Quote 50 - Beautiful

Moment 25 - Prayer

I am not ashamed to admit that I am an emotional person. I am easily given away by my emotions and my eyes easily get wet. 

But with the current struggle I am undergoing, for a couple of days, I find it hard to cry. The pain is overwhelming, my heart is in constant agony, my peace of mind is hard to find, and my whole existence is threatened by malicious accusations. Though I wanted to let it all out, all those pains and sufferings, they keep on boiling deep inside of me just like a volcano. And my worst fear for my current condition could be a life threatening effect to my health if I cannot handle this one properly.

One good friend of mine, EJ, though he wanted to help me in the best way he can is helpless. I know he can feel my pain and struggles but can't do anything about it. His mere presence means so much to me at this particular time and he gives me so much of himself just to make sure that I will be okay. And one great thing he offered me was to accompany me to pray. He said it is the least he can do for me and that time would be the perfect time to pray.

In the silence of the church and in the stillness of that moment, I let it all out. After several days of agonies and torments, I cried my heart out. I simply closed my eyes and let go all those fears, reservations, hatred, and agonies. My tears were rushing silently to my handkerchief and my body trembles as I cry. And I felt the hand of a good friend tapping my back, telling me that everything will be okay.

Little did I knew that EJ was silently crying likewise. Though he cannot feel the kind of pain and the amount of suffering I had that moment, still, he was man enough to forgo his emotions. His sympathy and concern is something I'll treasure until my last breath.

Again, if you are reading this post, please include me in your prayers. Because I know nothing is impossible with the Lord.

Quote 49 - Instrument

Random Thought 25 - Great Friends

As we venture into the highways of life, we will be extremely lucky and blessed if we can find one great friend along the way. Actually, in our lifetime, we might find so many so-called friends along the way but only a handful of them will remain true and loyal until the very end. 

Well, it is not the number that counts the most but the quality of friends we have. At the end of a day when we are facing our toughest struggles, only those who are true and loyal will stick with us. They are the ones who will patiently lend their shoulders for us to cry on, listening tirelessly to our never ending and repeating chants and sighs until we get tired, and they are not judgmental about our inadequacies and limitations but support us all throughout the way.

And during this dark moment in my life, aside from my family, I am glad, grateful and thankful that I have a bounty of great and true friends who stand by my side. Together they lift my spirit and give me all the reasons to fight back and regain my self worth and dignity.

Thank you guys for everything and I will be forever indebted by your kindness, support, and love. Please continue on praying for me.

Food Trip 24 - Porridge

When I feel like not eating but needs to fill my empty stomach, I usually submit myself to a couple of bowls of hot porridge.

Actually, it is very much easy to prepare a porridge. One does not have to earn a degree in cooking to prepare a good porridge. On my end, I tried to reinvent it and make it appealing to the taste.

I first cook the rice together with the corn until they become tender and ready to eat. Once they are almost done, I would add slices of hotdog, an egg, and season it to taste. And presto, there goes my porridge.

Exploring Philippines 24 - Zambales (Post 4 - Capones Island)

After more than an hour from touch down on the shores of Capones, we finally reached the lighthouse. From the shore below, it was a good 10-minute climb towards the lighthouse. One need now worry about the path because it is not really hard to climb.

And at last, the Capones lighthouse.  At a glance, the place is aging and already deteriorating. Most probably, the local government is not keen about the rehabilitation of this place or should I say, it is not part of their top priorities. 

But on the other hand, if ever this structure will be rehabilitated or well-maintained, will it become more attractive compared to its current condition?  Or its current state and look gives it some kind of awe to the visiting tourists like me?

I must say, this place is a great one for photo shoots. And I would like to suggest that if ever you are going to visit this place, bring a model with you or bring some outfits worthy for a photo shoot. You'll definitely enjoy this place and love each passing moment.

Since we were allowed to climb the lighthouse itself, we made no haste in finding our way towards the top. The unstable spiral metal staircase is a big challenge to anyone because it seems that this part of the structure will give in any moment because it shakes with your every step especially if there are lots of people going up and down at the same time. 

After reaching the second level, another inclined metal staircase awaits you at 70-75 degrees. And the last challenge is to hurdle a 90-degree metal staircase and about 10 feet in vertical clearance that leads toward the top of the lighthouse.

Upon reaching the prized spot of the lighthouse, a full 360-view of the island is unraveled. If you are afraid of heights, it would be a big challenge on your end to fully appreciate this spot. But your visit will be somewhat incomplete if you'll miss the chance of landing in here.

Actually, if I have my way, I would love to stay on this spot and spend some quiet time. It would be a good place to stay if not for the harsh sun overhead. Out here, you can feel the tranquility of the place, you can feel your soul and hear your thoughts, you can fill your lungs with fresh air, you can unwind and not being particular with the passing of time, and you can freely doze off unmindful about your life from where you come from.  

Up here, the building ruins can be seen below. I thought all along that the lighthouse is no longer operational because of the condition of the place. Everything is deteriorating and the place is just killing some time to finally fall to the ground. But I was wrong. The lighthouse is still operational and it is solar powered. At the top of the lighthouse, the solar panels can be clearly seen down below. Hmmm. I was entertaining an idea of spending a night here. But I was told that no maintenance personnel stays on the island during the night. Though it looks like a great adventure, out here all alone in this island by nightfall, I will definitely have no courage of spending even a minute here all by myself. Chicken! Hehe

From what I'd witnessed, it is such a big waste letting this cultural heritage site awaiting its time to rot and fall helplessly to the ground. The inabilities and lack of concern of our local and national government only shows that we don't care about our past and we cannot protect and maintain the legacies of those who came before us. Other countries have been dedicating their resources to protect, preserve, and maintain their historical sites but here in the Philippines, it seems that it is the least of the concern of our government. In our existence, it is hard to say that we are whole and complete unless we know, embrace, and give importance of our past. 

I hope that as we roam around the country, we can visit important landmarks like this one - standing, preserved, well-maintained, and protected. And with much pride and dignity, we can say that our country - the Philippines, is such a beautiful country. That our country is rich not only with its natural resources but with every piece of history that we happen to read in books. That every Filipino will have the chance and desire to visit its beautiful places and treasure its rich culture and heritage. 

more pics

Poem 24 - My Angel

There goes my angel
Beautiful as ever
Heaven is at hand
Every time I see her.

When she passes by
My world is at a standstill
I just can't help
Embracing her in my will.

The moment she smiles
My heart melts completely
I'm under her spell
From here to eternity.

She makes me happy
By just being there
She just never know
About my love and care.