Tindog Eastern Visayas, Kaya Pa Yan

I am currently a volunteer writer for a humanitarian organization. People ask me why I chose this kind of work, they don't really know me, because this is me, this is what I like, this is what I love to do.

I never thought volunteerism can be this tiring, but worth it, and amazing. This is not my first time giving service to humanity, because I have been to places where I worked my heart out to extend aid to the people of the community.

This is my first time in Visayas, because as the geography bobo-side in me, I learned that Palawan and Naga City is still in Luzon, which made me think that I am a Luzon lady, forever. I packed my clothes for two weeks, ringing with me my Canon, laptop and of course my now-favorite pair of Chucks.

Bum life, I said. But no, Wednesday, May 21, 2014- I woke up at four in the morning, my usual waking up time whenever I need, which is obligatory, to go somewhere.

Being the supportive and understanding Tito and Tita that they were, and yes, my “bakit ang ganda ko” cousin, they were the ones who drove me to the airport. Terminal 4. My most hated airport terminal in Pasay.

As usual, as the Tiger Philippines flow is, the flight was delayed.

To Tacloban

My birthday wish was to go to this place after I came back here from Hawaii. But being the brat that I was, I spent my money on gadgets and, whatever you call it happenings and foods that make me feel alive, so it did not happen.

So, I thank this opportunity.

I never expected the airport to be near the coastal area. By near I mean, the railway is 100-150 steps away from the sea. The baggage cart is not working so we needed to shout at the porter in front of us if they have already found our luggage.

So, I was with Jord, and an Agriculture Technology fresh graduate of Southern Luzon State University, and I would have died travelling in the Visayas if not because of his taunts and his company. 

That was Tacloban. Six months after the storm, leaves are still growing from the branches of the trees, tall grasses were slowly filling up the area, most buildings and houses are still roofless, military and humanitarian organization bases are everywhere- but there is hope. I see hope in the laugh of the children playing in the streets, in the strength of the men and women still struggling in building their houses, I see individuals helping each other in many simple ways. 

In Pagnamitan, Guian, Eastern Samar

Two to three hours travel (by Van) from Tacloban City. So, we traveled along the famous San Juanico bridge.

Brgy, Pagnamitan is he community where the organization I volunteered at built houses, grant livelihood projects, and administered medical mission for the Yolanda Survivors, It is not just a place where you can find happy and approachable people, it is where I saw the best sunset in my life, for now. Let the photos speak.

Bonus trip to Homonhon Island

Homonhon Island is where Magellan first landed, history's backlog, told us otherwise. You can go to Homonhon by riding a bangka, FOR TWO HOURS from Pagnamitan. I have learned during the entire boat ride that the ocean has different shades of blue, of which I was so fascinated that if was possible, I would have swam there.

 I also went to Palo, Sta.Fe, and Alang-alang in Leyte. Should I've known that there is a tourist spot in Palo, maybe I asked Ate Jocelyn to accompany me there.

More photos:

Wander Keeper

You're not a human if you didn't cringe seeing this. This is where school children of Badjangay Elementary School in Sta. Fe Leyte study. Six months after Yolanda's wrath.

A must-try delicacy, Moron (You can find this on stalls in front of Daniel Z. Romualdez airport in Tacloban)

Shell crafts: I GOT IT FREE from my interviewee :)

Don't Date a Girl Who Travels

She’s the one with the messy unkempt hair colored by the sun. Her skin is now far from fair like it once was. Not even sun kissed. It’s burnt with multiple tan lines, wounds and bites here and there. But for every flaw on her skin, she has an interesting story to tell.

Don’t date a girl who travels. She is hard to please. The usual dinner-movie date at the mall will suck the life out of her. Her soul craves for new experiences and adventures. She will be unimpressed with your new car and your expensive watch. She would rather climb a rock or jump out of an airplane than hear you brag about it.

Don’t date a girl who travels because she will bug you to book a flight every time there’s an airline seat sale. She wont party at Republiq. And she will never pay over $100 for Avicii because she knows that one weekend of clubbing is equivalent to one week somewhere far more exciting.

Chances are, she can’t hold a steady job. Or she’s probably daydreaming about quitting. She doesn’t want to keep working her ass off for someone else’s dream. She has her own and is working towards it. She is a freelancer. She makes money from designing, writing, photography or something that requires creativity and imagination. Don’t waste her time complaining about your boring job.

Don’t date a girl who travels. She might have wasted her college degree and switched careers entirely. She is now a dive instructor or a yoga teacher. She’s not sure when the next paycheck is coming. But she doesn’t work like a robot all day, she goes out and takes what life has to offer and challenges you to do the same.

Don’t date a girl who travels for she has chosen a life of uncertainty. She doesn’t have a plan or a permanent address. She goes with the flow and follows her heart. She dances to the beat of her own drum. She doesn’t wear a watch. Her days are ruled by the sun and the moon. When the waves are calling, life stops and she will be oblivious to everything else for a moment. But she has learned that the most important thing in life isn’t surfing.

Don’t date a girl who travels as she tends to speak her mind. She will never try to impress your parents or friends. She knows respect, but isn’t afraid to hold a debate about global issues or social responsibility.

She will never need you. She knows how to pitch a tent and screw her own fins without your help. She cooks well and doesn’t need you to pay for her meals. She is too independent and won't care whether you travel with her or not. She will forget to check in with you when she arrives at her destination. She’s busy living in the present. She talks to strangers. She will meet many interesting, like-minded people from around the world who share her passion and dreams. She will be bored with you.

So never date a girl who travels unless you can keep up with her. And if you unintentionally fall in love with one, don’t you dare keep her. Let her go.

Saw this at www.ivondomingo.blogspot.com

Which she got from here :)

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I see myself being this, except that I wear a watch. :D

HAWAII: Paradise, all along, In OAHU

I just wish that I did this blog post when I still have my phone, because I was just a photo hoarder and I'm beginning to hate myself just this moment. Yes, all of my Hawaii photos are stored in my phone because I didn't bring my baby in paradise.

When someone would ask me where would I wanna go, Hawaii will always be on my second list, first in Europe for honesty's sake. Hawaii isn't a paradise, it's a heaven on earth. 

First place? In the Island of Oahu.

Because first things first, you probably already know that the sole reason I went to Hawaii was to attend the 8th International Conferences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

I was with Kuya Mark Dave Camarao, he was my partner when I presented my thesis.

It was so heartwarming and overwhelming to have been the only undergraduate delegate from the Philippines, a privilege, and yes, it's something to be proud of, they say.

Sorry that I don't have anymore photos to post. Phone was stolen for the nth time.

Maybe it's a tradition, but I got more two welcome parties from my ever-loving and ever-supportive relatives there, both from mother and father sides.

First was the first night I arrived, it was in my Auntie Azon's house in Waipahu. (Yes, special thanks to Manang Joy, Manong Jeff, Manang Alona, Manong Rex, Manong Allan, Manang Raquel, Uncle Rudy, Aunty Azon and my nieces and nephews for the preps)

Second was at my Mommy Nita's house in Honolulu, which was celebrated for Jarica's birthday, too.

So much thanks to Mommy Nita, Daddy Romy, Mommy Remy, Uncle/Daddy Rico, Daddy Samuel, Mommy Thelma, Mommy Lory, Mommy Delia, Grandma and Grandpa, yes, and to all my distant relatives who came) *Hugs and kisses because I miss you all.

And a dinner treat by Aunty Muray at their house in Waipahu, again.

Thank you to the Agonoy Family.(No photo available)

So here. The only photo left with me.

Oahu at night. They call this extra awesome place Tatalus, I believe.

Waikiki

Best places to visit in Oahu:

Waikiki (preferably at night). It is where you can find surfers and shops in the street just across the shore line.

Waikele Premium Outlets. Yes, shopping, if you know what I mean.

Ala Moana.

Del Monte Farm (?)

And.. Yes, just ask your relatives for around the island trip because unfortunately, I was not able to do so. Well, you can found Pearl Harbor there, babe.