Young Dumb and Broke: A trek from Mt. Manunggal to Mt. Mauyog

Jane Austen once wrote, “What are men to rocks and mountains?”

Just recently, my escapade with the adventure-seeking squad echoed this very line as we faced the rocks and mountains of Mt. Manunggal and Mt. Mauyog head on. These are two of the most famous peaks here in Cebu that are often hiked by beginners and seasoned mountaineers alike. And we don’t want to miss that, do we?

We started with a foggy greeting. On our way to Balamban, we were welcomed with a misty surrounding that almost felt like entering a world of miasma. Most of us were worried that we won’t get a chance to see the panoramic view atop but gladly Mr. Sun was kind enough to smile upon us.

From the junction of Brgy. Sunog, we said our prayers and started our trek. I should add here that before anyone can proceed with the adventure, you will have to register and pay various fees. I’m not going to elaborate, though, how we ended up broke but I suggest you bring extra money.

Moving along… It was quite a long walk but a fun one. Thanks to Marc and his Mi Gente, we spend the day with this song in our heads. We even danced uphill but we were badly choreographed. Should we do better next time? Yes, please!!

Not Again!

Not Again!

I am back at Pemberly—again. This time, I am playing the piano with Lady Catherine de Bourgh watching from behind. I cringe to the shadow of her majesty. Her regal grace is creeping on my spine like a snake.

Wait… what am I doing here in the first place?

As if to answer my query, Mr. Darcy came barging into the hall with his eyes fixed on Lady Catherine. “Your highness, I am baffled and enraged”, his voice raised. “Why do you have to take her here?”

“My nephew, you astonished me.” Lady Catherine, with all her arrogance and flair, walked towards Mr. Darcy. “I expected to find a more reasonable woman. But heaven and earth! Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”

“Leave me and my choice be, please!” He retorted and snatched me out of the mansion.

“Ria…” Mr. Darcy stopped, his breaths catching up to mine.

“Riaaaaa!” a loud voice came out of nowhere, “RIA. Wake up!” mom yelled, shaking my senses.

“MOM! Not again!” I wailed

“What again?!”

Word Count: 175

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Here is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers prompt. This week’s photo prompt by Louise of The Storyteller’s Abode which surprisingly reminds me of my favorite classic, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It was January 2016 when I first wrote the fiction, Daydreams, which fantasizes Fitzwilliam Darcy and I believe it’s about time that I write a follow-up. Sorry Lizzie! ❤

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is a weekly writing challenge where a photo is used as a prompt for a piece of fiction using 150 (+/- 25 words). Thanks for another fun prompt, PJ! 😀

Enjoy more stories here:

 

Per le belle donne del mondo…

International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements – from the political to the social – while calling for gender equality. It has been observed since the early 1900s and is now recognised each year on March 8. (Source)

So today, I decided to dedicate my posts to every beautiful, independent, and strong women around the globe. Here are some inspiring messages for all. 🙂

On being the type of woman

Sarah Kay was the first person who introduced me to Spoken Word Poetry years ago. Her works are awesome and heartfelt. Here’s a lovely piece she wrote and performed for the Button Poetry that speaks on what type of woman we are meant to be. ❤️❤️❤️

 

On being stereotyped by men

Most men, well, maybe those that I’ve met so far, view women as some damsel in distress in dire need of a knight in shining armor. Truth is we’re not. There are also  battles we could fight and we don’t just simply sit in the corner with a screaming silence when situation occurs. Jane Austen could agree to that. 😉

 

On being beautiful

I think we’re locked in our own cage of self-doubt without us knowing that we had the key all along. Yes, I know, easier said than done, especially when the world that we live in starts defining a woman’s worth with it’s own scale entrenched by stereotyping (the sole root of anxiety among women). So here’s a song from Colbie Caillat to remind us that we are beautiful- inside and out. Remember that. 

 

On being fearless

For that love of Taylor Swift (no haters, please!). I think Taylor has said enough in this one. 😄😄😄

 

On finding inner calm and peace

To those who are running, to those who are lost, to those who have fallen, and to those who have found the inner calm and peace. Here’s a beautiful piece from none other than Lang Leav. 

 

On being yourself

An upbeat song from my girl crush, Tori. The lyrics say it all. 😉

 

On making choices

Who could better tell us the true strength of a woman than Angelina Jolie herself? An excellent actress, Ambassador of Goodwill, and a loving mother. ❤️❤️❤️

 

On staying on course

Lastly, I’m leaving you with a message from 2015 Miss Universe, the Philippine’s pride, and a woman who is confidently beautiful with a heart, Pia. 

 

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Enjoy the rest of the day everyone! 🙂 🙂 🙂

The Great Book of Lists- Chapter 1.4: The Books that Transport You

This week’s The Great Book of Lists’ chapter, suggested by Jartagnan, dives into the list of books that transports you. What’s astonishing when reading a book is that at the moment you open one and sink into it, a new world unveils before your eyes—a world where endless possibility resides. A tale unfolds inside your mind taking you to a journey across the present time. A lot of books have done this to me but if I were to list them all, it may take a lifetime. So for now, here are some I’d like to share and recommend at the same time. 😀

1. Mitch Albom- As much as I would like to list a specific book, I could not bring myself to choose one among Mitch’s heartwarming books. All of them are really close to my heart and have been a refuge whenever my soul is troubled. I hope you read them all. 🙂

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