Food Trip 28 - Poqui Poqui

For a non-Ilocano, the name of this food will definitely make an impression for a green minded person. No one can exactly tell about the origin of its name but once tasted, poqui poqui (puqui puqui or puki puki) is a sure hit.

Poqui poqui is a sauteed grilled eggplant in garlic, onion, and tomato. If you don't like the messy preparation of a grilled eggplant, you can boil it instead. But a grilled eggplant gives it a better taste and aroma. Once the sauteed grilled eggplant is transferred to a plate, you can add a beaten egg and mix the two together. And there goes your poqui poqui.

Exploring Philippines 28 - Zambales (Post 8 - Subic Tree Top Adventure)

Since I don't have enough courage to experience the tree drop, I settled for a canopy ride. It was good that Neil and Regine accompanied me because the rest of the group went to experience the more thrilling rides. 

Others consider the canopy ride as less thrilling because it lacks the adrenalin rush. And if you are afraid of heights, it is more of a torture than fun. It is  a kind of "killing me softly" adventure. On my end, it was like conditioning myself first prior to engaging into a more exciting one.

After putting on the safety gears, we fall in line immediately. Since there were only few people ahead of us, we only waited for a couple of minutes and it was game time.

The moment I stepped into the platform and looked below, I felt the rapid beating of my heart right away. If you are afraid of heights, a good 60 to 70 feet above the ground will be a total scare on your end and that was how I felt that very moment. 

As I made my way towards the suspended ride, I felt like turning around and relieve myself. The pressure was there and the scare was real. But since the fee was no longer refundable and I'll definitely lose my face if ever I'll back out, I said to myself I had to survive this one.  I've tried several thrilling rides like this one before and I was able to survive them. This one was no different from the rest and since there was no backing out, I had to make the most of it and enjoy. But my fear was like a good host, ever present and embracing me each time I'll try an exciting adventure.

Once we were safely seated, the operator said that he will press the button at the count of three. When he said three, off we go. Funny. Hehe

The ride was slow but my heartbeat was fast. What I did was to divert my attention in order for my fear to abandon me. As usual, I brought my camera and I took lots of pictures along the ride. From time to time, I handed over the cam to Neil or Regine so that I will have some souvenir pics also.

After some time of being suspended, I was totally relaxed and began to enjoy the whole ride. As we pass from one station to another, from one tree to another, we were able to examine almost the entire area where the tree top adventure is located. The tall and broad trees have been around for more than 100 years and it only shows that when we take good care of them, they will reward us something in return.

There are 3 motorized stations and each station has an assigned operator. As long as there is no power interruption, the whole ride is smooth. The only problem is when you are in the middle of the ride, between two stations and the power goes off, you'll be left hanging for some time. I just don't know if they have any means of pulling you towards the nearest station.

Anyway, after spending some time being suspended, I learned to appreciate the canopy ride. Maybe, it is simply getting used to the situation and when I am relaxed already, the real fun starts. If given an opportunity,  I will grab a seat of  getting suspended that high from time to time and enjoy the view from up above. In this way, I can arrest my fear and shout to the world that I learned to conquer it.

After successfully completing the 3 stations, we had to take a hanging bridge. Though the hanging bridge here is not really high above the ground, it was still an experience to enjoy. It has been my dream to experience a hanging bridge where it is suspended very high above the ground and the wind is blowing strong. Will I ever have enough guts to conquer it especially if a strong wind makes it sway from side to side? Hmmm. That will be another adventure to look forward to.

The whole trip lasted under 40 minutes and at last, it was touched down. Though there was no adrenalin rush on this activity, I was proud to conquer this one. Since I know my limits, I have to try first the easy one. I don't want my experience to be traumatic by jumping right away into the extremes. If I think I am still capable of engaging into other challenging activities, then I'll definitely go for a level up.

more pics.

Poem 28 - Waiting

Time stands still
It seems like eternity
Out here all alone
Waiting for you.

The total silence
Is a deafening sound
Even the leaves
They sway no more.

But I hold firmly
To my very faith
That you'll come
In the right time.

The morning sun
Warms my face
I hear my heart beats
Like a distant drum.

The gentle wind
Whisper in my ear
It keeps my soul
To stand its ground.

And I am still here
Waiting for that day
When there'll be you
Right beside me.

I don't know for how long
I'll be waiting here
For all I know
Love never gets weary.

Quote 56 - Crush

Moment 28 - Faith

In my darkest moment, when families and friends retreat to their own  realm, I feel all alone and frightened. In moments like these where dreadful thoughts rush to my mind, I feel like I am slowly losing the battle before it even started. Yes, it is hard to win the war if your very self is your worst enemy.

And in moments where all hope seem to perish, I cling to whatever little faith that I can hold on to. In the stillness of the night and in the most unholy hour where I am still wide awake, the only company I have is my faith. With the littlest amount of faith in my heart, though unworthy, I offered myself and my fate to the Lord. I came to realize that even in my darkest moment, He never leaves my side. For He is always with me and He carries me beyond my understanding. And I feel ashamed of neglecting Him especially during those wonderful and rewarding moments.

I pray that my faith will never cease and that He should be my priority above all else.

Quote 55 - Drifter

Random Thought 28 - Fight

Even a helpless being, when cornered, will give a fight of his life.  And when it fights, it will be a fight til the end.

They say that the most effective way to stay out of trouble is not to engage in trouble. And by all means do not entertain troubles if you don't have the guts to face the consequences.

But once a trouble is inevitable, the most practical thing to do is to engage in diplomacy. Sometimes misunderstandings and differences can be settled in a peaceful and practical manner. That is, if both parties agree to it.

The last resort could be an agonizing one. But if you are given no choice at all but to fight back, then fight all your might. And before going to the war, it will be a big advantage on your part to determine in advance your odds in winning the war. Fighting a losing battle is meant for heroes only and fighting for something with a big advantage on your part is already winning the fight even before it starts.

Fight if you must and fight with your life especially if you are fighting for your name and dignity. There is no weaker person if you know the art of war. Show them what you are made of and face the world head high.

And to my family and friends, thank you for all the support and yes, I am fighting back. It is but the only option I have. Please include me in your daily prayers, as always.

Food Trip 27 - Lechon

If you are a vegetarian, a lechon on the table would be a big no no for you. But for meat lovers, lechon is such a mouth-watering delight and brings smiles to those who longed for it.

I don't know what magic it brings but young and old alike will not miss a chance to fill their plates with lechon. And the moment their lips touches the lechon, their faces simply give them away. 

I am also a meat lover but the only part I love about the lechon is its crispy golden brown skin. It's a good feeling sinking your teeth on the crispy skin and appreciating its crumbling sound. But the moment its skin becomes rubbery, people will simply ignore it and go for its meat.

Anyway, lechon is a great food but I don't indulge on this food that much. Being rich in cholesterol, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Exploring Philippines 27 - Zambales (Post 7 - Subic Tree Top Adventure)

After our first day trip at Pundaquit, we spent our next day at Subic Tree Top Adventure.  I had already an idea about the place but since I have not yet visited the site, all I could do was to imagine. But the adventure will definitely challenge my phobia - the fear of heights. I am not afraid of people taller than me. Hehe. I am simply fearful about my elevated distance from the ground. 

When you suffer from acrophobia, you don't usually enjoy an outdoor activity that requires some distance above a particular level. It requires much effort and courage on your end to rise to the challenge, trying to conquer your worst fear. It is hard to combat your own psychological issues. Aside from being uneasy and fearful, your legs are shaking uncontrollably, you want to relive yourself every now and then, your stomach is constantly turning over, your body is perspiring heavily, you feel the chilling effect, you are turning pale, and the worst thing is any moment you'll simply run out of air and fall to the ground. 

When we got there and saw the whole place, I told myself "this is it." Whatever happens, I'll try not to faint or I'll just watch the group enjoy the day. Hehe

Before experiencing the thrill of the place, visitors are required to attend a short orientation. The orientation covers all activities, from a slow-paced to a death defying one, so that visitors will be aware what to expect and select what activities they will enjoy the most. For each activity or set of activities, a tag price goes along with it. And for thrill seekers, no amount of money can ever prevent them from enjoying this one.

One superb thrilling activity that will definitely test your spirit is the tree drop. You will be directed towards a platform on a tree with the height of 70 feet from the ground. From here, you have two options - either you'll rappel your way down or go for a sudden drop - the mission impossible style. 

Actually, it is fun to watch people enjoying their free fall. It seemed like they were effortless about their stunt and you can feel their pride after conquering this one. But even if I'll be offered for a free ride, nyay, it would be a different story. I'll definitely pass for this one or I might pass out. Hehe

Amongst us, I can hardly imagine Neil to rise to the challenge. Actually, without hesitation, he bravely gave it a try. He was the only member of the group who had the guts to experience this thrill. We had no idea if he was nervous that time because he was all smile from top to ground. 

And in less than 5 seconds, he successfully made his drop. Whew! That was a tough one.

With Neil's experience, I asked myself "What if I'll give it a try?" During the course of the drop, what particular things I might be thinking of? Will I close my eyes during the drop and think of nothing until it is finished? And when my feet touch the ground, is it okay for me to collapse after my senses come back to me? Haha. Chicken!

This kind of challenge is not for the person who has a faint heart. But this is definitely a delight for an adventurous type. If you value your friendship, you'll not push your friend to experience this especially if he is acrophobic. Hehe. But if circumstances cannot be avoided, just embrace your fear, scream if you must, and experience the fall. Anyway, it will only last under 5 seconds.

Honestly, I can't imagine myself to try this one. It will be a total devastation on my end. Just the thought of the drop gives my body a chill and my stomach rumbling. I don't know if I'll ever give it a try. I'll try to find one that I can handle without fainting. Hehe

Well, that's life. We can't be good in everything. We have our own set of limitations. I'm taking my sweet time and there's no rush for me to try things that are out of my league. 

Want to give it a try?