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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa?

"Sometimes, we need to let go of the special persons we used to keep. Mainly because they also need to find someone that we can't be anymore...." - Unknown

Himig Handog held last Sunday, 24th of February 2013 -- is a prestigious contest for song writers. There were 12 songs interpreted by our very talented young singers. I wasn't able to finish the program on TV because it was so late already. But since it was being aired on commercials almost every 15mins, my bet was Wynn's, Bugoy's, Marion's and Aiza's.

Here's the list of the well deserved winners: 


BEST SONG OF THE YEAR: Aiza Seguerra for “Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa”
2ND BEST SONG: Juris Fernandez for “Hanggang Wakas”
3RD BEST SONG: Marion Aunor for “If You Ever Change Your Mind”
4TH BEST SONG: KZ Tandingan for “Scared To Death”
5TH BEST SONG: Toni Gonzaga for “Kahit Na”

Below also is the complete list of songs entered the finals of this years competition:

1. Yeng Constantino for “Alaala” by Ma. Fe Mechenette G. Tianga, Melvin Huervana and Joel Jabat Jr.

2. Marion Aunor for “If You Ever Change Your Mind” by Marion Aunor
3. Jovit Baldivino for “Sana’y Magbalik” by Arman Villarta Alferez
4. Aiza Seguerra for “Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa” By Jovinor Tan
5. Juris Fernandez for “Hanggang Wakas” by Soc Villanueva
6. Erik Santos for “This Song Is For You” by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc
7. Bugoy Drilon for “Puwede Bang Ako Na Lang Ulit”  by Jeffrey M. Cifra
8. KZ Tandingan for “Scared To Death” by Domingo Rosco Jr.
9. Daniel Padilla for “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat” by Jungee Marcelo
10. Angeline Quinto for “One Day” by Agatha Obar Morallos
11. Wynn Andrada for “Tamang Panahon” by Wynn Andrada
12. Toni Gonzaga for “Kahit Na” by Julius James de Belen

So here is the Best Song this year-- "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa". While listening to it, I was like, "saksakin nyo na lang kaya ako?!" Hehe, very sad song. And I'm feeling it. - Sagad sa buto, tagos laman. Even if you're not going through a struggling situation, you can feel the pain, agony and the throbbing heart of that someone. This song was written by Joven Tan. Based on his VTR, he never experienced the sentiment of the song. He was just inspired by his friends who shares him their heartache and distress.




Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa
Artist: Aiza Seguerra
Album: Miscellaneous

Ikaw ang pinangarap
Ikaw ang hanap-hanap
Ngunit bakit nagbago ang lahat
Ang init ng pagmamahal
Parang naging salat

Pangako habangbuhay
Nangakong di magwawalay
Ngunit bat lumamig pagmamahal
Parang di naw ikaw
Sa maykapal ang dinasal

Anong nangyari sa ating dalawa
Akala ko non tayo ay iisa
Ako ba ang siyang nagkulang
O ikaw ang di lumaban
Sa pagsubok sa ating pagmamahalan

Anong nangyari sa ating dalawa
Pagmamahal ngayo’y bakit naglaho na?
Damdamin ay nsasaktan
Puso’y nasusugatan
Pangako mong pagmamahal ngayon ay nasaan

Nasan ang sumpaan
Akala ko ay walang hanggan
Ngunit bakit ngayo’y nasasaktan
Hanggang dito nalang ba
Ang ating walang hanggan

Anong nangyari sa ating dalawa
Akal ko noon tayo ay iisa
Ako ba ang siyang kulang
O ikaw ang di lumaban
Sa pagsubok sa ating pagmamahalan

Anong nangyari sa ating dalawa
Pagmamahal ngayo’y bakit naglaho na
Damdamin ay nasasaktan
Puso’y nasusugatan
Pangako mong pagmamahal ngayon ay nasaan

Anong nangyari?



"Everybody's changing. Breaking up is natural when you try to figure out what you want in life. If you're with someone and your wavelengths does not meet, it's not going to work. Unless, both are willing to compromise and make an effort to fight...." - NixAngel 247

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Friendship Never Fades

“Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected.” ― Charles Lamb

Since when was the last time?
(Deadma si Bespren sa likod oi!)

Karen, one of my best friends from high school went home with his hubby Angel and 2-month old Baby Iam for the latter's christening. The family resides in Abu Dhabi where KC and Angel works. 


Gutierrez family and the Grannys

It's been such a long time when we last met. I can't even remember when. After our graduation in high school, our barkada get-together was never complete. 

Last week, Gen texted me "Tinawagan ka ba ni Magti? Tinatanong nya kung pupunta tayo sa binyag ng baby ni Karen. Nakatag tayo sa facebook..." I was like "Nagtatampo ko kay Bespren! Di nya ko tinawagan ha! Di naman ako nagpalit ng number eh.... (well yeah the smart number was like a decade now but been using a new globe number hehehe).. Di na rin ako nagpe-facebook..." She replied, "Sige bigay ko mga numbers mo..."  Gen and I studied in the same University and took up the same degree (but we weren't classmates) during college. So we sometimes meet during our batch reunion, get-together or any events.


So I waited for Bespren's call. Got a lot of missed calls actually. And when I finally talked to her, I told her "Nagtatampo ko sayo ah! bakit d mo ko tinatawagan.. " Hehe...She apologized and said she was busy That is what I like about Bespren, she was never mad. She says sorry even if there's nothing to be sorry for. Free spirited and energetic lass. Bespren of all. A mouthful of stories, I miss her being voluble to bits. 


Not knowing where the Kristong Hari Quasi Church in Paliparan Dasmariñas Cavite is, Bespren searched the ever reliable Mr. Google on how to get there. So 9AM this morning (24Feb13), Gen, Bes and I met at Savemore Pasay Rotonda. There were vans on queue going to Paliparan. After an hour and a half, we finally arrived at the church. Seems that a lot of babies will be receiving their first sacrament today. The church was full. Bespen immediately saw Karen and the family. And to our surprise, Paolo our classmate was also there.  The last time we chat was about the NatGeo earth day run last 2012. I forwarded him his picture which I saw from the internet and told him I was there too.



Kristong Hari


Baby Iam is Max's godson! :)

When the baptismal rites was ended, lunch followed at Max's Aguinaldo Highway.



Gen & Bespren Irene
Burrrppp...
Since Gen never eats chicken, it's all on me and Irene!
Bwahaha Chicken all you can!
But we never finished the whole lot.
Boohoo! :)
Us Girls...
Souvenir...
There we had our catching up chitchats. Paolo is now a Network Engineer slash Photographer. Good to know that he is enjoying with his hobby turned sideline - Photography. He captured everything on Baby Iam's christening. Even Karen's parents still remember us by names! Nakakatuwa! :D The last time I saw Bespren and Grace was during AJ's (Joanne's daughter) Aquiqa. Gen and Joanne, December last year at Jo's house warming. Although we haven't met for months, years, it's obvious that we're still the same persons. Nothing has changed except for our being matured and experienced individuals. I am glad and elated to see them all again. Reminiscing our high school days, we wish Gracia (now based in Singapore) and Joanne (had an event to attend to) were there too. 


Cooking up Bespren's pre-nup :D
See you all again.. somewhere!
Bon Voyage Karen and Angel. Have a safe flight back to Abu Dhabi. Bespen, Gen and Paolo, see you again (on Bes' prenup.. hehehe)

If one considers you a friend, no matter the distance or busy schedule, you will forever be in his/her heart. The last conversation for the last 3 years or so seems just like yesterday. Remembering good times and laughing at the same old stuffs over and over again, truly, genuine friendship never fades. See you all soon, somewhere out there, barbie girls! (as what they call us in highschool ;P)


now playing: Burn Out - Sugarfree - ♩♪♫ Dahil katulad mo ako rin ay nagbago di na tayo katulad ng dati kay bilis ng sandali O kay tagal kitang minahal.... Kung iisipin mo di naman dati ganito teka muna teka lang kailan tayo nailang.... ♩♪

Friday, February 22, 2013

the art of letting go



“It happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you've known forever don't see things the way you do. So you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on.”  - Nicholas Sparks

I've been to the moon and back, thought I had it all. Simple and happy life is what I've always been dreaming of. But still reality bites that we can't always have the things we  ever wanted. Uhm, nothing much to say today. Just overheard this song in the office this morning. A very sad song perfect for people with unwanted baggage. Some people are lucky enough to find their match who can help them unpack. Envious. We have to realize that we have no control on others, but ourselves. And there's nothing more in this life that we could do but to accept everything and to be happy, effortlessly. To find peace, love, friendship, care, comfort, purpose and the bliss of our existence. Just be thankful for all the blessings we receive each day. Even if it means that the only thing we should be thankful for is our very own heartbeat. 






The Art Of Letting Go 
By: Mikaila

OOOOOOHhhhhhhhhh 

Put away the pictures. 
Put away the memories. 
I put over and over 
Through my tears 
I've held them till I'm blind 
They kept my hope alive 
As if somehow that I'd keep you here 
Once you believed in a love forever more? 
How do you leave it in a drawer? 

Now here it comes, the hardest part of all 
Unchain my heart that's holding on 
How do I start to live my life alone? 
Guess I'm just learning, 
Learning the art of letting go. 

Try to say it's over 
Say the word goodbye. 
But each time it catches in my throat 
Your still here in me 
And I can't set you free 
So I hold on to what I wanted most 
Maybe someday we'll be friend's forever more 
Wish I could open up that door 

Now here it comes, the hardest part of all 
Unchain my heart that's holding on 
How do I start to live my life alone? 
Guess I'm just learning, 
Learning the art of letting go 

Watching us fade 
What can I do? 
But try to make it through 
the pain of one more day 
Without you 

Where do I start, to live my life alone? 
I guess I'm learning, only learning, 
Learning the art of letting go. 

ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 
hhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

i've got mail....



somebody sent this to my inbox... worth sharing... :D
The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.....
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, 
of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote
the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most
requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, 
so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 

5. Don't buy stuff you don't need.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with yourself. You can take it.

9. Save for things that matter.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. 

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don’t forget. 

29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 

30. Time heals almost everything. Give it time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. People love you because of who you are, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come ...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

now playing: sa isang sulyap mo - 1:43 - ♩♪♫ Sa isang sulyap mo ay nabihag ako, para bang himala ang lahat ng ito, Sa isang sulyap mo nabighani ako, nabalot ng pag-asa ang puso, Sa isang sulyap mo nalaman ang totoo, ang sarap mabuhay punung-puno ng kulay, Sa isang sulyap mo ayos na ako, sa isang sulyap mo, napa-ibig ako  ♩♪

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Saturday Chillin'



“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." - William Shakespeare

02Feb13


Last Wednesday, I received a viber message from Chang telling me to join the Mt. Tayak climb on the coming Saturday. So the next day, I immediately filed my VL (one thing I like in the office is the filing of Vls, hassle free! :D). So excited to climb again because it's been a year since my last. And of course, will see great friends Jan, Allan and Chang.


I met Jan when I joined Olay MCs Mt. Tapulao climb on August 2008 or 2009, really can't remember hehe :) He is a good friend of my younger brother who influenced me to mountaineering. While Allan and Chang, I met thru Viber. Actually, this all started with the dream of experiencing Aurora Borealis in Alaska.


August last year, Jan created a Viber group where we can all share our ideas about our Great Alaskan trip. The group composed of Jan, Allan, Chang, Bonn (haven't met him yet), Batoy (my younger brother) and me.

And when Allan who is based in Singapore went home sometime in September, Jan organized a meeting to discuss the Aurora trip. I was like "Should I go? I don't know them except Jan". I'm a shy type person remember? :D. Batoy (also based in Singapore) told me "Ate, sumama ka dun. Mababait yun at masarap ang ribs sa Eduvigis". Oh okay! They are my brother's friends so they must be good people. Didn't I say I trust people easily? Hehe so the rest was history. The four of us had our first bonding moment in that Lucena road trip. And followed last December when Allan again went home for Christmas.


So this weekend was our third get together. Allan and Jan just came back from their Indonesian trip. That night at Jan's crib in Calamba, they shared us their not so enjoyable trip. We slept around midnight since we have a 'trek' the next day.


It's a Saturday and Jan, Chang and I was kind of lax to climb. Allan wants to purse even he was so sick with flu. But the three of us were like, "Naku bka lalo kang magkasakit at mukang uulan.... masama iyon ayaw ka naming mapahamak...Bka Maquarantine ka sa airport pabalik sa SG.." So Allan had no choice but to oblige. We just kept on sharing stories and non ending laughter. 


The guys said that they are planning on a Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Fuji trip on August and asked me and Chang to join. Chang said that she shall check her schedule first, but she wanted to. And when they asked me "Ikaw Manang?" I just said "Kung andito pa ko..." And they were like, "San ka pupunta?".... And so I said that it was still a plan and nothing is definite yet. I want to join then in Japan or that Kilimanjaro climb. But they said, "Naku noh kahit wag ka na sumama dun basta pumunta ka sa pupuntahan mo..." I really hope so! 


We aborted our 'climb' and went on a food trip at Isdaan. It was good food and the ambiance were just like the one in Gerona Tarlac. Floating restaurant, huge action figures, Big Buddahs and Tacsiapo, very relaxing and great way to fill our hungry stomachs. 



Allan, Manang B., Chang Dogra =)
Jan shouting Tacsiapo!!!!
Chang shouting Tacsiapo!!! (mute mode)
But before we left the restaurant, they surprised me with something. When I was opening it, I was thinking, "ano to? bakit kaya?" And when I saw it, tears want to flow but I tried not to. I was really touched and overwhelmed. We didn't meet or talk so often but they are thoughtful enough to remember me. With my cracking voice I just uttered "bka naman mapre-empt!.." They think if ever I pursue, it could take so long for the four of us to meet again. Awww.... 


Cute noh?!
On our way home, we also had Mernel's cake. The chocolate cake that we've all been craving for since the first time all of us met last year.


Indeed! lasted 5mins..
According to C.S. Lewis, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” It starts with one hi or hello. Meeting people whom you can share you passion, interests, accepts you for who you are and who can stand your weirdest moment is a blessing from above. Nothing is constant but change. Friends come and some did go. And I thank God for letting me meet and have good people around me.

now playing: Be Alone No More - Another Level  feat JayZ - ♩♪ No, I don't wanna be alone No more, do you believe in love like I do? No, I don't wanna be alone no more Do you believe in love like I do? ♩♪

Monday, February 18, 2013

Naimbag nga aldaw! Pagudpud South Tour - Day 3

"And like the vibrant shade of the sky, I will shine!..." -  NixAngel247

After breakfast, we left Cathy's Resort at 0800H. With our bags all packed up, fully charged camera and cellphones, we are ready for the last leg of this trip. The Pagudpud South Tour.


Babush Pagudpud!

We started off to the famous Bangui Windmills. Remember why MJ accompanied me here? Yes, it's because of those 20 gigantic windmills. Standing tall along the stretch of Bangui Bay facing the South China Sea. They are also known as the NorthWind Bangui Windmill Farm Project. Excitement spurred our hearts when we saw the windmills from afar. And finally when we're there at the shoreline, it's like WOW! Lucky that somebody thought to have ventured on those energy producing enormous 'fans'. Wonder why the government does not have any project like that for the past administrations to present. Hmmm... Crocs and Lacoste comes to my mind again.. :( Lolong the largest Crocodile in captivity has died, so when will his brothers and sisters in the government follow him? I hope soon.


Windmills!
MJ and the giant fans
My sisters slippers

Amazed by oversized turbines, we kept on having photos from different angle until we decided to go to our next destination, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

Since Kuya Rene's tricycle is prohibited to travel in Burgos, we need to transfer to another tricycle. There we met Manong Ferdinand. He drove us to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation first.


Kapupurawan Rock Formation
Kapurpurawan Rock which according to our former colleague Kuya Ryan, litearally means 'Kaputiputian' (Whitish). It took us almost 20 minutes or so from the main road. It's really far and bumpy. That's the thrill of journeying anyway, experience everything. :) Then we finally reached the jump off, Manong Ferdinand asked us if we want him to accompany us. We hesitated and asked him to take care of our bags instead. Again, trusting a total stranger is one of the risks of adventure. I am the person who trust easily. No one is a bad person for me. I don't know if it's a good trait or not. I just don't like having the bad feeling to a person. And I feel that Manong Ferdinand is a good person anyway so better trust him than think of anything worthless.


annyeong haseyo!
There is a trail going to the renowned white rock. Basically, it is just a rock formed by huge waves of the South China Sea. How it became white is what makes it magnificent. Unluckily, we cannot go there closely because it was hindered for the moment. It's okay I guess. Because some people take the rock as a graffiti wall. It's better that way, it can stay clean and it's stunning beauty can be preserved.

The sun was scorching hot that day so after a few minutes of photo ops, we decided to go to our next and final stop, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.


Cape Bojeador Tower
I imagine that going to the lighthouse is like the one we did in Palaui Island. But no, totally different. Cape Bojeador is a tourist destination that they paved the road so the vehicles can go straight to the top,  From the parking, it's just a few stairs away. The caretaker said that the lighthouse was closed 2 years ago. So we weren't able to see the whole interiors. Comparing it to the lighthouses of Cape Engaño in Palaui and Faro de Punta of Capones Island, Cape Engaño for me is still the most astonishing. The 6 km walk to Cape Engaño Lighthouse was all worth it. But hey, having it constructed in Spanish Era, all of them are incredibly amazing. Built with our ancestors bare hands and all. Can't say anything more. :/


MJ....
She again...
and again... :)
Parola...
So this ends our Northern adventure. Manong Ferdinand was kind enough to assist and wait with us for the bus bound to Laoag City. It will be a long bus ride again before we go back to reality. :)


with Manong Ferdinand...
now playing: So Far Away - Bamboo - ♩♪♫So far away Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore It would be so fine to see your face at my door Doesn't help to know that you're just time away♩♪


Idi! Pagudpud North Tour - Day 2 - Part 2

"One way to get the most out of life  is to look upon it as an adventure..." - William Feather
My hungry belly has nothing but lotsa water. I kept telling MJ on our way to Pagudpud that my head was aching badly because of hunger. Good and true friends knows what happens to me when I'm starving. And I'm trying not to transform into that horrifying side of me. No, not this time. So I just kept drinking water to lessen my hunger.

We arrived Pagudpud at 1345H. Kuya Rene, our contact tricycle driver fetched us at the bus terminal. We can't see any carinderia, eatery or sari-sari store so we just headed to Cathy's resort.


Since the day is still young, we asked Kuya Rene if we can go on the tour. He said we can finish the South Tour if we start at 1430H.


Before we go on trek to the Kabigan Falls, we ordered food from the carinderia at the jump off. It's a paluto so we just told the Manang to grill 1/2 kilo of tilapia and pakbet. The worms in my tummy were protesting to eat now. Hush my sweet dearies, you can eat after 1-2 hours of trekking depending on our pace. So Manang expects us to arrive from the Falls at 1600-1630H. Oh okay, we will start now, the clock is ticking and it's 1445H.



Bridge to Kabigan Falls
Kabigan Falls
Kabigan Falls, was just like any other falls I've seen. Cold water from the mountain top was thrilling. It was MJs first time to see a real falls. Really now? Yeah, no kidding. I hope she was amazed by the falls. Good thing the area was kept clean by the locals. So we headed back after 15 minutes or so. And yey, we can finally eat. Wormies were happy, I ate a lot. Didn't I say I love rice? Harhar! I was hungry yes and ate a lot but the food was just okay. There are carinderias I know which serves good food. This one, is just something to stuff your empty stomach. It's not bad at all, uhm just good. If I have a choice, I should have just eaten skyflakes. And the price, --over! 480Php for 2 pieces of small tilapias, a bowl of pakbet (which I think is good for 4pax), a platter of rice and a liter of Royal Tru Orange. So to anyone who wish to trudge on Kabigan falls, make sure you're not hungry. You can try the paluto but I advised you anyway.


The 'False' Goddess :P
After the very overloading meal, we continued our tour.

Patapat Viaduct - This bridge was one of the many projects of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Ranging along the length of Mountainous Cordillera and connects Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley, it is the 4th longest bridge in the country.



Patapat Viaduct


la la la la la.....

Bridge Bodies...
Paraiso ni Anton - I thought Parasaiso ni Anton is a beach. Too much expectation leads to disappointment. It turned out to be a mini falls along the highway. Not overwhelming though.

Paraiso ni Anton
Aqua Grande - This is just a picnic area with entrance fee.


Agua Grande
Timantang Rock / Bantay Aboy Cave - Huge Rock formations facing each other. We weren't able to look at the Timantang Rock closely. But I did try to discover the Bantay Abot Cave. This 'cave' is not actually a cave. It's just an enormous rock with a hole on the other side. Ting! Suddenly, I imagined that Timantang and Bantay Abot were once connected to each other. I guess Timantang was a part of Bantay Abot and left it. Leaving Bantay Abot with a large hole. Haha! Silly me. I don't know if there's a legend or folklore about those two rocks. I haven't done my research very well. Maybe next time, will do that! =)


Strayed Timantang Rock 
Bantay Abot Cave

Waves at Bantay Abot Cave

Waves at Bantay Abot Cave
Blue Lagoon - Boracay of the North. We didn't try to drench on the cold water but the sandy beach can be truly compared to Boracay despite of its massive waves.

The Blue Lagoon

now playing: Pangarap - Karel - ♩♪hanggang dito nlng yata, ang kaya kong gawin pangarap nalang at bumulong sa hangin kailan kaya darating muli ang isang sandali na akoy lilingon muli..♩♪

Kablaaw! - Laoag City - Day 2 - Part 1

"You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it" - Yann Martel
Almost left by Partas bus, we departed Vigan early at 0500H. Kuya Rommel, our contact in Laoag told us to jump off at Batac Crossing. But when we were about to take off the bus, MJ read the text from Kuya Rommel that he will fetch us in Partas Bus Laoag Terminal instead. It's too early and the Museums near Batac are still closed. The Bus conductor and driver were saying something in their local dialect which I don't understand. MJ and I thought they're mad at us because we changed ticket twice. Wah! Let go of negative vibes mga Manongs! Chill! =)


Hello Laoag City!
Arrived at Partas Laoag Terminal around 0630H, we met the ever smiling Kuya Rommel. There he told us that he cannot accommodate us and we'll be accompanied by his cousin Kuya Eric. As what Kuya Rommel texted MJ appologizing: "Ma'am pasensya na po may iba  pa kasi akong guests. Mabait po yang pinsan ko, photographer pa..". Indeed, Kuya Eric was never just our humble driver slash photographer, he also served as our guide who explains everything we see on the road. About the museums, schools, buildings, structures and most anything else. This is what I like the most whenever I am in new places. Meeting great people who are kind enough to make you comfortable and discern the culture, comprehend the language, appreciate the simplicity, differentiate and welcome the changes, and most of all establish trust and instant friendship with a total stranger.

After breakfast, we started the tour with the Sinking Bell Tower which was located at the Plaza near St. William's Cathedral. 


Sinking Bell Tower
St. William's Cathedral
St. William The Hermit
Fort Ilocandia - a five star hotel, resort and casino. Since both MJ and I are shy type persons (wag na kumontra! :), we haven't got the guts to enter the hotel even Kuya Eric said that it was okay to go inside. So, we just suit ourselves with the great views outside the resort.


Enjoying the morning sun at Fort Ilocandia
Chillax....
Paoay Sand Dunes - We didn't intend to rent a 4WD since the whooping 2500Php was not part of our budget. But then we realized, we can't see anything like these anywhere in the country and we're there to enjoy so we have to try and give it a shot. This desert like powdery land is somewhat similar to the ones in Dubai. Many local movies were shot here like Panday, Temptation Island, Enteng Kabisote and so much more. The Sand Dunes Officer told us that we can experience it for 1500Php in 30minutes. And yeah, it was the best, fun and liberating experience of this trip. The feeling was like riding a roller coaster. The 4x4 driver slash trainer was also kind enough to let us try the sand boarding for free since it was not part of the package. MJ refused but I tried, it's free anyway. I was like, oh no, I wasn't able to do wake boarding, then what's the difference?! All I can say was, bitin! It was awesome! I want to try it again, but I'd rather not. Haha I don't want Manong to think that I'm abusing the free experience. Great deal anyway. Will try it again if I have the means. Here's the link for the short video.


Ready!
Sands............
Try it MJ!
South China Sea...
Powdered pathways...
And I'm going to slide now!! Whooo!

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum - Here we can have the information about the life, romance and death of our late President Ferdinand Marcos. He is still lying there (picture taking forbid) for 20years or so. His body is somewhat similar to the ones in wax museums. We all know who he was and what he did to our country from our history class. I know I haven't experience the merciless (as they say) martial law. But all I can say is, during his tenure, he and his first lady Imelda did great things for our country. Power has it's pros and cons. I'm no political analyst but in today's democracy, what have we got? Not all but most are Crocs or Lacoste  government officials. And it's really awful to see the tax in my payslip and can't see any improvements. It's election again this coming May2013, Filipino people deserve the best. Lets vote for the lesser evil who have heart for the people, not for their own pockets.



Makibaka! Wag Matakot! :P
11 Day Romance to a lifetime companionship
The President's Office
Malacañang of  the North / Paoay Lake - The beautiful and lavish house of the the Marcos Family. Very huge like the Syquia Mansion in Vigan. Traditional and modern style combined, overlooking the unspoiled Paoay Lake. 


The Former First Lady Imelda Marcos
The Late President Ferdinand Marcos
Some of their Family Pictures
Paoay Lake
Paoay Church - MJ told me that this was the church in the ten peso bill. I could not verify then but now I know, it's not. Hehe, It's Barasoain Church in Bulacan.


Paoay Church
Museo Ilocos Norte - Here we can see old furnitures and agricultural tools they used way back when.


Trying ro use the rusty sewing machine
Cariton...
Traditional Stuffs... 
Roving Laoag City in just a half day! Great day and cool people! Kuya Eric let us transfer to the bus bound to Pagudpud and left at 1200H. 


now playing: Count on me - Bruno Mars - ♩♪Find out what we're made of When we are called to help our friends in need You can count on me like 1 2 3 I'll be there And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2 And you'll be there Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah ♩♪