The wonders of Bicol! :)

I spent my entire highschool in Camarines Norte, a small and peaceful province in Bicolandia. I have a lot of Bicol memories and I owe it to Daet that I have lived a serene life during my ‘formative’ years.

Anyway, for this year’s holy week, Nixlove joined me and the family in Bicol for some Bicol express and ‘Kinunot’ ‘marathon’ haha! It’s Nixlove second visit to Bicol, the second of a series I must say. The first was historical though because it was where he formally asked me to marry him.

Anyway, for this year we went to Cayucyucan Island in nearby town Mercedes–a white-sand paradise that has long been there but I never got to explore when I was still living with my grandparents in Bicol.

How to go there?

Our family rented a jeep (there were about 20+ of us) for P1,200 (back and forth). It was a 45-minute rough road trip via Basud, anothe town in Camarines Norte. If you are a small group, I was told you can ride a jeepney to Mercedes then ride a boat which won’t take over 10 minutes. We settled at Palm beach and we didn’t pay for any entrance fee. We just rented a big cottage for 500 pesos. There are rooms as well but they were all fully-booked, given that it was Holy Week.

Tip: Go there early, lest you want to bathe in the not-so deep waters during noon. The beach is child friendly because it has little waves and would not even go over 3-4 feet during 10 am-4 pm. There are a lot of starfish too–you decide whether it should be something to be bothered about. And well, we got a little over tan line than what we expected. (My cousins Gelo, Marvic and Gio. The waters seemingly evaporated at this point.)

We also went to Bagasbas beach, a popular beach in Daet. I’ve been there many times but it has improved over the years because local and international tourists have finally noticed its beauty. You can reach Bagasbas from the town capital through a 15-minute tricycle ride for about 40 pesos.

This is Nixlove testing our Yashica fx3-2000 slr film camera, a gift from Uncle Jojo. What a sunrise, what a view! And yes, what a love

Notice that the waves are very conducive for surfing. We’ll try that out in our next visit and we’ll make sure our shoulders are not as burned again.

I am so proud to be Bicolana! Can’t wait to go back.

The Failon tragedy

Ok, this is a long-overdue post.  A lot has been already said about the supposed suicide try of news anchor Ted Failon’s wife, Trina Arteche-Etong. And whether my opinion is valid or not–and altogether unsolicited: I believe it was really suicide. It would be hard for a daughter (just what Kaye Etong did) to admit her mother took her own life. And yes, this argument may be leaning on the emotional side but well, I felt that Failon was telling the truth.

The greatest tragedy here, however, lies with the Philippine National Police, or the Quezon City Police District specifically. Having covered the PNP–a beat I loved so much–for years makes me think what QCPD CIU people did was a nightmare. I know policemen were not as rude. I have always believed that Mamang Pulis should be trusted and they are merely misunderstood, which probably roots from the negative portrayal of their jobs in Filipino movies.

The events last week, however, have proven that policemen have got to clean their ranks more than ever. The fact that Superintendent Franklin Mabanag (who had been a good source for breaking news info when I was covering the PNP) disrespected the grieving family of Failon makes me want to shout! I wouldn’t be surprised too if Trina came down from heaven and told people she gave up her battle with life upon hearing the commotion outside her hospital room.

I covered the inquest at the QC RTC for Failon’s househelps and sister-in-law for the obstruction of justice and witnessed how bad Mabanag treated Failon’s family, at least emotionally. Trina’s sisters had to learn about her death at the QC RTC because they were forcibly taken away from her deathbed. And when Mean, Trina’s sister went hysterical (click for video) after learning Trina passed away, Mabanag would only say: “Bakit ako ba ang pumatay?” How insensitive can he be? Yes, he is a policeman and he ought to be tough. But being a policeman doesn’t mean you should be inhumane.

The suspension he and his men got serve them right. It’s about time they learn that death is a painful phase.

May Trina rest in peace. And for the first time, I want to see Failon back in TV Patrol. He needs justice too.

Don’t worry, be happy

Sure, stuff at work have been really hazy lately but who am I to complain? There are STILL a lot of things I should be thankful for–and those I have to think over this Lent.

Because although I have not been THAT religious unlike when I was six or seven years ago, I still recognize the need to repent and well, to change for the better. And since I don’t want this to become just part of some ritual, I’ll set attainable resolutions

When I get back from my 1-week escapade with Nixlove and family, I’ll try to fit in THEIR shoes and try to see the wisdom behind that *order*. Since I don’t have a choice, I might as well try. It could be good for me, after all.

And while I’m at that (which, fortunately and hopefully, would give me more time to spare) I would again engage in film photography. My lomo Bohol roll wasn’t superb but they were good enough for amateurs like me teeehee So now, I’ll lay my hands on the Yashica fx3-2000, a hand-me-down from my Uncle/Ninong. I AM THAT LUCKY.

At least I have these things to keep my mind off ugly thoughts, right? Yes, I have finally convinced myself.

Words of wisdom from Doraemon :)

According to DORAEMON (my favorite cartoon character!)

1. Hindi porke kaya mong gawin ang isang bagay ay dapat mo na itong gawin.

2. Hindi mo dapat iniiyakan ang nakaraan. Isipin mo, bakit nasa harap ang mata? ito ay para lagi mong nakikita ang iyong hinaharap.

3. Mahirap maging matanda. Wala nang mas matanda pa na titingin sa iyo.

4. Wag mong ipakitang malungkot ka sa ibang tao kung wala kang balak magshare ng problema. Para kang nag-alok ng hopia pero di mo naman ibibigay.

Best thing that ever happened to me by Gladys Knight

I’ve had my share, Of life’s ups and downs, but fates been kind, the downs have been few, I guess you could say, I’ve been lucky, Or I guess you could say, That it’s all because of you.

If anyone, should ever write, my life story, for whatever reason there might be, you’d be there, between each line of pain and glory, cos you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Oh you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.

There have been times, when times were hard, but always somehow I made it, I made it through, But for every moment that I’ve been hurtin’, there’s been a moment, that I’ve spent….. Oh just loving you.

If anyone should ever write my life story, for whatever, for whatever reason there might be, you’d be there, between each line of pain and glory, Cos you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Oh you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, don’t you know, you’re the best thing…. Oh that ever happened, to me.