Brave The Waves

To My Starry-Eyed Dreamer

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:13:00 +0800

For you, love and kindness come in endless strings, and you freely unwind yours, lifting everybody around you like kites. Happy, happy, birthday, Dandan! Only a few people have the gift of making others believe that there’s so much hope to be found in any place—you definitely leave a trail of good vibrations wherever you go.

What gets us out of our beds in the morning, what makes our heart race, what keeps us hurtling forward…it’s the deepest, most intimate parts of ourselves. Thank you for sharing your dreams with me; like you, they are nothing short of stellar.

And when it comes to you, I know that they’ll all come true.

I’m really blessed and grateful to have you as one of my closest friends. Cheers to all the adventures we’ve had! I love you.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Land Ahoy, Siquijor

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:02:00 +0800

In true traveling with a purpose style, my fellow adventure-loving friends started planning for this trip almost half a year ago. Our goal: to explore Siquijor as a local, with no rock left unturned. Spontaneity is always sexy. But those few months as lead time gave us the luxury of being able to map out our itinerary, save up for pocket money, and lift the mystery that has shrouded the island for decades.

“Hop on a plane; we’ll meet you there,” one of my close friends Dandan told me.

The rest of our group was coming from Cebu, while I flew in from Manila to reach our jump off point, Dumaguete. When you’ve won the friendship lottery like I have, crossing miles just to be with them is an easy feat.

After getting on a boat, we all held our breaths as Siquijor and its untouched beauty emerged on the horizon.

Photo by the always dreamy Hannah

We then took a coastal ride in a jeepney, and stopped over this lush forest.

An immediate quiet fell on us, and the same wonder gleamed in our eyes.

Photo by Dandan

Photo by Hannah

We were finally here. And we were thankful, knowing that it was just the beginning of a mind-blowing weekend.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

For A Change

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:47:43 +0800

When you’re feeling down, hieing off to the mountains can lift up your spirits. Especially at times when you’re in a contemplative mood… cloistering yourself at one of your favorite cafes can really let your thoughts swirl around freely, and take flight.

Here, the lower your heart is sinking, the higher you can pull it right back into place. Having a flock of clouds hovering under your feet, so close you can almost ride on them, tells you that things have nowhere to naturally go but up. The awe-inspiring landscape around you is a testament to this.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Travel With A Purpose

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 15:05:00 +0800

So, you’re on the road again. When you were younger, traveling for the sake of getting away was enough to give you a fleeting high. Now that you’re beginning to feel just how fast time is slipping through your fingers; you’re also understanding that an irreversible change is happening inside of you.

Youth isn’t infinite, and your priorities are shifting. You now want to make each moment of your trip matter, more than ever.

How do you travel with a purpose?

1. Strip yourself naked, be brutally honest, and take a minute to pinpoint the reason why you’re traveling. Do you need to disconnect from everything else for a while, and forget your problems? Are you celebrating a milestone in your life? Are you hurting, and you’re grasping for a way to heal? Do you want to feel the rush of seeing something new?

Zeroing in on your “Big Why” can make or break any trip. It will decide what your overall mood is as you travel, and can influence how you view everything, and the activities that you choose to do. Beyond scoring seat sales from airlines, or tempting deals—give meaning to your travel plans, and gain priceless insight.

2. Tap into your inner happy nerd, and research on your destination. Why is this so crucial? Although the adventure-loving side of you will always allow yourself to be surprised by anything that lands on your lap… being prepared can make a huge impact on your itinerary, and fulfilling your Big Why.

Finding out ahead of time what spots are worth checking out can also help you stay within your budget. It can help prevent you from wasting time, and bringing items you won’t really need. What traveler doesn’t love a lighter backpack?

And how else could you have known that by taking a short walk, an obscure town had hidden waterfalls? Or that by leaving a place’s manicured lawns, and going down a dirt path, you could end up here?

3. In your twenties, accept that traveling is an investment. When you’re far away from home, and the familiar, you get to discover aspects of yourself that you didn’t know that existed. You realize that you can be more patient, you’re braver than you think, and there are so many keys to your full potential that you can still unlock.

Working hard, saving up, and spending on trips…these aren’t easy things to do. But hey. If it’s helping you grow as a person by leaps and bounds, and giving you long lasting memories, do you really want to sell yourself short when it comes to traveling?

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Go on A Stroll, See Everything Anew

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:20:00 +0800

It’s mighty optimistic of me to believe that I can stumble on new ways of looking at familiar places. (Even ones that I’ve gone to since I was a kid.) But I really think that if you pack an open mind, along with your other essentials for any trip, your usual getaways can still manage to surprise you.

Shang ri la Mactan is one of my super favorite beaches in the planet. If you save up or get lucky, and you get to visit it year after year though, its wow factor can tend to dull your senses. One habit that I picked up from my years of traveling was to clear my head, take a stroll, and prime myself to view everything with fresh eyes.

Once you’re near that crucial point of feeling like you’ve seen it all, pause, and choose to appreciate what lies ahead of you. The world is too kind for us to allow ourselves to get used to beauty and wonder, don’t you think so?

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Sway Back And Forth With the Tides

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:11:13 +0800

I want you to think of that one person who has always been your source of unwavering strength. Are your feet on steadier ground? Does your back harden, pulling itself up so it can take on anything? When you hold out your arms, do you finally feel what it will be like to play with clouds?

I want you to picture the light fading from that one person’s eyes. For the first time in your life, they are quietly calling out to you for help. Urge your knees to stop buckling, meet that person’s gaze, and give everything you have.

You understand now that your changing roles will sway back and forth with the tides. It’s a revelation to think that the strongest person you know has needed you this entire time. Embracing that can be one of the most powerful things that you can have.

As what that person is teaching you at this moment, it’s by pouring out yourself—beyond what you can imagine—that you also gain fulfillment.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Celebrate Your Milestones

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:28:00 +0800

Treat yourself. For pushing your limits, doing something you never thought you could do, and working hard without expecting anything in return. For choosing to love even when you were afraid that you had nothing more to give. For still finding out about who you really are, and being okay with it.

Milestones, big or small, are worthy of being celebrated. You deserve it all.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

What Fairy Tales Are Made Of

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:37:00 +0800

The girls and I threw a surprise bridal shower for one of my best friends, Angel days before she was set to marry Dan. For a sweetheart like her, we felt that it was as though La Maison Rose, with its French chinoiserie interiors and menu, was designed for the occasion. Thanks to maid of honor Melissa who led the pack, we were able to have the private dining room all to ourselves.

We took our time with our meals, bachelorette games (no need to see the details, haha), and streaming in friends from out of the country. Hi, Mikhai!

It was an intimate gathering that was just overflowing with trips down memory lane, laughter, and crazy stories for the bride-to-be.

On her wedding day itself, she asked me to give a speech during the reception. For everything that Angel’s done for me, it was really the least that I could do to give back. I’m sharing this with all of you because this really came from my heart, and hopefully conveyed just how much I treasured our friendship, and this thrilling new phase in her life:

Ever since Angel and I were 13, I’ve always known her as a girl who believed in happily every afters. We’d have sleep overs at her house, be super pampered by her parents, and watch DVDs of chick flicks. Being around Angel brought out the romantic in us. Angel is one of the sweetest, most thoughtful friends you can have…she really lives up to her name, always chooses to see the good in people, and has the kindest heart.

I’ve long pictured Angel as having a movie moment of her own. Tanawa sad unsa ka guapa akong amiga, pang leading lady gyud. And when Dan arrived in her life, she had her perfect leading man too. Thank you Dan, for making Angel happy—seeing her beside you is the happiest I’ve seen her.

There is so much love for the both of you tonight. You inspire me to trust in the best that the world has to offer, that wishes do come true, and that a love as incredible as yours can exist in real life. As the Persian poet Rumi once said: “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.”

Dan and Angel, I really think you’re meant for each other.

Angel, our 13-year-old selves would probably be jumping on your bed right now, if they could only see that your own happily ever after spans not just one day, but an entire lifetime spent with Dan.

Let’s all raise our glasses to Dan and Angel. Your love is what fairy tales are made of.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Remember Resilience

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:17:00 +0800

You met Resilience before you discovered your own name.

It was the voice that taught you how to reach for things with your small hands, to utter your first words, to stand on your feet and walk. Newborns, despite being fragile, had no room for quitting. You came into this world, made with the same indestructible, iron-willed fiber.

Resilience let you grow, and helped bring you here.

Now that you’re older, why is it easier for you to give up?

You’re built with an unseen armour. You’re learning so much from everything around you. You’re talented, brilliant, and strong. And yet, when you hit a roadblock, get hurt, or feel impatient, you instantly think of a way out.

Stick around, answer the call to work harder, and know that quitting was never part of your—or anyone’s—natural make up. When you fall down, lose a loved one, or bruise, allow your instincts to take over. Trust yourself.

Remember Resilience, and let something extraordinary push you to get up, heal, and fight back.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

What Keeps You Going?

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 22:33:50 +0800

At least once a month, you’d find me at the beach. Most of the time, I do my best to carefully plan out the trip. But on this fine morning, the opportunity presented itself, and work and play were synonymous to each other.

As the guys from the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (PHINSAF) steered their catamarans on the sea’s horizon, my breath got caught in my throat. To me, that sight would never get old.

Photo credit: PHINSAF

With a glass of vodka in hand as the regatta came to a close, I felt gratitude wash over me. We all encounter surges of pressure and anxiety, and it can get too much. This definitely gave me the loosening up that I needed.

How about you? A destination, a person, a book…what keeps you going, and makes you feel safe?

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Take Your Time Being Outdoors

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:21:02 +0800

As always, no tricks—the grass really was this green on this day.

Do you take the time and effort to be outdoors at least once a week too? Waking up at dawn to ride out to the beach, spending an afternoon in the park, or getting treated to a day in a resort like Anvaya…being close to nature would never fail to invigorate your spirit. Where do you go to unwind, and find peace of mind?

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

What's on Your Summer Travel List?

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:37:00 +0800

There’s really no better time to start mapping out your must-see sites than when you’re reeling into the cusp of summer. Grey, somber clouds looming over the skies are becoming a rarity, and every day is shaping up to be a perfect chance to travel. Now all you need is to actually make it happen.

Let’s pack up our imaginary suitcases and rucksacks, shall we?

Before we blindly dart through our doors, and hit the road though, why don’t we list all the places that we’ve always wanted to visit? Ease out the destinations that we’ve dreamed up in our heads, think of ways to really make them count, and write them down.

You’ll see—once you’re Summer Travel List is on paper, it’ll turn into something more real. And before you even know it, as June comes around, you’ve already crossed out all the items there.

Pens ready? Go.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Country Style Goodness, Jude + Alexa

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:07:00 +0800

You’ll be hard pressed to find a couple as adorable as Jude and Alet, the creative duo behind Strawberry Apparel. When their country style wedding came to a full gallop last November, we could barely contain our giddy feels. Reflecting who this talented pair was, the event showed handmade details, understated elegance, and playful touches (plus a kick of rock and roll and folksy tracks—chinchiniligan!).

Photo by Rainbowfish Photography

One feature that really stood out to me was the circular aisle—and when they both walked down on it, man, I teared up fast. I only got to take a shot of it after the ceremony was done, so you could just imagine how even prettier this was before the organizers started tidying up everything.

You could feel so much laughter and light beaming into Jude and Alet on this day, cocooning all of us who were present at the garden. The drizzle that dotted the evening couldn’t dampen our festive mood, and made me think that love was rain, and could drop on anybody. We were in good spirits well into the night, punctuated by rounds of our favorite beer.

Congratulations again, Jude and Alet! Seeing you guys tie the knot made me feel so lucky to be called your friend. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures together!

Photo by Rainbowfish Photography

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Stars Align, A Music Review With My Lover

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:44:00 +0800

Getting to watch one of my favorite bands of all time, Stars, with my boyfriend was already a sweet treat itself. But to have had the chance to co-write a music review (for GMA News, what!) on this bucket-list-worthy night took our relationship to an entirely deeper level.

An excerpt:

There’s the kind of music that you stumble upon, and fall in love with all by yourself. It’s yours, you wear it as a badge, and you remind everybody that you solely own it.

And then there’s the rare kind that you keep as a secret—one that is introduced to you by someone you care about. It leaves a lasting impression on you, and stays with you for years. Listening to a particular band is now linked with that person, and it becomes a shared experience even when you’re alone. The memories endure, and you recognize that this time around, the songs aren’t meant for you. They push you to step outside of yourself and fully relive being with somebody…

…Quiet, resolute, and tender, Stars could make the most tightly laced people come undone. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, they’ve been penning words that could pierce you to your core, and weaving feather-light tunes that could rock you back and forth for 13 years. If honesty had a sound, Stars was the mouthpiece.

It would really mean a lot to me if you would read the full article here.

Nothing could ever make me forget this concert; everything that needed to be said (and felt) could be found in that link.

(And yeah, I was a shameless fangirl, and tore off this set list as the final tune faded away. Group hug?)

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

A Backpacker’s Photo Diary: Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:06:00 +0800

It took six hours of traveling by land from Davao City to reach Surigao del Sur. Touching the color turquoise with my fingers—just knowing what it would feel like, was the much awaited prize.

There were dozens of people swimming in the Enchanted River when my family and I arrived, so we patiently bided our time for them to clear out. Noon was the magic hour when the caretakers played a song for the fishes, and asked everyone to go to the shore, and let the river breathe.

My heart broke when I saw just how much trash was piling up at the sides because of the high volume of crowds visiting daily. The Enchanted River is such a gem, and a fairly young tourist hotspot. It’s being run by the local government, and I really hope that they would set stringent rules for safeguarding the area. We can all try to do our part, but we also need their initiative.

I then took a walk to the shallow end of the river (and carried my heavy heart with me), where small boats were lined up to take you around the sandbar and neighboring small islands.

The water was this clear—our boat seemed like it was suspended on a glass surface.

This was one of my favorite moments: standing on the sandbar, with the tide up to my waist, and waves coming from all directions.

The Mindanao region would always offer trips that inspired you to hope, and to believe that you could do so much to make things better. This was no exception.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

2013 Goal Three: Put Yourself Out There

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 17:43:00 +0800

Going after what makes your heart beat the fastest strips you naked. Because you know just how much is at stake, your deepest desires and worries are exposed, and you face the harshest truths about who you really are, and what you can do. You have to look at your own eyes in the mirror, and be starkly honest with yourself. Unbutton your bravado, and throw it on the floor.

This 2013, my third and final goal is to put myself out there.

Offer up nothing but the genuine article, what makes you, you, and leave no room for show.

When you overthink the road ahead, agonize about being turned down, or get plagued by the possibility of being wiped out, you end up paralyzed. When we’re scared, sometimes we tend to keep our emotions and real selves gated and boarded up. If you’re not vulnerable, you won’t get hurt, right?

But how many missed chances have you had because you pictured the worst case scenarios, even before you made any effort for something incredible?

There will be countless times this year when I’ll hesitate from pressing on, seeking adventures, and expressing how I really feel. But I only have to think of how I kicked off 2013 with finally learning how to surf, and getting over my fear of failing in front of everybody to remember that your strength grows a thousandfold when you’re vulnerable.

Laying yourself bare is the jumping point of your hopes and dreams coming true.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

2013 Goal Two: Stay Loyal to Your Pursuits

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:48:00 +0800

“Oh, we just threw her in the water when she was a baby. She somehow never got out of it,” my parents would say about me as I was growing up.

All great loves—even when they’re not with people—have the habit of falling on your lap. That’s the easy part. For you to be able to hang on to them calls for a pouring of your whole self. The feeling turns into a choice. It then begins to sculpt your dreams and the kind of life that you lead.

My love affair with the sea started when I was two, and remained as strong as ever now that I was 26. It is so vital to who I am that before I can make any life altering decisions, I ask myself: “Will I be able to visit the beach whenever I want to? Do I still have enough for future trips?”

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a storyteller, but loving the sea was what helped me find my voice. Each word and photo that I fished out from places that I visited had a certain ebb and flow. They weren’t mine; I just let them stream through me.

There were many times when being frustrated with writing, hitting a creative rut, or feeling that I wasn’t good enough made me want to be passionate about something else, something new. It was fun to flit from one diversion to another. Like flings though, they burned out quickly.

Sometimes I’d get so fixated on being satisfied with my output, I’d overlook keeping myself inspired enough to have the right goods in the first place. Loving the sea was my muse. I needed to nurture it.

Chances are, whatever gave you joy, and made you feel your best when you were a kid, still stoked your passion to this day. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, designer, photographer, traveler—stay loyal to your pursuits. You’ve known long ago that you’ve found your great loves. They’ll always be there for you, ready for the taking.

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

2013 Goal One: Cherish Experiences, Not Things

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:23:00 +0800

Another glorious weekend. How did I ever become so lucky?

Seleena and I hit the beach during the start of our birthday month last December with our best travel buddy, Sannds.

The long ride to Batangas (remember how I absolutely get smashed during road trips?) knocked me out, as expected. So while they spent the early part of the afternoon lounging by the shore, I was cocooned in our hut, drowning in my drool. Do you realize how naps have become a rare indulgence nowadays? Mine was that magnificent guys; you should’ve seen (/heard) me snore like there was no tomorrow! Five stars, nap, five stars.

Hearing waves crashing outside your window can lull you to sleep, and it can also nudge you out of bed. We had this whole stretch all to ourselves. Sannds and Seleena were clearly having a great time in the water. I didn’t hesitate to join in.

Loved ones would tell me that I seemed to be on a vacation all the time, but leading this kind of lifestyle actually took lots of effort, discipline, and sacrifice.

Most of the people our age would blow off some steam by spending hard nights out every week, shopping, and burning cash on toys and gadgets. My friends would only do those things for special occasions (see previous post). Instead, we’d pool a portion of our savings together for weekends out of town like this one. And if we happened to be stuck in the city, we would find ways to hie off the beaten path, discover new nooks and crannies, or take comfort in our favorite spots.

Seeing this moon rise (this photo does not do it justice; it dipped so low, hovering over the sea!) made me feel that I was doing the right thing.

In 2013, I would continue to make and cherish experiences like this one, and prioritize them over things.

Virgin Beach Resort

Laiya, San Juan, Batangas
Landline number: +63 759-2020
Mobile number: +63 917 813 1301

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Signs of The Times

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 23:02:00 +0800

Some nights go way beyond your expectations. This was one of those nights.

Sannds put together a party at their house (don’t you just love the design?) last Christmas. It was such an amazing way to see friends from Ateneo, both old and new, as 2012 came to a close. And it was the best reason to get smashed, hands down.

It was sobering to think that we had it this good in college though. Gather at someone’s place, BYOB, drop, roll around. Now, parties have to be set months ahead; it’s insane, yeah? But hey, you gotta love everyone for their concerted efforts. It showed just how much everybody cared for each other. Love.

They say a slow burn could last the longest. This was definitely true in this case. Unhurried and easy, the party lit up everybody well into the morning. I carried happy embers with me as I headed home, refusing to let them go out.

With Chinky

Favorite memory

Best girlfriends, ever

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!

Taking It Slow

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:14:00 +0800

During the second half of our time in Puerto Princesa, my good friend Borj and I moved from here, to Palo Palto Bed and Breakfast. We stood outside of its nondescript gates, apprehensive. Unpaved roads, and walls that looked like freshly dried cement…were we just duped by the photos from its site?

It turned out that we were worried over nothing. Greens, striking woodwork, and warm hues bathed us as we stepped into its courtyard.

Across the street, you could find Palo Alto’s function hall, rooms for big groups, and the pool. The net that they set up to catch the falling leaves made me feel like I was taking a dip inside a greenhouse. (I wish they’d set up a heating system in the pool soon though—we ended up shivering badly every time there was a gust of wind. Brrrrr.)

Seeing this preserved tree made me think that they really did live up to their environmental promise of giving back to nature, in any way that they could. The staff, aside from being prompt and kind, were also conscious of how they ran the upkeep of the place. (They reminded you to not step on the grass, segregated recyclable materials, and made sure that the plants were properly handled.)

It was a small detail in my overall experience there, really, but it was heartening to note that they walked the talk.

Borj and I capped off our Puerto Princesa trip with coffee and dessert at La Terrasse. My mouth would still water whenever I’d think of those hand made, sugar dusted orange peels.

Hazy, long days, good grub, and having local art and nature literally at your feet. This summed up our stay in Palo Alto. Although our room called for more improvements (this time, it seriously looked nothing like what was shown in the site’s photos, and only had basic amenities that didn’t match its price)…if ever I’d go back to Puerto Princesa, I’d still check in at Palo Alto. The well meaning service and chilled out vibe made up for everything that was lacking.

Palo Alto Bed and Breakfast

Kawayanan Street, Libis Road
Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa
Landline number: +63 (048) 434-2159
Mobile number: +63 917 569 2674

Brave the waves,

Stoked to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter. See you there!