Day Trip to Pinatubo Crater

A former officemate and I agreed to visit Mt Pinatubo last March 15. Since we are both single (and apparently fresh from heartbreak) we would consider the trip a celebration of independence.

We contacted TRIPinas Travel and Tour Ventures to avail their Pinatubo Tour Package. I sent an email and received a reply immediately.

We woke up at around 1:30 am and arrived at Mc Donalds, El Pueblo at around 2:30 am. We settled our remaining balance and left for Pinatubo at exactly 3:00 am. I appreciated TRIPinas on how they organized the tour. They assigned us to a van with small groups also. We were comfortable inside the vehicle as there are only 5 of us inside. The other 5 joined us at DAU exit.

The lahar-filled landscape was amazing. The one-hour 4X4 truck ride was super awesome. We stood and gripped at the bars. We twisted at every turn, held tight at river crossing and cheered all through out. I asked the foreigner how was the trip going. He replied Ï am not having fun, I am having a blast!"

The two-hour walk made me panting under the scorching heat of the sun.

The trek left me breathless but reaching the crater was breathtaking!

The Day my EQ Went Down Again

March 23, 2014 could have been our 6th anniversary. A month before you texted me until it somewhat has become a weekly Sunday habit.

I thought I was doing okay. I thought I was strong enough. In every press on “Send” button, I would immediately remind myself that this means nothing, absolutely nothing. We were but two old friends catching up until you asked me if we can meet up.

Flickers of hope rose in me. There was no date yet, but I started to assume that this could be something. I know you are leaving for Dubai, but I led myself to believe that perhaps you are testing the waters before leaving. For a moment, I even fantasized you would stay for me.

On March 23rd, you texted me with your usual “Kumusta ka?” You asked me if I already have a job offer, what my plans are. You also told me you went out of town. It broke me. I know this is so selfish and stupid of me to expect that this day would mean something to you. It moved me to tears but I tried to continue the conversation.

A picture of me you took in Palawan last September 2012.

The next day, I woke up realizing I need to ask you about your plans too and all my unanswered questions. I was saving this moment for our meet up, but I just know that I was not ever ready to see you yet. If I do, I would just probably go begging.

I need to find the answers now. I want to tell you how I feel. I can’t prolong the agony of keeping everything all by myself.

I started with SMS “When do you plan to tell me you have resigned and leaving for Dubai next month?” You were surprised as you are keeping it as a secret even to your family. I also asked you “Why are you texting me, aalis ka din naman pala?”. You replied “Masama na pala magtext dahil paalis na ako”.

You didn’t get it. You could not see the entire picture. It wasn’t wrong if the person you’re texting with has completely moved on. I actually thought I have, but truth is I haven’t. Everyday is still a torment getting out of bed. My morning mantra was “I will get through the 24-hour battle”. I was living only because my physical body says get up but my mind, my heart and my spirit remain lifeless. I was only living to get by, without any directions or motivations. With all honesty I replied, “Kasi hindi pa ako okay”.

I asked you if you could give me the reason for breaking up with me. I needed a closure. You said there was this instance you were sick and I still nagged you. Suddenly you realized you didn’t know me and decided to focus on yourself.

I wanted you to know I also have my share of sacrifices to the relationship you made me believe will last forever. We have series of trials, but I held on. I cried and got mad but I held on. I could not get why a “hump-like” fight have turned out like this when we have surpassed “mountain-like” problems.

Perhaps, the flaws I accepted in you were far, far greater than the flaws you can bear for me.

I sent long messages telling you instances when you have neglected me and hurt me, but I have chosen to forgive you. Your only response was “that’s why I do not deserve you”.

This was ultimately not the sort of reply from a person who wants to make amends. This was simply a reply from a person letting go of me. This hit me real bad.

I also sent you long messages that I wish this never happened. That moment, I regretted the day I said yes to you and every single moment I chose you. You never replied.

And when reality sets in, it sucks big time!

I also tried to remember what happened on that day and gave you my side of the story. Still, no reply.

After bringing myself into another humiliating situation, I know the world would roll their eyes telling me to stop this craziness, move on and find someone else.

Yes, telling you how I feel did not change a thing. But I need to do this. I know you, you don’t just give up. You will find ways to be with me again. You will try to win me back. You can’t stand to see me suffering. This is how much I trust you. And for the longest time, this is the reason why I am holding on. But when you told me earlier, you do not know me, should I be the one asking you that instead? Am I wrong about you all along? Do I really know you?

This is the last part of the story I never imagined would end. I do not know how to start but I know I cannot go back. I already heard it from you.

Tipid Trip in Tanay Rizal

Need an easy get away from Manila?

My friends and I went to Tanay Rizal last February 23.
We met at MRT- Cubao Station at around 6:00 am. We rode a jeepney going to Junction, then from Junction we rode another jeepney to Tanay market. Finally, we rode a tricycle to take us to our destination.

Our first destination is Calinawan Cave. It is an easy trail but for adventure seekers, watch out this month as level 3 to 5 is about to open.

From there, kuya driver led us to a dirt road, which is a short cut to our Lady of Rawang. He actually saved us from climbing 200+ steps uphill.

Next, we took a plunge at Daranak Falls. If you plan to take a dip, I strongly suggest to get in there during weekdays. It is super crowded on weekends.

We proceeded to Batlag Falls, which is a private property. It is smaller than Daranak Falls but you can swim as there are only few people staying here.

We also went to Church and finally to Parola.

Expenses
MRT = 11
Lunch (Jollibee) = 150
Jeepney Fare(Cubao to Ever) = 8
Jeepney Fare(Ever to Junction = 14
Jeepney Fare(Junction to Rizal) = 45
Tricycle Tour (700/3 pax) = 233
Calinawan Entrance = 40
Tour Guide (100/3 pax) = 33.33
Daranak Falls Entrance = 50
Batlag Falls Entrance = 100
Liempo (for lunch) = 50
Fx Fare from Tanay to Starmall = 75

Total = 809.33

The tour is not as awesome as my other trips but for 800 pesos, this is something!

Got my Free Hug Today!

Since my "the feast" buddies aren't available, I decided to attend alone this weekly prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus family. I chose the vacant area at the back so I do not have to deal with uncomfortable stares of my seatmates when asked to greet/speak to each other.

The topic is about detoxifying ill feelings. Obviously, this is something I really need to hear right now. During the prayer meeting, just when I decided it's time to start letting go of the expired anger and pain in my heart(by the way, "ex" is going to Dubai and such idea made me sick), Bro. Bo asked to hug somebody beside us and to tell that person he/she is amazing! I just bowed my head since chairs on both sides were empty. When I opened my eyes, a lady standing 4 seats from where I stood approached me, smiled at me and whispered "I think you also need a hug".

She embraced me tightly and I hugged her back. We did not get to tell the words. But even without it, the lady's generosity for hugs made me feel really amazing!

Could this be an affirmation from God that today is the best time to release all the overdue aches in my heart?

Perhaps,it is! And to that wonderful lady, thank you for hugging that tiny little girl wearing pink and faded blue jeans. Thank you so much!

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!