My Prayer

I'm still LSS-ing on all the Apo songs included in the movie iDobidobido. And this one is a personal favorite. I got to appreciate the song more when it was sang by Sam Concepcion. :)

Panalangin by Apo Hiking Society

Panalangin ko sa habang buhay
Makapiling ka Makasama ka
Yan ang panalangin ko

At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko iyong dinggin

Wala nang iba pang mas mahalaga
Sa tamis na dulot ng pag-ibig natin dal'wa
At sana nama'y makikinig ka
Kapag aking sabihing minamahal kita

Panalangin ko sa habang buhay
Makapiling ka Makasama ka
Yan ang panalangin ko

At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko iyong dinggin

Wala nang iba pang mas mahalaga
Sa tamis na dulot ng pag-ibig natin dal'wa
At sana nama'y makikinig ka
Kapag aking sabihing minamahal kita

Panalangin ko sa habang buhay
Makapiling ka Makasama ka
Yan ang panalangin ko

At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko iyong dinggin

Panalangin ko sa habang buhay
Makapiling ka Makasama ka
Yan ang panalangin ko

At hindi papayag ang pusong ito
Mawala ka sa 'king piling
Mahal ko iyong dinggin

Panalangin ko sa habang buhay
Makapiling ka Makasama ka
Yan ang panalangin ko

*if only i can dedicate this to someone...

I feel...

so freaking SAD. I was about to picture blog in preparation for my big two-six, inserted the usb end of my hard drive to my laptop usb port, opened my computer, clicked drive d... tried to search for the file "vadabanana" which ultimately contains ALL my pictures from the past five years or more... and BOOM... I couldn't find the file. And I rest my case, I just lost everything from the past years. How come this always happens to me? *UCK. F*CK. FU*K. FUC*.

Fuck my life. Seriously, I wanna hang myself! So much for "invest in memories".

Adios!

Emman + Paula Wedding

The MOH duty is done. Here are some pictures from my cousin's wedding. Thank you, Main Events for the pictures. Especially to JanMat.

The Bride.

The Groom with his boys.

The MOH aka Me!



My sister.

Bride with her maids.

Finally!

It might not be that posh and polished as we all wanted to be, some mishaps and missed details. The priest getting confined hours before the wedding. The rain suddenly pouring. Plan Bs and plan Cs. But it was something very beautiful and worth remembering. A very simple celebration of love! Congratulations to the newly weds! :)

if.

If "happy ever after" did exist
I'd would still be holding you like this.

From "Payphone" by Maroon 5

Isn't there any statement more heartbreaking than that one?

And no, I am NOT referring to an ex flame. I am talking about my iPhone.

THE Board.

Hello, I'm sharing to you Vada's GO Board. This is the current wallpaper of my laptop, a reminder of the not so little plans I have for this year. I want to keep on moving forward. And, I'm dropping every excess baggage that has no space in my backpack! :)

Yellow: A dream destination this year.

Green: About PASSION. I got this from Nomad Manager's blog.

Blue: Me in my favorite headgear.

Pink: Feet means explore.

Inspiration for painting.

Excited for later!



Let's do this! :)

Pinatubo Crater Lake

At 25 years old, my ideal type of adventure and even that of a date would be something as challenging as climbing a mountain, trekking across a terrain or admiring a crater lake. I am not a fan of volcanoes. My earliest recollection of one would be the Mayon Volcano when we visited Bicol way back the 1990s. If I remember correctly, I was 8years old at that time. I sure have memories of its perfect cone shape and the Cagsawa Church, but as I was growing up, volcanoes are mere land forms that I read in books and see in postcards. Yes they are marvelous and intriguing but I never really developed any interest in them. Visiting some of the volcanoes in Camiguin and the Tagaytay view of the Taal Crater Lake as I learned to travel didn't spark some interest too. Not until the 5km Pinatubo trek I challenged myself to finish last May 12, 2012. One, I am a health buff but my body is not really that fit to undergo such trek. Two, I am most concern about tanning my skin since I will be MOH in my cousin's wedding come June. Glutathione shots don't work that fast! Three, how do I gear up? I have the resolution to be oh-so-girly, fail!

I chanced upon promo vouchers on Ensogo.ph last February. I immediately bought one for myself. And just contacted my friends based in Manila to join in if they're free. Luckily, two of them were so game! Plus the boyfriend. I got tickets and everything, filed my leave, I'm set to go. Originally planned on March 25. The day before my scheduled trip, I shamefully got some long sleeve top from Forever 21. I got some gym type of shorts too for the trek. I didn't have any trek shoes so I just gave in to whatever black sturdy looking close shoes in Payless. Decided to use my overused Addidas sling bag. I guess I'm all set... so imagine my horror when, maybe 8hours before my 11pm flight, the trek organizers cancel our trek because the weather is not good in Tarlac. And it is very dangerous to get stranded there. I wanted to push through because I already have my plane ticket but my Manila counterparts told me that it's really gloomy in their side of the country. I had no choice. I stayed in Cebu for the weekend. Then with fingers crossed, I rescheduled it to May 12. Still very risky because the wet season is about to set it. This time, I didn't bargain for ticket prices anymore, I got it just days before the trek. Which to my luck, really did push through! Hooray!

Way before, I was already eyeing to do the trek. The idea of riding on 4x4 old school land cruisers tickled my adventurous side. But it was too expensive, around 4k! Hell no. So when I got the voucher for 999p, I knew it was a deal I had to really take. If on my first attempt I planned on wearing Forever21, hello! I kinda splurged this time. I went hardcore on my gear. Making sure I am well equipped and really ready!

Gear: Oakley Rash Guard, Lakambini Trek Shorts, Tribu Sandals, 

water container and bag from Rustans, a mountaineering blue top and a headwear.

ohdiba??? I look like a pro!!!

Like any trip, I researched a little just so that I would know what to expect. And my expectations were all correct, it was damn tiring!!! 

Took off with the 11pm Cebu-Manila flight. Everyone is expected to be in the Cubao Victory Liner Bus Station at 2am. Thank you to Arvin and Papa A for picking me up and bumming around with me while I waited for the time. Depending on your trek organizer, a private bus or van will bring you to bring to Sta. Juliana Tarlac. The only safe way to the crater. It is a two hour ride, so I got some extra sleep for energy this time. BTW, we didn't go with the public transport, we chose to bring our own ride since it would be much convenient and cheaper.

Upon arrival at Sta. Juliana Tarlac, we had breakfast, signed waivers and did some final chu-chus for the long trek against a very rough terrain (as i read). One thing I learned from all the travel blogs that I read, it's always nice to talk to the locals and really befriend your guide. Our guide was Albert, 18yo from Tarlac. I didn't mind investigating on his personal life, but from what I saw I think he is crippled with poverty. There is so much more he can achieve outside the three walled boundary of the Pinatubo Crater Lake. And I'm happy to have met him and we both shared stories. 

We were then sent off via an old school 4WD Land Cruiser. Yipee! This is it. And thank God for the clear skies! It's an hour 4WD across the Crow Valley. All treks should start before 6:30am, beyond that time a portion of the entrance to the valley is used as military training ground for the Philippine Air Force. They usually dictate if treks would push through depending on their activities. The ride across the the valley is dusty and bumpy. Passing through a rough terrain, mud and water. Good thing I was so prepared with my headwear which can be worn in 8 different ways. I used the Baclava during this time, covering my entire face exposing my eyes only, but then covered with sun glasses too.

With me was Marnie, Claire and bf Hermz, and our new friend, Michel.

you don't know you're beautiful... oh owww... 

this is part of the Crow Valley, it felt as if I was in another planet!

After this stop we continued the 4WD, after an hour we were dropped to where the 5km trek will start. I was bringing only my (super) essentials in that little belt bag that I have. What's inside: bottle of alcohol, face towel, mangorind, ziplocks and plastics. That's it. Yes, I didn't bring a bottle of lotion and I survived!

Final jump off. 5km starts here. See all those baby jeeps?!

Let the next few pictures speak for itself. No need for captions, really! Pero, pero... I swear... all the mini preparations I had before embarking on this challenge was really worth it! My breathing was stable, my legs were determined to go go go. My mind was conditioned. My body was at it's best. But since I'm no pro, there were bouts of shortness of breath but very minimal and bearable. A little sugar rush along the way was what we all needed to take that one step forward. 

  

Jelly ace break! I guess were almost there. I must admit, I kept on asking our guide if we were somehow near...

The 30minute ascend towards the crater. The only part of the trek that is upward. 

AND BEHOLD... the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in 1991. Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano bounded by three provinces, Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. As how the guide explained to me, the crater was once a very huge mountain then upon the eruption, that's were the crater was formed. I actually thought that it would be similar to the Mayon's crater. Hehehehe!!! My bad!!! :p

THIS IS IT!

It looked like a painting. I was in awe when I saw it. I can't help but admire it's greatness. And each time I think about that very moment I saw it, I feel extra happy and proud to have conquered it. Certainly, the road to such majesty is not easy, but every step is worth it!

Packed lunch which was the tastiest food ever after the 2hr trek. You have the option of bringing your own food but we chose to have it catered by our Org (TrekPros). It was quite expensive for a meal but it it saves you from all the hassle of preparing your meals, plus the servings were huge and it was really good too!

OH LA LA...

(i so feel like a pro...)

Once in your life, I think you should see her beauty. Not because I was able to see that I classify it as a "must-see", but because it's one perfect example that not all tragedies are bad and hopeless. Sometimes, like in the rare case of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, something really beautiful came after it. Not only that, it also boosted the tourism in the place. More jobs for the locals. Really, it's more fun in the Philippines.

After resting, we needed to go down before 2pm. The organizers and the guides are scared for the safety of the trekkers if there is rainfall. The terrain gets really slippery, they say. Luckily for us, the whole day was really sunny. (note: I gave some eggs in Carmelites with the intention of a good weather the morning before I flew out). The descend was easier because I can just rely on gravity to pull me down, I really didn't have to use much energy compared to the ascend. But also harder in the sense that I need to take extra care because we passed through a lot of rivers, streams and rocks! But as always, the going back is much much faster.

And by this time, I had the guide all to myself. He took this shots. I paced slowly admiring my surroundings. This time I was imagining dinosaurs and even the appearance of the Transformers, anytime! Hehehe!!!

Promise, I'm no tomboy and I'm interested in boys! :)

The team! With our tour guide, Albert! :)

And I need a quick chick post before ending this. I look so boyish in all those photos. Good enough, eh?

Then we all drove back to Manila. And minutes after entering Manila, the rain poured down. Thank you, Lord for the really good weather! Overall, this trip is an 11 with 10 being the highest. And I'm afraid that this is the beginning of my interests in volcanoes and crater lakes. And yes, I know where to go next.

Crashed into our house in Manila for the night before taking my 4am flight back to Cebu.

Mt. Pinatubo: Checked.

Until the next adventure...

Sincerely yours, my blistered feet!

Project: Run-Wannabe

The female population has surely taken over our workplace. Dress up dinners and themed party are so much easier to have these cooperative ladies around. Last Friday, after our weekly meeting, we donned our "who's-your-peg-for-tonight?" outfits and tried the newest food destination in IT Park, Army Navy. Prediction: I'd give it 6months then it will just be another Krispy Kreme venture, not special anymore. Not to mention it's quite pricey, and our very own Flame It and Burger Joint can REALLY COMPETE with it's much tastier burgers, cheaper too. But I'm happy to see Army Navy in Cebu. It's a plus for our city. Anyhow, back to our themed dinner, we dressed up a notch or two higher than the usual. And we looked so over dressed for the resto, or was it my palazzo pants that intimidated them all? But h-e-l-l-o? We dressed up sooo normally! Heads just turned since we were all girls in heels. Party up? NOT. 

Here's an account of what the girls were wearing!

Note: all clothes are for sale!!! Hehehe!!!

Aden: teal polka dot polo from H&M, red shorts from a thrift store in Baclaran, pink pumps from F21.

Arvie: brown aztec top from F21, demin shorts from True Religion, wedge from Celine.

Aby: floral dress from Guess, brown low wedge sandals from Accesorize.

Joy: plain white top from a flea market in Singapore, pink stripe shorts from Mossimo, nude wedge from Melissa.

Kym: green top from Bangkok, black palazzo pants from F21, black wedges from Syrup.

Faye: red collared top from UkayShopeteer, black mullet skirt from India, wedge from Mango.

Gellie: black aztec top from H&M, khaki shorts from Benetton, black wedge from SM dept store.

Reina: pink long sleeve from Rustans, light tangerine shorts from Promod, black wedge from Rustans.

 

Rhea: black top from a flea market in India, printed skirt from Topshop, black pumps from Charles&Keith.

 Wendy: corporate ruffled dress from Mango, black heels from Aldo.

HAHAHAHAHA. Sorry for the lookbook/chictopia wannabe poses. We sure can learn a lot from bloggers Camille Co, Kryz Uy and Laureen Uy!!! Until our next themed dinner... and we already have a theme, COLOR BLOCKING!!! :)

Visit ARMY NAVY, E-block, IT Park.

Project: COLOR THE WORLD

Anyone who has been following my blog or my friends' must already have an idea of how adventurous the DDGs are. As a group and even individually. Travels, projects, outreach programs and trying out new things are really our peg and mission in life. Some working in line with their professions, others bumming around and most of us... just really exploring the world with whatever we have. So this Project: Color The World in Talima is no surprise. Our mission in this classroom coloring project is to brighten up the world by coloring one classroom at a time. And maybe soon, with more manpower and resources, one school at a time. Last year we had it in Bohol. I wasn't able to join due to work schedule, that's why I made it a point to not miss it this year. And though I'm not really so pro in painting, the creative skills I developed through the years with my blog, scrapbooks, diaries and albums, really was put into (public) use!

Leigh the barkada's maestra has some connections in Talima. Turns out that her some of her classmates in Educ School was from the place. And are teachers in their elementary school. Cut the long story short, contacting, organizing, gathering of funds, buying of materials, printing out of the design, the final plan and were off to go painting walls!

Around 10am we (with Leigh, Motha, Chaawi, Jeanette, Loryat, Kritie and Shaggy) already have crossed Mactan to Talima. Went straight to the school and composed ourselves for the what seemed to be a tiring but fun day!

STEP ONE

Mix the paint, finding the perfect shade of underwater blue color. 

Take hold of the rollers and brushes.

SPLASH and PAINT AWAY!!!

STEP TWO

Lunching on "saang"!!! Sorry, no picture!!! :/ Thank you Sir for really accommodating and feeding us well! And I broke a lot of rules. #drankcoke

STEP THREE

Paint, paint and paint!!!

Everyone painted sea creatures and things under the water. It was a very happy feeling seeing everyone busy and giddy with their paint brush, copying and coloring the pictures from our print outs, trying to be pro! The finished drawings were all so cute against our blue wall!!! And since I really don't know how to draw-draw, they just assigned me with the alphabets! YAY! :) And in fairness, my crooked letters made an impact! :) 

STEP FOUR

Admiring the finished walls!!!

So nice noh???

That day, we were able to accomplish a lot of things. For personal growth, strengthening of old friendships and helping others. With our (seriously) busy schedules, it's already hard to gather everyone around and plan trips/projects like this. Most of our friends weren't able to join but they all did help in pitching ideas and contributing money for the materials. And it's a breath of fresh air to be in a silent place like Talima. Especially that we are there for a more important purpose, to color the world one classroom at a time. I'm sure the world is a much happier place after May 19, 2012. 

To the KIDDOS! Enjoy the classroom, sorry we couldn't do the whole school, but we'd love to!!! Really!!! Even if I had to check from time to time if my alphabet was correct, you know singing the song in my head over and over again!!! :)