Mt. Pulag 0221232014

Last year, some of my friends and I planned to hike up some mountains starting with those tagged as level 2, then Pico de Loro, then Mt. Pulag. Since we couldn't agree on the dates, the plans were never realized.

So in January this year, when I got an invite from someone I recently met at an org activity (note: I'm not an official member there, just happened to be a day volunteer), I just couldn't say no and pass again the chance to climb Mt. Pulag, said to be the highest peak in Luzon. Said mountain also became quite talked about because of the cold weather the Philippines is experiencing at the onset of the year until the present. Climbers before us talked of how ice formed outside the tents due to the very cold weather and so we were advised to bring extra clothes to keep us warm [and alive].

As the day of departure was approaching, I was already asking myself what on earth did I drag myself into. I wasn't at all prepared and at that time, my body was still recovering from consecutive trips. Laziness was upon me and even brisk walking seemed like a difficult chore. I was thinking of backing out because the weather didn't warm up a bit and I was afraid of the cold. But a voice inside my head was telling me not to run away, to face my fears like a true warrior. Besides, she [the voice within] warned, "you'd be banned from climbing groups this early if you back out at the last minute!!!" Also, I just brought a new camera which is cold-proof and perfect for adventures so this could be the perfect time to test it. And while in a dilemma, stories of how Mt. Pulag earned its nickname as "playground of the gods" sparked my curiosity. I just had to see for myself this fantastic sunrise and sea of clouds Pulag climbers have been talking about.

So I told myself, "okay, let's do this." Never mind what happens. The usual fatalistic "bahala na" saved me from backing out. For consolation and assurance, I kept on repeating to myself that a lot of people had done it and survived Pulag through the Ambangeg trail, said to be the easiest trail. If others can, why can't I?

Turns out that the hike up to the campsite was okay. It got colder as we climbed up the mountain but the gentle slope was something I was very thankful for. It made the three-hour hike seem like a walk in the park. Perfect for someone who's used to walking long distances like me. Along the way though my friend and I were assuring ourselves that we could do it, that "fear cuts deeper than sword", to quote our favorite Game of Thrones character Arya Stark. Also, we adopted House Martell's motto "Unbowed, unbent, unbroken", though we were still extra cautious.

That night we spent at the campsite, everything changed. The weather became colder with each passing hour. I decided to hit the hay and call it a day (they rhyme!) no later than 6PM hoping to sleep through the cold. But boy was I wrong! I couldn't get myself to sleep! So by around 11PM, I lay there inside my sleeping bag, with five layers of clothes, shivering from the freezing cold. All the while, I closed my eyes, wishing so bad for sleep to come. When I realized how futile it was to try to sleep, I just waited for the early morning call for the group to hike all the way up Peak 3.

Fate must be playing a joke on me because the foggy early morning at 3AM made the hike a bit difficult. My flashlight died on me, probably because of the extreme cold. So I relied on my friend's flashlight as we hike. The activity helped my body generate heat so I felt less cold. When we got to the top, it was another story. I would have wanted to shout "the cold never bothered me anyway!!!" (from the Disney animated film Frozen) but it did.

We waited for some time at the peak, seeing nothing around but fog. Fog, fog, fog everywhere!!! Where's the promise of sea of clouds and the magnificent sunrise??? Later on, realizing that it's way past sunrise, we trekked down with a heavy heart. Inside myself, I resolved to keep on climbing Mt. Pulag until I finally see its treasures.

And it's only then that I understood the words of our guides, that the weather in Pulag is very fickle and hard to predict. Sigh! At least, I got to survive my first Pulag climb.

Our group's itinerary:
DAY 00 (Feb. 21, 2014)
06:30pm Assembly [VICTORY LINER CUBAO]
07:45pm ETD to Baguio

DAY 01 (Feb. 22, 2014)
02:00am ETA at Baguio
03:00am ETD Baguio to DENR
06:00am ETA at DENR, Registration and orientationof Participants
08:00am ETD to Ranger Station
10:30am ETA at Ranger Station, arrange guides and porters [option for early lunch]
11:00am Start Trek
02:30pm ETA at Camp 2, set camp, rest [option for late lunch]
05:30pm Early Dinner
08:00PM Lights out

DAY 02 (Feb. 23, 2014)
03:00am Wakeup call
04:00am Start trek to summit
05:30am ETA at summit, sunrise viewing, picture taking
07:00am Trek back to campsite
08:15am ETA at campsite, breakfast, break camp
09:00am Trek back to Ranger Station
11:30am Arrival at Ranger Station, Wash up, Lunch
01:00pm ETD Ranger station to DENR
02:30pm ETA at DENR, logout, get certificates
03:00pm ETD to Baguio
05:00pm ETA at Baguio, Dinner
10:10pm ETD to Manila

Battle Royale 2 (2003)

If you have watched the 2000 film Battle Royale, then you should probably watch its sequel which promises even more brutality and violence, but with disappointingly less suspense.

Battle Royale 2 takes place after the first film. Nanahara Shuya, one of the two survivors of the previous game, is now the leader of a terrorist group named "Wild Seven", said to be the one responsible for the many bombings in Japan in his fight against the corrupt adults. This time the rules of the game have changed. Instead of having the students kill each other with only one lone survivor in the end, the goal now is to kill Nanahara Shuya to end the game.

Delinquent students, including Kitano Shiori, daughter of Kitano Takeshi the teacher in BR 1, woke up inside the bus on a field trip with collars around their necks. The same fear is prevalent as in BR 1 when the students were suddenly thrust into a situation where they have to fight for their own life. That is, until they were informed of the new rule.

The students are forced to wear military uniforms and were later sent to the Wild Seven island base via boats. A lot of students died and only a handful survived and came to face Nanahara Shuya. It was then that they suddenly faced a dilemma on whether to trust this terrorist leader who was responsible for the bombings that killed most of the students' parents. In the end though the remaining students switched to Shuya's side and as the military storms the island, the Wild Seven and the students join hands to fight the military.

Maybe I'm missing out a lot. I don't think I understand very well what's going on in the film or what happened in between BR 1 and 2. There are just too many unanswered questions (and I hope I can find the answers in the manga... Anyone read the whole manga, please let me know.)

I mean, in just a span of three years, Nanahara Shuya and Nakagawa Noriko, both high on the wanted list merely for breaking the rule in the previous game, were still alive and apparently have gone somewhere in the Middle East to train under known terrorist groups??? And I also wonder what keeps the military from bombing the island where the Wild Seven stay. They already know that the Wild Seven adopted the island as its main base and yet they had to send a group of innocent teenagers to go out there and confront the terrorists when USA simply had to press a button to release a nuclear missile and finish off Wild Seven without all this drama??? (Well, if that happens then we don't get to see this film...) And here's the thing that bewildered me: all girl students except Shiori were led to a tunnel by the other Wild Seven members which apparently leads to the mainland since how then will they be able to end up in the Middle East in the end? Also, they have to cross many borders and it's such a wonder how they are able to do so and with a vehicle no less. I don't know if maybe I'm just thinking too much but there are many things that are not explained so I'm hoping to see BR 3 soon (if ever they will create a third movie) and I am EXPECTING it to provide the answers to my questions.

Nevertheless, the film is a bold attempt to raise awareness on the evils of USA, how it can wield its power and bomb any nation on earth that defies their wishes. I don't know where Shuya's war against adults fit in the anti-US stance but anyway... I really hope they make another kickass BR 3. And I hope to see more girls in action. Those who are really kickass like Shiori and Saki Sakurai unfortunately died. That's just too sad. Tsk.

Watch the movie HERE.

February

Today is the first day of March. I just came back from Bohol, tired and sleepy but just the same, eager to blog about this trip which I took with an officemate with whom I wasn't really that close but we do exchange jokes and pleasantries when we see each other. However, I'm feeling a bit lazy and can't seem to find in my heart to organize the photos I took, much less to edit them and create collages.

So here I am blogging about February instead. January was well spent travelling and attending lectures related to archaeology. In February, the focus is travel again. The last day of January saw me being absent at home for Chinese New Year and then succeeding days were spent in Catanauan where I was a visiting volunteer. It was my first time to excavate a burial amidst the sands so I made sure to be extra careful and just use wooden sticks. I so miss volunteering in the field full time but I'm afraid I might be fired if I would request for leave of absence for a month. Besides, I need money badly to fund my travel plans so I still don't see myself quitting my job at this point.

took a photo of this wonderful view of clouds being reflected in Caliraya Lake in Laguna while on the road

Last month, aside from Catanauan, I finally was able to climb Mt. Pulag. The trek was okay because of the gentle slope but the FREEZING cold is something that one must really prepare for. My friend and I didn't prepare for the climb physically but we did finish it. Unfortunately, we saw no sunrise nor sea of clouds so I'm thinking of joining another Mt. Pulag climb and won't stop until I see the famed sunrise and sea of clouds with my own eyes.

view upon descent, near parking lot

Also, my trip to Bohol is my second time to go to Visayas  (like what I've said above... I'm getting repetitive, maybe I should just sleep...) Anyway, we didn't go to the usual tourist spots like the famous Chocolate Hills, but just went to visit the churches destroyed by a very strong earthquake late last year. That, and also the beaches since Visayas really have the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines (I think... I can't be sure of this but of all the places I've been to, Palawan and Visayas seem like paradise and perfect for snorkeling.) It was heartbreaking to see some of the churches in their present pulverized state. On the brighter side, I got to explore one cave in Panglao--- the Hinagdanan Cave where one can swim in its cool waters.

aerial view of Bohol, taken form plane

My trip to Bohol allowed me to get on the motorbike. No, I didn't drive (I don't anyway...). But still, since it was my first time to ride as a motorbike passenger, it was very wonderful. I love the speed, the wind, even the noon time sun that scorches everything and burning my skin in the process. At night when the temperature has dropped down significantly, we still hopped on the habal-habal and looked up at the sky full of stars. After the ride, we couldn't help but think how ugly Metro Manila is for its polluted atmosphere thus preventing stargazers from doing what they love most.

So in the coming days I will be posting about my Catanauan trip, my Mt. Pulag experience, and of course, Bohol.

And because of my many travels, I have finally amassed many travel must-haves. I finally bought a four-season tent which can house two persons. I have bought a new compass, a pair of aqua shoes, more carabiners, and a stainless bowl (for camping). Now I can definitely go camping and just eat processed food in tetra packs (ugh! I hate those, really, but if camping I will have no choice.) That is, unless I will be able to buy cooking utensils for camping. I also need to buy outdoor clothes.

Plans for March include going extra thrifty again to prepare for another trip and also to allot some of my money to my savings. (Japan will be a reality soon...) Aside from travelling, I would also like to keep my promise to my sisters to clean our room. 

25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 3 of 3)

Post-Valentine post will be continuation of my Valentine Project this year.

Continuing from Part 2

18. 許茹芸 獨角戲
For the inconsolable, being alone reminiscing the old times and being a bit more dramatic than ever is the way to cure a broken heart... (First listened to this song when I was young and it seemed to automatically play in my mind whenever I find myself uh... broken. So adopt this as your sentimental song as well.)

沒有星星的夜裡　我把往事留給你

如果一切只是演戲　要你好好看戲

心碎只是我自己

19. Wands- 世界が終わるまでわ
Get a high upon listening to this song's powerful intro, celebrate a "tragedy night" and cry as the song finishes. Don't you just love the powerful drums and guitar? (Watch the live performance but never mind the singer's appearance, just focus on the song and the guitar riff right after the second chorus! I wish I could see this song performed live as I have always imagined it to be in my mind...)

世界が終わる前に　聞かせておくれよ 

満開の花が　似合いの Catastrophe 

誰もが望みながら　永遠を信じない 

・・・なのに　きっと　明日を夢見てる 

はかなき日々と　この Tragedy Night 

20. 白鳥英美子- Melodies of Life
Forever a favorite. My most favorite of all the Final Fantasy songs. It's about holding on to memories. By all means watch the clip below and I... hope you cry (I'm sure you'll at least get teary-eyed!)

記憶の中の 手を振るあなたは

わたしの 名を呼ぶことが出来るの

21. 阿桑- 寂寞在唱歌
When loneliness sings, do you know what it sounds like? Its melody is soft but cruel. For good measure, listen to 阿桑's album of the same name.

天黑了　孤獨又慢慢割著　有人的心又開始疼了

22. Rikki- 素敵だね 
Another favorite from the Final Fantasy franchise rendered in a way that will crush any heart. Just the melody itself is enough, as expected from master composer 植松 伸夫. And this is another of those wonderful songs reminding people to beware illusions (which I think is the common theme in Japanese music).

その顔 そった触れて 

朝に溶ける 夢見る

22. KOH+- 最愛
Expect to be sad when listening to another case of unconditional love. Singer demands nothing from his/  her beloved though there is this deep desire to still him/ her again.
You may also see this live performance by 柴咲コウ or this one by her KOH+ partner 福山雅治. (Both of them are hot!!!)

愛さなくていいから 遠くで見守ってて

強がってるんだよ でも繋がってたいんだよ

あなたがまだ好きだから

23. 許茹芸- 心得
While many people brood over failed romances, this song actually uplifts one's spirits and instead of wallowing in self-pity, the singer convinces herself that whatever she learned from being brokenhearted can actually open to new possibilities. (And contrast this to #18 above!)

謝謝 每一個留下的傷痛

不要 懷恨他曾經那麼傷人

某天當你懂得打開心內一扇門

它會變成你對愛的心得

24.. Eagles- Desperado
This song struck a nerve the first time I listened to it. It tells one to open his/ her heart and to break down the barriers that keep him/ her from experiencing love. It is against the idea that being single is ultimate freedom, that being single is probably the loneliest thing in the world. (Ouch!)
Listen to Fujita Emi's version as well, which I like better. (Maybe I should create my own version entitled "Desperada"...)

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? 

Come down from your fences, open the gate 

It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you 

You better let somebody love you, before it's too lat

25. 桑田佳祐- 明日晴れるかな
The key to happiness is in one's heart. I like the tender music, but most especially the positive message of this song.

奇跡のドアを開けるのは誰?
微笑みよ　もう一度だけ
君は気付くでしょうか?
その鍵はもう 君の手のひらの上に

_________________
This took me one whole day to write because of very slow internet connection. Maybe it's fate's way of telling me that my romantic progress shall be slow and difficult. Ugh!


Previous: 25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 2 of 3)

25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 2 of 3)

And today is Valentine's Day... er 元宵節! 

So continuing from yesterday...

10. 佐藤 朱美- 分かっていたはず
This insert song from the hit shoujo series Fushigi Yuugi is about realizing how painful it can be to love someone and the two of you can't be together. What can be more tragic than that? And the opening lines to this song is enough to break your heart:

通り過ぎる/　恋人たちの笑い声 /胸をしめつける (...)

私には　わかっていたはず 
　愛したって　独り占め 　できないこと

11. Chage & Aska- Say Yes
Whenever I listen to this song I get different interpretations depending on my mood (or I may just be distracted from the wonderful mix of instruments) but normally I see it as a song by a lover persuading his beloved who seems to be hesitant about jumping into a relationship. 

君に逢いたくて逢えなくて寂しい夜 

星の屋根に守られて 

恋人のせつなさを知った 

12. 上木 彩矢- Youthful Diary
If you have a diary, you will certainly relate to this song which is like a diary entry on the day a juvenile romance ends.

駆けぬけてた高鳴ってた輝いてた あの日の記憶

初めてだった繋いだ手も 不器用で少し強引だったね

たぐり寄せて眠る いつの日にかyouthful diary

13. Celine Dion- Lettre de George Sand  à Alfred de Musset

A sentimental ballad about a lover about to leave her man, this song wishes for the beloved's happiness while asking him to still cherish their memories. (Mais garde-moi dans un petit coin secret de ton cœur, et descends-y dans tes jours de tristesse pour y trouver une consolation, ou un encouragement...), and to eventually love another woman. What sets this song apart is that it reminds the man to be extra cautious not to break a woman's heart, and that romantic failures shouldn't close one's heart to love.

Mais ton coeur, mais ton bon coeur, ne le tue pas, je t'en prie.
Qu'il se mette tout entier dans toutes les amours de ta vie,
afin qu'un jour tu puisses regarder en arrière
et dire comme moi, j'ai souffert souvent,
je me suis trompé quelquefois mais j'ai aimé.

14. 柴咲 コウ- 月のしずく
This is for the one who misses someone... and who appreciates wonderfully sad imagery in songs lyrics.

「恋しい…」と詠む言ノ葉は
そっと　今、天つ彼方
哀しみを月のしずくが　今日もまた濡らしてゆく

15. Guns n' Roses- November Rain
Awesome music and most especially the guitar solo by Slash makes this one of the best songs of all time for sentimental beings out there trying to woo their beloved.

So if you want to love me then darlin' don't refrain

Or I'll just end up walkin' in the cold November rain

16. White Noise- Kết Thúc
This often reminds me of gloomy Sunday afternoons when I would just stare out the windows. But this song is surely not about boredom, but about realizing too late that one still loves her partner and now she's sulking because she misses him so. 

Giờ lối ta đi sao lạnh lẽo vắng em chung con đường đó hát ca
Và bỗng giật mình thấy ta bồi hồi một nỗi nhớ mong em

17. Aerosmith- Hole in My Soul
Another favorite is Aerosmith's "Hole in My Soul", with lyrics that reflect a twisting kind of pain from being hurt by a loved one and which creates a kind of emptiness in one's being.

Tell me how it feels to be the one who turns the knife inside of me

Previous: 25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 1 of 3)
Next: 25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 3 of 3)

25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 1 of 3)

This 2014, I want to make Valentine's Day extra special by celebrating my 25 years of romantic solitude. I initially planned to pen poems but due to my frequent travels the month prior, I found myself having started nothing. So instead, I will share 25 songs with themes ranging from the forlorn lover to the rejected lover, to the celebration of freedom from being single and to the disdain for settling down too soon. I will also include very nice songs with a hopeful message.

1. Nymphea- Malaikatmu (Your Angel)

This song is about declaring one's identity as separated from being a docile lover. It reminds a partner not to be controlling and that one's freedom is of paramount importance.

Aku bukan malaikatmu

Yang akan selalu ada

Disampingmu sepanjang waktu

Ingin bebas

2. Lương Bích Hữu ft. Tam Hổ- Duyên Phận Ý Trời (Fated)

This song is about star-crossed lovers as dictated by tragic fate. Even the music video is enough to make one cry even though one doesn't understand the lyrics.

C yêu sao phải xa nhau, phải quên bao kí ức một thời
Chắc tại trời không muốn mình được gần nhau yêu nhau mà thôi

3. Zivilia- Setia (Faithful)

Like a wedding vow turned into a lovely song with nice lyrics, Setia is a song about promising to be faithful despite life's ups and downs until the very end.

Bersama dalam suka dan duka

Bersama dalam tangis dan tawa

Bersama dalam susah dan senang

Bersama melangkah seiring sejalan

Sampai hari ini ku masih setia

4. X-Japan- Endless Rain

This superb ballad about a broken heart with lyrics so depressing that one can definitely say that there is beauty in sadness. Watch the band perform live (below) before their breakup. It's one of the most passionate performances I have ever seen.

Click here for the PV.

It's a dream, I'm in love with you
まどろみ抱きしぬて

5. X-Japan- Say Anything

Again from X-Japan is another brilliant ballad about disillusionment from ideal love, a desperate plea after a separation. Also figuring in the song is madness and bitterness at being left behind.

明かりの消えたon the stage一人見つめて

通り過ぎた日々に抱かれる

壊してくれ何もかまかざった愛も

時の砂に消えるまで

6. Saint Ex- Je Pense à Toi

This is a sweet song about a girl who sings to her distant paramour of her promises to him.

Je pense à toi, égaré,

que tes pas soient plus légers

7. Jay Chou- 白色風車 (White Windmills)

The song is about parting after a very brief encounter, with the man persuading the girl not to think too much and to stay.

你說我若一個人會比較自由

我不懂妳說什麽反正不會鬆手

8. Baek Ah Yeon- 사랑학개론 (Introduction to Love)

I'm not a fan of anything Korean but if there is one thing I like, it's their ballads, most of which are sappy to the extreme. "Introduction to Love" explores a woman's awakened feelings of love for a special someone who taught her what love is.

난 두근 두근거려-요

사랑앞에서

9. MDO- Te quise olvidar
This song by boy band Menudo is about the inability to forget a girl even though he is already with another girl.

sigo noches frias buscandote en mi cuarto 
y no encuentro mas que un alma hecha pedazos 

Next: 25 Songs for 25 Years of Solitude (Part 2 of 3)

Kalibo-Boracay 0123272014

This is a lengthy post so places/ activities of interest are in red font for easy scanning for those who stumbled on this humble blog looking for things to do in Boracay or Kalibo.

Funny how fate can counter your plans with something wonderful. I never thought of going to Boracay because I thought of it as an overrated beach too much commercial activities that I wouldn't be able to find a peaceful place when in need of solitude. Last December though I won a two-night stay in Jony's Resort in Boracay and was congratulated much by my officemates. Being a budget traveler, I didn't know much about posh resorts and hotels since I only care about the cheapest lodgings in my target destinations. A quick research of Jony's Resort sold me to the idea of visiting Boracay. Shortly after, I was already asking my sisters when they would be comfortable to travel and by December 10, I had already booked our flights to Kalibo. Before 2013 ended I had already drafted our 3D4N itinerary and even arranged for our accommodation at Kalibo. Talk about getting excited.

Day 0
We left Manila late in the afternoon and arrived at Kalibo at around 7PM. My sisters spied a Chinese restaurant near the airport so we took out one seafood noodles (P180) and went straight to Center Parkway Pension House along Osmeña Avenue. Fan room for three costs just P750, though toilet is not private. It's a good thing we visited after the Ati-Atihan Festival and so there were not many tourists at that time.

Day 1
My sisters and I woke up before the breaking of dawn and went out of the hotel at 6AM. We spent a considerable amount of time in Pastrana Park after seeing the Aklan Freedom Shrine. While my sisters were busy taking pictures at Pastrana Park, I went inside Kalibo Cathedral just as mass was just about to start. Luckily mass was said in English although the sermon was a mix of English and Akalanon. After mass, we looked for a place to eat since Museo It Akean was not yet open at that time. My sisters had Special La Paz Batchoy while I had Chicken Arroz Caldo with egg.

Having filled our bellies, we looked around Museo It Akean. The first floor displays cultural items ranging from baskets to weapons to glass bottles and masks. At the time of visit, a temporary exhibition of embossed metal art known as Repujado by Liza Ann Acevedo-Ilagan was in place. (Repujar is a Spanish verb meaning to work on a metal using a hammer. In English, it means "to emboss" or "to work in relief".) The second floor was mostly of religious articles, with a special place for Cardinal Jaime Sin (1928-2005) since the cardinal was born in New Washington, Aklan, definitely one of the province's celebrities primarily for his role in the People Power Revolution which called for the descent of Marcos from power and again in the 2001 EDSA Revolution which put Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power after the eruption of the jueteng scandal concerning then President Joseph Estrada. Aklan costumes and furniture also figure on the second floor as well as well-crafted dolls in colorful costumes.

There's a lot to learn in the museum, but the text-heavy displays can eat up one's time. One can see how Aklan and Kalibo got its name and how the feast of Ati-Atihan came to be a significant feast in the province. Also something of interest is the 19 Martyrs of Aklan, which if I remember is never present in history textbooks when I was in elementary and in highschool. It was in Aklan where the first and only Katipunan chapter outside of Luzon was organized. The 19 martyrs' death by execution for attempted rebellion sparked more uprisings against the abusive Spanish authorities.

We headed to Bakhawan Eco-park and Research Centre, a man-made mangrove area, where we enjoyed the fresh air while walking on bamboo bridges. I had a hard time walking on the bridge because of my fear of heights but I was able to join my sisters at the end where we got a very nice view of the Sibuyan Sea.We also watched how the tamilok are harvested and got to taste these wood worms. The taste is clean except when you get to the wood inside the worm so the trick is to remove the dark parts.

We had lunch at RML Manokan Haus. The oysters were BIG and only for P60 per order. Aside from that, we had roasted chicken wings, and grilled squid. Then off to our hotel to pack our things for Boracay. We boarded an AC Ceres bus to Caticlan Port (fare is P107) and travel time was 2 hours. At the port, one has to pay for the terminal and environmental fees amounting to P200 per person in addition to the P25 ferry fare.

Room for three. 1 twin bed and 1 single bed. I took the single bed and my sisters shared the other one.

We arrived in Boracay at around 3PM and checked in at Jony's Resort. My sisters loved the room where we stayed so I'm already happy with that. (I'm really not into fancy resorts or hotels, you see.) We spent some time in the beach since it was already about to get dark. A tour staff offered sunset parawsailing just as the sky turned orange so we took it and spent some 30 minutes out in the sea on a paraw at sunset. By the time we got back to the beach, the sun was already scattering its last orange rays for the day. Definitely a beauty! So it was then that I understood why Boracay is so popular. It's got the finest white sand I've ever seen and it's got a beautiful sunset. And so I promised myself I will be back soon.

Lady in white looking far into the sea reminded me of Penelope, faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic Odyssey

We had dinner at Smoke Restaurant in D Mall and then shopped for quite some time. My sisters took a long time so I explored the immediate area and also tried Aria's gelato. I had Calamansi flavor and Stracciatella, both wonderfully delicious. Then off to Budget Mart to buy groceries, mainly a gallon of water, cup noodles, bread, and cheese.

Day 2
We were supposed to get up at 6AM to catch the sunrise but failed because the time on my phone adjusted to the correct one automatically. (It previously was an hour and a third advanced.) We immediately went down for our ATV/ Buggy ride and Trick Art Museum visit in Dreamland.

We came back to the resort just in time for our island-hopping tour, for me the highlight of this whole trip. We snorkeled near an island (forgot the name but it sounds like Calicoan...) but I was disappointed because fish was rarely seen probably because of the cold weather. Then we proceeded to Crystal Cove where I greatly enjoyed my long solitary trek on the island. The turquoise waters crashing against the rocks as seen from above were a sight to behold, not to mention the refreshingly cool breeze, a certain break from Manila's polluted air. Then off to Crocodile Island where we had our buffet lunch. Then to another island where fish was seen relatively more than in the first island though in my experience, nothing can compare to what I've seen in Honda Bay tour which I did last year. (No pics though because I have yet to buy an underwater camera.) Too bad we weren't able to go to Puka Beach due to the rough waves. My sisters wouldn't want to go far from the hotel so I didn't bother to raise the topic and just made a mental note to go there when I go back to Boracay.

We went back to D Mall for dinner and our chosen restaurant was I Love BBQ Kitchen. Food was amazing and servings are big but service needs improvement.

Had my first ever Swedish full body massage in Boracay but it was not a wise thing to do because my body hurt like hell the following days although at that time I was so relaxed I fell asleep in the massage parlor.

Day 3
My sisters and I got up late so we left the resort late in the morning but we were able to get to Kalibo at 1PM. We checked in again at Center Parkway Pension House since it was already convenient, and left for New Washinton to visit the Sampaguita Gardens where we had our late lunch soon afterwards. Multicab fare from Kalibo town is P15 per person.

Because of Typhoon Yolanda, there was not much to see in Sampaguita Gardens. A percentage was damaged but renovations are taking place. Still, it's nice to walk around see curios everywhere. The collection of Precious Moments dolls should not be missed.

Since we still have much time left, we hired a tricycle to take us to two churches, one farther away from Sampaguita Gardens (Pink Sisters Convent) and one just in front of the town plaza in New Washington (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church). What makes the Pink Sisters Convent Chapel special is that the large side windows are made of stained glass of the 12 disciples. Across New Washington Church is a plaza with a statue of Cardinal Sin.

We headed back to Kalibo via multicab and went to Gaisano Mall to buy pasalubong and to have dinner at Ted's. Happy to see a Booksale branch there where I saw a copy of Paul Auster's "Moon Palace", that compelling existential novel which inspired me to write about my field experience three years ago.

Lights out early because of our 5AM flight the next day.

Day 4
Got up at 3AM and did quick preparations. We were at the airport at 3:45AM, still sleepy. Headed straight to the office whereas my sisters headed for home.

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This took me two days to compose because I was having laptop problems mainly because Google Chrome kept on hanging and freezing. Problem solved when I uninstalled and reinstalled it. And I almost panicked because my laptop is less than a year old under my care.

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I would like to thank the staff of Jony's Resort, most especially to Ms. Khaye, for their warm welcome and for our wonderful stay there. I will surely be back.