Stop and Stare

Unplanned trip to Don Salvador Benedicto
Negros Occidental, Philippines

Thursday morning our team decided to go to Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. It was a gloomy morning, a safe trip to the mountains. I've passed by in this side of town during a long trip from Cebu but have not appreciated the place. It's a cliche but most of the time we never notice some things around or even things right beside us. I realized that sometimes we need to just stop and stare to appreciate things which are within our reach.

Don Salvador Benedicto Rice fields

So for those who are always on the go make a stop, stare and start to be conscious of things near you; more so, be grateful of what you have rather than complaining of what you do not have. Count your blessings!!!

A Year-end Prayer

As the year ends, we look back of what had transpired -- things we did and did not do. some people may have regrets and some don't. The most important thing is we tread the trail without backing down; instead, we completed the path with our heads up and passed any tribulation upfront with dignity. We have so much to be thankful for -- blessings, achievements and trials in life -- that made us stronger. We just hope and pray that our experiences may provide us armor to combat war against new beginnings and changes in our everyday lives. Things may never be the same next year but we are ready to pass any crossroad we may encounter.

My father said,
"Don't you worry, don't you worry, child.
See heaven's got a plan for you.
Don't you worry, don't you worry now."
Yeah! --  Swedish House Mafia

Goodbye 2013!!! Welcome 2014!!!

Getting a Kick Start Today

I've been hibernating for three months now. And, it is too painful to realize that being a couch potato is really unproductive. Just watching TV the whole day and always wondering what's next. For some this is enjoyable but I am used to work all day long and getting busy. I don't like the feeling of waiting and worrying what will happen to me (the future) while sitting in front the television set. I know for sure some share the same feeling. You get the habit of getting started and do something and then getting too tired of thinking how to get started -- procrastinating. The "how", "what" and "when" to kick start and go on. 

But then I realize I can do better. I think the sense of empowerment plays a huge part in getting out of the dark and step into the light and get started. I know it is hard to getaway from the shadows having low self-esteem. It crossed my mind that I have my family and friends who believes in me. Since I always wanted everything to be perfect I ended up getting frustrated. I always compare myself to others but I realized I don't have to compete with others but myself. 

I just need to step up and have a kick start, think positive, and enjoy the roller-coaster-ride of life. Not tomorrow, not next year but hit start today.

Revisiting Bulwang Caves in Mabinay

If I were to visit to a cool place again, I would choose Bulwang Cave. Also known as Mabinay Cave, located in Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, appeals to spelunking enthusiasts and travelers alike because of its natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Bulwang Cave offers 5 levels of easy to explore caves. As long you permits to camp and to hike, you may explore Bulwang Caves for you are into extreme adventures. This is something, as Negrosanon, to be proud of. The government of Mabinay also built stairs and railings for beginners. If you want to take great pictures of the cave, do not use a flash when taking pictures. There are lights installed in the cave so there will be enough light for your pictures.

Here are some pictures I took when I last visited Bulwang Caves. #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

 

It's More Fun In The Philippines: Surfing in Siargao

"This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides to those who dare. Those who do will experience a slice of paradise, or magic mushroom-like hallucinations, as the wave wraps over them like a Cornish pasty-shaped cocoon of water. Don't slip, or your skin and bones will be ripped to shreds by the ocean bed," Bremmer wrote about Siargao's famous "Cloud Nine" in the article. -source: CNNGo.com

Siargao Is World's 8th Best Surf Spot.
Surfing. More fun in the Philippines.


Siargao, an island shaped like a teardrop in Surigao del Norte, is the eighth best surf spot in the world. This is according to the travel news website of the Cable News Network (CNN).

The World's Top 50 Best Surf Spots list was compiled by CNNGo writer and "avid surfer" Jade Bremmer. It also used contributions from other professional surfers.

Blipz On Our Radar

Blipz Trips is now improved and has moved to a new location - blipzradar.blogspot.com.

My blog Blipz Trips is now known Blipz on our Radar. This so to cater more topics, withing my reach, from my own radar. Blipz on our radar will be blogging more about music, movies, gadgets, travels and all that stuff on my radar. In contrary to the old Blipz Trips wherein it talks about more of my travels and adventures.

So seat back, relax and enjoy reading the latest Blipz ...on our radar.

Blipz came from the word blips. The definition of blip according to Dictionary.com is - a spot of light on a radar screen indicating the position of a plane, submarine, or other object.

Shots Taken At Kota Beach Resort In Bantayan Islands

Shots could have been better if taken using DSLR cameras. Oh well, let's be contented with these..

Shots taken using Sony Ericsson W700 with 2.0 mega pixel.
Location: Kota Beach Resort, Sta. Fe, Bantayan Islands.

Kota Beach Beach at Sunrise.

Bending Waters in Guimaras Island

We've been dreaming of going to Guimaras for a long time and it finally came true last weekend. The plans were drafted. We ironed out schedules. The room was reserved. Then, friday night we decided to meet at the terminal at 4:30 saturday morning.


The First Trip
It was a gloomy saturday when we departed Bacolod. We planned to take on the route of Pulupundan to Guimaras Island. At 5 o'clock in the morning we commuted without even knowing what time the first boat trip is. After 50 minutes of road trip to Pulupandan we reached the wharf. We still had like two hours to prepare for a boat ride since the first trip was 8am. We sipped coffee and talked about the island - what is it going to be when we got there? Whatever that is ahead of us it would still be called adventure and it starts now.

The Long and Winding Road
We were amazed by the fine white sands at the coastlines of the island. It was as if welcoming as with its scenic view of Mother Nature. Off we went our next land trip heading for Alubihod where Raymen Beach Resort resides. Well, as first timers, we had a hard time in the van which took the long route around the mountainous village of Jordan (one of the municipalities of Guimaras Island). We practically toured the whole town but not for pleasure, I think. It was too late to realize that it was a commuters' van. That was an hour of prolonged agony of sitting (or was it crumpling?!?) just like smoked sardines in a tin can. At last we reached the main road of Jordan but our road trip did not stop there. Another 10-20 minutes of jeepney ride took us to Alubihod (can't tell time after that disastrous van ride). The trip did not stop there either; another tricycle ride finally had taken us to Raymen Beach Resort. And there it was, the hard-labored-long-trip was erased, white sands and crystal clear water had taken over- the sea.



The Superior Night
Our room is located at the 3rd level of the hotel. We unpacked our things and inspected the room. It had two beds; each could accommodate two to three persons - one for the two girls Cheryl and Jill. The other bed was for three of us, we decided - Ronald, Boojie and me. An extra set of beddings was provided for Archie. We were done just in time for lunch. Chicken and pork adobo was served for the six of us. It was good enough to recharge us for our next activity. We strolled along the shores appreciating the cool breeze and the view of the seaside. As always, photo ops were everywhere. Although, it was a little crowded for a resort, we enjoyed watching little children play along the water. It was as if the waves were their playmates. Taking a plunge in the water was a little colder than I have expected, though it was sunny. We thought it would be better if warmed up a little so we decided to go back to our room; and, alcohol went into play. Shots were taken - that was for a shot of glass and camera shots I suppose. We enjoyed the whole afternoon laughing at each other until one or two bottles of Tanduay Superior were consumed at haste.

The Chicken Dance
It was getting dark we finally plunged in the water. The alcohol helped a lot since the wind is a little colder at night as usual. Pictures were taken and admired the sunset. Even night swimming is in at Raymen. Spotlights are lit at night all the more the people swarming at the sea shores to experience the tranquility and the vastness of the sea. We kept swimming and playing along the waves until 7 o'clock in the evening. We washed a little and headed for the canteen for dinner. We devoured a whole meal of grilled pork and milkfish and sinigang na tangegui. After dinner, we took out another bottle of alcohol. As the night gets darker and darker, more games evolved until the "Chicken Dance". The game started with: the first person would give an animal name and then the next person would also given an animal name that starts with the last letter of the previous animal name (i.e. first person give duck then the next gives kangaroo then next person gives ostrich and so on). Anyone who could not give a name should dance the chicken dance. And yours truly did the first dance - pathetic. And they even recorded it. I went through it two times (whew!). It only shows that I'm not an animal person. Anyways, it was fun and we laughed our hearts out until we got tired and called it a night to reserve our energy for island hopping the next morning.


The Flying Pawikan
At seven in the morning, we left Raymen for island hopping. As expected, more breathtaking views approached us. It was a calm sunny day conducive for island hopping so took pictures of islets surrounding Guimaras. Our first stop was in what they commonly called Turtle Island. It is because the locals in that island breed turtles. They built a sanctuary floating by the shores just good enough to tame and feed the pawikans. Well, each of us had to carry the pawikan for the photos. As we took turns, and Jill can't get enough, she carried it again but the turtle did not like it. The pawikan flipped its hand like it was flying and Jill could have got hurt if she did not handle it carefully. Right then we understood, the pawikan would not allow anyone to carry him the second time around. Enough of flying turtle, the second stop was in Baras Beach Resort. More picture-taking took place in this pit stop. We made use of the islets (were as if guarding the resort), as our background. The third stop was supposed to be a cave but it was not quite safe to cross because of the big waves in the area. So, we went to a more safe yet secluded part of the island where we swum for about 30 minutes; just enjoying the clear water and photo ops. We were off for our last stop at the huge house right off the cliff when we decided to go back because of the big waves approaching us. As we turn our way back to the resort, another motor boat, with three girls as passengers, raced against us in the middle of the sea. One of the manila girls, we thought, had a crush on Ronald because she glanced at him every time the boats got near each other. It was fun. We got off the boat just in time for lunch.





The Dragon and the Rose
At lunch time, we devoured another meal of grilled pork, shrimp and sinigang na baboy just enough to regain all the energies we lost during our island hopping. We played Uno using a deck of ordinary playing cards which bought in the island after lunch - one who losses, takes a shot of whiskey. 3pm, we went to the shores and Jill and Cheryl decided to have henna tattoos - a dragon and a rose with thorns respectively. I decided to have my own tattoo also - just double barbwires on my wrist. Late afternoon, we went swimming until it was dark in time for our last dinner. More clicks and tiger looks were posed for our last night.

Here Comes the Rain Again
Since we were all exhausted after flashes and splashes, we spent our last night in one of Raymen's cottages. It was raining and all we did was talk about everything - work, opinion about something and the future.



The island is as if weeping since we would be leaving the next day.

We talked while we drink. We laugh while we sneer at each other. But, at the end, we still remained friends.

Whatever that is, we're off for our next trip.

All in a day!

This summer the weather may have been an ever-changing and unpredictable event but then again with all our guts we went out of town. We simply do not know when it's going to rain or when it's going to be a scorching heat sunny day. No preparation or whatsoever we tried a reservation to ourselves without question or pause (singing, hehehe) last weekend to go trekking in the mountainous area of Negros Occidental.

Negros Occidental has been blessed with vast numbers of natural spots. Nature-tripping is always been a getaway for many Negrosanons to escape the noisy, polluted and populated cities surrounding the island. Yes, we can go to Mambucal in Murcia, Buenos Aires in Bago, Gintubdan in La Carlota and many others but there is this one more place that I have never been but always comes across my mind - Patag.

"Patag" is simply translated as flat in english language but the irony of it and confusion is inevitable. Patag in contrast to its name is located in the mountainous and suburb area of Silay City. It is roughly 26 kilometers away from the city proper.

Enough for the long intro but seriously speaking our trip was full of fun and was unpredictable and breathtaking (literally). I believe no words can proper describe the trip that took place only in a day.


The Road Trip

At around seven, one rainy morning (May 09), the Terrano tore north of Silay City. Thanks to Francis Reboton for the ride, by the way. We finally came to a halt at around 9 o'clock in a hospital that was claimed to be former working location of some Japanese guerrillas during World War II. And that was it. We can't wait to seeing the creation of mother nature working on its own.



It was sunny and foggy altogether in Patag. The cool breeze played along with the sound of the river flowing and circling the place. Francis parked his car in one of the resorts found in the place while Jill Paro, Boojie Ong, Ronald Go and I exchanged looks and considered this place as definitely a great place for relaxation and at the same time great for hiking for those who are crazy about nature-tripping and adventures. We can't help it but we took pictures of us with the back draft of greens and whites by the mountains. Archie Lagtapon negotiated with our Guide who will accompany us in the trails. Off we went carrying backpacks as if we were hikers, followed the Guide wondering where he's taking us.


The Long and Winding Trails

In a single file, Jill Paro entertains the Guide by asking too many questions about the place. Brian, the Guide, stopped and then we saw him pounding a rock on the trail ahead of us and lately we realized he's actually beheading a small native snake crossing the grasses. No turning back at this point and time, we convinced ourselves. So we went hoping the mother of that now dead snake is not hunting us. But according to Brian, snakes when born are actually left alone by their mothers and live in the wilds on their own. Sigh, we were relieved. The trails went up and down while we ignore the pit on the side. We also crossed the river using only boulders as footholds. We pose ourselves to take pictures and to have quick rests, 10-minute intervals for a 40-minute trek.


The Waterfalls of Pulang Tubig

Then there it is a 50-meter-or-so waterfalls welcoming us wide open. The splashes of the water makes a cold wind that makes us shiver. It was the best and highest waterfalls I have ever seen in Negros. We put down our things and started to take pictures of the whole place.



An hour later dipped ourselves in a cold pool waters supplied by the waterfalls. It's so cold that we shiver ignoring possible hypothermia. But, we enjoyed it. A lot! We had a lunch for another 30 minutes and went on again to take pictures. We were awe-struck to the unexploited place - untouched. It feels like we are completely detached from our busy lives down the city. It's truly a summer getaway.



We trailed back at around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Still, taking pictures along the way. We can't simply get enough. We then went to a shrine, a WWII Veterans Memorial. Again, more clicks and flashes framing ourselves to pose. It was fun.

Since we simply can't get enough, we went on swimming in Ladlad resort to buy some time before we take off. That was the plan. The water in the pool is so cold that no one tried to go in first and the fog is crawling just above the mountains and trees. It's coming towards us thus aggravating the shivers of our lips.


The Dam Waterfalls

We were fixing our things when one of the locals there convinced us to go to another waterfalls besides Pulang Tubig. Well, curiosity's killing us so we followed Mars, the other guide. The trail, this time, is narrower than the trails going Pulang Tubig. That time, we feel retreat but we thought since we already started trek we went on and on... It was only a 15-minute walk, the guide said. Good thing along the trails, we saw a foot walk, cemented. We followed it to our surprise we thought of going back. There's no way we can cross the dam. The water is overflowing.



We can imagine how slippery it is. But, hey let's go! We went on with crossed fingers.



The trek is actually worth it. Another waterfalls fueled the river. It's as if welcoming us, the sound of the waterfalls go louder and louder as get nearer and nearer.



Then I heard clicks and more clicks of the camera. As if professional photographers, we held a photo shoot. Practically, every side of the waterfalls were taken a picture and more poses projected. We had a lot of fun. We went back to Ladlad full of smiles on our face.



At exactly 5 o'clock in the afternoon, we went down and again clicks and flashes invades the hospital. Near the hospital we pose ourselves for the last time and dropped by a chapel to say thank yous for a very fulfilling long trip happened in a day.