Maguindanao Massacre-A piece of my mind

I opened my facebook account and saw some friends in my list posted pictures from the victims of Maguindanao Massacre. I was a bit hesitant at first because I already knew what to expect if I decide to view on any of the pictures. I don't know but though there was that feeling of hesitation in me but still I decided to view the pictures. I was very stunned to see the sight of the victims. I just can't imagine how much they have to go through just savoring every last breath they have fighting for their lives. I could not contain myself watching most of the victims were women who was said to be abused before they were killed like animals and buried in a pre digged grave. Yes, pre digged, everything was planned! And the price? A lot of lives was spared.

It would have been a peaceful filing of candidacy for Mrs. Magundadatu who was suppose to file the certificate of candidacy in behalf of his husband Toto Magundadatu since just right before that day when all these happened, they have been receiving death threats already if in case Mr. Magundadatu would push on running for Governor where the Ampatuans are said to be on the same slate. But everything turned out to be the worsest nightmare for all of us Filipinos. Almost 60 people died and most came from the press who was only there to cover Mrs. Magundadatu's filing of candidacy. There were also innocent civilians who happen to be following the convoy. Just listening and watching the news made me question, "when will dirty politics in our country end? When will political killings end? How many more innocent lives are we going to spare before the one sitting there on top do something?"

Never did it crossed my mind that this atrocious catastrophe will ever happen in our nation. I am in shock and awe that people would go so far just because of power and greed. Why does it have to take days before making any move from our leaders when it is very clear to all of us Filipinos the one responsible for this ruthless act? Is it because of "utang na loob?" for winning the elections? Is humanity the price we all have to pay for you to gain your selfish and egocentric desires?

Now I began to question myself, where are our good leaders? Those who serve us Filipinos with selfless governance? Where are our leaders who doesn't think of their personal interests but for the common good? I cry for peace and justice not only for the Maguindanao Massacre victims but as well as other senseless deaths. People may have died fighting for what they believe is right, but one thing is certain, their deaths will never be meaningless.

Let this be a wake up call for all of us Filipinos. Countdown for justice begins..

Just sick..

I'm so sick today.. got fever and colds plus my asthma is getting back at me.. Lucky enough I am at the office working, although this is not a medication to me but somehow being here makes me feel a little better than staying at home lying on my bed and looking and feeling really sick. .

Awkard and funny, most people who get sick like me become very emotional... Being the only one in the office since it's Sunday and only me and another colleague who is in another office are the only ones on duty makes me sit back and think of so many things. My visions in life.. I began to imagine things! ahahaah! Like I'm day dreaming.. Sometimes I would just sit and think of myself riding a white unicorn wearing an off white lacey dress.. with all the glittery stuffs around me and the smell of the flowers taking me to wonderland. There I could see all the good things in life.. healthy fresh air, animals talking to each other.. even the wild Lions talking to zebras and deers.. is this for real? Or am I hallucinating? Ahahahhaha! Well, I guess I'll have to take another pill.. it may seem or look like i'm on drugs but hey! I'm not! I'm just soo feeling sick today and all I could think about is the bed in my room and the fluffy pillows and my cellphone just beside me lying so I could answer right away when my special someone calls to check on me.. heheheh.. Oh well, it's almost five.. I'm about to leave the office.. I'll post another journey. I have a lot to post.. I'm just too lazy to do it. heheheh.. but bare with me.. more is yet to come.

A very unforgettable experience..

it's been so long since I last posted something in my blog.. Maybe I'm just in contemplation on what to write. This time it's not about being nomadic but rather another significant experience in my life I will never forget.

Last November 26 and 27, 2009, the company where I am working conducted a team building activity entitled, "Team Dynamics and Values Empowerment Worshop for Maribago." Our facilitator were: Mr. Nonong Noriega, Ms. Lydia dela Merced and assistant Mr. Calix Vargas. We also had this activity two years ago but this activity we have just recently is the best and memorable one. To be a little brief, I have been going through a difficult time with my current life. I was holding so much angst and hatred in my heart for people around me who caused me so much pain and struggle. This activity made me realize a lot about myself, how I should deal with all the negativity around me and how I could learn to value myself, the people around me and most of all my family and my relationship with God. I was able to discover so much about myself and about the stories of people around me. I felt I was not alone.. If there's one thing Sir Nonong said to all of us that I will never forget, it is the 3A's of life, "You're A-TTITUDE and not your A-PTITUDE who will take you to your A-LTITUDE" It's just simple but if you dig deeper into the core of that very simple phrase, you would realize that life is all about attitude. I realized that in this life, there are some people who will never be sorry, some perspectives of people you can never change but it doesn't end at that. All you have to do is to change the way you think and deal with things. On a positive note, I have learned to accept my flaws that there are people around me who have more painful stories to tell and I am even luckier than them. I'm sorry if I'm saying so much here, I'm just sharing what Sir Nonong had brought into my life. He brought me C-H-A-N-G-E.. My views on life began to change. I have slowly learned to forgive and forget those who have sinned against me and realized that I too made my own share of mistakes. Now, I have learned to value self worth, friendships, my family and most of all and will always be the first on my list, my relationship with God. The photo above is the last picture we had with sir Nonong and Ma'am Lydia before they went back to Manila. It was very sweet of them to drop by the office and bid goodbye. It's sad knowing they're leaving when they just don't know how much impact they have brought to me and to the other employees but as what I have told sir Nonong, I will always look forward to their next visit.

Below are some of the pictures taken during our activity. It was fun but certainly another learning experience.

We, in Maribago Bluewater are very lucky enough to have undergone such activity. Thank you sir Nonong Noriega, Ms. Lydia dela Merced and the ultimate crush ng bayan Mr. Calix Vargas. Till we meet again!

<- in this photo from left is Stephany Jumamoy(front office associate), Ms. Delia C. Cespon our VP-rooms division, Ms. Lydia dela Merced, Israeli Jumao-as our Banquet Coordinator, Sir Nonong Noriega, Our General Manager Sir Rhyz Buac, Kathy Tero our HR Associate and yours truly.. =)

BACK OFF

I am feeble; I succumb all day because of my throbbing
however in my anguish I found my strength, that I can be invincible
that no one and nothing can triumph over my torment.
For I am as numb as a rock and as strong as the wind

Those who seek my destruction, never get a hold of victory
for my faith is my guard and God is my deliverance,
there is nothing I shall not overcome,
Nor there is anything I cannot handle

Those who are deceitful, take advantage of my flaws
All day, they speak their fury against me, while at one corner I stand defenseless
My heart is muffled because of overwhelming pain
and the tears in my eyes is my form of release

My unrelenting attitude brought me to the core,
regardless of their defiance who witnessed my agony and made it their pleasure
I continue to stand with my own two feet without anyone's fortification
My family's embrace became my shelter, my true friends became my understanding, and my faith in God became my defense

One day, the life we borrowed will be taken back from the only One who owns it,
I will not argue with His plan, but one thing is certain,
when I die, my death is not the end of my affliction,
It is only the beginning of what lies ahead...

Hidden Paradise, San Fernando Cebu

A friend recommended to me a unique and fun mountain resort I have never been to. I was a bit hesitant the first time my friend told me coz I already had a bad experience from a mountain resort I've been to in Toledo (which I'll never post in my blog, sorry). But you bet, this mountain resort I have been to, is totally different and an experience I will never forget.

Going there, is I guess the easiest and the most adventurous one. Well, let me tell you this, we took the bus from the city of Cebu and rode the famous "habal-habal" (cebu's motorcycle transport). The ride took 10minutes only, knowing that from the area where we stop, we still have to travel for another 5 kilometers.. I could say, I was a bit scared because not only that the road was rough but it was sheer as well .Like we could fall off the cliff if our driver is not so familiar with the place. I'm glad we had a good driver.

When we reached the resort, I was not totally wowed by it but when I got to see and experience what I can enjoy there, I realized it was not a bad place after all. This trip made me conquer some of my fears and that is the fear of heights.

Hidden Paradise, I would say has everything. They have three swimming pools, billard hall, videoke machines, functions rooms and rooms for rent that ranges from Php600-Php2,500. Not only that, they have this what they call "zip line" which really is a challenge to me because you will hold on to harness that will carry you from one side to the other not more than 100feet below the ground..Gosh! and i did tried it.. Not only that, I also tried their monkey bridge and I finished it in twenty minutes. Ahahahhah! Yes I admit I was a bit scared but the thrill is worth it! I say, you better try it when you get there.

monkey bridge

zip line

magnificent view

Swimming pool

Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu

Kawasan Falls is located Southern part of Cebu. Going there is very easy. Go to southbus terminal and take a Ceres bus going south and tell the driver were you're heading(those not familiar with the place) and you can see the signage very visible when you take off the bus. When you reach the little road which is your track in going to the main falls, you will walk another 10-15 minutes and you can enjoy looking at the nice views, big trees and an old bridge i think older than your age..heheheh.. Bitaw, daghan nindot nga lantawonon una ka makaabot gyod sa imong tuyo.

Note: daghang bystanders who will ask you to have them as guide but you wouldn't really need one because going there is so easy. There are signages which will lead you to the falls and if you're an adventure seeker like me, then it's best if you go there without anyone guiding you were to go. After all, you will pass by a lot of people living near the falls so you can just ask questions just incase you get confused with the directions.

I've heard a lot from critics that Kawasan falls is not as beautiful as it was years ago but looking at it for the first time only gave me one word to describe it "amazing!" I just hope and pray though that those in the local government of Cebu would do everything possible to preserve this treasure only Cebu has before it's too late. Nindot gyod siya! Dile lang kay nindot apan dile paka dako og magasto. Bugnaw kaayo ang tubig nga wala gyod nako palapasa ang higayon nga masinati nako kung unsa siya kanindot. Mao nga akong mga higalang Bisdak nga wapa kaari aning lugara, ayaw ninyo kalimti og suwat sa inyong listahan ang Kawasan nga I would say, one of the most visited tourist destinations we have in Cebu. Kung naa kay Php500 sakto na nga budget labi na gyod kung daghan mo. Katong wapa kaadto, adto na! =)

EL Salvador, Danao City Cebu

El Salvador Beach Resort, located in Danao Cebu City. Going there, we took the most accessible way, which is to take the van for hire at Sm Cebu and travel time takes about 40minutes to one hour depending on the traffic. We are very fortunate to get the Php1,700 per night poolside suite which includes breakfast. The room was nice and clean. They have two swimming pools a small beachfront where they also use as venue for functions like weddings, birthday parties etc.

We really enjoyed our stay. I always look forward to going to resorts that are clean and well maintained and ofcourse having a pool and beach is an advantage. Sakto ra kaayo or shall i say, sulit among nabayad kay tungod gitagaan mi sa ilang staff og nindot nga serbisyo. Other than that, very affordable kaayo and their breakfast was sumptuos! Loooove it! Anyways, below are some of our pictures, pasensya namo nako, I just love wearing two piece even if I don't have the vitals, well who cares! Ang importante ang laag nako sa El Salvador! wohooooo! Nag enjoy nasad si Tisay kyog si Pikot.






For reservations, please call their numbers :+63 32 200 3622 or 63 32 200 4494
or visit their website at : www.elsalvadorresort.com