leriecka

[leriecka]

It marks our first DIY trip together as a couple. I’m not really good at directions so I can no longer recall how we got there and how much was our expenses. We planned this trip ahead as we both badly needed a breather from the toxi(city).

Budget wise, it’s quite affordable and underrated compared to that famous and expensive Treasure Mountain in Tanay. If you just want to have some breath of fresh of air, this is the perfect nearest place to go from the Metro. They offer tents to rent, very clean restrooms, and accommodating staffs. The only food we brought was rice since the reviews say there’s a convenient store where you can ask or buy meals. True enough, our food was stress-free. We even asked the staff if she can fry our rice leftover and she gladly did. We had fried rice and hotdog for breakfast over the foggy hill.

We can’t afford to stay longer due to our work schedules so we only stayed overnight. The place was well-maintained and it’s not crowded. We found the peace and silence we’re looking for away from our lethal daily routine. If only we could stay longer.

I can’t stress this enough but it’s the cheapest resting place one can always go back to. I’m running out of words for the experience we had because there’s no huge activity, luxury or even interesting encounter that is worth writing at all.

Perhaps, the only fun part was the DIY side where we even fought as to where is where. But I think, that’s normal for people who DIY.

We had what we needed at that moment – peace and silence.

Our energies were recharged and our focus was realigned to the things we’re supposed to look forward to. Fun and thrill are good and definitely gives a change of perspective in a different way. However, the downside is weariness.

Balance is the key.

Sometimes, all we need is the quiet, calm and humdrum hug from nature. After all, where else can find the most tranquil refuge?

#travel

[leriecka]

Our last stop for this summer is in MIMAROPA, the longest and most expensive trip by far. The cheapest we could get is a fixed overnight trip as joiners. On this last hurrah, I am with my boyfriend and sister again.

We got there via land transportation, a huge van to fit 14 heads of travellers. 

We hadn’t a good experience from our organizer but nature has its way of redeeming our mood.

After a long butt-hurt drive from Manila, we arrived at around 6:00 in the morning and had a quick breakfast at the General Luna port for boats going to Maniwaya Island located in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. It was low-tide so we had to use a small boat to transfer into the big one. We’re quite not prepared for that though. All our stuff were dripping with water because of the huge splash that welcomed us en route to our big boat.

We headed off after filling the boat with our fellow sojourners. We secured the sit near the captain on the side edge of the boat so we can free our legs down. It amused me to see how the captain navigates the direction when all you can see is a vast form of water. He knows exactly where is where when I can hardly even tell if we’re moving because the view doesn’t change at all - until the water turns into a different clarity and color.

It took around 30-45 minutes before our touchdown to the Island. We pitched our tent in Pielago Beach. They have fanned rooms (kubo) but of course, where’s the fun if we had to have comfort and luxury? Since it’s also an arranged itinerary, it already included our meals and it’s not some self-service kind of meals. You have to sit together with your fellow travelers and share the food.

This is what I love about being a joiner, getting around and eating together with strangers. You get to see more of people transparently when things get tough on the trip. There’s this irate tita who doesn’t like noise and judges everyone in the place except us; a kind couple who brings the ate-kuya vibe; instagram couple and the jolly human as everyone’s ball of happiness and humour.

I’m quite an observant person so I’m particular with the details and smallest gestures of the people I am hanging around. Sometimes, it frustrating but at least I get to learn how to approach a person in way that won’t start a fire.

As we finished lunch and setting everything up at the beach front, we went on our Island Hopping. First, we visited Mongpong Island to see the Ungab Rock Formation. This is so far the trip I saw my sister the happiest. I urged her to climb up the Rock Formation and be accompanied by Chris. I watched them from afar while cheering them to get on top. I couldn’t explain that simple fulfilment I felt after seeing her dance when she made it on top. Sigh. What a sight.

The second island stop is the Palad Sand Bar. Unfortunately, we haven’t had a good shot of the “Sand Bar” because it was damn crowded. We were only there waiting for everyone to finish their photo ops. Anyway, our third and last stop regained our energy and hype. We went snorkelling and fed the fishes at the sanctuary of Taclobo viewing site. There again, seeing my little sister all smiles doubled my happiness.

“Nawala ‘yung takot ko sa dagat, Ate” 

Man, I’m the softest person when it comes to this human. We went back to Pielago at around 3:30 or 4:00PM for refresh and free time. Their restrooms are 10/10 neat BUT do not expect fresh water. While they have faucets, the water seems unfiltered coming from the ocean. It’s salty and not totally refreshing since you have to deal with its sticky feel in your skin.

They also have a convenient store and the outlets in the unoccupied fanned rooms are free to use for charging. However, signal and electricity are pretty inconsistent. So it’s better to bring a fully-charged powerbank and a handy rechargeable fan with flashlight.

Of course, to end our day, we didn’t want to miss the sunset.

The weather was too humid at that time and you can hardly feel a wind. Thus, we were sweating all night and have to fully open the windows of our tent. We didn’t have a chance to shoot a long exposure because ironically, it was cloudy.

Our organizer asked if anybody wants to stroll around and explore the Island via habal-habal. No one joined after knowing the rate. It’s like around 300-400php per head as far as I remember? We agreed to spend more free time at the beach until our pack up by 10:00AM instead.

We left the Island by then and I can say that all expenses are worth it. As we drove back to Manila, we had a side trip to a Sun Flower Garden. A not so amusing garden but the 50php entrance didn’t hurt.

What we love about this Island is that it has clear turquoise water and living corals that you can see through. This is the farthest province I have been this summer; really no regrets for splurging on a gorgeous nature and fulfilling trip as you see someone you love at her happiest moment. Success!

#travel

[leriecka]

After Zambales, I knew I have to make the most out of summer and go to another beach trip again. I searched for an underrated beach near Manila and found this interesting spot in Pangasinan. We arrived in the morning and were welcomed with a very moody weather. It rained hard and the sight of raging waves covered by dark clouds was daunting. But ha! I’m always up for adventure and thrill.

It’s a small beach located in Burgos, Pangasinan. I was amazed by the fact that it’s unpopulated and the sand was so pristine. The water was clear and turquoise. However, as expected, it’s rocky. I’m not sure if it’s the same with Hundred Islands and Bolinao. But I’ll never forget the first time we went here in Pangasinan when I was a kid, I had a bad deep wound from a rock under the sea. It’s like a quicksand and my foot hit a rock that felt like a dead coral or something.

I was right that it’s going to be the same as before. At least, I know how to be extra careful now. Even by the shore, there are huge sharp rocks getting slammed by the waves.

They offer an overnight stay but it’s highly recommended to bring your own tent and pitch. You don’t have to worry about food because they have a small kitchen where you can pay them to cook your meals. They have a grilling area too and there’s a convenient store from the entrance.

But since it’s not a commercialized beach yet, you got to work hard on their restroom. All they have is a toilet bowl in each cubicle. You have to pump from the artesian well and carry your bucket of water. You will have to do it a couple of times to fill a large drum inside, if you’re like me who can’t take a bath in one pail.

My sister and I enjoyed both the thrill and fun this beach brings. The waves are scary as much as the uncertainty of rocks below the sea but she enjoyed the shore and view of it all, while I was there trying to make friends with the waves. I thought it’s ideal for surfing but I remember the sharp edged rocks. So forget it.

I actually planned to wear a two-piece bikini but had to wear shorts for safety. In fact, even when I wore shorts, my butt hurts when I try to sit on those rocks. How much more if I accidentally hit one? That’s going to be pretty awful.

There was a famous “death pool” that you have to trek less than half an hour from the beach to see the view. But it’s one hell of a rocky path, so we gave it up when we’re halfway through and went back regretting we didn’t wear our flip flops.

We missed that sight but sure we’ll visit it prepared when we come back again.

It was a quick dip for us as a day trip but we both had the breather we badly needed at that time after our deadly hike in Nueva Ecija.

Nevertheless, Cabongaoan is beautiful and I hope the locals will maintain the limited crowd to preserve its beauty.

#travel

[leriecka]

First hike of the year with my boyfriend and sizzum. Mt. 387 is known as the Chocolate hills of the North. If you will look at the pictures you can quite find the resemblance of Bohol. However, I went down with a heavy heart when I saw the actual situation of the mountains. Here is why.

Before heading off, we had a quick briefing led by Sir Roy Manuzon, the chairman of Kalinga sa Kalikasan ng Puncan. He showed us a map to illustrate its history and present situation.

As part of the Caraballo Mountain Range, Mt. 387 covers 387.9 hectares of the Talavera Watershed Forest Reserve (hence, its name).  Aside from its geographical etymology, it has also been called as “Batong Amats” which means Ghost Rock.

We learned that the area is part of the historical trails used by Japanese soldiers during World War II where foxholes were made to serve as a resting place of both Filipino and Japanese soldiers who perished during the war.

(But I wonder if Yamashita left some gold hidden in the secret tunnels they made here too)

We haven’t had a hard time going up compared to my previous climb in Mt. Maculot. It’s not rocky and the soil is dry and firm. Since we did our trek in the morning we luckily caught a stunning sunrise and a beautiful sight of the field below.

But as we push forward, the view is starting to look like a fresh wound that is still in the process of healing. I am not sure what other kind of tragedy these mountains have gone through after the World War II, but the damage has left the mountains to nearly die.

In an effort to restore its life, the locals continue to maintain their agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the reforestation and preservation of the mountains. Ergo, climbers are encouraged to plant a seed during rainy season and bring at least two bottles of water (provided on the site) to water those plants along the trail during summer.

Even if it disturbed me to realize why it’s dubbed as “Chocolate Hills of the North”, I’m glad that the bald mountains are making little progress. Salute to the locals who ensure its restoration, albeit it’s quite a long way to go.

The Talavera Watershed Forest Reserve is just a part of the large Pantabangan–Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve which serves as a major source of water and hydroelectric power in the Central Luzon.

Mt. 387 might just be a small part of a huge terrain that gives us water and energy, but who knows? It might even be our last resource of help when worse comes to worst in our time today.

Important note though, while planting seeds are highly encouraged, we were advised that it should match the climate, the soil and existing trees in the mountain. Otherwise, foreign plants who won’t even survive will kill the ones who have been growing there for a long time now.

Our descend is one hell of a climb. It’s literally death defying.

We traverse a very steep slope while holding on a one freaking rope. Both sides are cliff! I didn’t see any single tree to catch me in case I fall.

One foot on the grave – literally.

We were extremely relieved when we made it down to the falls.

It’s either you fall or make it to the falls. *cries*

Aloha Falls is not that enchanting as other falls I know but after what we have went through going down I swear it’s a paradise.

The difficulty of trailing down made me feel like I am personally experiencing the mountain’s aching wound. It really would have been easier if the mountain is full of trees to hold on to and catch you. I felt its pain that bruised my hands and numbed my legs.

We rode a dumb truck as some sort of 4x4 to go back to the site.

I hope to return in the future and see more greens than a duped chocolate hill.

📍 Puncan, Caranglan, Nueva Ecija

Climb specification: Minor climb

Difficulty : 4/9

Elevation: 724 MASL

#travel

[leriecka]

This trip serves as some sort of celebration after my regularization this month. I finally have my leave credits and made sure to treat myself. I invited my ever kaladkaring friend since high school and this marks our first travel together as adults. Wew. Where did time go???

2D1N Itinerary

Day 1

4:00 AM - 9:00 AM : Travel time 9:00 AM ETA at Crystal Beach Resort 9:00 AM - 12:00 NN : Free time 12:00 NN : Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00PM : Check in time (Beach tent) 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM : Free time 7:00 PM : Dinner 8:00PM - 12 Midnight : Accoustic band at night with bonfire / Fire dance show

Day 2

6:00 AM - 10:00 AM : Breakfast (Breakfast Buffet) 11:00 AM: Check out / Departure 12:00 PM :  Lunch (stop over) 5:00 PM :  ETA Back to Manila

Things to do:

Surfing? We came in with average waves so it never crossed my mind, until I saw several boards near the lifeguard post when I sat there to watch the sunset. I’m not sure if it’s just for fun or they do lessons but I find it cool that it made me wonder how the beach looks like when it’s high tide.

Henna – It’s located beside the restaurant. Rates vary based on the size of your preferred design but it starts at 100php. Props to their nice tattoo artist for giving me a discount and a clean baybayin henna which translates to “malilag/marilag”. I wanted to do the original script but he kindly told me that there is no letter “R” in the original baybayin. I said let it be and he gladly replied with “Okay. Malilag”

Acoustic Night – We were told that they don’t do this activity on a daily basis. It’s usually during weekend and it depends on the resort’s availability on weekdays.  It’s FREE and they do open-mic for their guests, which is fun because it becomes more intimate. Just like how my beshy pimped me to sing on stage when the artists asked for a volunteer (Girl, I cannot. Ang  hirap kasama ni Aubrey, nangbubugaw haha)

Fire Dance – I can no longer recall their name but damn just look at these??? How can they even?!

Events Place – There was a beach wedding during our stay. It’s not something sumptuous but its dreamy and intimate atmosphere due to their little number of guests makes it grand and special. We watched it from afar!

Accommodation + Facilities:

Restroom - 10/10 NEATTTTT

Parking  - I’m not sure how much is their parking fee. But they have accessible and secured parking slots for their guests as it’s located near the campsite. You can easily look after it.

Restaurant - If you’re a solo traveller you might as well consider eating outside instead. It’s kind of expensive but it’s quite ideal for sharing since the price justifies the servings. They also offer free cold water and free use of outlets as charging station. It’s a two-storey restaurant and the upper deck gives you an overview of the resort. Plus! Their crews are so polite!

Campsite – They have two separate sites for camping and glamping. We got a beach tent instead of a glamping tent since we’re only two and it’s only an overnight stay. Both sites are well-maintained by their local workers, so aside from cleanliness you won’t have to worry much about safety and security.

Beach huts - We thought it’s not free but figured people come and go. We didn’t have a chance to try it and take a photo of us since it looks like it’s a first come first serve basis.  Lol. It’s indeed a good spot for siesta though!

Showers  - It’s quite convenient to have a shower a few steps from the shore. You don’t have to run to the Restroom for a quick refresh. Thumbs up to that!

I enjoyed every second catching up with her and how we really wish our other girl friends were also with us on this trip. Apparently, life after high school escalates distance so quick that as much as we want to be complete it will take a loooong time and countless drawings.  

But that’s fine, I’m glad to know we are all growing individually and that’s the most important part.

As for my growth, I’ve prepared myself for a fresh restart on this trip.

Just a quick history, before becoming involved in a church, it was never a big deal for me to wear bikini since my parents - especially my mom - never had a problem seeing me half-naked on a beach/swimming trip.

So after four conservative years, I got sick of swimming with baggage on my body and happy to wear bikini – again.

Liberating.

How I wish I can even go full naked and dive in. Because hey, it’s easier to swim if we’re leaving anything that weights us behind.

Of course, I felt vulnerable especially in the eyes of men but I’m not scared neither guilty as if wearing the proper swimming attire is a sin.

The sunset is not that glorious but it reminds me the beauty of simplicity, an uncomplicated and unapologetic life.

I have always longed to be belonged, relevant and applaud at the expense of losing myself and becoming a doll pulled by the hair.

It’s not easy to live unapologetically. Sure you’ll be casted out silently by those who can no longer micromanage your vulnerabilities. But that’s exactly the most essential part, filtering the people that keep you and your life unsubdued.

#travel

[leriecka]

[ This piece is originally written in Filipino. But for some weird reason, as I was revamping the blog, it got suddenly translated into English. I no longer have the original manuscript since this was written three years ago. But allow me to dump this trash here. ]

It was typical Thursday afternoon that Karen was waiting for a jeepney ride to Boni.

While waiting, Karen holds the Banana con yelo she bought for fifteen cents, to relieve the heat and to avoid having to wait for the jeep.

No more than Teresa's chaotic scene every day, noisy on the basketball court , children swapping cheap cars on the opposite roads and much more.

Once that afternoon, he had an elderly man with a bag of two orange bags and he was waiting the same. He didn't pay any attention to it because he was thinking of going home.

When the key to the old man suddenly drops, Karen will surely pick it up but the elder will take it first.

To Teresa's commotion and commotion, Karen did not know why the world seemed to stop for a few seconds and she heard nothing but the old man next to her.

             “P500 gave * candidate's name *, 'no groceries to Senior Citizens earlier,' ' the elder said to Karen and lifted two orange bags to clearly show her to the girl. "But I'm not going to vote for him" chased the old man aboard the jeep when he stopped in front of him.

Karen didn't know how she should react, whether it was laughing or frustrating. He dismissed his reaction when the thought of that scene had taken place in his mind.

Even Piltin couldn't remember when or where it happened. After a few minutes Karen calmed down and repeated what the elders had said.

He laughed at the thought that the modern "wise voter" was probably.

But Karen was saddened by the fact that if this had happened in the past, it would never have happened again.

#braindump

[leriecka]

It was another Monday morning; Lara woke up at exactly 7’o clock for school. Like the usual student routine, she took a bath and ate her breakfast after.

Lara is a communication student studying in Manila and is residing kilometers away from her school. After leaving the house, she hurriedly rode a tricycle going to the jeep terminal, expectant for another long lane of waiting passengers.

She came to the jeep terminal and became an additional passenger waiting for ages. After waiting for almost half an hour her complaining legs finally got its rest. She sat at the right chair of the jeep and tried to fit herself comfortably.

The barkers continue to shout that there is still space, even though the passengers inside actually looked like a sardine in four wheels already. Lara’s eyes roamed at the woman in front of her and looked at each other.

Lara smirked and the woman smirked back, no words were dropped yet they know.  The jeep went on its routes when a man sitting right beside Lara pulled the string to signal the driver that he will go down.

Without apologies, the man accidentally stepped on Lara’s feet while going down the jeep. The woman beside her left looked down at her feet.

Their eyes met and sigh together, strange it may seem but they know.

While on the road, a student couple sitting behind the driver’s seat was cuddling, Lara exchanged a glance to the old woman beside the couple and shook their heads together.

No sarcastic laughs, but they know.

Lara reached her school and realized how absurd the Jeepney scenario she encountered earlier.

Lara smirked with a silly wondering that if ever they will pass by one another somewhere, women who don’t know each other – but they know.

#braindump

[leriecka]

One afternoon during my solitude, a group of men walked inside my favorite not so hidden fast food chain near our city.

They were but men wearing sleeves and tie under their fine tuxedo, who will obviously eat their lunch and discuss about things under their sun. They sat near my table and started their conversation.

Their language is a blurred sound to my ears, I can’t even imagine such corporate jargon exist and yet it seemed they were up to something important.

Their order came; they ate, conversed and laughed. I am secretly watching them due to their oddness when all of a sudden my wondering came. Why these important people order what they were eating?

Then it was followed by the wish if I could also eat with them. I also wondered what these important people were saying, wishing I could talk with them and ask the last Disney movie they have watched.

Then I tried to guess where these important people went, perhaps Europe, New York or Australia, wishing I could go with them and instagram such beautiful places.

I wanted to know what these important people did as well, wishing I could do it with them so that I also can experience how it feels to be important.

Distracted by other customers who suddenly laughed loudly at my back, my eyes began to roam around the food chain and saw variety of lives eating and talking together.

I decided to stop my musings from what I saw. Awaken by the thought that I am in a public restaurant, I have realized that these important people only look important from a distance.

These important people were no difference from the people who eats under the same roof with me while I was watching these important people having lunch.

#braindump