Hope You Realize that...

Letter to 32-Year Old Me

You are now 32. Yey!

You have at least 3 out of the country trips and have completed 30 points in the Top 38 Tourist Attraction in the Philippines, a Must See before You Die
You have taken your parents to Boracay for vacation.
You have reached your 6-digit salary goal.
You have 300K in your bank account.
You have a feasibility study of your future business.

If you ever miss one of these, or miss all of these, remember it is okay. Do not be hard on yourself. I know you are close to achieving these. But there are other things I would like to see in you 3 years from now.

I hope time has taught you to forgive yourself and those who wronged you. I hope 3 years have been enough for you to learn how to let go. I hope you have found in your heart the importance of loving and respecting yourself first. I hope you have summoned all your courage to share your love to someone special. I know you have so much love to give so do not be afraid. Or if he hasn't arrived yet, I hope you are now ready to give and receive love. Just be patient.

I hope your smile is no longer forced. It is now genuine. Your eyes is no longer weary. It is now radiant. Your heart is no longer bleeding. It is now loving.

And if there is one thing I pray time has not changed you, it is your belief in love. No matter what happens, I am very proud of you. I love you.

From 29-Year Old Me

Sand, Surf, Baler = FUN!

I and two of my friends went to Genesis Cubao Station at around 4:00 am. Unluckily, we needed to transfer to another bus. We got there at around 2:00 pm just in time for us to check in at Aliyah Surf Camp. After a long ride, it was so refreshing to hear the crashing sound of the waves.

Aliyah Surf Camp at Night

Kuya Leo, our tricycle driver who drove us to Aliyah Surf Camp offered us a tour the next day for 800 pesos, which is the standard rate.

Among the spots he drove us to were:

Century Old Balete Tree
You can climb the tree up to about 40 ft high. But since I am acrophobic, I then decided to stay on the ground while my two friends climb.

Mother Falls
It was a 20-minute trek going to Mother Falls. But the trail was really easy.

The water was freezing cold, but we still took a plunge!

Kuya Leo was helpful enough to assist us in transferring all our stuff from Aliyah Surf Camp to Bay's Inn, then we continued with the tour. Next stop was an "eat-all you can" lunch for only 185 pesos at Gerry Shan's Place. I love their sisig!

Diguisit Rock Formation
Tried the water and it was pretty warm.

We also dropped by Diguisit Falls, Ermita Hill, Baler Church, Dona Aurora Quezon House and Baler Museum.

On our third day, we braved the big waves.

After all the effort to balance myself on top of the board as it glides along the splashing waves, the times I immersed and drunk salt water, and share of scratches and wounds, being able to stand on my surfboard for a very brief moment made it all worth it!