#expgoals

[elseinbetween]

November 13, 2019 | Van Gogh Alive BGC, Taguig City

It’s almost like an unspoken pact to go to anything artsy these days. From the Sip & Gogh to the Planetarium and now we’re here. I remember that soon after we finished the exhibit, Hannah and Jane were already planning where to gogh next. And while the show itself both underwhelmed and overwhelmed, it was still a nice experience as a whole. You can really immerse yourself in the artist’s life works. 

I find Van Gogh’s art pieces disturbing as much as they’re ravishing. Maybe what makes you vulnerable really makes you beautiful after all. But having learned about some of his days, I wonder how hard it must have been to share this version of himself, and how equally hard not to. The infamous Starry Night in particular glued me in front of it for a good number of minutes. It hurts me to think of how much heartache and how many breakdowns he had to go through to create that piece. 

And now, for the life of me, how can I even fathom the thought of how much heartache and how many breakdowns God had to go through to create this masterpiece that is you and me. So Paps, for everything You had to go through and overcome to have each of us, I can never thank You enough.

© Hannah Dela Cruz, Jane Pangan

#God #expgoals #disciples

[mariuskalander]

Tweet

I Numeri del #Milan Possesso palla 57%,vantaggio territoriale 59% TIri a p. 18 Tiri concessi a p. 6 Tiri in p. a p. 7 Tiri in p. sub. 3 Perc. par, 65% Expected Goals subiti 17,fatti 30 Saldo ExpGoal-GS meno 7 Saldo ExpGoal/GF meno 7 Precis. tiro 40% Peric. off. 10% Efficacia dif.

— Mario Calandra (@MariusKalander) December 19, 2017

#IFTTT #Twitter

[elseinbetween]

February 16, 2020 | Lampanag Ridge Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

I left Eiffel Kubo, my accommodation, in dark-sky hours, that thin edge between night and morning. Rode a bus plying the CDO route and alighted at New Ilocos--boundary of Malaybalay and Impasug-ong. The sleepiness of the city was apparent but my poor sense of direction didn’t waver a bit. Wala na talagang pinipiling oras ang pagkaligaw. Hindi ba’t pwede namang pagsikat na ng araw? Thank Paps, Vinson, my guide, came to the rescue. 

We reached Datu Melendez’ house in the peaceful sitio of Kibuwa, the jump off, around four and started trekking. Looking up, we were graced with the starry sky. It was such a heavenly view. Thank You, Jesus. We moved on assured that we’re up for an amazing feat in an hour or two. The trail was mostly downhill, very similar to that of Paminahawa--one of its neighbors. It was cold and damped of morning dew. I couldn’t care less, though. And at 5 a.m. mark, we finally hiked up the ridge. 

Seeing the Tagoloan River from the Lampanag Ridge in photos and videos made me want to go out of the gate. And here I was. Never mind the cold and our failed attempt to light a fire. I looked around, listening to the silence. There were few campers but it was so quiet. And in less than an hour, I started seeing this hazy pre-dawn light. It meant the sun would be peeking out over the mountains in a couple of minutes. 

I’m gonna see my better days, I thought, as I felt the first rays of sunlight on my face. It was a different kind of safe and warmth--the kind that only God can give. I savored this solitude, this happiness, this moment of sheer love and goodness. Oh, how far I’d scale the valleys, Jesus, if You grace this other side. Thank You.

#God #Jesus #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

February 15, 2020 | Malaybalay & Valencia Cities, Bukidnon

After yesterday’s turn of events, I woke up in an unfamiliar city, more than a thousand kilometers away from home. Original plan to kick off this trip was tackling Mt. Capistrano but I unfortunately came during its healing season. Rest well, mountain. I guess I’ll just have to live slow this Saturday morning. And it’s totally fine.

With my sling bag, camera and plaid shirt, I went out to do some exploration--unfazed by the afternoon sun. Ang ganda ng panahon. I won’t mind getting lost on a beautiful day like this one, I thought to myself. So I hopped in a multicab en-route to Casisang where I’ll transfer in a habal-habal to Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm. It took me an hour to reach the place. The DIY hobbit houses in here are creations of the owner himself with the resources available in their farm. Wow. It was a sight to see. And I wish I had tried their coffee. Next time, maybe? Self, today, it’s the house of the hobbit. In another lifetime, it’ll be the summit.

My next destination was in the nearby city of Valencia. I suddenly remember how Lake Apo didn’t make it to our Northern Mindanao trip last 2018. Isang oras din ito mula Malaybalay at 30 minutes din ang nadagdag sa aking motor taxi diaries. Hehe. And around four, we turned up at Guinoyoran where the crater lake is nestled. Ang perfect sana mag-sunset dito. However, I couldn’t find the trail up to have the perspective I had in mind. Akapta.

In retrospect, the highlight of this day would be the in-betweens. The multicab rides and the habal-habal adventures. The bumpy and windy paths were the most unforgettable experiences. It’s always fun travelling like a local when I go solo. Maybe because I get to know the place better and I get to remember the memories I had for a long time. Capping the day with a cup of Monk's Blend coffee seemed fitting--warm and comforting. Thank You, Home Team.

#God #Jesus #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

January 12-13, 2020 | Fresno Agro Forestry & Eco Tourism Campsite Tanay, Rizal

Over ramen and coffee, Ijo, Hanah and I looked for a place to go and when we found one, we packed our bags six days later and left. Just like that. And after more than an hour on a familiar road, we alighted at Sitio Maysawa--the same jump off of Treasure Mountain that we camped at almost three years ago. We even drove past its gates en-route to Fresno which sits atop Mt. Kulis (620 MASL). 

We reached the campsite around sunset. And even when the sky's already turning purple, Fresno offered us one of the best 360-degree view of Tanay mountain ranges without much effort. Jinjja yeppeuda. We then eased up in our little kubo before racing out for dinner, moon-gazing and some serious conversation. Hanah bared some of her heart tonight--sharing how she hurt and how life is too long, there’s too many unwanted scenes. I nodded off hoping her next chapter would be better and kinder than the previous ones. 

Our three-person unit woke up to a cold ash-fall-covered morning. Yes, naabutan na naman kami ng kalamidad sa galaan. But as always, Paps kept us through the night. And around 5:30, we started trekking down to Noah’s Arc. We waited for sunrise while anchored on top of the mountain over the sea of clouds. How can we not sing hallelujah to the God who makes beauty out of the ashes we’re in?

We soaked up the majestic start of day and then hiked up its neighbor peak, Mt. Sambong (629 MASL), right after. And maybe I love the scenery better here. Coming back to this side of Tanay after years, I realized that some things never change (despite the many things that did), the serenity that this kind of view gave me and the way I’m holding on tight with these two beside me. 

As I behold Your beauty with unworthy eyes The only song my soul can find to sing Is hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah my King (Transfiguration, Hillsong United)

#God #Jesus #expgoals #TFs #H #♫

[elseinbetween]

December 27, 2019 | YDG Coffee Mandaluyong City

Overcoming minor conflicts (a.k.a. her unenthusiastic replies, haha), Hannah met up with me in SM Megamall after my self-care appointment--both unaware that we’re in for a funny surprise. And ta-da! We’re wearing the same outfit! Custard top and faded denim jeans. I know we sometimes think alike pero sobrang epic pa rin nito. Para kaming magsspecial dance number dalawa or para kaming may pagtingin sa isa't-isa. I cannot. Haha. Napa-bili tuloy ako ng new top nang wala sa oras.

We set off to YDG Coffee in Mandala Park after that comic anecdote. And over coffee and lots of carbs, we talked about career and love and just life in general. How we’re doing well in some areas but not faring any better in others. And it’s not too bad. We’re living this life for the first time after all. I’m just glad and thankful to have someone I can journey the highs and lows (and thicks and thins) with. Because what we’ve found in each other is pretty great. I guess as time goes on, you’ll understand that what lasts, lasts; what doesn’t, doesn’t. So here’s to something that lasts. Thank You, Paps.

#disciples #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

November 28, 2019 | San Vicente, Palawan

Right from the get-go, visiting this laidback and lesser known town of San Vicente was on my #BakitHindi list. Which is very much unlike El Nido, by the way. The contrast is interesting. Medyo macculture shock ka dito if you fancy the crowd. But for an introvert like I am, it was a haven.

San Vicente features the longest white beach in the country. Ang sarap sanang libutin ng 14-kilometer shoreline with a motorbike but the drizzling afternoon didn’t permit it. Driving through the town, though, while getting chased by the rain with Kuya Allan, my driver-guide, was fun in itself. Really. My body’s still aching from Taraw aftermath but I traveled long enough to know that a joyride like this was a must. 

We stopped by at Secret Beach to snack on fresh coconuts. Unfortunately, Tatay was not around to pick us some. We lingered a bit and talked about Kuya Allan’s archery career and whatnots. Simple pero hindi daw madali ang buhay nila dito. That’s something I often hear from the towns I’ve stayed with. We’re just seeing a glimpse of their reality and we just want the good side of it. I guess we all have our kind of hard in this life and nobody had anything easy the way we imagine it to be. 

It was around 5 PM when we reached the top of a hill in Brgy. Alimanguan where Bato ni Ningning is settled. I talked and joked around with the locals while biding my time. They’re telling a story that the sun was setting in a different spot before. And as if on cue, the sun began to climb down and turned everything to something beautiful. We rode back to the flat land in a chilly November dusk seeing Venus and Jupiter aligned with the crescent moon in the night sky. It was a good day. As always, thank You, Paps.

#God #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

November 27, 2019 | Nacpan and Las Cabanas Beaches El Nido Palawan

The sky’s lazy blue as we parked near the Nacpan Beach. I was starving, so I had lunch in Sunmai first, chit chatted with their friendly crew (na napagkamalan akong foreigner, haha) before setting out on my own. I understand why people drove their way here. Nacpan is a lovely stretch of a beach with its golden sand, dazzling blue sea and lined-up palm trees. When I found a good spot, I pulled out Don Miller’s Blue Like Jazz, and stared blankly into the vast beautiful ocean in between the lines. 

We went to the other side of El Nido for the second half of my chill escapade. And since there’s enough time before sundown, I decided to check out The Nesting Table. And surprise! You need to hike up to reach the place. Had I known better, pinagkasya ko na ang sarili ko sa dalampasigan. Haha. Thankfully, their pandan chia pudding is really good that made the short trek worthwhile. 

Known to be the best place on the island to witness incredible sunsets, I walked my way to Las Cabanas Beach Resort (na nasa dulo ng walang hanggan). There was a crowd already. So I grabbed a beer in a sea of non-locals and waited for the grand event to wrap up the day. If only it would last a lifetime. Thank You, Jesus.

#Jesus #books #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

November 27, 2019 | Taraw Peak El Nido, Palawan

Graced by a sky full of stars at five in the morning, I thank Paps. I then geared myself up and met Hansel, my guide, and headed to the jump off. Medyo prepared naman ako, I think. I even had my training climb in Rizal early this month. So make way for Dora, folks. Let’s go!

The trail was ascending gradually as we move into the jungle. From the first minute to the last, we were clambering more than climbing. The terrain was rocky and steep with jagged limestone rocks. There were few vertical sections that reminded me of my once-in-a-lifetime spelunking stint in Sagada. They made the ascent more difficult than it already was. I couldn’t help but wonder how in the world will I climb down this trail later. Self, paano? Haha.

At six, we finally reached the top (250 MASL). And once we cleared the final stretch, the view opened up and what a view it was. It made for a phenomenal landscape of Bacuit Bay and El Nido town. I slowed my racing heart and waited for the night to thin out as the sun climbed the horizon. My delight quotient scored high. Good morning, El Nido. And thank You, Paps.

Like my premonition, going down was a lot more challenging. I enjoyed maneuvering the rocks and crevices but I obviously lacked endurance. But I’m still proud of the way I did the hike. This is by far my hardest rock scrambling ever and I survived with flying colors. Strong and courageous? Who am I not to be? I’m a child of God after all. We’re back at the safe ground around eight–drenched and tired and satisfied. Thank You, Home Team.

#God #Jesus #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

November 26, 2019 | El Nido, Palawan

After almost the whole-day travel on D1, we’re now ready to hit off this #GoingSelah experience goal with island hopping. I know what you’re thinking, though–that I’m not cut out for a tour like this. Majayo. But hey, we’re already here (and I already paid, haha) so might as well give it a try. 

First stop is the Seven Commando Beach. And while the others were busy snorkeling, I just hung out and chatted with our tour guides and boatman. Hindi raw maganda ang panahon nung mga nakaraang araw so we can consider ourselves lucky to have a cloudy day like this one. I downed my mango shake and glanced up while they finished their coffee. Thank You, Paps. After an hour, we moved to I miss you este Shimizu Island for lunch. And mygad, pinalusong talaga ako nina Kuya sa chest-deep water with strong offshore waves. You’re doing great, self.

The highlight of the day would be the Big Lagoon. Definitely. I remember swallowing hard as I got down the shaky boat with Zed, the assistant tour guide/photographer. We kayaked our way into the lagoon’s narrow entrance of two limestone cliffs to what seemed like a different realm. I learned the ropes quickly and glided across the crystal water, taking in the sights in the front seat. Neomu yeppeuda. I guess this is what you get in doing something risky and trying your best to live the life in front of you. So here’s to conquering more of your nevers, self. You are brave.

#God #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

September 30, 2019 | Mt. Parawagan Rodriguez, Rizal

Having finished Montalban Trilogy V1 early this year, Mt. Parawagan is my top pick among the three mountains in V2. Kaya naman when Hanah voiced out her need for some mountain air and Ijo and I were able to work on our schedules, we whisked her off for another escape. 

We reached Sitio Wawa a little after five in a cold and damp morning. Ang promising kaya ng panahon sa Maynila. Hindi naman namin inakala. And like a tease, it started to rain softly. Hindi pa naman kami nag-prepare ng sun dance number. Hehe. We waited for the pitter-patter to stop and we headed south and started trekking--all grey and cloudy. Sunrise hike, eodi?

The trail is quite wide leading to a moderately steep ascending slope full of loose rocks and mud. It resembles Mt. Balagbag’s. Hanah, just behind Kuya Eagle, was leading our friendship tripod and I was at the tail of the pack. Get a grip, hiker self. And after more than an hour scaling, we have successfully reached atop (480+ MASL). May pasulpot-sulpot namang clearing. We caught sight of the neighbor mountains and the skyscrapers of Makati. I can only imagine how beautiful the sunrise here would be. I really should come back. It seems that my summit anthem, Hillsong United’s Transfiguration, was timely. “Lead my longing heart to the high ground, to a clear view.”

As if on cue, the passing shower earlier decided to pass again. Big, heavy sheets of it. It made the descent more challenging. But we’re made of some tough stuff, you know. We geared ourselves up and climbed down. I ran—gingerly at first and then with more confidence. It felt amazing. I figure that this is one of the many things that can happen when you believe in yourself. And just like that, we’re back at the jump off in no time, looking like a flailing mess. Messy but happy. Thank You, Jesus.

#Jesus #expgoals #TFs #H #♫

[elseinbetween]

September 27, 2019 | San Fernando, La Union

The sun beat down on us. But seeing Ian made me care less of missing the sunset because I already have mine. And though clingy was never what I aim for, I seriously miss this guy, so I pulled him close into a side hug. Under the dim street lights, I saw him smile. And I soaked it all in. The end of day. Hands clasped together. Our puns and banters. Him. We are together for now, below this orange sky, in front of the choppy black water and its white-tipped waves, and somehow, it is enough.

For all the good things that spring from the difficult ones, thank You, Jesus.

#Jesus #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

May 1, 2019 | Tondol Beach Anda, Pangasinan

I couldn’t believe we made it to the beach in these early hours. I gave up few sunrise sessions before because the snuggle was real. Haha. But not today, sleepy forces. We got up, strapped our cameras on and treaded to the beach. The morning revealed Tondol at low tide with its fine white sand. Malayo layo ang nilakad namin to get a good spot to take pictures. Then the sun started making its move, leaving strokes of pink in the sunrise sky. And right there was the exact kind of color I was looking for, and in my peripheral, I saw Ian’s trademark smile. Thank You, Jesus.

The crowds began to thicken so we checked out before lunch. It was another three hours of joyride and jumping convo. And of course, I seized every opportunity to make him listen to Red Velvet songs. (Once he becomes a Reveluv, my job is done. Haha). In retrospect, I guess good memories are like a good song. You just don’t want them to end. P.S. So let’s play Bad Boy and RBB one more time, Hon. :)

#Jesus #expgoals #redvelvet

[elseinbetween]

June 19, 2019 | Lualhati Park Coron, Palawan

My beach hopping activity wrapped up early. I had enough time to wash up at Dayon and go for another sunset-chasing story. Few blocks away from this bayside plaza is the town market and the port area. There’s also few establishments and a basketball court nearby. I think people love to spend their end of day here, tourists and locals alike.

The odds of having one glorious sundown like yesterday’s was kind of low this time. Parang ang dilim at ang lungkot ng langit at ng paligid. Or maybe it’s just my imagination. I gazed around and everyone seemed happy. Maybe contented is a better word. They seemed contented on whatever comes next. A smile skittered across my face. Because you know what? Maybe I should be too.

Iba-iba ‘yung sunset. Minsan mainit, minsan maulan. Pero lahat naman ng ‘yun, iisa lang ang pakiramdam. (Sakaling Hindi Makarating, 2017)

#expgoals #blah

[elseinbetween]

April 29, 2019 | San Juan, La Union

After a month apart, it’s almost sunset when we reached Urbiztondo one hectic Monday afternoon. I dragged Ian to the nearest alley and walked up to the beach. The showtime’s already starting, but I need a better seat so we went back to the highway and moved to the Great Northwest. Thanks Paps we’re under the wire as the sun drifts down splendidly. I thought of the first time I came here. I’d loved this place immediately, even then. It’s ever changing and I love it just the same. 

And like a done deal, there’s no better way to end this sunset mission than a cold brew, smores and good conversation at El Union. We’re back in our own web. And I still find it strange how it’s easy to know how to be myself here. Maybe because when I’m with him, I feel like a person worth being with. Like we’re both a catch worth finding. Maybe reunion is really heaven sent. Thank You, Jesus.

© Adrian Doctolero

#God #Jesus #expgoals

[elseinbetween]

March 17, 2019 | Mt. Kaanducian Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija

Waking up (unintentionally due to cold), we peeked outside our tent oblivious to Paps’ surprise. And there, spread out in a vast, inky dome above us were millions of tiny pinpoints of light. Wows felt inadequate. It’s the most incredible star-filled sky I’ve ever seen. Even Ian thought the same--him having camped up several times already. It was hard to fall back to sleep. Stargazing was just addicting. It’s such a shame our phone cameras couldn’t give it justice. But for these galaxies of grace, so many thank You, Paps.

Few hours after, I jolted myself awake. I slept through my alarm. But thankfully, we’re just in time for the dawning on the other side. It was wonderful in its own way. Post-hug and satisfied, we broke camp and hiked down carefully. Descent is always easier but nginig-tuhod was real. Haha. And as early as eight, we’re ready to get back to the mainland. The rest of the day was blue skies and sunshine.

Beginning the days and ending them together were amazing and synonyms thereof. They felt safe and special. They felt home. So I want to thank Ian for being a solid brother, friend, and lover to have in my corner. I’m so glad that we have each other on this quite difficult and dazzling hike, and life. And I thank Paps for being with us every moment of it. 

© Adrian Doctolero

#God #expgoals