Moving Forward

 

2013 may be the year of "obstacles". I say so because of the numbers of untoward happenings- both natural and unnatural. One thing we can guarantee is that on every downfall, we will always rise and remain to finish our race.

What matters is not how many times we tumble, but how many times we stood and endure. Though life is cruel and unfair, true strength comes from inner self to leave the past and the stressful everything to where it really belonged.

Never look back. What was done cannot be undone. Time is running very fast. We have to look at the future with confidence. We may never knew what the future can unleash, but we gotta be tranquil and happy while on unpaved roads. 

Move on. Treasures worth keeping are in our memories, that sometime, somewhere, we fantasize of a happy place, a peaceful place, a relaxing place that we will always remember while we're moving forward.

May we all have a safe and amazing 2014!

The Bridge of Love and Unity

Of all the bridges in the country, the San Juanico Bridge, also known as the Marcos Bridge that connects Leyte and Samar, may be the most beautiful.

I am without hesitation wanted to have a walk on the bridge. I got off the jeepney from the police outpost in Sta. Rita, Samar and walk a total of 2 kilometers to Tacloban City. At every point where there were no cars crossing, I am one of those "crazy" people running to the center of the road taking photo op at the bridge. It was fun. Many have navigated the bridge but only a handful walked the entirety of the  2.16 kilometer stretch of San Juanico bridge.

One story has it that the San Juanico Bridge is a gift to Imelda Marcos by the then President Ferdinand Marcos.

It was late 60s when the construction started and was completed in 1973. The bridge symbolizes the greatness of the Philippines during those times- when the Philippines is a first class country, prosperous and well disciplined. The San Juanico Bridge, a "symbol of love and unity that binds the north and south into the Filipino nation."

"Mabaisai" Basey

Basey pronounced "bah-sai", is a municipality in Western Samar, famous for its Eco-Tourism adventures in Sohotan. Also in this town, built by the Jesuits in the 17th century, is the church of San Miguel de Arcangel, the patron saint of Basey.

 The  bell tower still holds the bell forged in 1873. The church ceiling takes pride of a sketch of the triumph of San Miguel, defeating Lucifer.

San Miguel de Arcangel served the town of Basey during Philippine Liberation when it became a refuge camp. It was also served as Spanish Fortress during the early times. The church is strategically built uphill overlooking the San Pedro and San Pablo Bay.

Allure of Marabut..

It was a good day. It was one sunshiny day when I started the journey to Eastern Samar.

This Region of Waray speaking Visayans are blessed with a very good environment boasting of fine beaches and astounding rock formations.

Never I thought of this view when I crossed the San Juanico Bridge while on a mini bus bound for Guiuan.

 I asked instructions from the people inside and they are very helpful in giving directions. At one point, the bus got into minor trouble and needed to change tires. We were in this village in Marabut and not far from the road, concealed by the coconut trees I saw the shore and walked onto it. To my surprise, the rock formations by the sea. 

 With camera in my pocket, I hurriedly took pictures of the sight. And behold, the allure of the village of Caluwayan in Marabut, Samar.

Nothing lasts forever..

There are no words to describe how depressing the situation is at this moment. After the typhoon that hit the Luzon Island, the floodings in Mindanao, the magnitude 7 that shook the Visayas, and now the devastation brought by the super typhoon Haiyan. With a heavy heart, I can  still say that there are reasons to be happy about.

The difficulties we've been through and are carrying, proved that we are human and helpless in way, but we are Filipinos. We, Filipinos are tough people. Never a cruel situation let us down. Being strong doesn't always mean being fearless. It's courage that keep us tough.

At the end of the day we will always look back and hear ourselves talking of hopes and dreams- Hoping that there will always be a brighter tomorrow after the sunset. Dreaming of a better world after the storm.

Life is a gift. So live whatever life may bring. 

Nothing lasts forever. 

The Occasional Traveler

 Today is not a good day for a traveler like me. 

The tragedy happened this morning woke the spirit in me to brush up the history of the national heritage edifices in the country. The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that shook the Central Visayas Region, particularly the serene Bohol and the lively Cebu. I am not that religious but I am saddened to hear news of the fallen olden structures like the century(ies) old churches.

 I am not the usual "traveler" who travel with all the perks but I am proud to be an occasional traveler who roam places in a modest way, regulating the score in my purse. I am the here and now and travel whenever kind. I don't travel to a certain place to see all the nice spots in one voyage, that is because I wanted to go back and see the rest until I am gratified. 

But I never get satisfied.

 Once I stepped my foot on one location and I enjoyed the scene, the story, the culture, I always wanted to go back to hear the folktale and use my imagination to picture the scenes while I'm lying on my back to sleep. 

I don't want the feeling of regrets to cover me when I visit places- that I didn't take pictures of the surroundings and the structures that I am interested in. 

So I enjoy every sceneries of today, knowing that tomorrow is another day and will never be like today.

Be safe all!

2 Things to Remember in Life

Disclaimer: 11 Hints for Life was not created by me. Only the pictures are mine.

11 Hints for Life

Disclaimer: 11 Hints for Life was not created by me. Only the pictures are mine.

                     

2014 Philippine Holidays

As per Proclamation No. 655, s. 2013 signed by the President of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, declaring Regular Holidays, Special Non Working Days and Special Holiday for all School, for the year 2014.

January 1 (Wednesday) - New Year's Day (Regular Holiday)
January 31 (Friday) - Chinese New Year (Special Non Working Day)

February 25 (Tuesday) - EDSA Revolution Anniversary  (Holiday for all Schools)

April 9 (Wednesday) - Day of Valor (Regular Holiday)
April 17 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday)
April 18 (Friday) - Good Friday (Regular Holiday)
April 19 (Saturday) - Black Saturday (Special Non Working Day)

May 1 (Thursday) - Labor Day (Regular Holiday)

June 12 (Thursday) - Independence Day (Regular Holiday)

August 21 (Thursday) - Ninoy Aquino Day (Special Non Working Day)
August 25 (Monday) - National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday)

November 1 (Saturday) - All Saints Day (Special Non Working Day)
November 30 (Sunday) - Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday)

December 24 (Wednesday) - Additional Non Working Special Day 
December 25 (Thursday) - Christmas Day (Regular Holiday)
December 26 (Friday) - Additional Non Working Special Day 
December 30 (Tuesday) - Rizal Day (Regular Holiday)
December 31 (Wednesday) - Last Day of the Year (Special Non Working Day)


Source : Official Gazette

Real Buy to Boracay

Boracay is one of the liveliest tourist paradise in the the Philippines.
May it be summer or rainy season, people would always flock the island for its beautiful beach and its fine white sand.

A tour to this island can cost a fortune if you fell on traps. The island is too marketable that everything seems to be at a premium. Disregard those people asking your information for a free buffet dinner. Ignore agents asking you to try the adventure packages nicely, and if in case you avail one, haggle to 50% right away, especially if you're on a big group. They won't give it half the price though, but they will lower their prices to  more moderate rates.

Airfare can be costly too, so plan your trip months before. Grab the promos offered by most budget airlines. Kalibo bound routes are often on sale.

First timers to Boracay need not be afraid of what to do next once landed in Kalibo. From the airport, there are are numerous shuttle vans going to Caticlan Port. Do not avail of the "transfers" offered by the hotels for this will cost you double. Instead, take the shuttle van from Kalibo airport to Caticlan Jetty Port. Then secure a boat ticket at the ticket booth once in 

Caticlan Pier going to Cagban harbor.

Once you've reached the Cagban Port, take the tricycles to bring you to your hotel or where you wanted to be dropped. Maximum of 3 people per tricycle or pay the "special" ride so it can leave.

Hotels aren't that expensive if you have the chance to scan their rates.
Since you're in Boracay and your agenda is to walk the shore barefooted and to stay outdoor most of the time, pick the popularly priced accommodations.

Foods aren't that pricey at all. There are fastfood chains around with the usual meal value.

Your trip to Boracay isn't complete without spending a night to whatever kind of partying or celebrating that suits your mood- may it be jazz, soft, live or loud dance music, name it, it's all there! 

"What happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay", so party your heart out! :-)