LATE BLOOMER IN THE CITY

Longing to seek for another destination to go to, I skimmed through my profile and saw an invite from Ms. Shiny Abogado about a trip to an Island located in Leyte. I had to go back to the beach —Upon seeing the pictures of the said island via the internet, it brought out a barrage of visuals and anything that is comforting when at the beach - powder white sand, secluded island, clean and clear waters, fresh sea breeze. All these and more can be found on one hidden island paradise located at Palompon, Leyte named Kalanggaman Island (Calanggaman Island). 

The name of the island was derived from the Visayan word ‘Langgam’ which means bird, thus, having its reputation as a bird sanctuary. Opened to the public last 2010, it was originally an island where locals would dry out their fresh catch on the shores. 

Upon arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport, a chartered van led us to Bogo City,Cebu which was a 2-hour drive and brought us to the city’s port in order for us to travel by boat to Palompon, Leyte. 

Port in Bogo City, Cebu

The boat ride will take about 1.5 hours. During the boat ride, we were privileged to be greeted by a school of dolphins. 

And then..

View of the island from the boat..

A few tourists had already camped out within the island and upon surveying some portions of the island, it is a sight to behold.

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Several times, friends would ask me why have I not been to Mt. Pulag since it is mainly located on the outskirts of my hometown…I too wonder why, and I believe that it just had to do with the will and the right timing of which, I often brush off the idea until that supposed plan took a backseat for years already. Lately, I decided, Why not now? And with the spur of the moment, I logged online and searched high and low for individuals or groups that organizes trips and lo and behold! I came across a page on facebook which made my quest for the climb possible. Shout out to Ms. Shiny Abogado for making the trip happen and organizing the details to a T. You can check out her Facebook page for other places and trips that one can partake of and at the same time, explore the beautiful isles of our country.

Ms. Shiny Abogado

March 16-17 were the said dates for the climb. I met the group near Victory liner terminal Baguio and nearby, chartered jeeps await adventure seekers that will lead to Kabayan, Benguet..home of the 3rd highest peak in the country, Mt. Pulag (Playground of the gods). It stands at 2,922 meters above sea level. The mountain area boasts of the most diverse biodiversity and only hosts the species Cloud Rat.

It took us almost 2 hours to reach to our first stopover in order for us to start the day with a hearty breakfast courtesy of JangJang eatery. I might say, to eat red rice is quite a luxury since I do not often eat such variety and being able to savor it again is just heaven to my taste buds. 

After breakfast, we then proceeded to DENR for orientation and at the same time, for registration. You may ask, why the need to go through all these first before embarking on a climb? Mt. Pulag is a protected rainforest and its rich biodiversiy is known not only in our country but outside our shores as well. We have to partake steps to protect it for future generations to enjoy such landscape and at the same time, to regulate and educate climbers of the house rules and the importance of preserving this natural gem of which our country can boast of.

After DENR, we headed to another stop over for our early lunch and left a few items in order to lessen the load of our backpacks during the trek. 

Our next stop: Ranger station. On our way to the station, there was a road block of which one jeepney had crashed on one side of the road, therefore making it impossible for other vehicles to thread that specific path. Our contingency plan? We had to grab our stuff and transfer to another vehicle, waiting for us on the other end of the road. It took us estimate 10 minutes to reach the other end and a few jeeps were on standby. We hopped on and headed to the Ranger station. 

The Ranger station is the temporary stop for climbers before trekking to Camp 1 and Camp 2 which is the camp site or the base camp for Mt. Pulag. 

And now the trek begins.

First few hours of our trek to camp 1, clear weather greeted us as we took some time to take pictures of the scenery. As we reached Camp 1, overcast skies was already looming in and our group decided to briefly stay at Camp 1 and to reach the camp site high and dry. But to our disbelief, on the way to the camp site, rain was suddenly pouring in continuously shifting from a mere drizzle to a heavy downpour. Rain jackets, umbrellas, waterproof gears were the norm. I have to admit though, I came unprepared for I had that mindset that it will not rain during the trek but then again, weather can be unpredictable so charge it to experience then. In situations like this, waterproof your belongings inside the back pack of which I did (Thank you Rein for the lessons on Backpacking 101). One porter saw my dilemma and she lent her umbrella.

As rains continuously lash out during the trek, muddy paths greeted us and we had to be extra cautious since there were uneven paths and terrains. Spring water sources were abound and I must say, it is indeed the cleanest water source one can have and as a testament, I did not experience any stomach pains. One part of the trail was flooded and there was no other elevated path to step on so we all had to cross the flooded area carefully. 

As we reached the camp site, funny thing was, the rain subsided. Truly I tell you, no one was spared from the wrath of the heavy down pour as everyone looked disheveled.

With the aftermath of the downpour, temperatures single handedly might have reached from the range of 5-7 degrees celsius. We were hoping and praying that by early dawn, skies would clear out and it would be a good day for all of us to climb the peak. Indeed, our prayers were heard, when we woke up, stars lit up the sky and it was a very good indication that we are to bask in the scenery atop the summit. One porter said that we are the lucky batch to have such clear weather for the summit assault since the past weeks, weather was not cooperative, therefore leading to zero visibility. 

At the Camp site.

0357 hours was the start of the summit assault. First few kilometers were made of established stony paths but as we went even further onto the trail, puddles of mud were the norm and steep inclines.

Peak 4…

Peak 3..

Peak 2..

..and then as the inclines became even more steep, we knew that we were almost there and as we reached the topmost part…all exhaustion and cares melt away..with literally seeing the clouds beyond and below where we were situated, majestic and truly breathtaking, we took the time to appreciate the view and at the same time, took pictures. As the sun rose to its full glory, it was truly a sight to behold! 

Sea of clouds

With Team Shiny (Photo courtesy of Ms. Shiny Abogado)

My jump shot picture :-)

Descending the mountain was a challenge. I find it much more easier to ascend the mountain rather than the other way around because of the slippery slopes. A result for this challenge - a bruise on one of my fingers on my right hand. 

All in all, this experience is one for the books. I will not know if a repeat will be in the works for me to climb Mt. Pulag or maybe, I might try to thread another summit. Who knows, I might aim to summit the highest in the country (Oh boy!).

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“Position yourself as a center of influence, the one who knows the movers and shakers. People will respond to that, and you’ll soon become what you project.” (Bob Burg)

We are at a time and age where technology is king and its effects and influence continuously shakes us to the core. It could either be beneficial or disadvantageous, would work for us or against us. With a constant surge of modernization that technologies go through from time to time, comes along with it various innovations for software and applications, that constantly spoon feed the public with information of all sorts and provide real time breaking news that connects individuals around the globe. This is the power of Social Media, and what makes up Social Media? think Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Wordpress, Tumblr and various Social Media platforms that inform, mediate, educate netizens day-to-day. Information and Knowledge is power and with this fast paced environment we are rooted in, it is our innate duty to be conscious and adapt a sense of awareness.

The Game Changers forum was the perfect avenue to get to know  a few prominent individuals and how Social Media affects their day-to-day living . Armed with knowledge and skills from their own respective fields, they took the time and effort to share their perspectives and insights about Social media.

It took me an LRT ride and a trike to arrive at the venue, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, which is near the famed walled city of Intramuros. Being that it was my first time in this part of the metro, I had to regularly peek out from the trike to at least check a portion of the walled city, and noticed some men wearing costumes as a ‘Guardia Sibil’.

“No, this is not a costume, it really is their uniform..” pointed out by my friend.

As I had arrived at the location, the auditorium was filled to the rafters. My friend told me that I missed out on one speaker for the forum. Her name is Rosario Juan, she is responsible for the use of #rescueph tweet which was used at the height of Ondoy and Habagat, wherein citizens from various locations used Social Media to ask for assistance and help in areas which were deeply affected by the typhoons during that time. And from that #rescueph, it evolved to be a site where concerned individuals shared relevant information for emergency contacts and a portal to share any news and information when disaster strikes.

Photo credit: cloudfront.net/Google image

Second speaker is one of MMDA’s Game Changer in terms of reaching to the masses to provide real time news and updates regarding the traffic situation of the metro. Because of him, the social media app MMDA was developed. His name is Yves Gonzalez, and with his perseverance and an outstanding vision to one day create an app that will provide a long term solution, came into fruition, when he was given a regular post by MMDA. An event of which he recounted as a highlight in his life was when he went to the United States to visit his Dad and at the same time, witnessed a worldwide conference for all IT and Application Developers. This ignited his calling to learn more about Programming and when he came home, he took the initiative to take classes to further hone his IT skills and in the span of his dedication and hard work, along with the help of friends and volunteers, came up with the idea of an app for MMDA. The pinnacle of it all was when he had to return to the United States for the same conference and out of the 20,000 recognized apps on display, among them was the app he created. Interesting tidbit though, that at the time his app was on display on the said conference, Steve Jobs spoke enigmatically for the last time to the crowd before his passing. 

Photo credit: philstar.com

Third speaker was one of our country’s popular folk singer, Noel Cabangon. For his take, he delighted the audience with a ‘mini-concert’ as he sang his original songs which depicts love for one’s country and at the same time, songs that convey the political and economic ambiance of our country. With his gift for songwriting, this was his outlet to voice out his concerns and statements about the underlying decays, social and political woes that still continues to creep in in this free society because of man’s greediness and indifference. Armed with his weapon, the guitar, he gamely challenged everyone in the auditorium to sing this song with him: ‘Mabuting Pilipino’. 

Photo credit: lifestyle.inquirer.net 

I was looking forward to this next speaker as she is one of the Journalists that I highly regard and look up to. In a nutshell, she narrated her humble beginnings of how she came to be a Journalist. She started to work for The Probe Team alongside with Cheche Lazaro. Her work ethics and contributions were recognized by a major international news desk and was given the post as Manila and Jakarta Bureau Chief for nearly two(2) decades in her tenure with CNN. She recounts the East Timor event as the highlight of her career on CNN, as being that she was on the battle field, she bore witness to countless individuals that had perished during that time, fighting for the state’s independence. Her impressive resume does not stop from there as she was given the post to head the news department of ABS-CBN. Now, Maria Ressa is the CEO/Executive Editor of rappler.com, a social media news network of which, any breaking news here and abroad is delivered through various social media platforms real time. Her take on Social Media was an eye opener: I learned of the term ‘Human Superorganism.’ Now you ask, how does this scientific term relate to Social Media?  Like a network or interaction of organisms, individuals which are on various social media platforms interconnect and refer each other for products, services and events. Because of Social Media, the World Wide Web becomes within reach and had become a small place for all individuals of different backgrounds to share and relate a human piece day in and day out. Even then, through Social Media, Forecasting is also the name of the game. Using tools and analytics to measure responses received to and fro specifically from the app Twitter, case in point: The American Idol finals competition between Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips. Maria and her team gauged the measure of results of who will likely be AI’s last man standing. With the help of a Twitter analytics tool, they found out that in the United States alone, Phillips was in the lead but when it comes to the global arena, Sanchez was the top choice and Philippines,  partook a huge chunk of the twitter responses globally, and this result came in even before the winner was announced on the show. An FYI moment. 

Photo credit: pinoyhalo.com

It was Bianca Gonzalez’s turn to give her insights on how to build your network via Twitter and at the same time, anecdotes on being a responsible netizen when it comes to Social Media. Here are some of the few guidelines:

Be a dot connector. Among your network of family, friends, acquaintances and colleagues, there will always be a referral for a specific product, service or an event of which, you helped initiate since they are a part of your network. 

Don’t be afraid to message people of influence. This will break any barriers or impressions of key public figures. For them to reciprocate and interact with people shows a humbling side of them as well as their genuineness to relate. After all, we share the same problems and do the same responsibilities day in and day out.

Spread Positivity /Right the wrong. Be responsible at whatever you do and this even extends to the World Wide Web. As much as possible, we don’t want to create mass hysteria or panic over a false story or rumor and the same time, create tension and hostility. Ok, so that was over the top :-D Simply create a sense of Camaraderie, Respect towards each other and show some Love. :-D

Exist in the world not just the World Wide Web. Less surfing will help - web surfing that is! Go out! Explore and make the most of what life has to offer as it will lead you to numerous adventures.

Photo credit: yahoo.ph 

Last but not the least among the lot, Sen. TG guingona from the Kaya Natin Movement believes that to propel a positive change in the society is to include the masses when it comes to discussions and decisions that are dealt by the Senate. Through Social Media, we can voice out our suggestions and opinions over bills and laws and this will provide constituents an avenue to edit and draft resolutions and bills that is beneficial and advantageous for the common good. Governments should not be resistant to new ideas and should welcome such innovations in order to be at par with the changing times and at the same time, citizens will go hand-in-hand in building a nation where rulers do not fall onto deaf ears of the plight and pleas of the people, where Honesty and Transparency is upheld in all sectors and Character and Integrity is highly valued.

Photo credit: kayanatin.org

As Ms. Ressa pointed out during the forum, we are at an Age of Reference as opposed to the Age of Deference (the hierarchy of traditional media is mostly adapted) where a breaking news or story can now come from various sources (Family, Friends, Acquaintances, Colleagues) and in a split second, is shared on the World Wide Web. 

Be responsible and be infomed!

As this year comes to a close, we often look back and at times, create our own New Year’s resolutions. We cling on to hopes and expectations that the coming year will be as grander and more exciting as it can be. I look back with memories and events in my life of which, I am thankful for and at the same time, had given me the chance or opportunity to learn and grow

Faith/Beliefs

My faith journey overall, helps me to keep things in perspective. My walk is both fueled with challenges and at the same time, breakthroughs of which, I for one, remain to be so amazed at the answers and provisions. It is not an easy walk and yet, as I hold on to what I believe in, my faith remains to be my anchor through the storms that pass in my life. 

Career

A friend of mine took a major leap of faith in terms of his calling in life. He led a secured life abroad, working at an established corporation and is more than able enough to sustain his needs and wants. After a series of talks with loved ones and realizations in between, he decided to part from that world that he once revolved in and decided to pursue his calling outside of the corporate world. He now confides of having ‘peace of mind’ and how he has learned not to dwell too much on worldly gains.

“It’s less complicated this way, no worries, no anxieties..you learn to appreciate life more and to never take things for granted.”

I guess, it’s high time to step out further from your comfort zone and seek out endless possibilities and opportunities of which, is not only contained on a 4-wall setting. 

Relationships

Family. Friends. Significant other.

No man is an island and each and every one of us, rely on one another. People come and go. New friendships are forged and old ones are rekindled. Some chose to leave and some chose to stray away. Relationships take time and effort to maintain. Even the most steadfast, at times, loses its momentum. This part of my life, has had the best and the worst get to me. I have had, a roller coaster of emotions. Some chose to stay and fight the battles and share their life’s stories. Others, have decided to burn their bridges. I for one, am not the person to do so. I value my relationships for they have honed and helped me to be the person I am today. Whether they came into my life of which I was at my happiest or when I was down, there is an underlying reason for them to be present at that point in my life.

For whatever inconvenience that was brought to their midst, for whatever hurts and pains I have inflicted, Forgiveness is all I ask. I hold no grudges. 

To love and be loved in return is the best feeling that one can have.

When I love, it is genuine and sincere. 

I love with the thought and the idea that we not only stay as lovers, but also be the best of friends. 

To grow not only as a couple, but also to grow as individuals. I am not one to impose, manipulate nor be controlling but what I can only do is to inspire and motivate. In a relationship, changes are inevitable and along with these changes, it should come about naturally and not to be forced upon. 

I hope that whatever season that your relationships are at right now, is a relationship that will be for keeps. A relationship that becomes a humbling experience of all sorts that even the hardest of hearts will learn, understand, be mindful and experience love that can mend and heal.

We should never stop living and learning in spite of all the challenges that life constantly throws back at us.

Have a rockin’ and an amazing 2013!

Dare to be by Steve Maraboli

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great, too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can-

At all times, Dare to be! 

popculturebrain:

Five New Clips From ‘Les Miserables’

Above is a more detailed glimpse of Russel Crowe’s singing.

(Source: popculturebrain)

And with this, Nuvali beckons..

..A sunny and a clear weather had greeted us as we headed our way to one of Ayala’s prominent real estate venture down south which promises ‘An Evoliving’ way of life where nature and modern commercial development goes hand-in-hand that will help maintain a balanced and a healthy lifestyle for the individual.

Picture this: A pollution-free community where alternative ways and means of sustainable living is practiced and strictly observed –

-Abundance of trees.

-Setting up of nature parks conducive for retreat and recreation for residents and visitors alike(e.g. Bird sanctuary, trail paths for running and biking, Sanctuary for aquatic creatures, wake boarding facility).

-Solar panels that will help run the community’s energy needs thus, minimizing electricity costs.

These, and among other reasons why it is exciting to visit and take up residence in Nuvali, which is located at Sta. Rosa, Laguna. An hour and a half drive (estimate) from the city which the community in itself, boasts to have a spectacular view of nature at its finest and a tranquil setting away from the hassles of the city.

Nuvali, as we speak, is still under the throngs of its early phase of development as it slowly but surely takes shape with the influx of developments that is at par with the ‘Evoliving’ standards.

Skyway led us to this southern gem and as we entered Nuvali, A retail and business hub greeted us along the way which is the community’s ‘Center of commerce and trade’ known as Solenad. We noticed though that as we went even further inside the community, long stretches of highways is the norm.

Our main stop: to check out the Wake boarding facility called Republ1c Wakepark. All the while, we thought the facility was within reach among the retail and business centers, but we were dead wrong! Think of this long highway that I took a picture of and multiply it by 4 :

And after what seems to be endless stretches of roads, we finally arrived to the destination where a huge tarpaulin signaled that we have finally arrived!

Liquid Force retail store outside of the facility for all your wake boarding needs.

Et Voila! we arrived past 11 AM on site and took the liberty to check their main Reception area and then a view of the entire wake boarding facility.

Since it is a first among us to partake of such an endeavor, of course, a beginner’s treat was provided and a specific portion of the facility, which has a much more smaller space than the main area, where experienced adventure seekers of this type of recreation can showcase their prowess and skills in Wake boarding.

For those who are curious how much their services range, here is the lowdown:

Cable Rates:

1 hour pass        Php 250

2 hour pass        Php 475

4 hour pass        Php 595

8 hour pass        Php 995

Private Cable Rental (from 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM only)     Php 8,000/ hour

Unlimited Riding Package

1 Week unlimited     Php 5,000

1 month unlimited    Php 15,000

3 months unlimited   Php 24,000

6 months unlimited   Php 35,000

1 year unlimited       Php 55,000

1 year unlimited(monthly for 12 months)   Php 60,000

Deposit (refundable) 

Life vest and helmet    Php 600

Wristband                  Php 200

Beginner’s Area.

Beginners must remember the principle of ‘Water start.’ It is akin to a sitting position, but knees are apart. Once you get hold of the cable and pulls you, start with a bending position and then slowly, elevate your knees as you stand. The cable will determine the speed of such endeavor. As they say, practice makes perfect. If one stumbles and falls, one will have to start over and wait to be called or one has to fall in line again. From start until finish, it was indeed a fun adventure one should not miss.

Friends in action!

By the way, outside food is not allowed so if you and your gang would want to venture out for other food options, try Solenad or before entering the premises of Nuvali, go to Paseo Sta. Rosa, another off site location brimming with food choices and yes! It is confirmed, a haven for factory outlet stores for international and local brands like Nike, Adidas, Banana Republic, Toby’s, Cinderella, Speedo, Mizuno, among others.

I took a few minutes to browse one of the outlet stores which is Nike Park and I had to check the stocks and the prices and it is indeed, a bargain hunter’s paradise where a price of a pair of shoes can be in the discount range of 60-80% off and a woman’s top can cost as low as Php 500. Lucky me that I was able to snap a few shots of the store when one security personnel had reminded me the last minute that one is not allowed to take snapshots (I knew that he did saw me in the first place taking pictures though  ;-D).

So if those lazy bones had crept into your system and travelling to far flung areas like Batangas or CamSur would take much of your time (Although I highly recommend you check out these places for other Wake boarding options), check out Republ1c Wakepark located at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna.

Check out their website: http://republ1cwakepark.com/ 

Have a great weekend y’all \m/ 

‘A dessert - visual overload!’

(Source: popculturebrain)

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Weird…

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