Summer. Or Something Like It.

Summering has always been fun.

Even under the blazing heat of the sun.

But this summer was more than hot. I got burnt.

Toasted, both sides.More on the inside.It hurt, big time.

West Philippine Sea’s Kalayaan Island: Project GIVE PagAsa, An Unexpected Gift Giving

Giving has always been something my heart leaps to. 
Something I really do not write about. 
Or talk about.
Something I just do. 
Because for me it is an act where language would not be enough to articulate how it feels like. 

Puerto Princesa, Palawan: A Sanctuary at Subli Guest Cabins

After an almost three hour ride from one of the Spratly Islands, Isla PagAsa, a home-y cabin is apt to shelter a warmed heart. Subli Guest Cabins .

Makati: Rain or Shine At The Junction Hostel

I live by myself in Manila and I really do not need to be sheltered in another home. But sometimes, I just feel the need to visit friends or relatives, eat, and sleep in their homes around Manila. For a change. 

Staying in a hostel in Manila would be the last option. Because I can always go home or knock at my friends’ or relatives’ homes. But when I travel, I go to a hostel. When I went to Beijing, China; in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia; in Melaka, Malaysia; in Banwa, Puerto Princesa; in Camotes Island, Cebu; in Siquijor; and many others. I love staying in hostels.

When I entered Junction Hostel in Makati, I was thrilled. The wide common area, which is also the dining area, looks comfortable and friendly. 

Vigan, Ilocos Sur: Part 2 ~ Where Angels Emerge in Heritage Town

I roamed around the city. I hopped in a salon, had caramel coffee at Marsha’s, and let the hours pass by at Calle Crisologo, again, watching people,  with Purple Heart parked beside me. Still overwhelmed by the people I have met, Vida & Tita Ima. 

I tried to contact a fellow blogger, Edmar of Edmaration.com, for an empanada dinner. We motorbiked around, and met his breezy friends. Then we went dancing in the club. I shook the hands of the Governor, and the Vice Governor, and had some cocktail drinks with new acquaintances.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur: Part 1 ~ Where Angels Emerge in Heritage Town

I claim that I always go to Vigan. I do not really go as much. I pass by all the time. Or stay hours. Not really stay stay, if you know what I mean. I pass through Vigan all the time because I love its romantic, lovely mood.

I carried my bike Purple Heart in the bus. Whatever is going upnorth. And bam! Vigan!

I slept in a deluxe bus and woke up past sunrise just in time for this picturesque view. Then I realized, since I biked from home to the main road in Manila to get a cab for me and Purple Heart, and I only carried the lightest backpack ever since I started to travel, I forgot all of them, my camera.

I did not worry, though. I am not after photos in this trip, anyway. But am thrilled to see this, even if it was the millionth moment, captured it, while I am in a speeding bus.

My Way Back Into Love

It was a complicated year. And I resist recalling. It essentially started grand. I remembered being in one of my favourite islands, Batanes. Then all that followed, month after month, were something worth forgetting. Really. My heart was crushed and broken. In between those tough times, I tried to scribble my feelings into notes. I realized that there is just so much f*cking sh*t of humans who chose to desecrate their lives and beauty ~ of misery, hatred, and disgust, that they even crave for each one to suffer the same way. Bam! 

Each day I had to persuade myself that the best is yet to come. I knew that it will.