The Element of Fire

Fire is a powerful element. It gives heat during the cold. But once it touches your skin, you can burn. So I was amazed how this new art dance has evolved called fire-dancing.

At the first night when we arrived at Boracay, we strolled along the White Beach and were surprised to find fire dancers. We took pictures of them and decided the next night that we wanted to get a closer look. So the next night we found out about this Beach Bum Bar that was situated in Station 1. We sat there, had a few drinks and watched the fire dancers. Their lounging area was directly located at the beach front and they have night fire-dancing performances starting 9 p.m.

Boracay is the premier party place. You can stroll even after sun set to feast about food, entertainment and drinks. I think this is what sets Boracay apart from the rest.

Well, going back to fire dancing stuffs. Did you know that a famous actress named Rachel Lobangco fell in love with Boracay and decided to learn fire dancing? She has been interviewed a couple of times during newscasts. Unluckily, we were not able to see her there. They say Boracay is booming with celebrities. But  despite the absence of celebrities during our stay. We did enjoy the fire-dancing stuffs. A lady was even standing on two bamboo sticks while doing the fire dance. They were really amazing!

Indeed, it was an overwhelming experience how they learn this craft. A talent that is in tune with the element of fire. It shows that humans can masterfully conquer fire.

Building Sand Castles in Boracay

"Building sand castles are like building your dreams. You envision it and then make things work. With patience and perseverance and a little help from God-given talents, the formula for success awaits."

We were looking for sand castles that night at Boracay. And as any travel, we journey to explore and learn new experiences as well as to meet new people along the way. This time it was a young girl that we met named Chin-chin. She is a sand-castle builder at a young age.

I looked at the sand castle that she built and thought that she has made an extraordinary work of art. But her sand castle was not the only thing that touched me. It was her spirit and her enthusiasm in life. Top it up with the innocence in her eyes and her smile, the chat went on and on.

She said she wanted to be an actress. But she was to shy to sing for us. She told us that she has been to the United States, obviously mistaking Manila for the United States. She said they built an airplane prototype from a cartoon model. She said that her uncle is rich who worked as a security guard in a hotel there.

Contradictions?  Maybe yes. Innocence? Yes. Truthfulness? Maybe yes. But the most essential part is that she shared a part of her life to us. She said that she started building castles at age five. That they were 11 children out of them of whom 3 died due to ailments. But she continued that her closest "ate" (sister) who died, did give her one advice and that is to do good to others. Perhaps that is the kindest thought anyone could ever have.

Since it was night time, we wanted to see some light from the sand castle. They usually light them at night time. She set out to get her candle but the candle was lost where she kept it. So we gave her money to buy a new candle and some extras. She came back and lighted the sand castle. It became a little brighter with the single candle at the center of the sand castle. It was a symbol of light in the dark.

She said sand castles although appreciated by many tourists are no longer approved by the locality for many reasons. So if you're going to look for many sand castles there, you might not find one. It is already prohibited.

We said our goodbyes that night to Chin-chin and two other children sand castle builders. Hoping that maybe we'll meet again someday. Knowing that although sand castles are no longer permitted but still the art continues to thrive in the place. But why hinder this work of art to live and give joy to others?

When we parted, we told the three children to study hard. Like the building of sand castles, we believe that their dreams will someday materialize in order to eliminate poverty.

SAnd Castle in the Morning

Lighted Sand Castle at Night

Weekend with Cousin Princess

The Filipino family ties are strong. It's part of the Filipino culture. As they say, blood is thicker than water. Finding your roots and knowing your family tree is a significant fact in life. This is what Princess and I had realize. Princess and I are biological cousins at my mother's side. They grew up in Ilocos Sur while I grew up in Baguio. Because of the demographical difference and the distance, we diddn't grow up close with each other. Until lately, when I invited her to bond with me. And surely we hit it off like old time buddies! We found out that we liked the same thing - clothes and food. We also had the same tastes. So I invited her to visit La Union over the weekend. And here is where our footsteps has trudged us...

Midway Grill: They have the best Selection of American Dishes

CSI City Mall: The Only Mall in La Union

Bad Hair Day: It sure was one windy day

Thuderbird Resort: Splendid Architecture where you can stay with class. They also have a casino!!!

Mediterreanean Architecture at its Best: Thunderbird Resort Pool

 

Thunderbird is not Too Far to Take a Swim at Sea

With Cess Enjoying the Grandeur

Jumpshots at the Place where the coveted Priscilla Mereilles and John Estarada Wedding Happened

Halo-halo de Iloko: Simply My Favorite Dining Place where I end bringing my guests in La Union

Following the Drifts of Life

I don't know if I have mentioned how La Union has been a second home to me. And during weekends, it was a burst of activities for me. Here are snap shots of where I've found the simple joys of life.. laughing along with friends and swimming along with the waters and the drifting of life...

Kaykayo Resort

It was a place where you can have a private pool party with your friends. They have facilities for almost everything. Overnight rates are available. The place really has a nice feel to it... a great ambiance... For further details, check out their website at kaykayo.com.

The Pool

Old Enough for a Rocking Chair: They say this Chair Befits the Old

The Kaykayo Entrance: Kaykayo in Ilokano means full of wooden trees.

 Jessica Resort

Ready for swimming or taking a dip in my case? The pool is really fine and the cottages are for rent at reasonable fees. It's located at Baccuit, Bauang La Union. Actually, there's a lot of swimming pools and cottages you can find at Bauang and also seaside beaches. But I prefer the swimming pools here.

Wet Hair and Cover-ups with the Delicious Dish of Buttered Mussels

Water Buffs: Posing with Baby Aliyah and Ninz

BALI HAI Resort

Bali Hai is found along Bauang La Union. Nice cottages and pool. Good to hang-out with friends and have a good chat. Even to meet new friends.

Old Friends and New Friend: High school friends Carrie and Roni and a New Friend

LOUNGING AROUND AT NINZ'S HOUSE

My favorite garden destination in Naguilian La Union. Tita Edna's house. It is always good to visit where you can always be welcomed plus the free food and drinks!!!

Garden View: Tita Edna does her own garden

With the Gnomes: We have something in common... We're tiny!! (lol)