diyuhnnn

[diyuhnnn]

exploring the country's pristine haven 🌄

Huge picturesque greenery… Sturdy stone houses… Refreshing air from the pacific… and forthright locals. 

A vivid description of the smallest province in the Philippines, yet filled with numerous scenic views that will feast your eyes and infuse your minds with unforgettable memories. Famous for its towering lighthouses, untouched white sand beaches, and the popular “Honesty Store.” Branded as the country’s “Home of the Winds,” Batanes Province! Let me accompany you to a place that you might consider adding in this year’s bucket list. 

Batanes, an archipelagic province in the Philippines, located at the northernmost part of the country. The natives who live here are called, “Ivatans,” they are commonly seen wearing vakul; a protective headgear against any natural calamities. The province is a far-flung area making it less well-known compared to others, however, the calmness it exudes away from the bustling and crowded cities is what makes it one for the books. You can start your trip to this beautiful place after an estimated two-hour flight from the Metropolis.

Aside from having the smallest region, this province also has the least population out of all the provinces in the country. Some people might worry about it, but think twice because it might also be an advantage for you. Lesser number of people means a bigger space for you to enjoy! The tourist attractions it offers remain uncrowded, unpolluted, and untouched. So what are you waiting for? Grab your chance to explore the enchanting beauty of this place. 

Aside from its impressive destinations, the culture of Batanes is also a main factor that sets it apart from other rural areas. It is far more different from other destinations where modern life is extremely evident. If you want to find theme parks and movie theaters in Batanes, you would not find one because they do not have any! Instead, you can enjoy the beauty of mother nature while spending time with your loved ones! If you want to attend a party and have a drinking session, it is close to impossible as there are no night clubs around! However, you can try going near their lighthouses and watch how the stars shine for you. You might want to consider visiting the Basco Lighthouse, one of the place’s main lighthouses, located at Basco City in Batanes. 

If you want to chill while sipping some coffee, you can try visiting the “Honesty Coffee Shop” in Ivana, Batanes. This store caught the attention of netizens after discovering that this place does not have any staff. Customers can avail goods and just leave their payment in the allotted boxes. In accordance with the name, people’s honesty is tested. It is also proof of having a zero crime rate in the whole region.This store is one of the manifestations of the culture of Ivatans of being truthful at all times. Some of you might think that there is nothing special about it, but come to think of it, not all people can show honesty especially when faced with challenges and difficulties. 

Another special characteristic of Batanes is the structure of its houses. Due to its proximity to the largest ocean in the globe, Pacific Ocean, houses in Batanes are made from heavy stones in response to frequent natural catastrophes it encounters.The thick walls and foundation of their dwellings protect the Ivatans from the extreme weather conditions such as severe typhoons and earthquakes. These kinds of houses cannot be found anywhere else. The natives were able to mix their resiliency with their culture, it truly sets them apart from others. Think about how brilliant Ivatans are! 

There are various unexplored places located in Batanes. Their culture is one of a kind as it clearly reflects their everyday lives and deeply-rooted morals. Plus, the locals can easily be close to your heart with their genuine nature. You can now start planning your whole day trip with your family or friends. But if you do not have the privilege of time, just laying down on the large greenhills will still make your vacation unforgettable. You can just stroll around while appreciating the panoramic views, watch how the big waves disappear from the ocean, and feel the calmness that this place can offer. By just doing mundane activities, you will fall in love with the place even more. Take time to appreciate it and experience a once in a lifetime free therapy given by this small island. 

So what are you waiting for? If you are looking for a sign, then this is it! Pack your bags and start your out of this world journey in Batanes, a place where you can see the end of the Philippine road. 

[diyuhnnn]

appreciating an author's backbone ✍🏻

Uncovering hidden talent and passion through burning wisdom and dedication.

People always talk about prominent authors, well-known writers, and brilliant poets that produced tons of noteworthy pieces. But who are the people behind those artists’ success? Who are their trainers that served as their pillars? Are they recognized enough? 

It is the time to appreciate one of them. 

As the door of the classroom opens, a woman that radiates a strong energy comes in. Wearing her “mandatory" shawl that matches her overall outfit, while equipped with her strongest weapon where her lecturing materials are located, her MacBook. The group of the students rise to greet the well-respected woman; none other than “Teacher Med.” 

Many people know her as a professor of Creative Writing; a teacher of Journalism students; Hudyat’s School Newspaper Adviser; and most importantly, a proponent of passionate writing. Teacher Med has been a part of the school faculty for more than decades already, and it was spent teaching her students the art of writing. Aside from writing creatively, she also fosters young minds who aspire to become a society’s catalyst of truth. An educator who sees the potential in every student. Having a strong or weak vocabulary is never an issue for her students, having trouble writing in English is not a problem either, because at the end of the day, every student will come out of her class with their burning passion inside, inflamed by the trainer’s wisdom and dedication. 

If you are looking for her, you can easily find Teacher Med at Hudyat’s office. Once you enter, you will be welcomed with a plethora of trophies, medals, and certificates gained by their team from years of competing. But another thing will catch your attention. It is Teacher Med’s collection of poems, articles, and other writing activities made by her previous students. You will often hear her praise how talented they are while turning each of the pages with an evident smile on her face. No matter how many years had passed, the trainer kept the pieces, imagine how much honor you will feel if you are one of her scribes. 

Ma’am Med would always tell the class about her life stories; her struggles in childhood, and hardships in adulthood. In one of her discussions about poetry, she tells a story about her memory during her younger years. Where she would climb up the table and recite the first-ever poem that she memorized while her loving mother is watching her beloved child. 

After narrating it, she would always remind her students that it is a part and parcel of learning and not just a mere waste of time. In some moments, the class would just laugh it off, but upon realizing, it is an actual reflection of life. A person’s various life experiences truly makes them a great writer. She tells a lesson that embracing the positives and negatives, and turning them into masterpieces is a power, indeed. 

Being a part of her class and being able to listen to her words are one of the most significant moments in her students’ life. The salient part of her lecturing sessions is when she would create an on-the-spot example, leaving her students amazed by her words. Poems about love for parents, importance of education, biggest regrets in life, or even the cats walking around the university, name it. She could turn the silliest topic into something that is worth your applause. 

Challenging the learners to go out of the writing norms and cliche styles is her way of building up the renowned authors of the future. But at the same time reminding them that going out with the basics is also not an issue. It will depend on your style; your own writing style that you will find; you will develop; and you will own. Explore your horizon, look for a different angle, grab the audience’s attention; the things she would always blurt out. 

There is an “after-effect” in writing as per the trainer. After long hours of choosing the right topic, countless nights of jotting down your thoughts, and feeling the bursting emotions after you finished writing the last word of your thousand-word work; deep down there, you will feel victorious. As you stare at your work before clicking the button that says, “save,” you will realize the masterpiece you have created. 

And as you celebrate that accomplishment, do not forget the people who helped you. Just like Teacher Med; a person who became a pillar as her students’ achieved the pinnacle of success. An educator who waters the young seeds she caters. Who uses nothing, BUT her words; the simplest words that can penetrate through the hearts of the learners. She might forget the lessons she planted, but that knowledge will stay in those youngsters’ minds for a lifetime. 

Definitely, she is a backbone that deserves to be remembered through and through. 

[diyuhnnn]

living through the sharp edges 🤍

Have you ever stared at a wall blankly then thought about your life decisions? Have you ever felt happy then suddenly, waves of your past surged inside you? Have you ever felt so helpless as you try to go outside a prison? A place where you put yourself into? 

I am one of those people who still lives in a box. I am one of those people who are constantly trying to break free from their “traumatic rooms.” Do you wonder who locked me inside this dungeon? It was me, I am and will always be the problem. I once made a decision that I thought would bring me to a haven of euphoria, but little did I know, it was the opposite. Years have passed but it still haunts me from dusk till dawn. I would still stare at others' reflection but not my mirror. I would still feel my insides shambling whenever I remember the days. The days that will stay as a secret from everyone.

That one night, If I only became smart to protect my innocence. If only I did not give the consensual signal, I can look back. If I only thought of my future. Then the predator should have not come into the picture. 

A predator who hungrily swallowed the existence of its prey. Contrary to the common belief, time might pass but I will never forget nor forgive. Because of that person, I was not able to enjoy the moments of my childhood. I was supposed to be playing and joking around, but instead, I was crying my heart out for an infatuation that I falsely believed. I was supposed to be studying back then, and not romanticizing the time I spent with the demon. I was supposed to be savoring the moments with my peers and not with an adult who abused a kid.

Honestly, I will always be embarrassed of this chapter of my life. It is disgusting, hideous, and broken. But I need to embrace it. I need to embrace the thorns before I can fully bloom into a rose. I admit that I am not still healed, nor will I be in this lifetime. However, I have to live with it. I have to surf through the waves; the low and high. The waves that once destroyed my whole being. And now the reason why I am continuously surfing. 

If the first-ever time machine is created, I will not hesitate to step inside of it. I will not think twice and save that 12-year-old girl. I want to save that bright and contagious smile, her state of innocence, the beautiful things that kept her living. Even if it will cost me more than everything. 

[diyuhnnn]

hey there, strangers! 💐

how's life going? good or nah? still proud of you, bud! welcome to my not-so-perfect world where I let my emotions flow through the use of words. honestly, I didn't see this one coming because I'm not that good in expressing myself through writing. but during the past couple of months, this hobby opened a new avenue for me. it somehow helped me to make life bearable.

focusing on a single topic will not be my purpose here. instead, I will be writing wherever my heart leads me to.

and I hope that you'll let me tor you to this monochromatic yet dreamy world of mine.

so without further ado, let's go! 👣