First Solo Motocamping (Domelis Campsite, Laguna)

Tried my first solo motocamping at Domelis Camping Site Laguna. 

It's such a serene place, and safe too since it's inside a subdivision and is a managed campsite. The area is surrounded by a lake so you can swim too. There's no electricity or food / drinking water tho, so bring everything you need before checking in. But accommodation is cheap. I only paid P150 for an overnight stay - I brought my own tent. And since it was weekday, I had the place to myself. 

 

Route:

Took Ortigas Ave extn going through Rizal to Laguna. Took me around 3hrs to get to the campsite from BGC, Taguig. 

Accommodation:

Camped at Domelis Camping Site. Check their Facebook page for more details -  I only paid P150 for my stay, idk if because there were no people around, but supposedly the fees are as follows 

P100 - overnight fee 

P50 - tent pitching fee 

P100 - motorcycle parking fee 

P50 - when you enter the subdivision / you pay this at the gate 

After sunset, the area becomes too dark for safe riding, so come in before sunset. Also bring rainproofing for your tent + windshield for your stove if you plan to cook, as weather is erratic. 

Take care!

Marilaque Ride aka Checkpoints & Detours

Wanted to do a Rizal loop via Marilaque, but encountered a checkpoint after Palo Alto so I detoured at Baras Pinugay Rd instead, but there was also a checkpoint there. Ended passing through Roman Rojas Rd and Puting Buhangin Rd. Got tired midway so decided to just have brunch at Eastridge (Place at Don Antonio, beside Art Sector Gallery) and then headed back home.

Got schooled at checkpoints, eep sorry guys! 

Sometimes.

I want to live,
But not everyday.

I dont want to be a bad person,

But I dont want to be imprisoned.

I dont want to live safely.

I want to live happily.

But can I live with guilt?

I dont want to hurt anyone.

The stiffest tree is the easiest to crack.

The wind is rising.

We must try to live.

Week Before Another Lockdown

"Doesn't it taste like Inang's papaitan?" my brother smiled at me.

I can't remember how it tastes like. 

It's only been a few years.

But I can't remember her cooking anymore...

I haven't visited her since she passed.

I was away when it happened.

She was very sick and weak.

It was tough to witness.

So I went away, I didn't want to see the sufferings. 

To this day, this is my biggest regret in life.

Every time someone passes, I feel a knot in my stomach.

Life is fleeting.

Time passes by so quickly.

I spent today being sad, about the past, the present, and the future.

Days like this, my thoughts are not really good for sharing.

But I have no choice, it is only through writing that I can make peace with my thoughts.

My failures comfort me. My successes terrify me. What.

How do I forgive myself... for all the things I did not become.

It's 5 days before the capital is put in lockdown again.

They said it's only for 2 weeks.

But they said that last time, yet the quarantine lasted more than a year.

I feel like vomiting.

I wish this would be over soon.

I feel guilty for this wish, to take time for granted.

It's 5 days before the capital is put in lockdown again.

They said it's only for 2 weeks.

But if you have the chance to show your love, make the most of it.

Don't wish for it to be over so soon.

Don't take time with them for granted, even if that time is on a quarantine.

Marikina Bike & Breakfast Tour (Half Day Ride Only)

Biked to Marikina with Josh and Ria for a quick exercise and breakfast. 

Marikina Riverpark 

Kapitan Moy's Cafe 

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish 

Shoe Museum (P25 entrance fee)

Pan de Amerikana (P100 - P200 / head budget)

Rustic Mornings - need reservation or risk not getting a table 

Mama Chit's Coffee House - closed indefinitely (?) 

I wanted to visit book museum too, but it's open schedule since quarantine has been erratic.

Batangas Ride & Freedive - Daming Hassle Pero Masaya

This is my hardest ride so far, but definitely had fun. First time to dive in 3 yrs after I had a sinus squeeze and ear damage from my last dive. I can't equalize, go at depth, and hold my breathe properly, but it's okay, I'm happy just to be embraced by the water. 

Some underwater clips c/o Coach Mac of Freedive Tribe Ph | FB: Kram Dor 

Music 

Can't take my eyes off of you 

Renee Dominique cover 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19cSv7zjdfU 

Kahimanawari ft Himig Soledad Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jAwCIiBG50

 

Intramuros Bike Tour: Stories Within the Walls

Cycled within Intramuros. Visited Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma, Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, La Cathedral Cafe, New Po Heng Lumpia, Binondo Chinatown, and others. Shared some stories about these places.

Without the lively students, Intramuros seemed older, mysterious, and more romantic. There seemed to be lesser informal settlers now than way back, which makes the area feel safer. But at the same time, I wonder how they are doing... Out of sight, out of mind is a scary thing. 

But I gotta make peace with myself now. Let's try, Arlet.

Route via Kalayaan-Buendia Flyover / Roxas Blvd / Ayala - Mckinley otw back: https://www.strava.com/activities/5529668766 

Route via JP Rizal Makati - Buendia - Roxas Blvd: https://www.strava.com/activities/5493016497 

Music 

Medieval Music - Cobblestone Village, Brandon Fiechter's Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ7a1... 

Isadore by Incubus, cover, The Mandala Sessions, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biN1t...

Found Out That I have an Elder Sister

I had a vivid dream of finding out that I have an elder sister who was very intelligent and capable, that I immediately adored her. The first thing I did was ask her about my project for a data analytics class, and she replied, "that's your work, do it yourself." I snapped and said I find out I have a big sister after 20+ yrs, while you knew it all along and I ask one thing and you wouldn't bat an eye. I stormed out from the conversation and went to pee. I woke up, stormed out of bed, and really did pee :))

In real life, I have a younger sister who goes to me for advice for whatever. There are times I envy her because when I experienced what she is asking about, it was tremendously stressful and I had to figure it out myself. 

Ive always been very independent. In fact Im so good at it that I almost always end up sabotaging my relationships especially when it's dangerously close to making me dependent on something or someone. 

I digress.

Anyway I realize that my reaction in the dream, and my sister's reaction, are both a reflection of my own thoughts - my longing to have that sounding board, to be able to rely on someone else, and also my belief of letting people make their own mistakes, and being entirely independent as a favor for them.

I don't know why I had that dream. I don't know what it's trying to teach me at this point. But I've been stuck for a while now. Like I don't know where to go, and how to go, or why to go. I don't know. Maybe I don't wanna go. 

I just want to be a good person. I want to be here for my family. I want to spend my time with them. But I want to achieve things too, but Im not sure. I dont know.

What good is my knowledge if I cant understand my parents now that theyre old.
What good are my achievements if I cant do good for others.
What good is my life if I live it only for myself. 

 I dont know.

Arlet

Wag Pabola - Spot Misleading Infographics & Don't Share it

1. All about misleading graphs, charts, and infographics especially in Philippine Setting 

2. All about Project SPARTA of DOST DOST program to make Filipinos learn data science and analytics! Go to https://sparta.dap.edu.ph and https://coursebank.ph/sparta/ to get started on the application process! Or check out their FB page, Project Sparta PH 

Im not part of Project Sparta or DOST team. Im just one of the scholars who enjoyed the program :) - check last part of video for my experience

Part 1 of this vlog - Madali ka bang Mafall, Wag Pabola sa Common Bluff Tactics (Fallacies) - https://youtu.be/1Ovs7ciiVb8

Motorcycle Riding Skills Training - Paano Magtrain sa Angkas?

Our team crafted a short Intermediate Riding Course module to upgrade the skills of Angkas Bikers while we wait for the economy to recover. This is our first trial for this module. We havent done a 2nd batch, because ECQ was announced shortly after. 

I know a lot of our bikers and teammates are having a very difficult time for a while now. Im sorry I can't do much at the moment... but we will keep doing what we can. Please hang in there, stay alive, stay sane. We'll pull each other out little by little. We rise by lifting others. Mabuhay kayo, frontliners!

Baong Umaga | Puting Bato Trail Ride

Maraming ibig sabihin ang okay lang. Sana hindi ka okay lang. I pray that each of you gets to sleep at night peacefully, gets to say good night and good morning to the people you love, and gets to look forward to tomorrow. But if not, I pray that you're able to take your time and heal.

Lately I've been thinking if the past year has been all for naught. With our cases and fatalities higher than ever, and people close to me are fighting for survival. There are times when Im scared to ask if they're okay, because Im afraid I can't help. Heck I can't even look them in the eye and say it's gonna be alright.

I don't know if it's gonna be okay. But Im gonna be here with you.

Ano, kumusta? Sharing this ride, and my messy train of thoughts bogging me down

Bike & Hangout Spots UP Diliman

UP Diliman bike ride, food trip, and sanity check with friends 

Visited my alma mater to question my life choices as usual. No answers gotten as expected. But shit does time fly. I used to think it drags - yung Monday pa lang tapos antagal pa ng Friday. Tapos pagdilat mo, hala isang dekada na. 

Tahimik at marahan ang pagtanda ng bawat tao. Ngunit biglaan ang pagkamulat natin dito. Hindi na balang araw, kundi bukas, ngayon, o kahapon. Basta mahirap ang tanong, bike ang sagot. 

Comfort or courage. You cant have both, Arlet.. 

Music is Tropa by Siakol, cover of Kevin Ray Sabado - ​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb00BMdxT3M

Route via EDSA - Cubao - Maginhawa - UP - EDSA - https://www.strava.com/activities/4897378238​ (this one di na ko dumaan QC circle, yey!)

AFP Pestano x Camp Sandugo x David Summit (Antipolo Trails)

Finally had the courage to try trail riding :D

Highlights & Budget 

Monterey Hills climb 

AFP Pestano Trail 

Camp Sandugo | P100-P200 for food 

Pine Trees 

David Summit | P10 bike parking | P20 entrance 

Food 

Gotokwahan - P40-P80 

Ate Leah's - P100 - P200 

Other Possible Side trip 

Tres Falls 

Cuatro Falls 

Warnings 

Downhills 

Muddy segments 

Recommendations 

- Not for newbie bikers 

- Should at least be well familiar with your bike's shifters, brakes, handling 

Route - https://www.strava.com/activities/4845858861

Bike to Camp Sinai x Bunsuran Falls

Camp Sinai and Bunsuran Falls in Antipolo is around 80km roundtrip from my place in BGC. So this is a short ride only, but dont think that it's a piece of cake coz the climbs can be a challenge (but fuun! haha!)

Route - https://www.strava.com/activities/4749447351

Fantasy World x Long Ride Tips for Newbies

Biked to Fantasy World in Lemery, Batangas via Aguinaldo Highway- Tagaytay - Batangas. That's roughly 200km for the day - this is not recommended for newbies. But will share here some basic tips for long rides for newbies na din. This is not really my type of ride coz I prefer nature-ish destinations or route rather than city riding or going to man made attractions, but keri lang, all's well that ends well (at least today) 

Route here - https://www.strava.com/activities/4674476783

  

Take note closed pa yung fantasy world due to pandemic. Madami din tao pag weekend at traffic mula Tagaytay (pati Aguinaldo Hiway) 

See you on the road!

Jalajala Ride - may friendly kambing atbp sa daan

Biked to Sunflora Farm and Punta Fishport, but got to see soo many other things along the way! 

Route link here - https://www.strava.com/activities/4635612414

You know what's nice about cycling? Aside from it keeps you fit, and it brings you to different places, it's that cycling is so straightforward. Wala kang ibang kelangan isipin pag nagbabike ka. Just look ahead, and pedal - one foot after the other. You can look ahead and face forward, no matter how demotivated and down you are. Padyak lang.

To Love is a Goal Too

My mom was trying to encourage my brother with something. I stared at her while she vibrantly narrates her story. I can see the lines in her face, the tinge of grey hair that wasnt colored yet. My mom is old.

As I have this realization, or reminder rather, I remember her youthful days. I looked at her again, I seem to be sad that my parents are getting older. Thoughts on how much pain I must have caused them as an overbearing daughter years ago filled my head. I remember episodes of shouting and leaving home, and making my parents cry or suffer unnecessarily, years of not keeping in touch and boldly showing my disdain. And even when I realized that I was wrong, I kept at it. I kept pushing them away.

My mom was still gleefully sharing her story. I cant stare anymore because I feel like crying.

I hear my dad arrived. And I remember nights when I was vomiting violently from vertigo, anxiety, and ulcer. I was sobbing from the pain. My dad was holding my hair in place and comforting me. My mom on the other side was holding a warm glass of water and medicine with a pained expression, as if she was the one vomiting and not I. In that moment, I was sure that it is impossible for me to love them more than they love me.

Ive been more emotional lately with a friend's mom passing away so suddenly. I really cannot imagine her pain and sorrow and anguish possibly, to the point that I cant bring myself to comfort her. Because how do you comfort really. Nothing I can say or do will offer solace here. Im really good at giving space in that regard. That's my response to everything... to give people space and time to pick themselves up, to process the sadness fully... And to be there when theyre ready to reach out. I barely come to terms with my lola's passing 2 yrs ago, I became a hermit for a while. I didnt see anyone or talk with anyone, even with close friends. I was confused. I didnt know how to grieve. Grief is pure intense love with nowhere to go.

Love. And show it.

When someone you love passes away, it might never make any sense ever, but not having regrets hopefully keep you sane most nights.

I still dont know my aspirations, but to always love my parents is the closest I can think of in answering the question to what do I want to do, now and forward.

Love. And show it.

Night Ride Tips ft Antipolo

Oks din pala night ride, di mainit, tapos di mo kita yung ahon so di nakakatakot, HAHAHA basta magpaalam ka nang maayos para may uuwian ka pa at di ka malockan at mauwi sa bikecamping :))

Other Tips for Night Ride
- check muna baka may curfew sa inyo o sa mga dadaanan nyo
- dapat may ilaw ka sa harap at likod para makita mo ang daan at makita ka naman ng iba
- dun ka muna sa lugar na pamilyar sayo
- better be with a group and wag kayo maglayo layo masyado sa ride
- kung hihinto, sa maliwanag at mataong lugar gaya ng gas stations or convenience stores
- pag night ride, night ride lang.