Layag Layag Beach Cove: My Summer Starts Here

Last March 05, 2017 I found one majestic paradise in the heart of Nasugbu, Batangas- the Layag Layag Beach Cove or Layag Layag Island. It’s in Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu Batangas.

We arrived in Nasugbu proper around 2 in the afternoon. There us a PUV in SM Lipa route to Nasugbu town that costs Php125.00 From Nasugbu, we have our contact Kuya Rodel who will accompany us to the beach. We rode a tricycle that took us 45 mins to reach Brgy. Papaya and that costs Php700.00 back and forth. Going to Layag Layag Beach, you have to take a boat that costs Php220.00 per head. From Brgy. Papaya to the island, it took 15 minutes. (yan lang yung expenses plus food since wala naman entrance fee and cottage #budgetarian)

Why Layag Layag? Because the rock formation in the middle of the sea looks like a sail or layag. This is indeed a virgin beach since there are no cottages, no nearby stores, no electricity, no comfort rooms nor shower rooms. Just pure nature, and I think it’s beautiful because that’s where the real adventure begins.

Looks like a sail, right?

You have to bring your own tent or hammock so you can have something to sleep in. We have our food, water, bread, chips and canned goods. We did not bother to cook anyway. Around 4pm we reached the picturesque island. When we arrived, some people were already leaving, which I find a little bit awesome, so we can have the island all by ourselves. LOL We put up our tent, while inhaling the sea breeze and indulging our eyes to the breath-taking view that is in front of us. By 6pm we watched the sunset. One of the best feelings in the world!! And then we started swimming, you just have to wear slippers to be safe from rocks and sea urchins.

urghhh relaxing!
Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, everyday can end beautifully. ❤

Since there’s no CR to shower up, I thought it would make me sticky, but no. Ang sarap kaya nung pakiramdam na natutuyo ang tubig-alat sa balat mo.

When the darkness crept in, I can really feel the serenity and the calmness. Sobrang parang kinakalma at hinehele ang buo kong pagkatao. I can hear the ocean waves rustling while reggae music is playing in the background. What is chill?

By 10pm, we started to doze off. I thought I’m not going to have a good sleep but I’m so wrong. That’s one of the best sleeps I’ve ever had. My sister even told me that I’m snoring! (wait, whaaaat?!)

The next day, we had our morning walk, we took pictures and we took our final dip in Layag Layag’s seawater. At 10AM, we decided to text Kuya Rodel for him to fetch us since we still have work on that day. Bilang napakabuting tao ni Kuya Rodel, sa kanya kami nakisuyo para makiligo at makapagbihis ng maayos.

Layag Layag Island escapade is my most memorable experience this 2017 so far. Maybe because it’s full of fun, laughter, craziness and spontaneity. At dahil din siguro ang dami kong “firsts” dito. First time kong makapag- boat ride, first time to camp and first time to sleep in a tent. Haay lahat masarap sa pakiramdam. Hindi lang ako nag enjoy, ang dami ko ring realizations. Una, napakasimple naman pala talaga ng buhay, tayong mga tao lang ang nagpapakomplikado. Sina Kuya Rodel at ang pamilya nila, ang simple lang ng pamumuhay pero ramdam ko naman na masaya at kontento sila. Pangalawa, meron pa rin talagang mabubuting tao, na kahit hindi mo masyadong kilala o isang beses mo palang nakita ay handa kang tulungan ng bukal sa puso. Si Kuya Rodel, hindi nagdalawang-isip na patuluyin kami sa bahay nila para makapaglinis kami ng katawan. Pangatlo, simple things do matter and sometimes those simple things can make you the happiest.

It’s official, my summer starts in this stunning haven! So stay salty everyone!

Rookie of The Rockies 2017

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” – Barry Finlay

It”s been a week since my friends and I went hiking. We climbed the peak of Mt. Maculot, one cold Saturday morning.

Mt. Maculot is situated in Cuenca, Batangas, which is about 947m tall. It has three parts- The Rockies, Summit and Grotto. You can reach these three destinations through traverse day-hike. While some just took the route to the Rockies only, we decided to choose the Rockies-Summit-Grotto traverse and it cost us Php 800.00 for the tour guide.

We arrived at the town of Cuenca around five in the morning. We had our registration and we also met our tour guide, Kuya Elmer. It is our first time hiking as high as Mt. Maculot. What we have in this hiking are just one loaf of bread, bottles of water, chips, body strength and courage.

We had our prayers first, for our safety and guidance. We started our trek about 6AM, and our first destination was The Rockies. The trails is really challenging, it will test your stamina real hard. I lost count how many times we took a rest, and while we are resting, sabi samin ni ate na nagtitinda ng suman, “naku pag narating nyo na ang tuktok ng Rockies, sabihin nyo naman worth it.” At yun naman ang gusto namin, kaya tuloyy ang trekking.

Hindi birong pawis ang nailabas ko dito, agang work-out. When we hiked, the weather was not so fine, medyo umaambon, so sabi namin walang sunrise kasi maulap. But we keep on praying na sana pagdating namin sa taas may clearing and ta-daa! Yaaay! Worth it nga!

You’ll have a perfect view of Taal Lake. Ang sarap sa feeling! Ito yung pakiramdam na pagkatapos ng paghihirap, walang kapantay na saya ang malalasap mo. (Literal, ito yun mga bes!)

At sobrang naappreciate ko at natutuwa ako sa mga tao na nakakasalubong namin na naghahike din. They’re saying “Good morning, Ingat kayo and God Bless!” They are so friendly and approachable. All you have to do is wear your genuine smile and you’ll have a circle of friends in just a snap.

After Rockies, Summit naman. But before going to Summit, we had our lunch first to have our energy back. Going to summit, the stuggle is real. Parang four times yung hirap kesa papuntang Rockies. Dahil nga sa medyo hindi kagandahan ang panahon, medyo umulan ang foggy pa, kaya talagang maputik at madulas yung daraanan. Grabe talagaaaaa!! I slide and stumble twice because of the thick mud and slippery trail. I felt like my knees are shaking because of tiredness and maybe muscle pain. Thank you to our tour guide, if not for him, I think I could not make it.

Lesson learned: Before you hike, prepare your body well. Do some stretching to avoid body pain.

After an hour or two, here we come Summit. Lamig!

Final destination: Grotto. Pagbaba ng Summit, super rapelling talaga ang kailang gawin. Dahil sobrang tarik ng dadaanan, kailangang humawak sa mga lubid para makababa. Konting lakad pa ang ginawa namin at Grotto na. You’ve got the perfect view of the whole town. Sobrang relaxing!

Pababa sa grotto, sementado na ang daan siguro para mas madali sa mga bumibisita lalo na kapag Holy Week para sa Station of the Cross.

At 2:30 PM, matagumpay kaming nakababa ng Bundok Maculot. Sobrang nakakapagod, talagang mauubos ang lahat ng lakas mo pero sobra din nyang worth it. Sobrang fulfilled ka pagbaba mo ng bundok. Talagang napakaganda naman nga ng kalikasan.

Lahat ng pawis, putik, tawa at saya ay babaunin ko sa aking alaala. Napakagandang experience ang pinalasap sakin ng Maculot.

Nakaya ko, kaya mo din. Conquer Maculot and fall in love in it’s beauty.

What 2016 Taught Me

2016 has been awesome. Lot of things happened in the past year, great experiences and wonderful memories. There are still some goals that are not yet done, dreams that are still dreams, but I know that I’m getting there. Each experience taught me some life lessons, and here is what I learned in my 2016 experience.

1. Live life passionately.
Do whatever makes you happy. Life is too short so enjoy every moment and every good things life can offer. Laugh a lot. Learn new things. Acquire new skills. Always chase adventures. Always celebrate life.

2. Goodbye is inevitable. 
As we grow older, we will meet a lot of people, will become part of our lives, and make an impact on how we see things. Some of them will become our friends and stay for a lifetime. Some will just pass by to teach us a lesson. Some will make us feel special. Some will stay, others will leave you behind. And that is the harsh truth, there are people who are meant to stay in our hearts but not in our lives.

3. The best time is NOW.
If you want to achieve something, if you want to acquire something, then do it now. It’s a waste of time to wait for the perfect moment to do something. Stop procrastinating. Take action for bigger things to happen.

4. Appreciate.
Always learn to appreciate even the little things. If you were given something like a bag, watch, shoes, dress, show appreciation by simply using it at least once. Someone’s heart can be filled with happiness if he/she knows for a fact that he/she is well appreciated.

5. Say ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’ a lot. 
Make this one a habit. Saying thank you and please to others even if they are strangers. For me, thank you and please can really warm someone’s heart.

6. Smile.
Cliché as it may sound, but it is true that a smile is the best accessory that you can have, so wear it often. Smile to all the people you meet every day. Smile to stranger. Smile and the world will smile back at you.

7. Be a source of positive energy.
Always radiates good vibes. I know that it is not always rainbows and butterflies, we have our own struggles and problems to deal with, face it with a happy heart. Believe that you can make it through by staying enthusiastic and hopeful.

8. Say sorry.
Ego and pride will not do any good, so if you know that you hurt someone’s feelings, you made some mistakes, learn to say sorry.

9. It’s okay to fail.
We are risk-takers in our own little ways, we are trying and giving our best shot just to have what we want, however, sometimes life fails us. We already gave our all, but then it is not enough. We already put so much effort into it, but still, we end just a runner up. And that’s alright. There’s nothing wrong if we fail, at least we tried. There’s nothing wrong with being a second best, you’re still a winner.

10. Forgive.
Forgive those people who did wrong to us, who hurt us. People who knows how to forgive has a happy heart.

11. Learn to say NO.
There is one saying that I can recall completely, it goes like this, “Don’t say yes if you’re saying no to yourself.” If you really don’t want to do it, say no without any reason.

12. Always speak your mind.
If you want something to say, have the courage to voice it out. Let them hear you. Let them know what you feel.

13. Fight for what you believe in. 
Each one of us have our own beliefs, ideas and opinions. If you believe in something, then make a stand about it, even if it’s just you.

14. Seek respect not attention.
Respect and attention are two different things. Having someone’s attention is easy but having someone’s respect is kinda hard.

15. Don’t chase men.
As a woman, you have to love yourself. If the man you love, doesn’t love you, then so be it. Don’t be desperate to win him. You’re a woman, you’re special. Know your worth. Know the love that you deserve.

16. True love waits.
Do not rush. If you’re ready for the love that you deserve, He will give it to you in the right time and in the right circumstances.

17. Have a stronger faith.
Even if everything fall apart, do not lose your faith in Him. Believe that He will guide you in every aspect of life. Hope that everything your heart desires will be given to you in God’s perfect time.

18. It’s okay to cry.
When all else fail, it’s okay to cry your heart out. Scream if you want to. Let go those bottled up feelings.

19. Do not quit.
If you’re tired doing everything you could just to be in where you want to be, rest but don’t give up. Always remember, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

20. Travel more.
The world is such a beautiful paradise, so go explore it. Experience extreme sports and activities. Know and familiarize every culture, discover the treasures that every country can offer. Indulge to nature.

21. Read more.
If you read 50 books last year, make it a hundred. Books can bring you into different dimensions. It can make you feel thousands of feelings.

22. Learn new things.
Know how to ride a bicycle. Know how to play an instrument. Know how to cook. Learning something new makes you better. Life is a continuous learning process so always try doing things out of your comfort zone.

23. Don’t compare.
We have our own individuality, different experiences, different struggles, so never compare. My story is different from yours and vice versa.

24. Never doubt yourself.
Believe in yourself that you can. You can conquer everything. You can make your dreams come true. You can make your goals happen.

25. Manage your time well.
Stop being workaholic. Stop being busy. Have quality time with your friends, family and of course have time for yourself. Treat your family, have drinks with your friends, reward yourself with a massage, spa or haircut. Managing your time well makes you alive.

26. Be sincere and true in everything you say.
If you love someone, say I love you and mean it. If you hurt someone, say sorry and mean it. Say thank you and mean it. True and sincere people doesn’t have any mask to wear. They don’t have time faking. Be genuine.

With all these 2016’s life lessons, I can strongly say, “2017, I’m ready for yah!”

Morning Light

i already let you go
but in this morning light
i still can remember you.
my memories of you gradually vanishing
but in this morning light
my thoughts of you came rushing in.
maybe our souls will find each other again
maybe not now,
maybe not ever.
but i always keep on prayin’
that our world’s can meet again
in one sweet morning light.

Sunday Currently | 10

Just woke up from a sweet slumber, technically it’s Monday already and here I am, writing my Sunday Currently. (eh bakit ba, I feel like writing e.)

Anyways, I’m currently

READING
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, I feel like it’s all about love blossomed one summer. Teenager feels. Yeah, I’m a sucker for romance and all that. Hopeless romantic as fuck!

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Maine’s latest blog post. This amazing lady is just full of wit, class and intelligence. Keep on slaying girl. Just stay true to yourself in this world full of barbies (ctto maine) and yeah, we’re not born to please others.

WRITING
Sunday Currently 10. 😊

LISTENING
To the songs used in the movie Imagine You and Me. The songs used are so on point, catchy and ang lakas maka-LSS. Aside from Kay Tagal which I believe is really suited for Maine and Alden, there’s this one song I really liked and that is You or Nothing by Hale. Mga isang linggo na ata ako LSS sa kanta na to.

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THINKING
That time really flies so fast. Mamaya tapos na ang July, mamaya nyan 26 na ko, tapos mamalayan mo na lang Pasko na. Oh good heaven, pwede konting bagal naman. Lol

SMELLING
The fabric conditioner I used on my bed sheet. Hmmmm bango!

WISHING
To have a getaway on my birthday. I’m planning to ask my sister if we can go somewhere like Baler or Calaguas. Hahaha Maiba naman.

HOPING
To have our business come to life with my best friend. We planned to have a franchise first and step by step we can put up our own. In the franchising part, we’re on it already. (Wala ng makakapigil samin)

WEARING
Loose shirt and shorts.

LOVING
Spotify more. Hahaha I just got premium and yeah it is amazing.

WANTING
To watch Imagine You and Me again. Haha I watched it twice already but the movie feels so good, the cinematography is great, the story is awesome and kilig si Maine and Alden so I want to watch it again and again.

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And oh, I also wanted Alden In His Own Words. (Kelangan ko magpabili sa ate ko)

NEEDING
Motivation to keep going and the drive to keep on track. 😊

FEELING
Happy and blessed.

That’s for me today. How about you guys, how’s your Sunday going?

 

Another Father’s Day Without Tatay

It’s been so long since we celebrate father’s day with him. As far as I remember,  it’s been 10 years since he walked away in our lives, since he left us.

It’s really hard growing up without having a dad.

Sobrang hirap! Yung tipong pag nasira yung gripo nyo, yung ilaw nyo, kelangan mo pang humingi ng tulong sa kapitbahay just to fix what is broken. Yung pag gagagraduate ka, gusto mo dalawa sila ng nanay mo na maghahatid sayo sa stage pero wala. Yung pag gagabihin ka ng uwi, may tatay na magtetext sayo kung nasan ka na, pero wala. Yung tipong pag ginagabi ka sa mga lakaran eh papagalitan ka at papaalalahan ka, pero wala.

Sa tagal na ng panahon na di namin sya kasama, napakadami na ding okasyon ang nacelebrate namin ng wala sya. Ilang Pasko at Bagong Taon na ba ang nasalubong namin ng wala sya, napakadami na.

Naggraduate ako ng elementary, ng highschool, ng college, wala sya. Nagdebut ako, wala sya. Nagkaboyfriend ako nung highschool, di man lang nya nakilala kasi wala sya. Umattend ako ng prom, ng graduation ball pero di man lang nya nakita kung ano ang suot ko kasi wala sya. Natanggap ako sa una kong trabaho pero di nya alam kung gano ako kasaya kasi wala sya. Sa lahat ng ligaya at tagumpay ko, wala ang tatay ko. Sa lahat ng pagkabigo ko wala ang tatay ko para damayan ako. Kung sana andito ka at di mo kami iniwan, eh di sana mas masaya. If you never leave, things could be different. That I’m sure of.

Sa lahat ng pagkukulang ng tatay ko, nagpapasalamat naman ako sa nanay ko na syang nagpuno nun. She’s been our tatay and nanay ever since. She’s one amazing woman, bravest even.

A few of my friends just knew about this, and if ever they asked where’s my dad is, even after all those years that he’s not living with us, maiiyak pa din ako pag kukwento ko sa kanila. Kasi masakit pa din. It makes me feel empty somehow. Parang kahit na madami ang nagmamahal sayo, there is one aspect in your life that is lacking.

So for those people who have dads with them, lucky you! I’m so envious. 😯 And for those people who got the chance to celebrate father’s day with their dads, go greet them, enveloped them with a hug and kiss them at least. And oh, say that you’re thankful as well.

For all the fathers out there, specially for those who stay, Happy Father’s Day!!

To The Couple Who Makes Me Fall In Love Everyday

THANK YOU.

Thank you for making me smile and giving me a good laugh every day. From knock-knock jokes to pick-up lines to snap updates to inside jokes that both of you can only understand- those cute little banters that makes my heart happy.

Thank you for making me giddy all the time. Thank you for being my daily dose of good and kilig vibes every single time. Those simple touches, deep and long stares, subtle hugs, stolen kisses, they can make me swoon in just a snap of a finger.

Thank you for setting a good example to all your supporters. For reminding us not to bash someone, to forgive the haters even if they are not. Thank you for loving ADN wholeheartedly.

Thank you for your humility and kindness. For always mingling with your supporters and giving us time if you get the chance. For sharing with us some sweet moments together off-cam.

Thank you for appreciating everyone in this fandom. All the effort just to show how much we love you both. All the gifts given to you no matter how simple they are. All the edited fan-arts dedicated and inspired because of you two.

Thank you for staying strong, stronger even. With all the nasty rumors, hearsays, bashings, thank you for not giving up. Thank you for holding on to ALDUB Nation.

Thank you for being the fandom’s anchor. Every time the sails are rough, we just look back on why fate brought us on this ship, and that is because of you, Maine and Alden, and our love for you that are so strong to handle.

Thank you for making me hope that true love really exists.

Thank you for making me believe that fate works in the most magical and mysterious ways.

Thank you for the sweet chaos you brought to my life.

Thank you for making me fall in love over and over again, Nicomaine Mendoza and Richard Faulkerson Jr. I am grateful.

P.S. I can’t believe that I will love you both this much. Whatever your status right now, my heart is beyond happy knowing that you are each other’s strength now. Through ups and downs, right? Wherever this journey brings you, know that I will always be here, cheering for your success, beaming with pride for your triumphs.

P.S.S. I’m praying for your happily ever after. May you find the true home in each other’s arms. May you find the warmth in each other’s embrace. I’m praying for your never-ending happiness.

P.S.S.S Stay crazy and silly weirdos I adored and loved. I love you to the moon and back, Meng and Tisoy. 😘

Bitiw

Kaytagal ko nang naghihintay sayo
Kaytagal ko nang inaabangan pagbabalik mo
Ngunit wala pa din kahit anino mo.
Babalik ka pa ba
O lalakad na ko palayo?
Darating ka pa ba
O bibitiw na ako?
Hindi na ako magbibigay ng isang pagkakataon
Sapagkat napapagod na din ang kabuuan ko
Sa walang katapusang paghihintay sa isang tulad mo.
Babalik ka pa ba?
Dahil lalakad na ko palayo.
Babalik ka pa ba?
Dahil bibitiw na ako.

Bibitiw na ako.

Naghintay. Umasa. Nasaktan. Nagmamahal

Nandito pa din ako- naghihintay.
Naghihintay sa’yo.
Sa pagbabalik mo.

Nandito pa din ako- umaasa.
Umaasang ako pa din ang mahal mo.
Ang syang laman ng puso’t isip mo.

Nandito pa din ako- naghihintay.
Naghihintay na muli kang makapiling.
At sana’y iyong masambit na ako lang ang iyong hiling.

Nandito pa din ako- umaasa.
Umaasang wala pa akong kapalit.
At walang oras na sa puso mo ako’y nawaglit.

Nandito pa din ako.
Naghihintay.
Umaasa.
Nagmamahal.

Ngunit alam kong madami ng nag-iba
Hindi na ako, kung di sya na.
Wala ng ako, pumalit ay sya.
Wala ng tayo, kayo ang meron na.

Ngunit kahit ganon,
Nandito pa din ako.
Patuloy na naghihintay.
Patuloy na umaasa.
Patuloy na nagmamahal.
Patuloy na nasasaktan.

Pasa-saan ba’t darating din
Tamang panahon para ika’y limutin,
Tuluyang tanggapin at ganap na sabihin,

Minsan akong naghintay.
Minsan akong umasa.
Minsan akong nasaktan.

Ngunit patuloy pa ring nagmamahal.