Thingamabob

I'm so far. so bored. ;)

I was able to visit Puerto Princesa City, Palawan a few days ago. I had a blast and definitely was the highlight of my summer. I learned that despite knowing how to swim, I still had an itzy-bitsy fear of water. And because of my hazy memory, I have to write it down here before the little details fly away.

 

                                                                  Day 1- AT FIRST SIGHT

       We had an 8:40 flight and we were at the airport by 6:15. Pretty early, huh? I was seated on 8A, a window seat! Cheers! It was sooo cold at the airport and I was only in sandals and shorts and shirt and I forgot my jacket but in the plane was a lot warmer. The flight was around an hour and fifty minutes but it was okay. I don’t have motion sickness or some sort like that so everything went fine. When we came at the airport which was a domestic one only, there were lots of tourists who came with us. By the way, it was the first airport that I saw tall grasses on the runway’s sides. The inn we stayed had a service which picked us up. It was only a few minutes drive and finally I had the first glimpse of the city. We were at the hotel, or I’d rather call it pension house, by 11. We didn’t waste any time so we booked for that day’s city tour at 1pm. So we were the first when the coaster came. They even actually had to wait for a few minutes because we were still having lunch. We picked up the guests at the other hotels then we painted the town. J The first stop was the Crocodile Farm and as expected, ang daming crocodiles. J There was a nature park in the farm but we didn’t go there because it was so muddy. Then my favorite part was next, photoshoot! With the park’s highlight, crocodiles. But it was just a small one and the guide was saying that of we want a photo with a crocodile with a rubberband-ed mouth, that would be an extra charge and the one with none would be for free. Nice one, kuya! Photo ops were limited for 3 to 5 but I had 13. Blessed me! Their skin actually felt do dry and because they rarely move, it felt like a huge toy. When we got to the coaster, it rained so hard. The next stop was the Iwahig Penal Colony which sells souvenirs made by the inmates themselves. They even sell their uniforms. J After that we went to Mitra’s Ranch which was a resthouse for a political figure in the city and it was shaped like a cockpt from afar but it has a great view of St. Peter’s (?) mountain (which has the Underground River inside) and the awesome Honda Bay. A perfect place for jump shots pero nahiya ako eh. :)) Next was the prime seller of for me was the best hopia, especially the ube one, ever! Bakers’ Hill with big, cartoonlike statues for phototaking. I remember there was also a soooo cute flower pot whatever. Had my photo taken kahit na bawal mag-step sa grass. Sorry, turista eh.:)

The last place we went to was the Binuatan Weaving. I forgot the real name of this place but it’s where I tried weaving. I did only four strips. We were dropped at the tiangges where we bought the must have pasalubongs. There weren’t much to see here but still, I bought the must have keychains. J The guide said that the pension house we stayed was just near that we could just walk from the tiangge. Turned out that the near he was referring to was almost two to three blocks away. Perfect for our haggard mood add to that the fact the most streets in Palawan were hilly.

                                                         Day 2- TREASURE UNEARTHED

 Anyone who comes to Palawan surely had experienced this day. We went to visit the now world-renowned Underground River. Though it was on the same city, it was still a two hour drive of zigzags and hills from the city proper. Had to be ready before the clock stroke 6:30 but the service came at 7. So we drove and drove more until we stopped at some viewing deck along the way for some great view of the St. Paul’s mountain and the Honda bay. 45 minutes left for travel. By the way, half of the roads were very rocky. Guide even called it a “free massage”. We stopped at a beach and at the side was a little port for the bancas. We had to take a 15 to 20 minute boat ride to where the underground river was. The waiting time took longer than the boat ride itself, it was 45 minutes and we were at number 17. When we reached the island, we had to walk 150 meters to reach the waiting area for the boat that takes you inside the underground river. We were warned not to bring plastics because monkeys snatch those. Ang daming nakuhanan. One monkey even took a bag of Clover chips from a pile of snacks. Lucky us, our batch was the last one to tour the river that morning.

It was MAJESTIC inside. It really took a lot of imagination to know and name the stone forms. There was a Cathedral where there were stone forms of the Holy Family and also a huge melting candle. The river was about 8.2 kilometers long but we were only able to travel about 1.5 kilometers and it already took 45 minutes or so. After the tour we stayed at the island for another twenty minutes for the photo photo thing. :) The beach was so clear, the waves were perfect and the trees so lush. I might sound so poetic here but really, everything seems to be in perfect harmony with nature. Maybe, it's all because I've lived a city life for a time now. So another boat ride and when we reached the port, it was noon and we had to walk still under the striking heat of the sun for our lunch. It was worth it. The lunch was sumptuous and first time that I tried drinking fresh buko juice, fresh as in direct from the fruit. I was supposed to swim but it was so hot that our group just decided to head back home.Two hours drive again and all of us in the group were obviously dog tired and caught up with a long dose. It started to rain quite hard too making us sleep better. Back at the hotel, we booked for our last destination in Palawan, Honda Bay. =)

                                                           Day 3- PARADISE FOUND

I actually had no idea what would happen today. I've never even heard of Honda Bay before. Nangni only told me that we would definitely be swimming today. Call time was later than the day before, 8am it is. The coaster was already full when we hopped in. But the thing is, this time there were a number of tourists. One even greeted me a warm "Good morning!" I think she's Russian. I don't know. My gut feel just said so. Anyway, Honda bay was only 30 minutes drive from the city proper and a 45 minute ferry ride. Main activities here were island hopping and snorkeling. I was actually expecting something similar to Pangasinan's Hundred Islands but turned out something beyond that. We stopped over at Pandan island to drop off some people (they were guides) then went on to Snake Island. I thought it was an island with a forest generously inhabited with snakes. :) un pala, it's named "snake island" because it is shaped like a snake. When we finally arrived, it felt surreal. The sand was so white and so fine, like stepping on a huge polvoron mix. ;) one more thing, the island was a complete VIRGIN. No restaurants, no stores, and even no restrooms. :) I think they just improvised but it was clean according to some foreigners. I took a quick and excited leap to the beach. Finally, I can swim. :) Someone approached us asking if we want to learn snorkeling because the island has a majectic reef somewhere near. He even said it was for free and they offer it so that tourists would enjoy the trip. We were given a super crash course on snorkeling. How to clean goggles and more importantly, how to breathe underwater. It all took only like three minutes or so. Ang bilis. :)

Nangni went on to the reef first while I was at the shore starting to think if I would still go on snorkeling or I'd run somewhere. Natakot ako bigla! :)) it must be the freakingly paranoid me again. But I chose to stay (yes, parang I'd learnt that from some film. Ha ha) The usual, "Bahala na" attitude. It was scary at first but when I was already getting used to it thanks to the fish. By the way, you let them come near you if you feed them with bread. ;) It was so nice, all colors and sizes. parang sa tv lang. :)  The fear soon went out. :) Nakita ko si Dory (Finding nemo) :)) Too bad there wasn't even a single picture. sayang! So we turned back to the shore and then Nangni and I together went snorkeling again somewhere with the guide. This time, with no bread. Naubos na eh. Boo! Basta, it was so pretty underneath. After that snorkeling thing, Nangni and I toured the island. while mama shopped for pearl souvenirs. Nakakapagod kaya lumagoy ng malayo. Oh, the guide said that the water was "quite" deep. So touring the island under the sun's heat was not as excruciating as it may seem. It was just so great here. Felt like I'm somewhere unreal. Water so clear, sand so white and sky so perfect. But when it was past 11, we had to get on the ferry again for the next island. It was, I think, 20 minutes until we reached Pandan Island where we had our sumptuous Filipino lunch. Yum yum.

After a while, we went swimming again. I didn't have my goggles with me so I sort of fed the fish while I was just sort to say, above the water. When I knew that all the lunch was somewhere in my system now, I tried snorkeling again. But just somewhere not deep. ;) When we were about to decide that we had much for the day, a guide again approached us and asked if we wanted to go somewhere a "BIT" deeper. Of course, we would! Again with the pretty underwater scene. It nicer here with more corals and all that. :) We stopped somewhere and stepped on some  huge, hard coral. They call it "Brain Coral". I took off my googles and realized that we were already somewhere in the middle of the ocean. :)) while saying nothing but "ANG GANDAAAA!!!" Then the guide said, "MAGANDA PO TALAGA ANG DAGAT. TEKA LANG PO MA'AM, AALIS LANG AKO SANDALI".:)) Like there was somewhere else to go. The shore was just so far and I can't believe I swam that far. The guide was somewhere. Iniwan kami for a while. Living by the moment, we went on and just fed the fish for a few minutes and finally, the guide was back! :)) makakabalik na kami. :D and when we did, i was happy not only for returning to the land where humans are meant to live but with all that I've seen only a few seconds ago. A totally cool and rocking experience. \m/ So after all that swimming under the sun then the rain and the sun again and get casually dresses, fresh buko juice was next. ;) and our tour guide from the coaster was there asking who wants to try his camera tricks. He was insisting on it but my cam went low bat on this 3rd day so I used nangni's. His tricks were cool. Though, I've tried some before but really nice souvenir photos. I loved that one on the broom and he was saying,

"GANITO KA UUWI NG MANILA." :) We had a chit chat with the others in our group tour then time to head home. There were more people in the ferry now than we came and Mama met someone from Plaridel too. I noticed that most people were sleeping but I wasn't. Ang saya kaya kahit mainit. Anyway, kanya kanyang trip naman yan. :) So reached the port then the coaster then, it was traffic! ;))))) Palawan traffic.

When dinner came, had it at a known seafood restaurant in the city, KaLui. Saraapp.

They're known for seafood and before you enter, you should leave you slippers outside and.. you have the choice if you want to sit on the floor, on some very low cushion or in the traditional wooden chairs. And here's the thing, while we were there, it went brownout. :))  how's that? :)) but it was fixed a few minutes after. Great avocado shake, grilled fish, yummy crabs, and sweet o sweet fresh fruit salad. heehee Still, THIS IS MY FAVORITE DAY! We went home to pack stuff for the day that I wished never came.

                                                      Day 4- UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

As said, I wish this day could have never come. Time to go back to Bulacan. Back to the reality. ^__^ I've packed my stuff the night before and I was a bit sure that I had not forgotten anything. Though the idea of having a reason for me to go back to Palawan because I left something would pass for a good excuse. We had a 10am flight so we had to be at the airport early and that was also where we took our breakfast. Their airport is only for domestic flights so it's smaller than NAIA 3. We bought souvenirs again.:)  Our flight was delayed by three minutes according to the screen. There weren't much happenings today aside from we waited for an hour or so before we got picked up in Manila. It was Manila traffic this time.

This trip was just so great. Definitely, I would love to return and see more.

 

 

Life is so unpredictable. One day, we find ourselves happy; euphoric the next day then we find ourselves to be as if we were attacked by “dementors” where all the happiness was just sucked out of life.

This week was one of those rare, unfortunate times of situation number 3. It was our final exams’ week which was expected to be toxic. I’ve been flooded with sleepless nights and I could not even remember how many cups of strong coffee I’d drunk over the past week. Yes, obviously I take these exams, and school in general, seriously. But I still have my dosage of a student’s mix of happiness, excitement, gala modes (speaking of this, one story’s to follow), tears and of course meron din akong “kilig”  :D

So this is what typically happens to me during exam week, tons of stress, but this is already something that I had presumed and I think something that I was halfway prepared for. But there were just so much more add-ons to this week that made it worst, take note: WORST AND NOT BETTER.

It is just frustrating that after all the hard work, you still don’t get the reward you feel you deserve. That though there were bargains with self about the standards, things were personally not good enough. I’ve shared this people whom I thought would be mature enough to talk to through things but unfortunately, not all were good choices. It seemed that there is this specific column for people whom we call “mature-like”.  Just imagine this going on with one of the most crucial weeks in a student’s life.

Through this, of course there’s people termed as friends. Perhaps this is already in the nature of the word that these are the people who cheers you up whether the need arises of not. Friends. Personally, I treat these people with utmost care as if I was handed the world’s rarest gem. With friendship of course comes one of its pillars, honesty. This week, I’ve learned one simple life analogy, “Candy jars do not always have sweet reliefs.” You never know the time when you’ll find something else inside it. Someone had promised me of a relief through my heck week, and offered me a candy jar. Surely, it was nice and I thought that I’ve found an instant getaway through the week of the blow by blow stress, and so, I took it only to find out that it wasn’t my favorite sour gummy worms nor dark chocolates inside, but jelly beans. Yes, sweet jelly beans that others love but to me, something that I would rather exchange for a plate of veggies. And so, this instant getaway turned out to some planned extra **** for the week.

 I admit, I am fickle-minded. Babae naman ako kaya may karapatan ako but in just simple matters, like which shirt to wear or when’s the next movie marathon date and when it comes to serious issues, like money, I HAVE MY WORD FOR IT! That is how I am. And never have I encountered any problems with it with dealing with people. I believed that they are all well-bred enough to understand and respect others’ opinions and further, convictions. But, I just believed and thought that it is that way and so, I generalized. Akala ko lahat ganun kasi common sense lang naman ang kailangan para malaman ‘to. Pero one grammar rule states that: “There is always an exemption to the rule.” And these are the people whom I feel are, whether they are aware of it or not, authoritative and kept on insisting things done their way and what they want for you, you should do. Wth. Of course, it comes with sugar-coated words that within lies the most illogical reasons. I don’t really get it why some find it hard to accept the fact that not everything happens their way and that people come in different personalities armed with myriad, various priorities.

6 Responses to “A message of gratitude (to Anna, Reika and Zhaira)”

1. ica ninAh Says:
   November 1st, 2005 at 3:51 am   edit

   nnaaahh…. you deserved what we did!!! =>

2. -akire- Says:
   November 13th, 2005 at 1:08 am   edit

   wait……..Kelan yan? ba’t wala ako? ^o^ love yah! tc! ^^

3. -akire- Says:
   November 13th, 2005 at 1:10 am   edit

   hehe seductive dance a! wala bang mas gagandang word para sa word na seductive dance ginagawa mo namang mga twoot yung 3 e! >>>>just saying mah thoughts<<

4. -akire- Says:
   November 13th, 2005 at 1:15 am   edit

   ei Jem,Jemsky or anything. la lang. tc love yah! Jem,is one of my friendship in the house of ours.were 25 but Jem is the unique of them all! she’s kind,smart and guess what! 100% beautiful! o dibuh unique! bye!

5. Ana Says:
   April 27th, 2006 at 5:21 am   edit

   ok sa tagal mo tong napost ngyon lng ako nkapgcomment kasi ngyon k lng bglang naalala……well…natouch ka ba!!! haha!!! di ko lam kung…aaaahhh!!!! kung anoano nsa utak ko na prng gusto kong etype pero baka d mgkasya eh!!! basta super duper ever ang dami ng nasa utak ko….lasing ba ko or wat??!!! ah,,ewn bastac jem mbait to!! love ko to khit na minsan sobrang kulit!!!! pero maganda to….huh!?! hehe!! mis you…hope mabasa mo..saka na kita 22lungan sa friendster mo ayusin pg nasa mood na ko para mapaganda pa ntin lalo ok!!!! muwah!!! bye!! (haba ng comment noh!!!) sana testi na lng dba!!??!!!

6. REIKA NINYAH Says:
   October 13th, 2007 at 9:32 pm   edit

   antagal na! ngaun ko lang to nabasa. grabe. i’mso touched. teary-ayeed nga ko oh. sweet. syempre we’ll do anything for you. i love you!

Ok, so title's in Chinese meaning "my birthday':D Yes, it really was, yesterday. January 16, 2009- my big day =) I finally turned legal (as far as Philippine law is concerned). Calculus exam also happened on the same day. Good news? nah-uh. But I much preferred it than having a Discrete Math exam the next day. Heck, I'd rather have my major exam on my birthday that study it for the next day. I had an itzy-bitzy, i-thought-was-impossible wish that turned real 100000 times n raised to x squared times better than i hoped for after Calculus exam! Suprise number 1.. :D  Then went out for lunch with friends and then whooo that's when more surprises followed. I was replying texts greeting me of course a happy birthday when the waiter finally came with what I thought was food but found a Duty-free plastic with brown paper that I though was crumpled. He gave it to me and of course I opened it (human reflexes!) and first thing I saw was "santos". Then I knew it. Kaya naman pala.

It was my uhm.. **let me think** it was my picture drawn with lots of formulas and numbers and the infinity slash 8 that was after a 1. just see the photo. ah basta, ang poor ko sa descriptions. **thanks to the girls: jhem, bea, tiff, margarette & joanna lou and the good kasabwat slash artist-->jay santos** (if you get to read this, people.) so that was surpise number two. Next was an envelope with lots of printed art with messages from friends (mostly, IIMAS). Hay naku, this is no sort of surprise na. Honestly, I was expecting to have this alone  'cause it sort of became a tradtion for us six. To sum it all, most of their messages said "Happy birthday, Jem. 18 ka na at pede ka nang makulong" Thanks, guys.. How sweet of you to say that.. ON MY BIRTHDAY! surprise number three, this is. (though not much, sorry.) So we, no they, yes, they ate.. almost everything that was on the menu. Jhem and Bea had to go **toooott** (just read between the lines, dear reader) after. blah blah blah
I went back to my dorm to pack my stuff for home then Zhai (my high school bestie now college roommate) texted me that I go downstairs.. at once. Being the so obedient (sheesh!) me, I did after 47(?) seconds.  She was with another friend E.R. with a chocolate cake and a PINK candle on it. So this was suprise number four. Everyone else in the dorm greeted me. Someone was asking "ayaw mo bang rumampage?" :D Thanks, buddies!   I've never had the slightest hint that these two were up to something because suprise was nowhere to be found in their vocabularies (as far as I know). Good one! When I got home, I saw a pink and white cake on the table bought by my Mum. Weee! Not much of a surprise but can still be counted as number five. So the traditional candle-blowing, family dinner and photo taking still went on.. (we're a family of photo-holics ;D) That was it, though some are still should be left private.

My 17th year was so memorable, so fruitful and fulfilling. Another year to face, life-lessons to learn, people to meet, smiles to share and blessings to ponder and with God who provides, all sailings will be worth it in the end. 

I found this thing somewhere on the net and thought it would be worth a post.

You Are Level-Headed and Trustworthy

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

It's good to take some time out of life to unwind and relieve yourself from all the stress. It's been more than a month since I last made an entry here but I've always wanted to but dear "tadhana" somehow set-up a fence clearly bordering school and me-time. But this 16-day break that I got for this season, I promised I'll catch up aside from lost doses.

Since I'd seen Twilight last November, I completely got hooked unto it that I started searching the net for ebooks. Every bookstore was flooded with reservations for the series (of course, it includes mine). So now, I'm hooked to the endearing vampire! I just dear Santa Claus heard my wish and I'm still waiting for the saga to arrive at our doorstep.

My Christmas was great. I felt really fulfilled after successfully completed the traditional Simbang Gabi despite all the hindrances. =) I was able to see my dear cousins again and the usual kwentuhan and all came with it. It was also yesterday (Christmas) that my hunch was obviously wrong. I wasn't forgotten! Thank you. After sometime, I was again smiling with no reason. =) It felt just so overwhelming that the long-assumed gutfeel was entirely wrong that the "hi's and hello's" were not simply as is, that the time then was not a closed chapter. I know, I'm sounding poetic again but who the heck cares? I'm happy, just happy.

But with this, comes the feeling that for the closing year. It wasn't as blissful as one may think. I had my own share of aches and pains but despite this, I still feel greatful for HIM keeping up with me. Him who lets things happen and the reason for my broadening horizons. It's Him that I get to understand the real world with myself in it. This year, I'd done things that were so new  to me, both good and bad, but looking back it all had the same bottomline, to test my maturity and my Faith. Now, I'm still torn between worries but I feel I'm not in the pit of despair. I'm keeping this thought that as this year soon comes to an end, so must these worries if only I leave it unto His hands. 

If your thinking about that cheese-flavored Pringles, no. Then that's not what I mean. Anyway, this entry is done for the sake of again heeding the blogging call. Just an update on my about to end break.

Well most of my time was spent by being a lazy, couch potato in front of a computer either watching friends, gossip girl, hot shot or some other movie I find on the net. Oh wait, I also cooked and baked and took pictures a little and one time, I went out to play badminton with my high school buddies. So what else? alongside doing these stuff was of course, most people's favorite, texting. All I wanted in the first place is to spend my three weeks by doing things I can't do on once the stressful school days and my life once again collide. I also took time to read and read more. Nicholas Sparks' "A Bend in the Road" is real good.

I baked, last night around 7pm and finished by 9 or 10. The flour sifting thing was so boring and tiring and because  my arms were so tired I didn't beat the batter well and viola, my cake's texture was not "light & fluffy" as the recipe said. at least, another lesson learned! aside from this, it was good. enough to be finished in a day by mi familia :D

I've been getting enough sleep lately so I'm really lazy these past few days. The more sleep I get, the lazier I become, and oh, I dreamed of him on aisle 59. :)) I know, it's weird. haha.. why 59???

since this entry is about updates, might as well end it this way, "Heck, I miss ___________!"

Once these plans turn completely to reality... edi good! These are actually MY sembreak plans.

1] learn how to cook-as in for real at ung walang nasusunog kahit na ang nananahimik na pot holder! and kasi lately, I've realized na hindi mo pedeng i-ulam sa kanin ang cakes, pastries and breads which I somehow know how to make.

2] bake, bake and bake more -kasi "practice makes perfect" di ba?

3] know the wheels - yes, I had my license last summer pa but I haven't tried to drive on the road so it's the perfect time.

4] photography- yep, this is my latest frustration. I just want to try my luck and skills (sana naman kahit konti meron) on the art na hindi kailangan ng pencil =)

5] cheng hua more- I feel that I'm losing the little Mandarin I've learned over the summer and since isa pa 'to sa mga life-long frustrations ko (again), I PLAN to learn more.

6] be organized- aayusin ko ung space ko sa dorm. mahirap mabuhay sa maliit na kwarto na lalong lumiliit dahil sa mga gamit na hindi ko naman kailangan... ung mga trip ko lang dalin with me kasi akala ko mamimiss ko sila.

7] magpaka-healthy- hindi ung kakain pa kasi I already have heaps but recently, my eyes are starting to sore often and since last two weeks before the sem ended, my back is always aching.

***** here are my plans. It HAS to return to reality before the new sem comes =) jiayou, jiayou!

one more thing: this is not part of my sem break plan pero kapag nagkita ulit kami ni ***tooooottt***, edi nagkita kami. period! haha XD

I was pondering on this thought last night that—

 

how do we get to know that something has started? Add to that what I’ve just read from Sparks saying “In life, there are seldom clear cut beginnings.” Very true indeed.. So more often, we realize what we have but rarely do we remember how it started.  So tell me, how we get to really know when matters, like friendship, have already sprung between people? Is it a life-given law that we just know when we find ourselves right down at the middle of things or worse when we already lost it?