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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.