PUERTO GALERA: BECAUSE THE BEACH OWED US SOME GOOD MEMORIES

I was back at the beach again — oh, the place I always long to be at.

But it was my first time, surely not my last, in that island.

White Beach, Puerto Galera is such a treat to the eyes. And the soul.

One must roam around and explore the other surrounding islands to fully enjoy the wonder because there’s where the real treasure lies – within all the little and bigger things as a whole.

Island hopping and snorkeling were the true highlights of the trip. We were brought from one virgin island to another. And though I didn’t get to know the names of those islands, they would surely remain in my memory forever. I will never forget such incredible places. The whole time we were on the boat I felt like I was a part of a flawless painting. I couldn’t believe such beauty was alive. I relished every second of the experience.

It was my first time to go snorkeling, and I had a wonderful time. Wonderful actually doesn’t even begin to describe how much I enjoyed everything underwater. It was paradise in there! 

The fishes have a world of their own down under. The corals and the reefs, they are so amazing to look at. Playing with the fishes, or should I say distracting schools of tiny fishes, was a different thing all together. They were countless. It felt good being a part of them even for a while. I wished I didn’t have to leave, I didn’t want to. But we had to go to another island so I lifted my head off the water. We were still lucky, though, because our kuya bangkero was accommodating enough to invite us to go snorkeling again in the next island we visited, eagerly showing off what he knows while my friend and I were either surprised or amazed at new discoveries. So we continued where we left off, in another yet as paradise-like underwater world. I swam and snorkeled until I couldn’t anymore. I got dizzy after. My tan body was in pain, but every sore muscle was worth it. Plus, I saw Dory! Two Dories! They were blue and cute. J

Muro-ami moment.

The underwater cave only covered a few minutes of our time, but it surely was where all the hysteria happened. So we all thought it was easy-peasy. It wasn’t. Our panicking while on hike and inside the cave worsened things. It was a fun frenzy.

Puerto Galera comes alive at night. And though we didn’t spend much time exploring the night life that Puerto is best known for, the short while we had strolling around the long stretch of bars and shops proved just how crazy things could get. From station to station, people took in all the good vibes. Strobe lights added life to the already cheerful atmosphere along with all the extremely well-practiced fire dancers showing off their skills and the tireless drag queens fiercely dancing and singing to different beats. As for the entertainers, after seeing what they’ve been doing night in and night out, I have nothing but respect for them, for their discipline and skills.

Guy on the left - Photobomber of the Year.

The people I was with in that three-day spree were nothing short of fun. Needless to say, I had a really superb summer break. It was good having my first time with them, always so memorable. I thank them for bringing me to new places.

I know the photos are just amazing, but trust me when I say they can’t describe just how breathtaking and awe-inspiring Puerto Galera really is. The pictures don’t even come close. Everywhere I looked, whichever way I turned my head, there was always something unbelievably beautiful. In every rock, tree, sand, fish, coral, and reef there was always a “woah” moment. People who have already been there ought to agree.

Genuine happiness.

I miss Puerto Galera, and this is my answer to the yearning.

I hope next time I miss it, I get to be there again in the flesh.

*Thanks to Jerome, Antoniette and Maricris for the beautiful shots!

My Momma, My Queen

I don’t actually know where to begin or whether I could even say enough. It is always hardest for me to write and talk about the people closest to my heart. They are too sacred, too close I feel like there’s no way I could give justice to their true role in my life. Words are just not enough. Never. This is why I barely write something about my family – because I know my writing will never suffice, because they are the people who will constantly and continuously impart something somehow. There’s no way I could catch up.

That being said, I still want to try. For my momma.

Because she deserves all the admiration more than anyone else.

And since I can’t point out every element of what makes her the best mother I could ever have, I decide to focus on the most important things that I am so grateful for about her instead – the things that I always, always take advantage of.

I’m a brat when it comes to her. I bitch around because I’m assured she wouldn’t loathe me deeply or give up on me easily. And when I do, she just stands by and watches. Or she nags.

She nags because I give her all the reasons to. She needs to air things out, or she’ll lose her mind. I shout; she shouts. In a way, I have grown to love and hate her high-pitch screaming voice.Truth be told, I sometimes miss it when I go away.

Then when we reach that point where we give each other the silent treatment, I stay the stubborn kid because I know she will be the first to give in.

With her, I give less and get more. I’m too selfish.

She gets less, and she doesn't complain. I’m ashamed at how I’m sometimes, or often, better with other people than with her despite everything she’s done.

I appreciate less – I don’t say I love you, no thank you. She understands. I was just not raised in that kind of environment. I was never cheesy, never mushy. And she was just used in that kind of reaction and treatment from her sons and daughter.

She is the proudest fan I have. Whoever she meets, she introduces and talks about me like I am the world's greatest daughter.

She finds ways to make ends meet. Even if it means losing her pride. How so selfless.

In the end, she forgives. Even when I don’t deserve it. Even when I don’t ask for it.

And she loves me unconditionally.

Seriously, how many moms enjoy the same bands their daughters do? How many 46-year-old mommas would stay awake 'til the wee hours just to actually watch a gig with (and not just chaperone) their 12-year-old kid? That would always be one of the fondest memories I would treasure forever. I have the coolest mommy! You gotta hand it to her! 

Nothing can ever amount to a mother's love in this world.

Belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, QUEEN U!