The way home

"Our way to practice is one step at a time,

one breath at a time"

~Shunryu Suzuki

Caleruega

In life, sometimes we have to take detours. But time will always come, when you'll feel that you had reached the end of the road and there's no other way than to turn around and go back where you truly belong.

Appreciation

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing:

It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well"

-Voltaire

Christmas is almost here. I am now on the highest peak of my happy mood hunting gifts for loved ones.

So busy  I may fail to get that one thing I desire the most to practice my new found desire to capture life. I sulked for like 7 hours. But it led me to the conclusion that nothing will happen even if I do that. So I braced myself and accepted the fact that it wasn't here yet cause it's not the time to be.

God has a plan. And for that I will wait for the right time.

Wallflowers

"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod;

my shadow does that much better"

-Plutarch

Wallflowers? Nope, just when we wanted to. Right guys?

Wear your emotion

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit"

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature wears the colors of the spirit.

When I was a teen, I was fascinated with pink. 

I stayed faithful to it until I fell in love with red. A color I despised before. 

But can you believe that now, I am in awe with yellow? A color which made me puke when I was young 

(no exaggeration).

Although this sudden changes in my favorites brought confusion in me, I at least came to the most acceptable reason I can think of. And that is, "we wear our emotions". And by that I mean my color depends on my mood (hope that makes sense)

Caleruega

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them
that your strength lies"
-Mother Teresa

Caleruega's Transfiguration Chapel, 

Caleruega made me gasp at first sight and the only word I managed to say was wow.  

It is indeed a perfect place to ponder and pray 

and to free your mind of heavy loads.

Bridge over troubled wated (jk)

"Cross the bridge when you get there"

I am such a worrier, like worrying is my hobby. 

And most of the things I worry about never happens,

and they concern the future. I tend to over think things.

Duh, it making me sick.

Can I just be happy go lucky sometimes,

and cross the bridge when I get there?

It's the Climb

"It is better to take many small steps in the right direction

than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward"

-Proverb

Caleruega, Nasugbu, Batangas

And that is a no sweat title, cause I imagined Miley Cyrus singing when I saw the stairs. What's with the step and direction? It's so redundant, so I'll leave it for you to figure out.

P.S. I finally created a Facebook Page for this blog. Only click like if you want. Gee, thanks

Lapse of Judgment

"Judgments prevent us from seeing the good

that lies beyond appearances"

-Wayne Dyer

 taken at Caleruega, Nasugbu Batangas.

I thought this picture would be an ugly duckling. But  I had a lapse of judgment,

cause it's one of my favorites (beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder).

Love and light

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that"

Matrin Luther King , Jr.

When you are in the midst of pain, it seems so hard to give out love and forgive.

Like life  itself is so hard to sustain. And yet when time had healed the wounds of yesterdays, 

you will be amazed with yourself on how easy it is to forgive.

Everything really just need to take time, so that the lesson from past mistakes

could be embodied and absorbed well, so not to be repeated again.

A tinge of loneliness

"Pain is not a sign of weakness,

but bearing it alone is a choice to grow weak"

-Lori Deschene

That feeling when you are surrounded by people and yet you feel alone.

That instant when you thought you're not doing any single right thing.

Dearies, give yourself a break, I mean give our hearts a break.

And every time your heart feels a tinge of loneliness,

start counting the blessings and cast those fears aside.

Carry on

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather,

always bring your own sunshine"

-Anthony J. D'Angelo

Fort Santiago

No matter how long, I may stumble, I may fall but I will carry on.

Life is...

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.

It means  you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

-Unknown

Life has its fair share of bad, sad, stressful and busy days. But in spite the uncertainties, all things are passing and everything will fall into place.

Gratitude

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle,

or you can live as if everything is a miracle."

-Albert Einstein

Mary Immaculate Parish (Nature's Church) - Cafe

It's a long weekend (for us). There is nothing more serene than to rest on the comfort of our homes.  This picture reminds me of our old home after the volcanic eruption. A refuge my father built for us while our home was being built on a new and higher location.

Simple, good old days! Love them!!! I want them back, I miss them.
I give thanks for them.

Life is two-riffic with twins

" A friend is someone who understands your past,

believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are"

-anonymous

You know my wishes, you know my words. What more can I say?
Happy Birthday Twin sis!

P.S. - Please spare my life when you get the chance to see this. Love yah!

Heart vs. Eyes

"Judgement prevents us from seeing the good 

that lies beyond appearances"

-Wayne Dyer 

MOA Eye, San Miguel by the Bay

We, humans were not righteous. We commit mistakes but let's not make it a habit to judge others by physical appearances. We're all imbibed with a flaw and be grateful enough if yours wasn't visible. Let's use our heart instead of our eyes.

Rainy Days

"Anyone who says  sunshine brings happiness

has never danced in the rain"

-unknown

At Fort Santiago during a friend's birthday celebration

It's ironic how I love rainy season but I'm a weakling at cold temperature. Anyways, I believe we're in the transition period and meaning to say rainy season is on it's way, hooray for the raindrops lover like me.  But the truth is, rainy days makes me nostalgic about my childhood. It reminds me of cancelled school days where I spent the time home sitting near the window writing, reading or sleeping. Well, need I say more?

Industry and Finance

"A man may be very industrious, and yet not spend his time well.

There is no more fatal blunderer than he

who consumes the greater part of life getting his living."

-Henry David Thoreau

Industry and Finance - Tailored for each other. Best match. Meant to be. Right?

Whoever puts the two signs together was a genius. It serves as a reminder that in order for us to have a better finances, we have to be industrious. Nothing is gained without shedding sweat and it's glorious to spend the fruits of your labor.

But anything beyond normal is fatal. With that being said, I am taking  two days leave from work (Cheers to that). My body dictates that it's necessary (right now) to have lazy days, bury my body on the bed and just let the day pass without worrying about anything. 

Don't you just love that?

Brand new day

"Whenever something negative happens to you,

there is a deep lesson concealed  within it"

-Eckhart Tolle

at dawn beside our office

No matter how bad the day is, always look on the brightest side of life. As Eckhart said, there's a deep lesson concealed within it.

May this day be a brand new day filled with love, bliss, and hope for everyone. The sun will shine for you today. *Hugs

Judge not

"Judgments prevent us from seeing the good

that lies beyond appearances"

-Wayne Dyer

Who doesn't judge others anyway? We're just humans right? I do!

Let's assume this door is that of a coffee shop. If vanity strikes, no one will dare to touch the knob but would rather leave outright just because it's full of rust. How would you know what waits for you inside then? By turning your back behind the chances, you were about to miss the best brewed coffee and the rarest and finest combination of herbs.

Same goes to human beings. As much as possible let us not judge others as if we're the purest soul on earth, unless we witnessed what really happened. It's hard to be drowned with self righteous things.

Because today is my day

"There are  exactly as many special occasions in life 

as we choose to celebrate"

-Robert Brault

On our way to Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental

Because today is my day, I will live as if everything is a miracle (Einstein), look into the world with optimism and grace and thank God for all the blessings.

Thank you very much to all of you for your greetings on Facebook, Twitter, text messages and Emails and on Instagram. You made my day extraordinary and super special.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Time fades

"Many fine things can be done in a day 
if you don't always make that day tomorrow"
-Unknown

It had seen the best of time but didn't endured the test of time. 

One of the things I want to ditch this year and the rest of the coming years is procrastination. Procrastinating isn't my forte until I worked on graveyard shift. The darn schedule is really exhausting and you can pretty guess what is the most dominant of my activities - Sleeping!

TIME among other things cannot be replenished and brought back once gone. Better exhaust it in worthwhile activities that makes us happy and productive.

Agree or agree?

Reminder

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter.

If you don't mind, it doesn't matter"

-Jack Benny

Two granpas at Metropolitan Theater  (MET)

They remind me of/that:
1. Simple life
2. Finding happiness in ordinary things
3. Contentment
4. How blessed I am
5. Growing old is mandatory

How about you, what do they remind you of?

Start new

"Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new"
-Sammy Hagar

For the past two years, I was half upset during my birthday. I felt that celebrating was really different when you were a kid. I am feeling the same jitters again and as the day comes nearer the weariness multiplies. And to contrast the feeling, I pulled out an inspiring photo and decided that my official 2012 will start on Saturday.

Travel and Dreams

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today"

- James Dean

Phil Post Office - right wing

When people dreamed of the Big Apple, I was dreaming of Europe and U.K. Yes my dream destinations. The continent I want to visit. Since when?, since my love for history sprouted and when my eyes droll for magnificent structures and anything made of bricks. I couldn't get enough of it.

I am not giving up yet. Yes, there's no giving up, because when you love your dreams you'll continue to pursue them until all the patience and hard work paid off. As of the moment, I will liven my dreams through great structures on sight.

Pillars

"Hope is the pillar that holds up the world"

-Pliny the Elder

Philippine Post Office

College days were the times when I got hooked with Greek Mythology. My memories of  how Poseidon saved me from a quiz bee and Pandora gave the word "hope" a different meaning in my life were still fresh. 

With all the chaos around, I am grateful that hope was left in Pandora's box. With that said, I am hoping that people will unite for the common good of our country. As long as we stand divided with our selfish motives, we cannot move further.  Let's serve as the pillar for our country's betterment.

PhilPost old printing section

"Happiness is a wine of the rarest vintage, and seems insipid to a vulgar taste"

-Logan Pearsall Smith

The old printing room of the Philippine Post Office

I was surprised myself on how my perceptions with things changed. As a child I used to love anything fancy and fairy tale like, but now I am more appreciative of the old, vintage and antiques. I am fascinated with the story and history of old barren places like this old printing section of the Philippines Post Office. Yes, it's dilapidated but somehow it's magical. Happiness over simple matters.

Anchor

“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”

-Henry Miller

The stern of Golden Vulture and that rope ties to the anchor

If only it was allowed, I will sit on that part of the boat. Not just for the salty fresh air, but it's a good spot to take photos.  And what I feel now is best described on the quote above. It's hard to put the words together.

Sail Away

"He that will not sail till all dangers are over must never put to sea"

--Dr. Thomas Fuller

A cargo ship for companion while on board the Golden Vulture.

Is that a big wave to where the vessel is heading? (knees trembling not then but right now, gee I didn't noticed that until today, on the picture)

I guessed that we're only 30 minutes away from Puerto Galera when we encountered this cargo vessel. At this juncture, I was on my right state of mind (sleepy though ) and well acquainted with the sea again. No more jitters uh? Yes, I'm kinda boastful like that to even stare at the tiny bits of water that were about to hail my face only the boat is covered and it's HUGE. Hahaha.

And no I'm NOT BUSY today....just LAZY

How to overcome trauma

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for"

-William Shedd

MSL's Golden Vulture picking passengers in Puerto Galera

This  huge boat which can board 150 passengers ditched my trauma of the sea and boat per se after that bumpy whirlwind ala roller coaster adventure in Quezon Province. Upon seeing it, man I had that boasting feeling of declaring war with the waves. Bring em' on and rock our boat. After almost an hour and a half ride in the wide sea under the hot sun, we set foot in  Puerto Galera. Then the fun begun.

Note: To overcome your fear or trauma from a previous sea adventure, make sure you go up aboard a big boat and station yourself near the life jackets, okay? 

Explore. Dream. Discover

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover "
--Mark Twain 

Who says building sand castles is just for kiddo? (Puerto Galera)

Mark Twain's words are epic, tried and tested. I don't have to look far for testimony. Why should I when I have myself to prove them. Seems like some of my years were gone to waste sticking to routines. I am happy with what I had accomplished, but if I could bring back the time, I would opt for more adventures, hard roads,  build sand castles and devour every opportunity the good heaven will pour upon me.

And since my birthday is fast approaching (*couhg, ahem-ahem), I can feel the urge to do what I have to do. And why do I feel this creepy feeling of not wanting my birthday to come?

Direct your Path

"If one does not know to which port ONE is sailing, no wind is favorable"
--Seneca

Puerto Galera

I am temporarily suspended on a  blank state. My sail is down and if ever it comes to rising I have no exact destination. There are decisions to be made but what makes it harder are the choices. There are numerous plans but thinking about them makes me tired, but I know I have to go on sailing until I reached the port where my sail is supposed to be directed.

Busy yet Unproductive

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life"

-Socrates

Despite the busy schedule, I can feel that there's no accomplishment to something you poured more than an ample time with. It's tending the worst of me instead of extracting the best. Sacks of time loaded on a truck of chores you doesn't believe in and on monotonous repetitive motion gone to waste. The barrenness of a busy life is severe than a decaying tree. Goals without aim, decision of the powerful and objectives of the few.

How it all started

"True friends stab you in the front"

-Oscar Wilde

My friends wants to be the highlight of the photos and since we have no tripod, sometimes I end up excluded from the scene and that's how it all started. I created this photo blog just for fun. I am not a photographer, not even an amateur. I didn't attend classes and I'm ignorant to its rules.  All I know is that it gives me some kind of happiness that somehow in my point and shoot way, I was able to capture extraordinary moments through ordinary ways. 

And my friends? Yes, we stab each other in front, saying what's wrong with one another and our ways, we yell at each other most of the times and we're having fun in ways people don't understand. Weird as it may seem but that's who we are and that's our friendship.

Every day can be a Good Day

"Every day may not be good,
but there's something good in every day"
-Unknown

Sad.Disappointed.Stressed. Three words that would perfectly describe my last 3 days. Work caught me off guard and overwhelmed with nuisance. But life would never be good without a little spice. The unexpected circumstances add flavors to make our life savory.

It's an imperfect world with imperfect humans, goodness is around to keep the balance. It's just a matter of ATTITUDE on how you deal with life.

Summer Raindrops

"Tears of joy are like summer rain drops pierced by sunbeams."

-Hosea Ballou

It's official! Summer has arrived and endless out of town plans were listed on my planner. It would be a very busy season for get together and fun.

But before I indulge myself with the escapades, I should never let the beauty of this day pass. It's summer yet it's raining. It's extraordinary and magical. A nice day to sit on the garden, read books and breathe the fresh air.

Rushing

"There is more to life than increasing its speed"

-Gandhi

Tiangge (Bazaar) 

Tiangge are very in demand especially during Christmas holidays. If I forgot to pause for while, I maybe one of the busy people out there running endless errands to complete their Christmas list.

Enjoying the walk and the scene was the best thing I ever did that day. The scent of Christmas gives warmth to my soul.  If not for taking a pause, I might end up not appreciating the beauty of life.

A Bane or a Boon?

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous"

-Aristotle

Water Hyacinth a.k.a Water Lily

Water Hyacinth is not only a competitor to rice crops, it also alter the free flowing water in the river and other bodies of water. When I was a child I wasn't aware of those facts because it's a major source of playing materials for me during cooking session with little friends. I also came to admire it's attractive flowers.

Discovering that it has fibers, textile manufacturers found a great way to maximize the use of this flowing creature into something that humanity can use. And instead of mass destruction to avoid clogs on rivers, they converted it to textile. 

A proof that even a bane can also be a boon.

Dancing Fountain

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism

or in the darkness of  destructive selfishness"

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dancing Fountain in Luneta Park

Chaos around will eventually be forgotten when you witnessed  fountains with spectacular lights display dancing in modern tunes. That's what awed us when we decided to visit Rizal unwavering statue. Never in our innocent mind that we thought to see something like this.  An unforgettable experience to end our road trip then.

Ilog Pasig

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown,

for going out, I found what was really going on"

-John Muir

The view of "Ilog (River) Pasig" inside Fort Santiago, Intramuros

A river known for it's greatness and an important transport route during the Spanish Era in the Philippines is nothing but a dead river. All the pronounced character it showcased during it's golden times were mere remnants of the past. Thanks to the industrial development and negligence of the people it served.

Refuge

"Everybody's going through a lot of stress these days,

no matter how well off you are and how many advantages you have,

it's a stressful time in everybody's lives.

-Chris Frantz

Life is indeed full of matters which stresses out not only our physical body but our precious mind. And in those times of trouble, when one seek a refuge, there's no other place I could think of than one which is close to nature. Old yet lavishing, not different but unique. A quiet place to run in search for solitude.

Someday I'll  built a serene space like this and complement it with a Dedon's Orbit or the Daydream to woo calmness and soothe the aching heart.

Mi Ultimo Adios

"He who does not know how to look back where he came from 

will never get to his destination"

-Jose Rizal

One of the main attraction on Jose Rizal's exile place were his literary works inscribed on the walls of Fort Santiago. Remnants of a genius mind used to fought the seemingly endless colonization of foreign lands to our beloved Pearl of the Orient. The man who proved than pen is mightier than the sword. I was wondering if  Rizal would blog if he's still alive.

I remember my college days when I took the subject "Rizal's Works and Writings". If  you live in the Philippines it's impossible for you to finish college without taking this subject. The requirements includes bringing to life the two novel written by our national hero (i.e. "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo") we're also obliged to recite the "Mi Ultimo Adios", the poem written by Rizal on the night before his execution (on the hands of the Spaniards) on December 30, 1896. Those were the days I went gaga over Spanish words. Adios Patria Adorada.

For the Mother of Civilization

Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when prefect, 

is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future

-Albert Camus

The facade leading to Jose Rizal's exile room in Fort Santiago

One thing you should know about me; I'm a sucker for history and culture. I love reading contemporary stories that's why I  wish to travel far to the other side of the world, Europe in particular as well as the rest of Asia. People say only idiot loves history but to me, those idiots are rich in heart for they appreciate the mother of this modern civilization. 

Someday, I'll visit Zeus in his temple, walks in the Great Wall of China, breathe the air of London, feel the love inside Taj Mahal, and admire the heights of the Pyramids of Egypt. Someday we'll see.

Empty seat

He who knows others is wise.

He who knows himself  is enlightened.

-Lao Tzu

Fort Santiago

Happy Hearts Day!

You may find it  weird why the heck I posted this picture when I greeted everyone a happy hearts day (yeah, I know it's a day late, but it's still valid on the other side of the world). Hear me. I dedicate this post to all the single folks out there. February 14th wasn't intended for lovers alone but for everyone who has a loving heart. 

Being single is comparable to that empty seat. It looks boring, dull and lifeless. But people shouldn't worry, because their life itself is special. Special cause God has given them extra time to ponder and do the things they love, walk their feet to places their hearts desire and fly without boundaries to fulfill their dreams. Look at the empty seat on the bright side, that it was saved by God for two single people, who are in depth search for themselves and soon to meet each when they're both prepared and deserve each other.

Agree? Definitely!

For the love of Bricks

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation 

with the bricks others have thrown at him

-David Brinkley

brick wall, Fort Santiago

This photo was taken during my friend's birthday celebration in Intramuros. She wanted to have a unique birthday so we came up with the idea of a road trip to Manila and eat somewhere we've never been before. We invested too much energy, had a good laugh and made fun with everything. It was an LOL day for us. And what made this trip extra special was the opportunity to visit the historical places of Manila including Intramuros. 

Imagine the bricks on the picture were said to have been built using egg white to make them stick together and until today, the infrastructures were standing still. Stronger than before, the manifestation that they stood the test of time. Like those old bricks, may we all take each life's obstacles to strengthen our character . The kind of character that persevere against all odds.

Rock formation of Borawan Island

When life is tough, stand like a rock

-Sey

The rock formation of Borawan Island

Borawan, an island which was once a secret paradise is gaining popularity among wild adventure seekers. Derived it's name from two well known tourists spots destination, it resembles the famous rock formation of Palawan and the white sand beaches of Boracay. 

Campers who are fond of rapelling can opt for this destination. Though not grand as the other rapelling destination, it will suit the purpose, to think that this island will let you experience two leisure/adventure in one destination.

Thank God it's Saturday

There is much in the world to make us afraid.

There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid.

-Frederick W. Cropp

My necklace forged using alloy - sorry for the poor picture quality

Last time I had fun taking photo of my necklace. But since I was lazy to grab the camera which was just 5 steps away (very lazy eh?), I used my phone instead. I took the liberty to edit it using the Photoshop application on my phone which is way too easy to use rather than the one used in desktop. No sweat and look what I got, a blurry vintage look (I guess).

May you all have a wonderful weekend! Even life is full of uncertainties which leads to confusion and in the long run developed into FEAR,  always remember that our FAITH  should always be bigger with the negative things life brings. 

Amid the Stillness

"I am glad that so much movement happens in this stillness."

-Richard Land

Before leaving Borawan Island

See that orange boat? Right!, that was the boat waiting for us to hop aboard because it's time to go home. Again, we had to face the sea with fortitude.

Gazing my sight on the waves brought stillness, because its sound was music to my ears. But who would know that amid that stillness in the ocean is a 5 feet deep water just after 3 to 4 steps away from the shore. Yes, when we get to Borawan Island, the boat crews had to dock the boat near the rocks for us to get down without soaking ourselves. 

Life is really full of surprises some we get to enjoy, some caught us in surprise.

The Light of Hope

Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.

-Anonymous

A ray of sunlight while lying inside my tent at Borawan Island

It's a bliss to wake up in the morning, knowing you're safe from a bumpy ocean ride . There's the ocean in front singing a lullaby at night and ticks as a clock to wake you up, the fresh air to breathe and the light of hope falling on my knees.

This is one of the days I woke up with so much gratitude in my blood stream. For every beat of my heart I am uttering prayers and at that very moment, I know life is precious and worth the living no matter how rough the road ahead is.