To Hell and Back Again

The adventures of a mountaineer wannabe

One of the things on my to-do list is to climb a mountain. I wanted to join the Loyola Mountaineers back in college but I was way too intimidated by their tryouts, which involved running ten laps around the huge Ateneo campus. The opportunity to fulfill this dream was presented to me a few weeks ago by Alman during our Pinoy SIF Alumni gathering. Without knowing exactly what we were getting ourselves into but spurred by our common desire to find adventure, Maida and I readily agreed to join him in AMCI's Basic Mountaineering Course 2005.

Needless to say, our Physical Trainings have not been easy. We had our diagnostic test in Ultra two Sundays ago. We had to get up at six-freaking-am to do a twisted version of Taebo and run four rounds around the track under the heat of the sun! And then we did a variety of exercises like push-ups, lunges, squats, calf raises, and more. The past two Wednesdays, I drove all the way to Makati in the pouring rain and got lost both times (you live, you learn). We had to run around Makati under the rain, go up and down five flights of stairs, and do various exercises at a carpark (a carpark!). If fatigue from the training doesn't kill me before the actual climbs, pneumonia, asthma from the pollution, getting a disease from lying on the carpark floor, falling on the slippery roads, or getting hit by the speeding cars around Makati might just do the job! Last Wednesday, since Maida and I were late again, the other trainees had already started running when we arrived. By the time I was on my second run, I was literally at the back of the pack. Actually, there was no more pack to speak of. They had all finished the runs and I was left to walk back to the carpark alone (I couldn't jog anymore). I felt like crying. Sometimes—no, most of the time—I think, "What the hell did I get myself into?!?!"

You know, it's funny but this whole experience actually reminds me of the first time I joined ACLC. Everything was so new and scary. I didn't think I could fit in with all the boisterous members and my fellow applicants (in AMCI's case, we're called "trainees"). Many times, I felt like quitting, giving up, taking the easy way out. But I didn't—and my time with ACLC turned out to be the most fulfilling four years of my life. I'm not giving up on AMCI either. I will improve! (We'll see who's at the back of the pack in a few months!) I mean, this is all about breaking barriers, fulfilling my dreams, and pushing myself to the limits—just as I did when I joined ACLC or when I lived in Singapore for five months. (Of course, it's also about literally climbing a mountain and appreciating the beauty of nature and of the Philippines). It's not just about improving my physical condition either. It's also about improving my driving skills and my sense of direction (I hope I have one by the end of the course!), learning to follow my intuition, and interacting with all sorts of people (I mean, this group is just as diverse as the ASEAN fellows!). I really want to finish this—to prove that I can do it. That I, who am admittedly quite maarte (is it that obvious?), can actually LIVE through this experience! In the words of our fellowship song, "Reach for the stars! Fly high as you can, brave the wind, move the mountain, YOU CAN DO IT, YES, YOU CAN!"

Palawan Adventures: Day 4

Today we went to the Underground River, which was a bumpy two-hour ride from the city. On the way there, we stopped by this place where we saw a breathtaking view of Honda Bay! When we got to the Sabang area, we had to take a boat to get to the Underground River. As I looked up at the beautiful limestone cliffs, the pristine forests, and the clear blue waters we passed on the way there, I thought, "Whoever said this country's going to the dogs is dead wrong!"

A view of Honda Bay.

Jollibee welcomes us to the Underground River!

These rock formations are amazing!

Underground River, here we come!

The Underground River was situated inside a dark cave, filled with mysterious rock formations. Along with the bats that slept soundly inside the cave, we saw fruits and vegetables, animals, the three kings, the Holy Family, and even the face of Jesus!

Posing by the cave entrance.

I love this picture!

The entrance to the Underground River.

Thousands of bats reside in this dark cave!

We had lunch in the forest area surrounded by monkeys and giant lizards!

On the way back to the city, we passed by the Vietnamese Village, had merienda at Viet Ville restaurant (the food was good though nothing beats authentic Vietnamese cuisine that the fellows and I ate when we were in Vietnam!), and bought yummy jackfruit chips!

The church in the Vietnamese Village.

We had a nice dinner at Badjao Seafront Resturant to cap off our stay in Palawan. It was with great reluctance that we all trudged back to "the real world" but we are nevertheless contented with our chance to bond as a family and experience a unique and one of a kind holiday.
It's a place I'm definitely going back to someday!

Palawan Adventures: Day 3

We reluctantly left Dos Palmas today and headed back to Puerto Princesa where we stayed at Hotel Fleuris. We went to mass, walked around the city, and went shopping for snacks at the mall.

The church at Puerto Princesa.

Liza, Papa, Mama, and Sabs at Plaza Cuartel.

We were lucky because that month was the celebration of the Baragatan Festival in Palawan. After dinner that night, my mom and I walked around the provincial capitol where there were a lot of stalls selling food, bags, furniture, and a variety of the most interesting artifacts!

The Baragatan Festival.

Authentically hand-woven bags!

?!?!?!

Palawan Adventures: Day 2

Today was another perfect day in paradise.

The Palawan seascape.

After a scrumptious breakfast of papaya juice, garlic rice, pork tocino, daing na bangus, and assorted fresh fruits, Mama and Sabs went snorkeling, while Liz and I went scuba-diving! We had a short orientation and then it was off to open waters! We were only underwater for about 15 minutes and there was a diving instructor with us the whole time, but it was unbelievably fun! Snorkeling seemed so boring after going down 20 feet, actually feeling the soft gelatinous corals between my fingers, and swimming with the colorful fishes! I definitely want to do that again—that is, when I have more money to take lessons for a proper license! Haha!

Guess who I am!

After that, we had a picnic lunch (Grilled chicken, barbecue, squid, and crabs. Yum!) at a nearby island. Then, we swam and relaxed for awhile before heading back to Dos Palmas. Dinner that night was at an open area (we had crepes for dessert!!!) where they had a cultural show with traditional songs and dances from the Philippines. Astig! It was definitely a far cry from the partying, clubbing, and shopping in Bora. After dinner, my sister and I just sat by the beach and chilled. It was one vacation I definitely didn't want to end!

The quaint island where we had a scrumptious lunch!

Palawan Adventures: Day 1

My family and I took a trip to Palawan last May and it was absolutely amazing! We took a plane to Puerto Princesa, which is the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. On the first two nights, we stayed at Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort, which was about 45 minutes away from Puerto Princesa by boat. At first I had some qualms about staying in Dos Palmas because it's infamous for being the location of a terrorist kidnapping attack and the death of actor Rico Yan. But all these worries melted away when I saw how stunningly beautiful the place was. We went swimming and kayaking on the first day, and I was reminded of the time when the fellows and I went kayaking in Pulau Ubin—only this time, my arms didn't hurt so much! Hehe!

We were given a warm welcome in the city!


The entrance to Dos Palmas.


The beautiful Gumamela flower is abundant in the island.


My sisters relax by the shore.


Kayaking is F-U-N!!!


Look at these huge starfish!

The place was also super peaceful at night. There was no TV or radio in our room, which made it conducive to bonding and reflection (unlike Boracay with it's bustling night life and shopping area). I thought this was perfect because before I left Manila, I told myself that I would take this time to be silent and reflect on some things that have been bothering me. But as I lay on the hammock looking up at the stars, listening to the soft lapping of waves upon the shore, and feeling the cool breeze on my skin, the things that were bothering me seemed so far away. I didn't have the energy to think about anything. I just lay there smiling and thanking God for this blessing.

Palawan at dusk.

The Fellowship Lives On

Malaysians Yean Shan and Kevin, and Singaporeans Peiying, Susan, and her parents took a trip to the Philippines last May. The Pinoy fellows took turns taking them around and it was like the fellowship all over again! We all had a blast and we've got loads of pictures to prove it! (I just wish I could post all 1,700 of them here!)

Yean Shan and Kevin at the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon.


The University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university in the Philippines.


Riding a kalesa in the streets of Manila.


Relaxing by Manila Bay.


Wow.


Dinner at Kitchen Restaurant in Greenbelt.


A shot at "the assorted farm".


Fresh strawberries!


The Holigores Estate in Baguio.


An authentic Baguio dinner from Don Henrico's.


Dessert from Gonuts Donuts. Yum!


Chillin' by the fireplace.


Swimming at Sea Park Beach Resort in La Union.


Sexy ladies at the beach!


The Dawson's Creek pose.


The stars of the hot new Malaysian-Singaporean-Pinoy telenovela.


A walk in the woods.


A kiss from you will turn him into your prince charming!


A picnic by the La Mesa Dam prepared by master cook Roy.


A whole lot of shopping and pasalubong for the folks at home!


Our last dinner together at Krua Thai in SM Megamall.

(Notice that there is no food left on our plates at all!)

It was sad to say goodbye to our guests but we're sure that other fellows will be coming again soon! ;-)