#34yearsandcounting

Thankful every single day for these two cuties. 

Shet, I'm twenty-eight.

No, this won't be a post about how my being twenty-eight has not fully sunk in yet, how I am a year older but still have not figured out life, how the heck I am getting to where I want to be, or how to be a proper grownup without forgetting the happy child in me.  WUW dami lang pinaghuhugutan.  Haha!  I'm really just a sucker for rhymings, hence the post title.

I spent a quiet birthday in Baler, exactly how I wished for it to be.  I can't remember celebrating my previous birthdays away from home.  But this year, I just wanted to do all the things I always crave for - be at the beach, read a book, drink a beer, play with the waves, disconnect, talk little, stare at nothingness, look at the sun set, eat good food, get decent sleep, be up in time for the sunrise.  Well, I got exactly that, and more. :)  It is definitely one of the perfect days that I have stored in my core memory.

JoyBus is a real joy.  It's still as efficient and hassle-free as it was last year when we first took it.  We were in Baler before the crack of dawn.  It was too early to check in at the hostel so we stayed at Hungry Surfer where we got front-row seats to the tickled-pink sunrise.  Kilig :)

pink skies

I planned to be selfish and keep Charlie Does Hostel a secret to the rest of the world but that would be being ungrateful to all the kindness that they've shown us.  They were extremely kind to allow my request for an early checkin (We even got upgraded to a bigger room at no additional charge!) and late checkout the next day.  They also gave me free taste to their craft beer called Baler Brew.  I never told a soul that it was my birthday and there they were treating me like a debutante! hehe Charlie Does does things nice and perfect!  Don't get me started about their cafe that serves affordable, freshly-cooked and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Garden Burger at Charlie Does Cafe

I was out into the sea, getting reacquainted with the waves of Baler before the sun set.  Estong, my surf instructor, was so patient with my questions and with teaching me the basics.  It was also fun listening to his life stories while we waited for the nice waves I could ride.  He allowed me to surf much longer than my allowed time both days that I signed up for lessons.  On our second day, I was paddling and standing up on my own with him kindly coaching and cheering on.  Ang saya!  I can't get the waves out of my head.  I can't name anything more calming than the ocean.  I hope to be back and learn even more during the surf season.

As another treat to myself, I brought a book with me on this trip.  I read everywhere and anytime I pleased.  My favorite time was in the morning of our second day, just after the sun rose.  I was alternately reading a chapter and watching the waves.  The dogs of Baler would stroll around me.  One particular dog came very close, sniffed me, probably curious about what I was reading.  They were too cute to watch roaming around like they own Sabang.  Speaking of dogs, I met Charlie Does' Justice who was a real darling.  He's a Lab who was born blind.  I felt so happy to have met him.

the early-riser dawgs

Pleasure to meet you, Justice.

a boy goofing around with the goofies

Baler gave me more reasons to visit again.  It's as lovely, if not more, than when I experienced it the first time.  From its food, to its seas, to the chill vibe, to the people!  Oh, the people.  I have a really bad memory but I'll never forget the acts of kindness and gentleness sent my way. :)

I'm also grateful to my friend Allen for tagging and going along my (lack of) itinerary.  :)

Thanks Allena!

And to God, for this life.

Cheers!

All emotions are beautiful.

Of all the clichés in my head and all the sayings I've read, this statement seems to be the only one calming me down these days.  All emotions are beautiful.

I had always thought I have a good grip on my emotions.  Always steady, not much drama.  When things don't seem so right, I was the kind who'd think that it's nothing a run, an ice cream, a prayer or a good sleep couldn't fix.  That's what I thought until the run, the ice cream, the good sleep and the prayers didn't give me the fix I need.  

I hate it when I get sad, upset and stressed about anything.  I hate it more when I can't get past feeling sad, upset and stressed.  I prefer using my head more than my heart.  Always.  Logic over feelings. I always try getting to the root of what's making me feel bad, analyzing them, then thinking of ways on how to get past them.  It has always worked.  You can imagine how much more analyzing I did upon finding out that my system doesn't work all the time.  It's exhausting that I find myself worrying more, smiling less, getting irked easily and overanalyzing every single damn thing.  I decided I don't like who I'm turning into.

I'm now like a robot who's trying this thing humans call vulnerability.  I'm letting my tears fall freely, I'm trying to be more honest about what I'm feeling and I'm learning how to deal with emotions I had always dismissed as unnecessary.  All emotions are beautiful.  I'm not going to apologize for finally feeling.  I got this.  Trust me. 

33 years and counting . . .

the reason why i am such a believer of the overrated thing called LOVE.  Happy anniversary to my favorite duo.  I'm truly a super blessed kid to have you. 

What does the POX say?!

Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-diring-diring!  Guess sinong binulutong?! Hehe 

I wasn't laughing Saturday last week when the doctor confirmed I got chicken pox.  "WTFox!  Stay indoors for an entire week?!"  "There goes my carefully-planned leaves!" "Oh my shit, SCARS!!"

I had so much time browsing FB stories and saw several videos of the war in Syria.  Sobra akong nahiya sa mga concerns ko.  There I was, lying comfortably in my bed while people are losing their loved-ones, their homes, children are crying for their dead parents and siblings!  Wala akong karapatang mag-inarte.  I truly felt like the selfish engot that I am.  

Tried to calm my nerves and my itchy spots and asked myself, "Okay, what is it then that He wants me to learn?"  

For one, I figured He probably wants me to spend more time with my parents.  I do try make it home every weekend.  But lately, I'm guilty of just wanting to stay in my room, sleeping and reading all day long.  The entire week I was at home, we shared almost all breakfasts and dinners together.  It also brought me to the realization that I have not cooked in a while.  I used to stay all day in the kitchen (the only part of the house where I'm handy!) with them preparing meriendas, lunch, dinner, baking, and cleaning up in between.  I've been so lazy, tsk!  I will try to make it up to my parents!  

Secondly, I learned how it feels to be avoided like the plague.  It isn't a nice feeling.  My best friend is getting married in a week and she hasn't had the pox so I did stay away from her and from everyone else.  It reminded me of how the word BULUTONG was my "Excuse me, that's my cue to leave!".  I used to literally run away from a person who just had it.  That was so thoughtless.  While we have every right to avoid a person who has any contagious sickness, I will make sure to do it more kindly.  

It didn't happen easily but eventually I did see my getting chicken pox a blessing.  I had plenty of time to do some more reading and did other things I've been putting off.  I got cleared by the doctor the other day and was told that I'm so lucky to have earned very little scarring.  Whew!  After 10 full days of vacation, I am so ready to report back to werk tomorrow!  

God, thank You.  And I'm sorry that sometimes I complain too darn much.  :D

#ElNiDawgs

That was the official hashtag for our El Nido trip last Aug 11-15.  As expected and as we're already so used to, there was rain.  Lots of it.  But just like any other trip that my high school friends and I had, no rain or any low freakin' pressure area can ever dampen our excitement and energy.  Nahihiya samin 'yung bagyo, pramis. 

Our flight going to Puerto Princesa was delayed by 3 hours.  I already sent Philippine Airlines my complaint letter so no point marring this happy post with a rant.  But potek really!! ... ok awat na talaga! haha  After almost 6 hours of van ride from Puerto Princesa Airport, we reached our hotel at Corong-Corong around 4PM.  Brgy. Corong-Corong is just about 5-min tricycle ride from El Nido town proper.  We stayed at Telesfora Beach Cottages, a reasonably priced beach front accommodation. Seaweeds were aplenty though so not good for swimming.  Definitely a good choice if you don't wish to be in the midst of all the ganaps in the town proper and you wish to have a quiet, muni-muni moment.  I also read that sunsets in Corong-Corong are stunning when the weather is good.  The owners and the staff, just like every local we met in El Nido, were very nice to us. :)  We got our island tour package and van transfer from and to Puerto Princesa through Telesfora as well.



view from Telesfora Beach Cottages pang-muni-muni moments
or tambay time

slight pa-sunset on our second day

First on our itinerary, happy hour mga momshie!



happy hour at Sava. El Nido, ready na ba you?

On our first full day in El Nido, we went on island Tour A - Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Papaya Beach.  We were told that it's been several days that Coast Guard was not allowing tours because of the weather so maswerte na kami that we had that one day for island tour.

kayaking at Small Lagoon



lunch prepared by our boatmen at Shimizu Island. NYUM!

 

entrance to the Big Lagoon

Suggest you also rent a kayak or a paddleboard to explore the Big Lagoon.  And oh, get yourself a drone!  Some of us swam right through the middle of the lagoon (which is really big, btw) that I almost had leg cramps, tapos we did not have photos, ngek!  Looking around the lagoon got me all agog, thinking, "How..what.. why... sobrang galing mo lang, God!"

 

chillin' at Papaya Beach

Liel, on the swing. There's also a net in the island for volleyball!

 

Watch out for the newest filter on Snapchat! ;)

Strong winds and rains caught up with us on our boat ride back to Telesfora.  For a few minutes, the shore was nowhere in sight.  All I could see and hear were the big waves and the winds howling.  And then, thank High Heavens, the seas and the skies calmed down.  I won't name our friend who stood on jelly legs when it's time to get off the boat.  Haha!  Eto yung mga part na ino-omit ko pag nagkukuwento ako sa nanay ko.

Dinner that night was at Art Café, then back to Telesfora for walang patid na kwentuhan-inuman.  Had to celebrate the life-threatening experience, of course! :)

dinner at Art Café, a bit overrated for me

The following day, island tours were not allowed again so we were left to our own devices.  When I was doing our itinerary for this trip, I searched for a surfing spot in El Nido.  We hired two tricycles to bring us to Duli Beach.  The glitches, bumps, muds and the slopes that we encountered during that tric ride which lasted for more than an hour, were totally worth it!  Duli Beach is paradise that many tourists have not explored yet.  There's just a few cottages housed in the corner of the long stretch of powdery brown-sand beach managed by the wonderful Dutch couple Max and Elma. 

I knew that I was completely in love with Duli Beach Resort when I found out that beers are reasonably priced and Jason Mraz is king of the playlist!  Oh boy, I thought it was my birthday!



 

"Waves are good.", says the SMS response I got from Mike of Surf El Nido that morning.  He partnered with Duli Beach Resort for surf board rental and lessons.  We were no match to the waves of Duli but still extremely fun trying to ride them.

waves coming to launder me hehe

tandem surfing by Keps and Ace

Liel the local

After Duli, we went to see Nacpan Beach which tourists have compared to Boracay.  We went atop the hill to have a good view of Calitang Twin Beaches.   

Boracay of El Nido

 

top view, i loview guys!

 

Tours were cancelled again on our last full day in El Nido.  We slept the morning away then went to town for lunch at Squidos.  We spent the rest of the afternoon at Las Cabanas, aka Marimegmeg Beach.  It was a perfect afternoon to laze around with friends, people-watch, and wait for the sun to set with a bottle of Pale in hand.

 

 

Our last day was spent on travelling back to Puerto Princesa and pasalubong shopping.  Uwians make me sad so I'd rather not elaborate about them.  Arte!  Haha. 

But really, when you have a trip as fun as that, it's hard to show up to work the following day and not think about how sepanx you are feeling.  One of the things I am always grateful for is being blessed with friends I can forget about being a grownup with.  Totally.  What consist my core memories aren't always the grand places that we go to, some are as simple as making a game out of restaurant menus, serious family talks, jamming during a bumpy tricycle ride, scaring ourselves silly, bullying each other while settling restaurant bills, and the list goes on. 

That's it for our ElNiDawgs adventure.  Til the next ones!

photo credits: Michy, Toks, Allen, Liel

5 more ways to respond to "Kelan ka mag-aasawa, hija?"

Just like most single women, I've been asked many many times this annoying question: "Kailan ka mag-aasawa?".  To which I already have a standard answer  "Tagal pa po. Mag-jojowa po muna ako." This, I had used countless times, it bores me to tears already.  You know how some people are so forgetful (or just entirely insensitive and vicious), they ask every single chance they get when you very unfortunately bump into them.  Their questions have different versions na nga - "Ay, wala pa rin ba?", "Hindi pa ba magkaka-apo?" (to my parents while I'm just right there beside them).  Abaaaa, I also have to up my game and have a few spells up my sleeve to counter the exasperating questions thrown my way, right?!  So, in case you have already used up all the responses from the oh-so-helpful listicles by our kumares out there, here are 5 more ways to respond to the classic question "Kelan ka mag-aasawa?":

1. "Pota po." When you are torn between cursing and wanting to remain polite.  You have to flash the sweetest smile while you say this, okay?

2. Be statue-like.  Not for pasmado ladies as steady acting skill is necessary, until you convince the usi that you are semento and they walk away from you.

3. "Kapag po hindi na kayo usisera. Tagal pa po siguro 'yun, ano?."  Use your sayang-nga-po-eh face upon delivering this response.  For the full effect, you can end it with a resounding "Tsk."

4. Pretend you have tics, triggered by the words asawa or boyfriend.  You have to be convincing enough and let them know about your 'condition' so that next time you meet, they will think twice about bringing up their favorite topic of pag-aasawa. 

5. "Pa-add ko na lang po kayo sa FB group ng mga Usiseras and Usiseros of the Universe. 'Dun po ako mag-aanounce."  Keeping up with the latest chikas, digital na anubaaa! 

You're welcome, mga titas!  Group hug!!! :)

Fish be with ya!

For a year and almost a month now, I have successfully managed to eliminate pork, beef, chicken and other meats that are from land-living animals, from my diet.  I am trying the pescetarian diet, with fish and other seafoods as my primary source of protein. 

   

I used to be a not-at-all-fussy eater.  I had tried Calderetang Kambing from an inumang barangay, fried frog legs in Estero, Binondo, garlicky insect in Bangkok, ostrich tapa in CDO and many many others.  G na G si ate basta inalok ng pagkain!  Hindi choosy!  I still am a foodie, but now more conscious and cautious of the food I eat. J  The people closest to me would add another word to describe how I eat now – conscious, cautious at super corny!  I won’t disagree.  Hehe

It actually was not the first time that I gave up meat for a certain period.  For two consecutive years, I had given it up for Lent.  Then would revert to eating them fried chicken and liempo when Easter Sunday came.  I digest food poorly so every time I would eat meat aplenty, I would have to endure diarrhea the following day.  June last year, after half a day of frequent CR trips brought about by buto-buto, igado, dinuguan at iba pang handa sa barangay fiesta, meat and I called it quits.  You have to know I’m not at all good with moderation.  I figured that if I wanted to feel better, the meat have to be totally out of my system.    

I do like seafood so it wasn’t so hard for me to stay away from meat.  And there are also the vegetables, which I came to love even more now that my food choices are fewer.  What’s a bit of a struggle is every time I find myself in awkward dining situations like when I’m seated in a table full of meat dishes prepared or pre-ordered so graciously by the host.  The last thing I want is to offend them and have them go to all the trouble just so there’s something I can eat.  I survived one occasion by successfully (and discreetly) picking out all the veggies from a Nilagang Baka, fervently hoping that the cook won’t be chastised for ‘forgetting’ to include the potatoes and the repolyos in the dish.  Hehe 

I’m especially grateful to friends and family who have accepted me as a corny eater.  Some of my friends would always make a joke out of it, “May sakit ka pa din?  Kailan ka kaya gagaling?” or would frankly tell me,  “P*%^()^% kasi, kung kumakain ka pa rin sana ng manok, eh di mas mura share natin sa bucket!”.  Haha!  They are just foul-mouthed friends but they have not asked me yet to go finish my no-meat meals at another table.  So far.  Haha!

I probably lasted this long because I also wanted to prove myself that I can do it.  It’s a diet that I can stick to, without the feeling of deprivation or starvation.  I am still far from my ideal weight but I’m happy to know that I’ve maintained my weight even without the long distances I used to run.  I can count in one hand the days I had diarrhea the past year.  I also have developed a greater appreciation for vegetables and fruits, and had ditched a number of processed food like hotdogs, corned beef, luncheon meats and sausages. 

While I am far from being a healthy eater (I have yet to learn how to say No to my poisons namely chips and chocolates, juskolord), I feel better and happier with my choices. J  While some would probably say I am missing half of my life by giving up so much, I’d like to think I’m adding years to my life by TRYING to keep a healthy lifestyle. J

Saludo sa Gilas! 👏

Ako si Sharry Rodil, tubong Cavite, iyakin lang pero buong pusong sumusuporta at humahanga sa Gilas Pilipinas. Forever na yan. #PUSO ❤️

Surfing: check!

Hello second half of 2016!

I'm making a promise to keep on moving, learning and making time for the things that matter to me.  And that includes writing!  I'm too rusty at this but please bear with me as I try to breathe some life into this blog again.

My Ate just left again for Dubai this morning after three weeks of vacation.  We tried to do as much as we can, the family spending time together as often as we could during her short stay.  My personal favorite was a quick trip to Baler with Ate since I finally got to do something I had always wished to try - SURFING!!!  My two dear friends Michy and Liel tagged along with us, making the trip more enjoyable.

arrived just in time to witness the sun beautifully rising at Sabang Beach

I was hesitant to try surfing before, for one reason.  Probably because I am flat-footed, I am an idiot at keeping my balance.  I was so scared that if I fail to be friends with the surf board, it would cost me my front teeth.  But I guess my love for the waters (and adventure) will always win against my silly fear of being bungi. =D

We went at the time of the year when the waves are not at its best.  They were tame, almost shy to kiss the shore.  I thought it was perfect for someone a little scared but hoping to learn how to ride them.

intro to surfing

my sister and I (not in photo, just the board)

As expected, my first attempts to stand up the board were a disgrace to Sabang Beach. Haha!  Fell face first, sometimes pwet first, flailing arms next.  Hurt my knees, bruised my legs and my ego too!

Kuya Arwin, the instructor, was too patient with me or maybe just very good at hiding his sniggers.  He did not agree when I called me kulelats, so I stopped calling myself that and put on my SURFace (uy, I coined a term!).  I tried to focus and remember his instructions.  Next thing I knew, I was slowly making my first wobbly, ungraceful, imperfect proud stand up the board!  I tried and tried many more times and stopped only when it got dark and my stomach asked for dinner.  

On our second day, I woke up without an alarm, checked the waves (like I understand them) from our terrace and put on my rash guard.  Was still with a bedhead, drinking my coffee in haste when I went to tell Kuya that I will surf again.  Even when my body's sore from the day before, I surfed for two hours.  With Liel and our instructors, we paddled farther to the deeper part of the sea where the water was still.  Practiced to stand up some more, then just lay down on the board enjoying the calming sound of the sea.  Surreal. :)

with Liel who surfs like a local

I have been catching myself daydreaming about waves since the day we came back from the humble, lovely province of Aurora.  I am so so excited to go back. ;)

with Kuya Arwin

32 years and counting . . .

Thanks to this duo I learned how love is much more than the flowers and chocolates, the magic, the sweet promises or the grandest of gestures.  Over the years, I saw how love is also about being truthful, understanding even the unreasonable, seeing past the ugly, honoring commitments, being each other's person, appreciating and celebrating the little things, being respectful.  Love is also a friendship in progress, a decision and more than anything, it is not possible without entrusting the partnership to the Man above.  Happy Anniversary to my exquisite parents!  

31 years and counting . . .

 

To growing old and keeping up with technology, together.

I thank You God for my parents.

secret nook 💛

My fave corner at my new fave café.  I'm keeping this place a secret for a little longer.  I can happily spend hours here dating a good book or simply just watching the world go by. 💛

the 42k dream

I have a love-hate relationship with Running.  For almost a month now, it's been leaning towards hate, so much outweighed by my love for eating; which explains my cheeks getting chubbier at ang mga nag-uumpugan na hita.  2 weeks pa in this sedentary (hi, Ace!) lifestyle, hita becomes pata.  Ay JuskoLord.

October of last year, I happily finished my first half-marathon.  That finish line, I believe, sparked another dream - to finish a full marathon.  I never knew how and I was not even sure I was built for it.  I was still gasping for air and I was already budding another crazy dream in my head.  But you know what they say...  The first step to achieving your dreams?  Be a dreamer.  Joke, ako lang nagsabi niyan. =)

I was never athletic growing up.  Lalo naman na I never had the body of an athlete.  I had a brief moment of skinniness when I was an infant (you call it malnourishment), and then I was a fatty (a cute one!!).  I was and still am, a lampa, no thanks to my flat-footedness.  The only sport I mastered was jackstone.  I can not remember being physically active, or ever feeling strong.  That's why, I am so grateful I was introduced to running 3 years ago.  It made me realize that being strong can be a choice. It can be practiced, and it can be your lifestyle. =)

Ang dami ko ng words of wisdom, nakakairita na!  Gusto ko lang naman talaga magyabang ng konti. hihi.  I was able to do it.  Drumroll... Violin... Gong!  I SURVIVED A FULL MARATHON!  Batuhin niyo man ako ng tomatoes, 42K finisher ako world! hehe.  Your lola clocked in at 6:51, just 9 minutes shy of the cutoff time, but I was too happy to care.  Ginapang ko ang finish line you know!  It wasn't a joke really.  More than the physical challenge, it was also a mind-and-heart game for me.  It reached a point when I was questioning myself.  Why the heck am I doing this??  Tapos sagot din naman ako. hehe ang baliw right?

Eh this one, deliryo levels.  I was imagining every artist in my shuffled playlist singing with me, on my running concert.  Beyonce amiga, come on hit it!  Meron pang Say hello to my homies Maroon 5!!! and ungracefully ended it with a Thank you Buendia Avenue!  I may have kept my game-face on the entire time but it was all kinds of riotan deep inside of me.  I eventually settled down with my Jason Mraz playlist because I needed all the positivism and energy his songs offer.  

I met another struggling soul pababa ng isang flyover, so chikahan like instant besties except that I forgot her name right after she said it.  Sorry, pagod na pagod.  When we parted, naghanap naman ako ng mga pabalik na mga pogi na makaka eye-contact.  I needed inspiration, please do not judge me! ;)  When I was running out of reasons to continue, I imagined a 3rd leg growing out of my balakang, kicking my butt and telling me Ginusto mo eh, finish mo yan te!

I was left without much choice - finish the race or give up which my ego was stubbornly refusing to even consider.  So... push kung push, lakad, takbo, lakad, lakad, lakad, run some more, float, tune out world, imagine legs become wheels, pray, lakad some more, run, iyak kay Lord, and then the sight of the finish line.  Sigh...  It was just pure joy and relief I felt.  Thank you to my friends - Team Chos who cheered me on na parang makaka-place pa ako sa podium. Hehe

with Tisoy near the finish line =)

Coach Rio himself, handing out the medals.

Ace, papogi at the finish line

And of course, my heartfelt thanks to GOD - I was not sure if you gave me spare legs or carried me at some points so whatever form of comfort you gave me, thank You. =)

how awesome are my EAT girls =)

I intend to keep on running and making some more dreams.  Right now, my heart's telling me I want to join an Aquathlon.  Let's see, let's see... 

;)

Team Chos, running for the chos of it.

30 years and counting . . .

Dear God, You must really love me so darn much for You've given me these two awesome people as parents.  Thank You. :)

P.S. 

Sorry about the 'darn'!  Love You! 

palAAAWWWan: City Tour

If you're thinking "What a jejemon post title!", judgmental ka, aj3j3j3!  ;p 

More than 2 months ago, my HS barkada and I went to Puerto Princesa.  Even if it was already my second time in Palawan (last 2011, we went to Coron), its charm again left me so amazed and with no unintelligible word to say aside from "Aaaawwww".  Hence, the title of this post hihi.  Darn, I really had to explain that huh. 

GOING AROUND THE CITY

As we were travelling in a big group, I felt like it was pretty safe and much cheaper if we do not avail of the tour packages that tour companies offer.  We just rented a van to get us around the city.  It was more fun this way as we're pretty much left to our own devices, being able to stay long or leave a certain place as we brats, wish. 

Baywalk - where the statue of Princess Eulalia of Spain is located.  PP was named after her.

Plaza Cuartel - this is where more than a hundred American prisoners of war were burned inside a tunnel by Japanese soldiers during WW2.  JuskoLord, i know!

Puerto Princesa Cathedral 

Mitra's Ranch - a property owned by Ramon Mitra.  sarap mag-moment!

Baker's Hill - famous for its hopia and other sweet treats :)  

Butterfly Garden & Tribal Village 

Crocodile Farm and Nature Park

Iwahig Penal Colony Farm - more of a rehab center-turned-community where those detained are free to walk around and earn a living.

For the van, we contacted Topstar Travels (0908-899-5002)


photo credits: Keps & Michy