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Braving the unknown. I wonder and I wander.

November 15, 2014

3-Dekada

This Year, I celebrated my 3 decades of existence. Looking back, I felt perpetually gratitude for the life that I have and all that I've learned so far.

And so what have I learned? A lot.. I can’t actually put all of it into words, but lemme try to share some:


Fears, Struggles and Taking risk
I've realized that all the risks that I've taken in life, especially within the past couple of years, has led to so many serendipitous moments and beautiful experiences. I became stronger, braver, and my life became so much better than it was before. It’s really more comfortable outside my comfort zone. So do it.  Take that risk, that leap of faith, dive into the unknown and the universe will open doors where there were none. . We should always conquer our fears. No how matter how big or small they are, we should do something that scares us at least everyday. Our struggles make us. I’m grateful for every adversity, every obstacle, every bleak moment of hopelessness. Because of it I have gone through my biggest transformation. It bruised me up, left me bleeding but eventually I made it through.I’m still alive. And this is the strongest, bravest, and happiest I have ever been in my entire life. And so I've learned, to always trust my struggles. We are much stronger than we think we are. 'coz seriously, The universe won’t give you what you want, but what you need to be the person you’re meant to become and to live the life you are meant to live.



Creating myself, Living life for the moment and Chasing my Dream
Yes age is just a number, so no matter how young or old you are, go and create yourself! Create something more amazing than what you are right now. I learned that I have the ability to become whoever I want to become, and to materialize the kind of lives/life I want. Yes, we cant always be the person we are since yesteryear's, you can change, so go and create yourself to be better, much much better! I learned that Always live for the moment. One blogger said that the past doesn't exist anymore. It only lives in your memory. The future doesn't exist yet. It only lives in your illusions and expectations. There is no other time but now. There is no reason for us not to chase after our dreams. Follow your heart, follow your passion, Let’s not waste time to not doing what we love.


Power of Nature, Constant Change and Settling Down
Nature will always heal. If I've had a bad day and feel the need to start over, I just lay on the grass and watch the clouds pass by. Or I’ll run on the beach and watch the sunset, even just seeing the ocean is enough. Or I’ll sit under a tree and meditate. Let nature heal you. Everything is impermanent and the only constant is change. We’re afraid of change because we like to stay in our comfort zone. We like feeling secure and acting as if things will always be the same. Life isn't like that, never was, nor will it ever be. Learn to embrace change and to adapt quickly along with it. As I mature, the issue of settling down is just always around the corner, I’m not planning on “settling down” anytime soon. I'm enjoying this so called single life, but I dream too of having  a family of my own and as a traveler I wouldn't want to settle down somewhere, I’d like to take my children and my husband traveling with me, I trust they will also have wanderlust in their blood as well. In my 30years of existence, I've learned that the most beautiful and meaningful experiences come from uncertainty.

Loving tremendously
As I grow, I matured, I'm learning and appreciating the true meaning of love (I'm talking about being in a relationship, boy-girl relationship) being in a relationship for 12 years does not give me though the license to know everything about love and relationship, but what are my take away's in this more than a decade love affair? I learned that loving someone is not being selfish, not owning the person, not controlling.. instead, love the person with every imperfection, without judgment, without the need to change them, without the need make them better. And that also means having the courage to accept every heartaches, and having that trust that just incase they went away you know that they will always come back to you with more love to give in return. I'm not a love guru, but I must be doing something good that i was so blessed having my Man for the past 12years of my life, Its not always everyday that you love someone so much and you are being loved tremendously in return. Here’s the thing, whenever you pray, tell the Lord that continue to be with you and your partner, take it from me, you will never go wrong.



Happiness
Let not be instantly gratified. Instant gratification, yeah make you feel happy, for a little while (kaya nga instant diba?) Then you feel empty again. Just like a bucket with a hole on the bottom being filled with water. Genuine happiness isn't a goal and you can’t find it through anything that is tangible. It’s a state of mind that keeps you in the present moment wherein you are happy and grateful for everything in your life no matter what you have, where you are, and who you are with. To acquire this mental state you have to learn how to live in solitude and learn how to love yourself. You have to learn how to let go of all that is tangible and embrace the abundance of love and beauty the world is offering around you. You will find that happiness has been within you all along. if you visualize whatever you want every single day, Meditate about it, It will change your life. It changed mine, and it saved me. It’s not just listening to a song and chanting a mantra. It’s finding the unearthly silence within you, the empty space that you are made of. It’s the rising of inner spaciousness within your insides, fleeting moments of sudden enlightenment. You can make your own Happiness if you truly believe in it

Unconditional Love for My Parents and Siblings
Make everyday parents day! Or siblings day! Nope, make everyday a Family day! Always give them love. No matter how many mistakes they have made, no matter how many you have made, no matter how much they have wronged you, or how much you have wronged each other. Because of them you have life, and because of you they have given up theirs. Keep in mind also that keeping and making your Parents healthy is one way of saying 'iloveyou' to them, A health Insurance is a super yes! Connect with them, be with them, honor them, love them. I Keep that fire burning that connects the craziest things about me and me siblings that ironically makes my world sane. Yeah they borrow your stuff and never return it. Whenever you fight with them, your mom is always on their side, and that undying cold war 'coz of the most stupidest thing.haha but hey, your family are the real people you grow with, the ones who help keep you grounded, who will help you reach your potential, and the ones who aren't afraid to show you your own imperfections to help you become the best you can be.


Practice Gratitude, be Grateful and please stop Negativity
I have learned and am still learning to be less selfish, to be more selfless. I would rather see someone smile because I gave them something than smile because of what I was given. Always be kind and expect nothing in return. Always and always practice gratitude! Be grateful for everything. Be thankful for everything you have, for the person you are, and for the live you are living. Learn how to be grateful for the bad stuff too. It’s tough to accept but it exists for you to learn, grow, to let go and be better. There is a reason for everything that happens. One more thing, Stop worrying so much. When we worry, we attract negative energy around us. There is no point in it. It’s hard to keep worries out sometimes, especially if you are buried with problems. But we’re not making it any better for ourselves if we keep doing it. They say that here is an invisible law in the universe that attracts everything you visualize and radiate. If you give of negative vibes, negative vibes will come. If you give off positive vibes, positive vibes will come. You get what you give out.To quote Maya DelaRosa-Lim of Be Careful with my Heart: “Bawal ang Nega, naboblock and Blessings” I'm sure you don't want those blessings to be blocked right? :)


Traveling, Friendship and those Jerks around
Haters Gonna Hate, so don't mind the jerks around you. Let them be, don't ever do something just to impress them,I don’t see the point in impressing people we don’t like, with things we don’t need, and living a life we don’t want. People only do that because everyone else is doing it. And they think it’s the normal thing to do. Live your Live! just do whatever the hell you want with it, do whatever the hell makes you happy and get rid of the excess baggage. Instead of minding the jerks around us, why not travel! Traveling the world is one of the greatest things you can ever do for yourself. You will unlearn, learn, and relearn things you will never discover through a book, a classroom, or a degree. It will humble you, shake you,shape you, inspire you. you will never ever be the same again in the best way possible. And yes please do Travel with friends, yes with your true friends. The ones you feel unbounded with, you can be your complete self around them. You’ll know because you won’t feel judged, manipulated, and it feels genuine. It’s almost effortless when you stay connected without even trying hard, no matter where you may be. It’s true what they say, friends will always come and go. The real ones will stay. So after reading this, do yourself a favor, and just buy that damn plane ticket promo man o hindi!


Longganisa and Parents wisdom

**My brother John-John arrived with around 8Kls of Longganisa from his weekend trip from Tugeugarao. My sister pinky and tintin are longganisa lovers, thing is we don't know how to cook longganisa, our brother was still at work that time so no one can cook but just us.

Pinky: Nagtry ako magluto kahapon, pero iba lasa. prinito ko kasi, mali daw sabi ni kuya.
Me:    Naalala ko sabi ni Mom at Dad lagyan ng water, bring to boil until mawalan ng water, then lagyan ng konting oil pag paluto na.

(then we tried it..and the result? perfect longganisa!)

Pinky: Ang galing mo talaga ate!
Me:    Ofcorz sinunod ko lang ung turo nina Mom and Dad.  Always remember, You will                 never go wrong when you follow your Parents.  :)

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                                Happy Birthday to Me!
              I wish that I may have enough of everything! :)





much love,
Yannah ;)


August 23, 2014

Bolinao Hidden Paradise


BOLINAO – never did I realize that I’ll meet you this soon!

By 7am, all of us are all ready to face the 4hr trip to Bolinao. Around 8am, we are already traversing NLEX, our first stop--tarlac to fetch Aris (the certified traveler). Then stop over at  Alaminos for some groceries.
The long ride from Manila to Bolinao was crazy-funny-loud-amazing! I’ve got wonderful people on board the van, and ‘coz of them, there’s never a dull moment. One hell of craziness!

We had a stopover somewhere in Pampanga, raided McDo for some chicken, fries and burger for our lunch while going to  Bolinao.
While travelling, I was amazed by the vast sugar-cane plantation at Hacienda Luisita.

WaterFalls!

Our Bolinao adventure start with visiting waterfalls,It was surprising then that Bolinao has not one, but two three waterfalls in its vicinity. The road en route to the falls is unpaved and quite rocky. We were lucky, we have our own van to visit the place.  The first one we visited was  named after the town.  and after some bumpy-rocky ride,  viola! Here we are!
We walked a few meters then we are greeted by this staircase.
Few more steps and tadaaa!

We deserved this photo’opt while on that stairs.hehe

Presenting, the TARA Falls of Bolinao!
Bolinao Falls’ basin is quite huge, spanning around 20 meters at its widest. The water is shallow around the perimeter but gets deep quickly as you start to wander towards its center. 
And its a must to have a group pic as Tara Falls your backdrop!

The rest of the guys visited the other falls which you can reach in about 15minutes walk.

Fast forward to stretching my legs and upon arriving at Rock Garden resort, all I remember was looking for some food as  my tummy is growling from hunger, fortunately we had the best dinner that time! Thanks to Crista, Aris, Aivan, Gerard, Monique, Xann and the rest who prepared our dinner.

I was so tired that night that I opted to sleep than to have some bottle of beer, the rest had some drinks, and as expected some get drunk and had their usual dramatic antics afterwards.hehe

GoodMorning Bolinao!

Around 7AM the next day, all of us are ready for a long day tour.  Our first stop is CAPE BOLINAO.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines after the Cape BojeadorLighthouse, which is in Ilocos Norte.

Built on top of the rocky hill Punta Piedra Point, the lighthouse overlooks the South China Sea. Also visible from the lighthouse are archeological sites where artifacts from the 14th to the 15th centuries have been uncovered, the 1,269 hectare Cape Bolinao Dendro Thermal Ipil-Ipil Plantation, vast white beaches, and coral reefs. Cape Bolinao Lighthouse was constructed in 1905 by American, British, and Filipino engineers to guide ships and boats plying Cape Bolinao in order to prevent sea disasters.

Almost a Pefect JumpShot

After Cape Bolinao, we headed to Patar white Beach, It is their Boracay of Bolinao. Though Im not sure of its color, but truly a nice place to bum with friends, and a perfect place to watch sunset.

After havin’ our late lunch at Patar Beach, we are now ready for our caving adventure, which for me would be the highlight of my Bolinao trip. There are three to four caves in Bolinao, we visited WONDERFUL CAVE.  The caretaker showed us around; we just walked past his house and headed straight to a short path going to the cave. There’s an entrance fee of P70/pax for walk’in guests, but we haggled it for P50 per head.hehe

A small hole leading down to the cave greeted us, You will take about 20 steps before you can dip into the ice cold water inside the cave.


When you enter the cave, you will be spellbound. You will definitely wonder about its formation. It is one of its kind caves that hold emerald green and fresh pool of water within its womb.

After a priceless journey, I told myself that truly traveling will never be that great without awesome people. And to quote Addie, this Bolinao trip and this group the FC19 is #AwesomeGreatAndPerfect!

Oopppps wait!


This guy deserve a super thank you! For all the Photos and for being equally crazy just like us, you will forever be sibling to FC19, after all we have the same 'Mother' ayt?

NOTES:
Aside from beaches and caves, One must try their -“Binungey” a rice cake delicacy made by steaming a bamboo segment which is filled with coconut milk and sticky rice.


Don’t leave Bolinao without visiting Saint James the Great Parish (Bolinao Cathedral) and offer some prayers, be thankful that God creations are so abundant in this province,and yes you are there to witnessed it!
PhotoCredit for this Cathedral Photo:  Great Sights Travel and Tours Corp.


Say What?
Say Hooray for these Amazing People!
looking forward for more travels!
#SoarHighFC19

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HOW TO GET THERE:


Via bus (from Cubao or Pasay)

There are 3 major bus line companies which cater passengers going to Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Victory Liner (Cubao Q.C. terminal)
FiveStar Bus Inc. (Pasay City terminal)
Dagupan Bus Line (Cubao Q.C. terminal).

They offer day and night trips and you can book on ordinary (nonair-con) or air-conditioned bus.
Fare cost: 
PHP 451.00 – 459.00 for air-conditioned bus
 PHP 300.00 – 350.00 for nonair-con bus (one-way trip).
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours and has three stops to Dau Terminal, Tarlac Terminal, and Alaminos terminal.

Upon arriving at Bolinao end station, ride a tricycle and ask them to bring you to your beach resort accommodation or penthouse where you wanted to stay.
Lemme just remind you, its a rocky road out there,so travel time from Bolinao terminal to resort or hotel accommodation is another 20 to 35 minutes via tricycle or car.

Via car or own transport (from Manila)

Take the SCTEX (Subic, Clark, and Tarlac Expressway) route and pass by Alaminos and Bani Pangasinan — this is the recommended route for first timers. It is very convenient to go to Bolinao if you have your own car.


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Only did I realize that I made it to another part of the country on an impromptu trip.

Hey peeps! I think now is the time for you to experience its unspoiled beauty before exploiters invade it!  Go aja! 



April 8, 2014

Taal, Batangas (Vigan of the South)

Many of us have always associated TAAL with the famed taal lake and taal volcano, and bet you will be surprised once you learn that Taal town is not just your ordinary town, but a town which is considered a heritage landmark by the National Historical Institute. A lesser known destination in batangas, but it is home to heritage structures and amazing handicrafts such as balisong and burdang taal.

Unlike Vigan, which is also a heritage town, the preserved old town of taal is a delight to tourists because of its location, so near from the metro! a perfect destination for those wanting to temporarily escape the bustling metropolis. The tranquil town of Taal is about two and a half hours away from Manila. 
Together with my sisters Pinky and tinnie, we took the 5AM PNR trip from Espanya Station enroute to Alabang, took a Bus, then a Jeepney, before finally reaching Taal town. We didn't catch the direct bus trip to Lemery that day, so we took a bus bound to Batangas Pier which unfortunately won't be traversing to taal town, so Our trip actually seems to be a lil longer because we alighted at Tambo exit, took a Jeepney enroute to Lemery town and halted at taal town. but upon reaching the town, we were greeted with century-old stone houses and architectures! and seein' in flesh the Basilica de San Martin de Tours, the long trip was worth'it! 

The Basilica is the most prominent structure in this serene town. this massive work of art is situated in front of the Taal Plaza and the 18th century Casa Real. 
magnificent work of art as my backdrop!
The facade of the Basilica is believed to resemble that of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

It is dubbed as the largest Catholic Church in Asia. Constructed from 1856 to 1878, the minor Basilica stands 96meters long and 45meters wide.huge!  

The church also houses one of the largest bells in the country. It is 19 feet (5.8 m) in circumference at the lip, 9.33 feet (2.84 m) around the crown and 6.42 feet (1.96 m) in height. During the earthquake of 1942, the belfry collapsed and the bell fell from its location.

Inside the Basilica, I was amazed by the interiors of the altar and the ceiling. I am expecting intricate interiors, but I must admit that I was wowed by the silver tabernacle. 


A silver tabernacle - only one of its kind in the Philippines .

We checked every corner of the Basilica, and we climb its belfry. there's a P50 entrance fee for you to climb the top. a display of memorabilia's and antique collections of saints are also available to the public.


Before one can go to the tower, you will passed by some antique collections, saints collections and you'll be greeted by a huge salas! I think that's one of my fave spot there!

Im inlove with this grandiose century old sala
Wooden floors and wide capiz windows just fit perfectly together.


A mini-garden theme near the Adoration chapel gives a homey ambiance.
My sister Pinky found a perfect spot for relaxation.

Just like all other belfry or tower or lighthouse or whatever, you need to face a never ending staircase.
As you go higher, the stairs gets steeper and narrower.


Finally on Top!
Breathtaking view

Other notable historical buildings which is just around the Basilica are the Escuela Pia, this is just actually a few steps from the church. a Catholic school converted to a town's cultural center, It was once used to educate those who belongs to the upper-class of the town, the Buena Familias. There's also the Taal Municipal Hall or known as Casa Real which is built in 1845.
Once your in taal, don't forget to take a walk to explore and be overwhelm by its unique heritage vibe. From the Basilica you can walk goin' to M.Agoncillo St. that cater many of the heritage houses. Its like walking back to Spanish era!  almost all structures  are remarkable in their own way. check out this cool heritage houses!
The Wedding Gift House and Villavicencio Ancestral House. The houses are filled with delicate memorabilla and ancestor's photos. 
The White House also known as Don Gregorio Agoncillo Mansion.Don Leon Apacible Museum. This ancestral house was built in the 19th century and renovated in the 1940's. an 18th century chandeliers are carefully preserved by the Apacibles. Don Leon was Emilio Aguinaldo's Finance officer and a delegate to Malolos Congres of 1898. *There's no entrance fee in the said museum, but donations are highly encouraged for its upkeep.
I'm always fascinated with ancient stone houses, It always reminds me of my childhood. It reminds me of our ancestral house (Mom's Ancestral house). It brings back happy memories with my GrandMa.

Our last stop was a quick visit to the Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine which houses one of the earliest Marian images in the Philippines. According to the locals, it was found by a fisherman named Juan Manicad at the nearby Pansipit River. 
Say a little prayer..

A whole day trip to taal town is already worth'it, but if u can't get enough of the town and you are planning to stay overnight, you can stay at the grandiose Villavicencio Wedding Gift House, rooms ranging from as low as Php 3,000 to about Php6K. But if your for a more budget friendly rooms, you can check out Casa Punzalan, a colonial house turned into a hotel, rates starts at Php600, with a nice view of the Basilica.


Do not go home without visiting the Taal Public Market and without  trying their Taal longganisa and tapang Taal. drop by at Brgy. Balisong to check out the shops making balisong (fly knife/butterfly knife), shops are all lined up along the highway. and check out stores and shops that sells wide array of Barong Tagalog and hand-embroidered bridal dresses that are proudly taal made.
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A long day will make you hungry, so you need to dig in for good foods! Im looking forward to eat in any resto in taal so I can try their local delicacies like tapang taal (pork tapa) and their adobong dilaw (taal version of adobo which makes use of turmeric or yellow ginger instead of the usual dark dish). A cozy cafe named Café G that is just a stone thrown away from the basilica is a perfect place for food lovers like us.
They serve main dishes to light meals and coffees including Cafe Latte, cappuccino,and a selection of flavoured syrups to add to your drink and of course Taal delicacies.
Yummy foods served at Cafe G
All smiles! 'coz its always fun havin' your sisters around.

Taal is one of those few places that I really want to visit. another place to scratch from my bucketlist. A budget friendly place that offers one of a kind heritage experience and showcasing amazing rich culture.
(nearer and cheaper compared to Vigan).

This taal trip is one of my best travels ever, not because im inlove with old-stones ancestral houses but because Im with the two most wonderful creature I won't trade for anything else in this planet-- my sisters! 


HOW TO GET HERE:
Coming from Manila, take a TriTran or DELAROSA bus at the corner of Gil Puyat and Taft Avenues in Pasay City bound for Batangas. Alight at Tambo Exit
(PHP 120). From Tambo Exit, ride a Lipa-Lemery jeepney to Taal town (PHP 45)
or for direct trip You can take BLTB or JAM buses and take the Manila-Taal-Lemery route (Php180)
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Looking back, I can only wish that may commercialization and economic development won't rob the future generations of an opportunity to have a glimpse of our glorious past.