 | Let's Get Lost | Aug 16, 2006 |
If you're looking for my stuff, they're here. So to everyone who aimlessly wander, welcome. My shots and playlists are stored here, though, available for contacts only. If you know me, add me. After, you can ask and swipe all you want. I'm nice that way. (",) I temporarily shut down a somewhat neglected blog elsewhere. It's a lot of bull so you'd be better off not reading it. I transferred all my present bull, and then some, here, again, for contacts only. Stalker begets stalker, I guess. Hirap na. Hehe Just ask or add. I'm relatively friendly. I'm a true blue pinay. Trust me. We were sitting and playing with her Dora the explorer chair. She loves Dora, you know, Worships her, actually. She was showing me her new --- her first --- fancy flipflop sandals. Her crazy mom, my little sister, treats her like her own personal Barbie doll. She's fond of walking (we call her "supervisor"), a novelty for her, I guess. She wears out her shoes now, but not as fast as she outgrows them.
She extend her right foot to me and says "Tang... tang..." (tanggal :) ) She's used to slip-ons and it would take a while to get used to thonged ones. I reached out to put them away, but she held on to them, not letting go. Fine, I said gently, they're yours.
I soon remembered why I came down from my room for. She always does that to me. I see her and I forget what I'm supposed to do. I stood up from the floor and start heading for the kitchen to make me some tea. It only took me a couple of steps when my one year and two month old niece said in a soft but very audible voice...
" 'Ta Ayie "
My heart then melted into a puddle of gooey blob.
***
I'm going to cry my eyes out now, like a proud sappy aunt.
While on a scenic multicab ride from Tabuk, Kalinga to Tuguegarao, amidst women in veils, uniformed children on their way to school, bolo-carrying locals, and live chicken, I whispered to my girls, backpacks in tow...
"Ang layo na nito. Tatanggapin pa ba pera natin dito?"
Kailangan ng forex? Abroad? ;P
***
I just miss them. Sigh.
|  | There's something unsettling when you feel something's not right --- the beautiful bed weather in Manila, wearing a hoodie with sand under your feet or in this case...pine trees by the beach!
As far as coasts and beaches go in the Philippines, Anawangin is a stand out. Whereas in most places sand babies worship, coconut trees line the break, in this Zambales cove, pine trees abound.
A minute's walk from the beach, with its massive crashing waves, sits a quiet stream, nestled among more pine trees. A strange sight, especially when it dawns on you that your in a tropical country and hours away from Baguio. It's like stepping into a foreign place, a scene straight out of the Lord of the Rings series.
The surreal still waters amidst a forest of pine trees --- unsettling yet absolutely inviting.
|
| | It was a very rocky path by the beach going to the Capones lighthouse. And I had to endure this after a very lengthy boatride from Zambales. My ears are still shot from all that boat engine noise, my legs, still wobbly. The sea is unforgiving this time of year.
Zambales is now becoming a popular surfspot, especially with its proximity to Manila. The waves are strong and consistent, perfect for surfing, although being so also means island hopping is definitely for the brave hearted. Luckily, our group is big enough to hire one of those relatively stable two-engined boats, but by usual standards, travelers would have to settle for a small four-seater boat armed with an small engine, a strong stomach and a prayer.
 
The obscure lighthouse was on the other side of the island, far from where the boats dock. It looked worn down and abandoned. The locks had been forced and the hinges are wrecked from rust. The wobbly spiral stairs cries with every step and the final ascend requires the trickiest moves yet.
But the view from above --- spectacular. It was worth it.
I promised myself to take more of my time to sink into these moments, and I did. I took a few shots too, weary of my steps and the altitude I was in. I gave the world one last look from above. I felt so blessed. I breathe out one big sigh. It was time to go down.
|
"So tell me, where would you say is the most beautiful place in the philippines?" Of course, there are still more awe striking places to go in our beloved Pinas. But I am always humbled when asked. I must have seen enough --- by their standards --- to be given the right to an opinion. However, I can sense their disappointment when they hear my simple answer. Without batting an eyelash, I say... "Manila." But dear motherland halted my near collision to jadedness. She took me out of the comforts of the city, familiar Manila or even Queen Cebu. She showed me where time can stand reassuringly still while the hues of blue make unapologetic love by the horizon. An invite to a placid life. I was unsettlingly drawn. She then teasingly ask, "Manila, seriously?" | | I made it to the fridge downstairs, barely extending my sore arms to reach for the cold pitcher to quench my thirst. I'm parched, like I have been traveling for 12 hours without water kind of parched. Wait... of course, that's why.
I turned my weary body around, convincing myself to tackle the short flight of steps back upstairs and saw my father smirking at me. I couldn't even give out a decent smile. "Kumusta ang Sagada?" he lovingly asked, in an I-told-you-so kind of way. "Maganda, papa." Then I inched myself closer to the stairs, mustering whatever strength left on my two limbs. I spent 5 hours in a cave, gawddamett. What's another 12 steps?
I opened Pip up and loaded on my shots. I glanced on my left thigh and saw (for lack of a better term. sorry for being too graphic) tocino. Perfect. That makes 5 and counting. I looked back at the screen and saw Sagada once again.
The cuts and bruises will heal and fade. The soreness of each and every aching muscle will not even be a lasting memory. But Sagada, both callous and tender, will steal your heart.
Langit
And one day soon, I will come back for mine.
or maybe for this. |
| | August 21-25, 2008
Coron in January. Puerto Princesa for May. Palawan played gracious host once more to me (along with two boat-loads of new friends), this time boasting with pride her beautiful El Nido. And each and everytime, Palawan never disappoints.
I promise to tell more of sunny blue skies, perfect sandbars, jewel toned waters and that one elusive sunset before the high subsides. I'll just let the taste of the salty ocean and the memory of its temperamental embrace linger for quite a bit more, then I'd lessen my tight selfish grip on amazing El Nido. I promise that, but I can't promise when... (",)
Basta ang masasabi ko lang... maganda talaga ang Pilipinas.
Wow Pilipins. (",)
|
Nobody's going to give you your permission to live.
So just grab onto your life... and run with it.
| | July 16 - 18, 2008
Shots taken around Singapore.
I am particularly happy with this set --- happy enough to share it with everybody. Wala lang nasisiyahan lang ako (sabi ko nga. (",) )
All the craziness of the trip are archived in another album. |
Seen at Malate Church:
Oo nga naman.
I have been on a shades-losing streak lately. I lost my super adorable white-rimmed aviators, a Hanoi night market find bought for about 80 pesos, in Antipolo and my Mossimo pair in another family trip in Pampanga. Beb knew I wanted to buy one over the weekend for my upcoming trip, so over ym...
Beb: So are we buying you a pair of sunnies tomorrow?
Me: Yeah, pero baka sa tiangge na lang muna. May isa pa naman ako.
Beb: Ok, greenhills na lang tayo tom.
Me: Sige, bili na lang tayo, yung mumurahin lang muna.
Beb: Ok, wag ka magaalala, mumurahin natin yung salamin mo.
Kahit gaano pa kamahal yan, P*@&^@ i&$@* salamin yan!
Nyek nyek nyek nyekers.
Me: Hahaha. Hindi, I mean cheap. Inexpensive. Mumurahin.
Beb: Ah ok. Di na natin sya mumurahin.
Me: Oo. Baka masaktan yung feelings nya.
Ay pinatulan.
On Beb's research for his parents trip to Russia, over YM:
Beb: May alam ka bang travel agency na nag ooffer
ng Baltic cruise? Papa wants to go to Russia.
Me: Wow. Russia. Russia! (Spoken ala this is SPARTA!)
Beb: Oo, saya noh. Pag bigtime na tayo mag russia din tayo.
Me: Mag Baltic cruise din tayo?
Beb: Yup. Soon. Mag cruise tayo.
Me: Wow. Cruise. Russia, via cruise... Cruise missile.
Saya. Hehehe. Adik na adik.
The paracetamol and the two other bitter things you swallowed haven't kicked in yet. Despite all the chills (not the good kind), you're excited to leave hot Manila. There are about a dozen people in front of you anxiously queuing for the check in counter. It's 9 pm and your stomach is making a funny weird noise. Hmm. What to do?  Mag Jollibee spaghetti muna tayo.
Pinay na pinay. Love your own. Riot.
 Whacha lookin' at? I'm hungry.
My apologies to Kuya Acy...
...but I just had to borrow his famous line:
Parang ibang bansa!!!
Natupad na ang isa sa mga pangarap ko...
Nakarating na akong SM City...Baguio!!!
Pasensya...Simpleng tao, simpleng mga pangarap. Mababaw na kaligayahan.  Of course, it's only logical that when it was our time to escape the Manila heat, Mae had to return the favor and message Beb her little bilins for the wonderful travel buddy that I am (riiiight). And since I had the phone on roaming, this got into my inbox while savoring both my pancake/crepe breakfast and a jaw dropping view of Hoan Kiem Lake our first misty morning in Hanoi.
"For Jr: Please take care of lallie, have a dose of kremil-s handy coz she tends to get gassy especially after eating or when in cold places. Make sure that the path she walks on is safe, steady and sh*t free. Feed her well, show her sights that will make her and Niko happy. Thanks  " Thanks Ming --- both for the message and "letting" Jr borrow me for Vietnam. I know that if I was a superhero, I would completely destroy all those who come up against me with my super klutzy powers, annihilating them with sh*t and mud projectile from my magic tsinelas. But for this trip, with 38 degree fever, chills and all, I know, I couldn't be in better hands.
Beb has a way of taking care of me, even if he can't physically be there. He's sweet and protective like that. However, I don't know if I should be happy or mad with his text to Mae when we were out in Puerto Princesa. Well-intentioned, yes. Properly worded, uhmm, parang hindi."Alagaan nyo na lang si Lallie. Don't forget to feed her or she becomes cranky, give her treats once in a while and don't forget to let her out in wide open spaces to play. Thanks a lot!"Four years into the relationship, Beb knows me all too well. I do get cranky when hungry. Who doesn't love treats, right? And wide open spaces always excites me. But this text just makes me sound like a grazing farm animal. Ano ako, pet?
I thought about it --- a lot --- and I decided to get a new travel gnome. I'm still keeping Mojax. He has always been there every time I travel and he's been very useful I might add, but to those who know, i've been advised to make better memories. Besides, Mojax likes to drink. Not good. Kaya na bloke-bloke eh. Tipsy in LA ...Union.  He's a lil big to carry around though. And beb likes to bearnap, okkk, adopt him when I'm out. So I needed to find something a wee bit smaller. My search ended in, of all places, Toy Kingdom. Hihi.
I found these guys, and they come in five. As much as i would love to keep them all, it would just make me (and them too) sad if I won't be able to give them equal attention.
 So, here the deal. I just need one. I intend to keep just Good Luck bear --- this guy. So, I'm calling on you guys to open your hearts and lives for the rest of the cute gang. Below in order are Share bear (the violet one), Lotsa Heart Elephant (malamang yung pink elephant), Friend Bear (the peach one) and Playful Heart Monkey (obviously, the yellow monkey). My only (few?) conditions are for you to take good care of them, send me lots of pictures of them and an occasional reunion with my own good luck bear. They're cute and they all promise to be nice. Adopt them? All interested parents can text me or just leave their messages on the comments section. (",) Super fun, life affirming, im-in-lav-abo song.
Just because I'm into that these days.
Happiness is a choice (",)
Best Days
- Matt White
Every time I look at you
You always look so beautiful
Driving on the road again
And I would take some photographs
So I can dream of you
Can't say I've felt such a twisting in my heart this
way
We get sleeping while you stay awake
so close to you
Do you believe
In love at first sight
I think you do
We're lying naked under the covers
Those are the best days of my life
Can't take away those times
We stayed in bed and talked all night
Chain smokes of cigarettes and
Three bottles of red wine
Falling asleep together
Holding your body close to mine
Oh and in the morning
Your eyes opened so innocent
The sun is blazing we are sweating
You look lovely
Nothing else matters and ?
In my arms again
Do you believe
In love at first sight
I think you do
We're lying naked under the covers
Those are the best days of my
Those are the best days of my
Those are the best days of my life
Oh I never wanna be without you
So just stay with me
I will love you endlessly
Oh darling, darling
Those are the best days of my
Those are the best days of my life
Do you believe
In love at first sight
I think you do
We're lying naked under the covers
Those are the best days of my life
Those are the best days of my
Those are the best days of my
Those are the best days of my life
| Best Days | | Matt White - Best Of | | Matt White | |
and who said the filipinos have the monopoly over comedy? Actually me and beb act like this over fridays, parking spaces and crab claws. hehehe
Download this and other original video files with Multiply Premium. | Poke poke poke me | |
 |
hello..thanks for viewing my shots that I posted in Digital Photography Philippines....keep on shooting..! |
 |
ay double ka pala! shuri naman singles kasi kami hahaha
yup yup inaayos na ni reg! wooohoo. keri lang ma-excite. ako nga super excited eh! haahha |
|
yey. go ateneo!
naku hindi, di ako papayagan ni boyfriend na magkahiwalay kami ng celebration ng valentines. hehehe. sayang nga di pa ako nakakapag-calaguas. pero super game ako dyan sa batanes na yan. tama bang ma excite ako ngayon pa lang? hehehe |
|
lallie!! atenista ka rin pala!! kami rin ni karl haha
sama ka ba calaguas sa valentines? batanes daw tayo, start daw ni reg ang planning hehehe... yahoooo! =) |
 |
and a happy new year lallie! =) |
|
well a happy early new year 2 u and your family and God Bless and happy shooting/keep on shooting |
 |
lallie di kita nabati ng bday mo...kaya eto merry christmas hehe...huli man daw at magaling, pasko pa rin...hekhek... |
|
ay salamat sa mga bumati. kumusta naman one month after nag thank you. hehehe. pero super salamat. nag MIA lang sandali sa multiply. hoping to be back soon. flickr kasi eh, ubos oras :) |
|
belated haberdey!!! 2 days ako offline kya ngaun lang greet :D |
 |
dei12 wrote on Nov 29, '08 happy birthday lalliepop! :) |
|
hi mon! gusto ko sumama, pero di pa ako nag boobook. nag iisip pa rin (kasi tatamaan yung valentines, kumusta naman di ba?) sama ba kayo? |
|
lallie! sama ka batanes ng feb???? |
 |
Maaliwalas na araw s ayou, |
|
oo nga eh. meron pa kayang basang basa sa ulan video. ayusin na natin. (",) |
|
muj0i wrote on Sep 12, '08 ayan! nakapagupload na ko ^_^
di ka pa tapos magupload ah.. hahhaha iprivate mo nalnag satin para di nakakhiya :)) |
|
oo nga tita tal, natambakan ako. anyway, will try to upload by tomorrow. kapit lang. (",) |
| |
