Godzilla (2014)

“Nature has a power, a power to restore balance. I believe he is that power.”

“The arrogance of man is in thinking nature is in our control and not the other way around.”

Godzilla is an action movie yet I cried all throughout the movie. It’s about the revival of ancient gigantic creatures who are enemies, or what Dr. Serizawa calls nature’s balancer. A scientist’s wife died while on duty checking a nuclear power plant. Fifteen years later, the scientist’s son is a soldier with a family of his own, while the scientist hasn’t gotten over the death of his wife. He has theories of his own about the agency’s incorrect assessment of the situation back then, with the suspicion that they are hiding something. When he attempted to go back to their old house, he was caught. The son flew from San Francisco to Japan too get his father. After the father explained his side to him, the two agreed to return to the old house, now part of a territory that is off-limits to civilians. There they discovered that the scientist has been right all along. At that moment, a large winged creature wrecked havoc and the scientist got killed.

The US military assumed responsibility upon learning that the winged creature and others are headed to San Francisco. Despite Dr. Serizawa’s pleas to let nature to take its own course, the arrogant Americans still continued the operations. Dr. Serizawa suspected that the giant dinosaur-like creature that suddenly apppeared from the seas is the answer to their predicament. The Japanese call it Gojira.

To cut a long story short, of course the day is saved because of Godzilla. But one cannot help but note the following:

1. The Americans always want to be the heroes that save the day. Ugh! They always interfere in other countries. Why don’t they just mind their own business? Oh yeah, US businessmen run the country and so their interests are at stake which means, they project an image of benevolence to third world countries when in fact they are only after the resources.

2. A country as strong as Japan can dominate the world if it wants but its debt of gratitude to the US for making it the way it is now gets in the way. This US ally used to be an enemy during the World War 2 but the US helped rebuild its economy, using Japan as base to stop the spread of Communism in Asia. In this movie, it acts as the brains while the US provides the muscles. Oh well, what do we expect from Americans? They’re all so stupid and selfish and self-righteous. (I have never met a decent American in all my life and I always encounter annoying Americans who think they own the country when they’re just tourists! Such despicable manners and they are such know-it-alls! So I am not sorry for the overgeneralization.)

3. It makes me think how far from our agricultural roots we have come. We now have all these nuclear plants to provide us energy for warming our homes and all. Makes me wonder if geography plays a role in all these since those that are technologically advanced have winters. They naturally have big incentives to level up and provide solutions to problems such as providing cheap energy without using fossil fuels. The Philippines is not that motivated because we are a tropical country. (But maybe we should turn the harsh summers into motivation, too, to have sustainable energy to cool our homes?)

4. A soldier will always have duty first to country as top of his priority. But a decent soldier with a family will always make a way to find his way back. I am touched at how Ford and his wife Elle formed such a partnership based on trust. It’s a given that they trust each other when it comes to fidelity. I am talking more of the trust in the capability of the other to survive in unusual circumstances. 

There You'll Be- Valentine's Day 2016

I spent last weekend in Los Banos, Laguna following a sudden invite from a former classmate. We've been planning to meet up since last November but found it hard to sneak the date in our busy schedule. Last Saturday was different. I woke up at 5:30am (instead of the planned 4:30) and left Cubao at 6am. I was lucky to have arrived just as the bus was driving out of the terminal.

We chatted a lot as soon as we saw each other. Four years of just chatting on Facebook was not enough. I cooked curry noodles for her and then we went to UPLB for some yoghurt treat. In the afternoon, we went to Laguna Hotsprings to take a dip in one of Pansol's hotspring resorts. I wanted to submerge my body in the hot waters hoping for the complete healing of my knee which was slightly injured from my last waterfalls hike. But disappointingly, the water was not hot. But we were treated to a surprise fish spa when late in the afternoon, some janitorfish were biting off our dead skin cells. Cute. It was so relaxing I fell asleep. LOL.

While in the waters we talked a lot, catching up on each other's lives. It was comforting to know that I can ask even personal questions and get honest answers. Purely girl talk, plus more. ;)

We had a quick nap before we had dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and I had their version of tom yum. The shrimps were overcooked but they were in fairly good size so I couldn't compain much. Then off we went to the UP Fair, my first ever. And we both laugh at how I had to travel far to experience UP Fair!

There were lots of people but I didn't mind because being with her is so much fun. Perhaps next year I will try to see for myself what UPD Fair is like. And maybe, just maybe, ask that guy out. (That guy with whom I became close to in Bacolod. He inspires me a lot, and it's pretty rare that guys inspire me this much.)

The following day, my friend and I took a long walk inside UPLB and had breakfast at IRRI canteen. I sneaked a peek at the museum and it's awesome!!! Since I have a bit of grudge at IRRI for not helping the local farmers, I asked that uncomfortable question to her and she clarified that that is PhilRice's job and that IRRI is an international organization. Well that explains things. We really cannot rely on our government to level the playing field and provide a bright future for everyone, which is why I never want to work under it despite the many offers.

It was super hot like the day before and I was afraid I might get dehydrated but we still walked, being pooritas that we are. We had lunch at a Thai resto where I got to eat awesome pad thai. My friend's order of beef noodle soup is also very delicious so I will be ordering that the next time I drop by.

I left Laguna around 2pm, fearing I might get stuck in heavy traffic if I go home late. It's Valentine's Day after all and I would also like to spend the day with my family. Turned out ny sisters went out and so I ended up attending mass with mom and bro.

At night, I finally was able to draw a younger version of my yaya and me as a baby. Hot tears fell but I hope this way I am able to honor her memory on this day of hearts. Because of all the people in the world, she was the one who loved me the most. And this week, falling into contemplation yet again, I thought about how I was able to go through the challenges of life because of her, and how, despite her passing, we seem to be closer than ever. Because I refuse to forget even though it hurts a lot, even though when thoughts of her pop in my mind, I am sure to get teary-eyed and lately it's been hard to control.

So I'm dedicating a drawing and the song "There You'll Be" to the Light of my life. Happy Valentine's Day, yaya. I miss you everyday. 

January 2016

The year opened without a message for myself as I was accustomed to do in the past. The tragedy that struck last year almost paralyzed me and 2016 seemed to be like conquering a new frontier without a compass. It is of course, no big problem for a drifter but having lost an important person whose support had been unwavering and highly encouraging can be devastating.

January is the start of a new chapter in my life. Ten years ago with wide-eyed innocence I stepped in UP Diliman with a big thirst and hunger for knowledge. My first two visits were with the Light. Now, as I embark on a three-year journey towards the fulfillment of a personal goal, I venture alone. I know I can make her proud in this new lease on academic life.

love walking on this road lined with tall trees in Mambukal Resort

solo time at the 7th falls

The first weekend was spent in Negros. It's been a dream to go around Visayas and I am happy that this early I was able to travel. Bacolod is a wonderful place with wonderful people. It's hard to fall in love at first because what greeted me when I entered the city was pollution and it felt as if I were in Metro Manila. But spending time in Mambukal Resort where I hiked up to the seventh falls to bathe with only a guide and then capping off my visit in the ofuro where I chatted with two nice ladies with whom I hitched a ride back to Bacolod, I was temporarily relieved of the depression. 

solo dinner at Mely's garden where I consumed a total of 500 g of seafood. Love the sinigang with batuan and the grilled stuffed squid is also heavenly.

Bacolod Capitol at night

Add to that my awesome stay at Danjugan Island where I got acquainted with bright botanists and where I made friends with some of them. I grew fond of a boy there who's still in his undergraduate studies and I can very well see that with his kindness and brightness he will surely succeed in life. I am also happy to have met cool people with whom I can be comfortable. I wouldn't have expected to share a room with two complete strangers but I did and I think it somehow created an unspoken alliance. Hopefully I get to join them in ethnobotany and other plant research.

honored to be with this wonderful group of botanists

lovely sunset at Danjugan Island which is too beautiful to make one sad

 My last day was spent in Silay but I didn't get to roam around much because I was still tired and sleepy. Nice to have talked to an owner of El Ideal who recommended to me more of Silay's attractions aside from their ancestral houses. We just visited two due to lack of time. I also was able to hear mass at the church but couldn't understand much because everything was in Hiligaynon.

El Ideal's version of pancit malabon: YUMMY!

To make the most of my time before I get busy starting the 3rd week of January, I joined a group of climbers for a hiking adventure. I have been telling my friends countless times that I want to hike up Mt. Manalmon and go on a sidetrip to San Miguel to see the ancestral houses there but everybody was too busy. This time, I didn't let the opportunity pass. We hiked up Mt. Gola first then Mt. Manalmon, both easy climbs. Then we did some caving in Bayucboc Cave. Really except there are some difficult parts there especially for a vertically challenged person like me. Last, we swam at Madlum River.

The following week, I found myself in Laguna. I was invited to an open birthday climb by a hiker who was celebrating his birthday. We became close when we were in Pulag in 2015. Anyway, this time we went falls trekking: Hulugan Falls, Talay Falls, and Hidden Falls. Talay Falls was where we set up rappelling equipment and of the non-experts I was the first to go so I suffered from minor slipping accidents twice. The slope was slippery and one time I slipped and fell into a pool. Thank God I was uninjured but it made my whole body sore for days after.

On the way home from Laguna to Cubao, we had the bad luck of having to stand for some 2 hours inside the bus. My legs were already tired and I badly wanted to sleep. Even so, I managed to take a hot bath at home before going to sweet sleep.

Also this January, I attended the UPFI showing of "Iisa", an indie film about how a typhoon disaster can bind together people regardless of whatever social groups. Bonus is having a groufie with the beautiful Maria Isabel Lopez who was very charming and game. She even taught me the correct angle for the photo! :D

Iraya Mangyans of Puerto Galera

When one major project ended in April this year, immediately the following day I found myself in Puerto Galera together with a deployment buddy whom I mapped Pangasinan with. On April 30 we stayed up late until midnight working on deliverables and the next day both of us are just happy to have delivered more than the minimum requirement so off we joined a 3D2N arnis training workshop in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. For the second time, I brought the four seasons tent with me on a trip.

It was my third time in Mindoro and my second visit this year, but after that I am sure I will go back there again since I have established friendship with many people from select towns in the island and am looking forward to meeting more friends there.

our tent

We set up our tents in Talipanan Beach in Puerto Galera. It takes at least 20 minutes of walking to get there from the main touristy beach by foot. That afternoon, my buddy and I just relaxed inside the treehouse while talking about the project, our hopes for it, and how our ideals led us to be heritage volunteers.

pretending to be a Watcher while looking far out in the sea for possible pirate attacks

The following day was the main highlight. We trekked to a falls and did some meditation there. The cool waters seemed like a cure to the summer heat. While waiting for food to be cooked, some of us slept inside s small cave near the falls. The awesome boodle fight lunch that followed was very much appreciated and I was happy that they accommodated my request for grilled squid. YUM!

Then we visited the Iraya Mangyan Community Village, a beneficiary of the Ayala Foundation. The Iraya Mangyans are excellent basket weavers and their works are being entered in the market by the Ayalas. The primary material used is dried nito grass. [In August I attended a weaving demonstration in National Museum and how I loved the smell of the lowly nito!]

nito baskets of various shapes and sizes and other crafts

That afternoon we finally engaged in the arnis training. We did some exercises and then the hands on practice fights which I love doing. The whole thing awakened the warrior in me whereas the the nighttime spent wading through the waters on a full moon reminded me of my role as priestess. At that point, as I was pondering on which road to take, I eventually decided to be a warrior-priestess. [Since I love watching wuxia and samurai films, I find fighting monks to be very cool because of their dual role as protector-defender and spiritual guide so I'd like to follow in their footsteps. :D]

 

Talipanan Beach at night

 On the third day, buddy and I had fun doing a continuation of our photoshoots from the previous days as we took advantage of the sunrise and early morning light which she calls magic light. By the time I got home, I already added another purpose in my life, to help protect our cultural heritage and to help support the local indigenous peoples.

A few weeks later, news of how the NCIP are betraying the indigenous peoples in various parts of the country are in the papers. It's a shame to learn that a government agency tasked to protect the IP's are instead making it easier for mining companies and other greedy corporations to take over the ancestral lands. Apparently this has been going on for many years now but lately the military has stepped in and based on the news articles I read, they even kill tribal leaders who oppose the landgrabbing activities.

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As the world faces climate change and other environmental issues which impact food production and cause sustainability problems, I believe that there is a need to go back to traditional knowledge and reestablish our ancient way of relating to Mother Nature. Western methods may seem superior on the surface but these will ultimately prove to be useless in the long run. I am hoping for a new consciousness to envelop the world, to make people realize their roots and to enable them to listen and uncover the hidden messages of Mother Nature.

Also, please buy local and help support the livelihood of the indigenous peoples, that their traditions and crafts and skills may live on.

Mt. Binacayan, Rodriguez, Rizal 06202015

A week after joining outreach activities in the Mountain Province (separate blog post coming soon but for teaser please click HERE), I said yes to an invitation to climb up twin mountains in Rodriguez, Rizal. It's been a long time since my mountain buddy and I climbed mountains together because we're so busy with our respective lives these days. It's nice though that we get to chat every once in a while to update each other on a project we were planning to launch pretty soon.

Meeting place was in KFC near Gateway at 4AM. I was some 10 minutes late because I got lost a bit, being not accustomed to walking around at that time of the day. We chatted a lot and I was introduced to a couple who were just beginning to join the club of mountaineers. All three of them are architects and I'm the odd one out but well I'm an archaeologist so we still have something in common: ARCH. LOL

Our guide for the day: Jason is quite adept at taking photos :)

THE seat

 We left at 5AM boarding an FX to Eastwood where we then took a tricycle all the way to the registration office. I wasn't able to get much sleep because there was no traffic.

We had to walk on an inclined paved road first before getting to earthy grounds. It was as always a pleasure to breathe the fresh mountain air. I still can't get enough of it. It's this addiction that keeps me going back to the mountains, plus the nice views from the top, and the chance to sweat out body toxins out of my body.

mountain buddies

 It was a gloomy day but the air was dry so in just a few minutes of hiking we were already drenched in sweat. The trail reminds me of Mt. Daraitan because of the high steps which posed a challenge to me. We also entered a small cave. And then the rockies which were reminiscent of those in Norzagaray. But the view is impressive nevertheless as we were treated to lush greens. Healthy mountains are always a pretty sight, an assurance that they will be also enjoyed by future generations. It helps also that the local government is exerting efforts to ensure that these are well-protected.

rockfalls on the way down

 I was able to nap for some time under a big cool rock near the peak. There were a lot of noisy people who took a lot of time taking photos and selfies so I took the chance to rest. Having had few sleep lately has been taking a toll on my health.

On the way down, we were a bit challenged because of the loose soil. When we got to the area where rocks had fallen, it was even more of a challenge. My buddy got a deep wound on his knee! But because we wanted to have cool drinks already we decided to descend down straight.

we passed by these hidden treasures and I couldn't resist taking photos... (I just LOVE mushrooms!!!)

We rested for a while in a makeshift kubo where the owner sells cold softdrinks. Buddy had been going on for hours about Mountain Dew so everyone followed suit including me. I don't even like softdrinks but it was hot and they seemed to be enjoying the cold drink so I indulged eventually.

newly planted seedlings protected by bamboo covers

Once back in the barangay, we stopped by the local eatery and I had half an order of rice and pinakbet. They only have pork dishes so I'm sticking to my veggies.

half rice and pinakbet (because I am on a budget)

Bolinao: Pangasinan Mapping Part 2

In April, I went back to Pangasinan with the same buddy I was with in my first mapping of the province. The second time around we experienced the same difficulty in getting bus tickets as we did the first time.

Our first stop this time was Bolinao, known to travelers for its lighthouse. Of course we included that in our itinerary as well as a visit to the beach.

It's funny how the world seemed so small. While having breakfast at a canteen, I saw the last name of a former officemate and I remembered that she had relatives in Bolinao. So I messaged her and asked if her uncle could provide assistance to us. The town was celebrating a festival so we almost never got the help we needed but her uncle was really a generous person who even provided us with a tricycle, instructing the driver to take us to Bolinao's Enchanted and Wonderful Caves, Patar beach, and Bolinao lighthouse. Plus, we got free accommodation and dinner at their house. I'm so touched at how people can be so kind despite the prevalence of cruelty in this cold dark world.

we didn't know there was a fiesta! Beautiful surprise :)

Go Bolinao!!!

 A sea of busy people greeted us when we arrived at Bolinao. Turned out they were having a festival! Cool surprise! We stopped by for some time to see their street performance then resumed mapping the town.

binungey, suman-like treat in bamboo

Old Spanish Well

the imposing St. James the Great Parish Church

Gabaldon Building 

old church bells in Bolinao Church (yes we climbed up the belfry!)

 In the afternoon, there was only the lighthouse left to map. We were in for another pleasant surprise when my officemate's uncle arranged a tricycle tour for us. We were taken to Enchanted Cave first where we marveled at the giant fossilized clam shells. Later on we took a dip in the cave's cool waters. Wanting more, we transferred to another cave named Wonderful Cave. I liked waters here more than in the previous one. Also, it's got less people so buddy and I were able to talk a lot about love, friendship, and human relations in general.

giant fossilized shells in Enchanted Cave

 And then the lighthouse!!! We spent some time taking pictures there since the sun was already setting with extra wonderful colors. It would be a waste if we were to leave without beautiful silhouette photos!

Bolinao Lighthouse against an electrifyingly clear blue sky

 And until the time the sun had fully disappeared down the horizon we stayed at Patar Beach. I love how the brown yet light sands felt against my skin. My buddy and I buried ourselves in the sand for a while before fnally leaving the place with smiles on our faces.

sunset at Patar Beach

We had dinner at our gracious host's house and after that, a cousin of my officemate accompanied me and my buddy to the town feria. I'm not a big fan of fairs but it's nice to once in a while see for myself what goes in there.

town fair (photo credit: Hannah D.)

darts (photo credit: Hannah D.)

The fair hosted a lot of rides and I do not even know nor recall the names. I only went for the ferris wheel which got me a headache afterwards. I did got 4 out of 5 shots in the darts, winning a pack of cheap chips for it. Then I took advantage of the karaoke machine and sang two songs: Join the Club's Nobela and F4's Meteor Rain. What is nice about singing here is that people do not know your ugly voice and so will not remember you if ever you go back. LOL

Sooooo, who wouldn't love Bolinao???

Mt. Daraitan

I greeted the month of love with a dayhike in Tanay, Rizal. It is my first time to travel eastward and I am not at all familiar with things there. But I was with a group and we rented a van from Starmall in Shaw Boulevard all the way to Tanay so it was not much of a hassle.

this bridge can be used by vehicles!

 Mt. Daraitan is rated as having a difficulty of 2/9 so I was expecting a carefree hike since I was only looking for a way to escape the city. Who would have thought that it wasn't as easy as they said it was!

The ascent surprised me because of the large steps. Being a small girl put me at a disadvantage and it required me to exert extra effort. Poor knees of mine! The mountain is made up of limestone and some andesitic (not quite sure if they indeed are andesitic but they sure are porphyritic). The limestone are quite pointed and sharp so extra caution needed. It brings to mind the climb we did in Ille Rockshelter and Ugong Rock Formation, both in Palawan. Anyway, I was not able to closely examine the rocks due to the group's speed and I wouldn't want to be left behind.

fish: not sure where the local got these but he was descending and we met him during our ascent

 Another thing of surprise was the very cool weather. Just the day before Metro Manila experienced a sunny day. Yet on the day of our hike, it was cloudy with scattered, intermittent rainshowers, probably the reason why the whole experience gained a bit of a difficulty.

So anyway, it was a hassle putting on and taking off my raincoat all throughout the hike. It doesn't help that I only brought one cardigan and it's not even a jacket to protect me from the chillly winds which remind me a lot of Pulag. 

view from the summit

 The descent was even more challenging, bringing to mind Buntot Palos because I was wearing the same rubber sandals I wore back then. The trail became slippery because of the downpours but at least, it wasn't as muddy as in Buntot Palos, reminding me more of Mt. Arayat.

view from one of the side trails going down

 When we came to the river, it was as the picture on the net I have looked at prior to the hike. It was really a beautiful place. One thing I noted during the whole journey is how clean the mountain and the river is, you will not see garbage along the trail. The locals really make an effort to ensure not only the cleanliness but also the safety of the adventurers as evidenced by the wooden railings they make especially along slippery parts of the trail. These indeed are very much appreciated especially by someone like me who's not too comfortable at descending.

gushing waters of Tinipak River

 We did some cave exploration and by the time we were on our way to the cave, I was already exhausted, and my hands and legs already had a lot of cuts and bruises. Still I could not pass the chance to see what's inside the cave so I still tagged along.

The cave reminded me of Sumaguing Cave in Sagada. But there aren't remarkable formations in Daraitan cave. Still, the sparkling stalactites and the cool refreshing waters of the cave pool are not to be missed. (Though I felt like I might get fever from immersing myself in extra cold water after an exhausting hike. Whew!)

stalactites inside the cave

 I was able to converse with a local, a woman who sells chicharon and oils. Curious, I bought two oils from her: Sampaguita and Mandarin. Ate Bernadette is very enterprising in her own way. She knows how to mend stuffs, showing me how she fixed her bag and how she mended a pair of broken sandals. I am simply in awe of her resourcefulness and inspired to be like her who does not accept defeat and still fight on for her family's future's sake. (Because you know, being a drifter like me makes you complacent and accept things readily as they are...)

beautiful Tinipak River

Going on this adventure made me realize that maybe I have gained much experience with mountains to be able to make comparisons and associating this whole adventure to my past climbs. Many times, I am considering to stop hiking altogether because of the dangers and because my family is always worried about me, but the experiences and the learnings I get only from the mountains are things I cannot give up that easily.

First 2015 Adventure: Double Mountain

The first half of the month has been wonderful. I was able to secure a slot to Mt. Pulag at the last minute through a new-found friend whom I met in Dolores, Quezon last year. Since late last year I was already planning to go up Mt. Pulag again, I made sure to take advantage of Uniqlo's sale and was able to buy a Heat Tech turtleneck and a pair of padded pants. Just the very clothes I need to conquer the cold in Benguet since the first time I went there last year I shivered uncomfortably all throughout the night and was not able to sleep comfortably.

Last January 15, I reported to the office very early in the morning so I had my early out then headed to Makati to meet someone. It was a quick meeting but because commuting in Metro Manila sucks, I had to rush home to get my bag which I fortunately had prepared two nights prior.

The trip organizer booked me for Baguio, the bus expected to depart at 8PM and yet I left home at 7PM. Not a very good idea. It also didn't help that mobile communication was made difficult because of Pope Francis's arrival in the Philippines. As communicated by both Sun Cellular and Smart, there will be difficulty in sending SMS and in calling for security reasons. Oh well. This country really needs to care more for the common masses. So anyway, I couldn't send out my message that I was already on my way. Buzzer beater as always as I arrived at 7:40PM whew! Close call.

hanging bridge at the back of Jangjang's Eatery

 I was the only isolated participant in our group but I made good use of it by grabbing a hot siopao from Hen Lin (2/F Victory Liner Terminal) and by charging my phones at 7-11. Then when the rest of the group arrived exactly an hour later, we all boarded two jeepneys. Bumpy road again yet I still was able to fall asleep!

We visited Jangjang's Eatery. I was grateful for the free soup (which a friend called "sabaw na pusa" but which is actually pork broth). We waited until the sun's rays kissed the earth and we went at the back of the eatery to see a hanging bridge.

view from the foot of Mt. Pulag

 We spent a long time at the Rangers Station due to the large number of hikers on a Friday! It seems that many adventurous spirits would rather heed the call of the mountains than suffer the suffocating crowds at Luneta as people await the mass to be said by the visiting Pope.

view from the foot of Mt. Pulag

 It was already late, around 10:30am when we started to climb up Mt. Pulag. The ascent took 3 hours and a half. I could have done better but I chose to wait for a climbing buddy who tires easily. Anyway, all was well because I was able to observe and look at the different plants while he was resting.

plants in Pulag (couldn't name them though...)

By late afternoon, I was dismayed when our plan to reach the summit was cancelled because a companion collapsed and had to be carried to the campsite. Since I was with a rescue team, we naturally had to attend to her and make sure she was alright. The porters were telling us she should be brought back to town lest something happens to her in the very cold night of Pulag. Stubborn as she was, the group decision prevailed and she was brought back down in a makeshift hammock.

At night we feasted on canned goods and wheat bread. I myself brought my favorite Uncle George Multigrain Bread, canned tuna, and canned sausages. One of the organizers cooked chicken sinigang and shared it with us so it was still a happy meal. So grateful for the hot soup.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this... taken while hiking as we were nearing the campsite

Before we went to sleep, the elder of the rescue team gave a lecture on focusing on important life matters. I was surprised when he emphasized over and over again the importance of prioritizing one's family. He also advised that single people travel as much as possible because once one ties the knot, one must be ready to sacrifice for the new family. This struck something in me since my parents and sisters have been complaining a lot because I am almost always never home. And I would always tell them they wouldn't even go on adventures with me so what do I do, imprison myself at home?

the sea of clouds on the second day... finally!

 On the second day, after gulping down two mouthfuls of lambanog to somehow counter the extra chilly winds, I joined the others in hiking up the summit, headache and all. In my desire to warm my body I sacrificed my sober mind. Still the beautiful sights I took in at the top made that seem insignificant. All pains go away at the sight of beauty. We may not be rewarded by the beautiful sunrise but we did get the sea of clouds plus bonus cloudfalls.

what I call the "cloudfalls"

 We stayed at the summit for hours, not wanting to leave the marvelous sights. But like all wonderful things that come, they must go. Or rather, we must depart and go back to civilization. I was the last one to leave the campsite. Still sleepy and hungry for a hot rice meal, I decided to descend straight, stopping very little, while the others rested and chatted. In the end, I reached the town first from our group, and I did so in just one and a quarter of an hour or so.

That night I decided to go with the rescue team to save on accommodation expenses since one of them has a relative in Baguio. We had dinner at a bulalohan somewhere on the way to Crystal Cave. I was ultra happy to finally eat rice and bulalo for only P70. Take note, we skipped lunch!

view from Mt. Cabuyao (now more popularly known as La Preza)

 On Sunday, we went up Mt. Cabuyao, now popularly known as Sitio La Preza due to the TV series Forevermore. Lots of people are visiting the place and so we had to hike all the way up, making me even happier since who could resist a nice long walk on a beautiful day?

When we got down, we were extremely hungry. Unfortunately, 50s Diner near Leonard Wood was still full of people even at 2PM so we settled for its neighbor Backyard Diner. It's my second time there so this time I had chicken a la kiev and rice. I wish I had gone for their burgers though because the chicken isn't that flavorful. I was expecting a lot of cheese oozing out after every bite but that was just destined to be in my dreams only.

late lunch at Backyard Diners: chicken a la kiev with veggies and rice

 After lunch, we visited White Laperal House. In my trip to Baguio last year, we only passed by this and failed to see the bamboo exhibit.

bamboo exhibit inside the White Laperal House

Boarded Victory Liner bus to Cubao at 7PM. My seatmate was a handsome looking guy who climbed Pulag on Saturday and didn't see any of Pulag's beauties. Anyway, I'm glad to have chatted with him because he seems like a nice guy who's gone off to many mountains. He even tells me his misadventures in Pico de Loro on a stormy day where he and his only hiking buddy almost got lost.

Which reminds me... I have never been to Pico de Loro... (smiles)

Got home at 1:15AM because the bus driver takes very long breaks. @.@

Dragon's Back, Shek O County, HK

As I have already mentioned in this post, before I visited HK last year, all I knew about HK was that it was a shopping haven. Who would have thought that nature lovers like me will also see its different side?

Truth be told, I didn't enjoy much this hike although I was overly eager on that day. I guess the company is very important when it comes to hiking. One cannot enjoy as much as one wants to when she is with those who do not find pleasure in nature. My companions tagged along without knowing what to expect.

view from the first peak

 I have read that the hike through the entire trail would take 8 hours so I equipped myself with two bottles of water. I was more than prepared. But all my preparations were put in vain because my companions wanted to leave the place already. That was just after only 30 minutes of hiking!

Needless to say, I was saddened because it was a beautiful day and the trail was not difficult at all. Yes, the sun's hot rays burned our skin a bit but most of the trail was in the shade so there shouldn't be any problem.

an invitation to Dragon's Back

 So anyway, I will have to go back there again. Will probably do so in spring when the weather's cooler.

the rolling terrain in this part was enjoyable

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I've often believed people when they say they'd love to hike even though they've never tried it before. But because of this incident, I guess I will have to be more careful in picking out companions lest my hike be in vain. Just when I thought I'd be able to complete the hike! 

On second thought maybe it was inconsiderate of me. But I did ask if they'd want to go hiking and if they have prior experience. They said yes, so I took comfort in their words. I guess people would seldom admit to their shortcomings and would more often than not portray themselves as better than they actually are.

Another note: I'm not angry at all at my aunt and niece. It's just that I felt like I was robbed of the beauty of nature this time because of my plans were suddenly cut short. I do appreciate that they wanted to tag along, perhaps out of concern for me. For that, I am still thankful to them. I just hope that one day, I will finish the trail. Will probably go there alone for a more contemplative hiking experience.