Being Selfish Isn’t Always a Bad Thing

“If you want to make the people around you happy, you must find your own happiness first. Being selfish isn’t always a bad thing. Try to only think about your happiness when things are too stressful. It’s okay to do that.”

- from It’s Okay Not to be Okay, a Korean TV series in Netflix

Know Your Worth

How do you measure your worth?

Are you worthy to the people around you? Are you worthy to your family and friends? Are you worthy to the company you are working for?

When you’re gone, will they miss you? Will their world turn upside down? Will you leave a black hole in their heart? Will it be a big loss if you’re gone?

Blame Game

I’ve had some realizations over the past few months and I would say learned more about how human behaves.

Let me start with the common saying when someone farted (please excuse my example but that is what came first to my mind 😊)   “whoever talks first is the one guilty”.

To the Best Boss

I wrote a poem for my boss. It might not rhyme but who cares. Haha! Here is how it goes.

Some may like you,

And others may hate you.

But they don't matter

Because there’s also a few like us who love you.

There might be people who don't understand you.

I, too, cant get you sometimes.

And we don't always agree to everything.

But, you taught me to listen.. and to understand..

And even if sometimes that we just have to agree to disagree.

We’re OK.

Because at the end of the day

We still have the respect for each other.

Above all that,

I want you to know that I look up to you so high.

Your bravery, boldness and strictness,

No power tripping and abuse on the side.. just plain right and just.

Your dedication and love for the company

and to the people who equally love it.

It’s so contagious,

You cant just hide it.

And with all that seriousness

You also have your funny and jolly side.

And all of those make you

The best boss I ever had.

So I wanted to say, “Thank YOU!”

Knowing that I have your trust and support

Is already enough to keep me going

In this crazy yet lovable company.

To the best and awesome boss I ever had.

Happy boss’ day!

Thank you! Cheers!

It's Not Overrated

I thought Boracay is just overrated by everyone. When you ask them where they want to go, they will instantly say "Boracay". And since we don't want to go where everyone wants to, we have not added it to our list.. for a long time. Until we finally got curious of what's in Boracay that even foreigners are hooked to this little island. We then decided to go there with our friends. Why not?! There's a seat sale! 

No regrets. It is not overrated. It is really a paradise. Powdery white sand.. Unlimited adventures.. What an awesome wonderful island Boracay is.

Photo on the left was created using Volo app. 

At This Age

Early 30's.. That is where we are now. Some are already successful and have achieved their dreams. Some are still working towards their goal and little by little are achieving them. Some already have their own family, while some are still waiting for that special someone. Some have already travelled around the world, and some are still searching for the right path to take. No matter what, our lives have already changed since we were kids. 

Parrot's Peak

Today my dream of climbing a mountain finally came true! We've reached Mt. Pico de Loro's summit after lots of walking and literally climbing to its peak. 

Low Budget? No Problemo!

You want to travel but you don't have enough money? Or you don't want to spend that much? No worries. You can still enjoy what others experience even with low budget. You don't need to travel by sea and use your precious vacation leaves spending days in the ship just because it is cheaper. You don't need to stay in a not-so-nice room accommodation if you can afford comfy hotels. How? You just need to:

Are We Getting Old Already?

We met 8 years ago. Still young.. Full of energy.. enthusiasm.. and wonder. Always looking for new things, unfamiliar places, and breathtaking adventures. 

Book and Go!

'Twas never planned. I just heard that there's a promo in Cebu Pacific so I checked their site. Domestic and  International flights... With our passports getting near expiration dates, and us wanting to use them before renewing, I decided to look for any out of the country destination that doesn't need Visa. Cambodia, X. Bali, X. Thailand, negative. Hongkong, check! With a round trip fare of just P2200+ each, I booked our next trip to Hongkong with side trip to Macau. And good timing too! It's our holiday in the next two weeks. So... go go go!

You read it right. For a promo fare, our flight is already in the next two weeks. We're so excited. Hihi! I also asked Bangs if they wanted to come with us. She is usually undecided, but guess what?! She agreed! Woohooo! This will be more fun. And even better if France and Ren can also come with us. Unfortunately, France have prior commitments. Anyway, there will always be next time. 

For now, we have to do our research and try not to get lost. 👀 😄

✈️ And just like that, we'll be flying to Hongkong and see Mickey Mouse.☺️

🚢 As fast as that, we'll be betting not in RW Manila but in The Venetian. 🎰🎲😅

Pustiso

Pinauwi kami ng maaga from office dahil paparating na ang bagyong Glenda. At sa byahe namin ng jeep pauwi, may nakasabay kami na nakakatakot.  Dalawa kasi sila na sumakay ng sabay tapos magkabilang dulo ng jeep naupo, syempre naisip namin agad baka holdappers. Judgemental lang. haha. Sa likod ng driver naupo yung isa tapos sa may pintuan naman naupo yung medyo dugyot. Tapos gusto pa takpan ng payong nya yung pinto..Para daw di kami mabasa...

SB Card

Through text...

me: dito na ko sa office mahal.. uy tots, gusto ko yung starbucks card yung Pilipinas na design.

tots: 0k t0ts k0..ingat ka jan sa w0rk m0..gust0 m0 yung bag0ng SB card? An0ng gagawin natin?

me: (-.-)

Losing

I am reading a sad chapter of a story now.. about a girl who became a stripper just to save her mother who got cancer. After 2 years, the cancer came back and this time, there is no cure and her mom decided to just stay at home and spend her remaining days with them. (Arix's "The Stripper" in Wattpad). Well, this chapter made my tears flow like a river. (T_T)

Tulog na!!!

Antok na antok na ko

Ngunit hindi ako makatulog.

Sana sa pagpikit ko

Ay maghilik na ako.

2nd Hand

c/o ren.

anak: tay, pag nurse daw po kelangan ng relo na may 2nd hand

tatay: ha? pambihira yan. eh kakabili pa lang naman natin nyang relo. san tayo bibili nyan ng luma? 

anak: 2nd hand daw po kelangan eh

tatay: pakitanong nga sa teacher mo bakit kelangan pa na 2nd hand kung may bago naman.

Cotton

Emergency. Alam kong ayaw ni Bembem ang irerequest ko pero no choice sya. >:) Pinabili ko ng napkin sa Ministop..

Ayon sa kanyang kwento...

Bem: (naghanap ng Modess cottony soft non-wings. Ilang sandali, di nakataiis at nagtanong na.) Miss meron ba kayong Modess na cotton yung 'not'-wings?

Miss: I-check ko sir. 

(naghanap din)

Miss: Sir, wala na eh. Gusto nyo Charmie na lang?!!!

Pabulong sya nagtanong. Pero yung miss kalakas ng boses!!! hahaha!

Kaya pag-uwi nya ang dala ay dry max na non-wings. Dali-dali nyang binili yung Modess at umalis na.

Take-out

I was starving when I woke up last night so I got up immediately,  took a bath and got dressed as fast as I can so I could still pass by McDonald's before I go to work.

At McDo's take-out counter...

me: 1 order of McSpicy meal, pa coke-float na rin.

staff: (inulit ang order ko) P141.00 po lahat.

me: thanks. teykkkk... (I pretended I did not say a word) 

I suddenly realized that I'm at the take out counter. 'Pag gutom nga naman ang tao. :)

10 Things to Visit and Do in Davao City

Since we’ll be coming back to Davao this November, We’ve thought of listing our top 10 based on our trip last 2011.

#1. Jack’s Ridge – the best time to come here is during the night where you can see the view of Davao while having a sumptuous dinner. It is also a great place to take pictures because of the nice landscape. The city lights, food, singing group that will serenade you while eating, perfect for a great dinner.

The Magic of Mexico

Next year’s holidays are already beckoning, and the hunt is on for the new perfect location to soothe and invigorate the tired soul. Thinking about what it is you want from a holiday, and whether you will still want it when the time comes around is a choice that’s hard to settle on. Maybe you fancy a beach holiday where you can relax on the sand and think or do nothing else, but next year you may have decided that you want to do something completely different. Perhaps you’ll decide that you want to go mountain climbing for example, or maybe you will want to unearth some magnificent gems from history - who knows what a year will bring! Choosing a destination that is as versatile as it is intriguing will most likely have you booking a holiday in Mexico 2013.

Arts & Entertainment: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012

The Scottish capital is awash with amazing entertainment throughout the year. No matter when you choose to escape for a weekend break here, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to fill your time. If you’re venturing across the border this August, make sure you make some time for the awesome Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Running between the 3^rd and 27^th August, it’ll be sure to provide you with entertainment aplenty and help you appreciate not only some of the biggest names in showbiz but new faces too.

Our Favorite Travel Quotes

Here is a collection of travel quotes that we have tweeted last 2011. In no particular order. Be inspired. Until then!


"Own only what you can carry with you; Let your memory be your travel bag." ~Alexander Solzhenitsyn


"Try something new. Do something fun. Be adventurous. These breaks can bring renewed energy into your work and your life."

Boracay + Palawan = Borawan

Have you been to Boracay? How about in Palawan? How about Borawan? Yes, you’re reading it right. There really is a place called Borawan.

It got its name, obviously, from these two tourist spots, Boracay and Palawan. It has rocks like the ones you’ll see in Palawan and sand like in Boracay...

A Night at Dampalitan

If you know Anawangin Cove in Zambales, Dampalitan is something similar to it because of the pine trees... The sand is not that fine unlike in Puting Buhangin and Borawan but it is where you can enjoy swimming especially when you're going during the rainy season...

Picture Taking at Puting Buhangin

So what would you expect? From the name of the island itself, you’ll already know what you’ll see. This is our first destination and among the three islands, this is our favourite. The fine white sand... the grass... the shade... the cave... everything is beautiful!

A Weekend at Borawan – Itinerary

Do you want to escape from the busyness of the city? Its pollution and noise? Well, aside from the destinations found at nearby provinces such as Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas, there is one found also in the southern part of Luzon... and don’t worry, it is not that far... and it has white sand.

Have you heard of Borawan? Yes... it is not Boracay... and also not Palawan... but Borawan...

Duka Bay Resort Escapade

I am from Cagayan de Oro. I was a riverguide for the first whitewater rafting company in the Philippines until I went to Manila primarily because of Weng and of course to try my luck. I am also a member of an organization that is nature oriented. I help protect and preserve nature. I used to climb mountains, do spelunking and play percussion for a modern ethnic band playing earth music. But I am not totally a musician... just a wannabe, and now a wannabe magician as well. I am also fond of mountain biking.

Yes, you are on the right page. This is not an About Me page. So why am I saying things about myself? I do not know. Haha! I just want to tell that even though I came from CDO, was in the tourism industry, and nature lover, still I have not explored all of what my province has to offer...

Farewell Lou

Have you ever felt close to someone you have never met yet? I do! It's not a love for someone in the opposite sex like the one you meet on Facebook, Friendster, and other social networking sites or your textmates and chatmates where it either turns into a broken heart or the love blossoms into a wonderful relationship. It's a love and care I feel like she's a family to me...

isdaan rainy day experience

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “isdaan”? What else? Of course, anything related to fishes. But, have you thought of going to Isdaan to see big statues and feel like you’re in a different country like Thailand?

When we first saw the pictures of our friends with these statues, we thought it was not here in the Philippines. That intrigued us to visit the place. Fresh Catch Isdaan, The Halfway to the North Floating Resto-Park is located in Gerona, Tarlac. And with us coming from Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, it would just be a few hours travel...We are excited to go to Isdaan not because of the food. We would just like to see the park and take pictures. But of course, who wouldn’t want the food huh? Not us. Hehe!However, the weather is not cooperating with us. It rained just after we arrived. So please pardon us for a lousy picture of their front signage taken while running under the rain towards the restaurant...

Monasteryo de Tarlac

“You are not here by coincident. You are here because you are called by God.” – Officiating Priest in the Mass

Our plan is just to go and eat lunch at Isdaan in Gerona, Tarlac. But while talking about the plan with tatay, ate, and Jan Ray, they suggested that we also go to a monastery where the relic of the True Cross of Jesus is kept.  And since Monasteryo de Tarlac is just near it, we opted to visit the place first and attend the mass then go to Isdaan afterwards...

Mountain Biking in the City

We live in a city and we love to bike. But, is there a place to go mountain biking in the crowded city of Metro Manila where all you can see are tall buildings and people that are always in a hurry? Yes, there is. One of them is in Fort Bonifacio’s MTB Trail in Taguig.

Bem has been there a couple of times. He always tells me that it is a nice place to mountain bike since there’s a trail good for both beginners and experts. It is not just a flat surface like roads where thrill comes from the thought of biking alongside with fast cars and motorcycles and smoke belcher jeepneys and buses who always stop and wait for passengers. And the humps! Oh, we love them. :) So yesterday, we went to MTB Trail at The Fort together...

eyes of a child



[kids guiding on a trek going
to Big Falls in Sagada, Mt. Province]


 These children still have that "faculty of wonder". If for us we only have seven wonders of the world, maybe for a child, they have seven million! Or even more than that... :)

Well, we've been to different places... and every time we see kids, we can't help but take photos of them. There's just something in them, like a magnet, that attracts us..

And the result is always beautiful or should we say...

...awakening...

we fell

"there’s a special level of comfort between two matching souls
an unbreakable bond of constant support and closeness
it’s when a warm embrace feels so right
or when two hands fit so snugly...

it’s a feeling that’s hard to define but easy to recognize
and when you find that comfort, you just know, you’ll never let go..
everybody in this world is scared
and sometimes, it takes TWO scared persons to do one brave thing:

to FALL IN LOVE…"

happy hearts day!

A heart that is as hard as stone.
Oh yeah, it is really a stone found on
our way to Capones Island lighthouse.

Feb 14 is really fast approaching. And what’s with the date?
Looking at a usual calendar, it is “St. Valentine’s Day”.
To single ladies and gentlemen out there, it is “Single Awareness Day”.
To those in a relationship, it is “Lover’s Day”.
To sick people, it is "Another Day to be Thankful For".
To busy people, it’s just an “Ordinary Hectic Day”.
To us, it’s our “Meeting Day”. Hehehe.

By the way, since it is February and you’ll see lots of heart decors everywhere, I’ve thought of sharing our pictures with hearts. Some are obvious, and some, you’ll have to figure out...

Whitewater Rafting

Rapids.

Thrill.

Excitement.

Team work.

Adventure.

Real extreme.

Adrenalin rush.

Forward!
High five!

And what can you think of when you hear those words?

travel map

Do you know what is one thing that inspires us to go to a new place? One of the reasons is our travel map! :)

pearl farm

We went to Davao last January of this year and we were so excited to be at the largest city of the Philippines. What we do not know is that there’s more waiting for us on our second day there.

Yes, we’ve done our research and saw pictures of Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Internet. But, we didn’t expect what we’ve seen and experienced... the place is really really really awesome!!! And the service is really fantastic! You’ll experience the best service you’ll have...

up north: palaui island and anguib beach

White sand. Nice view. Nature. Travel. Swimming. What place comes to your mind? Is it Boracay? Puerto Galera? Palawan? Camiguin? Bantayan? Bohol? Dakak? Have you noticed that all of them are in southern part of the Philippines?

How about going somewhere north? There's Potipot Island or Capones Island in Zambales, Casiguran in Aurora, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte to name a few.

And if you are willing to travel farther that is not far as Batanes, you might want to go to Palaui Island and Anguib Beach in Cagayan...

puerto galera

Summer is just around the corner and I bet you are already looking forward for a beachy escapade. But... your budget is limiting you to stay inside your cube! Or you don't have time to take a time off...


Well, don't you know that not all travels are expensive? And not all require you to take an extra 2 or 3 days off from your work... 

Cone in Albay

When I was still an elementary student, I always read about this volcano that is in perfect shape found in Bicol region. And I always wanted to see for myself if it is really shaped a "perfect cone". It is an active volcano located in Legazpi City, Albay. Near yet so far. Near from Manila because it is still in Luzon, but far because if you'll be traveling by land, you need to wait for almost a day just to reach and see the beautiful shape of Mayon Volcano...

we love bohol...

...and every bit of it!




[2009.03.09]

Oooops!

Look at our reactions guys! :)

The kind staff of The Cordillera Inn in Vigan, Ilocos Sur took us a should-be-picture, which turned into an accidental video, that then became a source of good laugh to all of us. :D

bato springs

If you are planning to go to Bato Springs in San Pablo, Laguna, here is our itinerary that might be helpful in planning your trip...

rock rainy summer outing at bato springs

 fun . laughter . rockfriends . nature .

3-hour travel from Manila, Bato Springs in San Pablo, Laguna is a very nice place to go to during summer. With the coldness of its spring water, man-made falls and pools, you’ll definitely beat the summer heat.

Unfortunately, when we went there, it is already rainy season so we have to bear with the coldness of water. Superrrrrrr lamig ng tubig!!! brrrrr…

But, despite the weather, we still enjoyed swimming at the cold spring with free massage c/o of water falls and of course everyone will agree that the place is so beautiful because of its nature-inspired theme.

anawangin-capones island adventure

have you wondered how much we spent in our adventure trip to anawangin cove and capones island?

below you will find our itinerary and the expenses we incurred.

really really cheap!

capones island

Do you think our adventure stopped in Anawangin?

Of course not! There is a secluded island just nearby and our feet were not yet tired. So, the morning after, we packed our bags and got ready for a long trek going up to the lighthouse. 

“More energy, mas happy” sabi nga sa commercial. So, with our energized minds and body, we headed right away to Capones Island...

snowy anawangin cove

Do you know a place here in the Philippines where it snows?

Hmmm.. With our tropical climate, hot and rainy seasons, you wouldn’t think that it will even snow here, huh?

So, where do you think we took this picture? :)

Taal - Cute Little Volcano

When you go to Tagaytay, aside from the cold weather, the main attraction is the view of Taal Volcano, known to be the smallest active volcano in the world. And while looking at it, have you wondered how it looks like on a closer perspective and what's in it?

It is cited in the Philippines as the world's largest island within a lake, on an island, within a lake on an island. Again again again... A Vulcan Point within crater lake, on Taal island, within Lake Taal, on the island of Luzon. Isn't it interesting?

Rock Climbing in Sagada

Have you tried rock climbing? Me? I have only done wall climbing. It’s my first time to try it and to think it’s in Sagada and not a man-made one, which most of us have tried, I am really excited.

After trekking to Big Falls, we went straight to the rock climbing site since it is already getting dark. It is time to use those muscles.. hahaha! Natural rock climbing, let's get it on!

Big Falls

Have you seen waterfalls, heard the sound of music they produce, and wonder how it feels to be at the edge of it and fall with the water like in a movie?

I have always wanted to see Maria Cristina Falls in Lanao and Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna. I know those since I was in elementary through books. But unfortunately, I have never been there until now… still on my bucket list… but not the falling part. I think it only happens in movies. :)

Although I have not seen those two yet, I can say that seeing Big Falls in Sagada is very fulfilling.. One of the many words to describe the feeling is “refreshing” or should I say "spectacular."

Sumaguing Cave and Hanging Coffins - Sagada

After  more than 12 hours of travelling on the road and many hours of waiting... Do we still have the energy? Of course!!! :)

The cool breeze of air... pine trees... small town.. rice terraces.. mountains.. locals.. serene place.. These are just some of the many things that gave us the energy we needed.

And our first destination? Sumaguing Cave and hanging coffins!!! Go go go spelunking!

While on the Road - 1st Day of Our Sagada Trip

This was our first trip together. It was one week long, two days of which were spent travelling on the road.

We are supposed to be booked with Cable Tours. Unfortunately, the bus company said that due to the volume of passengers, they will no longer have advance booking and will just do a first come first serve basis on the date of travel. Well, to be able to buy tickets for two, I went to Cable Tours terminal at 6am. I also met two other passengers who were informed the same way that it will be a first come first serve basis. So, I wake up early on that day just to get disappointed....

0214 rapids - the beginning

- at the graduation rock -

[2007.02.14]

i met him one fine, sunny, valentines day
strangers, a guide and a guest
with the same feelings kept within ourselves.

the touches and smiles brought our feelings together
the stories, jokes and laughter we shared
will be reminisced and treasured forever.

waving goodbye won’t make it the end

distance won’t become a hindrance
love, trust, and respect are what we needed
and all of those will be present.

i hope to see him again someday
when our eyes will meet again
we’ll keep the spark forever

together in the arms of each other.

first time

How would you feel if it is your first time? Ooopps! I mean first time to ride an airplane? :) For me it is mixed emotions. Excited. Thrilled. Nervous. And even more excited! :)

We are bound to Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin Island and we'll do whitewater rafting, swimming, and visit places we've never been to. I am really really excited! :)