She will be loved

Anyone who know her would describe her as strong willed, independent, a walking ray of sunshine...The woman who can do everything, solo travel, hiking, finishing a half marathon, a cum laude and has an MBA degree on her belt. Heck, she is her own person , a very detached yet sweet to her friends. She'll go the distance for her loved ones, friends included.

she can be anywhere in a snap

And she used to believed that she can do it all. That even in the lowest of lows, she will emerged strong. For the past years, she had this thinking that she stopped needing anyone, she can do everything. 

One day this woman find herself in a plethora of emotion. So new that she doesn't know how to handle. She cried, she questioned and couldn't fathom why. 

Yes she got heartbroken. She realized she loved this certain guy so much, too bad it is not mutual. She tried to conceal it, act normal, be the strong woman she present herself to be. However, the feelings of loss and heartache is too much to bear. It was one of her lows.


" Ganito pala mgmahal" she told herself. 

It has been a month since she realized it. She decided to distance herself from this guy, the guy on the other hand, distanced himself too and she took that as a sign to move forward.  She accepted she can't control other people's feeling, and that she can only control and direct herself. Everyday, she is getting better.  She knows that one day, in the right time, she will be loved.

Journey to the Paradise

The boatman lit the motor breaking the placid environment of its clamor.Just in time, my heart flooded with unexplainable longing.And as the boat sailed away from the island I can’t help recounting with how the events have turned.

Our bus left Cubao to Daet, Camarines Norte a little over 12midnight. We should have left around 8pm had I and Ad reserved our tickets prior to our departure. Obviously we haven’t taken into consideration the influx of passenger during Lent as we agreed to take our fate on chances. Four hours of waiting and delay didn’t bend our conviction and happy spirits. On board, we estimated our arrival and twelve midnight will work just fine. We will still reach our destination on time. Or so we thought.

I woke up around 7:30am later and I almost burst in disbelief when I learned from Ad that we are still way far from alighting. We were caught in a seemingly endless traffic. Another thing we forgot to consider is the road condition in this season. I mocked myself in silence for that foolishness and at the same time murmur prayers that we may be able to catch the passenger boat in Paracale that (apparently) leaves around 12-1pm daily.Hours passed and I already give up the last strand of chance when we were still in the roads of Quezon province around 12noon, losing our only chance of the passenger boat in Paracale. Three hours more under that grueling trip when we finally disembarked in the town of Labo around 3pm. What supposedly a 7-8 hours travel turned into 14.5hours grueling bus ride. More than the aching body and restlesness our biggest dilemma is how we'll be able to reach Calaguas Island at that hour and within our budget.Almost all weekenders must have been already enjoying the island by then. Our last resort is to hire a boat which would seriously damage our pockets. i struggled hard to defy the negativity that's slowly creeping my mind at the moment.

It's the journey rather than the destination. Cliche as it may seems, this was the thought that keeps me hold on, the experience itself is already worth it.  It was clear that we were holding on to something uncertain but Ad and I gave it one last push.We decided to head to Vinzons pushing our luck to the limit. And just before I'm about to accept that our first day might end with nothing but a mere peek at the fishport, a local came and pointed us to the last boat that's about to leave for Mangkawayan. We wasted no time and found ourselves haggling for the ride. We got it! Yes we got it for P250. 

Excitement was evident on our faces as the boat navigated into the open sea around 5pm. Finally. I must admit I was scared of the big waves but that doesn’t prevent me from appreciating all magnificent views at our disposal.Sunset.Sky.Stars.

Our boatman was kind enough to guide us to Mahabang Buhangin after disembarking in Mangkawayan. It was just a 15minutes trek though. No sweat.And finally, yes! We have stepped on the paradise that has risen to fame in a short period of time. The views are but beautiful and serene that I forgot Ad (Sorry buddy) had already prepared the stove for our dinner while I was just sitting comfortably beside our tent. My mind wandered into the white fine sand and the spectacular nebula above.Yes it was only yesterday…Truly it's not always the destination that concludes a great trip but I'm glad we had both, the journey and the destination at its finest. I’ll definitely go back, I promise.

I looked back and sealed that promise as I watched the island shrink from view until it finally disappeared into the horizon.

Beyond the Summit of Mt. Manalmon

View from the summit of Mt. Manalmon
L-R: Mt. Gola-Sierra Madre Range-Mt Arayat

An easy hike with a gradual ascent, we reached the summit of Mt. Manalmon in less than an hour. We were rewarded with great views atop and some peaks of neighboring mountains were also visible.

Mt. Manalmon proved not only a hiking destinations but also offer great activities for adventurous souls. Check out the following photos:

Monkey Bridge

Swimming

Mangoes!

Bayukbuk Cave (7-8) Spelunking

Bayukbuk Cave (1-6) Spelunking

Gift Giving: Our Lady of La Salette

Last December 17,2011, I volunteered myself to be with 45 kids at Our Lady of La Salatte, shared my time, laughed and played with them. And what a blessed day it was...

Truly, this activity just gave back something undescribable only volunteers could understand=)

Volunteerism: Hospicio de San Jose

Date: December 2011

Location: Hospicio de San Jose, Manila

Kids

Audit Volunteers in Action

Mt. Pulag - A New Pride of Experience

I never anticipated that I will be able to join the Pulag Climb because of schedule conflicts. Well, until it was changed to November 25-27. I was glorious amidst all the hassles I went through. Yes, I was literally cramming even on the day of departure. Thankfully, the universe conspires with my heart’s desire.

I made it 10:55pm to Victory Liner Pasay and was able to stabilize the panic I have had hours before.  There I met my team, get into our reserved seats and on our way I was contemplating if the climb was for me, I’ve been into a lot of hassles. Isn’t that a sign?

BUT on the brighter side, isn’t all struggles awaits victory and triumph? I will be climbing Philippines’ third highest mountain, and that alone are all worth it. Just by thinking that way gets me more excited, and oh, I HAVE BEEN EXCITED ever since I heard first hand stories of what awaits us in Mt. Pulag. Bragged as the rooftop and the highest one can get in Luzon at 2922 ASL, Mt. Pulag offers a magnificent view at the top while one will truly feel enchanted for its fabled sea of clouds. And right then and there I pictured myself doing a jump shot above the clouds! Few hours Mt. Pulag, just few more hours…

As we were nearing Baguio, I get fascinated by the welcoming cold, the alighting sunrise, pine trees and mountains that are beautifully lighted like a live Christmas tree. I could only smile and savor the novelty of a good weather for yet another dream wish list will soon knocked down.

In a little while our group of thirteen,  of which six are couples namely S’ Jim & M’ Lot, S’Leo & M’ Do and  Melskie & his wife while Riz, Andrea, Odhie, Lenzi, MikeA, Jovy and me  were the remaining seven, deposited ourselves in our rented jeepney after we disembarked from the bus. It was more than five hours before we reached DENR, approximately thirty minutes was spent in a stopover at a bridge overlooking Ambuklao Dam for picture taking, almost an hour was spent in a carinderia where we met a flooding number of mountaineers which put our group in a long queue.

At DENR we were required to sit for a mini presentation covering crucial reminders on climbing Mt. Pulag. From do’s and dont’s, present flora and fauna to its legendary tale as it is claimed as the playground of Gods. We also took our lunch in an adjacent store after paying the requisite climbing fee of P200 per head.

We then headed to Badabak Ranger Station. Man, we travelled beside deep ravines and one wrong move could mean fatal.  It was another less than two hours arduous roller-coaster-ride-like as we get higher. In fact, there’s this moment when I forgot to hold on to the hand rails and in one quick second I really look so stupid! It was like I gave myself a free fall, only this time I was in a jeep. Each bounce just gave the team a boisterous laughter.

We started trekking around 2:30pm. Did I forget to say that the DENR staff mentioned that it was raining in the summit? Yes, IT WAS RAINING! I get a bit nervous not because I can’t climb with such weather, I admit I hate muddy and slippery trail but more than that because of paranoia, of how negative temperature could behave? Apparently, the temperature could drop even below subzero. I am not a person who can’t stand long in such conditions, what if I caught hypothermia?

As we trudged into the trail, I checked myself from time to time if I was feelin’ different; paranoid was the word for it. The rain, the overrun trail, dropping temperature and thinning air just made the executive trail a little difficult. Along the trail we met our friends, who took the Akiki-Ambangeg trail, with them a story falling short in reaching the summit because of the weather. According to them, flood was already evident in the saddle camp, where we plan to stay for the night as it is just 15 minutes away from the summit. Then it strikes me, will we make it for the anticipated sea of clouds?  BUT they say, the beauty of Mt. Pulag comes from after a dramatic weather. Yes, I’m still hoping…

How could a good 7.5 kilometers and so doable for over three hours seem twice longer than usual? It was the longest trek I made in my entire life. At times, I constantly find myself asking for strength and guidance because each second on the trail seems eternity. By that time we reached Camp 2, my face and hands were almost numb. The camp was covered with fog and darkness. There was zero visibility. I waited for Lenzi to arrive for us to start another challenge. Odd though, I don’t know how to pitch a tent but tried anyway. One thing was clear that time, if no help came from S’ Jim and S’ Leo that moment I’d probably fall off in the next minute.

Nobody from the team dare go outside, not anyone even mentioned for dinner. Our tent was moistened every corner. Good thing we have our earth pad and some garbage bag, it saved us from moist underneath. Before I close my eyes that night I could only mumble prayers of survival. True enough, in the face of immeasurable odds, only faith can get you far.

The sea of clouds was the head turner for me in joining this climb. Obviously, that one and the dwarf bamboos, the anticipated jump shot above the clouds and the summit are but a dream still uncrossed in my list. But hey, nothing is comparable for all is well and managed to brace fierce winds and equally chilling weather the next morning. And for such, one is imperative: SAFETY should always be the top priority.

We have a great time going down Ambangeg. We made ourselves drooling ( oa lang, hahaha ) over with eat-all-you-can pinikpikang manok and savor the goodness of a great meal we missed at the campsite. Who says we will end the climb without socials? Right there on the jeep transpired a social bursting with euphoria. Fun, was an understatement. I was overjoyed with how it was held, how it lifted our spirits, how it brings a good laugh and content into each faces. How it bridged for a great bonding and camaraderie. Kudos Sir Jovy!

As for me, with summit or not, with sea of clouds or not, the climb was no less than a success. For this climb brings forth a new story (each climb actually), new strength, new lessons and realizations. Moreover, this climb for all thirteen of us could perceive each a different story altogether but still it boils down into one bottom line: we all have new pride of experiences to share just the same.

I still am fervently wishing that sooner the omnipotent GUY through SMB will grant me again the opportunity to face this majestic mountain, hoping for another addition to my treasured box of memories. SMB, please make it happen for me?

Flooding with Firsts - Mt. Pico de Loro

After throwing ourselves into to a last minute road trip last September 30 to October 1, 2011 as our alternative get away from our postponed Mt. Napuluaun Traverse I was not really intense in doing another hike a week thereafter. But I wanted to climb as many as I could before audit season hits so I signed myself in for Pico de Loro list inevitably.

To give me a better idea of the mountain that I am going to face, I checked it out the web before the  climb. Pico de Loro or Parrot’s Peak is considered as the highest point within the boundary of Cavite and Batangas. It got its name from its contour that is similar to a giant parrot perched on the mountain.It is also perfect for first timers since it is considered minor with an  elevation  around 664 meters above sea level.

Considered as an easy trek and though it is doable for a dayhike our group opted to make it for two days, just perfect forpetiks mode. We were divided into two groups since some of the berks have their work related concerns. First group was composed of Takumi, JR, JM, Lanie,Billy, Rex and me while the second group who did the night trek were Nhan, Albert,Jann, Mes, Odhie and Riz.

Day 1

First group meet up at 7-Eleven adjacent to SM Bacoor. Originally, we were set to be around 5:00am but it was really raining badly and so expect a massive latecomers like me ( hihihi ). We took a bus ride for P55.00 and after an hour we disembarked along to Ternate Highway.While JR took the lead in fare negotiations since drivers were really scouting it for P75.00, unreasonably high than that of P50.00 we know, we indulged ourselves into a quick breakfast in a nearbycarinderia, getting ready for the trek ahead.

We then took a 15-20 minutes tricycle ride for P65.00 per head and disembarked again at DENR outpost. We then registered for P20.00 per head and after a quick picture taking and few last minute checks we started our ascent.It was a good a start, the weather’s not too hot and is not raining, just almost humid. Thankfully Pico do not shelter ground leeches, as rain and limatiks don’t make a great combo, I’ll tell you.

 It was less than an hour trek before we reach camp 1 wherein we then pay another P20.00 registration fee inclusive of free use of toilets, benches w/ cottage that we accommodate during our lunch and running water for refills and cooking. After more than an hour rest, refreshed and energized we went back to the trail.

The contour of the trail and the steep incline as we go along was new to me but it spells the adventure I’d never expected for a minor climb like Pico. We were also welcomed by mud-covered trail and almost always drizzling weather.  And mind you, it rained hard the day before and that morning so the trail gets muddier, steeper and unfriendly. I can’t remember how many times I was about to slipped and have to endure the mud all the way through.

Nonetheless, it was a fun-filled climb even though we got lost at the last leg of our ascent. Getting lost was inevitable because of some changes evident from previous storms.  We backtracked and found the right trail and it was past 3:00 pm when we finally reached Camp 2. It was foggy and no good views for cameras to take. The weather also suggested an incoming downpour so we readily pitched our tents. Some of the group took a nap after, while me and others huddled ourselves in a circle. It was a soiree of sorts, and as usual we made fun by simply talking about anything, from S’ Takumi’s creepy experience in Mt. Tarak Ridge to just something that cracked out of the moment while waiting for the second group.

Few hours passed and darkness has enveloped the whole camp and intermittent rain showers were already evident when we decided to have our dinner. Good thing we have packed rice pre-cooked at camp 1. Thanks for the great minds of Sir Takumi and Sir JR, we were just relieved from the idea of waiting until past 9:00 pm for dinner ( wala kameng stove, hehehe ).

 Yes, it was 9:30 pm when the second group arrived, bringing along with them their own story of being lost on the trail. I couldn’t help but smile for having shared the same experience. And what’s even truly special that night except that everyone made it safe plus two first met SMBerks namely Dean and Tong ( aka aintnomountainhighenough in the forum ), was of course everyone got a fill of Mes’ spaghetti. First time, I have eaten a good meal at the top of the mountain and I couldn’t agree more when everyone said it’s delicious. Because it was!

We capped off the night with GSM Blue and never ending tales to tell during socials that have been extra fun with Jann and Mes as they share their phenomenal story. I didn’t know what time the rest called it a night, the cold has already taken its toll on my skinny frame so I went ahead. It was a raining socials. Nevertheless, it was as FUN.

Day 2

After our breakfast we made the last leg of the climb, which is going to the summit.  We started as JR took the lead and the rest followed seemingly forming a line.

The assault wasn’t that difficult, but need to be more cautious since only low-leveled grass are the ones one could hang on to when going up. And after 15-20 minutes, we were welcomed with another beauty of God’s masterpiece.

                            

Truly, Pico promised a spectacular 360 degree view of adjoining mountains, indented coves and beaches and mountain ranges.

And who will not be fascinated by famous rocky outcrop (tower for some)? This formation calls my human quest for total adventure yet the team agreed beforehand that it isn’t part of our itinerary. We are not yet braced with proper equipment and it might be too risky if pursued.

                           

We just satisfy our hunger from postponed Napulauan Traverse by staying at more than thirty minutes at the top, pictures after pictures, plank after plank, and pose after pose. We were all like models wannabe trying to get our angle for a good bragging pose. As we went down I gave a last hungry look at the daring outcrop. Looking back at it, I know I got an unfinished business here, enough reason to go back. And definitely, I will.

Going down was one heck of giving in to child-like whims and caprices. Why? Singing along the trail and reaching for Mariah’s Through the Rain and  Regine’s Tuwing Umuulan, we were like shooting a music video with real rain as background ( NaLSS tuloy si Dean at Tong ). We did some more of a kiddo when Rex and I played habulan along the trail ( san ka pa, feeling lang namen nasa patag kame ), reminiscent of kids who didn’t mind of any, just playing.  And I can’t help laughing when he partly bullied those guys we met along for the purpose of finding our soulmates, hahaha.I remember the guy named Darwin, what a cutie!

We also have good times in the falls. The continuous water from above was definitely a sight and seems inviting. The sporadic miniscule amount of fallen water that slightly slaps my face was hard to resist and so with the team who hadn’t planned of taking a dip but gave in. And who wouldn’t give an infectious grin when Rex did a temptation island pose ( Gardo, ikaw ba yan? ) at the rock. Everyone really enjoyed which was evident with the pleasure seen on each faces. Another first I got, this was my first taste of a real falls ever. Hey, haven’t I just enumerated lots of firsts? We were flooding with firsts. Two-thumbs up!

It rained totally just as exactly when we were back at the trail like it congratulates us for such a great climb. And what a great climb indeed!