A quick escapade

This month had been full of abrupt plans for a quick escapade. A frequent travel buddy emailed us a breathtaking picture of Siquijor's hidden beauty. It's been one of my many many wishes to bring my restless feet to the Island of Fire. A very laid back place and a beach with crystal clear water greeted us upon opening the email. Beach is always been my comfort zone (though I don't know how to swim, beach always brings me happiness). Back in college, I'd love to study my lessons and do my assignments at the beach. The sound of waves is and will always be so overpowering to me.  Who would not love these pictures below?

The traveler soul in me immediately replied that we'll give it a go for this month of July. Almost everyone agreed and picked Jul 17-19 as the date. Everyone immediately checked the nearest route to Siquijor so we can somehow minimize our travel time. Some even plotted our schedules to surely get a 2 day off.  My excitement is undeniable. But then again our schedule didn't permit us to push this through. (though I'm sure that one day I will be breathing Siquijor's air)

Think of a never-say-never attitude, count us in for we had that kind of spirit. Plan B is on board - to go for white water rafting instead.

CDO is known for this kind of extreme adventure. Believe me, you would think it ironic that foreigners and even Pinoys outside CDO would brave distance and long travel just to try rafting while some of us residing here haven't tried it yet, yours truly included. I had 2nd thought of giving this a try for a very personal reason but my inner goddess (Ana Steele mode) is more than willing to join the fun for experience sake. Sadly Plan B was not materialized as well, this too has to take a backseat for the mean time.

So we opted for Plan C. Night swimming and a sumptuous dinner after. Haven't had much photos of this escapade coz I enjoyed dipping in the pool, not even rain and thunder could stop us from swimming. With this night out I proved that it's not how far or how adventurous your escapade is, it's who you are with that matters the most and how much fun you've had.

Priceless moments like this can't be bought by millions. If others pampered themselves with gadgets, clothes, shoes or make ups, mine obviously is an affordable travel. This is something I know will take time before I  get tired of doing. I remembered a saying that if something or someone makes you  happy don't deprive yourself. That's exactly what I'm up to. Traveling makes me happy, so be it!!!!!

Note: Pictures of Siquijor and water rafting were grabbed from Google

Why Do We Always Hurt The Ones We Love?

I seldom post entries such as this but someone urged me to create one . (If you are reading this, you-know-who-you-are, I could just imagine you "LOLing" at this). So here's my take on the question she threw at me.

All of us has our own share of heartaches with our love life or even life in general. I honestly can’t  understand why lovers tend to hurt each other. It’s so simple to read, define and understand the word LOVERS but in some instances,  the couple involved fails to act the way it should be.
 

Yes your question is as good as mine. Why do we do this to the person dear to us?  To answer this (at least in my case, I can’t speak for others) is the ever lame “I-didn’t-mean-to-do-it reply. Lovers are supposed to nurture and keep the fire burning always in a relationship. Lovers are meant to take care of each other's feelings. I’m not speaking of  the no-quarrel-and-no-jealousy type of  relationship here. Perfect relationship did not exist and will never be but harmonious one does. But I also admit that in a relationship, a little amount of jealousy is ok to add spice to the relationship.

To say that hurting someone you love is beyond control, this I strongly disagree. I believe that this is a matter of choice and absolutely controllable. This applies a lot to our lover - to the person we are intimately committed with, can’t live without and share crazy things with. It’s always been my question why it’s so easy to hurt the person dear to us. Or I may say , it’s too easy  for that person who vowed to love us  to hurt our feelings and made us miserable. They said it's an  "unintentional hurt" but whatever you call it - it is still arousing heartaches.

Sad to say, I don’t think the answer will make me feel good. They tend to hurt us because they know that no matter what, we will just take it and we will forgive them after all the heart aches. Because we are their closest, their actions can hurt us the most for it’s a fact that it’s much harder to hurt someone who doesn’t give a damn what you think, do or say. We are taken for granted because they know that no matter what, we can withstand the hurt and still stay. Love can make the world go round and for some reasons our hearts break too. Sad but true. Loving others more than ourselves give them the chance to control over you and the worst thing is we allowed it.
 

Please don’t get me wrong, I must say that in every relationship it’s the girl who got hurt most of the time not the other way around (though I may say that this does not apply to everyone). Being in the situation sometimes made me think if it’s healthy to always “give in” with the hurt and let ourselves embrace the sad fact, and hope that everything will then fall into it’s proper place. Oh life, you are so complicated!!!!!

PS. Both images are grabbed from Google.

Fifty Shades Mania

Aside from my love for traveling, I love reading too. Books and e-books are and will always be my constant companion anytime, anywhere.

I received an email from a friend, Toni, she sent a pdf copy of the trilogy written by E.L James and another one from Anne Rice. While everyone was going crazy with E.L James' Fifty Shades trilogy I opted to start reading Anne Rice's  Sleeping Beauty trilogy. But I stopped reading it, for me  it's gross.  I mean I just don't like it, I'm curious though how it will end. Maybe one day I will have the courage to finish it. So I decided to join the "fifty Shades mania". But before I started reading the first volume, I browsed some information about this trilogy and  was instantly amazed by it.

Let me share with you what I've read from here.

"The second and third volumes are titled Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, respectively. Fifty Shades of Grey has topped best-seller lists not just in the United Kingdom but around the world. The series has sold around ten million copies worldwide, with book rights having been sold in 37 countries, and set the record in the UK as the fastest-selling paperback of all time surpassing the Harry Potter series.Critical reception of the novel has been mixed."

Would you believe that? Surpassing Harry Potter series? Who wouldn't be curious with it? So I yielded. I then started reading Fifty Shades of Grey.

 I was warned that this is a BDSM type of story, yet everyone who finished reading it would really suggest to give it a try. I found myself hooked to the story. Though I agree with some of the reviews that there are a lot of word repetitions in the story but still I enjoyed reading it. I simply fell in love with the character of Christian Grey.

Browsing reviews about the Fifty Shades trilogy made me realized that we simply can't please everybody. To each his own. But with my colleagues who tried reading it, we all have the same words "WE LIKE THE STORY". It's so amazing how some of them who are not into novel reading had been hooked with it too.

I've finished reading the trilogy already and I'm so looking forward to E.L James' next book which I strongly believe will be Christian Grey's version of the story.

Ilocos

When I hear of Ilocos I will always associate it as Chavit Singson's place, sand dunes and that famous street with old buildings along the side that I so want to visit someday soon. When I googled everything about Ilocos, my jaw dropped with what I saw. No more arguments here. It's fixed. I'll visit this place one day.

Need I say more?. Let these pictures below do the talking.

If you can remember my post here about my dream to visit Palawan, it still is my top priority and next in line is Ilocos. As early as now, I've already read blogs about the-must-see-places and things-to-do in Ilocos. I could just imagine myself doing a jumpshot near the windmill, enjoy the beach and strike a pose in the middle of Crisologo street. Oh no, I can't stop dreaming here. But yeah, I will save money for this trip and will plan it with my travel buddies. It's always fun to travel in group plus the perks of sharing the hotel room rates and food.

Note:  All pictures grabbed from google.

The traveler in me

One of the things I love the most is TRAVELING.  Since I was 4 year old, my aunt (the one who raised me) always tagged me along with her in all her out of town trips and seminars.  It's always been my happiness every time we'll be having another trip. During my college days, my travel became rare. When I started earning, my traveling  resumed. Those travels were never documented (I haven't  been introduced yet to the world of blogging). But memories of those trips are still clear in my mind. When I transferred workplace, I crazily long to travel back but some important matters won't allow me to pursue it. It was only in 2009 when I  started traveling again and it was in 2011 when I started to blog my travels. So if you'll back track all my blog entries, you'll find out it's 95% about my travels anywhere here in the Philippines.

I realized that we're about to finish the first half of the year and I matched each month with a place that I visited. I know going to places requires time and money but for me every experience is worth every penny. Traveling makes me happy and I decided not to deprive myself from doing it. If time and budget will permit, it's a sure YES for me. All those years I've been devoting my time to support my family so it means my love to travel had to take a back seat. (Though I sound like I'm  complaining, but the truth is I'm not, I'm happy I have the privilege to support them and so proud of it. My family is my greatest treasure) And when the opportunity knocks signaling that it's the right time to indulge on my love to travel, I know I'm unstoppable. For I believe that every place is a new experience and every experience is a priceless one.

Let me give you the recap of my escapades from January till this month.

JANUARY. DAVAO CITY.

This trip is the onset of the many travels I've had and will soon have for this year. Been to Davao way way back and it's because of work, visiting the place again with friends and constant travel buddies gave me different level of excitement coz this time this is for pure fun and relaxation.

FEBRUARY. Metro Manila.

I've been to Manila several times but this particular trip is the most memorable. This trip is a grant to a wish I so eagerly want to fulfill. I have so many wishes from the simplest one to the most impossible wish I could have. I know how it feels when it's granted. I love my aunt so much,  granting her wish was never hard. That sense of fulfillment when you see how happy you made the person for granting her/his wish is beyond compare.

MARCH. Ilo-Ilo City and Guimaras Island.

This travel is quite  exciting, we were all first timers in the place and we're only armed with information searched via google. This adventure was successful and full of interesting experiences.

APRIL. Cebu City.

This is a brief but special trip. This one is to support my friend's spiritual endeavor. It turned out to be an inspiring and very uplifting trip for me and my friend. We attended a Feast officiated by a famous preacher Bo Sanchez. I must say that Bo Sanchez is one fantastic speaker and preacher.

MAY. Camiguin Island.

This is my official summer trip. Though just a 2 day escapade but I had a blast. We had a taste of hot and cold spring as well as a treat from the beauty of  our nature.

JUNE. Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park, Ozamis City.

This is supposed to be our last treat for Summer 2012. This one is worth the experience but an experience not worth repeating. Find out why here

So there, 6 months had passed and I've visited one place each month. Whew, isn't it obvious how I love going to many places. For the remaining 6 months of this year, I will soon have 4 other places to visit. Looking forward for these trips. Will surely share it with you guys once realized.

PS. To read my blog post about all these travels just click on each month above.

Swim with the Dolphins: MOAP, Ozamis City

My travel buddies wanted to give a last hurrah for summer 2012. Target destination will be at Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park at Sinacaban, Ozamis City. This trip has long been overdue and was postponed several times. Told yah, our kind of work requires tremendous effort to arrange our schedule. Obviously, we were able to make it. So here are snippets of our trip.

This particular trip gave me positive and negative impressions. Let me  quote a friend's words regarding this trip  "It's worth the experience but it's an experience not worth repeating". That's exactly how I describe this trip. Wondering why not worth repeating? The answer is that the park's services are over priced.

Upon arriving at the park you'll pay an entrance fee of  P10. You'll have to walk a long passageway leading to the wharf  going to the Dolphin Island. From the wharf  a boat will bring you to the island and that's for  300 pesos each. When in the island, before you could swim with the dolphins (15-20 minutes only) you'll have to pay another P300. Since we are not expert swimmers we need life vest and snorkeling gears, for that alone you have to pay P100 for the rental. If you want to feed the dolphins that's gonna be another P150. And if you need a guide to assist you in swimming with the dolphins and for snorkeling, it will be another P50. Now that's a lot of money, right?!!!!

It cost a lot but  in all honesty I had fun swimming, feeding and touching the dolphins . It was an entirely different kind of experience that I rarely encounter. But then again I believe that every experience definitely has no price tag.

I Heart UK

Everyone has it's own likes, hobbies and collections. Some collects Hello Kitty items,  key chains, ref magnets, shoes and bags  among others. Mine are items with UK Flag on it. Every time I can see any thing that has a UK flag print, my heart screams with envy.  I started collecting some of those items back when I was in college. I really don't know the origin of this, all I can say is that one of my dream out-of-the-country travel destinations is Europe and obviously UK is in that country. Lame reason right? But that's all I can think of.

I was inclined to post this little craziness because my ever supportive friend Yay gave me something I so dearly adore-a bag and a shirt with a UK flag print (don't have the chance to take picture of it but I'll promise a separate blog post will be dedicated for that and all the items I currently have) . That feeling when you receive something when you least expect it---oh man that's extreme happiness.  If you are a collector of any items, you would know how it feels to get that particular item as a gift. Yay is super supportive, when I say supportive it means supportive in so many different ways (Yay, I know you'll be reading this--you know what I mean and thank you is not enough for all  your support). In fact, she's the reason why my desire for these items is now back on track.

I owned just few items as of this writing but the collector soul in me is still drooling for these items I've come across the World Wide Web specifically in the ever realiable GOOGLE.

Those valuable last few moments before your alarm wakes you, and when waking up is the hardest to do, that pillow above with a UK flag print on it's pillow case will surely inspire me not to wake up lazily.

Whew, a jaw dropping pair of flats. This pair is from London Sole. Would you believe it was made in honor of  one of the store's best customers Kate Middleton (Duchess of Cambridge)?  I browsed this information from here. Wearing one like this will surely give me the feeling of being regal. Dream on, girl!!!!

This pair of sunnies  is sooooo cute. Though you won't be seeing me wearing that if I have one,  I would still love to get one for my collection.

I can specifically remember that one of my dream cars (yes I've had so many material dreams and still counting, libre mangarap eh) is a big black land cruiser with a UK flag print on it like the one in that picture above.

My friends knew how I love traveling, both my eyes twinkle every  time I hear the word TRAVEL. Even my blog is a solid proof of my love to TRAVEL.  This trolley above is to die for and perfect for my coming trips. This Paul Smith bag is worth $139.58, too expensive for my standard, but who knows someday soon I can have one similar to this. *wink*

 I'd love to own 3 of these pens. But  the question is where can I get it? Hmmmm.

Isn't  this bracelet the cutest?

I died when I saw this swimwear!!!!!! I'm actually imagining walking in that powdery sand of Boracay (will be going there this August and October, WHEW)  wearing any of these 2 swim wears!!! It's  screaming of democracy.

And this pair of flip flops is perfect for that swimwears above.

Been scouting for a pair of shorts like that picture above for quite sometime now. Hmmm, I know one day I can have it.

I actually stopped from collecting these items but my lust to get most of them if not all didn't stop. I'm still waiting for the right time and right budget to splurge on these little craziness of mine.