Random Thought 42 - Death

Death comes like a thief in the night.

Most of the time, we try to distance ourselves when the conversation topic touches death.  Many of us are not comfortable about discussing death. And who wants to die anyway?

Our life is just a borrowed existence. Eventually, we will retire this earthly existence and return to dust where we came from. And we'll never know that happens afterwards.

So, while we are still breathing and enjoying our everyday existence, it is just but equally important to nourish our soul. Because when death is at hand, we will no longer fear about our salvation.

Food Trip 41 - Blueberry Preserve

During ordinary times, when your taste goes bland, some experiments will do the trick.

As I cruise inside the supermarket, hoping to find something interesting, I got curious about blueberry preserve. Since it is sweet, I tried a bottle. 

The taste was something new (and I wonder now about the taste of fresh blueberries). But after a couple of sandwiches, I told myself that I'll consider the preserve several days after because its sweetness is so overwhelming. 

Exploring Philippines 41 - Siniloan, Laguna (Post 4 - Buruwisan Falls)

At a glance, the river below looks ordinary.  But once you've got the feel of the environment, it feels like the world is so peaceful.

When you're getting old, you'll be surprised that little things do mean a lot. Even in simple things, like stepping into this river, some simple joys catches my attention right away. Except for the silent flow of the river, the erratic drizzle, and the swaying of the leaves and branches of  the trees, the world down here is in a total stand still. The lush green environment that covers the entire area and the smell of pure and fresh air, a complete contrast of the city life which renews my energy and spirit. If only we were prepared for this trip and planned to stay for another day, I might find myself sitting in one of the stones or perhaps on the fallen tree, meditating and reflecting.  Quiet moments like this one is truly a food for my soul.

Anyway, after turning a corner and hopping from one stone to another not minding about getting wet (because we were wet already), our excitement was finally paid off. From a distance, there lies the Buruwisan falls in all its glory. Up above, we could not see its beauty. But right here, even from a distance, it was already a delight.

I guess, with all those travel shows I watched from tv, I grow the liking of waterfalls. Though it is really a challenge on my part to hike and climb the mountain, the feeling of being rewarded cannot be quantified and at times words are hard to find to describe my overwhelming emotions. And this experience was no exception.

And just like a magnet, its attraction grew strong as we move closer to it.

Poem 41 - With You

With you by my side
Makes me rejoice each passing day
Maybe you don't notice it
But being with you is all that I pray.

With your smile ever so sweet
Makes me forget those unpleasant memories
Your smile is the sweetest thing ever
Which makes life a gift to cherish.

The warmth of your loving embrace
Drives the cold and shivering nights away
Your warm embrace rekindles a new life
Which makes me look forward to a brand new day.

The spell binding kiss offered by your lips
Makes me experience paradise at its best
Your kiss seals all worries and uncertainties
Which makes me enjoy life at its grandest.

With you by my side
Makes me appreciate life even more
You are such a wonderful blessing
You are my heavenly treasure.

Quote 82 - Smile

Moment 41 - Father and Daughter

The best moment ever between the parents and their kids is when they spend some quality time together.

When I saw this bonding moment between the father and his daughter, I could not help myself but to frame this precious moment.  Maybe, on the part of the kid, it was just an ordinary treat. But on the other hand, the overflowing love and care of the father can be felt through his actions toward his daughter. Such a moving moment makes it hard to express in words.

Quote 81 - Skin

Random Thought 41 - Grounded Heart

When we fall in love and give our heart to someone special, a promise and a commitment have been established. A promise that only our heart knows and the commitment that should be supported by our actions.

But as the common saying goes, "We are only humans. In any particular given time, we might fall off course from our promise and commitment. "  This is a lame excuse but true. And any one of us can be a victim including our loved ones.

A grounded heart is anchored in the very promise and commitment from the very instance it falls in love. Once it has already established its ground, holds firmly to it, and upholds the very essence of promise and commitment which is love, then, no amount of force can ever uproot it.

Food Trip 40 - Cocoa Drink with Cinnamon Powder

For a chocolate lover like me, even with drinks, a chocolate drink is always part of my grocery list.

There is one local tv commercial regarding a famous coffee brand here in the Philippines. Since I am not fond of  coffee drinks, I opted to try it with my chocolate drink.

I bought an instant cocoa mix drink with different flavors and adopted the combination of that coffee commercial. Along with the cocoa mix, I added cinnamon powder, a tea spoon of sugar, and a good amount of fresh milk in a big mug and pour in some hot water. My oh my. The aroma of cinnamon powder is really inviting and the taste is simply perfect.

In a rainy evening like this one, or even the coldness of the "ber" months, a cup of hot cocoa drink with cinnamon powder and fresh milk will definitely drive the cold away. I think I'll have another cup again.

Exploring Philippines 40 - Siniloan, Laguna (Post 3 - Buruwisan Falls)

Upon setting foot at Buruwisan falls, the very first thing that you'll notice are the colorful tents of campers (if there are any) across the river and several cottages on the other side of the river. If you plan to stay overnight and you don't have a tent, these cottages can be rented for a modest price. Actually, campers and mountaineers frequent this place and some of them will actually stay for a couple of days. Anyone is free to put up his own tent and there are no fees being collected here except of course for the barangay fee which we paid prior to the start of the hike.

If you plan to stay for another day (which is advisable in order to fully explore the place), you can bring your own cooking paraphernalia. Some ready to eat stuff to last for a couple of days would be good and in case you run out of food, there's a resident here that can actually cook for you or they may include you in the preparation of their meal (for a modest price, again.) Water is no problem here not because there's plenty of water in the river or in the falls but there's a free flowing clean water in a pipe which was put up by the local community. This water tastes much better than that of bottled mineral water.  With regard to the call of nature, there's a community toilet which is being maintained by the residents here and you'll be charge by some amount for your every visit to this relief station.

Since I had mud in my shoes, the very first thing I did was to soak my shoes on the river and tried to get rid the mud. If you are not aware of the falls, the river looks ordinary and you can cross the river with no effort at all and your shorts will not even get wet. Since the water is flowing, one can simply take a dip or bathe in any part of the river. And both the locals and campers here can freely wash their clothes and other stuff in the river without much worry.

Just several steps away from the cottages lies the Buruwisan falls. From our vantage point, it was not much of a sight for a falls because we can only see the edge of the river where the water drops to the pool below. What was breathtaking is the very sight below. Even though I have problems with heights, my excitement of the place brushed away my acrophobia.

We walked downhill again. The path was slippery because of sharp pebbles and we had to find a good grip on the twigs and vines just to keep us going. In less than ten minutes, we landed on another river and part of its water comes from the river above which we had just visited.

Poem 40 - Thank You, My Friend

Thank you, my friend
For the precious time you've shared
Thank you for making me feel better
Consoling my spirit longed shattered.

You just don't know how happy I am
Seeing you makes my spirit calm
In these troubled times, you are a gift
Just when I needed it most, you provide a good lift.

It is comforting enough just to have you
You make those worries scatter away
You make me smile even for a while
How I wish you've got more time to stay.

Thank you, my friend
For your support that's unquestioning
Thank you for letting me see life
A life that is good and worth living.

Quote 80 - Promise

Moment 40 - Baby White Tiger

We visited Avilon Zoo in Montalban, Rizal for the first time. We went there early in the morning and went home late in the afternoon. The place is huge and one whole day of picture taking will definitely be a good experience.

Along the way, a zoo keeper brought with him his new prized thing, a baby white tiger. He said that it was the first baby white tiger born in captivity here in the Philippines. Barely five weeks old, the cub was basically curious about his environment and everything else. 

Our fascination of this little thing grew every second. Though we were forbidden to touch it, this cub initiated the contact just like any feline. Maybe it is already embedded in their genes that they yearn any warm contacts from humans. 

As I had my fill of this exciting encounter, the moment he went towards me and rub his body against my legs, I could not resist the urge to caress the cub. And that was amazing.

Quote 79 - Witness

Random Thought 40 - True Friends

In moments of great need, you'll eventually find your true friends.

All of us do have our own sets of friends. Our friends may come from different circles and we have certain groups for each set of friends we have.

It is already a common knowledge that in times of abundance and wellness, these so-called friends of ours are plenty. We party with them. We share stories and laugh with them. We almost always share the good things in life with them. But in moments of great need and trouble, only some of them will stick by our side.

When life is not so kind or let's say life tests us, how many of our so-called friends will come to our side and fight for us? How many of them will take the front lines and sacrifice a part of them in order to defend and rescue us? How many of them will embrace us with unquestioning hearts and will never get tired supporting us? Perhaps, we can never be thankful enough if there are only a handful of them for us to count on.

And in a situation like this, when we experience the worst part of our journey, our true and loyal friends make us see and appreciate life in a greater perspective. The trials that we experience will eventually make us stronger and those friends who remain by our side and fight with us will help us realize that the people around us can't all be considered as friends. 

And to those people whom we consider as friends but abandons us in our trying times, the hell with them. Since they have shown their true colors, letting them go will definitely make our life a lighter one. They are just excess baggage and stinks when life sucks.

Food Trip 39 - Ice Cream with Sour Cream and Onion

I have to confess that I got this addiction towards ice cream. There was even an instance where I crave for ice cream that every night I had to finish a pint to get satisfied. I was relieved when I was able to get rid of my addiction the soonest possible time and my blood sugar is still within a manageable level. And most of all, I was extremely thankful because I did not gain that much weight during that time.

When I go for an ice cream, I developed this habit of finding its partner. And of its partner that I really like is sour cream and onion. Yup. The taste of this cracker makes it an excellent (if not interesting) partner of ice cream. 

And maybe if you'll give it a try, you'll also agree with me. Have fun.

Exploring Philippines 39 - Siniloan, Laguna (Post 2)

From the foot of the mountain, a climb to the top of the mountain was a challenge on my end. Actually, it is always a challenge especially under the heat of the sun. Ever since I moved to the city, I have less and less physical activities which make my heart weaker. An out-of-town activity like this one makes me happy and at the same time, somehow worried because of the physical limitation I have to hurdle. But then again, it is just a matter of taking one step at a time.

Since our guides are teens and they frequent this part of the mountain, it is just like a walk in the park for them. They walked fast and we tried to keep our pace with them. And just what I'd been expecting, I had to catch my breath and took a short break for a while. Whew. I am used to this kind of activity during my younger years in the province. But nowadays, I could only wish for a short distance walk together with a take-your-time pace.

After an hour of climbing the mountain, I literally asked for several stops in order to catch my breath. An uphill climb is always my weakness but this does not prevent me from doing this stuff time and again. I guess I have to do this one regularly in order to strengthen my heart and improve my stamina.

That time, the paths leading toward the falls were wet and there were some areas where we had to walk into the mud. Before, I was so concerned about my shoes that I had to take them off and walk bare footed in the mud. But this time around, without any qualms, I simply enjoyed the mud dipping moment with my shoes on.

We were able to cover only a third of the whole stretch but it felt like my legs were too weary to move on.   It was good that there was an available horse that can be rented for a minimal amount. And just like my past experiences, a horseback ride is always a welcome relief.

We spent another hour of a long trek before reaching the falls. On my end, even though I was able to conserve my energy, a ride on a horse was not easy. Some paths are narrow and some are steep. The steep paths proved to be difficult especially the one near the falls. I had an uncomfortable moment on top of the horse the moment we descend towards the falls. The saddle literally clasped my manhood and if it was possible for me that time to get off from the horse and walk the remaining stretch, it would be a big relief. But since there was no way for me to get off, I had to endure the torture ride.

And after almost two and a half hours, we finally reached our destination.

more pics

Poem 39 - Thirsty Heart

The sky looks gloomy
The storm is slowly forming
My heart is not far behind
In stillness, it is wailing.

The wind will soon blow
And kiss the face of existence
My heart though struggling
Holds its ground even in silence.

My heart is thirsty
Even during rainy days
Raindrops are not enough
To quench its thirstiness.

The rain starts to pour
The earth is nourished
My heart feels its every drop
Wishing it will be flourished.

The sun slowly appears
The dark clouds retreat
My heart though pumps life
I can hardly feel its beat.

My heart is parched
Longing for it to be quenched
But no amount of rain
This thirst can't be drenched.

My heart looks for her
To drive this thirst away
And be it rain or shine
I'll find her soon, I pray.

Quote 78 - Jump for Joy

Moment 39 - SpeedBall Kid

We attended the 16th Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clarkfield, Pampanga this 2011. During the course of our exploration of the Clarkfield, we came across a family (group) of speedball players.

They players and their family members were killing some time before the game proper. When I approached them, they were more than willing to pose for some shots. And our party joined them in posing likewise.

The little boy caught my attention. I guess with his constant exposure of the game, he too, knows too well how to put on his mask and properly hold the speedball gun. 

As I borrowed him from this family, he was not even reluctant when I direct him to do a pose for me. Actually, he has his own moves that delighted me even more. And the way he made his moves, even the passersby stopped and gave him a second glance.

If it could not had been time for the game to start, I could had spend more time with the kid and take more interesting pictures perhaps. Anyway, I thanked the great kid and his family for the opportunity and the wonderful time.

Quote 77 - Power

Random Thought 39 - Footprints in the Sand

Last night, I had a dream. I was walking in the beach with the Lord. As we walked, I noticed that there was only one set of footprints in the sand and it was mine. 

I then asked the Lord why is it that His footprints are not printed in the sand. The Lord answered, "It is My way of letting you know that even if I don't physically leave my mark, you know that I am still by your side."

As I continue my journey, His words will be forever engraved in my heart. Though it looks like I am alone, He is always with me and He will never leave my side.

Food Trip 38 - Ripe Mango with Shrimp Paste

An all-time favorite of mine, totally awesome!

Some people find the combination weird because they are used to partner the shrimp paste with unripe mangoes. Some of them can't actually imagine the taste of it until they experience it. And mind you, it is but another exciting combination that you have to try. The sweetness of a ripe mango contradicting the salty taste of shrimp paste simply makes a great tasting food.

And the moment you'll try this one, I can guarantee  that you'll eventually learn to love this treat.

Exploring Philippines 38 - Siniloan, Laguna (Post 1)

Ayo and I planned to cruise Laguna with no particular destination in mind. In advance, we did some research about different places to visit in Laguna but everything were still variables until that actual day.

We took a bus ride from Legarda to Siniloan. At the bus stopover in Siniloan, we asked some locals about some possible tourist spots to visit within the area. And they were unanimous in their response about the nearby Buruwisan falls.

Since the bus will the linger for a while at the stopover, we opted to hire a trike to maximize our time.  From the bus stopover terminal in Siniloan, we took a tricycle ride towards the barangay leading towards Buruwisan falls.

It was already 10 in the morning and we decided to dine first at Trois restaurant. This is the only restaurant within the area and is a stopover spot in this barangay. A few steps across Trois restaurant is the road that leads toward the Buruwisan falls.

As we hit the road, the people in the area told us that we were quite late because it was almost noontime. Since we were already there, there was no turning back.

The locals, young and old alike, present themselves as tour guides.  It is always advisable to hire tour guides if you are new to a place. It is hard to pretend and explore the place by yourselves because you are entirely unaware and a total stranger to the place. In case of emergencies, there will be someone to call for help. Anyway, the tour guides charge only a minimal fee for an unlimited company.

We were flocked by teens, trying to win our favor to act as our tour guide. We happened to select someone from the group, way older from the rest but eventually he gave up due to the protest of the kids. The young man happens to be driving a tricycle and is already earning. For that reason, he politely beg off and turn us over to the kids.  And from the group, we selected the oldest. Actually, we only selected one but since they have friends, one of them volunteered to join us.

At first, the trail towards the falls is an easy one. Under 30 minutes of fun hike, we reached the foot of the mountain. And my agony was about to start.

Poem 38 - Once In A Lifetime

Once in a lifetime it happens
When my heart for someone opens
At first, I don't understand
But today, I know where I stand.

Night after night I think it over
Looking for a reason and an answer
Trying to know my feelings better
And I've got an answer later.

Nothing else matter
Whether you believe me or you care
Allow me to say these words to you
In this way, I can open my heart to you.

I love you
Three simple words for you
May you'll understand its meaning
And be familiar with this thing.

Everyday, the love for you, my dear
Is growing deeper and greater with a care
I know this is an everlasting one
Because I feel it as a human.

Quote 76 - Survivor

Moment 38 - Golden Moment

I must say that our visit to Marinduque is a once in a lifetime experience. We went there last summer of 2011 to experience and witness the Moriones festival held every Holy Week.

We stayed at the cottage by the beach front at Boac. And that very afternoon, I became a witness of a golden and marvelous moment.

We were enjoying an afternoon stroll at the beach. It was low tide and the beach was suddenly populated by the locals, young and old alike. They were scouting for sea shells, fishes, and other edible sea creatures. This is a common scene at this part of the beach every afternoon.

This moment became extra special because of the great sunset. It was one perfect golden moment and it was totally breathtaking. Actually, I rarely had this kind of encounter where the golden rays of the sun spread all over the place.

I simply indulged myself in capturing this golden moment. It was indeed a great moment. I was so thankful that I was there at the right place and at the right time.

Quote 75 - Ordinary

Random Thought 38 - Holding On

I still find life too precious to let go.

With the present predicament of my life, I must admit that there was a time that I wanted to cease to exist. The constant torment and all those fears that haunt me prove to be too overwhelming that I almost embrace the call of nothingness.

When you are all alone, the voices at the back of your head prove to be too strong to ignore and they grow louder especially in the stillness of the night. If it is not a mortal sin to end this very life, I could have ended mine a long time ago.

I must say that the fear of the Lord is still in my heart, above anything else. Being raised as a Catholic, I know that committing suicide is a mortal sin and the depths of hell will be waiting to engulf my condemned soul. I may escape whatever troubles and hardships I am facing right now but my soul will be punished for eternity. So what's the use of escaping the present when the torment is eternal?

May the good heaven forgive my troubled mind for entertaining such thoughts, a worthless one. I know it is extremely hard to hold on especially when there's too much to bear and too few to depend on. I pray that even with a thread-like hope, I will be able to hold on as long as this life is still breathing. I pray also that my faith will be unquestioning with whatever that lies ahead. And my heart will learn to embrace the people that do me wrong. Amen.

Food Trip 37 - Inihaw na Pusit

From a distance, the smell is so distinct. As the smells grows stronger, the desire is slowly building up. And all of a sudden, you find yourself wanting to taste it.

As I write this entry, I can actually smell the aroma of a dried squid being slowly cooked in the heat of the burning charcoal. The burned squid meat slowly curls and in a couple of minutes, it is now ready to eat.

If there's one street food that makes my mouth waters, inihaw na pusit would be the one for me. One more stick, please. :o)

Exploring Philippines 37 - Vigan (Post 8 - Going Home)

After three long and fruitful days of our stay at Vigan, it was time to go back home. Our plan of visiting other places in Ilocos did not materialize. I guess I will have another chance to visit other parts of Ilocos sometime in the future.

But before going home, we went again to the heritage village to buy some souvenir items. Time and again, it has been proven that when you happen to know the people in a locality, you get to enjoy some privileges. Since Jay happens to know the owner of a store along the heritage village, we enjoyed some modest discounts on the souvenir items we bought. Nice.

It seemed that for each new day in the village there's always a new thing to discover and capture. I can't help myself taking pictures every now and then. There were even a couple of instances where I asked the coachmen to pose as I make my composition. That was fun indeed.

Along the stretch of the heritage village, I happened to had a taste of Basi - Ilocos local wine. Since I seldom drink wine, I really don't have that much desire towards it. At least I had an opportunity that time to taste Basi but I did not bother to buy one.

We went to Tongson's place at the end of the street of the heritage village. Tongson's royal bibingka is one of the favorite stop overs for tourists and locals alike.

Lastly, I bought a kilo of bagnet at the town's public market. Of all the delicacies here in Ilocos, bagnet is one stuff that is hard to ignore. Yummy.

Many thanks to the Barba-Tabboga family for being graciously hospitable all throughout my stay at Vigan. Likewise to Jay who patiently accompanied me and act as my tour guide for the whole duration of the trip.

more pics