before the year ends...

Hoping that things will fall into place before the year ends.
Patience is indeed a virtue but you also need to move and make things happen.

Be silent in moments you need to be, and observe the world.
Listen to your soul as it whispers you to either to step it up or to slow down.

Live the moment you have.
Learn to love your passion and draw strength from it.

Open your arms and hands, feel the wind go through.
Grab opportunities in front of you.
And soon enough you'll take that flight to the endless possibilities of life.  



 

PART 3: SURFvivor the TRAVEL FACTOR way!

October 30, I woke up quarter to 6 in the morning. I went out side my cottage. It was my check out day in Monaliza Surf Resort. I was mesmerized by the majestic, the beauty and the force of the waves. It was breath-taking. I inhaled the cold, fresh, sea breeze. It was so calming and I was so at peace. Then, I asked Nanay, the owner of the resort, if I could have a cup of hot water for my coffee. We talked for a while, then she gave me a cup of hot water. I ate my breakfast (a cup of coffee, a small can of Century-corned tuna, Skyflakes Garlic crackers and Quaker Oat cookies). I had the perfect, scenic breakfast view- the beach and the LU waves. After that, I packed my things and took a bath. I was so excited while I was taking a bath. I wanted to meet the group. Then, I got a call from Aica, one of the travel consultants of Travel Factor. They've arrived and were eating their breakfast at the Surfer's Retreat Restaurant. I was even more excited. Finally, I checked out, said my goodbye to Nanay and started to walk to Surfer's Retreat Resto.

There they were! The Surfvivor LU group! Aica, Eden, Keng, Paula, Tina, Allan, Rene and Don. They were still kind of beat up from the long travel but they were full of enthusiasm to surf. We introduced ourselves, had small talk. Then, we went to our resort, San Juan Surf Resort. We changed into our surfing gear and were informed that we're about to surf in Bacnotan Beach, since the waves in San Juan were too strong for us.

When we arrived to Bacnotan, we chose our instructors and listened to the basic surfing moves, then off we went to the sea! Kuya Jazzie was my instructor. He's a really great surfing coach. He made sure to look at my stands and the way I surf, so I can improve. And I did! I was able to stand, balance and surf easily. I was able to get hang out of it. He made me paddle on my own and even taught me how to turn my surf board on my own as well. He also made sure that I catch really great waves. I was getting addicted and even made more enthusiastic to surf. I wanted to surf the whole day, non-stop. While we were waiting for a good wave, we had talked all about surfing. I asked all the questions about surfing especially the tricks and tips and about Kuya Jazzie's experiences as a professional surfer and instructor. Oh yeah, some how he was delighted about my performance and the improvements I made. Surf's UP!!!

In between the surfing lessons, the Surfvivors chilled out in the beach, look at the hot surfers- guys and gals, took photos, mesmerized the great LU sunset and most of all enjoy each others company. There were a lot of "kulitan moments" when we were in the beach and while we were in the jeepney back to the resort. Everyone had a blast and some of us, including me, wanted to surf more the next day.

Evening came and everyone was a bit tired and hungry. Jorge and Lan arrived, our new bunkmates, and joined the evening socials. And the rest was history that evening.The surfvivors who stayed in San Juan Surf Resort had a great evening- good talk adult talk and chilled drinks. I leave it to the imagination of the readers.

Everyone was dead asleep the next day, except for Jorge, Lan and me. We were supposed to surf that morning. But just decided to skip it since we wanted to watch the surfing competition on the other side of the beach. Besides, our surf instructors were also competing that day. Honestly, I was so amazed with the professional surfers. On how they rode and played with the majestic and powerful waves of San Juan, LU. Well, since I'm an ambitious person, I wish that someday I could surf the waves of San Juan as well. Oh yeah, Don and Allan were up early as well. They wanted to shoot surfers in action.

The time came when we had to leave the surf camp and we took photos in the resort .We ate our lunch at MIDWAY GRILL. They offered great food in very reasonable prices. I ordered Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with French Fries(199php) and refillable ice tea (35php). With our stomach full and appetite fully satisfied, our journey going to our last pit stop began.

There we were, in our final pit-stop, at ISDAAN in Tarlac. It was my first time to go there and boy it was really a huge place. Talk about gigantic, crazy, unusually statues scattered everywhere. Everyone went around the whole restaurant or should I say a resto-park. Scary looking people were roaming around as well, as part of the Halloween theme and celebration. As usual the surfvivors didn't leave a chance without taking photos while waiting for dinner orders to be served.

Dinner was done and last wee-wee breaks before we hit the road back to Manila. Everyone was settled on their seats and got to their sleeping positions.

Surfvivors are back to their reality again but gained new friends and new surf experiences, and top of that hungry for the next TRAVEL FACTOR adventures.

Me too... I was hungry for the next TRAVEL FACTOR adventure. I'll definitely sign up and explore more the beauty of PILIPINAS.

PHOTO: From one of the albums of the participants of SURFvivor La Union

PART 2: SURF BREAK 5 (La Union 2010)

I settled in my room, washed up and took a nap. I woke up around 1:30 in the afternoon. I put on my bikini and spread some tanning oil in my body. I brought my traveling baby (Fisheye2) and some cash. I was starving. So I walked and crossed the rocks and "the wall", to get to the other side of the beach. There were a lot of stalls. Food and drinks, tattoo shops, souvenirs, registration booths, etc. But as I was crossing the huge, a bit sharp, dead reef rocks, my traveling Havanias for two years broke! I just removed it and continued my journey. Oh well, I needed a new pair anyway. But I was kind of sad because I knew I had to threw it. On top of that, I had a lot of traveling memories with my Havanias. The brown, slim and gold strap, with flower designs Havanias.

I remembered I was so desperate to buy new pair of slippers. The sand was scorching hot!  I was pretending that I was enjoying my afternoon walk. So I bought this pink, with colored small hearts, Old Navy slippers from one of the stalls. I didn't think twice, I just bought it. Then, I continued my journey, looking for a really good food stall. I was starving. I ate chicken inasal with one cup of rice and a cold bottle of ice tea.

I continued my walk and checked out other stalls. I was looking for a coffee stall. I needed caffeine! I passed by a henna tattoo stall. I wanted to get a real tattoo but a henna tattoo would be better for now, just to see what it looks like if its already a tattoo. Then, the guy from the stall asked, " Miss, gusto mo na maging model ko para sa henna tattoo contest?". I asked him "Anu ba concept mo?", the artist said, "Si Jesus Christ nag-susurfing!". I replied "Teka, mag-kakape muna ako at iisipin ko malupet kung gusto ko." Luckily, I saw this coffee stall just near the henna tattoo stall. Just chilled out a little bit with my coffee and thought about being a walking canvas. I was quite hesitant at first because I didn't want to have a henna tattoo of Jesus Christ for two weeks. When I finished my coffee, I decided to be his walking canvas. Hey it was a great bargain! I got henna tattoos for free! Which usually cost a lot! Deny, the artist, started working on my back. He did explain to me that he won't tattoo Jesus Christ on my back anymore, he decided to put a sea goddess. Whew! That was a relief! He started around past 3pm and finished around 5pm. While he was working, the other models were also there in the tent. And take note, all of them were men. I thought I was the only female model in the contest.

Then, the judging began. Well, it was just simple. The judges scrutinized each designs and it was done! The winner was announce later that evening. Oh yeah, there was a bikini-open contest that evening and some sort of show, but I went home early to get a good rest for the following morning.

PHOTO: Thank you Louie Andrew Go

PART 1: Surf's Up! San Juan, La Union

It was quite disappointing that I wasn't able to go home to Palawan for the Semester's Break. I was supposed to go home and go back packing to Nagtabon, San Vincente, El Nido and then back to Puerto Pincesa City, Palawan. I guess due to time constraints and prior trips.  And on top of that, I needed to save for things I'll need for  my second major climb this year, Mt. Pulag. None the less, no one could stop me to travel and just have a blast. So I decided to go surfing.

I've always wanted to go surfing. It seems its an innate talent of mine. I guess... Since my family, my mother's side, is from La Union. I'm not sure if my ancestors did some surfing during their era. But you'll never know... My feet and my body was looking for a different kind of adventure; an extreme challenge. So the search began. I saw this very interesting site who offers different group tours in a very creative and exciting way, the TRAVEL FACTOR.

It was my first time to join a group tour, though I do join group hike and climbs. I'm a solo backpacker or a traveler. Traveling alone was something I'm used to. Gone to different road less places, seen scenic places, etc. Anyway, I booked myself a slot to their SURFVIVOR, La Union for October 30 and 31. I was ecstatic to surf and especially I was going to meet new peeps from different walks of life. But as you know, I would either extend my trip or go ahead of the pack. Took note that I might get stranded in La Union on All Souls Day; I decided to go La Union a day ahead. Luckily, I was able to booked a room in MONALIZA SURF RESORT. All of the resorts were fully booked due to the SURF BREAK 5 which was held every year like a festival.

October 29, I left quarter to two in the morning. I was waiting for the bus (Genesis Bus Line) going to San Fernando, La Union. The bus had three stops in different provinces which I can't remember. I just woke up to stretch my legs and for wee-wee breaks. I was able to take naps in between while holding my pack. I remember I was awake and peeped outside my window to catch a glimpse of the signs so I would know where I was. I think I was already in Agoo, La Union. I saw women sweeping outside their houses early in the morning and there were small smoke or should I call it a " morning bonfire". In Tagalog "nag-sisiga". It was a very familiar scene because my Lola Bening used to do that. I said to myself, it was indeed an Ilocano trait. Ilocano women make sure that their surroundings especially the front yard are clean and presentable.

I finally reached San Fernando, La Union around 8:45 am. I went off the Plaza, the town proper and asked around for the jeepney going to San Juan. I wasn't able to take photos of the town but I noticed that it was so clean and street cleaners were making sure the city streets were clean and indeed it was clean. Honestly, the place felt quite home. I guess it was because I was raised and educated by Ilocano women. Familiar Ilocano words and phrases as I listen and talked to the town folks. Not only that, the physical features of the people were very similar to my family members: petite, dark skin, curly or wavy hair, etc. Then, as I walked the streets and passed by the market to looked for the jeepney, I noticed something again. The market was so organized and clean. Not only that some of the stores were I think on sale or have these promos for almost on everything. Indeed, Ilocanos are thrifty; making sure that they get the value out of their money. Finally, I saw the jeepney terminal. For travelers, just look for the jeepneys that have signs of San Juan and ask the driver to drop you off to your resort, and  you're there.

Here are the directions for the jeepney station going to San Juan from San Fernando: Get off to the Town Plaza of San Fernando and walk going to the intersection. Cross the street going to your left then walk straight until you see 7/11. Again cross the intersection and walk straight. You'll be in the public market, just walk ahead and you'll see jeepneys with the signs on the side of the jeepneys going to San Juan. Just in case you feel you can't find the jeepneys, ask the traffic enforcers; there are plenty in the area. Make sure to ask the driver if they'll pass by San Juan. Don't forget to tell the driver to drop you off to your resort and just cross the street.

the girl i knew...

she's so badly beaten up... and even heartbroken...
slapped so many times that she can't even remember how painful it was...
how many times it happened... countless...
numbed from her own pain... sadness... and loneliness...
the only thing she can do was fight for her life...
take chances and even risk herself again... just to feel alive again...
but then when she finally opened herself up to the world and felt somehow loved again...
she was shattered into a million pieces...
she curled up and hid in a corner...
silent... but inside she was screaming... crying...
her tears fell in her tiny face like a child... like a river that flows...
you can see from her eyes... distraught...
she held herself so tight that her fingernails left marks in her arms...
grabbed her hair and squeezed it with all her might...
she bit her lower lip as she sobs...
she felt so cold... and began to question herself...
then she suddenly... stopped...

breathe with me...

wishing that someone could find me in the deepest part of the sea...
dive and save me...
then swim with me...
breathe with me...
explore with me under the sea...
let's keep still and stare the emptiness of the deep sea...
do you feel the touch of my hand in your chest despite the coldness of the sea...
let us be...
i might not able to utter a word and make you feel... so just look into my eyes... nevertheless, you'll always have me...

...

I've opened my soul to the beauty of the world but kept my heart locked up in a box... It seems that it would take a while before I could find the key back to my heart...

Ang buhay mid-20's!!!!

May mga bagay minsan naiisip mo at bigla mong nararamdaman na nag-iisa ka pala. Lalo na pag wala kang ginagawa at tulala habang nakahiga. Mga taong dumadaan, nakakasama,nakikilala at nag nagkakaroon ng matinding "impression" sa iyo. Bigla mo na lang nasasabi yung salitang "SANA..." o "BAKA SAKALI...". Di ko talaga akalain na babalik ako sa "SQUARE ONE" sa aspeto ng L.O.V.E. pero sobrang AYOS!!! Masaya ako kung nasaan ako ngayon. Nakakapag lakbay, nakaka kilala ng mga tao at unti unti akong nababago ng mundo. Ang pinaka ayos sa lahat ay mas nabibigyan ko ng atensyon, halaga at pagmamahal ang sarili ko. Na minsan kong nakalimutan. Nakalimutan ko si Kristina Malaya. 360 degrees nag bago ang pananaw ko sa buhay at lalo na sa iilang aspeto. Pero ako pa din ito ngunit... with great improvements... mas pinatibay... hahahahaha!!! Mas naramdaman ko na buhay ako. At mas ninanamnam ko ang buhay. Tuwing makakaakyat ako sa tuktok ng bundok,pag nakakarating na ako sa finish line o pag nakararating sa isang ma ala pulbong buhangin at krystal sa linaw na tubig ng dagat; napapa ngiti ako at nasasabing "NAKAPA GANDA!" sabay sigaw "WoHooooo!!!" Ganoon din ang paglalakbay ko sa buhay. Mas sakit, hirap, saya at ligaya. Pero kahit kailan hindi ako sumuko subalit ako'y mas lumaban.

Ang buhay mid-20's ko'y simple lang ngunit puno ng paglalakbay. Alam ko kung ano ang mga plano ko sa buhay. Alam mko kung saan ako patungo. At higit sa lahat alam ko kung ano ang gusto ko sa buhay. Sa mga taong nagsabi sa aking na pag nag 30 lang ako, dun ko lang malalaman kung ano ang gusto ko sa buhay. Hay naku, sorry na lang sa inyo dahil iba ako pina laki ng pamilya ko. Pina laki sa sa simpleng buhay. Buhay na puno ng pagpapahalaga sa mga simpleng bagay at simpleng kaganapan sa buhay. Hindi ata ito "mid-life crisis." Ito'y "ADVENTURES IN YOUR MID-20'S!"

Run. Takbo.

Whenever I run
It’s just me and the concrete road
Everything turns silent
I can only hear myself breathing
I can hear and feel my heart beating
I hear the sound and feel every step I make
As if I’m on my bare feet
And I can feel the concrete road
Feeling every drop of sweat
Feeling the wind go through my body
Feeling every stride I make
My body is enjoying every second and every minute of it
Whenever I run...My mind is empty
Indescribable concentration
I can just hear myself saying, “You can do it!”
A euphoric feeling whenever I see the finish line
As I pass the finish line
I feel like I’ve conquered the world
And I can surpass anything
I’ve accomplished another race or journey of my life

(PART 2) Celebrating my 20ish Birthday in Bantayan Island

May 31st, at midnight, I was lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling with an ice cold can of beer on my right hand. I was listening to the echoing sound that the gecko was making. Bantayan Island was so quiet, it’s sleeping. I turned to the native side table and looked at my cell phone. I realized that I turned it off. I wanted quiet time for myself. I just whispered to myself, Happy Birthday Malaya.
When I woke up, I looked at my legs and my feet, stretched and wiggled my toes. I’ve never felt so alive and even more enthusiastic. I felt different and realized that my life has turned around 360 degrees. I’m Malaya! I am her! I had all the sh**ty things last 2009! Yes, I’m moving forward! “Konti na lang Malaya malapit kana. At matatapos na ang unos. Pinaka masaya sa lahat completely masasara mo na ang kabanata na yun sa buhay mo.”

So I washed up, put some tanning oil, wore my black bikini and mini black beach dress. I prepared my coffee. Put some oatmeal cookies, my malong, my digital cam and fisheye cam in my Imelda eco- bag, then went off to celebrate my birthday in the beach.

What a perfect day! It's 7:00 a.m. and no one was around the beach. I took a dip and cooled off. While I was floating in the sea; I just looked up the big blue sky and saw the fluffy looking clouds. Celebrating my birthday on the beach, what else can I ask for, right? The last time I celebrated my birthday on the beach, I was in Palawan. “Eto ang buhay! Simple lang! Ang sarap mag chill sa beach, lalo na kung birthday mo.” The clear, cool and refreshing sea water made my day.
Then out of nowhere, a group of teenaged Cebuano boys came. I think I gave them a hard time speaking in English. Sorry boys!!! Hahahha!!! They were there for YFC (Youth for Christ) Convention. They asked the usual questions and asked why I’m traveling alone. They told me things to try and sights to see about Cebu City. Then, took some pictures and I think we exchanged numbers. Which I think I deleted. Honestly, I can’t remember their names. I’m not good with names. I remember one guy said that I was lucky to meet them. I asked him, how come? He said you met the Cebuano version of John Estrada. He was pointing one of their friends. We all laughed. There was also this guy who kept saying some English expressions that made no sense at all. I remember we were all laughing. Then, we all said our “nice to meet you” AGAIN and goodbyes.

While I was walking back to my inn, I bumped into Kuya Buboy. He works for the tourist office in Bantayan Island. We agreed for a reasonable amount (Yep, travel tip! Practice your hardcore bargaining skills!) for touring me around the Bantayan Island and a boat going to the Virgin Island. Oh yeah, we also went to Paradise Beach.

So Bantayan Island here I come. Kuya Buboy brought his tricycle and toured me around. The best part of this trip was, he taught me and asked me to drive the tricycle! I DROVE THE TRICYCLE FOR 15 minutes. Oh yeah!!! It was scary at first because I might crash it but once you get hang of it, it was really cool. After that, I have decided to learn how to drive a motorcycle; hopefully before the year ends, take note not a tricycle. Too bad I wasn’t able to take a video of it. Sayang!!! Anyway, I learned that Bantayan Island has a lot of chicken farms. Lot of lands there are actually for sale and cheap. I’ve always wanted having a sturdy Nipa house near the beach.

Then we had a few stops in the town proper and the other docking areas of the island for trade. I also went to one of the premier beach resorts of the Island, Ogtong Cave Beach Club/Resort. Yep, they have the famous Ogtong Cave there. Clear, cool and refreshing water of the cave made my legs feeling refreshed. They have great facilities and even a super hunk life guard. Hahaha!!! Take note hunk lang katawan parang bouncer yun sa Corneto commercial at hindi gwapo!!! Oh yeah di ko siya type! So for travelers who like the resort feeling and can’t leave without the swimming pool, I would recommend this resort.

How did I end the day? I ate at Ate Khel’s Barbecue then ate a big bowl of mixed fruit in D’Jungle resto and drank one liter of C2! Hahahaha!!! It was simple but I was so happy and satisfied. There’s no other thing I could ask for more. Simple things in life make me happy.

The VIRGIN este in VIRGIN ISLAND

Before I took off my bikini top, I shot this video just to show that no one is in the island. This was taken in Virgin Islands last June 1, 2010.

Part 1: Ang Paglalakbay ni Malaya sa Isla ng Batayan, Cebu

My solo backpacking trip, with a tight budget! And I guess everybody was making a buzz about it. "But why are you alone?" Well, I needed a break from everybody and it was cool to travel alone. And I celebrated my 20ish something BIRTHDAY in Bantayan Island. My closest friends and family know that I deserve this trip, after all the whirlwind of events in my life. Which turned me into a woman I am now. Much stronger, more enthusiastic towards life, realized that I love the Philippines and would never leave her, and I would explore more her vast beauty.

As I traveled alone, I met a lot of people, got lost and found my way while laughing (Yeah!! That's the spirit!), reflected about my life and just had a blast.

But why Cebu? Cebu is like Manila!!! Why not go home to Palawan? FYI, I didn't stay in Cebu City. I stayed in Bantayan Island for four days. I just stayed in Cebu City overnight. Someone told me that Cebu City is an over rated version of Manila. Whatever, tsong!!! I've never been to Cebu and it was nice to explore a place you've never been to.

Anyway, I took the first flight out from Manila to Mactan Airport, 4:30a.m. Then, rode an ordinary bus going to Hagnaya Port for four hours. The fare was 50 pesos. Met and talked to someone in the bus about the towns we passed by and asked about stuff about Cebu, like delicacies, festivals, etc. I remembered sticking out my head from the window of the bus. Just feeling the wind go through my face, if that's even possible, and felt the warmth of sun on my cheeks. Hahahha!!! Parang aso! I didn't stick out my tongue ah!!??? I didn't take pictures as well while I was in the bus. I just enjoyed every moment of it. I was mesmerized with the beauty of Cebu. Then, I rode a ship going to Santa Fe Port. It was an hour ride, I think. I feel asleep hugging my backpack. I was sleepy, a bit hungry and excited to reach my destination.

Anchored in Santa Fe Port, I rode the "multi-cab", pedicab here in Tagalog going to Hard Kock Cafe Inn/ Kiwi Lodge, owned by a Cebuana and New Zealander. It was a perfect place for me. No television, mini fridge, big bed and bathroom in a big Nipa hut. It was also near all the carinderias, public market, etc. For 25 pesos, I was able to eat a scrumptious lunch and/or dinner. Oh yeah, eat at Ate Khel's Barbecue stand. Chicken barbecue + Pusok + one liter of ice cold C2 ice tea, YUMMY!!!

My place wasn't a beach front resort. I made sure of that because I wanted to walk and explore Bantayan. I remember it was my first day on the island and I just had my afternoon nap. I've put on my bikini, spread the tanning oil in my body and wore my over-sized t-shirt. I decided to walk and check out the beach. When I saw the long strip of the beach, the radiance of the sun reflecting on the ocean and felt the warmth of the grains of the sand, I closed my eyes heard the sound of the waves and said "Amazing"!