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."