After going through pain and heartbreak, I just think I needed an deserved every bit of happiness I am feeling now. My mind and heart are floating up in the skies where I also draw my strength from.
Peace from within that flows out reaching through to every part of me. Happiness ate every corner. Smiles from me and the people that surrounds me.
I thank Thee for thy healing and for mending the broken and torn heart, soul and spirit of mine.
Today and always, may I continue to wear this smile on my face and be at peace knowing that you are not yet done writing my love story and that I am a work in progress.
mtniere
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Heart that Bleeds
Today, I will not be decoding what is on my heart as this blog name suggests. Today, it will be the contents of a bleeding heart which will be poured down onto this writing.
---
Like everyone would say, time is one element of life that should not be taken for granted. Once passed, it will never come back no matter how hard you would wish or want it to. The events of the past, exactly eight years ago, will only remain a memory of the past. As time has passed, I never knew I was still carrying all these emotional baggage with me. Feelings that I thought I had already let go with time, space and distance and now, I am not able to comprehend why I have to go through all the pain yet again.
Time and regrets, a lot of them really, came side by side and paid me a visit. Somehow, it was an unwelcome visitor. you had your share of regrets but believe me, i had mine too. Confessions of feelings and emotions that will never lead to anywhere. Reality strikes time and again and that reality will always be the one thing that will keep me from you.
Imaginations, wishes, dreams, reality, even regrets.. we will always share a few of them. But like you said, acceptance will be the key.. Maybe time, space and letting go will help cure my bleeding heart too.
I am hurting. I know you are too. Let's just keep the distance for now. Let time decide the fate of our lives.
Lastly, I wish there was some drug or medication I could take that will flush down all the heartaches and bleeding that I am feeling away, instantly.
mtniere
---
Like everyone would say, time is one element of life that should not be taken for granted. Once passed, it will never come back no matter how hard you would wish or want it to. The events of the past, exactly eight years ago, will only remain a memory of the past. As time has passed, I never knew I was still carrying all these emotional baggage with me. Feelings that I thought I had already let go with time, space and distance and now, I am not able to comprehend why I have to go through all the pain yet again.
Time and regrets, a lot of them really, came side by side and paid me a visit. Somehow, it was an unwelcome visitor. you had your share of regrets but believe me, i had mine too. Confessions of feelings and emotions that will never lead to anywhere. Reality strikes time and again and that reality will always be the one thing that will keep me from you.
Imaginations, wishes, dreams, reality, even regrets.. we will always share a few of them. But like you said, acceptance will be the key.. Maybe time, space and letting go will help cure my bleeding heart too.
I am hurting. I know you are too. Let's just keep the distance for now. Let time decide the fate of our lives.
Lastly, I wish there was some drug or medication I could take that will flush down all the heartaches and bleeding that I am feeling away, instantly.
mtniere
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Friendship and Zumba
June 4th, 2012
Today I share with you an-almost-a-decade of friendship
We write, worked, photographed together for quite a few times
Planted Cebu-endemic seedlings
And celebrated the lives we live
Years passed and things changed
But somehow there was still a connection of some sorts
Big thanks to the love of getting fit,
Zumba reunited us once again
Thanks for the love
Thanks for the support
Thanks for hearing me out each time something comes up
Thanks for an almost-a-decade of friendship!
mtniere
Today I share with you an-almost-a-decade of friendship
We write, worked, photographed together for quite a few times
Planted Cebu-endemic seedlings
And celebrated the lives we live
Years passed and things changed
But somehow there was still a connection of some sorts
Big thanks to the love of getting fit,
Zumba reunited us once again
Thanks for the love
Thanks for the support
Thanks for hearing me out each time something comes up
Thanks for an almost-a-decade of friendship!
mtniere
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Football Fascination
I vividly remember the days in college when I was taught a little bit of the sport and how it is played- even got to pass and play a real ball on the pitch a few times. I used to own a stuffed football which stayed in my room until the time when I played with it with friends. At one time, somebody (I do not intend on naming names here), offered to give it a wash after our pass-and-throw game, sine then I did not see that stuffed foozeball as we used to call it.
I thought that was the end of the love for football. But I guess I was wrong.
Years has gone past and never did I see or watch football matches- whether live or on TV- up until now.
Since the start of the year, I had gone on working at home and kind of having the liberty of my time. Although I know I am not getting as much as I would if I had a regular job, I am liking what I have been doing so far. Part of this is having more TV time than I know I should. Plus, I get all the distractions that I could. This is where football addiction comes in.
Since I am at home most of the time, I realized that I have watched too many football games in the past weeks. I guess it all started when I saw the friendly match between the men's Philippine Football team, otherwise know as the Philippine Azkals, and the Malaysian Tigers.
I had my eyes focused on the Philippine goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge, and how good he really was in defending the goal. He'd fly and dive just to protect the goal from the ball. Then, I started noticing how much the team had improved so well from their last matches. They've worked so hard from the trainings they got in Dubai. Oh, and that match ended up with a 1-1 draw.
Since then, I was on the look out for their game schedules, especially that the week after the match was the start of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Nepal. I knew I had to watch each game and cheer for them, even when I am just in the comforts of my own home and I had no one with me.
I was right in front of the TV set during the matches between North Korea, India and Tajikistan. I saw how hard they've played it out to against previous champs. I figured it wasn't just about Phil Younghusband or Angel Guirado, although they were the ones who made goals, but it was more of playing as a team and having the heart to represent the country.
I was furious that I had to be some place else during the game versus Turkmenistan for the semis. I didn't even get to see the game replay. I wanted to know how and why Neil Etheridge got his red card, Which was in itself, already bad news. Although they did not make it to the finals, my hopes were still high for the third place and I knew I had to see them play against Pakistan for the place at bronze.
I also realized that yellow cards and red cards is unavoidable sometimes, especially on a heated match, but all those that the coach placed as replacements of the suspended players stepped up to their and gave it all they've got.
For winning the bronze medal and Phil Younghusband being awarded the golden boot trophy, it truly was a great feeling of Pinoy Pride. It just has to end with well deserved cartwheels and happy victory dances.
Now back in the Philippines, my football fascination doesn't just end with AFC as I have just found a TV channel which airs some of the best football matches to watch in the United Football League or the UFL.
I have been watching a lot of football matches on TV, I do hope I'd get to see a live football match soon.
We all have our preference on what sport to support. Filipinos are, more than usual, lovers of basketball but we can still give that kind of support to our Philippine football. I heard once in an interview that we are closer to the ground than we are to the hoops. A little bit of support to the sport of Philippine football will go a long way.
My football fan mode continue on to twitter and facebook as I have followed some of our Philippine Azkals and the UFLPhilppines account. I have got to be in the know for game schedules and news.
One more thing, the UFL and the Philippine football supports the 'say no to racism' campaign, which I think is totally cool.
#Azkals #UFLPhilippines #PinoyPride
mtniere
I thought that was the end of the love for football. But I guess I was wrong.
Years has gone past and never did I see or watch football matches- whether live or on TV- up until now.
Since the start of the year, I had gone on working at home and kind of having the liberty of my time. Although I know I am not getting as much as I would if I had a regular job, I am liking what I have been doing so far. Part of this is having more TV time than I know I should. Plus, I get all the distractions that I could. This is where football addiction comes in.
Since I am at home most of the time, I realized that I have watched too many football games in the past weeks. I guess it all started when I saw the friendly match between the men's Philippine Football team, otherwise know as the Philippine Azkals, and the Malaysian Tigers.
I had my eyes focused on the Philippine goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge, and how good he really was in defending the goal. He'd fly and dive just to protect the goal from the ball. Then, I started noticing how much the team had improved so well from their last matches. They've worked so hard from the trainings they got in Dubai. Oh, and that match ended up with a 1-1 draw.
Since then, I was on the look out for their game schedules, especially that the week after the match was the start of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Nepal. I knew I had to watch each game and cheer for them, even when I am just in the comforts of my own home and I had no one with me.
I was right in front of the TV set during the matches between North Korea, India and Tajikistan. I saw how hard they've played it out to against previous champs. I figured it wasn't just about Phil Younghusband or Angel Guirado, although they were the ones who made goals, but it was more of playing as a team and having the heart to represent the country.
I was furious that I had to be some place else during the game versus Turkmenistan for the semis. I didn't even get to see the game replay. I wanted to know how and why Neil Etheridge got his red card, Which was in itself, already bad news. Although they did not make it to the finals, my hopes were still high for the third place and I knew I had to see them play against Pakistan for the place at bronze.
I also realized that yellow cards and red cards is unavoidable sometimes, especially on a heated match, but all those that the coach placed as replacements of the suspended players stepped up to their and gave it all they've got.
For winning the bronze medal and Phil Younghusband being awarded the golden boot trophy, it truly was a great feeling of Pinoy Pride. It just has to end with well deserved cartwheels and happy victory dances.
Now back in the Philippines, my football fascination doesn't just end with AFC as I have just found a TV channel which airs some of the best football matches to watch in the United Football League or the UFL.
I have been watching a lot of football matches on TV, I do hope I'd get to see a live football match soon.
We all have our preference on what sport to support. Filipinos are, more than usual, lovers of basketball but we can still give that kind of support to our Philippine football. I heard once in an interview that we are closer to the ground than we are to the hoops. A little bit of support to the sport of Philippine football will go a long way.
My football fan mode continue on to twitter and facebook as I have followed some of our Philippine Azkals and the UFLPhilppines account. I have got to be in the know for game schedules and news.
One more thing, the UFL and the Philippine football supports the 'say no to racism' campaign, which I think is totally cool.
#Azkals #UFLPhilippines #PinoyPride
mtniere
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Spicylicious Apettite
The whole Singaporean trip, for me, was an experience that leveled up my taste buds for spicy yet crave-satisfying food. I did not let the chance and the opportunity pass by and not be able to try different international dishes. And at almost all restaurants, hawkers, food stalls, food republic/ court that I went to, a small cup of seasoning with chilly is always present. And after two months, I have fallen in love with Korea's kimchi and kimchi soup and bibimbap or their version of mixed vegetables with ultimately spicy paste.
The Indian prata and curry sauce is a must-taste. Luckily, my uncle's place where I stayed at for three weeks was only four bus stops away from The Prata Place at Yio Chu Kang road going to Serrangoon Interchange. And since friends tease me of having a non functioning sense of smell, going to Little India wasn't such a big deal, plus it was only a bus and a train ride away from our place. The place my parents and I stayed at for the first two weeks was also a few steps away from an authentic Indian restaurant where we were treated to dinner after a day at the East Coast Park.
I have always fancied on eating Japanese food, with or without wasabi. Trips at the Liang court food place at Clarke Quay with a friend almost became a weekly event. I also get a bowl of Japanese ramen at food republic in the abscence of my Kimchi soup bowl. :)
Of course there are other Asian dishes that had contributed to the fact that I have loved eating spicy, mouth-watering food. There are those cheap food stalls at Chinatown, the Malaysian satay I was treated to a few days before my return to the Philippines, the Singaporean scallop with veggie dish and a lot more.
Now back in Cebu for almost two months and a half, I have missed eating my side dish of Kimchi an Kimchi soup. But the internet have become so helpful to me in satisfying yet another craving. I have searched and thankfully found the ingredients and procedures on how to create my homemade and own version of Kimchi :) and just for tonight, on hearts' day, I had a soup bowl of hot and ultimately spicy Kimchi soup!! :)
Additionally, lately I have found myself to be drawn to international cook books. hhhm, cheers to more experiments and cooking!!
mtniere
The Indian prata and curry sauce is a must-taste. Luckily, my uncle's place where I stayed at for three weeks was only four bus stops away from The Prata Place at Yio Chu Kang road going to Serrangoon Interchange. And since friends tease me of having a non functioning sense of smell, going to Little India wasn't such a big deal, plus it was only a bus and a train ride away from our place. The place my parents and I stayed at for the first two weeks was also a few steps away from an authentic Indian restaurant where we were treated to dinner after a day at the East Coast Park.
I have always fancied on eating Japanese food, with or without wasabi. Trips at the Liang court food place at Clarke Quay with a friend almost became a weekly event. I also get a bowl of Japanese ramen at food republic in the abscence of my Kimchi soup bowl. :)
Of course there are other Asian dishes that had contributed to the fact that I have loved eating spicy, mouth-watering food. There are those cheap food stalls at Chinatown, the Malaysian satay I was treated to a few days before my return to the Philippines, the Singaporean scallop with veggie dish and a lot more.
Now back in Cebu for almost two months and a half, I have missed eating my side dish of Kimchi an Kimchi soup. But the internet have become so helpful to me in satisfying yet another craving. I have searched and thankfully found the ingredients and procedures on how to create my homemade and own version of Kimchi :) and just for tonight, on hearts' day, I had a soup bowl of hot and ultimately spicy Kimchi soup!! :)
Additionally, lately I have found myself to be drawn to international cook books. hhhm, cheers to more experiments and cooking!!
mtniere
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
2011 Recap part 1
It has been over a year that I have written anything here and I will not be able to recall all that has happened in the past year, but i think I will be able to pull of a recap of 2011. So here goes..
2011 was a year of many travels and changes for me and the entire family.
At almost each month of the year, I go out of town or out of the country. How traveling became a trend started in November of 2010 when the family flew to Hong kong for a four day stay. It was also a time to be together as a family before my sister finally tied the knot.
Some of these travels were my first and some were my seconds while the others, I have been to for quite a few times already.
February of 2011 was the mark of my traveling year when the TV program I worked for sailed to the Camotes Island, the island across Danao City. We featured the caves and delicacies of the town of Tudela and the famous Lake Danao of the Municipality of San Francisco. We were at the island from 11th to the 13th of February.
We nearly had one full day to prepare for my first trip abroad with
friends when Nikko, Kuya Vlad and I flew to Singapore on the 15th and
toured the country until the 20th. Each day in Singapore was spent in
discovering new places and a lot of food trips. First stop was lunch at Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, then, of
course, the very famous Marina Bay Sands Singapore, The Shoppes at
Marina Bay, the Orchard Road and the Bugis Street.
Another very famous attraction in the country was our destination on the third day, 17th Feb. All four of us were up early and were very excited to see the Universal Studios Singapore or USS. We saw impersonations of Marilyn Monroe and Mary Pauline in Hollywood, the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster in the Sci Fi City, Puss in Boots, Donkey, Princess Fiona and Shrek in their castle in Far Far Away, huge dinosaurs at Jurassic Park, the Revenge of the Mummy and 'Egyptians' in Ancient Egypt, the spectacular show of fireworks and waterworks at the Waterworld, and finally, the animals of Madagascar. And to end the night, we watched yet another spectacular display of lights, fireworks, animation and effects at the nearby shores facing the seas of Resorts World Sentosa, as we marveled at the show of The Songs of the Sea.
Our tour guide had to go to work on our fourth day, 18th Feb, so we had to go to other places on our own now. We met at Bugis Street and went on our separate ways. She took the train to Marina Bay while we headed to Vivo City and took the cable car ride to Sentosa. My second cable car ride, their first. We went around and took pictures for a while and decided to return to the city shortly after. The skies were darkening on our way back so we went to the Suntec City to watch another show of lights and water effects on their Fountain of Wealth at Suntec Tower 3. After the show, we found ourselves getting lost as we searched for the very famous Helix Bridge, which connects their Business District to The Shoppes at Marina Bay, which in turn, connects to MBSS
Half of the 19th of Feb and our fifth day was spent at Little India, we were their for only half of the day because my friends could not take in the smell of the place. We only got to see the biggest Hindu temple and ate at an Indian restaurant and then went off to Suntec City Mall to meet Kuya Vlad's friends and had afternoon snacks with them. For our last minute 'pasalubong' shoppings and while waiting for Steph, we went to Bugis Street at the Bugis Junction. The best thing that happened to our Singapore tour was when, on our last night, we got inside the Skypark at MBSS and had the opportunity to take a swim at their infinity pool and be served drinks an hot choco.
It was finally time to head home on the sixth day, 20th Feb. Our flight back to Cebu was at 11:30am and got to Cebu at around 3 in the afternoon.
My February 2011.. in Camotes Island and in Singapore :)
March 13, we were at Boljoon to celebrate the lives of Lolo Beding and Lola Felisa on their death anniversaries which is only four days a part. A Holy Mass was offered in their memory then lunch followed at Lolo's house with relatives from the town, city, and nearby Oslob town and with Uncle Bo and Auntie Ta from the States. The next day, we drove back to the city with a million stop over at Argao in preparation for my sister's wedding day.
Just a week had passed and I was packing to travel again. This time, our team of researchers, reporters and cameramen visited the town of Canlaon in Negros Oriental, a six hour bus and barge ride away from Cebu city. So on the 18th of March at 5:30 in the morning, the team met at the North Bus Terminal for a two-hour bus ride to Toledo City. From Toledo City we took an hour barge trip to San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, finally the last leg of the trip was a 45 minute to one- hour bus ride to Canlaon, Negros Oriental. Officials from the local tourism office met us at their terminal and took us on our courtesy call to the Tourism Office and the Office of the Mayor.
Our job started after we had our things settled at the F an C
Guesthouse. First stop was at a Guest house called 'Villa Jose', owned
by a former City Mayor and made of scrap woods and located right in the
middle of the city. Some rooms in the guest house will give visitors a
picturesque view of Mt. Kanlaon, the City's famous volcano. OISCA farm
was next after the tour of the Villa. It was a joint project of the city
and Japan where flowers famous of Canlaon and bred and preserved.
Canlaon and the OISCA farm is rich in both flora an fauna
Right in the middle of a huge lot and just few minutes away from the farm stands a century old Balete Tree. locals say that the huge tree is mysterious and that about 45 people is needed for the whole tree to be embraced. And before returning to the city proper, we stopped by their Vermi culture farm where worms are bred to decompose biodegradable wasets and turns them into fertilizers.
Finally, before turning the lights off for the day, we covered the
city's battle of the bands, an event which makes up a part of their
annual fiesta celebration.
The next day, our first stop was the uptown market. Canlaon, as they say, is the vegetable basket of Negros Oriental. Well, I guess they have lived up to their name with farms of vegetation all over the city plus the cool, breezy and cold weather they have.
My most memorable and favorite part of the whole Canlaon adventure. Imagine me wearing a dress and riding a motorcycle going up the mountain on muddy ground and walking for about an hour to the higher ups on the mountain just to get to the magnificent Sudlon1 Falls! The trip, including climbing rocks, going through the 'lasang' and seeing wild berries and flowers, was all worth it when we finally marveled and gazed upon the beauty of the waters cascading down from the mountains! It wasn't easy but it was worth taking the challenge of an escapade. It was one moment that will forever me carved into my memories. On the way back to the city, we chance upon farmers who just came from harvesting fully grown eggplants. Because there was an abundance of eggplants in the city, we bought kilos and kilos at a price you will not be able to find in the markets of Cebu City. It was really cheap!!
The other team from Cebu had arrived and the team was split into two
after lunch. The 'advance party' group minus me, went to another falls
called 'Padudusan'. While, I went to the street dancing/ rituals and
showdown of the city's fiesta celebration know as 'Pasayaw Festival'
which means 'Pasalamat Agi sa Pagsayaw' or 'Thanksgiving by way of
Dancing'. Barangays of the city prepared to compete in rituals and in
dance. After the celebration, we were treated to some desserts at a
house beside our guest house.
Pasayaw Festival Contingent
On the last day, the two teams split again. While the other was finish a feature story, the other was finishing the host's spiels. After doing the last features story, we still ha little time to visit the church and do vegetable chopping at the uptown market.
Finally, it was time to take on the six-hour trip back home.
March recap, Boljoon and Canlaon city in Negros Oriental :)
On the first week of April 2011, it was yet another time to pack and be on the rode again. This time, our destination was Siquijor, the island of mystique and mysticism, yet again. It was just a year ago when i first step foot up Siquijor's enticing shores. It is also known for different rituals, potions, faith healers especially when Holy Week is nearing.
This time, I was with old and new faces. And we were there not for heavy issues but for light features of the island. The trip was tiring, as usual, but happy and fun all at the same time.
First stop was at what will meet visitors form the pier, the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi at Siquijor, Siquijor, its belfry and museum. We became in search of souvenir shops which sells love potions used to entice a romantic relationship with another individual and we found one right at the center of the town.
The town of San Juan was our next stop which had the abundance of water and a meters-wide public spring park named Capilay's. On top of the hill overlooking the spring park is the Saint Augustine Church. The town is also famous for white sand beaches and resorts where tourists would go to. The team had a guided tour to one of Siquijor's most expensive resorts, the Coco Grove Beach resort. It was truly a world class hotel, complete with beautiful amenities. One newly discovered destination in San Juan is the Lugnasok Falls. A 30-minute walk the hill will lead you to this magnificent work of God. It was another great opportunity to be one with nature and for photo ops.:) Lastly, a smaller team of four went to see the 'faith healing' powers of a respected man named Renato Gonzaga. They witnessed people flock to his residence to seek alternative forms of healing, while the other reporter and I slept our way through an hour of waiting. Dinner at the Castaways came next before our guide from the tourism office brought us to Paraiso Beach Resort, our home for the whole stay in Siquijor. And at long last, it was time to freshen up from the long day's work and from traveling from the city of Cebu to the town of Santander then Dumaguete then Siquijor. It was just a time to chill for a while with a bottle of liquor and a bag of chips and we talked about some ghost stories not worth remembering. After a little time to rest, we all decided to walk down the dark road and head on to a place of partying and disco. A perk for people like us would be free entrance to the place so long as we have our camera in hand plus some foreigner treated us to bottles of beer. And when party was finally over, we were given a ride back to our resort. And then we just called it a day.
The next day was more intense as we had more places to visit/
go to and feature. Another form of faith healing we discovered early the
next day was bolo-bolo where Nang Conching, the faith healer, would
blow onto a glass of clear water with a special stone using a straw. She
goes through the hold body doing this. After the bolo bolo experience
of some of my teammates, we went on our way to one of the famous makers
of herbal medicines and love potions which was at Lily Tatong's in the
town of Lazi. The makers of these herbal medicines showed us a sample of
how they do it and explained different kinds of potions and 'panguntra' to us.
The next stop was at Paradise Bay where we had a boat ride treat onto their pristine and clear blue waters. The hotness of the sun couldn't hinder me from enjoying the beautiful sights of the waters and the island.
After the boat ride, we went to visit the oldest and
biggest Church in the whole of Siquijor and in Asia, The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent in the town of Lazi. And still in the town of Lazi, we walked down a hundred steps to see the awesomeness of the Cambugahay Falls. It was truly wonderful to see waters as it cascaded from on top and flowed down to its basin.
We continued on and got to the Our Lady of Divine Providence in Maria and dropped by the Poor Claire Monastery of the same town. Finally, for lunch we were treated to a sumptuous lunch at Salagdoong Beach in Maria. The place was government owned whose name means 'bird's nest' or Salag is nest and Doong is the name of a species of a bird. Our host also shot a few of her intro/extro spiels on the shores and on a rock of Salagdoong. One false step on the rock formation and people will have to rescue you from the waters below which was 15-20 feet away.
After lunch and as we head back to our hotel, we passed by the Cang-isok Old hose, said to be inhabited by the oldest persons of Siquijor. We also just passed by Mount Carmel Church at Enrique Villanueva and the Saint Vincent Church in Larena since it was already getting dark. Dinner was at the party place some 20 minute walk away from Paraiso Beach.
On the third and last day and before we head home, we went back to the 'bolo-bolo' healer for spiels, then to the herbal medicines for spiels and story finishes. We went up a place called Triad, said to be the highest place in Siquijor where you can see the whole island. Our host attempted to have her final spiels there but the place was too windy that the crew decided to let it go and look for some place else. So that 'some place else' just happened to be the Saint Francis of Assisi Church of Siquijor, Siquijor which was also across the port that will take us to home.
After completing everything, we were brought to the port and took the trip back to Dumaguete. From Dumaguete, we had to take another ferry trip to mainland Cebu but the waves was just so strong. Through the swaying ferry, we got to Cebu and took the road trip to the city.
Before the month of April ended, I had yet to travel to Boljoon. This time I was to attended a gandfather's sister's wake who passed away in Australia but was buried in her hometown. April 16 was to be the first among many sleepless nights. It was the first day that I had to stay up until 3am at the wake of Lola Fe. It was also the first day of the Holy Week.
The next day, Monday April 17th, before heading back to the wake, papa and I went snorkeling for a while and then headed to the town to attend the wake, until 3 in the morning again. And the same thing just happened on the third day save that we went to the plaza to avail of their internet.
On the fourth day of the wake, I stayed up to 4 in the morning and half asleep, half not joined in the 'Alba' prayers. Then I slept in the room at 5am and woke up at 7 in the morning to sit/ lay down and sleep in the van with Mnaoy Charry and Jude for our trip back to the city.
I got home at 10am just to see my cousins from Manila who were here for the funeral. So just when I got home, they were leaving for Boljoon. :( Before doing anything else, I had to catch up on my sleep for just a while, which I did before heading on to the station for a 3pm meeting. After the meeting, I just had a quick dinner with friends until 10 in the evening. I got home only to change clothes, pack up my back of clothes for another weekend trip. WHEW!!
The scheduled trip at 1 am of Thursday, April 21st was moved to 3 am because of the rain and the unprepared people, so my colleague and I just waited at home and grabbed a few more hour of sleep while waiting to be fetched.
The team was on the road again, this time we were headed to Hagnaya in Bogo, the Northern part of Cebu. It was a 2 hour drive and we got their at around 5am, just about enough time for us to buy our tickets and the ticket for the pick up and to have it parked inside the barge that will take us to Bantayan Island.
At about an hour after, we got to Bantayan Island. Our tour guide made us make a courtesy call at the Bantayan Municipal Hall. We left shortly after and headed on to Madredejos, to one of our team member's relative just to have breakfast. After eating and meeting her relatives, we went to a place near their shores where their dried fishes are and what its symbolism to the town meant. Then we went back to Bantayan and did our shoot on the island's growing poultry industry.
The barangay captain, which was the owner of the farm, prepared lunch for us which was every good. After lunch, the real work started when we split into two team so that we could cover a lot more for our Bantayan episode.
I was with a team of three: a cameraman, a reporter and me plus the driver that was provided for us. Our assignment was to cover the Church activities, get a scheduled interview with Msgr. Antonio Medida, the Parish Priest (who happened to be a Boljoanon and my dad's classmate back in the day), the life size Karosas which were decorated and adorned by the families of Bantayan and the Bistihon, a tradition of the Bantayanons to dress little kids as saints and walk them through the procession.We also covered the 'festive mode' of the plaza as it was already Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper of Christ. Lastly, we waited until the Holy Mass ended and the procession of the life sized Karosas and the children dressed as saints began. The part where people await for is the 'ilog' of the adorned flowers from the Karosas. After the procession was done, we got the chance to interview the parish priest, Msgr. Antonio Medida. I asked him if he remembered my dad and he said yes and the other people in the convent started mentioning some of my dad's siblings. :)
The parish priest explained why the people of Bantayan were allowed to cook and serve meat during the Holy Week, most especially during Good Friday. He also explained the 'festive mode' of the town during this times contrary to other places in the Philippines when we solemnly observe the Holy week.
The team deserved a sumptuous seafood dinner the Bantayan style after the whole day trip and coverage which kuya Jun Solon provided us when he invited the team for dinner at their house.
After dinner, I took time to rest as I was not feeling well already. My entire body felt weak and my throat was sore already as if it was telling me that it was payback time after all of those sleepless nights. kuya Jun Solon was kind enough to get me some Paracetamol medicines. I slept with a slight fever, I woke up with a fever that on the second day of our Bantayan coverage, I was not able to do any field work.
After breakfast, the team just left me at the place we were staying and I had the time to grab some sleep for half of the day. At about noontime, half of the team came back for me and I went with them for the rest of the day. Luckily, all they went to was a mangrove farm being developed by the same barangay captain we were with the day before.
We boarded a small bangka, which almost drowned us, so we could cover and take a video footage of the other parts of the mangrove. After the mangrove farm, the whole team met and went to visit the Santo Entierro at the chapel of the family that was taking care of it.
We left Bantayan after dinner at the house of the Santo Entierro caretaker and headed down to the town of Santa Fe. We stayed at one the house of one of our team member's relative who was at mainland Cebu then. After getting settled, we headed to the famous Sugar Beach where people were chilling out at. We looked for a spot in the vast shoreline because a lot of people were already camping out at and the shore was already crowded. We just stayed there until 3 in the morning. People were partying with drinks and some were dancing, it didn't seem like it was Good Friday at all! Henna tattoos artists were also spotted at the shores of Sugar beach.
Our Bantayan coverage was almost over and we didn't have any place else to go on our third day. So instead of spending it at the beach again, we headed on to the town of Bantayan again and rested at the mangrove farm where cottages where built around some parts of it.
We went back to the town of Madredejos for the very yummy lunch as we were served seafood again. We had an arrangement with the town of Santa Fe's officials that they were going to take us to the Virgin Island in the afternoon. So after lunch we headed down to the meeting place and we boarded a bangka which took us to this privately owned island across Santa Fe. Our guide showed us the part of the island were a bangka with Koreans drowned some few years back. Our coverage included the island and we had some free time to dive into the waters and took underwater pictures with my camera.
After Virgin Island, we went back to Santa Fe and had an interview with the town official at the Seaview Hotel where they offered us a room to stay for the night before we all head back to mainland Cebu at 5am the next day.
We all took our showers and prepared our bags and equipment before heading to bed as we were going to wake up at 4:30am so we'd be at the pier in time for our 5am boat trip to Hagnaya in Bogo. It was already drizzling a bit when we left Bantayan Island and while we were in the boat. The rain stopped for a while but when we reached the next town, it rained so hard that the people at the back of the pick up and our equipment got wet. We had to stop at the next gas station to let the people come inside with the box of the camera and we transferred all the bags inside to the back. It was worth letting our bags get wet than the people getting sick. We got to Danao and had breakfast at the fish market before driving down to the city.
I went down near Bago-ong Dan and rode a jeep that took me to the south bus terminal. I promised Lola Fe and my relatives that I will catch up and be in Boljoon on her burial day. So from Bantayan Island to Bogo to Danao to the city to Boljoon, all in one day!! whew!! I got to the terminal and boarded a bus that took me to Boljoon with a very slow driving driver!! I went down in front of Lola's house just in time when Lola's coffin was being brought down from the house.
But wait, I can't join in the funeral procession yet! I was not dressed for a burial day. I just had a blue spaghetti-strapped dress on so I had to rush in the house and change clothes before I ran to the way where the church was amidst the rain!! I was able to catch up with the procession before they got to the church. So I was able to attend Lola Fe's funeral up to the cemetery.
After Lola Fe's burial, we rested and prepared for a night of bonding with family and relatives.
My uncle wished to travel back to the city right away, on the same day. I had to protest saying that I can't travel no more. I can't do a from North to South and back again in one day. He agreed and we all traveled back to the city the next day.
And that was how my April 2011 went: in Siquijor, Banatayan Island and Boljoon.
:)
mtniere
2011 was a year of many travels and changes for me and the entire family.
At almost each month of the year, I go out of town or out of the country. How traveling became a trend started in November of 2010 when the family flew to Hong kong for a four day stay. It was also a time to be together as a family before my sister finally tied the knot.
Some of these travels were my first and some were my seconds while the others, I have been to for quite a few times already.
February of 2011 was the mark of my traveling year when the TV program I worked for sailed to the Camotes Island, the island across Danao City. We featured the caves and delicacies of the town of Tudela and the famous Lake Danao of the Municipality of San Francisco. We were at the island from 11th to the 13th of February.
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| Tudela, Cebu |
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| Mangudloong Beach, Tudela |
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| San Francisco, Camotes |
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| Orchard Road |
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| The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands |
Chinatown was the next stop on the second day, 16th Feb. With our
Singapore-based friend, we walked through the country's Civic and
Business District, to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay then to Esplanade. Then
dinner was at an eat all you can seafood restaurant at the East Coast
Park and finally, cans of Philippine and Thai beer at the shores of the
ECP to cap the day.
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| Chinatown |
Another very famous attraction in the country was our destination on the third day, 17th Feb. All four of us were up early and were very excited to see the Universal Studios Singapore or USS. We saw impersonations of Marilyn Monroe and Mary Pauline in Hollywood, the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster in the Sci Fi City, Puss in Boots, Donkey, Princess Fiona and Shrek in their castle in Far Far Away, huge dinosaurs at Jurassic Park, the Revenge of the Mummy and 'Egyptians' in Ancient Egypt, the spectacular show of fireworks and waterworks at the Waterworld, and finally, the animals of Madagascar. And to end the night, we watched yet another spectacular display of lights, fireworks, animation and effects at the nearby shores facing the seas of Resorts World Sentosa, as we marveled at the show of The Songs of the Sea.
Our tour guide had to go to work on our fourth day, 18th Feb, so we had to go to other places on our own now. We met at Bugis Street and went on our separate ways. She took the train to Marina Bay while we headed to Vivo City and took the cable car ride to Sentosa. My second cable car ride, their first. We went around and took pictures for a while and decided to return to the city shortly after. The skies were darkening on our way back so we went to the Suntec City to watch another show of lights and water effects on their Fountain of Wealth at Suntec Tower 3. After the show, we found ourselves getting lost as we searched for the very famous Helix Bridge, which connects their Business District to The Shoppes at Marina Bay, which in turn, connects to MBSS
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| Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City |
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| The Merlion at Sentosa |
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| Hindu Temple at Chinatown |
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| Marina Bay Sands Singapore |
Half of the 19th of Feb and our fifth day was spent at Little India, we were their for only half of the day because my friends could not take in the smell of the place. We only got to see the biggest Hindu temple and ate at an Indian restaurant and then went off to Suntec City Mall to meet Kuya Vlad's friends and had afternoon snacks with them. For our last minute 'pasalubong' shoppings and while waiting for Steph, we went to Bugis Street at the Bugis Junction. The best thing that happened to our Singapore tour was when, on our last night, we got inside the Skypark at MBSS and had the opportunity to take a swim at their infinity pool and be served drinks an hot choco.
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| Daytime at the Skypark at The Marina Bay |
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| Night Sky at the Skypark |
It was finally time to head home on the sixth day, 20th Feb. Our flight back to Cebu was at 11:30am and got to Cebu at around 3 in the afternoon.
My February 2011.. in Camotes Island and in Singapore :)
March 13, we were at Boljoon to celebrate the lives of Lolo Beding and Lola Felisa on their death anniversaries which is only four days a part. A Holy Mass was offered in their memory then lunch followed at Lolo's house with relatives from the town, city, and nearby Oslob town and with Uncle Bo and Auntie Ta from the States. The next day, we drove back to the city with a million stop over at Argao in preparation for my sister's wedding day.
Just a week had passed and I was packing to travel again. This time, our team of researchers, reporters and cameramen visited the town of Canlaon in Negros Oriental, a six hour bus and barge ride away from Cebu city. So on the 18th of March at 5:30 in the morning, the team met at the North Bus Terminal for a two-hour bus ride to Toledo City. From Toledo City we took an hour barge trip to San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, finally the last leg of the trip was a 45 minute to one- hour bus ride to Canlaon, Negros Oriental. Officials from the local tourism office met us at their terminal and took us on our courtesy call to the Tourism Office and the Office of the Mayor.
Right in the middle of a huge lot and just few minutes away from the farm stands a century old Balete Tree. locals say that the huge tree is mysterious and that about 45 people is needed for the whole tree to be embraced. And before returning to the city proper, we stopped by their Vermi culture farm where worms are bred to decompose biodegradable wasets and turns them into fertilizers.
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| Balete Tree, Canlaon City |
The next day, our first stop was the uptown market. Canlaon, as they say, is the vegetable basket of Negros Oriental. Well, I guess they have lived up to their name with farms of vegetation all over the city plus the cool, breezy and cold weather they have.
My most memorable and favorite part of the whole Canlaon adventure. Imagine me wearing a dress and riding a motorcycle going up the mountain on muddy ground and walking for about an hour to the higher ups on the mountain just to get to the magnificent Sudlon1 Falls! The trip, including climbing rocks, going through the 'lasang' and seeing wild berries and flowers, was all worth it when we finally marveled and gazed upon the beauty of the waters cascading down from the mountains! It wasn't easy but it was worth taking the challenge of an escapade. It was one moment that will forever me carved into my memories. On the way back to the city, we chance upon farmers who just came from harvesting fully grown eggplants. Because there was an abundance of eggplants in the city, we bought kilos and kilos at a price you will not be able to find in the markets of Cebu City. It was really cheap!!
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| The long journey to Sudlon 1 Falls |
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| the real Farmville |
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| Sudlon 1 Falls |
The other team from Cebu had arrived and the team was split into two
after lunch. The 'advance party' group minus me, went to another falls
called 'Padudusan'. While, I went to the street dancing/ rituals and
showdown of the city's fiesta celebration know as 'Pasayaw Festival'
which means 'Pasalamat Agi sa Pagsayaw' or 'Thanksgiving by way of
Dancing'. Barangays of the city prepared to compete in rituals and in
dance. After the celebration, we were treated to some desserts at a
house beside our guest house.
Pasayaw Festival Contingent
On the last day, the two teams split again. While the other was finish a feature story, the other was finishing the host's spiels. After doing the last features story, we still ha little time to visit the church and do vegetable chopping at the uptown market.
Finally, it was time to take on the six-hour trip back home.
March recap, Boljoon and Canlaon city in Negros Oriental :)
On the first week of April 2011, it was yet another time to pack and be on the rode again. This time, our destination was Siquijor, the island of mystique and mysticism, yet again. It was just a year ago when i first step foot up Siquijor's enticing shores. It is also known for different rituals, potions, faith healers especially when Holy Week is nearing.
This time, I was with old and new faces. And we were there not for heavy issues but for light features of the island. The trip was tiring, as usual, but happy and fun all at the same time.
First stop was at what will meet visitors form the pier, the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi at Siquijor, Siquijor, its belfry and museum. We became in search of souvenir shops which sells love potions used to entice a romantic relationship with another individual and we found one right at the center of the town.
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| Welcome to Siquijor |
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| the team at Siquijor with our tour guide |
The town of San Juan was our next stop which had the abundance of water and a meters-wide public spring park named Capilay's. On top of the hill overlooking the spring park is the Saint Augustine Church. The town is also famous for white sand beaches and resorts where tourists would go to. The team had a guided tour to one of Siquijor's most expensive resorts, the Coco Grove Beach resort. It was truly a world class hotel, complete with beautiful amenities. One newly discovered destination in San Juan is the Lugnasok Falls. A 30-minute walk the hill will lead you to this magnificent work of God. It was another great opportunity to be one with nature and for photo ops.:) Lastly, a smaller team of four went to see the 'faith healing' powers of a respected man named Renato Gonzaga. They witnessed people flock to his residence to seek alternative forms of healing, while the other reporter and I slept our way through an hour of waiting. Dinner at the Castaways came next before our guide from the tourism office brought us to Paraiso Beach Resort, our home for the whole stay in Siquijor. And at long last, it was time to freshen up from the long day's work and from traveling from the city of Cebu to the town of Santander then Dumaguete then Siquijor. It was just a time to chill for a while with a bottle of liquor and a bag of chips and we talked about some ghost stories not worth remembering. After a little time to rest, we all decided to walk down the dark road and head on to a place of partying and disco. A perk for people like us would be free entrance to the place so long as we have our camera in hand plus some foreigner treated us to bottles of beer. And when party was finally over, we were given a ride back to our resort. And then we just called it a day.
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| Coco Grove Resort, San Juan |
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| Capilay Spring Park, San Juan |
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| Lugnasok Falls |
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| Lily, the love potion maker |
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| Paradise Bay |
After the boat ride, we went to visit the oldest and
biggest Church in the whole of Siquijor and in Asia, The San Isidro Labrador Church and Convent in the town of Lazi. And still in the town of Lazi, we walked down a hundred steps to see the awesomeness of the Cambugahay Falls. It was truly wonderful to see waters as it cascaded from on top and flowed down to its basin.
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| San Isidro Church, Lazi |
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| San Isidro Convent, Lazi |
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| Cambugahay Fal |
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| Camugahay Falls, Lazi |
After lunch and as we head back to our hotel, we passed by the Cang-isok Old hose, said to be inhabited by the oldest persons of Siquijor. We also just passed by Mount Carmel Church at Enrique Villanueva and the Saint Vincent Church in Larena since it was already getting dark. Dinner was at the party place some 20 minute walk away from Paraiso Beach.
On the third and last day and before we head home, we went back to the 'bolo-bolo' healer for spiels, then to the herbal medicines for spiels and story finishes. We went up a place called Triad, said to be the highest place in Siquijor where you can see the whole island. Our host attempted to have her final spiels there but the place was too windy that the crew decided to let it go and look for some place else. So that 'some place else' just happened to be the Saint Francis of Assisi Church of Siquijor, Siquijor which was also across the port that will take us to home.
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| The Triad |
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| At The Triad |
Before the month of April ended, I had yet to travel to Boljoon. This time I was to attended a gandfather's sister's wake who passed away in Australia but was buried in her hometown. April 16 was to be the first among many sleepless nights. It was the first day that I had to stay up until 3am at the wake of Lola Fe. It was also the first day of the Holy Week.
The next day, Monday April 17th, before heading back to the wake, papa and I went snorkeling for a while and then headed to the town to attend the wake, until 3 in the morning again. And the same thing just happened on the third day save that we went to the plaza to avail of their internet.
On the fourth day of the wake, I stayed up to 4 in the morning and half asleep, half not joined in the 'Alba' prayers. Then I slept in the room at 5am and woke up at 7 in the morning to sit/ lay down and sleep in the van with Mnaoy Charry and Jude for our trip back to the city.
I got home at 10am just to see my cousins from Manila who were here for the funeral. So just when I got home, they were leaving for Boljoon. :( Before doing anything else, I had to catch up on my sleep for just a while, which I did before heading on to the station for a 3pm meeting. After the meeting, I just had a quick dinner with friends until 10 in the evening. I got home only to change clothes, pack up my back of clothes for another weekend trip. WHEW!!
The scheduled trip at 1 am of Thursday, April 21st was moved to 3 am because of the rain and the unprepared people, so my colleague and I just waited at home and grabbed a few more hour of sleep while waiting to be fetched.
The team was on the road again, this time we were headed to Hagnaya in Bogo, the Northern part of Cebu. It was a 2 hour drive and we got their at around 5am, just about enough time for us to buy our tickets and the ticket for the pick up and to have it parked inside the barge that will take us to Bantayan Island.
At about an hour after, we got to Bantayan Island. Our tour guide made us make a courtesy call at the Bantayan Municipal Hall. We left shortly after and headed on to Madredejos, to one of our team member's relative just to have breakfast. After eating and meeting her relatives, we went to a place near their shores where their dried fishes are and what its symbolism to the town meant. Then we went back to Bantayan and did our shoot on the island's growing poultry industry.
The barangay captain, which was the owner of the farm, prepared lunch for us which was every good. After lunch, the real work started when we split into two team so that we could cover a lot more for our Bantayan episode.
I was with a team of three: a cameraman, a reporter and me plus the driver that was provided for us. Our assignment was to cover the Church activities, get a scheduled interview with Msgr. Antonio Medida, the Parish Priest (who happened to be a Boljoanon and my dad's classmate back in the day), the life size Karosas which were decorated and adorned by the families of Bantayan and the Bistihon, a tradition of the Bantayanons to dress little kids as saints and walk them through the procession.We also covered the 'festive mode' of the plaza as it was already Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper of Christ. Lastly, we waited until the Holy Mass ended and the procession of the life sized Karosas and the children dressed as saints began. The part where people await for is the 'ilog' of the adorned flowers from the Karosas. After the procession was done, we got the chance to interview the parish priest, Msgr. Antonio Medida. I asked him if he remembered my dad and he said yes and the other people in the convent started mentioning some of my dad's siblings. :)
The parish priest explained why the people of Bantayan were allowed to cook and serve meat during the Holy Week, most especially during Good Friday. He also explained the 'festive mode' of the town during this times contrary to other places in the Philippines when we solemnly observe the Holy week.
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| The Santo Entierro |
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| Saints Peter and Paul Parish |
The team deserved a sumptuous seafood dinner the Bantayan style after the whole day trip and coverage which kuya Jun Solon provided us when he invited the team for dinner at their house.
After dinner, I took time to rest as I was not feeling well already. My entire body felt weak and my throat was sore already as if it was telling me that it was payback time after all of those sleepless nights. kuya Jun Solon was kind enough to get me some Paracetamol medicines. I slept with a slight fever, I woke up with a fever that on the second day of our Bantayan coverage, I was not able to do any field work.
After breakfast, the team just left me at the place we were staying and I had the time to grab some sleep for half of the day. At about noontime, half of the team came back for me and I went with them for the rest of the day. Luckily, all they went to was a mangrove farm being developed by the same barangay captain we were with the day before.
We boarded a small bangka, which almost drowned us, so we could cover and take a video footage of the other parts of the mangrove. After the mangrove farm, the whole team met and went to visit the Santo Entierro at the chapel of the family that was taking care of it.
We left Bantayan after dinner at the house of the Santo Entierro caretaker and headed down to the town of Santa Fe. We stayed at one the house of one of our team member's relative who was at mainland Cebu then. After getting settled, we headed to the famous Sugar Beach where people were chilling out at. We looked for a spot in the vast shoreline because a lot of people were already camping out at and the shore was already crowded. We just stayed there until 3 in the morning. People were partying with drinks and some were dancing, it didn't seem like it was Good Friday at all! Henna tattoos artists were also spotted at the shores of Sugar beach.
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| the stars on my leg from Santa Fe |
We went back to the town of Madredejos for the very yummy lunch as we were served seafood again. We had an arrangement with the town of Santa Fe's officials that they were going to take us to the Virgin Island in the afternoon. So after lunch we headed down to the meeting place and we boarded a bangka which took us to this privately owned island across Santa Fe. Our guide showed us the part of the island were a bangka with Koreans drowned some few years back. Our coverage included the island and we had some free time to dive into the waters and took underwater pictures with my camera.
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| Virgin Island, Santa Fe |
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| Under the sea at Virgin Island |
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| from Santa Fe to the Virgin Island |
After Virgin Island, we went back to Santa Fe and had an interview with the town official at the Seaview Hotel where they offered us a room to stay for the night before we all head back to mainland Cebu at 5am the next day.
We all took our showers and prepared our bags and equipment before heading to bed as we were going to wake up at 4:30am so we'd be at the pier in time for our 5am boat trip to Hagnaya in Bogo. It was already drizzling a bit when we left Bantayan Island and while we were in the boat. The rain stopped for a while but when we reached the next town, it rained so hard that the people at the back of the pick up and our equipment got wet. We had to stop at the next gas station to let the people come inside with the box of the camera and we transferred all the bags inside to the back. It was worth letting our bags get wet than the people getting sick. We got to Danao and had breakfast at the fish market before driving down to the city.
I went down near Bago-ong Dan and rode a jeep that took me to the south bus terminal. I promised Lola Fe and my relatives that I will catch up and be in Boljoon on her burial day. So from Bantayan Island to Bogo to Danao to the city to Boljoon, all in one day!! whew!! I got to the terminal and boarded a bus that took me to Boljoon with a very slow driving driver!! I went down in front of Lola's house just in time when Lola's coffin was being brought down from the house.
But wait, I can't join in the funeral procession yet! I was not dressed for a burial day. I just had a blue spaghetti-strapped dress on so I had to rush in the house and change clothes before I ran to the way where the church was amidst the rain!! I was able to catch up with the procession before they got to the church. So I was able to attend Lola Fe's funeral up to the cemetery.
After Lola Fe's burial, we rested and prepared for a night of bonding with family and relatives.
My uncle wished to travel back to the city right away, on the same day. I had to protest saying that I can't travel no more. I can't do a from North to South and back again in one day. He agreed and we all traveled back to the city the next day.
And that was how my April 2011 went: in Siquijor, Banatayan Island and Boljoon.
:)
mtniere
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