Mt. Balagbag, Rodriguez Rizal 

I'm tired of seeing buildings and crowded roads since I started teaching in college. I simply need a break and finally I have it because it was our semestral break. February, when we hiked Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao Batangas after that we faced the busiest part of our working lives. We planned to hike Mt. Daguldol unfortunately, it didn't materialize. It’s almost the end of the year when we finally push through our next climb... Mt. Balagbag is located in Rodriguez Rizal. At over 777+ MASL that offers good view of Manila.

Since three of us were from Ortigas Ext. we just rode a jeepney to Cubao (P17.00 fare) to get rid of the preparation of APEC Summit during that time. From Cubao we rode a bus going to Tungko (P65.00 up) then we arrived at the meeting place after an hour and half. The terminal going to Licao-Licao (P28.00 fare) was just few steps from our meeting place. Mt. Balagbag here we come!

It took more than 30 minutes before we arrived at Licao-Licao.There were tricycle drivers who asked us if we wanted to get ride so well have shorter trek but being excited and adventurous we politely refused and started walking. According to the blogs I've read the trail was wide and obvious so the need for the guide was the hiker’s choice. 

May your best miles be covered by foot

Ready! Set! Trek!

We started hiking around 11am so we can reach the resort probably lunch time. Yes we're staying at the resort!!! We passed by at a grotto and (1) took a picture (2) rest as well. We kept walking but everyone's hungry, when we saw a small store with table and chairs made of bamboo outside we decided to have lunch! Happy tummy = happy trek! 

Good weather we pray...

We finally reached the Sitio Balagbag Health Center where we have to register and pay P10.00 each. We were advised to stay for a while because the afternoon sun was up so bright and hot! Dim-trekking was really recommended! We learned that the resort where we placed our reservation was near the mountain peak. Good thing we already ate lunch or else... we'll die in hunger.

Let the trek begin again! We met a lot of day hikers and bikers along the trail. The level of difficulty according to some hikers was 3/9 but while we were walking we came into conclusion that it depends upon the hiker's expertise. For newbies like us it will be 5/9. The trail was wide and easy but still it was too exposed to Mr. Sun and that made it more difficult.

Yay! At last we reached the resort! It was near the peak so don't expect too much but it passed our standard (lelz). There's only one swimming pool, decent restroom, wide space to pinch your tent, a sari-sari store and available drinking water. Entrance fee is P100.00 per head. You can also rent their long table with chair for P200.00 or their room for P200.00- 500.00. Convenience overload :)

Forget about your worries and swim calmly!

We decided to leave some of our things before going to the summit. It would only take 30 minutes trek from the resort but because of some photo ops... it took us an hour. Meet our adorable tour guide "Heidi". We met at the resort and from there Heidi never leave our side until we get back to the resort.

so adorable... Heidi

Cold wind plus breathtakingly beautiful view of Sierra Madre range... whatta welcome!

Group shot at the summit

We waited for the sunset because we decided to pinch our tent in the resort. Mr.Sun didn't fail to give a peaceful view as the dark clouds conquer the blue ones.

We made it!

While heading back to the resort other hikers encouraged us to stay but since some of our things were left at the resort we have to refuse them. Before I forgot, we paid P20.00 at the gate before the summit.

Arranged rock made a cave view

Indeed a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Though the next day will surely be full of body pains, nothing beats the experience we had.  

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post. 

~thetskie here~

Time for Me by Helene Lerner

I've been busy as a bee since I started working at MMC-CAST. I drowned into paper works each day. Needless to say, I still work online so can you imagine my daily routine???

Intoxicating it is! But I'm not giving up... yet! I found a book that suits me, Time for Me by Helen Lerner. Honestly, I got attracted by its cover and title but my heart beats faster when I saw the price P40.00 only! Without second thought I grab the book and left Book Sale. I started reading the night I bought it. The book is divided into two parts; (I.) A Fable of the Modern-Day Woman and (II.) How to Make Time for Me. 

Part I. A Fable of the Modern-Day Woman is about Ms. Owl's adventure as an employee, a mother, a wife and an individual. She is committed to moving ahead at work while raising her owlet. The problem is that with all her responsibilities, she's put herself last on the list as a result, she lost her inner sparkle. These are what she learned after her visit to a retreat center.

 

1. Knowing that there is an imbalance in my life is the first step toward changing it. Being aware of your problem is the key! Few would only notice it and you're lucky if you're one of the few. Tons of activities will blocked before you see the key so spend time on sorting out things.

2. Make self-care a priority. There's nothing wrong in extending help to other people but, attending to their needs means setting aside yourself. At work, everyone is given an assignment and before doing somebody else's work make sure to finish yours first.

3. Why I want to achieve a goal is more important than actually attaining it. We lost sight of aspirations because we are too focused on achievement. We are too tired when we reached the finish line that we just wanted to rest instead of celebrating and enjoying the victory.

4. Saying "no" is like saying "yes" to myself. "NO" two letters but it's hard to utter especially in front of someone dear to us. It may seem selfish at first, but it isn't-its self-care. We have stop abusing our self before getting addicted to it that every time a favor is asked we can never say "NO". 

5. Pause between activities. According to Kelly Clarkson's song we have to... make a wish, take a chance, make a change and breakaway... because after each activity we have to regain our energy to be ready for the next one.

Ms. Owl's story inspires me. I hope you've got ideas too! Let's take it slow and enjoy life without wasting time. Don't forget to allot time for yourself!

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post. 

~thetskie here~

Marking My First Day at MCC-CAST

I graduated six years ago and got my license four years ago. I've been teaching Koreans and Chinese online and offline around Ortigas. I've learned a lot through exposure to their culture. I enjoyed hassle free job without any paper works to bring home. I've got cool co-workers and the company has good management as well but I still longed for the fulfilment of my profession... in a formal school setting.

A year ago, I started to plan my career path. I applied in a public school and got a chance to be a substitute English teacher for grade 7 students. Another offer came few months later but I rejected it due to some conflicts. This year I tried my luck again unfortunately, I'm still clueless when I will be called. For sure God has his reasons whatever it is... nobody can tell.

One call changed everything! Ms. Cathy (MMC-CAST HR Manager) called me last Saturday and scheduled an interview and a demo teaching Monday this week. Luckily, I passed and got an offer for a part time post. It was not an easy decision because I have to consider the school location; traveling from Pasig to Manila is no joke. Another factor is their level; from high school to college will surely be different. Lastly is inferiority complex towards the faculty members. All of these worries were set aside when I decided to take the offer. 

Today marked my first day as college instructor. I'm handling students from college of business administration, psychology, radio technology, pharmacy and nursing. I survived my first day and hopefully the whole semester. I know God has his reasons for bringing me to MMC-CAST and whatever it is... it’s for me to find out.

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post. 

~thetskie here~ 

#LondonStyle in Manila: The Costa Coffee Invasion

Today is Eidul Fitr an important celebration for Filipino Muslims and for non-Muslim Filipinos they may choose to spend the day with their family and friends so I chose the latter before going to work (Yes! I have work today because we follow Korean holiday). My buddy for today is Karla Mae "KM" for short. We actually planned to visit Costa Coffee last Saturday but things didn't go in favor of us and I'm glad we had one great chance today. (thanks for the photos Gayer KM)

Costa Coffee was founded in London in 1971 by the Costa family as a wholesale operation supplying roasted coffee to caterers and specialist Italian coffee shops. Acquired by Whitbread in 1995, it has since grown to over 2,861 stores across 30 countries. The business has 1,755 UK restaurants, over 3,500 Costa Express vending facilities and a further 1,106 outlets overseas. It is the second largest coffeehouse chain in the world behind Starbucks and the largest in the United Kingdom. 

Luckily, they finally arrived here in Manila! Costa Coffee's first branch is located in Citywalk 1, Eastwood Mall, Quezon City, Philippines.

Café Bar

We ordered their mouth melting London cheesecake (P150.00) together with Strawberry Pavlova (P160.00) for me and Double Chocolate Cookie Mocha (P150.00) for KM. 

What do you expect from holiday? There are people in and out of the coffee shop. Glad I found a seat at the second floor where their England flag inspired couch is located. A cozy place for business and group meetings! I just hope they have bigger place to accommodate all their customers.

The red telephone box, a telephone kiosk for a public telephone was a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom and they have it here! London trip completed!!! 

Overall, we had a great London experience! I will surely go back for the famous Flat white coffee. If you're around the area don't miss the chance to visit Costa Coffee!

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post. 

~thetskie here~ 

 

MARINDUQUE: Enticing Town Churches

As Catholic Country, it was not surprising to have chapels in every baranggay same in Marinduque, but what made this trip ohh so special was... the visit in most of their town's enticing churches.

Each church has its own unique feature. It comprises history, rich culture and showcase talents of Marinduqueños based on details made by bare hands. Some were renovated but others were preserved magnificently. Just like how I got mesmerized and blessed by simply visiting the place, I hope you guys will have a chance to see for yourself.

Altar

Boac Church

The wall speaks of its age.

St. Joseph Parish, Gasan

Altar

Holy Cross Parish, Sta. Cruz

Altar

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Torrijos

 

 

I was not able to visit all the town churches but it will surely be in my list the next time I visit my parents' hometown. This ends my travel post about Marinduque. I hope you guys were able to enjoy reading my blog. Until the next trip! I'm leaving you all a great quote to reflect on... "There's a reason for closed doors, unanswered prayers, and blocked roads. If your plans don't work out it's because God has better one's for you".

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post. 

~thetskie here~