Not All Pains Are Created Equal

When I was about 12 or 13, my Taekwondo coach always shouted, NO PAIN, NO GAIN! IF IT DOESN'T HURT, IT DOESN'T COUNT!

So the me, who thought that 50 curl ups were enough, had to aim 50 more after the muscles started to hurt.

The me, who thought that 1km run was enough, had to run more lapses after my muscles started to hurt

The me, who thought I was doing a good job because my muscles wasn't sore the day after training, actually was being lazy because I wasn't training enough to make my body hurt like hell.

That's the time I learned to chase pain, and trust it.
And this mentality got me into a series of visits to the hospital later in life.

After graduating college, I got into hiking. I wanted to cross off as many mountains as I can, as soon as weekends permitted. I jogged regularly after work, and wouldn't stop until I feel pain - from my legs, my knees, etc.

Until one day, the pain wasn't disappearing.
And it got worse to the point that it was so painful just doing normal tasks like walking or standing.

And so happened my first visit to a hospital, the doctor told me I abused my knees. My running form (heel hits ground first) was incorrect so my knees were absorbing too much impact regularly.

"Quit hiking, try swimming instead. It's a low impact sport," the doctor said.

I was so shocked. I regained myself after a brief pause and asked, "No hiking? like 1 week, 2 weeks? 1 month?" This was at a time when I was seriously considering joining UP Mountaineers. I was heartbroken!

I went back to the doctor, and told him I'll do whatever he says except quit hiking forever. His only parting word was, "stop when there is pain." I was then put on knee rehab for 2 months. 

Immediately after my rehab, I went for a major hike 😅

My first hike after undergoing therapy

It was successful! This was the first time I became conscious of my body, of how much stress it can take, and how much is enough. I stopped treating mountains like a checklist to finish, and instead treated it as a place to marvel, appreciate, learn, and take care of.

Unfortunately, my knee pains returned with revenge 😂 so I had to take a hiatus from hiking. And until now I normally avoid full packs and major hikes too to avoid aggravating my knee pains. because I've become such a tita

While taking a break from hiking, I tried freediving! Freediving is diving under water in one breathe hold.

I was initially terrified because my first time diving in open water was during the habagat season - the current was strong, visibility was poor, and I was freezing! I was hospitalized after the first time I tried it because I got a flu. I ended up coughing blood for some time :(

It took me almost 6 months to have the guts to try again! So much help and thanks to my dive buddies - Larrel, Angelica, Jack, Anne, Jhon. Huhuhu <3.

Unfortunately on my last dive, I made the same mistake of not heeding to the pain, which resulted to a sinus squeeze on my warm up dive 😢 It was my first ever nose bleed, and it was damn crazy! SO. MUCH. BLOOD. FLOWING. OUT. OF. MY. NOSE.

Good thing Wei and Mikey were there to explain what was going on. They were so professional and caring at the same time. I was telling myself I handled it calmly until my dive buddies pointed that I cussed OMIGOSH MILLION TIMES while in the water 😂

Mikey reminded me that I shouldn't feel any pain at all when diving.

No. Pain. At. All.

If there is pain, I must be doing something wrong, or maybe something in my body is not at its optimal level, and so I should go back up to the surface and try to check what might have caused it. But I shouldn't push through and let the pain be.

This principle is just so different from the no pain no gain mentality that my coach back in High School taught me.

It seems that,

Not all pains are created equal,
Some pains are meant to be endured, for us to grow stronger.
Some pains are meant as warning, for us to listen and heed to. 
And some pains are not worth it (Hala, ano yun? HAHAHA)

In short, wag tayong manhid mga besh 😂

Epilogue

I visited the hospital today because it's almost 2 months since my last dive, and I wanted assurance that I can dive again. Unfortunately, the doctor told me I can't dive yet, and take some meds first because there is mucus in both my middle ear, and that my sinuses are still very swollen - even if I do not feel pain anymore, and even if I can equalize properly now.

Guys, even when there is no pain, still have yourself checked after any unwanted episodes - just to be very sure!

Guess, I'll stick to biking for now :)

May the universe take care of us, and may we take care of it in return.

See you on the road, peak, or reef!
Tita Arlet

Diary of a Wimpy Biker in Metro Manila

Bike to work wearing neon windbreaker

I'm a newbie biker.
I've only learned to ride a bike recently (at 20++ years old.)
I can't bike while standing, or with 1 hand only, or while keeping a conversation.
Basically I can't bike and do something else properly - so I focus on the road.

I'm probably that biker you honked at because I was slow at gaining my momentum after the light turned green. Or maybe I was too slow on an uphill? I'm probably that biker who jerked sideways after you honked too close and too loud. Worse, I'm probably that biker you almost hit because you couldn't wait 3 seconds for me to change gear and gain my momentum so you just tried to overtook me.

I'm probably that biker who almost fell at the gutter because you hogged the right side, because fuck it, that's your blind side right? No one should use that side.

I'm probably that biker you tried to scare by driving too close despite the clear wide road, just for the heck of it. It worked by the way, I was terrified and wondered the whole day if we actually knew each other, and maybe I wronged you, so you're getting back at me.

Yep, I'm probably that biker.

Going home wrapped because of heavy rains

But I hope you aren't that jeepney who tried to scare me, or that big black SUV who overtook me after a stoplight, or that nice sedan who hogs the right side unreasonably, or that cab who honks aggressively while on an uphill slow traffic.

But if you are, I sincerely hope you reconsider your actions.

I understand that I am super annoying too - lane splitting, overtaking tight spots, or maybe even counterflowing! Believe me when I say that I was forced to do it, and would never be so brave to defy traffic rules, and risk my safety and those around me if it weren't for certain circumstances.

I was in the middle because I couldn't transfer to the right side, because some truck wouldn't let me pass after I crossed from the other side of the road. I was lane splitting, because some Mazda hogged the right side. I was counterflowing because that's what the enforcer gestured. I was overtaking because the taxi in front of me suddenly came to a full stop and opened his door.

But let's say I was really on the wrong - I'm sorry.
Can you please not get even by putting me in a precarious situation?

Exactly because you are big, and you are 4 wheels, that you bear bigger responsibility on the road. To whom much (wheels) is given, much (responsibility) is expected. 

Imagine if I accidentally hit your car vs you hit me.
Imagine the damage.
You could kill me instantly, and even run away from the responsibility.
The worst I could do to you is give you inconvenience, as I can't even hit and run.

I will do my best to not be a burden on the road.
I will do my best to be predictable on the road.
I will pay utmost attention when riding.
I will follow all traffic rules and regulations.

I understand I should be responsible for myself, but please leave room for errors for me to accidentally commit. Expect that sometimes I will make mistakes, they will make mistakes, we will make mistakes. These mistakes are non intentional. Please don't run us over for it.

Please take care of me.
Please do not be so overbearing,
And be an ate or kuya on the road :)

Certificate for Motorcycle Riding Course at Honda Safety Driving Center

UPDATE August 4 2019

So this is me 1 year after I started biking to work - still hella scared, but doing it anyway :)

Sincerely,
Newbie Wimpy Biker

Travel Notes Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Travel Notes for Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines

Transpo

- Cebu to Port Hagnaya (Bus) P140

- Port Hagnaya to Bantayan (Ferry) P170 + P10 Terminal fee
- Tricycle/Habal Habal around the city - P20-P30

Activities

- Land Tour ~P500 (but better to rent a motorcycle or bike and do it yourself
if the weather is good, rental is around P300 for motor and P100 for bike)
Ob ob Mangrove Eco Park - P50 entrance fee
Cliff Diving
Camp Sawi beach

- Island Hopping Tour for Virgin Island and Hilantagaan Island (P700 for the boat) - Our boat guide was polite and prepared with another boat engine when the first engine got busted - 0948 102 4950

You must absolutely go to Virgin Island. Entrance fee is steep at P500 for first 2 people and additional P100 for every additional person, but the island is beautiful and is worth it. You can even forget about Hilantagaan Island and spend the whole day or 2 at Virgin Island. Do snorkeling, beach bumming, cliff diving.

Budget
~P600 for basic fan room / night
~P100-P150 / basic meal

What Fishes Do on a Monday (Apo Reef, Philippines)

Part 1. Fish Do Not Complain About Monday

I squinted uncomfortably as I try to battle whatever is paining my eyes. I took a deep breathe, and spit. I tightened my grip onto the rope, and smacked my face back into the water.

 
"Incoming!"

I let go of my right hand and glided to the side. I was returning to my position, when suddenly, two wild jellyfishes appear! I was already too late to make any move so I closed my eyes, and braved the stung.

Dzzzcchhtt. dzzztttt. dzzzt. dzzt.

Hahaha, well there werent really any sounds like that, but if there were, it would probably be like that.

"On your left! On your left!"

I was ready to evade as I look to my left, but I saw large schools of fishes instead, and just above it are hundreds if not thousands of tiny fishes. I looked at my friend and nodded.

It was beautiful.

I can feel the stung and itch on my face, neck, hands, and legs, but I didnt dare put any effort in avoiding any more jellyfishes. 

I was mesmerized. The underwater world is truly amazing.

It was a busy street, but of colorful fishes in variant sizes, and with corals for buildings. There was organized traffic among them, as if there were invisible roads where the fishes swim and fly to. It was rush hour! Fishes going on their own ways - big executives in suits, kids in uniforms, couples strolling, and soloists doing a morning swim!

This is my most notable Monday ever! The hustle is real, and the fishes ain't complaining!

On my right was the open ocean, with corals getting deeper and deeper, and the ocean bluer and bluer, with the deepest part pitch black. Staring at it, I was both excited and scared.

The boat turned gently. The water changed from warm to freezing. Water was trapped in my snorkel and mask, I could not breathe. But I caught a glimpse of a sea turtle and was immediately captivated. Must. Hold. My. Breathe. And. Stare. At. This. Magical. Sea. Turtle. 

Part 2. The Retired Turtle and The Giant Clams

Apung wouldn't look her way, so she shouted and shouted. Apung turned around and jumped towards her. He was huge yet agile. Likha was startled and swam violently to the side.

Likha was furious so she went to the giant clams to complain.

"Apung is sooo rude! Why doesn't he tell me the secrets of the world!"

Mmm... the giant clams echoed in disinterest.

Likha looked at the clams and wondered why they were called giant, when she was obviously larger than them.

"Say giant clams, why are you called giants when you are not even bigger than I am?"

The giant clams closed their shells.

"Apung and the clams are rude!!! Why are all the creatures here rude?," complained Likha to the universe.

Part 3. Michael, the Human Guide

"You're one of the humans that Apung trusts, I need your help", said Likha to Michael.

Michael was busy carrying trashes left by humans in the island. Michael dropped a small plastic bag so Likha picked it up and followed him. Likha put the plastic on the table, and the boat started sailing.

"Oh no!" Gasped Likha in defeat, as the wind blew the plastic on the table to the ocean bed.

Swiftly, Michael changed the boat's direction to where the plastic bag has fallen. He picked the plastic bag from the ocean's surface, and tucked it safely among all his other collected trashes.

Likha was surprised. She loves the environment too, but would never change course just to pick up a tiny litter.

"You want to know the secrets of the universe, but you cannot keep a tiny plastic in check. You shall know the secrets, only when you can keep and protect it." Michael told Likha.

Travel Notes

Guys, Apo reef is beautiful. I was initially hesitant to go because it was pricey, but it's worth it. I promise.

Actually, even right now, I look forward to going back already. But I plan to learn freediving first, and have spare battery for my camera, and maybe wear graded contact lens by then.

In apo reef, you can ask the boatmen to do guided snorkeling wherein you hold onto a rope while the boat go around the island. You can also check out the lighthouse, mangrove park, and lagoon in the island. Just pls dont go to the restricted area where the sea turtles lay eggs.

Pls get kuya michael (+63 935 499 3319) as your guide, seriously. He is reliable, responsible, and trustworthy.

Expenses. 

I was only a joiner for this trip so I'm not sure with the breakdown of expenses but I spent 5700 total from manila and back from Friday night until Monday night. Permits, transpo (van - roro - boat), guide, and food was taken cared of by the organizer. I brought my own tent and snorkel set tho.

Because accommodation and food in Pandan is expensive, we stayed in apo reef island instead. There is no fresh water source so you have to bring your own. Bring food too as the island is secluded and there are no stores within.

Nagpatong Rock Travel Notes

Getting there

Jeep from Farmers Cubao to Cogeo - P24

Jeep from Cogeo to Cuyambay - P48

Habal-habal from Cuyambay to Barangay for registration - P25/head

Registration - P100

Guide - P500 / 5 person

Habal-habal from Barangay to jumpoff - P40 

Going back to Cubao

Tricycle from jumpoff to Cogeo - P50

Jeep from Cogeo to Cubao - P24

Difficulty

Easy to moderate. It just rained during my time of climb so it was very muddy, and it made each step heavier and more careful. The trail isn't long, but entails some rock and tree climbing so upper body strength will be helpful.

Hike Notes

Rocks are sharp so wear gloves if you have.

Bring jacket just to be sure, especially if you're like me - weak to cold. The jeepney ride was very cold, and so was the climb. I thought it would be a hot climb (as is the norm for Rizal mountains) so I did't bring any jacket or scarf. My hands were freezing the entire time T.T

1L of water is enough as the trek is short and quick.

Good for full body exercise (legs and arms) due to some rock climbing. There's also good mix of ascents and descents. Be careful when climbing the rock formations!

You can also do a sidetrip to Mt Paliparan from here.