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.