huge area for any groups who wanted to have a coffee or couple of beers. What I love about the establishment is the art pieces at the ceiling where you can just stare and relax.

Well that ends my first tour in Baguio with my John and I am looking forward to more days  that we can visit the entire Baguio and see more of its wonders. 😊

“Some things in life can seem really tough. There are things that seem like a mountain and you can’t find a way round it, yet you don’t have the energy to go over it, either. You always find a way, though, eventually. Us humans are very strong underneath it all.”

This book is about the devastating life of a girl who is living with her abusive stepmother, insensitive father, and terrified stepsister. Her name is June and she had endured more than a decade of her life surviving the seemingly endless ill-treatment of her stepmom, Kathleen.

Having June’s perspective in the story, this book engages all readers to look into the world and think of same stories, and determine whether anyone can survive this condition. Still thankful that this story is fictional since it will surely crush my heart more if it wasn’t.

This novel is addictive in a way that I am excited to know how June can beat all trials that comes her way. I am even eager to read how her friendship with Blister will help her to escape all the evil things that Kathleen did to her. But the unexpected twist in the story left me speechless. It is an eye-opener for all that anyone, a family, the humanity, the government, or the whole society, can betray someone completely. 

However, as I quoted from Mr. Wick, Blister’s father, at the start of this post, humans are inherently strong and we can always find a way. With the help of the best of our friends and loved ones, we can still fly even with broken wings.  

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

This book has inspired me in unique ways. Sadly, some people just don’t get the significance of the message this book has portrayed. But for someone like me who dreams impossible things, these words I just read have pushed me to realize whatever goals I have since I was still a kid with endless ambitions. I wanted to share these 14 wisdom quotes from this amazing book to anyone who is reading this blog. I hope that in some ways, each words can touch your heart and you’ll come to realize that not all dreams are meant to be ignored. Dreams are sometimes used as language to speak and encourage us to act and do something with these visions. 

What’s the world’s greatest lie? That at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate.

There was a language in the world that everyone understood. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired.

All things are the manifestation of one thing only.

If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.

How do I guess at the future? Based on the omens of the present. The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And if you can improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children.

You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursuit, it’s because it wasn’t true love… the love that speaks the Language of the World.

One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.

Why don’t people’s hearts tell them to continue to follow their dreams? Because that’s what makes a heart suffer most, and hearts don’t like to suffer.

Every search begins with beginner’s luck. And every search ends with the victor’s being severely tested.

When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.

Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.

There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too. 

No project is completed until its objective has been achieved.

"The hope is the only thing resistant to the fear, and it is that hope that makes the next breath possible, the next step, the next tiny act of rebellion, even if that rebellion is simply staying alive"

I have read different stories and watched documentaries on the events that occurred during the World War II and how the Nazi government persecuted many Jews, witnesses, and others just because of their belief. However, this story catches me the most. The leading characters may be fictional, but all other events and person mentioned in the book are based on facts.

This is a story about how love, hope and sacrifice could rebuild a losing society. It tackles about how life's choices can give us the worst regrets, but in the end, we can actually reverse things. Angelo, the priest in the book, stated that evil has to end. His degree of assurance gives every person in that situation the hope that everything will be fine, that God can never let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.

"Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them. It's not a person's actions that hurt the most. It's the love..."

This is a book which discusses one of the most sensitive issues in every country. It gives us the idea that there is always a thing behind a man who kills, a woman who forgives, a girl who loves unconditionally. There is always another story, there is more than meets the eye.

I loved how Colleen presented the whole issue with a woman’s thoughts including her beliefs and attitude about love, marriage and family. Lily, the leading character in this story, gave us a lesson that we could not just let the same mistake, as a result of bad choice, happen more than once. This choice may give us irreversible consequences, a painful situation that we can never escape, but it couldn’t be as a worse as when we decide to stay and enjoy the bitter effects. Nonetheless, this book was generally written by Colleen to ask all observers to reserve all the judgements as there is something beyond love, which keeps a person, a woman especially, to stay with her man and just cover the pain.