at a crossroad...

Crossroads, oh I hate crossroads.... 

That awkward moment when life is at a contented state and then all of sudden you end up in a halt which usually settles in confusion. Confusion may come quickly or slowly over time, depending on the cause. With this, you may lose the ability to think clearly (of course) and you'd end up weighing a lot of options and deciding how to proceed is so damn difficult....

Life, I know, has uncertainties. Life is always not that fair. Life happens to play games on you. Life has ups and downs. Life is a little hard to manage. Life can be so boring. Life can be so confusing. But most of the time, life is beautiful. 


Sometimes, some roadblocks are created on your journey. Mainly because there are lots of reasons why they were put that way. Some would  challenged you when life tends to be always in an uphill and the ride is beginning to get boring. Some becomes a living reminder that you are getting overboard and that perhaps, you are hurting other people and when nature notices it, gives you a slight slap on the face. Sometimes, other people made their own crossroads; maybe out of fear forming inside. They tend to create little confusions from the small "what ifs" and options would branched out. Unfortunate events, at some point, would make us startled; like a sudden power blackout trying to devour a well-lighted room or a time-changing occurrence that would sometimes presents us a lot of ways to get it off; and here, we stand, at a crossroad...

Time can be frustrating; and the waiting game is sometimes crazy. Personally, when I found myself, again, at a crossroad, I let everything settled first before making my move (okay, so I wasn't the only one with this strategy ^^). Weighing a lot of options can be so tiring and so pressuring especially when Time is trying to mess you up. One wrong move and you'd find yourself in another crossroad, where sometimes, regrets happen. I'd wait and wait and wait and of course, I pray. Life is so tricky at times, that's why you need something, somebody to guide you. Friends and family can be helpful but at the end, your sole decision matters most. Then again, whatever you have decided on, you're still responsible in making it work. Enjoying life at its best is one of the reasons you are here... 

I left my heart in Baguio City

Baguio City --- I can't help but smile every time I think about it. Those cool pine scent kissing my skin; those warm,culture-rich people whose contagious smiles make you even more happier; those long,tiring but rewarding journey; those magnificent pine trees with stretched branches catching the sun rays; with cool weather closest to heaven;--- it's so nice to be back! 

The City of Pines can be found at the northern part of Luzon with  an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) in the Luzon tropical pine forests ecoregion conducive to the growth of mossy plants and orchids. According to our guide, which, as confirmed by my own research, that Baguio came from the word bagiw in Ibaloi dialect meaning moss. Pretty interesting. Most of the street names, highways, and tourist spots were mostly named in American, mainly because Baguio was declared as the Summer Capital of the country in 1903 by the American government. It was known long time ago that during summer, most of the American government personnel flocked to Baguio to free themselves from the summer heat. Americans developed the place and so, it makes sense, with their works, bearing their names. Temperature here ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during summer, as compared to the usual 30~35 degrees celsius from the rest of the country.

I was here about ten years ago. With the excitement during my youth, I wasn't able to fully appreciate the whole place : I was there with the rest of my college class and most of the time I had fun with friends, not with nature. I remember I said to myself that I , at some point of my timeline, must come to Baguio again : and it happened! This time, I was one with nature, amazed by the detailed works of God and thankful for giving me life to enjoy His wonderful works.

Baguio City : City of Pines

Victory Liner buses will carry you to Baguio City from Manila

You have two ways to get to Baguio : by small plane/chopper or by bus/car. Okay, so I can only afford taking the bus. You can start by getting into Victory Liner bus with terminals located around Metro Manila. Mark and I took one at Pasay Terminal. The trip lasted for about 6 to 7 hours (or lesser without traffic and if you'd taken the night trip). Bus tickets were sold at 715php. First timers can be seen mostly sitting quietly in his seat enjoying the view behind his window -- from tall buildings, traffic jams,usual city scene slowly disappearing into plain fields, dry lands to green mountains; some opt to be glued on an open TV;some occupied themselves on their gadgets, fortunately, buses now has free WIFI on board ; but mostly, people may be found sleeping. Now tell me, what would you with those 6 hours in a bus?

And the journey starts here...

There are three main roads linking Manila to Baguio City : Kennon Road, Aspiras-Palispis Highway  and Naguilian Highway or Quirino Highway (which we took). The journey was amazingly beautiful. The view behind my window was like in a  time-lapsed video as the ones you see on Discovery Channel -- chaotic city scene replaced with calm, green fields and mountain ranges as your bus slowly climbing up the mountains.

Mark and I arrived at about 6pm and as backpackers, our first activity was to get a place to stay. I did my homework prior to the trip but we prefer seeing the place first before checking in. Tourism front liners can be found at the terminal proper, they would recommend hotels/pension houses/transient houses for backpackers with no prior reservations and would offer tour packages. Our guide, Kuya Ding recommended Hotel Villa Rosal at Gen.Luna cor. Magsaysay Ave (near the bus terminal area, walking distance with SM Baguio and Session Road); quiet place even with the busy streets outside and with free breakfast. Our other guide, Kuya Jonie,(I'd recommend him for his good service, I may also give you his number) took us to the usual tourist spots the next day.Tour started at around 9am and ended at around 5pm -- worth it!  Don't forget to take your best hiking shoes, your feet is going to experience one of the best journey of your life! 
 

Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad Benguet

First stop: Strawberry Farm, La Trinidad Benguet
Entrance is free and you can pick your own strawberries for about 300php per kilo. Fresh vegetables are being sold too like lettuce, cabbage and other greens.I was expecting to see a lot of red that day but only saw a few. Of course, since I came there to see strawberries, picking them is as exciting as I imagined. One precaution : always watch your steps or you'd end up getting in a muddy canal. The pathway was so little that you'd find it difficult to balance yourself from much awe and anticipation and watching where you'd headed. Various pasalubong items can be sold at the 'market-place' across the farm -- knitted clothes,brooms,peanut brittle, berry and ube jams, various fresh fruits and vegetables, strawberry ice cream and of course -- lots of strawberries.

Heritage Hill and Prayer Mountain

Inside the mysterious Diplomat Hotel (Heritage Hill) which survived since 1913.

Our guide took us to Heritage Hill or the old Diplomat Hotel (which I haven't been before). The building on top of the hill is known for its mysterious past -- built by Dominican priests on about 1913 as a vacation house-turned-school-turned-vacation house-again-turned-to world-war II hospital-turned hotel until its end in 1980's. This one's pretty famous for ghost-stories and sightings. The area is open for tourists and the government is currently preserving the place. Pretty creepy? Nah, haven't felt anything paranormal -- just amazed by the fact that the building survived since 1913. 

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is also famous for tourists. Taking about 252 steps to the top was a bit challenging but rewarding. Don't forget to say a little prayer once you're on top then look at the view behind your back --- panoramic view of the city with green pine trees and all -- just wonderful. 

The President's The Mansion, Wright Park

After the tiring hike at the grotto, your guide will next take you to the Wright Park where The Mansion was situated, the official summer vacation house of the President of the Philippines. Ten years ago, we weren't able to get here with all the fog around, but now I know why people had to get here to take pictures.

Burnham Park, ideal for Family Day

Burnham Park is good for family day or simply spending lazily  and enjoying the cool weather at Baguio City. It has a man-made lagoon in which tourists could rent a small boat and paddle around the lagoon; usual scenes were kids on kiddie bikes; family or group of friends having a picnic, little kids running around, the usual happy picture.  Mark and I strolled circling the lagoon area. Burnham Park is also an ideal place for a date -- enjoying nature, cool weather, green pine trees, blossoming flowers around, with cotton candies in one hand and the other hand with your loved-one's hand -- life is beautiful. 

Camp John Hay

Treetop Adventure, Camp John Hay

Oh I love Camp John Hay, a former rest and recreation area for American soldiers in 1900s. The place was extremely quiet, lots of tall pine trees, green grass and all -- perfect! The place was huge with a golf course, hotels, adventure tripping like zipline, free-fall and other outdoor activities. They even have Starbucks cafe! 

Bell Chinese Church

Bell Chinese Church is located at the downtown area on your way to La Trinidad Benguet. It is much like Cebu's Taoist Temple with shrines of famous Chinese gods, dragons carved on the rooftops, pagodas and nice landscaped gardens. We climbed at one of the top shrines and this is what you'd see (as pictured above), the city below seemed like on an ongoing climb up to the mountain -- you won't see this view everyday -- I just love this picture -- er, just erase the two people you see in here.

Various preserved sweets at Good Shepperd Convent

You can find the best preserved fruits,ube,strawberry and coco jams, cashew and peanut brittle and others at Good Sheperd Convent. It is just a walking distance from the Mines View Park. Goods here are made by nuns and the store setting was like a pharmacy : goods on sale were on a glass cabinet, you have to write down what you want then lined yourself in a pharmacy-like store. Pretty organized, I like it.

View from Mines View Park

Mines View Park was just awesome. A ridge located past The Mansion and Wright Park overlooking Benguet's gold and copper mines and the Cordillera mountain range. The area has been flocked with lots of souvenir stalls with flower plants,preserved fruits,knitted clothes,keychains and other souvenir items,wood works and others; dress yourself in traditional bahag and igorot costumes, horse back riding, taking pictures with St.Bernard dogs. Better visit the place during weekdays to avoid too many people crowding near the ridge - it'll stressed you out but then again, it was still fun!

Baguio Botanical Garden

Not just a City of Pines but City of Flowers as well

Any tourist's itinerary won't be complete without visiting Baguio Botanical Garden or also known as the Igorot Village. The garden has a lot of different flowers and botanical plants. It also features native huts like the typical native dwellings of the Igorots of Cordillera. Best place to leisurely stroll around, enjoying the quiet moments with nature.Ten years ago, the big Igorot statues weren't there yet, so it adds to the beauty of the place. Horse back riding can also be done here. I saw a little horse with white mane as Lady Gaga, I left a small giggle. Never seen a horse like that. 

I know there are other parts of Baguio I wasn't able to explore. Though I have been to PMA grounds and the downtown market-place ten years ago, but I figured, I'd better go see more of the pine trees ^^.There is always a 'next time' anyway. I swear my feet hurts by the time were were relaxing at Starbucks SM Baguio, funny how the pain seeking your attention after the long walk. Being in Starbucks cafe enjoying my caramel macchiato felt like I haven't rested my butt in years. I thought if I'd stayed here for good, maybe you can always find me in coffee shops around town because of the weather. Coffee is best enjoyed here. 

Baguio City : now occupying at the top of my list as an excellent place to stay in the Philippines, okay so next to Bohol. I just wish to stay in Baguio for like a week to see if I'd become a poet again. I think my brain needs a little make-over from the usual stress at work and with a lot of things occupying my mind lately (comes with age, I guess). I long to stay in place where you can see the Cordillera mountain-stretch on one side and the mountain city on the other side; with a cup of hot coffee in hand; enjoying my little peace and cold air hugging my skin; I know --- Life is Beautiful!

when drinking makes you angry, when I drink, I want you more and more and more...

"if drinking makes you angry, when I drink, I want you more and more and more...", a Dishwalla song blared loudly at my eardrum. I grabbed my headset controller to lower its volume.  I smiled for a moment and went on with my work. Can't help but think about it... 








My dad usually drinks and it's somewhat disturbing that I tend to do what he usually does. When I drink, I felt relaxed and my messy head seemed to enjoy the comfort it brings. Don't get me wrong; I'm not a hardcore drinker like the one you have in mind; someone who's wasted and hanging around with heavy drinkers acting like life would end after the last drop of alcohol in their glass -- ahh, pretty nostalgic but NO,I'm not like that.  


In college, drinking was like a normal thing to do (with the generation I was in); drinking between classes, going out after school, after group studies or working on our design projects (tough to be an engineering student, you know). Drinking seemed to be a good company. I have come to realize that life back then was simple. So simple. Simple yet trying to survive.  When I graduated, I felt the pressure rising at the back of my neck (aw sorry, highblood diay to ^^). A different kind of pressure.  A pressure to take care of yourself, develop the sense of independence since you can no longer depend on parents. I admit, I was a bit afraid, the future I was realizing when I was ten years old finally came and I remember the mixed twisted feelings dwelling and trying to eat me alive. I was like, I am not running away from something I don't want but rather running away from something I am afraid to want. What if I can't make it? Or what if, if I have want I truly want in life, can i keep up with it? I left out a chuckle, I was young then, it was freaking me out.

But I survived. 

Now that I can support myself, life is kinda simple, sometimes, hard sometimes beautiful. Though the challenges were different but what the hell, what else is new? I noticed that the challenges given were more complicated than it should be and every decision you'd make changes everything. It's not like choosing-the-little-red-dress-over-the-blue-one but its more like you- can't- just-pour-more-salt-on-your-cooked-food-just-to-satisfy-yourself-but-you-have-to-think-of-other-people-who-are-supposed-to-eat-it -- a little more salt may not be god for them. God just knew everything about you and will do anything to make you a better person; oh well, becoming a better person is actually up to you. How you look at things may influence your actions and regrets sometimes always happen.  


When I drink, I felt the sense of soberness. One way of getting out of reality for a while and it also helps me to think of ways on how to overcome such messy confusing feelings that is trying to eat my system up. Don't worry about it though, this is just one of the things I'd do to get the obscure,vague,dubious,ambiguous stuff off my head. Nothing's wrong about it though, as long as you're taking it on moderation. I felt the need to do better after; proved to people that I can make it; I am challenged when I figured out what to do. I also enjoy the company of friends; drinking does not necessarily mean you are trying to get out from something but it is also a way of releasing stress from hard day's work. I admit, I can be found at some bars like Formo, Ratsky's, Penthouse, wherever. Kinds of drinks? Usually ranges from beer, whiskey, wine, rum,brandy,gin,liqueurs, and oh tequila. Don't blame me, I was working in a corporate world before, got access to these  things sometimes. I had worked with a company where the population had been dominated with guys. I was in a class with about 90% in attendance were males. But I was just enjoying life with friends. We are all confined to a closed room of thoughts in the office -- with all those deadlines, plannings,analysis, that feeling of trying to survive the day at work -- at least after that, you can do something to get your life back. 

Hey, no offense, but I actually don't do that -- now, I mean the drinking thing. I am more mature now, with other priorities; other goals; not to mention, saving my health. Life is beautiful, I don't understand why some people made alcohol their god. I didn't made drinking as an escape -- well, partly, that was when I was young -- but it kinda made me think, there are other more beautiful things to do other than drinking. I am so thankful I already made that phase of growing up... 

Paradise called Panglao Island

It's pretty obvious that I love beaches; feeling the myriad grains of fine sand against your feet; those salty, cool water drenching your sun-burned skin; those salty beach wind that kisses your cheeks every time you try to marvel at God's good works --- simply paradise. 

Panglao Island is blessed with beautiful and friendly people,amazing  beaches, natural fine,white sands and an extremely beautiful underwater biodiversity. There are many beautiful resorts around the island but at this moment, I will be sharing Alona Kew Resort and Dumaluan Beach Resort since these two are the usual beaches  local and foreign tourists want to flock in. I have been here so many times that I wouldn't want to trade it to other beaches I've been to.

My good friend,Keehj, a traveler, and I share a common passion about beaches. He has been traveling around the country and he would tell me the best beaches around. You can check his site at Boatonshore. Since he featured sunsets at various areas, I will be sharing Panglao Island.

Alona Kew White Beach Resort :sand, sun, skin,sky

Strolling down the white sands of Alona Kew is one of the best activity to be enjoyed, yeah, strolling back and forth has never been this good.

Evenings at Alona Kew are as lively as Boracay nights, some resorts has live bands, fire-dancers and even young girls in Hula costumes.

Dinner by the beach is kinda romantic, yes, but this is one of the best experience to various fresh  seafood cuisines and of course,with the waves crushing on the shore : happiness!

Fire dancing is also common here. No wonder foreign tourists loves to flock at Alona Kew by night.Restos were lined up by the beachfront so you can actually hop from one place to another.

Sorry for the spoiler, but Mark loves the beach as much as I do.

Enjoying the sunrise at Dumaluan Beach Resort, a few meters away from Alona Kew. Dumaluan Beach Resort is ideal for tourists who like to enjoy the beach without noisy people or bands around.

I fell in-love with Dumaluan Beach Resorts waiting lounge, everything seemed so relaxed; free WIFI has also been a good plus at Private Dumaluan. They also have Fish Spa (you know that small little fishes that would eat your uh feet ^^).

Various water sports can be done at Dumaluan and Alona;name it (water ski,banana boat,fly-fishing,coral cruise,scuba diving,dophin-watching,island-hopping, etc) they have it.

On your way to Panglao Island, make sure to drop by at Bohol Bee Farm situated at Dauis Bohol. You can experience total relaxation here, with various farm activities,trying their unique cuisines (flowers are literally eaten here), honey bees, and yes, you can try weaving.

Indoor pool at Bohol Bee Farm with dim lights and all, one can enjoy the stillness of nature away from the chaotic city.

Sun deck at Bohol Bee Farm where you can enjoy the beach, sunrise and sunset ; having a break here has never been this wonderful.

How to get there and some tips : so simple ^^

•  Make sure to make some research first about Panglao Island, you could book online or make calls. Ask questions. Or consider options like availing Tour Packages from any Travel Agencies.
• Some resorts offers airport/pier transfers but for any backpackers, taking a taxi is the safest one. Though some tricyle drivers would offer "pakyaw"  but it would be much expensive. 
•  Plan your activities ahead. Panglao Island  can be fully enjoyed by exploring the island for about 2 days. Try to visit the local churches (Panglao and Dauis Churches), Hinagdanan Cave at Dauis, try resort-hopping aside from the usual water sports activities. 

 Thanks for reading! ^^

and oh, of course, there's chocolate!

Oh I love chocolates! Those dark little cubes my mouth loves to relish. Those big bars that I cannot resist on having.Those coffee toppings I love sipping on. Those little crunchy cookies I love munching on in-between analysis and planning; those times when it seemed the world is against you; when experiencing the down side of life; those weaker moments, those days when the most pressing thing you have to do is nothing; those happy moments with family,loved-ones, friends and thyself --- chocolates seems to be one of my wonderful companion (oh well, next from coffee and ice cream).

Chocolates are mainly made from a seed  of tropical Theobromo cacao tree (so, I've heard). They are mainly fermented, dried, cleaned, roasted, then ground, then liquefied and experts knows what else are needed to be done;  I could care less how it was made, I am more interested on tasting them. Chocolates commonly comes in dark, milk and white varieties. Some are being used as cake toppings or on coffee. Usually branded as mood-enhancer or food for the goddess, I think chocolates have been one of my sources of simple happiness, and I am sure many girls would agree with me.

See how creative Japanese people are? Design :cookie-chocolate-cookie.

Just love these!

Who says Korean chocolates aren't this good?

When you're working  in a Japanese manufacturing firm with lots of Japanese people giving you chocolates, likely, your drawer would look like this.^^

Chocolate on cakes, anyone?

Colorful packaging, the better ^^ 

Stacking chocolates for a photo-shoot

Such a show-off!

"photo shoot"  with our miniature car.

Mouth-watering, isn't it?

White chocolate-flavored cookies.

Swiss chocolates

I could go on eating this without anything else!

One of my guilty pleasures ^^

Chocolate and cream toppings on my usual Starbucks drink.

and oh those little chocolate thin chunks on top of cakes... 

I can't help it but share this photo I've taken.

and another one...

and another one...

oh yes, during the photo shoot

yeah, I know, I know, such a spoiler, sorry ^^

Thank you Roda Satore for taking this picture ^^

of cars and chocolates...

Swiss chocolates from my friend, kinda bitter-sweet but naturally good.

Of tin boxes...

I don't know what its called, probably "chocolate pebbles" or something.
Thank you Keeh Jhay for these.

OK, so this is definitely not a chocolate, but I was tricked to eat this by one of our Japanese consultants; the verdict : I don't like it ^^  sorry (tasted something like wasabi-thing) 

Life is sometimes hard, I get that. With series of unfortunate events and sometimes with no comfort from anyone, I would tend to look for a way to lift myself up -- may it be drinking, pig-out session alone or writing anything on my journal -- I find little pleasure with chocolates and I am thankful God for providing it.