A random picture I saw from Tumblr. It amazes me how a simple picture can have such a powerful message. 

Just a disclaimer: I do believe that females should have a choice and I am not absolutely against abortion. I understand that there are certain circumstances where abortion is really necessary. I just think that legalizing abortion will encourage irresponsible sex. Think of me as conservative, I don't care. But I really think that before we discuss the issue of whether abortion should be legalize or not, we should consider measures on educating the people involved (specially the youth) about the repercussions of having casual (and unprotected) sex because we can totally skip the issue of killing an unborn child or not if we are only careful on having sex. 

Just my two cents. 

I am just putting this picture here so that in 5-10 years, when I am ready to build it, I know where I'll look for it. The picture is something I found from Tumblr and I do not claim any type of ownership from this one. I was just fascinated with the design. It's something I'll build in Negros. :)

Here are 100 ways to uncomplicate it… {perfect inspiration for a Sunday!}

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired

3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly

4. Stick to your budget

5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare

6. Balance your checkbook

7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.

8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.

9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years

10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others

11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish

12. Kiss and make up

13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market

14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month

15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full

16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad

17. Pay your bills on time

18. Get an annual physical examination

19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day. (If I find my significant other.. hihi.. for now, I'll just say "I love you, self")

20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are (ROBAY!! THIS IS THE EARTH SENDING US A MESSAGE)

21. Give away clothes that haven’t worn in two years

22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended

23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.

24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities

25. Tell the truth

26. Don’t cheat

27. Don’t steal

28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go

29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore

30. Do your best at work, or at school

31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry

32. Eat when you are hungry

33. Be yourself

34. Say no unapologetically

35. Cook simple meals

36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

37. Pay off your car before buying a new one (I'll buy a new one muna.)

38. Organise your desk at the office

39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back

40. Organise your important paperwork

41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday

42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers

43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached

44. Spend your time with nice people 

45. Avoid drama

46. Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving

47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers

48. Don’t engage in office politics

49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs

50. Do the dishes right after dinner

51. Never go to sleep angry

52. Ask nicely for what you need and want

53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart

54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger

55. Leave work at work

56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy

57. Don’t envy others

58. Have your oil changed

59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold

60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day (AMEN!)

61. Weed your garden weekly

62. Wash your car weekly (wala akong car, sorreh)

63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time

64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships

65. Don’t drink and drive

66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.

67. Be friendly with your neighbours

68. Return emails and phone messages promptly

69. Schedule in free time

70. Don’t procrastinate

71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it

72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be

73. Forgive and forget. End of story. (Sorry, I can't)

74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity

75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose

76. Take care of any health issues or concerns

77. Have your tires rotated

78. Have your brakes checked

79. Have your eyes checked

80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you

81. Let go of perfection in others

82. Let go of perfection in yourself

83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves

84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work

85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by

86. Drink more water

87. Eat more salmon

88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style

90. Finish what you start

91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style

92. Create a daily routine

93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals

94. Slow down

95. Eat out less often

96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one

97. Allow your children to grow up

98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year

99. Stretch every day

100. If a relationship is over, let it go

Source: http://www.bellamumma.com/2011/04/100-ways-to-uncomplicate-your-life.html

Thoughts, anyone? 

(I highlighted the things I should do....)

Dear E,

I have never told you that I like you…perhaps you have no idea about the countless hours I have spent thinking about you, imagining what it could have been if I had known you earlier or if we had spent more time together. 

You are my secret crush in UP. 

You’ll never know how much my heart screamed when you asked for my number…how ecstatic I am every time we ride the Ikot together on our way to class…and how disappointed I am that we can never be together because we are universes apart…

I am a coward because I was never able to tell you this. You were the last person I saw before I left UP…the only person I wanted to be with; I have learned to stop yearning for the chance for us to be together because I know that will never happen. 

As such, you’ll remain forever as my deepest regret and my greatest what-if in my entire UP life. You have made me happy and I will forever cherish the memories of your wonderful smile that had once, in my life, made me thankful that I am alive. :)

— H.P. 

"Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let the aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,

Scribbling on the sky the message ‘He is Dead’.

Put crepe bows ‘round the white necks of the public doves,

Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East, and West.

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;

For nothing now can ever come to any good.”

- W. H. Auden

*also known as "Stop the Clocks"

Aal Izz Well!

Chase excellence and success will follow, pants down. 

I think I have told you about the Asian movie fad that I am currently trapped in. After downloading several Thai movies recommended by my Facebook friends, I came across a Hindi movie released in 2009. At first, I didn't really give much thought about it since I am not really a fan of Bollywood (what with all the dance number and stuff [no offense meant]) but a closer look at  the positive reviews that most people have given it, I have decided to see for myself and check whether it really deserves the praise it's been getting. 

The movie is entitled 3 Idiots. It was directed by Rajkumar Hirani and was produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra starred Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan  and Sharman Joshi. The screenplay was a collaboration of  the director, the producer and Abhijat Joshi ; it was "loosely-based" on the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Baghat.

According to Wikipedia, it was the highest grossing film in its opening weekend in India and also has the highest opening day collection for a Bollywood film. The film was  a critical success, winning several awards  including two Best Pictures, two Best Directions and two Best Screenplays. 

Now, what is the movie about and why all the rave?

*Spoiler Alert* I give crappy summaries so please refer to other websites for better synopsis of the movie. :)

The movie was basically about the friendship of three engineering students who came from different walks of life. One was forced to be an engineer (Farhan), the other one sought engineering as a way to get out of poverty (Raju) and the third was there because of his love for learning (Rancho). The movie revolves around their past experiences and the former two's pursuit of Rancho, their long-lost friend that they haven't seen since graduation.

It starts with the scene on an airplane. Farhan (played by Madhavan) received a call from a former classmate, the Silencer [also known as Chatur], saying that Rancho is going to meet them. Exalted by the news, he fakes a heart attack to abort the flight and rushes to the Imperial College of Engineering, picking up Raju along the way. Disappointment welcomes them when they find out that the invitation was an utter lie and Rancho is nowhere in sight; the only person present is Chatur, who proudly boasted about his achievements in life. Angered by the misleading invitation, they set forth on a journey with Chatur to find Rancho and see what happened to him. 

The entire movie was framed in recurring flashbacks (from Farhan's point of view) and the present day (ten years after Chatur swore that he will be more successful than Rancho)

Farhan recounted the first time he met Rancho. It was during an initiation done by senior students to freshmen students in the Imperial College of Engineering. Rancho arrives during the initiation and refuses to bow down to the senior guys. Angered at the insolence, one of the senior students retaliated and threatened to pee on his [Rancho's] door every single day. Rancho fights back with an impromptu invention; using a live wire and spoon, hr electrocutes the senior student. Since then, the three [Rancho, Farhan and Raju] became inseparable as they shared the same room in the dormitory. 

Farhan then introduced Professor Viru Shahastrabuddhe [or Virus, as most students call him]--- a mean and competitive teacher who also served as the Dean of the college. He warns the freshmen how difficult life is in ICE and mentions about an astronaut's pen that his former professor gave him. He said inventors have spent millions of dollars inventing that pen and he will give that pen to a very remarkable student, if he ever found any [ unfortunately, for the past 30 years, he hasn't found THE one]. Rancho pops in a question asking Virus why the astronauts couldn't just used a pencil in outer space because it could have saved them millions of dollars. Virus was surprised at the impertinent question and was apparently unable to answer the question. 

As time in the college went by, the animosity between Virus and Rancho grew, the former labeling Rancho and his friends [ Raju and Farhan] idiots. Virus hated Rancho for his carefree attitude and strongly advised the Raju and Farhan to stay away from the latter's  company. Rancho, with his happy-go-lucky attitude, impressed on the importance of understanding instead of just doing mindless memorization. He believes that the professor in ICE are constantly pressuring the students to get high grades regardless of whether they understand the subjects or not. 

(I will mention the next part although the entire story can do without it because this is my most favorite scene/  I believe this is the strongest, most effective and touching part of the film)

One student named Joy Lobo was like Rancho, eager to learn, good in his subjects; his only problem was that it's taking him a long time to finish his final project :  making a toy plane fly. He asks Virus about the date of the convocation because the whole village from where he came from are too excited about it since he will be the first engineer in their community. The wrathful devil gives his phone to Joy, asks him to call up his father and   brutally tells Joy's father that he will not graduate on time. This breaks Joy's heart and Rancho sees the encounter. He tried to help Joy by fixing the plane. He succeeds in doing so. His plan was to fly the plane over Joy's window and see his reaction from the video camera attached to the plane. It turned out that the joke was on them because as they flew the plane, they saw Joy's lifeless body dangling on the ceiling, a noose around his neck. They run to his room and saw Joy's suicide letter on the wall with two words. "I QUIT." (I cried during this part. T_T) At the funeral, Rancho approaches Virus and tells him that according to the reports it was suicide. He adds that Virus is lucky because even Joy's family thinks its suicide, nobody knew that Joy's death was not suicide but murder...murder from the pressure that Virus exerted on Joy. 

After the incident, Virus writes a letter to Raju's and Farhan's family. As a result, Raju stays away from Rancho and Farhan. They soon reconciliate when Rancho barely saves Raju's father from death with the help of Pia, Virus's daughter, whom they met at a wedding party.

An unfortunate incident happened when Raju was expelled from the school after he was caught peeing on Virus's front door. Virus' gave him two options: save himself and testify against Rancho or get expelled from the school. Unable to choose, Raju jumps out of the window and nearly dies. He spent months in coma but with the help of Rancho and Farhan, he got better. Virus took back the expulsion because of Raju's accident. 

Rancho convinces the two to follow their dreams. Farhan, who was forced to be an Engineering student by his family, wanted to be a wildlife photographer. Rancho helped him by posting a letter that Farhan once wrote but was never able to send to a professional photographer in Brazil. He also convinced Farhan to confess to his father what his true ambition is. Raju on the other hand, who kept fearing about the future, got the job he wanted just because he followed Rancho's advice to not be scared and just face the future without qualms of hesitations. 

Rancho and Virus make amends when Rancho helps Virus' daughter to give birth. Virus apologizes to Rancho and gives him the astronaut pen, saying how remarkable he is as a student.

Back to the present, the three found out that Rancho's name was not really Rancho. He was actually a gardener's son who was sent to school using the name  of a wealthy Indian man's son to get a degree for him (the son). The real Rancho told Raju and Farhan that Rancho, whose real name is Chote, was living in a remote place in India as a school teacher. Chatur laughts at Rancho/Chote's fate, ridiculing his ideals before that the existing system was not good for being successful. They stop Pia's wedding along the way, convinces her to not marry the groom (whom she doesn't love) and drives to where Chote is. 

They finally see Chote and it was revealed that he was the scientist that Chatur was revering about, thus proving that Chhote was right all along that by doing what you love, you'll become successful in life. Chote was reconciled with Pia (they get married) and his two long lost buddies while Chatur cried and apologized for insulting Chote. :) 

(I'm sorry for the crappy summary) :p

What I liked about this movie: 

I didn't really like the movie, no. I LOVED IT. There are a lot of parts that you will adore, from the well-written script to the life-lessons that its trying to get across to the audience. I can make a list but it can never justify how I loved this movie, so below is the best that I can do. 

a. The Quotable Quotes. One of the things I look for in a good movie are the well-written dialogues of the characters and in this movie, you just have an abundance of them. (Click here for a separate entry.) One particular tagline of the movie was written at the start of this post "Chase excellence and success will follow". It is an eye-opening line that should be the mantra of every person. We have been to consumed with chasing money and fame, buying beautiful houses and cars and having all of the material things in this world that we forget to just appreciate the beauty of life and the simple things that make us human. The movie impresses on that and you will have to be a shallow piece of ass if you don't get the message. :(

b. The Lessons. One recurring thing in the movie is the pressure exerted by the people around us: our family, our fears of the future, our professors, society itself. It shows the real impact of this outside pressure to the human soul. We have given too much importance on the norms that we have set that we come to the point of "reification", making these standards bigger than us. It shows a different perspective on suicide. It is not a cowardly thing. It's basically murder. Quoting Rancho, scientists have discovered a lot of devices to measure a lot of things but they have never invented a device to measure the mental pressure that we feel, doing so will prove that the suicide is not suicide but simply murder...murder committed by the people who expect too much from us, so much more than we are capable to give. 

c. The Characters. Although the characters represent different archetypes of the human being, they are too realistic and relatable that you can't help seeing yourself  in them. Although they are quite exaggerated versions of these human archetypes, they still embody someone or something that we have met somewhere along the path of life. And can I just say that the actors are really very effective? :)) 

d. The Soundtrack. Okay, I am not really a fan of the dancing and booty-shaking but the songs in this movie are quite ear-gasmic. Actually, while I was watching it, I couldn't help thinking "Ohmygod, I need to get a copy of that song!"every time a new song is being played. The songs added the flavor and emotions to the movie. Three of my favorites are Give Me Some Sunshine, Jaane Nahi Denge Tuhje and Behti Saha Tha Woh. And of course, who would forget the epic Aal iz Well. See the music video below. 

e. The Recurring Theme of Friendship. I am very big on friendship.  I only have a few trusted friends, I can count them with my fingers. I love how they depicted the genuine relationship between the three characters, helping each other out in times of need, searching the lengths of the Earth just to find that buddy you've lost a long time ago... it sounds cheesy I know, but sue me, I'm cheesy like that. 

What I didn't like about this movie. 

The dance numbers. Of course, dance numbers are one of the identifying factors of Bollywood films and I can't really take that away from them. But the dance numbers in this movie are....weird, for some reason. I am not a big fan of booty shaking and huge production numbers because I think they are totally irrelevant and funny and absolutely cheesy. Don't hate on me, that's just my two cents. :p

THE VERDICT.

I would give this movie 9.4 chocolates. It would have gotten a perfect score but of course,  I have to shave off some points for the dance numbers. :) It's a perfect movie if you want something that will make you feel good or if you are in the middle of your soul-searching or an identity crisis. I strongly recommend it for students who are about to start college because it teaches so much about the values that we should have during the four magical years of our lives. It is a movie for everybody. It is cheesy but it gets the message across and that's what every movie should aim for. 

So next time everything works out badly in your life, just put a hand over your heart and say "Aal iz well". 

Now everybody say it with me, Aal Iz Well. :) 

Here's the trailer of the movie, for everyone who is curious about it. 

You can also watch the movie in Youtube. Here's the link. 

This is the second installment of my adventure in Cagbalete. On the first one, I included the directions (and tips) on how to get there. This entry will be about our own personal experience of making this adventure possible. 

Before leaving for Cagbalete, I packed all the essentials for a 2-day trip. My bag was really heavy because I yet have to master the art of packing lightly. My best friend dropped by our house at around 7pm  (Saturday) to talk to my father and make paalam. (Here's the thing, I have a very very STRICT tatay (father) and even if I am already way over the legal age, he is still very protective of me. See, I still need his permission when travelling. :( I'm his little girl like that.. grr. ) 

Since it was too early and Neil won't be joining us for the trip, me and Robai decided to hang out at Market! Market for a while to kill time. We met up with the sulking Neil there and had dinner (and dessert) at Tokyo Tokyo. Good thing the blue whale started cheering up after an hour or so. Since the mall closes at 9:30pm, we decided to get out and sit by the benches near the ferris wheel. I mentioned to Robai and Neil that I have never been to Serendra (the shame!) so they invited me for a walk at the famed place, again, to kill time. 

Robai and the Blue Whale

I did not take pictures though. I'm not that kind. I don't like taking pictures of places specially created for the filthy rich to further magnify the social division in this country (echos!). I must say though, that the place is too overrated. It was nothing but a long stretch of über expensive shops and boutiques which products cost a fortune. The only thing I liked was the humongous Fully Booked branch there. It was like a dream to behold! I was drooling like hell (but that is totally irrelevant to this post).

At half past ten, Neil decided to call it a day. He said goodbye while Robai and I went straight to the Ministop nearby to buy our provisions. I remember putting two cups of instant noodles, 2 cans of Century Tuna Paella (it's God's gift to the human race, no kiddin'), 3-in-1 coffee mix, biscuits, chips, a loaf of bread and some sandwich spread, candles and dishwashing soap. The total bill cost us P596 (or something like that).

Me and Robai aboard the bus

We took a jeep to Guadalupe and a bus from Guada to Cubao (JAC Liner). I think we were lucky enough to reach the station in time for the last trip (12:10am). After a quick inquiry with the bus conductor, we figured out that we were on the right bus. The bus left the station at 12:25 am. 

Now, for anyone who's been wondering about which bus line is good for the trip to Lucena, I would advice you guys to take the JAC Liner. Not only is the driver careful and the seats comfy, you also get free wi-fi on board! (Isn't that cool?). We couldn't sleep though because we are nocturnal beings; Robai works on a night shift while I love staying up late. 

For most of the trip, the two of us spent our time talking about random things in our lives and  the bad things about the government and society. I think I was able to take a nap after a while and I just woke up when the bus made a stop at one of its station somewhere in Laguna. The trip continued (and our exchange as well). At 3am, we reached the Lucena Grand Terminal. It was too early and we had to wait for one and a half hours before the first trip to Mauban leaves. We took the liberty to capture some pictures of the station. Below is the picture of the mini-bus that will take us to Mauban. 

The rest rooms in the Lucena Grand Terminal is really clean although you have to pay 5 pesos if you want to pee or jebs (poop) and 10 pesos if you want to take a bath. There are several establishments near the station also and unfortunately for us, they weren't open yet so even if I was craving for Chowking's Chao Fan, we couldn't buy one. At exactly 4:30am, the mini-bus left the station (for the schedule, check the previous post). It was a bumpy ride and had we traveled a bit later, I know we will enjoy the picturesque view on the bus. There were trees everywhere and mountains and rice fields. The breeze was naturally cold, amoy probinsya. A tip for future travellers, take the 6:30 schedule so that you can enjoy (and take pictures) of the wonderful sceneries in Mauban. 

The Mauban Market

We arrived in Mauban at 6:10AM. Most establishments are still closed. When we asked for directions on how to get to the port, the locals were VERY  helpful. :) Lahat sila nagsasalita ng sabay-sabay, nakakaconfuse! Hahaha.But I do commend their characters though, it was a perfect display of Filipino hospitality. Everyone was friendly and eager to lend a hand. We took a trike to the public market so we can buy our food supply. After buying the ingredients for adobo as well as one gallon of distilled water, we decided to take a trike again to the port.

Mauban is a quaint little town. It was totally different from Manila in that the locals are generally amicable. It impressed on me (and Robai) how jaded we have become from growing up in Manila that we were not used to people offering us their house just because we needed to use the restroom. 

We arrived at the Mauban port too early (I guess). It was only 7:10am. Reaching the port early is good if konti lang ang dala ninyo because you can go sight seeing and not get stuck in one place. Unfortunately for us, madami kaming dala so we can't really go around the town to explore. We met another passenger who is on her way to Cagbalete too. She told us she lives there and she just visited someone in Lucena the day before. She also said that if her son picks her up at the Sabang Port, she will ask him to bring us to Villa Cleofas. We were touched by the gesture and thanked her. We asked her about things in Cagbalete like if electricity is available there or if the cellphone reception is strong. She said that electricity is not available in the island coz it's too remote and as for the signal, it's only good for SMART subscribers.That was a bad thing for me and Robai because we were Globe and Sun Cellular subscribers, respectively.

The most awaited boat!

On-board

The boat arrived at around 8:45AM, thank God! It was starting to get really really hot and feeling namin magkakasunburn na kami even before we get to the resort. After waiting for the passengers to disembark the boat, we went aboard and waited for the departure time. We made friends with the boat's captain (I think driver is a more appropriate term) and the other crew. It started to get crowded at half-past nine with everyone loading sacks of fruits, rice, vegetables and other food supplies. There were more than 40 passengers in the boat and most of them are residents of the island who visited the mainland to get some supplies. There were two other groups of tourists with us, a couple and a group of call center agents (well that's what Robai said) who embarked the boat five minutes before the departure. As such, they did not get good seats in the boat. :)

We left the port at exactly 10am. I was asking of the crew if it was okay to sit on the edge of the boat and he said it was too dangerous (too bad, it would have been bad-ass) as I might slip and fall on the deep waters. It was kind of ironic because he was standing on the edge of the boat like a boss, not holding on to anything. What is bad-assery... =))

The boat ride was really scary because the waves were huge. The land in sight was too far that if the boat capsizes, you have no choice but pray to god that the life vest is enough to keep you alive. It was, after all, the Pacific Ocean. The crew was telling us that the sea was calm so there was no danger of getting our things wet. If you tend to get sea sick, it would be advisable to take precautionary measures like popping a Bonamine tablet and bringing a plastic for your mess. :)) The ride was really shaky but it was also fun. (Note to self: I have to cross out "cruise the Pacific Ocean" on my bucket list.)

After almost an hour, we arrived at the Sabang Port. It was breathtaking. Well, not including the informal settlers, but the water was so green and clear, I have never seen such before. The only word for it was "beautiful" and that is even an understatement. 

The picture does not give the beach justice. 

We had to ride a flat boat to get to the port. I had to muster all the self-control that I have so that I will not jump off the boat and take a plunge. The water was just so attractive. :| 

When we reached the port, we asked a local boy to guide us to Villa Cleofas. It was sweltering hot, we were hungry, sleepless and tired. Imagine the difficulty we had to go through just to get to the resort. :| We trekked for 10 minutes but it seems like a lifetime. There were no trees on sight, we had to walk on an open (and barren) land filled with talahib. Robai, who can't handle her hunger anymore, opened a can of the Tuna Paella and ate while we trekked. I think it was a good thing she did or she might have fainted on our way. 

We arrived at Villa Cleofas at half past 11. We gave Arvin (our guide) fifty pesos as a tip and asked him if he can pick us up tomorrow at the same time also. He obliged.  It was a long trip from Manila to Cagbalete but it was worth it. We checked in immediately and asked for a tent where we can put our things. What we did next will be included in the third post. For now, I shall have my lunch. 

Here is what we looked like after the long travel. Sinong mas mukhang haggard?

Robai with her tired look

Moi with my tired look. 

The life-saver tuna paella by Century Tuna.