Hoy Kupido, pahingi ng pana! Mga one dozen!

May iba’t ibang klase ng tao ngayong araw na ito po.

Una, iyong wrong grammar. Sabi sa akin kanina, “Happy Valentimes!” Try mo kayang imultiply ang utak mo sa pagbabasa ng english books. Meron pa isa, “Happy Valentine Day! At iyong isa pa, “Happy Valentines!”  Kapag di mo alam icorrect ang grammar diyan, alam na. Aral muna kasi bago landi.

Pangalawa, iyong mega post sa fb ng pictures niyang may hawak na bouquet of red roses, chocolate at teddy bear. Binigay daw ni bf eh sa totoo lang, sariling gastos niya iyon. Haha. Pina-LBC pa! Sosyalan mo Inday! Teka, nahugasan mo na ba iyong mga plato?

Pangatlo, iyong mga may amnesia. “Ano’ng araw ba ngayon?”  “Ahh. Valentine’s day ba?”. Muntik nang dandani ko nang nakalimutan” ang peg atweh. Iyon pala, sa loob loob, nag-eexpect na may magsusurprise sa kanya. Sori ka na lang, manhid iyong bet mo ! Hahahahaha! Colombiazoned pa more.

Pang-apat iyong mga nakacouple shirt na best tambay sa street. “She is mine” and “He is mine.” Eh di wow. Lupa ba iyan! San ang titulon! Nasaan??Ilabas mo Kuya!

Panlima, iyong bitter. “Kaway kaway ang mga walang lovelife!” Hindi ako kakaway, may bf kaya ako. Di niya lang alam. Haha. Joke. Ano ba kasi ang problema pag wala kang lovelife sa araw ng mga puso? Pwede ka namang makipagdate sa friends mong mga baliw. Mamasyal kaya tapos best pahearing aid na walang forever sa  mga nagdidate na mga pangit. Wag kang mawalan ng hope te. Iyong pangit nga nagkalovelife, ikaw pa kaya?  Konting waitshiva lang. Darating din siya.

Sixth, the hugot kings and queens. “Ate pabili po ng memory plus para naman maalala niya na may gf pa siya.” “Ate pabili po ng washing machine, iyong walang dryer, para naman hindi matigang ang pagmamahalan namin.” “Alon ka ba?” “Bakit?” “Kasi kung oo, eh di sana , binalikan mo ako.” Push mo iyan. Ilabas mo lahat baka kasi maging tae pag pinipigilan.

Seventh, iyong mga Happy New Year gang. Tandaan po ha, ito ay Valentine’s day hindi Happy Paputok day. Tsk tsk.

Nine minus one, iyong very true at sincere talaga iyong love for another. Iyong bang komportable at masaya sila sa piling ng bawat isa. Kahit hindi ipost sa fb iyong mga sweet photos at travel video nila. Kahit pareho silang lalaki, o parehong babae o  bisexual man or hermaphrodite, tanggap nila kung ano at sino sila. Love knows no gender. Love is acceptance. Love can happen at the least expected time ,at the least expected place with the least expected person. You can never choose who to love for love chooses you. You cannot plan nor control what’s gonna happen. And you cannot teach your heart to love someone either. And if ever you have found that one true love, treasure it, Fight for it. Never let it go. True love only comes one. Bawal ang TOTGA – the one that got away. Nasa iyo na nga, pinakawalan mo pa. Tangengots lungs?

And ninth,  iyong miscellaneous. I’m talking about unrequited love, fallen out of love, still waiting, moving on, afraid to love again, NBSB/NGSB. Ever wondered why nobody falls for you? Ever wondered why it’s been a long time since you fell magically happy upon seeing somebody? Ang sagot diyan, nawalan kasi ng pana si Kupido. On the way pa lang daw iyong stock pero traffic kasi sa EDSA ngayon kaya baka hindi makarating until midnight.Haay, may forever nga sa EDSA.

Kunwari na lang, ready na iyong arrow, handa ka na bang magmahal? Kaya mo na ba ulit masaktan? Kung hindi,  focus ka muna sa studies, career or family. Nandyan din si God where everyday is Valentine’s Day and your everyday valentine gift is the so-called life! Thank you God!

Kung ready ka nang umibig, eh di mabuti! Ang love parang sugal iyan- walang kasiguraduhan kung mananalo ka o matatalo. May isang nagsabi sa akin “It’s better to have loved than not to have loved at all.” Korektus cactus but when we love, we should also use our head. We need at least an itsy bitsy logical, rational side of our head! Do not be afraid to say “game over” when he thinks less of you, when he tells that he’s too busy to be with you! There is no one busy in the world! It’s all about priorities. You will always find time for the things you feel important. Si Barrack Obama, pinakapowerful na tao sa buong earht, sinusundo si Madame Michelle anytime, ikaw pa kaya na president lang ng liga. Haha. Charot.

 Basta, Love is supposed to be healthy and passionate. The best love is the one that makes you a better person without changing you into someone other than yourself.

Uy, Kupido, eh ako kailan ba? Pahingi ng pana! Mga one dozen. Papanahin ko lang si Papa James Reid – sa lahat ng parte ng kanyang katawan para sa akin lang siya. Akin lang iyong leps niya, masskles, pes atbp! Nyahahaha!

Setting Forth

A little-known chapter of my life unfolds in a new home.

In the shadow of an active volcano, the town which I live lazes through a pleasant afternoon. Kids play basketball and from behind doors there is the sound of women singing their favorite songs. No one ever seems to glance the sign of the volcano. Small eruptions have come recently and it is due to blow again. As I drive from village to village around the base of the mountain, through towns that may soon be swept away by flows of hot gas, ruined by lahars, and buried by ash, the familiar response is a shrug. The mountain looks close but is really miles away.I climbed the dark flanks of the volcano and at the summit, steam emerges from between broken stones .I looked at a crack in therock and see a glow. It looks like the volcano's red eye, the implacable glow of its awakening. The red eye never blinks.

People from different villages are often scared of this usual scenario at my house- the volcano. Actually, the volcano serves as a shield of my extraordinary and a billion- worth mansion inside it. If you wanna come inside, you must write a 30-pages report about the Laws of Motion and a 50-pages history of the Philippine Government within 24 hours. If you really happen to finish those,a fire goddess will lead you to the grand entrance-the 3000 steps of the descending staircase. Be scared with the running mummies, laughing elves,crying fetus inside the bottles, talking lizards,bloody daredevils,marching Dracula and the everpowerful ghosts as you walk towards the stairs.The golden door will only open if you will clearly recite a poem or any sonnet by William Shakespeare.

Open sesame,now you can proceed to the first floor. Close your eyes and relax on my huge sofa embedded with pink rose petals. Feel the fragrance of the scented candles on mydiamond table. Listen to the rhythm of a sensational music from my antique radio. Walk like a princess on the pink carpeted floor, take pictures of the various paintings in the gallery, give yourbest pose in the pictorial room, grab all the luckycharms in the accessory chamber and let yourheart upon tasting the sweetest choco marjolane inmy kitchen.Finish sight-seeing? If that's the case hold your breath and be ready on the next level of consequences. Two of my security black ladies are there to see if you'll survive the challenges . First Challenge:Drink the garlic shake, 2nd challenge:Eat alive earthworms and lastly hug tightly the leprosy patient for an hour. If you succeeded, you are very much welcome to the second floor- place of the elements in the universe.The shimmering stars of the ceiling,black and shiny tiled floor, scattered glitters on the thick walls,cold temperature and the cloned aliens as you tour guide. Ride on the spaceships and UFOs, get busy exploring the planets, comets and of course get some souvenirs at the Sun and moon booth.

Not yet enough adventures? Not yet tired? Ok fine, if pleasure is what you like,approach the third floor. There are five disco bars,four movie theaters, three disco bars , two music lounges,one resto and the most famous one- the hot spring. You can stay her if you'll pay a million bucks. Deal or no deal?Before the sun shines, be sure to reach the fourth floor. This will be your last destination on my beloved home. To go to this floor, you must perform a rap that concerns mother nature infront of paranormal entities. Despite of the emptiness of this place, behind is a vault waiting for a good-hearted being. Anyone could try but whoever fails to unlock it will be burned or be eaten by crocodiles or be buried alive. However, if you opened it, a cloud will take you at the peak of the volcano- the EXIT. And this ends your journey...

The most important thing about life reveals that when we encounter such tasks, we will handle them- sometimes with panic, sometimes with courage, sometimes with ugliness but let us survive through with magnificent grace. 

*Unedited essay written year 2006.

I HATE HIM

I HATE HIM! Can I survive through all these problems? Would anyone find and help me for the rest of my life? Is there anyone who is like me,alone and insane? And do I really know what's behind all these questions I am encountering?
I was alone in a deserted island. An island full of mysteries and revelations. Covered with enormous trees, roamed by wild animals,darkened by gigantic leaves, planted with deadly traps and kissed by a devil.I walked, I ran,I jumped and I danced but still I was in the same place. I shouted and I cried but nobody answered or even appeared. I spanked my face then I firmly closed my yes, hoping that everything would turn into normal. I carefully opened my eyes then I blinked twice! 
Oh! Who would think that a man with perfect set of white pearls, tanned complexion, tantalizing eyes, well-chiseled nose and a wavy hair will come to comfort me? I followed him wherever he goes. We crossed the Nile river, we flew above the pyramids of Egypt, we traveled around the Ancient Rome, we stayed for two days at the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and watched the magnificent sunset at St.Peter's Square. At last, nobody would bring me down again. Sure! Because I have my king- a good KING.
After six leap years , we settled in the same deserted island. He asked me to sleep so that he would watch me for the whole night. I look at his expressive eyes then I drifted to sleep. He sang the most beautiful song then he suddenly stopped.I wandered around but there was no sign of him.Oh no! He's gone. Another man left me! They are all the same! I hate them! I hate him!
The stars have faded, the moon have vanished but the sun is still shining. I stood up and was shocked of where I am. I am here at the room of III-SSC-Rutherford holding a pen and a paper. I can't control myself going infront and passing it to our teacher. But one thing is for sure, my lollipop's sweet lemon flavor has turned to a bitter one. No one will see me again, I SWEAR!!!

This piece was written October 30, 2006 when I was in 3rd year high school. Fortunately, there are only minimal grammatical flaws. I remember being so resistant ,  atheistic and bitter. Am I still the same? 

How to Let Go

It’s the time of year when the weather’s too bleak, and my temperature’s too high and when this inversely proportional phenomenon happens, I couldn’t control my emotions. I am overpowered with the intense desire to massacre my rationality and just to feel every pain, condemnation, prejudice and emptiness.

A week ago, I was invited as a resource speaker for a spiritual retreat in Rogate Oasis. How funny that someone like me would be talking about something that’s so surreal. My friend reiterated that I was the perfect person for the topic but I guess there are more people who are more experienced, skilled and at least , normal. I am but a crazy never-you-mind entity who does not wear a plastic mask to please presidents and befriend synthetic-covered Homo Erectus, and besides, my self-declared charm and appeal is no way tempting for someone to lift me up. Forget that. Blabbing again. Sorry.

Anyway,   I could not find the couage to back out because I had nowhere to go on a boring weekend and second, I wanted to meet new faces , so there you have it I discussed  HOW TO LET GO.

It’s easy to let go. I have presented a 5-STEP LETTING GO PLAN titled ARNEL which is actually name of my friend who organized the retreat and he was not at all happy about it.  He hates being used as an example but I guess learning’s permanent if you connect it with someone who is closer to their hearts. ARNEL is basically an acronym for Accept the truth, Renew yourself through physical activities, Nurture within, Express through creative outlets and Love.

Those were tried and tested by yours truly and frequently, I apply this to my heart problems. I have been broken to the 20^th power and I let myself get broken because only pain could make me feel alive. Without the pain, I would not be who and what I am right now. To tell you honestly, I am demigod of Masochism. Even though I know how much it will hurt me sooner, still, I will jump into it because it’s exhilarating, it’s like bungee jumping without harness. You’re all aware that you’re falling with no one to catch you but you enjoy the fall because it’s unstoppable... you are free…you are surrendering yourself completely. It’s funny how you can feel everything because of a man and how your mind becomes so clouded with hopes of being with him though signs are telling you otherwise.

Guys I’ve been acquainted with range from cowards to egocentrics to certified jerks. Some left me hanging because they cannot balance their career and love life or they found someone prettier and liberated. Some were just taking advantage, some used me as display, some wanted revenge, some were experimenting and some were suffering from identity crisis and the only way to figure out their elusive gender is through me. But don’t get the wrong idea, I only had one boyfriend, the rest were pure M.U. So how the mother fudge earth did I forgive them? Easy question. I used my plan. After every heartache, I process all emotions by writing a letter although I don’t send it. I listen to breakup songs and let my tears drown the pillow. I watch tragedies, horror, melodrama until I could breathe again and return to my old self. That’s acceptance.  Accept that it’s over. He won’t come back. And when he comes back, show your sweetest smile and say “How are you?” Let us be kind to animals.

At first, it was because of revenge. I wanted to show them that it is their loss that’s why I started my fitness program. I did everything to be sexier – 2 hours in the gym every MWF evening, 1 hour 30 minutes jogging and zumba every TTh afternoon, biking, jumping rope, hula hoop, boxing, ab and squat challenge on weekends. I followed the Bikini Body Guide of Kayla Itsines and I was able to execute push-ups, planking, lunges,mountain climbers, commandos, barbell close squats, weighted burpees etc. which I was not able to do before. I could do all those despite my profession’s demands because I was fueled by my sweet revenge. I will make them regret what they did , make them fall hard for me and leave them hanging. They have to learn their lesson, no more no less. However, as months passed by, I’ve come to realize that I was not doing this for them anymore. I was in fact empowering myself. I was preparing myself for harder battles because I know that God only gives the hard ones to the strong soldiers. I could not believe it. My self-confidence escalated and I was healed physically. And  before I knew it,  I was renewed.

I started treating myself better. Every month, I reward myself by going to the spa and traveling. I have gone to many places without any company and in the ‘I’ moments, I’ve been relaxed and independent. I have time to reflect on my decision and more importantly, I had a time to converse with God. Despite all my stupid mistakes, He can hear me out and accept me. He is there directing me towards the light and in return, I started loving others too without expecting it to be given back. God loved me when I could not love Him so why wouldn’t I do the same? Nurture within. Train yourself to be happy when alone and love your imperfections.

Expression is indispensable especially for me who has a short term memory and short attention span. I easily get bored and that’s why I venture into series of recreation to express my diversified personality and abet my mind dilemmas. Painting on different types of canvas, blogging academic and personal stuffs, cooking, applying makeup to my model wannabees, photography and DIY outfits and accessories  are just some of my playtime stuffs. What can we get from recreation? We do not just explore and improve  our talents, we are also creating memories that we will carry until we die. We can go over and over to the products of imagination, we can sell our ideas, we can make people connect with us and create beauty that will inspire mankind. Express yourself. Be creative. No one can stop you. Imagination is free and limitless.

Love. A concept that is overrated. There was one time when a friend exclaimed that I have no credibility to talk about love. That was very discriminating! To say that I am not credible is a big slap on my face. I know about hurt, waiting, breaking apart and moving on. I have been through those so how would I know about hurt when I did not love? Why would I bother to wait if he’s not worth waiting for? How did I move on if myself was not stuck during the process of loving?

Love. We are all experts - the only difference lies in the level of giving and receiving it. If you do not love something or someone, ask yourself, what are you freaking doing with your life? Love and love some more. Do not be selfish. Love your studies, God, family, pet, nature, teachers, job etc.  Love is contagious. Spread love and endure its many distress and splendors. But first, love yourself.  Take note, I LOVE YOU starts with I.

As I end this outburst, let me just say that I feel so much better now. Thank you weather.

This was written on Februay 6, 2016 at PTAA Building Room 13 while I was serving as a room examiner for NAT dry run. Thank you to the Grade 10 students for being quiet while taking the test and to my old friend for texting me to ease my boredom ( I can’t write when I am not doing other things. Multitasking syndrome attacks!) Gotta go. Sandwich’s waiting.
 

Linnaaw iti Ladingit (A Eulogy for Myself)

Iti baram, nabaawen

Iti raniagmo, inut-inot a nausawen

Iti bagim, kinagat ti lidem

Iti biagmo, pinuyopuyan ti salemsem

O Trining, apayen?

 Nagsapan ti inmo inpupusayen?

Nag-ulpit mon ta di ka man la nagpakada

Kasano dagiti arapaapmo a kunam di marebba?

Inyebkas mo idi nga agluganka iti eroplano

Ta idiay ballasiw taaw pangsukisokam baro a trabaho.

Tapno alisto makapatakder ti balay da tatang ken nanang mo

Ken makagatang tay nagmaris rosas a kotse usaren pagballogyo.

Paunay kan balasangko, nagurayka pay kuma

Adu a padas ammok saanmo pay narikna.

Dinamag mo idi a no kaanon to ngata nga adda mangayat kenka?

Sungbat ko, “Kasano met no walang forever kanayon mo ibaga.”

Wen aya, apay tunggpal biag mo , uray maysa nga Adan awan nakauna

Ket aglaplapunosanmo nga ayat ken ragsak nakasagana.

Ita nga awankan, nakadaldalus iti aglawlaw

Adu a badom ken sapatos, awan mangiwarang

Awan tay kasla mait nga agkankanta, agsalsala ti zumba

Para pakan ti aso, innaw, aywan ti ubing ken tienda.

Naasi ka, natulong ken nasayaaat nga anak ken mestra

Ngem apay di ka mamati no ibaga mi kenka deta?

Idi lawas na, aggargarakgak ka a nangyistorya

A no matayka ket baka awan man lang aglua.

 Saom ket saanmon to matan-awanen dagti kakabsatmo a mas dungdungwenda

Ken saankanto aglidayen gapu ti pinangpadpadakes ti sabali kenka.

Dispenseram ta di mi manlang kenka naipakita ti karirikna

Ta namati kami gamin a kayam amin , napnuan kat regta.

                    Ala wen balasangko, palubusan daka ngarud                        

Ta ammumi nararagsakka dita sidong ni Apo Dios

Imulam ta pusom a sika ket balitok

Awan sabali a tao a makabiddot.

Namnamaem ,maysa nga aldaw, agkakadwatayon to manen.

Ket biag nga agnanayon, intayo amin gun-oden.

This poem was written on the first sem of S,Y. 2015-2016. I've asked my students to write a eulogy for themselves in my literature class and since they did not have any idea about it, I have taken the initiative to present something I was dreading...death. During that time, I was stressed about my whole life. 

#WHOGOATTOTHETENTH POWER (Formal rants of a Teacher)

The Ten Student Categories

These categories are by far the best out there and should be taken as footnote by all teachers. They are updated, concise, easy to understand and above all – accurate. The following categories should give them an idea about how to distinguish every student so that, maybe, they can implement properly the differentiated instruction as stipulated in the K-12 program. Read and enjoy sorting.

1.  THE RED CARPET MODELS  

They walk like models along the school hallways and catwalks with their “trendy” outfit. However, they will never get into trouble because they dressed up like smarty , loyal students upon entering school grounds only to remove their uniform after the guards turned their backs.  They will again wear uniform dress codes when they get into their classrooms, then take them off again in their vacant periods (habitual).This does not tire them. Why? THEY ARE MODELS.

2. THE SNEAKERS

         Students are way too curious! They wonder what teachers do on their computers that they wouldn’t mind looking at your PERSONAL computer (looking through while the teacher is working in front of the computer or even manipulating the teacher’s PC when he/she is not around). And when they are caught, they would just smile and sit as if nothing illegal happened. AREN’T THEY THE SWEETEST?

3. THE “ARE WE CLOSE”

          Imagine a student (because he is already home) would be sending you his enrolment form (college thing) through instant messaging then he will ask you to pay for the tuition, process the enrollment, get all things done for him and finally telling you he’ll just give you the money when you see each other. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT I AM HIS PARENT/GUARDIAN/WORKER. I THOUGHT I WAS A TEACHER.

4. THE “FINDING NEMO”

          Students usually come in the first week of classes then suddenly disappear for reasons that are unjustifiable. After many days and weeks they suddenly popped out into your doorsteps at the end of the semester asking you to give them a passing grade (after all your effort of visiting, contacting and pleading them to come to school?)

5.      THE “PROXY KID”

         Because of circumstances (I just don’t know if avoidable or not) students got incomplete or probation grades. It’s not about completing the course but them tagging along their moms, dads or relatives to complete their requirements. PADRINO SYSTEM IS IN.

6.      The SMARTPHONE KIDS

        Even if you have already reprimanded (sometimes, we confiscate the phone and make them write promissory letters) them from using smartphones while having class they would still to do the same routine over and over again.  These phones serve as their lecture and assignment snapshots and  “cheat notes”  during examination Now, I came to a conclusion that smartphones are also disadvantageous to students

7.      THE ACCOUNTANT

                 Evaluation: done. Assessment: done. Enrollment: successful. Now it’s their time to shine.                    They just grab their pen, erase or substitute the exact amount in their receipts (in effort to                     trick their parents) so they could get kickbacks. (Don’t you realize how your parents work                   just to send you to school?) 

8. THE SIXTH SENSE

      Gone are those students who have the initiative to help the teachers. They will watch you from afar and worse, would escape if they sense that you have something to ask like cleaning the classroom. Those who have this sixth sense are most likely suffering also from selective amnesia because when they are done with you (meaning you are no longer their teacher), they will not be acknowledging your presence. You don’t exist ( maybe, you gave them low grades or they just don’t really like you).

9.  THE SPECIAL CLASS

      These are the students who are perfectly normal but rely on special projects to pass. They tempt you with money, books, food , and so on with the matching puppy face for you to say yes. Included in this category are students who are happier to have teachers who give modules and hold class once a week than a teacher who exhaustively discusses and grades them according to their performance. Sometimes, it’s not all about your efficiency. It’s about how you please them.

10. THE AVID FANS

      More students read facebook, twitter, instagram and other social networking sites than their lessons. They are more updated with how many likes you have for this picture or how you felt yesterday or where you checked-in than their academic status. They comment on your posts (whether negative or positive), send you private message or call anytime (e.g. asking if there’s class when it’s signal no. 2), invite you in games and group chat, question about their grades in chat etc. What’s surprising is that they their vigor in facebook is inversely proportional to their class participation.

Then after all, teachers would be asked, “what have you done as  teachers?” Yes we are accountable, but rearing our children should be our collective efforts. Parents and educators should both do their parts.  ^^ (smile lang) And lastly, YOU as student should be the most responsible of yourself.  Remember that the grades you get and the performance you made at school will determine your employability in the future.

(c) Bryan Ecija

This article was the consolidated effort of Katrina and Bryan. Both are public secondary teachers. 

SAUD ngiti at AVIS kitang mahal: AN UNEXPECTED JANUARY GETAWAY

There are times that we don’t arrive where we want to go but then, it’s just a detour for yet another 2 in 1 adventure. Some things are better unplanned and moments become more blissful when you least expect them to happen.

Johnny: We can’t possibly go there with just the two of us.

Kat: Why not? We just need to ride on a bus and a tricycle then hire a tour guide! It will be fun!

Johnny: It’s impossible.

There you go. I had to accept the fact that Tanap-Avis Falls is a lost dream. So, instead of hiking and trekking on the mountains of Burgos, we had to hastily find another destination to quench our weekend thirst. After all, we deserve it. Teaching is a stressful job, mind you! Anyway, we thought of traveling to Nueva Era, Playa Tropical Resort in Currimao and Hannah’s Beach Resort but because of financial, distance and friend/tour guide-is-busy matters,  it all boiled down to a beachy escapade in Saud, Pagudpud.

Come to think of it, the last time I went to Saud was during our summer vacation three years ago with my weird yet cool Sabsab friends. I can vividly remember because we deliberately disregarded our 1st LET review session so as to laze around the beach and enjoy our last days together before we log in to our first teaching job. I thought that Saud is not a bad idea after all.

I and Johnny hopped in an unairconditioned bus heading to Pagudpud. We paid Php 70.00 and endured two hours of butt numbing exercise till we were dropped off near the municipal hall where we hired a tricycle to take us to our hotel. We stayed in Ace Guest House and Snack Bar as recommended by Mariedel, our Sabsab friend who is living in the same municipality. We were given a big discount because the owner is her colleague. Thanks God for connections!

At exactly 5 PM we walked toward the beach which was about 100 steps away from the Guest house. Surprise, surprise! I became Johnny’s photographer all over again. Everytime we go out, I had to be behind the lens while he stands and poses as if he’s a star. Well, he is because he is the main attraction of my photo album titled WILDLIFE AT ITS BEST! Just kidding. LOL

After his narcissistic photoshoot, I convinced my friend to walk until the seashore’s edge. It was so far but so worth it! We saw three windmills standing tall on the hill, a mini hut, coral reefs, seaweeds, crabs, lake and the glorious sunset! That was our first time and I bet most of the tourists had not gone to that part consequently losing the chance to witness a beauty out of the ordinary.  

Coconut Trees!

 If only I can stay here forever.

Foamy

 Road to the edge

 Resting on my Coconut couch

 Goodbye means Hello

 Sunset by the beach

Perfect view!

We retraced our steps and finally dipped into the chilly water. Our night has not yet ended for we went out with Reylan, our classmate wayback college together with his business partner. We shared funny stories about our lovelife, former classmates, professors, grades, teaching dilemmas and future plans while filling ourselves with sticks of carcinogens, uric acid and cholesterol. Beer, barbeque and grilled chicken necks are definitely guilty pleasures! After that, we transferred venue and ate a pot of hot lomi in an I-forgot-the-name restaurant. Did I tell you that I am suffering from short term memory? First day, so far so good.

Second day. We woke up at 5 AM, sipped our coffee on the seashore, ate breakfast in a nearby carinderia and swam for two hours. We returned to the guest house and prepared to go home and face reality. How I wish I could forever take in Vitamin Sea…

 Floating like a jellyfish

Water brings me shivers

Johnny: Mariedel said that they’re on their way to Avis Falls.

Katrina: What?! 

Johnny: Shall we go?

Katrina: Are you freaking kidding me?!..Come on, let’s go!

Funny, life may have twists and turns but at the right time, we will be directed where we are supposed to go.

We rode on a bus heading to Laoag and stopped on Brgy. Nagsurot as instructed by Mariedel where we will be fetched by her husband. We waited for like 30 minutes and the good thing was that while waiting I saw Rizza, my high shool classmate who is now a policewoman. FYI, she graduated as a nurse. She looks so pretty and happy. I wondered, what if I took up the course I really wanted…would I be also smiling like her?

We hopped in a “kurongkurong” and traveled for 20 minutes until we reached the tarpaulin which says Welcome to Tanap-Avis Falls.

He said that we will trek for an hour. I expected it because I have read travel blogs regarding the falls two weeks ago. I brought neither jacket nor sun block lotion but for the sake of adventure, I was more than willing to burn my skin and get my knees scratched. At first, the hike was easy. I just have to climb steep slopes, humungous rocks, balance and pass through narrow bridges. With my training on hula hoop, jumping rope and weight lifting, I would make it! But as we were steps closer to the falls, I was losing my energy. I was always lagging behind Johnny and Mariedel’s betterhalf. I could not compete with their long strides because I’ve got short leg problems dudes! But I was firm in my decision to reach the top! After 25 minutes, we made it! We were fast, we were strong, we are survivors! Hurrah, I made it friends!

So, here are some of the photos I took during the trek. Multitasking at its finest, that’s why I was bit turtlelike in climbing. Haha. They are in chronological order.

 enchanted

 crystal clear

 virgin

 incomparable

 breathtaking

the road that must be taken

 Divine beauty

Live in the sunshine, swim the Sea, smell the wild air. Hellen Keller said it right. Life is a daring adventure or nothing. Life won’t be fun without any sense of boldness and being wonderfully lost in nature. I and Johnny were frustrated because our original plan was not followed but we do realized that somehow, we were brought where we truly belong.

Indeed, SAUD ang pag-ibig ko and kasi AVIS kitang mahal!