Moment 33 - The Art of Love

We had a great time doing our outdoor exploration somewhere at Siniloan, Laguna. Since we were near a body of water, there were so many interesting subjects to watch and capture.

We chanced upon several damselflies doing their daily rituals under the heat of the sun. I tried to get several shots of them while they were up in the air. But since they were too thin and too fast, I ended up deleting the files. For some time, I just watched them fly around.

It was out of the blue when they caught my attention again. This time, some of them were resting on  top of the stones while the rest of them stayed in the air. A pair resting on top of a stone was a sight not to be missed and I was totally overwhelmed with what I saw. It was the first time I saw a pair of damselflies making love and it was an opportunity of a lifetime for me. More than anything else, I was educated that very moment.

Their intimate moment lasted for some minutes which gave me ample time to capture them. Keeping almost an arm-reach away from them, I had this rewarding moment framing them and I was happy because they did find my presence disturbing.

Of all the insects and animals I witnessed during their intimate moments, these damselflies truly knows and exhibits the true art of making love. ;o) 

Quote 65 - Morning

Random Thought 33 - Run Away

Why do we run away? 

We run away because we are afraid. When we are afraid, our first reaction is to run away from that place or from that situation. Being afraid does not mean that we are coward. Our instinct tells us to run away because it is the best possible option we have that very moment. As long as our fear is bigger than us and our mind is clouded, it will be hard to face the situation at hand. When the right time comes and when our senses are back to normal, then that's the time we stop running and face the monster that's haunting us. Maybe that time, we are already composed (if not strong enough) to hold our ground and fight back.

We run away because we want to protect ourselves. If we value our life, the very first  thing we've got to do is to protect it. I don't see any reason why someone should not protect his own life and simply throw it away. Life is the most precious gift we've receive from our Creator and therefor, in any manner, we should shield it against any possible harm. And most of the time, our life is interconnected with our loved ones. If we truly value our life and our loved ones, the more we should protect it.

Running away from any harm and possible problems means that we are not capable of facing them. Running away does not necessarily mean we are coward or we are guilty.  We run away for the time being but not  for our entire lifetime. Running away is buying some time for us to gain a better perspective and understanding about the problems we encounter and eventually, weigh our best possible course of actions in dealing with them. 

So, run if you must and fight back with all your might.

Food Trip 32 - Pasta

If I want to speed up life a bit, there's no better way than to make it pasta.:o)

This is one good food that almost every heart and soul will definitely don't want to miss. Especially during family gatherings and special occasions, pasta has been part of the tradition.

When I prepare my own pasta, I want it to be sweet with lots of meat, heavy sauce, and deliberately flooded with cheese. If possible, a bit spicy but not too spicy.  And every time I indulge myself with this treat, it always bring back the child in me.

Exploring Philippines 32 - Vigan (Post 3 - Going Around)

We woke up early the following morning. Well, actually it was not really that early. Before 7am, Jay's grandmother drove us to the nearest and well-known sinanglaoan food shop. According to her, the sinanglao in this part of  town is a blockbuster such that the shop closes before noon time.

Sinanglao is one of the favorite food among Ilocanos and oftentimes, people will literally make time to dine and enjoy this food with much gusto. The continuously heated large cauldron is placed near the shop's entrance. As customers come in, they can make their orders right away.

We planned to visit the nearby Crisologo's museum after our sinanglao food trip. Since we finished our food early and the museum will open at around 8am, we went to the heritage village just to kill some time.

Since it was still early in the morning, most of the shops were still closed. The Crisologo street of the heritage village was almost empty and we made use of the opportunity to take more pictures.

By 8 in the morning, we went to the Crisologo museum. The Crisologo ancestral house was converted into a museum. The two-storey house showcases different artifacts of the family which include a library, vintage office equipment, the car where Floro Crisologo was shot, a calesa, and some personal stuff of the Crisologo family to name a few. 

After an hour of stay at the Crisologo museum, we hired a calesa. We rode towards the nearby town of Bantay. We'd been told to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Charity which was built in 1590.

Under ten minutes of the ride, we reached the shrine. We were extra grateful because there were only  few visitors which favored our photo session activity.  One of the trustees of the church told us that the nearby bell tower was used by the late Fernando Poe Jr. in one of his films that was shot in Ilocos.

The bell tower looks small from a distance. But bell towers are not built small. The moment we set foot at its base, we can tell that it was built for the whole town to hear its bells ringing. And with several bells hanging on its tower, definitely, the message can cover a good distance.

After two hours, we went back to Vigan and visited the pottery place.  It was lunch break and we were not  able to mingle with the workers here and watch them deliver their part. But somehow, we did not went home empty handed. There was one maker who stayed even during the lunch break (most probably, he was able to have his break earlier) and we were in luck. As usual, I conversed with him, seizing the situation if he can model for me later on. Most probably, they are no stranger to people coming to this place and asked them for some shots. That's why when I asked him for a pose, he heartily obliged.

more pics

Poem 32 - Positive

I stared blankly at the wall
I'm not looking at it in particular
My vision is trying to pass through
Searching for something peculiar.

I am in the state of trans
I journeyed into the unknown
Suddenly, everything becomes nothing
My whole being is totally blown.

A moment full of distress and anguish
A torment to my troubled existence
It is hard to find relief and comfort
My mind is driving me into obsolescence.

I guess I have to shift my focus
On things that can be rewarding
I cannot dwell in this state that long
My senses drive my sanity dwindling.

I pray that in the soonest time possible
I'll be able to regain my self in limbo
And I'll have enough courage in facing life
And remain positive despite of being blue.

Quote 64 - Kiss

Moment 32 - Dream

Even in my dream, a good and true friend came to console and support me.

Though we are separated by a distance or even miles apart, I always have this connection among my loved ones. Through the years, even with less communication, our connection remains strong and profound.

It had been proven time and again, that in my moments of great need and troubles, family and friends would know and feel. It is a kind of funny at times when they would call or message me, asking about my life and my situation. I don't know how would you call it but some of them would know whenever I need a hand or a shoulder to lean on.

Last night, a good friend whom I had no communication for several years now, appeared in my dream and embraced me tightly. That would be a comforting gesture for friends who were not able to see each other for quite some time. And I must admit, even in my dream, such a gesture meant a lot to me especially now that I am still struggling with the current challenge at hand.

Thank you, my friend, that even in my dream you still remember me. That even in my solitude, you made me feel that I am not alone. That despite all the worries and burdens, you gave me some amount of courage and strength to look forward to another day with a sound disposition towards living on.

Quote 63 - Night

Random Thought 32 - A Piece of Us

Somebody told me before not to get deeply involve with someone because I could be at a losing end later on.

When we start to establish good relationships with people, it is always a given fact that we start to invest ourselves with them. In a deeper avenue, we start to show our love and care. In this regard, we might end up hurting ourselves.

I think that people with no deeper relationships with others are the ones who had been hurt before or they only learn to care about themselves. If they had an awful experience from the past, most probably, they become extra careful about their associations.  If they don't know how to care about others, maybe, they have not yet found the right person to care about.

Sometimes, it is a dreadful scenario thinking that people close to us will eventually leave us, one way or the other. As much as we want them to stay, there will come a time for them to go. And when they're gone, we get hurt and suffer.

If we learn to embrace the truth that every person that will come into our life will leave afterward, then, maybe it will be less hurtful. But it will definitely hurt the most if we are not able to show our affection and love the moment they are still with us. And when they're gone, we blame ourselves for not letting them feel how special they are to us.

When people leave, they are not gone forever. As long as we are alive, a part of them stays with us. And it would be a meaningful memory to cherish if our memories of them are filled with happiness and love. As long as we remember them, they will not cease to exist.

And when people leave, are we on the losing end? I don't think so. When we are able to establish a sound and meaningful relationships with them, we share a piece of ourselves. The moment they will leave, a piece of us will always be a part of them. As they find their own place under the sun, they  will bring along that piece of us. In the process, it is like spreading ourselves to every possible corner beyond our expectations. And when they spread the love and care we had shared with them, isn't it wonderful  to know that we are the source of happiness and affection of other people we don't even know?

Food Trip 31 - Sopas

Sopas is the fastest food to prepare and the fastest also to disappear from the table. These are the reasons why it is called sopas. :o)

During rainy and cold days, sopas is such a comfort food that every Filipino family knows how to prepare. And through time, sopas evolve in different forms and are prepared in different ways.

If you are a visitor in the Philippines, soup could mean two things: sabaw and sopas. Sabaw is simply broth whereas sopas has noodles in it.

Anyway, once served, be fast enough while the sopas is still hot. The moment it becomes cold, it's appeal and magic will turn cold also.

Exploring Philippines 31 - Vigan (Post 2 - Heritage Village)

It was already past 9 in the evening when we returned to the heritage village. At this particular time of the night, there will be less people in the street which means less activities and plenty of time for us to get good shots.

I had been inspired and challenged by a shot I saw before. That picture was taken also at the heritage village  right before the sunrise. Since Jay and I could not just step out of the house very early in the morning, our only best alternative would be during this time of the night.

Another thing that excites me would be to test some shots which I learned recently. And the heritage village was just a perfect place to be my experimental place for such shots.

It was a starless and moonless night. Could it had been a lighted night sky, the effect would be simply ecstatic. But an opportunity like this one is always best appreciated, making the most of anything and everything that are available.

We basically stayed at the heritage village until almost midnight. If only Jay has his own camera that time, for sure, it could had been more fun for both of us.  On the side, he was my critic. He was such a big help for me to have decent pics of the place.

Poem 31 - Solitary

And the stage of denial is finally over
My mind is already consoled, my spirit is sober
It is a point where I know where it is leading
It is but just an unrealized happy ending.

I felt bad about those several years
Sacrifices were made along with cheers and fears
I thought we were preparing for something great
But its lasting taste is way bitter over sweet.

It is hard to turn back the hands of time
Only to cherish what had been sublime
Because in the end, a harsh reality is waiting
My life will be solitary in the making.

I know the coming days will be full of struggles
Without her, life is no longer worth all the troubles
But as they say, life must always go on
Happiness can still be found even being alone.

Maybe, there are better plans unknown to me
I guess I have to look at life in a different way
And if ever life will be more kind someday
Then, I will embrace it wholeheartedly.

Quote 62 - Lines

Moment 31 - One Magical Moment

In our busy existence, how many of us bother to wake up early in the morning and spend some time witnessing the separation of darkness and light?

According to a blind person (sorry, I forgot his name) whom I watched on tv, if he'll be given two chances to see, he wish to see a sunrise and another sunrise. For him, there are no two identical sunrises and  each sunrise is like a magical moment that proves how wonderful our God is.  He further said that for each breaking dawn, the rays of the sun outshines all negative things which makes each day a brand new day for every one.

I will never grow tired in saying that whenever I have an opportunity to go out of town, one of the best time of the day that I always look forward to is the sunrise. I would literally take my time to sit still, emptying my mind of unworthy thoughts, and simply wait for the rising of the sun. And when that magical moment arrives, a sense of peace and fulfillment rushed into me.

And I thank the Lord for allowing me to witness His greatness.

Quote 61 - Friend

Random Thought 31 - Composure

Maintaining your composure under pressure and personal attacks is indeed a hard thing to do.

Some people will deliberately push you to your limits for several reasons. They may test you just to satisfy their ego tripping. They may test you in order to shake your spirit, rattle your senses, and throw you off guard. They may test you in order to make you feel totally embarrassed and too little to exist. They will do everything to get rid of you.

Some people call themselves your superior but when you are experiencing some troubles, they act as superiors in ruining your name and reputation. They act as superiors not in neutral grounds but at the edge of the cliff and try to wrestle you towards the bottom of the cliff. They act as superiors like they hold the biblical truth and that they are ever pure and look down at you as though you are a pure evil before their very eyes.

These kind of people are blood thirsty and when they smell blood, they want to get their hands dirty and taste it. These kind of people are opportunists where the only things that matter are their own welfare and agenda. If they can sacrifice you for them to look good and to satisfy those who are after for your head, they can move all of hell and tear you to pieces.

But despite all those blood-thirsty hands and foul and sarcastic tongues, keeping your composure under intense pressure will do the trick. If they play foul and dirty, you don't have to jump in and join the bandwagon. If they don't act the way they should act, at least, show them that you still respect them in order for them to realize (even afterward) that they were too eager to squeeze your neck which make them look like idiots before each other.  And if you can slap them with your composure and presence of mind, the better.

Food Trip 30 - Chocolate

Some people say that chocolate is an aphrodisiac or a comfort food.  Based on what I'd watched a night ago, it is more of a later than the former.

They say that whenever we're down, lonely, feeling blue, or even depressed, one thing that can uplift our mood and spirit is our comfort food. Comfort food brings some happy thoughts and sweet memories, at times during childhood days especially with family and loved ones.

I  consider chocolate as one of my comfort food. Before, I used to love only the brown chocolate. But through time, I learned to love the black one. Actually I am not really particular with chocolate brands but of course, there are certain brands that I don't prefer because I can taste more of the sugar over the chocolate. 

Exploring Philippines 30 - Vigan (Post 1 - Heritage Village)

I have had several plans and attempts to visit Vigan but things did not work out until this summer of 2011. For the very first time, after those yearning years, here I was exploring the streets of Vigan.

Jay was born and raised from this very town and even though he and his family are staying in Manila already, he still finds time to visit his grandparents every summer. I am extremely happy and grateful that Jay invited me over for several days to explore Vigan and the nearby places.

We stayed at his grandparents house located along Calle Crisologo and it takes only several minutes of walking  towards the much acclaimed Vigan heritage village. And just like any first timers, I had my own share of awe and marvel of the sight that unfolds before me.

After having our lunch, we proceed to the heritage village right away. Along the way, we came across a group of individuals who were doing a promotional shoot for the Panatang Makabayan (oath of allegiance) for the department of tourism. It was good that the people behind this project allowed me to participate in taking pictures.

The shoot took place beside Casa Feril, one of the well-maintained and noticeable buildings along the village. Since Jay happens to know the owner of the place, we were given a rare opportunity  to had a glimpse of it. Owners of houses and buildings in this village are not really open to entertaining strangers like me into their domain.  I guess we value our own privacy above all else. But because of family and friends, we heartily open our doors to them, just like my experience with Casa Feril.

After reaching the end of Calle Crisologo, right after the rotunda, lies the Cathedral of Vigan. For most catholic visitors, a visit to the church is always part of the itinerary and Vigan Cathedral should not be missed. For some first timers, aside from praying, they used to wish once they kneel inside the church. But for me, I usually recite my prayer of thanks.

At the opposite part of the town plaza lies the Capitol building of Ilocos Sur.  Several meters further  was the house of Father Burgos which was converted into a National Museum that is manage by the national government.

At first, this whole place looks like a huge one but if you are used to walking, you'll noticed that a nook  or a spot is just across a couple of streets. Actually, if you are a visitor, you'll be able to explore and discover more things when you walk rather than taking a ride.

After a roundup, Jay took me to Irene's to taste the famous empanada in town. Actually, when I am out of town, I am always looking forward to savor new and exciting food. Though I am not that adventurous when it comes to food, still, I want to try new stuff.

Irene's place has several tables to accommodate customers. The cooking area is situated near the entrance of the place where customers can actually watch and observe how the empanada is being prepared. The people preparing the food were kind enough to grant my request to take some shots while they prepare the food. From time to time, they gave me some time to capture what they're preparing and I am very grateful for their kindness.

Our day was not yet over because come nighttime, we will be back for more pics.

more pics