Value of Love.

 I gave myself to this man. My heart, mind, and spirit became his to do with as he pleased. I spent years starving myself in depression. At night I cried myself to sleep, only to wake up every few hours to repeat the torture I had set upon myself. I convinced myself that life would end without him. As time went on I realized I had been living long before this man had entered, and was determined to last long past this! I opened my heart to those who nurtured it. Family and friends brought me back from this pain...I have found the value in myself. In the sweet, dependable, fun loving person that I am. I have discovered love for myself and I refuse to go back to the days I spent without!

Once Upon a Time.

... Once upon a time I was happy ...

Someday I Will Get Married.

I’d want my vows to be something like this:

I promise that I will always try to see you. That even when our bodies bend and our hands wrinkle.

I promise to listen, but I won’t be quiet. I want to hear your heart. I will always speak up because you matter more to me than the keeping of the peace.

I will be brave enough to be me as often as I can. For some crazy reason you fell in love with me and I want to keep it that way.

I promise to touch you. Every day.

I promise to always be there for you. I will have your back and always catch you.

I promise to support you where I can. I don’t want to solve your problems, but I do want to hold your hand while you do.

I promise to never let you sleep unless you know that I love you. Whatever it takes, I will show you that I love you.

I promise to be honest. You will know me and have nothing to fear. For you will know my greatest fears.

I promise to take on all of you. Your fears, your dreams, your hopes and your loves. What made you so handsome to me was the combination of all those things.

I promise to remember who you are. And to never make you anything else to me.

I promise to be in the moment. It’s all we have and it’s better with you in it. 

I promise that once our time on earth is finished, even then I will still love you and if I can, will find you and hold you once more.

I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give. 
I promise to respect you as your own personal to realize that your interests, desires and needs are no less important than my own. 
I promise to share with you my time and my attention and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship.
I promise to keep myself open to you,  to let you see through the window of my world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams. 
I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face changes in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting.
I promise to love you in good times and bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside in the only way I know how. Completely and forever.

As a token of my love.

I give you this heart.

Until love do us part.

Sometimes people come into your life & you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or help you figure out who you are & or who you want to become You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbor, professor, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger), but when you lock eyes with them, you know at the very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

and sometime things will happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, & unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming these obstacles that you would have never realized your true potential, strength, will power, or heart

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by mean of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness & sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without this small test, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe & comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people that you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you will become Even the bad experiences are learned from. In fact, they are the most poignant ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love & how to open your heart & eyes to things.

Make everyday count. Appreciate every moment & take from those moments everything you could possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before & actually listen… Let yourself fall in love again, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right too.

Tell yourself that you are a great individual & believe in yourself. For if you don’t believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you. You can make your life anything you wish…..Create your own life & then go out & live it with absolutely NO REGRETS. Most importantly, if you love someone tell him or her, for you NEVER know what tomorrow may have in store. And learn a lesson in life each day you live.

Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday…. Was it worth it????

Life Well Said

note 5/22/2015: 

You can never tell what people are thinking and feeling unless they tell you, and usually they lie. you ask them, “whats wrong?” and they say “Nothing.” You accept this because its easier than digging for the truth. people smile when they want to cry, they laugh when they want to scream and shout. they pretend like nothing is wrong because they don't want to face the truth. things aren’t always rainbows and butterflies, sometimes you gotta scream and cry your angers and sadness to the world, because you can only hold it in for so long before something in you snaps. so when you want to cry, cry. when you want to scream, scream. don't hide behind fake smiles, its ok to not be alright.

Sun Kissed Fun at Calaguas Island Philippines

CALAGUAS GETAWAY 2015

Day 1: 

If you look around your area, chances are that there’s a beach somewhere near you. If you’re in the south, then Calaguas could be your next stop. The bustling  town of Vinsons , Camarines Norte  beach name “ Mahabang Buhangin ( Long Beach) ”   is fun to visit even if for the rare times you won’t be sun-bathing or enjoying the warm.

Going to Calaguas was probably the most anticipated part of  Bicol trip. I had read much about how much of a beautiful paradise the island is and was really looking forward to seeing and experiencing it for myself. Finally after 1 ½ year of planning. I'm so glad that we were blessed with clear skies on the day we went to Calaguas.

Getting to paradise was one of the biggest challenges of the trip. We left at 10 pm and arrived a little past 7 am. 

Getting there isn't easy. Driving to the Bicol region from Manila requires a lot of patience. Yes, it is.. It's a winding road once you get to Camarines Norte, so make sure your car/ bus  is in a very good condition. A nine-hour drive down south including the zig-zag road can make you hungry, so bring lots of water and snacks.

The jeepney picked us up from MCDO DAET for breakfast with fellow travelers. Actually, its raining but it only takes for 10-20 minutes then after that It's a beautiful sunny day and we are all excited. 

A fisherman’s boat was ready to take us to paradise . We boarded a big boat at Vinzons, sailed along the still green river which is embraced at both sides by lush Nipa Palms. It's a very laid back scene. We even passed by a very long span of beach on the left, not with white but beige sand.

I chatted with the boatman. If I remember it correctly, he is from an island near Calaguas. He said there are also beautiful beaches at their place waiting to be discovered. :)

Tip: Make sure to bring large plastic bags to cover our backpacks, especially our gadgets. No picture taking for this ride, unless if you have an underwater camera. Secure your things because they'll be soaking wet if you don’t look after them.

For a tourist friendly ride, take the Vinzons route. The town's port offers a friendlier boat ride experience. The boat trip took us another 2hours was an adventure in itself.  According to the boatman the best time to visit Calaguas is around March- May or July- September when it’s not typhoon season since the Pacific Ocean can considerably be rough.

Calaguas at Last! 

Calaguas definitely did NOT disappoint. There were other people on the beach but it still felt that we had the entire beach to ourselves just for the first day only . The water was so clean, so blue, so cold.

Upon arriving at Mahabang Buhangin, the unspoiled beauty all around me made me forget all the hardships in getting there. Everything was worth it. The 1.2-km stretch of pure white sand with a scenic view of hills and scattered islands is a sight to behold. Mahabang Buhangin has the longest stretch of white sand beach in all of the islands of Calaguas.

Today, I want to recall and bring up something for you out there. I want to bring you and dream with me to the long white and  large beach of Calaguas ( Mahabang Buhangin) , this place is located  in the Southern  part of the Philippines.  The Amazing place must to be:-)

Dear  Calaguas, 

Before I met you, I was already in love with you. I heard from friends and learned from blog entries like this that you are an unspoiled paradise of powdery white sands and crystal clear waters, quiet and uncrowded, just like Boracay before its commercialization. And when I finally went to see you last May 15-17 2015 , I fell in love all over again! The wonder and the beauty of the sea in Calaguas, Philippines.

Even before I saw your famed stretch of white beach, you treated me to an expanse of rolling green hills punctuated by blazing red hills and dark rock formations.

 I realized that you are as postcard-perfect as I saw you in photos – Oh such a beautiful place! The so so number of hours travelling was all worth it! Powdery white sand beach, crystal clear waters, beautiful and serene place with unspoiled natural resources. Let the pictures justify the place itself.

The water is very clear and inviting. It's a "very" tropical scene.There are only few trees. It's a beautiful scene, the water's color ranges from deep blue, to emerald, to a very clear one. I was impressed. Compared to the website photos, they are for real. I know everyone would love the place.

And, for people like me who love walking barefoot on the beach, your powder-fine sands are just perfect.

And on the island, we got back to the basics. Tents served as our house, a poso (water pump) as our water source, the beach as our playground, the white sand as our bed. Countless stars filled our night sky, and the moon was our light before we closed our eyes.

Note : that there was almost no signal (cellphone) activity on the island, which I think adds to the charm of the place. 

Tour Coordinator Orientation:  Kuya More, Kuya Rj and Kuya Jippy 

Buffet meals prepared by our Resident Chef : Kuya Alex

Byahe Adventours: Henna Tattoo

    kiss of sunset.

Know what you want to do , hold the thought firmly , and do everyday what should be done and every sunset will see you that much nearer to your goal.

                                             

The beautiful and amazing  Calaguas sunset.

#backpacking#sunset#flirtingwithnature#travelphotography#beachbody#naturelover#paradise. 

 Day 2: 

Tip: There's a spot on the island which the locals call the "phone booth." It's the only spot where, at most, a signal bar can be obtained. The thing is, you'll have to trek up a hill to get the elusive signal, so make sure to settle and call everyone that you have to talk to before making your way to paradise.

Byahe Adventours : Trekking is also one activity you can do on the island. Climb the hills of Calaguas and take in the ocean view from the top. Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, and water for this activity. 

Meet our Trek Guide: (L) Kuya Marvin - Tattoo Artist  (R) Kuya Mac - Mac- Poi Dancer 

                                                                     
                                                             

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.

#Sunrise #morning #bird #chirping #sun #nature #tree #sky #clouds #world #paradise #awesome #adventure #quote #beautiful #living #life #happiness #Smile #calm #path #purpose #grateful #photography #Landscape

                                                   

                                   My Jump Shot! Jump for fun!                                   

     #summertim#calaguasisland2015 #jumpshot#happy#enjoy

The feeling to see everyone happy around me, jump....... Higher and higher glad to know they all enjoy to walk with me . #happygirl

ISLAND HOPPING:

Meeting People Here and There.

One of my favorite parts about traveling is the ability to meet a diverse range of people. On tours, on buses, sitting at cafes, or at bars, on the road, it’s easy to make new friends. So easy that sometimes you feel like you have friend overload. There is always someone around.

                                                                   Wow! amazing..

One of the greatest joys about traveling the world is that it makes you comfortable talking with strangers. It makes you more outgoing and more at ease. We get good at making new friends.

Coming home to the opposite way of thinking is quite an adjustment. One I don’t really like. It’s off putting. You have to work to break down barriers. People always think the worst. Few people seem interested in just having a conversation for the sake of having a conversation. Being on the road, this is never an issue.

#teamforever#lovemelikeyoudo :) 

 At night:
 Byahe Adventours: Wine Mixing 101

Byahe Adventours: Poi Spinning

Sparkle (Calaguas Island: Poi Spinning By Mac- Mac)

                                             

After this---- Drink Till We Drop! and one unforgettable night by the shore under stars.

Last Day:

 Calaguas Island is what I personally call, the BORACAY OF BICOL.

  I suggest you go on a weekday if you want to avoid the parties.

 I just wish that it remains as it is, untouched, unspoiled, 30 years from now.

TIP: Mingle with the locals and discover how friendly they are. The kids are quite shy but will always give a smile. Bargain for the freshly caught fish; not only are these delicious but you can also help the livelihood of the locals. There are also freshly picked fruits and vegetables available. The locals have lots of stories to tell.

NO, goodbyes! We will see each other again in Manila.
Just keep in touch..

            " Please preserve this natural riches.            

  Take good care of it."

LAST STOP: Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte Side Trip

Bagasbas is dubbed as the Surfing Capital of Bicol.

Bagasbas Lighthouse Hotel Resort

These are just some of those places I highly recommend you visit when you finally decide to go to Bicol. I promise you, you won't regret going to Bicol. It's a paradise here.

To Ms. Mai and Mr. Nano : You have truly given us a wonderful trip.Your love of your country is very evident and for that also ,we admire you. Thank you for sharing all of these things with us. ( As well as your good humor made our tour very ,very enjoyable..most esp. all your staffs and coordinator.) Your organization is faultless, your knowledge is wide, and we have all appreciated the care you have taken with each and everyone of us. The trip will be in our minds for a long time.

May the years ahead of bring you great happiness.! Thanks again and We wish you all the best in the future. Godbless.  love.love.love  to come back again.

     Sincerely,

   

     Batch- Forever May 15-17:)

  

And so to you, and you and you my dear friends...

Please Enjoy the Sweetness of Calaguas Island! I hope that you ♥ it as much as we do! Cheers! :-)