SUMMER"heat" List

Summer skies are a thing to lookout for when thinking about that much-needed-vacay. Behind the cloudless blue skies, warm breeze and sun-kissed skin is the perfect summer getaway that we longed to chase. Well, one should keep in mind that vacations don’t have to be pricey. Few tips? Go local! And in that case, it’s time to turn up the summer heat with these coolest local summer destinations:

In this post I'm going share my favorite summer destinations that truly left an impression.

Siargao Island

Before Siargao became a surfing hotspot and Boracay's rival. It was a top island hopping destination.

THE BIG THREE. For the love of endless and tireless island hopping, these three islands should be on your “heat” list.

Naked Island is usually the first destination. Just like Camiguin’s White Island, it doesn’t have trees that will shade you from the blistering heat of the sun - just pure white sandbar stretching as far as your wandering feet can walk. There are no “naked” people in here though, but options are always open. I'm just kidding ;)

Daku Island is the biggest among the three. Beach bums would surely love it here as the mood can get so Caribbean with coconut trees neatly lined up near the shore. The fine white sand and clear turquoise water complements the unspoiled scenery.

 Not too far is a tiny, rocky island of Guyam which is much more picturesque. The blinding white sand and battered rocks facing the raging Pacific is simply idyllic.

The Caves and Coves of Sohoton, Bucas Grande Island

Two hours away from Siargao lies the secluded yet mystique island of Bucas Grande. Though less popular among the major islands of Surigao del Norte, don’t let this be the reason for excluding this in your must visits. 

Few years ago, I had the opportunity to set foot on its sprawling cliff and lush vegetation. Trekking through a narrow path swamped with tall grasses and shrubs, you will find yourself in the mouth of splitting caves. One of them is Bolitas Cave, named after the small rounded stones called “bolitas” in our dialect that resemble the stones found in the cave walls and ceiling. The Crystal Cave on the other hand, have stalactites in crystal-like formation glowing in the midst of darkness.

The stunning splendor of Sohoton doesn’t end there. The labyrinth of green cliffs surrounding turquoise water and jellyfishes is yet another sight to behold. Sohoton is famous for its landmark – the “Horseshoe”, a rock with an oversized stalactite barely touching the water. It does look like a horse’ shoe from afar. 

Passing through the small crevice leading to Hagukan and Magkukuob Cave poses a challenge if you go there on a high tide. While Hagukan Cave is enthralling, Magkukuob Cave will set your adrenaline rush to the next level. Treading the water, climbing the stiff boulders and jumping your way down is the only way to get yourself out from the cave. So be warned… this is not for the faint-heart.

It’s always good to take some time off and relax, immerse yourself in the beautiful wonders of nature. It's the reward we can give to ourselves after a hard days work.

My first 5K Run

If there's one thing I hated doing some ten years ago, that would be running. My friends would drag me to the oval to get back in shape but I would refuse. I'd rather be doing aerobics or lifting weights rather than covering the miles.

Flash forward ten years after...

I found myself standing in the midst of hundreds of runners at 4:30AM waiting for gunstart. This would have been my first race. My first 5K run.

How did I get in here?

That was what running through my mind.

................................................................................................................................................

Last year I forcefully got myself into running at the height of my weight crisis. I was at 128lbs back then, the "heaviest" I've been so far and absolutely have no idea how awfully I looked. I was always a thin girl years ago. But the desk job, the pure laziness, and the lack of exercise got the better of me, and next thing I know I've been buying new clothes month after month, two sizes up than usual as my clothes don't fit too well anymore.

I started to run every weekend waking up at 4:30 in the morning. No, I'm not an early riser. I just don't like the idea of running under the scorching heat of the sun.

The weekend runs became three or four times a week which means I have to squeeze it in during my working days. After a few weeks it became a habit. It doesn't feel tiring anymore and I was happy doing it because I'm starting to see the results.

I lost 8lbs after a month and another 10lbs in about three months.

If I was being my old self, I would stop right there and then and go back to eating whatever and whenever I want to. I thought of taking a break from running coz I'm starting dread the sound of my alarm in the cold and wee hours of the morning. And that's when it hit me. I should take running to the next level.

I signed up for a fun run. Initially I was thinking of running the 3K. But my colleagues told me it's a no brainer as I've been running for almost a year now and that would be too easy. So I took the next category -- 5K.

I was being bold and arrogant to say the least. Most seasoned runners started their way off 3K. And here I am doing 5K for the first time ever!!!

So there I was standing on the starting line. This will be a true test of courage, endurance, motivation, perseverance and discipline.I know it would be difficult but I also know I can finish it.

My plan? I'll stick to the 5km/hr pace, which means I'm back in the finish line after an hour haha! And if I ran out of breath? I'll pull over to the side and walk! I'm not putting pressure on myself for this one. This is a fun run and it's supposed to be fun!

Before I knew it I was nearing the finish line in all smiles. Who would have thought I'd be doing this?
Personal time? 51 minutes & 39 seconds. I know that's not something to be proud of. Others did it in less than 30 minutes. But hey, I wasn't the last one :) There were a lot coming in after an hour! Not bad for a first timer:)

That's me happily bragging my certificate for everyone to see haha!

I'll do better next time. For now, I need to train more, continue and pursue my next goal : To trim half of my personal time in my next 5K run and someday go for the 10K! :)

Journey Up North: Pagudpud, Ilocos

I never thought Pagudpud is this beautiful!

Blue Lagoon

Bantay Abot Cave

As early as 7AM, we left Laoag to head up to the tip-most town of Ilocos - Pagudpod. Our driver-slash-tourguide told us that this part in Ilocos boasts of scenic spots and striking charm. Then I thought he was overrating it. Yet, describing Pagudpud as simply beautiful is an understatement. My camera couldn't give justice to what my eyes saw and my senses felt when I spent the whole day touring it.

Here's an appetizing Pagudpud itinerary:

First on the list - Cape Bojeador and Burgos Lighthouse

After engulfing the history of this place, we proceeded to see the famous Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.

a lot of my friends were asking if this was taken in the Philippines. Yes folks! this is in THE PHILIPPINES.

a fellow tourist taking her son's picture

"Puraw" is the ilocano word for "White".

We took our lunch at Hannah's Beach Resort. But before the sumptuous lunch, we went to check out the famous Patapat viaduct. It was the project of Former Ilocos Norte Governor Bongbong Marcos. This path serves to connect Cagayan Valley and Ilocos Norte. And I then realized I was at the edge of the Philippines! :))

Patapat Viaduct

Pagudpud Beach

They call it as Boracay of the North

Bantay Abot Cave

Timantang Rock

Of course the adventure wouldn't be complete without the 30-minute trek to Kabigan Falls. And this was my favorite part. Sad to say, my sandal didn't make it home hahaha! The straps wore off and I was limping on my way back.

There was no one when we got there so it was like having the waterfalls to ourselves which I think is awesome. YAY!!!! :)

We enjoyed the quiet dip and the occasional shivering from the cold water. My cousin and my bestfriend swam their hearts out and I was just in the corner wishing I could do the same. Okay, time for swimming lesson Janjan (pats self).

Last stop was the Bangui Windmills. The first and only windmill farm in the country (or maybe Asia for that matter).

these gigantic structures perfectly compliment the sea

at 6PM the sky is so blue and the sun is still up.

another "where the heck is this?" question i get from my friends.

At first I thought it was just the size of a banana tree. But I was hugely wrong!!! It was as tall as a building.

That's it for my second day in the land up North. One of the best places I've been to. One of the best sights I've seen.

Hahahaha MIAMI

Yesterday was a treat to all NBA fans in the Philippines. The nationwide holiday (no more excuses to come in late for work) was just perfect timing to catch Game 3 between San Antonio Spurs vs Miami Heat.

I had the feeling it was going to be Spur's game considering home court advantage. But I didn't expect it was going to be a MASSACRE, slol! (secretly laughing out loud).

Wait. Before YOU (yes you) die-hard Miami fans threw a ball at me, I just want people to know that I'm rooting for HEAT. And if they lose, I would lose a huge amount as well cause I'm putting my bet on them even if I don't like them that much... errrr I don't like them at all!

Back in the 90s, I'm a huge fan of His Airness Michael Jordan.  So that makes me a Bull fan. But when Michael retired, I've been missing a lot on NBA games since then. It was only few years ago when I regained my love for basketball. And it was then that I start to watch the game though not as frequent as before.

Now with all these MIAMI - LeBron hype I could not put myself off and get left behind in the NBA bandwagon. When the finals rolled in and it's just between Spurs and Heat, I unwillingly sided for Heat because I believe they have the experience, ability, advantage and endurance. Plus the fact that J dislikes Heat so much makes it more interesting. I just wanted to annoy her that's it. Besides, watching basketball game with someone on the opposing team is so much fun!

Okay back to the ball game...

I can't believe spurs threw in a hefty 36-point (or 37... i don't know i lost count) lead against Miami. And the worst? The universe seemed to conspire. Though Parker didn't shine through the whole game, well, his teammates did. Green and Neal were throwing 3-point shots like nuts and drove the crowd crazy.

It was a sad day for Miami fans. But who knows, Game 4 would be theirs.  And SERIOUSLY they have to win it! They need to shape up and get their ass up back in the game.

Good luck for tomorrow's game Miami. Come on Heat let's do it!

Another Blog?

The past mundane days had me thinking of creating another blog. The irony of it! I've been in and out of blogging the past months - or years maybe yet here I am wanting another blog.

Hear me out.

This blog had lost it's identity. This is suppose to be the home of my random thoughts and unfiltered emotions that would fuel my love for writing. Anyhow, it's taking a different path.

I was talking to a friend yesterday and she suggested that I consider travel blogging. I'm not sold with the idea because there are lots of travel blogs than you could count. AND traveling is more of a hobby to me. An escape when everything doesn't feel normal anymore. I don't do it for a living. I do it for love. I don't do it for the sake of taking pictures that would soon flood my friends' FB walls. I do it for the memories, the lessons and experiences that are more valuable than money. I don't do it on a  weekly or monthly basis because I have a regular job. It could get in between my sometimes-busy-schedules. Not to mention the fact that traveling is EXPENSIVE.

Those are my predicament...

But the travel blog idea really struck me. I wanna do it and I wish I could. Blogging is easy. Sustaining the blog is difficult.

I haven't made up my mind though. But with or without the travel blog, I'm still here for my random thoughts. Because this is where I started.

The 9,554,696,748,546,210 REASONS (and counting) why I'm soooooo ANNOYED with my Colleague

Apart from the regular stress I deal at work, I deal with a co-worker who ultimately comes from Satan's den (read: HELL). If you hate someone at your workplace just because they don't follow you on twitter, doesn't like your posts on Facebook OR doesn't give you "life" when you were stuck in level 33 of Candy Crush Saga - consider yourselves lucky!

Sure we don't have to be best friends to co-exist. But if you always put yourself in the subject of discussion and you're an attention-seeking whore, then lock yourself in a room full of mirrors because I'll hand you a glass of drink with poison.

To give you an idea how ANNOYING she is under normal (read again: DAILY) circumstances, read on:

1. The Bubbly Blabber

Who doesn't love a bubbly fellow? We all do, right? But when does being bubbly becomes irritating? It's when (a) she gives her two cents when I'm NOT asking for it. Worst, she's NOT even part of the conversation but throws herself in because she felt that she has a say to EVERYTHING. (b) I'm talking to another colleague then here she comes and asks what we're talking about then shares her own story. Bitch, I've got 2 bucks. Go find someone you can talk to! (c) Somebody asks me a question and she answers. Wait, are you my speaker that you answer everything for me? (d) She repeats what I say. Echoooo. Helooooo...???

2. The Everybody-All-Eyes-On-Me Attitude

Did I mention that she loves attention? Yes? Coz she makes it a point to dress inappropriately in every company event. And when I say inappropriate, I'm talking about plunging necklines here and there, lacy top that makes all the boys ogle at her brassiere, shorty shorts that resembles a boyleg swimwear to me. Not only once did a colleague criticize commented on her distasteful fashion sense but she seemed oblivious.

Now if that's not attention-seeking bitch, what do you call that?

3. Her unladylike antics

I  hate it when people talk loudly on the phone. Dude, have you ever heard about modulation?

 When she's talking to someone outside the company, she always sounds like the big boss. I pity those contractors, customer service agents and staff who had a taste of her whip-lashing tongue. It's pathetic that she had to be tyrannical to get things done. What's more, she wants everything A-S-A-P. So when she calls - drop everything you do and RUUUNNNN.

Another thing - when she sneezes she doesn't cover her mouth. Oh gross!

4. Interruption please...

I really think it's beyond rude when someone deliberately interrupts you in the middle of your sentence. Well, guess what? She does that all the time. I'm not sure if she's aware that it's downright disrespectful?

I guess it happens when you were not born with a spoon of manners in your mouth.

5. Staging a Pregnancy Drama

One time she showed up at the office looking harassed. I mean sleep-deprived. Then she goes on saying she's nauseated, no appetite, food craving and a week delayed period. I get it. She's trying to tell me, oh not only me, but the WHOLE office, particularly everyone she meets at the hallway that she THINKS she's pregnant.

Now if that's how you disclose your active sex life outside of marriage, then go ahead. But stop saying "I'm in denial, I don't wanna get pregnant yet." At 40 you sounded like a high-schooler. Really.

She whines about it every single day. So I told her : see your doctor and have yourself checked. Her reply: I'm still busy. I'll do it in the next two weeks.

She said whaaattt??? 

Then get a pregnancy kit you idiot!

That and the many, many, many things.

I also hate it when she calls while I'm on vacation, whenever she says we have the same shoe style but never seen her wear that even once, when she calls my friends by their pet names that I made up (who the hell gave her the right to do that?), when she refuses to join at meetings because her boss is around and that she's pretending busy (she's not), when she baby talks her boyfriend (gaaaaddd we hear it loud and clear) and this and that!

So tell me, you wouldn't want a co-worker like that or would you?

The Unexpected Bakhaw Beach (and others!)

So here's the promised "sequel" of my holiday in Camotes.

Day 2.

I woke up with heavy eyes when the alarm sounded. I did not get much sleep because for one, the place is new to me - and secondly, the fucking bastards next to our room were having drinking session with screaming and goofing around to match that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.

Some people need a lecture on respect... while sitting on a knife on their butt!

Anyhow, let's not talk about those rowdy creatures. This post is not about them so I'm not gonna give them the credit for ruining my sleep.

After a hearty breakfast by the beach we head off to our itinerary. We rented a motorcycle for Php500 for the whole day tour.

First stop : Lake Danao in its glorious figure 8 when you see it on the map. You can rent a kayak or a duck boat and paddle your way into the vastness.

the legend that explains how Lake Danao came into existence

meet crocky. our friendly crocodile ride while exploring the lake.

a fellow tourist with the kayak

Just me lounging on the floating cottage

The park has amenities such as swimming pool and restaurant. It's ideal for families who love to go on pick-nicks.

After our 30-minute boat ride, I asked our driver / tour guide to take us to Timubo Cave but he suggested that he'll take us first to a public beach nearby. It was not on our itinerary. And since it was still early, I knew better than to protest.

We passed the quiet road of Brgy. Esperanza, took a left turn and trudged on a bumpy road. Few minutes later, we set foot on what seemed to me the most natural yet so enchanting beach I've ever seen in that island. Sure Santiago Bay has this next-Boracay thing, Bakhaw Beach is simply raw, unspoiled - my kind of beach.

Trivia: I always do jump shots in all my travels. And I usually do it on the place where I thought to be amazing. And Bakhaw Beach is gotta be it!

photo from Gnetch

photo from Gnetch

And because this is a public beach there's not much maintenance when it comes to cleaning off the seaweeds :) But take my word for it --- this is one hella place that one must not miss when visiting Camotes.

I'm pretty sure I got my sunburn here. I did not mind the scorching heat as long as I enjoyed the cool and clear water! Definitely on my next trip to Camotes I'm gonna stay here!!!

Just before lunch we went up to Timubo Cave.

There are man-made stairs and lighted pathways leading you down. The part where you can take a dip is not too far from the cave's entrance. Plus, you are treated to limestone, crystals and rock formation on your way down.

And because my camera had lost it's capture-images-even-on-the-dark capability, I didn't bother taking photos. Besides, I've been to a lot of caves in my previous travels.

a small crevice leading to the cave's "pool" where one will enjoy swimming and dipping into the refreshing cold water.

I just stayed in the shallow area. What with my indisputable talent in swimming haha! At high tide the water can go 6 feet high. Not bad if you're a swimmer.

And before I knew it my stomach growled for lunch! We went to the baywalk to grab some bite and scoured the nearby market for some errrrr alcohol. Okay, don't judge. Girls just wanna have fun (Hey Cyndi Lauper I'm a fan) on our last night.

Then we swung by Boho Rock and Mangodlong Rock Resort. By their names, I'm sure you get the picture.

Boho Resort is famous for cliff diving

the scenic floating cottage

Mangodlong Resort

a view from one of Mangodlong Resort's cottage

Mangodlong Resort

They were not called ROCK resorts for nothing!