My Eyes

I wonder how the art in me transforms into paper or maybe even a photograph. But when it comes to sensing beauty in its rawness, my eyes no matter how blurry in the dark they may be, manage to capture a glimpse of picturesque. That is how I groove to the beat of the boredom and quaint-essential life. Even though I went to Abra (somewhere in the Cordillera mountains of the Philippines) for work, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of the beauty and wonders of nature, structures and people. Yes, I would love to be a photographer although no one can translate that so much beauty of feeling and sensing when you're actually there in that special place and that special moment. Maybe that's what photographs are for, to hold each moment though time is fleeting. I cannot help but feel nostalgic. Even in a country where fisher folks ran most of their part in the archipelago. Even in poverty, I manage to find beauty and hope.

Relax at the Municipal Garden at Caupasan

Sunset View from Mudeng

Abra: Can't Get Enough of the Sunset

What faith and hope is about in Abra

Another picturesque Municipal Hall in a Sunny Day

The Lonely House Lizard

Year-Ender Trip: Rounding-up at Tapuakan River

Getting places and going back to the places I once visited thrills me every time. I know, I can't help myself but the idea of going somewhere gives me a heart-pounding experience that I cannot explain. I'm a natural "lakwatsera" with a mole on one of my toes. They say that people with moles on their toes have the inexplicable need to go somewhere. You can't blame me, being a homebody before has turned me into one of the most trip-analyzing individual. Trips allow me not only to find relaxation but to see simple things and find beauty in its natural specimen. I have written a lot of blogs for two years now and all has been centered on trips, fun and learning. I share to live a life of legacy and perhaps knowing that beyond every experience, positivism must never fail.

Come 2013, I cannot promise that I would be blogging a lot since circumstances does not warrant it. But I'll try to pitch in a thought or two. Hope this new year also gives you what hopes and expectations you have as well as surprises from up above all throughout. May you celebrate it with your loved ones and continue to create good memories with them.

Here are the shots from my last straw of the year. Tapuakan River revisited... Enjoy the moment and again... Happy New Year!!!

Conquering the Boulder Twice?

Chilling it out in the River

Water Splash War!!!

Don't know what I'm actually doing here... Take a guess???

Water Splash War again for the nth time

A natural beauty to behold

Tapuakan River: A view from the Sidelines


***Photo credits goes to CSA***

San Luis Del Mar: Where Friends Come to Play

Friendships are part of those that we can always treasure in our lives. It's been how many years now (but I'll keep mum about how many years that was) when I have come into the arms of whom I call true friends. And now, to stop stressing about work (not that I'm complaining). Hey, I love work but all work and no play makes a dull person. So here I went with my friends to play. Take a good swim over the pool while watching the view of the ocean from the pool itself. I believe it was a simple setting but it did measure up to our expectations. The heat and the sun was high up during noon time and after a few days did I realize that my skin was sun-burned. So next time that you want to get a tan, my advise is to put on some sunscreen protection. I can't complain how my forehead has been sun-burned considering that I had real fun with friends. Friends who stood by me through the years. To my sisters, see you again and hope all of us can get together sometime soon. Maybe in San Luis Del Mar or not. But as long as I'm with you, I'm definitely having the time of my life.

Strike a Pose: After all the camera love us or is the other way around?

I took this picture of Ninz, I think it was one of those that needs posting... Hehehe

I don't know what tree this is just found it there (lol)!

The Pathway that leads to the reception area where you can hold private parties.

Nothing More, Nothing Less: A Palmera Plant?

This is a pool alright. Obviously... (lol)

Peek-a-boo: Peeping through the shades

Where the clouds are at... literally!

Posing it out with friend Meg

Elizabeth and the Edralins

Talk about fine dining and fine music. Hotel Elizabeth in Baguio City has it.This is what we experienced when we checked out their eat-all-you-can Asian Fusion Buffet on a Saturday. Couple it up with the music playing by the band Edralins who spiced-up the mood with their 1960's song and you're whisked away into the classical era. The architecture of the Hotel was really amazing with its Elizabethan features. You only need to fit in a gown and suddenly you will feel like a queen. But hey, you can wear anything inside the hotel! In fact, I was in my rubber shoes that night as I had some sort of an exercise class (well, that's some better way to put it)! Our stomachs were full that night and we waited as the band played from 7 p.m. to around 9 p.m. As we went out of the Flora Restaurant, we had wishes of coming back again.

A sight for the eyes and for the tummy (lol)

Sashimi adorned with flower vegetable cuts (or at least, that's what I call it). I have no talent for cooking (lol) but blend me in for the appreciation of art and taste!

Truffles for Dessert: I'm a sweet tooth so imagine when I'm faced with all these sweets. I can't get over them... So yummy!!!

Watermelons: The buffet included fruits.

Cream Puffs: Creamy Inside with Cherry on Top

An antique lamp: One of the most classical forms I've ever seen. I love taking pictures of these sorts. Great for the interiors of the hotel.

Lounging at the Couch

Me in the Midst of It all (chairs... lol)

Hotel Elizabeth from the Outside at Night

The Edralins with their Catchy Tunes and Beat

I write

Time is encompassing. I wonder how many times I sat on a chair and wrote what I just wanted to say. Today, I write basically for the fondness of writing. I cannot share stories of my travels anymore because I am figuratively tied to a chair now. But still I don’t forget that I am in the process of learning and exploring my horizons. I write for the memories that made me whole and for the future that awaits me. Yes, I am inspired to write today even if I am within the pleasure of the four corners of this room. I am alone but not lonely for I have something to write about. As always, I quench my thirst with the power of the pen and keep all the positivism in life that I have gained through the years.

As I write, I smile to myself (although with that hidden smile because it would be weird to smile all alone within this room so much as to laugh by myself… lol). But yes, I am happy for the simple pleasures that life has to offer. As always, contentment is a magic word which we should always remember. We should always see the beauty in simple things to be able to share that beauty with others. I write to inspire that despite other people’s journeys, they may find gratitude in what they are doing. I am simply grateful that I have that positivism burning within me. I hope you do too!

Need I say more?

Moods and Modes

The sun wasn't shining when we were out. It was a little gloomy that day. Worst, it started drizzling. We couldn't help but draw back our hesitation because it's no work day for me. We decided to make the "lakwatsa" somewhere near. And where to? This time at Palm Grove Asin Tuba, Benguet. With travel buddies zye and clau, we started out having breakfast with the "adobo" that zye cooked. Sorry, I wasn't able to picture the "adobo" 'coz it was half-empty when lunch came and gone thereafter. Our conclusion, the experimental "adobo" of zye was real good thanks to friend Gil. Clau, on the other hand, had her cooking skills shown by preparing buttered shrimp (of course this one is for those who want their blood pressure to shoot up). And me? I brought along my smiles and my stories (lol). Along with my water camera which happens to moisten when used longer in the water, I was able to take a few pictures. Of course, except the ones where I am obviously "in". Kidding and sarcasm aside, the wanderer and traveler got hold of the mood and mode. As a result, it was one enjoyable time where the supposed-swimmer who doesn't know to swim but immerse herself in the water (in Filipino, "lublob") got to chillax as some groovy younger generation says so. Whoops, that includes me! No objections please (lol)!

Capturing the Skies: When I say it's gloomy, it really is!

The Octopus slide from afar with the Pools and the Toad Stool

As graceful as the swan... How I wish?

Children's pool slide: Do frogs' heads grow this big? (lol)

My Side of the Story: Riverview Resort

Words elude me today. So I'm keeping this short and simple. At the same time, I'm sharing these photos during our Labor Day Escapade. The venue was at Riverview Resort at Asin, Benguet. As I dream of more travel destinations, I know that time is of the essence and I have limited time to travel. But in everything that I share, I will forever hold memories and will always be a wanderer and traveler. Hope I share you my side of story - the story of finding beauty in life.

Riverview I think means a view by the river. I was not able to see the river but I'm glad to be engulfed with nature's scenery.

The Hat and Me. Need I say more?

The Duo Strikes Again: Chillaxing Time with Friend Zye in the pool (obviously!)

A shot by my sister showing my brother in his stolen moments. Seems like it was thought of but in truth, it was not. I tried to save this picture because of it's serenity although it was a bit blurry.

Playtime Pool: The pool for kids at 2 feet. Look how crowded Riverview was that day!

Shot from Afar: Another View from the Sidelines