Biyernes, Disyembre 29, 2017

In The Face of Glass Half-Empty Beer…

16th holiday’s passed in 16 years… When in this every season comes, I'm having a cruel time affording to understand of letting go of the past loss. Where heart breaks thousand time folds while walloping over the inevitable loss of someone else's close to my heart. Where I made time traveled sailing back to the gloomy past fringing my own world over the quietus of dear to me; where I became unexcited over the joy that everyone quite to enjoy celebrating with. 

Truth be told, the pangs of uncertainties haunted me constantly in years whenever this season comes. It ricochet. I made time stop (again) and the clock ticks 16 years aback... It’s a memory that I am trying to death embed under unto the most ground but keeps coming back from its grave. A thought that is almost immortal, a zombie-alike...

In the face of glass half-empty beer, I am always reminded with someone dear to me, a dearest mirrored in my heart enormously. That’s Father, yes the beloved colossal hero of my life. The one I truly look up to... My "influencer."  

Many things happened in the span of his on-and-off hospice admittance. It was excruciatingly a struggle...  But few days before his final breath in bed at home, he asked me and beg to have his best-loved beer…  A drink that made my path turned around. A drink that change the course of my fate. A final drink he left half-full, half empty glass of beer that forever etched in memory.

His passing was my greatest loss knowing that he was everything. So much that he means the world to me. Doubts shrouded over me with his complete loss, thinking over and over that I might done something wrong... I lost my track and sight of envisioning life. I let the passing-time swallowed me whole. Then and now, It was always darkest hours.  That bitter breaking final moment was as hard as mixed sullen solid rock-salt that no such heat or solvent could easily make it melt and or sweeten. That “I wanted to drink from a horn to let my body grime over with grease and gore”, then.

It was difficult. Addle to every goings. And the struggle was real. Murky reminiscences keep crawling in me alive….I was weak and fragile to face the reality.  That, at my weakest I want everything in me breathless.

But this has to end. It’s never good to stay sulky and gloomy over the past.

Punishing your own thoughts that holds back your will to keep going was a mistake to begin with should I realized then long before. It was wrong all along to let the unfortunate circumstances torment you while traversing the road called moving on. It’s been 16 years and it will never bring any good. Great happy memories that shared together should cherish, not those amongst that’s agonizing. A father’s life teaching virtues and noble lessons should have been more revered and value rather than lingered yourself by his absence repeatedly that made you stop the time and remained to his unseen presence.

Father and Son, one in the same passion: the love of music

As I make resolve, I knew it will be a thorny walk ahead while facing the challenges of new decided beginnings. But for the sake of shaping the best installed, we need to look and go forward, that I must. Find your bliss. It may be too late but there’s no harm in trying even it means of starting all over and over again. It's never too late for a heart who seeks and desires joy and happiness.

It will be for good to end this 2017 with a toss of beer to rest the encumbrance of the heart. I may be jogged or banged by the memory of the glass half-empty beer that banes me in a while, but there’s one segment part of life that is “glass half-full” in a glass half-empty. That is to be “optimistic” (once more). And that the “beer” alone whom once tossed by my hero (actually) leaved me a lesson: “Brave Every Emptiness in your Roads”, that is.

Kampai for 2018 and beyond.

Lunes, Disyembre 25, 2017

The best things ever are those for free...

"The past can hurt. But you can run on it or learn from it" - Rafiki of Lion King
Mount Malindang

Christmas Day in the late afternoon, I found myself striding at the middle of the thoroughfares. Rarely I’d seen road goers. Maybe because most folks spent more time with their families and love ones to celebrate this special day. Or perhaps drained and or worn-out from midnight’s after party. It’s a Filipino way of celebrating.

In spite of the holiday break, still few farmers were busy harvesting their greens over the fields. Some were pasturing their hybrid ducks in the reaped rice dregs. On the other side, some group of kids and teenagers joyfully sang songs of carols to every homes they passed by and asked gifts in the form of little money, toys, foods or souvenirs… Indeed, a true blood Filipino normal goings in the meridional country-side. 

But the warmth shades of light from the setting sun mirrored in the meadows mesmerized me endlessly. With excitement, I immobilized my bike in the sideways to bare feast my eyes over the rare sky spectacle. I am literally in awe and amazed! As lateral clouds encased the majestic Mount Malindang, lenticular clouds crowned above the vista. As the sun sets behind the billows and mountain, its rays glazed the sky while the gleaming spreads over mountain chain. I was truly hypnotized! Spell-bounded by the wonders of its natural display. 

At that moment, I feel my heart was full of contentment. I feel like a child with so much joy and bliss storming inside of me. With such a weird and kind ‘a wild imagination I have had, I just thought I saw the spaceship of Star Trek USS Enterprise arriving and will dock to anchor their ship on earth in our very place (chortle). But for some reason, my heart was really filled with delight and peace. 

My bike buddy "Tryke"
But as I look back and recount, our life in this world move so fast. We're bent and hooked in living the speedy changing modern world. With the advent of new technology, we're almost bound to live unrestricted in order to survive comfortably. 

From birth to death, we spend. Almost nothing in between is for free. And, while we live and traverse the road cycle, we tend to forget to enjoy about appreciating the simple life. We tend to neglect the simplest thought of happiness and give smile to the best things we have had even it’s free. 

Seeing that moment was one of the most beautiful late afternoon of all days in my entire life. I scarcely received gifts. More so, I rarely witness such sightly phenom. And, it happened unexpectedly on Christmas day. No price tag! Just like this season, what made that special was it is given for free, for everyone. Such a momentous received. Priceless and worth to treasure. 

Life indeed is unexpected and wonderful things happened in an unexpected way. Thus, the best things ever while living are those unexpectedly for free.

Martes, Disyembre 19, 2017

RECOUNTING...

"A glimpse of the eyes break the early morning sky,
where the fields wait to be sparkled by the lights that shines above."

It is the emptiest life in the midst... a thought that sometime dwells upon. 

But the only way to survive the incurable disease of the mind inflicted by the agony of the heart is to withstand and endure that continuous pain all through your life. It is going to be difficult though because some pieces of that memory, love remained. You need to cut the cord in between holding that memory because staring at the empty space is not healthful anymore. Search the real worth of being whole. Close the chapters of the past that you hold back. It maybe too late but every ending has new beginning, a fresh start to bring it onward. It is what the soul needs, the true heart desires. Traversing rough roads is part of the journey. Darkness is perhaps necessary to see the path of light as it awaits at the end of that path. 

Learn the lessons of the past. Stop standing and start walking forward. Best things might happened while in the course of that life you opt to fulfill. In between light and darkness, you can touch and see things clear in all the quagmires of from the who', the what's, the where's and the how's. Listen to the thousand whispers of bright new mornings and hear the music of the heart of what message it brings. 

Stride relentlessly and chase at the end where light awaits... 

Linggo, Disyembre 17, 2017

Step back... and move forward.


Sometimes, you need to take a step backward before you move forward (again). Rest and let time pass. Only you know when you are ready to begin again. But, know that moving on with the rest of your life start with goodbyes. Its all you have and that is all you need. 

Try to leave all the things you have, ought to love doing. Forgive and try to forget those who mocked and disrespected you. Ignore those who said that they care but actually don't. Never waste your time to those who only wants you around when it fits their need. Start with nothing. Make something new, something different that meets and fits your madness (or sanity) that you will enjoy eventually. Learn anew. Find your purpose. Make life that is worth fighting for. Something you would want to relive over and over again. 


Hello sunrise!
"I love that this morning's sunrise does not define itself by last nights sunset" - Steve Maraboli

But if you could no longer see the purpose of keeping the most important thing that you hold the most, gamble it even if you don't know how. This is something that needed to bet on for the sake of moving forward in finding new perspective. After all, everything is temporary. Nothing is forever in a world of madness. 

#WONDER


Another day has passed.


As the rays of the sun in adagio while sets his hiding behind the curtains of the clouds and conceal himself into the walls and ranges of the mighty mountain in that far stand tall, my thoughts runs the same in lento while gazing the gleam into fading to welcome the fall of the evenings.

Everything might end if I can't get away over the conundrums of my state to meet the real purpose... It must be fate. Such a shame if there's nothing I can do with it knowing I put an extra mile of time and effort. Maybe it wasn't good enough or it's not really for me. I want to continue. But knowing it will lead me to nowhere, it doesn't make any sense either. 


I am not smart enough to defy or change the destiny being installed. I am not wise either to make the faux pas of the past sets into right. How far can I go knowing the feeling that I can't move over the gaffes? Am I really in a sort of complex test rule? It's weird sometimes... Whenever I strove to flout the nature of living like how deviants exhibit, I remained still. I see. I stand. I breathe. Nothing gone wrong. Nevertheless, I still wonder.


But, I think it's normal to wonder. It's okay not to be okay sometimes. And, it's fine to embrace your weaknesses. Even in the brink of breaking and relentlessly loosing, we'll just have to keep on moving yet steadily striding. There's no competition within in lavishing a simple life but only living the fullest as  if what your true heart is telling. In the end, Life is what we make it. 

Sabado, Disyembre 16, 2017

Biking... and so it continues...

...yet another bike pace.
#bikeiseverydaylife

But not everyday is a smooth stride...

I got my first minor accident with Tryke, (the bike)...

Meanwhile, in the seaside: while listening to the sound of the splashing waves smashing to the walls of the park's, it reminds of everyday life of normal going. It always resonate on my head that life never promised a smooth journey. at one point or many, you must hurdle rough roads and highways of challenges be it at the very moment or ahead. You need to endure startling circumstances that comes along at any time. That you must bear and brave the difficulties of harsh perfect reality of imperfection.



At times, you need to be friendly to every cruel instances knowing how heavy and burdensome it would seem to carry. 

But what is important is you will never concede while embracing every clobbering beat. After all, Life is not all about winning, it's also about finding triumph in every lost and defeat.






The strength of the body also depend how strong the mind is. Never accept defeat, go along with flow of flight. Stride while you can...

Biyernes, Disyembre 15, 2017

Another kilometer ride...

biker's precis reflection...
#LoveLife #LiveLife


While striding in the middle of rising traffic city highways in warm broad day morning, quizzical of thoughts kept flowing in my head. Sometimes, it's difficult to see things clear when you are being hoodwinked by seemingly another perfect world.

The flow of life is akin to the flows of highway full of mechanic blazes and avalanche of black smolders - that you need to slowdown and must refrain on rushing and criss-crossing every streets and busy burg roads. Like in a congested disorganized traffic, you need to hurdle the struggles and difficulties when life suffocates our normal breadth. Yet, we need to continue to go on even in the slowest stride. Because in perfect time, you'll arrive at the the end of the line.

Live life to the fullest, love life unlimited.

Miyerkules, Disyembre 13, 2017

MAVERICK OF THE SKY

there is this thing so-called "beyond" that limits the sky...

The majestic vista of Mount Malindang
Blue sky is so high that seem never ends,
There's no limit of what our eyes meet,
No matter where I go, the voice I hear is clear,
The sky is calling me for freedom and will.

Look inside in your heart what lays,
And, find the courage that rests within,
Soar high with your spirit's free,
That's all what it means to be.



Exalted by the top view from the edge of Mountain Malindang. Amazing!
Burn the fire that lives in your heart,
Flame the courage hidden inside,
Fly high, gravity's you will defy,
'Coz you're the maverick of the sky

Light the passion for your dreams,
Let courage drives you within,
Be the eagle in the wind that glides,
'Coz you are the maverick in the sky.



Meet the Morning Sun who greets the early riser-trekkers 
People may laugh at you,
In every faults and failures collide in you,
Never get falter in every walk of defeat,
Your heart is curse with the light to win,

They may tear your spirit down,
And stomp your strength to the ground,
Be brave and never lose the fire,
The wind will inflame your desire,



Don't fill your mind with worries and miseries that crawl,
Don't let pain and grief stand tall within your soul,
Strongly believe and let your faith take you to the path of greatness,
The far-wide horizon will be there for you to embrace,
So let your rebel heart's desire fly you to the infinite high,
Because you are the Maverick of the Sky.


(Note: I personally owned all the photos)

Martes, Disyembre 12, 2017

WANDERING


...simply freeing the morning language of my wild thoughts for a brand new day.


... as the sun rose crowning the glory of eternal Sleeping Lady Mountain 
The sun is rising, brightly shining over the green fields
Birds chirping, greeting the  serenity of the morning,
Sending a message of a brand new day,
It's a lovely and beautiful world, indeed.

But my thoughts are wandering of another world, 
thinking beyond the barriers of  what others can't unfold,
Of what they cant see, of what's behind the walls,
that only in me exist



It's peace that will reign the land of promise.
I want to see the real world of what I imagined,
The smell, the scent of a morning  of what other old soul foretold,
I want to hear and feel the  breaths of the wind,
Where birds serenading  another hymn,
I want to touch and embrace the  other side of a brand new day,
Shed by another shades of  morning rays,
I want to walk the path of life that I aspired,
Even just for a single moment, even temporary or not long enough,
Or even just in a given short period of time.

But too many time is lost,
Too little time is left,
My heart's desire is almost out of beat,
But my soul still hungrily asking to find you there,
I wonder If I could be there.
I shall wander...




Biyernes, Disyembre 8, 2017

SIMPLY WILDLIFE PARK EXPERIENCE

Throwback (Blogged December 9, 2015)

Misamis Occidental Aquamarin Park


I like visiting theme parks and Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) and Dolphin Island offers a different kind of experience. I happened to visit this place 10 years way back… in 2012 with my former co-workers… and again early of this year.




Mangrove Forest

MOAP features mini-mangrove forest with wildlife animals in captivity such as monkeys, birds, python snakes and crocodile. It also features marine hatcheries to culture shrimps, crabs and various fishes in ponds. To mention, there are few restaurants in the park to dig in, and perhaps, these cultured marine creatures are their main foodstuff offered in their menu.




Hawks and Crocodile in captivity

Footbridge to the end to sight the endless sea...

What I love going to this place is the sight-seeing around the bay and the smell of the fresh sea breeze. It’s quite relaxing…

It’s pretty lengthy and fairly distant walking the footbridge going to the restaurant at the end of it. But I don’t mind at all. I enjoyed watching down every stride of the waves, listening to its sound while the wind resonating them to the coastline of mangroves. I find serenity.



Restaurant at the end of the footbridge.

To the Dolphin Island...

perspective...

Well, by its name, dolphins are literally in that place, by captivity. Actually it’s the main attraction offered to the tourist when all you have is the opportunity to experience and interact with the creature by swimming with them and by feeding them. It’s not an island what you actually think of. It’s a man-made structure sitting in a submerge limestone-color sandbank. It said to be a rehabilitation site for injured marine life such as dolphins and Pawikans (sea turtle). At first, I’m fond of watching dolphins swimming, jumping and frolicking but somewhere in my heart am telling me that housing these beautiful, intelligent and amazing marine mammals in a huge sea pen is quite pity and not right… they deserve to be in the real habitat, I believe.

Dolphin and Pawikan


According to authorities from the park, at this point in time, said that the dolphins and Pawikan (sea turtle) were return to their true habitat. But rumors keep on circulating that these creature all died. Anyhow, though the man-made structured island is still accessible to tourists and visitors, swimming and snorkeling around the island is best offered to enjoy your stay. With snorkeling gears, different marine life can be sighted underneath. You can really appreciate every tiny living creature, I must say.





in the wharf...
I can say that I had fun and enjoyed the side-trip with my colleagues visiting MOAP and Dolphin Island. But I kind of sad in the reality… captivating wild creatures and mammals for the purpose of boosting tourism for economic progress is really quite a shame. I like theme parks but I don’t really buy on the idea of fencing these animals just to entertain tourists and visitors. Should deserve wildlife freedom, they are.

Most Virgin In Her Rightful Cradle

Nuestra Senyora dela Imaculada Concepcion y del Triunfo dela Cruz de Migpangi

Original Image of Birhen sa Cota
Arrival and Parade at Ozamis Airport



"BIRHEN SA COTA": Her Most Adored Immaculate Mother is home, at last, after mysteriously disappeared from the altar’s side of the Cathedral for more than 4 decades ago. It’s thanks to GMA’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho program whom featured admirably and delivered the whereabouts of the said lost image of the lady. 

This day on the Feast of Immaculate Concepcion, 8 of December 2017, the Mizamisnon devotees excitedly flocked and waited in the Ozamiz Airport’s ingress to rejoice her return.




The firm believers streaming along the streets and highways assiduously welcomed and waved their hands up high towards the Lady as the sound of the euphonious drums and melodious trumpets rejoiced. While the children costumed with angel’s garb and clothing shared their liveliness to hail and applaud of the parade of arrival, the devotees fluttered flaglets and some piece of cloth in their hands as well. Such love and admiration from Mizamisnon faithful’s. 















Stream of Devotees, Ozzmis Airport, Labo, Ozamis City



Holy Mass Celebration in Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, Diocese of Ozamiz
December 8, 2017, Ozamiz City



Cotta, Ozamis City


Note: I own all the photos


Martes, Disyembre 5, 2017

Christmas Symbols Capital 2017

The Season of Lights


Glowing luminescence radiates the silence of the night
Tangub City, @Plaza

Tangub City earned its stature as the Christmas Symbols Capital Of Philippines with its yearly display of astounding and glowing landmark tableau in the intention of keeping the spirit of the yuletide season festive since the early 90's. Every year, unique themes are exhibited and being flaunted much to amaze the local folks, the "balikbayans" and the foreign visitors, as well. 


Green reigns the dim
This year (2017), the local officials exerted their full extent to perpetuate the tradition, and to live the utmost expectations of the locale folks and the tourists who wants to enjoy the rest of the holiday's. It's recommendable to bring along with you your families and group of friends to savor and luxuriate their eyes while the changing of colorful scintillating  lights can captivates a childlike hearts of amazement.     


Landmark Attractions


Notre Dame of Paris Inspired


















Vortex Center theme inspired




Morison's Tower theme inspired




South African Air Force Memorial theme inspired








Hwaseong Fortress Suwon, South Korea theme inspired




Chiang Kai Shek Memorial theme inspired




Dubai Miracle Garden




Ribbon Chapel




Catedral Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, Canela, Brasil theme inspired



Note: I personally owned the photos