Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Eats

So the healthy eating continues and what's in my grocery bags? These. 


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Reminders


We get sad, we get torn, we feel pain (Ecc 3:4 ; a time to weep and a time to laugh,) but this we should know; that nothing and no one can ever fully understand, help, and satisfy our deep longings because we are a finite being on an infinite yearnings.
Ecc 3: 11...He has also set eternity in the human heart;

so just relax and chill!

12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

and remember our creator in the days of our youth. Ecc 12:1

Friday, August 1, 2014

Marginal Music

mar·gin·al
ˈmärjənl/
adjective
1.
of, relating to, or situated at the edge or margin of something.

This is just me. So marginal music is something on the edge. Probably on that edge thin line between Christian and secular.

Monday, July 28, 2014

If I Give it All to You

Dear Lord,

I know you renewed me. I am not the same person as I was before. I am not feeling the same feeling anymore, not acting the same acts as before, not controlling situations like I was doing before. You have changed me for the better, according to Your plan. Please help me remember Your grace that satisfies, that controls, that overwhelms,  that makes me forget myself and just focus on You.

Amen

Song for today: Will Reagan’s If I Give It All To You
Song’s just so fitting.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Halo Halo De Iloko | For the love

For the love of halo halo, I didn't want to miss visiting Halo Halo De Iloko during our La Union trip. On Day 1, we went to early and found out it will open by 9 or 10 in the morning and so we decided to move plans of eating there until the next day.

Come second day of our trip, after that super tiring hike in ZimZim Og, we went there and while waiting, ABS-CBN North Luzon reporter and cameraman approached us and asked us to try the halo halo without ice. I didn't want to be interviewed as I know I will get bullied by my former officemates in ABS-CBN Interactive once they see me on the TV. Cha, my friend, did the interview (hurray). After she tasted the halo halo and gave her comments, I asked them if I can finish the food. While eating, the cameraman took a glimpse of me and so I showed my thumbs up (thanking them for the free food).

Little did I know that it will be shown in Bandila and a former officemate took a screenshot of me on that very scene I did.

That screencap was posted in Facebook and within 12 hours, the photo garnered the most number of likes I ever had on Facebook! An instant celebrity I am for the day.

Pre-Birthday!


In the recent years, my life has gradually and massively changed. Those were hipster changes and it felt good on me, emotionally and well physically. I am no longer that emotional person I used to, just that sometimes, even the thought and meaning of happiness has been distorted and I no longer remember how it feels. Or even excitement for that matter.

But today, 3 days before my birthday, I got a an office delivery gift. For the first time in forever, the trick had me. My friend, she had me on this. That true friend who has been there for me since college. That true friend who is more or less like me. She gave me a surpise on a Friday before my Monday birthday and it brought about feelings of excitement and happiness and being touched I have never felt in the recent years. Thanks! This is just so awesome!

*Blogged right after receiving the gift.



Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Potipot Island

Potipot Island is one of the cheapest beach destinations from Manila.

From Manila, you can take buses going straight to Zambales. Victory Liner in Caloocan goes to Sta.Cruz stops in Daual, Candelaria, Zambales. Fare is P432.

From Daual, walk from mainland to shore and take a boat ride going to the island (5-min travel). The island is located roughly 1 km from the mainland shore of Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales.

 I spent about 1050 for the whole trip (my friend took care of food!)

What's good about the island?
- Source of water (which is important to me!)
- Good signal (Globe, Sun, Smart)
- Places where to pitch tents
- Renting tables and nipa huts
- Comfort rooms! (which is really comforting to me!)
- Grilling area
- Trees, tree houses for shade
- Clear waters
- A bus ride away from Manila
- Day visit is possible








Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Dermatographic Urticaria/ Hives and Art

I found this cool article of an artist that can turn her body into artistic medium. That's just so cool because I have the same case. This condition is an allergic reaction to contact with our skin. Any contact esp sharper contacts makes it release histamines that produces those artistic lines. The allergy/ or writing goes away easily though and is not painful.

To quote some on the article:

Brooklyn-based artist Ariana Page Russell takes the saying “being comfortable in your own skin” to an artful and literal degree.

Born with dermatographic urticaria, Russell takes advantage of this condition also known as “skin writing” to turn herself into a living, breathing work of art, photographing her sometimes beautiful, sometimes intricate, and sometimes itchy designs for a series titled Dermatographia.

I was diagnosed with dermatographic hives when I was 22 and finds it fun and fantastic to write on my skin. Sometimes people would look and feel strange on what I do. I could try what she does next time.







Tuesday, May 27, 2014

The Importance of Self Control and How to be a Self-controlled Man



To be able to control yourself is priceless, something supreme, a victory. A lot of people ruin their lives because of their uncontrollable spirit.

As we are but living in the flesh for the meantime, there are a lot of things that we are not able to control; eating, too much sleeping, laziness; to emotions as anger, guilt, fear, doubt.

We, in this bodies, are in a state of uncontrollable thoughts, acts, and deeds.

Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

To overcome this state, we must rely on God's Spirit to help us. This kind of submission takes training of bible reading, praying and hearing and hearing of God's Word.

I believe that we cannot be fully self-controlled on our own.

It might be ironic since it says self, that means it is "on us"; self-control. There are may self-help ideas we may receive from advices, books, and the internet, asking us to do it on your own. While those may be helpful, it will help us to build ourselves to discipline and sobriety for the meantime.

We can only be fully self-controlled if we allow God to control our lives, that is, to look unto Jesus how He possibly managed to be a self-controlled man while here on earth.

Until we have someone to look up to on how to be self-controlled, we would look at something that is finite to help us be finitely self-controlled. Jesus is beyond finite, since He was raised from the dead.

Below are some of ways how to develop self-control I found online.

------

Developing Biblical Self-Control
by Rick Warren

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)

People with self-control master their moods. They do not let their moods master them. Most of what gets done in the world is accomplished by people who do the right thing even when they don't feel like it: "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (Proverbs 25:28, NLT)

People with self-control watch their words. They put their minds in gear before opening their mouths: "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." (Proverbs 13:3, TEV)

People with self-control restrain their reactions. How much can you take before you lose your cool? "If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it." (Proverbs 19:11, TEV)

People with self-control stick to their schedule. If you don't determine how you will spend your time, then others will decide for you: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)

People with self-control manage their money. They learn to live on less than what they make and they invest the difference. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went! "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." (Proverbs 21:20, NIV)

People with self-control maintain their health. That way they can accomplish more and enjoy their achievements: "Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body ...." (1 Thessalonians 4:4, MSG)

In what areas do you need to develop for self-control? The disciplines you establish today will determine your success tomorrow.

But it takes more than just willpower for lasting self-control. It takes a power greater than yourself: "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, TEV)

http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?contentid=3502

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Smart's FunFam Outing at 8 Waves

I was privileged to join SMART's annual-outing-of-your-choice with my friend, Hanna, who now works for SMART. It was an event for employees' families but since Hanna's parents lives in Tarlac, she has invited me to use the tickets with her.

Free transpo from Makati to Bulacan, Bulacan to Makati
Free AM snack, lunch, PM snack
With programs and games
Every visitor is of/ related to SMART
A freeloading experience!







Act As If: Oh MY My

One day, I'll marry you. For now, I am waiting.





Stand still, I’m dying to meet you
I’ve finally caught my breath, now I’ll take yours
It’s some kind of movie scene, it’s slow motion
And all our eyes, they’re on you

Oh my my, oh my my
You’ll never feel sorry for taking this broken city
boy {girl}
Oh my my, oh my my
We’ll take to the hill side, wait for the world to find us


Cause all my mind is on you
Stand still, I’m dying to tell ya
I’ve finally made my move, now you make yours
It’s some kind of silver screen, it’s slow motion
And all my time is for you

Oh my my, oh my my
You’ll never feel sorry for taking this broken city boy
Oh my my, oh my my
We’ll take to the hill side, wait for the world to find us
Cause all my mind is on you

And I don’t see anything other
I see you and me
Please take me







Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Mt. Daraitan, Sampaloc, Tanay Rizal

One of the best hiking+trekking+caving+spelunking-experiences I had so far! Mount Daraitan is a hidden paradise and a great adventure to experience near Manila!

I'd often ask what's the difference between hiking and trekking. Here's what I've got from the net.

The main difference between the two is that hiking is mainly a leisure activity which is done by walking on well-made trails and man-made roads. However, trekking is more rigorous, and a more challenging activity. It tests one’s physical ability, endurance, and even their mental or psychological capacity.

Caving or a caver are those who were highly skilled, those who have equipments and gears. Spelunking, on the other hand is, the act of exploring a cave, other sources say it simply refers to an amateur caver.

We had 8 hours of foot travel with breaks as we climb the summit and decided to traverse that night. It was my first time to do a night trek and felt it was really fun, exciting, with bits and pieces of fears.

Here are some photos from Sir RJ and Beni's SLRs posted at PITS HIKERS FB Page.


Wear tights to protect you from the sharp edges in grassland.

 Bring lots of water!

Take five-minute breaks when you are tired and exhausted.


 Prepare to climb those rocks. 

 Have fun while inside the cave.


 Take time to buy halo halo along the road!


Be with fun people and bring camera!

Treat yourself to a good dinner!


For the itinerary posted on the Event created by PTS Hikers:

IT
Day 1
08:00 - Meet up in Cainta Junction (7-11)
08:15 - Ride Jeep bound to Tanay
10:00 - ETA Tanay / Rent Tricycle bound to Daraitan




Mon and Beni brought their cars so we didn't have to ride the jeep and tricycle!

11:30 - ETA Daraitan Brgy Hall / Eat Packed Lunch / 

We ate bruch at Jollibee Tanay

Pay Registation & Arrange Guides
12:45 - Prepare to climb
13:00 - Start Trek
15:00 - ETA Grasslands
17:00 - ETA Summit/Campsite. Pitch Tent


We decided to traverse right then and there but we ate dinner first!
18:00 - Cook Dinner
19:00 - Eat Dinner

Traverse from 7:40 to 1130. Night trek it was!
19:30 - Socials
22:00 - Lights out

Day 2
04:30 - Wake up, boil water for coffee/milo
05:00 - Cook Breakfast
05:30 - Eat Breakfast
We ate brunch (eggs, corned beef, luncheon meat, and sinigang!)
 06:00 - Break Camp
07:00 - Start Descent / Trek to Tinipak River
10:30 - ETA Tinipak River/Camp Site / Cook Lunch / Swim
12:00 - Eat Lunch
13:00 - Boulder hop to Tinipak Cave
13:30 - ETA Tinipak Cave / Spelunking
15:00 - Back at Campsite Trek to Brgy Hall
15:45 - ETA Bgy Hall / Clean up / Settle guide fees
16:30 - Ride Tricycle/Jeep back to Tanay
18:00 - ETA Tanay / Eat dinner somewhere
18:45 - Ride Jeep bound to EDSA Crossing / Cubao
21:30 - ETA EDSA Crossing / Cubao
Extra Details from last climb:

Guide Fee - 800 Php - summit then to Tinipak River
Tricycle Fee - 500 Php (4-5 persons) - Negotiable
Boat Fee - 5 Php (tawid lang ng ilog)
* Rough road ung papunta sa bayan ng Daraitan
* Parking ay nasa kabilang side ng ilog, tabing ilog lang ... yun pa ay kung may tulay, pede itawid. Nung last na punta ko, tinangay daw ng ilog ung tulay hehehe
* Masukal ung trail at Summit, except sa Grasslands na part
* Matutulis ung bato sa trail after grasslands at sa may summit
* Cogon ung damo sa grasslands (around 4 ft ung taas ng damo dati), kelangan ng arm & leg sleeves/warmers para di mahiwa sa damo
* Maliit lang ung camp site sa summit... mahihirapan isetup ung malalaking tent. Siguro mga 6-8 tents, puno na ung summit at dikit dikit na ung tents.
* May drinkable water sa trail papuntang summit, sa may waterfalls na part. Mga 2 hrs away from summit.
* May drinkable water din sa Tinipak River
* Pwede mag swimming... pero direkta sa araw ung ilog... mag sunblock
* May area dun na pwede mag dive pag mataas ung tubig sa ilog.

Friday, May 9, 2014

White Island in Camiguin

The whitest beach I have seen {well, more or like Boracay}! The place is inhabited, no trees, no shelter, and  as it is only a sandbar located just about 2 kilometer from Mambajao. To visit the place is to rent a boat for Php450 (+ Php20/each for environmental or entrance fee) from Brgy. Agoho or Brgy. Yumbing (as for us, it was from Brgy. Yumbing as Paguia's Inn is near the place).  There are mini stores where you can buy lunch or snacks (really cheap!) or rent a table and chair for about Php100-Php150.


We had (or at least me had) the best lunch ever by the beach so far in this place! Good place to swim and snorkel.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting via Kagay Rafting Group

Cagayan De Oro, also know as the “City of Golden Friendship;” has become famous for its whitewater rafting adventure. A serious yet fun experience.

During our 4-day Camiguin-CDO-Bukidnon trip, we have decided to take this adventure on our last day of Mindanao visit for the reason that we are staying in city proper for the last two days of the trip and our flight back to Manila will be in CDO (the Cagayan River is near airport).

White Water Rafting in CDO is really a must try experience when visiting Mindanao.

Whitewater rafting fee via  Kagay Whitewater Rafting Group
Php1k/ person for an advanced white water rafting experience with 21 rapids
Php700/person for beginners on a 14 rapids adventure
Php450 for a CD copy of all photos and videos taken during the white water rafting adventure

Each rapid is named after something fun that happened in the area. Our captain has a lot of stories to tell. He's one of the councilors in one of the baranggays (I presume)


Since we wanted to maximize the adventure, we tried the advanced whitewater rafting with 21 rapids and it was definitely a good choice even for beginners like us. More rapids, more stories to tell, more fun, more sunburn. They will also allow you to swim in safer still waters during the trip.




Based from my research, there are three rafting groups in Cagayan as of publishing:

-Kagay (they sponsored the whitewater rafting adventure in the movie, Forever and a Day starring KC Concepcion and Sam Milby, I haven't seen this movie!)
-Rafting Adventure Philippines
-The Red Rafts

Our contacts suggested the Kagay White Water Rafting Group.

Kagay White Water Rafting is located in Corrales ave. fronting Bombo Radyo 9000 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

You will need to contact them for an arrangement if you will have to be picked up from a hotel/inn and other concerns. They accept credit card payments, too! Their crew are really cool, fun comedians. 

You may visit their website for contact information:
http://www.kagaycagayandeororafting.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kagay.whitewaterrafting/about



Though my suit has suffice for the trip, I highly suggest that you wear long sleeves, preferably rash guard, and yes, long bottoms, shoes or sandals with straps, and never forget to put on sunblock
(do not put sunblock on your forehead!)

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Vjandel Pastel of Camiguin

I am a bread lover. I love breads. I <3 breads! Breads are love! 

It was a privilege for me to visit and taste the freshly baked special Vjandep Pastel of Camiguin (P12php each, 1/2dozen is P70, 1doz is P130) from its original bake house in Plaridel Street, Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines, during our 4 days Camiguin-CDO-Bukidnon trip {April 30 - May 4, 2014}. The branch is located in the town's sentro (center) and it was 1 motorela ride away from where we stayed (Paguia's Inn).


VjANDEP means "VJ"-Virgilio Jose, "AND" "EP"-Eleanor Popera. For the history, you may visit their page at https://www.facebook.com/Vjandep/info


Since we have visited Camiguin first and we still have 3 days to travel and visit parts of CDO and BUkidnon, we dedicded to buy pastel and pasalubong on our last day of the trip at CDO. Vjandep's branch in CDO is in:

The VjANDEP Bakeshop Commissary, Zone II, Bulua High-way, 9000 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines


Hanna here, my friend, bought 5 boxes of pastel to get that free paper bag! Hahaha!
For actual itinerary, fees, charges, here's the link to what happens in Day 1 of Camiguin-CDO-Bukidnon travel


M.F.K. Fisher
“The smell of good bread baking, like the sound of lightly flowing water, is indescribable in its evocation of innocence and delight...[Breadmaking is] one of those almost hypnotic businesses, like a dance from some ancient ceremony. It leaves you filled with one of the world's sweetest smells...

Monday, May 5, 2014

CDO - Camiguin - Bukidnon Trip [April 30 - May 3, 2014]




Here's my time, activity, price, photo logs using my smartphone in our 4 days Camiguion-CDO - Bukidnon trip.

We were 3 in the group: Hanna, Genelle, Rencel
Day 1 - Touchdown CDO then head to Camiguin
Amount spent on Day 1: Php614.25





Activity Type Price (Php)
6:00 AM Arrival at CDO Airport
6:30 AM Road Travel: Van to Agora Transportation 199
7:00 AM
7:30 AM Breakfast Jollibee 59
8:00 AM
8:30 AM Road Travel: Van to Balingoan Port Transportation 150 (120-150)
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM Sea travel: Balingoan to Benoni (Camiguin) Sea Transportation 177 (170, 2+5 fees for environment and port)
11:30 AM
12:00 NN
12:30 PM
1:00 PM Camiguin Island touchdown Find Transpo or contact Inn 1500 (whole trip tour)
1:30 PM Katibawasan Falls Swimming + Tried
Kiping P25/3
30
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
3:00 PM White Island (in the picture above)
Beach Swimming
and Lunch
(450/3)+20 (entrance)+80 (white island lunch)
3:30 PM
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM Sunken Cemetery (in the picture above) Sunset Free
6:00 PM stop by Gate of Volcano Free
6:30 PM Cold Spring Swimming 30
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM Hot Spring Swimming 30
8:30 PM
9:00 PM Dinner  Kamayan ni Maestro: Bulalo, Four Season, Rice 280+140+100
9:30 PM
10:00 PM
10:30 PM to Inn Paguia's Inn 1000/3
11:00 PM Sleep  onwards
11:30 PM

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

On Travel

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give,to roam the roads of lands remote. To travel is to live.” {Hans Christian Andersen}

Picture after surviving Mount Pulag.
Now excited to Camiguin, Bukidnon, CDO!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Gungor+Jars of Clay | Church Simplified:Walkway [April13, 2014]

April 13, 2014, CAN friend Ruth invited us to see Jars of Clay+Gungir concert in BGC. VIP ticket is free for a certain purchase but since it is an open ground concert, we can grab sidewalk seats to see them. We were there early and we've been blessed to receive free VIP tickets! I was with Lovely, Ayi, RG, and Grace. Fun night! Some photos below.







Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Controlling Emotions and How to React

The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.  ~Plato

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

There are a lot of people who sinks through quicksands of life by letting their fears, hatred, and anger conquer them. The bible says, a great offense to hard situations is to be composed. (Ecc. 10:4) It allays great strength to overcome, subdue and gain victory over your madness and anger.

No matter how tempting it is to shout and let other people know how resentful you are, it is still awesome to handle your words with care. Most of the time, it is better to leave angry words unspoken than to mend a heart those words would be broken. It is an asset to be a controlled man.

Romans 8:16b says, the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.



Tuesday, April 15, 2014

iYAM Ready Pampanga

On April 9, 2014, I was invited to go with YAM Council in their visit to JIL Pampanga's iYAM Ready YAM gathering.