Not your regular savings account: MP2

Exploring options to meet your financial goals?

Recently I’ve been receiving lots of investment questions from family and friends so I thought to share what I suggest to them if they:

• want to start small
• can’t take a lot of risk
• need assistance on being consistent 😂

Hope it helps you as it did to me.

So it’s MP2 from Pag-IBIG.

What is it?
The MP2 Savings Program is a voluntary savings platform for Pag-IBIG Fund members who wish to save more and earn high dividends, in addition to their Pag-IBIG Fund Regular Savings.

Investment Amount
Minimum: P500
Maximum: None.

Frequency:
Monthly or One-time

Terms: 5 years

Dividends:
No less than 70% of Pag-IBIG Fund’s annual net income, tax-free.

For reference, the average MP2 dividend rate in the past three years (2016-2018) is at 7.65%. (from Pag-IBIG website)

May be withdrawn after the 5-year maturity or via Annual Payout.

Sample computations:

How to enrol?

Online: https://www.pagibigfundservices.com/MP2Enrollment/

Or submit your duly accomplished MP2 Savings Application form:
1) At your nearest Pag-IBIG Fund Branch, together with a valid ID and Passbook or ATM Card of your nominated bank account; or
2) If employed, through your HR.

You may download the MP2 Savings Application form here: https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/forms_provident.html

How to remit?
1) Salary deduction, upon agreement or arrangement with your employer;
2) At any Pag-IBIG Fund Branch; or
3) At any Pag-IBIG Fund-accredited collection partner.

As simple as that. All prayers to you who read this. May we all reach our financial goals!

Please feel free to share. Sharing is caring! Para sa ikauunlad ng bayan!

Btw, shout out to my friend Edgar D. who shared this with us. lablab!

Source and for more info you may check out Pag-IBIG’s site here: https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/

(Yup, photo has no connection or whatsoever. Just what I saw just before I felt like writing. It’s in Nagtabon Beach, Palawan btw)

Guide to Batad, Banaue, Ifugao

Sharing some info on how to go, estimated expenses, and what to expect when visiting the ampitheater-like rice terraces of Batad. ❤ ❤ ❤

Itinerary

Day 0	10:00pm	Leave Sampaloc, Manila via Ohayami Bus
Day 1	07:30am	Arrive at Banaue Stopover
		Eat breakfast, haggle with tourist guides, este plan iti while in Batad/Banaue.
	8:00am	Leave for Batad
	10:00am	Arrival at Entrance to Batad Rice Terraces/Village.
		This is very important to note that you’re not there yet. Especially if you leave just beside the terraces. You need to hike for around 20 minutes to get to the village. Btw, register at the Batad Tourist Information Center so they can account for your existence there.
	10:25am	Arrival and Check-in at Batad Transient House.
		Chill. Order Coffee. Ask for free refill. 😉 Jamming. 😀
	12:00pm	Lunch, Rest
	01:30pm	Hike to Tappiya Waterfalls
	4:30pm	Back at Batad Transient house.
	05:00pm	Take deep breaths and survive the exhaustion. Drink coke. Then coffee again.
	05:30pm	Shower
	06:00pm	Dinner, Talks
	09:00pm	Massage
	09:00pm	Lights Out
Day 2	07:00am	Wake up time, Breakfast
	09:00am	Leave transient house to hike to Awa View Deck
		Take the route where as if you will go around the arena to get different views.
		Guides would know the way. Trust them. And pay them right. Don’t haggle.
	12:00pm	Arrival at Awa View Deck. Thank God you survived! 😀
		Eat snacks or lunch whatever you brought. Don’t leave trash.
	04:00pm	Back at the transient house.
	05:00pm	Shower. Early dinner. Massage. Jamming. Talks.
	10:00pm	Lights Out.
Day 3	07:00am	Pick up.
	08:00am	Breakfast at Market. Shop for souvenirs and pasalubongs.
		Explore Banaue.
	11:00am	Back to Market/Bus Stop.
		We stayed at Al’s Place to eat early lunch. You can also shower there if you want/need to.
		Btw, they have free-flowing free coffee. Not sure if it’s for good. 🙂
	12:30pm	Leave Banaue. 😥

Expenses

Overnight Bus (Ohayami) from Sampaloc Manila to Banaue	490.00
Jeep to Batad & Tricy from Batad	1,000.00
Bus (Coda) back to Manila	650.00
Total Transportation	2,140.00
Accomodation (approx. 300/night)	600.00
Food (eto mahal! Kung tipid ka, magbaon ka!)	466.00
Guide Fees	450.00
Tip	100.00
Pasalubong	180.00
Shopping – Rattan Backpack	1,250.00
TOTAL	5,186.00

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/wanderrina/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1202698606576635

Some videos here:

Should I die today..

• I don’t regret spending my last holiday and weekend with my spiritual family.
• I’m glad I came home last month to celebrate my Dad’s 60th birthday.
• I’m glad I came home last Christmas to spend time with family and friends.
• I’m glad I travelled a lot for the last 6 years.
• I don’t regret being single for the last 13 years.
• I regret not being able to share my faith more.
• I regret being too thrifty.
• I wish I was more generous.
• I wish I was kinder, more patient, and a little gentle.
• I wish I gave more hope.
• I wish I loved more.

My kind of aftershock after a strong earthquake hit a lot of places today. May we all live as if it’s the last day of our lives everyday for the rest of our stay here on earth.

7N/7D of Winter in Busan-Seoul (with Ski info)

I posted some tipid (thrifty) tips and learned that a lot of Filipinos are still interested in going to South Korea.

I thought the hype died down because of the requirement to go through travel agencies now which makes it more expensive and more of a hassle. Actually the fee is minimal, but ofcourse I’d rather not pay anything for something I can do on my own. Also, I’m surprised a lot still wants to go during winter. Maybe given that we live in a tropical country. I personally would avoid it if I can. I was able to visit South Korea during Winter, Spring and Fall. I’d say Fall is still the best season to visit.

Anyways, because of this, I got an inspiration to share info again. The itinerary, instructions and estimated expenses below were drafted in 2017. But before I wrote this article, I checked and confirmed that they are still applicable. 🙂
Itinerary..

To see this more clearly.. https://www.facebook.com/wanderrina/photos/a.1117731958406634/1117731968406633/?type=3&theater
Details on the itinerary above..

BUSAN 09Jan to 12Jan

Day 0 (09Jan Mon) – Travel from Airport to Haeundae

City Bus: Bus 307 (To Haeundae) Go to: Domestic/International Terminal 1st Floor Bus Stop 3 Price: Cash 1,300Won / Card 1,200Won First bus : 05:15, Last bus : 23 : 20 (Interval: 20 minutes)

Or Subway: Airport Station (Busan-Gimhae Line) → Sasang Station (Line 2) → Haeundae Station Fare: 1,900 KRW / Approx 1hr 20min

-Haeundae Spa Open 24 hours Cost: 7,500W jjimjilbang (10,000W after 9pm) – 5 minute walk from the Haeundae Bus Terminal – 5 minutes from Subway Station (Line 2), Exit 1 -10 minute walk from the Tourist Information Center – 5 minute walk from Paradise Hotel

Day 1 (10Jan Tues)

-Haedong Yonggung Temple 5am-8am, FREE Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7. Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop. -Taejongdae 9am to sunset, FREE, 3-4hrs Bus within @2,000W From Busan Station, take Bus 88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff Bus Stop. Other buses bound for Taejongdae: No. 8, 13, 30, 88, or 101. -Check in: Kimchee Busan Guesthouse (W9,000) –Nampo! BIFF Square! Nampo Station (Line 1). Exit 1 or 3 – Shopping street OR: Jagalchi Station (Line 1). Take Exit 7, cross the street, and BIFF Square will be on your left. Look for the yellow and red umbrellas.

Day 2 (11Jan Wed)

-Bujeon Market -Seomyeon Medical Street Check in: Guesthouse 710 in Haeundae (W10,000)

Day 3 (12Jan Thurs)

AM: Jog along Haeundae shore, check out Wet Market -Centum City -BIFF PM: Bus to Seoul (General) W23,000@ Departure time 12:30 14:40 16:40 18:30 20:30 http://www.kobus.co.kr/web/eng_new/schedule_result.jsp –if this won’t work anymore try the main page, then translate this page to English. https://www.kobus.co.kr/main.do

SEOUL 13Jan to 16Jan

Day 3 (12Jan Thu)

Check-in: Kimchee Downtown Guesthouse W44,000/pax (11,000W/night)

Day 4 (14Jan Fri)

-Ski (Jisan Forest Resort) W21,000 (check for 20% foreigner or credit card discount) Gangbyeon Station – exit 4 (Dongseoul Bus Terminal) Bus to Icheon W4,700 From Icheon to Jisan (Bus #12). T-money W1,200. 15-20 mins.We decided to go here as it is close to Seoul and is accessible via pubic transportation. i.e., 1) Board a train to Gangbyeon Station – exit 4 (Dongseoul Bus Terminal); 2) take bus to Icheon; and 3) From Icheon bus terminal, board Bus #12 and get off at Jisan Ski Resort. Note: Go as early as possible if public transportation is used since when we went the last bus from Jisan to Icheon Bus terminal left around 5~5:30pm. There are ski gear rentals along the way. They offer as low as P500/hr but if you are a newbie, I’d say better get the package from the resort. -Gangnam Shopping max: W25000 (P1,100)

If it’s not winter this day would have been for Everland. The 2nd happiest place in South Korea~ after Nami Island. ❤

Day 5 (15Jan Sat)

-Nami (Jamsil Station) or Seoraksan (Gangbyeon Station) W3,500 Line 2, Exit 4 >> Dong Seoul bus terminal, 06:25 to 23:00 Sokcho intercity bus or Sokcho express bus: W17,300 Sokcho bus -> So Gong Won bus stop: KRW 1,100 (BUS No 7 or 7-1) -Ehwa Shopping max: W20,000 (P1,000) -Hongdae Shopping max: W10,000 (P500)

Day 6 (16Jan Sun)

-Yeouido (Yoido Full Gospel Church, Han River) -Myeongdong Shopping max: W50000 (P2,200)

Day 7 (17Jan Mon)

-Seoul Fortress Wall http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1982051 -Dongdaemun -Nandaemun

Estimated Expenses: ±P15,000 excluding airfare.
Normal promo fares are around 5k round trip with excessive baggage allowance ;p ..So that’s an estimate of around P20k, all in!
Also, on flights, aside from Cebupac and Airasia, try checking Jeju Air too. Their promo fares are literally cheap~

	PHP	KRW	Cash/Credit	Note
Taxi to NAIA	200		Credit
Airport tax	1,630		Credit
Train to Busan (Heaundae)		1,900	Cash
Jjimjilbang		10,000	Cash
Haedong Yonggung Temple		3,000	Cash	est fare
Taejongdae		2,000	Cash
Kimchee Busan Guesthouse		9,000	Cash
Guesthouse 710 in Haeundae		10,000	Cash
Bus Seoul to Busan		23,000	Credit
Kimchee Downtown Guesthouse		44,000	Cash	(KRW11,000/night)
Ski (Jisan Forest Resort)		21,000	Credit
Bus to Icheon		4,700	Cash
Seoraksan		31,000	Cash	Bus Fares and Entrance
Transpo (P300*6days) P2,000		40,000	Cash
Food (P600*6days) P3,600		72,000	Cash
Total	1,830	271,600
Total in PHP (KRW1:PHP.05)	15,410

Hope you find the above helpful. Comments, suggestions, inquiries, clarifications and even violent reactions are welcome. :p

The Mask of Sarcasm

I hated myself for being so grumpy.

Then I hated myself for hating myself.

But sadly there were times that I just accept it as a fact of life.

I thought I just normally transitioned from being the senseless Patrick Star to the naive and dreamy Spongebob to being the old bitter Squidward.

Yeah, I know I’m not grumpy grumpy. But everyone around me knows I’m sarcastic. Like reaaally sarcastic.

And I think the feeling inside is just the same.

It’s heavy. It’s dark. Lifeless.

Especially if you have habitually used it as defense.

So today I won’t say sorry not sorry.

Cause today I am sorry.

I am sorry to the people I have hurt.

I am sorry to the people I did not forgive soon.

Why.

I have been too hard on myself that I have expected too highly from people around me too.

And when they don’t meet my expectations I get disappointed, sometimes even hurt, so easily.

So if a person appears, speaks or acts the way I don’t approve of I deassociate myself instead of trying to work it out.

But.

These past few days and especially yesterday God led me to see how prideful and unforgiving I am.

He has been slowly showing me how I was acting wise and worthy to judge.

He showed me how I was living an emotionally-driven life. Despite all the denials that I am not emotional.

I was brushing the offenses off by convincing myself I have forgiven.

But sadly they just piled up within. Pushed back in my innermost being. Pulled up whenever I feel defenseless and weak.

Still.

Thank God for His never-ending grace. Thank God that he never gave up on me like how I gave up on people.

He led me to see that I was unable to let go completely cause I think I deserve justice.

Then I was unable to move on because I didn’t believe things can change. That people change. And that even that is not my job.

At church yesterday I heard the preacher say that “Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a decision to lift judgment.”

So.

Today I resolve to move away from the judgment seat. Today and going forward I will try to be quick to forgive and remember to ask for forgiveness. Not just in words and pretensions. Not just when I feel like it already. Not when it’s already too late.

I will trust that really “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Two Things. On Getting a U.S. Visa for Filipinos.

Oh yeah! I just survived that horror story of getting a Non-Immigrant U.S. Visa. And yes!! I got approved of a 10-year multiple entry visa without any annotations.

First of all, I thank Father God above all. I feel so much like a spoiled daughter. 😁

And now, for those who are eager to know those two things, let’s get straight to the point. What you need:

1. Compliance; and

2. Honesty.

More details:

1. Go online. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visaapply.asp
2. Pay the fee. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp
3. Fill out Application Form (DS-160) truthfully. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-ds160complete.asp
4. Schedule your appointment. (Create an account first. https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Philippines)
5. Appear on the interview.
6. Answer interview questions with all honesty.

Notes:

• Most of the answers during the personal interview may be found on your application form. Then only further details related to those will be asked from you. Thus, consistency on the answers and confidence on what you are saying is key.
• No document was asked from me during the interview. Not even my old passport. My new passport has only one trip stamped on it. (But as they all say, bring them just in case.)

Then, if you are curious to know what were the questions asked, here are some of those I can remember:

1. What’s the purpose of your visit to the USA?
2. What do you do (for work)?
3. What’s the name of the Company you work for?
4. How long have you been working there?
5. Where do you work before that?
6. Where do you stay here?
7. But your parents are in Palawan?
8. Where did you attend College?
9. What course did you take up?
10. Who lives with you here?
11. Who’s coming with you on this trip?
12. How much do you earn?
13. What other countries have you visited? (He didn’t even let me finish. haha.)
14. And you always travel solo on these trips?
15. Do you have any relatives in the States?
16. Do you know anyone in Guam
17. Are you going to stay with him?

Quick background for those who can’t relate. In 2017 only 82% of U.S. Non-immigrant Visa got approved in the Philippines. That’s like 8 in every 10 applicants. Everybody always seem to know somebody whose application got rejected.

Because of this, a lot of myths has been going on regarding how you get approved and the reasons why one gets denied.

At the U.S. Embassy, while anxiously waiting for my turn for the interview, I checked out the TV presentation about these myths and the facts related to it. Some that I can remember (which I attest, are among those I always hear from people who applied before) are as follows:

• You’ll get disapproved if you’re single, young, a nurse, and/or a student.
• Only the rich gets an approved visa.
• Pending immigrant visa will affect your Non-immigrant visa application.
• The approval is based on the consuls’ subjective opinion.
• The consuls have quota.

The related facts they provided are:

• Your honesty is more important than your civil status/age/profession/financial status.
• The approval of your application is subject to compliance with U.S. Immigration Laws.

And that’s it.

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Life of a Wanderlust – On Finances (or to where did they go)

Memories. Ofcourse, It’s obvious! I have no savings. Except for those I arranged for auto-deduction so I won’t be able to allot the budget for travelling. This is a must for all of us people. I know we have this strong desire that’s so hard to resist. So we do prevention rather than cure. Btw, those auto-deducted are more of investments than savings. But hey, I “believe” they are well-diversified. So yeah, sorry not sorry. And yeah, let us all strive to increase our financial IQ that we may be able to travel more in the future. HAHA.

Anyway, it’s that time of the year that I need to perform accounting of my personal finances. I do it every end of quarter, at mid-year, and ofcourse at the end-of-year. To see if I am still living a well-balanced imbalanced life. Haha.

Actually.. that’s all for the finance part. HAHA. Go educate your self. John Maxwell said, “Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher.” And I am not the best person to get evaluated on. :p (Except for those below. They are my treasures. Joke. Half-meant.)

I am here to share what happened with my  supposed-to-be quarter-end accounting. I just ended up tracking where I have been to. So the main purpose of this post is actually to help you guys with your budgeting by entertaining questions you might have in the future regarding the places I’ve been as listed below. For me, research is one of the must-have-been-done to travel cheap. So there you go!

Please don’t be shy. I’m always bored so I listen well. I will try to answer patiently. :p

Overseas:
May 2013 – Hongkong; Macau
Nov 2013 – Singapore; Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Jun 2014 – Bangkok, Thailand
Oct 2014 – Seoul, S. Korea
Apr 2015 – Seoul and Busan, S. Korea
Jun 2015 – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Feb 2016 – Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Oct 2016 – Hanoi, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Jan 2017 – Busan and Seoul, S. Korea
Jun 2017 – Osaka and Tokyo, Japan
Jun 2018 – Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Domestic:
(I can only easily track those after I joined Facebook. haha)
Apr 2009 – Subic, Zambales
Dec 2009 – Tagaytay, Cavite
Dec 2010 – Tagaytay, Cavite
Oct 2010 – Manaoag, Pangasinan; Baguio, Benguet
Apr 2011 – Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (Underground River)
Nov 2011 – El Nido, Palawan
Jun 2012 – Boracay, Aklan
Jul 2012 – Cebu, Cebu; Tagbilaran/Panglao/Loboc, Bohol
Apr 2013 – San Juan, Batangas (Laiya)
Aug 2013 – Davao, Davao del Sur; Samal, Davao del Norte
Dec 2013 – Laoag/Paoay/Pagudpod/Bangui/Batac, Ilocos Norte; Vigan, Ilocos Sur
May 2014 – Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Nov 2014 – Sta. Cruz, Laguna; Tagaytay, Cavite
Apr 2015 – Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (Nagtabon)
Jul 2015 – Nasugbu, Batangas
Oct 2015 – Calayan, Cagayan
Dec 2015 – Rodriguez, Rizal (Mt. Pamintinan & Mt. Binacayan)
Jan 2016 – Tarnate, Cavite (Mt. Pico de Loro)
Mar 2016 – Moalboal/Badian/Oslob, (South) Cebu
Apr 2016 – Porac, Zambales
Apr 2016 – Baguio, Benguet
Jun 2016 – Dagupan, Pangasinan, Tinglayan, Kalinga; Baguio, Benguet
Nov 2016 – Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Mambajao, Camiguin
Apr 2017 – Baguio, Benguet
May 2017 – Alaminos, Pangasinan
Jul 2017 – Coron, Palawan
Oct 2017 – Kabayan, Benguet (Mt. Pulag)
Dec 2017 – Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya (Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park)
Mar 2018 – Dumaguete/Dauin, Negros Oriental; Enrique Villanueva/Larena/Lazi/Maria/San Juan/Siquijor, SIquijor
May 2018 – Koronadal/General Santos/ Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Jul 2018 – Naga, Camarines Sur; Sorsogon City/Gubat, Sorsogon; Legazpi, Albay

Lastly, sharing my upcoming travels too as I am needing any helpful tips as well. TIA! XOXO

UPCOMING TRAVELS:
Sept 2018 – Guam, USA
Nov 2018 – Taipei, Taiwan
June 2019 – Bali, Indonesia

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Happily Thirty

Dating lessons this 30-year old grandma has learned for the past 3 years, 3 months, and 3 weeks.

3 Years | He’s not man enough.

In this life you will meet people who will be interested in you. If you entertain them you may end up liking them even if they are not your type. In the same way, they may end up liking you even if you do not meet their standards as well. You both may end up liking each other, even loving each other. But consider this, there’s a lot to consider still. Like if he is not ready to be in a serious relationship yet, if he is just starting out in his career, if he is still starting out with all the adulting, he most likely will not pursue you. And that’s okay. You don’t want a guy who is not man enough to handle all that. Stop waiting. You don’t deserve to be just one of the reserves. Move on.

3 Months | That’s a beast.

A player is good with his words and with his ways. He will make you feel special. But don’t fall for it. Test a person always. Results will show his true intentions. Behaviors will reflect what’s on the insides. Always remember you are worth far more than another person’s pleasure. You are God’s princess. Do not give up your identity for momentary gratification. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

3 Weeks | It’s just their culture.

So what now? You just got over a very passive and then a very aggressive guy. Then you meet a gentleman who stares at you but not aggressively jump into you. Before you fall head over heels, stop and do some background check first. Do not think by default that you are an exception. Do not assume he is different from the rest. If you did your assignment you would know that there are times you thought a person is lovely; but actually what you are falling for is not a person’s quality but what his culture is like. Sad truth. I know. At least now, I know.

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Stripped of Power but Stuffed with Dreams.

That’s what nature did to me.

When I told my friends I am going to Calayan Island I was flooded with interrogations.

“Hindi ka ba natatakot? Paano pag lumubog ang bangka? Sure ka na ba? Ano trip mo?!” (“Aren’t you afraid? What if the boat sink? Are you really sure of this?”)

I answered repeatedly, “Pag oras mo na, oras mo na.” (If it is your time/turn to die, then you die).

I was reminding myself then that I wasn’t raised with the mentality of “Baka lumubog ang bangka.” (The boat might sink). I was psyched to be prepared for it instead.

For the benefit of those who don’t know how far Calayan is.. It’s like the third topmost island in the Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of only 16,702 people. It is so far and remote. But that makes it more like a paradise.

 

Before, the only way to get there is via boat (lampitaw) with approximately 5-7 hours travel time. The boat mostly brings goods that are imported for the islanders’ consumption. They accomodate 1-2 passengers on the way. The boat is so small the Pacific waves tower over it. All the stuff are put in plastics to “waterproof” them since water crashing to the boat and splashing all over is a sure thing. The boat trips are not regular but are always dependent on the weather condition.

This was one of those soul-searching solo trips. I don’t normally admit this but yeah. Haha. I was ongoing quarter life crisis then so I wanted to be just no one in the middle of nowhere.

Well, it worked.

While and after this trip I was able to really appreciate what matters more. Nature was so great and amazing. It showed me how small and vulnerable I am.

I was ready to lose everything in exchange for my life and the people who believes in me.

Until now I am fully aware that the material things, social status, and whatever I have gained in this temporal life on Earth really amounts to nothing when you are faced with death. Thus, I don’t sweat much about them anymore. 🙂

Some of the epic moments here were as follows:

-When the first big wave hit our small boat in a split second I find my self praying: “Lord, alam ko may misyon pa ko sa buhay. Wag Niyo po ako hayaan mamatay dito.” (Lord, I know I still have a mission to fulfill in this life. Don’t let me die here). 😜.

 

-When I trekked going to a waterfall in the island, the trail was so hard you have you to literally hug the mountain to move forward, like Spiderman. One time I had to jump to the other side but I can’t see where I should land. I only see my guide’s hand. I had to hold to it, trust him and jump. He pulled me towards where I should land. (Yup, he is that strong! Good thing! Haha!) It was like a hike of no return. I was telling myself, “You have to return alive. You have to keep your word to your friends.” 😜.

Excuse my fats. But yeah, this is how the trail looked like.
-On the beach, the waves are so strong I’m afraid it may eat me alive. I was alone. So I didn’t go for a dip. 😜.

So inviting yet so scary.
-There was a lighthouse on top of a hill. beside it is a cliff. I was never afraid of heights. But my knees were shaking when I climbed it. I hugged the tower and the rails with all I have. 😜.

-The town do not have electricty at night. I was staying in homestay good for 30pax. But I was alone. 😜. (But hey, they said they pride in zero crime rate so I held on to that till I fall asleep. Haha).

more pics here!

How to go there:Fly/Bus Ride to Tuguegarao; Van to Claveria; and Lampitaw to Calayan.

Where to Stay: Homestays. I stayed with Mommy Tessie Singun (0929837573)

Must see: Sibang Cove, Nagudungan Hills, Cabudadan Falls (I booked a habal tour with Mommy Tessie as well)

Estimated Budget: <to follow>

Estimated time of travel/stay: atleast 3D/2N

—

Visited: October 2015.

2018 update: Regular Roro (boat/ferry whatever) now travels there I believe. And there are packaged tours being offered now. No more excuse not to visit this paradise. No more excuse not to visit this paradise. Almost no more excuse not to visit this paradise.

 

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Travel. Fall. Move On. Repeat.

To Aurora.

It hurts me whenever I am reminded that you do not like me the way I like you.

I like you. As a person. As a man. For real. And exclusively.

But I think you like me the way you like everything else. You are just being appreciative. Cause you were just having a good time.

The way we met was, for some people, like a match made in heaven. I’d say for me it was special. I guess to you it was just normal.

I acted cool.

I met a lot of interesting people during my travels and I am always able to establish that deep connection. I know I could bid goodbye when it’s time to go.

Should be. But I failed with you.

I let you in. I was emotionally tired and you were everything I wanted. Thus even though I know that my everything amounts to nothing to you I willingly gave them anyway.

And now fool me can’t get over it. Silently hurting deep inside. But still not wanting to let go.

I know by now I should accept that you are just one beautiful mistake. It’s hard. I’ve built my fortress in a decade’s time but you crushed it only after a few days.

I still want to justify my actions. I still want to hear more of your lies.

I know this too will come to pass. Hopefully soon. Maybe later. Prolly on my next travel.

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