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san miguel - the faithful companion


1 Sagada
Coffins stacked up in caves. According to our guide, the locals still
practice this custom but its mostly with the elders.

2 Batad Rice Terraces


1 Skull of a kalabaw

2 absorbing . . .


This is my favorite shot when I was in Philippines.
The little boy in focus was looking at my lense giving
the look of death. The ultimate staring competition...

I held patiently until he finally caved in and gave me a hell
of a wicked laugh.


1 Wooden carving of the tribes people

2 Where we stayed.
Where we drank.
Where we laughed and laughed...
Where we stayed.


The little lady of Batad


Carving on a walking stick

uno

I was over in Tioman again for the weekend with a few of my close friends. We had a good time, when we actually do see each other, and I think we did have a good time.

People are strange creatures. Absolutely unpredictable yet absolutely beautiful. We cannot justify when we are confronted with the choices that we make but we know deep inside it feels right. Whatever that feels right can't be that wrong, right? Like that song, sung by Sheryl Crow, "if it makes you happy, it can't be that bad". I guess just try not the hell to feel so sad about it, whatever that makes you happy.

We may go through a lot in lives, whatever defined by that but it's how we choose to face it. There's so much more to look forward to than dwell in our sorrows. Everyone is full of sorrow and happiness, it's a matter of tipping either one.

happiness is inside you

A friend told me recently, "we are all capable of making ourselves happy, but it's somewhat different when someone else does it for us". That line stirred in me for a long time. Sometimes it takes someone or something to trigger our senses, or our complacencies.

With that said, i look forward to each day i have. I welcome and savour every bit of it. I don't, and won't look back and regret what could have or I could have. Once we lose that moment, it's gone forever. So, cherish what and who you have now and make the very best of it.

People, unlike objects are fragile things, and once broken too many times you can't mend it anymore no matter how hard you try.

"How old are you? What is your age? How many eggs do you have...?"

I leave home with a smile and i leave work with an even bigger smile. I look forward to each day as to what I can do for my class and also at what they can give me back in return. As a teacher, I do not feel we should be completely authoritative towards them and have a complete teacher-student relationship albeit it is necessary to a certain extent. I know I am their teacher, and i also know I'm their friend. Knowing that they absorb something small and new, significant or not, makes it all worth it at the end of the day.

It's a neverending path to acquiring knowledge. It should be the case for all, student and teacher. We never stop learning, and you will be amazed at what you can absorb if you allow yourself to.

I learn more and more each day as I teach.

....... and NO, I DO NOT have 2 eggs :)

mabuhay

Philippines has charmed me so much that i catch myself thinking of returning so very often.

From the day I arrived and left with a heavy heart, i marvel at her beauty. It's a country that has so much potential. The cool highlands of Baguio with their artistic and musical folks. Music runs deep in their vein and art is their distraction. The great mountains of Sagada with its dark and hanging secrets welcome you like an old friend. Children instantly strike a pose once you lift the Canon, they're pros at it. The spectacular Rice Terraces takes your breath away. You catch your breath when you think of the way of life that was and what was preserved through it. It gives you back your energy in its tranquility.

And the majestic spread of islands in El Nido beckon you to return. Clusters of unspoilt beauty.

You see what you choose to see and I saw and felt so much energy in this place. For everything she lacks, she charms. That's all there is really. I guess it's to see what others don't see and to be comfortable with all around you despite all. I love Philippines for all her inefficiencies and her glory.

mabuhay ...

what is love?

love is fate
love is loyalty
love is sharing
love is to believe, and be believed in

love is not in just what we say, it's in what we do

love grows, and love dies, love grows..

love broke my heart..and love heals my soul