A Little Bit of Summer, Salt and Everything Nice (2)

Blabber note: Geez. I actually forgot about this. :s Anyway, for the sake of "remembrance", I gotta publish this.

Palawan Getaway

May 1-5

Instead of having a grand debut (which apparently still happened O_o), Mother took the Nunez girls out of town. So after how many years of wooing and nudging, we finally went to Palawan!

As soon as we arrived, we went on a city tour. We saw and held overpopulated crocodiles (Ninang almost ate one), went to Bakers' Hill (where breads come from heaven) and had a "moment" (inside joke :p) at the Mitra's mansion.

The next day, we went to the Underground River. Of course, we had to see it! In fact, as far as I can remember, it is nominated as one of the new Eight Wonders of the World. So yes, it must be that remarkable. Halfway through the cave, there's this what they call a "cathedral" wherein rocks were naturally shaped like lions, saints and even the face of Jesus! I almost cried O_o

Afterwards, we shopped a little for pearls and trinkets. I actually found two pretty summer earrings :) And then we had dinner at KaLui's. Geez, the restaurant deserves six stars! The ambiance is superb! The food is great! And we all had to be barefooted - definitely a thumbs up! I now have my ideal home :p

On our third day, we went island hopping at Honda Bay (another first!). We were lucky to tour around three islands even if we were behind schedule. While on the boat, I had an amazing God-moment. I wasn't really expecting any encounter with Him. I was even a little distant because I was too caught up with summer. Then as I was watching the waves and the sun with all its glory, I began to cry. I was just in awe of beauty and for some reason, I felt like there was this cool water consuming my insides. Maybe peace, maybe joy, maybe wholeness. :)

Of course when you're in Palawan, you have to snorkle! I had a glimpse of my own heaven - I swam with Nemoooo and his friends from all over the underwater world :) I didn't even know how deep the sea was but whatever, it was the seaaa so what the hell. Haha! Oh and we went pier diviiiing! :) Perfect summer adventure!

Puerto Princesa is absolutely a paraiso. I promise I have to come back. :) It'll take another entry for this. Haha. So I must stop. :)

Tita Grace, Kelsey and the rest of the Mendozas, thank you very much for accommodating us :)

Surprise surprise, you're 18!

May 12-13

The pictures said it all. Once again, I was slammed with a surprise party. :))

I couldn't even articulate everything that happened that night. I guess I was too overwhelmed.[Malamang no?!] I could not believe that I have influenced many lives and have been treasured by them for the past eighteen years. These people who mean a lot to me were literally all there - like my Dad who never went to any of my birthday parties, my grandmother from Baras who's now in a wheelchair, the entiiiire Nunez and Olano family, my past and present mentors, my batch, my college and church friends. Even if I wanted a simple get-together at home, they still created a big fuss over my turning-18. :))

So for "bringing out the queen in me" and making me feel special at least for these two nights, I am truly grateful. :)

A Little Bit of Summer, Salt and Everything Nice (1)

It has been almost two months since I last updated my blog. And just like any undocumented months, a lot has happened.

Summer. Happened.

Think of the sun, the beach, the random sleepovers and whereabouts. Too cliche huh? But it wasn't as banal as I thought.

Capones Island, Zambales Trip

March 25-26

Voila! Destination one: Zambales - my early summer vacay with the UP folks. Apparently, it was our last camping trip. Yes, believe it or not, we have Camping as a subject in PE.

We went swimming, hiking, surfing and pier diving ;) All of which I secretly love doing.

One of the UP mountaineers who went with us was Romeo Lee. If you're from UP, it would be impossible for you not to know him. He's an "artist" (must be from FA), a rockstar and the so-called-founder of Eheads. Oh and he's a self-proclaimed "ukay-ukay man."

Capones Island, surprisingly, has white sand beaches and faces the horizon of the setting sun. It is definitely exceptional.

Holy Week at Bicolandia

April 20-25

Finally after how many years, I and my family visited our hometown - Camarines Sur, Bicol which meant going on a 10-hour ride back and forth. But regardless, it was worth it. :)

We stayed at CWC for almost two weeks. It was inevitable for us not to try wakeboarding; it was hard to learn though but very thrilling! We also went swimming (almost everyday) at the manmade lake, climbed the huge inflatables and watched the pretty sunset as we sit on top of the iceberg.

We also visited my Lola and Papoo's farm in Ginobatan, Albay. To make it meaningful, we planted 100 cacao trees. Surprisingly, it was a first and it feels good to have given life. :)

Throughout the week, penitences and processions scattered across the town. I saw one man who vigorously and brutally scrapes his back with blades - no, not tanzans but huge blades. Apparently, it made me realize how devoted and fatalistic (not just the Bicolanos) the Filipinos are.

We also paid a visit to the Cagsawa Ruins which used to be a church but was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

A Bicol trip won't be complete without visiting Bongalon. It has become my second home and my second family. If given a chance to minister there, I will not think twice. :) (It will take another entry to write about Bongalon, I swear :P)

I was also reunited by my cousins and tita's and tito's (who are almost my age). We reminisced and reminisced and reminisced and talked about planning the upcoming family reunions. We even had egghunting on Easter Sunday which was completely insane :)) Oh, the Clasios are simply the best \m/

Throughout the trip, one thing I learned most is that I must never forget my roots and ultimately, the value and love of family. :)

Driving ;)

April 27 and still counting..

Right after Holy Week, I immediately enrolled in A1 driving school. It wasn't as difficult as I thought. Until recently, I have been enjoying the sense of freedom driving (somewhat) gives. So tomorrow, I will get my license so I wouldn't have to hassle drivers and mothers anymore. Haha! But I still have to practice more. I'm still kind of... reckless. A bit? Haha!

[cont.]