Anawangin Beach Cove
San Antonio, Zambales
October 30-Novembr 1, 2010
The Victory Liner left Pasay Terminal at 11:45PM of Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. We are composed of 20 aspiring trekkers who are eying for another adventure outside Manila area. A perfect time to unwind during this long vacation. 
Reached San Antonio, Zambales at 3:15 AM and was advised by Mang Alfring, the tourist guide to ride tricycle going to Pundaquit.
Romeo who assited us. 
We spent 2 and a half hours in the nipa hut of Mang Romeo to sleep for a while and rest.
Past 12:30PM when we reached the peak. Everything was replaced by amazement upon seeing the wonderful scenario looking at the entire town of San Antonio and the cove of Anawangin.
Late in the afternoon, everyone helps in the preparation of food. We have grilled tilapia, fried tuna, tunang kinilaw, pork chop and other side dishes for dinner. Other members of the group lights up the bonfire located at the center of our tents area. Drinking session occured after the dinner. It was our own version of Trek or Treat Halloween in the jungle.
Leave no Trace!
Woke up at past 7:00 o’clock in the morning of November 1. Breakfast preparation, noodles, fried dried fish and canned goods. Everyone started to pack things up, bagged the trash, clean the area and disassemble the tents.
At past 8:00 o’clock in the morning, Mang Alfring together with the other boatmen fetched us up and brought us to Capones Island.
Though we wanted to visit the lighthouse to complete the adventure, we are a little bit running out of time. We need to hit the roads going back to Manila as early as we can to avoid heavy traffic.
We rest for a while in Pundaquit and headed to Olongapo Terminal of Victory Liner right after. Reached Olongapo at 2:30 PM. After dining in the nearest fast food resto, we fell in line to get the tickets going to Manila.
This is the best outing I ever had, and maybe each of us also feels the same way. Anawangin, San Antonio Zambales
October 30-November 1, 2010
Surprisingly, pine trees are growing in the nearby banks of the cove and even in the foot of the Pundaquit Mountain. It was believed that the seeds were brought by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo together with the ash fall.
How to Get There:
Your first destination should be Pudaquit.
Ride a bus bound to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. You can catch scheduled trips of Victory Liner in Pasay Terminal for only 265.00. It is only 3 to 4 hours travel time to San Antonio via NLEX. Ride a tricycle to Brgy. San Miguel or Pundaquit, fare rate may rang to 30 to 40 pesos. It will be very comportable if you have contacted a tour guide to provide assistance.
From Pundaquit, there are bancas to be rented for around 1500.00. In our case because we have a tour guide, it was around 200 pesos only per head.
It is a 40-45 minutes ride to Anawangin.
You can also trek for 4 to 6 hours in Mt. Pundaquit.
Where to Stay:
There are no modern establishments or facilities in Anawangin. It is very important that you are well prepared to bring things for camping especially tents, foods and water. There is a small store but only sells coffee and acessories.
If you are not into camping, ask the boatman to fetch you up on your planned time and spend the night in Pundaquit where numerous hotels and restaurants can be found.
Capones Island
It is so amazing how sculptures in the big rocks were created.
For beach lovers, this is not the usual white sand with fine mixture. In Capones, it is a mixture of sand and crashed rock pacticles from the waves of the open ocean.
-- Follow this link for the details of our Trek and Treat Adventure in Pundaquit.
For more references, visit this sites: http://www.pundaquit.com/attractions-in-pundaquit/anawangin-cove.html , http://www.lakwatsero.com/destinations/anawangin-cove/
We are living in a world full of masks and pretention. But why we keep on ignoring things that irritates us and often times may lead to being one of them as part of the group. Bakit? Dahil kailangan. Walang choice. Wala pang lakas ng loob. And the worst hindi pa alam ang gagawin.
Pitiful scenario. Accept it or not, this often happens to us. To me.
Mula sa pinakapangit hanggang sa pinakamagandang bagay na nangyayari sa atin sa araw-araw, we continue to grow, to know what are the wrong decisions that we keep on making and the wrong conclusions that we keep on injecting to our selves.
Pinapaniwala lang ang sarili.
Pinapaasa lang ang sarili.
Sinasaktan lang ang sarili.
God has given us several choices, opportunies and open doors. It is up to us kung alin ang pipiliin mo. Kung dumating ang time na marealize mo na mali ang pinili mo, then if you can drive back to pick your self up..do.
Ang hirap sumayaw sa isang tugtog na di mo alam ang steps o di mo gusto. Mahirap magpanggap na napakaganda ng tugtog kung di mo kayang sabayan. At di mo kahit kailan masasayaw ang isang tugtog ng ganun kaganda kung wala sa puso mo ang sinasayaw mo.
Everything should be comming from our hearts. Although we are afraid to show what we feel dahil minamanipulate ka, still darating yung time na dapat ka ng manindigan. Kailan ba masasabing isa kang traydor?
Kapag nag-iwan ka sa ere?
Kapag nagpaasa ka ng tao?
Kapag di mo tinupad yung inaasahan nila sayo?
Lahat ng tao ay may kanya-kanyang expectations. Ang mahirap, they are expecting you to be the one that they are expecting. At ikaw ano ba ang expectation mo sa sarili mo? Parehas ba ng expectation nila?
Kung hindi.
Mahirap yan.
At this point, in my personal note, it is difficult. I dont know. I'll think when I get there.
And when I get there.
It lang yun.
Soaring high is great, but falling down is painful.
Kapag dumating ang ganitong pagkakataon na tatanungin mo ang sarili mo kung "Kaya ko pa ba?" nagkakaroon ka na ng pag-aalinlangan sa iyong sariling kakayahan at abilidad.
Lahat naman ng tao ay dumadating sa ganitong sitwasyon. But basically this could be answered by another question, "Ikaw ba yung tipo ng tao na sumusuko at umaayaw?". Definetely we will urgently say that "Of course not! I'm not a coward."
Hindi masamang umayaw. Practically, why put your self in the battle which is not worth fighting for? We have to choose our battles..little battles maybe..then another step to a bigger battle..until you are well equiped to face the biggest battles and challenges ahead.
The battle is over. I've learned a lot, yes, but I have no more guts to continue what I have started.
I gave my self a lot of chances that maybe somehow darating yung time na makakapag-adjust ako in the way that they wanted me to be. It molded me to a different me, a new me. I learned to accept my weaknesses and embrace my crafts. Pero kahit alam kong kaya ko, I am still going back to what I am and what can I do na doon ako komportable. Komportable.
A lot may say "push you self to the limit". Pero pano ka kaya makakarating sa limit na yun?
As a person, alam ko na di pa ito yung limit ko. I can do more much better than this. I can excel as high as the mountain. But if you are not happy anymore and your emotions are killing you softly, I doubt if I can be able to push my self to the limit.
Time has come that I need to decide. I need to move on. Noon lagi kong tinatanong kung ano yung trigger point for me to come up with the final decision. Lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko na "Kaya pa naman eh".. And I am hoping that somehow, everything will change sa lahat ng aspect.
Lahat naman di nadadaan sa magic. Lahat pinaghihirapan. Kung kelangan ng sakripisyo, e di magsakripisyo. Pero lahat ng bagay natatapos din. We will always ask, "When will be the end?".
Tayo lang ang makakapagsabi nun kung hanggang saan lang tayo. Lahat dapat may bouderies, may cut-off....may limitasyon.
All things will never be the same again. I will never be as productive as what I am the last time around. I used to be not a problem maker. That is why it is hard for me to be the same again.
I know God has given me the right sign to think of what's ahead of me. Not as what was dictated, not as what was promised. I want the way of life that I want.
Team XLR8 Philippines First Anniversary
September 18, 2010
Robinsons Galleria Cinema 2
Francis J. Kong
Go Power Team!
Leonard Holmes, former About.com Guide, once said "Good decisions are made with the head and the heart". We make better decisions when we use our conscious mind together with our unconscious mind.
Everyday, starting from the time we woke up, we are starting to make decisions. What to wear, what to eat for breakfast, what to do next are some of our daily decisions. Although simple as it is, we still have to do it right.
One of the most critical decision is with regard to the nature of work we want to deal with. It is simply taking the risks, exploring and experiencing the world of work. Significantly, our chosen field plays a vital role in self identification, individual maturity, facing the responsibilities and most of all the fact that we are a productive member of the society. There is a saying that "Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are". In some way, this is relevant to our chosen carrer. Our name plates and titles determine who we are and what is our role/s in the society. Our work is one of our main source of existence. Positions, levels, ranks, job descriptions, etc. are just among the major factors on how we categorized the career that we had right now. Is it a success, failure, frustration or regrets?
But whatever position that we have right now, looking back from where we had started, do we have to smile because we did it in all our best efforts and we strive hard for this, or, the other way around? It's everybody's prerogative that's why we are given the power to choose or otherwise, no option are left available for us.
If we are going to ask our elders (not those with martial law style), to what career we are going to choose, they always say that "choose one that will make you happy, fullfilled and contented". For a young mind who just wanted to work to support whatever responsibilities that we have, it is not considered as an option. I know a lot will say it is true, because it is really true! There are those who are fortunate enough to buy time to play "mi ni mi ni mo". But what about those who are opportunity grabber? Those who are much in-need?
According to peachnet.edu, making career decisions is a lifelong process. It is also about understanding your abilities, interests, skills, and values and combining these to create a meaningful framework for life. You will have many opportunities to discover and rediscover careers that match your changing lifestyle. It is important that you are an active participant in this decision-making process.
Also, decision-making begins with you, your awareness of the world around you, and your ability to understand what is important to you. The following checklist may help you begin:
1. Learn about yourself: interests, abilities, skills, and values
2. Observe individuals in the workplace
3. Talk with family and friends about their work experiences
4. Collect information about specific careers and companies
5. Experience different careers through volunteer or part-time work, or school internship, co-op, and apprenticeship programs
Never put yourself in a situation that won't give you other choice. Always hold the thought that there is still something that might be better than what you have right now.
Never put yourself in a work place that makes you feel like a POW! A prisoner of war, because it is you who will suffer. It is great enjoying your working time and never notice that it is already time to go home, rather than waiting the clock hand to be at 5 o'clock.
--- Xyke
Cebu Plant of NutriAsia Group
June 18-19,2010
It was an hour of travel with PAL Flight PR 823 from NAIA in Manila to Mactan Airport in Cebu.
Right after the arrival, the team composed of an IT Manager, PPIC Manager and a consultant (me) headed to the plant. On our way to the plant, small and colorful jeepneys took my attention. I wasn't able to capture images of it but I got some from the net.
It was at 8:30 in the morning when we reached the plant. After breakfast, all the activities were executed as planned. We left at 9:30 in the evening and headed to Cebu Pido Grill for the dinner. That was not just an ordinary dinner, that was a food trip. A lot of delicacies were served in sizzling plates.
I had a chance to see the beauty of Ayala Cebu at night on our way to Parklane International Hotel. This was like Ayala Avenue in Makati. I saw the castle-themed five star hotel- Waterfront Hotel not that far from our location.
I could hear from the news about how progressive Cebu is, but now that I was given the chance to be in Cebu, I could say that Cebu really is on its progressive state, a good destination for vacation, business meetings, conventions, tour and leisures based on what I saw from the busy streets.
Because of the limited time, I promised that I will be going back to Cebu. On that time, I will make sure that it is a vacation.
May 9-11, 2010
May 11 is a special day for the Filipino people to practice our right in choosing the next leaders of the country. Moreover, this is also an opportunity for employees like me who worked in Manila to had a short vacation in the province.
I also brought the new TV set and DVD Player for my mom. When I got home, I did nothing but to play music in my new player and watch movies. That was a great time to rest. On Sunday morning, we headed to Tabia shore for the family picnic.
Bohol Beach Club, Panlao Island Bohol Philippines
This was happened last April 23-25, 2010 but because of being busy in my work, I wasn't able to post it in my blog. This is one of my most unforgettable travel experience. I was able to tour the island in 3 days. Litterally our lives only evolved inside the service bus, taking pictures in every destinations and craving for tasteful delicacies. We just just go back of the resort to dine, rest and took a bath.
On Day 1, we visted the Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills in Carmen, watched the Loboc Junior Ambassadors Band for their wonderful music and cruise in Loboc River.
On the second Day, we woke up early to watch Dolphins, afterwards we proceed to Balicasag to snorkel. After a short rest, we headed to the central school to see the performance of Lococ Children's Choir. At night, we had dinner at beach front then played in the sand until 2AM.
The third day was our last day in Bohol. We had breakfast in Bohol Bee Farm wherein one of the dessert was "fresh flowers", really.
Visit www.bohol.ph for more info about this wonderful paradise.
Nasugbu, Batanggas City Philippines
A hidden destination for fun and adventure. This beach is not yet recognized as one of the preffered spots during summer as compared to Boracay, El Nido and other beaches popular in the Philippines.
What is exciting here is that, yes for the fact that only those folks living nearby this beach know about this, anyone who does not like noisy and crowded beaches will most likely prefer to stay here. Besides, because it is not private, there are no big fees to paid for.
This is not a white beach with fine sand accross the shore, no bars and parties at night but the privacy and peacefulness of the place is priceless.
Still in office at past 7:00 PM. Instead of having take outs from the nearby fastfood chains, we prefer to took a short ride and find some place with good food to offer for dinner. We found this place along JP Rizal in Makati City. The Fabiana's Grill. The photo above is the upper level made of wood. This place also serves as a little bar. After dinner is a good start for fun and drinking sessions.
Anyone who would glance the ceiling of Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa at the first attempt could say that a big spider web is hanging over him. A lot of eye-captivating architectures could be seen in this mall especially in the playing areas dedicated for children.
This beautiful sunset was taken in La Luz Resort, San Juan Batangas City Philippines. I've seen several sunset photos in Google, but this one is different. Well maybe its because of the timing the sunset was taken. A good combination of yellow and black colored sky at past 6 pm like this but of course depending on the weather condition.
It's very refreshing to see something green in the morning. Makati is one of the Philippines' busiest city and is categorized as the center of business and commerse. Aside from the aggressive development of more buildings, residential establishments like condos and apartments, malls and other modern business architectures, Makati also aims to provide its people with a green and a nature freindly environment through the development of theme parks and gardens.
V. Mapa LRT Station
There's no such place like home!
It is exactly a year since I came back home again. Everything seems to be the same, but not as what I left before..(sigh...). Emotionaly, it is true that there is no other place in the world like home, it is still your birthplace, your territory. Like mine. Whatever I left are still what I could see when I return. Few changes has been made, but the real essence is still the same.
Going home is like a championship. Win or loss, a measure of what you are when you left and what you are when you arrived. For me this is the result of a battle. It is what you bring back not what you took away. Living in this place since a
child, lots of dreams were built- the only thing to carry when time comes that you need to left and look for yourself.
Since then, going home is like a dream come true. The fruit of labor and hard work. And once again, a scale of what would it be next year.
Marinduque Island is another destination far away from the city. The annual Moriones Festival on April would be a great cultural experience that's why it is better to bagged this as one of your summer get away..
Seashore in Tabia - shelter for fishing boats. These huge boats are used for fishing in nearby towns and nearby provinces.
The coconut farm: This is more or less 5 hectares of land where popular variety of crops are coconut, bananas and fruit trees. Livestocks are also raised here like chicken and hog.
Balanacan Port: Brgy. Balanacan, Mogpog Marinduque
The road to the farm house. This is curved from the mountain ranges from the shore line of Tabia to the jeepney waiting area in Bigaa.
(Photos were taken from my LG GW300 phone)
Actual Location: Sitio Tabia, Brgy. Argao Mogpog Marinduque
