Of coming and leaving

Unlike any other cities, Bacolod offers a binary of places—a highly urbanized area, placed in the countryside. Bacolod city is three times named as the "most livable city in the Philippines" (2008, 2012, 2017). I, myself, who cannot stand staying in a big city, would live there.

Perfectly seated in the lands of sugarcane (Negros Occidental) with a tolerable traffic jam, this city is yet the sweetest of all the places I've been to. People are friendly, beautiful places are accessible, and cost of living is very cheap, if these reasons aren't enough, I don't know what would be.

It's hard to leave a place that brought you nothing but smiles. I can safely say that people would prefer to live in this city than in any other cities in the country, and I'm not just the only one saying it.

Here's something spontaneous: I didn't have a map, I didn't have any plans, I wasn't familiar with the place, but I went anyway. And I regret nothing! I loved everything about the place and I couldn't have wandered any better.

I always leave. (We all do) But why do I leave? I leave to see beauty. Beauty of other places, beauty of the world, beauty of people's heart, beauty that most people fail to see—the worth of home. For it is only when we leave that we realize how beautiful where we came from is.

First, we came. We come to the world, we come to know things, we come to serve our purpose. Then we left. We leave to discover what is beyond, we leave to find something, we leave to pursue something. And in leaving, we will be coming again. The cycle repeats until time comes that we will leave the world. But you know what really matters? It's what is between coming and leaving: being. Being there in the moment. Being the way you're supposed to be. Being able to learn and witness things. Being alive. There's nothing more valuable than being.

For what it's worth, every trip changes our perception of the world, and of ourselves. And every new places give us a never before seen beauty. These are the things I live for.

Here are tidbits of my Bacolod trip, mainly to fetch my minor cousins, and ultimately to take a break.

Bacolod City is located in the mid-west part of Visayas so it gets a better hue of sunset than other parts of Ph. This one's taken at Talisay, 6:23PM, no filter.

The most famous spot in Bacolod: The Ruins. The remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. The most ideal time to visit is during sunset, but I failed to do so.

A very beautiful island that is an hour away from the city, Lakawon. The arising of this beauty is pretty sure the next big thing in the Ph (this is not that big, but i'd give a big love). I'd give anything to go back to this island. (Unless that means giving up a trip to Samar :D)

Located in the highlands of Negros Occidental province, Campuestuhan is the newest trend for getaways. Though not very nature-ish, everyone's going to have fun for there  are various activities suited for every age. Another thing, the view is just spectacular.

Aaaand, it's a wrap!
Thank you for reading! xx gayle

tracing the past

"Is it better to have had a good thing and lost it or never to have had it?"

my mom and i visited the place where she spent her childhood (not entirely) which happened to be 40 years ago. although we went there 14 years back, my first time, she barely remembers the things we did. but to me, it is all vivid like a part of me is stuck in that time and has never made it to the future. maybe for you it won't make sense but to me it does, completely. it has always been my favorite memory. my bright place.

there is a municipality in iloilo named 'leon', and everytime i think about it i remember baguio. well, little did i know that in leon there's this place called 'bucari' which is better known as the little baguio. ghad, i wish i knew earlier. anyway, that is the place where my mother spent her childhood. leon, i mean. she was born and raised in the barrio named 'jamog' /hamog/ and they lived there up until she finished first grade. my grandpa is a missionary pastor so they had to move from one place to another. so after jamog, they lived in leon proper where mom spent her second and third grade.

[edit: my mom wasn't born in jamog, she forgot to tell me this before i wrote this blog]

[newly built building, the public market of leon]

isn't it amazing to have somewhere or something to look back to and remember so many memories? i'm kind of bitter because i don't get to have such, but i'm really happy for my mom as i was watching her walk through the places she once spent a part of her life. there was even a moment when she had teary eyes. i was thinking: 'wow, i'm really her daughter'. hahaha.

[the same water pump my mom and her cousins used to take a bath 40 years ago]

nothing much has changed in the place except for the cemented highway and the mode of transportation. i remember when we visited 14 years ago, we rode by the jeepney and the road was bumpy i almost threw up. but i didn't. my mom told me stories about how she spent her childhood with her fondest of memory. she visited the house where they once lived and it's still there even though nobody lives there anymore. imagine? a house standing still after 40+ years. you know, some things can't just be broken down by any disaster. they may be abandoned but never destroyed.

[this is the house they once lived in]

[this is the plaza where my mom and her playmates used to play at and that exact slide is still the slide they were sliding]

[mom and her first cousin who she haven't recognized at first, uncle nacio]

my grandmom's sisters are the prime reason why we visited, lola idang, their eldest, and lola auring, the third among the siblings (my grandmom is the youngest). i'm so happy to have seen them again after a loooooong time. they remember me as the lively (also lovely, mehehe) little girl that i was. not anymore though. 

[lola auring helping lola idang to remember her siblings]

[lola idang, age 90, still beautiful as ever]

[the street we once passed by, how lovely places can be in our memories. it still is]

[mom: 'be, hindi gid ta magpuli nga wala ko nakapa-picture sa leon'. wish granted]

[the school where my mom went for her second and third grade]

i am really happy for my mom. it feels so nice to have another place to call 'home' away from the home you built for yourself. the home where you will remember all the good things and laugh away the bad ones. there would be people who had watched you grow up and can still tell stories about you when you were together. i wish i had that kind of memory too, but who knows? it's never too late yet! 

and here's my part of the story, my own trace of the past.

one thing you don't know about me is that i'm a sucker for fountains. i feel like a kid again when i see one. and i will not hesitate to play with it.

but this particular fountain, not that beautiful to look at, but everytime i see it, i feel beautiful things happen in my heart. always my bright place.

this is what a perfect day looks like to me:

[7-year old me and dad on the exact fountain, photo taken by mom]

well, sometimes i think about it, what if i never had these memories, what would i be living for now?

if my mom never had these things, we won't be visiting a faraway town in another island and meet people we once shared a part of our lives with. i know these memories can warm us up on the inside, no shit, they also tear us apart but i think it's better that way. i'd rather have the good and the bad memories than not have anything at all. 

xx, gayle

Asik-Asik Falls: Gem of Sox

Some things, you know, will only happen once.

After this beaut made its way to tourism on 2011, Asik-Asik Falls has never been quiet, but once you're there, either you can't shut up about how beautiful it is or you can't speak for the same reason.

Asik-Asik or Dulao falls, as what the locals call it, existed long before it became a tourist destination. Residents used to do their laundry by the stream despite the exhaust of long trek. I jokingly asked the Ales there, "paano po pag nakalimutan nyo ang sabon?" and they responded "ay babalikan talaga namin ma'am". I can't even imagine. I don't even want to go back there because I might get asthma attack or collapse--why I know this experience will only happen once, but I don't regret anything. You won't too, I promise. 

[deleted]...From Midsayap proper, we headed to Alamada via Libungan, we were riding a van so it took us only about an hour to get there. Some blogs would warn that the trip to the spot is bouncy-ful but that was then, now the road is clear, making it accessible to any vehicle. 

[Guide from Midsayap to the spot]

Once you reach the destination, by which I mean the arrival area and the tourist desk, there will be shops that sell bottled water (and other drinks), cup noodles, pastil (rice topped with ground chicken meat), and RTWs all sold for surprisingly affordable prices so don't bother bargaining. The comfort rooms are not yet quite established though, you have to pay five pesos for using it (10 if you're going to take a bath). 

The entrance fee is just 30php/person which is more than worthy, lol except the hagu part. In order to reach the falls, you will be taking 776 steps down but I suggest you take it slow or else your legs will be shookt once you're there. The best time to be there is while the sun is just rising up, I just don't have any idea if they allow tourists to stay the night on the place, but I think they do because it would be draining to climb back up within just few hours like what we had experienced. 

To everyone who reads and plans to go there, imagine going down and climbing up the same path. If you think you can, go on. Asik Asik is not for the faint-hearted. This was the mistake I overlooked, so don't tell me I haven't reminded you enough. Anyway, I had a good time. Peace Out!

So this is how it looks like:

[the first few steps down to the main spot]

[view from above]

We haven't seen any form of water from here, but we can hear the splashing of the falls. It seemed like a quest to find the body of water to quench our thirsty souls except the fact that we brought bottled water with us.

After the 776 steps, you will be welcomed by a mossy forest for a short walk and the sound of the splash becomes stronger and stronger that excites you more (or is it just me?).

[the stream from nowhere. strong current, freezing water]

I can't possibly describe how cold the water was so I'll quote the guys lol. According to them, the moment they submerged themselves into the water, the first thing that came to their mind was "maka-kupos itlog ang kalamig". And I'm going to leave that there. lmao

[sneak peak: all the weariness has disappeared because of this view]

[mind blowing: Asik-Asik Falls]

Upon seeing it up close I felt like a kid inside, the same feeling I had when I first saw a real panda. Then I thought, "God, this will be the first and the last time I'm going to see this view", which I know is a fact because. Just because.

The water from the falls is safe for drinking so make sure you refill your water bottles to have something to energize you in going back up. 

If I'm going to describe the falls in just one word, there would be no other word than "magical".

While writing this, I came across a blog title about Asik-Asik falls adventure and I don't know how to react about it so to close this post, I'm going to quote it from lovemindanao(dot)com, once and for all, "Asik Asik Falls Is Not For The Virgins!". That's what 'they' wrote.


photos shot using iPhone 5
video to follow

xx, gayle

Boracay Guide

Summer after... College.

Boracay is yet one of the most famous and most visited beaches in the Philippines--in Asia, in the world, making it the home of foreigners in the country. And when you think it's just for those who are naturally seeking for adventures along with their partners or company, NO. It's even crazier when you're alone.  But don't get me wrong, if you wish to be alone for the whole duration of the trip, that's easy. If you want to make friends with strangers, that's equally easy. The pleasure in conquering the fear of the crowd, or any other fear, will very much be achieved. Whether you are an extrovert, introvert, or just a so-so, Boracay is for you. Boracay is for everyone.

The island is not just a white beach resort with nice sunset. It is a complete package and by complete I mean, you don't only get a summer vacation by the beach, you also shop, socialize, discover, and live. Everything you need is there, you just have to know where to find 'em.

There are 3 stations in the Island and which station you choose must be in-line with your purpose. If you are on a loose budget and would prefer a peaceful place, Station 1 is for you. Same way but in a tight budget, go to station 3, there are few bars though. Station 2 has everything (I don't mean to be biased here). Anyways, all we need is a break from the dusty city and well, the pressure of being unemployed, let us all scream "Chillen'!"

Preparations, before leaving for Boracay:

• Research - Be sure to have in mind which place you want to stay, eat, or have fun. Visit travel blogs (thanks to ThePoorTraveler) for directions, or have your map ready. Book your hotels ahead so you can get discount. (i got a really awesome reservation, thanks to Booking.com.)

• Pack your essentials - Sunblock, sunglasses, a good read, (really depends on your purpose)

• Make a playlist. When you talk about beach all I hear is Reggae.

• Plan your itinerary (but this is optional)
• 
  

While in the place:

• Act like a local - products and activities are super duper expensive but if you have the skill of talking, you might just get the biggest discount of your life. Talk kindly to the merchants, that's going to be the time you let out your charm.

• Be very vigilant - not to the people around, but to the places. Look for prospective spots, like resto, bar, cafes, because there are a lot.

• Smile at people - this is important when you're alone because you will need a company to enjoy! Trust me.

Things to try:

• Have your hair braided - this will cost for a minimum of 300php, but the braiders will ask for an add-on of 50php for every color, or if your hair is long.

• Get a tattoo - they offer permanent and henna, but if you are going to get a permanent, make sure the artist is using a sterilized needle. Also look for the girl infront of hukad in station 2, she's an artist and i think she's a good one. Her body is full of ink. Try getting inked by her.

• Relax with a massage - the therapists are everywhere in the beachfront, but if you prefer a room service, you can ask them.

• Have some beer while jamming at the beachfront - or you can even literally jam when you're drunk enough, ha-ha.

• Go clubbing! -  Station 2 has the best offers for night life! You can pick wherever you want to hang out and meet other people. 

• Island hopping activities - during morning, there are people who offer the island activities,  they are of the same price but you can have a bargain. They go by group but if you're on your own, you can ask them if you can join a group. 
• The above activity includes: 1. staying at Puka beach for good 10mins. This is the most lovely beach there! Crystal clear water and very clean and peaceful surrounding; 2. Snorkeling with the fishes in the middle of the sea; 3. Buffet at a chosen resto (or whatever you call that)...con't..
• Cliff Diving at Magic island (optional) - the entrance fee is 150php pax, the heights are 3 meters, 5 meters, and 10 meters.
• Parasailing - don't ever leave the island without trying this. Nuff said.
• Also try the submarine thing. That wasn't on the list in our activity so I wasn't able to try it.

More activities...

these might appear like out of the budget, but trust me, what appears to be is not what it actually is.

You can live for days in Boracay with just four figures. Here are my personal recommendations that will be good for pocket mostly located in Station 2.

Accommodation: 

Hostel Avenue (closest to D'mall and beachfront)

Box and Ladder

YB Hostel

Lola's Lodge

Food:
Andok's
Mang Inasal
Bamboo Shore
Steam Punk
Munchies
Super Submarine Sandwich Shop

Must Try (bit pricey): 
Lemoni Cafe'
The Hobbit
Kasbah
Halowich
Cyma

Bar:
Nigi Nigi Nu Noos
Chill Out
Pat's Creek

PartyBar/Club:
Epic
Summer Place
Cocomangas Shooter
Exit

The beach in station 2 isn't very lovely as it was during the past years, if you want to swim in clean waters, station 3 has it. Though I really recommend Puka Beach, I don't know any way to go there other than the Island Activity package.

You might also want to visit Crystal Cove. I heard it is famous 'cos you can actually rent the island for yourselves.

The way to the Island isn't that much helluva-bamboozle. Through the years it has become very accessible because of the blogs which are indeed of great help. So no problem with the directions, you won't get lost there. Just metaphorically. :)

Notes for hoomans: Whoever you are, please avoid leaving your trash anywhere especially in the shore. Building of sand castle is already prohibited because of the uneven platform so if you see local children (they do it for cash) please tell them to stop. Lastly, the people there won't mind about other people's business (clothes, etc.) so should you. Be comfortable with your skin, love.

Shoutout to my newly found friends, Lexi, Landie, and Jona from Roxas City; Kristyna from Czech Republic; Clarence from Berlin; Roland from Chile; Julia from Russia; Sr. Cedric from Caracas; and Ben from shit where was that again? ugh. Sorry. Thank you all guys! 

Special thanks to Ryan of Hostel Avenue for the great night and the free drinks, of course! 

See you again someday, Boracay <3

xx, gayle

Vitamin Sea+

I can't believe this is my first time to post something about the beach.

I used to be a child of the sea, with sun-kissed skin and salty hair... What happened?

I can't even remember anymore when was the last time I enjoyed the sea water, or the sand dunes, even the beach waves, or just the natural sun of a beach... What happened?

I have always wanted to go back to the sea. And I did, but it wasn't as fun as before... What happened?

Maybe alot.

but this time, I came back for my first love.

I and the sea,

like the sun in the morning and the waves in the shore--

Always a good idea.

____

I cannot put into words how much I miss the sea and the tranquil feeling it gives. The big city may be full of the things that I want but what I need is in this place. It's always a strong feeling at the same time a peace of mind. I don't know. It's a pure paradise.

April 11, I and my college classmates went for an outing to Sarangani--where the beaches are.

The resort we were at wasn't all nice in terms of accommodation, anyhow, we had fun. My favorite parts are the sunset and the acoustic night, which don't have an account because I prefer to live the moment than to capture photographs of it.

Ode to the Sea

I.

Thy wind blew

And sun grew 

Beneath the shore

I am loving you more

Smooches of you

got me through

the scorches of heat

and spines in the sole of my feet

II.

Thy ripple, thy wave,

The splash of tide in the cave

bring symphony all at once

that all my catastrophe has danced

Romance with the sand

caught me while I stand

Those perfect white grains

felt like sunshine while it rains

III.

Thy sky and water is blue

But my heart is not of the same hue

It is of your depth in the sunrise

As deep when your sun dies

Over the horizon

When things are in concoction

Nothing really matters

My sorrow has all been drowned by your waters.

---

Also made a playlist for the beach vibe~

My bright place, always.

xx, gayle