Igorotak

Baguio - The City of Pines




First Stop: Mines View Park - 


This is the most popular and most visited place in the city. From there, you'll feast in the panoramic views of Benguet and the surrounding mountains. Souvenir items can be found in all sides of the park. 


Second Stop: Wright Park and the Mansion 


Third Stop: Burnham Park


Fourth Stop: Alberto's - 


The place is highly recommended by Jayjay. Their SML costs Php78 and their draft beer is at Php580. (I guess it's not advisable for tipid-mode party peeps,huh?) We messed around here and left the place with our faces covered.  


Fifth Stop: Concoctions Bar -


This is my ideal chill-out bar. They play cool music to relax you while you take a glimpse of the city lights below. It's located just across our pension house and the place is very cozy, relaxing and perfect for chillin'out with friends. Plus, the bartenders are oozing with sex appeal that you'd be tempted to order an extra rice. (hahaha pwede na silang ulamin~Jayjay) They offer good service to the customers and the manager seems to very accommodating. Two Thumbs Up!

This snapshot was taken at Concoctions just right across our lodging house in Baguio. We had fun beerguzzlin' after we messed up at Alberto's. hehe It was indeed fun. We are flooded with gorgeous waiters. Cool.


Sixth Stop - Baguio City Public Market and Ukay-Ukay Center - 


Food and souvenir items await you here. Make sure your wallets are filled with cash or your eyes will bleed sa sobrang dami ng pwedeng bilhin. hehe Think abour your exist baggage.. `Emi. hehe (Excess baggage!)



Seventh Stop: Good Taste - 


One of Maxi's must go place when in Baguio. The food here really confirms to its name. It has been operating since time immemorial and that it has already expanded over the years. The customers wouldn't waste their money for the food because it's really delicious. Sulit Saarap ang Isang daang piso mo!  

Hulihin ang salarin!!! That's jayjay at the center - the group's funny clown ;-)

The costumes were really perfect for us except for the shoes. Nyay! Igorot na naka-sapatos?

This is me and my best buddy, Abs.. 

Walang bibitaw. Kapit-bisig. Hawak-kamay. 

At Alberto's.. The draft beer hasn't been spilled yet. yay!

Taken at "The Mansion". I was trying to jump a little bit higher but I was distracted with  my hair falling into my face all over and I can't even see anything. Luckily, I landed safely at the ground. Whew!

Bonggang-bonggang Buruanga

It was my fourth time to visit this place and believe me, I still find it so intriguing and mystifying. If not for the call of duty as training team member of the Bsp Aklan Council during the Ventures Camp, I wouldn't be able to explore its hidden beauty and pristine beaches. (Too bad, I missed the spelunking adventures) =(

I'll be back for the spelunking adventures. Let's explore Aklan and be captured by its hypnotic tenderness.

My Own Personal Legend

A Re-post of my Blog in Multiply

July 29, 2008, 10:01 P.M

 “I am not a writer.” This is what Maggie Dela Riva said in her introduction to her book, “Peebles in the Pond” Yes, I am not a writer, too. I don’t write professionally. Rather, I write for pleasure. I write because I wanted to.”  And just like Ms. Maggie, I write because it is my way of expressing my real self, my feelings and my thoughts. I couldn’t even recall that I have received an A+ in my writing composition back in my high school days. One thing that I am proud of, I have two strict but loving and cruel but kind teachers in English back in my elementary days namely, Mrs. Lena Grasparil and Mrs. Annabelle Paccial (+) who taught and inspired me to love their  subject. They provided me with a strong foundation in English and that gave me enough confidence and self-esteem when I took up English as my area of specialization in college under Mrs. Divina Mabasa-Muyargas, my English professor and also my mentor.

I cannot say I’m good in English. My grammar sometimes quarrel with each other. I couldn’t even construct a perfect sentence. But, it doesn’t stop me from writing. I write because it is what my heart whispers me. I find joy in writing. I have written poems back in college but I didn’t dare to let other people read it, except to those who understands my language. I just keep it for myself. A friend even offered me to be one of the staffer in our school paper but, I refused to accept it. I thought that when I write for the school paper, I will be forced to write and submit the manuscripts to meet up with the deadline. I cannot write when I am not in the mood. I cannot write when someone pressures me to write. I write because it gives me enough time to appreciate life and ponder on things that happened in the past that simply connects into my present life and my future. I write because I am enjoying it. I write because it is one way of releasing the pressure and throwing all the excess baggage in my heart. I write because it makes me feel good about myself. I write because I want to share my thoughts to those who reads my stuff. I always keep a journal of my everyday life. And it’s good to know that at one point, when I feel so tired and exhausted from work, I scan through the pages of my journal and refresh my memories with all the things that happened and end up laughing. Writing is indeed very therapeutic for me.

Yes, I am not a writer. I don’t even have the gift of being one. But maybe, in my past life, I was an aspiring writer. And just as Maggie pictured herself as an Egyptian girl in her past life in one of her contemplation, I, too, can picture myself as a writer in the medieval times, only without contemplating on it. Hehe =)

Ready or Not --Here I Come!

Remembering the Faithful Departed

July 30, 2008, 4:41 am (Excerpt from my Friendster Blog)
Filed under: Uncategorized

I was in grief for the past few days. Suffered the loss of a friend, Nong Manny, who died at the age of 32 because of multiple aneurism. Indeed, death is inevitable. It’s like a thief that robs you in the middle of the night. For some people, they fear death. Others welcome them just like a host entertaining an important visitor. A lot of us often say that at any rate, at any time and at a given circumstances, we are ready to face death and welcome it with arms wide open. But with a case like this, sometimes, the fear of death is most likely very traitorous. Who would have ever thought that a person as healthy and as lively as Nong Manny would die just like that.

The morning after our club’s vigil at the wake of Nong Manny, my eye bugs are terrible. Felt as if I’ve been crying for a century. I was shocked with the news of my co-teacher Ann, telling me of a tragedy that happened to one of our pupils. I couldn’t memorize the names of all my pupils but, when she mentioned about Patricia Kayle, I cried without even finding out what had happened. An innocent grade six pupil Patricia together with his older brother, Paul Kaydene, who also happened to be my former pupil and their youngest sister with their Mom, were trapped in their house on fire in the mid-morning of July 28. Their father was away from them during the incident and no one was saved in the burning house that caused them a very painful and tragic death. I was grasping for air. I couldn’t breath. My body shivers by the thought of it. I was still in denial. I was still hoping that maybe the news is not true. My sister who happens to be one of the closest friend of Patricia’s mom texted me and that confirmed everything. How can these be happening to a mother with three wonderful children dying a tragic death, whose husband was away for work? I couldn’t find correct answers to all my questions. I couldn’t even blame God for letting these things to happen. Maybe it is written in His hands. Maybe He has plans. Maybe He has His reasons. 

Yes, I can say, I’m afraid of death. I fear death because I have a lot of things to accomplish. I fear death because I’m not yet prepared. I fear death because I have so many plans and I haven’t reached my Personal Legend. I have a lot of things to pursue. But, what if one day, death would appear to me in the presence of a butterfly that would rest on my palm contentedly and ask me this question: “Are you ready?” Well, my
only reply would be: “Not yet. Not now”.

.

 We can never prognosticate the coming of death in our lives. It gives us no signs, no warnings, and just like the wind, it carries a certain message of affirmation that in death, we can perfectly say, we are at peace. No worries, just pure bliss.

 So while we are still aware of our breath, live life to the fullest and make each day as if it will be the last days of our lives.

Isabela

I Fell In Love With Isabela

April 21, 2009, 11:05 pm | Edit this
Filed under: Uncategorized

It’s been a week since I got home from my longest travel up North. I’m now stuck in my crib, taking a sip of iced tea while the sounds of Bossa n’ Marley simply filled the air with ease and comfort. Man, how I missed my bed.. and my pillow.. the smell of familiar satin sheets brought joy to me when I lull myself to sleep and lie comfortably in my old cranky bed. Thoughts came flashing back at Camp Samal, Tumauini, Isabela where I spent five long nights attending the 6^th National Rover Moot of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. I can still recall how we (Aina and I) managed to pitch our tents in the camp area all by ourselves and turned our campsite into a very sophisticated haven. Yes, our life back in Isabela has put a great impact in our lives.. I have learned to conserve everything from batteries of flashlight, food, clothing and my God, even water.. hmmm.. I can proudly say I can take a bath even with just a little supply of it. hehehe

campsite at Camp Samal, Tumauini

Hmmm.. how did all these things happen? Thanks to our Field Scout Executive who backed out from this trip and now, am reaping the many benefits that should suppose to be for him. Lucky me! Hay, God is so good talaga..

And as I recall, we left Kalibo last Tuesday, 14^th of April and arrived in Manila at 3:00 then proceeded at the Florida Bus Terminal in Sampaloc, boarded the bus at 7pm and arrived at Isabela the following day. It’s indeed a long travel, my butt ached and for a moment, I wanted to simply just stand and avoid having contact with chairs. Hehehe. We were greeted by hospitable rover scouts and pointed the area where we can pitch our tents.. And then, along came the rover scouts from Mandaluyong – the NSTP Team of Rizal Technological Univerity boys who adopted us and extended their generosity in letting us share a part of their camp area where we had pitch our tent. Huh, gentlemen are still abundant these days. These seven strong rover scouts of RTU made us feel so comfortable with them, as if we’ve been friends for so long, no hung-ups, no worries, nothing to be afraid of.. They’re all warm, and friendly, and generous.. an epitome of true scouts. Should I mention their names? huh..  (Sir Nick-(husband of Lloyd’s cousin whom I recently found out after a long talk) Sir Alex, Sir Ton, Sir Fred, Sir Renan, Echo, Zaldy, Christian and of course, Ralph –the latter’s really a cool guy. I must admit I was fascinated with his super great sense of humor that could simply move mountains, turns dead into a living creature and experience not even a single dull moment with him.. plus, he’s a hunk too!) Hmmmm, I guess I can afford to talk to him till wee hours in the morning without getting sleepy, and If I’m asked whom I wish to talk to if stuck in an elevator for one day or even for a week, well I guess it would probably be him. Hehehe

Rizal Technological University Rover Scouts - Mandaluyong

We participated in various in-camp activities, tried rappelling with Sir Victor Reyes, Sir Jerry Rubrico and the BFP Nueva Vizcaya Team as my tutors. ….Huh, I have uttered numerous prayers for all the Saints, begging for my safety while I was doing the “rappelling” thing. Thank God, I have cheated death. Hehehe  And because of my curiousity, I even tried Rope and Log Crossing and became a Spider Woman for a couple of minutes in the Samal Adventure Trek with Aina as my personal photographer.  Hehe yeah, sounds cool.

 I got chicken-hearted when I was offered to try the white water rafting at Cagayan River, I’ve wanted to do it but I got scared. Instead, I settled in helping the RTU boys in the raft making. Huh, lashings and lashings.. Knot-tying was just a piece of cake for me..

And how can I miss this special activity.. the Airsoft Challenge. I was given a lecture demonstration as to the safety rules and regulations and the proper way of playing it.. I was on the verge of really doing it but, my knees melted when I saw other scouts aching for a very painful shot.. well, you can’t blame me if I backed out, I’ve got good legs to protect to and a lovely face to attend to.. hehe Again, I got chicken-hearted and entertained myself simply by watching them play with great spirit of cooperation, unity and teamwork.. whew, I was so green with envy.. but at least, I was able to wear the gears, hold the airsoft gun and managed to give the best pose ever.. hehe picture-picture..

And for community immersion where rover scouts and roverettes are expected to render community service in various barangays, I suggested and designed a special activity relevant to community immersion where we (just Aina and I) explored the St. Mathias Church in Tumauini built in 1973 with a unique cylindrical belfry. Hired Kuya Roni, the tricycle driver who kept us company, drove us to Ilagan City where the famous “World’s Biggest Butaka” (Rocking Chair) which was featured in the Guiness Book of Record that stood 11 feet high and weighs 2,368 kilos. With a tricycle fare of 300php back and forth, we managed to explore all the must-see places in the Region of Cagayan Valley. So many places to see yet so little time.. We reached the campsite at 7Pm and indulged ourselves with a cold bottle of SanMig light back at Dona Juana, a not-so-high-end bar situated at the town proper of Tumauini. See? There’s a lot more to do than community immersions..

The nights spent at the campsite are so exciting.. I missed the sound of cicadas, the chirping of birds and frogs’ crackle.. It sounded like music to my ears and took me higher even than Bob Marley. We nourished our social life at the camp with the BSP National Office forerunners and big men who invited us to join them for two consecutive nights, courtesy of Sir Victor= our new found friend, as they exude with great pride in singing their national anthem which rocked the whole campsite by singing “My Way”. Not to mention the long talks and funny chit-chats with the RTU boys especially with Ralph, under the shady tree, beside our tent, with the camping lantern that stood before us and my lovely hammock that served as living witness to two souls connected by unexpected circumstances ..  ano daw?! Hehehe

But every beginning has an end, and every hello has its corresponding goodbye. The day before we break camp, the RTU boys, (four of them are true blue residents of Isabela) invited us (again,just Aina and myself) to join them to attend lunch at a particular wedding –(a cousin of Sir Alex and Sir Nick) We devoured sumptuous food and the residents treated us as presidential candidates..  ate as if it was our last meal. Hehe They drove us back home at our campsite, bid us goodbye, thanked us for the many memories and they proceeded to Cabagan, the next town from Tumauini.. Parting with him,.. este, with them pala brings sadness into our hearts but, life has to move on..

 With our backpacks on, we headed to Tuguegarao City - the Capital and the Regional Center of Cagayan, 45 minutes drive from Tumauini, dropped by at St. Peter & Paul Cathedral and filled our empty stomach at Jollibee and then boarded the bus at the Victory Liner Terminal by 7PM, arrived Manila at 10:30 the following day.. well, ever wondered what we did while on the bus? Sleep,eat,sleep.. hehehe

We spent the remaining days sleeping, regaining our lost strength and then exhibited marathon skills in trying to keep up with a fast-paced city life the next morning, shopped at SM mall of Asia.

With empty heart.. and empty wallets.. we took the flight back home..

I have enjoyed every single moment spent at Isabela, I have gained so many friends, but I was hoping I could find a lover,too.. hehehe not meant. Just kidding.. I was able to experience the joy of meeting new places and new faces.. conquered fears.. sailed with the spontaneity of events.. lived my life as if my last.. learned new things and learned Ibanag words, helped the scouting movement by creating better scouts simply by being one..

Yes, I fell in love with Isabela. And I will continue to fall in love with her ‘till my gray-hair days.

Mabbalo Tani Kamu, People of Isabela…

 

Remembering Manny

(Retrieved from my Friendster Blog)

July 30, 2008, 4:38 am | Edit this

Filed under: Uncategorized

In memory of Nong Manny De Asis

..it’s 11:05 and just as I have finished writing this poem for Nong Manny, I was disturbed by a text from Nong Chrency telling the group to continue praying for him. So, I paused for while and prayed. I haven’t finished reciting my prayer when I suddenly heard my phone beeped again and this time, it’s from Nong Chrency again, telling us that Nong Manny didn’t make it. I cried. He’s too young to die.. he has so many plans for his children. The last time I saw him was when I was at the farm checking our ruined badminton court caused by typhoon “Frank”. He was with his third son, Matt when he arrived, checking also our second home.. the Atiatihan Badminton Court. He was so eager to play badminton but the sadness in his eyes dominated his entire facial expression. “Paano na lang daw ang mga poker pips?” he smiled and chuckled that despite what happened to the court, naiisip pa rin niya ang badminton at poker. His world revolved around with the people he loves.. his family and friends.. and of course, the love for badminton and poker.

       Nong Manny has been a good friend to us.. though at times, we were disturbed by his interruption between our games when he would just appear inside the court and offer his unsolicited advise about how to execute the shots correctly.. (Harun eoman si Nong Manny with his fancy moves and deceiving shots)

       Nong Manny has his own distinctive badminton fashion style.. We hardly see him wearing badminton shorts. Instead, he always wear jogging pants without t-shirt or a plain white sando which he thinks very comfortable for him when playing. He’s been our team leader for the Red Feather Shuttlers during our team-tie competition and just recently, we were declared champion. I can see the look on his face how happy he was. It was an achievement for him being the man on the lead.  I can still recall the time when he asked me for a favor to write a welcome speech for his eldest daughter Shayne for her Moving Up Exercises in Aklan College. I never hesitated and worked on it instantly. He was so happy the next day when Shayne had memorized the speech I gave him and thanked me.. To quote his words, he told me, “Riz, salamat sa paggawa mo ng speech para kay Shayne. Madali niyang na-memorize yun. Matalino kasi yung anak ko, buti na lang hindi nagmana sa akin”.. I told him, “Nong Manny, buti lang talaga di nagmana si shayne sayo no?” and then we both ended up laughing. He even requested me to look for declamation pieces for Shayne for he wants her daughter to join in the declamation contest in the near future.

       Nong Manny was good father to his children. Pag naglambing mga anak niya, kahit kating-kati na mga paa niya sa paglalaro ng badminton at kahit mga kamay niya namamanhid dahil di nakakahawak ng poker chips, di talaga umaalis ng bahay yan.. He’s also a loving husband to his wife. Siguro bumabawi dahil sa pag-iintindi sa kanya sa mga gabing wala siya sa bahay nila. He’s also a good friend to all of us. Lagi lang nakatawa na parang walang problema sa buhay. Nakukuha niya pang tumawa kahit minsan, nahihirapan na.  And now, he’s gone. Wala nang mangungulit sa amin. Wala na

kaming makikita na nagsusuot ng jogging pants na walang tshirt habang naglalaro ng badminton. Wala na ring magyaya ng poker sa kalagitnaan ng tahimik na gabi. Nakaka-miss ang higad.. Higad kasi ang tawag ni Sandy sa kanya.. He left us with so many memories to cherish and treasure. He’s been a brother and a friend to me. A “brother” in every sense of the word. Kapatid. ‘yun ang lagi niyang sinasabi. I hope one day, one of his children will follow what he started and will continue his dreams of reaching into the finals for badminton games. Yun na lang kasi di pa niya nararanasan, ang mag-champion sa level C.

         Nong Manny, wherever you are, just go with the light. We will always remember the happy times we spent together as one family in Atiatihan Badminton Club. For sure, we will miss you.. Medyo nauna ka lang sa amin pero lahat tayo magkikita-kita din sa huli. Pakisabi ke San Pedro na i-assign ka niya sa mas malaking lugar kung saan pwede ka mag-request ng badminton court. Yayain mo na rin ang mga angels diyan to play poker with you para di ka malungkot.. Wag ka mag-alala, Nong Manny, di namin pababayaan ang mag-ina mo.. Maghahanap pa din ako ng declamation piece para kay Shayne.   

           May your soul rest in peace. Amen. +

We will Miss You, Manoy! Rest in Peace with thy God’s Embrace +

Para kay Nong Manny (tag pagbisita namon kana sa ICU it Provincial Hospital)

July 30, 2008, 4:19 am | Edit this
Filed under: Uncategorized

Raze m. Ignacio

26 july 2008

09:45 pm

Hay,alin eon?

Bangon dikaron nong..

Kapangaean mo baea si Pacman?

Uwa’t laban nga inde pag-atrasan..

Baskuga ing buot

Ag suk-ean si kamatayan

Pangayo it bulig sa Kusog nga Ginhalinan

Iya kami gatao it suporta

sa among pagpangamuyo,

imong kaeuwasan, among ginapangayo..

Inde magpaeu-ya, di gid magpabaya

Ro imong pamilya, ikaw ginapalangga

Piniinuha ro imong mga unga

Imong asawa, ikaw eang pirme ginauna..

Ayaw gid magbuhi sa imong ginhawa

Ro imong pagmayad, duyon kamon makapasadya..

Manoy..

Kaya mo ron..

Ro tunog it poker chips, ikaw pagapukawon,

Ro poker table hato, haum eon.

Ro mizuno nga sapatos, ready eon suksukon

Biskan uwa kita it court, mahampang ta gihapon..

Siin mo ginbutang ing racket?

Agud sa pagpa-gut ag pag-ilis it grip..

Bangon eon dikaron,

May team-tie pa kitang paaeabuton..

Team leader ka pa baea namon,

Dasigang pamayad, red feather shuttlers eoman do
ma-champion..

Manoy,

Mahae ka namon..

Kaya mo ron.. kaya mo ron..