Can You Really Not Put A Good Talent Down?

I am watching the last few episodes of Project Runway, Heidi Klums version (USA). Well, this is a spoiler...

Anyway, there is one designer there that I absolutely HATE. Yes. I do loathe her. Irina.

You see she is also the best, and probably the most talented. But aside from this, I am still rooting for Carol Hannah.

Anyway, my point is, is it really okay for someone so talented to be catty and sarcastic and feel everyone is beneath her? Just because the situation calls for her to be indispensable?? Does that give anybody license to look down on other people?

Call me judgmental, even to myself. There are many times in my life, I felt I was good, and maybe so good that I felt I was an expert, until some incident leaves me looking stupid. Law school, college teaching, personal fights,etc. Even in my physical appearance. Someone said my skin was soft and smooth, until the acne took its sweet revenge and started hanging out on my face, leaving its marks for good.

The point of my sharing?? I guess we need to be on our toes. Yes, we are gifted in many ways, but that does not give us license to feel the whole world stops just because we are no longer part of it. In my case, these many changes in my life tells me that no matter how good or talented I am on a certain skill, things will suddenly pull you down to remind you about humility, respect, appreciation for others. Talents and gifts are not only to be flaunted, but also to be shared. And please, let us remind ourselves that these are just given, they can be taken away...

MAybe that is why I hate Irina, because I see my self in her in some way (and it isnt the talent I am talking about)...

Is It All About The Money??

I am really disappointed with the Adidas KOTR results, or lack of...

Is it really just about making a profit, and leaving your customer, client shortchanged?

I also belong to the services industry. And I too can be guilty of just concerning myself about what I can gain from something... What is in it for me and all that...

But we are built to inspire people, not just take from them. When someone pays you to do something, the very least is to deliver, but the noble thing to do is go beyond.

That is our duty.

Yes, we do not get to please everybody, but if we work hard and we do the best we can, it radiates. And although there will be complaints, these are raised with respect.

Well, enough said. I dont want to sound like a bitch again...

God and His Mysterious Ways

Things have a way of turning out. Plans reveal themselves in their own good time. This is what I felt these past two weeks.

Here I am, waiting for prospective students to tutor, quietly enjoying my free time, when God has called on me again to serve the academe.

It is not that I am jaded. On the contrary, I have seen too many twists and turns in my 33 years of existence.

But I do believe in miracles.

And so, I am back in the academe. After one week of thinking it over, demonstrating and lifting everything up to God, looks like I am teaching again.

This time, I know, everyone wins.

Things I Have Learned From The Recent Events

Life is always about lessons learned. And realities highlighted. After the whole Ondoy experience, these are some of the truths I have realized...


...That first and foremost, I had been lucky...My only huge challenge that day was being stranded from 11 am to 6 pm. I had no money, and the only thing I was to do was get my sisters medical results. Suddenly, we could not go home since the roads were impassable. But that was the only thing that we had to face. When I saw the videos and photos on TV, I realized how spared I was from this...


...That because I was lucky, it was my duty to help... What I saw in Marikina, even here in Pasig was like remnants of a war which we obviously did not win, death toll rising, many missing persons, children being driven by the floods, how could anyone sleep seeing them this way? I had to do something....

... That in every tragedy, and an act of generosity, there are people who are overcome by greed... People controlling what to give, whom to give donations to, people selling the donations to others. It is just sad...

... That in spite of this, we cannot afford to be jaded... It is better to give our service with the possibility of being taken advantage of than not to help at all, a looter who has gained is better than a victim who deprived of assistance...

... That we are all responsible for this... YOU and ME, our poor stewardship of Gods gifts, our abuse, our negligence...

... That miracles do happen... Pepeng did not hit Metro Manila to add insult to injury. It is now time to pray for the other towns hit by this calamity...

Ondoy

I am praying for the victims of the flood. All of us have been hit by this. It is tragic, heartbreaking and devastating. Something we will never forget, but something to learn from, too.

But life does not end here. And we all must continue to fight, to live.

I am praying for strength. I know that God never abandons...

TV JUNKIE

Yup, I have always been a TV Junkie. Gosh, from the time I was old enough to watch Sampaguita and LVN movies after school, to Heredero and Yagit, to Pinoy Big Brother (First Season). From The Love Boat, to Dynasty, to Knots Landing and Falcon Crest. From 90210 to Melrose Place. I am a true sucker for telenovelas, soap operas and different series. Now, well I cannot say that choices are better, but I take time out to download episodes from these shows. So here is my list of guilty pleasures...

1. Project Runway (US) Sadly I was not able to catch the Philippine series, but Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn are my constant favorites. I like this show because the drama is just restricted to creating beautiful dresses. When they bitch about others, it is really based on their performance as designers. And oh, those creations they make are such work of art! That for a time, I thought about making my own clothes (haha, in my dreams)...I love this show because I love looking at clothes made from scratch, newspaper, what have you. So interesting...

2. Greys Anatomy ...I downloaded the first two episodes, but I have yet to see if they live up to their hype. Last season was not as great as the previous ones, but each episode never fails to make me cry. Whether it is about love, or reality, I still learn something from this show, even if it gets a little cheesy..

3. Gossip Girl...Haha.... A 33 year old housewife like me should be into Desperate Housewives, but no. I LOVE this show!!! It allows me to just relax when I watch this, not to think too much, and enjoy the scenes (pretty girls, pretty dresses, gorgeous men!) The show can be influential in some ways, I mean sometimes, it is just a little inspiring to be as scheming as Blair and Georgina!

4. Mad Men.... Hands down, my ultimate favorite for this season. I loved it the first season, the second, and I always find myself begging for more. The whole sixties theme is just amazing, and maybe it is me, but there are just so many metaphors, hidden issues that one can pick up in this show. It is poetry and history meticulously woven in an advertising agency, and in a nuclear family. It is so engaging, although many of my friends find it a little too dark, or boring. But the sight of John Hamm, lighting a cigarette? My week is almost complete...

6. True Blood... Sad but the season just ended. LOVE this, too. As I wrote in my status in facebook, after crashing on True Blood, I just cant take it in small doses. I can watch 3 episodes in one sitting... and I can hold my pee, too... drat, cant wait for the new season...

Getting Comfy With The Treadmill

Yesterday, I made a good decision.

As much as I enjoy running on the road, I decided to do my very first 60 minute run on the treadmill.

How did I find it?

Boring as hell, looking all the time at the numbers: speed, time, grade, trying to get distracted by the many tv screens.

But fulfilling because I know my average pace, the distance I had run, and the calories I burned.

I burned about 420 calories, ran a little over 7k, and my average speed was 7.5 to 8. My grade was 2.5.

Quite slow for others, but for me, this was a pretty good job done!

Imagine, I ran for sixty minutes!!! Woohoo...

Now let me attend to my shins....

Hoping For A 3k

Drat. I was not able to register early for the New Balance Run for Sept. 27. I am left with a possibility for the 3k run. Lesson learned? Register early...

That aside, I realized I have been enjoying my runs in my moms village. A little flat, but it gets the job done. My shins have finally accepted the fact that they will frequently be used (and abused?) and so the pains are slowly disappearing. Another chapter in my running life?

The Heat Is On In Saigon!!

Ten Unforgettable Things About Ho Chi Minh

1. Their new and progressive airport, reflective of their new and progressive city (iwan na talaga ang Pilipinas...)and their ubiquitous MOTORCYCLES..

2. Our sweet and gracious host, Liza....Love her, love her!!

3. Bhen Thanh Market where you can get the most beautiful embroidered everything... bags, scarves, shirts, shoe bags, wallets. These designs are so intricately made...

4. Vietnamese coffee... iced, three in one, brewed, condensed, they are really, to die for...

5. Vietnamese food... Pho 2000 where this restaurant was visited by former President Bill Clinton and they make the best seafood noodle soup...

6. Quan An Ngon, an old but charming place that has different stations a la hawkers. Their wrap and roll vegetables with the rice paper rolls are not only healthier but delicious as well!!

7. Saigon Square, like our very own Greenhills that sells export overruns of all brands (MNG, Adidas, The North Face, to name a few) Even I found shirts my size!

8. The Notre Dame Cathedral built in the 18th century. Its exterior is timeless, and in 2005, the statue of the Virgin Mary reportedly shed tears...

9. The Post Office and the Opera House, both splendid even at night, with lights comparable to Shanghai...

10. The Remnants of War Museum... where I shed tears of sorrow, too. After seeing the Vietnam War from their perspective, (I grew up watching Nam Tour of Duty and a little of China Beach), it goes to show that NOBODY WINS in every war. Everybody LOSES... The Agent Orange is the most painful reminder of this.. and I hope our world will not have to see something like this again....

Well, to my husbands dismay, we were not able to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. But this is enough reason for us to come back someday...:)

Terrible, Terrible Two

Well, recently I noticed my 2.5 year old daughter has been acting up. Screaming at the top of her lungs, refusing to follow authority. And it is and will always be a major challenge to be over and above and beyond her tantrum to control her.

Sometimes, I just give up and make MY screams louder. And the temptation to inflict corporal punishment is there, but I try my best not to give in. Other times, I just talk to her and say, "I know you are angry, but you can't scream that way. I will talk to you when you are ready(calmed down)."

It's a really tough role, motherhood. Because you are responsible for the life of your child. Every episode of neglect will be reflected someday, and I am so afraid of that. We look at people and even in studies, they show that a major factor in one's behavior is how that person was raised. Family values. And so I have taken this responsibility, I hope I get to fulfill it.

Well, just venting out my frustrations...

Unrequited Love?

It was a month since I joined a race. The last was when I bitched about Run For Home. Yesterday, with a little more conscience and patience, and what I call loyalty to my alma mater, I joined the 5k fun run of Dean's Cup in UP.

Well, of course, I didn't do my assignment (stretch, striders, etc) so I ended up panting in the first quarter of my run. Duh, bad shape indeed for me. As I mentioned in my previous posts, I cannot seem to speed up in 5k, and this has become my barrier in joining 10k races.

Anyway, this afternoon, I tried to do baby steps of a recovery run in my village, and perhaps it was because of my massage (which was more of a hilot), I felt pain in my shins, thighs, and even on my butt.

Which makes me realize that I love running but it does not love me back.


Don't get me wrong, I am in no depressive state now, not even lamenting. It is a fact of life for me. I am, and will always be, a beginner in the sport. I do easy 5k runs for some people and I gasp to breathe. I practice, and I ache. As early as now, I feel so much "birth pains" in running. My coach says it's natural to feel these pains since I am a beginner. And as such, I really have to be patient.

I honestly think running does not love me back, because as early as now, I am faced with these challenges (pains, very slight improvement in my time, very slight improvement in my weight), but it doesn't matter, really. I can't go moping like a busted manliligaw right? It's really up to me, if I choose the path of courtship and persistence, or I totally give up and choose another sport....

What's it gonna be?

I choose to be persistent, and maybe in a few years, like a loyal and worthy suitor, it will realize the passion I have, the dedication and commitment I am willing to give, and maybe someday, it will begin to love me, too.

Remembering Lex

I just remembered my friend Lex. It was his birthday last August 21, and because he passed my mind a couple of times, I have decided to write about him.

I was probably 5 years old when my sister and I, and probably my cousin were walking along San Juan Street in Noveleta. If my memory is right, Lex was one of those rascals who tried to throw pebbles at us. But, his father caught him, and so he was reprimanded in front of us.

Fast forward to summer of 1989, I was going grade 7, my mom decided for us to take tennis lessons in a resthouse, Lex's dad's tennis court.

And just as predicted, Lex, who was about 17, was a heckler and a jerk while we were awkwardly trying to learn the perfect tennis form (I told you I am obsessed about every form of every sport). My older sister Treena could not stand him after a party where he made her bakod. I thought he was a dork who was KSP, and my cousin Chet was being teased to him, since they were almost the same age.

Well, after a while, we had no choice but to talk to him. Turns out this guy was like the biggest playboy in our town. Conyo kid from a school in Alabang being friendly with the whole first district of Cavite. And these girls absolutely loved him. And his undeniably beautiful dancing eyes.

I never had a crush on this guy. Thought of him more as a big brother, but our closeness only strengthened maybe starting June-July, when we all had to keep a secret from him...

I still remember that afternoon at the tennis court, he had just come from a pestering cold and cough which refused to leave him and the doctor, and also told us that he passed out when they got a sample of his blood. We were teasing him, and he was adamant on having his 18th birthday party in that rest house, like many of the parties in Noveleta.

Well, a few weeks after, he did not only NOT have a party, but he was also stricken with Leukemia, and had to celebrate his birthday in the hospital. His parents decided not to let him know, and because of boredom, he started calling friends, including me.

I cannot remember our conversations very well, probably his long list of girlfriends (simultaneous) and teasing me to our neighbor, but I remember all those times he was in the hospital, not knowing what was wrong, for a few minutes, I got to entertain him, to amuse him. I knew I reminded him of his very young sister, Diana (although the resemblance ended there-she grew up to be beautiful...) and I knew during those moments there were happy and fun....

Until he was already in critical condition and lost his voice, and two days before he passed away, I got to hold his hand without showing him my tears, trying to be strong while he struggled to say something when all that came out were moans of pain and frustration, and knowing too, that death was to come while he was still full of life. His dancing eyes piercing our hearts, his dancing eyes still fighting until the end...


It's been 10 years, and each time I dig this memory in my chest of unforgettable episodes in my life, I cannot help but cry. From May to October, God had given me the chance to be a part of this person's life, to love him like a big brother, to be with him like a friend. And when I do say a prayer for his soul, I also know that despite his wisecracks and antics, his heckles and teases, I also know that he is in Heaven, watching over us....

The Travel Bug

Initially this blog was about a mom sharing her insights and experiences while traveling to different places. I realized I have not written so much about it, since my interests have changed. I started to write about running, about my personal life, my insights, my beliefs, skeletons in the closet(dasters in the closet) and what have you. Which makes me confirm I really have an active (if it could travel, it would have gone around the world-in a few hours!) mind, and I take so much inspiration in the littlest, most mundane things. And call me narcissistic, I get to entertain myself a little when I reread all my posts.

Well, anyway, I want to go back to my main purpose. Which is traveling. I have some destinations I plan to conquer, and yes, I will try to include running in them. Next week, hopefully I will be posting something informative and hopefully entertaining...

So stay tuned.

Cory...

I was 7 years old when I heard the news of Ninoy Aquino's death in 1983. My family went to their Promesco Building along South Superhighway to watch the procession of his burial. At that time, all I had in mind were Barbie Dolls.

I lived to see the People Power in 1986. In grade three, just turning 10 a few months before, I had to deal with my own juvenile depression. Up to this point I still cannot remember how and why I had such, but I could vividly recall the daily masses we had in our village in Valle Verde, and my sisters together with the rest of the choir singing Bayan Ko. An ordinary lady under extraordinary circumstances was elected president.

I lived to see this president, trying her very best to get it together to be honest, truthful, bringing all the ideals she carried for her husband to save the dead Filipino, the hurt Filipino, the degraded Filipino. She became a hero.

Now this hero is dead, and I have lived to see all of these. The injustices she voiced out. The graft and corruption she refused to accept. And now, what? I am now a mother myself. My daughter and her generation did not get to see these struggles, these battles that this woman and her husband fought to make my daughter's life better, my daughter's country better. What happens to the future of our land? What happens to us, those who witnessed the truth? Those who are hurt, scarred, jaded, callous?

I have no answers to these questions. But I do sympathize with Kris when she wailed her feeling of abandonment, now that her mother is gone. That is exactly how I feel now, as a citizen. I don't know where to look, and where to go from here. I am also lost....

But I also have faith....

Fancy Meeting You

I am just wondering, if it is only my sister Kathreena and my best friend Bru who are reading my posts, how the hell did the numbers reach 500? Every time I open my blog, it does not count, so, I am really guessing (accusing?:))...

Unless my husband Rod secretly clicks every 5 minutes...

Hanyway...I am so excited to transfer to our new place... we are going through the motions (packing, unpacking, sorting) and I look forward to the life I will live in that place, with my hubby and my little girl...

Doing It Fast Vs. Doing It Right

I woke up this morning to my husband's voice, telling the helpers that I would love what he was watching. I caught the last few minutes of great run, 10k, and these runners finishing the race at 33 minutes...

I have not even reached the part in my life that I could finish a 5k in 33 minutes, what more a race that is double in distance, but all I can say is that I have been running for about 6 months now (tomorrow, officially), and I have run 4 10k's, and quite a number of 5k's. And I have hired the help of a coach who totally changed my (wrong ) form and made me go back to the demanding intensity of the 5k distance, slowly but surely.

Slowly but surely.... a very used yet taken for granted kind of line. Especially by me, an impatient, ADD-stricken, results-oriented person.

This line is extended in all aspects of my life, from my running to my career, which I have decided to "give up" for my family. This line is extended to my own finances as well. Well, there are days wherein I imagine how different my life would be if I were a corporate hot-shot, or a well-known teacher, or a pioneer in the field of reading, or a public figure in the running community. My time would probably be so busy, I'd be so in demand...I'd be ubiquitous and omni-present... And I could buy anything I wanted (sorry, I'm a sucker for purchasing power!)

But my daydreaming stops because, in spite of my restlessness, my eagerness to reach my goals, I am grateful for the slow but numerous opportunities to enjoy my family-my supportive husband and my growing 2 year old toddler, my slow but developing runs, my teaching abilities (I tutor kids now, which lessens my missing teaching). I may not be employed in a big school at the moment, but I live to hear my daughter's laughter when we play. I may not be doing my marathon very soon, but as small as my Kenyan steps, I know I will get there. I may not have everything I would wish for this very moment, but I know I have everything I need.

Nothing more, nothing less. Just right....

Run For Home

I'm going to be a bitch.

Was it the disposable timing chip that drew me towards this race? I guess so. I'm thinking why didn't I get turned off when there was a whole fiasco on the online registration? I first registered and I got a P500+ price for doing so. I stopped. And then on another day, I got inspired again and registered. Hassle-free this time.
The claiming of kits was also pretty hassle-free.
But come race day, it was just a little too much.
I only registered for the 5 k. Yes, using the chip was exciting. Fine. But apart from the fact that it started on time, it was a pretty disorganized race. I mean, I have never seen so many runners taking more than a few seconds to stop for water. Usually, cups are all over, with water already. Here, goodness, with only about 2 water jugs, runners had to line up, to get water. That should have been taken care of, no matter how many participants joined, right?
Another was a really horrible scene I witnessed. As the 5k runners were going up Lawton avenue, we were inevitably met by 10 or 21k runners coming back. Yes, a little collision from time to time. The lane was just too narrow. I saw the 21k runners (or were they 10k) bumping into the 5k ones, which in effect may cause an unnecessary accident. And as I mentioned, this was totally unnecessary.
I finished late again. Unofficially 41 mins? I'm okay with that. But what I could not forget was that there were long lines in getting water. I badly needed water since I had to pass up those chances due to the long lines. But until after the race, long lines again?!! I thought that was kind of exasperating!
PLUS! Were there freebies? I didn't bother to line up. The line was just too long!!
Imagine, you're so tired already, and you have to line up for water, and then for freebies...UNNECESSARY STRESS...
Anyway, I was very disappointed with this race. Hope this does not happen again.

Running With My Best Bud

Itago na lang natin siya sa pangalang Bru. :)

I remember I registered for the two of us as early as mid-June, just so we could practice running together. However, the weather was never kind to us. Every time we set a date, there came the downpour. To a point that we were both so pikon already, feeling we had jinxed the weather just by declaring a running date on that particular day.

Anyway, Friday before the run, we were a little lucky to run together. But still, after 2 rounds in my village, the rain angrily let itself go, seeking its sweet revenge, leaving us bitin.

Last Sunday, forgetting all my essentials (i shuffle, setting my watch, my running cap), I went to my best friend's house. And we went to the Fort together.

It was Bru's first time ever to join a run, and she did so, almost dragging me.

You see, Bru is a natural athlete. Since we were kids, she was already a sprinter. Long, strong legs and long, strong strides, she was bound to finish the 5k route fast and quickly. But as the rules stated, thou shall stick with thy buddy, from beginning till the end.

I, on the other hand, am a slow runner, re-learning my technique, breathing heavily and carrying my whole weight around. But as the rules stated, thou shall stick with thy buddy, from beginning till the end.

Actually, the whole experience of running with Bru made me remind of the friendship we have maintained through the years. She a fast runner, obviously taking the lead, but adjusting her long strides to level with me. I, a developing endurance runner, but still asking every now and then if she was okay. Even if she is the stronger one, I try my best to be right behind her, so anytime she feels like stopping, she knows I have her back.

The run reminded me of all our episodes of obstacles and challenges we had to face in our lives, no matter how difficult, we were with each other, sharing stories that reached the point of silliness and therapeutic laughter, knowing that underneath these silly stories we would share, it was really each other's presence that really counted.

The run reminded me that albeit how differently we were woven and created, we choose to stick together and respect each other.

The run also reminded me of how competition was never part of our equation, it was to give and take, to share a piece of ourselves without truly compromising oneself, to adjust when one is in need, to also move forward.


I teased Bru yesterday that she enjoyed being a turtle for her maiden 5k run. Of course she cannot call this her very first 5 k since our time yesterday was not a true reflection of her peak performance.What happened yesterday was just an unforgettable episode in our friendship. I will have to let her go as she joins her first 5k alone, but I will definitely be behind her (maybe not right behind), like a gust of wind, proudly pushing her to do her very best, and applauding her triumph, because she truly deserves it...

Needless to say I enjoyed yesterday's run. :)

Sick Little Ava

Drat. My 2.3 year old toddler is sick. A little feverish, and with a cold that would not come out.

I hate it when this happens... because I see her difficulty in trying to sleep, and any day, I would trade places just to ease her pain...

I just hope she gets well soon. A while ago she was really exerting effort to smile and say things I could hardly understand. But then her eyes said it all...

Random, Incoherent Thoughts On Michael Jacksons Memorial

I do not expect anybody to understand this, but I just had to write them down as I watched the memorial service for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson....

sadness... grief... pain...piercing... sharp...loneliness... missing someone big... missing someone special... honor... glory... remembering my uncle who also passed away too soon, and how God was so kind to him... understanding but not fully understanding Gods plan... poor children so young... Gods gift...unfathomable...weakness... strength... sorrow... family... my childhood... music ...love... respect... to understand...

to finally let go...

A Gym Date With My Husband

It is common knowledge that I really hate the gym. Ever since I started running, my resistance to the gym got more intense, because I felt that I did not need it.

Of course I was wrong. It has been almost six months, yes, some of my clothes fit, but what about my arms when I poke them? That's my karma because whenＩwas much younger, I would play with and jiggle my mother's arms, right in the middle of her sermon (of course, not to me, or she would not have let me touch her!)

And now I am just waiting for the day Ava is mature enough to realize her mother's arms can be a source of amusement/entertainment, and so I have decided to take concrete steps so that day will forever be avoided (umm...lipo from THE Belo Group?)

SO! I enrolled myself in Slimmers' World, which is attempting to revive its "The Place To Be In The 80's-90's" (for the gym buffs, for the party goers, was it Faces?) but my reasons were different: a rainy day wherein I can't use the road to run... but I guess, I have not made full use of the gym's equipment.

The very reason why I hate going to the machines in the gym is that I don't know how to use them. And yes, it's my pride that stops me. I feel stupid going around, scouting for a possible trainer and trying to send brain waves to let them know I'm in the dark when it comes to those machines. Of course, those trainers give me the look that means "no pay, no teach", so I just totally give up on them, and promise myself to just ask my husband who loves those machines to give me tips.

Well, good thing my husband had free guest passes for the weekends at his gym. And so this morning, he and I visited Eastwood, and yes... I conceded saying their gym is newer, modern and the equipment is just state of the art compared to the modest place to be during the 80's-90's. I did some 30 minutes of cross training, from treadmill to bike to arm bicycle and cross trainer) and then my husband was just ever so happy to teach me a few of the machines. He was in his element. In fairness, I did enjoy them. They made me feel a little empowered, and my shoulders, arms, abs and back were challenged.

At least for my gym, I won't look that dumb trying to figure them out. My husband taught me a few tips that I can brag about. But I do look forward to my visit to my husband's gym, too. Though he may never understand my passion for running, I may begin to understand his penchant for weight training.

I just hope my arms will get leaner before my daughter discovers the joy of jiggling them. (I'm sorry, Mom, for all my faults...:))

Giving In To Temptation

For about two weeks now, I have been cutting down on my carbs. I eat brown rice, but recently, I have been measuring them (1/3 cup, and then another 1/3 cup - it's psychological, so I feel I had two servings..), which is now 1/4 and another 1/4. I also cut down on my sports drink, since my training program only demands 30 mins of Kenyan running on the pavement. I don't feel my weight has changed, but some of clothes have started to become a little loose.

Until the other night, when my friends and I went out. They were talking about what to eat at Chili's Restaurant since they had a business meeting there. I realized it has been a long time since I had eaten in that resto, to think that was one of my favorite places to hang out. I immediately suggested Ground Peppercorn Burger, one of the best for me (salty, spicy, crunchy, juicy!). The thought of that left me almost drooling yesterday, and I could not let go of the idea that I just had to eat there. Good thing my husband who also misses the place agreed.

And so we ate there last night. I tried to be conscious by ordering wheat bun, but man, I ate the whole burger all by myself!! It wasn't even the "not breathing while eating" experience. I really savored every bite, and for about thirty minutes, I was in burger heaven. I did not think of how this would affect my arms and tummy, and I did not allow myself to feel guilty. And for some weird reason, I was so so happy....

Well, today is another day, and I was thinking, it doesn't feel so bad to allow myself to give in to these fleeting moments of temptation. These moments are not always allowed, since it's so expensive to be eating out all the time. What I like about these moments is that after I give in to them, I know I need to bounce back to the disciplined life I want to live. I don't need to be so hard on myself (I used to regret and hate myself for being so matakaw and overweight, and and for being addicted to junk-food ) because I feel I can trust myself to bounce back.

I guess I'm beginning to be more positive towards my own self, which I think is one of the hardest things to do...

To The "Man In The Mirror"

I just arrived from training today when my husband told me the news... Michael Jackson is dead...I gasped in disbelief, trying to comprehend what he said. But then he asked me, why was my reaction so exaggerated?

Let me clarify that part. I was shocked, and my exaggerated reaction was sincere. But Why was my reaction "exaggerated" anyway? He's not a relative, but somehow, all my life, I cannot think of my 33 years without the existence of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

Yes, he became infamous for a lot of weird things he had done. But that was always my thing with Mr. Jackson. I could separate his personal life from his professional life. Not that I supported him or defended him, but it was something I could totally ignore, from one end of the pole, here is a "whacko", they say, but the other end, here is truly gifted artist, who touched so many lives and made special memories with his music, who could blow you away with his moonwalk dance and his graceful yet sharp moves, who serenaded us with songs like "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", and of course, "Man In the Mirror", to name a few.

Which makes me feel remorseful in many ways. One, why the heck didn't I watch his concert here when he came to the Philippines?! I had no money back then, I should have borrowed from my sister or something. Stupid me...
Another, his last days on earth were all about bankruptcy, etc. yes, these are things that need to be known, but during his last days here, I did not read any article (not that I was following his life), about anybody honoring him as someone who shared his talent, and yes, made this world a better place (in one way or another).

Makes me realize we are not perfect. That even if we inevitably do bad things, we still have redeeming qualities, talents, etc. I just hope that in this cynical world, we get to show our appreciation for people before it's too late.

To you, Mr. Jackson, with "exaggerated" tears in my eyes, I choose to thank you. Rest in peace...

It's A New Dawn, It's A New Day, It's A New Life.... And I'm Feeling...Weird?

Just kidding. Of course I'm feeling GOOD! Here are my reasons why....

1. A New Home - By a twist of fate, it looks like we are living near my folks!!! Can't divulge until it's a done deal...

2. Jomac's Running Technique - I have been taking it easy and running only 5.1 k (3 rounds), using the Kenyan Run that Coach Jomac taught me. Running in the drizzle is fun while I try to implement the technique. I noticed that my shins are not as painful... and that my energy is really reserved!! Love it, love it, love it! I just hope my speed gets better...

3. Friends - I' m joining the Buddy Run on July 12 with my best friend, Bru. She's a fast runner and I'm not, but walang choice, walang iwanan. :) Sorry I don't like the singlets, but it's a great way to bond with my bestie best friend. Practice days are elusive since it's been raining. One day, Bru... no worries!

4. Thesis - Haha, yan ang weird... Well, I've been reading, but still, can't find the focus to write everything... but one way or another, I'll get you!

Daddy's Day

My dad's not here now. He's in the States with my mom, visiting my sister and her family. And Fathers' Day is not complete without him...

Since he is not here, I decided to write about him. No, not his usual antics, and famous jokes he would share that made him the life of the party. But two memories I cannot ever forget.

I remember one night my dad, sister and I went walking around the village. I was very young then, and like any other active child, I ran while my dad and my sister walked. Unfortunately, I tripped, and this fall caused me a scar for the rest of my life on my left knee. A small circle like a 25 centavo coin. And I remember it was bleeding heavily. The details of that memory I can't remember anymore, but since we were on the opposite end of our village from our house, my dad made a gesture of carrying me while walking back home. I did not break a leg, or pull a muscle. I only fell and got wounded. And I was big enough not to be carried. But still, no matter what, dad chose to carry me...something I thought was not only touching, but an act of sacrifice from his end...

Another memory I have of my dad as a father was when I was small, he would cut my fingernails. He cut them patiently and very well. You see, I was "lucky" enough to inherit his short, stubby fingers, to a point that everyone in my class would tease me and call my fingers chicken lollipops. But those nice moments when he would carefully cut them, I felt proud and happy, and thankful that I did get this quality from him. It was a bond that we both shared. And I loved all those moments.

I have all other nice, and maybe not so nice experiences with my dad. Like any father and daughter relationship, we do have our tampuhan moments, but one thing about my dad is that he is a very patient person. Not just with me, but with my mom as well. He chooses not to take things against people, which is probably why many people are fond of him. I'm really glad now that I have my own child, my dad and I are closer. And I know having a grand daughter is something he considers as a special gift.

Anyway, shocks, I succumb myself into mushiness again. Well, it's father's day after all.

And so, to my Papa, happy fathers' day and I love you very much! --Wekek

Who's Your Daddy?!!

Let me honor the father of my child today, my one and only husband, Rod.

Even before he became a dad, he was already called Father. That story, though, will remain among him, me and the rest of the Poveda Batch '94.

Maybe one of these days I will tell that story. But for now, it's Rod, Ava's wonderful dad.

The way I found out I was pregnant was unique. I was having the worst cramps ever. And I asked Rod to take me to the ER, and he did, grumpily. He made up for that after, and committed himself to accompanying me and our baby to ob-gyne visits and lamaze classes.

We did not give birth naturally, but the whole time we were trying, Rod was there, never leaving my side. When I was cut Caesarian section, he was outside, and a cute photograph of him and our round, bloated baby girl was taken.

After knowing Rod for a long time, I knew for a fact that he was not very fond of children. But when Ava was born, his world turned upside down. He looked forward to spending time with our little girl, loves shadow time (when we turn off almost all the lights to condition our daughter to sleep), and now that Ava is learning to talk with sense, he smiles from ear to ear, trying to etch all their "cuento" sessions in his memory.

His cel phone and computer are all about Ava. Ava's pictures, videos, and even Ava's music. It is he who sometimes tries not to forget to buy a VCD of Barney, or who points out things that remind him of his little girl. And I always tease him that his heart melts every time Ava hugs him and kisses him.

Well, mushy as it sounds, I am really thankful for giving Ava a wonderful father. He is not perfect, of course, neither am I, and we have our disagreements regarding how to raise Ava properly. But, one thing is there. His constant love and affection for his precious one.

And I am mighty proud of him.

The Big (Jo)Mac

Thank heavens, the rain stopped for today's training!

I excitedly parked at the ULTRA and got ready for my first training ever, with Mr. Macalintal (Jojo, Jomac). We were about 6 runners this morning, 2 of us girls (me and Ivy) and 4 triathletes.

Mr. Jomac was very friendly, but no dilly-dallying with him. We started warming up by swinging our legs side to side, feet flexed. Quite new to me.

He then divided us into two groups, and we girls parted. He laid out what looked like a flimsy ladder, and all our drills were based on those small boxes that ladder created. My group was asked to do two 400 meter rounds, and for some dumb reason I just could not keep up with the guys.

I didn't know Mr. Jomac was observing my footwork, and so he mentioned I need to change my heel strike, and the speed (yes, someone answered my cry of help!) But before we could change my form, drills first.

The drills were really, really crazy hard, but fun! What differed this training from the Nike Running Clinic was that (of course, here you pay and you are not as many), we had to run hitting our glutes, tinikling dance, hop, skip, all confined in the boxes of the ladder. Major coordination challenge for someone like me! Dancers and small feet must have an easier time here. It was major burnout that the ladder of about 3-5 feet and the drills made me lose my breath.

Then, he taught me the basics of the Kenyan run, something like bolting, you run baby steps, but make sure that when you land on your foot, you push it right away. 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4. According to him, I need to strengthen my legs. I followed obediently.

He made me do the baby steps on the ladder, using it as a base for my rounds. Really cool. The pre-existing pains on my shins were slowly disappearing, because I was not using them in the wrong way.

Oh, and my arms. At last, someone showed me the correct way to swing them, arms not swinging from the waist, but up, up on your chest. USE THEM, for God's sake!

The training lasted for about 2 hours.

Hopefully I get to master the technique.

My first long run on Sunday, one whole hour using my baby steps.

Of Blogs, Runs, and Races

Takbo.ph had a very good point. They conducted a survey recently on how many races do runners join on the average. I am a logged-in member of takbo.ph, but I failed to answer the survey. If I had, I would be in the category of 3-4 races per month.


Which makes me realize, oo nga no, after reading blogs and takbo.ph's reasons for the low number of races joined, they have a point, which now I think is detrimental to my growth as a runner.

Let's remove the cause factor of the races.

I had been joining 10 k races lately, to gain endurance. It all started with Ivy, a former parent in Poveda, fellow Povedan, and a fast runner. She encouraged me to run for endurance. But my training for that is really bad, it turns out, 10k is the longest I have run ever, meaning my race becomes my training ground (inevitably). The 10 k is my LSD, since I have no time to do a longer run in the middle of the week. Which explains my panting, slow movement, lack of training, and knee and calf pains. In other words, these races have become limiting in my growth. Yes, I have gotten faster in terms of Personal Record as more races are joined, but have I become a better runner?

Nope, don't think so. After almost giving up last Sunday.

Sir Jinoe has a point. It's not just the cost (which I agree with, as an unemployed wife and mother who needs to finish her thesis), but there is a very limiting factor in joining races. So what if I had finished the 10k? What happens next? Is it just shorter time, or is it also about building endurance, maybe speed, and improving one's ability to run?

Lately I have been reading the runners' blogs, and it's true, maybe some of them are quite technical, but, I realize that I learn a lot from them. Not just tips on how to be a better runner, but also the passion that they have for the endeavor. Their human side, the struggles. Yes, I am quite far from their progress, I don't even know some of their acronyms. Their mileage makes me dizzy thinking about how I will ever relate to those numbers, but reading their posts, their stories, made me realize that I should not limit myself to only this, a beginner, a jogger, a slow 10k runner, but they give me encouragement as to how to be open to other opportunities to love the sport more, to be better at it. Even to love myself more, not just accepting my limitations and weaknesses, but by embracing and opening those doors to make myself a better me.

10 k at PTAA, UP Diliman

It's my first time to run a 10 k in my alma mater. My 5 k runs here were always challenging. I don't know, but maybe because my feet are not of equal length, I could really feel the unevenness of the road. Anyway, the typical Runrio event, a loud emcee, with booths on the side, the works. I warmed up by running around 200 meters, and started to sweat profusely.

Positive Split

When I heard the gun shot, I said to myself I was going to do this fast, and just slow down after the 2nd half of the run. I was running with my former parents from Poveda, Rory and Ivy, they were much faster than I, but at that time we were all on the same speed. Until Ivy soared.

I was still running, imagining myself running fast, until my mizuno bullet water bottle fell from my hydration belt. This startled the runners behind me. I picked it up, losing my momentum, and then my eyeglasses fell. This altogether left me pissed, and frustrated. My positive split plan just became a split altogether.

After gathering my self, I decided to run again. But I tell you, it was just difficult for me to jog even. I lost touch with myself, getting pikon and telling reminding myself why I joined 10 k instead of only 5. I was slowly getting disappointed, watching all the other runners run or even walk past me.

For a long time, I could not recover. I just kept walking, drinking, holding my bottle, restrained. I felt bad because my eyeglasses really broke. (Much to Rod's dismay when he found out). I was thinking in my mind how this might be my last, pushing myself too much for this when I know I cannot excel.

The sad part about the route (which had changed last minute) was that I had no idea how many km's I had already run. I have not been to many races, but I have been to enough to see these posts, saying 4k, 5k, etc. I was kind of depending on them, to strategize my run in a sense that I was going fast in one k, and just take it easy in the other kilometer. Oh well,. So much for that. Following blindly, I walked/jogged till I reached 7 k, letting go of all the ambition to run fast.

Just giving up.


Slow Recovery

Like all episodes in my run, I started getting conscious about my journey. I figured, hey, my playlist was playing slow music, and I had to look for the "inspirational" ones. Well, no fail, Come On Eileen started playing and I started picking up, there at the university avenue, and then U2's All I Want Is You became pretty dramatic but intense. Then at the anti climactic turn, I started talking to myself.
And praying.
Why didn't I notice how beautiful the trees were? And why was I not enjoying this very blessing that God had given me?
Like the Meek Runner (who always inspires me with her humility and appreciation), I offered the last kilometer to God, and just surrendered myself.

And then I started running. Slowly at first, but steadily.

I left all the walking runners and just told myself, I had so much to give, but I will control. Control. Control. Like a long slow distance run that I always enjoy.

Runners, bikers started to occupy the oval. So many of them.

I was so near the finish line when I found myself smiling, almost crying in anticipation....

Ahhh.....finish line.....

The coaches from Nike Running Clinic greeted the finishers. And I was relieved. And happy.

Here's to a new pair of eyeglasses!!!! (I can see Rod's angry face now....)

School Orientation

This morning, my husband, little girl and I attended my daughter's school orientation. My daughter is 2.2 years old, and since she gets bored at home, we decided to enrol her in the school my sister Jus teaches.

Anyway, we brought her along so she could get used to the place. Turns out after 2 hours, she did not want to leave. She loved it so much. I'm just hoping she won't get separation anxiety, or hurt her classmates, or hurt by classmates as well.

So excited for her, and for myself. I am so used to orientations, I used to give them in Poveda, but this time, I am the parent.

As the world turns....

She has a set of uniform already, and a long list of personal items to be brought to school. Hay. It was not so long ago when I was just learning how to breastfeed her, and learning she was a colic baby. Now, for two hours, she leaves me to enter her own world where I play no role in it.

Do all parents feel this way?

Or just the dramatic actress in me?

She is slowly weaning herself from her dede (milk), and now I realize it's me who cannot adjust. Or who is doing it anxiously..

Until when does a parent call her baby "her baby?"

Anyway, this has no coherence whatsoever...

Just random, but valid thoughts...

Mom and Dad's Little Girl

My parents left for the States last Wednesday. I had been putting it off, but now I guess I cannot deny the fact that I miss them. A day never passes that there is no phone call from my mom or dad, or from both. For me or for my little girl. Now the phone hardly rings.

And I miss them terribly.

But I know that they will enjoy their trip because they will be seeing their 3 cutie grandchildren.

Which makes me realize how much I miss my sisters, too.

Oh well. They are just a plane ride away...

Miracles

Yes, the Sisa in me has emerged once again. Just last week, I had my generous share of bitching about my circumstances, about the depressing rain, about where to transfer all the drama the I have always had. (This drives my husband crazy, but between you and me, that is what attracted him to me in the first place...Joke!) Anyway, like a wheel that turns, I am in my up again. And this entry is all about miracles. My fault, even the most minute things that happen in my mundane life is still a miracle, I just dont appreciate them. So, in all humility, I will enumerate those beautiful gifts God has designed for me the past week....

Mizuno Infinity Run. I was so happy to see a sunny Sunday morning. No sign of rain, or drizzle. The road was on the verge of getting dry. And so, I ate my peanut butter sandwich and drank my water and off I went to the Fort.
This time, my 10 k run was much better than my Auto Race Review Run (wherein I was the last runner). I loved running up the Buendia Flyover, seeing nearly a thousand people in groups, or alone, loving the sunshine and the wind kissing our happy faces. I saw a few running celebrities coming back while I was on my way to Makati Avenue, and people started smiling back at me. I guess I was grinning stupidly for no reason at all.
There were happy embarrassing moments, too. I had a former parent who was anxious about her first 10 k, saying she was just going to walk the whole time. I figured her walk was more of a gallop, she finished way ahead of me (nakakahiya, diba?).
I also saw my former boss, who introduced me to Takbo.ph people. He's right, I was so hesitant to join the picture taking, but that's how it starts... Good thing I got to talk to him, since he gave me very helpful advice, which leads me to my second miracle..

Second Wind Store. Although I had a great time at the Mizuno Run, there was something that really bothered me. My 5 month old running shoes. My right toes were already feeling pain due to lack of wiggle room, and I had to adjust my knees to this pain. I walked during the run numerous times, but I guess out of will and joy, I still tried my best to run. But, I knew I had to give up the shoes I had trained with for 5 months. My beautiful Mizuno's . My former boss Rico suggested that I see Mr. Hector Yuzon of Second Wind Store to consult about what shoes would be right for me. And so yesterday, I went with a budget, open to the idea of buying new shoes, just so my feet would not suffer. Mr. Yuzon was very polite (even when he was holding my dirty, worn out running shoes!!), and told me I was wearing shoes that did not support my over pronation (to the unititiated, it just means I run with my feet almost knock-kneed) and so he suggested certain models. After a test run, I went with New Balance 848.

A New Home. The most important of all my miracles I guess is this. My mother in law found a nice place for us, a bungalow a little bit farther than Valle, but the space was a winner. We were initially choosing between this (4 bedroom house 400 square meters) and a 3 bedroom condominium behind my mom's house (130+ square meters). Yes, we will be farther from my mother, but we'll be nearer my mother in law's house. The difference lies on my daughter's happiness. The space the more distant house provided was essential to her, as she is getting quite restless in a shoebox where we now live in. That feeling of uncertainty and homelessness? They disappeared the moment we saw the bungalow. Hopefully we build a happy life in our new place...dream big dreams, maybe have another baby... well, we'll see...

So, there. I guess this time I end things on a positive note! Thank God for all the blessings!

Rain, Rain GO AWAY!!!

I never liked rainy days. They always reminded me of summer about to end, school about to start...a broken heart, and of another quarter of uncertainty. I went back to work in the academe and I started feeling that cycle. Now, I am resigned from work, I can feel the sadness manifest in different forms.

Running for example. Yup I loved running in the rain, but I now get scared. As a wife and mommy, your life is no longer your own. As much as I want me time, there are just so many factors that you lose your grip and let other things take a hold of you. I have a 10k run this Sunday, and so I am literally begging the Lord to spare me from being last again... or just to let me enjoy my Sunday run. I only did around 5 k this week, my fault of course... but still...

And our future. Our land lord has told us to move by July 30, where will we go? It is like first week of school all over again. Meeting new people, going through the motions... so physically  and emotionally draining! Argh... I hate emptying boxes only to find no space for their contents... or looking at a place you have loved due to force of habit, and letting it go... like a sad funeral.

Yes, I know... my blog says lets get positive, but there are times that I do succumb to this morose feeling... because these are also the times there is no one who can help me but God, and also I am in my most vulnerable position, and that I get to produce something good after (a blog entry or what have you...). And I guess these moments make you realize how good it is when you are up, and how hard you have worked to reach it...

Coron, Coron, Coron!!! Part Two

That night, we ate chicken a basket in the restaurant called Old Town. We also ordered spaghetti. And aside from the fact that it takes almost 45 minutes to cook your order, one thing I learned was to bring toys and manipulatives for my (manipulative) daughter. The waiting time did not only upset her, but it upset her father more...

I never mentioned our room in Village Hotel. Since the walls in each room were made of pawid, on the first night, the sound of the TV from our neighbor was blazing that we could not sleep. We politely knocked on their door (with my daughter tagged as my props), and requested if they could lower the volume. One thing about Coron people and visitors is that everybody is courteous and polite. The service people, the boat men, vendors, tricycle drivers, and the guests. Your accommodation is their priority.

Day 3

My husband realized that he had booked one day extra, since he planned to go to the farther islands. But, just so you know, it costs around P3,000 to get to those islands because 1) you will need a bigger boat, and 2) everyone is hesitant due to the strong winds. So with a heavy heart, we just spent the morning of our third day buying souvenirs for our family. My yaya, daughter and I rode the tricycle to get to the souvenir shop, and got ourselves crazy buying wallets, necklaces and bracelets. Not bad the price! I also bought dilis for my parents and kasoy (their number one product). The kasoy was really expensive, but worth it.

We knew better and asked my husband to preorder lunch in our own dining area. When we got there, food was already ready. But Rod said, they survived a mini tempest, the winds blew the table setting and even broke a glass. Anyway, there was something we truly liked about our own Village Restaurant. It has lots of pictures from different journeys, and a chandelier with all the souvenirs from different travels. Really interesting...

After lunch Rod bought a prosperity statue from the souvenir shop in front of our lodge, and a few souvenirs for his family. We also bought a small light house (there are lots of them that they sell). I bought Ava a shirt. That afternoon, my husband and I had merienda in Bistro and their pizza was just wonderful...

That afternoon, we hired a tricycle driver for P250 to take us to the famous Maquinit Hot Springs. It was a 30 minute ride, which we all enjoyed seeing the beautiful view of islands and the calming sight of the blue waters. When we got to the Hot Springs, we saw the same guests we had been seeing in town. Of course, Ava did not like to immerse herself in the water, so she and her yaya just waded in the "kiddie pool". My goodness, the water was H.O.T!! But after a while, you get used to the temperature. TIP: wear slippers or aqua socks. The floor is rocky, and there are sharp edges. Plus, there was so much lumot....:(

We went home all soothed and calmed, and we ordered again from our restaurant and ate so much. After Ava was put to sleep, Rod and I went back to the restaurant for our yummy fruit shakes.


Day Four

We hardly had enough sleep because there was a brown out. And since the walls were so thin, we could over hear a new set of guests (chattering women) from the other room. My husband and I could hear their conversation and we started laughing when we heard one of the women FART OUT LOUD!!!!! Yes, the walls were so thin indeed.

One challenge we had to face in Coron was the rationed water supply. There were times during the night when water supply was down.

Day 4, after eating breakfast of fish, we said good bye to the beautiful town of Coron and headed for Busuanga Airport. We were glad to back home, but we we were also thankful we got to see the beauty and luster of Coron, and Ijust hope that it will not be abused in the future...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/avarl/sets/72157616292679412/

Coron, Coron, Coron!!!

Last end of March to beginning of April, my husband gifted my little girl with a trip to Coron, Palawan. It was a few days before she was going to turn two and we wanted to take advantage of her free fare. Because of that, her dad decided to bring her yaya Donna May, who was going to fly for the first time.

Day One
We faced a few obstacles here and there. The first was that I was an idiot to forget my ID. When I realized I had left everything with my mom (including my license), I could see Rod's face already, so so angry. You see, my husband's obsessive compulsive disorder is manifest in traveling. He gets really upset over things that skew from the original plan. This he really considered (me, too) an unnecessary hassle, so he was already frustrated.

Since no one could bring us to the airport, we had to take a taxi. It was a fun ride as Ava fell asleep on the way. When we got to the check in desk, it was a good thing I realized about my ID when I was still in the house, because Rod would have killed me. So I had my license, marriage certificate, Ava's birth certificate, too. And then we were all set.

Our plane was delayed (as always) but when we got to Busuanga Airport, it was pretty scary to land on a place full of mountains. Busuanga Airport was very small, and when I just took a few minutes in the bathroom, we were already the last party.

We rode a van to get to Coron town proper. It was a 40 minute ride, and Ava and I welcomed it as an opportunity to sleep. But I still stole a few moments to look at the beautiful scenery. Trees, mountains, and very few buildings. Until we got to Coron.

My initial reaction towards Coron was that it really reminded me of our province, Zambales. Their pride, the restaurants that were featured in a few travel websites were quite small. Our hotel was Coron Village Hotel, and we had a shabby room with three beds and a bathroom. It was like backpacking 101, but with a nearly two year old toddler.

Rod and I decided to leave Ava and her yaya to take a hike to get to Mt. Tapyas. We took around 720 steps to get to the cross above, and Rod and I were already panting by the time we reached the top. No regrets, since we had the best view of the whole island right before us. And on the other side was a pleasant view of the fields.



That night, we followed the trip advisor's tips and decided to eat in Bistro Coron, a small restaurant that served Western and Italian pizza and beer. Ava was really tired and was having a fit, but we managed to eat yummy food. The thing you have to remember is that it takes at least 30 minutes to cook your order in Coron, and that set up was not appealing to a toddler.


Day two
We had breakfast in our lodge, and it took a long time to be served. I had tocilog and it was okay. We had to prepare for our island tour. Rod already contacted a boat man through his cousin who also hired him previously. The price was P1,500 and we had the whole boat to ourselves. We paid extra P500 for food that they were going to cook and roast.

We met at the market and they had food prepared for us already. It was very challenging to carry Ava to the boat, but by God's grace we got to transfer her there. She refused to wear the vest we bought for her, so the whole time her yaya and I took turns in holding her closely. We on the other hand wore our life vests.

Our first island stop was the Siete Pecados, 7 tiny islands where snorkeling was the recommended activity. The current was crazy due to the strong winds, and so it was just Rod and I who swam. The fish and corrals were BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! The big challenge was trying to use the mask because the water was so strong. I almost panicked because I could not go back to touch the outriggers. But after a while, we went back to the boat and paid an old man who paddled his raft with ease for the "maintenance fee."

Then we got to Cayangan Lake. It was a major challenge to hike up alone, but to carry Ava? My yaya and I were so dismayed. But, knowing it was going to upset my hubby, we tried our best to hike up and go down to the lake. There was a beautiful spot where you had the view of the islands... and it was breathtaking. ...Pictures here and there, then we got to the not-so-salty lake.

And my daughter did not want to swim...

I shrugged her off and just enjoyed the water... so soothing for me, but I had to admit it was very deep, and so I had to be careful (though I am fat, I am a sinker)...While my hubby enjoyed snorkeling, I took pictures of the beautiful scenery. We were not alone, around 4-5 groups of adults (yes, we were the only ones who brought a toddler) quite adventurous enjoyed themselves and sat on the rafts.. and I realized that Coron was indeed for the single, adventurous market. Perhaps the market of Boracay but in its old, virgin form.



Thereafter, we ate at one of the huts shrimps (which I almost finished), liempo, a big fish（I forget the name but it was huge!!) and a boatma/carpenter's share of rice. It was yummy and we had a great time. Even Ava was not so fussy, eating liempo and sky flakes.

We could not visit Twin Lagoon since the tide was high, so we went to a small white beach instead. It was called Atwayan beach, and it was quite tiny. Ava still did not want to swim, but we got her portable tent (the "apple house") and her tools (shovel, etc.) The "Hanging Amihan" was pretty strong (it was nearing Holy Week). The problem with that island was that it was so small, the parked boats were about to bump one another. After a while, my family and I settled to go back home.














Horror Show
A little sad for not visiting the Twin Lagoon, my husband reluctantly rode the boat as we passed by the Skeleton Wreck. Good thing my daughter was about to take her nap, and so that left me and my husband time to do snorkeling and swim to see the famous ship.

It was pretty interesting that the ship was still visible underwater. According to stories, these ships were sent from Japan to battle during World War II. The wreck, the fish, corrals, they were all just beautiful...

Going back, it was a good thing my baby was asleep, because the winds were so strong, and the waves already entered our boat, which made me and my yaya really hysterical!!! Looking back, one very important lesson learned is that you should always, always wear your life jacket, no matter what!!!

(to be continued)