Bud Wiser

As I was in need of a new bag for traveling (I didn't have any budget at the moment to buy my dream North Face bag), I thought of finally freeing up of junk my blue JanSport Big Student backpack. It was a padala (consignment) of my Auntie from the U.S. (so it is an original!). If I'm not mistaken, I had it since second or third year college -- that's almost 10 years of just using it as a storage bag! True to its brand, the bag's still functional and strong despite stuffing it with big photo albums, old toys, random school stuff and a can of Budweiser. Yes, I kept a can of Budweiser. And the can was years older than the bag itself.

Old Budweiser

Days of a (Former) Drunkard

A colleague once advised that I "open up to more people." I actually thought I am doing so by owning this personal blog. Nevertheless, it got me thinking that majority of my most memorable experiences -- some I thought were regretful -- were kept hidden even from my closest friends. If they get to read this story arc, I believe they would be surprised. First and foremost, they never knew that I once considered myself a drunkard.

Disclaimer again: No, I have no intentions of boring the whole world by sharing much about my life. But like most of us, snippets of our old life do end up as amusing stories to be blurted out -- or so I thought.

And since this is my blog and I have the whole right to write anything under the sun, let me be proud of myself by putting "former" in what could have been my outlook over life and love:

Bud Wiser

Vod Can

Sans Miguel

The Value of Breaking One's Own Heart

Episode 10 of ABC's Once Upon A Time tells the story of Snow White desperately finding a cure to forget her love for his prince. She ended up making a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. And despite the dwarfs' effort to stop her from drinking the potion, she ended up doing it anyway. It was too late for her to know that her prince backed out of the wedding and that he came looking for her.

Snow White holding the potion that would let her forget her prince

Exclusive Getaway

Think Punta Fuego and exclusivity comes to mind. Boasting for being a high-end residential beach front property, I never thought I would be able to even step inside this one-of-a-kind private community. Thanks to my colleagues as they're able to "contract" with an owner who, upon us accepting their terms, allowed our team for an overnight stay in their house. But what could have been a luxurious vacation turned out to be a weekend of unfortunate events.

Infinity pool -- just one of the exclusive attractions at Punta Fuego

Bagnet in the City

Since our barkada travel in 2005, I had this silly notion that bagnet is the Vigan longganisa. I wasn't probably paying attention when our friend Jaja (who's from La Union and the one who toured us) bought and served the Vigan longganisa and not the bagnet. I guess I had a stuck thought of the term as it was always mentioned since we arrived in Vigan back then. It was only when our friend Anj treated us last weekend that it all changed. LOL!

Why Jessica Sanchez's Idol run matters much to the Filipinos

Jessica Sanchez was only starting to create a buzz when I shared to my colleague the fact that another Filipino made it to American Idol 11. Expectantly, she knew about it, but she also quickly commented "Ina-acknowledge ba nya na Pinoy sya?” (Does she acknowledge that she’s a Filipino?). And she listed a number of American "stars" with Filipino roots who do not acknowledge themselves as being one -- Vanessa Hudges, Rachel Bilson, among others. She got a point, but I believe Jessica's case is different.

In a Towering Awe: Up the Capones Island Lighthouse

I was informed that we were going on an island-hopping the next morning, but I didn't know it was only really "island"-hopping (yes, singular). It was only at Capones Island. But despite that, I was never disappointed. In fact, I was glad we spent the whole morning admiring the whole island.

I Heard the Good News in Sagada

If I remember it right, we were walking towards the Hanging Coffins when I received this text message, paraphrasing, "Nacontact na namin ang mama mo" (We were able to contact your mom). I don't remember if I made a call or text to confirm if it's true or not, but all I know was that I was "happily shocked," if there is such a word. But, at that time, really the emotion was more than words could describe.

Bokong Falls, Sagads (2006)

And I believe it's quite fitting that no words could translate the feeling that I had at that moment. I've read status messages saying if there's more to "I love you" or "thank you," that's what they would say to their moms. More so, in my case, that I was finally be able to feel how is it to be nurtured, cared and loved.

It's a long distance relationship, mom, but I could feel your love going beyond texts and calls. Just wanted to say, you've completed the puzzle in my life and that means a lot to me. It's a mystery that despite the long separation, we can sincerely say we love each other. It was at the right timing, mom, and it was all orchestrated by God. I guess that's how He created moms like you, that when I was in your womb we already made a bond. Just wanted to honor you today as it's your day. I love you.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

View from the Top: Trek of the Anawangin Mountain

I was not ecstatic at all when Orli told me we were going to take a trek on that day. First, my only decent rest (not even sleep) since my shift from the night before was on the hammock. Second, I am not mentally prepared to get bruised. However, just like the very reason I was in that place, I was glad I said yes like any other friend (peace, Orli!).

Seeking the Swamp: Appreciating the Anawangin Banks

Since we arrived late lunch time in Anawangin, my companions were not in the mood to hit the beach. But I never wanted to waste an opportunity to explore the place and so I invited them instead to join Orli and I in checking out its infamous swamp.

Swamps are characterized by very slow-moving waters

Weekend Trek by the Beach: Trip to Anawangin Cove and Capones Island

At first I was hesitant to say yes to my friend Orli's sudden invite to take the Anawangin Cove/Capones Island tour since I didn't plan to take any summer trips except for joining our company outings. Yes, call me a bum for thinking twice but it's just that I always preferred planning ahead of time. That's a preference, not a "best practice." Good thing I agreed to join. So far it has been the most physically satisfying trips I've ever had.

Brgy. Pundaquit: Getting ready for the boat ride

Oh My Mochiko!

Me and my Green Tea Mochi!

From the time it was featured in MYX's Wer U At (which was June 2011!), Mochiko has since sealed a lingering gustatory desire in my taste buds. Twice I maundered the whole Eastwood Mall when someone told me they have a stall inside the mall, on one of which I was even late for work. But to no avail -- checked Mochiko's Facebook and they were there for only the weekends of January. I was unable to visit them since I was taking the graveyard shift and my body's screaming sleep over food. Also, many times I've planned to go to Mercato just to finally satisfy my craving, but my weekend trips were never near Global  City (or if they were, Mercato's already closed). 

I Surrender

Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.

Many times I've tried shutting down my senses whenever I heed the call. I am just not used to being commanded or controlled. I had things done my own way. I had most of my problems all sorted out by myself. I've managed life alone, or so I thought. 

I was dismissing the very reason for my success and I only acknowledge the presence whenever it's against. I find it iffy to follow if I think it doesn't makes sense.

Lose Yourself

He gripped hard on his pillow as if holding on from being dragged. His eyes were closed yet it seemed like his vision's as clear as the noon's time. He's fully covered yet he felt he's been stripped off naked. On that night the darkness was blatantly exposing his fear, and he has welcomed it.

He validates his mind was being played. He's never been questioned of his identity more than now. Flashbacks were defining him. Details of his defiance and escapades were as real as the coldness of his room.  It was a bold attempt. If he lose now, he's going to lose forever.

But he was delirious to know it's happening. Finally, he let go of his grip and allowed the thought to expose the truth. He opened his eyes and allowed himself to cry. He took off the sheets and allowed the air to amend the numbness of his heart. It was the greatest fear he has ever felt. On that night he was convinced that he's loved.

Old Clothes for New Hope

My old clothes donated

I remember I was in Grade 3 when I last made an official donation. Much like how commiserable I was at that time for the typhoon's victims, I pitied myself having been able to share only a can of sardines, a can of about-to-expire imported corned beef and two pieces of old clothing (one almost-ripped sando and one loose shirt). I was even scolded by my lola for taking the corned beef without her permission -- that's what you get for procrastinating on your assignments.

That is why I got so excited to finally extend a good amount of help to the victims of Sendong in Mindanao. Some of my friend's extended family members were victims of the typhoon, but instead of asking for help solely for them, they opted to stretch out their blessings to more families in their hometown. I originally was about to share mine to her but the meeting time was in conflict with my shift. Good thing, though, our company was collecting donations as well, thus I still had a chance to donate.

I was ecstatic to let go of the old yet it's a delight to know that it's one act that would bring some people a sign of hope.