When a simple wish is granted

Last month I posted a birthday wish list without thinking anyone will grant it for me. It was just one of those random thoughts I've had during idle time at work and  landed an entry here in my blog.

How would you react if your simple wish will be granted? Jump with joy perhaps?

Can you just imagine my enthusiam right after I posted my wish list when Shiloy told me she'll grant my number 2 wish?

That's me and Shiloy during our Surigao escapade last year.

Thank you sooo much Shiloy for this one piece swimwear. I'll definitely use this for our Bora days this coming August. Whew!!!

Just when I thought that was it, I've got another one. During my birthday dinner Romy handed me her birthday gift, she  granted wish number 4 of my list.

Thank you so much Romy. I appreciate it so much. I actually used your gift during my Camiguin escapade. My personal thanks also for being one of the few constant readers of my blog.

A picture of me and Mother Anna. I was shocked when she told me she has something for me. I'm so excited to know what  it is. Only to find out that she also granted my 4th wish list.

Another pair of cute flip flops for me.Thank you so much Mother dear. I am always amazed with your kindness. Thank you for everything.

This post is not for boasting purposes, this is my way of saying thank you to them. The thought counts a lot. These are just material things but I just can't hide the kilig factor when I received these unexpected gifts. Thank you so much Shiloy, Romy and Mother Anna.

Restless feet invade Camiguin Island, Day 2

After a good night sleep, everyone's eager to enjoy the last leg of our  tour in the Island.

I've heard that our first stop for the day is at the Katibawasan falls. I'm excited to see the waterfalls again coz I don't have  clear images from before how it was like.

When we arrived at the entrance of the Katibawasan Falls everyone was like, "let's just go there to take pictures". But when we saw the place, we instantly forgot our initial purpose. Everyone wanted to swim.  Think of summer splash,  this place is the ideal one  as it provides an ice cold water.  You will be treated with the beauty of nature too as it was surrounded with dropping vines and huge trees.

Stop me for I could just go on and on describing this beautiful place.

Though this is not as grand as the Maria Cristina falls in Iligan City or that cascading Tinuy-an falls in Surigao Sur, but this one is something we Pinoys can be proud off.

This is another perfect place to cool off during humid days.  Everyone's reluctant to leave the water, but we were left with no choice. We need to move to go to  Mantigue Island.

That's a distant view of  Mantigue Island. Even from afar the white island is very visible.

Somewhere in San Roque, Mahinog,   "bankas" (a.ka. small boat)  to get to Mantigue Island stationed. We paid P550 each banka (back and forth fare already),  one banka can cater a maximum of  6 passengers.

We arrived in the island around 11am, we could already feel the heat of the sun but it didn't stop us from enjoying the water. How could you resist a wonderful place like this?

One side of the island is ideal for swimming as it is not that deep, so those *wink* non-swimmers can rejoice. The other side is a deep drop off perfect for snorkeling and diving. I haven't been there but some of us tried snorkeling. They spent almost an hour under the heat of the sun.

Mantigue Island has a very wonderful view of  the famous Camiguin Island.

Everyone nowadays are very busy doing something for a living. Most could no longer find time to enjoy because it means to stop from work means losing a valuable amount. Some are preoccupied with many other things. Still others love to find a place for relaxation and I obviously belong to this. For I believe that we need to temporarily escape from work once in a while to just simply enjoy and relax. We need rest from our day by day routine to recharge. With all the stress that we've encountered, our system deserves a soothing atmosphere.  And Camiguin is definitely one of the best destinations for this.

Cheers to more days of traveling!!!!!!!!

Thank you again Allene and Shakey for these pictures.

Restless feet invade Camiguin Island, Day 1

I've been to Camiguin Island twice already, I was a 6th grader during the first time and a college student the second time. That was soooo ancient, right? Last May 3-4, 2012 was my 3rd. My excitement is towering for several reasons. One, I'll be with my circle of friends (no dull moment if you love your company, right?). Two,  it's a temporary escape from work to get a breath of fresh air. Three, it's  my official summer escapade.

We rented a van worth P2,500 to bring us to Balingoan (a wharf going to Camiguin Island) from Cagayan de Oro City. I always like to travel in group aside from the fun  it also means less moolaah.

 That's a stolen shot during our arrival in Balingoan at around 11am.  Stolen shots are funny and cool. We have so many captured unguarded moments during this trip. We can't help but laugh with all our funny facial expressions and gestures.

We already had pre-arranged place and transportation in Camiguin. A jeepney was there waiting for our arrival and would be our ride all throughout our Camiguin stay.

Shakey, one of our colleagues,  had a friend in Camiguin who celebrated their town fiesta. Shakey tagged us along and brought us with her for that sumptuous fiesta lunch.

Here's some of us enjoying the meal. Almost all of us were clueless about this "pamista" plan. Since our arrival was so timely for lunch, we went inside with big grin in our faces. What a way to feed our hungry tummies!!!!!!

After lunch, we went straight to Sto Nino Cold Spring. Not a single minute was wasted. Everyone jumped and enjoyed the cold, wide pool. I personally love this place coz it's not that deep thus  allowing those aheeerm aheeerrmm non swimmers  to enjoy it till sawa.

Group pictorial before leaving the place. We didn't change our wet swim wears since we're heading to another swim at Ardent Spring.  This is one of the things I like about Camiguin, the place can be explored for a good whole day.

That's "kiping" we had playfully taken a bite. I officially declared it as the group's  "official" food.
A crunchy kakanin made of cassava flour mix. It's kinda like lumpia wrappers only it is fried to golden brown perfection. The caramelized sugar drizzled all over it completes the crunchy treat. It tastes sooo good that everytime we saw it displayed we have to buy more.  Wow,  I sounded like a food blogger here!!!!

The jeepney driver suggested that we will take a picture in a specific spot where  3 mountains called Tres Maria's as our background. But the child in all of us wanted to goof  with the camera in the middle of the bridge.

Our next stop is the Old Church Ruins. There's nothing much you can see here except  those sturdy stone walls as part of the church's remains, the green grasses and trees in the surroundings.

Behind us is one of the stone walls.

The Sunken Cemetery.  A  large cross stands guard over the location. You can ride a boat for P20 to get there and take some amazing shots.

Talking about amazing shots, let me show you some.Meet the Gamolo family, among us all, they were the only one who went to the station where the large cross is. You would think a professional photographer shot their pictures, but no it's their tour guide slash their bangkero who took it for them.

After the crystal clear and fresh water experience at Sto Nino Cold Spring we then ushered our restless feet to one of the famous spots in Camiguin - Ardent Hibuk-Hibuk Spring.

Ardent Spring is one of the must visit spots in the island. I personally suggest  to make this place as your last stop  of your day tour . The warm water and the laid back ambiance is undeniably soothing and relaxing.  Dare not forget also the fun you'll have when it's coupled with a chit chat with whoever your company is... oh my,  I could just imagine it right now.

Time to wrap the day and changed our wet clothes. We then stroll nearby the place we're staying to look for a resto. Everyone's craving for food. While walking, one hospitable Camiguin local told us that there's a "near" restaurant along the highway. We followed his advise and started walking. Goodness gracious if only we knew that his meaning of near is a 1 kilometer walk we could have just stayed and cook canned goods instead.

Finally after that long walk, we were able to find the restaurant and immediately ordered for our dinner. Take note this was at exactly 8:46pm. (Yes you read it right I checked the exact time right after we were  told to wait for 30 minutes for our order).

Again their meaning of 30 minutes turned out to be 1 hour and 3 minutes, they served our food at around 9:49pm (yes I checked the time again). That picture above is not one of those you-pretend-to-be-asleep-shot. They really fell asleep while waiting.

Once everything laid out in the table, the food was literally attacked and it was all wiped out in less than 10 minutes. Not one remembered to take pictures of our order which we normally used to do.  The 1 kilometer walk and the 1 hour wait were forgotten coz the foods were actually delicious. I'm no food expert but I must  say what they served to us were worth everything we've been through.

I planned to just have 1 entry for this Camiguin escapade but looked what I've got --- a looong post. The chikadora in me is hard to control. LOL.

Watch out for my Day 2 entry then.

A big thanks to Allen and Shakey for these pictures I've stolen from their FB albums.

An encounter with Bo Sanchez

My very good and supportive friend Yay is an ultimate fan of Bo Sanchez. It's one of her wishes to see him in person and hear him preach live.

For those who doesn't know who Bo Sanchez is -- he is an author; a publisher; has a weekly TV show and a daily  radio program; an international speaker; a micro-entrepreneur; a husband and a father. Oh this incredible man has many things under his belt.  Check his site to read his writings and know more about him or you may follow him on twitter.

Yay and I already booked a promo flight last month so we could meet and hear Bo Sanchez preach live at PICC on Dec 2012.  But last week of April, Yay tagged me a picture of Bo Sanchez' invitation about a Grand Feast to be held at SM Cebu on Apr 30, 2012 at exactly 6pm. Cebu is just several minutes away from Cagayan de Oro by plane and an eight-hour-ride by boat.  I really really pushed her to grab this chance to meet "the man" who had been her spiritual inspiration.

Being a fan is not new to me. I know how it feels when you get to see them in person,  read my proof here. Seeing them on TV is a different thing but meeting them inches away from you is heaven.

Everything's rush.  It was my first unplanned out of town trip too. And it turned out a very successful and memorable unplanned trip. At 8pm on Apr 29, 2012, Yay and I boarded a Cebu City bound Trans Asia 5.  I booked a Tourist accommodation  for P1,085 each. The last time I was on boat was 7 years ago, I don't have much expectation  about the comfort of our trip. I was thinking we would be getting an economy type of accommodation with aircon. I was shocked and amazed when I saw our deck.

It was a semi-cabin type with air-condition and TV, complete with linens to protect us from colds.That's my friend Yay. Her excitement can't be concealed, her smile says it all.

At around 6am the following day (Apr. 30, 2012) we docked at the port of  Cebu.  We headed straight to an affordable inn to leave our things,  and take shower before exploring Cebu City. We just utilized the amount of time we had while waiting for the Grand Feast at 6pm.I forgot the name of this  church nearby the famous Sto Nino church.The altar is so refreshing.

Behind me is the famous Sto Nino Church in CebuOne of the unique altars I've seen so far.

While waiting for the boat to finally dock, I texted my Cebu based friend Cyril letting him know our arrival. He fetched us at Ayala Center at around 11am and treated us for that super nakakabusog lunch.  He drove us to Taoist Temple too. I've been here when I was still a kid and that was ages ago hehehe. Yay was so happy also to see the place again.

We tried to have a jump shot here,  it was not a perfect shot coz that  guard  from behind noticed us  then  stopped us from taking pictures in front of the temple.

We still have  ample time before the Grand Feast at 6pm. Cyril brought us back to Ayala Center so we could buy some pasalubong and other stuff we might instantly  like. At around 3pm we rode a jeepney from Ayala Center going to SM Cebu.

Before going to SM Cebu Trade Hall, we fed our hungry tummy first at Dimsum Break. I super love their Siomai. Will eat there again next time.

I took a picture of Yay as she joined the long line to enter the hall.  That S MI L E  can't be bought by millions!!!

We're just few rows away from the stage,  spell LUCKY.

And the man of the hour is finally on stage!!!!! I was teary eyed when I saw Bo Sanchez, that was tears of joy.  I'm happy that Yay finally saw him in flesh. When I looked at Yay, she's  teary eyed too and I've seen happiness painted all over her face.

I already heard the name Bo Sanchez, but  did not happen to watch him on his TV show nor read even one of his books or magazines. What I've heard is that he is a brilliant preacher but I didn't know he is that amazingly brilliant.  I became an instant fan. The way he preached and his choice of words are way, way beyond compare. You should listen to him to know what I mean.

The crowd was crazily huge. The entire trade hall was jam packed.

This was the crowd during the "throwing of ball" activity before Bo ended the feast.

Amidst the chaotic line,  we finally had our precious picture with him.

Bo Sanchez, in all his spunky, spirited, sweet glory made someone happy in every sense of the word.  Truly a dream come true for my friend.

I have my own picture with him too.  Bo was not looking to our cam in both pictures, I can't blame him though coz for sure he didn't know which one is ours. There were  countless people clicking their cam in front.

The feast was a huge success. Everyone was  overwhelmed with the turn out of the event. I personally thank Yay for bringing me there. When Bo was preaching and did pray over in between I can't stop my tears,  tears just kept flowing.  I really felt the solemness of the feast.  I am looking forward to our next meeting with Bo this December.

Thank you Yay for these pictures I grabbed from your FB albums.

Congratulations Julius and Hazel

The Magsacay-Arceo wedding (April 27, 2012)  is one of the most awaited events the group had been waiting for. We can't wait to see Hazel walk down the aisle to marry her man.

They got married after more than a year of being together.  The couple kept their  wedding simple yet fun, intimate but superbly memorable.

The Gown. The bride wore Joshua Guibone's creation, a close friend of the couple. Isn't it lovely wearing a gown with a personal touch from your friend?I adored the glamorous yet conservative look of her gown in the front.

But the real wow-factor is that revealing back, so fashionably chic.Nice gown, isn't it? Good job to the designer.

The ceremony. When Julius marched to the altar with his parents you would notice how happy, ready and proud he is. That picture above shows the face of a man so deeply in love. Haysst sarap magmahal!!!!

That moment when Hazel stepped out of her bridal car and was ready to walk the aisle, everyone in the church got speechless. She's  absolutely exquisite,  her sophisticated look made her a queen  in her own unique way. As she approached her parents we got teary eyed. I know it was tears of  joy coz we know they both deserve each other. Look at that smile!!!!! Need I say more what is that wide smile for? Finally "king" Julius brought her queen to his parents before heading to the altar for the blessed sacrament of matrimony.

The Reception Hall 

A permanent stage with unique decor

Uniquely lit banquet hall

Flower arrangements were simple, adding beauty to the refreshing atmosphere.

Think the prettiest neutrals, the softest florals and the most delicate decor. Think cosy chic. That's how I describe the hall.

The Program

Best man, Groomsmen, Maid of honor and bridesmaids were dancing as they entered the hall,  signaling the entrance of the newly wed couple.

Julius' face is screaming with happiness. He's all smiles all throughout the ceremony and the program.

Couple's first dance. I super duper love this captured moment!!!! Julius looking so passionately to his wife and Hazel locked her hands so tightly around her husband's neck. Waaaaaaah *inggitmode*

Pictorials.

Meet these ladies with the newly wed. I simply love how we all looked like we're all bridesmaids. LOL  These are the same faces who threw Hazel's bridal shower, read it here.

While everyone's ready to smile for the camera, the bride playfully passed in front of us and that brought out a good, hearty laugh from her husband.

The couple's friends!!!! These guys for sure are busy in their own lives but without hesitation reserved this date just for the two. It goes to show that the couple is loved by many.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Magsacay. You truly deserve each other after that not-so-good experience you've had from your past relationships.  Keep on loving each other. Don't let trials make you weak.

It is such an honor to be part of your memorable day.

Thank you Allene, Sheila and Jacko for the pictures. I grabbed it from your FB albums.