Quote 214 - Help

Moment 107 - Leo

It was vacation time and just like what we usually do, we went out for an out-of-town fun.  If my memory serves me right, there were 12 of us that time.

We are all not beach lovers and some of us could hardly swim.  And yet, most of our escapades are in beaches.  Who cares if you can't swim as long as you're enjoying the day in the beach.   Beach fun are not usually confined with swimming or diving.

Anyway, there were several of us who were staying on the beach.  The weather was good and the sea was calm.  Only the small waves caused the disturbance on the water.  It looked like the water was so peaceful and sleepy that time.

All of us were wearing a life vest for protection.  Since there were no life guards that time, we had to look out for our own safety out in the open sea.  Our life vest was great.  Though some of them were torn out, it was still the best life best we ever encounter in all of our beach adventures.  That kind of life vest prompted me to buy one because I was so comfortable with it.

Three of our colleagues were already several meters away from the shore.  Only Leo and I were left behind.  We were testing our vest and it made us float with no hardship at all.  I was enticed by the calm atmosphere of the sea, I got hold of Leo's life vest and slowly pulled him towards our colleagues.  Since he was floating with his face facing the sky, he hardly noticed that we were already far away from the shore.  Given that distance, I let go of him and we continued to chat while we were floating.  During the course of our conversation, out of the blue, I mentioned to him that I don't know how to swim.  Upon hearing my statement, my friend literally panicked.

I was surprised when Leo was alarmed after knowing that I cannot swim like him.  From his floating position, he literally stood in water and tried to paddle his way towards the shore.  I got nervous likewise but I came towards him and made him float again.  I told him that there's no need to get nervous.  All we have to do is to maintain our floating position and with little paddling effort, we will eventually reach the shore before we notice it.  And we resume our conversation until we safely reach the shore.  Hehe.  What an experience to share!

Quote 213 - Greatness

Random Thought 107 - Too Much Expectations

For some reason, we have this high expectations with people close to us.  Maybe our most common denominator of expecting too much from them is that they can afford to deliver some things especially during the time of our dire need.

When we expect, we normally consider certain scenarios along with the players who have the capabilities to deliver.  The moment we are able to determine the rightful composition, the only thing that is left is to ask or negotiate.  If ever it is not too much to ask, it is also very easy that our expectation will be a success.  But in cases where delicate matters are involved, it is expected that only a few would respond to our request.

There are times that we expect too much from someone because we know that that person will never abandon us, no matter what the odds are.  We know that because of our ties, that person will never let us down.  It's not because we are asking the person to return the favor but we are expecting that he is in the proper position to assist us.  But even with the strong ties, at times, the very person whom we can trust our lives will be the first one to let us down.

Though we will be hurt in the process when our pleadings will be turned down, it would be an honest gesture on the person's end if he thinks he cannot deliver what is expected from him.  Rather than giving us false hopes, an honest acceptance of his shortcomings may help us to explore other avenues rather than relying on him all along.  And because of too much expectations, we do get hurt and bleed sometimes.

Food Trip 106,- Lumpiang Togue

Since time immemorial, I am not really fond of lumpiang togue.  In the first place, I can't find any reason  to dislike this food also.  But recently, I had a change of heart.

Lumpiang togue is a popular food and one of the favorites among Filipinos.  Due to its popularity, it is one of the best selling street foods in the country.  To complement lumpiang togue, it is commonly paired with spiced vinegar dip with much gusto by its patrons.

Lumpiang togue is mostly made up of monggo sprout, carrots, baguio beans (a variety of string beans), sweet potato, cabbage, onions, tofu, and ground meat.  The moment it turns to golden brown after deep frying, it is best serve while it's hot.

Exploring Philippines 106 - Baguio City (Post 4 - Sunrise at Upper Pinget)

The following day, we were accompanied by Blessy and Lance to climb Upper Pinget.  We started our climb at around 6am.  Since the road towards Upper Pinget is already concrete, the climb was like a walk in the park except for one thing – we have to bear with the inclined pavement.

We were actually climbing a mountain which is converted into a residential area.  Where ever you look, a structure had been built and there are still structures that are being put up. 

As we made our way to the top of Upper Pinget, the temperature was cold and the fog clouded the road and the rest of the mountain. In a normal circumstance, this climb would make me perspire and catch my breath but in this environment I did not experience any difficulty at all.  Perhaps, it would be a good idea to live here if only a can find a decent living in this place.

We reached the summit of Upper Pinget after more than 30 minutes of climb.  Actually, the top of the mountain was no exception from the rest of its parts because it was also turned into a village by the local folks.  It was totally stripped of its natural beauty because houses are being built left and right.  As we made our climb, I was trying to figure out a top of the mountain in its pristine form but I was wrong.

At the top of Upper Pinget, the city of Baguio on one side and the town of Benguet on the other side could be seen.  At our vantage point, we were only able to see the town of Benguet because the view of the city of Baguio is hindered by a higher ground which is no longer accessible because of the development that was on-going.  We simply content ourselves to the open view.

It was already quarter to seven in the morning when we reached the open space at the top of the mountain of Upper Pinget.  Since the weather was sunny, at this time of the morning, the sun is already up and its heat can already be felt.  As we gazed on the morning sun, it looked like a full moon maybe because at this altitude, the clouds are low and at the same time the fog was very much visible and continuously swept the area.  Though the sun was already up, we were able to look at it directly and we were awed by the moment because it was really something unnatural for the morning sun to be gazed upon. 

As the sun continued to rise, the fog was like a blanket that covered the mountains.  It was a relaxing moment being in a standstill and watching the sun rose and the fog covering and hiding the place.  It was like the place has so many secrets to keep that even if the sun is already up, its secrets are still well guarded.  I was hoping that I can spend more time in this kind of environment for the much needed inspiration and motivation.

Poem 106 - Only My Heart Knows

There's no telling
When my heart will fall
All I ever know
The right time will call.

Who's the right one
That I never know
Only time will tell
If she'll ever show.

There is no criteria
Nor particular qualities
I would simply prefer
One who's not hard to please.

Easy to get along with
Would be much appreciated
I will not dare to fall
For someone who's complicated.

I have to be patient
For someone special
I guess my heart only knows
When my love becomes cordial.

Quote 212 - Beauty

Moment 106 - The Bicho-bicho post

My foodtrip post about bicho-bicho caught the attention of a researcher from GMA News TV.  I am surprised because I am no food blogger.  Actually, I am not eloquent nor good about describing something especially about food.  I am blogging because I wanted to consider the opportunity of writing something from the perspective of someone who is not good at it, except of course eating. Hehe.

I got an inquiry about my bicho-bicho post in the comment section of my blog.  For a couple of days we exchanged text messages.  I direct the researcher to that bakeshop along EDSA where I bought my bicho-bicho.  Afterwards, I sent her a picture taken at Divisoria where bicho-bicho becomes a street food and is being prepared right before the eyes of the customer.

Monday, Jan 21, 2013, I got another text message from the same person inviting me over to participate in the show Good News with Vicky Morales aired at GMA News TV.  She asked me if I can participate in one of their segments featuring bicho-bicho.  They are about to feature bicho-bicho with a twist and my role is to taste it and comment afterwards.  

I thanked Cyril, the researcher, about the invite.  It will be another unforgettable and rare experience in my list.  Though glad and humbled by the invite, I told her that I don't want to ruin their show. Hehe.  I am simply contented working on the sideline rather than facing the camera.  And besides, I look awful on tv. Haha.

Anyway, I'll just look forward to their feature and if situation warrants it, I'll mimic their feature on bicho-bicho.

Quote 211 - Faith

Random Thought 106 - Seeker of Truth

In every story, there are always different perspectives.  The perspective that we are seeing or made to see depends on who is telling the story.  When a story is self-serving, there are always loopholes in it and one may find logic and reasoning in order to provide a clearer picture of the perspective of that story.

When telling their story, there are people who are emotionally gifted.  They can move and persuade others with all their emotions and dramas.  They tend to project an image that only they can speak of the truth.  Before you know it, you've been blackmailed emotionally.

Some people does not easily embraces the tall tales of the story teller.  They tend to consider the logic behind it and reason with all plausible scenarios and evidences.  They are not gullible to simply embrace the story and believing it right away.

When a story is being told, especially if the setting is something outrageous and intriguing, we tend to seek for the truth.  There is no guarantee that the story teller is telling the truth and we also don't know his agenda behind it. Thus, we have to be extra careful about the promising tales of the story teller.

The seeker of truth is not governed by emotions nor embraces the sweet talks of deceiving tongues.  The seeker of truth explores all avenues and follows the righteous path no matter how hard and tiring it is.  He would even embrace the abyss of darkness in order to see the light of truth.  How can one becomes a seeker of truth when the path that he chooses to follow makes him set aside the established proper procedures and rules?  How can he proclaim the truth with conviction when he knows in his heart that the truth that he seeks started with deceits and lies?

Food Trip 105 - Bananacue

Bananacue is part of my growing up years.  When I was young, my mother used to sell bananacue.  I used to be her sidekick and before I entered grade one, I was already good in numbers and in denominations.  That time, it was just like a play for me but it proved to be a good training ground.

Anyway, I can still fondly recall that I used to partner a bananacue with rice.  From time to time, even with the presence of a meat dish, I would prefer a bananacue.  Some people would not believe me whenever I share this experience but I just love to do it time and again.  Actually, up to the present time, I still do it. Hehe.  Some find it odd but I can't help myself and I am never ashamed of this.  Well, if you give it a try, I will not mind.  Haha

Almost everyday, I dropped by at my favorite bananacue stands and I considered my day complete with a bananacue stick at hand.  Aside from the fact that it is sweet, it is also a good source of potassium.  Most athletes always consider including a banana as part of their diet.  I guess I'll just expound on this topic some time soon. But for the time being, I'll just enjoy first my take on this food.  Want to have bite?  Hehe

Exploring Philippines 105 - Baguio City (Post 3 - The Mansion, Mines View Park)

Within a few meters after landing on the final step and after a turn, the most photograph place (according to some writers and bloggers) in the city of Baguio came into the picture.  The pool and The Mansion always offer a certain form of identity and pride to this place.  We were lucky that time because we almost had the place by ourselves.  Inside the compound of The Mansion, visitors are only allowed to a certain point for picture taking.  The military officers who are guarding the place are always on the alert every time visitors will enter the gate.  At one point, we asked the guards to have a picture with us but they declined our request because according to them, they are prohibited in joining any picture taking activity with the civilians lest they will be reprimanded by such action.

Mines View Park was our next stopover, a popular tourist destination in Baguio.  Actually, the place is now overly populated with souvenir shops and stalls that sell goodies and there’s really not that much to see except for the relic of the past and the picturesque mountains of Benguet.  There are now houses at the base of Mines View Park and from atop, tombs can be seen in the backyard of these houses. If one is not oriented with the customs and traditions of our brothers in this region, the sight of tombs in their backyard could be an eerie sight for an outsider. 

Our last stop that day was at a mall.  I don’t know if it is a prerequisite for some to drop by at the mall when they visit Baguio.  Perhaps, even for my colleagues, it could have been a habit already.  Anyway, it was not actually the shopping why they wanted to be there.  I must admit also that the ambiance of the mall is quite different from the rest of the malls within the country.  It is an open one where its cooling system comes from the nature.  And most of the visitors, just like us, love to spend some time in the verandas for a good glimpse of the city landscape.

The Mansion

Mines View Park

At the mall