Random Thought 3 - Beauty

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder – goes the common saying. I definitely agree.

The beauty of a person is being appreciated depending on our yardstick.  Yes, we have our own way of measuring beauty.  What could be beautiful to some may not be acceptable to others.

Every individual possesses a beauty of his/her own.  Some are obviously endowed with beautiful physical appearance while others prefer to call their beauty an inner one.

If we will evaluate closely our barometer in measuring beauty, it cannot be denied that we are being programmed by the very society that we live in.  Yes, society dictates what is beautiful and what is not. People of different cultures, of varying beliefs and customs, have their own representation of what is beautiful.

But do we really have to argue about the thing called beauty? I guess it is simply exploring our perspective on things for us to see what could be beautiful in our eyes. At times, our eyes may deceive us on what we have considered as beautiful.

As for me, beauty is a gift that should be nurtured and to be shared. We only radiate the kind of beauty according to what we feel inside and we cannot fake that one.

For someone to appreciate your beauty is not to flaunt it but simply to let others feel that they are equally as beautiful as you are.

Food Trip 2 - Corned Beef ala DoTa

I'm home alone with not much activities in mind except to clean and tidy my place and looking forward to a nice lunch. But what am I suppose to have for lunch?

A nearby carinderia would be the quickest means to have my meal but the very thought of it makes me deny the urge of going there. I am already quite familiar with the taste of their food, the ones that I can afford to eat.

A can of corned beef, a box of raisins, a handful of baguio beans, and some spices do  wonders for my lunch today. I don't need much time to prepare this stuff. Actually, it will take me more time of going to the carinderia than to prepare this one. In less than five minutes, my lunch is ready.

This food is best enjoyed when serve hot off the pan. The smooth beef strips compliment the taste of crisp beans which is a delight in my mouth. The seasoning and spices that tickle my taste buds makes me enjoy more each bite.

Since I enjoyed this little experiment, definitely, I'll prepare this dish again.

Exploring Philippines 2 - Guimaras Province (Post 2 - Raymen Beach Resort)

I chose Raymen beach resort above other resorts because this resort has good reviews from visitors. Since I don’t have a luxury of time to scout for a good resort, I settled with Raymen.

True to the comments and experiences of those who came before me, the place is clean and a class of its own and the staffs are friendly and courteous. They will welcome you with smiles and utmost courtesy which will make you feel at home right away.

An air-conditioned room good for two is 1350 pesos for an overnight stay and the check out time is 12 noon. Since I am needing only a place to spend a night, I opted a cheaper one. I went for a cottage like room with electric fan and it has its own bath room, likewise. The resort provides a pair of shampoo and soap only which means you have to bring your own towel and other stuffs.

The resort also has a spacious canteen and it is open from 6am to 7 or 8 in the evening. The price of a solo meal starts from 85 pesos with free mineral water. The resort offers also a wide array of packaged meal for a group.

Since I was on a tight schedule and places of interests are far away from one another, I had to move right away. I was not able to check the beach at this time. I hired a motorycycle for the whole of the afternoon’s activity and I was quite excited as soon as I hopped in.

When you are visiting an unfamiliar territory, it would be of great help to ask the locals about the beautiful places around. But you have to make sure that those places are accessible and here in Guimaras, you have to hire a tricycle or a motorcyle for you not to worry about getting lost or stranded. And also, you have to prepare yourself for a long hike every now and then.  When hiring for your ride, you have to learn how to bargain. It would be good to find an honest driver/tour guide but we cannot discount the possibility that somehow, someone will take advantage of you.

Anyway, I asked Lupe to take me to the lighthouse in Guisi (pronounced as Gisi). I knew that it is a long ride from the resort and I wanted to be there while the sun was still overhead.

The whole ride from the resort to the lighthouse was more or less 20 minutes. Along the way, I experienced a bumpy ride because the asphalted road seemed like being consumed by something. Hehe. Actually, the asphalted road was the result of a government project where the actual budget was not spent up to the last centavo. The asphalt was just like a single brush stroke on the road. Bad cheetah.

A portion of the road likewise is under construction. It was good that it was not raining that time because it would be a flying dirt all over the place if the road will be soaked in water. It is also good that the government is trying to improve the condition of the road on this part of the island for easier and convenient access for both the residents and the tourists.

We passed by two resorts before reaching the Guisi lighthouse. The place is secluded and it is located at the end part of the island. The only sounds you’ll ever hear on this area are the splashing waves on the cliff below and the birds call. At this time of the year, only few visitors would come to this place. And at this particular time, I have the whole place by myself. Great!

As we made our way to the lighthouse, I was trying to draw a picture of an old lighthouse at the back of my mind. Actually, I was thinking of an old lighthouse at the Capones island in Zambales. Maybe or maybe not.

The entrance fee for an adult is 10 pesos and 5 pesos for a child. In a place where money is not that abundant, these amounts are hard to earn.

I was told by my driver/guide that in the event that the caretaker is not around, one can pay later before leaving or you may simply leave the money on the porch or on the bench. Honesty is still observed on this part of the country and I felt proud for the people here.

Poem 2 - Bleeding

See me bleeding and perhaps you'll know
That I am troubled and badly hurt deep inside
See me bleeding and perhaps you'll feel
That my pain is giving me away even if I lied.

I am bleeding for so many reasons
And it come to a point that they are so overwhelming
Too much is such a liberty that is unbearable
That's why you see me in the state of bleeding.

It doesn't mean that when I bleed, I am weak
Bleeding is an experience, a painful one
It doesn't mean that when I bleed, I am giving up
Bleeding is a process, it is part of being human.

See me bleeding and perhaps you'll have a heart
To console and understand what I am going through
See me bleeding and perhaps you'll realize
That my life is not perfect even if I wanted so.

I am bleeding because I am struggling
To shake the troubles and the pains away
I am bleeding because I am trying to hold on
To bleed is to suffer until I'll break free.

It doesn't mean that when I bleed, I am losing the fight
Bleeding is a fighting process, trying to survive the war
It doesn't mean that when I bleed, I'll stop and quit
Bleeding is just a means of winning over a life changing scar.

See me bleeding and perhaps you'll gain some insight
That in life, when we rise, we've got to fall
See me bleeding and perhaps you'll understand
That life is not a bed of roses after all.

Quote 4 - Love

Moment 2 - Badjao Kids

Manila is a favorite place for dreamers and ambitious people alike. Some people look forward to earn a spot here because they believe that this is a promised land. For some, most probably, yes. But not all are fortunate as the others.

There was one time when the major streets of Manila were suddenly invaded by Badjao people. I don't know if the whole tribe came to town but they were mostly kids and teens. I simply wondered who brought them here but this place is not part of their natural habitat. There are no houses built on the shallow sea waters, no bancas to ride, and no open sea to dive, and no fishes to catch.

Actually, the very first question that came to my mind was, "How did they get here?" For sure, a couple of them would not look suspicious but when you see a group of them wandering the streets of Manila  will definitely raise some questions. They were running after the buses and jeepneys, holding tightly unto cans and plastic pipes tied together with plastic coverings enough to make sounds, and once settled in any manner inside the bus or the jeepney, they will start singing songs which only they can understand.

Well, at first, it was amusing and entertaining. Since we were used with the kind of songs we hear everyday, it was an entertaining scene hearing them deliver their own tribal songs and accompanied by the graceful beating of their fingers on their cans. I wonder about the lyrics and the message of the song. And the way they perform, it seems that they are actually musically gifted. If only there could have been some ways to allow them perform on stage, definitely, it will be a different "them" that we will be seeing.

Anyway, just like everyone else, I was intrigued about the the white envelopes they were carrying. When I happened to receive one, a call for help was written in Tagalog. The funny thing was, almost everyone carried a bundle of the same white envelope with the same written message in Tagalog but they can't actually speak one.

Is this another kind of scam? Who are the people manipulating these kids? Why is it that our government officials are not acting on this matter? These questions repeatedly played at the back of my mind that time.

I have to admit that I turned my blind eye away from them. Actually, it is not my practice to hand over them some loose change because time and again, someone might be collecting them at the end of the day. I would rather give them food if I have one in my bag.

But the idea of white envelopes made me wonder. What if someone was behind the mobilization of these kids and the kids cannot deliver their quota at the end of the day, what kind of possible punishment they had  to endure? Or they simply wanted to earn an honest living in order to support their family?

When I asked them for a couple of pics, they hesitated at first. But I assured them that I am not a member of this and that. Eventually, they gave in. They even offered me a part of their daily performance.

The way they smile made me realize that they are still kids. They remind me that despite of life's intricacies and hardships, there is always a room for happiness. And though their daily existence is a struggle on the streets, they can still manage to smile.

To date, these kids are no longer around the streets of Manila. I hope that they were able to find a modest place to live and start anew together with their families. I hope that someday, they will have a chance to earn their rightful place in our society and make a decent living. And I pray that they will not come back again to the streets of Manila doing the same thing all over again.

Quote 3 - Thankful

Random Thought 2 - Fireworks

As I watched the fireworks display this new year, I came to realize that fireworks are like our performances. The way we perform may delight our audience, excite them, or even make them exclaim.

There are fireworks that from the ground up, they showcase all they've got as if there's no more tomorrow. Their grand entrance definitely captures the audience, put the audience to their feet as they tried to hold their breath because of total excitement. Such enthusiasm and drive on our part makes us establish our sense of identity and confidence in what we do.

There are also fireworks that make their way up in a silent manner and suddenly, give the audience a big bang as if declaring themselves as mighty ones. Silent yet enormous. Unnoticed yet loud. A humble beginning for an explosive finale. Such a performance surely delivers something beyond expectations.

And there are fireworks that we may aptly call "ordinary." For being common and simple, they just give a bit of fun and excitement. But when they are synchronized properly and blended with those great ones, for sure, they will be a spectacle on their own right. Ordinary means less expectations, less burden. Delivering something that is simple would be less demanding but not easily recognized and appreciated. This could be a good avenue to stay away from the limelight though you can deliver something.

No matter what kind of fireworks we are, in most cases, we do our best do deliver our part. We strive for something which is good and wonderful. we try to put a good show, not for our audience but for ourselves. Though we can never please every one, as long as we do our best, we can always be proud of our performance. And at the end of the day, when our lights are all out, we can rightfully say that our part of the show completes our experience and it would be a great consolation if the audience are delighted as well. This should make us proud because we are part of a wonderful show.

Food Trip 1 - Blueberry Milk Tea

Milk teas and similar stuffs invaded my world. Actually, I can resist the temptation of soda. In fact, I would prefer water over soda. But if there’s a milk tea, it’s one indulgence that I will readily embrace.

But not all milk teas are created equal. I have tried different variants of these drinks and there’s only one that captured my discriminating taste.

The blueberry milk tea by Bubbatealicious is the one drink that I always look forward to whenever I am at work. By just the thought of it makes my mouth water and my spirit yearn. I simply love its taste. A combination of fresh blue berries, milk and sugar plus a load of freshly brewed green tea with soft pearls make a captivating drink.

I would say my day is never complete without my favorite drink. Cheers to a healthy and sweet life.

Exploring Philippines 1 - Guimaras Province (Post 1)

I experienced the promise of a great day ahead when we landed safely at Iloilo airport. It was already past 12 and the scorching heat of the sun can be felt. Though there were clouds in the horizon, still the day offered a good opportunity to move around.

With a backpack, a hand carry luggage and a plastic bag of bread, I was trying to make up my mind if ever I’ll go home right away or have an adventure by my lonesome. Honestly, it would be my first time to explore alone.

Days before having this trip, I had been searching the net of different possibilities like where to go, what to do, etc. It proved to be helpful having a planned itinerary especially it was my first time on the island.

And full of excitement but a bit nervous, I decided to gave it a try.

From the Iloilo airport, there are shuttle vans readily available.  And for the fare of 50 pesos to the city, you may ask the driver to take you to Jaro Cathedral. You will never miss the spot because of the old structure that has been part of the historical landmark of the city.

From this point, you may take a jeepney ride  with Jaro Liko and NFA signages to take you to Ortiz port but after getting off the jeepney, you’ll have to cover a long walk before reaching the port.

Since I was not comfortable with the luggage that I carry, I took a cab for comfort and speedy ride. I paid 65 pesos from Jaro cathedral to Ortiz port.

From Ortiz port, you can already see the distant Guimaras island. On a good day, you can reach the island in less than 15 minutes.The boat ride to Guimaras island is a controlled operation. Overloading issues are not tolerated because the capacity of a boat is well observed. Before boarding the boat, you have to secure a ticket at the entrance of the port. The fare to the island is 13 pesos only. After buying your ticket, you have to write your name on the logbook. And off you go.

If you travel by group, you may actually hire the entire a boat for 450 pesos and you can directly proceed to a particular beach resort of your choice.

Since it is a controlled ride, everyone has his own place inside the boat. There are enough life jackets and there are several men manning the boat. The ride from Ortiz port to Jordan (pronounce as Hordan) port is a calm one because of the good location of the channel.

Upon arriving at Jordan port, “barkers” and drivers alike would try to persuade you to take a solo ride going to your place of destination.  If they sense that you are a newbie to the place, they would discourage you to commute a jeepney because the driver will have to wait until every seat of the jeepney is fully occupied. A distant solo ride for a tricycle or motorcycle will cost you 200 pesos or more.

Again, it was good that I was able to search the net  regarding some basic stuffs about this island. Most probably, if I don’t have any idea at all, I could had been easily enticed about those offers.

A good 2 to 3 minutes walk from the port is the waiting area for the jeepney bound to Nueva Valencia. My destination was barangay Alubihod within the municipality of Nueva Valencia. When I looked at the fare matrix post, it was a 21km ride. Wow! The ride costs me 25 pesos.

The jeepney going to Nueva Valencia are observing a particular schedule. With or without enough passengers aboard, every 15 to 30 minutes, they have to go. With the arrival of a new jeepney means the previous one waiting for the passengers on the terminal would have to leave. So if you will take a jeepney ride, you don’t have to wait that long.

As I prepared for this trip, I was thinking that it would be rough and bumpy ride all along. But it was the exact opposite. Major roads are totally cemented and all throughout the ride, I noticed that the place is totally clean.

After a long but pleasant ride, I finally reached my destination. This gasoline station can be used as a landmark towards the Raymen beach resort in barangay Alubihod. But if you are new to the place, you can have my word that you will not get lost around this place. One, the people in this part of the country are friendly. Two, they can speak in English, Tagalog, Ilongo, Karay-a, or Cebuano. Three, the people I met here are honest. Four, they are approachable. Five, almost anyone knows each nook of the island and all you have to do is ask. As for me, I don’t consider myself as a stranger to this place because I can speak their native tounge, Ilongo and Karay-a. And it was an advantage on my part.

From the gasoline station, the end of the road would be the three beach resorts namely, Alubihod Cove, Raymen beach resort, and Rico beach resort. The cost of the 2km ride from the gasoline station to the resort would be 20 pesos and you may choose between a tricycle and a motorcycle.

At first, I wanted to have a tricycle ride because I am apprehensive and cautious enough about motorcycles. Though I don’t have any unpleasant experience in riding motorcycles, I am simply not comfortable. But since I wanted to roam around after checking in, a motorcycle would be a good choice compared to a tricycle. I simply asked the driver, Lupe, not to over speed during the course of our trip.

Ticket Booth and Log at Ortiz Port

overlooking Guimaras Province from Ortiz Port

Poem 1 - One Beautiful Morning

I wake up before dawn
Feeling the cold breeze’s embrace
I shiver for a moment
And then I start to walk with ease.

The splash of the waves on the shore
Is nature’s rhythms without blues
Feeling them against my feet
Makes me dance even without my shoes.

The early birds dance on the twigs
They seem to be happy in their own little way
As I watch them hop from tree to tree
A morning’s catch makes a merry day.

The sun kisses the faces of mountains
Taking away the night’s cold embrace
I, too, begin to feel its warmth on my cheeks
Giving me another reason to start my race.

Quote 2 - Love

Moment 1 - Heavy Load

This picture was taken at Wawa dam in Montalban, Rizal. Honestly, it was not my first time to see people carrying heavy loads from the top of the mountain all the way down to the market place.

It could be extra rewarding if these people are actually carrying their own produce but at times, they are simply being hired to carry them and the pay for this kind of back breaking job is not really that rewarding.

I have to admit that I always admire people who are doing odd jobs and heavy work in order to earn an honest living. Since work is scarce and money is hard to earn, some people don't mind at all the tough and burdensome job just to earn some amount.

This kind of scenario makes me extra grateful about my life and my work. I really can't imagine myself engaging in this kind of activity and for sure, I can't be in their shoes.

Quote 1 - Hope

Random Thought 1 - Expectations

 I have to admit that I am no expert on this field, but just like you, I have had my own share of expectations.

What makes us expect? Why do we look forward unto something? Why trouble ourselves anticipating something?

There are always good reasons about expectations. It will keep your spirit and hopes alive. It will give you a sense of direction. It will help you survive each struggling day. It is just like having the night to pass by and wait for the sun to shine again.

But expectations do have its own downside. It can cause a breakdown, a disaster. And worst of all, it may end the very reason of your living.

Based on the rules of living a happy life, give more but expect less. Whenever you give, give with a love in your heart. Because when you give with love, there will be no room for a dreadful expectation.