this is the LIFE.: April 2007

We wander for distraction,

but we travel for fulfillment.

-- Hilaire Belloc

From Bacolod to Bohol-Cebu to Ilocos Region to Puerto Galera to Boracay. Those were the places that were planned for us to go to but it ended up to Boracay. We were supposed to go as a group but some things did not work out for the Kada. Then it ended up with only me and Belay. It was only 2 weeks of preparation for this trip. Luckily, we were able to get plane tickets and place! So what was in store for us?! wahahaha

Day 1: April 18

I woke up really early because I had to go to Belay’s place so that we can go together to the airport and because I had her plane tickets. She fetched me outside their village and went to their house first. Haaay. Her dogs were all over me. Haha then we went straight to the airport. I think we got there at around 8:00am. The line was really long outside. Good thing, Belay and I were there early for our 10:30am flight. We checked-in and waited for so looong.

We took pictures and talked about some stuff that I couldn’t remember anymore just to waste our time. haha Our flight with Cebu Pacific was delayed for one hour! Gah!!! But there’s no choice. So we waited. Then after an hour, we boarded the plane. We left at around 11:30pm.

Inside the plane, just to waste time, we took pictures again in the plane because there was no food given to us. Haaay.

We arrived at Kalibo airport at around 12:15pm(?). We waited for awhile and got our bags. There were several people there who were asking if we have a ride going to Caticlan. It was actually my first time to commute coming from the airport. Last time that I went to Boracay, it was just straight from the Caticlan aiport but now, no! hehe so we rode a van with some strangers but they were ayt. Haha the trip took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. I was really all so sleepy during the trip and was really hungry. When we got there to the Jetty Port, we waited for awhile then got our tickets for the boat.

We took the boat going to Cagban Port. Then we rode a tricycle and got off at d’mall budget mart where I waited for my cousin, Kuya Elmer / Paps (that’s what I call him… basta, long story.haha).

Paps arrived late. Haaay. Then he showed us where we’ll be staying. It was at Sunshine Place at Station 1, beachfront! The room was really nice. It was not a hotel type but it was really nice. The price was worth it. It was affordable too. (Thanks, Paps for looking for a place for us even to the last minute! haha) Paps left after he dropped us there because he had to go back to work. so, Belay and I fixed our stuff and rested for awhile. Then we ate at Hawaiian BBQ Grill for our lunch. (I’ll do another blog on our food trips…haha) that’s really late lunch for us. It was around 3 or 4 in the afternoon already. That is why we ate a lot of ribs! haha Then after eating, we got back to our place and fixed ourselves. Oh, we paid full for the place already. Ate Angie was really accommodating too. Then, Belay and I went around to d’mall just to look around. After that, we went to the beach… swam to the clear waters of Boracay and enjoyed the sunset for our first day. Yay! And syempre, pictures everywhere again. Haha

then we went back to our place. Took a shower and went to d’mall for dinner. But we had to go back after Belay realizing that she took the wrong slippers. She got 2 different slippers. haha

For our first night, we just had light dinner at Lemon Café.

We had some soup and salad. Then we just went around and got back to our place. We didn’t have the energy to go and party? Haha we got tired coz the first day was just really for traveling. In the room, we just watched TV. Oh.. They had also the PBB 24 hour thing that we watched once in awhile. Haha then at around 9 in the evening, my cousin went to the room. Paps and I chatted for a while at the veranda. He ate my pasalubong of KFC Zinger but just got the 2 Big Macs. Paps enjoyed eating it because he really misses those foods that are not around the island. After that, he left and I rested already.

Day 2: April 19

We woke at around 6:00am. We were still sleepy but we were really eager to enjoy the beach already.

We went out and enjoyed the beach!!! And took some pictures!!! Haha

well, I took also this chance to explore my camera and enjoy photography. (I have some new pictures uploaded at my-kind-of-photography that you can check it out.) After enjoying the beach, we got hungry. So we ate at one of the famous places for breakfast in the island, Real Coffee.

We had our omelet, bread, and brewed coffee. Sarap!

After breakfast, we went to d’mall again. Belay had to find some new swimsuits. Haha so we went around and got a good one! So, we went back to our place to drop our stuff and freshen up a bit. Then we went around and watched the Nestea Beach Volleyball matches.

It was scorching hot!!! But still, we stayed there and watched. The players were really good and fun to watch even though the commentators were really irritating! (Seryoso noh! Haaay.)Then we got hungry.

We ate lunch at Mang Inasal at d’mall for some BBQ for me. Then we stayed there a little bit and then we walked around till to Station 3. gah!!! That was tiring! I really hate walking really far and the sun burning us. Haha

Late afternoon, we rested by the beach.

Enjoyed the sun…sand…water…oh! We had our drinks too at the famous Jonah’s! I got some ripe mangoes! And took pictures again…haha and some people too. (Belay, I won’t post the one that you took to that guy. wahaha) then, we again...of course, enjoy the sunset!!! After that, we got to back to our place and took shower.

For our dinner, we were treated by my cousin at Smoke Resto at the back side of the mall.

I forgot what the name of my food was. Haha but it was like bagoong rice. It tasted good with a cheap price. Haha so, Belay and I parted ways with my cousin. We told him that we were just going to walk around for awhile. But then we reached to the very far end of station one. Well, at least till Discovery Shores. But that was really far. There was also some concerts going on the beach. I think it was 6cylemind? I dunno. But I was not interested with them. Hehe and we got to see someone too. Marc Nelson was there (yihee, Belay)…walking along the beach then disappeared. Haha Oh! We took some pictures of us with the sand castles done by the locals too.

Then we got hungry again and craved for some crepes. Haha

we should have ordered only one. We got really full with those two. Katakawan kasi! Haha after that, we rested and slept at around 12mn or 1am? I dunno. Haha wasted!

Day 3: April 20

It was such a different morning for Belay and I. the key in our room was lost. We knew that it was with us because we were able to get in. That is why, we looked around the room and with our things but we were not able to find it. We knew it that we left it in the door and someone took it. So, we put our valuables in the CR and locked it. then we headed to the beach but still having in mind where the heck is the key. Haaay.

Belay and I just had breakfast along the beach. Just having some hotdog on stick and water while watching the people pass us by. We swam too and pictures everywhere. People where also there cleaning the beach. It was organized by Nestea. Sam Oh of Rated Oh was there too to help.

Back to our room, finally!!! We got our keys. The girl next door got it for some reason… never mind. But it’s all good even if my things where all wet. Haaay. So there!

We ate an early lunch at Shenna’s because we had a mission. Wahahaha

for us to get good seats when we watch the games. and it was all good! Sarap the prawns chilli sauce and fish butter lemon sauce! Then we went back to our place to freshen up a bit. Haha

Then to our mission! Wahahaha got good seat even there were some annoying people around. Haha we watched the celebrity match at the Nestea Beach Volleyball. Let’s see, who where there? Hmm… Luis Manzano, Jeff Rodriguez, Iya Villania, Reema Chanco, Tisha Silang, Brad Turvey, Nancy Castilionge, Sam Oh and others.. haha it was all fun to watch them and take pictures (check the album to see the other pictures)! Haha they were all just having fun. Sayang! Belay missed something to take a picture of! Wahaha after the games, we went to station 3 to buys some stuff and pasalubong. It was freakin’ hot!!! So we decided, to rest for awhile. Haaay.

Then back to walking by the beach again even if the sun is so unhealthy for the skin. I told Belay that I think I saw Marc Nelson again. There were lots of people by the beach. Oh! Yes! I was right! He was there! Haha saw him and there were a lot of celebrities again! It’s for the Motorola Event. There were several games that they played which was all fun. JM Rodriguez was the commentator (well, at least he is not irritating. Haha funny guy too!).

So here’s the thing, hahahaha d*mn it! I can’t believe I’m writing all these…haha so, she really likes Marc Nelson. We wanted to take a picture with him. But it was hard to approach him because he was talking to lots of people. But I said, it’s now or never. Haha so, we had the guts! Haha he was walking alone and Belay approached him if it was ok to take a picture with him. He said , sure! Haha so there…Belay first then me. hahaha (but I won’t post the pictures…haha sa amin na lang yun. haha) tripping’s talaga! Fun fun fun. See? Even if we were just two in this trip, we were really having fun! Haha then we watched the games again… aside from him, let’s see, who where there? Hmm…some celebrities that played also in the Nestea Beach Volleyball event plus…Bubbles and Paolo Paraiso, Luke Jickain, Joan Quintas, Wilma Doesn’t (who was pregnant), Say Alonzo, Angelu de Leon, and others…haha gah! Just overwhelming. Haha we aren’t really a fan of those people but still, it was nice to see them. At least, there was something to do there besides going to the beach. It was nice to see them having fun while playing games. Haha even if our shoulders can feel the sun burning us. Haha it was tiring though too. Haha

Then, as usual… we went to Jonah’s for some drinks.

This time, I got the lemon shake. Haha then we walked again along the long shore of Boracay. We stopped by and enjoyed the sunset in front of Discovery Shores while listening to house music! Naks! haha we took lots of pictures… it was our last sunset in the island.. awww… haha even if the eyes of Belay was irritating her all the time, she didn’t mind it. we just enjoyed the sunset! Yay!

After that, we headed back to our place to freshen up.

For our last dinner, something special? Nah! Wahaha sa tabi-tabi lang… food trip!

We just ate choriburger that was sold just about everywhere in the beach. It tastes good naman. We ate it while walking along the shores. Haha

When we reached the party place, there were lots of people! I guess it’s because its Friday. Everyone was there already… partying and all. There were concerts of Imago, Spongecola and Sugarfree.

Belay and I didn’t go with the crowd but just sat on the beach just listening to their music. We are not the type of people who parties a lot. Maybe if it we weren’t just two, we might go and party. But it was all good for us. We still had fun.

We got lazy after the concert. So, we decided to get some dessert again. Haha we got some ice creams from Fruits on Ice Cream.

I got some strawberries. Hehe that ended our last night there. When we got back, bagsak si Belay! haha

Day 4: April 21

Aww… last day in Boracay. I was the only one who swam! Belay kasi! She’s so dark na daw kasi. Haaay. Haha then we had breakfast again at Real Coffee. We weren’t supposed repeat where we eat but we had no choice and also, the food was really good…so, it was ok for us.

After breakfast, I fixed my stuff, took a shower and rested for awhile. On TV, there was some news about what happened in US…the thing that happened with the school shooting. Haaay. Like the one episode of OTH but this was worst. Anyway, after a few rest times… we ate lunch at Gasthoff. Haha

ribs again! Sarap! Then back to our place where we fixed our stuff and left…haaay…

We went to d’mall to get a tricycle. Oh my! Scary ride! Haha I was at the back kasi…basta scary! Haha then we took the boat. Here we go again…Belay and I was scared. We didn’t know if we took the right boat because most of the people are locals and have different tickets. Only a few that seems that just came from Boracay and going to the airport. So, in the entire trip, I was just praying that the boat is really headed to Jetty Port. And it did! Hahaha finally, I can relax. But no! We got into the van and kailangan pa magpuno! We don’t know if we can reach on time to the airport but at least, we did get there! Haha

Oh well, what’s new? PAL flights are late. 30 minutes delayed of our 4:30pm flight. Haaay. What Belay and I did was to compute our expenses and paid each other.

then… the plane arrived. We just had fun and took last pictures of our trip. Haha

Awww… fun fun fun. Haha what an adventure for the two of us. We enjoyed the beach…events…food… sand…sun...and the company? Haha yeah yeah…we missed our kada. That’s why when we go back there; it shouldn’t be only the two of us. That trip also gave some realizations? Haha basta…we talked so many stuff… events…people… family… friends and all. Sa amin na lang yun! Haha and oh yeah, 10 years of friendship already huh? Nice! (buti na lang natiis natin ang isa't isa. haha) Thanks for keeping up with me, Belay! Till our next getaways? Haha

*kada? When are we going to go out and travel???* haha

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ahhh… I thank God with this travel…experience… friendship…

love the beach.

love to travel.

love pictures.

love life.

*simple life*

Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.

-- Ansel Adams

I am always fond on pictures. I like capturing images with just about anything or anyone. I feel happy whenever I see photos that really give life.

With that, I think it was just two weeks ago that I went to Hidalgo (photographers haven) to buy my Canon IXUS 850. I really got a good deal from it even though it was really such a hassle going and being there! Hayyy. But it was all worth it!

With my very first own digital camera (yay), I really don’t know how to go through with all the techniques and all. It was difficult for me to figure out all the aspects of the camera because I am a newbie. I had to explore it by myself by reading and understanding the manual. I really don’t like the features of it just go to waste.

Having a new toy (digital camera) while being a bum and nothing to do yet, why not get into something? Something that I like that I can be passionate in time? Something that I can appreciate?

With an interest on photography, I was fortunate enough to attend a seminar (Thanks, Mom.) on Digital Camera Fundamentals at Philippine Center for Creative Imaging last April 11.

I was at there early and was the first participant. I didn’t know anyone there who’ll be attending. (Ira, you should have come with me. hehe) After a few minutes, some people came in. I was able to meet Dave and Jun E….asked each other if we were professional photographers…but not. All of us were just interested. They were friendly and older than I am. They’re working already. I think among the 12 of us who attended, I was the second youngest. Hehe and only the bum, I think. But is ayt. Hehe most of us were just there for interest. We’re hobbyists but also considering to be a professional in time.

The speaker was Mr. Jun Miranda – first Philippine-based Adobe Certified Expert, has been involved with photography for many years…and others (basta his résumé is really outstanding). Oh, what can you ask for di ba? Good speaker… and all. Hehe

With the seminar…actually, I thought he’ll just teach us the techniques in using a digital camera. However, it was more than that. Handouts were given to us for the seminar. We discussed some limitations and advantages on digital photography, anatomy of a digital camera, several aspects that you have to understand in image quality, some techniques and others.

Also, all of us ate lunch together in one table with Sir Jun. This was also a way for us to talk about other things. Discuss other stuff. What came about was that…it was really at Hidalgo where professional photographers buy their cameras (so, am I counted with that? haha). After that, we had our class picture taken.

When we were tasked to experiment with our camera, *d*mn it* almost all of them have SLRs and I only have a consumer camera. Wahahaha But it was fine. I still don’t see myself with those kinda bulky (for me) cameras.

Oh! There was also an I-Mag Photography magazine that Sir gave me coz I was the earliest. (it pays to be an early bird pala talaga. haha) gotta read that magazine….and all of us got our certificates too! Yay!

After the seminar, I really felt great about it and myself because I learned a lot with something that I am actually interested with. I understood the different aspects on digital photography. Now, I am thinking about on getting really serious on photography. I think I can really do well with something that I can be passionate about. I also felt that like a professional photographer (haha) after the seminar, with all the things that I learned coming from an expert and the people that I interacted with. But I know, I know I have so many things to learn.

Hmmm…now, my next project is to save money for an SLR then take several seminars again. But Oh! I want a Gorillapod too now!!! Waaaaa gotta get one!

*please always check out [ my-kind-of-photography? ] album for my continuous journey on photography…haha and leave some comments?*