Dear Luna...

I’m feeling guilty from writing about you in this space only now that you’re gone. I could’ve written a more cheerful post similar to what I wrote about Titan. But I guess everything happen for a reason and here I am now writing this tribute to a beautiful fur ball of sunshine named Luna.

I still remember when we first got you. We were hesitant at first considering that we already have Titan and he was quite a handful to us. But the first time I saw you, I fell in love with your charm, with your cuteness. The girls were very giddy having you around.

You made us happy all the time. Whenever we drive up the parking, you and Titan always meet us with excited barks like you haven’t seen us for a long time. You never fail to meet us graciously wagging that furry tail every time we arrive home. You were always the sweetest showing that unconditional love to us by jumping towards us and trying to lick our toes, our hands and everywhere your tiny body could reach. I love how you would always listen whenever we ask you to step out of the bedroom and how you would knock using your tail on our bedroom wall every morning. You were always the KSP and always try to get our attention by lying down and asking us to tickle your tummy. Whenever I feel sad and stressed-out, I just hug you and everything would seem okay. You were famous in facebook/instagram and everyone adores you.

But now that you’re gone to dog heaven, there’s just Titan meeting us by the window. There’s no more effortlessly cute Luna who would just stand by the window and the darling of every passersby. There’s no more Luna who would drink the cold water at the fridge drain. There’s no more Luna who steals uncooked ngohiong by the table whenever we don’t look. There’s no more Luna who would always smile with tongue sticking out everytime we take a snap or photo. There’s no more Luna who would always listen, who is always attentive to our calls. No more Luna to put a smile on our face even in the saddest, bleakest moments.

Your death was so sudden I couldn’t even imagine the suffering you’ve been through. You were only 10 months, still a baby. I’ve witnessed your suffering and it was too much for me to bear. I feel that I am to be blamed for allowing you to mate at first heat that got yourself pregnant. I feel sick in my guts by not bringing you immediately to the vet while you were in labor. It was heartbreaking not being able to say goodbye during your final moments here on earth. I thought those who grieve for their pets are just over-reacting. But now that that I am in the same situation, the pain is so real.

I miss you so much baby girl. I’m so sorry for my shortcomings as your human friend. I may have failed you big time. But then God has other plans for you in dog heaven. You will now be reunited with your 7 litters and I’m sure they will be happy to finally see their Mommy Luna.

Rest well Luna girl. You will always be in our hearts. I love you so much and I will never forget you.

Hugs and kisses!

LUNA

"The sweetest, most adorable fur ball of sunshine!"

February 29, 2016 - January 11, 2017

First Airplane Ride

We've been travelling as a family but mostly road and boat trips within Cebu and Visayas/Mindanao. 

Last September, the whole family flew out of Cebu to Manila for my sister's church wedding in Batangas. It was the first time for us to be on the same flight with my family, siblings and the kids. 

It was also Zabbie's first airplane ride. She was very excited to the point of being scared and threw tantrums before leaving home. She said she just wants to stay home with her yaya. Eventually, we were able to pacify her telling her stories about seeing cotton candy clouds up in the air. 

She was smiling the whole duration of the flight while checking out the magazines and reading airline reminders. She was also brave enough to go to the restroom while up in the air. 

At the tube and being an independent girl

Checking out the In-Flight Magazine

See? Cotton Candy Clouds

Playing Hide and Seek with the magazine

She gets the window seat, of course!

View from the Top

 I wish for more airplane rides and travels such as these. If time and money permits, I am wishing for more local and international travels with the kids especially now that they're grown-up and may already appreciate travelling, visiting new places and experiencing fun-filled adventures with the whole family. 

My Yoga Journey

I was introduced to yoga back in 2005 when a former colleague gave me a CD of Patricia Alden’s Beginner’s Yoga. At first, I really didn’t get to appreciate nor enjoy yoga especially so that I was only doing it alone at home. I don’t know if what I was doing was correct or not. I stopped in the middle of the practice. The CD was then left untouched and just accumulated dust in our CD rack.

Beginner's Yoga with Patricia Alden

Fast forward to 2013, I was invited by my Zumba-mates to try yoga at Metrosports. My husband was already doing yoga then as cross-training for his running. As a newbie, I almost died in the first session but that didn’t prevent me from doing it again and again. For quite some time, I did yoga at Metrosports side by side Zumba. I felt my body getting stronger every single practice. I used to suffer from insomnia. But when I started doing yoga, I’ve also noticed I can easily and soundly fall  asleep.

First Yoga at Metrosports

I’ve been talking to people about yoga since then. I even encourage friends to try it too. At some point, I was able to talk to a good friend, Paul (God bless his soul – he died last year) who was already practicing and teaching yoga at Citigym. I asked him if he can teach yoga in the office for free. That started our private practice in the office. We also invited several instructors to do an hour of Ashtanga or Power Yoga. It was very convenient since we’re doing it right in the comforts of the office and we can just go back to work afterwards. The company was also very supportive to allow us use the resources like our conference rooms as venue for our yoga. This also started the Health and Wellness Club in the office. 

First Yoga in the office with Paul (+RIP)

Then there was Teacher Blanne. She became our regular teacher. It was through her that I became more confident and stronger in my practice. There were some challenging yoga poses that I can’t believe I was able to execute under her tutelage.

The good thing about this activity is I also get to do it with my husband. On two occasions, we did SUP Yoga (Stand-Up Paddle) together and also practice at Metrosports for several sessions. We are on different stages since he’s a stronger yogi but we support each other in our practice.

My journey with yoga is far from perfection. I still cannot perfectly execute my chaturanga dandasana (low plank) and I still need some spotting whenever I go up to Sirshasana (headstand). But I will carry on and continue to practice yoga as much as I can. Aside from losing weight (which isn’t really happening boo!), yoga keeps me grounded and at peace with myself. For years, I’ve been suffering from insecurity due to my weight but with yoga, I learned to embrace and love my body with all its curves. My mat has also become my refuge and diversion from life’s stresses.

Life is better viewed upside down

I’ve read somewhere that yoga is not a destination. It’s a journey! 

"May the light in me honor the light in you. Namaste!!!

Summer Sunshine 2016: Canigao Island, Matalom Leyte

The initial plan was to go to Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte for Joni’s birthday. However, when we called the tourism office of Palompon, they can no longer accommodate us since the island is already crowded limiting visitors to only 90 heads per day. 

After much research and thought, I brought up the idea of visiting Canigao Island instead to which the group agreed after several exchange of private messages in FB. So, last weekend, three families and long time friends went on an island adventure in Canigao Island – an island which is just 15 minutes away from Matalom Leyte. 

Canigao Island earned its popularity just recently through social media. I’ve heard good reviews of the island and how affordable it is to get there. It was highly recommended by a friend and team mate of my husband who hails from Hilongos. 

To get to Canigao from Cebu, you have to take a boat from Cebu City to Hilongos. There are three shipping companies plying this route: Roble Shipping, Gabisan Shipping and Medallion. We took Roble Shipping which departs Cebu at 9:00 PM. We arrived in Hilongos at around 4:00am, Since it was still too early, the group slept a bit until the sun was already up at 6:00 AM. We had breakfast at the Market courtesy of the birthday girl Joni and waited for the Roble Shipping Office to open so we can purchase our return tickets. 

Friendship Goals

By 7:30 AM, we are off to Matalom, Leyte - the jump-off point for Canigao Island. It was a less than 30-minute ride via a Multi-Cab. When we reached Matalom Port, a lot of people are already signing up for the boat ride. Cottages were already full so we just opted for tent space and a table/chair set. After paying our fare and some waiting time of about 15 minutes or so, we were already on board the boat that will bring us to Canigao Island. We can already see the island from afar so it was just a really quick boat ride (about 15 minutes). 

Jump-off to Canigao Island

Upon reaching the island, we were met with very clear water, powdery white sand and an almost crowded island. People are already setting up their tents, provisions and anything that would make for a perfect weekend. I really didn't expect the island to be this crowded. 

Canigao Island from afar

We bought our provisions in the market - from the freshest seafood, softdrinks, rice, coal and even toiletries. You can even charge your gadget at Php30 per hour. There's halo-halo for sale  just beside our tent and masseuse on the other side. How's that for a good business? 

Anyway, here's sharing some photos of that beautiful weekend at Canigao Island. 

Chillin' with the birthday girl

Thank you Canigao. You were really beautiful but I think whoever is running/operating you will have to do something about the following:

1. Restrooms - This needs major improvement; I wouldn't mind paying extra for a nice restroom.
2. Water Supply - Water supply in the island was a pity. Everyone's lining up to wash up but it would take forever to even fill-up a small pail.
3. More Huts/Accommodation - They need to put up more huts/cottages with restrooms and other amenities. Sleeping in tents, though a bit of an adventure, leaves your muscle sore when you wake up.

Summary of Expenses:

Cebu - Hilongos (Roble Shipping) - Php 370 per head (Tourist)

Hilongs - Cebu (Roble Shipping - Php 270 per head (Economy)

Terminal Fees - Php 25 (Cebu Port) Php 11.50 (Hilongos Port)

Hilongos - Matalom (multi-cab) - Php 20 per head

Matalom - Canigao (roundtrip boat) - Php 95 per head

Tent Space - Php 100 per tent

Table & Chairs - Php 300 per set of 1 table and 4 chairs

Food - I cannot remember how much we spent for food 

Summer Sunshine 2016: Aloguinsan

Spur of the moment trips are usually the best trips. 

It was Black Saturday and I have been itching to go on a roadtrip just like last year. But the husband seems unsure and lazy to drive. While in the process of planning where to go, we finally decided to just stay in one of the resorts in Mactan for a day. 

So, we pack up our stuff thinking that we will only be staying within the island. 

But, the husband, the spontaneous and unpredictable person that he is, drove off further and declared that we're going to Aloguinsan, Cebu and explore what the place has to offer. It would be the first time that we will drive to that place so we had Google Map helping us out. 

I've heard good reviews of Aloguinsan especially their beaches and Boho River Cruise and I've been really wanting to explore the area. 

Sharing to you some of the photos of that day.

First stop was at Bojo River Nature Reserve. We wanted to go on that cruise however, we were told to register at their tourism office. We decided not to do it especially there's also a long queue of tourists wanting to do the cruise. This is part of our "to do again next time" list.  

Next stop was at the Hermit's Cove. The road leading to this little paradise wasn't easy. You have to traverse through mountains and cliffs. But it was all worth it once you see the clear water and white sand beach just within your reach. 

Hermit's Cove was crowded on that day considering it was a holiday and they charged double on the entrance. We still had fun taking a quick dip and enjoying our halo-halo. We also saw some friends there and had a quick chit-chat. 

We packed up just as sun was about to set. While heading back to the city, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset and we just can't help but appreciate God's creation. We are grateful for this time spent with the family. It's simple, inexpensive and no fuzz travel that I'm pretty sure our kids will remember and treasure. 

Summer Sunshine 2016: Back in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

My Summer 2016 is off to a good start as we kick it off at no less than the most beautiful island in Cebu - Bantayan Island. It's the home of the best white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and "danggit". I've blogged about Bantayan Island some 10 years ago and a lot has changed. We were also here last year for my husband's triathlon race but I didn't wrote about it. Booo!!!

So here I am trying to re-live that weekend through this post. The travel has long been planned by me and my sisters - my new adventure buddies. It's an advance birthday celebration for my sister, Anne. She promised to take care of our accommodation and the food. 

A few days before the scheduled travel, my daughters suddenly got sick with fever. I had second thoughts of going coz what if, they'll get sick even more. I had them go through lab tests to ensure that it's not dengue. The doctor gave us an approval to go since it was just viral fever. 

We woke up as early as 4am to make last minute preparations. By 6am, we were already on board the bus. After 3 hours or so of bus ride, we were finally at the Port of Hagnaya. We were just in the nick of time as the ferry to Sta. Fe is about to leave in less than 30 minutes. By 11:30am, we were already in Sta. Fe. 

We took a motorcyle that will lead us to our resort, Budyong Beach Resort. We rested a bit at the restaurant and grabbed our lunch since our room was still being prepped. We wasted no time and immediately changed into our swimming attire, put on some sunscreen and took a plunged in the crystal clear and cold water. The weather was so hot as it was high noon but that didn't stop everyone to take a dip. 

Sharing to you some photos below:

At the port of Sta. Fe - it's tempting to jump 

Look at those crystal clear water

Low tide so you have to walk further

my new adventure buddies - my sisters

These two had a blast!

the cam-whoring was non-stop

Did I just say nonstop? (it's all over my facebook) hehe

Our beachfront villa

Rented two vintage bikes for Php300 for 24 hours

Sunset was breathtaking...

...and so is Sunrise

Big shout out to my sister for such a wonderful weekend. I needed this respite after a very stressful week with the kids getting sick and all. I also need this to face yet another challenging week. 

Thank you Birthday Girl

For those interested, here's a run down of expenses for this trip:

Bus Fare to Hagnaya Port (per way): Php132 (non-aircon) Php160 (aircon)

Ferry to Sta. Fe (per way): Php 170

Terminal Fee (per terminal): Php5

Meals: Php50 (Breakfast) Php 100 (Lunch) Php 150 (Dinner)

Meals is really dependent on your appetite. There are pricier restaurants in Sta. Fe but you could also buy fresh seafood in the market and have your resort cook it for you. Budyong charges Php150 cooking fee for every kilo of seafood. 

If given the chance, I will go back again to Bantayan and hopefully stay there for two nights. Ours was just an overnight stay as we have to go back to the city for work or school for the kids. 

This is just a kick-off to our Summer 2016. There's more to come for sure!!!