Quote 109 - Free

Random Thought 55 - Self Worth

It's not the way how others look at us but it's how we look at ourselves.

Sometimes, we are particular with what others may think and say about us. We try very hard to cope up or  at least level with the expectations of other people. We feel affected the moment people start to talk about us behind our back.

Maybe, if we are not so sure about ourselves, only then we'll give in to peer pressure. But the moment we can raise our head up high and we are being true to ourselves, then, no amount of criticism nor ill-thinking of others can ever put us down. If we know how to value ourselves and as long as we are not stepping into someone else's foot, there's no reason for us to be affected with what others may think or say about us.

Food Trip 54 - Pandesal

Pandesal has been regarded as one of the breakfast favorite in the country. Some Filipinos would prefer pandesal in the morning because it is somewhat affordable and hassle free except of course in going to the nearby bakeshop (or in some areas, waiting for the morning vendor who roam around selling hot pandesal.)

In the province, one of the favorite practices of people who eat pandesal in the morning is to dip it in a cup of hot coffee or chocolate drink. Then, the soaked part of pandesal will be consumed. And the dipping continues until the last piece of pandesal.

One of my practice that I never outgrow is to stuff pandesal with muscovado or with condense milk. Whenever I do this, it feels like being a kid again. Haha. Silly me.

Exploring Philippines 54 - Coron, Palawan (Post 10 - Coron Youth Club Beach and Twin Peak)

After enjoying the swim at barracuda lake, we went to CYC (Coron Youth Club) beach for our lunch. It took us under 20 minutes to reach the island.

CYC beach is a small island with fine white sands and with plenty of mangrove trees which add life to the island and provide enough shades for excursionists like us. Since this is an open island, it is a haven especially for locals to enjoy its white sands, and clear and shallow waters.

It was already past 12 noon when we reached this place and an outdoor lunch treat is always a well-appreciated one. It is always a rare moment to have an outdoor lunch treat like this one and given the ambiance of the place, the experience will always be a good one worth remembering.

After a hearty lunch, we had some free time to roam around and enjoy a refreshing dip under the heat of the sun. The island is not that big and you can cover half of the island in less than 10 minutes. The other half of the island is covered by mangroves and only the open area provides a good spot for picnic and swimming. 

As usual, after having a full stomach, it is always a relief to simply enjoy the day by sitting on the sand or to wallow in the water. And with several people enjoying their day in the sun and in the water, it is a welcome opportunity to join them and gain some new acquaintances.

After resting for some time, we were brought to the twin peak. At first, it looked like we were going to different places but the organizer of the trip was actually making it appear as if we were actually going to different locations. If you are particular of the route, it was like going first to point A and then going to point B and going back again to point A. It was a good way to kill some time. But for first timers who have nothing in mind but excitement and fun, such scheme will simply go unnoticed until you'll have a full recollection of the whole event.

Anyway, the twin peak is good spot for snorkeling just like the siete pecados. Corals of different sizes, colors and varieties can be seen here and in a lucky day, some fishes can also be spotted. Since snorkeling is not my thing, I only had a short stint in the water and contented myself in taking pictures of my parading colleagues as they enjoyed the whole experience. 

more pics

Poem 54 - Di Sinasadya

Hindi sinasadya
Ang ating pagkakilala
Isang karaniwang tagpo
Walang kakaiba.

Sa paglipas
Ng mga ordinaryong araw
Naging buo ang samahan
Ako at ikaw.

At hindi sinasadya
Na nahulog na pala ako
Akala ko biro lang
Pero nauwi sa seryoso.

Hindi ko akalain
Na ikaw na pala
Ang kakatok sa puso ko
At magbibigay sigla.

Talagang di sinasadya
Ang pagtangi ko sa 'yo
Wala kasing pasintabi
At ako'y nabihag mo.

Di ko maipaliwanag
Kung bakit nagkaganon
Ang alam ko lang
Ikaw na nga 'yon.

Hindi sinasadya
Nang tayo'y magkakilala
At di rin sinasadya
Na minahal na pala kita.

Quote 108 - Trust

Moment 54 - Into the Dragons Lair

Dragons, if ever they are true, can only be heard in stories, found in the pages of the books, and seen in films. We simply can't imagine if real dragons still exist within our time.

The other day, figuratively speaking, I entered a lair full of dragons. Actually, the very thought of getting near the lair is already a dreadful imagination on my end. What more if I step into it! And since the situation calls for it, even with the rapid beating of my heart, I entered into the dragons lair.

At first, my fear was so overwhelming and it looked like my fear will consume me first before any dragon in that lair can. Since I already made several steps inside the lair and nothing happened to me, I simply had to gather my brave act , face all my fears, and went straight to the less threatening dragon.

Once inside, I could feel each pair of watchful eyes that were constantly monitoring my every move. Though they were not hostile towards me, the tension was there. And I happened to encounter the dreaded leader of them all.

When I got a glimpsed of the kingly beast first, it was on its best form. The moment it saw me, I literally saw how its face transformed into its hideous form. And even if it tried to act civil, its foul breath was so disgusting and the look in his eyes shifted from its normal form into something horrible.

I felt the disturbing and unfriendly atmosphere inside the lair and I simply wanted to walk away.  But since my task was not yet over, I simply hold my ground and prepare myself in the event of a possible head-on encounter. I guess with the brave face I'd shown and showing them that I was not intimidated at all, no hostilities took place.

I came out from the dragons lair alive and unscratched. A while ago, my fear for them was extremely enormous. But when I faced them squarely, I sensed that they were caught by surprise and they were not on the attack mode.

I know I have to be watchful of my back at all times. Dragon monsters are in the guise always, waiting for that right opportunity to devour their helpless victims. I am glad that I can face them now and with no reservation at all, I can look directly into their eyes ready to give them a good fight. But then again, dragons are treacherous beasts that lurk in the dark waiting for their prey.

For now, I have to continue existing in their midst and remain cautious at all times. I know it will never be easy sharing the same place of existence with them but they don't have the absolute right to claim the place as their own. These dragons are too close for comfort and their lair is such an unfriendly and hostile territory. But since I was able to come out from it alive and whole, I guess they can't intimidate me that much any longer. Again, I'll have to learn how to deal with my cards properly and never fall in their dirty tactics again.

And my war with these dragons continue.

Quote 107 - Journey

Random Thought 54 - Puppeteer

For every puppet, there is always a puppeteer. 

Beneath the curtain and behind the masks, when the show is over, the puppeteer smiles from ear to ear with all the accolades and glory. And the puppets are carefully tucked for the next show.

The puppeteer is the one controlling the show and he is responsible in pulling the strings of all his puppets. He can make his puppets walk, crawl, jump, dance, strut, and all those impossible things that he can think of. And since he is in control, his rule is absolute.

Some puppets exhibit the joy and the desire to put up a good show, not to entertain the crowd but to please the puppeteer. The puppets know that they are by the mercy of the puppeteer. Thus, they should be on their best whenever the puppeteer puts up a show. 

There are some puppets that stumble, fall, break, and get tangled in the strings which does not please the puppeteer. And when the puppeteer can no longer bear their defiance which makes him appear fool in his own show, the poor puppets are tossed away unappreciated and cursed.

But there is an end to everything. Time will come that the puppeteer will encounter his final act and his loyal puppets will be sidelined for good. Well, not really. Some of his puppets can be refurbished and may soon find a new puppeteer.

And for the puppeteer? Enjoy the show while it lasts. When your glory days are over and people find out your true nature, you're as good as nobody. Maybe the ones that enjoy your show will still give flattering remarks. But to those who saw you behind the curtain, a glance on you may not be even worth it.  

Food Trip 53 - Sea Food Pasta

Pasta is always a welcome treat for young and old alike. In the province, preparing pasta is synonymous to celebration. Regardless of the occasion, it is one of the main attraction in the dining table.

It has been a common practice (in the Philippines) to prepare pasta with ground beef or pork and slices of hotdogs. Actually, it is a daily serving in the food chains all over the country. For meat lovers like me, it is always a food to look forward to.

One time, I tried to experiment by substituting red meat with tuna, mussel, and shrimp. Well, I must say it was something delightful and tasted much different from the usual. And from that moment on, I get used to the habit of preparing my own sea food pasta. Hmmmm. Yummy.

Exploring Philippines 53 - Coron, Palawan (Post 9 - Barracuda Lake)

Our second stop this morning was at Barracuda Lake. This is the same island that we visited yesterday when we went to Twin Lagoon and Kayangan Lake. 

From afar, the small lagoon is totally surrounded by limestone walls. Since we don't had any idea about the places we were suppose to visit, we simply kept mum and enjoy the ride. And judging from the looks of this place, the lagoon is still, shallow, and clear which could be good for a high-noon dip and snorkeling, perhaps. 

When we had a full view of the place, right before docking the boat, there was an empty boat silently swaying with the gentle waves. It looked abandoned except for a couple of boatmen and as usual, the passengers were nowhere in sight. We were instructed to follow a trail with improvised wooden rails that lead to the other side of the mountain.

As we passed through each corner and each turn, the wooden railings provide a good support and relief as well because the limestone walls are sharp and cannot be easily trusted. But the comfort is only good during the uphill climb. On the uneven horizontal part of the mountain, there was support that can be found. For several steps, one has to keep his balance on the narrow trail as wide as a foot only. And in going down, it is literal crawl because of the steep descent.

Several steps after the descent, the barracuda lake is silently waiting. Its stillness is enchanting and the silence of the place adds more mystery to it. Since it was high noon, we were the only group who occupied the lake and it was like having a private place of your own in the middle of  this paradise.

The entry to the lake is through a narrow channel and there was no pavement to make it to the other side but to plunge into its waters. I was hesitant at first because I was afraid that my camera might submerged in the water. It was good that one of our boatmen carried it safely to the other side of the lake.

Once we got there, the place is a total wow. Aside from being vast, its still water makes it an ideal place for a good and relaxing swim. I can spend my whole day in this place with so many beautiful thoughts and that one could be a perfect getaway for me.

To add more magic to the place, there is a piece of a rock that is submerged in the water and once you step into it, it was like you're standing in the water. But since it is a limestone rock, you'll have to be extra careful for each step you make.

And just like in kayangan lake, I still have this thirst for a comeback to this place. Hopefully, it will happen soon.

more pics

Poem 53 - Pain

Pain is inevitable
But it is never constant
It may linger for sometime
Where cure is never instant.

It may slash through the flesh
Or may reach the bones so deep
Solace can be out of reach
Either you embrace it or you weep.

Disturbed is such a sorry state
The body and spirit are restless
Running away is never an option
Breaking apart is a ghastly mess.

Suffering is a horrifying experience
Day and night is a swallowing limbo
The worst enemy is thy own self
Uncertainties cloud over tomorrow.

Time is essential and a luxury
Buying some time to heal is never easy
Pain delivers the best and the worst in us
Overcoming it brings a certain glory.

Quote 106 - Light

Moment 53 - Anniversary

This blog has just turned a year older.

I never thought that I'll make this far. Before, I used to post only pictures and some other random entries. It took me several years before I came up with this organized presentation in my blog. I always wanted to write about so many things (and yes, I am still struggling and learning) and this blog is a realization of that dream.

When I started this blog, one of my dreaded anticipation is my ability and patience to post an entry each day and before I noticed it, I am able to complete 365 posts without missing a thing. And I am extremely glad about my little accomplishment.

I am looking forward for another set of 365 posts this year. And to all those loyal followers of this blog (I have known only a few), I hope you can send me some comments and some things about yourself for me to also know you.

Again, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. 

Quote 105 - Highway

Random Thought 53 - Breaking Dawn

There is always a new day to look forward to. Whatever happened yesterday is already a thing of the past and we should learn from it.

At times, we feel like we don't want to see the sun again. We would wish that this day will be our last. And by tomorrow, we will already cease to exist.

Our troubles may overshadow our will to live on. Our difficulties may hinder the light of a breaking dawn. Our sufferings may cast darkness to a beautiful day. Our fears may deter us from stepping into the light.

The breaking dawn is a brand new day for all creatures, including us. As long as we are given an opportunity to open our eyes to each brand new day, there is always life and hope. Though salvation and breaking free from the current turmoil we are currently experiencing could be a far fetch reality, still, a brand new day offers limitless possibilities for us to explore and find necessary support.

The breaking dawn is always a promise for a fresh start. Let us grab this promise to prepare ourselves in facing life's challenges and make it an opportunity to prepare ourselves as a stronghold against those situations that try to put us down.

Food Trip 52 - Ginataang Halo-halo

Way back in the province during my younger years, if there was a special occasion going on, one would always expect ginataang halo-halo will be served.  During those times, family members and neighbors would usually gather altogether in one house and all of them will be working at the same time. Each one will volunteer for his/her part of the preparation.

Since it was not an everyday food, whenever ginataang halo-halo is served, a hungry mouth would usually feast on a bowl or two. And every household will receive a ration because a caldron of ginataang halo-halo is more than enough to feed several households.

When we make ginataang halo-halo for special occasions, an array of ingredients will be listed such as ripe saba, sweet potato, ube, gabi, ripe langka, bilo-bilo (formed small balls made from galapong), tapioca pearls, fresh coconut milk, sugar, water, and vanilla flavor (pandan leaves can be used as alternative). My folks will usually find the best stuff especially ube and gabi, one that's sticky and crunchy.

Here in the city, though I can buy a couple of servings of this snack within the vicinity, nothing can really beat our old school ginataang halo-halo. Since this one is not prepared for a special occasion, it lacks "something" that only my taste bud can determine. Though I understand that being sold commercially, vendors do tend to sacrifice its quality because of its cheaper price.

Anyway, if you have problems with coconut milk, beware. You might be enjoying this snack until your last dip but you might frequent the john when your stomach starts rumbling.

Exploring Philippines 52 - Coron, Palawan (Post 8 - Siete Pecados)

We started our second day with a mass at the nearby church. After the mass, we had our breakfast and we literally stayed idle for more than an hour before going out again. 

It was almost 9:30 in the morning when we boarded the boat and head to our first destination, the Siete Pecados. In Spanish, Siete Pecados means seven sins and I was not able to ask around why they name the place like that. From what I saw, it is a wonderful place for snorkeling and its intriguing name is somewhat inappropriate.  

Siete Pecados is surrounded by seven islets and just like in our previous engagements, we simply stopped in the middle of the sea within the site. Our boatmen tied a rope from one boat to another in order for our group to have a guide while doing their thing. When we reached there, the current was so strong that even our boatmen warned us to be extra cautious while in water.  Since diving and snorkeling is not my thing, I opted to stay aboard. 

Siete Pecados is a protected marine sanctuary and in a clear day, the corals and other marine life below are visible above. Since the current was strong and our boat stopped at a deeper part, we were not able to have a view of the life underneath. But we had a consolation. One of our boatmen dived and lifted a giant clam to show us in haste one of the spectacles below our boat. He returned the giant clam afterwards.

Since Siete Pecados is a guarded marine sanctuary, fishing of any form is prohibited in the area. Likewise, the watchful eyes of the posted local watchmen make sure that no illegal activities will take place.