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There is love enough in this world for everybody, if people will just look.

Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle

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What is it about mountains?

Is it the greens that surrounds you?

Is the nature sounds which calms you down?

My answer is I dont know. Honestly, I just appreciate the distance of it from the city, the simplicity that it offers, the laid back life which will get you wondering why aren’t you even signing up for that kind of life.

On top of the mountains, you’ll realize how vast the world is and how you are but a very small part of it. Personally, it brings you humility. You become humble to the big world that is in front you, and it makes you appreciate your existence.

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If it's not a clear yes, then it's a clear no.

Greg McKeown

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From Kota Kinabalu with love

Months back, a dear friend of mine called me saying she will book a trip to this place called Kota Kinabalu. Honestly, I have no idea where that is. But, me, being the ever impulsive person that I am agreed to join in. 

This was my first international trip. I was stressed out because people from work who were supposed to sign my travel authority kept disappearing (in meetings, on travels, and sometimes they're just absent). It took me 3 weeks to settle that piece of document. Also, I was broke. I decided to buy a house that month and I have to make a deposit to start off my mortgage. Anyhow, I managed to come up with my travel budget and eventually I got my very first stamp on my passport. 

Overall, the trip was very laid-back. It was indeed a different scene from Manila. The city was not crowded, the air, still unpolluted. I appreciated our travel to the Kinabalu Natural Park, it was cool there. Far from the bustling streets of the city. We toured the botanical garden and everything was just in place. The forest, the plants, the fresh air, the green surroundings. This was the type of trip I was looking forward to and I am glad that I was able to experience it. 

I have promised myself that I should get out of the country once a year, I hope I can keep this though. 

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#RunningIsLife

I never realized that I have such passion for running. I have always thought of it as an activity I do for no reason. I consistently ran since I was a sophomore in college. The campus where I went to is very conducive for such activity. This continued up until I graduated. 

I started working and my running high was lost. I got occupied in “adulting” stuff like paying bills and being a productive and responsible member of the society. It wasn’t until early this year when I found the perfect opportunity for me to get back to my hobby. I signed up for the National Geographic Run. Since then, I have told myself that I will strive to join more runs and in turn develop discipline. 

So, here’s to more finish lines to cross! 

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Conquer the challenge, savor the beauty

Masungi Georeserve, a nature park located in Baras Rizal, is no joke. The trail is dangerous and it is not for the meek. 

Our day started with a road trip to Baras. Unfortunately we got lost and was more than 3 hours late for our schedule. (So much for waking up early!)

Anyway, the place has 7 attractions and each has its own unique beauty. So, gather up all your bravery and step into this awesome place!

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After 4 years of being a lost kid in the city, I am finally back in my hometown!

Let’s talk about taking a trip down memory lane, because honestly, I didn’t just take a stroll, I rolled over and over again. 

The sight of the church, the plaza, the park, the houses..all brought back bittersweet memories while I was growing up. 

Anyhow, we took a sidetrip to a nearby town, Bulusan. This town has the famous Bulusan Lake which is dubbed as “Switzerland of the Orient” because tourists are reminded of Switzerland while there. 

We also visited Bayugin Falls and Dancalan Beach! So, overall, it was a day full of fun!

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A day full of Instagram worthy-poses! Yay!

T’was a day full of history and good food.  

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Look up and appreciate nature.

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What makes Fortune Island famous?

Definitely not the perks of a 5-star hotel, oh no.

So what really makes it famous?

Personally, it was the simplicity and the struggle of the experience.

Ask yourself, have long has it been since you spent a day without fresh water in your pipings and electricity running through your wirings? I am guessing it has been a long time. At least it was for me.

Setting up a camp, gathering firewood, building a bonfire, and even chasing a sea snake away (fun fact: it is attracted to light), these things make the place special.

Also, stars. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I looked up the night sky and saw the stars. It was an amazing view. You don’t get to do that too often in a bustling city full of skyscrapers.

Did I mention nature sounds? Nothing like capping the night where the last thing you’ll hear is the sound of the cicadas and the crashing of waves on the shore. (Also, the blasting stereo of the next camper and the vomiting drunk tourist few feet from your tent).

Every summer indeed has a story.

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How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 1806 - 1861

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

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What’s more fun than dipping in the sea to beat the summer heat? Here’s a clip from the trip we took last May 8, 2016 at Burot Beach, Calatagan, Batangas. 

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HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ME?

Friends who are clueless about you are for keeps.

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HOW TO BE FAMOUS

Watch how this nonsense video can make you famous. 

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This is my first time doing this so please bear with me. Here’s a few clips from the Ilocos trip we took. 

Happy Summer!

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More shots of our Ilocos trip.

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S

It’s amazing how even after all these years we are still together. Even if we have been living our lives separately, we will always have time to be with each other.