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.]