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







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NG's Heirloom Series


Horaaaay!! *throws confetti* *do the happy dance* *and cartwheel* Finally! Finally! ‘Eto na talaga ang highlight ng career ko! (At malamang dito na din matatapos. Lol) My very own series: THE HEIRLOOM SERIES!

It took me a loongggg time to finish four books. Emphasis talaga sa long dahil inabot ako ng isa’t-kalahating taon para mabuo silang apat. A day before my birthday (November 2011) I conceptualized this series upon hearing a specific bible story in our service. Romans 16: 3-27. It is also where I get Urbanus, Aquila and Gauis’s names. And the thought of making a series thrilled me. And I prayed for this, hard and long. Pero hindi pala gano’n kadaling bumuno ng series, kaya super taas ang kamay ko sa lahat ng may series.

FAST FACTS:

Heirloom

An heirloom is something, perhaps an antique or some kind of jewelry, that has been passed down for generations through family members. Sabi po ito ni Kumareng Wikipedia. :)

The Heirloom Series

    This series about four siblings given a task by their father: to find their family’s lost heirloom. A set of moonstone jewelries were held in a possession by Sorelle family for a decades. But due to author’s crazy mind, at para na din may series ako, I made it a point that the heirloom got lost. Urbanus, Aquila, Gauis and Crystal (the Sorelle siblings) were given the task by their father to find the heirloom. And so the story starts.
    Alam ko pong masusubok ang ‘willing suspension of disbelief’ ninyo dito, I know how impossible it is to find an heirloom, lost for years, in consecutive manner. But nonetheless, sabi nga, “Walang imposible kay Lord.” I believe that these four were guided by our Father up above in able to find the heirloom and along it, the half of their hearts.

Why Heirloom?

Naging obsession ko yatang magsulat ng mga lost something. hehe. I remember in my novel 'Meet Me In The Bukid' kalahati naman ng nobela ang hinahanap ng heroine. Naisip kong iwala ang isang buong jewelry set para may manuscript ako. haha! *Joke lang*



Urbanus

Photo credits to Google
Alex O'Loughlin

Urbanus is the eldest among them. He looooveesss Math. As for his heroine, gustong-gusto ko ang pangalang Faith o kaya Faithie that's why I insist for him to love Faith. ^_^


Aquila

Photo credits to Google
Jensen Ackles

Second among them. He's the most playful and cheerful among them. He loves to talk and loves to cook. Siya ang kinalabasan ng pagma-marathon ko ng Supernatural. Ang pagiging makulit ni Dean (Jensen Ackles) ay inilagay ko kay Aquila.


Gauis

Photo credits to Google
Byung-hun Lee

Third brother, obviously. hehe. Siya ang pinaka-tahimik sa lahat, sana nagawa ko siyang maging tahimik. Gusto ko din ang pangalang Love kaya iyon ang ibinigay kong ka-partner sa kaniya. Haha.


Crystal

Photo credits to Google

The youngest Sorelle. The brat. The most annoying Sorelle. But among them I love her next to Aquila. Sa lahat ng nakabasa ng 'My Sweet Peril', 'Like The Nightangale's Love' and 'Life Sweetest Cake', marahil ay kilala na ninyo kung sino si Gray. I wanted him to be the bad boy image kuno kaso iba ang gusto niyang mangyari kaya hinayaan ko na lang.



We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8






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From NG with love


The hoarder is baaaaackkkkkkk! :) And I'm happy to share that I am also back to crafting these past few days. Yesterday was a big event for Precious Hearts Romances, it's their Grand Fans Day. Yay! Luckily, this hoarder has been invited to be a part of the event. And as a token of appreciation to those people who waited and show their support to us writers I decided to give something back to them.

I crammed making this token of love simply because I am a 'cramming girl'. haha! So a day after the event I hurriedly visit one of my favorite shops, Papelmelroti to buy some paper crafts. I originally plan to made my own paper, but unfortunately mailap na naman si time sa akin. So I ended up exhausting my creative juices to think of something. And I ended up giving away my own loot bag (notepad and bookmark inside).

From NG with <3 the making


back to crafting! 


nearly done



bookmarks from folder bought from Papelmelroti
This bookmarks was originally a whole folder from Papemelroti. I just cut them in a size of a bookmark and punch a hole on it. I tied jute string to upper part to compliment the vintage feel.








The finish product!

Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nagpunta! Your presence is overwhelming! ^_^
To God be all the glory. :)

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Ah, Love!

I read this story/article way back when Friendster was a major hit. I was college then. I even copy this story it in my journal and marked the part I love most. Days, weeks, months and years passed the journal gathered dust and I buried it in a long-forgotten place. But just in time for Heart's Day I rediscovered this treasure. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! <3 <3 <3

photo credits  of violin to Mr. Google
text and layout by yours truly. :) 

And the touching part, eh? Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is.

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Komiks Has Been Revived!

Hooray! Yes, what you've read is true! Komiks has been revived! Want some proof? Lookie!





Unfortunately for me those are not mine, though I feel lucky having a great privilege reading them. Upon having these books on my hand, I set aside my work and start reading them, nearly forgot that I have work to attend to. (Patay, neglect of duty ito. lol) Sorry, Boss, temptations are great and this hoarder can't miss the opportunity. Opportunity knocks only once, baka makalayas pa. ^_^ 

First stop, Animen! Book 1-2

Written by Ron Mendoza and Illustrated by Randy Valiente

It's two book na! I've read the first book which I bought last bookfair, so I am agitated upon what will happen to the story and how will the characters are presented. To give you an insight of the book. A Lightning . A Plane Crash. Six Survivors. Brand-New Superheroes. (from Animen's book) Right now, I met two Animen's character, so four more to go! ^_^

Second stop, Midnight! Book 1-3

Written by Ron Mendoza and Illustrated by Randy Valiente

These three were based on Camilla's novel My Midnight. I haven't yet read the novel so when reading these I was clueless as to how the story goes. And I was astonished that when I'm done reading them I wanted to buy the novel, my officemate thought of the same thing. Illustration and story were well presented, so good that I can imagine blood when reading each one of them.

Third stop (alam ko na ang iniisip n'yo, kung hanggang ilang stop ba ang entry na ito. lol), Pepe, The Lost Years Of Rizal. Book 1

Written by Ron Mendonza and Illustrated by Arnold Renia Cruz

Sino ba namang hindi na nakakakilala kay Rizal,
right? But Rizal here was presented in an entirely different manner. I'll describe him as a cute Rizal. haha! If you're curious why I said that Rizal is cute here, well, you have to grab a copy. *O, kaya, sumegway sa bookstore at makibasa. :P* This was good recommendation for a child to read, or you can read it for them. And oh, this is the first book. Yes, when I'm done reading this, I ask my friend/officemate; Melai, may Book 2 na? Which I think I asked her a lot of times na.

Fourth stop, The Reaper, Book 1
Written by Nald Tabuzo and Illustrated by Vovoi Lim

Ah, sing a different tune of question. Lying on the book on my table and getting Melai's attention, "Nakuha ba siya ng reaper?" HAHAHAHA! Yes, ako na ang impatient. :P Sorry, for spoiling the moment but the hype is still lingering in me. I even chose what I kind of reaper I'm going to be if given the chance to be one of them. And again, to know more about what the heck I am talking about visit your nearest bookstore, or makibasa ulit sa bookstore. haha!

I must really, really say this, all artworks are great! Each has its own style that suited the story even more.

As promised this is my last stop, my journey will resume tomorrow! :) This is just a snipet of what BLACKink's cooking this year! 13 books for 2013! :)



 

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In My Memory (first edition): At Paradizoo


I neglect to account this adventure of mine last year it's because... Ahm, because.. Oh, never mind my reason! I'll just use my lamest possible excuse, I became busy. Anyway, this adventurer gladly wanted to scream: I've been to zoo last year! Yay! Well, I've been to zoo for business, we did my best friend's pre-nuptial photo shoot there. So, without further ado I would like to thank Paradizoo for letting us roam around and enjoy the rest of the day there. Thank you po! Though I know that this post is super late.

I've been to Paradizoo thrice. First one, was in 2010, unfortunately it was raining hard when I first went there. But despite the weather I enjoyed my visit there. Second visit was with my high school friends. We spent the rest of our afternoon there just taking a lot of photos and laughing endlessly about trivial things.


 Looking back...

I'm with my best friend, Len. Harvesting lettuce! 

The girls! Mich, Angel, Moi, Len, and Sol.
Two girls were missing here, Netz and Arlene.

Pasyal-pasyal lang. 

Headache, huh? Lol

The gang!

And the third time was when my  we did my best friend's prenup. The idea was from my friend Alex who suggested the picnic theme for the shoot. It was all because of his creativity that Len and Wyng achieved what they want for their prenup shoot. Staffs were so helpful and so supportive to us, they even let us stay late. Also, their butterflies were so cooperative. LOL.
Spread the love in Paradizoo!


Walang pilitang nangyari sa pagitan namin at ng paru-paru ha!







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Ah, this really feel nostalgic! Indeed Paradizoo is the happiest place! This adventurer will definitely be back here this year!







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Reviving Komiks!


I grew up in a household where Komiks was loved. My father always told us stories of their youth wherein they rented Komiks for just a cent. Just for a cent! Papa introduced me to Gabi ng Lagim Komiks and Funny Komiks. Who would forget the legendary Combatron? (Sinong nakaka-relate? Taas ang kamay!) I think this is where I started to love reading. From then on, I became a fan. As I grew up, I switched from local Komiks to Marvel and sort. I love Superman and can't give up hoarding Superman Comics. I collect them while my father is busy trying to save his Komiks. Unfortunately, those Komiks lying around our home before was nowhere to be found these days, just like kids nowadays don't know what Komiks is.

Yearly, I look forward for Komikon. It's an event where artists gathered to sell their works, Komiks-enthusiasts meet and lots of fun are loaded in this. Just now, I read that it's scheduled on April 13, 2013 at Bayanihan Center, Pasig City. If you're looking for something different to do, try peeking at our artists works? It's worth your time, I swear!

And last Wednesday as we resume to work, my friend/writer-pal/office mate happily handed over a wonderful present to start my year. I was given the privilege to read BLACKink's to be released Komiks! I was so tempted to bring it home. *insert dancing hoarder here as she reads. hoho*

Lookie!
*All photos were taken from my ever reliable phone! LOL*

Done reading this last 01-02-13
If you're a Manga fan I recommend that you should try this. And yeah, I must mention that I love A Decade of Waiting most. ^_^ Stories and artworks are done by our fellow artists. Aren't they awesome?

Manga! Our own version!
Cool, right?
And yes, talking about reviving Komiks look at what BLACKink is cooking for us! I feel nostalgic upon reading them. Namiss ko ang Komiks namin na nawala sa paglipas ng panahon. *sniffs* Artworks were awesome and totally cool. Watch out for this title this January!

Nostalgia! 


See what I mean?
You can imagine this hoarder grinning from ear to ear. I can't wait to have my own copy. To know more about BLACKink you can like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. :)








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