Nicka Gracia

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Baler: Day 2

We wanted to watch the sunrise the following day that we set our alarm at five am. Pero ang bilis sumikat ng araw sa Baler! Nagmamadali. When we opened our door the sun was already up and shining above us. Why, Sunshine, why? Oh, well, after we ate our breakfast we headed for another tour.

Our first stop: The Balete Tree!

This tree is soooooo huge and sooooo tall. As in ang laki-laki niya. Len and I wanted to climb it but didn't happen. You need a guide in able to reach the top of the tree, which by the way, I think is an enormous task. And because we really wanted to climb those roots and branches, kiber kung walang guide, we bravely struggle our way up. I thought I can climb so easy because I grew up in province (Balayan, Batangas) where climbing was just a piece of cake. And I can climb a tree! Pero iba pala ang mango tree sa Balete tree. Haha! Ang hiraaaapppp! I didn’t got the chance to climb higher because my feet were trembling and I was so afraid that I might fall. Kaya umupo na lang ako.

Summer girls!

Sige, kapit, NG! Kapit!

Our Second stop: Mother Falls

As our guide said, “Kung hindi mo napuntahan ang Mother Falls parang hindi ka nagpunta ng Baler.” The trek was, I think, twenty minutes or more or maybe longer. Malalaki ang bato kaya we opted to walk. But it’s rewarding after those long trek. Look at proud Mother Falls!

And us, Summer Girls spent Mother’s Day in Mother Falls! Happy Mother’s Day, Mother Falls. ^_^ Very timely, huh?

The water was so cold and we all shiver. Haha. But nonetheless, we all enjoyed Mother falls.

our third stop: Surfing, Again!

And yay! We surf again! Kala mo mga hindi sumakit ang katawan. Salamat, Alaxan at Salonpas. J Because we’re not really first timers (proud na proud) we immediately hit the beach and began catching waves. See, may photos na kami! Haha. (‘Eto talaga ang purpose ng pagsu-surf naming ulit.)

Thank you, Charliedoes!

Ehem!

Miss Gypsy Esguerra

Allie Sia Alonzo

Wilhelmina and Ashlene Javier!

We have to thank our ever patient instructor from Charliedoes! Salamat po ng maraming-marami sa pagti-tiyagang magturo sa amin kahit katanghaliang tapat kami lang ang nagpapakatusta sa araw! LOL

By 3pm we were boarded a Baler-Cabanatuan van, after we grabbed a quick lunch (Lunch na ba ang Buy 1 take 1 na burger ngayon at Coke? Haha). And from Cabanatuan, we transferred to a bus heading to Pasay. Despite our aching muscles, bruises and sun-kissed skin, we definitely enjoyed Baler! Baka sa next trip natin ‘yung chill na trip na lang, pahinga muna sa pagpaparusa ng katawan as per Melai’s words. Haha!

Til our next trip, girls! Hooray for Baler!

Our budget: probably around 1000 (because we surf again) LOL

Itinerary: 5am-7am- Good morning, sunshine! (failed) Freshen-up

7am-8:30 am- breakfast

8:30-11:45- tour (Balete Tree and Mother Falls)

11:45-12:45 (again or past 12:45)- SURF!

1pm-2:30pm- pack-up

2:45- bound to Cabanatuan (quick lunch na din)

Thank you, Summer! Thank you, Lord, for such blessings! <3

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

Baler: Day 1

Last summer, together with my writer friends (Gypsy, Allie Sia, Wilhelmina and Ashlene) I was blessed to experience the beauty of Sagada. We experienced loads of fun, activity and body pain, of course. Ah, our spelunking days! We spent days with an endless laughter and an endless chatting, hence, we call ourselves, ‘pretty girls who never stopped talking’. And so this summer, we plan another trip as 2013 approaches. And our destination: Baler! We are all excited about the trip and also excited about one activity; surfing! It was mixed emotions for me, really, a part of me was screaming for the thrill and adventure and an itsy bit part of me was scared. Paano na lang kung madala ako ng malaking waves? Sa payat kong ito hindi malabong mangyaring tumaob na lang ako basta sa board. At hindi ako nakakalangoy sa dagat hanggang pool at falls lang ang kaya ng powers ko. LOL. But the thrill and excitement was so high, kaya naman, ‘Bahala na si Lord’. I just prayed. Haha

We met at Gateway Cubao around 8pm (our bus will leave at 2am), got some catching up to do about each other, and then hit the movie house to consume the remaining time. We watched “The Big Wedding”, by the way. ^_^ After the movie we ate dinner and headed to Genesis terminal.

We secured our seats earlier so all we had to do was to show our tickets to the officer assigned. Lesson learned from last trip; book early for transportation and hotel. We were all comfortable in our seats, thanks to Joy Bus of Genesis Transport. It is a direct trip from Manila to Baler without stop-over plus they provide a snack. And oh, Joy Bus have its own toilet inside.

Look how we enjoyed Joy Bus!

Originally, we’re about to stay at Isla Virginia Resort but ‘things’ happened and we decided to look for another place. Luckily, the tricycle drivers were helpful enough to help us find a lodge. And it was a blessing for all of us because our lodge was just a few steps away from Sabang beach (surfing area). After a quick breakfast, we freshen up and change to our surfing outfit!

Yay! Beach!

Sabang Beach!

Gypsy, Wilhelmina, Allie Sia, Ashlene

Moi, Wilhelmina, Allie Sia, Ashlene

And yes, sa katanghaliang tapat, we learn how to surf. Thanks to our ever patient and cool instructor from Charliedoes. They were so accommodating and cheerful. They also enjoyed our struggle to stand on our surf board, along with all of our antics that they didn’t mind if we exceed more than an hour. First day, first time to surf and no one bothers to take a picture! Ganyan kami ka-excited. Haha!

After lunch was our tour. You can hire a tricycle for the tour. Bargain price is 500 pesos per tricyclye, but Kuya Loleng lowered his price for 400 pesos and we ended giving him 500. Hindi madali ang daan at may kalayuan ang Ermita Hill at ang Anao Islet.

Baler Museum

The Pretty Girls in front of Quezon's House

Goofing around!

Ermita Hill!
We struggled climbing because we just surfed. At ang pinaka-kawawa ay si Wil! hihi

Only the three of dared to went down. :)

After our dinner, again, we all complained about how our body ached. LOL. Deja vu, huh? And as usual our famous line: “Ginusto natin ito, hindi ba?” But despite our aching body, we wanted to surf again. Well, for solely because we wanted to have a souvenir that we rode the waves. Ipinagpaubaya na lang namin kina Pareng Alaxan at Salonpas ang aming mga bugbog na katawan. And believe it or not by nine o’ clock this hoarder was sleeping, which rarely happens.

And oh, bonfire!

Our route: Manila-Baler c/o Joy Bus

Where we stay: La Flor Lodge

Our budget: Probably around 2000.

The itinerary: 7am- arrived at Baler

9am-11am –breakfast, fresh-up

11am-12nn (or past 12)- SURF!

12nn-2pm-freshen-up, lunch

2pm-6pm-tour (Baler Museum, Bahay ni Quezon, Church, Ermita Hill, Anao Islet, Falls)

6pm-7pm-rest

7pm-9pm-dinner

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

Best Friend Is Getting MARRIED!

I intend to blog this for quite sometime now but never got the perfect timing, so now, I think this is the perfect time to blog immensely about this matter. Yes, finally, MY BEST FRIEND IS GETTING MARRIED! Two weeks from now she would walk down the aisle and say her "I do". It was last May of this year when she told me the news about her wedding. I was excited and ecstatic by the news of course, so excited that I even blurted out, "Paano nag-propose si Wyng?" Then happily she chuckled and answered me, "Walang nangyaring ganoon noh. Basta napag-usapan na lang. Saka hindi na naman tayo bumabata." I must be lingering on the romantic side of me about wedding proposal and all but hearing her say those words I felt that my best friend was more mature than I. Nasaan na ang maturity ko? Asan? HAHA

Going back to my story, I've known Len since high school. We're inseparable. Finding true friend is tough, maybe I've been so good in my past life that God blessed me a good person. Our friendship had its ups and downs, time tested how strong we are and luckily, by God's grace we've been best friends up to this moment. *kahit na lagi mo niya akong tinutulugan sa gitna ng chikahan session namin late in the evening* I've witnessed their love story, countless times that I've witnessed how time and trials tested their relationship, but despite all those their love conquered all. So, I am so honored to accept being their matron of honor. Kahit na ibig sabihin ay aalilain nila ako on their wedding day. huhu. And because I love them so much I am more than willing to be their alipin. haha.

As they step to the next adventure of their life, let me share bits of their step before the big day!

I've been with her in searching for that perfect wedding gown. :)
But none of these made it to the finals, este, to her actual wedding gown. :) Her gown is so beautiful. *insert envious look here*

Hair and make-up trial. But I so bet that on her wedding day she's blooming and radiant as expected a bride will be.

And yes, this hoarder/misadventurer took the risk of being their photographer on their pre-nup. But I can't make it on my own so I asked my friend/former supervisor for his creativity and talent. His photos was way, way better than mine. LOL

They look so in love! <3

Behind the scene

Sweet but shy couple. *naks*

"Love is God's finest work of art."
-I do by Marie Digby and Jericho Rosales

I wanted to post tons of picture of them here, seriously. Love radiated through them. Getting married is not a game and neither just a word. As Kind Vidor said, Marriage is not a word, it is a sentence. I remember that this line was also used in a film. Likewise, marriage is sacred. It reflects what God taught us, to share His gift, love. We are reminded that more than ever marriage is not only between them or the people around them. It is about the celebration of God's love.

For Wyng and Len, you know how I always says that I wish you both all the happiness in life. Just be patient with each other and learn to listen unto what each of you would say, ALWAYS. :) Let God be the center of your relationship. Let His blessing be the foundation of this marriage. And siyempre, continue to love each other until you are both old na. I know that you compliment with each other, with rare gift of patience, understanding and love. HAHA. I love you both! Cheers!

Look at us!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

The Wonders of Pila, Laguna

For quite some time I lost the sole purpose of this blog but upon contemplating and rereading my blog's title I always find my way back, so here I am sharing another adventure. Which by the way happens months ago.

I've been to Laguna twice this year, first stop was at Pagsanjan and Liliw, then UP Los Banos and Pila, Laguna. But this adventure was I must say a memorable one, too. The only misadventure I encountered this time was that I didn't bring my toothbrush with me and just realized this when I'm about to sleep. LOL. Pila is one of the most peaceful town I've been through. Their town were surrounded with green rice fields and a lot of trees! Pila has its own charm, luring you to walk at its streets and appreciating these old houses which still boast its grandeur. Ah, how I miss the urban life! So let me share to you a bit about this adventure. :)

My friend Czeila invited me to stay in their house for more than two days. (Thank you again, Czei. You know how thankful I am, right? ^_^) The plan was to hike Mt. Makiling but unfortunately we chickened out as her friend who is an expert mountaineer warned us about the terrain. Plus the fact that there's only the two of us braving the hike. So we cancelled the plan and devise another one. The adventure: JOGGING! yay! We woke up, I mean, Czeila woke up earlier than we plan while on the other hand, this misadventurer have to literally slap herself to wake up. Waking up early is one of my waterloo. And so we braved the morning chill and headed at UP LB. And hey, the adventure begins! :)

At 6 in the morning! :)

According to Czeila this is the fertility tree! :)

old houses! I adore them so much!

Pila Church!

Thank you so much, Czei and Pobre Family for adopting me. And introducing me to the wonders of Pila.

Babalik ako para sa Makiling trek, promise!

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

Nail Art Craze And Other Things ♥

My bestfriend is getting married!!! *Exclamation point talaga because as soon as she told me about this I was literally screaming! Haha! I think I will write about that soon. :) And last Saturday we braved the shopping mecca of the Philippines, Divisoria, to look for her wedding gown. ^_^ Siyempre, being the kikay that we are we shop! haha. She bought a dress and curling stuff, I bought nail polish and go gaga over it over the next day. LOL.

Loads of Fun starts here:

Starting to love these! ♥

My cousin's (Arra) mani! Dahil hindi ko kaya kapag sa sarili ko
sa kanila ko na lang ginawa. They're willing victim!

Laiza's nails. ♥

My foot! hahahahahaha

First try on making spray beads!

Black and white!

My mustard yellow skirt! ♥

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

Benefits of Having a TV-Free Home

In this day and age, it is very rare that you can see a home without a television set (TV). It's like television is a basic need in our daily lives. We turn on our TV for news, for entertainment and sometimes it just become a habit to turn it on.

It was nearly a year ago that our TV broke down. I kept on thinking that it was not because of the lightning that it broke down but because it was so overuse and abuse by her owner. >_< You see, we turn it on the moment we open our eyes and it will be open for the rest of the day. So unfortunately it's been a year now that we don't have a TV at home. At first it was so hard for us, it keep us entertained you know. But then again, it was very timely that it broke down in times when my cousin was reviewing for his board exam. So by then it was very helpful that we have a TV-free apartment. And luckily, he passed his exam! * I always believed that it was because he had no distraction and all. He loves watching TV.* He is now a certified Engineer! (Whopeee! Proud cousin here!)

So we plan to have our revive our TV from the shop where we brought it to be fixed after he passed his exams. But until now it remain there. haha. So yeah, up to this moment we have a TV-less environment. And I can say that having a TV-less environment do have it's advantages.

Now I have all the time in the world to read all the books I hoard. I finally influenced two of my cousins who are living with me to also read. Well, I coaxed them to read. I love books and I wanted to share this passion with them. At first it took them two-three days to finish a book a.k.a. pocketbook. lol. *They didn't really have the patience when it comes to books. They prefer texting and some sort of things than reading.* But now they can read two books in one day. And finally the greatest achievement of all, they are now reading English books. (Again I proud cousin here! haha)

Secondly, we now have time to chat. I mean, we really sit down and take an hour or so just exchanging stories and sort. We are now more open with each other. And now I can keep track their performance in school. *grins*

Thirdly, we invented a lot of games. What can we say we're bored. haha. We can't keep up if everyday we're in a mall.

Lastly, I can now concentrate on my writing and working on papers! :)

So did we miss our TV? Absolutely, yes but we survived a year without it and it will not hurt surviving without in the next month or so. :)

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

Sagada Day 2: Kiltepan Peak

I admit that I'm not a morning person, I usually wake up at 10 am during weekdays and most weekends I wake up later than 10. So waking up early was not an easy task for me but I love watching sunrise and my greatest dream is to get married with the sun rising as my background. So, yeah, I told them to hit me if I didn't wake up early. LOL. And hey, I woke up before 5 in the morning and nobody woke me up. *woooo, mahal ko na ang Sagada and take note I was asleep by 10 pm which rarely happens!* By 5 am we're all in front of Residential Lodge waiting for our guide despite the fact that we all wanted to stay in our bed and sleep. :) Before hand, we went to SAGGAs office to arrange our itinerary. We opted the 1-day tour where you can hire a guide's service for the whole day for only 1, 200 pesos. For those who are travelling in group mas makakatipid if you choose this. So that morning we met, Kuya Leo, our ever reliable guide for the entire day. We rode a van (o jeep yata yun) to Kiltepan Peak for our first activity.

Pictures can tell a thousand stories more than I can account all of our adventures. :)

Literally, ang dilim pa sa labas. And it's so cold! Brrrrrr! ~another Waterloo for me~

The Good Morning Girls!

Jonel, Wilhelmina and Lenlen with our guide in yellow. ^__^

We all love the free Arabian coffee offered by Residential Lodge.

We both love this chair. I'm with Melai. :)

On our way to Kiltepan Peak.

For the love of sunrise!

Group hug! I love you girls!

All that we can see was clouds and fog. haha

And yes, Rafy, entertained us! haha. But unfortunately, he love boys more than us, girls. Tsk, tsk. Unfair talaga ang mundo! Why, Rafy? Why did you choose them over us? LOL

A glimpse of sunshine! ^__^

And I wanted to sing "Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin

♫ Indescribable, uncontainable. You placed the stars in the sky. And You them by name. You are amazing, God. ♫ ~Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

Good Morning Girls aka The pretty girls who just won't stop talking. :)

Massaging Rafy! bakasakaling makuha pa namin ang loob niya. hahaha

I love this shot because I remember Mr. Photographer. He would always say: "Wala sa pana 'yan nasa Indian." *referring to a beautiful shot*

And yes, we experienced top-loading. Together with Czeila, Jonel and Wilhelmina we top-load on our way back. :P

Our guide recommended this place and we love the quote above: "If you reject the food, ignore the customers, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home." ~James Michener. Pero kaya naman pala niya ni-recommend yung diner na yan kasi sideline niya din ang pagiging cook diyan. hahaha. We love his sense of humor plus the fact that he took the chance to sit with us to ate our breakfast. May libre pa kaming extra rice na ikinatuwa ni Wil. :)

Thank you sa pagbusog sa amin sa rice! We didn't know na kaya naman niya pala kami binusog is to prepare us for a long trek. =)) *may hidden agenda pala*

Morning is the best of all times in the garden. The sun is not yet hot. Sweet vapors rise from the earth. Night dew clings to the soil and makes plants glisten. Birds call to one another. Bees are already at work.

~William Longgood

Posted by
The Adventurer/Paper Lover

Baler: Day 2

Baler: Day 1

Best Friend Is Getting MARRIED!

The Wonders of Pila, Laguna

Nail Art Craze And Other Things ♥

Benefits of Having a TV-Free Home

Sagada Day 2: Kiltepan Peak

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