North Batan (Batanes)

My solo travelling escapade went 2N/3D , I know it wasn't satiable enough for a place like Batanes, but I have tried to compressed those days and maximized every single minute . There were places that I have missed to explore, if only I could have more time..

It will only proved that even though Batanes is a small island , it will contradicts the stuffs that needs to do. You will appreciate the town more if you stayed there for a week I guess, and live like locals.

Actually , I bet , not anyone can admire the beauty of Batanes. If you were the type of person who appreciate noise and nightlife, then don't go to Batanes! Huwag makisabay agad agad, basa basa muna , hehehe

I cannot share my itinerary but you can approach me and I tell you right away. Mahina ako sa details e .. LOL. I can only share pictures , and will tell my story :)

MARFEL LODGE . My nest in Batanes. Highly recommended for Backpackers. Very homey. They have their version of Honesty Store inside , pede den magluto!

Glimpse of my room. It's a fan room worth 700-800/night. Ive heard, they also offer aircon rooms on other location, just tell Ate Marfel upon inquiry. Mababaet sila, very accomodating. Just type MARFEL LODGE on facebook and check their amenities.

Siya si Mira. Businesswoman and traveler at the same time. She's the 2nd stranger that I've met, 'yung una si Lovely, I met her at the airport. Pareho ko sila ka-Facebook :)

STOPOVER. My view while biking

You'will see a lot of these signs while touring in Batanes. This became their trademark also.

...and this! :)

I saw these kids walking under the sun and just a thought of taking a shot of them.

After a few hours pedaling my rented bike. I saw this another sign...uuLan!

My first destination after checking in. Right after arrival and leaving my bags on the lodge, I've rented a bike and went on biking around the town proper.

You will never notice this easily , I've thought the place was a huge gallery of artworks. Apparently, it's just like a house-size museum for Ivatan artists .

Well, I just hope local government will take some consideration on allotting budget for their local artist. Its been actually considered as a tourist spot however, it doesn't look like unless you are into arts and notice this while biking .

Since I am on Batanes, yo should consider the weather too so it wont spoil your planned activity for that day. It rained while biking so I decided to go back and just rest , eat and have a cup of coffee. Rain lasted for about 3hours.

I remember it was almost 4pm when the rain stopped. So I just decided to rent a trycycle and bring my bike since I'm running out of time biking from the town proper to Boulder beach, then my planned of having a sunset on Naidi Hills / Rolling hills.

I enjoyed the sound created every time the waves hits the huge rocks. The waves wasn't big that time , it was really serene and almost sunset. Masarap magmunimuni kase ako lang talaga ang tao . Actually, I was thinking of cancelling my Naidi hills sunset activity and spend it on this beach but Manong trycycle driver recommended that viewing sunset is perfect on the hills .

If you are into biking , I think, you can spent the entire day biking around Northern Batan, except Fundacion Pacita. Ive told myself that I can explore Northern Batan thru biking , pero bumalik ako , diko kinaya ang daan. Buti na lang may trycycle to the rescue! hehehe.

Seeing this makes me wanna sing ♪♫ the hills are alive with the sounds of musiiiiic..with songs they have sung for a thousand years ♫♪

I wasn't able to get a perfect shot of this Lighthouse on Naidi hills due to a wedding ceremony and reception scheduled for that day. So my perfect sunset idea was already spoiled pero nag enjoy naman kame ni Mira manuod ng kasal. hehe. She texted me that she wanted to joined on going to Naidi hills. Pitsur, Pitsur lang!

Isn't Forever ? Maghihiwalay din kayo! *bitter* hehehe

My rented Bike! Thanks Mira for this shot!

So there she was .. smile!

Wedding Entourage *sniff* *Sob*

This was my last stop, I have visited FUNDACION PACITA 3hours before my flight going back to Cavite. Actually ,this wasn't included on my list. Im still lucky 'tho, I still have few time and fortunately that Ive woke up early :)

Beautiful dawn, waiting for a perfect sunrise on a wonderful morning!This is my view from afar. Hope I could stay for more hours.. * sigh *

Artwork of Pacita Abad.

The chair itself is "maganda na" , it compliments the dawning feeling.

Mural outside

RADAR STATION

Just in front of the Radar station. Picture perfect isn't it ?! Standing here will show you the entire northern Batan according to Manong trycycle driver.

Dios Mamajes Batanes! I really got a lot of pictures to share. I just shared a few of my pictures on exploring Northern Batan. Next stop... Southern Batan>

Solo Travelling

Batanes is my dream destination here in Philippines. So upon knowing that Sky Jet Air got a seat sale last 2013 , there was no second thought , I've asked a colleague to do me a favor on buying me 2 way-ticket at Travel Expo.

As we all know, during these days, majority is capable to travel, it became part of our life. A privilege and an option. Since it was a travel treat for myself , I have also decided to travel solo, since I haven't done it when I was single and very seldom I see an individual travel solo. (curiosity strikes)

RACUH A PAYAMAN "marlboro country" in SOUTHERN BATAN Island

This might be a late post but the experienced I've had is still vivid and had this urge of discussing, just want to reminisce about solitude.

So, here are my thoughts / opinion on solo travelling . It is based on my experience, it might have its pros or cons. Neither, it still an experience worth remembering! *smile*

1. Independence. You can go anywhere and anytime you want. There is this freedom when it comes on decision making.

2. You will enjoy a different kind of silence. It's spiritual for me . Tranquility. Solitude. Reflection. Indeed, its somewhat divine!

3. However, boredom strikes when you're in the hotel. It's should be time of talking to friends or special someone about the whole day event , how it went out, and talking it over a cup of coffee or beer. Eto yung ... tawanan dapat! Kulitan bago matulog! Tamang trip lang at sentimyento sa buhay. Bonding moment ika nga!

4. Got a problem 'tho on who will gonna take a few camera shots of me . BUT since MONOPOD was in demand during that time. I bought one and, problem solved. IT'S SELFIE TIME!!Selfie pa more!!!Hahaha

5. You may also talk to a stranger and befriending them.

6. Security. Yes, of course, you will not go to a place if you know you are not safe ,right? For as long as you know how to read. Do your research. I also did. I've read a LOT of travel blog so I will know which is the safest place to go to.

Yaru Nu Artes- Ivatan (captured using my monopod)

At least , I am proud to say that I did it once in my life and Im looking for a second try. It may not be nowadays , because I already have my priorities. Maybe, someday and I know it will be fun! : )

MALASIMBO 2015

Malasimbo Music Festival is the event that Ive dreamt to attend of ,since 2011 .

However, somehow, I regretted going there last week, it made me want it more! It only brought me anxiety and hoping that it will be happening soon again, but , I have to wait for another year again! Sigh! Anyway , experiencing this just for a day is still awesome and great! I do now believe on what they've called Malasimbo Magic! : )

Before attending this event , and although, I have bought a ticket for just a day ( without knowing who were the artist playing) . I've been reading articles of previous celebration on how to survive this event ,as if I am going to a battle. I should be ready on what to expect and especially for the expenses. We bought chips and water as suggested , so we wont starve, according to some bloggers , food inside the area are quite costly.

So there, we arrived in Mindoro @ 8:00 in the morning so its too early to get in to the event, so we just decided to have a ''sidetrip'' , and we chose to visit the underground cave and went on snorkeling.

After a few hours , we packed our things up going to Mt. Malasimbo, locals informed us that there were festival jeepneys and fare is for only 200 roundtrip . As we are about to rode , Mr D'aboville saw and approached us if we are going to the event.

D' Aboville : are you going to the mountain ?

Me : yes sir!

D' Aboville : Ok come here.. ( with gesture of putting his arm on my shoulder )

Me : ( stepping outside of the jeepney )

D' Aboville : Do you see this ? ( pointing on malasimbo billboard that says ''dont bring food or any beverages " ) On every festival on any country they do nOt bring food or beverages.

Me: oH ok . So beverages , you mean...even water?

D' Aboville : YES!

Me : OK ( smile )

On my amazement of having this small convo with him , Ive forgot to asked for a picture! :)

Mr D'Aboville is the organizer of Malasimbo for 5 years together with his wife and Miro . A humble man and I guess a Filipino by heart. He spearheaded this beautiful event for music and arts lovers for 5 years and up until now , seems it is still a success.

Just sharing the memories , I will come back .. for sure! :)

This is the perfect place for doing this. A-NOT-SO-PERFECT-YOGA-POSE

MALASIMBO GROUNDS and ITS NATURAL AMPHITHEATER. SO LOVELY ISN'T IT ?! INDEED, A PERFECT VENUE

MALASIMBO ARTWORKS

MALASIMBO ARTWORKS

MUSICIANS! (Ive got few pics.. hmmm, ive noticed it just now. Tsk! )

COLORFUL NIGHT in MALASIMBO. MY FAVE SHOT! ( thank you Julius! )

This is really where Music , Arts , and Natures' collide !

Me : Can I have a picture with you ?

D'Aboville : Oh, It's for 10,000 pesos!

Me : That's fine! Can I haggle? Make it 9,000.

D'Aboville : Haha!

MANGYAN STUFFS FOR SALE

ITS FULL MOON and I find it sweeter when nature CONSPIRES WITH THIS EVENT!

It's FULL MOON , so there on the other side of the mountain lunatics perform a Moon ritual, LOVELY! *clap clap clap*

TAPSILOG AND HERBED KESONG PUTI SANDWICHED. Even though tickets were sold expensively , I could still defend that its worth it. However. I ve noticed that FOOD sold inside are way expensive. It will tripled the price. I remember buying Coke Sakto on a plastic bottle and it costs us 60php. For MAlasimbos' kesong puti w/ tinapay ,75php ( wherein I bought 2 of that herbed kesong puti sandwich (kulang saken ang isa)) . For a simple tapsilog , 150php. But despite of its price , masarap naman and malinis! :)

We wasn't able to see how the day ends! We went back to the pension house while BleuRascals was performing. We're so exhausted for the whole day because we had ''sidetrip'' going to Long beach and went on snorkeling.

Anyway, to sum it up! I am emphasizing that it was a real ''happiness'', I have reaaaaally enjoyed that day! Babalik ako and I will bought tickets for 3days next year. Abangan ko talaga yung SALE period :)

VIDEOS:

Mt Malasimbo Entrance

Short trek to Amphitheater

Devirginized Part II-B

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Ako with judy who took these pics in the hospital. She have also decided to spent er night and slept there. Kawawa daw kase ako..walang kasama!! =)

Cara was the first who've visited me. Aside from Kapamilyas ive had visitors aside from those who've texted me. ung iba, kapag daw ng 1 week nako sa hospital sila dadalaw..hehheheh=)
Thanks also to Richard, Jeff,Ynah, Lyna, Jane, and TL Ryan. I really appreciate the 'effort'.. I really do.
After that morning, ive realized that i dont have sleep yet. i am awake since the other day pa..i've got worried with myplatelet counts and bloodpressure. Bka lalong bumaba! Que Horror.. So ive decided and pushed my eyes closed and let myself to sleep at 2pm and i still have to count Sheeps just to get hypnotized and got tired.

HOurs passed and All i know was i am almost..ALMOST on my deep sleep.. when, ive heard two KNOCKS on the door at biglang may pumasok!!!

"GOOOooOOoooOOOOD AFTERNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON MAM!!!!: (hightone and smiling..)

"I AM LISA FROM COCCOLIFE PO!!! Ay, wala po kayong kasama? kakalungkot nmn,kakaiba to sa mga nkita ko, ung iba po kase may mga bantay..anlungkot nmn. Pero saglit lng to mam, explain ko lng po ung about sa Card, ugn mga kailangn po just in case mapalabas na po kayo bukas...."

AKO : ok miss huweyt lng..nagulat kase ako sa pagpasok mo eh. ansakit ng ulo ko..huweytlng ha..huweyt..few minutes.
(i didnt know if ive sounded sarcastic but she responded, still smiling..que baribaridad hija!)

sa totoo lng..dun ko lng naexperience ung bigla kang naistorbo sa pag tulog aT naunahan nya ung pagbalik ng ulirat ko bago man lng sya pumasok!!!Ang saket sa ulo..sus!



Ive anticipated that i wont enjoy my stay on that 4cornered-room, pero di den, inururat ko nlng ung mga tao dun. Every now and then, Nurse came over to get sample blood. , tamang chickahan kame nung OJT na nurse dun ..we've tlaked about nursing stuffs and ah uhmm, i forgot his name ,anyway ,and ung Janitor, mabait den! He have even offered his help if i am needing something. Naawa kase sila saken wala daw akogn kasama..hahahaha. I should have a BF daw..hw0ooosho0oooo..di den..hahaha=))



(it looks like that im in a PEDIA ward. Pero, hindi eh..un tlg ung room nila. Bedsheet were changed everyday, still, cartoon character pa den ung design. hehe)

So tiLL then, ive just included this experience on myblog since this is one of those "first time" of myLife.

Devirginized Part II-A

After that Saturday's Gettogether with our team..ive never had enough sleep and ive never felt OK. Sunday have passed without going out, and monday too. Buti n lng, im on-leave ng Lunes. Then, tuesday came. Pasok nmn sa skul ng hapon. After class and got home, i went to my room then ,tried my very best to sleep since i still have work that night. All i know is that i am so tired during that weekend, ( ireally dont even know why kase ive always been 'Laboy') untill after myclass. when i woke up..i've reallyfelt so exhausted and weary..seems that ive never had enough energy to get-up and call to the office and tell them that i cant make it up to work..but i did! ive called,of course,using mymobilephone. Buti nlng may load..hehehe..=)

THen..ive closed my eyes...


WEdnesday. All i knw was, ive had Fever the other night even on that last weekend. 'Tho i was'not able to get mytemperature on those days. I knew within that i am sick. So i need to go to the hospital for my Med cert. The nearest is a public hospital that is not even accredited buy our CompanyMedCard, but all i need was a MEDCERT for my SL. So i went there alone. i walked and looked for a trycycle just to get there. So exhausted..Ive tooked my Laboratory exm. it tooked me few minutes just to go back and forth for all those requirements..and so with that ive really felt that im losing my spare energy..but not to the point of fainting mydear! hehehe. =)

So after the sort-of laboratory exam, ive got the result and guess what?!
I've HAD DENGUE AND UTI!!!! with those expLanation that the doctor have had told me, all those i wasnt able to absorbed even understood.hahahahaha..Nanlalambot nkase ako..need ko ng magpahinga..ALL I'VE NEEDED WAS A MEDCERT FOR MY ABSENCES. AYOKONG MAGPACONNFIIIIIIIIIIIIIINED!!!!!! but the doctor was so persistent and she've really insisted na kelangn ko daw maconfined because of myplatelet counts. It really decreases daw. Ive just told her that i' should transfer to the other hospital which is Divine Grace. eh kase wala nkong maisip na accredited hospital near on our place. So ang ending... i went home again, alone.and decided not to tell my parents about my medical result.

soooobrang pagod!! all ive needed was rest..

10:30pm
NANAY: knock..knock..O, leli.. kumusta ang pakiramdm mo..ngpatingin ka ba sa doktor para me mapakita ka sa opis?
AKO : oo
NANAY : O ano sabe? anu bng nararamdaman mo?
AKO : La lang..me lagnat ako..nanalalambot ako. sabe lng uminom lng daw ako ng gatorade, yun lng..
NANAY: gnun ba o di cge..kumain k muna d2.
AKO : (no reaction)

after a few minutes....

AKO : Nanay!!!! tawag mo ko ng trycyccle...
NANAY: o baket? san ka ppunta?
AKO : magpapaconfine ako??sabe kase ng doctor me DENGUE daw ako at UTI eh!! eh ayoko magpconfine dun, pinipilit ako eh eh ayoko nga.. punta nlng ko ng divinegrace. anung bang mgnda ngyn nlng ako mgpaconfine o bukas? blah..blah..blah..yada..yada..yada.. (almost panicked..)
NANAY: huh? eh me pasok ako bukas eh,..
AKO : tatawag nyo lng ako ng trycycle..di nyo nmn ako sasamahan sa ospital eh..mgpapaconfine ako..MAGPAPACONFINE AKO!!!!!!
NANAY : (no reaction)

after a 5mins...

NANAY: o leli..magbihis kana..kunin mo na ang mga gamit mo at ayan na ang trycycle..
AKO : ok..wait lng.

my father who was on his deep sleep during that time woke up...

NANAY: tatay..aalis lng kame ni leli..magpapaconfine daw cya. Samahan ko lng to saglit dun.
AKO : babay! =)

Next scene was already there in DivineGrace. Ive told my mom to go back home kase kaya ko nmn..im not even bedridden.So pasok nko sa hospital...

To make that scene short...ive had again another procedure just to make sure that i am having dengue and UTI. So the so-called procedure went on and heard one of the nurse in blue uniform yelled and called the doctors attention.

NURSE : DOC! POSITIVE SA DENGUE.
AKO : hala,,naku..

after a few minutes again...

NURSE1 : mam, dextrose po muna tayo ha..and a ter ilang minutes aakyat n nmen kayo sa taas..
AKO: Masaket ba yan?
NURSE2 : (ume-epaL) OO MASAKET! (hightone)
AKO : (pabulong) Ay! kabog!hehehe
NURSE : eh mam, wala po ba kayong kasama ngyong gabi? wala po kayong bantay?
AKO : wala eh..pinauwe ko na..=)
NURSE : ha?! ah ok..


So there...it was really not in my plan to be there in the hospital, its just that ive had this txt conversation with Jhe before Nanay went home that night. She's asking mycondition and told stories of her sister who got dengue twice. She have also told me to take it seriously because platelet counts really go down fast and doctors should have monitor those , otherwise, i should have undergo blood transfusion. And with that, ive got feared for myself and also for my life! Its like a sense of urgency took my mind and decide ...to go OR not to go. heheheh..

I was devirginized...its really my first time to got confined and had Dextrose. 'Tho mixed feeling..it was nice and it felt so good. hehe.

DEVIRGINIZED I (repost)

Sabe masaket daw…

Hindi naman.

( Mega tanggi p nga
ako..pero wala..sumuko din.)

Impulsive kase..wala eh..pinasok ko to..bahala na…=)

Siyempre masaket … ..sa Ego. . but, it still differs on how you handle
situations.

It’s so intense that I have to write it over here.

Ansaya lang kase..overwhelming ang feeling..its my first
time to be criticized personally sa larangan ng literatura (awwww naman!parang may napatunayan na??)
hehe=)

Kababawan sa iba..pero sa ken..kakaiba.. =D

Sabe nga nila ..“
you should know how to detached yourself over your works. If someone criticizes your work, it doesn’t necessarily mean
that it’s you,personally,that has been criticized.”

Cge..cge..tama..tama! =d

I was devirginized. Kung mga katulad lang nila ang
mang-ookray at kakatay ng gawa ko, ok lang. mas gusto ko kung sila. well-experienced sila eh =)

… .. ..

“o ano tutula ka o mgkkwento?”

sabe ko..” magkwento na lang..”

“Ano?? ambilis mo nmng sumuko?”

(kaso..di ko sila na pleased,,abstract daw.) =(

Anyway,Gusto kong maulit…kaso busy na ata sila,ang gagaling nila sooobrang
nirerespeto ko sila. Daming learnings! salamat.=)