Dots and Dashes

Watching IU paraglides with House on Wheels’ cast in Mungyeong makes me think of the could-have-beens of my Albay experience goal drafted for May. Ever since Crash Landing on You, I dreamed of paragliding myself. Still not a brave soul, though. But perhaps the ultralight flying gig in Mati did wonders in my courage levels that I started planning a similar adventure right from the get-go.

The flying site is just an hour away from Legazpi City. Taking my very first flight there could have been such an emotional experience with the picturesque Mayon Volcano as the background and the vast blue waters of Poliqui Bay. I can only sigh. I’ve been trying to visit the province since 2017 but circumstances kept getting in my way. I’m not even sure I can travel this year so flying in Sarangani with friends next month might be put off as well. Gwenchana. I can just look at the sky often for now. And hope that the following days, weeks and months would be kinder–would be better–and let us fly on as we should.

expgoals kor blah

25 notes, 4 years ago

February 23, 2020 | Art Fair Philippines
Makati City

As soon as our personal problems’ summit concluded at The Wholesome Table, our triad moved to The Link to visit this year’s Art Fair. I think it was Hannah’s scene more than it was mine. It’s my first and I enjoyed going through this diversified exhibit with the two of them. Kahit pa ilang beses kaming nagkawalaan. We could call it lost in art, perhaps? But really, there were few corners that did catch my fancy. I figured early that I relate best to words and photography. And Sol Lewitt’s line still rings true to me: There are many statements involved in a work of art. The most important is the most obvious. The most obvious is that I love you both. To our next, girls!

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0 notes, 5 years ago

February 17, 2020 | Sikyop Underground River Cave
Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

Iligan is another item that’s been crossed off our itinerary back then. Not by choice, though. The weather and safety issues made it difficult for the pack to go. And as grace would have it, everything was fine now, so I bravely included it in my #BakitHindi list. I only need one reason to traverse a different province. It might seem like a waste of time or rather foolish, but that’s just how I roll. So what am I waiting for?

It was around six in the morning when I left for Iligan via bus and dropped off at Mandulog Bridge after an hour. The military man and my habal-habal driver both asked the same question. Bakit ako mag-isa dito? I mulled over it on our way. Ang tapang ko rin talagang mag-solo no? But of course I felt scared. It seemed like I was coming into an uncharted territory this time. And maybe I was. I remember thinking–while its long winding roads unfurled before us–that I have nothing to compare the city with. Everything felt different and raw.

I think it took us an hour and a half to get to Sitio Lawlawon. And since it’s a Monday, I was the first and probably the only visitor for today. With all its caves, falls, spring and an underground river, kulang siguro ang isang araw to make the most out of Sikyop. I was short of time so I haven’t explored much but I picked the best to trek to. And true to its name, which means hidden paradise, I mumbled thank You, Paps several times.

Driving back to the highway, halfhearted rain began falling from marbled skies. I was drenched but grateful. The whole experience was terrifying and overwhelming but amazing. I want to live my life with all its grit and grace. And for once, I trusted myself to do exactly that. Well done, self. You make me proud.

God Jesus expgoals

0 notes, 5 years ago

February 16, 2020 | Lampanag Ridge
Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

I left Eiffel Kubo, my accommodation, in dark-sky hours, that thin edge between night and morning. Rode a bus plying the CDO route and alighted at New Ilocos–boundary of Malaybalay and Impasug-ong. The sleepiness of the city was apparent but my poor sense of direction didn’t waver a bit. Wala na talagang pinipiling oras ang pagkaligaw. Hindi ba’t pwede namang pagsikat na ng araw? Thank Paps, Vinson, my guide, came to the rescue.

We reached Datu Melendez’ house in the peaceful sitio of Kibuwa, the jump off, around four and started trekking. Looking up, we were graced with the starry sky. It was such a heavenly view. Thank You, Jesus. We moved on assured that we’re up for an amazing feat in an hour or two. The trail was mostly downhill, very similar to that of Paminahawa–one of its neighbors. It was cold and damped of morning dew. I couldn’t care less, though. And at 5 a.m. mark, we finally hiked up the ridge.

Seeing the Tagoloan River from the Lampanag Ridge in photos and videos made me want to go out of the gate. And here I was. Never mind the cold and our failed attempt to light a fire. I looked around, listening to the silence. There were few campers but it was so quiet. And in less than an hour, I started seeing this hazy pre-dawn light. It meant the sun would be peeking out over the mountains in a couple of minutes.

I’m gonna see my better days, I thought, as I felt the first rays of sunlight on my face. It was a different kind of safe and warmth–the kind that only God can give. I savored this solitude, this happiness, this moment of sheer love and goodness. Oh, how far I’d scale the valleys, Jesus, if You grace this other side. Thank You.

God Jesus expgoals

1 note, 5 years ago

February 15, 2020 | Malaybalay & Valencia Cities, Bukidnon

After yesterday’s turn of events, I woke up in an unfamiliar city, more than a thousand kilometers away from home. Original plan to kick off this trip was tackling Mt. Capistrano but I unfortunately came during its healing season. Rest well, mountain. I guess I’ll just have to live slow this Saturday morning. And it’s totally fine.

With my sling bag, camera and plaid shirt, I went out to do some exploration–unfazed by the afternoon sun. Ang ganda ng panahon. I won’t mind getting lost on a beautiful day like this one, I thought to myself. So I hopped in a multicab en-route to Casisang where I’ll transfer in a habal-habal to Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm. It took me an hour to reach the place. The DIY hobbit houses in here are creations of the owner himself with the resources available in their farm. Wow. It was a sight to see. And I wish I had tried their coffee. Next time, maybe? Self, today, it’s the house of the hobbit. In another lifetime, it’ll be the summit.

My next destination was in the nearby city of Valencia. I suddenly remember how Lake Apo didn’t make it to our Northern Mindanao trip last 2018. Isang oras din ito mula Malaybalay at 30 minutes din ang nadagdag sa aking motor taxi diaries. Hehe. And around four, we turned up at Guinoyoran where the crater lake is nestled. Ang perfect sana mag-sunset dito. However, I couldn’t find the trail up to have the perspective I had in mind. Akapta.

In retrospect, the highlight of this day would be the in-betweens. The multicab rides and the habal-habal adventures. The bumpy and windy paths were the most unforgettable experiences. It’s always fun travelling like a local when I go solo. Maybe because I get to know the place better and I get to remember the memories I had for a long time. Capping the day with a cup of Monk’s Blend coffee seemed fitting–warm and comforting. Thank You, Home Team.

God Jesus expgoals

1 note, 5 years ago

January 12-13, 2020 | Fresno Agro Forestry & Eco Tourism Campsite
Tanay, Rizal

Over ramen and coffee, Ijo, Hanah and I looked for a place to go and when we found one, we packed our bags six days later and left. Just like that. And after more than an hour on a familiar road, we alighted at Sitio Maysawa–the same jump off of Treasure Mountain that we camped at almost three years ago. We even drove past its gates en-route to Fresno which sits atop Mt. Kulis (620 MASL).

We reached the campsite around sunset. And even when the sky’s already turning purple, Fresno offered us one of the best 360-degree view of Tanay mountain ranges without much effort. Jinjja yeppeuda. We then eased up in our little kubo before racing out for dinner, moon-gazing and some serious conversation. Hanah bared some of her heart tonight–sharing how she hurt and how life is too long, there’s too many unwanted scenes. I nodded off hoping her next chapter would be better and kinder than the previous ones.

Our three-person unit woke up to a cold ash-fall-covered morning. Yes, naabutan na naman kami ng kalamidad sa galaan. But as always, Paps kept us through the night. And around 5:30, we started trekking down to Noah’s Arc. We waited for sunrise while anchored on top of the mountain over the sea of clouds. How can we not sing hallelujah to the God who makes beauty out of the ashes we’re in?

We soaked up the majestic start of day and then hiked up its neighbor peak, Mt. Sambong (629 MASL), right after. And maybe I love the scenery better here. Coming back to this side of Tanay after years, I realized that some things never change (despite the many things that did), the serenity that this kind of view gave me and the way I’m holding on tight with these two beside me.

As I behold Your beauty with unworthy eyes
The only song my soul can find to sing
Is hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah my King
(Transfiguration, Hillsong United)

God Jesus expgoals TFs H ♫

1 note, 5 years ago

December 27, 2019 | YDG Coffee
Mandaluyong City

Overcoming minor conflicts (a.k.a. her unenthusiastic replies, haha), Hannah met up with me in SM Megamall after my self-care appointment–both unaware that we’re in for a funny surprise. And ta-da! We’re wearing the same outfit! Custard top and faded denim jeans. I know we sometimes think alike pero sobrang epic pa rin nito. Para kaming magsspecial dance number dalawa or para kaming may pagtingin sa isa’t-isa. I cannot. Haha. Napa-bili tuloy ako ng new top nang wala sa oras.

We set off to YDG Coffee in Mandala Park after that comic anecdote. And over coffee and lots of carbs, we talked about career and love and just life in general. How we’re doing well in some areas but not faring any better in others. And it’s not too bad. We’re living this life for the first time after all. I’m just glad and thankful to have someone I can journey the highs and lows (and thicks and thins) with. Because what we’ve found in each other is pretty great. I guess as time goes on, you’ll understand that what lasts, lasts; what doesn’t, doesn’t. So here’s to something that lasts. Thank You, Paps.

disciples expgoals

1 note, 5 years ago

Remember Mr. and Mrs. Cruz movie from two years ago? Raffy and Gela, the main characters, found unexpected adventures, unexpected friends, and unexpected growth in this island. They had fun and they had good memories. As I wrap up this #PalawanMoreTime series, I think I can say the same. I had fun and I had really good memories. I did well on choosing to go despite the turn of events.

To getting away to the other side of the world, to new landscapes and new flavors, let’s keep going, self.

expgoals

1,566 notes, 5 years ago

November 28, 2019 | San Vicente, Palawan

Right from the get-go, visiting this laidback and lesser known town of San Vicente was on my #BakitHindi list. Which is very much unlike El Nido, by the way. The contrast is interesting. Medyo macculture shock ka dito if you fancy the crowd. But for an introvert like I am, it was a haven.

San Vicente features the longest white beach in the country. Ang sarap sanang libutin ng 14-kilometer shoreline with a motorbike but the drizzling afternoon didn’t permit it. Driving through the town, though, while getting chased by the rain with Kuya Allan, my driver-guide, was fun in itself. Really. My body’s still aching from Taraw aftermath but I traveled long enough to know that a joyride like this was a must.

We stopped by at Secret Beach to snack on fresh coconuts. Unfortunately, Tatay was not around to pick us some. We lingered a bit and talked about Kuya Allan’s archery career and whatnots. Simple pero hindi daw madali ang buhay nila dito. That’s something I often hear from the towns I’ve stayed with. We’re just seeing a glimpse of their reality and we just want the good side of it. I guess we all have our kind of hard in this life and nobody had anything easy the way we imagine it to be.

It was around 5 PM when we reached the top of a hill in Brgy. Alimanguan where Bato ni Ningning is settled. I talked and joked around with the locals while biding my time. They’re telling a story that the sun was setting in a different spot before. And as if on cue, the sun began to climb down and turned everything to something beautiful. We rode back to the flat land in a chilly November dusk seeing Venus and Jupiter aligned with the crescent moon in the night sky. It was a good day. As always, thank You, Paps.

God expgoals

1 note, 5 years ago

November 27, 2019 | Nacpan and Las Cabanas Beaches
El Nido Palawan

The sky’s lazy blue as we parked near the Nacpan Beach. I was starving, so I had lunch in Sunmai first, chit chatted with their friendly crew (na napagkamalan akong foreigner, haha) before setting out on my own. I understand why people drove their way here. Nacpan is a lovely stretch of a beach with its golden sand, dazzling blue sea and lined-up palm trees. When I found a good spot, I pulled out Don Miller’s Blue Like Jazz, and stared blankly into the vast beautiful ocean in between the lines.

We went to the other side of El Nido for the second half of my chill escapade. And since there’s enough time before sundown, I decided to check out The Nesting Table. And surprise! You need to hike up to reach the place. Had I known better, pinagkasya ko na ang sarili ko sa dalampasigan. Haha. Thankfully, their pandan chia pudding is really good that made the short trek worthwhile.

Known to be the best place on the island to witness incredible sunsets, I walked my way to Las Cabanas Beach Resort (na nasa dulo ng walang hanggan). There was a crowd already. So I grabbed a beer in a sea of non-locals and waited for the grand event to wrap up the day. If only it would last a lifetime. Thank You, Jesus.

Jesus books expgoals

1 note, 5 years ago

Dots and Dashes

#expgoals