The Puerto Princesa Escapade (August 18-21, 2007)

Date Composed: August 22,2007

Day 1, Saturday (City Tour)

As we prepared for our early 8am flight via Cebu Pacific, we were dubious about our whole trip as the outgoing typhoon Egay still taking its "last minute" scathe on the whole of Metro Manila. When we left Sta Mesa onboard the taxi as early as 5am, we saw flooded streets which only added our concern. Previous to that, we called Cebu Pacific and asked for confirmation of the flight. There was no cancellation on any flight, including that of ours which was bound for Puerto Princesa. After waiting for roughly 2 hours at the boarding area, my cousin Ate Cathy, her officemates Ate Eva & May Ann, and I boarded the plane. From doubt, there was now excitement hounding us. In an hour we will be reaching Palawan. We were all new to Palawan and I was more excited because this has been one of my most sought destinations in the country. Palawan has been my number 3 destination, next to Batanes, with Camiguin as the 2nd. After my Camiguin escapade last year, I was planning for this one. And I was close to realizing it. Around 930am, we arrived at the premier city of Palawan, with so much exhilaration that we took pictures everywhere. We found Mildred (who was carrying a board with my name on it) and proceeded to Lola Itang's, a nice accomodation we got which is simple and affordable. We had our lunch at the inn, took some rest and waited for the 130pm City Tour. Along with a group of 5 adults and a couple, we (four of us) started our city tour with our guide Cora. We were directed through the major tourist destinations in the city. We started off at an old Catholic church - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral and adjacent to it was a public square known as Plaza Cuartel, a place where about 150 Americans were burned by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Our guide Cora then oriented us of the 2 kinds of crocodile found in the country - Salt Water and Philippine Fresh Water Crocodile before going to Crocodile Farm. After a 30 minute tour around the farm, we moved on to Iwahig Penal Colony. Passing through fire trees and getting a view of Mt. Irawan, we were led to a vast plantation akin to a hacienda and stopped at a small and old souvenir store where items made by the inmates were displayed. The inmates within the penal colony dressed according to their sentence - color-coded that is, with brown, blue and orange signifying minimum, medium and maximum sentence, respectively. As we left the settlement, I pondered on some thoughts -- thoughts about how important freedom was. The whole tour also drew us to Butterfly Farm, Mitra Ranch, & Baker's Hill. Going back to the inn, we asked Cora to drop us off the market. We ended the first day with a light dinner and an early rest.

Day 2 (Underground River Tour)

When I made the initial itinerary a month before our trip, I scheduled the Honda Bay tour on Day 2. But when I had a small chat with Mildred shortly after we arrived on Day 1, she recommended the Underground river which was supposed to be on our Day 3. Though it was a long travel from the city, it was less exhausting compared to the "swim and snorkel all day" Honda Bay tour. So I decided to shift Day2 and Day3. We started off at around 8am, with the same group we had on Day 1 except for the couple who opted to go to Dos Palmas(sosyal sila --- la na kami budget dun). After taking a short break at a rest area, we took some shots on the rooftop overlooking Tres Marias while doing some little stretching. We then continued our trip with the traditional question and answer together with the same guide we had on Day 1, Cora. Our group was lively, thanks to a bouncy group of adults we had in the tour, notably a balikbayan from Los Angeles -- Mr. Edward Booth. Seemed like a foreign sounding name but this spirited man was a Filipino with Irish Scottish descent (his grandfather was). Along with his wife and inlaws, they told us they have planned this trip a long time ago, like more than a year and quite amused when we told him we only have planned this trip for around 4 months. "Iba na talga ang matatanda pag nagplano noh...", he chuckled. Along the long and winding road,we passed on byways, tall trees, little swamps, narrow paths going to caves, boulders, plantations of some fruit trees, and an awesome view of limestones cliffs. We marvelled at the mountain ranges that appear like a humanface in a resting position. I felt good seeing those mountains and limestones... not to mention dying to climb those formations. I realized I have not climbed for like 2 months now and my feeling on the mountain seem to remind me of what I have missed so badly. Yet, it made me feel better being in Palawan and getting to see the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the longest underground river in the world. Arriving at the Sabang Bay around 1030am, we prepared our stuffs going to the river and left some which will not be needed. Our group was separated from the group of 5 adults as one boat can only carry 5 - 6 persons. After a 15 minute boat ride and with our guide Cora aboard, we we're amazed by the scenery we saw when we got off the boat. With the powdery beach welcoming us to the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, all we can utter was a big WOW!!!! We tooka 5 minute nature trail walk towards the registration near the underground river. Walking past through jumping and walking monkeys, I was astounded by the sight that beheld us. It was a visual feast worthy of glory. I was dumbfounded. Really. I was standing for like a minute and basking from that "beauty beyond wonder" thing. I got a sense of pride as a Filipino having these natural wonders that wowed a lot of both local and foreign tourists. As we waited for our turn (which is quite a while given the number of people flocking in and out - - roughly 50 at that hour), we walked around and took some shots on the surrounding. Of course, the trip will not be complete without solo pics having the underground river as the backdrop. The river around was unbelievably pristine, with fishes swimming around on 12-inch deep water. The park was so well preserved that we can even see wildreptiles ("bayawak" in Tagalog) roaming around stream. My cousin Ate Cathy delighted when she caught a striped fish about 3 inches long and putit inside an empty bottled water. Her delight turned to dismay when ourguide Cora informed us that she might not be able to transport the fish outside Palawan due to DENR regulation, unless she had purchased the latter. After releasing the aquatic vertebrate back to where it belonged, we had to wait for the 4th banca to come out of the river before we can start navigating. Out of the 8.2 km stretch of still water, only 1.5km was navigable. As the 4th banca approached the anchor site, we donned on our floating vests and jumped in as soon as everyone got off from the boat. I switched my point-and-shoot camera to video. Damn I wish I have enough battery to cover the whole of the navigation. As we entered the cave, I got a quick video of us in the boat, and reserved the rest for the inside shots. Sitting in the front row with Mr Booth, our guide asked him to attach the clip to the battery that will supply the boat's power. Amidst the darkness, our boat passed through stalactites, stalagmites and dangling bats which appeared like black spots on the roof cave. With only the light from the boat, our guide explained the different shapes of stalactites hanging from theroof of the cave. From the vegetable and fruit "area" exposing shapes of patola, ampalaya, lettuce, tomato, onions, okras and a lot more veggies,we we're even impressed by the shapes of some animals like duck, snake and some that I can't remember. Rowing through the calm waters inside the cave, he then maneuvered towards the east side revealing a narrow path that seemed like an exciting river trail which was not part of river tour. Far right was a towering rock formation seated below few manlike and saintly forms (some with forms of the Virgin Mary). As we reached the end of the navigable portion, we felt like there were still more to this enchanting underground enclosure. Going back, there were still more forms and shapesthat kept us amazed, from the glittering white wedged-shaped drops inviting for a touch to a face resembling that of Christ. With only the lights coming from the boats entering the caves, we can see faint figures of some remarkable casts hanging above us. After 45 minutes of navigating through the underground river, we left the park and headed for the Sabang beach for ourlunch. It was around 1pm and we're all starved. After a well-deserved meal, we dabbled on the beach for a short dip and left Sabang around 230pm. Day 2 ended with a short stop at the Vietnamese Village before heading to our hotel.

Day 3 (Honda Bay)

Getting ready for a "swim and snorkel" all day escapade, we left the hotel at around 7am, ate at a nearby fastfood restaurant and left roughly 8am. After a brief 30-minute travel, we registered at the Honda Bay and departed for the first island - Pandan Island. Sailing under the beaming sun, we were granted with a momentary coral reef watching amidst the bay. Under the turquoise and crystal clear water rested reefs that were just beyond pleasing and beautiful. Luckily, I was able to get a video of the reefs. Setting ashore Pandan Islandat about 10am, we prepared our swimming gears. Donning on a pair of aqua shoes, floating vests and snorkeling gear, May Ann and I started feeding the fishes in knee-deeped waters. Fishes are finning and jumping like excited toads even in shallow waters. Fishes of all shapes and colors encircled us and feeling the tiny bites of these aquatic creatures were simply exhilarating. We were guidedby one of the boatmen on the far and more bountiful side and it was of the most thrilling experience I had. Having a visual feast of black-colored, orange, brown with green stripes, blue green and white fishes were undescribably breathtaking. We snorkeled for almost an hour and took our seafood feast lunch(which is by the way included in the Honda Bay tour - 900/person). The group of5 adults who were with us for the other tours on Days 1 and 2 bought 3 kilos ofcrabs on the island and we were engulfed with so much food -- more like a "save the best for last" lunch. After a couple of picture taking, we left Pandan Island at 12 noon and headed for the 2nd island - Snake Island. Once we set our foot on the island, we can't help but be mezmerized by it's unique shape and beauty. The S-shaped island explained why it was called the Snake Island, not because there were snakes on it. We decided to stroll along the 1km stretch (I guess more than 1 km) of powdery white sand beach but when it was half way, the other 3 gave up while I continued looking for something unusual. Indeed there was one - a small hidden tree house alongside medium-sized mangroves, where I heard voices of boatmen. When it was 10m left of what I thought was the end I decided to go back as our time was only limited to an hour. Having "ruined" my camera by my own stupidity (submerged it earlier on Pandan Island with flimsy waterproofing), I was contented with taking pictures of the island and myself with my mobile phone camera. The island was indeed breathtaking, akin to the White Island in Camiguin. I hurried back to the snorkeling area and joined May Ann who already started to swim with the fishes. My cousin Ate Cathy and her friend Ate Eva were satisfied with taking pictures around the beach front. Once May Ann and I plunged into the deep waters, we were awestruck by another exquisite visual feast of motleys of aquatic vertebrates (fishes, that is)--- from the black ones, brightest blue with yellow tails, black with orange stripes to the seemingly alarming swordfish possessing a needle shaped mouth ready to prick anybody or anything along its way. Slightly disturbed by the "scary" swordfish, I averted from its path only to be amazed again by an incomparable medium-sized fish which appeared to be avoiding the "crowd". It was a blending of 6 striking colors -- neon green, blue green, yellow green, yellow,black and sky blue. Unbelievably beautiful!!!! As if that was not enough to mezmerize me, I was greeted by a strange Tabangka, a territorial fish camouflaging in the sand, glinted and miming like it was telling me "Thank you for coming Ma'am. Please come again." Wow!!! Such experience I will never forget. But we still have one more island to explore. Leaving the captivating Snake Island roughly an hour after we set in, we moved to our final destination-- Starfish Island. We then looked for starfishes but we only saw few of them. I got to see few similar fishes from Pandan and Snake but none compared to the 6-colored one and the strange Tabangka. Setting off the Honda Bay Islands, wewere more than satisfied and thrilled with the one-of-a-kind aquatic experience.

Day 4 (Departure)

On a final note, my experience in Palawan was enough to convince me to probably consider settling in this majestic place. I would, and probably looked at such possibilities... Who knows --- I might buy one of the many islands of this province someday... I would love to --- after all, one of my numerous dreams is owning a beach resort.

Encounter with the Female Everest Summiteers

Encounter with the Female Everest Summiteers
(June 18,2007 - Monday)

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Yesterday, my cousin Ate Cathy and I went to SM Manila to buy some stuffs. As we were strolling along the activity area, we noticed a wall climbing activity and from reading the signboards hanging above, I can tell this is one of the Everest Team's series of Mall tours. After we bought our stuffs and munching some Japanese foods, we're set to go home. As we passed along the center, which is the Activity center, we sensed there is an ongoing activity, different from the previous one we had seen 2 hours ago. Interested and curious, I convinced my cousin to see one more time what was going on . When we reached the ground floor, indeed the 3 Pinay Everest Summiteers were there with familiar faces like Leo Oracion and Dr. Ted Esguerra.

For a mountaineer like me, I can't help but stop and listen for what they have to say. Normally for similar gatherings like that which always happen on malls during weekends, I would just pass by, listen for a minute or two, then disappear. But this time, it was different. It was something that is close to my heart, something I can really relate to --- mountaineering. Thank God my good-hearted cousin never complained about it. She even teased me to ask questions, which I was considering at that time. Of course I have lots of questions, but would these great mountaineers answer all of them, including some stupid childish questions? Haha, I sighed about that thought. I really wanted to ask questions, but I was quite worried with the crowd and with the videos and cameras roaming around that area. "Damn, without those cameras and ruck, I would have thrown a series of questions already", I complained to myself in silence.

While the host was entertaining some questions inside the "fence", I was silently composing my own question or rather sets of questions.... After a minute or two, after the host asked if there are any questions, I tensely raised my hand. And there I threw my questions. "Good afternoon. First and foremost, congratulations to the 3 Pinay mountaineers", I felt relaxed after that initial statement, as if I was delivering a speech (good thing, I realized I was not)... Still holding the mic, I moved on with my question, "My question would be for all the 3 Pinay mountaineers... How were you able to acclimatize and how many cold mountains have you climbed before you can say that you were ready for Everest? And my next question is for Noelle Wenceslao ... I've watched the show of Abner Mercado ... you experienced pulmonary edema ... can you tell us about it and how did you continue going to the summit? Thank you." Realizing I was asking too many a question, I just gave a simple smile to the summiteers. Noelle was quick in answering the question about her situation during that time but she gave the floor to Dr. Esguerra for the detailed explanation. The respectable doctor came in the rescue and tried to explicate in lay man's term. Before he answered my question, he threw in some comments and queries on me. Quoting verbatim from Dr. Esguerra, "That was quite an interesting question. Are you a mountaineer?" After affirming his query by giving him a nod, he then continued " Ah kaya pala kase you know some mountaineering terminologies..." Satisfied with the information, he carried on with his explanation. Quoting verbatim again from Dr. Esguerra, "If you are here and you have pulmonary edema, you will be in ICU. It's second to heart attack in terms of ..." Nodding while intently listening to his statement and further explanations about the sickness and the team's effort of providing the needed medical care for the mountaineers, I knew he did his best as the expedition's doctor and suddenly realized this edema thing is really deadly. But how come he did not stop her, how come he did not decide and convince her to abort her summit attempt (though she had recovered from it after going back to the camp and took medications), I begin to question him. His succeeding words struck me the most, "It was a risk that I allowed her to go on. Some questioned me why I did that. But Noelle's mother died and she has a father waiting for her at the base camp. These girls have been like my children .. and I knew Noelle... she has a heart of a soldier..." That statement nailed it all... It was a convincing answer. This doctor had earned my admiration prior to the encounter (based on what I saw and read on news reports), and this time he had earned my respect for such a moving decision. He then gave the next floor to the other Pinay summiteers. Janet gave some additional thoughts and I can't remember (I was still in awe) if they gave a concrete answer on my first question on the cold mountains.

After some questions from the crowd and few statements from the other support group members, I asked the host if we could still ask questions, she nodded. Finally and ending her statement with, "Ok for the final question..." She then looked at me and gave me the mic. I accented my final question to the Pinay summiteers again, " For the final question, to the Pinay summiteers, what advice would you give to other female mountaineers who wishes to conquer Everest? What sort of training aside from mental strength, spiritual strength would be needed specifically physical preparedness? " I sounded as if I have plans of conquering Everest anytime soon -- heheh (While writing this, I just smiled at the thought especially when I remember Ericki, a friend and fellow IM13, asked Ronnie, also a friend & fellow IM13, about who will be climbing Everest from Group 13 and the latter without much hesitation, answered and muttered in jest --"Tina" )...

Dr. Esguerra replied with some biological thoughts relating to bodily structure of both women and men and how to manage and address these issues. Carina and Janet gave their individual advices after that, summarizing it to their years of physical training and preparation, and adding spiritual strength & group support as main elements of their success. The host then instructed the crowd to line up for the autograph signing. After my cousin and I bought Sandugo post cards for them to sign up, we lined up for the autograph signing. I must admit it was my first time, ever, for an autograph signing. I didn't care much of what people will say. I was there facing the people I highly regarded and admired for in a sport that has endeared me for 3 years, and there is no turning back. When Janet looked at me, she beamed and asked me if I was the one asking earlier. After saying a radiant YES, she then asked my name and penned her simple and amusing message, "Salamat sa mga tanong", then signed her name. She then gave the card to Carina who was sitting beside her and added, "Siya ung kaninang nagtatanong.." Carina, with a reassuring and humble smile asked me of my group and then wrote her message after I mumbled, "MFPI IM13". Noelle, who was waiting for the card while Carina finished it with her signature asked me again of where group I belong and with a simple smile, I replied back "MFPI." I then positioned myself at the back and requested my cousin to take pictures of me with them. Giving back the favor, I also took pictures of her with them. Moving on with the other support group at the other side of the table, I have requested Larry, Dr. Esguerra and Leo Oracion to sign at my back (on my blue haltered beaded blouse). My cousin took pictures of me again. I concluded my "escapade" by shaking Dr. Esguerra's and Leo's hands with parting words "Great job" and "Congratulations." With excitement still reeling on me, my cousin and I then went home laughing all the way.

On a final note, I am up to now still excited about the whole experience. But my emotions are not just limited to my own personal joy of meeting these people. It may have been a chance encounter -- or a coincidence but it has its own purpose. Maybe not to me as spectator but as a mountaineer and a woman. They have awakened in me a sense of being empowered as a woman and as a mountaineer. And until this writing, I revered them not just because they have reached the summit, but because their conquest spoke loudly of so many things. Apart from having been the first ASEAN women to conquer Everest and the first women to do a traverse which was a feat, hard enough to surpass, these women brought new hope, strength and empowerment to us. Their conquest spoke highly of virtues and values such as faith in God, patriotism, excellence, courage, determination, hardwork, bravery, perseverance, discipline, teamwork and love. Their acts were great. Moreso remarkable because they are not just ordinary Filipinos, they are part of the so-called "weak" members of society -- the WOMEN. And that what makes them and their success even more REMARKABLE!!!!

To Janet, Carina and Noelle, I commend you all for remarkably exceeding society's expectations of what women can do. Taking from your own slogan, Kung Kaya ng Pinoy, Kaya Din ng Pinay..

The Trying Year (2006)

The Trying Year (2006)
January 21, 2007

A year has ended....but another year has started....

Honestly, I don't want to chronicle my experiences on 2006... But hey, I can't help it... For me to start the year right, I have to recall, yeah recall (not mainly live with it) what has happened the year before -- at least make a list of what went right and wrong, and drew some resolutions
from there... I am not really one of those resolution-fanatic souls who would perennially make some "goal" in changing what they don't want about themselves or others don't want about them... We'll, to some point it can be very helpful. At least you have a goal. It means you have something to look forward to.. And that's one of the things that would make you busy for the year....(As if there's not much to worry and do everyday).

I don't want to sound ridiculous but I felt a heavy compulsion to make a resolution for the year of the fire pig. I guess I owe it to myself to make one... after what had happened to me last year.... Last year was one of the most trying years of my life......If I were'nt that strong and firm, I might have given up early or have gone astray........ (really)... Looking back, I can't help but give a sigh of relief.. Thank God I have endured and hurdled one of the most difficult years of my life... Ok, let me try to unravel what made me think it was one of the most trying..

Career - oh my... this was I think the most "topsy-turvy" of them all. The year 2005 was a great year for me -- full of blessings... One of the reasons was when I was promoted to one of the highest positions in my company. And yes it wasn't expected. Reluctantly though, I accepted the offer and gave it a try... It was not really my personal choice of work or section or whatever you call it -- Quality Assurance. But what the heck, I may not forgive myself if I have not tried. And so it went on... until 2006 has been the "deciding" year for me.. It was after all, a trial period for me... If it's gonna work, then I'll be for it for a long time. Otherwise, I have to go back to my first love -- programming. And I don't give a damn if people take it as a demotion or a stupid move. All I want is for me to love what I'm doing... And that is the exact opposite of what happened to me..... I began to hate what I'm doing and that gave me a negative attitude towards my work.. I became so hot-tempered and overreacting. I was stressed out -- in the truest sense of the word... I was never able to handle the tantamount stress and I finally broke down.. It's over. I felt so damn weak at that time. I felt defeated, hopeless and torn. I can only think one thing --
to get out as fast as I can.... And true enough, even after talking with the President and him giving me what I want (being a developer) just to let me stay, even after differing advices from my families and friends and even after listing the things that I may lose and give up (big salary, travel oppurtunities, power, benefits, good QA team), I tendered the irrevocable big R..And I gave it even if I have not secured another job for myself which is one of the biggest risk I
have taken. It was a shock to all but it was a decision that until now I am proud of. I may not have those "luxuries" that everyone dies for but I have given myself another kick at life. It was a breather that I badly needed.. After one month of job search, I finally had one but with a bit of a problem. It was a 6 day work (though only half day on Sat) and nevertheless, I still gave it a
try. Though it gave me the technical exposures that I wanted, my body gave up because of too much overtime (imagine almost 1am OT and start work at 10am, including Sat). From one mentally and emotionally stressful job to another physically stressful job, I know I am going in the wrong direction. I need to get up... And here I am right now working in a multinational company with a promising career exposure that I wanted, with benefits that are incomparable to companies I've been. On hopping to 3 companies in 2006, I hope that 2007 would be as challenging and promising as I pictured it to be.. Finances -- I must admit I'm a shoppaholic and an impulsive buyer. I'm not really good on money matters. I even hate to talk about it. But certainly the year 2006 was a punishment for me -- for being a reckless money spender. I
cannot account for the expenses I had with my credit card and for the life of me, I cannot trace where those stuffs went. Credit piled up and credit card companies have been my constant phone pal, or should I say dreaded phone monster. It was such a pain in the ass but I decided to close all of my credit cards and paid the amount I owed through installment. The first one was already fully paid and the other one was more manageable now. It was such a trying year
-- really. And I must admit I have lots of things that I failed to fulfill due to my irresponsible spending. But I'm thankful and hopeful that the year 2007 would be an eye opener to me. Right now, I don't have plans of getting a credit card once I settled the remaining one because I still don't trust myself when it comes to money. I hope to make 2007 a saving year and moving on in terms of money matters.

Death - An unexpected death of a friend and a relative were more than I can handle. A mountaineering brother and friend York de los Santos gave in to the fearsome power of flood water in Mt Pinatubo at the end of the first half of the year. It was such a tragic death that all of us don't want to accept. Writing a blog about what I feel made things a lot easier to accept. The death of an aunt was also unexpected. It was harder for me because the death of these two important people in my life happened at the lowest time of career where I just resigned from work and still had no job to hold on. It was really difficult and I don't know how I was able to handle it. Maybe I was too used to the pain of losing, of sacrifice, of trials and of hardships. I thanked God I was able to hold on to HIM... I survived the bitter years of my life..

Lovelife - I must admit I get a bit irritated when most, if not all of the gatherings I've been to have had people asking me if I'm married or had a boyfriend, coupled with a big WHY whenever I give a negative response. Though shrugging off the idea, I can't help wondering why people were so keen on that subject... Oh yeah, blame it on our stereotypical society ... But what really
happened to my lovelife is not much of interest. Aside from the typical crushes and "platonic loves", I got emotionally involved with a guy not worth mentioning, and I guess not worth remembering. To make the story short, I fell in love with the wrong man again. I'm not about to elaborate more about it simply because I have learned to move on. And moving on means gaining self- respect, trust and holding on to the lessons that it has taught me. And as the new year has just started, I'm not about to make any drastic moves with regards to it. As the cliche goes, "Do not look for the right person. Rather, be the right person." I don't expect a soul to find me this soon but I secretly hope I get to know him this year. :)

Trying as it may seem, 2006 has brought me enough success to make me confident, enough trials to keep me strong and enough lessons to remind me of. With the passing of the trying year 2006 comes an optimistic and hopeful year of the fire pig 2007. Charged with experience and lessons, I am now ready to embark on a new journey this year.:)