• Mount Pulag: Chasing The Magical Sunrise
    Travel

    Mount Pulag: Chasing The Awe-Inspiring Sunrise

    Sunrises are a symbol of rebirth, mystery, and new beginnings. An unstoppable force of nature, sunrise is also comforting, giving us a feeling that our problems are small and temporary. And in Mount Pulag National Park, a magical sunrise gave me hope in a world that badly needs a dose of optimism.  Even at our darkest hour, I always believe the sun will rise again.  To me, the return of light after hours of darkness represents hope.  And the awe-inspiring sunrise in Mount Pulag brought a dash of hope to a new day filled with mystery and surprises.  Furthermore, it symbolizes a new beginning for me and an opportunity to…

  • Ngipon sa Ilaga and the Quest for Perfection
    Travel

    Ngipon sa Ilaga and the Quest for Perfection

    I’m a train wreck perched precariously in Ngipon sa Ilaga. Full of flaws and limitations, every inch of me is a mess and chaotic. I’m a short-tempered, careless, immature, clumsy, stubborn, and disorganized nonconformist. And I embrace every flaw and mistake I have made.  That’s why society hates me.  The modern world thinks I’m an outcast and a nutcase.  Yet, as I stand at the top of Ngipon sa Ilaga, I feel fabulous and free.  I don’t feel the pressure of being imperfect.  I don’t feel inadequate, exhausted, and frustrated with my messed-up life.  And I’m enjoying every second of this imperfect, unplanned, and spontaneous nature trip.  As I soak…

  • The Mesmerizing Toledo Lakes And My Infinite Adventure
    Travel

    The Mesmerizing Toledo Lakes And My Infinite Adventure

    We all yearn to live in a reality where the adventure never ends. We venture into foreign lands and exotic places, hoping to be dazzled by exquisite sights. And, we climb steep peaks to appease our wanderlust and create moments that we’ll cherish for a lifetime. But, sometimes, you don’t have to travel far to experience the most rewarding, eye-opening and mind-blowing adventures. With a go-with-the-flow attitude, a can-do drive and the right recipe, exploring your home soil often leads to an endless series of adventures to places like the picturesque Toledo lakes.     With a total land area of 4,993 square kilometers, Cebu isn’t exactly a humongous island to explore.…

  • How Nature Prepared Me For Coronavirus
    Philosophy,  Travel

    How Nature Prepared Me For Coronavirus

    I’m an eternal optimist. With a stoic mindset and an unwavering sunny disposition, I always find a ray of light in every dark tunnel. And, even as coronavirus continues to inflict its own brand of terror, I remain calm, lighthearted, forward-looking and at peace. In the age of uncertainty and anxiety, my optimistic outlook is, no doubt, my best and only hope for survival in the dystopian reality created by the global pandemic. And, I had developed this skill thanks to the world’s greatest teacher: Mother Nature When news of the pandemic broke out, I knew I had an edge over this bizarre and contagious virus. Mother Nature, after all,…