Day's verse tree

Coron an enchanted island

2011-09-18T16:51:00.004+08:00

Home of the Tagbanua Tribe, haven of biodiversity and of enchanted places

Ten years ago I did a solo trip to Coron, as a gift to another year towards adulthood. Armed with borrowed diving gear and a few pesos in my pocket and a lot of luck, I was able to explore the islands. This year I came back with my little girl and the hubby to celebrate yet again another significant year in our lives. And yes, the island is as beautiful as the first time I laid my eyes on its shore.

The warm ocean water calling you to her embrace, the mountains staring at you with delight and the wind playing with your hair, whispering. The sun kissing your skin that has been pale for so long. A smile in my heart wrapped my being just being there. And much more that leave me speechless.

It took me hours to choose which photo to share, I have hundreds and these are the few that can capture a portion of those moments. Just looking at them brings me much joy.

Tour of the Fireflies (Part 3) 2011 until the next flight

2011-09-09T05:24:00.005+08:00

In my mind we are all nomads. Some people to a greater degree than others. Our pace may be different from others, at times faster and at times slower. My feet either want to hike, walk and as in the images below pedal away.

Today am at a halt and here now remembering the sense of being able to travel with the ones you love, near or far brings much joy. Way after, months later and years later these recollections will be a source of inspiration. Indeed.

Manila City Hall
Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Bay
Tiendesitas, Pasig
Photos by Dino Leoncarlo Calderon

Tour of the Fireflies (Part 2) The birth of Duncan

2011-08-06T17:41:00.004+08:00

As we ride out from Tiendesita's, I realized I am cycling together with my childhood Asian superheroes-- the Power Rangers. They were in complete uniform... i can hear them shout out "Pink 5". We were in a level of energy that can emanate from 10,000 plus bikers.

As far as you can see in this photo, those are all bikers. Quiapo area proved to be one of the most challenging sectors of the route.

It was also Palm Sunday and we passed by the masses sprawling on to plaza Miranda. From these photos you can just gauge the number of participants to this year's Tour of the Fireflies.

This stretch of the Quezon bridge is where I literally and figuratively flew out of control while full speed downhill. This baptized my then unnamed dslr...split into two and when I realized that it is still alive-- I named it Duncan MakQuiapo after the immortal Duncan MacLeod. Ayos!

Tour of the Fireflies (Part 1)

2011-08-06T05:02:00.007+08:00

Woke up early to prepare everything that we need for our first cycling adventure as a family. Bikes checked, cycling gloves check, arm protectors check, helmets check, giant kid carrier seat check, ice cold drinks in coolers check. For those who know me and climbed mountains with me, they know my philosophy. One should find a way to reward one's self upon reaching the summit or destination. An ice-cold rootbeer or gatorade, the drink of your choice is the best. The reason why I made sure that there is a cooler attached to my bike come the day of the Tour.

Got a new folding bike, named it Hannibal after the ancient general of old. Hannibal is one tough cookie I must say, you will know in the coming post why. That bit of the story deserves its own entry. Our maiden voyage was a great adventure--42 kilometers from Ortigas, Pasig to CCP, Manila Bay and back. Let me just say that I haven't a done any cycling for a long time until this day of the tour.

This adventure deserves a space in this blog for the ultimate experience that it is for me and our family. This is my little girl's first long haul cycling tour with Nanay and Tatay right here in one of the most challenging roads in the world - Manila, Philippines.

Angkor Wat

2011-07-27T07:51:00.000+08:00

The second cake

2011-07-27T00:30:00.002+08:00

The little girl turned five. I just want to thank God for the blessing that she is.

Seafood Kare kare at Kanin Club

2011-07-27T00:22:00.004+08:00

sleepy na this was intended for my other blog Pinay Mountain Chef

Meteor Showers

2011-07-27T00:04:00.002+08:00

"Spectacular" Double Meteor Shower This Week

Many years ago more than a decade I should say that I witnessed a meteor shower that up to this day, I have not seen anything like what I saw in Baguio one cool crisp night up in the cordilleras.

The sky was literally raining with shooting stars. We had to spread a "malong" in the parking lot to be able to have the widest view of the sky.

Sigh...

wondering when will I ever see that kind again?

Rainy days are here again

2011-07-26T23:44:00.002+08:00

Drove through traffic at a crawling pace. I am literally swimming in traffic this morning. When you are driving alone at this kind of pace, the mind tends to wander.

Nothing is permanent but change. The wheels of change are turning, fast. Faster than I think I can keep up. In my mind I am thinking that things need to change in many aspects of my life.

Been wanting that dream house. Should I just settle for a house house? I want a garden, a house I can call home with a great view. I want my own room with a bed that is huge and comfortable. Sigh these are my dream now.

Been dreaming of other things too. Of course you would have guessed. Yes that trip to Europe again Greece and specifically Santorini. I should be writing these really to make them manifest. And yes, South America Brazil, Argentina. Sigh.

I want to make small changes too. In my everyday life, change the time I go to work, meditate more, write more of these thoughts before I completely forget that I have these small dreams too.

I want a clean house. no clutter. I want a walk in closet with just enough clothes that I don't get confused what to wear. Haha.

Been wanting and dreaming. So what is the difference of wanting and dreaming?

Mt. Isarog

2011-05-24T06:27:00.002+08:00

Mt. Isarog is breath taking. Climbed the mountain many years ago and now just looking at it makes me re-live and cherish and re-experience its trails. Moss, mossy, soft under my feet, a stairway of moss covered branches strewn by time and the elements hid the earth beneath. A green carpet to paradise. Pieces of my old recollection of the trail and the mountain.

Destined for greatness

2011-03-23T07:44:00.003+08:00

Today I was really inspired by an article shared by my good friend Earnest. Love it so much I just have to quote it here in its entirety.

Destined for greatness
By Harvey John Garcia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:38:00 03/22/2011

Filed Under: Youth, Family
DEAR MAKOY,

I hope you don’t hate me when you grow up for not being there on your birthday. I am writing this soon after your fourth birthday in a foreign land. When I say foreign, I mean that I am scared stiff and I do not know what I am doing here, but I am here and I am living.

I am in the United States right now. To be specific, I am sitting on a felled log one meter away from a river. I am feeling cold. My fingers are getting numb (another good motivation to write). The place where I am in is called Skykomish. It is up in Washington state. And I am in a forest. My crew and I are fixing a trail here, and I am teaching some young people along the way, trying to develop them into capable young adults.

Who is doing that for you? You have your Mom and Dad, and throw in your Mama Old. I am not a bit worried. They raised me, so I believe you are in good hands. It is just that I wish I were part of your life right now.

I hope that when you look back at your life some time in the future, you won’t hate me for not being there on your second and third birthdays, too. I feel horrible and useless as your uncle. Though I know that our small, tightly knit family is there to give you the warmth you need, I still feel guilty for not spoiling you against your parents’ set rules; you are a child only once. But though I may not be there for you physically, you should know that I have been always with you in spirit.

Sometimes I delude myself with the thought that it is my fate to travel far away from the people I love. I feel nomadic. At times it is a blessing. I can tell you stuff that I have done, places I have seen, people that I have met and experiences that endeared the world to me more.

I have a set of journals that I started writing after college. I hope one day to give it to you. I want you to laugh, squirm and learn from my experiences, the same way I felt when my Mom, your Mama Old, told me about hers. I want you to be proud of my accomplishments, disappointed by my failures and inspired by the occasion when I got up after each fall. I want you to see my humanity. Hopefully, this will help you understand yours.

In your lifetime I want you to learn three things. One is that love is unconditional. There is no prerequisite to love. It does not grow old, fade or want the same magnitude in return. It is a given. From the moment you were born, you became the adhesive that united us all. You are one of my inspirations to live. For this, I love you.

Don’t be afraid to love. Uncertainty is always there and nothing will change that. It is what makes the world dynamic. It is the only certain thing: change. So don’t be afraid to dive into something you are not sure of. Just make sure that you are doing it for all the right reasons.

Second is, you have the world for yourself. You only need to grasp it. Believe me, you will experience hardships in life. But that is not the hard part; you can get over those easily. You have my genes, and we bounce back fast. The more difficult times will be when you get over those bumps on the road and they lead you to peaks of success. Then you will have to decide how you will falter, fade, retain and graciously settle down into a comfortable state. Believe it or not, there is no single accomplishment. Everything is a cycle. You will have ups and downs, but as you grow old you get to decide whether the next up is higher or the next down is lower.

You will learn so much and teach so much to others. You will not be prepared for life because if you are, the whole experience will be meaningless. The most you can hope for is to have a stable footing. Always look around to see us, your family, your friends, your favorite thing in this planet. We will always be in the sidelines for you and to see where you are in the compass of life. Fill your backpack with knowledge and skills. Raise your head to the sky and dive into the ocean, metaphorically and physically. Always, always see yourself as a part of the web of life. Nature is the greatest mentor there is.

Third and last is that you will be great. Every person is destined for greatness. I know you will make your mark in this world. It does not matter how many people you touch with your light, it is the intensity that you blind them with that really matters. You will become as great in the same proportion as how much you put into the effort. But do not rush into it. Have a good start and keep a steady pace. In the end, the race is always against yourself.

I will be going back to work now and try to teach six young men some lessons. Maybe tonight, I will brew coffee and stare blankly at the sky. I will be tucked under a sleeping bag in my tent tonight, and I will be happy.

Oh, the most important piece of advice I can give to you is to always look up to the sky and realize how significantly small and how significantly big you are. Everything is a part of you. It took millions and millions of years for you to become you, and now you are alive.

(Harvey John Garcia, 28, is an assistant scientist at the International Rice Research Institute.)

Dear Isay,

When you are older I want to share these same thoughts with you. I am also excited for the many possibilities that life have in store for us.

Love you very much.

Nanay Day

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

2011-02-18T06:50:00.008+08:00

For the longest time I've wanted to visit this mountain. In a span of 10 years, friends have climbed the long route, pre-4 x 4 cars, some the short cut route and I always had to do something else. Had to finish a job, or just be somewhere else. I guess things indeed happen for a reason. I am glad that I waited because I was able to experience this one with my daughter. It is her first mountain climbing adventure and I am glad I am with her to share this experience. This climb also marked a special time in my life.

The crater lake was a magnificent site to behold. Digital dslrs can only capture a 2D. The vast expanse engulfs your being as you approach the crater lake. Nature's strength and beauty surrounding you 360 degrees, puts things in perspective of how small we are yet still a part of the greater scheme of things.

While hiking through the trail to arrive here, the trails were marked with lahar and ash stocked up to create a new landscape-- a moonscape I would imagine. There were intermittent pounding in my heart and day-after-tomorrow thoughts as we walk through the gorge of gray ash and it started to drizzle. A visual essay is posted at my other blog Pinay Mountain Chef.

The gateway to Mt. Pinatubo is Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac, while talking to Mang Orlan our guide he mentioned that they are preparing for a barrio fiesta on the 16th. Hmmm I thought and smiled to myself. Do you believe in coincidence?

Take nothing

2011-02-11T01:09:00.006+08:00

Take nothing but pictures

Leave nothing but foot prints

Kill nothing but time

--Baltimore Grotto

Take nothing but the water of the other group

Leave nothing but TP

Kill nothing but "kuko"

--MM

just remembering the memorable quotes from MM's newsletter which I thought previously as "Tarakyatayo". Visit Our Simple Joys by Ruby Bayan.

Plants vs Mowers

2011-02-11T00:57:00.002+08:00

One of my favorite pictures.

Taken before we unsuccessfully mow the lawn of friend at Renton. The neighbor whom we borrowed the mower got out of his house and cut the grass himself after hearing us trying to struggle to cut the grass.

Congratulations AG

2011-02-10T23:41:00.002+08:00

You are a living inspiration. Congratulations AG Sano!

Declared as the newest WWF Hero.

wanderlust

2011-02-10T23:33:00.002+08:00

Been bitten by wanderlust for the past few days. Just booked two international trips for the whole family!

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Ongpin

2011-02-04T04:28:00.005+08:00

We had Chinese New Year dinner at President's Tea House along Salazar St. at Ongpin- Manila's China Town. The food was good you can view it in my other blog Pinay Mt. Chef.

Despite a fully loaded workday trying to beat that 5 PM exodus of people, still wasn't able to leave early. In the trains at around 6:30 ish sardine time at the MRT. Arrive at carriedo station and took a "kuliglig" to Ongpin.

It's dinner with good friends and why do we go accross town braving traffic and congestion of masses people on the streets?

The belief is that on new year's eve, it is very lucky if you will be able to witness the dragon dance. Here in the photo was the only encounter with a dragon. A small boy inside trying to run around the streets with this dragon head. I think they just finished a dance.

The night cap was coffee and chance to chat with my buddy it was her birthday.

Walking the streets of Ongpin... the air was full of beating of the drums, people buying lucky charms and filing long line just to buy "tikoy". We even bumped into our dear neighbors along the way. The night was warm and Manila's streets are alive with life.

It was intoxicating. Love it!

Relax, off you go

2011-02-02T08:00:00.004+08:00

This morning I tried the fb application and see what God would like to say to me today:

"Yes, of course, you want to control so everything happens in just the way you want it. But at the end of the day, we control nothing, - it's all in God's hands, - has always been, and will always be. So, do what you can, and then let go, and let God handle the rest."

True. I realized that we do plan our lives, plan our travels, budget our finances, schedule this and that. But eventually in the greater scheme of things...there are other things that is not under our control. Sometimes we think we influence the outcome by our own efforts by our "strategic planning" but in the end we should also prepare ourselves and our hearts that not everything will can be controlled.

The grace is to be able to accept what happens. Not like "trying-not-to-have-a-heart-attack-mode" just trying to accept what happened. I can just imagine someone here hahaha.

Anyway, there you go. I guess this is my message to relax let go and that He will take care of the rest.

Yey.

celebrate each moment

2011-02-01T08:20:00.003+08:00

The Columbia River

Pondering on beginnings. Anywhere we find ourselves in this journey, we try to think of where we are going or where we are from. We often forget to enjoy the moment that is given to us. It is indeed a joy to the spirit just to enjoy what we have before us. Celebrate life. Yes despite the trails, hardships, or problems we encounter each day is something to celebrate and be thankful for. What we have is now. I just we just need to make the best of it. There will be moments happier than others. But it is the difficult times that make us appreciate the happy moments more.

Flowers

2011-01-30T14:14:00.004+08:00

about the photo: flowers at the wedding of James and Donna

Why do we send flowers when someone is sick, not feeling good?

I guess because it makes people, well most people feel better.

Just looking at these flowers makes me feel better already.

Been down with the cold and fever this weekend.

Painting dolphins

2011-01-30T13:48:00.003+08:00

Dolphins Love Freedom an advocacy of our friend A.G. Sano. Painting 23,000 dolphins to represent the number of dolphins dying every year in the hidden cove of Taiji, Japan.

The first advocacy joined by my little girl.

On borrowed time

2011-01-28T05:31:00.007+08:00

Vietnam Memorial in Portland, Oregon Photo during my 2010 summer trip

This week...

A father of a friend passed away

A mother of a friend lost her battle with cancer

A friend twelve years my junior is starting her fight against cancer

To them I offer my prayers and send my love.

At these times, I ponder on my own mortality. I think of beginnings and endings. How time is borrowed. Just thinking of the time we are given to express our love to our family and friends. Why do we wait and wait until we say we love them?

Back to Yoga

2011-01-27T01:49:00.003+08:00

Really happy to attend my yoga class with my favorite instructor Sharon. I missed it. Just a months time and I felt stiff coming back. But as the class started and we began relaxing into our postures I felt better and more in tune. Love Yoga. Good to be back.

If I Had My Life Over

2011-01-26T20:02:00.000+08:00

If I Had My Life Over - I'd Pick More Daisies

Nadine Stair

If I had my life to live over, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.

Recalling 2010

2011-01-26T19:32:00.002+08:00

Looking at my archives, I realized that I have only written during the month of January last year 2010. I am once again revisiting and reviving this blog. I guess I felt the need to write again and reach out there. I had my reservations to write my thoughts the past year. But in hindsight, I realize that indeed our memories do sometimes fail us when we try to recall the wonderful things that happened to us. I believe that sharing my thoughts in this journal will help me find myself again and recall how beautiful life is.

Hopefully this year 2011, I will be able to share my joy with you, travels and adventure and inner journey and searching. I want to claim back this space I have created and set aside for a while.

There is pining in my heart.

Yosemite

2011-01-26T19:27:00.003+08:00

A dream come true for me to visit this place. Yosemite was one of the places I wanted to visit. Still in my bucket list to visit again and stay longer.

Love Actually

2011-01-23T01:51:00.000+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m2T5yfgsZ0

2010 New Year in the Cordilleras

2010-01-31T08:47:00.004+08:00

We welcomed the new year up in the mountains. Baguio is a city in the Cordilleras. This is one of the very few times that I celebrated the year not at home. This is a start I believe of a year full of new things, of discovery and travels.

The photo was taken from the window of our hotel room up in the hills. Amazing to see the fireworks at eye level and even looking down at them sometimes in the valley.

In the coming post I will be sharing more pictures of our latest adventures.

Thank you Lord for your blessings

2009-11-24T07:56:00.000+08:00

Matthew 13:12 "For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.

5 years na ang blog na ito

2009-11-16T23:08:00.002+08:00

Yes 5 years na pala ang blog na ito. Saan ka pa? Thank you to the Universe for this space. Thank you for the inspiration. Iba talaga pag ginagalit ka ano marami kang masusulat--hehehehe

Sabi nga ng isang housemate, ikaw ang bida ng istorya ng buhay mo. :)

Dahil wala na nagbabasa ng blog na ito, OK na ulit magsulat ng mag sulat dahil lahat sila nasa facebook na. mwahahahahha.

create your own happiness

2009-11-16T23:04:00.002+08:00

"Oftentimes you give others the opportunity to create your happiness, and many times they fail to create it the way you want it. Why? Because only one person can be in charge of your joy, of your bliss, and that's you. So even your parent, your child, your spouse---they do not have the control to create your happiness. They simply have the opportunity to share in your happiness. Your joy lies within you." --Lisa Nichols

Dinner with good old friends :)

2009-11-16T22:45:00.003+08:00

Last night I had a good dinner with an old friend and her teenage daughter. Just to let you know how long we have been friends, I knew the kid since she was 2 years old and now she is 3rd year high school.

It was a great dinner. Had my favorite stuffed mushrooms on top of a creamy bed of three kinds of cheese. There is always a first as I tasted my first ever artichoke dip. When we ordered it I thought I would she the whole artichoke hehehehe... anyway I did enjoy the dinner.

Thank you for good friends indeed.

words

2009-11-16T22:04:00.001+08:00

"The central fact of my life has been the existence of words and the possibility of weaving those words into poetry..." Jorge Luis Borjes

Love

2009-11-16T21:59:00.002+08:00

You cannot give love unless you have love.

Now I understand and felt this at its core.

You cannot get water from an empty well.

life in letters

2009-11-16T20:55:00.002+08:00

Today we sent a letter to Ate Rose in Sweden for her coming birthday on the 21st ...we traced Isay's hand on the card and sent our love in words... and pictures.

I remember when I was younger I love receiving letters. I kept them all in the province at the old ancestral house where I grew up. Eventually they were thrown away while I was away... well to purge the house of trash. But anyway, that was a good memory keeping those letters and re-reading it when I was in grade school.

Funny how we easily forget of good memories. Try as I may, I cannot remember the details of those letters that gave so much joy. I guess that is the beauty of writing in a journal. You can remember those memories. Exactly how things happened... those words will transport you to the time that you were excited, elated or even scared. Sigh.

It is good to write.

Sad that people do not write anymore.

It is always a choice to be happy

2009-11-16T20:46:00.002+08:00

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

-- Max Ehrmann

When I was a young girl I received this poem from Inay. I am thankful that I am reminded today.

Happiness is a choice.

Purge

2009-11-16T20:37:00.002+08:00

It felt good to purge the things that you do not need anymore. Old magazines, old files, old books, and all that trash that is piled up in the cabinet. Now I can make more space for the new books. Just getting rid of all that clutter made me feel good. I felt the cleaning exercise is good for my soul. Purge. Purge. Purge. One should take the time to throw away the garbage that has accumulated through the years. Let go of that junk. When you haven't missed it in a year, have not used it for a year, have not looked at it for sometime... you know it is time to throw it away.

Where do I get this inspiration, you might ask? Well from Clean House! We really need to un-clutter our place to make that space for the things that really matter.

Create that space.

Make something new.

Liberating.

Ito pala hinahanap ko na word to describe it e.

Liberating.

Trees do not strain to grow

2009-11-16T19:47:00.002+08:00

I remember the peach tree in Kung Fu Panda when I received this message. We cannot tell the tree to grow. It just grows.

Isay's purple blouse

2009-11-08T18:30:00.002+08:00

When I go to the office, I usually wear my nuetral colors, black, brown, white-- as a sort of uniform colors for me and my wardrobe. Occasionally I wear my red blouse-- but it is a bit old now. The color is a bit faded (kupas na ika nga). Then there was this day I got a chance to buy this purple a bit shiny purple blouse. I loved it when I saw it. I tried it on and it fits. Very well I thought.

Then after that shopping spree, the blouse just hang in my clothes rack. I saw it everyday as I choose my usual black and browns. In my mind oh no i might not be able to wear this ah... well... but Isay love it. She will grab it and wear it like a robe and walk around the house. She claimed it to be her blouse.

Many weeks later. About last week, I finally decided to wear it to work. Isay was furious saying "blouse ko yan!" ( that's my blouse). I just explained that nanay will just wear it to work this time and borrow it.

When I got to the office, true enough, I was showered with compliments and up till I got home tatay and even manang approved my wearing this new color.

Haay...

I just realized now that indeed, we should not be afraid to wear our colors.

Happy.

grateful

2009-11-08T18:18:00.003+08:00

I am once again reminded that the greatest power in the Universe is to express your gratitude.

Indeed I am thankful for all the blessings that I continue to receive in life. I will continue the reason why I made this blog in the first place... that this will serve as the record of the many good things in life that I am blessed with.

My cup continues to overflow with blessings. I am amazed that once a few moons ago some of the things that are manifesting in my life right now are just thoughts. But now they are reality. There is wisdom indeed that when you pray you need to be specific for what you pray for. But we all know that God is not a vending machine. He really wants to bless us. We just need to ask. if there is one prayer that we can pray many many times over in the course of the day-- that is to say "Thank You".

1. Thank you for my family who continually gives me unconditional love and my source of inspiration
2. Thank you for Isay. Who often reminds me "it's OK Nanay". She has said this to many times over at the most appropriate time. She is such an old soul.
3. Thank you for my hubby who is the most wonderful friend, lover, companion, and everything in between.
4. Thank you for friends far and wide who inspires me to increase our achievement quotient every time.
5. Thank you for good health of my family. There was a time a week or two ago that I had sore throat and I cannot drink water--- that was the ultimate reminder that even the smallest things can give you happiness. I am so happy now that I am able to drink water with my usual globglobglob sound ehehehe.

6. The list will continue on...

mga araw sa tag ulan

2009-11-07T09:10:00.002+08:00

ultimately supposedly our reflections will lead to the re-discovery of our true passions in life.

me gusta vacaciones

2009-11-07T08:39:00.003+08:00

This week we finished Spanish class for the year. Next year I hope to continue on with my intermediate classes. The classes are so fun and funny. The last memory of the words that are still ringing in my ear is I want to go on a vacation.

I just want to go.

Bumangon ka

2009-11-07T08:35:00.002+08:00

We were watching Go negosyo about Balaw balaw. The owner is sharing about the business. He said: darating ang mga araw na parang ayaw mo na, wag mo lang pansinin, tapos bumangon ka.

simple napaka simple. bumangon ka.

His Team

2009-11-07T08:29:00.003+08:00

It has been a while since I wrote in this blog. I think it came to pass that I've been to the desert in my writing and sharing. Life went on and the world kept turning. It felt like I was dead yet I was alive. Many things happened the past months. Big things small things. sometimes the smallest things are the ones that give me such inspiration.

I felt today that I received a message. He told me. I heard from someone He sent His word. "Whatever you do, wherever you are God wants you in His Team".

I was struck.

And was moved to write

and now share again.

Photos by

2009-06-06T10:33:00.004+08:00

Among the photos I recently took, these are one of my most favorite. The two are the Ninong and Ninang of our daughter. We have been witness to their love story and we are very happy for them. On this day, I am once again reaffirmed that love really finds a way.

Congratulations!!! We love you both.

Relationships

2009-06-06T10:07:00.005+08:00

It has been a while since I shared my thoughts in this blog. Many things has happened in the past months that has changed the immediate direction of my life and have in a way changed the course of our lives in general. But despite the many changes and the inner emotional landscapes that I had to tread, my compass remains to be my family and friends, my relationships that keep me grounded.

I was very happy to receive this invitation from our artist Ninang sa Kasal Susan. We have visited them in HK last 2007 and hopefully will be visiting them soon. We may not be able to visit in the next couple of days but we want to extend our love by sending this small note.

Here I want honor Susan as she has been one of my most inspiring mentors in life.

Sending my love to you Susan and Mike.

2009-04-04T16:18:00.002+08:00

This is one of my most favorite pictures from the hundreds I took when I was in the Netherlands. It reminds me of the cold weather that I love to hate. The novelty of landscape calling me take a walk despite the cold. And I did! Yes I did! I love those paths which I followed while staring at the moat. That is a true blue moat just like the ones you hear from fairytale. My time there was short but sweet and in hindsight bittersweet.

weekend warrioring in Europe

2009-03-18T06:47:00.003+08:00

Overwhelmed is an understatement. It was a dream come true indeed.

I am still here in Wageningen Netherlands. I will write more about my trip to Paris and Milan in future post. I just want to share that it was a fantastic weekend.

Cheese

2009-03-10T04:29:00.004+08:00

One of the things that get better with age. I love cheese. I was so excited to see them at the open market last Saturday here at Wageningen, Netherlands.

Some things do get better after allowing the process to take place. Letting things age. Learning, contemplating and ponder. I also discovered that indeed this is my learning style. I need space and time to reflect.

journey

2009-03-08T05:40:00.003+08:00

The past two months of the year was one of the many turning points in my journey. Events went by too fast that I can hardly reflect on what has taken shape. The other day when we were assigned to be the critical thinking group doing reflection in a sense propelled me to ponder on my own realizations as well.

"An unexamined life is not worth living" as Socrates and many others before me have valued the exercise of learning from lifes lessons. Traveling and being away from family and routine has in a way made my spirit restless but I believe this is meant to be in a good way. An awareness that seeks to be acknowledged.

Everyday we evolve into a new person albeit in the outside everything seems to be the same. Being away from the people closest to your heart is a challenge. The beauty in this is that one is reminded that they are your treasures in life.

Thank you for all the blessings indeed.

love love love love!

missing Isay and tatay Amats...

Unity in Diversity

2009-03-08T05:28:00.003+08:00

This is the class getting ready for the group picture. Actually there are 3 groups of 22 people each doing simultaneous PPME. I only remember my group's name Pomona the others I cannot hard spell or even pronounce. Almost all of the developing countries are there but more than half of the class are from Africa.

The Philippine Delegation

2009-03-08T05:15:00.004+08:00

There are only four of us from the Philippines. There are only 3 women representing the 3 sectors. The three women are from the government, NGO and the private sector. The lone male is a representative of Mindanao also from an NGO.

Batsheba in green terno, Ian in barong and Laarni in modernized barong. I love the Ifugao traditional tribal dress. Thank you Maye!

the old and the new

2009-03-08T05:02:00.002+08:00

a traditional house. the photo was taken during dusk that is why it was a bit dark but I still like this picture
These are cafes I think because I saw some people dining inside there. Initially I thought is was something like a modern gallery or something. There are a mix of the old and the new in this university town.

There are students cycling up and down to get to their classes very similar to the set up of UPLB. This last photo is the main shopping area which is about 2 blocks away from where we are staying.

Guided Tour

2009-03-07T06:08:00.002+08:00

Gon Van Laar is our guide-- you cant miss her she is the one in red

bicycle in the Netherlands

2009-03-07T06:01:00.005+08:00

It is the most interesting site. I've never seen so many bikes parked outside a train station. Around town, you can see the diversity of bikes. The most interesting ones are the ones with provision for the babies and kids. Hopefully I can catch those in the coming weeks.

Also saw the smallest car ever.

Hof van Wageningen

2009-03-07T05:49:00.003+08:00

This is where we are having our fellowship training on Participatory Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.

This is the very first time that I was able to see a "moat" as in a really moat like the ones you have in the fairytale castles. Amazing! I can see that moat everytime I look out my window from my very small room (I am guessing because we need to conserve the heat--save energy). It was 7 degrees the other day when I went out for a quick walk to the store to buy a adaptor plug.

The town is like a fortress or a walled city like Intramuros in Manila. The walls have come down but the beautiful moats are still here.

Wageningen pronounced as with matching wahhk of the throat. It is a University town here in NL. It reminded me of my days in UPLB.

10degrees

2009-03-03T17:27:00.002+08:00

This is the view from the 7th floor here at Hof van Wageningen hotel where we are having our training on Participatory Planning Monitoring and Evaluation.

It is cold outside about ~10degrees celcius. I watched BBC weather ang it is snowing in the UK about 5cm of snow expected. But there is no snow here. We are warm here inside. But it is cold outside. We have a walking schedule late today at 5pm. Grrrrr

Ok time for tea

Breakfast Day 2

2009-03-03T15:54:00.000+08:00

I ate a huge breakfast of scrambled eggs and lots of kiwi!

more later

Amsterdam Train System

2009-03-03T15:47:00.002+08:00

We arrived at around 7 pm at the Schipol Aiport in Amsterdam. I am with Batshe from Dept of Agri,, Laarni from a consultancy firm then Ian from MinCode in Mindanao.

We got out train tickets direct to Wageningen for 8 pm just in time. The photo above is at platform 3 ( not 3/4 like Harry) I was half expecting to run trhough walls but nahh.

Good thing it was a direct trip we were still going to catch bus 88 at Ede-Wageningen.

The Netherlands

2009-03-03T00:52:00.002+08:00

I am here at Wagenngen Netherlands. Arrived here yesterday evening after a 14 hour direct flight to Amsterdam. Then an hour train ride via Utrech to Ede Wageningen worth 14.50 euros and then bus to here for 2.40 euros.

There are 4 Pinoys here attending this 3 week fellowship. Mostly African, other countries include Brazil, Nepal, India, etc. will tell you all more about it later.

Yehey!!! finally in Europe for free!!! :)

Many many things happened this past two months that I was not able to share to all of you. Many great beginings!

I will try to give daily updates here.

I am back to blogging!

wish list

2008-12-17T15:27:00.002+08:00

While on the train yesterday going back from my tiangge shopping for Christmas, my thoughts once again revolved around what I should get for my inaanak, my family, my nephew etc etc. And while I was also on checking out the stalls looking something I cant find anything that I want. At the end of the day, I had a huge bag of gifts.

Then I thought maybe I should be really clear of what I want. It would be really easy to shop if I have a clear idea in mind what I need and want for Christmas.

Well here goes my list. I am just putting this out there for the Universe.

1. Nikon D300 digital SLR camera- for the longest time I've been wanting to have a digital slr camera and been putting off buying one. Depending on our budget I might look into the Nikon D60 in Quiapo.

2. A compact digicam-- I want something that I can put in my small purse kind of camera aside from the dslr. This is truly indulging in my photography geekyness hehehe but want to catch those special moments wherever I find myself be it be in the palengke or a playdate in UP eating fish balls. This digicam is preferably water resist to 30meters as well so I can bring it with me to the beach and diving expeditions.

3. A pelican for all these gears of course when I am outdoors :)

4. Round trip tickets to Europe for Tatay, Baby and I to visit Ate Rose and Kuya Per in Sweden. Visit Vincent and Joy and the new baby in London.

5. Aerosole shoes both flat and heels (but not too high)even though I am always in my TNF shoes I love the idea that once in a while I can wear a real nice pair of heels. Maybe thow in a pair of dancing shoes as well since I'll be having my dance class regularly.

6. TNF jacket

7. to be continued

I will be making up a list for Baby soon :)

Sarap din mangarap :) libre naman di vah? kaya dadagdagan ko pa yan.

blessing received today

2008-12-17T15:16:00.003+08:00

Today is a great day. I received a present from the Universe something that I've been wishing will soon be manifested in a couple of months. I will tell you more about it next year when it happens. I realized that it happened because I was able to receive the help of special people. I want to truly from the bottom of my heart thank you all today. You know who you are. I will be writing about this particular blessing next year.

Just wanted to say thank you to the Universe. And always be reminded in the future that life is good.

Salamat kay God :)

early sunday morning

2008-12-15T22:37:00.007+08:00

Lately, I haven't shared my thoughts in this blog. But I've been wanting to write most of them. So many things happening at the same time. Because the memories seem to fade with time and we always tend to forget the little details that is why I've been meaning to have them written down. Only a journal can help me remember the simple, ordinary and mundane things that gives me so much joy. When I come back to read them, each detail is like a morsel which I can enjoy like small nuggets of my favorite chocolate mints.

Last Sunday morning, I got up really early to make it to my 7am Pilates and dance class date with Rolyn my dentist friend. Thanks to her, I discovered the Pilates and the Belly Dancing Class.

I snuck out of the house while Tatay and Baby are still asleep. Well, Tatay Amats was still half- asleep when I mentioned that I will be out for the most part of the morning. So there I was out of the house a few minutes before 7am on a Sunday morning. I thought it would be hard to get up since we love to sleep in specially during the weekends. But I was really happy to be up and about wearing my quick dry shirt I only put on during climbs and comfortable old pair of jogging pants on my way to my dance class. I can't remember when was the last time I had dance class. It was a happy thought that I am indeed going to one this morning.

There was a light morning breeze and the air was cool. The sun was just up in the horizon with a nice warm glow over the trees. I remembered the time when I was always out on hiking trips every weekend. I actually miss my weekend warrioring days. My wanderlust still is in my bones.

I arrived early but there was the earlier dance class so I took some time to do some brisk walking around the park for warm up. I was amazed at the number of people awake and enjoying the early Sunday morning. I thought, we are missing this wonderful hour to spend time outdoors. People from all ages were there: joggers, martial arts and arnis students, families with the grand parents, old and young running, walking their dog, teens playing ball and even small babies sleeping under trees. I smiled at the sight of all these people doing their own thing as I walk around enjoying the cool morning air. I felt alive and awakened in a familiar kind of way.

Then later I found Rolyn, Hannah and Rodney's mom already at hall. While waiting for the Belly dancing class, I joined the Pilates class for a short while but did not go through the whole routine. It was hard it reminded me of my lost Pilates workout dvd.

I was really happy to be dancing with women double my age but there were also a few much younger than me. It was a mixed group of women who seem to really love dancing. Everyone has their dance gear for belly dancing: that wrap around skirt with the coin-like tassels which is the signature piece of belly dancers. It was really fun to be with this group even though I don't have my dance gear yet they welcome me into the group.

The dance routine was as fun and happy as I expected it to be. But what surprised me is that it was indeed a great workout. I found myself with stitches on the side during the session. It was about an hour of classic belly dancing.

Next hour, we had some Polynesian dance routines (where the dance steps were very familiar because I had classes when I was in kindergarten) and the last hour was devoted to what they called Brazilian dance. But I felt it looked very much like Capoeira moves. I was really exhausted at the end. I was very much impressed with the older women twice my age who just danced away without a blink literally. This goes to show how I really need the exercise.

Dance class ended with people still smiling and sweating. I came up to ask the instructor about the dance gear. Really enjoyed myself and even entertained the idea of the recital next year :)

I got myself the full gear for belly dancing! Now I am hooked!

Pasko na naman

2008-12-10T17:56:00.003+08:00

I've been pondering about how we collectively and individually celebrate Christmas. I chanced upon a blog that inspired me to write some thoughts about the season.

Usually it is a time of giving and receiving. Only birthday I know that even people who are not believers still celebrate. Our manner of celebration varies depending on our beliefs and upbringing. But for the majority there seems to be a constant: "gift" as tokens of love.

I realized the truth of the saying: to be able to give love, you have to have love in your heart. Your love tank at least should be refilled when we continuously do the business of being human. Christmas is a great opportunity to give love and receive love as well.

Recently, I observed that most people busy shopping have a list of people that they need to buy gifts. Some people even made it to a science on how to shop, wrap and deliver gifts to the long list of family, inaanak, workmates and friends.

But what struck me with this routine was that rarely do we see people have a clear list of what they want for themselves. A blog of young lady that I regularly read because of her levelheadedness, quirky and well written thoughts gave me some perspective. She is one of those people that seem to have it all but in a well adjusted kind of way. I've seen her list for this year which is more of need than wants. But what was inspiring is for her to share these with a note of "not-expecting-anyone-to-buy-me-these-note". But there she published it. She just put it there for the Universe to bring to her.

A balanced perspective I thought.

My Anak, My Teacher

2008-12-06T01:05:00.005+08:00

I have resisted talking about being a mom. I guess the resistance comes from the fact that it is too close to the heart. And to write about it in this blog lets say that it's in a manner of speaking to make oneself vulnerable.

Raising a child is indeed a great responsibility. Now I am being taught the lessons of life by my child.

She teaches me patience 24/7. Potty training is still a struggle. Its 1:25am in the wee hours of the morning and we are awake trying to clean up her nappy half asleep.

She teaches me how to be selfless, truly thinking of another before thinking of myself. Buying clothes and shoes for her is a joy not a task. It is a joy to see her eat well specially when she tries to get that morsel about to enter my mouth.

She opens my eyes to the wonder of very ordinary things. The joy of discovery and learning the most basic things. It was pure joy to hear her count, identify shapes and colors, connecting that the letter W is the symbol of Wonder Pets saying Hi to Mingming whenever she sees the letter.

She teaches me to be respectful. Saying "sorry" even if it was my mistake. I am truly humbled.

She teaches me to face the challenge of being a good parent. Her tantrums are a reflection of my own actions. I am ashamed of some of the things that she saw. But sometimes my guard is down but still it is not an excuse to not be vigilant always.

There are many many more daily challenges that we try to overcome. There are also many small victories.

I thought I would be an excellent parent, that "I will be that" and "I will not be that" because I've seen it done. But life will just surprise you. I thought being an aunt will prepare me for parenthood. But I was wrong.

Still I look forward to the many years that my anak will teach me. I look forward to the many memories that we will make together.

I love you anak!

expedition

2008-11-04T17:00:00.004+08:00

When I got back from my trip to the US, I had back to back workshops one at UP then right after that a video coral monitoring, diving expedition.

At that time I haven't recovered yet from jet lag I think. But it was worth it to see the ocean again. I love diving. I love my work. I just wish that I can spend more time in the field than indoors.

Here are some pictures of the expedition. The divers are from all over the country from many different project sites. We were there to learn more about video monitoring. There were lots of work-- manual labor because we need to deploy transect blocks plus monitor the fish and corals. There were 3 teams of 5 people each.

It was a very tight schedule with 3 sites to be monitored with at least 6 transect readings of 50meters each. We were exhausted (is an understatement) because we need to review the videos at night.

On top of all of these, we had some defective equipment (very risky when diving as you life depends on your equipment). Then on top of that there was a brewing storm "Igme" at that time. Emotions and exhaustion got the best of me when I returned to Manila.

But I still love what I do. I still miss the ocean.

Deaths

2008-11-04T16:26:00.003+08:00

The past weekend was a time for me to reflect again on death and dying. Nov 1 is the time of year that we remember those who passed away. Remembering our family and friends who have departed this Earth is always always melancholy. It reminds me of many things and more than that the many lesser deaths that we experience everyday.

The last week of October seem to fill me with many reminders of loved ones who passed away.

Some truths are unbelievable than fiction sometimes. My lola who died in 1988 just got her lapida (tombstone). I only realized the past weeks that it would be her 20th death anniversary this coming Nov 30th. I dont know whose fault it is but in her original lapida something was wrong typo error of some sort that I cant exactly recall. Many years has passed and it was only this year that a lapida finally marked where she was buried. It was a mix of emotions for me.

I was wondering and I cant even hide my disappointment to my father. I was wondering whose obligation was it to be responsible of making sure that my lola's grave was marked?

Also it has been 4 years since my Tita has died and her grave was still unmarked until last Nov 1.

Then last Oct 29th my phone reminded me that it is the birthday of one of my closest friend who died recently Rex.

All these thoughts has been running through my mind while I stare at the candle burn away on that Saturday afternoon.

My mind drifted to the many lesser deaths that we encounter everyday.

When a good friend moves away to relocate to another home. You never get to see them more often and it seems a lesser death.

When you move on from one work to another. You leave behind co-workers and friends and the home that you made there like what I felt when I left Palawan after working there for a year. it felt like a lesser death. Tears came flowing at that time. it seems that clouds would not go away.

But then again things happen for a reason. A design that we cannot fully grasp until it is revealed to us. These lesser deaths made me strong, taught me a lesson and even with the thought of my own immortality, in an uncanny way, made me resolve to live a better life.

urging me to make every moment count. realize that life is finite and even so with the lesser deaths, we strive to live it to the fullest.

Kayaking at the Arboretum

2008-09-26T00:38:00.004+08:00

This map is definitely not drawn to scale! But it will give you an idea where we paddled along. We went to the East going into Lake Washington and decided to explore the arboretum which is actually a park. But here, you it was not indicated the many boats that we encountered along the way. Before reaching that small passage we had to literally cross the lake and go to the other side because it is like driving we need to stay on the right. My muscles were stiff and my heart pounding. Even with the cool air I can feel the sweat beads on my forehead.

We encountered several boat while passing that small canal were we had difficulty balancing the kayak because of the wake. it was more like wake boarding while kayaking hehehe. Anyway, before reaching the arboretum, we paddled under the freeway! Could you imagine that all these happening while the afternoon traffic is speeding on the freeway. Eventually we had some rest when we arrived near the park. There were families with children spending time at bank of the lake. I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures because of course my hands holding the paddle and feet are busy stirring the rudder. We had to completely stop and reach for the dry bag and carefully take out the camera to take these shots! It was challenging to say the least.

But all is well and we got to enjoy and relax when we reach the arboretum.

On the way back we passed by UW (locally pronounced you-dub) buti na lang I watch Kyle xy kaya alam ko kung pano ito i-pronounce ng mga local. We passed by their zoological boat. It was late afternoon and almost 2 1/2 hours passed, the sun was glaring. I realized that I need to get a pair of good shades. The guys were waiting for us "the slowboat este kayak" in every major bend.

With aching arms we parked and returned the kayak and ready for a big dinner!

hindi biro na Kayak

2008-09-26T00:14:00.004+08:00

Here we go! All geared up with life vest and our skirts, we headed to the dock. We got two double kayaks. What I was afraid of when paddling in a busy lake are the big boats that will pass you by and leave behind a huge wake, making it difficult to maintain your balance in the kayak. Not to mention the probability of turning over.

We were given an orientation on how to operate the Kayak and some safety guidelines. Out in the lake the bigger boats have the right of way. Suffice it to say that we are at the bottom of the totem pole. So if ever a boat comes passing by we need to think and paddle fast to be out of the way! At this point my heart was pounding just looking at how huge and busy the lake is. This is going to be one challenging afternoon.

This kayak has rudders which make it more complicated than the sit-on-top kayak that most resorts have here in the Philippines. Here is the link where you will know more about operating this kind of kayaks.

We are instructed how to properly board the kayak. You have to hold down the paddle on your back half of it on the dock and half of it on the kayak to maintain balance while you try to shoot yourself inside while holding onto the paddle. Wheeew! And that is just getting inside the kayak mind you. See the rim around our seats? That is where we will attach our kayak skirts.

Kayak skirts!

2008-09-26T00:01:00.004+08:00

We had to wear this Kayak skirts. I've tried Kayaking before in Palawan at Dos Palmas, then in Coron, and also in the lagoons of El Nido. I know it is a bit tiring for the arms but I've always enjoyed all my Kayak expeditions. But all of them before was sit-on-top type of kayaks and we always have a back up boat just in case. But little did I expect that this was a more serious Kayaking expedition in the fresh waters of Lake Washington.

Lake Washington

2008-09-25T23:40:00.005+08:00

Lake Washington is the second largest natural lake in the state of Washington.

When I was in Seattle I saw that almost everywhere we go there is water either a view of the ocean or a lake while driving. It would be really nice to have your own boat and explore these. Also observed that people here love the outdoors. They seem more relaxed than the big city.

Lake Washington is a ribbon lake, which are long, narrow and finger-like. Ribbon lakes were formed thousands of years ago during the ice age through glaciation: as the glacier bulldozed through a valley (glacial trough), it met bands of harder and softer rock. more info from Wikipedia

After having some ice cream early in the afternoon we decided to go Kayaking at Lake Washington. And of course we need to get back to M and L's apartment to put on sunblock and borrow some extra clothes.

a pictorial

2008-09-19T10:34:00.003+08:00

while exploring one of the viewpoints in Seattle, we chanced upon a wedding pictorial. I love taking photos of interesting mundane things when people are trying to have that picture perfect shot. I love the children at play and all of the entourage all dolled up :)

Fremont Street Art

2008-09-18T11:39:00.002+08:00

lunch at the Center of the Universe

2008-09-18T10:52:00.005+08:00

Seattle's left bank renowned as its most artistically eccentric community, Fremont wavers whimsically somewhere in time between 50's or 60's and the 23rd century (excerpt from the Walking Guide in the photo). Fremont reminds me about Quezon City. The rocket is one of the many street art one can find while walking around Fremont. The rocket monument which marks the official Center of the Universe.

We went to have lunch with Mike and Le at Fremont's Blue Sushi. Its an authentic sushi bar complete with conveyor belt or kaiten. This was my very first time to eat in a kaiten Japanese restaurant. I realized much later into the meal that the price of the sushi is based on the color of the plate. You can just pick up from the conveyor belt or if you want something specific and cannot find it in the kaiten, you can order it directly from the crew. It was one of the best Japanese food I've tasted in a long time.

Blue Sushi 2066342575 at 3411 Fremont Ave.

write down your dreams

2008-09-17T16:05:00.003+08:00

This is the title of one of the chapters of Bo Sanchez book. Then followed by this quote:

"There are no limits to the mind except those that we acknowledge"
--Napoleon Hill

Ferry Boat to Bainbridge

2008-09-17T15:52:00.003+08:00

Early the next day as in before 8am I think, I met up with Mayang and we set out for a full day's adventure. First on the list is to take the ferry to Bainbridge. It's an island just off the coast of Seattle. The salt water was an energizer. Plus I get a different perspective of the city.

The Fish Ladder

2008-09-17T15:24:00.004+08:00

photo by Daisy Flores-Salgado (c)

"At the Fish Ladder, a 21-step water "ladder" allows fish to swim upstream or downstream on a gradual incline, bypassing the locks. Adult salmon return from the sea from June to November, steelhead salmon return to spawn from January through April, and young salmon make their way out to sea in May and June. An underwater viewing gallery lets visitors watch the fish from underwater." Source from here.

I was surprised to see that there is a Fish Ladder under the Locks where you can actually observe the Salmon swim upstream through the underground window which looks like an aquarium but it is not. The locks allow the passage of the Salmon which is amazing.

Ballard Locks

2008-09-17T15:09:00.005+08:00

We visited the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks locally known as Ballard locks. The locks were made to maintain the fresh water Lake Washington and Lake Union above sea level. Also to prevent the mixing of salt water of Puget Sound with the two lakes or prevent salt water intrusion and to move boats from the water level of the lakes to the water level of Puget sound.

My uncle who is usually on a hurry was eagerly waiting for the movement of boats and the whole ceremony of closing and opening the locks. I was wondering if he dreams of owning one of those yatch. Later we went to the fish ladder which I will share in the next post.

Requiem for Rex

2008-09-14T10:11:00.008+08:00

Banahaw circa 1994. This photo taken at the summit of Mt. Banahaw was my first ever climb to a mountain. This climb literally and figuratively made an indelible mark in my life that made me take the path where I am today.

Rex C. Perez was one great great best friend that I ever had in my life. He is the one holding the flag in the photo. I could write a whole novel of the many adventures that we had. He was the one who taught me how to dance the swing! He helped transform this barrio lass from Laguna. Introduced to me to various genres of music. We hiked the summit of Mt. Halcon of Mindoro and Mt. Kanlaon of Negros. We rode the banana boat in Boracay, explored the Mag-aso falls in Bohol. We worked together at MFI for the urban poor and explored the communities of Payatas. We would jog and train and then binge at Tia Maria's with margarita and fajitas. We would eat Lapid's and say eat and die a happy man. He loved eating ice cream with beer. We explored the dunes of Ilocos Norte and can make a documentary from all the pictures of the old churches that we visited. He met all the loves of my life. Amats and I spent a week visiting him when he retired back to Iloilo. We explored Guimaras and Miag-ao. The last time I saw him was Oct 2007 a bit on the heavy side and last time I talked to him was June 2008 just after typhoon Frank flooded Iloilo. Over the phone I knew that he was at the hospital but his voice never hinted that it was his last weeks. I love his laugh. He passed away while I was in the US. Sad that I didn't get to see him. But I will always remember that laugh. We love you Rex.

on a tailwind

2008-09-14T09:01:00.004+08:00

I found an old book of mine. Actually it was Amats who found it and asked "sa yo ba ito?" . One look and I remember this little treasure of a book that I own that I haven't opened in years. Its The Woman's Book of Soul" by Sue Patton Thoele. I guess I need to read it as it found its way to me again.

Last night and this morning I was indeed searching for some empowerment and encouraging words. I feel a bit wasted the past days. I wanted to recharge myself and I realized that I find comfort and happiness reading my old entries in this blog as well as reading my books of affirmations one of which is this book that I will share a verse with you. This morning I read a most timely message that I knew was meant for me to read today. I want to share this with you.

I quote:

Flying on a Tailwind

Abundance could be described as the knack of living in an attitude of gratitude. If we constantly run on fast forward, frantically trying to keep up with what should and must be done, without taking a break to restore ourselves and count our blessings, we'll soon run out of gas. Stopping for a rest, pausing to see the real wonder in our world, and making room for interludes of thankfulness helps give us the energy to keep going.

Gratitude is the tailwind that enables us to travel farther and faster.

Give yourself the priceless gift of extricating yourself from the whirlwind for a few minutes and write down all the things, just within sight, for which you feel grateful. expand your list to include people and circumstances out of sight. As a bonus, add to your list some intangibles--attitudes, experiences, philosophies, etc. Looking at your list, allow your heart to open in a flow of gratitude and appreciation.

Flying with a tailwind of gratitude helps us savor the effortless times and move more quickly through the turbulent times.

I am grateful for my life
I appreciate life both the chaff and the grain

Pike Place Market

2008-09-13T16:49:00.007+08:00

One of the nicest public markets that I've ever visited. Seattle's Pike Place Market . The fruits on offer are screaming at me to taste them. I love berries! It also tells you that it is summer time there when I visited last month. Like all markets, this one is full of vibrant colors and people. The are also lots of flowers and art works on offer that I will show you in the coming post.

A week or two ago, I was walking in Trinoma and passed by Seattle's Best Coffee Shop. Something caught my eye, the huge wall paper shows a very familiar sign and I remembered it was the part of the top photo above. :)

Simple Joys

2008-09-13T16:36:00.003+08:00

While I was in Seattle, I was happy to get a taste of the food and music festival called Bite of Seattle. Here in this photo above, I got a freebie starbuko-frap-wat-hav-u hehehe because I cannot remember the flavor so I made that up. Simple joys indeed as I took my time sipping this cup. I just had one at the Needle.

All the while, I was hoping to go to Seattle's Best Coffee Shop somewhere in this city. I was asking my Tita if we can visit a shop. But to my surprise she said there is none. I can't imagine Seattle not having Seattle's Best Coffee. She did mention that they have them as concessionaire in the canteen but she never visit a shop. I kept my eyes peeled but lo and behold there was none. I did see several Starbucks cafe.

Anyway, thanks to them for the free drink! It gave me enough energy to walk all the way to Pike's Market coming up in the next post!

P.S. I didn't realize that Bill Gates live in this city until someone at the top of the Needle mentioned it.

Dream Journal

2008-09-13T15:45:00.003+08:00

I just learned that Charice will be fulfilling one of her dreams in her dream journal. She will be having a duet with Celine Dion this weekend. I saw some clips of her Oprah guesting. I was indeed moved.

Amats and I were talking and I shared: "Yes, how can dreams come true? You have to have a dream first". I added that it is really good to have a dream journal when people see it they might just help you fulfill it.

Naiisip ko din si Bugoy (my favorite in the now ending season 2 of Pinoy Dream Academy) sabi ni Bugoy, hindi nya akalain matupad ang mga pangarap nya at dagdag pa nya mangangarap na rin lang lubuslubusin mo na libre naman. (When you dream, dream big, anyway, its free.)

kakatuwa lang!

Sa Pilipinas muna: Eraserheads Reunion Concert

2008-08-31T23:54:00.009+08:00

It was indeed a most anticipated event: The Eraserheads Reunion Concert. Thank you Earnest and Buddy for the VIP pass to the Eheads Reunion Concert last night. It was really worth it to see you guys back together on stage even for a while. We hope that everything will be OK. More info about the concert at GMAnews.TV. My comment to this article is that he did not mention that the audience were shouting "group hug" and chanting "group hug, group hug, group hug!!!"

While they were singing at some point I told Amats, parang hinuhukay sa baul ang mga lyrics bamabalik na lang ng kusa sa labi ko at nagugulat din ako na naaalala ko pa ang mga ito habang nag flash ang mga alaala mga 10 years ago! Mula sa gasgas ko na tape noon na ultraelectromagnetic! Wagi!!! Sobra!!!

Sobra din ang respeto ng mga fans sa Eraserheads. Kakaiba ang nangyari sa pagtatapos basahin nyo po ang sulat ni Ted.

*********

On our way to The Fort, we first dropped baby at my sister's house then we took the MRT up to Ayala Station. I was sending sms to Dindin while at the train and said they are already there in front of the stage.

Going down at Mckinley St. there were very very long lines of people waiting in line for the bus and the jeep. There were groups of people flagging down taxis which are all full. There was a heavy downpour earlier that afternoon too. Good thing the rain stopped. It was also a Saturday on a pay-day weekend. Time check it was 15 minutes before show time and we were still in EDSA-McKinley the entrace to Forbes Park. Then, we saw this line of motorcyles for hire and groups of boys already taking the ride. The one of motorcyle drivers said "ma'am sakay na kayo?" Without batting an eyelash we took on the offer. Its P30 pesos each person. One person per motorcyle. They also have the required extra helmet of the passenger. Then I realized I took this kind of ride before in the coastal town of Coron years ago and flashbacks of our Camiguin backpacker trip riding the "habal-habal" around the island. But I only knew them to be used in remote islands and locations when transport is not accessible. But wait this is Forbes Park and we are going to the Global City of Fort Bonifacio!

Yahoo! as we sped off, I gave a shout of glee wooohoo! Authentic "habal-habal" at the heart of Forbes Park. I was really excited. We were going to make it on time. (well, until we saw the lines at the SVIP, VIP). Amats and I were really excited as we convoyed the two motorbikes to the open field at the Fort. I was talking to the driver and he said they've been there for a few years now and I later learned from Tatay A. that they were retired soldiers. We dubbed them "soldiers of fortune". Wagi!

Seattle

2008-08-27T12:01:00.003+08:00

I was really lucky because at the time that I was at Seattle, it was the same week when they were celebrating Bite of Seattle. Its the annual food festival complete with concerts in various parts of the city and the fair at the Needle. I got a lot of freebies!

I took the photo above because I was really interested at the lift the men-at-work is using! High tech.

Snoqualmie Falls

2008-08-27T11:34:00.006+08:00

My tita and tito drove me to visit Snoqualmie Falls Park. It is also a national historic civil engineering landmark in Puget Sound. It was a chilly summer morning. Seattle's weather even if it is Summer is much colder than all the places I visited during this trip. These photos of the falls reminds me about Buntot Palos. Thankful to my host for knowing where to bring me for our road trip.

M and I was planning to go to Mt. Rainer and camp out but we reserved that for another time. I will be posting what we did in the coming post. The Pacific Northwest is so different from the East Coast.

at the border

2008-08-27T11:26:00.005+08:00

There were only some rare moments that I was at the border of two countries. This one was interesting as these two countries share a very long border. I was not able to go to Canada as it would take a few days to get a visa and expensive too for a short visit. Maybe next time.

My Pacific Northwest

2008-08-20T01:05:00.003+08:00

My Pacific Northwest adventure begins here at the Peace Arch Park in British Columbia actually its in the border between Canada and the US.

JFK international

2008-08-20T00:48:00.006+08:00

This merits a special post. Going to JFK International airport from Florida and leaving JFK going to Seattle, I went through security and twice been "randomly" selected to go through special security check. I've been through many many security checks during my travels but it was only this time that my eyebrows almost hit the ceiling. But all is well. I will stop here.

A book found me (again)

2008-08-20T00:21:00.002+08:00

Since it is a holiday yesterday, we spent some family time. We were looking at the books on sale. A book found me. I read it, then left. But then, I realized it was indeed a beautiful book so, I came back and bought it for only 2 US$ or 100 pesos (nagisip pa ako nyan).

The title: BRILLIANCE Uncommon Voices from Uncommon Women. I love it. One of the quotes in the book that was shouting at me.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
--Eleanor Roosvelt

the subway

2008-08-19T23:57:00.003+08:00

I was thrilled to take the subway. The NYC subway system is the most complicated train system I've been to. I cannot say bar none because I've never been to Europe yet. But I love it!!! Among all the train systems I've tried from HK to Sydney, hands down NYC is by far my most challenging experience to date. It is also one of the oldest subway system I've been to. Tama ba over 100 years na ito?

It was a Sunday when I arrived in NYC and got on the subway from Flatbush armed with M's unlimited pass, I explored the City. They actually warned me that during weekends, the trains sometimes change their routes because of some maintenance work. This is the particular reason why I took the second photo above. It took me a while to learn to go around. I always take pride to learn the cheapest form of transportation of the place I visit. I do like to be pampered and just be on the passenger seat. But I am really happy to be able to go around not just on a cab but really learn to go about like how the locals do it. I love people watching on the train but I've been warned not to make eyeball on the NY subway if I want to stay out of trouble. I can feel the adrenalin rush and all that energy of people coming and going.

I love exploring the Big Apple.

crepes

2008-08-18T11:53:00.004+08:00

This is the crepe that I ate. Well almost in front of Tiffany's on 5th Ave. Reminds me to update my food blog that I've been neglecting.

RENT

2008-08-18T10:36:00.007+08:00

Top photo: in front of tkts where we got the ticket

"No day but today" sigh did not get any of these souvenirs

this photo just before the show started. photos are not allowed during the show.
the seats are really small even for Asian size ha! ang sikip ng upuan!

Early afternoon we went to tkts and got a 40% off ticket to watch RENT. Our friend G said did you know that at around 4pm you can go to the lobby of the musical you want to watch and they raffle off about 10 seats! That was how he and his brothers when they visited was able to watch the broadway show. Nagtatalsikan pa daw ang laway sa kanila for a complete true blue experience. Haaay naku and I learned about this on my last night at NYC. I could have lined up the past few days!

But nonetheless, I was able to do one of the bucket list! If ever I am in NY I will definitely watch and so I did!

Masaya na rin kasi sinundo ako ni G and D when I went out after the show. Later nalaman ko kay M na nanganak na pala si E. Nalaman ko lang kinabukasan na. Ang saya!

times square

2008-08-18T10:12:00.003+08:00

I saw the classic Times Square. Nice lights almost the same as the ones I saw in HK. The novelty of the experience made it a very interesting visit. I noted that "trash" is not just exclusive in Manila Streest but right there in the corner of Broadway and Times St.

Kaloka dami nila basura! Ayan hindi na picture perfect ang Amerika ha!

Broadway!!!

2008-08-18T08:55:00.003+08:00

more to come!

AMNH part II

2008-08-18T08:33:00.005+08:00

This is the modern part of the American Museum of Natural History. An area where you can explore about the planets and how the universe came to be. I was so excited! It reminded me when I was young and my dream to become an astronaut!

kainan sa central market este park

2008-08-18T08:27:00.003+08:00

dito daw nahulog si Carrie (Sex and the City) habang kumakain dahil nakita si Mr B?hehehe. Kakatuwa!

lunch at Central Park

2008-08-14T17:58:00.004+08:00

After my visit to AMNH, I met up with a friend and we had lunch on a bench in Central Park and this was our view.

I was having a large chocolate banana crepe and later we both had some ice cream. It was really warm and sunny day. We had a long talk and later took an afternoon walk. She is really an old friend. Sigh. We realized that we have come a long way since our mountaineering days. We both agreed that there is so much more to be thankful for in this world.

AMNH

2008-08-14T17:29:00.004+08:00

The American Museum of Natural History is in my "must see" list. It is indeed the most interesting museum that I've ever ever visited. I went straight to the 4th floor where the dinosaur collection is and worked my way down to the other exhibits. Amazing collection from pre-historic to modern. I will be posting more about the space exhibit and the discover the ocean.

Basic entrance to AMNH starts at 18US$ and if you want to watch the special shows like the planetarium and other exhibits, you have to pay more. I got info from a good friend that these prices are really suggested entrance admission fees. What you can do, if you are really on a shoe string budget in NY, you can just say that you can only pay xx amount that you can afford. And that is exactly what I did. In the photo above you would see how much I paid. One day is not enough to really experience the whole museum. You just need to come back.

I loved the experience so much I wished that baby and Tatay was with me. I bought my usual ref magnet and a dark green triceratops stuff toy for baby.

I'll be back.

Olympics na!

2008-08-12T11:46:00.004+08:00

Title above: One Dream

August 8, 2008 was the opening of the Beijing Olympics at 8:08:08 in the evening! A date and time that can only occur how many times in a lifetime.

These are my old photos from Hongkong in July 2007. There were many sculptures with the 2008 Olympic theme. I was not able to post this last year when I took it. This week I guess is the best since the Games are officially going on now.