Manjuyod White Sand Bar

I’ve been working like a fiend, but I always end up with a meager budget. There’s really something wrong with my budgeting strategy *naks!* I should really change it na =)


OK. So it’s summer and we’ve been planning a long time to pursue this awesome custom people love to do when Mr. Sun smiles in a manner that you’ll melt feebly — summer getaway! :) away... away...

This is really overdue because we originally planned to wander along the coasts of Cebu city. I mean, the breath-taking waterfalls they call “Kawasan” and then to the white sand beach they dubbed as “Moalboal”. However, because of these kill-joy people (kidding), set aside the time constraints and scarcity of budget =D, we weren’t able to push it through. So, we settled instead to a fine white sand bar in the middle of the vast ocean, which is only within the island of Negros Oriental. Uhuh, it’s the infamous “Manjuyod White Sand Bar”!

These pictures will tell a different kind of story. I mean, stories that even words can’t expressed clearly. So here it goes! Enjoy making fun of our faces and vanities overload, and succumb onto the feeling of a great summer that you too should give a try =)

Serendipity

The evening falls so fast and soon we’re inside the confession room, sitting in a one-seat-apart approach. The once mirthful ambiance among the participants has been replaced with complete silence.

The tranquility of the moment chills me to the bones as I am tethered on my white plastic seat. The calmness of the surrounding is swaying me like a babe, consoling my spirit in peace. The candlelit pieces of fad, half-covered by brown papers, complemented the serenity of the place. They remind me more of the vast green meadow at dawn, with morning dews sprinkled all over.

The place was sacred and at the same time, magical. It’s as if the entire heaven and earth conspire to bring us to this glorified place.

Suddenly, a hum started to play, and then songs of praises echoed around the room. I shut my eyes close and meditate on the lines. In a complete darkness, I imagined God’s angels forming in circles, gleefully surrounding us, speaking straight to our hearts, as we start to commune to the Almighty Father.

As I gingerly made my way out of the room to make my confession, I was enthralled upon seeing the entire thing set up before us. This time, the candlelit pieces of fad scattered on the ground in a manner that’s as if soon enough, they’re going to warily flutter above me, along with my emotions that I’ll be lifting up to God.

Momentarily, I felt a pang of nervousness. Am I ready to succumb into this whole spiritual thing? But I sat in front of Fr. Iking, anyway, awkwardly in silence. Something between a sigh and a huff of exasperation leaves my mouth as I scoot my list from my pocket. As I was reading the first line, I fall-short of the dimness. I can hardly read them! I’m afraid to be preoccupied furrowing and squinting between the lines and be completely lost, instead of establishing a connection to pour out my sentiments smoothly. “Father, di ko kaklaro sako gisulat”, I said dryly.

With a crooked smile, he fumbled upon his Iphone and flashed it straight to the paper to offer a faint glow. “Here”, he replied, with a thin line drawn on his lips—suppressing his chuckle I guess. “Thanks goodness”, I winced, and continued reading.

I find it comfortable eventually to express myself. Although at times, I stammer between the lines and trail off in every appalling word. Inevitably, although how hard do my eyelids take hold of them, tears raced down my cheeks. I sobbed like a child being reprimanded. I wept like an innocent chap telling the whole truth. I cocked my head on one side as I sashay my fingers to wipe them off secretly.

Then my whole world stopped. I was lost in the feeling of guilt, shame, and fear. All I can hear is Fr. Iking muttering prayers, while I kept myself in place, with my head still bowed down. “It takes an effort to change”, he said pressingly and with might. That very line moved me into my senses. In fact, it left a mark in my heart. Very appropriate, just perfectly said—just what I long to hear.

I was overwhelmed. I felt magnified at an instant. It gave me a feeling of relief, knowing that I still have a chance to swerve and be back to the path that God has paved for me. My purpose is clear now.

Baguio Breeze on a December

We we're just so lucky enough to avail of the Piso Fare from Cebu Pacific Airlines. Yes, you've read it right. Piso Fare! Ermergerd! It's like about P1,500 for a round trip ticket =) Isn't it amazing?

While busy filling up the form thru internet, we are also busy, in fact our minds are so preoccupied, thinking on where to go -- that very perfect place to be in December. *thinking* And then suddenly, I just blurt out the word. “Baguio!”, I asserted.

All their eyes were glued on mine, trying to digest the suggestion that just came out from my mouth. “Good point well made”, they break in silence, and smiled with their eyes wide open surprised.

Yes! We’re going to Baguio. The ambiance there is perfect for the month of December -- cool, misty, and quiet. And then I imagined myself wearing a winter coat, with matching a scarf around the neck. And then I’ll be in boots, comfy undershirt, and anything perfect for a Christmas getaway :)

So without further ado, I’d like to share with you the happy hours of mine and my coworkers who come together for this pleasurable vacation (Yeah, I could say vacation cause we are idle from work for four days, men! What a life!)

Come, take a look =)

Touch down! :) Oh, look at His majesty :)

One of the finest places to eat :)

And we're finally here at Manila Ocean Park :) Let's get this started! :)

Wondering how could they ever move their limbs in the water :) and wishing I can, too :)

One of the finest transient houses in Baguio city :) Good morning earthlings! Good morning Baguio! :)

While we made our entrance at Baguio Botanical Garden :) with the oldie native :)

Their must-try strawberry taho :) Just tastes so good :)

At Mines View Park where the view is so astounding :) Apparently, I'm wearing their native costume :)

Again with the native costume, I managed to ride on a horse and pose a perfect smile :D

The View: Isn't it amazing?

Of course, their main product and delicacy, strawberries! :)

Okay, so here we are at Camp John Hay and ready to made that spine-tingling thing they call...what? I forgot. Amasare :D

And I'm on the top of the world, laid back, and nervous :D

At strawberry farm :) Oh, I love the place, the cool air, and the strawberries! :) 

At Tam-awan village :) Creepy cause of the foggy surrounding :)

Bagay ba? hehe. Nice one, kuya :)

Strike a pose, though shivering :)

At the grotto :)

See this? The entire Baguio city is below me :)

At Burnham Park :) We're kayaking and savoring the coolest breeze in the Philippines :)

Trails of Antarctica :) Another icy experience! :) The temperature is negative five, uhuh! :)

  

The vacationers :) on our way inside the Oceanarium :)

So there we are guys! Happy reading! :)