Tag Archives: fun

My Blessed 2019 Birthday @ Camarines Sur Watersports Complex

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I have been used to celebrating my birthdays on the road since I started working. I cannot tell if it is a good or a bad thing. All I know is that each time, I get to have a fresh perspective on a lot of different things.

It’s like being renewed year after year. Maybe it really has something to do with the adage that as you age, you get wiser. Another year older, another year wiser so to speak. 🙂

Another Birthday Experience

My birthday last December was another new experience. Our maternal grandma passed away and the last night of her wake fell on my birthday. I was close to my grandma when I was young, and she’s one of my major influences when it comes to faith.

She was 95 years old, and hers was a peaceful death after a long wait. She’s been bedridden for about 2 years, and each passing year for her means asking when is our Lord going to take her. God prepared her well though during that long wait no matter how difficult it may be for her.

I never felt like celebrating my birthday last year. But as it turned out, God has different plans.

God’s Plans Are Sometimes Different

It was me and my hubby’s first time to travel by car going to our hometown – a total of 17 hours including occasional pee breaks. I decided we have a stopover halfway our trip and spend the night at Camarines Sur Watersports Complex.

As typical of me who plans everything ahead of time, I already booked an accommodation a couple of months prior to our trip. This came in very timely because our expected travel time of only 9 hours from Manila to CWC became 22 hours.

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Yes, my husband and I just felt like vegetables about to rot. lol It was SOOOOO TIRING. Our check-in time was 2pm, we were able to check-in at 10:30 pm. I informed the reservation officer we will be arriving late due to traffic congestion.

There were multiple roadworks in some parts of Bicol and Quezon, which lengthened our usual travel time. It’s also the start of the holiday break in schools and offices, thus, everybody’s going out of town.

Always Look At The Brighter Side

But here’s where God reminded me to always be hopeful and cheerful in every unfavorable situation. I asked the reservation officer if we can still avail of their massage services because I know our bodies badly needed them, especially my husband.

She said that we still can since they are open until 10 pm. So I booked one at 10 pm. We arrived at 10:30 pm, and we’re just so glad our massage therapists waited for us though we’re already 30 minutes late.

A Surprise Birthday Gift

Here’s another surprising scenario. When we got to the lobby, the receptionist informed us that our accommodation was upgraded for FREE from a Tiki Hut to a Small Cabin. She told me that there was a problem booking the accommodation, and it was a mistake on their end. I was so overjoyed, and I can’t help expressing my heartfelt gratitude to her.

I thought this must be God’s birthday surprise for me. 😀 My husband and I also haven’t had our dinner yet, so I asked her if we can still order food and have it served in our room. We were able to order our favorites (comfort food) and then headed to our room.

A few minutes later, our massage therapists came and after apologizing to them for waiting, we had our much-needed massages. A few minutes later, our food arrived. We were just so filled with goodness. Why? The massage was superb and so was the food!

As Simple And Yet Meaningful As It Gets

Although we missed Saturday’s acoustic performance, the night ended quite well actually. And of course, it was even made perfect when my already very tired husband hugged me and said, “Hon, things may have happened differently than we planned, but this day still ended happily. Happy, happy birthday.”

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No, I didn’t cry. We are not just super mushy types. lol And my husband loves to tease me so I know he can never be that serious. Although I did feel the sincerity of his greeting. 😉

So when the clock struck 12, I just can’t contain my happiness – it’s now my birthday. We were tired and plans have changed, but I slept soundly with a smile on my face that night. 

Even if there’s pain, God never fails to remind us that it still is possible to experience joy.

Truly, how can we ever outsmart a God who knows things even before they happen and makes all things beautiful in His time? 🙂

A Day Full Of Activities And More Errands

The next day, my husband and I woke up just in time to try wakeboarding and double kayaking even though we’re already much pressed for time. My mom texted me to be home by 7 pm for our grandma’s vigil service so we’re pretty much in a hurry.

As we slowly approached our home and saw the yellow lights, I knew my grandma was waiting for us. Days prior to coming home, I was worried that I won’t be able to hold it all in and just burst into tears. But because God made me experience joy, He lifted all those heavy emotions and made me experience a little bit of joy in the midst of pain.

God knew I needed strength. He gave it during the times I needed it most. He used my husband and other circumstances as an avenue for me to have it. So when I saw my grandma peacefully sleeping, I smiled a faint smile and was filled with peace that comes from knowing God had it all in control.

A Peaceful Farewell

“Today is my birthday, Mama. It is sad that this will be the last day, too, that you will be with us. But I also rejoice that you can finally be with the Lord.”

This was how I celebrated my birthday last year, and the experience was another one for the books – a keepsake remembrance down the memory lane. A sad memory but still a joy to remember. 🙂

If you’re wondering why I was named Christine, watch out for my next article and find out the (funny) story behind it. 😉

Grateful for yet another year to live in this world,

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When Your Writing Becomes Unintentionally Funny | My 3 Writing Bloopers

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We all know how bloopers are all like. They’re that after-credit multiple retakes of some scenes in a movie. Or that hidden camera video logs of pranks-turned-entertainment shows. Or it can be that plain embarrassing moment of doing something that you didn’t even plan on doing but still ended up doing it.

In writing, there are also bloopers. Yes, they may come in the form of mistakes but instead of eliciting a displeased reaction from your audience, they ended up laughing over the mistake. Or let’s say, I ended up rolling on the floor laughing because of my own mistake. 😀

So, here’s my list of writing bloopers which I’m sure you’ll be able to relate to one way or another. Laughing is permissible on these grounds. I allow it as long as I don’t hear it. —-> lol 😀

Because Laughter is the Best Medicine | The Fun in Writing Bloopers

1. “Gaaaah!!! What is THAT WORD doing there?!?!”

Yes, this is precisely the moment when you’re done publishing a post but because you were too sleepy or feeling unwell, you just went ahead and wrote a “quick” and yet sloppy article. Only then did you realize your mistake after it’s been published for hours a.k.a. a lot of people have already seen your errors. You know it can be the end of your reputation as a writer or even your writing career when you’ve got misplaced words inappropriately used all over your content both in structure and in context.

The best word to describe this phenomenon? It is this – C.R.I.N.G.E. 😀

2. When distractions hit you hard.

This is partly connected to item #1 and also the reason why I love to write in solitude where I have minimal distractions. I don’t work in cafes but work inside the comfort of my own room/office instead. If I’m going to be working in a company’s office, I’d probably request for a work station facing a white wall. And no, not because I am being punished.

But because I’d like to avoid that moment wherein an object, a person, or a situation caught your attention while you were writing or typing something. The next time you read what you typed, whatever object, person, or situation you saw, they are now part of your story and they’re totally unrelated to the topic. Think of a tiny plant growing in the middle of a skyscraper made of pure concrete, that’s basically it. 😀

3. When it’s just all gone.

Now, this blooper may be a blooper to me at first, but I usually end up crying (this is an exaggeration, of course) afterward. Not tears of joy but that of desperation and anguish. I am very sure this happened to all of us regardless if it happened back when you were a student or as a working professional now.

It is that ever blooper of being too eager to start on your article, forgetting to save the document, deciding to do something while in the middle, closing your laptop and hurriedly clicking a reply to a prompt, and then asking yourself later on, “Oh wait, what was that prompt all about again?”

And the worst part is realizing you selected the “No” button for “Do you want to save the document?”.

The way I describe this feeling while laughing and crying at the same time is this – NOOOOOOO. I now hate my laptop. And myself. And the world. 😀

Writing is not just about grammatical errors. It can also be a whole lot of fun and laughter. I am sure you’re going to laugh at me now if accidentally deleting written content you’ve been working on for hours is my idea of fun. It is a horrifying mistake and must be avoided at all times. But I just try to see the good side of it thinking maybe that write-up wasn’t meant to be published.

Or better yet, the new version will be delivered in a better way because the ideas are still fresh on your head and yet the situation may have presented you a different angle on how to attack the topic. Think of it as an auto-correct where the system just deleted your entire work because its quality is subpar. With the first item, it’s a lesson learned to edit and do more editing even if it’ll take hours before the article goes live.

How about you? Do you have other writing bloopers aside from the ones I mentioned above? I’d like to hear your experiences, too. Don’t worry, I won’t laugh at you. That is, without your permission. 😀

Always writing for the sake of writing,

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The Event That Was: BLOGAPALOOZA Seasons 2015

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Finally attended one of the business and bloggers networking event the second time around last Sunday which is the Blogapalooza with this year’s theme “Seasons”  held at One Esplanade in Pasay City. But this time I already have a +1, my husband. 😉

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Blogapalooza Seasons 2015

It always is fascinating to meet people who have same interests as you – writing for the love of writing. I have met several of my co-bloggers again whom I have met last year from different fields – church, work, friends, online, etc. It is amazing how an event can unite all using only one very popular medium of advertising, social media.

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Me and fellow blogger and WhenInManila writer, Rattus.
Photo courtesy of Rattus. 🙂

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Me and Shiela, fellow blogger and church mate and her friend, Janine.
Photo courtesy of Shiela. 🙂

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Bloggers and more bloggers.

This event was a great opportunity for businesses to promote their products through the bloggers. And as much as I’d like to keep this blog of mine advertisement-free, I still would mention some of the businesses that participated in the event and they were the following:

  • Eagle’s Wings Enterprises
  • Grand Videoke
  • Regrow
  • Breville
  • JB Music
  • Nanogen
  • SMDC Premier
  • Kensonic Inc.
  • Amada’s Leche Flan and Desserts
  • Food Panda
  • Ace Hotel and Suites
  • Emporia
  • Microtel by Wyndham
  • Chemworld Fragrance Factory
  • Flawless
  • Cebu Pacific

…and a whole lot of other brands and companies. A lot of opportunities were presented to the bloggers by the businesses in promoting the products including fun games, prizes and giveaways. Hubby dear sure had fun in his first Blogapalooza event. 😉

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There he is fanning the prize away. 😉

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Breville

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Breville

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More sponsors.

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Sponsor

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Bambu

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Amada’s Leche Flan

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#ShareTheDelight

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Free lunch and snacks.

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Photo Booth by JB Music

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Zombies attack!

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A taste of the upcoming Halloween.

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One final photo before going home.

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Freebies.

So stay tuned dear readers for the next Blogapalooza event next year, I might see you there too. 😀

P.S.

Still not used to using my new surname when signing up – Rome. 😉

10 Things I Have Learned From Men

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"His and Hers"

1. Never ask your boyfriend/husband “Ms. Universe” questions when he is sleepy or about to sleep because he’ll surely give you either an answer he didn’t mean, he will give you a silent response or he will sleep grumpy.

2. Men hate bringing a big, bulky and heavy baggage if there is no need so most likely he will hate you for bringing your whole room and your whole world inside your bag every time you have a date and he’ll have to carry it.

3. When you ask them how’s your cooking and it is bad, they’ll give you uncertain answers – neither a yes or a no but if it’s good they’ll shout a “Busog!” afterwards even if you don’t ask them how was it.

4. Men don’t care if they accidentally worn their shirt inside out even if you tell them they have worn it the wrong way.

5. Don’t let them ask for directions, they will just continue getting lost or they’ll ask a different question.

6. They hate nail polishes that only 1/8 are remaining on your nails.

7. With the 1 thousand not-so-important things you have told him, only about 10 will he remember.

8. They love tinkering new stuff without reading the manual first.

9. They just love inventing their own lyrics of a song.

10. Waking them up is not a problem. They cope well even if it is a disturbed sleep.

P.S.

Men pray short, concise prayers. Women pray long, dramatic prayers. 😉

(This article does not totally represent men in general. I arrived with these conclusions as observed from the men in my life: my Dad, my brother and my fiance.) 🙂

Fearless Fun in Trail Biking

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I was scared. At first.

But then again, the adventure seeker in me said, “Try it out, Tin. What are you afraid of?”

Indeed, what am I afraid of? I really don’t know why but let’s just say I grew up overflowing with protection from my family. Yes, to put it lightly and mildly. 😉

I never experienced riding the bike on a highway and just nestled within the comforts of our own front yard. As a kid back then, it never mattered to me. All I’m after was to spend my endless energy biking around back and forth mindless of anything except the freedom of chasing speed, of defying gravity and the joy of balance. I am proud to say I learned how to ride the bike without any scratch. A very careful driver, you say? Yes, I am!

So, maybe that explains why I have this fear of biking outside the precious protection of our yard and into that long, winding lane where the “kings of the road” converge – the busy highway. I am afraid I might get a scratch this time.

Oh, Tin. What kind of reasoning is that. 😀

I know, you’re probably laughing out loud now. But let’s just put it this way, I admit I am afraid of getting hurt – that kind of hurt that is bigger than a scratch. I am more concerned about a broken neck, a protruding bone from a broken leg, or a dislocated shoulder perhaps. I mean, name any form of accident-related injury, it is enough to make me worried sick.

But, but, but….how will I ever experience a higher level of biking experience if I won’t step out of my comfort zone? How can I always let fear interfere with fulfilling my dreams? (This is more difficult to attain.)

So now, the dream came true. I happened to have been given by God a fiance who enjoys communing with nature and has that adventure-seeking attitude as well. That is, seeking adventure in a healthy and sporty way – TRAIL BIKING.

Whoa! Can I start with biking on a highway first before that? He said yes, and so this was how the fun began.

Sweating, panting, breathing heavily, and having a thumping heart. That was how my first bike ride on the highway felt. Not bad for my first try, Brian assured me. Well, I was actually the one more worried for him as he would constantly look back to check how I’m doing and he might get hit by a fast-moving vehicle from the other lane. But by God’s grace and protection, the first try was an achievement.

I got a sore butt and aching muscles especially in my arms and legs but I was smiling. Gone is the fear and here is the fun.

Brian saw how much I enjoyed it. So what we did was spend quality time together by biking around their neighborhood with just our slippers, regular T-shirts, and shorts. Indeed, practice makes something perfect.

Then the moment came.

He invited me to go biking on the highway of Nuvali in Tagaytay. I said well, that is fine with me. Although I still have this little fear of biking on a highway but not as much during my first attempt. So we loaded the bikes in the car and off we went to our biking venue. When we got there, the weather was just so perfect for biking – a bit chilly and not too sunny.

Pre-Nuvali ride selfie shot with my fiance and my biking partner. Pre-Nuvali ride selfie shot with my fiance and my biking partner.

We readied the bikes and ourselves (of course) and off we went. But after hitting about a few road stretches, I was getting bored and when Brian caught up with me, he asked, “Hon, I know you are getting bored. Do you want to try going in the trail that me and my fellow trail bikers would usually take during our rides? It is not far from here.”

Highway mode on. Highway mode on.

I was a bit hesitant because I have seen his trail biking photos and I know it is going to take so much preparation from me either when it comes to biking gear and equipment or even just mentally, before going in. But, I cannot let fear interfere again, right?

The answer was, “Yes, let’s try it.” And I trusted him that he knows his craft so well. So we took the diversion off the main road leading to the trail and oh boy, it was indeed wilderness with bushes along the trail, potholes, and zigzag paths with steep slopes that welcomed me.

10407210_10203370067044741_7094202867343278772_n Before stopping over.

But, here’s the fun part. I found myself laughing while biking. I was riding the bike with too much precaution that Brian would remind me to just enjoy the ride and just release that tension off the grip. Yes, because I was gripping the bike handles too tight lest I might not be able to hold the brakes when the need arises. LOL

The happy kid in me. *all smiles* The happy kid in me. *all smiles*

I was feeling every motion of the bike and I can feel myself one with it. It was such a fantastic feeling of having this total control over the bike and be able to maneuver it in such a way that you get through going up and going down every steep slope and keep the bike steady with that every bump and every sharp turn.

10929895_10203370065644706_3212246255276071551_n Bushes all around, nothing else but lush greens.

Well, I didn’t stumble and I didn’t fall though I almost did, but I came out the trail unscathed. We stopped for a couple of times so I could catch my breath as I don’t do gym work outs. So definitely I have no cardio exercise which is, by the way, very important before doing any extreme sport such as trail biking. Though we only finished 1/3 of the trail, Brian congratulated me that I made it that far and did it quite well for someone who has no experience whatsoever when it comes to trail biking. Yay! 😀

When we were out on the highway again, I can feel freedom at its best. I was savoring the wind touching my face, the scent of fresh air, the lush greens around me, and even the trucks behind me. I can even ride the bike with just one hand! Yes, along the highway. Just imagine how much I have learned, tried, experienced and accomplished by not giving in to fear and saying yes to fun.

Upon exiting the trail saying Upon exiting the trail saying “peace” to a bumpy but joyful ride. 🙂

Whew! And it was indeed REALLY FUN. Now I am ALL SET for my next trail biking adventure. Next goal – reach midway of the trail in a faster biking pace. *keeping my fingers crossed*

These are the moments that I thank God for – the right recreation at the right moment with the right people. I am grateful too for my fiance and my biking partner who is such a patient guide and teacher.

Oh and for being an excellent photographer too. 😉

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“B” for Bonding with Bloggers and Businesses: BLOGAPALOOZA 2014

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This is the first Blogapalooza event that I have attended and though I am sad I arrived late (4pm to be exact) as I have a previous engagement that I could not cancel, it still was a very exciting experience. Meeting all kinds of people is exciting. Especially fellow bloggers who have the same interest as you do – write about the things we like. 🙂

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BLOGAPALOOZA 2014

Blogapalooza 2014 is a networking event sponsored by When In Manila.com along with Awesome Planet and other media partners as well as over 50 participating brands and exhibitors.

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blogapalooza.wheininmanila.com

I must say I am a bit exhausted already when I got to the event place at SM Aura in Taguig but I could not help lifting up a smile when I saw people buzzing here and there carrying loot bags and conversing with the exhibitors. Some are having fun playing the games including me. I was able to pop 2 pink balloons from Flawless and got two loot bags containing beauty products. More details of their products on my next articles. 🙂

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Chef’s Noodles Booth

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Max’s

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Blue Water Day Spa

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Bloggers and Businesses

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Bloggers and Businesses

Unfortunately, some of the booths ran out of product giveaways already as it is already late but bloggers are still pouring in and signing up even later than I did. But there are still other booths that are giving away free stuff to try so the fun continues on. What I particularly loved about the event is that there are presentations happening simultaneously while bloggers go on with their stuff. Sometimes I stop for a bit when I hear something interesting from a speaker and check who’s presenting.

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WhenInManila.com Founder Mr. Vince Golangco with a guest speaker.

I was there to have a feel of the event and I must say I had a lot of fun and I definitely will be signing up for the next Blogapalooza event tagging along blogger friends. 😉

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Loot bags and freebies.

Very Inspiring Blogger Award 2014

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Greetings beloved readers and fellow bloggers of WordPress!

Before anything else, I would like to take this moment to extend my warmest gratitude to God and to my fellow blogger/writer Ronovan of Ronovan Writes for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I am deeply honored and much appreciation goes out to him for choosing me. Having been nominated, I would like to uphold the award’s name by continuing to provide more inspiring stories and articles to all of you. 🙂

I would like to share this opportunity of appreciating fellow bloggers here on WordPress by selecting my nominations for this award as well. But first, here are the rules in accepting this nomination:

  1. Thank and link to the amazing person who nominated you.
  2. List the rules and display the award.
  3. Share seven facts about yourself.
  4. Nominate 15 other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they have been nominated.
  5. Proudly display the award logo on your blog and follow the blogger who nominated you.

veryinspiringblogaward

7 Facts About Myself

1. I prefer to eat cold food and rummage the refrigerator.

2. I always play a particular song in my guitar wherein I only get 30% of its lyrics right.

3. I enjoy long talks whether they may be over the phone or chit chats over coffee.

4. I love rainy days but ironically, I haven’t experienced getting soaked under the rain on purpose.

5. I have occasional bouts of random words that I do not know popping in my head I just have to write them down.

6. I prefer writing articles using a pen and paper when I am not at home than type them in my laptop.

7. My thoughts may come in as fast as they go out I easily forget things, but my faith in God remains constant.

 

15 Nominations for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award 2014

Heart of Life Poetry

Sublime Days

Replicant Core’s – Photoria

The Crazy Bag Lady @ BulanLifestyle.com

Taking A Deep Breath

Laura Macky

Movies of the Soul

Angelart Star

Ajaytao 2010

Story Smitten

Pride in Photos Photography

Eye Will Not Cry

A Spiritual Journey

The Hungry Artist

A Life Moment

 

These are just some of the awesome blogs that inspire me on a holistic sense. There are still lots of other blogs that I’d like to include but I guess I would have to just end this by saying that all the blogs here on WordPress are amazing and unique in their own special ways. This is in fact what makes my blogging experience worthwhile and awesome – versatility. 🙂

Continue blogging my dear blogger friends and inspire one another, one way or the other. Happy blogging, everyone! 🙂

Summer Splashin’ at Anawangin Cove

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The hilltop view of the ocean.

The choice of our summer destination came just out of the blue. It was a random decision to have our summer getaway at Anawangin when I came across one advertisement over Facebook about tour packages.

We chose Anawangin Cove in Zambales for two reasons: 1) it is near the metro we wouldn’t be traveling for long hours and 2) the camping in the pine trees idea seemed interesting and exciting enough. So off we went planning and organizing the getaway.

Came the day of our summer escapade and we were absolutely thrilled the moment we set foot on the first island during our island hopping. It was Capones Island. A secluded, tiny island host to an old lighthouse. The island was littered with white, big stones smooth enough for you to walk on barefoot but I don’t recommend it at all as the stones tend to get really hot during the day until mid afternoon.

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Beach of Capones Island

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Me and Ja at the old lighthouse of Capones Island.

After Capones Island, we went to Camara Island, an island smaller than Capones with beautiful rock and cliff formations. After taking photos for a couple of minutes, we then headed to our final destination, the Anawangin Cove.

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Rock and cliff formations.

When we got to the venue, the first thing that my gaze searched for were the pine trees. You wouldn’t see them right off the beach but only after crossing the lake that’s between the beach and the camping site. Our package included the camping tents that we will use, our meals for our overnight stay, 5 gallons of water, entrance fee, boat fee as well as fees for our tour guide.

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The Anawangin Cove

We have no problems with the dressing and comfort rooms as there are about 14 of them and there’s enough water supply for all the campers. The toilets are clean although all of them do not have proper locks so I suggest you have a companion waiting for you outside when dressing up or using the comfort room.

The camping site is clean and all the staff are very generous in helping us with our needs and in providing assistance. Better prepare yourself with a good flashlight as there is no electricity and inform your family beforehand that there is no signal in the island for all communication networks.

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The camping site.

The seaside is very clean and the pristine, shallow waters a few meters from the shore made it suitable for non-swimmers like me to enjoy swimming big time.

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Our boat.

But what I wasn’t prepared at all was the trekking to the hilltop overlooking the Anawangin Cove. We were all not prepared for the treacherous hike with its very steep slope, rocky and slippery trail which resulted to shaking knees and extreme exhaustion. But tolerable enough to make your way up and down the hill. So, don’t worry. 🙂

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The hill.

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Onset of the trekking.

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Halfway the climb, almost there.

But cheer up for all your efforts are just completely worth it when you reach the top and be amazed by the beautiful, picturesque scenery that’s in front of your eyes. Ahh the beauty of wonders that forever remain a wonder. 😀

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Finally made it to the top!

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The Anawangin Cove

After the trekking, my friends and I decided to take a dip to cool down our exhausted and tired bodies and then prepared for our departure from the island.

It was a wonderful experience that made me say I am VERY MUCH FULFILLED indeed. I am definitely looking forward to going back and appreciate the beauty of the Anawangin Cove once again. It’s beauty is endless, it is just plain captivating. Captivating enough to make your memories of it worthy reminiscing. Praise be to God for these awesome wonders! 🙂

Happy Post Challenge: A Birthday Like No Other

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My apologies if this is a REALLY LATE post. The month of December is just the busiest. 😀

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

Birthdays, Christmas celebration, season of giving…

They are just some of the reasons why we had this Jollibee Kiddie Party for the children of Christian Light Foundation last December 14. My sincerest gratitude goes to my dear friend and sister in Christ, Frances Joy Reyes, for sharing this wonderful opportunity to me and sis Nina. I would like to congratulate her and her friends who organized the event making it such a huge success. May God continue to bless you, my dear sisters! 🙂

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

It was an afternoon filled with fun, prayer, and thanksgiving all centered on God, His teachings and the birthday of His son, Jesus Christ. I would like to share too how God has been so generous in answering our hearts’ desires. My friend Nina and I have long been planning to celebrate our birthdays (December 17 and December 22) with the children from a foundation instead of just having our own usual birthday parties with friends/family. It even came to the point wherein we thought about going to Samar and Leyte to help those affected by the super typhoon Yolanda. But our schedule didn’t permit us to do it, thus, we settled for a location near us.

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

At this point, please allow me to boast of God’s greatness and how we can really say that He makes everything perfect and beautiful in His time. I never failed praying about what Nina and I have planned. Until time came when Frances told me about the Kiddie Party for the children of Christian Light Foundation. I was more than thrilled, excited, grateful…everything, to be part of it! It was an ANSWERED PRAYER! 🙂

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

God cleared our schedule, He gave us the provisions to be able to help through the storybooks that Nina and I bought for them (thanks for preparing them, sis) as well as a free time to be with the kids. The experience was amazing and very fulfilling. More so when we saw during the party how the kids are having so much fun, how receptive they are in listening to Frances sharing about the gospel and even joined us in sincerely praying to give thanks to Jesus Christ and know the essence of celebrating Christmas Day. Nothing is indeed greater than giving, sharing and making other people happy through God. 🙂

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

It was one of the best birthday celebrations that I had in my entire life. And yet I intend to make it as my first of the many birthday celebrations with a cause. I pray to God that this will be a lifetime commitment and that He will continue to guide us in this endeavor.

© Frances Joy Reyes

© Frances Joy Reyes

I guess what we all need is to just continue having this mantra when we do things: it is all for God – for His honor and His glory. May praise and worship be showered upon Him and Him alone. 🙂

(Thank you sis Frances and friends for the opportunities, for the giveaway, for the photos as well as for the great time!)

(Thank you sis Nina for coming along and for preparing the gifts!)

Origami Kusudama Flower

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Red-Orange Kusudama Origami

This is the tiniest origami flower I have made so far. Folding it has been the greatest challenge as it is difficult to fold an inch-big paper and make it relatively smaller. I colored this one with red and orange poster color to give it that more natural look. I created quite a number of this to decorate the flower box origami I made as a birthday gift to a friend.

If time would permit, I hope and pray I can do more of them, origami. 🙂