Tag: density runs

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Yellow

I’ve never been, will never be, a fan of an Aquino. One word: CARP. Did not vote for Cory’s scion last presidential elections even if all my family was under the Liberal Party because I AM ENTITLED to vote whoever I deem deserving. Just like everyone else. What we call the right to suffrage — availed to each of us, citizens of this godawful country due to democracy.

Like most Negrense families, we also depend largely on sugarcane farming and it is not an unknown fact that this already subverted industry during the Marcos era collapsed when a devastated widow stepped up, formed a revolution and became President of the Philippines. But I’m not gonna dwell on that.

The present administration, undeniably, has had lots of unforgivable gaffes but I’m not gonna enumerate each one as majority I believe, is already aware of these considering the amount of mudslinging going on in this elections. (If you don’t know where to look for mud, go to your Facebook feed, mine is literally saturated in shit.)

I was skeptical when it came to the yellow zombies (slash yellow army, as what they were or are so popularly called). I too was also quick to criticize and blame because I also came to believe that our government was a sensationalized mess as what was broadcasted everyday on primetime news and read daily on newspapers. But come happen an unexpected paradigm shift, I was thrown into a line that allowed me to experience first hand what it was like to belong to the marginalized multitude and honestly, there was a time I felt ashamed to be privileged. Here I am complaining about worldly things oblivious to the fact that there are actually people who exist to only survive one day at a time.

The platform I was on gave me the opportunity to immerse myself into the vast communities of the indigent, the hapless farmers, the impoverished fisherfolk and the daunted former rebels. Each person I’ve had a chance to interact with had a unique and despairing story to tell and that the government was not helpful at all. When the 2010 elections concluded, the said oligarchs assumed position and somehow, all hope flew out the window. For some, the trauma of the failed agrarian reform program still loomed heavy over their tired and hopeless lives. At this point I knew, me and the people I work with knew, our provincial government knew that we had to do something, we had to get involved.

These concerns were aired to our local chief executive who had the initiative to echo to national and after so long, they listened. We were heard. And slowly, the province thrived. Accessible roads were built; livelihood assistance were given; programs were created for the indigents, the small farmers, the fisherfolk, the former rebels; economic zones were established; endless job opportunities; district hospitals constructed, the existing ones improved; provision of comprehensive crop and health insurance; progressive agricultural development; the list goes on.

And the most heart warming part is the sincerity of the beneficiaries when you check on them and they come up to you and profusely thank you and tell you stories of how these government programs has made a significant impact on their daily lives. The most rewarding feeling I’ve had next to childbirth.

This 2016 elections has been the worst and most divisive elections I’ve ever experienced. I’ve been bashed, ridiculed and judged because of my choice of candidates; accused that we endorse these candidates for our own personal gain.

Today, I will be voting for the most misconstrued candidate for President not only because I could relate to how it feels like to be misunderstood but also because I’ve personally experienced what it was like to be under their governance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all up for change just as the rest who are crying for change, and I am proud to say that our nation is gradually changing and I want to keep at it. And as to personal interest, true. I’m not going to wash my hands clean and be a hypocrite. But if it’s any consolation, my personal gain is to be able to sustain the support we’ve given to the beneficiaries of the programs we have already established for our underprivileged brothers and sisters.

Today, I will be voting for someone who I believe has the most fundamental and rational vision for this country. I believe that we do not have to resolve to violence for things to get done.

I will be thinking of my children, the less fortunate, the whole nation and my God today when I cast my vote.

And lastly, President Noy, I may not be your biggest fan but I’d like to thank you for all that you’ve done for the Negrense. This administration may be flawed but I am aware that no government is perfect. You were able to reach the grassroots and I hold that with great respect. We are truly grateful to you and your government for sharing with our vision, believing in our legislative agenda and supporting its implementation and sustainability.

Regardless who wins this elections, I fervently hope that us Filipinos will not concede to a revoltion but instead unite as one and pave the path onto a better Philippines. Let us respect one another and uphold the rule of law.

Probe. Think. Choose wisely.

May God bless the Filipino people.

xx

DMV

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Obsession Election

This 2016 elections is so intense, it has brought more division rather than unity. Everybody is at each other’s throats trying to prove some logical point why their choice of candidate is the rightful choice. Suddenly, everyone has become so concerned about a nation, everyone has become some expert political critic and social media has conveniently become fuel for hate. My feed is amazingly overflowing with negativity. Amidst the social media war, the heated exchange of quips, the cursing and mudslinging, some respond with tact and diplomacy while others, with their overwhelming passion for whatever cause they are fighting for, morph into rabid bullies.

The development of the campaigns has become chaotic, comical and unpredictable, it’s kind of embarrassing and plainly annoying.

But isn’t it, supposedly as one people, our aim is for the progress of our country? That is if we are genuinely concerned with the development of our country and not just riding with the sensationalized bandwagon because it is the social media trend.

Change. Everyone is screaming change. WE WANT CHANGE. The overused “change” has literally been the undying promise of every running or aspiring politician every election season. (And honestly, to be fair to the past and present administrations, there has been change, it’s just that most of us are just too naive to notice. Change is gradual, not drastic. Even Charles Darwin believes so.)

But change happens with us. Discipline starts with us, not with some government official, not with some political aspirant and definitely not only during elections.

We are all so quick to judge, to conclude, to blame and to complain. No government is perfect. It will always have its fair share of unforgivable gaffes but I do hope that as educated citizens, we could give credit where credit is due. It’s just sad, human nature as it is, we are bent to see faults rather than acomplishments.

Let’s try to reevaluate, what have we actually done to contribute to the progress of this country besides clocking in to work and paying taxes. Have we actually immersed ourselves in the community and experienced first hand the hell of a country we live in as what some are relentlessly claiming? Have we gone out of our way to find out facts to alleviate our ignorance and not solely rely on mass and social media? Are we adherent to our nation’s laws as simple as following traffic rules, lining up and waiting for your turn at the grocery counter or disposing your trash in the right receptacle bin? Have we grasped opportunities to involve ourselves in helping the homeless, the neglected and the abused?

If we really want to see real change, we have to be a part of the process.

Five days left of the campaign period, six days left before election day. By now, most of the voting population has already decided whom to vote so let’s show each other respect as what civilized people are supposed to do for it is our right to root for whoever we feel deserving. Regardless of who will win the elections, local and national alike, all of us will have to deal with it.

After May 9, most of us will go about our everyday lives like we normally do. But let’s not be insensitive to the marginalized multitude who’s become victims of abject poverty; let’s not be insensitive to the underprivileged youth, let’s not be insensitive to the abused women and children; let’s not.

All of us yearn for a better government so choose someone with integrity, someone with a clear vision for this country, someone with tact and wit and consistency, someone who is respectful and considerate, someone who values transparency, someone who upholds the rule of law.

Choose someone who complements your principles, values and beliefs.

Enough of being a circus. Stop with the drama. When you exercise your right to suffrage, think. Think of your countrymen, think of the children. Six years is a very long time.

 

xx

DMV

 

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Playground of the gods | #PulagingHappy

I’m still having a weekend hangover! So since the power is out here at the office, might as well put my mobile data into good use.

Last year, me and my friends were supposed to hike Mt. Pulag on my birthday but unluckily, it stormed. So when my best friend called me up last month if I’m up to climb this March, I did not have second thoughts and booked my flight even if it would just be the two of us with a group of people we wouldn’t know. I told her we could always make friends.

Flew in Manila March 17, flight was super delayed. Met up with Jobelle, grabbed dinner, some Jack Ds and packed.

Day 1 | March 18, 2016

Off we go! Met up with the rest of the Jeron group at Victory Pasay at 9pm. Left for Baguio at 10pm.

This was a really fun group! So glad to have met these crazies! Some wine action and lots of peeing going on.

Day 2 | March 19, 2016

Arrived Baguio past 5am I think. It kinda took long with the bus ride. From Baguio, we were headed to Baban Homestay in Benguet. And while on the road, we were graced to witness an amazing sunrise. The scene along the way was awesome too.

We had a couple of side trips on our way. First stop was the Ambuklao Dam.

Next stop was the Daclan sulfur springs.

Then headed to DENR for registration and orientation.

We were served some Pinikpikan for lunch, a local Cordillera delicacy. It’s beaten chicken, burnt and cooked. Yum! After lunch, while waiting for the previous group to check out at the homestay, we started drinking (haha).

We stayed at Baban’s Homestay because it’s no longer allowed to camp up the mountains. I’m blaming it on the many irresponsible climbers who leave their trash behind destroying the natural ecosystem. But anyway, it was convenient for us, we were able to sleep on a bed and have a hot bath. Though it would have been a totally different experience if we were camping under a billion stars.

Claiming this spot. This was the bench under the magical tree, the only place that has signal. Now resume drinking.

Scene at the homestay. Explored for a bit the plantation of really fat cabbages.

The place already has an awesome view in itself and so many pretty flowers all around.

Lights out at 7pm. Wake up call at 12mn.

Day 3 | March 20, 2016

Trek started at 1:30am from the Ranger Station. It would take approximately 4 hours from there to the summit. We took the Ambangeg trail, the easiest trail so they say, easy with challenging parts like the really steep uphill climb to camp 1 and peak 2. But overall, doable. We had an 8 year old with us so no reason at all that you can’t do it. Unless of course you have health problems.

Grabbed these photos from our guides Jeric and Jackie of TrailAd. Only had my camera phone with me and it just wouldn’t do justice to what the naked eye sees. Hello Milky Way.

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And moving on..

Beating sunrise.

Then this.

This amazing sunrise, a play of color and a spectacular view with 8C temperature on a summit 2,922 meters above sea level. Yep, amazing.

And what was more amazing was I got to share this experience with an awesome bunch!

  

Power nap before heading down.

And down we go.

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Just some scenes on the way down.

That’s Don Don, one of our TrailAd guides, and us catching a break through the mossy forest.

  

That’s Ate Imelda on the right. She’s one of the local guides who accompanied us during the hike and she’s 60 years old. Hats off to DENR for providing livelihood to the locals. One of their sources besides farming is acting as tour guides for organized hikes to Mt. Pulag summit.

And fresh buko juice at the bottom.

Hooooooot bath at the homestay then after lunch, took off for Baguio. Surprisingly, we still all had energy to mess around with each other. The games in the van would not put us to sleep.

Passed by the Jangjang hanging bridge along the way, the longest one in the PI running round 43km if I remember correctly.

Arrived in Baguio and sold our tickets for Manila at the bus station so we could rent a van going back instead and chill for a bit. Bought some pasalubongs at the Baguio Market, had some hot choco and dinner at Batirol and ended the night with “Ray Charles” at Baguio Craft Brewery.

Super fun night with the circle of trust! Left for Manila at exactly 10:27pm, passed out after 10 minutes in the van and arrived at BGC round 3am. Thank you Kuya Oliver!

Our itinerary for Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg trail with Jeron Travel and TrailAdventours:

Day1&2: Depart Manila for Pulag (B/L/D)

8pm Registration and meet at Victory Liner Station (Pasay).
9pm ETD Baguio.
3am ETA Baguio.
4am Depart for DENR station via chartered Jeepney.

Side trips:
• Ambuklao Dam
• Hanging bridge
• Sulfur springs

10am Register and attend a short orientation.
12pm Lunch served after orientation.
3pm Arrive at Homestay. Rest and free time for leisure.

Day3: Hiking Expedition (B/L)

1am Start trek to Mt. Pulag summit
2am ETA Camp 1, Rest
330am ETA Camp 2, Rest
530am Mt. Pulag summit for sunrise
730am Start descent from summit
12nn Lunch and wash up
2pm Jeepney ride back to Baguio
5pm ETA Baguio. Free time.
9pm Bus back to Manila

Things to bring:

Fleece Jacket + Down jacket + Outer Shell (must be suited for 0-7 degree temperatures, Mt. Pulag is where you can experience the coldest weather in the country)
• Raingear, Rain jacket/Poncho (VERY IMPORTANT!)
• Trekking Pants/Jogging Pants (Preferably waterproof and warm)
• Thermal top and bottom as a base layer
• Trekking Shoes/Hiking Shoes (Make sure you’ve test-worn them. If using rubber shoes, make sure to bring backup.)
• Gloves and socks
• Beanie/Head gear
• Plastic or Ziplock bags (for water proofing of your clothes, cameras and other items)
• Flashlight/Headlamp (plus, extra batteries)
• Personal whistle
• Personal meds, First Aid Kit, and Sun Protection
• Tissue Paper and baby wipes
• Water bottle (at least 3 liters if you’re sensitive to unfamiliar water; or just a 1-2 liter container, easily refillable with cool, fresh, clean and potable mountain water)
• Personal Trail food (candies, chocolates, cookies, nuts) and extra snacks

Contact:

G/F VM Tower, 727 Roxas Boulevard

Cor. Airport Road Parañaque, Philippines

Phone +63 2 854-1813

Fax Number: +63 2 854-0066

Website: www.jerontravel.com

Twitter: @jerontravel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jerontravel

Instagram: @jerontravel

Thank you, thank you, thank you Nikki, Jeric, Jackie and Don Don for organizing this trip and thank you, thank you, thank you Jobelle, Tina, Anita, April, Trish, Misty, Sean and Miguel for sharing this super fun experience!

And also, thank you, thank you, thank you awesome God for really good weather, for a safe trek, for a spectacular view, for an amazing sunrise and for awesome new friends.

Til the next adventure!

Photo credits: Jeric Tugaff, Jackie Banzon, Trish Ayson, Jobelle Nepomuceno, Misty Zara, April Peñaranda

xx

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His Mind

It has always been a challenge (not a struggle) to raise a child with Asperger’s. They see a world so much different from ours, understand differently from what we can normally comprehend, grasp unrealistic ideas and view it as normal. They see color in black and whites and grays in color. They give a solid meaning to the word unique. So somewhere in between, you know you’d both clash and disagree.

But also in between you learn about patience (lots and lots and lots of patience), about perseverance, about compromise, about appreciation and amazement and unconditional love.

This kid, when he was younger, he could name all the flags of the world. When he got older, he could name all the car brands and their model types. Recently he’s into constellations and he’s been telling me about what he sees when he looks up the sky at night. It’s amazing how they could pour all concentration and focus and passion into that one thing that interests them and be scattered with all the rest.

There are days that I feel exhausted and helpless especially during the times when he is being unreasonable and throws a tantrum and no matter what I do he just completely shuts down and I can’t get through. There are days that I panic and overthink things, like how will he be able to live normally when I’ve gone. There are days when I feel like a failure and think that I am not doing enough despite all the medication and doctors and therapy.

Then there are days when he is overly sweet, does his chores, surprises me with I love you balloons and letters, talks to me about his day like what he did with his friends at school, jokes about random things, looks after his youngest brother and somehow, it assures me that somewhere, I am doing things right.

This kid, he’s taught me a lot about living. How to appreciate the little things, how to pay attention to detail, how to strive harder and never give up, how to dream. When he is shattered, I need to focus. When he is unnerved, I need to encourage. When he is irrational, I have to be patient. When he is being stubborn, I have to pour more love.

And yes he is extraordinary and atypical and awesome and I’m very very grateful.


xx

DMV

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Back to work

Despite the pouring rain and the fog — government duties, do not delay.

Went to see one of our assisted producers in the Municipality of Calatrava for a Davao client.

Thelma Canillo — she makes native bags from Pandan leaves and to date, I’m proud to say that she has been supplying for Kultura (SM) and exporting to Japan, Hawaii and Germany.

Anyways, on the way home, there’s this new restaurant in Don Salvador Benedicto that you’d pass just on the side of the road. And I was like, wow! Finally a decent resto in DSB! So I went to check it out.

The place looked good, cozy. Interior was nice. And I’m very proud to say that all the furniture here were made also by one of our assisted producers, Gerry Gerandoy, also from the Municipality of Calatrava. He makes furniture from hardwood and he’s grown over time. Lunch with a view. The food could be better and improved.

Mountain View Bar and Resort

Brgy. Igmaya-an, Don Salvador Benedicto

Call +639064537212

xx

DMV

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Sugbo | 2016

Titas of Bacolod go on a trip.

We were thinking of going out of the country this year but since election period is nearing, some of us (that’s you and me, Mika) have to stay put. This was initially supposed to be a Vigan trip, I’m not really sure how we ended deciding on Cebu. Two were flying in from Manila and the rest of us hitched a ride with Aissa’s brother to Cebu. We left round 1AM because we took long at McDonald’s. When we arrived at San Carlos City, we missed the 3AM trip. Rode the 5AM and docked at Toledo port round 7AM I think.


From Toledo, it normally takes an hour and a half to Cebu (via SRP) but everyone decided to pass by Simala first. The Marian Shrine they say is miraculous, people flocking the place to ask for intercession. When we got in, my first impression was wow, this is some theme park. People were swarming. I felt like the essence of the place was lost because it somehow became a tourist spot.

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But anyway, I lit my candles and said my prayers. I thanked God for a safe trip and wonderful weather.

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As we were about to leave, we found out that these two got engaged. Somewhere between the bustling of people, wiping statues and lighting candles, he popped the question and we saw her jump hug him. Congratulations Manong Jun and Tin!

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Saw this yellow moth at the banyo. Luck? Sign?

Arrived in Cebu quarter past 12, I think. Had lunch and got drunk on coffee. At this point, I haven’t had any sleep.

When those from Manila arrived, we went to Ayala to do some shopping of course. It was just right across the hotel we were staying at, how convenient.

After shopping, we had dinner at Brique,

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and vino at Maya.

Aissa wanted to go clubbing (hahaha I’m not kidding) but the rest of us titas just wanted to chill. This was at Crossroads. Last time I was there, Vudu still existed (lol). So long ago.

Beach please.

When we decided with Cebu for this year, we planned to just go to the beach. When February neared, we found out that there was a long weekend so we grabbed that so for those of us working won’t be filing leaves anymore. First place we checked was Shangri-la but it was fully booked, so was Bluewater, because well the long weekend was Chinese New Year. Most of the hotels were full so we opted to stay in Cebu then a day trip to Mactan. Checked and decided on Movenpick since their day pass was cheaper compared to Shangri-la (add about 2,000 and you already get a room).

Movenpick Hotel, Mactan Island Cebu 
Day Pass: P2,500 – beach, pool, game room, lunch buffet and ice cream

Place is nice, beach is small though. Weather was perrrrrfect.

They accommodate a maximum of 100 people per day for the day tours and we were lucky enough to have availed since they did not accept reservations for walk-ins and when we called earlier, they only had 5 slots left. We arrived round 11AM and welcomed ourselves with ice cold beer.


Somewhere in this parallel universe, sunlit skin and names in grains.


Story of the fortune cookie

We were finishing lunch and I noticed Guada had a fortune cookie. So I got up and got one. When I opened it, it was empty, no fortune paper inside, whatever that is called. So I went to get another one and when I opened it, it still had nothing in it! Guada got up and got herself another one just to check if it would also be empty but when she opened it, it had paper in it. So I went the last time and got another random fortune cookie. This would be my third cookie. And when I opened it, it had this.

How weird that all three would be in the last cookie I randomly get. Oh and unlimited mimosas.

We stayed until sunset and went back to the hotel when the beer and mimosas were starting to kick in.




Went to Rico’s for dinner but they ran out of lechon so we went to Zubuchon instead in Escario. Hit the Casino after and it was so full! All those people (including us) trying to get lucky because it’s Chinese New Year. Did a few slots and had a beer at the bar.

Homebound.

Before heading to the port, we passed by S&R to buy some junk to bring home (lol). Lunched at Bigby’s because everyone was missing it. All its branches in Bacolod has closed.

And another fortune cookie. Feels of the moment.

Arrived in Toledo and what’s new, we missed the 4PM trip. Killed time at McDonald’s and took the 6PM home.

Half a face because I’m all red and sunburnt.

Sugbo, bye for now.

xx

DMV

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#tags

Posted this on my tumblr and wanted to share here too.

First there was #YOLO – And everyone was on the run doing the craziest they could do because “You Only Live Once.”

Now, they’ve come up with #FOMO. They’ve actually created a phobia hashtag – Fear Of Missing Out. Aka fuel for comparing your life to others’ and mirroring dissatisfaction. Aka insecurity upgrade. Aka rubbing into my face that I’m uncool, maybe call me a loser? Aka frustration over finances because these things are done and bought with money and you have to have a lot to post those scenic travels and branded bags on Instagram. Aka jumping off a bridge because I’m worthless if I can’t do all of what society perceives as trendy and I’m completely missing out.

Everybody is running, catching up with time to do what exactly? Slow down, take in the scene, savor the moments. Again, stop hashtagging your life and instead try to actually LIVE it.

xx

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Life in Tiny Box Thingies

We live in such a technology driven age that our lives are determined by likes and follows and views and re-tweets. Social media has taken over our dailies and the advanced technology makes it so convenient, it’s somehow become a “something we can’t do without.” Telcos provide you with the latest smartphones and gadgets and data plans on a minimal monthly cost. You get real time, first hand, whatever information. Almost everything is up and live.

And the more advanced technology becomes, the more dissatisfied people get. We carry technology everywhere, it is conveniently shaped and sized to fit our pockets, collapsed into tiny media powerhouses we could just grab and go.

Our feeds enable us to see what goes on in the lives of others in real time and when we find that it looks good or so much better than our perceived dull ones, we feel like we are missing out or is getting left behind and we’ve to do something about not being in “the trend” because we compare. So here comes in the filters and the slimming apps, editing our realities into what we want others to envy. What we fail to realize is that what is shown on these media platforms are only pieces of people’s lives they want to show. Reality is a far cry.

Why then are people struggling to be a “somebody“?  What is so intoxicating about being talked about or being “in” or feeling so important? It seems like everyone is so obsessed with attention. I will never fully understand. Discontentment is synonymous to unhappiness. Every time you compare your life to someone else’s, you only frustrate yourself.

Your life is not measured by how many signature brands of bags and clothes and shoes are in your walk-in closet or how many miles you’ve accumulated in your frequent flyer rewards card or how many sets of diamonds are in your jewelry box. Nobody cares.

Your life is not measured by having the latest, most expensive car in the market or the latest most advanced smartphone and gadget or the likes on your Instagram post or how many views your video has on YouTube or how many friends you have on Facebook. Nobody cares.

Life happens in seasons. Sometimes you have none, sometimes you have plenty. During lean times, pray and make do with what you have. During abundant times, be grateful, be humble and share.

Don’t let technology overpower you and dictate your life’s purpose. Put that cellphone down, stop scrolling and focus on what is important. Stop being a digital slave. We’ve to quit #hashtagging our lives and actually try living it.

You can chase after everything you’ve ever wanted and get it all. It won’t be enough. At the end of the day, every day, you’ll still feel empty. – Craig Groeschel

tumblr_nycemvOBzk1rdjozbo5_1280(Photo: Tumblr)

xx

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