Brave Soles

It is 12 midnight and I just finished packing my bag. In less than 4 hours, I will be at the airport again. Yey! Finally, I’m traveling! Though it seems there’s nothing new to it, there actually is. It’s different from all the previous trips that I had because for the first time, I’m going solo. It will just be me and my backpack. 

You see, I like to be always on the road. I like to travel; evidenced by my previous posts on my thoughts and dream of seeing the world. 

For 3 years, I still haven’t been to many places. And on those few where I have been, I was always with friends and/or with my mom. Don’t get me wrong, I love their company. So much that I’m looking forward to our trips on the second half of this year. 

I am just consumed by the idea of being alone in some place unfamiliar. 

I have been planning to do this since 2010. I have been following blogs by solo female backpackers that I’m slowly dying of envy every time. I have been researching and contemplating on which perfect place to go for my first trip. But for some reason (I refuse to disclose), not one plan materialized.

I’ve considered Sagada, Calaguas, Tagaytay, Baguio, Batangas, Dakak and even Tawi-Tawi. But it’s always either too near or too far, and oftentimes too expensive.

At times when I’ve got nothing to do, I always ask myself: How is it like? Can I gather enough courage to do it? Will I enjoy? What will I gain from it?

The answers to these questions are what I hope to discern when I get back over the weekend. 

This trip actually came unplanned. I already forgot that I booked a plane ticket from an airline promo last year. When I browsed thru my inbox, I saw a confirmation of my booking.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue it since there are a lot of things I’m expecting to spend on right now. I like to be really spontaneous but not on times when budget is a big consideration. It always is, anyway. So yes, I decided I’m going. 

I’m welcoming my birthday month with a bang! ;)

But it wasn’t easy telling people that I’m off for a weekend get-away, alone.

I’m quite surprised that although solo backpacking is a popular thing Westerners do, and at the same time gradually becoming common to Filipinos and Asians, I still get that open-mouth-fallen-jaw-crossed-brows look every time I initiate on the topic of my thoughts of going on a trip, unaccompanied.

You may ask why I obsess on trying to go on a trip alone when it’s so much fun to be with crazy friends.  I wouldn’t argue on that because I also have equally crazy friends. And I definitely enjoy traveling with them and doing crazy things on the side together. But isn’t it good to have some “me-time”, too? I am not sure but I believe it has been studied that spending time alone is actually healthy. It can help you reflect on the various aspects of your life, thus promoting mental, psychological, emotional and even spiritual growth.

Besides, my friends and I always try to have an escapade every year. I don’t think being on my own for some short trips would hurt. I practically live and work alone here in the metro, so what difference will it make anyhow? 

Yes I may come as noisy, naughty, and almost crazy. I can talk non-stop and I can laugh boisterously. But I also constantly seek for privacy. Albeit ironic, I actually find serenity in silence and pleasure in a day or two of solitude.

To quote a line from Kelly Clarkson’s song Stronger “It doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone.”

So imagine lying on a hammock or bench on some secluded beach while reading your favorite book and sipping your favorite drink.

Imagine biking around the temples in Cambodia while waiting for the beautiful sunset.

Imagine doing a yoga retreat in Goa, India. 

Imagine.

The mere imagination of it already brings joy to my senses. I still cannot afford a Cambodia or India trip though. The closest I can get myself now is beach bumming on some small island with a book or my journal while listening to the gentle waves and enjoying the stillness of the place.

As I close my eyes, I’ll take a deep breath; smile sweetly and thank God for these simple things. What a bliss, isn’t it?

So for those who finds me weird because I choose to travel alone, please know the feeling is mutual. In fact I find it rather strange how can some people think that way. I pity their cowardice and lack of independence.

But then again, they are entitled to their own opinion as I am entitled with mine. 

This is me. When it comes to the people and things that I love, I am one fervent soul.

And when it comes to my passion for traveling, I certainly have brave soles.

this is where I'm heading <3

Postcards from Palawan

No posts from me for almost a week now. Writer's block.

Echos lang! Haha. :p

Since I'm not in the mood to write (or maybe  it could be the lack of inspiration. Naks.) despite the backlogs I have for this blog, let me share with you this entry from my college classmate slash travel buddy slash good friend, Romel. (Click for the link at the end of this post).

It has already been an annual event for us, with our other classmates and friends Venus, Godo, MJ and Ex to spend a week or less for a local getaway. This blogpost is about our Palawan trip in August 2011. There's so much to do there so aside from the usual city tour, we also ate crocodile meat and tamilok; scuba dived; biked in their boulevard; snorkeled at Honda Bay; watched fireflies; and of course, personally saw one of the world's new 7 wonders - the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River.

We first traveled together back in August 2010 in Bicol, with another friend and classmate Hyannie. Too bad she wasn't able to join us last year. We did wakeboarding at CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC); island-hopped and rock-climbed in Caramoan; and ziplined in Legaspi, Albay with Mt. Mayon as backdrop.

I know it's not really planned but I noticed there is always a beach in our chosen destination. 

Summer in August, anyone? :D

This year (guess which month?), we are set to invade Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, side-trip to Baguio, go hiking and spelunking in Sagada, and another side-trip to Bataan.

I cannot contain my excitement. This will surely be another great, and fun-filled trip with equally great and fun to be with friends! :)

Go here for Romel's more detailed entry >>> All my bags are packed and ready to go!: The Angry Birds goes to Palawan

When All Else Fails... RUN!!!

There have been many predictions about the end of the world. In fact, there have also been various movies shown having that theme. 

So imagine the world is about to end and there is a zombie apocalypse. 

Who are you gonna call? Ghostbusters! Este Zombie-busters! LOL. 

Kidding aside, should there be a zombie outbreak, what are you gonna do? Instincts say: RUN! 

Run, sprint, crawl, and jump if you have to.  And that was exactly what we did at Outbreak Manila last April 14. 

Though in real life, I might just find some place to hide. Hehe

It was a 5-kilometer fun run inspired after Run for Your Lives in the U.S.

We had to protect our “lives” from the zombies, represented by 3 red flags stapled on a belt in our waist. The goal is to have at least one flag at the end of the finish line. The top 40 fastest runners will get a medal.

Here are some pictures:

we were early kaya pictorial muna. ang aangas! haha

hello sunrise! :)

warming up

kami na next!

bring it on! :p

wave 10 - 7:45 AM

let the running begin! 

what's so funny zombies? LOL. ayun ako oh! :p

almost there.. almost! :D

the survivors, the spectator, and the zombies :D

oo na, nanghiram lang ako ng medal :(

yes i did! :)

I was wearing a dress since assuming there will indeed be an outbreak, it must come unexpectedly that you wouldn’t have the time to change into your running outfit. Who knows, you might be asleep in your boxers, or worse, you might even be taking a bath. Hehe

By the way, have I mentioned the run was star-studded and action packed? Guess who we ran with?

The Avengers!

The Flush, este Flash! :p

Ronald McDonald and Spidey!

And of course, if there are Zombies.... there are also the Plants! 

kaso baliktad, di sila lumalaban. haha

It is also worth congratulating the “zombies” for living up to their roles. Their costumes and make ups were all so cool especially the guy who played as Michael Jackson. Plus, it’s no joke to be staying under the angry heat of the sun for 6 hours. 

thriller!

zombie sailormoon with jacko

no other zombie can be more famous than him

Kudos to all the organizers of Outbreak Manila. I hope this will become an annual event. Running has never been this challenging, and FUN! :D

**Photo credits to connie and pinoyfitness.com**

Errr... I am the Speaker!

Last March 29, 2012, I visited my elementary school. The last time I did was back in December 2008 at the Alumni Homecoming. Prior to that, I never had the chance to go back ever since I graduated in 1999.

It was Holy Family School’s graduation day and I got invited to be the commencement speaker. I was hesitant at first but I eventually agreed because to be remembered and invited by my alma mater is both an honor, and a privilege. I even forgot about my fear, which I’ve read, is also the no. 1 social fear of even the most prominent politicians and the most famous business tycoons: the fear of speaking in public.

The moment I step foot on its grounds, I felt nostalgic. I remembered how we hear mass every first Friday on its church; how we used to play between the three gigantic acacia trees beside it; how we ran and fool around while trying to speak English up to the extent of what we knew about the language; and how we savored the two-peso ice scramble and arroz caldo during recess time.

While my mom’s busy with parking, I saw Sir Steve, our Language & Reading teacher, from afar. I was glad to see him again after so many years. He still looks the same. It seems he hasn’t aged a bit. I’m gladder when, as soon as he saw me, he mentioned my name. Oh, isn’t it nice when even after 13 school years, your grade school teacher still remembers you? Imagine how many batch of pupils have he taught already? 

The baccalaureate mass has just started when we came so mom and I decided to attend. I sat beside Ms. Mil, our school principal who like Sir Steve, appears to be still youthful as always.  

The graduation program started right after the mass. I had to parade along with the graduates and the faculty. I was seated in between the school principal and the school administrator. I was browsing thru the program and I was anxious as my turn to speak was getting nearer.

Just when I thought the privilege of being chosen as a speaker outweighs my fear for public speaking. I was wrong. 

And so I was introduced. For me it was not necessary, but it was obligatory for the benefit of the audience.

I tried to crack a joke to break the ice and to lessen the nervousness. I guess I delivered it quite well as I saw my former teachers and some parents smile, giggle, and laugh a little while I speak, unless I was only imagining things. Hehe :D

Then I started talking. In the middle of my speech, I got lost from where I was reading. My knees were shaking the whole time and I am not sure but the faculty who were seated right behind me must have noticed; perhaps the audience, too. Standing there in front of the glass podium felt like forever but in fact, only eight minutes later, I was done.

Maybe I could have done it better. But overall the experience was splendid. It’s something I will always be proud of. Thank you, Holy Family School for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Here is the link to the final draft of MY SPEECH, not exactly verbatim as I squeezed in a few and spontaneous lines/jokes at the start. 

The graduating batch

Marching with the faculty

With GR, Sir Steve, and Sir Rod.

I thank you! :p

The Speech

 

Graduation Speech

Holy Family School

Brgy. Paraiso, Sagay City, Neg. Occ.

18^th Commencement Exercises

29 March 2012

Theme: “Your Gift of Learning, Our Tool for Nation Building”

Distinguished guests, members of the faculty and staff, proud parents, graduates, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

The thought of having to stand in front of an audience has always scared me, more so if I am required to speak.

With that, I have (quite an embarrassing) secret to tell. I remember when I was your age; I intentionally went to school late almost every morning. Sir Rod, our class adviser back then, can attest to that. For one reason: I avoided attending the flag ceremony. I was worried that I might be asked to lead the beating of the national anthem.

But of course, I cannot avoid those things all the time. In fact, on the day of our graduation, I was tasked to read the responsorial psalm during the baccalaureate mass. As soon as we got home, my mom told me: “Kadasig sa imo magbasa, daw ginalagas ka sang ido.”

So when I got the invitation to speak today, I was anxious yet very honored and overwhelmed that I cheerfully agreed. It was only then when I realized, this opportunity to speak with the hope to inspire to my dear Alma Mater, has always been my dream.

Writing and preparing this speech was a great experience, one that did not come without its share of trial and error. But more than that, it allowed for something truly wonderful--a chance for me to reflect on a school whose lasting impact on me did not end with the simple act of graduating here.

For all it's worth, and even if no one else remembers the speech I gave today, it will forever live on for me as the fulfillment of a dream, and the feeling that I could give back in some small way to the place and the people who have made me who I am.

Today is Holy Family School’s 18^th Commencement Exercises. Congratulations! But look, I still have here with me this little card which contains our graduation program dated back in 1999, including even my Graduate Ribbon. Yes, I have been keeping this in my treasure (shoe) box for 13 years now. Please don’t be too quick to compute for my age though. Hehe

Indeed, I value my gradeschool education as much as I value my college diploma. But I don’t mean for you to take that literally. I want your young minds to understand that although having access to education is each person’s right, having a Holy Family School education is a privilege given to a few. And that includes ME, and all of you, graduates.

Many say that high school is the best and the most significant, others argue it is college. I cannot debate on either of that. However, sometimes some people fail to acknowledge the importance of elementary education wherein we first learned to speak and write our ABC’s and count our 123’s. It is where we are being taught of the right morals thru GMRC; where we first gained knowledge of the value of family and friendship; where we initially developed both our interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

And as in your theme, all these gifts of learning will be the basic tool for nation building. I know or rather, I’m sure, this venue for today, holds the next teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, engineers, politicians, maybe even bankers like me. As Tom Brokaw quoted, “You are educated.  Your certification is in your degree.  You may think of it as the ticket to the good life.  Let me ask you to think of an alternative.  Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”

I can say I am blessed for having been a part of the Development Bank of the Philippines. Early on in my career, it helped me to become more sensitive to different social needs, to become aware of my moral obligations, and to embrace the demands of the society. Most importantly it helped me, in one way or another, meet all these moral and social expectations from me. However, having first-hand information on these social needs has also its disadvantage. It was highly surprising how some of the educated youth of today fail to display eagerness in nation building. Have they really forgotten their responsibility towards our nation or do they knowingly skip the tasks for fear of the pains of accountability?

So my dear graduates, as you become loaded up with weapons of proper education and moral and ethical values, you are expected to become the armies of battles against societal adversities. I appeal for you to be socially responsible and to work collectively to help reshape our nation’s image to attain that developed status and move forward from being a 3^rd-world country.

In these trying times where our country suffers from various socio-economic crises, our government came up with the 4Ps or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. It was created to help alleviate the condition of our poor countrymen. Being in the government myself and as a development banker, I’ll end my speech by also sharing my 4Ps to success and hopefully will aid you in your pursuit for knowledge and make you catalysts for social change.

First is Perseverance. Cliché as it may sound but always remember: Winners never quit and quitters never win. Strive to be the best in everything you do.

Second is Play. Enjoy your youth. You’re too young to be stressed. But at the same time, maintain a proper balance between school and play or work and play.

Third is People. In your lifetime, you will be meeting a lot of people. Cultivate relationships. Develop friendships. Share laughter with those around you, rejoice on each other’s triumphs, as well as learn from each other’s mistakes.

Lastly, Prayer. We don’t always get what we want in life. We only get what we need and what we deserve. If at times, everyone and everything in the world may seem to be against you, pray for God’s presence. When all else fails, what could be more powerful than a strong and unmoved faith?

Thank you and may we all be instruments for nation building.

Again, my warmest Congratulations graduates!