Ilocos Sur: Pagsanaan beach

Just few minutes away from Magsingal's public market lies their pride -- Magsingal's Pagsanaan. Although it's not as breathtaking as the fame Philippine beaches, it still is something to look forward to in case you want a short ride and an affordable place. Since Magsingal is small town (not saying this with conviction), one can stroll around it without worrying of lacking the time. It's pretty obvious reality though, that this town is no popular to you, or to many, but Magsingal has beauty which will surprise you. It has three beaches namely Bantay Boneng, Pagsanaan, and Miramar; and I've come across a site saying there's also a batis or a stream in the town. Surely, these are the benefit of being an island country, and the benefit of being near South China Sea. Two of which I've seen: Pagsanaan and Bantay Boneng. Now I'll bombard you with photos I took.

Magsingal, Ilocos Sur

Since my cousins celebrated their Thanksgiving in Magsingal, I grabbed the chance of taking photos of my Father's hometown. Back in Manila, I've already "arranged" my itinerary for the coming days in Ilocos (I planned to stay longer than 3 days) so I  can go over the town more and do a little history taking. Unluckily, my family didn't allow me to stay so I'll just give credits to Google for taking over what I should have known there.

Magsingal gets its word from an Ilocano term Managsinggal, which surprisingly, means "wanderer". The term was a nature of Itnegs or Tingguians, who migrated in the place some time 200 to 300 years before Spanish Era. In time, it underwent some changes, thus the current name is. Source: IlocandiaRealtor 

However, according to Wikipedia, the municipality's name was originated from Mayisingal an Ilocano term as well, which means "to be moved". Whichever of the two is the real one, I get that feeling that these two words imply the same.

Magsingal Town Hall

Bantay Belfry and St. Augustine Parish Church

My childhood summer(s) were always almost revolves in Magsingal; Vigan; or Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur. Why not just in one area? The perks of having a family scattered in one province. Since this post is about Bantay's Church, which is a town adjacent to Vigan, the church should not be new to me. It was.

When I said I spent my summer in Ilocos, particuarly in Vigan, I meant it to be long vacations. The longest I could stay was weeks to a month and a half. Basically, I spent my almost entire (2 months) of elementary and high school vacation there. I can even ditch having Christmas and New Year's Eve with my family in Manila for my relatives in Ilocos. But this only happened twice if my memory serves me right. Perhaps that's how I learned to speak their languange despite someone teaching me, despite not being brought up there. 

So okay, have I seen this Bantay's tower then? Not yet. I've just noticed it in my late HS or early college days. Maybe because we, my cousins, only stroll around the premise of Vigan. Or maybe because I was not so into with historical landmarks yet then. More so, I am happy to say finally.

Our Lady of Manaoag

The first and last time I've been to Manaoag was five years ago. The visit was brief I can hardly remember what I did then, how the vicinity looks like. I only remember two spots. The front of the church, where the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag is (uh-oh, isn't is everywhere?) and the bench where my family smiled for a photograph. This second visit should have been more
detailed, unfortunately, it's not.
 
Could have taken more considerable photos, but I didn't notice that I'm on totally manual which means the dial is in manual mode and lens is also in manual focus. For someone who is just learning and without tripod for support, I find totally manual, challenging. 

A Cat Mother's Love

Mingming or Muning, a usual name for cats, is also the way we call ours -- the neighborhood's cat. How come she doesn't have an owner? That I am not sure. All I know is she roams around in 3-5 houses in search of food, but usually stays in 3 of those houses. That in saying, she is a usual native cat

She is what made me realize animals, cats or dogs for instance, are like human beings in ways. Like her, you cannot be friends or you cannot make a person comfortable with you unless you "tame" him/her or "kukunin mo ang kanyang loob". Similar to our economically challenged Kababayans, stray cats, also beg for survival, sometimes even battle with humans for a cramped amount of food. They, too, received discrimination -- being kicked or being beaten, some days with valid reasons, other times just simply they are what they are. Muning, despite that small quantity of food she have, still gives it to her kittens given that they all struggle for growth. But what amazed me most, is this creature affection beyond Mother's love. She adopted and gave milk to two kittens which are not hers. Who knows a person who do that? An economically challenged to be exact. Seldom, I guess.

Something from Kapatid

Yehes! My camera was back (2 weeks already). It's been away from me for 3 months and a half, and I only, surprisingly, used it for less than a month. To those meetings (me as my Uncle's sidekick) and to my super friends, Bes and Jhersey (our getaway), and to our cats: Thank you! I learned and appreciate photography. Lastly, it (cam) being away from me made me research more about its secrets. Surely, I need a lot of learning and experience to complement this inclination I'm getting into. 

Yeah, yeah, so as those stuff I just received. Happy especially with the camera bag. I've been eying lately an all weather one that's not too bulky. This he gave is perfect. :)))

Sec. Robredo, the Face of Genuine Politician

Taken from Definitely Filipino FB fan page

It was eleven days already (Saturday) when news about Masbate plane crash broke. I found this when former Senator Dick Gordon tweeted asking prayers for the safety of our DILG Secretary. Since then-Sen. Gordon's tweets were also posted on his Facebook fan page, I read comments on his same post. I saw people giving their prayers and others saying their disappointments on possibilities that might happen for our good public servant, as they said. I would be honest that I knew not how our secretary look like then. I still have to google and after I did, my frustration surfaced in shame of not knowing some of our Cabinets.

Anyhow, let's shoo away my "innocence." After which I read people's remarks about Sec. Robredo, I prayed for his safety and the two pilots. Sunday came, and no news about them being found.

City Hunter

Should you want to watch other Kdramas and this City Hunter, go to this: KimchiDrama.

Just last month I've been addicted watching Korean movies, and these guys do have a taste and a say in comes of romance.  Yeah, I'm quite a fan of these sorts. For me, their works are "little overrated", but real good ones.

Anyhow, I thought of watching Korean drama (Kdrama) even it would mean longer hours of sitting. City Hunter was just my fourth time to watch foreign Asian episodic/serial. First was way back Summer of 2002: Meteor Garden. Actors were Taiwanese. I was really into this one! Well, most Filipinos since it was aired in Philippines.

Wrong Turn 1

I am not such a sucker of horror or thriller films, but I watch a few if someone enticed me to, or if my mood aks for it. Blame it the other day. With the rainy weather (just a while ago), I found myself searching for a different movie genre.

Go Baguio in One Day

When a friend of yours told you he/she had a vacation in Baguio, it would not leave you so interested curious.

Baguio has earned the most visited parts in the country thus named as Summer capital of the Philippines. One can opt to spend a day or two or some more days here to escape the busy city, especially when sun is at its best. Since it's a city on top of the mountain, its environment teem with cool set of air; its pine trees play a major factor to it.

Baguio for me is like a walk in the park. You can find most of its tourist spots in one full day. Or if it's possible with your time, you can stroll around in two days and have better a grasp of it.

Excuse me for overwhelming you with photos. Anyhow, these were sites where you can wander for few minutes and head right after to your next agenda.

Scary Night in Baguio

You'll know you're in Baguio when you get stuck in traffic.

Baguio is 6-7 hours away from Sagada, likewise going from Manila to Banaue, the road is steep, but the reward your eyes get is amazing.

The difference I've noticed between Mountain Province (Manila to Sagada) and Cordillera (Sagada to Baguio) was that the latter have more towns, or so I thought.

It rained midway our destination. If you seldom go to such areas (just like yours truly), raining in a cliff area with fogs elsewhere would be a fright. But somehow I was over with my oh-not-again moments. The perks of laughing with your friends and being on the second row of a mini bus do.


Baguio welcomed us with small drops of rain at past 3 o'clock pm. Kuya Mike needed to be back in Manila on that day, so it's the three of us again. With the aimless people walking around, with no maps nor people/number to contact to, with the city in front of us, we found ourselves hitting for another adventure.

Farewell, King of Comedy

Photo courtesy of Definitely Filipino

Just like the others, I do not know Dolphy personally, neither had I met him. I am not sure if I am a fan, but I grew up watching Home Along Da Riles and sorts of his movies. 

"Umuuga, lumilindol! Kumapit ka, kumapit ka kung ayaw mong magkabukol!"

Yesterday I watched two of his hundred movies:
Home Along Da Riles and Home Along Da Riber. He portrays everyman in almost all of his roles and leave values at the end of the show. Perhaps that's the way "Pinilakang Tabing" goes before, but how he delivers makes him unique. His antics and his being spontaneous maybe are only some of the reasons why he was named as King of Comedy. 

Sagada

It was a drizzling afternoon when we arrived in Sagada. I included umbrellas in my bag while I was back home packing, but since it would make my bag heavier, I abandoned to bring it. Luckily, Sagada's Municipal Hall was only steps away. 

I saw a man who looks familiar upon heading their municipal. Ah! He's the Filipino guy (all of the other tourist there were foreigners) we saw in the place where we ate in Banaue. But why was he not with us in the van was my bubble thought.

He was just done talking to other Filipino tourists (there were also foreigners) when my friends and I approached him. This was the conversation we had:

Kami: "Hello, Kuya. Kayo po 'yung sa Banaue, di ba? Saan po kayo sumakay?"

Siya (Kuya Mike): "Oo, ako 'yun. Nag jeep ako."

Kami: "Nako, sayang! Dapat dun lang din kami eh. Naloko pa tuloy kami."

Siya: "Yayain ko nga sana kayo kaso baka magalit 'yung sa van. O baka magaway pa sila nun sinakyan ko."

Then we shared to him all of our frustrations, and as he quote, "Hayaan niyo na lang. Charged to experience."

We were happy to have finally met someone who we can talk to, someone who we can share our room expenses (at first we thought, a larger group will lessen the price, but learned that price remains same regardless of people) and yeah, we're stoked to share our adventures with him, too!

Kuya Mike is on vacation from Dubai. He's a first timer in Sagada as well. People who go to other places solo, is a real traveler for me. Going with my friends to places we haven't been, also is considered one, but going alone is something else.

We walked and searched for the Canaway Inn. It's not really far from the municipal, but with the rain drifting, it was. A month before the trip, I did research and also contact the people we need to. I want it to be polished. Better prepared than be surprised, right? But again, plans, won't go as expected (happens almost always). I tried to reserve room a month ahead, however due to changes in our trip, my friend and I decide not to pressure ourselves too much and just let time do its talking.

Affordable guesthouse rates in Sagada range from 250 to 350/pax and it could go higher than that depending on the inn or hotel. "Ay wala ng vacant eh. May darating din kasi bukas na nagpa-reserve na," said Ate from Canaway. I am eager to get the room for it's one of the afforadable yet has good service to offer (thanks to travel trips advises online). Then suddenly, these two friends of mine made goofy signals telling me to back off the idea. Kuya Mike and I followed them and said they were offered lower rate in George Guest House for only 200/head. Inclusives are hot bath, towel, and wifi! So glad towels are included! Not any of us was able to bring one. And with wifi is just cool stuff. We took a rest for a while. Snacks, shower, and get ourselves prepared for unexpected. Did I just say prepared? Let's see. 

Heading back to Sagada's municipal was easier; thanks to gravity. It's also where one registers (Fee is around 50php, I think. It's for the betterment of the town) and where one can arrange their tour: tour guides, fees, places to go, map, and things you want to ask. Every tour requires a different fee, depends on the place. Maximum of 10 pax. The more, the merrier, the lesser the fee. If you'll travel solo or with a small group, fret not. Tour guides are there to help you find group to fit in. Tour guide IS A MUST, especially in places which requires professional guidance.

Our initial plan was to hike first at Echo Valley, then late afternoon was to try Cave connection (Lumiang to Sumaging or vice versa). But because it rained, tour guides won't allow people to trek for trails could really be slippery. Of course, I don't want to risk my life just yet, so it's a no for that. And because we met not-so-good on the way, budget went limited. We agreed with Kuya Mike together with the others to head on caving. We were on a group of 7: 4 Filipinos, 2 Belgians, 1 Korean. Plus our 3 tour guides. 10 all in.

A little later a mobile service arrived to picked us. I was doubtful in bringing camera 'cause Kuya tourguide said we would have to go in small areas and even plunge ourselves to chest-deep water. Buti na lang they allowed me to drop by in our inn so I can leave my cam. We also had the chance to see Hanging Coffins from afar.

Photo credits to photo owner thru myspace. Same view where we saw it.

 

Friday the 13th

Who is frustrated today? I hardly met dreamland awhile ago. I was eager that we would get slots this second chance. I was stoked when I read Outbreak's post saying they will open another wave last Monday. I urgently sent SMS to my friends and was actually planning that that same day, I'll head off to any of the two branch assigned. They will only allow 200 registrants on each branch (Toby's Shangrila Mall and Runnr BHS ). Both of which aren't easily traveled from where I live. Hence I chose Shang.

Before I prepared, I google-d on their numbers so I could check first if there are still slots available. I called Runnr BHS and the lady seem to be not aware of the recent announcement of Outbreak. I didn't insist what I read because I haven't fully entertained thoughts of me going to Taguig. I called Toby's and they too didn't know the news, and just like that, there was a gush of words. Na-realize ko, it's on the 13th pa pala nila i-open and registration.

Banaue

 

Banaue Rice Terraces is quite a view from the place we ate. Hurrah!

I barely slept the whole trip. As soon as I saw light (considerable amount to wake up my senses) my eyes and ears didn't rest: my eyes for the wonderful view, my ears for the sound trip care of the dear driver. It was a bright idea that all, if not most, of the trips going to Banaue, Mountain Province, particularly, scheduled in the evening. For just when passengers wake up, they will see the beauty of the place, and won't see much of the hilly trail -- uh-oh, so I thought at that moment.

I was on a mixed emotion. Every town we came to pass, I surmised, was the unloading area. Likewise every mountain, I thought, was where I can see the renowned Rice Terraces. I kept my eyes on the window, not wanting to missed the chance. One hour had passed, two hours came, still no avail.

During sight-seeing, I can't help but be amazed on how infrastructures were done. Imagine, how steep mountains are. Not to mention the danger. And to have it done well is really commendable. Oh, I am not forgetting the dearest driver. Driving on place such is more than a skill. It's a talent.

Mom at Young

The seamlessly searing morning of June is mere beyond, making plants and trees withered; leaving dams and sees draining; and, letting humans and animals alike seem helpless as the scorching sun vents. I awoke with sweat seeping in me, troubled by the cry of my four-year-old child, Chad. After those months I’ve spent reading articles regarding know-how of parenting, mastering the basics I learned in college, and grasping by heart advices I was told by my family and friends and some people concerned; nothing of these all had prepared and welcomed me in the world I was never ready and scares the most—to be a mom—to be a single mom.
I met Elijah back on my first year in Institute of Nursing in FEU. We were classmates and since our surnames starts with same letter, we became seatmates and often belong to same group, that’s why knowing each other and becoming friends came as fast. We studied and did homework together, shared stories, confided secrets, and went out at times. And yes, we then became head over heels in love to one another. However, our relationship was not an exception to mishaps that life bequeaths.

It has almost been five years now since I found that I was conceiving, and it was during those times that I felt utterly alone, confused. “We will do everything we can to raise the child well. We will get a degree and have a good life… No… It’s we will have the best life. And as long as we have each other, we shall overcome challenges as they befall. I love you.” Those words were exactly what I needed to escape bewilderment I was contained. We survived the two months thereafter and since both of us were still students, we experienced rough times, especially when managing our time.

I started to experience morning sickness, became picky to foods and sometimes had difficulty in sleeping.  Soon, the growing of the child inside me was becoming more visible.  I began wearing loose clothes, cut classes often, and got upset most of the time. Moment came when I can no longer conceal the truth, so Elijah and I decided to confess everything to my mom.

Way Up Mountain Province

Our Banaue-Sagada-Baguio experience, though well planned, one can't really decode what's going to happen. Here's ours:

My time was reasonably stiff at that time. Why? My father was only in a 21-day vacation, I ditched going with him on Ilocos and when he arrived back in Manila, I'll be leaving the next day for the trip. What's sweeter was the day that I'll be heading home, was the day of his flight back.

Anyhow, blame me not. I needed and wanted to do this. So... :)

Am I prepared? In all honesty, not yet. I've had these strange feelings beforehand. Or was it because my childhood memory going to Isabela (somewhere in the mountain as well) was crystal clear. I can recall how steep the road (mala-bangin), how the bus moved every snake-like route. That pessimist part in me, yeah. Not to mention, the rainy season and simply the thought of going to place I'm not familiar with. But yes, there's also this inquisitive side of me wanting to be like Dora. :))

The Weeks That Were

What have I been up to lately? If you have read my previous posts, I've been "quite" addicted to movies, Korean to be exact. How can I not? There movies are top-of-the line! Well, if you're after romance and a tear-jerker. I've been introduced to this era by my brother, back in highschool. But I can't say that I was so into it then. My inclination then was sporadic; however recent I had was momentum-like. Just what I did when I reviewed for board exam, just what Sir Jerome of Pentagon said, "Keep the momentum." Just what I'm doing now. Thoughts. Writing.

Anyway, I'm weeks over with it. The next thing I drooled on was cosmetics! This was just few of those times that I spent time researching what would fit me. But when I say cosmetics, it isn't make-up like mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow, etc. What I meant was about facial cream, facial wash, moisturizer, and the like. I'm yet to have a review 'till I have those things I have mentioned not. (Ano daw?) 

I was just looking for a running shoes on a Wednesday night, and lucky to have found one of my old buddies. Another interesting, it's still alive and still good on my feet. I hurriedly showed it to my cousins and a friendly neighbor of us invited me to jog that very night. Like a swift. I'm a yes person that night. It was around 8pm, jog place was vicinities of Malacañan. To be honest with you, it's my first to do it, aside from school activities. And boy, it's relaxing! Though I had a hard time at first. I was catching my breath the whole time. I stopped a lot. Walked a lot. Rest a lot. But it's over-all fun and healthy. Plus, the area is safe and I'm guessing a heap of jogger also go there. I've seen some. Bikers, joggers, runners. And... it's a great deal thing. Ya know.. HAHA. *make a familiar expression here* Btw, I've done it on purpose. I'm conditioning my body for the Outbreak. Sadly, we ran out of slots. Still, I would continue this one. Exercise produces endorphins, which is a happy hormone, thereby doing a combo with my neurotransmitter, serotonin, which will then boost my good mood. What did I just say? Haha.

And, and.. Felt like I left my soul in the trip that my friends and I had. I'm quite not sure though where I left it. I'm gonna [sic] go find it soon. 

So fourth place was for... travel. :D

Passion of the Christ

Yeah, just watched it. I recall attempting to watch it before (it was summer of 2004), yet attempt failed. Blame it on the pirated DVD. I had the chance to download it. Once or twice, I'm not sure. Due to overwhelming activities, which I barely remember, attempt/s failed thereafter. So here now. 

I felt guilty throughout the movie. I felt sorry for not being able to compensate His love. Someday I want to be the person He wants us to be -- at least. And this quote I would always want to remember: "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first."

 

It will move you to tears, unless you don't have feelings. BTW, photos almost says all what I want to share. :)

 

Babo (Miracle of Giving Fool)

 

Certainly one of the best movies I've ever watched. It's now one of my top list. :) Very moving. It need not be the last part to be appreciated, or to make you close to tears. The actors, especially Cha Tae-Hyun, the guy, gave justice to his role. The movie reminds me of NMCH duty back in college. I believe I'm still not spoiling it. Babo, by the way, is a Korean term which means stupid. Though a sad story, I soo love it! Find time to watch this (YouTube it is, or if you happen to see DVD). So judgment and the rest of the story are yours to find out. :))

He Was Cool

"Your face disgust me. Keep it at home. You're a contamination."

"You make me miserable. So just leave."

I'm warning you. No more games with me, okay?"

"My hands are always cold. But my heart is not."

"I bought it for you. Can't you pretend you like it?"

"I freakin' like you."

"I hope you open your heart to me."

G: "I just don't like it here. So many bad things have happened."

B: "Then we should let good [ones]."

"A true love requires no words."

My Little Bride

All I can say is it's a cute movie. But to tell you honestly, I didn't quite expect the ending. Warning: If you're planning to watch it, don't continue reading.

 I thought that the guy would head on war since his from military and there is quite a plan that they will be engage or he'll be going sooner. Or I could misunderstood that one. The movie is long, 15minutes per clip on Youtube and it has 8 clips. However, hm, I kind of forgot some scenes. Not much of an impact, I guess. There's this part as well, that the guy was asked how his first love was, and unlike other movies, this one need not to spoon-feed viewers. It's a good part, thing is, it could be better with words, I mean, going further a little bit. A more of flashbacks would do. But well, every writer, directors, etc., surely have another thing in mind. :) And and, last thing, even though the guy looks slightly older, I like how she loves the girl, not needing to boss around, or of mushy lines. The jealous part about the baseball guy is cute. Again, as I've said, this one is cute :)

"It's strange but when you are around, I hated your guts, but your absence has me missing you."

Seducing Mr. Perfect

"Like being hit in the heart by a bullet... Do you know that feeling?"

"True love means to share your hearts, and not be lonely, to be warm, happy, that sort of thing."

"It's actually a game that requires even greater precision and planning. A game of power. Manipulations of emotions to control the mind... That's the game."

"It's the game where the one who displays affection first, gives up total control and goes aound like a dog on a collar".

"In most wars, the weapons are guns and missiles. But in this kind of war, they're the newest hairstyles and dresses."

"If physical warfare is ineffective, turn to psychological warfare."

"Women have a sort of antenna that men don't know about."

"A love without losing self-respect."

"Why use manipulation if we can't discover one's true feelings?"

"Words do not always express one's feelings. People can lie with words but not with eyes."

My Girl And I

I decide it's good to keep quoting lines from movies I watch. So here are those:  

"His brain is tiny but it's filled with thoughts about you."

"Even though mankind seems to have made great progress, in the human heart, deep within, there hasn't been much change."

"My Grandpa made it possible for us to meet. Like you said, if his love had came true, we wouldn't have met."

"Alive but not living, dead but not departed."

"It's amazing to love somebody for one's entire life."

"That's how karma works. You think everything is set in your favor, but life puts many curves in your path. One small twist can bring an entirely different fate."

"They say everyone has their own destiny.for grandpa, it was my grandmother. For my dad, it was my mom. I wish that you could be my destiny."

"Let lips do what hands do. Thy pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair."

"You are easily offended, jealous, clumsy and you stutter when you lie... But I like that."

"Being left behind is as scary as leaving."

Once in a Summer

"I should get time for you."

"Love like the sun, love like the sea."

"The dead is dead but the living is to live"

"Being with me is better than being along, right?"

"Don't try to hold it in. If it hurts, say so. It it's hard, say so."

"Why did you come back? It took me so much to let you go."

"You should have told me not to leave."

There are a lot of lines that caught my attention. I like how the movie portrays a "summer love". It will make most of the girls remember how they spent their summer back then (especially if they go to province). It is childish and sweet.

There's this one thing though that confused me. That scene could have been better if they expounded on it, or added some more roles to their co-actors. Well, I still cried (cry baby? lol). But as mentioned, it could have been more moving. ;) Overall, I loved how the actor depicts his role. He knows his character and very natural. Also, he has a smokin' bod. Haha! 

My Sassy Girl

My brother was the one who introduced me to Windstruck, My Sassy Girl, Il Mare, Daisy, in short, to Korean romantic movies. He forced (I'm into movies yet at that time) me to watch Windstruck, and since during those times, I mostly hang out with Ate Iva (my cousin), I asked her to watch it with me.

It was a very nice movie. I even put it as my top back in HS and encouraged some of my friends and cousins to watch it. My way of sharing good news. Lol. That's how a fan in me goes.

I remember I can barely shed tears while we're watching it then. Why? My brother just got off the shower at the exact time the sad part came, making it awkward for me to cry.

Of course, with this lacrimal glands that I have, cleaning my eyes with tears is but of normal.

Sweeping away this off topic, after seeing the film, I was told (not force anymore) to watch its continuation.

The Classic movie

Even before I finished this movie, I told myself that I should write a "review". This is by far one of the best Korean movies I've watched. Oh, let me correct that: One of my favorite romantic movies now. Been watching since yesterday, this one is fourth. Of course it's not a surprise that we expect tear-jerking moments in a romantic movie, but this.... See for yourself! 

Lifehouse Concert

Late post again. Supposed to be posted last May 29, 2011.

I've been up by 7 am which happens so seldom, and since sleep has fled my eyes I'll do a recap of what has been going on my mind lately. Also, this is for the benefit of my Twitter friends who have been drowned by my love for a band.

So there. You already have an idea to where this is going.

My mind was blown last Saturday night. Crazy it sound but I still have that hangover. Why would not I be?! IT IS Lifehouse, baby!!!!!

Since that said day (Saturday), I was so hype. I did pre-concert. Note that I don't have a ticket just yet so I texted all those who I know love the band as well. To may dismay, not one is as sure as me in my pursuit. Blame it on money and on 'the early' annoucement/invite I did.

How I did I get in? Here's how: It was exactly 7 o'clock when I decided I will go, I must go. Whom with? It's my father! He's been telling me since he arrived that we should watch Lady Gaga's concert (I am too preoccupied those days prior, I am not such a fan, and besides it's too expensive), so it's a not. He also offered that he'll go with me for LH's (he was a concert-goes back then) but I felt it's unfair for he isn't a real fan, and somewhat awkward.

If my memory serves me right. It was back in 2008 when I met their albums (Thanks to my Brother who is a huge fan of music and of them). I could barely remember the first time, but the love I've had then is beyond oblivion, I can't get them off.

I could go on a day even weeks just listening to their songs, or if hyperbole preys me, my days and weeks could carry on with just one song. Special mention to the "repeat one song" button.

What is it? Rather what are the things that Lifehouse contributed in me then? And the realizations I have now?

First is they make you fall in love (if you already are, lucky you, makes it more colorful); second, if you're on complicated scenario, they too have songs for you, which I say could make you fall to tears; next is they make you embrace music even more (not just them, of course! Know that I'm a sucker for music and this could sound bias 'cause they are my top band on the list); while realization now is that I want to say sorry for ditching music off my life (not literally, not totally) I still get to listen to songs, but as often as I did before. It be because I tend to be busy? (ah, not so me this past 6months) Or because of turn of events? Other or-reason was having my Brother's iPod broke. Though he manage to have another but it was a video one so kind of heavy and kind of complicated for at that time to use so I said no.

But what is certain is that I am so back to music! I have missed them so very much! Pinky promise to buy something that could store up beyond imagined. I have one actually but its memory is not applaud-able. That's why upgrading it IS a must.

To these guys named Jason Wade, Rick, Bryce, and Ben. Thank you, thank you. You not only made one of bucket list come true, but also brought back color to my life. Literally. :))

Reality, time is ticking, I'm losing my once chance, I'm losing this my loves. LOL. I just have to thank Mamang Pedicab and LRT. We arrived at 10 minutes past 8pm. Show time starts at 8pm. Sad we were late but what made it sadder was we haven't got tickets yet! More sadder was all money changers were already closed. That's what a late comer gets. Back and forth, here and there, was the preface of the night. You can just imagine how upset I was. Verge of giving up, told my Dad that we should try if ticket office would accept bill that isn't peso. The girl laughed it off and said we might try on Save More, run my life again, yet no avail. Seems like every money changer there is ends at 8pm. Time check. 8.28pm. Lose hope. With doubts if I will still go on with this journey, I said to my father that we try SM.

Time ticking. Sweat lingering. Giving up and better try next time comes in. Luckily, just finally. We were able to get the money changed. Time check 8.39pm.

Run back in Araneta. This time smile on my sleeves[less] LOL. Asked the lady on ticketing if it already started (of course I knew it did). She said there are performances beforehand (Not sure how long will it take 'cause we weren't able to see the start of The Script's concert last year). From now, I know you know the reason why. Back in the lady, I wasn't sure she saying the truth. She's pokerface and looks like she'd do things for the sake of selling. Fortunately, there's a few who get tickets same time we did. We're not alone.

Then came the guy who gets the ticket. I asked the same question, answered me just like the pokerface lady. Run.

Saw couple of people still outside, no heavy sounds heard. Opened the door and... Ahhhhhhh!!! It hasn't not started yet!!! And the rest is history. A memorable history. :)

Animal Bite, That Amount, Your Life

From my previous tweets (plural kasi putol putol ko pinost). Just want to share it here. (Mag-update lang din 'to? LOL)

Dated March 30 of 2012.

Saw different faces but with almost same stories. My heart ached for an 8-year-old kid who got 5 dog bites in the face. One near eye.And one of it profusely bleeding. Or so I thought. But they were deep as told by his mom. Sad thing there, is they're not blessed with money.

Imagine, they traveled to go to the hosp, then upon arrival, in hopes of miracle, his son hasn't receive vaccines yet. So his father went back home again (Rizal), in search of help, in search of money. I just can't imagine how cruel things are - or could be. I know that money matters. Yes. But health? I mean, life at risk? Seriously? We still need cash on hand before we give them the care/medicines they need? What happened to the law of preserving life? What happened to the people given power "to help"?

I'm not saying I'm blaming the hospital or the medical practitioners (I don't want to think they have their own say 'coz if they do, sorry to say, it sucks.) But I still believe it's the government. Who do have the biggest say? None other than them. What's up, lawmakers? Where's the guy you guys voted?

Special mention to Ame Rubi-ego, for the lift to keep doing one of the things I love to. May nakaka-appreciate pa pala in those simplest ways -- tweets. :)) Dapat hindi pa kita i-mention dito. Kaso ayun. Haha. I'll use this post kasi for my upcoming entry na nabulok na sa Notes ng phone ko. Related kasi.. So there. :p

"Confucius" Stikes At 12 MN

I should have posted this 9 hours ago, but thanks to my phone who won't allow me to do so. Glad to have Twitlonger, though (was able to post it there so I can transfer this thing from my blog. :D)

I opened the Bible, let my fingers point certain part and voila [!], "Do not rely on riches wrongfully acquired fot they will of no use to you the day of wrath." - It's not as related as expected, but is somehow with.. Well, money. Galing, noh?

I let my fingers go thru another page, and the first one second one went this way: "I find woman more bitter than death. She is a pitfall; her heart is a snare and her arms, chains. He who pleases God will escape from her, but the sinner will be caught." I find this one not really related with the current, so I consider the upper verse of Ecclesiastes 7:25 which is...

"I set myself in all earnestness to know, study and pursue wisdom and reason, so I saw that wickedness is folly, and foolishness, stupidity." - This one kind of suit me - though again, not "verbatim" or simply just the topic of it.

I still find it "swak". Ulit, ang galing lang. Yet, is it really for me? It was 3 days ago when I finished that letter, never thought I would do so, or have the wisdom and courage to make one - but I did. I have and conquered. So yeah, it was 3 days ago (until 2 hours ago?) that I felt "confident" with the outcome. But it was also that 2 hours leaving me to think of the "importance" of money and of that controversial what-you-want-to-do-in-life.

Someday, won't be even just a secondary.

When Opportunity And Dream Collide

As they say, "You're not getting younger," Kuya Paul just reiterated it. I've heard it a lot of times. This could be another moment-of-truth in my life. Or maybe, another wake up call. Things have been smooth-but-mostly-rough-road I've been having lately, rather, in four months already. Seriously, it should not be the case. Really. There are options to consider. There are opportunities to reconsider. There is this profession to "enhance". And truth is, there is only one decision to make -- and take.

Opportunities as we all know is once in a life time. Well, it could be twice or so, but rare times do it happen. That is why, we also know this "If opportunity comes, grab it." It's like that do-or-die scenes. And we also know by heart that we, I, you, already let an opportunity passed by just like that. Now, tell me, how does it feel? I bet you would not say nothing. Because deep down, you know you have your regrets. And in the very scene, what-you-want-to-do-in-life thing came rushing through. That intense feeling. That intense desire. That "dream of a lifetime". Another as-they-say that I remember is this, "Do what makes you happy." Simple? No. It's has never been (and is not at the moment). Unless you're too lucky to have it all. Or fortunate to have everyone who surrounds you, including the universe to quite agree with it.

I don't want to live life having a-lot-of-regrets-that-I-am-not-proud-of than that of regrets-that-I-am-okay-I-did. Yeah, sounds lame. Regrets is supposed to be a sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair. Thanks to Merriam-Webster. But going back to what I've said awhile ago, we all know we have our own regrets. But not every wrong moves that we did are called such. For now, I can only wonder and wander on my own.

If only I'm smart enough to make decision. If only my pride won't get in the way. If only I'm responsible enough. If only time is stoppable, or if  I can buy back it. If only making what I want in life is not that necessary.  If only things are not gauge by that "standard" they impose. If only I'm good at numbers and the like. If only I can make them realize how important it is to me. If only I can follow what they want and mine too, at the same time. If only money is just money. If only I can find out the "said" path I should take. If only I can see what is it for me. If only I can see it. Maybe then and there, I not have been this confused. If only.

P.S. It should not be my first blog. Well, already is.