Get Lost. Find Yourself

As 2016 approaches, I now realize that I only have a few more days left in Pinas frown emoticon Right now, I am terribly homesick already but I know how much I prayed and hoped for this, so, now that God gave me this blessing, I am not going to throw it away.

Growing up, I never really made grand plans about life: whether in travel, career or just... life. I was just a young girl from the suburb of Laguna who had no contacts what the world beyond Laguna was, (ni hindi ko nga alam kung ano ang UP, DLSU, QC, etc, ganun katindi!) and yet, now, I find myself in places, opportunities and organizations I never expected I would, never imagined I would. Market Researcher in AIM, development worker under US and Australian Aid projects, government employee, visiting country after country, studying abroad... all these are beyond my imagination growing up. I believed that these things could only happen to those with lots of networks, or simply the most privileged of all. As I brave the storm of life one step at a time, I realize now what I have: guts (in vernacular: kapal ng mukha HAHA) and trust in myself... and although I am still searching what that means exactly, it was enough to give me hope that there is a place for me in this field, and in this game called 'life', somehow.

According to my father, "what you decide to do everyday is not just a reaction or reflection of the world around you, but a reflection of what is within you. Your decisions must always be leaning towards you becoming a better person". As I get to know myself a little more everyday, I hope that the person I am becoming throughout the years, is a good one.

My dad would always say to us that he hopes wherever we go, whatever we achieve, no matter how successful we become, he hope and pray that Vonn and I would always long to be back home, no matter what. That place that will always remind us to keep our feet on the ground. Where, no matter how small our bed is, no matter how simple, no matter what food we have on the table, we'd always long to come back to. The place where it will remind us of what is the most important of all: family. Ill take this lesson with me wherever I go.

As the song goes, "You can go the distance, You can run the mile, You can walk straight through hell with a smile. Do it for your people, do it for your pride, do it for your country, do it for your name. How are you ever gonna know if you never even try?"

I've been itching for a long while now to climb Mount Pulag. It took four (4) years of cancelled plans before I got to this point. This trip, the backpackers were so incomplete but we pushed on. It was the most spontaneous climb which was awesome considering it is my tenth mountain.

It was as majestic as the name they coined for it: "The Playground of the gods". One thing I regret, which Len later pointed out, was I was so busy making it to the campsite before dusk, I forgot to breathe it all in. I forgot to pause, look at my surroundings and just be amazed by the great biodiversity this mountain has.

I noticed on our way back to the Ranger Station that he noticed the surroundings and the flora the mossy forest offered more than anybody which our local guide, Ate C, agreed upon. She mentioned that while he kept his pace, he was the only one who took time to see and mentioned to her the different things he noticed inside the Pine and Mossy Forest. And so, that's my only regret. Good thing I followed his advice as we were going down to just do it my way (considering that there were others still on top of the campsite whom we needed to wait) Why was I in a hurry any way?

Anyway, I was amazed with myself having to bring not only my bag, but also our food (full of canned tunas) and water all the way up that mountain and back!

Back in the orientation, the entire history of the mountain was amazing and the video made me tear up a little. It was so majestic I can't even describe it. Pinas, you are so beautiful. I was on a lark, having a good laugh when I frolicked around the Junior Summit. I was enjoying the cold wind up the summit waiting for the sun to rise with all its glory. For all of us, this climb meant different things, but I can tell that whatever reasons we have for climbing that, it is in common faith that we must all agree that this right here is a creation of something far more greater than us.In many ways, it felt like we made it home. Above the sea of clouds. -- It is not the mountains we discover but ourselves.

I spent a day with two of my favorite people: Charmaine and Allen. We were filled with a sea of greens. We went to a wrong mountain (which would have been fine also) but decided that we went there for Batulao. Haha. We ate under a small tree,  ate breakfast along the way, got ourselves messy from dirt, dust and mud.

I swear the new trail as a way to climb down the mountain was a killer! Haha I'd still choose the old trail any time. But that's just me.

When we reached camped 10, water, buko juice and any other sort of refresher were gone (boy, was there a crowd).

Hikers are lovely people. We smiled, said hello as we headed on separate ways. There was never talks longer than five minutes but I feel like I bonded with them in a strange way. Like, the curiousity to see the world, to reach the peak of the mountains (without destroying it, I might add) was a good experience. In quiet times, some would even give you a bar of chocolate to keep you going, whisper a cheer or pat you in the back.

I feel lucky that before the sun sets in, we were back down. We talked to one of the houses there to let us change clothes, they did. They were enjoying the jokes Allen were telling them about Manila and about life. He was really a smooth talker to strangers.

I feel lucky to have eaten Bulalo, climbed the mountain and sang songs with them during the ride home.

How peculiar that this adventure started almost a year ago while I was taking photos in Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival, struggling to do so, I might add as I fought my way in the crowd for a perfect spot to take the photos. Additionally, we got divided into groups because of all the mess. 

I was with my friends and family as we got lost and scattered in a sea of people with no way to contact each other, all thanks to the poor signals from our phones. Growling police mobiles nearby, cheering people in all directions and thousands of others in every corner. Finding your spot is a challenge. We got late because the driver we talked to the night before got drunk. Every man for himself, we run for taxis like we were in an amazing race game. Had a good laugh when half of us got lost going to our guesthouse. It was a good day.

A year later, I am packing for a trip I have no idea about. I did some research but let my friends decide what they want to do considering how much they were into Korea and KPOP. I was shocked with myself at this new turn of things. I usually research giddily but here I was, letting others do it for the group only to realize that the moment I stepped out of the plane, I fell in love with this country.

In Korea, it was a different kind of fun. I’m laughing now but there were parts of that trip when I am honestly feeling pretty darn cold and grey. There were a lot of great experiences, too, like the smoke coming out of your mouth from the cold, which is pretty surreal considering that a few hours ago, you are sweating from heat because it is 30 plus degrees hot, and now, you are wearing trenchcoats and gloves and yet still feel cold. The amazing food that just hit too close to home. Remembering my family all the way and missing them altogether in this great country are two great mixtures to create the best lonesome feeling while away.

Korea is amazing. It is another different experience. It is a place I’d truly come back to just because I felt free there, plus, I need to hike next time. I learned that I could trust my map reading skills, learned that I love authentic kimchi and all other foods which I felt were made for me because they’re all too spicy! Of course, the strangers you meet along the way are the best experiences to remember. From the couple who walked with us to our next guesthouse, to the mom and daughter who let us sit in the train (still embarrassed though), to the owner of a small restaurant who really went her way to teach me how to eat Korean foods. 

Oh and the learnings. How you learn.

The night we arrived, we were already tired yet we were still lost. It was midnight and the streets felt like ghost town, after running in circles, you only realize you were already near your destination the first time you alighted the train.

The next few days that followed were a blur. I felt that time was so slow, slow enough to miss my brother, my security blanket. The streets were filled with couples, gadgets, students, and socks. We strolled around the city and more, stopping too often at coffee shops because Charmaine and I were coffee addicts.

We road the same amazing train to the province to get to Namiseom Island, used T-Money for our transcations, and got jealous of all the mountains to hike everywhere. Boy, I have to go back to Korea.

When it was time to go, I sighed and grateful for this trip which was something I wasn’t planning to do too early but Im glad I did.

Thank you Korea for the hospitality, the kindness, the adventures, learnings and the food. I miss it already. Plus the cold weather.

When the plane landed in Manila, I was thankful and smaller yet again. The humidity is back. But I’ve learned a few new things and new memories to take with me through this journey. I made it.

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I stood by the beach where people lined up to ride banana boats and go snorkelling and where people lay their blankets on the ground and were starting to prepare for picnics and family bonding. When I found this spot, there were jellyfishes and seashells along the shorelines. People were amused, and there I was. I wept.

It was barely three months after our lives were changed forever. It seemed like yesterday and yet there we were, our first trip as a family and yet so incomplete.

'Why would you go there, Roxanne? Why do you want to make yourself sad? Why go on a trip so early on when you still have not processed all that happened that fateful night?'

At that time, it was something we needed to do. The near expiry promo was not helping. So we headed on, a photograph of our angel with us.

The place was a good place for family bonding and vacation but I must say, it was also a great place to soul search and to think and rethink. We spoke about that fateful night no matter how much we tried not to talk about it. My mom, she did so with so much grace and strength that she became my definition of the word. I can’t imagine the love my life, a future husband, gone from my life for a very long while. After swimming for a while, we just went to our room, fell asleep, and I watched as the stars started going their place in the sky. I wept.

As I grow older each day, I feel like I am losing emotions I used to have. I am scared I am becoming nothing like the person I was before. This post is not even something IFA would have written but life is full of surprises, good and bad.

I am not as good with words as I was before but this is my best shot at a letter to myself and the grief that nothing could ever surpass. I was so lonely, I am still lonely, alone, and I feel that this is going to be me for a long while, and my words and these photos helped me make sense of it all.

At present, I listen to sad songs all going back to what it was before. Eight months ago. The feeling I had experiencing this, and at present, it still brings back the same pain, if not more. So this is what grief is.

Who knew?

***

My brother and I are not really into the tourist-y stuff, but when we do, we enjoy. haha Welcome to the largest 3D Museum in Asia, Art in Island! Its location is found in Cubao, Quezon City. What to bring? Creativity! Haha.

Reminders:

You will be asked to leave your shoes... bring your own socks!

Flash photography is not allowed as well as tripods. There are art works on the floor as well.

Bring a valid student's ID or senior's ID and get a 20% discount!

You can finish the whole trip ... hmmm 2-3 hours depending on your pace (unlimited photography inside)

and

It's been a while since we had fun. When we go out and see amazing things, I instantaneously think of Papa and what he would've said if he were with us. I'm sure he'll be giggling with joy. He is a very appreciative and adventurous man. My itch for adventures went to the background for a while but because I am surrounded by the sweetest people, the spark slowly lit up again. Nothing like having people do everything to make you smile again.

She's falling apart. Waiting for superman to pick her up in his arms.

Starwars.

This story started after my Papa passed on. My relatives started coming a little more than usual. Staying here overnight, bonding, story - telling, going out. My aunt said, "It's crazy how when your father died, we started going out more often".

Don't get us wrong. We always have family bondings and gatherings once every three, four months. But it seemed when Papa passed on, my relatives will make it a point to schedule something every month for my Mama, brother and I. And for that I am eternally grateful.

So my cousin-in-law and cousin, Kuya Bong and Ate Lynne went to our place and dragged us to this amazing place near our home called:Yexel Toy Museum.

The growling engines, the clamoring of the horns, the heavy traffic, the pouring rain, the one-way streets, and the thunder of humps did not stop us from going there. The sounds assaulted us all the way but we continued on and boy was it worth it.

I was frolicking with joy all the way thru. Every side contains different set of toys and collectibles! Yexel even have life-size characters that you feel you just transported back to all the cartoons, animes and movies that you only watch at home. It was so awesome it took me back to my childhood!

I also like how all of these came about. How Yexel worked here and abroad and went back here and how their home became the home of all his toys. It was hardwork paid off. My brother and I were inspired and a bit sad that we all gave our toys to our cousins when we started getting old... and then, you realize you are never really old for toys.

Bro with his inggit face. His toy collection I believe will grow to be like this. haha

The fleeting moments we spent circling around the place.

My father definitely would have loved this place. It was like an hour of just enjoying. I also loved all of the staffs of YTM who were all truly very helpful and kept assisting us throughout the tour. Thank you very much!

The biggest head bust of Optimus Prime. According to Yexel, it took two years and 2 million pesos to build this 18 feet half body creation. Pretty neat!

Oh. Dreams. Dreams and reality. The inspiring people. We never met Yexel that day for he was at the hospital. I pray for strength to your family. We may not have the same struggles but I know the pain is the same. We've been there. Be strong and hold on.

To my dear cousins, thank you for today.

Streets, rain, food, hot porridge, and a lot of catching up with the family truly marks a happy weekend. I am blessed.

I missed you all. Itch for adventures is back. :D

xoxo

2014 Summary.

One of my most amazing trips this year, or in my lifetime for that matter, ironically who would've thought that it's going to be my last with the family complete. I am at ache writing this down. It was the first time that we really did not have a plan. We have no itinerary at all for this trip and ended up having too much laughs, too much fun, a fearful ride to the emergency room of a hospital and a lot of love from my family. 

I can't really write anything without tearing up.

              * Although an amazing experience, I was having a mini debate with myself from witnessing this firsthand. When I saw some of the whalesharks with scars, wounds, and just overwhelmed by the many visitors of the place. I dont know, something about them being an attraction felt not right. I don't know. 

          Tumalog Falls is one of the coldest falls in the Philippines. But my father still took a dip. You are one of the bravest people I know, Papa.

        Simala Church. 

They say that when you wish on something on this place, it usually is granted...my wish never came true. We never found out what my dad's  illness, he never got better and we are now going to start our Christmases without him. 

People were asking whether I'd go back to this place ever again, probably. 

    I've had times when life is hard, but my hardships are nothing against the hardships that my father went through in order to get me to where I started. Love you.

Whenever I go to places, I imagine the faces of Mama, Papa and Vonn when they see the things I see, eat the foods I ate and I always feel giddy with the thought of bringing them anywhere I go... I was in Aklan for a few days and just got home and was so disenchanted realizing that Papa's no longer there to ask how my trip went. I wish to bring you to places like that Pa. But I know, you are with me. I promise to continue bringing Mama and Vonn to all these amazing places.

Because people kept prodding especially my relatives who weren't there... here's my message during Papa's interment:

'Ferrous sulfate, muconase, fluticasone, furoste, spasmomen, peprazone, nexium, profelax, ciclesonide, euthyrox, pritor, lyrica, arcoma, ciprobay, duodart...

These words are alien to many of you; and a year back, I wasn't acquainted with them too. Ito po ang ilan sa mga gamot na ininom ni papa araw-araw. To this day, I am still not in touch with reality... I still haven't accepted the truth. I keep wishing that this is nothing but a dream. Because no matter how bad, all dreams end. I don't know when this nightmare will end. Because this isn't a dream no matter how strongly I wish it to be. Because the truth is that papa is no longer with us. And that truth makes me doubt if I'll ever dream of happy things again.

I kept reading and reading looking at those medicines and I can't help but think what my Papa must have felt and thought whenever he had to drink all of them. How he worked hard for our family, to provide us with the best that life has to offer.. only to go home afflicted with a disease we can't even identify. Yes, to the end, we did not know what we were fighting against. To not know what you are battling with is one of the toughest battles and yet he fought with so much strength and willpower you cant help but admire him more.

I read a passage from a mass card that really hit home. It read: "God saw you getting tired when a cure was not meant to be. So he wrapped his arms around you and whispered come to me, you did not deserve what you went thru so he gave you rest. And when I saw you sleeping, so peaceful and free from pain, I could not wish you back to suffer that again."

It really hit home. We saw what my dad went through. I want to say that we were with him when it all happened, that we got to experience the same ordeal. But ultimately, we did not feel what he felt. I can't even begin to imagine his pain. We were there but could not do anything but to cheer for him and pray that the Lord was with him through it all. But one thing is for sure, he is a strong man. He fought to the end. I saw it in him. People may say that our family is too good to be true kasi masyado kaming close sa posts... Honestly it is not. For in reality we are more than happy. Mas masaya ung mga bagay na di namin napopost, the things that make us a family... arguing, teasing, making amends. Yung mga bagay na amin lang. Those are the things Ill treasure most.

And that is what's so painful for me: seeing my papa, my hero, feeling pain, feeling agony and not knowing how to ease it. If only I could've shared some of his pain, I would've. I would've endured as much as I could've if it meant that his was lessened. Sabi nila di kaya ng magulang makitang masaktan ang anak. The same goes for us. Walang anak ang gustong makita ang magulang na nahihirapan. Masakit yung makita mong nasasaktan ang tatay mo pero wala kang magawa. Yung taong namulat ka na malakas. Tuwing nakikita ko na iniinda niya ang sakit, ang hirap pigilan ng luha. Ang hirap makita na nagkakaganon siya. Behind his smiles, his laughs, his love I knew he must have been in so much pain even though he didn't want us to see it.

Gusto kong manisi, gusto kong magalit. Kasi di ko maintindihan. Di ko kayang intindihin. Because he didn't deserve this. It isn't fair. A man like my father deserved a long, full, and happy life. He deserved no less. He deserved to live to tell his tale. He deserved a chance to experience the fruits of his labor. He deserved to enjoy life, and just be with us. He deserved to experience not having to worry about anything. But it's something he didn't get. And try as I might, I don't know if I'll ever understand it.

Today is my birthday. Unlike any other year, today is different. Not because I was greeted less, not because most forgot, and not because theres no cake but because someone who usually greet me first and someone who always remembers and truly celebrates it is gone. Minsan naiisip ko na natanggap ko na... Tapos maalala ko ang tawa mo. Ang pagsayaw mo ang pangaasar mo ang lahat ng ikaw at naiinis ako kasi andaya ng mundo

Ever since I was a kid, I've only wished for one thing: to make my parents proud. When Papa said I was good at dancing, kahit parehong kaliwa, I felt like the best dancer. When Papa said I was good at singing, I felt like one. He was and will forever be such an influence in my life that I strive to always do what will make him proud. When I graduated with honors during elementary and college, he was so happy and proud that it made me proud of myself. Seeing him so happy made me feel na lahat ng paghihirap nia sa abroad ay kahit paano natunbasan ko. Na napakita ko na di ko winawaldas ang perang dugot pawis niang pinaghirapan.

I kept looking at him. Trying to memorize all of him. His moles. His wrinkles. His famous moustache yet it feels like I'm forgetting something... I am afraid that i will forget how he smiles how he laughs how he looks but of course I will never. I am lucky to have inherited a lot from him, his extrovert ways (though not as extreme as him), his snoring, his looks (kulang nalang bigote), but also his surname.

There's a part of me that asks what I could've done differently, what we could've done differently. Maybe if I could've spent a little more time with you. Maybe if you stayed a few more days with us through the years. But I know you wouldn't have had it another way. We might disagree with the details but what I am sure of is where all your actions came from: from love. And that knowledge is what keeps me going each and every single day even if it's hard. You said that no matter how painful, you will take all the pain for us. No matter how hopeless, youll find a way for us. You did it all for love. From that fact I know that to you, all your sacrifices were worth it. Because you did it for love. And it was worth it, Papa. It was all worth it.

We're going to miss you, Papa. You're free from pain now. You're free from all earthly worries and doubts. Vonn and I will take care of Mama, don't worry, as Vonn and I will take care of each other. Rest now, Papa. Just around the corner, All is well."

___

Allen and I found ourselves in the quaint town of Tanay Rizal where we found more than we bargained for. We were there to visit the Daranak Falls but discovered a few more along the way which was awesome. Daranak is a two to three hour drive from Manila. (I am basing this from a motorcycle haha) 

We arrived there at past ten in the morning. We had a hard time looking for a silencer for the motorcycle. But alas we made it. Because it was already near lunch time, the place was already packed with tourists and locals alike.  The road to Daranak Falls was slippery and not yet cemented so I was worried for it was far from town if ever our motorcycle run flat. Good thing it didnt. :) But if you opt to commute, there are tricycles that would bring you there.

Entrance Fee adult - P40

Entrance fee child - P20

Picnic shed - P300

Picnic table - P200

Pictorial (for wedding, debut etc.) - P1,500

  Open - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Seven days a week

Daranak Falls

Daranak Falls was a refreshing site but because it was already crowded, we opt to dip in the falls just above it. :) Stayed there til lunch before we headed off to another spot.

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Calinawan Cave:

  On our way back to the main road, you can easily spot the way to Calinawan Cave. It was named after the historical event, according to our guide, where the Filipinos and Spaniards agreed to settle their disputes, "linaw", which meant clear in Tagalog. 

According to our guide, the cave has 7 levels. For those who just want a few minutes inside the cave, Levels 1-3 are accessible. For those who want to go extreme, you may opt to but with an additional fee. 

It will take a few hours for you to do spelunking but because of lack of time, we decided to just do the first three levels which did not disappoint :)

Bird's Nest

Mouth of the Calinawan Cave

Oh. And if you plan on going to Calinawan Cave, go there early as sometimes the guides won't take you on the cave past 3 in the afternoon. There's no electricity in the place nor a signal for some cell sites.

_

Tanay Church

When we went to give our prayers and thanks to the Supreme Being in Tanay Church, the Black Nazarene of Quiapo was in town for a parade. The church was packed with people. We wanted to wait for it but it was already getting dark and we need to go. We were lucky to pass by the parade and got a glimpse of the Black Nazarene. 

Flat tire.

Parola.

This lighthouse must be one of the smallest Parola I've ever been to. It faces Laguna de Bay.  There's not much to see there but we took a lot of time just walking around the area and watching the locals sell their fishes and watch the sun already setting behind the lighthouse.

It was one amazing day. I can't believe there's much to see in this place and it is just near the metro. There's just too much to discover in the Philippines and I hope people do find time to see them, too.

It's been very busy these past few weeks, be it because of work, of self-induced busy-ness. I did not even have time to breathe... but now, I am finally putting into words all of it. 

I was in Baguio for a week for a work-related training. It was a good week because I learned a lot of things especially since I am interested in gender issues. I met a lot of colleagues from all over the country and I got to have a doze of cool air in the midst of the heat in the metro. 

After the week-long training, we were given a whole afternoon to have a city tour in Baguio. I was so tempted but realized that I'd rather hit home and take one whole day of sleep before going back North. Some people would say, 'You went all the way from Baguio to Laguna to sleep and then after a few hours packing again to go back to North? You must be out of your mind!' (Yes, I am weird and crazy like that).

Grabbed a bag, met up with the backpackers, got into the vehicle, dozed off during most of the trip and the next thing I know, I woke up to see this amazing view. 

And it hit me, I woke up to see myself in THE beautiful Aurora that weekend.

Pagasa Lighthouse

Lovely view on top of the lighthouse

Their beaches were far from white sands but they were very clean.

Diguisit Beach 

Baler felt whimsical. The road going there was kind of a challenge to some because there were a lot of zigzags involved (or was it just the way Kuya Jay drove?hihi).  Also, as my cousin Rian said, she's not used to going on trips unlike us. Dont fret Ri, I'll tag you along again if you want haha!

 Baler is well known as a surfer's landing but I first learned more about it from the movie of the same title. I feel like you  have to have a taste of the surf board yourself to be able to say you've been there completely.  Despite that, there were a lot of things to see and experience there. 

Diguisit Waterfalls

I forgot to mention that with the backpackers were new friends. It was so nice to travel with new people. My cousins were with us, too. It was a nice reunion for us. Though they feared that travelling with me would be one challenge because they knew the things I want requires a lot of trekking, walking and just too much for some... and that's sort of what happened. Hihi.

While the rest of us rested, we strolled around Ermita Hill.

According to history, in the early 1700's, Baler met with a tsunami which wiped out the old town killing thousands of people living in the area. It was said that only 7 survived by climbing what is now known as the Ermita Hill. 

Another story on it was that during the time when pirated raided and tried to invade the coastal areas, the survivors hid in the forest of Ermita. According to them, the pirates did not manage to track down the locals because they saw a shining light from the mountain which was believed to be the Patron Saint Sta. Isabel.

We stopped and took it all in and just looked at this lovely, lovely view from Ermita Hill. 

We rested for a while and then changed to our rashguards and headed off to Sabang Beach. When we got there, the beach was already full of surfers, beginners, and watchers. And then it was our turn: Thanks Lenskyboo for the shots :*

Party wave with friends! Yowza!

After our happy hour surfing, we strolled, rested and then went ahead and have dinner. We bought drinks, chips, and checked-in. After washing up, we drank the night away. Funny thing was the guys who were eager to drink that night fell asleep. XD

We talked about anything under the sun (moon)! We had a fill of pretty much everything to talk about. It was nice to have new people on our group. You get new perspectives, new stories and that feeling that you wanna get to know them more. The night was so beautiful because of that.

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The next morning, we were set to go to another adventure. 

Because I've been trekking for a long time, this one was just a breeze. It was just a 30-40 minute trek. Just be careful while crossing the river. Shout out to Adrieene. hihi

Ditumabo Waterfalls

  Ditumabo Waterfalls or the Mother falls as commonly known is as high as 140 feet. It was enthralling plus the fact that there are a lot of places where you can rest within the falls. Although it wasn't as high as Pongas Falls of Sagada, it was still amazing.

The place was so beautiful that it got me praying to the Supreme Being instantaneously. Thanking Him for the chance to see such a creation. We were all very excited. Playing with water and swimming in the area.  It was a much needed water moment. Haha. I absolutely felt cleansed to be there and be away from the busy streets of Manila!

Museo de Baler

We also went to Dona Aurora's house which was a walking distance away from the Museum. After which, we went to the Pasalubong Center and Finally, to one of the things I fell in love with:

The 600 year old Balete Tree!

Baler, your quaint town must never be underestimated. There are tons of places, sights, people, history to learn from you. We went to the market, we ate in the carinderias, bought dirty icecream for 5php and truly enjoyed our backpacking days in Baler where the air is always cleaner, the greens abundant and the best part, the beer tasted even better! (Or prolly because Charles treated us... somewhat) 

We left Baler and enjoyed seeing the sun set on the road. We met heavy rains, then dry ones, heavy traffic, truck drivers agitated against each other, but everything for me felt bright. Everything felt light. I went home feeling very happy for I got to meet new people, new friends, new experiences, and just nothing like being able to be on road with the backpackers again. The people you love to hang out with.

I cant wait to be on road with you all again.

For a while now, my relatives kept on prodding me to organize an out-of-town trip for the family. I was quite busy the last few months but because I wanted to have a quick get-away with the family, I searched. 

and searched...

and searched...

Boy was it hard to find a resort (beach, private pool, hotspring resort) 4 days before the scheduled trip. My ears were already red from talking all day on the phone... and then one quick cancellation from one family became another's blessing. We found ourselves at Dona Jovita in Calamba, Laguna.

Dona Jovita is one of the most famous hotspring resorts in Laguna and most rightly so (I discovered it through a GMA article). As we entered the vicinity, there were people of all ages relaxing in all their 7 pools. I was so happy. I am usually swimming along some of the finest beaches in PH so it is a good thing to finally swim on pools (7 pools at that!) My inner kid was jumping with joy!

I wasn't able to bring Shishi for the first time because I was in a hurry packing stuff for this trip and packing for my fieldwork up in Baguio the day after this so... I make do with what my dad have. Will update after my cousins upload their shots.

We got this nice cottage for 12 pax. I fell in love when I went upstairs! Little mattresses all lined up for us. Waah! Just like the ones in surfer's rooms in Baler! <3

While they were eating lunch, I went on and take a swim in all pools! Haha! My dad and I did. Most of them stayed away from the sun. Boo!

Even our little one is enjoying himself. :)

After a while, we had our little hike up the grotto on Mt. Makiling. It was perfect. The seniors were having doubts as to whether they'll make the hike but they did! I am so proud of them! I love hiking and even if it's just short, it was nice to hike with the family. It's always nice to do things together with your relatives. It closes the bond even more. That you are related not just by blood or by law but because you enjoy each other's company.

On top, we saw Makati landscape, Laguna Lake, Mountains, and you just fall in love all over again with nature and the view that you are witnessing. The light streams in while you climb, the wind gets cooler as you ascend and I was ecstatic to share this with the family! I am happy they get to see things like this because they can't really climb mountains anymore with me.

We said our prayers and headed back.

Billiards. Of course my dad and my cousin (Kuya Pat and Te Jo) won.

Kuya Pat, Kuya Bong, Ate Lynne and I went and listened to the band singing at the bar inside Dona Jovita. They were actually pretty good. I wished artists like them be given a shot.

We slept at 2 in the morning. Surprised that the seniors were still very much awake and seemed like they were not yet ready to hit the sack... while the youngesters did. Hihi

At dawn, everybody was already tired to take a dip and just rested, ate breakfast and packed... except for Kuya Bong and I who decided that we want to take another hour swimming in the pools. Haha!

Then we all headed to our house, ate, met with my brother who did not join boohoo.. and then they  left as I dozed off to sleep. 

'Family is family. Whether it's the one you start out with, the one you end up with, or the family you gain along the way' - G. Pritchett. Modern Family.

I woke up the next day feeling tired but had to wake up for my fieldwork but there is something very much alive within me. There really is nothing more like being able to travel and enjoy things with the people you love to be with!

Happy weekend everyone