Ric Anthony

Day 1

March 26 is the day of our departure and the assembly time was 7PM at the NEU façade. I went there with Kevin Anis and Christopher Layug. We were so excited while on our way because we don’t know what is waiting for us. When we arrived at the façade, there were some of our classmates who arrived earlier than us. We put our bags and things on the side and while waiting for our friends, we played Patintero at the 2^nd floor lobby. It was nice because we were able to go back to the days when we were young and Patintero, Luksong Baka, Agawan Base, etc is in the list of our daily activities. Compare to the present where it lost its popularity and Computer games are today’s children’s hobby. Then after a few minutes, Mark Baluyut, Keifel Aguirre, Albert Ramos and Adrian Cadiz arrived and the CHIXilog (the name of our group) is finally complete.

 After a few minutes, we were called to go the first floor lobby in front of the College canteen to gather and have our prayer. Salymar Santos, the JDC president, led the roll call and read the list of who will ride the bus and the people who will take the black and white van. Then after, Mr. Noe L. Pobadora, our adviser, read the itinerary and gave some important reminders before we pray. After sir Noe gave his last minute reminders, Ka Sonny, an INC minister, also reminds us of the things we should not do because it is the school and sir Noe’s responsibility when something bad happens to us while on the tour. After that, he led the prayer.

After our prayer, we went to our designated van; we were assigned to take the white van. The white van was composed of me, Mark Baluyut, Keifel Aguirre, Christopher Layug, Albert Ramos, Adrian Cadiz, Ric Lazaro, Kevin Anis, Frederick Lowe, Jessica Nubla, Aubrey Galauran with our guide sir Irwin Blanco and our driver Kuya Jojit. 

We left the school at past 8:00PM. We had fun while on our way. We sang songs, we had conversations, we laughed our hearts out and we watched movies. It was really a nice opportunity to unwind after a stressful 2^nd semester. It is not bad if we try to forget for a few days that we are students who’s in the 3^rd year of our college isn’t it?  It took us 4 hours to get to Lucena where we had our “late” dinner.

Our first stop over was in Lucena, we filled our stomachs there. We were the last to get there, the bus and the black van arrived before us. The food they sell there was kind of expensive so we took out of packed food that my mom cooked for us. It was Adobo, a Filipino cuisine. There were no leftovers because we were all hungry that time; we finished eating in just a few minutes. After we eat, we took some pictures to serve as souvenirs of that place. It didn’t take long and we left the place to continue the long ride to Caramoan.

The journey to Caramoan continued, we tried to get some sleep on our way but we couldn’t because of the 2 girls, Aubrey and Jessica. They we’re so noisy inside the van, they were talking with loud voice and laughing as if there’s no tomorrow. No matter what position we do, we couldn’t get to sleep. It gets annoying because it’s already past 12am and we have to get some sleep because it’ll be a long day for sure when we get to Caramoan. Because they are girls, we couldn’t do anything but to let them do what they wanted to do but some of the boys got pissed. HAHA!

It was around 4am when we stopped to Petron station in Gumaca, Quezon. The bus that was behind us got stocked in a traffic jam because the road there in Gumaca is under construction so it is a one lane road. We played Patintero with the girls of the black van to kill some time while waiting for the bus to get where we are at. And then the rain poured so we stopped playing. We sat at the bench outside the convenience store of the gas station and we got a chance to talk with sir Blanco. He shared some stories of his life as a student, it was nice because we didn’t feel that he is a professor during that time, it felt like he is a father to us. It’s comfortable being with him. And then a few minutes passed and the bus arrived, so we went back inside the van and the ride continued.

 Finally, we were able to get some sleep while on our way to Camarines Sur. The girls got tired I guess so they were asleep and we were able to get some sleep as well. I woke up at around 9am and I observed the surroundings. All I see at the side of the road was trees, mountains, and houses made in wood and Nipa. I remember my childhood days because I grew up in Bicol, at Sorsogon and Legazpi to be specific. It was around 11:00am when we arrived at Sabang port. There we rode a boat to get to Caramoan Island. All of us took the same boat so we were like around 80+ in one boat, the students, and the tour guide including the “bangkeros”.

Day 2

It took us 2 hours to get to Guijalo Port in Caramoan Island. It was a rainy Wednesday that welcomed us. From there, we rode a Jeepney to get to the inn that the Travel Agency reserved for us. It was about a 10 minute ride and we arrived at the River View Vacation Inn. The food that they served welcomed us, we rushed to our designated rooms, left our things there, and we ran to the area where they served the foods. The foods were great, they were all delicious!

After we took our lunch, we went back to our rooms. I was taking a shower when we were told that we have to transfer to another inn. After I took a bath, I changed clothes and we transfer to Sight and Sands Tourist Inn. At first we were frustrated that we have to transfer to another inn but when we saw our room, we shouted “ooooohhh” because the room that the management of Sight and Sands gave us is much bigger and nicer compare to the room that we got in Riverview, they also have a videoke machine there. Nice! The personnel of Sight and Sands is very accommodating to their guests, they gave us extra pillows and hangers that we can use for our clothes. Then sir Noe, together with Ian (former JDC President) and Lowe visited us in our rooms and sir Noe told me to be his eye on Sight and Sands. We were with 4 other groups of girls at Sights and Sand. I grabbed some sleep because at 6pm, we have to go back to Riverview for our dinner and I am also tired because of the long travel. I slept while the others were playing Playstation games brought by Adrian.

 6pm ticked and we went back to Riverview to grab our dinner. The food, again, is delicious! After we eat, we were told to go to the so called “mansion” where our few batch mates, adviser, and ministers stayed. So we assembled at the mansion and we were told that the supposed to be activities for this day was cancelled because our bodies are tired, so we were told that we must sleep early because the call time for tomorrow is 4am. The itinerary for tomorrow was read by sir Noe and the tour guides gave us their recommendations on what to bring for tomorrow.

After the meeting, we went back to our inn. And because it is still early, we decided have karaoke for a while. The girls that were with us in the inn also went outside to join us. Grace Francisco, Fatima Pano, Clarice Naag, and Celine Bejar joined us to sing. We sang KLSP, Silvertoes, Narda, Faithfully, Fallen, Wonderful Tonight and many more. It was a great first night in Caramoan because we were all smiles when we went back to our rooms. That’s it for the day.

 Day 3

On this day, we had our island hopping adventure. The tour guide knocked on our door at exactly 4:00am as they promised. We still wanted to continue our sleep but we don’t have a choice but to stand up. We brushed our teeth, took a shower and then dressed up. We left our cellphones in our room because we were told that there is no network coverage on the area that we will visit. We left the Sight and Sands and went back to Riverview to grab our breakfast. After we eat, we took a ride to go to Bikal Port where we took another boat ride to get to the first island that we will visit. We were divided into 8 groups, each group has its own designated boat, and I was in group 3. After the briefing, we prayed led by Ka Sonny. After the prayer, we ride a pick up to Bikal Port.

 It took not so long to get to Bikal Port. When we got to Bikal Port, we were told to go to our designated boats to ride. I was in group 3 so I rode the boat 3. Boat 3 was composed of me, Aubrey, Mariam, Johanna, Clarice, Jaylyn, Sarah, Alyssa, Kevin, Adrian, and sir Blanco. It was a rainy morning; it was cold because of the rain and the cold breeze of air. I was amazed because the sea water was very clear; its color is green and blue if you look from the top. The sea here in Manila is incomparable to the sea in Caramoan.

We arrived at Manlawe Island at around 8:00am. Due to our excitement when we got there, some of my batch mates jumped into the water the moment we arrived at Manlawe. The water is at waist level so there was no need for the life vest. According to kuya Chong, one of our tour guides, Manlawe Island is the farthest island in the Philippines at south western part. We had fun swimming at the area; we took some pictures while on the water. My friend Adrian Cadiz was the first victim of a Jellyfish. He was the first casualty during our tour. He was brought back to our boat so that our tour guides would be able to give him first aid. Not so long, he went back to the water to join us. Then after a few more minutes, we were called by our tour guides to go back to our designated boats because we are going to leave the area and we went to our next destination: Cutibas Island.

 We took another ride to get to Cutibas Island. It took over 1 hour to get to our next next destination. Our boat was the last one to arrive at the area, we saw the other guys having fun on the island, swimming, jumping, taking pictures, and writing on the sand. The island is beautiful, there was a cottage built on the island. We took our lunch there, thanks to our tour guides for preparing our lunch. They were all delicious. After we eat, we had a cheering competition. Boat 1 was the first to showcase their cheer, followed by Boat 2 and then so on and so forth. If you will ask me, Boat 3 (our group) is the winner. We we’re able to use the name of our adviser for a knock knock. He was surprised that we were able to come up with a gimmick on his name. No offense sir! Just for the sake of fun. HEHE! After the cheering competition, they gave us some time to take pictures before we leave the island.

Our next destination was the Triangle Island where the Survivor USA is being held. We were not allowed to go to the other side of the island because it is a restricted area due to Survivor USA. We played Caterpillar and Ambassadors game there. Group 1, 3, 5 and 7 were joined forces against group 2, 4, 6 and 8. We won on both games because we were more focused and had better teamwork than the other group. After the game, we left the island to go back to Caramoan Island because we must attend the worship service at 5:45PM.

Around 3PM when we got back to Guijalo Port, from there we took another ride to get back to Sight and Sands Tourist Inn. We were on the top of the vehicle because there we no space left for us. The girls were in the inside and the boys were on top. It was an enjoyable experience for us. When we arrived at Sight and Sands, we took a bath to wash our bodies and just waited for the time of the worship service. We got left behind so we just took a tricycle to get to the locale of Caramoan.

After the worship service, the girls were the first to leave the place. We were the last to ride the service. The unexpected happened when we stopped in front of the souvenir shop. We were surprised because we expected that the service will dropped us at the inn. Our adviser was angry because the girls were dropped there by the tour guide. It was not part of the itinerary. Our adviser was concern about the safety of the girls because we are not familiar of the area, what if something bad happen to them? His job is on the line here. He told us to go back to the inn and take our dinner then proceed to the mansion for a meeting. We were all nervous because we know what will happen next.

When we got back at the Riverview Inn, we took our dinner to fill our stomachs. After we eat, we went back to our room at Sight and Sands to change our clothes and then we proceed to the mansion for the meeting. Sir Noe told us that what happened back at the souvenir shop was not part of the itinerary and it was dangerous for the girls. So we promised him that it will never happen again so the night ended on a bright note.

It was a long day for all of us so when we went back to our room, we slept right away because we got to wake up early for our last day.

Day 4

We woke up at around 7:00AM. We went to Riverview Inn after we took a bath and changed our clothes. We had our last breakfast because it was our last day in Caramoan. The others went to the souvenir shops to buy some items for souvenir. After we eat, we went back at our room and packed our things. We thanked the personnel at Sight and Sands for their hospitality to us. We left the inn at past 8:00 am and went to Riverview Inn for a prayer before we leave the place. All of us were there, so we had a prayer led by ka Sonny. Then we ride again to go back to Sabang Port, we rode on the top of the vehicle again because there were no space left for us inside.

We arrived at Sabang Port after a few minutes. We put our bags inside the boat and we took a ride for another 2 hours to get back to Guijalo Port where we will ride on a van back to Quezon City. Kuya Jojit, our driver was with us in the boat. It was nice meeting him again because he is so cheerful like us. 2 hours have passed and we were once again in Guijalo Port. There, we put our bags in the white van, the vehicle that we rode from Quezon City. Then after, we went to CWC to watch wakeboarding. It was so expensive, we just went there to take a view of what was there, we also took pictures, and then went back into the van. Our next destination was SM Naga where we had our lunch.

Back in the van, we were all asleep while on our way to SM Naga. All of us were tired because of yesterday. The noise inside the van wasn’t there; it was as if only kuya Jojit was inside the van. Hours have passed and we didn’t notice that we were in SM Naga. We only had 45 minutes to eat and do whatever need in SM. We ate at Mang Inasal because of the unlimited rice promo and it was worth it! I had 4 cup of rice to be exact. After we eat, we decided to drop by at the Department store to buy some foods that we will eat along the way. We bought 2 loaves of bread, mayonnaise, chips, and mineral water.  After we bought the stuff that we need, we went back to the van for another ride.

It was about past 4:00PM when our van left SM Naga. We were all hyper at first because we just ate. We were partying inside the van, singing, laughing, talked with each other. We had good conversations while on our way. And then dark came and we slept. Time ran fast and we stopped at Petron gas station. We took the time to pee and bought some stuff. Lowe bought an Espresso and gave it to Aubrey. How nice of him.

After that, we went back on track. It was a long ride before we had another stop over. We had our dinner at a carinderia. What’s funny is that the comfort room there has payment; you gotta pay first before you pee. Because we don’t have coins in our pocket, we went to the side of the road, hid in the trees and jingled.

After we eat, we went back on track. We were ahead of the bus and the black van when suddenly we received a call; we were informed that the bus was accidentally hit by a tricycle. And the driver of the tricycle tried to ran but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to escape. He was brought to the police station. We waited at our first stop over, at Gumaca, Quezon. After an hour, the bus arrived at the place where we wait for them. Sir Noe talked to us and informed us of what happened. Then after, we went back to our designated ride and went back on track. It was our last stop over. 

After 4 days and 3 nights, we were finally backed in Quezon City. We arrived first in New Era University, followed by the black van and then the bus. We had our prayer. After the prayer, sir Noe announced the winners of the raffle for Sagada trip. The winners were Ashley Bonrostro and Ellaine Olandes. After the announcement of the winners, we left the school one by one.

Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal opinion only. I am not saying that I am right and it is 100% true. :) 

Infatuation vs. Love. At my age, siguro kokonting tao lang ang nakakaalam ng difference between the two. Madalas akala natin love na natin ang isang tao pero infatuated lang pala tayo. How can we distinguish if it is love or you are just infatuated? 

For me.

1. I think it is Love when it is for longer while Infatuation seems likely to be a crush.

2. You are just infatuated when you are easily turn-off while love on the other hand, e kahit bagong gising look pa yan love mo pa din. It is love when the ugly one becomes the beautiful one. 

3. It is love when you do things you don’t usually do. When you become stupid just for the sake of your love one.

4. Love is when you see something more inside the person. “there’s more beyond the looks.” Infatuation is more on the physical appearance of the person.

5. Love is when they take everything away from you but still found yourself smiling and feeling safe. Infatuation, it is the kilig feeling but nothing serious. It comes and goes. 

6. Infatuation focuses more on yourself while love gives more attention to the person you love. 

How ‘bout you? What’s your take on this? :) 

It has been a while. Tinatamad lang ako magsulat ng blog for one reason. Just thinking of it makes me sad.

Napatunayan ko na naman na hindi lang puro saya ang buhay. Kapag naging masaya ka, laging may kapalit. Masaklap pa dun, ikaw ang talo. 

There are things we don’t want to happen but we have to experience. This experience is like a bitter pill to swallow and this kind of decision is always tough to make but maybe, just maybe, I have to accept the fact that it might be the time for me to shake things up by accepting a new challenge and in process, leave some “important” people behind. It’s always been like that for me and it sucks!

Being jealous is inevitable. But what’s more important is how you’ll handle it. Will you nag the person? Aawayin mo ba? Will you choose to suffer in silence? Or you’ll discuss it with the person in a way that it will kill any concerns you have about the situation? 

For the girls out there, here are the things that might make men jealous. :D 

1. When touchy/flirty si babae sa mga guy friends niya. (Kung maiiwasan as much as possible, iwasan. Para iwas pusoy lang at para wala na pinagtatalunan pa.)

2. When the girl texts/talks more often with his guy friends than him. 

3. Kapag mas marami pang alam ang guy friends ni girl kesa sa kanya na hindi na maka relate si boy sa usapan. 

4. kapag hinahatid si girl ng guy friend nya na medyo kaduda duda ang intention. 

Note:

To the girls: Walang mararamdamang selos si lalake kung maingat lang din ang babae sa actions niya lalo na “kung” committed sila or my understanding(MU) sila sa isa’t isa. Be sensitive sa feelings ni lalake. We men couldn’t be jealous if women wouldn’t give us a reason to be. *wink*

To the boys: Jealousy is a sign of love. Magseselos ka ba kung hindi mo naman mahal ang isang tao? Pero dapat may limit din, dahil minsan nagiging destructive ito. *wink*

Been a long day for me. Natapos na din ang week na walang ginawa kundi magpakasaya. Tapos na ang NEU week at JDCine. Back to reality next week. Salamat sa mga nakasama ko kanina, kahit na wala naman talaga kaming nagawa. hahaha!

To you, gusto ko lang naman na mawala na yung “bitterness” na nararamdaman mo sa kanya. Hindi lahat ng lalaki ay kagaya niya. Sana next time, matuto ka nang magmahal ulit. See you around!

Goodnight! :)

Yes I do ~

Well, I think the society’s general term for “love at first sight” does not literally mean “love” because the person is a complete stranger. Rather, it describes this MUTUAL inexplicable bond that strikes you the first time you see this stranger, like a solid gut feel that he/she’s the one. Sort of like how the wolves in Twilight imprint. LOL :))

Iba kasi ang “crush at first sight,” kasi madalas one-sided yan. Pagtingin mo sa kaliwa mo, “Ay, ang guwapo/ganda!” And you develop instant attraction. Iba yun. Hindi talaga yan “love at first sight”

Phenomenal. I believe it’s true. But I also believe it does not happen to everybody. And yes, I saw my “love at first sight” just sometime days ago, and I felt different ever since. I did it once upon a time :))