Apo Reef had me at Hello

My first and last trip to Puerto Galera was about 14 years ago, after that I have not set foot on Mindoro Island again. I know for a fact that the island province has beautiful beaches, but coming back never happened until November 21, 2014. With a bunch of backpacker friends from work, and thanks to Cebupac's promo fares, I finally came back to Mindoro.

The trip, arranged by the ever reliable The Wandering Backpack, promised an awesome beach experience in this side of the Philippines. And TWBP delivered and exceeded our expectations. The 4D/3N trip was too good one would not want to go back to the hustle and bustle of the city life. 

Day 1

We took the only flight of Cebu Pacific from Manila to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. From the airport we took a tricycle ride to the Van station, then took a 2-hour land trip to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. After registering at the local tourism office, buying food supplies and having a needed lunch we hopped into a motor boat that brought us to Apo Reef Natural Park. On our way to Apo Reef a school of Dolphins raced with our boat, they are a natural charmer we were so excited to see so many of them swimming and flipping to our delight. The boat ride was almost 2-1/2 hours.

playful dolphins

We were greeted by a beautiful white sand beach. There were no other guests for the day, so aside from our group of 8, there were only a few other people, the guide, boatmen and the DENR staff stationed in the island. Although there are two structure in the island, one houses the DENR office, the other one is not used and looks like an abandoned house but there is a water pump (poso) for bathing and flushing and a decent toilet. Our accommodation believe it or not is called 1 billion star, because we slept in tents where we can see a billion stars on clear night sky. It was not the most comfortable but I managed to sleep for a few hours. We used paper cups and plates and wooden spork for eating, actually I ate with my hands, and we used the same set for 3 meals. There is no electricity and cellphone signal, but who cares the place is too beautiful anyways.

I can get used to this view

1 Billion Star accommodation

we used these stuff 3 times

Aside from the beach and rich marine life, I also loved the mangroves, the lagoon in the middle of the island, and the lighthouse where we watched the stunning sunset.

lagoon surrounded by mangroves

lighthouse from this view

the stunning sunset viewed from the lighthouse

going down is a challenge

Day 2
We rose early to see the amazing sunrise, and immediately after breakfast we hopped back into the boat in full battle gear, wearing a life vest and snorkeling gear we were asked to hold a rope while the boat is circling the island. I saw two sea turtles but I got too excited I pressed my waterproof camera twice, but hell the creature is too enchanting it was not captured in any of my photos.

sunrise at apo reef

I took this picture of her with one hand clinging to the rope and the other holding a go pro

Too bad I have no photo of the sea turtle, but I managed to say hello. Apo Reef  is a protected marine sanctuary so snorkeling or diving will give your money's worth. Never mind if you sleep in tents or eat with your hands, seeing those sea turtles for me is a once in a life time experience. I've never seen too many dolphins in the wild in any of my island hopping trips. After lunch, we went to another island and passed by the same spot where the dolphins live. They raced with our boat again and showed off their flipping skills. Places like this is one of the reasons why I love this country. I want to go to other countries but mostly on short holidays only and not to work or live there. There is no place like my beautiful Philippines.

Thank you God for your amazing work. You gave us a beautiful sunset, a sunrise that spells H-O-P-E, an ocean so rich with marine lives, and friends who will struggle with you, laugh with you and plans the next trip or two.

Thank you to The Wandering Back Pack for arranging this trip, it is worth very peso. Like their facebook page to get updates on up coming tour packages. 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wandering-Backpack/1491651507722966

My baby no more....

For the first time in 28 years, my brothers (twins) celebrated their birthday away from home, they are with their respective lady loves in the beautiful island of Boracay. Sadly, me and my sister are not part of the entourage.

I can't help but feel nostalgic, it's been 28 years since they came into our lives. These two cute baby boys brought so much joy to our family and even to our relatives. A week after a tragic flood in our hometown the twins were born. While we were coping from the destruction came a double blessings. Being a doting big sister, I tried everything from changing diapers to washing (feeding) bottles, feeding, bathing, and putting them to sleep. 

When we lost our mother 13 years ago, being the first born I was tasked to look after the family, including raising two boys. I was scared of the kind of man they will become without our mother around. But I believe because they love our mother so much, they managed to make her proud. Now having a career of their own, they made decisions for themselves. And me, as a big sister is very proud that they can somehow stand on their own feet. Maybe they still need a little of help and advice here and there but the fact that they can now plan for their future is good enough for me.

It is not easy to let go of what I got used to. Me, the big sister will always have an opinion with their affairs whether they need it or not. I got mixed emotions, maybe if Nanay is still around she will also feel the same. The twins, they are my baby no more!

credit to the owner of this picture

3 easy steps in finding Mr Right

One thing I am proud of with the company I am connected to is the homey feel I get. We are like one big happy family while in a project and even after it has been completed. We recently reconnected with a colleague, from another team, whom we've worked with in a previous project. Since she recently got married, and she admitted with dignity and pride that she actually made the first move, the single girls asked for her advice on hooking up with a future hubby.

The room was filled with laughter as we exchange banters. It was such a delight to have her around again. So I'm sharing here her tips in finding Mr Right. 

First be his friend. If you have long time friends keep them. But if you'll make new friends, choose the ones with potential, the prospect materials. If you don't see a guy to be a future boyfriend, don't waste your time. "Sayang ang investment," is how she actually said it.

credit to the owner of this photo

Have the same interest. If he's into sports, be sporty. If he likes to eat out by all means eat and forget about diet. In short, be his partner and spend time with him. "Kahit hindi mo bet... i-bet mo na."

credit of the owner of this photo

Grab each chance to be near him. According to this funny girl, she once fainted and his friend (now her husband) helped her and actually carried her home. So she had this habit of passing out every once in a while. When you caught his attention, grab the chance to be close to him. "Pag kumagat na sa pain, sunggaban agad!"

credit to the owner of this photo

Okay, I don't know how to fake passing out without my pride getting in the way. Maybe my being too independent is obviously conflicting with these tried and tested tips. Oh well, hopefully someone out there thinks an independent woman is interesting too. I will keep my fingers crossed.

What my Tattoo says about Me

Have you ever thought of having a tattoo? In this day and age sporting a tattoo is no longer limited to ex-cons and drug addicts. Tattoo is an art and has since become a fashion statement of sort.

I admire Tattoo artists. I believe they have God given talents that need to be expressed and nurtured. Back when I was working in HK (2008) for a project, I got hooked with Miami Ink, then LA ink and even London Ink on TLC. Each tattoo has a story to tell, and the artists showed their amazing talents on TV. With such admiration I came to a decision to have my own tattoo for my 40th birthday.

Fast forward to 2012, after browsing over several pictures of tasteful tattoo designs, I decided to have mine behind the ear. I was warned that the spot I chose will be very painful for a first timer like me, but my decision was firm... a 3-flower tattoo behind my right ear. I chose a reputable tattoo studio (P&P tattoo) because I want to be inked by one of the best artists in Manila. 

Tattoo by Myke Sambajon

While the needle is painstakingly poking my skin I had a few realization. 

Having a tattoo is a decision. It is not for people who cannot decide on their own. When you make the decision to have one, you'll have it for life. Unlike a spouse who might leave you, your tattoo stays permanently.

Pain is great reminder. Some lessons in life are learned through pain. In this lifetime I had experienced different levels of pain, and my tattoo simply reminds me that I am standing strong because I managed to keep up with the pain.

Responsibility. I am responsible for my own actions and life decisions, and having this mark is one of them.

My tattoo has no special meaning, but as for me it symbolizes independence and responsibility, or maybe this is my way of expressing I am tough but cool at the same time.

Awesome Mojito

Gone are the days when I end up having Margarita every single time I order cocktails. When I became friends with Mojito, it took the number one spot in my list of favorite drinks. I love its minty, citrus flavor and the alcohol mix is not too much, thus making it a fun drink for me. 

According to Wikipedia, the traditional Mojito is consists of five ingredients: white rum; sugar; lime juice; sparkling water; and mint leaves. There has been different versions of this Cuban drink, a lot of people experimented with various flavors and presentations.

Since it became my default choice, let me share 3 awesome Mojitos that I love.

Mojito on the beach, I love the idea of having cocktails while lounging at the beach. The cool breeze, nice music, beautiful sunset, and my favorite drink... perfect! There is nothing unique about this Mojito, it is the fact that I'm on vacation in Boracay after a tiresome SAP go live that made it a delightful escapade.

Taken at Astoria Boracay beach front

Wholesome Mojito, dubbed as such this Mojito is a virgin. This drink has no alcohol, I repeat there is no alcohol content not even a drop of it. In our recent dinner get together, the whole gang indulged in healthy and delicious dishes at The Wholesome Table. When I saw the menu, the Mojito lover in me can't help but order this wholesome drink, which complemented the super yummy Chicken Pesto and Vongole Pizza. The generous portion of pureed mint leaves mixed with lime juice turned this green drink into an instant detox. One has to try the Wholesome Mojito.

Photo by Jaycelle

TGI Friday's Strawberry Mojito

Girl talk Mojito, last Sunday afternoon after a movie my bff and I had an impromptu girl talk over a platter of appetizing seafood at TGIF. While this girl bonding was totally unplanned, the Strawberry Mojito made the conversation super fun. I enjoyed the prompt girl bonding, as much as the pink colored drink. The mixture of strawberry puree with lime juice and mint balanced out the kick from the white rum. The strawberry did not only made my Mojito look so girly, it also added another layer of flavor into my favorite drink, the more I sip it the better it gets.

No matter where I'll have my next Mojito, it could be in a party, on the beach or while spending time with friends, I guess what makes each glass special is the company that I have while enjoying my drink. Raise your glass ladies... cheers to an awesome life!

Pain Killer

I went to the pharmacy to get some meds for the disgusting boil on my left arm. I ask the pharmacist about the prescriptions given to me by Dr Accountant and Dr Engineer, according to him I should take Cloxacillin. The entire day I felt cold and sluggish and I can't wait to get home.

On my way home, inside the cab I felt feverish. My left arm was swollen and was so painful, it felt like my tissues were being torn apart. It was raining, I felt cold and the pain was simply killing me. Then I missed my Nanay. I wept like a little girl looking for her mom, like a kid needing her mom's tender loving care. I cried, as if I'm a kid waiting for her mom to come back. I remember my Nanay giving me a Biogesic and how it quickly cured my fever as if she added some magic spell into it. I remember how her healing touch made me felt better in an instant. I remember how she cared for me and how her motherly love made the worst things seem OK. I remember my Nanay and I missed her today. 

When I got home I went straight to my room and curled up under my comforter, until my brother finished cooking dinner. His Sinigang sa Miso was delish and it eased off my fever a bit. After my meal I took an antibiotic and a pain killer, and now I feel much better.

How I wish life's many pains can be healed by a simple mefenamic acid and our difficulties and uncertainties in life by those powerful antibiotics. Unfortunately there is no pain killer huge enough to ease the pain of losing the people you love, especially your Mother.

Finish Line

This is my first finisher medal for a 3-Km run, not much of an accomplishment for some but for a non-runner like me this is a reward. I have no other reason for joining the fun run but to burn some calories and to jump start a fitness routine after being so lazy for the past months. 

Our life is a long journey, it's like a marathon where the distance is predefined by God. Some are fast and get to the finish line ahead of us, while the others are endurance runners, they are not necessarily fast but they still complete the race. Unfortunately there are some who gave up and failed to finish their quest. What's important in this lifetime is to overcome the challenges we encounter along the journey. We will meet other runners who will either encourage us or put us down, but we need to keep going... run, walk, stop if you need to but never give up. 

Once you step into the finish line, all the sacrifices, pain, weariness are paid off. There will be an exceeding joy, pride, and a sense of fulfillment within you. The same is true in our lives. When we get to the end and look back to the lives we lived, will there be joy, pride or fulfillment? If you finally face God, are you ready to receive your reward?

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." - Philippians 3:14

For now, walk, glide, run... enjoy the journey, because it is not how far you've traveled, it's how fulfilling  life has become. See you at the finish line.

HOME is where the HEART is

What I planned as an overnight stay because of a dental appointment turned into a week-long stay-cation in Pagsanjan. It's a good thing that I have no urgent meetings to attend, thus I don't have to rush back to Manila. When in Pagsanjan, my return schedule is always indefinite, no fixed time or date. Maybe I missed my old place or maybe I just want to stay more with the family. Since I settled in my own place I rarely visit my hometown, hence in the occasional visits I always take advantage of spending time with my family, just watching TV together, cooking classic hometown dishes that I missed and sharing funny stories of our childhood again and again.

credit to the owner of this photo

For a week I stayed in my sister's home, which is just s few meters away from my parent's house. This was a chance to bond with my two other siblings. After college they opted to stay and work in the province, while me and my brother preferred to stay in the city. Occasionally they visit us in Manila, to dine out, watch a movie or to buy some stuff. There is a certain joy when the four of us are together. My fondest memories of us will be back in my room every Saturday morning. Back in college I go home every Friday (late) night from Manila, the following morning my brothers about 3 to 4 years old then will peek into my door to check if I'm already awake and the four of us will stay in my bed for maybe 30 mins wrestling, playing, in short "harutan" before we have breakfast.

We have two additional members of the family, and spending a whole week with them is just perfect especially with the charming little girl. She's really funny, smart and cute, I see her with a happy disposition in life, although she can be very stubborn at times. I also got to see and chat with my father for a week. I got to bond with a cousin too, we ate together, nap together and teased the little girl together.

I have my own private space, my current home sweet home, but there is something in Pagsanjan that I always want to go back to. Is it my childhood memories, is it my family, the memories of my Nanay, or my happy thoughts? We can go places, travel the world but we'll always go back to where we came from, because truly home is where the heart is. 

The Caldereta Story

Since bumalik ako ng Manila from Davao ilang beses ko binalak magluto ulet ng Caldereta, pero hindi natutuloy until today. Finally my mind and my heart agreed to cook this dish that I missed cooking for a long time.

The Caldereta Life

Some of you probably know this, if my heart is not into something I just can't do it. Well unless it is part of the job, I can do it not passionately but out of necessity. And I don't live like that. Ang buhay parang Caldereta, pinipili ang pinaka masarap at sariwang sangkap at matiyang niluluto... slow cooked in low fire, para magsanib pwersa ang lahat ng lasa at lumabas ang sarap. Hindi minamadali, sa halip binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat sangkap ilabas ang best nila. Hindi ba ang sarap ng feeling na pag inihain mo ito masasarapan ang lahat ng kakain? 

Sa buhay natin, hindi mo dapat madaliin ang sarili mo. Take your time to heal from your hurtings, to forgive the one who broke your heart. Take time to stop and smell the flowers. Spend time alone, get to know yourself again and what makes you happy. Wait until your heart and your mind agrees to do it, slowly but surely, so you can be your best self again. Isn't it good that when you share your life with someone new, you are the better version of yourself?

My own version of your Caldereta

I learned to cook Caldereta from someone who used to be close to my heart. He shared his secret recipe that I promised not to share with anyone else. The first time I cooked it felt like winning a jackpot. For the longest time I wanted to try Caldereta but simply couldn't find a good recipe, then came you. My family and friends loved my Caldereta thanks to you.

Just a few weeks back, I spoke with him again. This time, I said what I deemed to say without anger. For a long while I thought I can't let him go. After that conversation I told myself "you've moved on gir!" Maybe that is also the reason why I can now cook Caldereta again (ipilit talaga?), because although it reminds me of you there's no bitterness this time.

So kahapon, habang nawawala ako sa mga aisle ng bagong SM Supermarket it crossed my mind... I will cook Caldereta for Sunday lunch. I got up before 10 o'clock to start my preparation. I looked for his recipe, but I can't find it anymore. So I cooked it from the heart, of how I remember cooking it. And instead of using a brand of cheese that he recommended, I used cream cheese and cheddar. I wanted to put olives as I thought I still have some in my fridge, but I got cappers pala. A recipe is like a lesson in life, it is subject to your own interpretation or execution. I guess this is my version of your Caldereta. Everytime i will cook this dish, you will probably cross my mind but it won't hurt anymore. And the lesson I learned... forgiveness comes at the right time.

What is your favorite dish? Can you relate it to your life or the current state of your lovelife? As for me, I will be the slow-cooked, spicy yet cheesy Caldereta, savory creaminess with a kick. 

Eh yung tawaging Kare-kare ang Caldereta mo... ibang usapan na yan! 

Ang Pancit ni Nanay... bow!

We are on a business trip since Monday, and here in the Azucarera snacks are usually served during meetings, maybe to draw people to attend the discussions or to keep us energized. Last Tuesday, they served us different types of Pancit - canton, bihon and sotanghon. I got Pancit canton. When I opened the styro, there is no fork... how am I suppose to eat this? My colleague offered the plastic spoon that he used to stir his 3-in-1 coffee. Since I'm kinda hungry and there's something about that Pancit canton that made me want to eat it... I grabbed the spoon and started eating. I was savoring every spoonful, when another colleague interrupted me saying "... magla-lunch pa tayo ha." What he didn't know, inside that lowly styro of pancit canton was a time machine.

credit to the owner of this photo

When I opened the styro, that pancit canton looks and smells like the pancit my Nanay used to cook and serve in our store back in Pagsanjan. The pancit served in our meeting has a few pieces of meat and veggies not really the usual Pancit that we serve on special occasions. But this pancit reminds me of my Nanay, our simple happy life in the province and how hardworking she was. Every spoonful brought me back to my younger years, when I used to enjoy the humble pancit canton back home, when lucky me is not even heard of. For a moment I felt like Nanay was watching me eat and it was a such a happy feeling. So when my colleague interrupted me it's like waking up in the middle of a dream, I suddenly zap back to my world, back in the middle of a presentation where a Finance person lament over how standard cost will be generated and the consultant trying to convince him that the ERP can calculate it for him.

Back to the meeting, I looked into the pancit canton that I'm eating, it's almost finished. I smiled and uttered "I miss you Nay."

credit to the owner of this photo

Rubber versus Plastic

It was a rainy Monday morning when we arrived at the new Bacolod-Silay International Airport. Our destination is 2 hours away from the airport, but we have to wait for a few hours more before the service departs for Sagay, Negros Occidental because 5 people will join us and they are on a later flight. Instead of sitting in the arrival hall, the group opted to take a side trip to The Ruins. We left our bags in the bus and off we went to Talisay.

It was still drizzling when we reached the place, but the Ruins was indeed a beautiful sight. The turf is soaked and muddy but thanks to my trusty boots I can comfortably walk and run around the area. 

This rainy season, it is important to choose the right footwear. You can either go for rubber or plastic. My Dr Martens is a perfect choice, it is a leather boots but the sole is solid rubber. What I love about my docs is it keeps my feet dry even if I walk in the rain. For a rugged astig look, I go for my bouncing sole.

Even if Makati banned plastic I never stopped wearing my Melissa, what's the connection? My sassy, chic plastic flats are perfect this rainy season. It is made of high grade plastic, durable and trendy. If I'm in the mood for a girly look Melissa is my first choice, it doesn't only look pretty, it smells good too.

No matter what your choice is this wet season, don't give up both comfort and style. Don't forget to care for your feet, so choose the right footwear. If you can't decide between rubber or plastic, get them both. A woman can never have too many shoes. #shoelover #imeldificeffect

Why I hated my sister

I was a happy peaceful kid until my sister came into my life. How can I forget August 01, 19XX, people were in panic mode because my mother was giving birth. In our home town, most normal births happen at home with the help of a midwife. But she was special, aside from the midwife my cousin, a nursing student, was also present to assist.

That day I became a big sister, I was 6 years old and my life has never been the same. I hated her for many reasons.

• I have to share my parents with her.  Shared attention, care and love. 
• I have to get used to being compared to her, she was prettier, she's more loved.
• I have to look after her when my mother is busy, and playtime was cut short.
• I have to do the house chores because I'm the eldest while she was playing all the time.
• I have to set good examples .
• I have to protect her, guide her, care for her and love her all my life.

Credit to the owner of the photo

I wished our neighbors and relatives did not compare us when we were kids. I wished they never told me my parent don't love me anymore. I wished I never been jealous of her. I wished I've been a doting big sister from the beginning. Then she would have been happier, and we've been closer. 

She's always been a good sister, she looks up to me and never stopped loving me. Even when I refuse to lend her my shoes or clothes, even if she complains how masungit I am to her, and how kuripot in giving her allowance. We became closer when we lost our Mother. Since then we had each other's back, looking after the family and making the most of the lives the Lord gave us. We are partners in crime.

I hope she knows that I loved her since day 1, I may not have the chance to show it growing up, but I always do. Happy birthday Karen, you're my favorite sister.

From Nisha Patel

Time out mode

Yesterday I missed an episode of a new soap, so I watched it over the net. It was almost 3:00 AM, hence I'm kinda sleepy, but the conversation between the father and his daughter lingered in my head. He said "mabuti ng mapagod ang puso, kesa hindi magamit."

In my mind, easy for you to say, maybe you've not been hurt before. When your heart was broken too many times, you sometimes get tired of trying. There comes a point where you just want to be alone and be happy about yourself, on what you can do with your free time, to travel to places you've never been and to just be fabulous. 

credit to the owner of this photo

A few weeks back, my friend asked me if I want to play cards with her, a sort of fortune telling. She asked me to think of a guy then she will tell me if there would be chance or whatever. It was just for fun of course. But I bluntly told her I have no one in mind. No ex that I want to get back with, no prospect either. Is this a bad sign?

It's not that I've given up on love, I'm just on a time out mode, resting, healing, whatever you may call it. I believe everybody deserves a time to slow down, to have a "me" time. Being alone will give you a chance to clear your mind. It will help you realize your worth and what you deserve. And when you finally stop asking yourself what you did wrong or why your last relationship failed, maybe, just maybe when you've learned to love yourself again, you are now ready to give love another chance.

It may sound odd but I do appreciate my current state. Some people are in a relationship but that doesn't mean they are happy. If anyone would ask me my relationship status I would say... I'm happily single and loving it.

I-saw you... And I got so kilig

It's the first day of the week, yet it feels like Friday. Thanks to Eid'l Fitr we have a free day tomorrow. Contrary to Ramadan (where our Muslim brothers observe fasting), us girls had some feasting. Back in Davao every Friday is cheat day, a good excuse to indulge over crabs, paella, to die for pizza, super delish pasta, tuna, laing, cakes, name it... Davao is a food haven. Since we rarely see each other these days because of our varying project assignments, we made a pact to meet every payday to dine out. 

Crispy Dilis (photo by Malaya)

Today Wanderection (minus Sai and Hagie plus new recruit Honey) dined at Sarsa Kitchen + Bar located at Bonifacio Global City. It was not my first time so I already have some favorites in mind. My personal choices were Tortang talong, Crispy Dilis, Chicken Inasal and Isaw. The crispy Dilis is definitely a must try. If not for my Uric acid issues, I can definitely eat this thing everyday. The saltiness of the crispy anchovies blend perfectly with the sweet and sour pineapple glaze with a mild kick from the chili. This is indeed a superb appetizer.

Before going back to Sarsa Kitchen I always have Isaw in mind. It was the reason I went to this restaurant last December unfortunately it was not available, so I went back to finally try it. The minute we were seated and handed the menu, I have nothing in mind but Isaw. I saw pictures and read how people raved about it in Instagram. When the waiter approached us to take our order I immediately ask if they have Isaw, the moment he said yes I felt an overflowing joy and felt so kilig. Imagine hearing a unexpected good news? Just like that, now I cannot repeat my body movement I felt my shoulder shrug a bit, its like when your crush called your name and you can't believe he knows you. Kinilig ako, not because I saw the cute Chef-Owner but because Isaw and me will finally meet. I had to take the first skewer of the most delectable chicken intestine, dipped in Sarsa's vinegar it taste heavenly. Sarsa had me at appetizer. The rest of our orders were served and I totally got lost in food paradise. I can't name an entree that is not delicious. Everything I tried in Sarsa is simply superb. And the price, with us being super happy with what we ate, is super sulit. 

I have many reasons to go back at Sarsa, I have not tried everything in the menu yet. I will definitely go back for the Crispy Dilis and Isaw. It's nice to feel kilig every once in awhile, isn't it?

Our journey

I guess it is pretty obvious by now that I love shoes. From the beginning I've been talking about shoes. Since I love travelling, having a comfy pair of footwear is important, isn't it? 

Before heading off to Baler, Aurora I asked my bff Joanne about our itinerary. Well, aside from preparing for enough clothing, of course comes the shoes. It is essential to wear the appropriate shoes. I have my so called travelling shoes, because they are often used for travelling. So when we went to Baler I used the hiking sandals, which is just fine because we walked over slippery rocks.

Me and my friends often meet up at the mall and we seldom travel together. But it was such a happy experience to spend 2 days with your best buddies. Now as I recall the grueling hike to Ditumabo Falls, I can't help but smile. That adventure is like our friendship, sometimes we need to stop to rest or to cool down but the journey continues. The test of true friendship comes when you travel. Can you really stand each other's nerves? If someone lose his temper are you quick to dismiss it, or are you going to take it against the person? And like my reliable hiking sandals, I'd like to think that our friendship can withstand long hikes, sleepy rocks and river current. And no matter how tiring it can be, I'm not giving up on this journey of friendship, because just like my reliable sandals the friendship that I offer is durable and functional.

Here's our feet groupie, hoping that these feet will bring us to more destinations together, good or bad mood friends are friends. Girls, are you ready for another journey?

The Safety Shoes

It’s 3 in the morning, the possibility of leaving the warehouse within an hour or 2 is still out of the horizon. So to keep me awake, I decided to write this note. In a warehouse operation, safety is of primary importance. The personnel are required to wear safety gears such as hard hat, reflectorized vest and safety shoes to avoid injuries in case an accident happens at the shop floor. 

credit to the owner of this picture

Safety shoes, the last time I wore one was back in my first job as a Process Engineer. After my OJT, the company immediately hired me to continue the Material and Time optimization study that I started. The data I gathered were used as standards in determining the material requirement and the daily output per section. I truly learned a lot from my first job and those learning paved the way to a better and more fulfilling career that I have now. Every time I have a recollection of my first job, it always puts a smile on my face. If you have read my previous blog "where's my shoes?" it is now time to get to know my Safety Shoes.

We graduated from the same institute, aside from that we have a lot of things in common. We love the same kind of music, like the same kind of food, enjoy watching movies, we can talk  about anything without running out of topics. We are both funny, thus we became friends and gotten real close. Things started to change when I broke up with my college boyfriend. He kept me company while I nursed my broken heart, he made sure that I’m OK. One day, the way we looked at each other suddenly felt different, his voice lingered in my head and his smile simply made my day. It was not my plan but I fell in love with my best friend.  Yes there’s nothing wrong with it, if and only if he was not in a long term relationship. I felt it was not right so I decided to avoid him but I failed to. After a long talk over the phone and a confrontation, he confessed  “the feeling is mutual,” then we kissed.

People in the office knew he was seeing somebody else, so we continued to be best friends you know the term “parang kayo pero hindi.” We exchanged notes written in small pieces of paper given in the most unique way possible, crumpled and thrown to the face. We held hands under the table during meetings. There were days he would give me chocolates with a note inside that says "para sa'yo ang ganda mo kasi ngayon... p.s. wag ka pumunta sa production line ang nipis ng suot mo." He would find all sort of excuses so he could drive me home from the office. Those were ourkilig moments. I love him but I never asked him to choose me over his then girlfriend, I knew that although we have many things in common having different faith made the situation even more complicated. I left the company, a pathetic decision I made because I wanted to move on. On my last day, before we finally said goodbye he asked me to marry him and I said no because I opt not to compromise my belief. At 23, marriage scared me because my family needs me. He told me he was ready to leave her if I said yes.  

Although I never regret turning him down, it took me 7 years to move on. My Safety shoes, it was not easy to forget you. I’m sorry I didn’t take you home. Thank you for the song and the poem you composed for me, I never felt so special in my whole life. Please know that you are always in my heart.

Where's my Shoes?

I wrote this back in January 10, 2012. In the book by Noreen Capili "Buti pa ang Roma may bagong Papa" she wrote about the lessons she learned from shoes, and that inspired me to create this blog, knowing that I'm not alone. Somewhere out there someone is loving her shoes and still looking for a perfect pair.

In my X number of years of existence, I had many shoes. I’m a woman and having dozens and dozens of pairs is just normal. A pair of shoes is meant for a specific look or occasion, thus it is inevitable to acquire a number of pairs over the years. Shoes vary in colour, style and function.

credit to the owner of this photo

Back in college, I had a pair of shoes and I will call it the “Sneaker.”  It is comfy, chic, and suites my laidback life then. I would wear it every day to school and I simply love it. But I outgrew my Sneaker. When I left college I had to start a career, and my Sneaker could not adjust to it. After a few months I said goodbye to my Sneaker.

Then I got myself a “Safety Shoes.” Although I love this one, I can’t take it home. I had to wear it only at work. Day by day I will wear my Safety Shoes, I almost brought it home, and I wish I did but I was half-hearted then. I didn’t want to get myself into trouble. A few changes came upon me and I left my work, I had to leave the Safety Shoes, but I kept our memories in my heart.

One after another I tried different shoes, but I never got one until I found my “Pumps.”  Very sleek this shoes suites my corporate look. I enjoyed wearing it, I felt like a real woman in this shoe, I felt beautiful and desirable. But this Pump didn’t last long.

Unexpectedly while on a business trip, I came across a “Stiletto.” I tried it on, it was beautiful, and my feet looked sexy. So although I had a reservation if I can handle it, I took it home with me. The Stiletto is a real looker, but it hurts my feet. I endured all the pain just to look good in it. I kept my Stiletto for 3 years until I finally gave up. I got tired and can’t take the pain anymore.

I wanted a real nice pair of shoes, one that I can keep for a lifetime. I am not fortunate enough to find it early in life and right now I’m still looking for it. I had found one in the Internet a few months back, a “Platform.” It is as pretty as the Stiletto but as comfortable as the Pump. I desired to have this Platform, I waited for its availability but fate won’t allow me. Every day, I checked it out in the internet, hoping I could grab one soon.

Shoes are like relationships... some are cheap and crappy. In life one must find a shoe that is durable, comfortable, and trendy no matter how much it will cost. Whatever type suites you, I hope you’ll find your match soon, just like Cinderella. Me, I’m still waiting for the Platform. But if it is not meant for me, then I might look for something else, Flats, Wedge, Booty maybe or simply get used to walking in my bare feet.