Live Your Dreams!

Dear Isay, Today on your 10th birthday, as we celebrate it with a simple dinner at home with family and few close friends, my wish for you is to live out your dreams. Yes, live your dreams anak! I chose this photo of you from our recent trip because it was raining that day as it is today...complete with thunder and lighting and for a less than an hour the rains drenched the city. I was afraid that people might not be able to make it to our dinner at home. But the rains stopped and we had a good celebration. Today while I was preparing and cooking, I listened to a video of the Feast by Bro. Bo Sanchez. It was the last of the series of talks on the subject-- guess what? "Drenched". By a stroke of inspiration this hit me now... with the rains this afternoon and the messages received. My prayer for you --- may you be drenched in God's blessings in your life. May He bless you with the good things in life. May He continue to strengthen your spirit to overcome the trails that will come our way and wisdom to appreciate the permanent blessings in our lives. You are one of those blessings. Continue to be beautiful inside out. I see and experience a beautiful soul in you everyday. Thank you for understanding and being sensitive to your Nanay's quirkiness. You are a blessing to us in many ways. We love you very much always remember that. You remind me to be good everyday and to choose to do good. Remember that you have a unique quality to be gentle, yet strong in spirit. And today we are indeed drenched in blessings with the goodness of family and friends and of God's provisions. Build you hopes and dreams, nurture your faith in the Lord and hold that pure love in your heart always. We love you bebe mahal! <3 Nanay

Sweden

I saw this window along one of the streets in Lund, Skane, Southern Sweden. The message is so clear and it called me out and spoke to me. You can barely make out the person in green jacket reflected in the window-- thats me :) This trip proved to be one unforgettable trip of a lifetime with family. It called on our inner courage to embark on this journey and go ahead visit those places that we wanted to see and experience. Visit love ones and spend meaningful time with them and experience what it is like to live in their chosen country.

Scandinavia ~ Sweden, Norway and Denmark

After many years of dreaming and a few months of planning and communicating to the Universe to make our dream a reality, we finally arrived in Sweden and we took this train from Copenhagen to Helsingor to ride a ferry bound for Helsingborg to take us to Glumslov. I always write it as Glumslove ahaha which is appropriate I guess... because this is our major destination.

Arriving in Sweden. It was almost 32 hours trip since we left the Philippines, this includes stop over in Istanbul and Oslo.

Hampas Lupa Adventures

The beginning of our epic adventure of shoestring budget adventures across 8 countries in Europe. Keep on dreaming. As Alice said-- nothing is impossible. As in every trip the planning and challenges abound. But these were the moments that the kindness and love of God proved to us how blessed we are indeed. At the moment when I least expected it, the invitation to visit Sweden came in an email. Yes, we were talking and dreaming about visiting Sweden one day, next year then next year again. But when the email arrived in April this year, then I thought, this is really happening. It is not just me but Amats took the time to make the communications happen. In the past, it was always me who would plan this trip and that and make arduous research about everything. But this time, it was Amats who started the ball rolling to make this epic dream trip a reality. Our window of time for planning and making the trip is less than 3 months. Amats and I were all busy with work as well. At that time, we cannot lodge our Schengen visa application due to a business travel he has for Thailand wherein he had to keep his passport at hand. It was only last week of April that we lodged our application for Schengen. We prepared many many documents. First miracle of the trip, we got our Schengen visa approved within one week. It sounds easy but it took hours and many sleepless nights to prepare the online application and proper documents ready. We have scouted for tickets and visited travel fairs for promo fares and bargains. We chanced upon NAITAS and got the information on the anniversary sale of Turkish Airlines. It was only after we go our visa that we really bought our tickets. Since we are visiting relatives, we also decided to take our chance in applying for a UK visa. Many people would tell us this is one of the more difficult visas to apply for and given the limited time we have, people just wished us luck. Many friends and family also prayed for us. It was just 16 days before we leave and the chances to get it on time was slim as I did not apply for express processing (which cost more than the application for visa itself). But God is good indeed! We got our visas just in time, it was the night before our flight... a last minute photo finish. It was indeed a great blessing. We were granted multiple entry visa as a family good for the next six months. Unbelievable but true! It was by the prayers and the goodness of the angels of people who helped us along the way.

Daraitan-Tinipak River

Daraitan-Tinipak River

It is good to be outdoors. It has been a while since I set foot in the mountains. My soul felt renewed with the sight of the mountains, fresh dew filled air and cold river water on my feet. It felt like coming back home after a long journey. Sitting on a rock in the small gushing river I lifted my head upwards and just stared at the clouds passing by and savored the moment. Silently prayed to thank God for this blessing.

16th Tour of the Fireflies

Last Sunday, 15th day of November was the Annual ToF. Amats once again volunteered to be a Marshal. I was prepared to ride alone. But God is good at the last minute I heard that friends Iggy and Bernie our neighbors also planned to join. I was up early at 2:30 AM with Amats cursing me to be up an hour earlier than we were supposed to be-- cooked cheesey scrambled eggs on Pan de Manila for breakfast. We got our Peerless foldies and loaded the Vitara. Arrived at Tiendesitas at 4AM. I was totally unprepared for this ride. I was a bit sleepy still and I thought I would have time to sleep in the car first. This is the first time that I will be riding again Hannibal (my old foldie) in a very long while. Past year I was riding Peppa my mountain bike. As expected the beginning of the 30km ride will be uphill on Julia Vargas and on to EDSA- this is rare as I've never cycled on EDSA in the middle of the highway. I guess you can only do this with a peloton. Just as I was about to enter the highway, I had some back to back bloopers ahahhaha the seat cover just flew out (thanks Iggy for picking it up) and I just quickly tucked it in the carrier. Buses and cars on a stand still on EDSA waiting for us to pass by. Engines of cars and motorist growling waiting for a break in the peloton. I was on the thinning middle part as I made my way cheering out of J.Vargas someone called out that something is almost stuck on my rear wheels. Oh blooper number 2 but thank God no accident. My angels on high alert again that day. All this time I felt that the bike was set way too low for my legs. I kept saying and laughing I felt like riding a kiddie bike and my legs starting to ache. Had a thought of passing by the house at QC city hall to change bikes but I think the keys are with Amats. Sigh. Waited here a bit for Bernie to join in and met up at PNB then we made our way to Commonwealth ( a deadly highway limiting cars to only 60Kph I would not bike there alone). The second stop over was at the Marikina City Hall where we grabbed some gatorade and taho. Finally had the chance to adjust the foldie (yey!) such a relief. The rest of the ride towards Libis was better. I saw Amats do a Heneral Luna stunt shouting "Tulak!!!" to push the thinning peloton through a thick line of traffic. Iggy had to go and Bernie and I lost each other for a bit then towards the end the peloton became a single file Ahahaha. But what was nice, the marshals were all lined up near the finish line and just clapping and cheering the riders on to the final stretch. Then only at this point I realized I didn't wear my gloves. Ahahaha! Just goes to show how (un)prepared I was for this BIG ride as it were. But still happy sub-4 hours on very slow pace hahahaha! Padyak lang.

PS. The big surprise was Up Dharma Down was there live to sing my favorite "Tadhana". Something sweet to end a long ride :P. PPS Since today is a Thursday, I thought I would share a favorite post here. My first encounter with ToF here in 2005 ten years ago today 2015 Back to the Future :P.

Gumamela

I love flowers. Others may not like flowers as gifts because flowers wilt and they start to die almost at the time they hand them to you. A sense impermanence and a bit impractical for the logical thinkers. But I love them nonetheless. They give me joy. Major celebrations in our lives there are flowers births, weddings, anniversaries, promotions and a classic expression of love at it simplest form. Many years ago I lived in a far off island where there are no flower shops and there are no gardens. At a time I least expected it, I received a few branches with a bunch of gumamelas. . Until now I can still remember that time in the islands an indelible memory that is still a source of joy. Thank you for the flowers!

Majayjay

The roads that we travel and memories that we go back to. We try to live on and make new memories. It takes me weeks and sometimes months to process a trip and photos are there to help me recall these time stamps of the day that was. It is a whirlwind of driving long roads back home and memories of love, love lost and a life to live right before us. The continued struggle for us to live on despite the many lesser deaths that mark our existence.[#ampalayapamore] We continue to deny these lesser deaths and move on. The sky remains blue and the water still sparkling cold. Reminders to live on.

That thing

I can't stop looking at this photo. A sense of calming love when I look at them comfortable at each others arms. Their simplicity called no attention and yet it filled the space. A moment in time showing me once again that it really doesn't take much to have a full life and be filled with love. Sigh. It is always good to be reminded that you too have that and the people who really matter are just beside us. Their mere presence bring joy, comfort and warmth. A sense of being loved. This was taken at the Ben Cab museum in Baguio during our recent summer trip up North. When my heart is restless, one of the things that frees my mind is to travel, explore, and be in a different environment. My eyes are always peeled when I have my camera at hand. I was so blessed to see this couple. I can sense the love between them and the joy of being together, sharing a moment.

Halo halo

This was supposed to be for my food blog but is a welcome break here. You can read up on my Mother's Day sharing at my other blog at Pinay Mountain Chef.

Beyond words a call to love from the Holy Father

No words. I cannot seem to find the words to begin describe the emotions that swept through me these past few days. But the messages were clear and simple and yet the impact in our hearts seem beyond measure. At a time when I find myself at a crossroads, rethinking my beliefs and making sense in a world that seem to be at the brink. Simple and clear messages of hope from Pope Francis renewed my faith. He spoke with grace about dreaming and loving...encouraging us to keep on dreaming and loving. Reminding us to always go back to the time when started loving each other-- a message to the family. The challenges and evil of these world seem to shrink in the light. The realization that indeed there is hope to fight on, live on and overcome our challenges as a person, as a people. I prayed that God will bless my heart and my cup overflows with the blessings of His word. A sense of being lost but then, the joy of finding the right direction to take. At UST, during the encounter with the youth, a child told her story of living on the street experiencing the hardships of poverty which led children to drugs and prostitution "at bakit ang unti ng mga tumutulong sa amin"-- so raw and honest she questioned "Bakit ito pinapayagan ng Diyos?" "Why does God permit these things to happen?" Her pain was raw and her tears opened the flood gates of eyes of the humanity before her. The Holy Father was moved as she was the only one who asked a question that cannot be answered. The Shepherd called to each one of us to love and take care of the children. Each one of us is called to make a difference. At Tacloban, in the midst of rain and storm Pope Francis said "I am late but I am here." to be present and remind us of God's love. At one point, he said he doesn't know what to say but Jesus knows what to say to us. Look to Jesus. An example to be less of self and more of God. At the end, his messages are basic and clear yet calls for a radical change:

- for the government, together with all Filipinos to put an end to corruption and the scandalous social inequalities - for the clergy, to live simply and work to uplift the poor - for families, to dream, love, rest in God, rise from slumber and be a blessing for others - for those suffering, to look to Jesus who never lets us down and to move forward, always forward - for the youth and everyone else, to learn how to weep, to learn how to love and be loved, to learn from the poor, to be surprised by God, and - for all Filipinos to remember our deepest identity as God's children and be missionaries in Asia and the world.

Traveling Solo to Higashiyama

On my way home after my solo adventures at Tsukiji Fish Market, I would be traveling alone to Nagoya via overnight JR bus from Tokyo JR Station. I am grateful for a good friend Uchida-san who helped me secure a seat on the bus. This will be my first ever solo trip in Japan on a long haul overnight bus. The whole time my mind was wandering I guess. Insights tend to visit me at these moments of solitude. Solo traveling can be good for your soul. The time alone provides much space to explore inward as well. Listening to your own thoughts. There were times during this trip that I was lost in transit for a moment or two trying to figure out what train to take, what station to change trains or where to go. The unfamiliar can get you lost and it forces your senses to think. It re-wires your mind. At these moments that I've felt I was alive that is why I love traveling. After the overnight bus ride, I arrived at Nagoya. It took me a while to orient myself. I willed myself to go to Higashiyama-koen this was the only day that I have a chance to experience autumn. I've been dreaming to see the changing of the leaves for as long as I can remember. I feel so blessed to be able to witness these colors of yellow, orange and reds. I walked slowly taking in the beauty of the trees. Memories of sunlight falling gently on the yellow leaves as I cross the small bridge. The Universe was so kind to let me have time to sit in that cottage where I wrote down a few verses. Thank God for the beauty of His creation.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Years ago I watched National Geographic take on Tsukiji Tuna Auction and I was amazed. Since then, Tsukiji was on my bucket list. The first time we were in Tokyo I was not able to go. This second attempt to go to the fish auction, I booked a hotel near the market and got up at 4am. My lolo of a receptionist said that I am late 4:10am I need to run to make it to the list of 120 people a day allowed to see the auction. Freezing cold and one wrong turn, I did not make it to the tuna auction because they opened at 3am that day. Sigh. But nonetheless, was able to do a photo documentation of the main Tsukiji market. Here are some of the hundred shots I took :) enjoy!

Sublime Kyoto

Indeed Kyoto is sublime. Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities I've visited with the balance of technology and cultural heritage that is uniquely Japanese. One of my favorite walk is the one after visiting Kiyomizudera, we followed the Ninen-zaka path. It's like walking back in time.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

travels old and new

God has been very kind to my heart lately. I am amazed at the blessing He sends my way. Truly thankful for the big and small blessings. Time flies indeed months have past by like a breeze. I am very happy to share that once again on the same year we were able to visit Japan. After our family Spring adventures, I had the rare opportunity to visit again in autumn this year. We just got back last week. I have thousands of photos but of course can only share a few in this blog. This recent trip is my very first autumn season. I have long dreamed of witnessing the changing of the leaves from green to yellow to orange and red. I was blessed to visit Higashiyama-koen in Nagoya. I will be sharing photos both from our spring visit and my more recent adventures this autumn. So the coming post will be a mix of old and new. Our memories about life is a mix of past and present and sometimes of dreams. These thoughts and pondering will manifest in photos and short verses.

Godspeed Osaka Sunday

Day 2 First thing on the agenda is to go to church. Every chance I get to go to church in a different country I make it a point to go and attend the mass service in a foreign land. I distinctly remember the time in Fiji and in Madang Papua New Guinea. This time it is Osaka Japan. For this long 12 day trip a blessing for the travel to keep the family safe. The wind was crisp that spring morning. I had to secure the pashmina around my neck to keep warm. We plotted the way in google map and asked around for directions. Kind policemen trying to speak to us in Japanese and all I can say is Hai Hai and Arigato. Generating funny looks from the daily pedestrian. After a few turns and admiring the men and women in bicycles. We found the church and and fellow Filipinos as the choir and lectors...even one of the songs have Filipino lyrics infused into the English song. All the new people were made to stand up and introduce themselves to the community. After mass we met Sonny, he helped us with a few tips going to Osaka-jo and then he generously offered to take our first family photo. Such a blessing to be witness to this community. We walked back to the station and found our way to Osaka-jo where we spent the rest of the afternoon.

Hearton Osaka Japan

We arrived one full hour later than expected, we went out the arrival area excited despite the bumpy plane ride. After changing some dollars into yen, we made a beeline to the information kiosk and noted that there are no more buses going to the city. Finding our way to the train station at the Kansai airport was a breeze but the task of decoding the trains system and the ticket dispenser was like a puzzle to our weary traveler eyes. Hoping to get directions on "how-to" Amats fell in line at the JR office while I stood beside the ticket machines and eventually figured out how to operate it. Ha! One code cracked! We got into the train which chugged its way to Osaka and from the map I have in hand the nearest station is Fukushima near Hearton Hotel. We got off the station and since it is around 10:30PM we decided to take a cab to the hotel anyway it is near. Cab drivers are very courteous in their suits and clean cars with receipts. It was a short ride and we approach the hotel...until Amats said "Nanay Hilton ito" (This is Hilton). Oh I said to the driver ... we are going to Hearton (which I pronounced Hear-ton) showing him the map of the booking and then the driver was kind to stop the meter while calling his office trying to figure out the way he said Hearton correcting me (pronouncing the place as Heart-on). This is our first case of lost in translation. As literally lost (dahil nawala kami). The driver was so kind to bring us to our hotel without charging us extra to the 820 yen already in the meter. Good thing our hotel was a couple of block away from Hilton hotel. We really had a good laugh about Hearton! Love the comedy and opening salvo of this trip which made us smile and laugh. First night and we are off to a good start.

Ryōan-ji