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=)

My Twelve (12) in Twenty Twelve (2012)

Dear SMB,

I don’t really make wishes in Christmas Days because I’ve been in 8 Christmases alone ( turning 9 this year ) nor do some New Year’s resolution for I only end up dragging myself to things vaguely written and a far-cry to be materialized.

I dunno why I am writing this in the first place. Is it the workload piled up in my table ( I hate cramming but hey, I can’t seem to organize my itinerary these days )? Or am I inspired of M’Abel’s blog about her 101 in 1001 entries ( 101 things to do in 1001 days)? Maybe yes for the latter..or I just wanted to set things I will be looking forward for the coming year, sort of… I guess.. Whatever the reason maybe I give the thought into writing anyway…

This is a no wish lists of must-have in my birthday, nor childish bubbles or something, I am 26 years old for that, hello? Not a wish to make everyone be responsible and kind, because that would mean a total clean up for the universe, just like what GOD did in Noah’s time, not even asking for a prince charming, well, I would be glad if it will be given ( in hilarious giggles, duh! who wouldn’t?).

It’s been quite a while since I embraced myself with outdoors. I believe even if I would have been years younger or some years ahead I will end up as a mountaineer just the same. Talk about passion, you know…( in Pacman’s way, yu no! hihihi ). So here I am after joining the training climb you have organized last September 10-11, 2011 at Mt. Natib in Orani Bataan I found myself dreaming of another 12 mountains I’d like to climb in 2012. Don’t ‘ya think it’s early? Maybe…But, I opt to write it here though.

After reading reviews after reviews (in between my busiest day ever!), I have listed down the following as my top picks for next year...

1. Mt. Ugo – was discovered in 1987 when a PAL plane crashed on one of its slopes
2. Mt.Amuyao - the summit shows a breathtaking panorama of the entire Cordillera range
3. Mt. Makiling –famous for its guardian fairy named Maria Makiling…sooooooooo Pinoy, talk about legends.
4. Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail – has a very difficult trail but the more it calls my human quest for challenge
5. Mt. Banahaw – a home for Rizalistas and other cults and believe to be the "New Jerusalem"
6. Mt.Isarog - has a rich biodiversity and beautiful views
7. Mt. Pinatubo – just like to be part of this historical mountain, famous for its eruption which had put the Philippines in uproar
8. Mt. Tarak Ridge – has a rewarding view at the summit wherein you could see the whole view of Bataan, Manila Bay and the tall buildings in Metro Manila.
9. Mt. Asog- a majestic sun rise can be viewed from its summit.
10. Mt. Batulao – the summit of Mt. Batulao offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the Batangas landscape, including Taal Lake and Volcano, and Balayan Bay
11. Mt. Famy ( Romelo ) – famous getaway for mountaineers and commonly called as the "land of the falls" because of the countless waterfalls you can find there .
12. Mt.Halcon - provides a breathtaking view of landscapes in the municipality of Baco in Oriental Mindoro.

Twelve is only a handful compared to hundreds of mountains we have in the Philippines. To those that are not included in my picks, there are more years ahead…Needles to say, this only a miniscule near to life attempt of building a more solid camaraderie with you, of making myself look forward for next year…of getting more closer to HIM through mountains with you…

Suffice it to say, I would like to thank you SMB for sharing with my first climb…Good times, indeed!

Sincerely,

Ms. Gala

Happy Anniversary SMB!

I met them one night last July 9,2011 as I tirelessly goofed myself through the world wide web...
...got myself hooked with the web's tagline that I ended up registering myself as a member...
...made my way to get involved with forums and posted topics...
...laugh some more through my paperworks as I tag along with them online on shout box..
...met a handful of them in flesh last August 11,2011 and shared a hefty laugh through french fries and coke float as the meeting went along...

That started it all...
They have this unfathomable image that I can't help myself get deeper with the group...my SMB family...Joining them is more of welcoming myself to the people who shares the same passion as I have...mountaineering..

I still have the vivid memories of our 7th year anniversary held at La Colina Resort last August 20-21, 2011.The event is an experience to treasure.The food, presentations, games and the program in general served its purpose. I have been into team buildings, outings, gimmicks before yet being with them gave me a profound idea that there is beauty of going out your comfort zone through joining and meeting new bunch of nice peeps like them for the first time...well,  with just yourself.And knowing them first hand was an added bonus.

And who wouldn't forget the part where newbies were introduced? To say cool was an understatement...Really...Yes, I have my fair share of being one of a newbie but I did enjoy laughing my heart's out for every joke and "green statements"  delivered that leads into an infectious laughter!

I enjoyed the company of M' Tine and M' Lenzi as they had their so-called swimming lessons. Sir Takumi's funny strokes that he seems to be a pro.The " habulan" game in the pool that eventually ended up into girl talk session per say. Man, sharing with them your thoughts and listening to theirs was just as great.

I enjoyed some more on M' Lenzi's angelic voice as she hits on OPM notes, S' Billy's soulful voice as he beats some Ogie Alcasid's top charts and hey! who wouldn't want to listen S' Jovy's rendition of back to the 80's songs.This lad ( or should I say lass?) seems to have been blessed with endless sense of humor, I just can't help myself laughing into his punch lines that just gave the night a night. And lastly, S' Jim's awesome performance as he rocked Bon Jovi's It's My Life! The song has been constantly playing in my phone since then. And to other who did just great, BRAVO!

Fun was written all throughout the event, I must say...
And before I lost the chance to say the things I needed to say, for who knows if I'll live past a hundred or tomorrow a meteor falls and blows me into smithereens ( sounds familiar? , yeah it's Chico Garcia's line ),   this will have to suffice... ( emo mode )...Thank you SMBerks for the warm welcome and for the laugh shared together..

'Til my first climb and as I share my first SMILE with you...
Seven years and still counting...
Happy Anniversary!!!