A country you must explore...and did I hear myself say fall in love too?

My teachers probably had inculcated a deep sense of nationalism in me or probably with those great Filipinos I read about and even met. I don't know why I love this country so much and I must say...the Philippines is indeed a beautiful country. The Pearl of the Orient they say and I couldn't agree more.

I must say that I am fortunate enough to travel some parts of the Philippines since high school. Most of my travels are co-sponsored so less expenditure in my side (besides I can't really afford to travel on my own expenses considering my family's financial status) and yet very rewarding and even more than that. God loves me so much because He gave me opportunities to enjoy His creations even here in our country.

Before, I would be so happy if I can talk to a foreigner. I would be so glad knowing that there are people from other parts of the globe who appreciate our country. I wonder why we Filipinos do not have that much interest in our own land where in fact the Philippines is such an awesome country to explore. It is because what we usually hear, read, and watch about our country are negative things. It has been twice that I was reprimanded by my European friends about why Filipinos prefer to put into the news negative (sometimes frustrating SHALLOW events) than exposing what is something good happening in our country. I was ashamed but I continue to love this country and hoping that someday things will get better.

Going back about exploring the Philippines, there's lot... lot... lot of places to discover in this archipelago which is composed not only hundreds of islands but thousands. From small and astonishing vanishing islands to majestic mountain ranges. Last month, my college friends and I visited the province of Surigao and you will be awed by the wonders of natures there. From crystal clear blue waters of Enchanted River (which is literally enchanted for me) to the magnificent Tinuy-an falls. Only God can create such marvelous nature formations. Today with my teacher friends, I am enjoying the cool waters and idyllic island of Siquijor. Every destination has really something to offer that suits your needs in a vacation...adventure, sight seeing, meeting strangers, meditating or simply unwind from stressful city life.

All we have to do is letting ourselves lost in some places and discover that after all, this country is worth living in.. :-)

The Comeback

It's been a long timesince the last time a posted a blog here. And yeah...amazing things happened. Travels to Palawan, Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Lake Sebu, Mati and ordinary side trips in Samal. Who would expect that I experienced all that for the past two years. I presented my paper at UP Diliman, and my article Priceless Reward was publish in Philippine Daily Inquirer...a dream come true indeed.

I'm still teaching in Davao Christian until now and things are never been the same. (edit you next time).

The Blue Room

I just have been to Blue Room, the official bar of the Apo View Hotel. It's a small place yet so vibrant. The band Platinum performed and they are simply fantastic. MUsic of almost genre are being played. I was even able to dance with one the singers. It was indeed a wonderful experience.

Sir Mel invited few days ago of having sometime together and he Apo View would be the perfect place to be. Without hesitation, I decided to say GO since it is very timely also to have a break after a very tiring quarter. And it was worthy indeed. The Platinum band was very amazing that they will really entertain you in a very dynamic way.

Great place and great performances!

Break

I have just been to People's Park with the (ex)?girlfriend, Analou. It was a tough decision actually. Words were hardly spoken from my mouth. It took a lot of courage to speak the truth, the hurting truth. In short, we are officially break as being lovers.

Lovers indeed since we spent special times also. Special in the way I could never imagine I can experience. Dining outside, going home with her and introduce her to my family; stays in hotel, traveling, strolling at the park, and especially talking about life and sharing experiences, and most especially, trusting each other and caring for each other.

After all of those things, it was very difficult to end such relationship. But things occur sometimes of course not the way we expected to them to happen. I know I handle the relationship very poorly. Time, communication, excitement, special treatment were gone as time passes by. Why I keep on defending myself?

Why?

There are just things that can't be explained by words alone.

To you my, salamat sa lahat2x. Sa care and love mo sa akin. Especially for being so patient and understanding eventhough I'm one of the worst persons to deal with. I know, great things will still happen for each one of us. Just take care.

Salamat kaayo.

I just can't cheat to myself and to other people.

Busy Days

I was not able to appreciate life as it is these past few days. I have been very(?) busy with the different activities in school - both in my workplace and in my graduate studies. More often, Davao Christian consumes most of my time. I had great experiences though with these exhausting times.

Almost two weeks ago, the I Love Philippines Club of DCHS went to Butuan. The activity aimed to promote national consciousness to the youth about our very fascinating past. I'm referring to the pre-Hispanic times. We visited the National Museum, the Balanghai Museum, the Masao River, the newly built Diosdado Macapagal suspension bridge, and the oldest tree in the Philippines located in the town of Magallanes. It was indeed a great opportunity to experience such travel for free. lol

Last Friday, the entrep class of Ma'am J ocy had a short workshop about entrepreneurship. And guess who was the speaker? it was actually Mr. Illac Diaz. we had an opportunity to have lunch with him and to have simple conversation with him. he is truly an inpiring

My hometown

These past few weekends I keep on going home. I certainly don't know why but there is just something that keeps me coming back home often. Well, there are maybe many reasons for it. Our house is very simple(literally) but what is something in home that you feel like very at ease, very comfortable.

The security maybe and the feeling of belongingness and probably ownership. Ha ha ha ha ha what strange reasons for it. Or maybe the company you have at home. But you know it's not an assurance also since there are so many houses which are actually very fancy and yet many people who are living there are not comfortable being there. Well, in my case I just love being with my family. Reminiscing the childhood memories which we joyfully share with each other. Good times and certainly sometimes tough times are worth talking for. Ha ha ha ha ha. My sister Deling would be very amazed on how we succeeded those difficult times before. In short, even though we are not able to renovate fully our house yet but the feeling of being there, standing, sitting, dining, sleeping is just too soothing. The feeling of contentment is just indescribable. Ha ha ha ha ha.

The environment also is one factor. Sometimes in Davao life is so busy that I forget to breath naturally sometimes. More vehicles in the streets, airconditioned classrooms and offices, clogged boarding house. I feel suffocated. Unlike here, the scenery is still green. Less vehicles. Natural air and windy. Serene especially during evenings. What could I ask for? I even have a plan of working here next school year. Ha ha ha ha ha.

After dreaming of living city life, I am asking now going back home. Humans are really insatiable. Ha ha ha ha ha. But of course, I will be bored after some time living here probably. He he he he he.

Still, Davao has something more to offer! But I just love my hometown, Tagum!

I'm Alive!

Exactly one month ago I met a motorcycle accident. It was a fine Sunday morning. The sky was very bright. The sun was up. I decided to ask my brother to teach me how to drive a single motor. And he did. We went to the oval not far from our home. It was already scary every time I take a turn. I was able to drive it how many times on the open ground. We went back home and had agreed that I will be the one to drive. And I did. It was good feeling. I just have the difficulty in stepping the clutch to set the ideal speed of the vehicle along the way. We went further to the outskirts of our barangay since it was a paved road and few vehicles are passing there. When we went back home we decided to pass at Bario Site, the center of our barangay. When we were nearing the corner where I was about to turn, I stepped the clutch and brake to reduce the speed but I was able tighten my grip which cause the motorcycle to accelerate instantly and I just lose control. My brother was asking where are we going and we just dived into the canal!