BACKPACK, BACKPACK!

This may sound funny but yes, I am both inspired with Dora's ways of exploring life's ABC's and the challenging line of Philippine's most talk about movie "That Thing Called Tadhana" (dala ko ang buong buhay ko, kaya nagka-excess baggage" .However that is where you are wrong about the whole thing, its not about me traveling to find my tadhana but yes, I am traveling bringing along with me this backpack (full of things necessary for my travel). And again, it may sound absurd but yes, i should say I am bringing stuff though heavy yet necessary for future event.  It would be so unlike me bring small bags even when going to malls or even to parties and the like. So,how could I not carry heavy baggage when I am in fact bring necessities in life? Ironic? It definitely is.

Now let us see, what is inside this backpack,it surely depends on the purpose of the trip, but well oh well here are some things I could not live without;

1. medicine kit (for my endemic illness and upcoming ones)

2. make up kit (not that I use it all the time)

3. pencil case (with all the colored pens, flashdisk, chargers)

6. anything to nibble

7. planner

8. umbrella

9. and the like

10--- stuff for the trip and its more than 5 kilo (malong and magic carpet is a must)

Oh did I forget to mention I always have a big bag and more likely a backpack in weight  how much more if I decide to have a trip hahaha! So here's the thing, you do not have to worry about my backpack because I will not bother you with it instead you will benefit  from it. Never mind the heavy luggage what is important is that I create and enjoy life while i am journeying. I inviting you to join me in my journey where life's ABC's are at stake. Do not just be contented with what life has to offer instead offer your life to the world and make a difference, "Be a better backpack for the world".

Camping at Kampo Juan with friends

Cool Landscape at the Kampo Juan (Pool)

This year I had the opportunity to visit Kampo Juan twice but the feeling of being here for the first time is just strange.Its like every time I went here, there is always something new, like their "cozy lodging houses",unique yet homey! Not to mention their pool both for adult and kids which i knew from a reliable source that their water (pool) undergoes the purification process like water from refilling station. Clean and safe water indeed.

hanging bridge @kampojuan

Did i fail to mention that the whole place is indeed breathtaking with ambiance so natural with trees and landscape soothing one's soul! Perfect place for a family and friends weekend getaway,may it be for parties or just plain outing and nature tripping.

The place provides you with exciting and various rides, like their ziplines, annicycles, rappelling and the hanging bridge. I enjoyed their "Annicycle" and "hanging bridge" the most! I have yet to try the rappelling  which means I am coming back soon.

Perfect Weekend Getaway at Kampo Juan!

Yes, i had perfect weekend getaway, one I could never forget. Why is that so? because first i was with my closest friends, second, we were among the few people to visit the newest and will be one of the best Eco-Friendly 10 hectare Park named "KAMPO JUAN" located in Diclum, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon. The place is just 36 Km away from the City of Cagayan de Oro and just a few kilometers from the main highway! Thats just not it, on our way to that place we will pass by the Mac Arthur Shrine and reminded me that my history professors were wrong about one

thing, that Palo Leyte is not the place where he said the line "I SHALL RETURN" but rather he made it in Diclum, Manolo Fortich.

For me KAMPO JUAN is remarkably beautiful with nature at its best, nice location, accessible and with warm and friendly guides. My friends and I get readied wit

h our zip line ride (250 meters), hanging walk bridge that lead us to the main camp. I also took the 480 meters zipline with my friend where I could almost reach the cliff with "balite tree" touching my back with a smooth swift. I did enjoy the whole trip back to the main camp while we passed by another viewing deck that provides us with view of the scenery, where we could also see Mount Kitanglad!

Other than zipline and hanging bridge, Kampo Juan also offers parajumping activities, the ultralight, rapelling activity, unicycling and other stuff. I was told that they will officially open this April 22, 2011 with expected guest stars, so if you like to spend eco-friendly time with family and friends you might want to try Kampo Juan.

My next trip will be Jatico!

KAMPO JUAN kong gusto mo makasinati og nindot nga lugar diin makauban ang imong pamilya ug mga higala sulayi kini nga Eco-F

riendly nga Parke nahimutang sa Diclum, Manolo Fortich! Makita nimo ang Mt. Kitanglad, suba ug ang mabati nimo ang kabugnaw sa maong dapit. Uban sa akong mga higala nagsulay kami sa pagsakay sa ilang zipline diin makahatag og kaabtik sa atong kalawasan. Busa adto na, aron makatagamtam og kahupay ang imong panghuna-huna nga naipit sa kadaghan nga trabaho.

Mao kini akong entry para sa letrang K!

FESTIVITY GALORE

For over nine (9) years of my stay here in Cagayan de Oro City, I have never been able to fully enjoy one of the famous festivity here in the Province of Bukidnon. If you are from Mindanao or at least from the Philippines I am pretty sure you have heard of “Kaamulan Festival”. This festival happens once every year (start during half of February and until March 10 of the same year) in the Province of Bukidnon particularly in Malaybalay City (where the Provincial Capitol is located). As I understand, “Kaamulan” comes from the word “Amul” a local dialect which means to gather, that is a gathering of all the seven (7) tribes in Bukidnon for a purpose, like celebrating a wedding feast, good harvest and a peace pact mixed into one. The tribal people of Bukidnon comprised of the following; Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon.

This year, I had witnessed the celebration with friends and cousins starting off with the street dancing coupled with beautiful float from eight contingents who will be competing with each other. The street dancing showdown was held in the capitol grounds where it was surrounded with thousands of spectator, visitors and guests from all over the Philippines. While watching the street dance we had to stand for several hours just

to see it and Malaybalay City was declared winner of this year’s “s

treet dancing competition”

Part of the yearly activity of the Province is the participation of all the municipalities of Bukidnon and business establishments through the showcasing of all the products and harvests within a particular areas. Booths were arranged all over the capitol grounds where visitors could see and visit, and mostly I enjoyed touring around the areas to look for souvenir and I for one bought some fresh vegetables for salad.

I enjoyed my whole stay in Malaybalay with a warm welcome of Ret. Major Valcaroza and family. And as for me, KAAMULAN is a celebration that I wish to be part of every year.

New Year Blast!

Remember that I wrote about my Christmas 2010? Yes, I wrote about one of my Christmas wish that came true. And probably will blab about what I did with my new year 2011. After travelling from the North of Mindanao, I went sailing home to Bohol with my friend Ritchille (Te Tata) so she could spend New Year to a new place also for the first time away with her family. Now here’s the situation, both of us had been planning to spend Christmas away from home in any place, but eventually changed our mind. She spend Christmas with her family and I will spend Christmas with my home away from home in Cantillan. The two of us volt in for our trip to my homeland Bohol where we will spend New Year at my hometown in Lila (comes from the flower lily) together with my siblings, father (because mom is at home in Texas), nephews and cousins.

December 29, 2010

We sailed on a fastcraft boat via Camiguin-Jagna where we payed eight (8) hundred pesos for the ticket that will traverse the sea for five hours. What a fast way to go home to Bohol with this trip, of course I have been one of their patrons since last year. The boat provided us with an entertainment of which I already memorized as it was played over and over again during my previous trips. And mind you, I can’t talk with Ate Tata while we are travelling because she had to close her eyes and sleep because she is seasick, so I had to close my eyes too and before we knew it were in Jagna already. We have two options either to take a bus and pay Php 50 or van with aircon and pay Php 80, we took the latter. We barely notice while talking that my hometown is just few kilometers away, and there’s our stop. Actually, this was not Ritchille’s second time here in our place but probably her first time spending New Year with us. Here we have two options again, either to sleep at our old house or with my sister’s family and again we choose the latter. The one thing I enjoyed going home is seeing my two grown sweet nephews who were so glad seeing me their auntie/yaya/tutor/mommy. And what made their smile so bright is when I gave their pasalubong s like their favorite chicharon and some chocolate stuff. But what amazes me is that Janssen (nephew) asked me “mommy P where is my Christmas gift”, I did not buy any because I want to ask them what they want as a gift. I answered Janssen “I don’t’ have a gift for you baby Jans”. You can see his gloomy face. But the his Kuya Marek, suddenly blurted to his brother, “Jans why is it that you have a hole in your Jerseys shorts”. It is there that I told the two of them, that I will buy Jersey shorts as my gift. They smiled and continue with their watching cartoons on tv. My sister is super glad to have us around and prepared food for our lunch. We just sit down after lunch and chatted for a while while fixing our stuff in the room. Then came dinner and we plan on going to the groceries the next day, to prepare for our New Year Feast. I plan to cook ube jam and spaghetti, ate Raydine wants to try the blueberry cheesecake and her delicious leche flan and that’s just for dessert.

Comes the next day (December 30), we went to the Tagbilaran City to buy all the stuff we need making sure we listed everything before going there so as not to forget anything. We usually but stuff at the ICM-Dao and there people from different parts of the land busied and hurried themselves pushing their carts to any direction to make it to the counter first. I enjoyed seeing familiar people and friends and exchanging greetings, hugging and laughing their heart out. “Okay let us go back to shopping”, we had to bring to carts as we have to double time so we check on the lists and started picking up goods to fill in the cart. Making sure that we got all the things in the checklist, headed to the counter and pay. Before I forget, I had to buy the gift I promised to my nephews so i had to squeeze in the time from the grocery to the department store and was glad I found it with Ate Tata’s help. Done with the groceries, we had to buy things at the wet market as it was cheaper to buy spices and other stuffs. All done, and we are ready to go home and prepare for the big day tomorrow.

December 31, 2010

After brewing our favorite blend of Coffee and a breakfast with family, we are all ready to get on with our specific menu for the day. With the help of my two nephews and Ate Tata, we successfully made the Ube jam first, and my sister experimented with the blueberry while busying herself with the Leche flan. My brother was assigned to do the grilled pork with my brother-in-law and my father was his favorite “balbacua” (cooked from the skin of cow). All done and the table is set for that wonderful buffet dinner for everyone. But first we have to extend our thanksgiving for adding another year to laugh with family and friends amidst trials and aspirations during the celebration of the mass.

January 1, 2011

The mass started when the clock strikes at 11:45 and in time for the Alleluiah part when the clock strikes at 12 midnight where you can hear the fireworks outside the church with all the churchgoers greeting each one Happy New Year. The mass was celebrated joyfully with inspiring message for all of us that New Year is about thanksgiving and for reconciliation. As we marched outside the portals of our Holy Rosary Parish Church built in 1925 with paintings on its ceilings that never cease to amaze me since I was still little up until now. I was told that the painter was a talented locale from Dimiao, Bohol. Yes, he was indeed super talented and the painting is the witness of them all. After greeting some friends and relatives outside the church, we are ready to blast our table for all that has been prepared. We took pictures to be posted in my Facebook account where my mom and siblings could see our celebration and will feel that they are with us even though they are far away from home. Now, what will I eat first, Oh! I should eat my Ube jam (made from Bohol’s pride the Kinampay na Ube), and its superbly tasty. Yes, it is delicious not because I made it but I enjoyed eating it with my family, next on my plate will be the leche flan, and the blueberry cheesecake and the rest is history. After eating I had to declare a toast to my family for making this New Year Celebration truly a time for Family. Now it is time to rest because there are many tables that awaits us in the morning.

January 3, 2011

I had to fast-forward some events to let you peak into our side trip to the “Queen City of the South”, Cebu City before we go back to Cagayan de Oro City. I truly miss this place because I used to walk around the City back when I was a college student and confident that I won’t be lost in the City that seems not to sleep. So we took a fast craft to take us to Cebu via Ocean Jet that offers “balik sakay promo” for Php500 though we only need to ride once but it’s faster compared to the slow boat, it will only take us 2 ½ hours to Cebu with no sweat. Our first stop in Cebu is the coffee shop “Josh and Matthews” owned by of our former colleague just near pier 1, what I love there is the unique taste of their “Sweet blend iced tea” and of course their coffee is superb. Second stop, is to HTS lodge just across my former boarding house along R.Landon-Junquera Extension Street (not the red district street) where we payed only Php600 for one night stay. We left the lodge and stroll along Ramos Street until we reached the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers along Fuente Osmena Street to experience the thrill of the Philippine First SKYWALK and their Edge Coaster Ride. We paid Php750 for the two rides, packed with snacks and free shirt, we took an elevator ride to the 36th floor for the Edge Coaster Ride and we were given instruction but cannot hear what the instructor was saying except that I mistake the down button as up and otherwise. As our belt where safely tightened we (me and Ate Tata) we were ready to face our challenge and all I could hear was Ate Tata shouting and telling me not to tilt the coaster, it is there I remembered that I can actually manipulate the degree of the tilt, so I adjusted the tilt and again readjusted it. It was totally fun and exciting and was amazed with the tilt of 55 degrees as we can clearly see how high we already from the ground level. The Edge coaster took a turn and when we reached the corner portion I could hear my stomach crumbling as I could imagine that the bolt is changing its gear from another angle. But Ate Tata could not see it in my face that I was a bit of anxious especially when we reached the corners of the building until we reached the end, where her screams were the only sound I can hear. And now it is time to disembark, and guess what she told me “Can we take it again, where I will not scream and unafraid?”, I answered, “next time we will ride again but first we have to go to the 37th floor for our skywalk”. We only have one photo in this event because each photo costs Php350 (and we only need one souvenir), after that we took the stairs that will lead us to the 37th floor, we showed our ticket and bought socks for the shoes provided. We have our safety guide to tour us around and ensure our safety. This time, we were no longer afraid as we are like walking along the beach of Opol only that we are at the peak of the building wearing Skywalk Suits with harness attached to our body. Here, it is like walking around the City with strong winds blowing your body only this time you can see the City of Cebu at a glimpse with beautiful lights surrounding it. We enjoyed the picture taking and the funny safety guide both from local and across the Philippines. After that skywalking adventure we went to the souvenir areas and arranged that our pictures be saved in a CD where we only have to pay Php500 for 12 photos (it is a bit expensive for photos) we are also told that the management will not be responsible for reimbursement in case the photos won’t worked in our computer. But to make sure that it will worked in my laptop, I asked the souvenir guy the exact program that he used in copying our photos because I ain’t getting that expensive CD with photos for nothing. And guess what?, it worked in my computer so I hurriedly downloaded all the photos I have for the day to my facebook account where I can store it for a little while. After that knee crackling ride we had our free snacks and off we go to the formal dinner. We met with my cousin Daisy and took us to The Walk (this is a place previously known as the Village ) we could see a lot of stores here, from fast food stores, restaurants and all sorts of stuff, after that walk, we went to see MR A located in the Upper portion of Lahug, Cebu City, where we can see the whole of Cebu just like the Tops. They also have restaurants to provide the needs of hungry visitors and a bar for those who love to drink and because the night is still young, we went back to the Walk and ate delicious Pizza at the Mamma Maria Pizzeria. It all happened in one night and I cannot forget it truly a New Year Blast for me.

Home Away from Home for Christmas!

For over thirty (29) years I have spent Christmas with my family enjoying all the stuff inside my stomach and the gift giving with my siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces and after all the fun things at home went out with friends to spend time before bidding our goodbyes as we parted ways either because of school or work. Just last December 2010, I decided to spend it alone away from my family in Bohol, away from the usual things I do for several years that means away from my home. This time I spent it with the place I have grown to fall in love with, place that awaken and kept calling me wherever I may be. Two days before setting off to that place, I bought gifts for friends and experienced Christmas rush in the mall just near our house in the City of Cagayan de Oro. Prepared myself for an 8-10 hours trip to Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, with one backpack filled with stuff for five days travel, one paper bag for Christmas gifts and a pillow to make my travel a comfortable one. Contacted the van driver bound for Cantilan to confirm my arrival in Butuan before 11 am and reserved a seat for me. I requested a friend to send me to the bus station as early as three (3) o’clock in the morning so I could have a comfortable ride bound for Butuan City, bid goodbye to my friend and embark to the bus that will leave Cagayan de Oro City for Butuan City at four o’clock (4) in the morning. And because I woke up early, I slept during the whole trip and woke up just in time for my bus stop a few kilometers away from the Regional Center of Caraga in the Philippines (Butuan City). From the bus stop, I took a Multicab and just payed a meager amount to take me to one of the fastfood chain in Butuan City, where I will meet friends before setting off to my final trip. I had coffee and pancake with friends while waiting for my van ride at eleven o’clock (11) in the morning. We had fun talking while sipping coffee for breakfast and time went by so fast and the van is there to pick me up. Bid goodbye to two of my good friends in Butuan City and off I go to my destination. I felt Christmassy already with the place and my mood sets off to feeling Christ’s love for us when He gave his son to us. As the van entered the 90 kilometers trip where you can see the red mountain, I was again saddened because the mountain looks like something else, it took away a dream where I can see greenish object and all you can see are red dust and smoke in the mountains of Surigao del Sur and Norte, where their mountains where mined by Multi National Corporations with or without prior consent from the communities directly affected with the operations. I sleep again and then the driver woke me up and there I saw the Immaculate Conception Parish, where I will stay for Christmas. No one knew from my friends in Cantilan that I will be there for Christmas except Father Pete who were one of the friends I gained in Cantilan because of my advocacy against mining operations. But for the first time ever I was there not because of work but because I so love the place with all the friendly and welcoming people of Cantilan. While I was putting stuff inside my favorite place in the Parish Convent, I was taken into another place inside my head and thought that “This place is very promising with all the magnanimous and educated people, this place is also rich in culture and rich in natural resource, with all the sea foods in the table either during breakfast, lunch or dinner. I called this place, a home away from home. I feel I belonged here, and would be very sad if the mining operation will ultimately win against the people in Cantilan. With all the resources in the coastal and agricultural areas that will be greatly affected and the people’s livelihood and some governmental projects too are at stake.” I was awaken with the knock on the door, and it was Nanay calling me to have some merienda with Father Pete and Father Apo, and I enjoyed hanging with them because we had a lot in common, the advocacy for the poor and the people of Cantilan, and we didn’t even noticed that it was dark already and it is time for them to celebrate mass in the barrio/baranggays. I had no itinerary, so I went with Father Pete, and served as her semi-assistant. And in the next day, I woke up to attended the last novena mass before Christmas Eve and sleep again, in the evening, I went again with Father Pete, and for the first time again attended five (5) straight Christmas mass in the barrios. And felt that it was isn’t easy but I did enjoy the whole Christmas with the people in Cantilan. The last mass ended at one o’clock (1) in the morning of December 25th, 2010 and had my Christmas Celebration in one of the niciest beach resort named Immaculte Conception Beach Resort owned by one of the Parishioners in Consuelo one of the Baranggays of Cantilan. Father Pete, drived fast and brought as back to the convent in time for good sleep. And off I go to bed and planned to attend the 4am mass but wasn’t able to hear the bell ringing, again for the first time and heard another bell so I woke up and thought it was the four (4) a.m mass but it was the six (6)a.m. mass and thankfully attended said mass. I greeted all of my friends in Cantilan and told them I will spent Christmas day with them and thought that I was just joking, but when I visited them they could not believe their eyes, and I enjoyed their amazement and their warm welcome I had lots of food today and more to come in the evening. The long wait for dinner is coming and Father Pete, Father Josaf and I went to the lair of Mommy Emma Hotchkiss, one of my home here in Cantilan, and had cocktail drinks with two of his brothers. This was the first time I had cocktail drinks with all the drinks poured on my wine glass before dinner, and for the first time I thought of how I spent Christmas at home. Usually we drink wine after dinner but here we had otherwise. A fantastic Christmas Fever ever in my Cantilan Home, however my story doesn’t end there. Early morning after, I had an early trip bound for Kitcharao where my friends’ home is waiting, full of children and yes, families. I slept for a while in my friends room for thirty (30) minutes and awoke with full of energy for the days itinerary. The first one it to meet Humphrey “Totot” my favorite child in the family and so is everyone. Our second trip is to the place named, Almont, Inland Lake in San Roque, Kitcharao one of the view decks where you can see a portion of the Lake Mainit with the fresh breeze of the air and spend relaxing time even alone and with company of friends and family. And then, stop by the place where you can still view the Lake Mainit as well as the bus rushing by. The third stop would be the place named Mainit where you can see the biggest part of the lake and fishers paddling their way on the lake. Why there are lots of view decks, because Lake Mainit is the fourth largest lake in the Philippines. Back to my friends home, and here comes our dinner where they served the “pidjanga” this is a fresh water fish that is native to the Lake Manit, I love eating it whether fried or not and after dinner was a blackout, and “Totot” did the rest of the night so enjoyable by performing his talent and I slept with a smile tuckered in my lips. I have another home in here, and sure wish will come back here anytime soon. Until next trip as I went back home to Bohol for my New Year 2011 Celebration.

SSSShhhhhh! SILENCE…

It’s been a little while since I really kept silent. This has nothing to do with my very vocal nature but this has something to do with the field I am exposed with since time immemorial. I am equipped with potential or shall I say gift to really express what is or are in my head and to reason out for intellectual masturbation.

Yes, with the kind of life I have, it is really hard not to speak at all. However, I don’t speak of verbal silence, what I am referring at is the kind of silence that make the “being” in me stood still for a second or two. The kind of silence that listens and surrender amidst life’s doubt and uncertainty. A silence that takes a lifetime to practice and thus, awaken the spiritual being of me.
Today, as I turned thirty, I did the right thing of KEEPING SILENT, where no electronic gadgets that bothers me, without people who blabbing with their life and not hearing mine, letting people believe that I am alright when in truth and in fact I am not, smiling at people even if am not happy inside.

Out here in the world where I can hear the humming of the birds, seeing bees sucking nectars out of the many flowers in garden, and rainwater dripping on the leaves, came a SILENT RETREAT!

Retreat is negative word which depicts backing down from something. However, a retreat gave serenity and calmness to a hungry heart. For a day or two, I talked to my master and the lover of my soul, but most of the time I listen. Treating myself from every move I made, may it be right or wrong ones. Checking my relationship with the only man who loves me despite and inspite of all my shortcomings, a man who I am really sure will not abandon me in the middle of nowhere, but a man who will carry the cross for me.
Indeed, a celebration of my thirtieth year of blissful but challenging life, by Keeping SILENT…

N.B.
Thanks to the angelic voices and prayers of the monks it did clear out some bugging things in my head. And to my fellow retreatants letting me understand where I am standing at. To family and friends who made my retreat possible.

091110