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Confessions Of A Disaster Magnet
So, where do I start? Well, I guess I should introduce myself first. I’m Aldrich, a father to a charming little girl, and I’m a bona fide disaster magnet. Throughout my life, I’ve been constantly followed by crashes, mishaps, setbacks and adversities. Wherever I go, disaster follows me. From a life-altering electric shock to everyday vexations, my life seems like a never-ending series of unfortunate events. And, that’s all because I make terrible decisions all the time. I’m flawed. Impulsive. Rebellious. And, a terrible decision maker. My records are full of blemishes, whether it’s in school or at my previous workplaces. And, guess what? I will continue to live a…
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Sibonga And Its Therapeutic, Enriching Mountains
My heart raced. With each breath, my heart pounded loudly like the rhythms of a tribal drum. As I was standing precariously on a steep slope in a secluded mountain in Sibonga, I could feel sweat dripping into my eyes and my mouth going dry. And, with a torn left glute and 24 hours of no sleep, this outdoor exploration in Sibonga seemed like a recipe for disaster. As I was taking a deep breath, and soaking up the scent of soil, I felt a wave of joy flooding through me. My heart fluttered with excitement, with each step and every obstacle I conquered. Moments later, I found myself at…
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The Search For Pangpang In Barili
I felt the surge of adrenaline and joy rushing through me. Amused by my company and charmed by the beauty of nature, I just found the opening to the seemingly endless maze of stress, sleepless nights and bills. After weeks of non-stop dancing to the frenzied rhythms of modern life, I finally had a healthy dose of optimism. And, I experienced this high while standing on a hill on our search for a pangpang (cliff in English) in Barili and Sibonga. Like most of our exploration adventures, this hill was such a pleasant surprise in a day full of ups and downs. As a matter of fact, we didn’t even…
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Mount Lanhan: A Silver Lining In Sibonga’s Highlands
They say every cloud has a silver lining. And on an uneventful week scarred by a series of mishaps, Mount Lanhan was my silver lining. Unheralded and likely scenic, Sibonga’s towering sierra was my last hope of kicking off the year on the right foot. In spite of the unfamiliarity and rumored short trail, I was willing to take a chance on this mountain. I had to infuse the optimism that makes things more fascinating and beautiful in my eyes. And, Mount Lanhan might be the hopeful prospect or cure to a seemingly lifeless week. A few months ago, one of my hiking buddies, Beth, forwarded a Facebook post highlighting…
