Bicol Adventure Chronicles

The elusive Mt. Mayon, Albay, Bicol

Disclaimer: This is a lengthy post!

One fateful night of January this year, two of my closest friends from my former office and I were having a casual group chat on Facebook. Phoebus and May Anne, although our personalities differ significantly, we all have one thing in common, and that is our love to travel. They both went with me to Bohol last year to attend a friend’s wedding, and perhaps that was the beginning of our budding, albeit expensive, hobby.

This time, we were bound to explore BICOLANDIA!

I have always wanted to visit Bicol- to eat its famous delicacies, such as laing and bicol express, to take selfies at Cagsawa Ruins, to marvel at century-old churches that were preserved in time, and of course, to see the beauty of Mt. Mayon with my own eyes. I have had many Bicolana friends in college (thanks to UAPSA) that made me want to explore Bicol even more.

Thanks to promo fares, we were able to book a flight to Legazpi for a relatively cheap price (my ZAM-MNL/ MNL-ZAM ticket was a different story!) Since May Anne is a Bicolana herself, she gladly obliged to be our tour guide.

#BackpackersReunite. On board Cebu Pacific Air bound for Legazpi.

And so the adventure begins….

Malamawi Island : A Hidden Paradise

White Beach, Malamawi Island, Basilan

Once in a while, it is nice to go out of our comfort zones. Break away from the monotony of everyday life- to not think too much nor plan too detailed, instead, to just get out there, explore and experience the earth's wonders. Take risks. Yesterday was one of those rare moments, and it's definitely one for the books!

My Latest Addiction

One of the fondest memories of my childhood was riding a bike. That feeling when the wind touches your face, that rebellious streak you get when riding on cemented roads (even though your Mom told you not to.) That moment you fantasized you were one of the pros when tackling that (tiny) hump or pile of gravel in your backyard, or perhaps the freedom one feels when driving alongside motor vehicles on a busy highway.

I remember when I was about 6 years old, I had this little blue bicycle with three small wheels (a tricycle?) Now as I think about it, I think it was originally one of my older sisters'. Being the youngest in the family, I got to keep their toys after they've grown out of them. I had an extreme aversion to dolls anyway, but the cool ones I got to keep for myself (like Papi, a malnourished brown teddy bear, which was my Tita Neneng's originally.)

Last November, as soon as I got hold of my terminal pay (after waiting for 3 months!), I was decided to relive one of my childhood memories- so I bought myself a mountain bike. :)

What's Up, 2015?

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Nine days had passed since the Year of the Sheep began... I was not able to post on New Year's Eve since everyone in the family had a bad case of the flu. Until now, we are still coughing like mad dogs. I hope this does not mean that we will be sick for the rest of 2015...

A "Maybe"

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They say, be careful with what you wish for, for it might come true. On the other hand, make sure that you are prepared to receive the answers you have been praying for.

Tonight at around 10:30, I received a very important e-mail. I have been waiting for this since I did my panel interview last November 20. True enough, the schedule they gave was right on.

Money Matters

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Asking/ borrowing money has always been a touchy issue for me. With exceptions of course if you're my parents or sisters, or a really close friend like Sewang, then it's okay for us to borrow from each other just like that. Our friendship has been tried and tested for a long time and you'll even be glad to be able to help out in a small way. More importantly, borrowing money has always been the last resort. If the coins in your piggy bank are not enough, then that's the time you ask someone (close to you) to help you out.

What creeps me out, though, is when someone asks money from you ON Facebook (!!!)....and to think that we were not even that close in the first place? We don't even hang out ever! (Camping in the mountains 5 years ago does not count!) I am not stingy. I'd like to help out whenever I can. But when you only chat with me JUST to ask for money is not cool. Definitely N-O-T C-O-O-L!

What's worse is.... you have been soliciting from me (even from my Mom!!!) for 3 or 4 different times... and for those times, I never replied to a single one. Call me selfish or anything... but being a freelance licensed architect in the Philippine Economy is bad enough. Heck, it was even more depressing when I was slaving off in Manila (rent, food, groceries. fare) I had to find creative ways and means to expand my meager salary until the next payday (if worse comes to worst, send an SOS text to Mommie or Daddie =P)

I wonder if he chats everyone on his FB just to ask for money? Is this the thing now? Are there others like this "honorable" guy? I used to give him due respect because of his causes/ accomplishments... but now? I just don't know....

So if by some twist of fate you get to read this post..... my advice for you is:

GET A F*CKING JOB!!!