My 2013 Highlights – Welcoming 2014 With Big Dreams and Success

It’s the time to look back and remember the best part of 2013 and now be ready for the 2014 to be more wonderful and fruitful year.

January is my birth month and I decided to have “ordinary day me-time celebration” but that didn't happen as it turned out as the most memorable day for me. I’m officially engaged! Hal decided to propose exactly on my birthday. I thought it was a surprised birthday treat with only of my closest friends and until I realized that some of his friends were also there to witness the proposal. I am clueless and totally surprised, so touch, feeling special, so in-love and so it’s a YES!

Blindfold, dance number, will you marry me shirt, engangement ring, party popper ~ I'm enganged!

 
February was a simple celebration of my Nanay’s birthday at home. Then we have a new member of the family. It's Damon and he's super kulit but lovable.

Nanay with her birthday cake and Damon on the right (now he's 1 year old!)

I got to see my classmates from BSC-CS batch 4A-07 last March for a comeback party at center Stage Makati. Though we were incomplete, it's the first time after a while to get-together in a big count.

Then it was Cher's wedding, we are five solid girlfriends since elementary and she's the first to get married.

And of course, my dream Mt. Pulag hike finally came true. It's truly a magnificent view.

Good old friends are the best to keep! 

I can't remember any major events last April. It was on the month of May when the 'Meet the parents' happened, and Hal's nephew was baptized and I'm the ninang again. :p

Hal's family and I had finally met (formally) to discuss the up coming marriage. So early and excited lang :) 

June was another trip and the QA eskapaderas 'with Hal' decided to visit Northern Mindanao (CDO, Iligan, Bukidnon and Camiguin). We went white-water rafting, falls trekking, swimming, beachineering, food triping, zip-lining, and do some bargaining at ukay-ukay. Another a-must visit place here in the Philippines.

A week of ultimate adventure! 

July and August were spent more on get together and bonding time with friends, no out of town and other plans. July was also Hal's birthday but we decided to save more bucks and just celebrate it with videoke-time with the closest friends.

September was also a no trip month for me, it was sad but some events at the office like Cocktail party and Docomolympics that fairly made my routine change a bit while preparing for the wedding, business planning and etc.

Then by October, after some few group messages and planning, we decided to go to Baler for a short weekend getaway. We explored the town of Baler. I finally learned to surf and nailed it!

We get stoked and surf it up! 

The month of November was not a very good month for me; my mother was bought to the hospital due to very high blood pressure but was luckily diagnosed for no major sickness. However, tatay was confined after a few days due to heart and lung failure, we stayed in the hospital for a week. I'm still thankful for his second life and finally he gave up smoking and drinking. He's getting better now and just need to keep the medication going and continues medical check up.

And then December, we had couple of trainings, deadline to beat, workloads and exams to prepare so to end my 2013, we had some stress-release all girls night out at Haze and had our Year end party at Metz.

After a stress long days of deadline and bulk-loads at work ~ we really deserve to party hard! 

And that’s how my year goes. It’s truly an up and down 2013 for me. I am unable to keep traveling due to some priorities but I am looking forward to put a check on my travel bucket list one at a time. I am thankful for all the blessings and for making me stronger to face life’s challenges. I was challenged few months before the year ends but I was able to keep up, be patient, be more positive and keep going. Let’s all give thanks to our Almighty God that even with the tragedy and failures; we are capable to see hope and light in every way. I am also very thankful that I am able to continue tithing and attending The Feast and was now more open to his overflowing blessings.

I know we are stronger and more focus on our goals and so please join me in welcoming 2014 with Big Dreams and Success!

Merry Christmas Bloggers 2013

OMG, no updates, no posts, no comments. Sorry for being so out of the loop but I cannot afford to skip greeting you a Blessed Merry Christmas to all!

 

Some of us went through a rough time and some are still recovering. But we all know that we are strong and very positive that after all of hardships, we still smile, laugh, embrace each other, continue to move forward and give thanks to the Birthday celebrant JESUS CHRIST. I am really proud of that.

 

I hope every family had a wonderful bonding this season and may continue everyday.

 

It’s now time to check your New Year’s resolution and plan for your fabulous 2014!

 

Make it big!  

HELP ‘YOLANDA’ VICTIMS

source

List of businesses accepting donations for ‘Yolanda’ victims

Here’s a list of organizations and businesses that accept donations on behalf of the victims of super typhoon ‘Yolanda’.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Location: NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City (at the back of CAAP)
DSWD accepts cash deposits through their Landbank of the Philippines account
The account numbers: Current-3122-1011-84 Savings-3124-0055-81
If you wish to volunteer in repacking relief goods you may call 8512681 for schedule.

The Philippine Red Cross
You may donate through SMS by texting RED and send it to 2899 for Globe and 4143 for Smart. You can donate the following denominations: Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000 and for Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

For cash deposits:

Banco De Oro
Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Metrobank
Peso: 151-3-041631228
Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank
Peso: 3752 8350 0034
Dollar: 3752 8350 0042
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines
Peso: 1015 4000 0201
Dollar: 1315 4000 0090
Swift code: UBPHPHMM

For in-kind donation you may send it to Philippine Red Cross – National Headquarters in Manila. You may also contact them to arrange donation pick-up.
World Food Programme Philippines

They accept donations via credit card or Pay Pal.

Operation Walang Iwanan – Gawad Kalinga
They accept cash donations only at their Philippine Peso Current Account number-3101 0977 56 BPI EDSA Greenhills and US$ Savings Account number-3104 0162 34
* BPI EDSA Greenhills. Their swift code is BOPIPHMM

Caritas Filipinas Foundation is accepting donations online. You may visit their website at http://ushare.unionbankph.com/caritasfilipinas/

Ayala Foundation also accepts donations online. You may visit http://victoryplatform.everynation.org.ph/victorygiveviacreditcard/giveviacreditcard.aspx or http://victoryplatform.everynation.org.ph/giveviabpi/giveviabpi.aspx

Victory also accepts in-kind and cash donations. They suggest that the items that should be prioritized are instant noodles, canned goods, bottled water, biscuits, coffee, mats and blankets.

* For cash donations they have Bank of the Philippine Islands. The name of the account is Victory Christian Fellowship. The account number for savings is 0063-3205-52. If the address is needed address it to the Fort Serendra Branch, Ground Floor, Serendra, BGC, Taguig City, Philippines. The Swift code is BOPIPHMM.

Cebu Provincial Government also calls for volunteers to repack relief goods for Northern Cebu, Leyte and Bohol victims. For those who are interested you may contact Evelyn Senajon at PSWDO, Ground Floor Executive Bldg., Cebu Provincial Capitol at 254-7198 and 254-8397.

For students who wish to donate yet they do not have time to travel due to their busy schedule, some schools are accepting donations. These are the following:

University of the Philippines System
UP Office of the Student Regent are accepting donations in cash or kind.
Their drop off pointis Vinzon’s Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may contact Alex Castro at 0917-8725396 or tweet him at @uscupdiliman, Eds 0927384-1392 and Zie 0916796-5740.

Ateneo De Manila Disaster Response and Management Team
Ateneo is accepting cash donations. You may visit their website for donations.

St. Scholastica’s College also accepts donations in any form. You send your donation at 2560 Leon Guinto St. Manila. You may also deposit at BDO account number 4580-000-210 and name it after St. Scholastica’s College Manila.

De La Salle College of St. Benilde
They will conduct a “Yakap Mo Yakap Ko Benefit Concert.”The entrance fee is P300. They will accept donations during the event on November 22 at 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Mapua Institute of Technology accepts relief goods. You may send it at 333 333 Gil Puyat Avenue Makati City.
Some restaurants are also donating for the victims of Yolanda for every food purchase.

Zark’s Burger which is located at Taft near De La Salle University is donating P20 for every order of their Jawbreaker burger.

Yabu: House of Katsu will hold a “Dine for A Cause” event on November 13. All 100 percent of their profit will be donated to the affected families in the recent calamity.

Fast food chain Mc Donald’s is also accepting donations in all Manila branches until November 15.

Reference: Manila Bulletin

Baler on Foot: What Else Can You Do in Baler Aside Surfing?

If you’re not the surfing type, you fear the sea or you feel like physically not prepared for surfing, or maybe if you’re typically just not into it, visiting Baler is still a must as it can offer you other places to spend your time with.

Baler Church and Museum

Despite of its simplicity, the church is a remembrance of the Siege of Baler. From July 1, 1898 to June 2, 1899, the revolutionaries laid siege to the church manned by Spanish troops in the town. Its a battle of the Philippine revolution and concurrently the Spanish-American and the Philippine-American War.

In Baler Museum, You’ll get to discover more of Aurora’s heritage, culture and arts. Apparently it was closed when we had our visit.

Aurora Aragon Quezon House

To discover what’s behind the life of the wife of Manuel L. Quezon President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The province was named after her wife, Aurora Quezon. We were unable to spend much here but you'll get to read facts about their family here.

Ditumabo Falls.  

Located at the small village of San Luis, Aurora is a hidden wonder. It was a rough unpaved rocky road plus a 30mins walk to discover the Mother Falls also known as Ditumabo Falls. An easy and constructed trail for the visitors and we also notice a well maintained surroundings. The falls exceed my expectation as it was magnificent on its own. We immediately dipped in. The water is so refreshing. Also no entrance fee but we can give donations for the caretakers.

Lukso-lukso Islets and Diguisit Beach 

 Located at the coast of Barangay Zabali, Baler Aurora, it’s another beautiful beach to see. It's a very scenic place. Sun was on its dusk when we visit the place and that makes it more appealing. You may also notice a small man-made pool at the side and the kids are enjoying it as much as we appreciate the view.

And the Ma. Aurora Old Balete Tree

Rooted at maybe around 1604 and was there to act as a place for some local tribes for their rituals from old times. The wide tree that was almost covered by its roots are very huge that I guess 15 persons can fit inside. Some locals are there to guide other tourists to climb. No entrance fee here but we might want to give donation for the caretakers. Majority decided to climb but for me, I decided to save my energy for tomorrow.


So that's just some of the province of Aurora. Its the surfer's paradise other side of the town. So when you're done surfing, or maybe before you begin to surf, you may want to explore the town first to warm up. But then let's not skip the Surfing part of Baler in here. :)

Surfing in Baler: Got stoked while I ride the waves!

It was a planned weekend trip to celebrate the birthday of our friend. And also, we haven’t had any trip for quite a while already. The weather is unpredictable so we decided to go rain or shine. And we decided to go Surfing!

Surfer-saya! 

We surfed on the next day in Baler, the first day was spent purely on land tours and getting drunk. If only my niece was there, I have an excuse to the drinking session, however since its all a party mood and all adults trip, we partied the night before as if we do not have any plans the next day.

So here’s the surfing day. Though we are around 2hrs late from the promised surf time, we still had enough time to go surfing. I am nervous as it was my first. We were so glad that the Sun was there to welcome us, wow God is really has a good timing!
Sunblock on and I am ready to go. I do not know what to expect. All I have in mind is I do not want to get bruise and I want to learn to ride the waves. I am on it!

This is it guys kabado inside! 

After a few walks to the shore, we saw our instructors in line together with the surf boards. I immediately stand in front of the 2nd guy from the left. He introduced himself as Rommel.

Tip # 1: Listen to your instructor. Proper position will help you stand up the first try. If the basic position is hard for first timers (like me), you can try 2 other positions, “popping up” may need a lot of strength and practice.

I am relaxed with my instructor from the start but not on the surfing part. He gave me a detailed briefing and I listened carefully.

Ang chubby cheeks ko lang dito, kainis... :p

At first I am hesitant and I felt that I am too heavy to stand the surf board. First 2 attempts were not successful and he gave me another technique. He also reminded me with the correct position as he was able to identify why I missed on those attempts. He showed me how (3rd technique) and on my 3rd and 4th try. I was able to make it! Wohoo! Feeling like a pro!

Tip # 2: Always look up; not on your feet. This will keep your balance and will help you concentrate.

After several rides with lesser effort on my end, he teaches me how to paddle, OMG I am so excited as I guess I am on the next level, he do not push the surf board anymore and was now just giving me a go signal to paddle and stand up. I struggle at first but was able to do it.

Tip # 3: Learn to paddle; paddle as hard as needed, your instructor can let you know when to paddle, stop and when to get up as the timing to catch the waves needs more practice.

 Winning moment ni Rommel ng makapag paddle ako then stand up on my own. 

I do not want to brag but my coach and I are doing better than the rest. I applaud my coach for that, he really encourages me and was able to give clear directions. Hal and I compared our instructors after the surfing lesson and we know that Rommel was better that’s why I did well too. It might be that I am secretly good or maybe “Kinarir ko lang talaga” but I believe it’s also because I have a good coach too.

Tip # 4: When you’re about to fall off your board, try falling on the side of the board and not in front, try to fall not face down. Then falling means get back and try again.

He invited me to go back to Baler for more. I’m sorry as I forgot to get his number. I do not have any phone with me that time and my over excited-ness just made me forgot all about it. However I guarantee you that he is so passionate on what he was doing and will surely make your Surf trip in Baler so “Sulit”, so look for Rommel on your Baler trip please!

Nag- Apir pa kami ni Kuya (another instructor), a high-five for a good job! Yey Kilig!

Here are the rest of the surfers plus me.

Umay pics of me... 

Good job kaming lahat! - Thanks to Rony for the great shots (buti nlng di siya nag-surf :p)

We spend roughly around 2200-2400Php per pax for 2days-1night trip. Really, it’s a steal right? We stayed at Pacific Waves Inn along Sabang Beach which provides a pretty decent place despite of its affordable rate. We rented the family room for 3500, good for 12 pax. And also, I finally know what stoked means and glad to say I’m STOKED!










By the way, this is Rommel, my instructor. I wish you’ll get to remember him and look for him on your Baler trip:

One of the best weekends ever and I am sure I’ll be back for more! Let’s surf again, sige na!