On the Countryside

It is practically cold and gloomy here in Negros. I am in my room, just a wall apart from the raindrops that are licking the plants' leaves and getting a feel of what Negros has been into these days through the rectangle thing called de-baterya na AM radio. No, electricity is working perfectly. I just want to create a countryside environment with this classic torch-carrying gadget of the old times. Oh okay, the native coffee breathing out that so-good aroma wraps the creation of my countryside world!

The past few months had been a roller-coaster ride for me - career and family matters, specifically. I had felt a lot of "downtime server" of my career leading me to the most major decision to date. Things seemed to be in an opaque side, too many opportunities, but no clear road to take. Anxiety, hesitation, and fear momentarily blocked my insane mind and lived every day thinking of what is the wisest step to forward my foot to.

Thanks to my dad, who has always been my reliable adviser. Finally, I took that risky, yet promising step.

Things are light by this time, spending the rest of the year preparing for two certifications, initialing some moves for my own firm, and developing my kikay store, and more importantly spending a QUALITY TIME with my family. Ah, the latter is just so priceless! i just loved how my two amazing nieces cuddle me and calling me "mommy" sweetly!

On a lighter note, I can't help but curve my lips when I heard the radio announcer calling Erap's legal battle as legal "batol" and his i-am-speaking-tagalog-in-my-ilonggo tone while having a quick discussion with the Manila PAG-ASA people! Classic Ilonggo!

I MISS MOTHER NATURE

Yeah, i do. But just her, not her fury. =(

It has been a while since I went out of town to grasp a quick relaxation mode. Now, I have all the time to go out, to see those places in mind that I long wanted to go... But with the erratic mood of our mother nature dear, I feel it is best to stay put at this moment.

I can't help but flip on my stored photos and check once again the places that once gave me the chance to press on a "vacation mode" key. Yes, these places that are now turned into nature's brand of fury.

I. Pangasinan
The clear waters of Dasol, Pangasinan has given us a refreshing spirit while we eagerl approach the islans.  Virginity as its finest. Peaceful as it's truest essence. Yep, baby sharks are abundant, too!

II. Baguio

The strawberry and flower farms in La Trinidad, the early jog at Burham's Park, the aircon-less SM, strawberry taho, ukay!, and of course, the cold weather... How I miss you!

III. Laguna
Lagos del Sol was one of the most relaxing place where you can spend the whole afternoon staring at the man-made lagoon and the green lushes of trees and shrubs carefully manicured in the surroundings. Laguna lake is one scenery that you can glue your eyes on. And yes, water at the Lagos lagoon came from Laguna de Bay!

Bay, Laguna was also a place to experience the floating restaurant! I just love how these cute "kubos" are lining up the calm water of the lagoon. Food was superb, too!!!

 

IV: Rizal

Rizal route going to South is my preference over the SLEX onwards. It is because of one thing: a close encounter with nature!

 V. Nueva Ecija
A visit to my sister-in-law's family wont be complete without a stroll in their palayan! Such a refreshing view likened to how sugarcane plantation exhibits a tranquil mood in Negros!

 

Sigh... But I know I will set my foot again in these nature's best gift to us. =) Soon...

Down The Sugarcane Island Called "Home"

Reposting this piece from my FB note. =)

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It's 12:15 PM. In my face is an old square called "monitor" that was the hip of the town six years ago. Awww, my personal computer now turned into an off white, errr, brownish color. It was aged, and for me, the best flagship of the time that has elapsed...

As I entered the door that welcomed me everyday for the past 20 years or so, I thought that yes, so many things have seasoned with time. Our house has gradually changed, the furnitures lurking up the floors are quite new in my eyes, my Manang Peng has now dominant white hairs, Clesh is a very adorable kid that at less than two years old, she can already utter words like plane, car, lolo, mama, etc. and can massacre a handful of noodles in her mouth with bare hands, Sace is already in her white and blue uniform pulling out her big bag to her school service - almost everything changed.

Changes. Yet, in the midst of these growing times, I am here finding that sense of belonging in our little home!

The once 100 php internet connection which you have to repeatedly dial because it disconnects now nd then was finally laid to rest and this Globe broadband was born, giving me a surf all you want mode! This same computer where I went gaga over MIRC is now replaced by Twitter's and Facebook's more exciting features. Ah, this same old computer!

In my quest for a nap, I can't help but feel a familiar warmth in my bed. The same bed where I cried for those young and funny love i had, and now gives me peace and excitement while waiting for Levy's next day visit. Ah, this same old bed!

My dad excitedly ask me to join him for lunch even though my back does not want to separate from the soft and comfortable foam. But i know I need to move my ass. I shared a big lunch with him in our old old dining table. Once I chose to have toyo(patis in ilonggo)-suka-bawang as my sawsawan, but now i adapted that toyo-calamnsi tandem. Same old traditional viand, different sawsawan! The table was exact place where he scolded me about my attitude towards school and telling me to take up Accountancy. Just this lunch, we had that usual talk too, but this time it was him giving me enlightenment and encouragement towards work issues and my profession. Ah, this same old table!

When we decided to take a small walk after a sumptuous meal, I heard one girl waving and uttering "trisikol" when she was trying to get the attention of the driver. I smiled, knowing how i would pronounce the same word as well then. Now, due to Manila's scrutiny, i am used to calling it "trisikel". Kol then, kel now. Yet, those two pronunciation refers to that same old mode of going out of the subdivision, the trayk. =) Ah, that same old three-wheeled transpo and very same street i paved my way many many years back!

Whoever coined the saying, "there's no place like home" was feeling the same thing as what i do now. That I am pretty sure of. =) Time might be very lazy doing his work and quietness may lead me to boredom in the next day or two, but now, just now - I am enjoying a life I had five years ago! Simpler things makes me laugh my heart out, personal talks with my family give me home once again, and best of all, finding the old me helps me pick up the pieces of my life once more. =)

Waswas bugsay Talisay!