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Hindi porke't nasaktan ka ng isang beses hindi muna bibigay buo puso mo sa taong minamahal mo. Labis ang sakit na maari ibigay ng pag-ibig sa aten. Pero ganun siguro talaga pag nagmamahal, may panahong masasaktan at masasaktan ka pero may mga panahon din naman na ikaw iyong tipong makakasakit.

Why Travel is not just a want BUT a need

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Before, I felt guilty exploring places I want since it entails of spending money. I have this notion that you need to be financially stable first before traveling. As I get older I've realized that you still can travel without spending too much. The world wide web was evolving and I am amazed at how simple and easy it was to accomplish many things through it.

Without further ado  here are my Top Reasons why Traveling is not just a want but a Need:

1. Firstly, Travel is essential to our temple. Reading through the Bible, I've realized that people do also travel in biblical times.  Whatever these people were and however varied their lives and wealth through the centuries, surely they were NOT inclined to stay put. This just proves to me that  certain amount of travel was essential.

When you go to different places, You've learned different culture, meet different people, different beliefs nevertheless it teaches you to look deeper into a person and see their true spirit, what drives them, and who they are, rather than just looking at their outside person. 

Talk to strangers even though your mother told you not to ^_^. You never know who you'll meet or what genius they might impart : ). Me with Mauban locals :).

2. Secondly, You get to escape your everyday existence, and while hopefully your everyday existence is a pretty happy and satisfying thing, being able to get away from it only amplifies your appreciation for it when you get back.

It's gonna put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you. If you go on mountain climbing or travel to some isolated part of the philippines you'll surely be amazed how the local kids were able to survive with their schooling. All grade levels are placed in one classroom, many students have to walk miles to get to school every day some even need to cross the river just to get to school.

Local Students of Mongoto Elementary School

Mongoto Elementary School, One-room School. Single teacher teach basic academics to several grade levels of 
elementary-age boys and girls.  And students walked miles and miles just to get to school. *updated as of May 2011

3. Thirdly, it fires up your creative impulses. In an unfamiliar situation, you’re forced to use your brain in new ways, which results in you being more inventive and experimental than ever!

Since we do not know how to react in an uncertain stuation we normally fear that unknown. Travelling is not just being a tourist itself it’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life. You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life.

White, powdery sand of Calaguas

It's all really fear of change that comes naturally since we do not know how to react when that unknown situation comes in. Embarking Calaguas Island with my three good-friends was one of those liberating experience ever! Scary, yes it is! The thought of were only four on that island, no electricity, frighthens us,  the roar of the sea plus those small gust of wind on midnight terrifies us, yet the moon plus the stars hang bright above, silent, give us a full assurance. :)

4. Lastly, it’s an excellent way to get some perspective on your life — and remind yourself that there is a big, big world outside your little bubble! *wink

Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. I can describe the turquoise water and powdery sand of Calaguas to you, but you really have to see it for yourself to experience it. You can read all the blogs in the web about Mt. Timbak and the mystical river of Cagbalete  but being there is a different story.

The world is a stunning place, its full of wonder and excitement.. See it..Explore it..  : )

Superman Ride, Tree Top Adventure Subic

FOOL - Lifehouse

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Fool Lifehouse - I first heard this song, I guess 3 years ago. And believe me, every time I'm hearing this song, I couldn't resist to do a headbang .

The lyrics means a lot of things. For me, its about God above, though some says its  about a relationship with someone you follow through you're entire life, waiting for him to love you back.

But honestly, the song strikes me of how I stumble in my walk with God, how I screw up and cannot be what I want to be. How I long to know God more, that I've really wanted to be closer to Him, but I am IMPERFECT, and so these keeps me falling.

cause I'm reaching for you
but my arms aren't long enough
and I'm running to you
if I could go a little faster
and I'm crying to you
but I can't hear my own voice
and I am waiting for you 

I also picture myself  like a moth with it's wings broken who's trying desperately to get towards the flame. God is Perfect and I am just like a moth with broken wings.  Who keeps on chasing, reaching, crying waiting to finally get to know God.I need and want GOD in my life, but sometimes I could be so clumsy. I will repent then committed the same sin again. I'm striving to be better, and desperately wanted nothing more than to know & follow God’s Word. For lot of things cannot do it on my own without Him..

Anyhow, this is the complete lyrics of the song. Will be glad to hear your own thought :)

Seems my own arrogance has knocked me off my feet again
when you know I'm crawling to you as fast as I can
first teach me to walk and then I'll learn to dance for you like an
honest clumsy clown
tripping along the way

cause I'm reaching for you
but my arms aren't long enough
and I'm running to you
if I could go a little faster
and I'm crying to you
but I can't hear my own voice
and I am waiting for you
and trying not to fall asleep now

cause I'm clumsily dancing away this fear
I'm stumbling closer to you and I am
tumbling over my pride
I will be a fool for you

what are you thinking as you look down on me are you
frustrated with my inconsistency
or intrigued that I can find the will to get back up or
maybe all of this is simply amusing

cause I'm reaching for you
but my arms aren't long enough
and I'm running to you
if I could go a little faster
and I'm crying to you
but I can't hear my own voice
I am waiting for you
and trying not to fall asleep now

cause I'm clumsily dancing away this fear
I'm stumbling closer to you and I'm
tumbling over my pride
I will be a fool for you
cause I'm clumsily dancing away this fear
I'm stumbling closer to you and I'm
tumbling over my pride
I will be a fool

and I'm clumsily dancing away this fear
I'm stumbling closer to you and I'm
tumbling over my pride
I will be a fool for you

Cagbalete Island Experience - Php 1,200 Cheapest Budget Ever!

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Glad our CAGBALETE ISLAND Trip was a success. Thanks to Ms. Tess of  Villa Cleofas who answered all of my inquiries and to Josiah Sicad of Lakas Trip. I'm glad that I stumbled upon his blog for this made our journey possible in the cheapest way.

I believe that travel doesn't have to be expensive. You can still visit places you want without spending too much. It's just a simple matter of googling & charm my friend. Two weeks ago in search of perfect place for the upcoming long weekend getaway I stumbled upon a blog stating their 1,300/pax budget for a group of nine. Experiencing this beautiful island of Cagbalete with that price intrigues me.  I continued searching, blog-reading, and this made me decide to spend my long weekend here in this island. Guess what?! You can even lower down your budget for up to 1,180 pesos Only for two pax. Yehess! You heard it right! 1,180 ONLY!

Here's the summary of our Cagbalete Island Trip Budget = Php 1,180 / Pax. 
(Click on the image to get a better view).

 

See below for the budget breakdown:

 

Passenger boats in Cagbalete Port costs only Php 40.00. If you are a tight budget like me, this ferry is such a savior for us so be sure to take note that there are only two boat trips to the island, one in the morning at 10:00 AM and in the afternoon at 4:00 PM. Just imagine the money you will saved when you're able to catch this trip compare on renting a private boat costing 2000-4500 pesos, (depending on the size of the boat). Whoa!

I bring a packed lunch, 3/4 of rice, and 1 litter of water for this trip. These are not included on the supplies we bought in Mauban Market. I also bring some utensils, but since we are lacking of cooking set we just rented the cookware available on Villa Cleofas. For 100 pesos charge, we are allowed to use any cookware and utensils available on the resort. Happy that they all have the stuffs we need! They have a clean, large kitchen. I even regretted of bringing my stuffs -- utensils and the like since we can even  rent it and just paid 100 bucks .

We buy our food and kitchen supplies at Mauban Market, it's about 3-5 minutes walk away from the Port. Just like other market some of the vendor here is also selling their goods at a lower price so I suggest that you go around, the market is not that big anyway.

We arrived at Sabang Beach around 11 AM and because its low tide our ferry can't go that near so we had to transfer to a smaller boat (it's free).

Cagbalete River during low tide

Beautiful scenery of tall coconut trees

Sunset at Villa Cleofas

be still, be quiet and let your mind rest

Cagbalete Sand Riffle

High tide

Low tide

Creamy fine sand at Villa Cleofa

You might also be interested in reading:

>> Cagbalete Island Experience In Villa Cleofas
>> 2D1N DIY Cagbalete Island Trip Itinerary

>> 10 Things to do in Cagbalete Island

Halloween Doesn't Always Go as Planned

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How many of you guys believe that not everything needs to be planned to the last minute detail? That sometimes things could still definitely be cool even without planning. And here goes our recent Halloween Celeb...

Normally, my sister do her birthday celebration exactly on the date of her big day - November 1. A-huh, November 1. This time she chose to celebrate it yesterday, October 31st.

My mom, busy preparing our food.

My mom's spaghetti : ) (So far all people who has tasted it, never gave bad comment instead always wanted to take some home) Buffalo wings, and Calderata. Yum!

In the middle of some Tanduay ice, the neighborhood kids show up at our house wearing their choir dresses.

They put some make up and so my nieces joined them.. Funny thing, my sis-in-law borrowed some costume from the neighborhood.. hehe and so she bring it upstairs, and we just did another hillarious, fiendous shot in our compound... And thats it! We're all have a great time!

Happy Halloween ~ :D

DO-IT-YOURSELF Cagbalete Island Trip - 2011

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In a loud, noisy, overstimulating world, it can be nice to unplug & escape. Agree? Agreed! I actually been preparing for this trip for almost 2 weeks now and finally this is it! Woo-hoo! Because of the preparation, I’m starting to feel a LOT more ready and not quite so terrified. Me and my friend will be embarking the mystical island of Cagbalete this saturday. Sorry for the pre-blog, its just a teaser though. Ako na ang excited! Seriously, I dreamt about the island twice. Perhaps its because I've been thinking of this island for the past few days? and hanggang sa pagtulog mu ba naman katext mo pa din yung resort owner for some inquiries. Well, I just wanna make sure that everything will fall into place when we get there, that means preparing everything we need.

Please keep an eye on it, I'm really excited to share with you guys my wonderful experience in Cagbalete! yes! I'm claiming it! This would be a wonderful experience ahead!!! woot!
Remember, 'like attracts like' :) .

BTW, how about you? What's your plan this weekend? Give yourself a little bit of freedom this week to enjoy. To have a break, to rest from all....... of your hard work for just a little while. Whether it’s a spa, a climb, or a walk through the park! Treat yourself. :)

But I don't have that much money? 
 I'm gonna share you a secret. would you believe that the damage for this 2D1N Cagbalete Trip is 1200 only? Yehess! Stand by, and I'm gonna post our itinerary soon!:p (dear, you can travel without spending too much, its just a matter of creativeness and  googling!) cheers!

I am the breadwinner. I need to settle this bill. I need to pay my sister's tuition fee, and all that...
shhhhhhh... Listen. When you travel, it doesn't mean that your being selfish.  


But I prefer to give priority to my wants, am I not getting closer to that?
Sweetie, sometimes Travel is not just a want but a "need". Travel is essential to the spirit. Its ok to give yourself a break sometimes from all of the things that you work so hard. This will give you a fresh new prespective on things. Let yourself enjoy the fun times going on around you. You deserve it : )

 UPDATES: Holla! I'm back, live and kicking!!

Ciao Cagbalete

You might also be interested in reading:

• Cagbalete Island Experience In Villa Cleofas 
• Cagbalete Island Experience - Php 1,180 Cheapest Budget Ever!

Soul Surfer: Life, love and perspective.

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Whenever a friend asks me for a good movie I always recommend them the "Soul Surfer". It was one of the most emotional and heartwarming movies I have ever watched! Yet it'll never get you bored for the movie covers extreme surfing and tides scenes that last just long enough to keep you stoked. Moreover, it is beyond self-identity and fighting spirit - a true to life story of Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack. I was so touched and inspired by this movie and this young woman’s determination to live her life above and beyond her disability, that I  was motivated to do something different as well.

Surfing was Bethany’s passion and her living standards. She spent more of her life wet than dry. She is home schooled to keep her schedule in line with the surfing.  She was even sponsored by Rip Curl at the age of 13 after winning a big surfing competition. But despite her growing popularity she still remained grounded. I love how universal this movie is--relating the medium in any aspect of life. Where at one point in our lives, we've probably experienced how it is for something random to totally strike us in the process of "getting there," leaving us limping, getting lesser chances to win, or simply making us feel sad about the unfairness of it all. But Bethany's life teaches us that accepting such difficulties with a humble heart changes us into better people, making unexpected accidents something worthwhile. As she said, "I wouldn't change what happened to me because then I wouldn't have this chance in front of all you... this chance to embrace more people than I ever could have with two arms." I just cried when I heard that line .  :(

The movie reminds me also the value of waiting. As her dad coached her for the competition, he said, "The surf is big out there today so if you try to max them wave per wave you're just going to wear yourself out with all that paddling. So don't take just any wave that comes along. The greatest surfers, they all have this sixth sense. They know when the best waves are coming. They can feel it. It's a gift. You have that gift too." I realized that it's the same with our lives. It's true that oftentimes, we just keep on grabbing opportunities (for the sake of competition) without really thinking if it's what's best for us. Sometimes we have to use better judgement on whether or not we lose it or get it. And when we talk about waiting, it's the careful kind wherein we are in deep thought... that it's not just simply idle away the hours, but knowing that even 'season of waiting' is teaching us, bringing us somewhere. Her father said: "You know that moment between the sets when it's quiet, and the waves haven't even formed yet, it's just the energy surging through the water? Well, that's the time to be patient. Listen to your instinct. Trust it. You'll know." It reminds me of the importance of being still and knowing He is God.

There was also a point where Bethany found herself breaking down at church crying and asking, “How could this be God’s plan for me, I don’t understand.” (It's one of the touching scene in the movie I tell yah.)How many of us have fallen to our knees, weeping and asking the same question?  I know I have numerous times.  Good thing Bethany had a friend from church who said “I don’t know why terrible things happen to us sometimes, but I have to believe something good has to come out of this, but I don’t what know that is.”  It's just a relief to know that even when you don't have a clue why something has happened in your life, someone up there has a master plan and is watching over you.

Shortly, while waiting and contemplating what to with her life, Bethany volunteers with her church for a humanitarian mission in Asia after a tsunami had hit.  This is where she learns true compassion and gains an appreciation for what really matters in life, and that is love and our relationships. I really love this part. I was inspired by this young lady for she was able to use her passion to serve others, making her realize that winning first place isn't really the most important thing for her. You know that you are meant for something when, even if you are stripped off from your comfort zone, you continue to move forward in the realization that what you can do can bring joy to others. It's a strong lesson: losing an arm doesn't make you less capable... it actually makes you more. "Who would have thought that teaching a kid to surf, would teach me that surfing isn’t the most important thing in the world? And that something else is. Love. Bigger than any tidal wave. More powerful than any fear."

Bethany Hamilton has so much to teach us about life, love, perspective, and how far a positive attitude and will power will take you. On this movie, ou see family values and good ties within the community. And in spite of what happened, there was no blaming nor bitterness among them.   Amazing cause surfing has been always on my bucket list and this movie just made me appreciate it more.  I loved the sun and the big blue waves! It's a must-watch.  :)