Here's To Now

Mt. Batulao, Philippines

“You never know where the world is gonna take you. So I’m just trying to be open and present in every moment I’m in and seeing where that kind of leads me. And just one with what feels right as well, because I think that’s what’s important. Rather than being ‘this is my goal and I’m gonna work so hard to make that’. It’s like sometimes if you have such tunnel vision, you miss everything else that’s around you and things can’t happen. It’s good to be open. I think your passions carry you through. And if you’re passionate about things, it will carry you to the next events. But I don’t want to get ever too stuck on having one objective that’s gonna kind of blind you to something that could happen that would even be more rad.” 

- Kassia Meador

Calaguas Island : Beach Weekend and Travel Guide

Calaguas Island

“Aaaaaahhhhh!” our boatman screamed as we were about to tackle a big wave. After getting drenched from this big wave, I looked back at our boatman and saw him squatting and scooping water out of our small boat using a small can (or dipper). This was the first of the three times I saw him do it during our 2-hour boat ride going to Calaguas Island. And we were only about 20 minutes into the ride. Imagine how terrified I was during that looong boat ride (read here why). I was seriously checking my life vest (a poor one at that) so many times, thinking of ways on how I would survive if ever our boat topples over. That boat ride was torture for me.

But it was all worth it after seeing this – those different shades of blue and green, of the 1.2 km stretch of fine white sand of Calaguas Island.

Baler, Aurora : The Second Time Around

that thing you love to do? do it often.

I woke up startled as I felt the bus turning a sharp curve. I looked out and saw the sun starting to rise. But felt so uncomfortable with how cold it was inside the bus. It seemed that the extra hundreds we paid for the Joy Bus express was going to be worth it with the time saved, given that this is going to be only a weekend trip to Aurora.

The last time I was in Aurora was a four-day spontaneous trip with the then-boyfriend. But we weren’t able to do anything or see anything due to a storm. We even moved to a more expensive hotel since it was the only one with a generator, while the whole town didn’t have any. I also remember not seeing any surfers during that time.

So when a friend from work asked if I wanted to join her on a trip to Aurora, I immediately said yes.

Mt. Pinatubo Trek

*Trek was done back in 2010.

The volcano that changed my life.

The Cordilleras : On the Joys of Trekking, New Ink, and Meeting Fang-Od

rice terraces nearing the village in Buscalan

There was the famous Chico River and the lower Cordilleras. Taking a photo of it was a bit challenging given that we're seated on top of the jeepney. Yes, we wanted to start this 4-day adventure the right way - by toploading! After a 12-hour night bus from Manila, our Cordilleras adventure started in Tabuk, Kalinga. It was going to be a 3-hour jeepney ride to Tinglayan to meet Kuya Francis Pain, our guide for Buscalan, .

Philippine Travel Photo Essay : Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Star Fish Island, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

It's summer here now in the tropics. And I am seriously missing the beach, the islands, camping (I’ve always preferred this), star gazing and just lazing around. This will be a series of travel photo essays of gorgeous beaches I’ve visited a few years ago. I’ll try to squeeze in some stories and backgrounds, but some have been four or five years ago. ;) Back in the days when travelling was a ‘long weekend’ or ‘seat sale!’ or ‘Scheduled Leaves’ event. 

And this is also to somehow encourage the people I’ve met during my travels to visit our beautiful country.  ;)

Philippine Travel Photo Essay : Coron, Palawan

Coron, Palawan

Yup, I know what you’re thinking. Is the water really that clear?!! Yes, it is. I couldn’t even believe it myself when I was there. It gave us a certain kind of high and put smiles on our faces for the rest of the week after that. Where is it? It’s in Coron, Palawan.

Summer here in the tropics is about to start. And I am seriously missing the beach, the islands, camping (I’ve always preferred this), star gazing and just lazing around. This will be a series of travel photo essays of gorgeous beaches I’ve visited a few years ago. I’ll try to squeeze in some stories and backgrounds, but some have been four or five years ago. ;) Back in the days when travelling was a ‘long weekend’ or ‘seat sale!’ or ‘Scheduled Leaves’ event. 

And this is also to somehow encourage the people I’ve met during my travels to visit our beautiful country. And to excite the two girls who will (hopefully) visit me in a few months. ;)

CORON 

Whenever I hear friends talk about Coron, they have this certain sparkle in their eyes like they’ve been to a magical place. And when they start talking about the places they saw and the memories they have of the place, they somehow get lost at the middle of their sharing like they're transported back in time. When you encounter friends like these from time to time you would be very curious and you automatically plan the trip.

And that’s what we did.

Philippine Travel Photo Essay : El Nido, Palawan

on the way to Small Lagoon
El Nido, Palawan

Summer here in the tropics is about to start. And I am seriously missing the beach, the islands, camping (I’ve always preferred this), star gazing and just lazing around. This will be a series of travel photo essays of gorgeous beaches I’ve visited a few years ago. I’ll try to squeeze in some stories and backgrounds, but some have been four or five years ago. ;) Back in the days when travelling was a ‘long weekend’ or ‘seat sale!’ or ‘Scheduled Leaves’ event. 

And this is also to somehow encourage the people I’ve met during my travels to visit our beautiful country. And to excite the two girls who will (hopefully) visit me in a few months. ;)

EL NIDO, PALAWAN

Back then, when you hear people say El Nido, you immediately think about Paradise. A group of beautiful islands with white sand, turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, and rich underwater marine life. Some even say that the famous movie “The Beach” was supposed to be shot in El Nido. But back then, only a few people who can afford to go ride a chartered plane can go to El Nido. Or those who can afford to pay for luxury resorts. The price one has to pay to experience paradise.

Philippine Travel Photo Essay : Viva Cebu!

Bantayan Island, Cebu

Summer here in the tropics is about to start. And I am seriously missing the beach, the islands, camping (I’ve always preferred this), star gazing and just lazing around. This will be a series of travel photo essays of gorgeous beaches I’ve visited a few years ago. I’ll try to squeeze in some stories and backgrounds, but some have been four or five years ago. ;) Back in the days when travelling was a ‘long weekend’ or ‘seat sale!’ or ‘Scheduled Leaves’ event. 

And this is also to somehow encourage the people I’ve met during my travels to visit our beautiful country. And to excite the two girls who will (hopefully) visit me in a few months. ;) 

CEBU 

Cebu is one of the most famous places to visit in the Philippines. It’s known for its beaches, diving spots, and as one of the most historic provinces in the country. 

Port Barton : Off-the-Beaten-Path Paradise in Palawan

When people say Palawan, the first thing you would hear is PARADISE. Or maybe El Nido and Coron. But rarely would you hear about a town named Port Barton.

German Island, Port Barton, Palawan 

The Big Trip : Five Months of Travel, Adventure, and Surprises

 

First Day 

I remember the first day of the Big Trip. We had drinks the night before, but I woke up early and full of energy. I was so excited. I’ve been waiting for that day for almost a year. There were days when I wanted to quit my job early and travel early. But I pushed on, I waited for the right day to start the Big Trip. 

Travel Love (Photo) : Caramoan Sunset

Caramoan Sunset
August 2009
Bitang Laya Island, Caramoan

“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.”
- Elbert Hubbard

Travel Love (Photo) : Wide Horizon

Wide Horizon

May 2009 

Bantayan Island, Cebu 

When 2011 started I thought everything was going to go smoothly until the start of my 2011 Big Trip. But life often challenges you and asks you how much you really want your dreams to come true. And all that you can do is to try to get through all of the stress and challenges and remind yourself that it is all worth it. 

How Spontaneity and Boracay Surprised Me

Last week I found myself pondering on going on a spontaneous weekend trip. A trip to remind myself of the reasons why I made certain decisions in my life. Major life decisions that has caused people to judge me and question my priorities. A random cellphone conference call (yes apparently it's possible!) among friends last Friday lead to my booking a flight to Boracay.

Boracay. I've always been consistent with my opinion on Boracay. I've always told people that I will only go to Boracay if the trip is free. I've always preferred going to quiet, secluded, and cheap-accommodations (tent) type of beaches. But I ate my own words. I went to Boracay - breaking my self-imposed travel hiatus and touching my hard-earned savings for the Big Trip.

But it was all worth it.

The Anawangin I Know and Love

Anawangin is my first (beach) love. Although there are far more beautiful beaches (like Coron, Palawan which I also love) here in the Philippines, Anawangin will always be my first (beach) love.