2014: Just Did It!

Analysis paralysis. I was afraid of making mistakes in my life. This same fear paralyzed me into inaction late last year. January of 2014 was unwelcome. I didn’t want to start another year while I was in such a mess – no job, no money, no direction, no plans, no present and future on sight.

The only thing I knew then was that I wanted to see more of the world. Nothing else mattered. So nothing else, I did. Fortunately though, a headhunter chanced upon my LinkedIn profile and offered me an opportunity. It wasn’t exactly my dream job, but it was better than nothing. My mentality was that I can always quit if I hate it. Hence, giving it a chance wouldn’t hurt, right?

Lesson 1. Opportunity knocks from time to time, but we must be prepared to grab it.
Accepting and keeping an opportunity that I wasn’t sure of? Just did it!

A few months after getting a job, I decided to move out of my parents’ house and live on my own. It was one of the most liberating and educating things I’ve done for myself. At first, I was skeptical of my capability to survive on my own, but now I’m sure that I can. It wasn’t as smooth sailing as I hoped it to be, but it was fun nonetheless.

Lesson 2. Sometimes, we never really know for sure unless we try.
Live on my own? Just did it!

After separating from my parents, my expenses blew up. I was worried that I might have to stop traveling. That, I knew I couldn’t take so I made a new budget plan and stuck to it. I used a new expense tracker to keep my finances in check. Currently, I’m unable to travel internationally, but it doesn’t matter as there’s still much to see here.

Lesson 3. You don’t have to stop doing what you love to follow society’s priorities, just as you don’t have to stop playing games when you’re older. It is not selfish to want happiness for yourself so long as you’re not taking it from others.

Paid my own bills and still pursue my travels? Just did it!

I did it- achievements and mistakes alike. It was a year of taking over my life, of making myself a priority - and not just listening to what other people want, need, or expect from me (Gets mo ba yun ha, Popoy?! Hahaha!) This year, I am fully responsible. I liked that.

So 2015, leave it to me, I got this.

Happy New Year, folks!
Arlet

Taking it Slow (Baler)

When I was a child, I found days to be slow, but I never wished for it to go faster. Now that I’m older, it seems as tho days are always in a hurry to be over. Often I find myself wishing it would go slower – stop even.

The pace of life in Baler reminds me of my life back in the province (and Siquijor for some reason). I like it.

A. Getting There

From Manila, you can ride a Genesis bus to Baler. Regular trips costs 450php while deluxe trips via Joybus costs 700php. Genesis doesn’t have reservations for regular trips so be at the station earlier than scheduled. Also the road to Baler is bumpy, it is wise to stay away from the back seat of the bus.

B. Places to Visit

1. Oldest Balete Tree in Asia

According to locals, this Balete tree, which is about 600 years old, is the oldest in Asia. In the past, visitors were allowed to climb the tree, but to preserve it better, guests are now prohibited to do so.

2. Ditumabo Falls / Mother fall

Getting to Ditumabo Falls will take a short trek from the foot of the mountain. Be prepared to get wet up to waist level. The current can be a bit strong so make sure that your sandals are properly attached to your feet.

3. Baler Museum
Baler museum houses stories of significant events in the province.

4. Dona Aurora House
The house is just on the next corner from Baler museum. It is a simple, cozy, and old Filipino house. The study room is inspiring

5. Ermita Hill

In December 1735, there was a tidal wave that wiped the whole town of Baler. Only 7 families who climbed the top of Ermita hill survived. 

By the way, there is a viewing deck on top of the hill (where I did my vanity shot :P )

6. Lukso lukso islet

Scenic place to walk around

7. Baler church
I don’t buy most of the Catholic teachings, but because my friend was attending the Sunday mass and I had nothing else to do – I went with her. It’s a nice little church I guess. There were also flat screens for those who are outside.

8. Sabang beach!!!
When my friend and I arrived, the cloud was dark and heavy because of the low pressure area. The waves were big so we were naturally terrified! Nonetheless with the help of my instructor, Jun, from Michael Surf Shop & Surf Lesson I was able to ride the waves in no time! I got worn out quickly though – I stopped the session in less than 30 minutes because my arms cannot push my body up anymore. Yep Im classic lampayatot :D

I’ll come back next time, but I’ll be stronger. By the way, parts of my arms were itchy and swelling after surfing so perhaps there are jellyfish in the area. 

C. Getting Around

You can rent a motorbike to go around and tour the province yourself or you can rent a tricycle for 800php. 

Day 1

Rent a tricycle for the day (800php) since the following places are not in the city itself. Start around 8am so you can take your time in each place.

Balete tree
Ditumabo falls
Lunch
Ermita hill
Lukso- lukso islet

Day 2

You can ride a tricycle to Sabang beach and then commute back to the plaza after lunch. All the places after Sabang beach are just short walking distance from each other. Tricycle fare per head is 12php.

Sabang beach
Lunch
Baler museum
Dona Aurora house
Baler church
Souvenir shops

You can contact Kuya Edwin if you want a guide / photographer. Look at some of the shots we got with his direction, haha!

Edwin Alino
Tricycle/ Tour guide service
0936 708 1666

D. Sample budget

Manila to Baler – 450php
Baler to Manila – 450php
Accommodation – 700/day/2pax
Tour guide – 800/2pax
Surfing instructor – 350
Food – 300 to 500

Your budget can range from 3000 – 4000 including souvenirs and what not depending on your profile as a traveler. I spent around 3500 all in.

Overall I absolutely enjoyed this trip! The people were nice and the food was cheap and good. After trying surfing for the first time, I realized that the outdoors make me feel so alive. It is not just trekking, or swimming, or snorkeling but mostly everything about the outdoors captivate me!

Would you look at that, I just wrote 31 blogs and the year is almost over. The holidays are almost over.  Holidays are really the quickest days of the year. Sadly we cannot slow it down, but we can take it slow and make it count.

See you around!
Arlet

Save Taal from its Locals

Taal volcano must have been a beautiful and scenic place; there must have been some interesting urban legends and narratives surrounding the area, but instead this story tells a different kind. One I do not enjoy to write.

Upon arriving in Olivares, Tagaytay (the entry point from the main road for those who are coming from Manila), different tricycle drivers flock upon our group to sell their service. We settled with 250php.

Once in the registration area, the staff told us that Calauit trail is closed. We wanted Caluit trail because that trail leads to the crater lake, but because it is closed we settled with another trail wherein the last part is just on the viewing deck. That costs us 2000php for the boat ride and the mandatory guide. The boy we had as a guide was adorable, but we didn’t need him as the trail was very straightforward. No one could possibly get lost there – especially with the crowd of tourists and local sellers around.

Our group’s consolation was the bumpy boat ride since we all agreed that it is the most enjoyable leg of the trip – aside from each other’s company of course! Hahaha! Even if it was only a lake, the waves were big enough to rock the boat to our satisfaction. By the way, there are two lakes in Taal, one is the first lake from the boat station to the foot of Taal, and the other is that of Taal’s crater. That’s why it is called as a lake within a lake.

At our boat’s destination, an old man was very nice to put a bench connecting our boat and the dry part of the ground. We obliged to pass by that bench of course, only to find out that walking through that plank will costs us 50php each – also known as the landing fee. We were all taken aback, we could have just jumped from the boat, that’s just mere 5 inches of seawater. I don’t suppose it could hurt us.

Our group was beginning to feel how much of tourist trap this place is, but we were still doing our best to stay courteous and amiable. A group of guys approached us and tried to sell their tour guiding services using the Calauit trail. We probed because we were told earlier that it was closed. They agreed, but they said we can still use it for additional 2000php. We (now annoyed) declined the offer. An old lady then approached us for a 10php registration or environmental fee each – I wasn’t sure anymore. She then tried to persuade us in getting a horse saying that it was impossible for us to get to the top without one. We just laughed and walked on.

We arrived at the viewing deck in no time. It was piece of cake.

Along the way, a lot of horse dung were lying around. There were also locals selling refreshments and horseback riding services for a steep fee. Some were selling souvenirs and some were insisting on taking our photos using our camera. I do not know why. There were also those who were asking if we wanted to play golf in the area – I do not know how either. It was like a market place – complete with filthy wrappers on the ground. I observed that some locals were too persistent (to the point of rudeness) on foreigners. It was almost harassment. A pity this place is.

Upon heading back to Olivares, the only tricycle driver in the station was asking 500php from us. We asked him how come the fare changed from 250php to 500php when it’s just the same road back. He said it was uphill this time. We naturally didn’t buy his bullshit and walked until we found the next tricycle driver whom we managed to negotiate 300php with.

Over all, if the local government and locals themselves do not sort this tourist trap issue, then this place is not at all worth visiting – considering all the other beautiful places in the Philippines. Places with locals who are warm, friendly and genuinely helpful.

Currently, I do not recommend a visit to Taal volcano to anyone. Should the wind change direction though, I would be more than happy to do so.

See you around!
Arlet

Trust Must Come First (Makiling Rock Climbing)

You must trust first before you can let go.

(c) Jirah Ruth Fermin

Freelance "wall"

Last Sunday, I was invited by my friend to a rock climbing activity in Makiling. Makrock usually organizes such activity every Sunday. Initially, I thought that we were going to hike Mt. Makiling (as that was what I was excited about.) Well, I was wrong.

After just an hour of walking a muddy trail, we arrived at the rock climbing and rappelling site. I guess this is it. No seeing Mariang Makiling today. Oh well, I’ll just return next time :)

Round 1. Holy Water 

I was still fully energized when I tried this area. It was not that easy nor that difficult. Thanks to my belayer who is definitely Best-in-Encouragement!

Makapag-good job and kayang kaya mo yan, parang feeling mo pro ka e. He was very generous with words of encouragement and praises. Now that’s a great job!

Round 2. Pendulum

Pendulum area was easy. I was just taken aback when I accidentally let go of my grip. I swing like a pendulum! Oh dear, my heart skipped a beat.

The scary part for me was going down (as always.) I have this fear of falling and losing control ever since. Remember Siquijor? Buntot Palos? And all the ziplines, rides, and slides that give me heart attacks.

That said, imagine my stress when my belayer shouted for me to let go. I had a mini debate inside of me whether I should follow my belayer or not. In the end, I trusted my belayer and let go.

Round 3. Ghecko

Ghecko was difficult. I couldn't figure out how to progress through the crooks. By this time, I couldn't pull myself up anymore so I had to give up. Nakakagigil!

Round 4. Rappelling 

The test of faith, trust, and bravery starts here. And I almost failed.

I really couldn't do it.
It was impossible.

Aside from both my hands and arms were wobbly already. I was also too scared to function. I lost my trust and confidence in my own grip, in myself.

It is impossible.
I really couldn't do it.

"You can do it."
"Yeah, you can."

The facilitators coaxed me into rappelling down. They have more faith in me than I have in myself. How can you say no to that?! Right?!

That said, I trusted them and myself - the rope, the rocks, everyone, and everything.

I guess that's how you let go - by trusting. Because by trusting, you understand that you're not completely losing control, you're just passing it to someone else - perhaps someone more capable than you are.

See you around!
Arlet

PS

I highly recommend Makrock. You guys should try it out if you haven't! It's probably not for advance climbers though. Woohoo, number 1 fan here! Hahaha!

How the Cold was Defeated (Mt. Pulag)

The temperature in Mt. Pulag could drop to the freezing point. I would not be alive to write this story if that had been the case when I visited. Good thing it was only at 10 degree Celsius last weekend. Nonetheless it was still torture for me.

Mt. Pulag Sunrise (November 2014)

I get cold easily and therefore have extremely low tolerance for cold climate, but how can I resist the promise of witnessing the most glorious sunrise ever? How about the promise of being surrounded by sea of clouds?

I simply couldn't.

Initially, the hike to Pulag via Ambangeg trail was quite easy and straightforward - that was until the rain started to fall. I didn't know it yet, but that will be the reason of my agony. I continued the hike up the campsite in the rain. The forest became muddy and somewhat slippery.

My newfound tentmates :)

Because of the rain and the cold, I wasn't in the mood for dinner nor socials anymore. I just wanted to clean myself up and rest. Unfortunately, such was impossible as my change of clothes were soaking wet. Even my sleeping bag was wet! It was unbearable!

Tentmates!

I tried to sleep, but I was freezing and miserable. I remember almost regretting my decision to climb Pulag. I didn't know what to do anymore! I didn't want to bother any of my tentmates so I tried very hard to stay still, despite shaking profusely.

Time passed slowly, but I made it.
I was alive.

I ran out of the tent albeit the cold breeze. I jumped up and down, then accidentally looked up.

Love.

There's so much love in the universe. The sky was filled with stars. It was as good as (if not better than) the night sky of Siquijor.

Everything stood still. Even the winds were embarrassed to blow. I breathed in and suddenly the cold was gone. It was all awe, and love, and gratitude.

Happy birthday, Arlet. 

It's time to change.
You ask to be treated maturely, but you act immaturely.
Three points for Pulag and the world.

We started the trek to the summit to catch the sunrise. We arrived at the summit without much difficulty. As if on cue, the sea of clouds started creeping up the mountains. And the sun was starting to rise.

Mt Pulag Sunrise ( November 2014)

It was beautiful.

Nothing matters. 
Not my anger, not my frustrations, not my sadness - nothing.
Forgive everyone everything now.

Ang sarap mabuhay
"It's good to be alive."

Three points for Pulag and the world

Happy birthday, Arlet.

Sea of Clouds, Mt Pulag (November 2014)

We went back down to the campsite and shared breakfast together. The breeze was still cool, but the warmth emanating from my new found friends was so strong that I was able to keep my smile until the time of this writing.

Thank you.
Unlimited points to all of you :)

Pinoy Getaway!

Until we meet again!
Arlet

PS

Thanks to Lakbaykaysaya and Pinoy Getaways for adopting me in this Pulag climb! You guys are the best!

Testing The Water (Buntot-Palos Day Hike)

The thing with falling is that there is no going back. Once you jump, you just let go, and let it be. You lose all control.

Buntot-palos falls

And that scares me a lot. It is the reason I have so much reservations when it comes to doing anything that involves falling (cliff diving, sky diving, bungee jumping, etc.)

Yesterday, I had the chance to jump off Buntot-palos falls but chickened out. I had the chance to swim towards the falls, but backed out. Those were my regrets of the day. Anyone who believes that they can do something should just do so. Otherwise, the heart won’t be at peace.

Isn’t it easier to smile at failed attempts than at what ifs? After all, we are not here to just test the water. We are here to jump and take that leap of faith.

Anywaaaaaaay…

The trail was easy, but muddy and smelly. The mud was mixed with horse poop. Unfortunately, you’ll sometimes have no choice but to touch the ground for support and balance. Eeep.

The trail

It was not a preferable hike for me, but the destination was worth it. The towering, rushing falls breaking down into 3 little falls was magnificent. It makes one wonder where all the water is coming from, and where they are going, and why they are in such a hurry.

The water was cold, but from time to time the sun shines and warm you up a bit. Then the wind blows, and you’re back to chilling. It was a funny feeling – like nature is playing with you – not in a hurtful way, but in a teasing and caring manner.

(c) Henry Bolinto

Well, it was generally a beautiful day! Plus, I was able to make 2 new friends – one talented artist and one highly analytical introvert (she noticed a mannerism of mine that I wasn’t even aware of!)

(c) Robert Sarmiento

Hooray for today!

Arlet

My Demotion in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Around same time last year, I flipped the table and called it quits with my previous employer. I packed my bag and stuck my tongue out to the world.

More than half a year later, I had difficulties sustaining my lifestyle. I wasn’t that resolved and successful yet in my freelancing stint. And so I ended up becoming broke and anxious that I decided to just accept a job in a headhunting firm.

There was much resistance in my coming back to the corporate world. There were the little things like having a hard time adjusting my body clock to normal working hours, or having no appropriate wardrobe fit for the job. But the bigger issue for me was being back in itself. I escaped the corporate world for a reason.

In fact, I still entertain thoughts of escapes and wander albeit to a significantly lowered extent. But since moving out, I learned the value of things better – literally and figuratively. Did you know that a small Colgate toothpaste is almost as expensive as a big Hapee toothpaste? Or that Spam is actually very expensive compared with its local counterparts? But most of all, do you know that pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold?

Time flies by so fast. There’s no slowing it down or stopping it. Last year I was having this quarter life crisis. Now, I’m having this -what to eat for dinner - do I have clothes for the next days to come – when is the next payday – did I pay my bills – oh my gosh I didn’t kind of crisis. Every day is a struggle to the next, but the questions are now easier to answer.

I must have dropped a few levels off from Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, but this is kind of enjoyable. Hustle.


Arlet

The Day Ely Fell

Tulong! Tulong!

Help! Help!

Cried a man from behind. I hurriedly turned around, and saw Ely fall.

Knife edge - part where Ely fell

I couldn’t believe my eyes. How could I? A man just fell from a height of almost 100 feet. The world stopped for a millisecond - even the strong wind became still. Suddenly, shouts can be heard from all parts of the mountain- above us, below us, everywhere.

Tulong! May nahulog!

Help! Someone fell!

Putang ina, wag kayo magbiro ng ganyan!

Fuck, stop making such jokes!

Tulong! Tulong!

Help! Help!

People running in controlled and uncontrolled panic crossed our path. I was dazed. 

A few minutes ago, I was just quietly listening to Ely’s loud remarks and jokes to his friends. I even took his photo just before the accident.

Why did that happen? I couldn’t accept it. Someone got seriously hurt (and potentially have died) doing something I love dearly. “Shit, I was the one who asked his mom to let him join this trip,” I heard Ely’s friend say.

My stomach curled. My initial reaction was to look behind me. There stood shakily, a little girl calling my name saying she’s scared. She was my newest recruit. I couldn’t let her out of my sight after that.

I got dizzy as I had flashbacks of people I invited before – people who had no experience and no physical inclination to handle trekking. I recalled how many times my friends used my name to ask permission from their parents, or how I personally talked to their mothers and asked permission for them.

I cleared my throat, “shit.”

Heaven forbid, but what if something bad happened to any of the people I invited. How will I deliver the news to their parents, to their mothers? What can I say to avoid breaking their hearts?

Nothing.

Nothing, of course.

I had been very irresponsible – asking anyone (everyone) to join climbs without even checking their ability to do so. My belief was that even if people cannot do it initially, they will be forced to do it once up there anyway. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Such activity is not to be underestimated.

“We have to go. It’s getting late."

"We don’t have enough headlights for a night trek,” reminded someone from our group.

And so, we continued the trip silently. No one talked. I stopped taking photos. From time to time we bumped into locals and mountaineers rushing to the site of accident to help the search and rescue team. I felt sick. I felt how incapable I am to extend help in times of emergency. The only thing I could do then was pass information.

The day Ely fell, I saw how reckless I have been. I saw how quickly conditions can change. And most of all, I  saw how dangerous hiking can be.

After all, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Arlet