Rain in El Nido

It rains,even in paradise. I love the rain.

Dream come true.

What do you do when a dream comes true? Many moons ago, while sitting on a beach in a remote and far flung island, I made an impossible statement. It was not a dream really. I was fully awake. I spoke to the vastness of the ocean before me. Never thought that it would be heard. Impossible yet possible (now that I get to ponder on it). I was amazed when I realized it that it came true...even without doing anything...the Universe unfolded as it should. I distinctly remember a line and it goes like this (with an inner sense of surrender to the matter at hand): "Not now, in another lifetime, maybe..." and there lies the possibility of it all, now, looking back.

He said

it is important to care for the temple of your body. Even more important is your spirit, which is the light within that temple. A beautiful temple may attract others, but it is the light that will touch hearts. ~God wants you to know Daisy

Nasa puso

"Ang himalà ay nasa puso ng tao, nasa puso nating lahat" -Elsa (Himala, cerca 1982) The miracle is in our hearts. I've heard again the inner prompting to write. Recent events just this week is transforming the lives of many. I voted. Before I was able to vote, back in November a story that will fill a whole episode so suffice it to say that I had to "fight" to regain that right to vote. If you watched the movie Lincoln women during his time cannot vote. Unimaginable for them at that time. Monday, 13th of May, my heart was full of hope that my dear country will get another chance at that possible transformation...that miracle of change. Many may feel contrary and is resigned after knowing the result. I voted with hope and for those that I believe can bring about a concept of change and...possibly a miracle. But then again, the miracle is in our hearts. Anything is possible if we can fuel that change that is needed starting with our everyday lives. A resolution to change that is heartfelt.

Bike to Work: Day 1

My No Impact Experiment

Next week will be the No Impact Week here at the office. Basically, the week long experiment will encourage people to lessen their carbon impact on the planet. Make an impact, by not making an impact. (Medyo hindi maganda yung tag line na yon...anyway). Last week when we were being invited to participate in the experiment, I was ambivalent at first as I have been doing most of the stuff that are being promoted. Until a day or two ago, I realized that this is the perfect opportunity to try my own experiment that I've been thinking of trying but haven't gotten a chance to try out. Yes so here goes... First stop I need to fill out the pre-experiment survey. I am sharing here some of the Q and As...for posterity! Q: No Impact Week is an experiment in lower-impact living. What will be the result of your experiment? What are your expectations for how it will affect your life? Please keep a copy of this hypothesis to refer back to it at the end of the week. My Answer: Most of the stuff for low impact I've done already. I haven't eaten red meat (pork and beef) since 1997, I always have reusable bag with me, reduced plastic, involved in environmental movements. But this one, presented a leveled up personal challenge for me. I will hope to conduct my own experiment if I can do this...if I can really bike to work from Quezon City. God help me! Let's do this! Q: What is your reason for taking part in the No Impact Week? My Answer: Conduct a personal experiment if I can bike to work. I've thought about it in the past but never got around doing it. The opportunity presented itself and I think it is time to take on the challenge. =) labpisnraknrol =)

Peace

Peace...in our hearts, in our minds, in our world..for this coming year. (Baguio, January 1st 2013)

New Year's Prayer

kindness, patience, peace. We celebrated the coming of the new year up in the cordillera.For a long time, I've been wanting to reflect more, read, ponder...write and of course photograph rare moments that will never pass us by again. On the look out for signs. Serendipity. And found many...it will not be logical to share them all here or to even attempt to put them in writing. I guess I can for some of the most logical ones. Messages from Him are like silent whispers of prayer...that takes active listening. I found affirmations indeed of His love for us. In the simple things. One great reminder again, I learned a bit ashamedly on my side in the situation that happened...that indeed His plans are greater than ours. We have plans and ideas and preconceived notions that this is this and that is that... but putting the pieces together if we just let it flow...His plans are always always the best. He is a Father and He takes care of us indeed. Been wanting to post my resolutions for the new year but that is not my internal tradition. As I thought about it ...would be good to have a list to go back to in the future. But a few days ago, was inspired to write a prayer for the year. A mantra. kindness, patience, peace.

Lunch under the trees

Yesterday was a great day. At the simplicity of it all I found solace. Thank You God. This time of the year a lot of things going on that take your time and attention, work, busy work, domestic demands and yet despite of these, there are nuggets of joy that can be found. Had a late lunch yesterday, an egg salad sandwich. While still warm in my hands I chanced upon to look at the garden at 1:30 in the afternoon. I walked outside and welcomed the warm sunny weather. I missed eating in the garden. I sat there under the trees' shade while chewing my sandwich... I looked up and saw the blue almost cloudless sky and I felt truly grateful. 8 days before Christmas.

Unang gabi ng Simbang Gabi

I cant remember the last time that I went to the 4:30AM simbang gabi mass. Today with nostalgia about my childhood memories of the ritual...I went on my own. A sense of longing for inner peace and a renewed heart urged me to fill in that emptiness. A compelling sense emptiness seems more apparent during the advent season. I guess this is why a search for meaning is more palpable. A retreat from the usual routine. I guess I know in my heart that the search for the place to reflect is not just a place where you can see the great expanse of the sea and the sky nor in a quiet place. I've come to realize that the search is more inward and the sense of place is in your heart. Even in the loud noise of your surroundings you may be able to find your own peace and Self realization. Yesterday almost unknowingly my eyes poured out. A sense of knowing. Things are the same but they are not the same. Something has changed. Only you can sense the shift. And a yearning for the Universe to bless your heart.

First Day of School

Today marked another rite of passage in the little girls life. Like all rites of passage it is bitter-sweet. Whether the ritual of our lives are public or private, it comes with it a sense of we-made-it, of fulfillment and of joy but with a sense of time flying pass right before us, leaving us looking back. Today, we found ourselves, the little girl and I, looking at old travel photos. Earlier today, we prepared things needed for the first day of school. The past weeks we were talking to school registrar, fitting uniforms, buying books, touring the big new school and ensuring safety with the school bus service. All these things made the little girl excited reading her books in advance, asking details about the school and even wearing her ID at home when we got it last week. Last night I was anxious and a bit worried that she will be on her own now. When I left the house everything was ready, gave her a bath, little pep talk, prepared her baon (snack), school bag. She was happy. We did some picture taking session before I left knowing all is well and taken cared of as we have been incrementally preparing for weeks now. Later, after school when I got home that I learned that she cried. Just before the school bus arrived, she buried her face in a pillow and cried said Manang. But eventually she got up and bravely went to school on her own for the first time in her life. I took photos of these moments. Like all rites of passage, I know this is a moment to be treasured. God bless you Isay! We love you very much.

Coron an enchanted island

Home of the Tagbanua Tribe, haven of biodiversity and of enchanted places






Ten years ago I did a solo trip to Coron, as a gift to another year towards adulthood. Armed with borrowed diving gear and a few pesos in my pocket and a lot of luck, I was able to explore the islands. This year I came back with my little girl and the hubby to celebrate yet again another significant year in our lives. And yes, the island is as beautiful as the first time I laid my eyes on its shore.

The warm ocean water calling you to her embrace, the mountains staring at you with delight and the wind playing with your hair, whispering. The sun kissing your skin that has been pale for so long. A smile in my heart wrapped my being just being there. And much more that leave me speechless.

It took me hours to choose which photo to share, I have hundreds and these are the few that can capture a portion of those moments. Just looking at them brings me much joy.

Tour of the Fireflies (Part 3) 2011 until the next flight

In my mind we are all nomads. Some people to a greater degree than others. Our pace may be different from others, at times faster and at times slower. My feet either want to hike, walk and as in the images below pedal away.

Today am at a halt and here now remembering the sense of being able to travel with the ones you love, near or far brings much joy. Way after, months later and years later these recollections will be a source of inspiration. Indeed.

Manila City Hall
Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Bay
Tiendesitas, Pasig
Photos by Dino Leoncarlo Calderon

Tour of the Fireflies (Part 2) The birth of Duncan

As we ride out from Tiendesita's, I realized I am cycling together with my childhood Asian superheroes-- the Power Rangers. They were in complete uniform... i can hear them shout out "Pink 5". We were in a level of energy that can emanate from 10,000 plus bikers.



As far as you can see in this photo, those are all bikers. Quiapo area proved to be one of the most challenging sectors of the route.

It was also Palm Sunday and we passed by the masses sprawling on to plaza Miranda. From these photos you can just gauge the number of participants to this year's Tour of the Fireflies.


This stretch of the Quezon bridge is where I literally and figuratively flew out of control while full speed downhill. This baptized my then unnamed dslr...split into two and when I realized that it is still alive-- I named it Duncan MakQuiapo after the immortal Duncan MacLeod. Ayos!

Tour of the Fireflies (Part 1)

Woke up early to prepare everything that we need for our first cycling adventure as a family. Bikes checked, cycling gloves check, arm protectors check, helmets check, giant kid carrier seat check, ice cold drinks in coolers check. For those who know me and climbed mountains with me, they know my philosophy. One should find a way to reward one's self upon reaching the summit or destination. An ice-cold rootbeer or gatorade, the drink of your choice is the best. The reason why I made sure that there is a cooler attached to my bike come the day of the Tour.

Got a new folding bike, named it Hannibal after the ancient general of old. Hannibal is one tough cookie I must say, you will know in the coming post why. That bit of the story deserves its own entry. Our maiden voyage was a great adventure--42 kilometers from Ortigas, Pasig to CCP, Manila Bay and back. Let me just say that I haven't a done any cycling for a long time until this day of the tour.

This adventure deserves a space in this blog for the ultimate experience that it is for me and our family. This is my little girl's first long haul cycling tour with Nanay and Tatay right here in one of the most challenging roads in the world - Manila, Philippines.

Angkor Wat

The second cake

The little girl turned five. I just want to thank God for the blessing that she is.

Seafood Kare kare at Kanin Club

sleepy na this was intended for my other blog Pinay Mountain Chef

Meteor Showers

"Spectacular" Double Meteor Shower This Week

Many years ago more than a decade I should say that I witnessed a meteor shower that up to this day, I have not seen anything like what I saw in Baguio one cool crisp night up in the cordilleras.

The sky was literally raining with shooting stars. We had to spread a "malong" in the parking lot to be able to have the widest view of the sky.

Sigh...

wondering when will I ever see that kind again?

Rainy days are here again

Drove through traffic at a crawling pace. I am literally swimming in traffic this morning. When you are driving alone at this kind of pace, the mind tends to wander.

Nothing is permanent but change. The wheels of change are turning, fast. Faster than I think I can keep up. In my mind I am thinking that things need to change in many aspects of my life.

Been wanting that dream house. Should I just settle for a house house? I want a garden, a house I can call home with a great view. I want my own room with a bed that is huge and comfortable. Sigh these are my dream now.

Been dreaming of other things too. Of course you would have guessed. Yes that trip to Europe again Greece and specifically Santorini. I should be writing these really to make them manifest. And yes, South America Brazil, Argentina. Sigh.

I want to make small changes too. In my everyday life, change the time I go to work, meditate more, write more of these thoughts before I completely forget that I have these small dreams too.

I want a clean house. no clutter. I want a walk in closet with just enough clothes that I don't get confused what to wear. Haha.

Been wanting and dreaming. So what is the difference of wanting and dreaming?