Comfort Me In Ways You Know How

I’m pissed.

In fact, I have never felt so betrayed!

And because it’s something I don’t want to divulge online (sneaky bitch!), I’m posting a picture of how angry I am... with the hope of making me smile a little bit.

See what I mean?

a pensive thought on friends

Each friend represents a world in our life. They become routine, like stirring coffee before taking a sip. You get used to seeing them every week, sometimes every day, because you need to try a new restaurant or because you need to tell them how you bumped into your crush, or because she needs a shopping buddy who’ll tell her if the dress she chose made her look fat. Or maybe because you just need someone to talk to about your dreams and plans over a hot cup of chocolate.

Then one day they tell you they’re leaving.

Leave physically though, not emotionally. You’ve been expecting them to tell you this, but the truth still stuns you. You know in your mind that despite the distance, they’re still there for you. That you should be happy because they are finally reaching their stars. That you should be rejoicing too because they are now off to a greener pasture. But somehow, in your heart, you also know that your routine gets disrupted. The usual cycle somehow stops. No more stirring the coffee. It becomes tasteless. No more spontaneous meetups. And it’s quite heartbreaking.

Or maybe I’m still hanging on the edge - still trying to accept the idea that I’m going to be left behind by some of my closest friends. Which is all happening so fast. You know me, I’m selfish and stubborn.

I know I’ll get over this but as of now, I want you to know that I’ll be missing you so much.

My prayer for you my dear friends will be one of strength, courage and good health. May you find what you’re looking for and keep it. May you have joy and peace, and may you be happy in what you do. Always know that I’ll be around (waiting for you to send me tickets to our next destination). Till we meet again!

And before anyone else sees teardrops on the keyboard, I’ll end this post with Kahlil Gibran’s take on friendship.

On Friendship

Kahlil Gibran

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind,

nor do you withhold the "ay."

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared,

with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence,

as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth:

and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

Beach Love: Tips for a Safe and Happy Swim

There are a million things you can do at the beach to enjoy yourself. You can swim, build castles, snorkel, and many others. But do you know how to protect yourself from beach injury? Do you know what NOT to do?

Here are five things you wouldn't want to happen at the beach. Keep them in mind for a safe and happy swim!

Amazing Alcoy: Trips I'll Never Forget

When I think of Alcoy, nothing else comes to mind but bright smiles, hearty laughs and fun moments. This town, which is the municipality right after Dalaguete (if you are traveling from Cebu City), comes highly recommended for its local beaches and lush greens that most city people find relaxing and inviting.

How to get there:
Bus ride from Cebu City South Bus Terminal (aircon and non-aircon buses are available)
Vans for hire from One Citilink Terminal (GT Express)

Tingko Beach

Pros: Beautiful sunrise, relatively white sand, convenient for team building in big groups

Cons: day trip cottages are quite costly for small groups, no view of the sunset

I first had the privilege of gracing Tingko Beach in 2008, 4th year college. After our exciting “Amazing Race: Christmas Edition” which ended in Carcar (and which we didn’t win despite the heavy preparation :P), we headed to Alcoy to culminate our class Christmas party.

When we arrived, the tide was high and I was not able to control myself - being the impulsive beach lover that I am. After putting my stuff where they should be, I directly jumped into the waves and enjoyed an afternoon of swimming with my classmates and friends.

Our class spent the night on the beach and we had fun singing songs under the stars. No one bothered us - the place was safe.

The second time I visited Tingko was with two of my closest friends. At that time, we didn’t sleep overnight. We just stayed for a couple of hours. After learning that renting a table by the beach cost 200php, we decided to spread a mat on the sand instead. What a shock we had when the owner told us that putting a mat under “their” coconut tree also costs 100php!

We finally decided to put the mat near the shoreline. We swam and had fun - even sang one song (videoke machines are available; 2 songs for 5php).

On the other side of the beach, there are beautiful honeymoon villas perfect for couples who want to get away from the busy city life. I’d love to stay there when the opportunity arises. :D

Bodo’s Bamboo Bar

Pros: calm atmosphere, clean and green surroundings, jacuzzi, good pizza, good for family activities, breathtaking view of the Pacific ocean

Cons: not for those who want to go people-watching, restaurant food prices not for the budget traveler

Thanks to my friend Chelledy, I was given the idea of visiting this place. A few minutes away from Tingko beach, Bodo’s Bamboo Bar, also known as “triple B”, is nestled atop a hill overlooking the sea. The place is beautiful! It looks classy, too.

Owned by a German and Filipina couple, Bodo’s Bamboo Bar is a perfect place to rejuvenate from the stressful environment you have back home. It is equipped with 14 rooms, a pool, a jacuzzi, pool bar and a dive center. Guests can connect to the internet with free broadband WiFi. The resort also has power generators in case of brown outs.

When my two friends and I arrived in BBB from Tingko, the waitresses had quite a laugh. They pointed out that our knees were still covered in white sand! Imagine, we rode a tricycle and walked a couples of minutes (even took pictures) with white sand on our knees without even knowing!

Aside from that, I would never forget my first BBB experience because it was the first time I went swimming in a two-piece bikini suit! hahaha! I didn’t plan for it, honestly. But I was out of options, because I did not have boardshorts with me and proper swimming attire was needed. So, there I went, swam in the pool in a 2pc suit, with fats and all.

Their pizza and beer was a match made in heaven. We went around taking pictures of the green grass. I really plan to go back one day, for an overnight visit. For more information on the rates, you can check their website: http://www.bbb-alcoy.com/

Around Cebu on a pair of Flip-flops

I have finally conquered Cebu province! It took quite a while (I know), but at least, I've done it.

Another check on my bucket list!

Here's a list of the cities and municipalities I've been to and if you click on them, you'll know some of its tourist spots.

This is still in the works, so please bear with me. I'll add the information by and by.

Alcantara	Consolacion	Pinamungahan
Alcoy	Cordova	Poro
Alegria	Daanbantayan	Ronda
Aloguinsan	Dalaguete	Samboan
Argao	Danao City	San Fernando
Asturias	Dumanjug	San Francisco
Badian	Ginatilan	San Remigio
Balamban	Lapu-Lapu City	Santa Fe
Bantayan	Liloan	Santander
Barili	Madridejos	Sibonga
Bogo	Malabuyoc	Sogod
Boljoon	Mandaue City	Tabogon
Borbon	Medellin	Tabuelan
Carcar	Minglanilla	Talisay City
Carmen	Moalboal	Toledo City
Catmon	Naga	Tuburan
Cebu City	Oslob	Tudela
Compostela	Pilar