Maayo San Remigio: Where Plan B gets as good as Plan A

We hate the feeling of being powerless. Every day, we fight to take control of our time, our choices, our freedom, our life. But, with the pandemic limiting our personal control in countless ways, winning has been an uphill battle.

That is why if — and when — we get the chance to make something happen, we seize it. Strongly and decidedly.

Last April, my friends and I planned a weekend getaway to Camotes island. Two months after our Tuburan Escapade, we could not wait to get a better taste of the sea. We paid our reservation, packed our bags and happily headed to Danao port. All was well until things took a sudden turn. Due to a typhoon, trips to the island were cancelled. And we had no backup plan.

It took us hours to decide and find an alternative place to stay. We had to let go of our expectations (and excitement) and get comfortable with the sudden change. It was, at first, frustrating but in the end, we realized that Plan B can be as good as Plan A. So here’s what we did!

From Island Adventure to Staycation Real Quick
Maayo San Remigio is an up-and-coming hotel resort that offers a refreshing escape in the northern part of Cebu. Thanks to Renson and his connections, we were able to get a last-minute booking for nine people. They have different accommodation rates during weekdays and weekends, and guests can choose from family villas to modular rooms. As for our group, we took the latter because it’s cheaper. No regrets since the buildings have colorful summer vibe, the rooms are big, and their vanity mirror is a crowd favorite!

Finding Simple Joy: A Visit to AO Farm

January was a month for me-time, poetry, and crafts. In the past weeks, I have gone to places but have missed a lot of pages. Hence, I made a promise to laze around with muse.

But, despite the perks of solitude, some things are hard to resist. After an incessant request by Shiela, whose feet are giddy to get back on the trails, we headed to the mountains with Jovy.

Tres Marias out to be one with nature!

2 of 20 Spartan 😀

Mt. Mago: A journey to Cebu’s very own Shire… and more

It was not so long ago when Mt. Manunggal and Mt. Mauyog left my friends and I in a destitute (but delightful) state, but here we are again: rushing to the north bus terminal, all set and ready for another day of fun and adventure. Where to now?

We already have hiked to the south for a heart-warming cause. This time, the gang decided to face the north— specifically, to see what the municipality of Carmen has to offer. Travelling with me were the usual faces Shiela, Juju, Marc and Zan. The adventure was led by the one and only idol  wanderer, Reymund. It was also great to meet new travel buddies in Mel, Fons, Justin and Micah. YAY!

Our bus trip took less than two hours before reaching the town of Carmen. We actually arrived earlier than expected which gave us enough time for a quick breakfast and buying essentials. What made this trip extra special is that none of us has set foot in Mt. Mago. The thought of wandering (and getting lost) to the unknown makes our hearts beat with excitement.

Gorgeous trees on the way to Brgy. Santican. Photo credits: Marc

Happy Hearts, Happy Feet

Yet again, life—in its most pragmatic way— found a means of pulling me away from the blogging world. Normally, I would write my AWOL explanation with a pout. But not this time. The past few weeks have been a delightful pull from the outside world to me and I hope my blogging friends here share this joy too.

Making a difference

My friend Shiela, who is a member of a local trekking enthusiast squad dubbed as “Team Bang”, invited me on a hike for a cause in Toledo City. The event was spearheaded by one of Cebu’s renowned travel blogger, Sir Aldrich Infantado of Bisaya Traveler. I was half-hearted at first because although the adventure-seeker in me was excited, my introvert persona was not. Nonetheless, all these reservations faded the moment I met the warm, friendly team, and the children of Old Bucao Elementary School.

 

It was a heart-warming experience being able to paint a smile on the children’s faces. They went home not just with a new pair of slippers and 2 kilos of rice but also with renewed hope. The fulfillment in our hearts will always be incomparable.

A time for adventure

After the fun program with the kids, we started ascending to the higher lands of Gen. Climaco. This village in the south sits on a very scenic and peaceful land, it reminds me so much of my very own hometown.

Located in the heart of the barangay is one of their pride, the Malubog Lake, which is aptly named for its thick, dark waters. The sun was getting fiery but we all can’t help but stop and savor the view.

Tada! Of course, the introvert in me wouldn’t want to miss a chance to snap a shot with a favorite book.

Biliran in a day or two: Waterfalls, beaches, and memories

I’ve been out of blogosphere for quite some time because… life happens. BUT so much for that, I’m happy to be back! It’s been a while that I have shared some vignettes and snippets of my life, too. So here’s a little treat for all of you… 🙂

Ladies and gents, meet the gorgeous Biliran.

Biliran is an island province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. It is one of the country’s smallest and newest provinces. Formerly a sub-province of Leyte, it became an independent province in 1992. This island province of lush mountains, countless waterfalls, and pristine beaches in the east of Visayas is a hidden paradise that is slowly making its name in the Philippines.

The waterfalls

Biliran is surrounded by mountains which explains the province’s abundant waterfalls- the number of which is not yet known. While there are over 10 waterfalls easily accessible to tourists, local mountaineers talk about more waterfalls that can be reached through longer treks, and even about unexplored ones.

My friends and I were able to visit two waterfalls, Ulan-ulan falls (image above)  and Recoletos falls (image below). We would have loved to visit all but time is tissue.

The Rule of Eleven (aka The Blue Sky Tag)

Sooo… my two far-away besties here in blogosphere, Rosema and Jade, recently posted the Rule of Eleven open tag. How did my lazy butt get dragged into this?  HAHA! But really, since I enjoyed your answers a lot and I can’t miss the fun you girls are having… here’s mine. 😀

DISCLAIMER: This is a long one coz I answered both sets of questions. Should I call this The Rule of 22? lol

Share Your World – Week 4

Here’s for  Cee’s Share Your World Challenge –  Week 4

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Do you prefer juice or fruit?

Fruits. Specially freshly picked. 🙂

Did you grow up in a small or big town? Did you like it?

I came from a village tucked in the far-most corner of a small town and I couldn’t ask for more. “Away from civilization”, that’s what we jokingly call it. BUT we’re never away from each other. Home is where love and smile is the warmest.

If you were to paint a picture of your childhood, what colors would you use?

Green for the trees, blue for the sky, brown for the dusty road. It was a time of laughter, sun-kissed skin and sweat. Need I say more?

Ways to Relax List: Make a list of what relaxes you and helps you feel calm

• Stargazing and moon-gazing
• Watching animated films
• Doodling and sketching
• Listening to music
• Lazy afternoons
• Reading books
• Long walks
• Silence

Rhuo Chwerthin

Rhuo Chwerthin

Most days I prefer solitude
Most days I walk alone
But whenever I’m with friends who love me
People whom I love in return
I ache such for time to be frozen
Make that moment last
For there is no grander explosion
Than a heart exploding to a loud laugh.

© 2016 Maria. All Rights Reserved.

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Today’s Filipino word prompt is “halakhak” which refers to “a loud, uninhibited laughter”.

Come on! Write a poem or a fiction
Snap a photo under the sun
A six-word tale or a long post, perhaps?
Let’s all get word-high this July!

Want to join the fun? Find the prompt words HERE! Don’t forget to pingback & use the tag WordHighJuly. Mazel tov! 😉

The Great Book of Lists- Chapter 5.1: People Who Inspired You

I’ve waited for this day to post this specific TGBoL chapter. Chapter 5.1 is all about the people who inspired you. It’s not about Descartes, Churchill, Coelho or any other inspiring thinkers whose quotes flourish the internet and the social networks. No, this chapter is about a list of real people, unknown (or almost) to the world who had a real impact on our life.

As for me, it’d be:

• God, inspite of failing him most of the time, He never failed me
• My family who are my great source of strength and inspiration
• My college professors who pushed me to my limits, for they knew we were meant to grow
• My treasure box of friends- my high school bffs, my college buddies, my “UTODIAN” friends, my favorite love-birds (Rinabel & Red)

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