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!

UDD

(late post)

I had and have always been a fan of Up Dharma Down. More so now that I have already seen them perform in the flesh. I had long wanted to watch them live. I couldn’t be more stoked.

Everything started with Pag-agos. Then there was Oo. I knew right then just how unique and indie-ish the band’s genre is. And those were exactly the reasons I listened to them in the first place. I did not grow to love the songs. I just happened to love them right away.

It was a laidback gig – intimate. Purely about UDD’s music. I was so happy that it turned out close to how I imagined I wanted it to be. There wasn’t so much jumping and screaming because they weren’t necessary. Just a little acknowledgment from the crowd, through cheers and applause, was enough to ensure that everybody was having fun. Well, that was how it was supposed to be.

Their live set sounds just as good as their recording. I am in awe. Armi’s voice is literally music to my ears. She sings with so much subtlety that she gives their every already emotionally deep song even more depth, how so admirable.

Oo and Turn It Well were the highlights of the more or less two-hour set. Those were the songs in which the crowd’s participation was loudest. I myself admit to feeling all too connected and alive when both songs were played. The intros were enough to raise my energy through the roof. I just had to sing along. All the fans just had to. Oo, being their claim-to-fame hit, was unsurprisingly when everyone let it all out. Turn It Well was the perfect song to end the night, with all the crossing fingers waving in the air. Beautiful.

I hope to witness another live set. I hope. And with this, I cross my fingers.


Photo sources: Antoniette Pulutan
                            LPU-Laguna Official Facebook Page / Clarize Battad

Bon Voyage!

Faith is set to leave for States to have her internship. How so mature and gutsy of her, right? J Although it will just be for a year or so, we will surely miss her. She has always been present in all the friendly gatherings we hold, sometimes even taking over the laborious duty of being the organizer. And most importantly, she’s my confidant. She knows the most about me. I tell her things I am somehow uncomfortable telling others. My gaaawd, how am I gonna survive without her?*tears* Harhar. Her absence would totally be felt. But I, we, can’t be too selfish. If it’s for her own growth, then who are we to stop her, right?J

We couldn’t let her go without having the chance to say goodbye and good luck, so we had this quick date last weekend, our last date with her this year. Huhu. Haha. J

Bru,

Good luck out there! I don’t know what awaits you, but I’m sure you’ll get by. You’re fearless enough to consider going away, so living and surviving there shouldn’t scare but excite you instead.

Live the dream! All of us somehow dream to be somewhere else for a while too—to know what it feels like being on our own, to do things on our own, to explore and learn life by ourselves. But you... well, you’re not just dreaming it but living it! We’re thrilled for you! Live your dreams, not just for you but for us too! Huzzah!

Take good things with you; leave the rest of the unnecessary baggage you have brought with you there when you go home here ha.

We can’t wait to see you again, in the flesh! (‘Cos physical presence will always be the best.J)

And I can’t wait to hear your new Tennessean accent when you go back!

Gosh, we’re all excited for you!

Bye for now.J

See you soonest!

xx,

Nona

*Big thanks to Froiland Pajutan for the photos!

CONFESSIONS OF A MURDER SUSPECT by JAMES PATTERSON and MAXINE PAETRO

(Late post!)

Tandy Angel and her siblings have become suspects of the alleged murder of their very own parents. To prove her innocence as she was the primary suspect, Tandy conducted her own investigation which revealed a lot of discoveries about not just the deaths, but also about each family member. Tandy was surprised that she knew less than she thought about her parents and their means of nurturing their kids.

I’ve always enjoyed James Patterson's works because though they are all very easy to read and fast to finish, they still manage to give the readers excitement and keep their interest for long. This novel is no exception to that magic.

Though I said that Confessions of a Murder Suspect possesses some characteristics that are usually Patterson's trademark, I still somehow don't see this as a James Patterson classic. I’m not saying I’ve read a lot of his books, but I’ve already read some. If I were to compare this one to his other novels, I’d say this was different because there wasn't really a murder, which is basically what I always find in his books. Also, here, a teenager was the lead character and the primary investigator of the crime, not some adult cop. There wasn't also a series of death or killings which was common in Patterson’s previous works.

The play between science and crime in the plot was cool! Patterson integrated science by using human experimentations to show the parents’ frustrations for their kids’ perfection. I thought it was a pretty good touch to add to the plot. I mean, it was one good way of showing the depth of human’s behaviors and emotions. I found the motive very deep and intriguing.

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. – George Herbert

The fact that the narrator kept on addressing the reader was very nice. It was like having a casual conversation or confession. By doing so, the readers would easily be attached to the story and would feel like they were really part of the story. I also liked the idea that the author kept on stating directly that she was delaying more details while talking to the reader. It was about just as annoying as it was exciting. Haha!

Though I liked the story, I was still not satisfied with the ending. You see, there wasn't a closure to everything. I understand that sometimes we, the readers, should draw our own conclusions to the story, but it just didn't feel right with this one. A clearer and more-detailed ending could’ve been better. Tamara Gee's death for instance, was it really Matty's doing or not? What did it have to do with the story? I thought it shouldn’t have just been added to the story since it didn’t really help.

It’s one thing to ask someone if they’re guilty. It’s another to be asked. I was nonplussed. – Tandy Angel

Also, why was it that I often imagined the lead character as a guy and not a girl? Was it just me? Haha! In my opinion, it would be more effective and believable if the narrator were a “he.”

All in all, it was a nice and enjoyable book. This is a nice read if you just wanna pass the time. It’s something thrilling enough to make you want to finish it, but not too heavy to rob you of a relaxed mood. J

Are you done reading this book? Share your thoughts!

*photo source: http://crazyredpen.blogspot.com