Serendipity

                           "Give me some sunshine, give me some rain,           Give me another chance. I wanna grow up once again." -3 Idiots As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey it has been this year. Mentally, financially, and socially, I've experienced growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I've met new people, explored different places, tried new things, and witnessed the world through a different lens. The pandemic has ended after two years, similar to Luffy's decision to reunite with his crew before sailing to the new world, aware that they are still unprepared for more challenging seas. Now, at age 27, I stand ready to navigate this new world after two years of being secluded in my comfort zone. Losing connections, especially with those you care about the most, is undoubtedly challeng...

       Ang pinakamayaman na lugar raw sa mundo ay ang sementeryo hindi dahil sa laki o dami ng materyal na bagay na naipundar ng mga nakalibing ruon kundi dahil sa pangarap, yaman,ideya, potensyal, kinabukasan  at talento na di na naisasakatuparan dahil natapos na ang kanilang paglalakbay.       Walong taon na din pala simula ng nawala ang kapatid ko, di ko mawari kung paano ang isang umaga ay magbabago sa takbo ng aming mundo, kung paano ang isang umaga ay magiging only child na lang ako ni mama, kung paano ang isang umaga ay di na maririnig ang iyong tawa, kung paano ang isang umaga ay di ka na makikita pa.       Walong taon na din pala ang lumipas ng ikaw ay namahinga, dalawang buwan na lang sana ay ika-14 na taon mo na. Walong taon na din ang lumipas simula ng huling nakalaro sa basketball, umulan man o umaraw. Walong taon na din ang lumipas simula ng huling beses kong narinig na tawagin mo akong kuya. Walong taon na pala ang lu...

'Tong alay kong harana, para sa dalagang Walang kasingganda, amoy-rosas ang halimuyak Kung nanaisin ng tadhanang mapanlinlang 'Di hahayaang mawala pa 'Tong liham na umaasang mata mo ang makabasa Handang gawin lahat, maging pamilya'y liligawan Ngayon lang nakadama ng wagas na pagkamangha Hiling ko lang naman na Tayo na sanang dalawa ang siyang huli at ang umpisa Papatunayang ang unang pag-ibig ay 'di mawawala Nakailang tula na, ba't tila 'di napupuna? Ang tangi kong hiling, hanggang dulo, ikaw ang kapiling Kung puwede lang, hanggang pangmagpakailanman Hinding-hindi na papakawalan kailanman Ang dating tamis ng pagsasama, nasa'n na? (Hinahanap-hanap ka, whoa) Ba't sa 'ting dal'wa, ako na lang ang natira? (Sana'y magkita pa) Tinig mong kay ganda, maririnig pa ba? Handang tahaking mag-isa kahit wala ka na Kung nasa'n ka man, nawa ay masaya ka na (palalayain ka, whoa) Kahit na 'di na tayo magsasama pa (mahal pa rin kita) Dinggin mo lang...

                                                         Sunset at MOA Bay area                        "Every new beginning comes from some  other beginning's end"                                               -Closing Time by Semisonic

 

    In moments when we feel lost, weak, doubtful, or scared, a powerful whisper can arise from within: "Courage, dear heart." This phrase, inspired by C.S. Lewis, is more than just words. It's a lifeline, a gentle reminder that even in unfamiliar territories, we've faced similar challenges before and triumphed. "Courage, dear heart" -C.S. Lewis, Voyage of the dawn threader    The journey of life is punctuated with peaks and valleys, light and shadow. There might be times when we stand at crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. Or moments when the weight of the world seems unbearably heavy on our shoulders. Yet, if we pause and listen closely, the whisper returns, "Courage, dear heart."      Remember, this isn't our first rodeo. We've navigated choppy waters before and have always found our way back to shore. It's this resilience, this inherent strength within, that propels us forward.     So the next time doubt clouds your path, ...

       One of my favorite painting is the "Landscape with the Fall Of Icarus" This masterpiece subtly captures the tragic moment of Icarus drowning. Instead of making this poignant event in the centerpiece as one might expect from the title, Bruggel cleverly position it in the background allowing the vastness of everyday life dominate the canvas. "Landscape with the Fall Of Icarus" painted by Pieter Brugel the elder        Upon closer inspection, one sees Icarus legs flailing above the serene waters, overshadowed by the bustling activity of the world around him. Foregrounded are scenes of pastoral life -a farmer diligently plowing his field, a shepherd lost in thought as he oversees his flock, and a fisherman engrossed on his task, all seemingly oblivious to the tragedy unfolding nearby. These everyday scenes are painted with such detail and vibrancy that they almost belie the gravity of Icarus fate. Bruegel painting depict Icarus fall as a mere f...

Climbing mountains isn't just about reaching the peak; it's a journey of self-discovery, testing one's limits, embracing nature in its rawest form, or perhaps an act of letting go. Climbing Mount Pulag was one of the best decisions I made this year. It is the third highest mountain in the Philippines and the tallest in Luzon, standing at 2,626 masl.  It is situated on the boundaries of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. The ascent begins at the ranger station, where DENR officials make climbers watch films about Mt. Pulag and  inform them of the do's and don'ts of climbing the mountain. The rise to the top starts at the ranger station where DENR officials make climbers watch films about Mt. Pulag and the do's and donts in climbing the mountain.  Mt. Pulag have 4 trails namely: Ambangeg Trail (Babadac Trail): Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Most recommended for beginners. Description: The Ambangeg Trail is the most established and the easiest among all the trails ...