Category: Memories

Nusa Penida, Indonesia – A Travel Guide To A perfect Gateaway

Created a new YouTube channel for my travel videos – Girls On Global Adventures , Check it out! I post new videos weekly. I am currently traveling through Southeast Asia.

You were a dream once, now you’re a memory.

Nusa Penida, Indonesia is an island in the southeastern side of Bali separated by Badung Strait . It is a part of district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan .


Head on to my YouTube channel for travel videos – Girls On Global Adventures , I post new videos weekly. I am currently traveling through Southeast Asia.

SEE DETAILS AND LINKS BELOW FOR TRAVEL GUIDES:

  • How to get there
  • How to get around Nusa Penida and things you should know
  • Transportations, Accommodation and Recommendations
  • Expenses breakdown

Years ago Nusa Penida was on my bucket list of “Places to go to”. Now I’ve ticked it off, and it was an awesome feeling. It wasn’t the easiest to go to though, the drive was terrible. It was long, agonizing hours on a bike driving through very narrow roads. Twists and turns, ups and downs. The journey was so difficult that I almost decided not to continue. But I’ve longed to see it, I have got to see it!

So I continued driving on these awful roads, massive holes, some didn’t even look like roads anymore.  It was more like driving through a dried-out river with stones, sand, and mini cliffs. But boy, I’m glad I continued.

Oh the view was great from up here. And the sunset, it was just perfect.

Gazing upon it from above was surreal. It was unbelieveable, like I was living in a dream. It was exactly what I expected it to be. Breathtakingly beautiful and undeniably amazing.

It was almost sunset and that made it more appealing, it added drama to the moment and perfection to the view. Soon enough it’s beauty was covered with darkness and I went home with a grateful heart.

Diamond beach as seen from above. I just can’t get
enough of this paradise

How to get there:

  • From Canggu  – take a forty minutes cab to Sanur port
  • From Padang Bai – East of Bali, take a ferry to Nusa Penida
  • Sanur port – forty five minutes ferry ride to Nusa Penida
  • Nusa Penida – rent a motor bike at the port (alternative – Arrange car pick up from your hotel)
Steep blue stairs on the side of the cliff leading
to Peguyangan Waterfall.
I lost count of how many stairs there were, I am pretty sure though it is over 500. That was the time I sat, tongue out. I am out of shape.

How to get around Nusa Penida and things you should know:

  • Motor bike – is always the go-to vihecle for exploring, it gets you from one place to another easily and quickly. Just always drive safe and use helmets. There were multiple blind curves, the roads are narrow and sometimes there are huge holes in the middle of it. I recommend avoid driving at night.
  • Car Service (Alternative) – Arrange car through your hotel, they normally offer per day charges depending on the destination you are going. It’s less hassle but could sometimes hard to go around as the roads are very narrow.
  • Always download offline Google maps. The signal is really weak around the island, it’s always safe to access your map without internet connection. Click here to download: Nusa Penida map
  • When snorkeling at the Manta point it is to best leave early, it tends to get really crowded on a later time, hence lesser chances of you seeing the manta rays.
  • On your way to Nusa Penida, I suggest you be at the port early, tide tends to go up , there could be big waves and also the port don’t have any ramp during onboarding. It is a water entry; flip flops are recommended.
  • Always wear sun protection, I use Garnier SPF50 sunblock lotion and also wear rash gaurd if you have sensitive skin, protection for jellyfish sting.
Manta rays frequent Manta bay but it’s not really everyday.
Luckily I was one of the lucky few.

Transportation, Accomodation and Recommendations:

  • Gede Driver (+62 813 5366 6692) – Car Drop-off from Canggu to Sanur port
  • Check out these website when booking ferry ticket Sanur-Nusa Penida & vice versa; Marlin Fast Boat, Crown Fast Cruises, Sugriwa Express , 12Go , the latter one has the Cheapest fare compared to booking it directly to the ferry company.
  • I stayed in Prasi Sunset Bungalows – Tripadvisor , Prasi Sunset Bungalows – Booking.com , Check the link to see reviews and pictures of the place. Definitely worth it. The place was quite nice, friendly, accommodating and warm crew, the stay was pleasant. They made sure that your is experience great. They arranged car pick up upon arrival and departure, motor rental at the hotel, the boat rental for snorkeling with Manta ray among other water activities. And made the ferry reservation from Nusa Penida to Lombok via Padang Bai and the GIli Island . The view from the villa was lovely, overlooking the sea and great vantage point to see Mt. Agung .  It has pool, hot water, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included. If you want more details about the place send a message to Wyn Adnyana , he’s the one who’s taking charge of the hotel.
  • Virgin Beach Restaurant – was the one restaurant that got stuck in my head. I liked there tuna steak not only because I haven’t eaten seafood for the longest time, but because it tasted amazing and the seasoning was perfect. It was a pleasant meal.
Mt. Ugong as seen from Banah point

Expenses Breakdown:

  • 200k IDR – Car Canggu to Sanur port
  • 270k IDR – Ferry ticket booked online (cheaper compared to booking direct)
  • 100k IDR – Car pick up by Hotel
  • 640K IDR – Hotel accommodation for two nights
  • 80K IDR – Motor bike rental at the hotel
  • 900K IDR – Private Boat rental for Snorkeling arranged by hotel 350K IDR – boat fee per person if joining a group (Alternative)
  • 25K IDR – Entrance Peguyangan Falls
  • 10K IDR – Entrance Diamond Beach
  • 5K IDR – Entrance kilingkling Beach (Trex)
  • 60K IDR – Petrol Refill
  • 100k IDR – Car drop-off to pier arranged by hotel
  • 400K IDR – Ferry from Nusa Penida to Lombok

If this artible has been helpful to you, please share and like. And thank you for your time. Have some time reading my humble beginnings >> Filipina Travelling Around Indonesia and featuring one of the wonderful island in the Philippines>> Carnaza Island, Philippines – Travel Guide . Cheers to more travels!

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For The YOU Who Loves HER & The ME That Loves YOU

Created a new YouTube channel for my travel videos – Girls On Global Adventures , Check it out! I post new videos weekly. I am currently traveling through Southeast Asia.

Do you have any idea how much I love you? I bet you don’t because while I was busy loving you, you were silently still loving her.

I was stupid, was blinded by the strong emotion I felt for you. I was once again DOOMED! But it was okay, cause I was hopeful and hope springs eternal they say. I hoped my effort will eventually pay off, but it didn’t. Cause at the end, you chose her and you left me broken. It was devastating, it ruined me. I thought I have mastered the art of moving on but I was wrong. The heartache seemed vaguely familiar and again I started my healing process. In every process, there are certain stages you have to go through and they are always hard and draining. The pain was excruciating, it was as if my heart was stabbed over and over again. The hurt demanded my attention it wrapped my whole being for months, it sucked the life out of me.

My stubborn self just won’t stop, months passed but I would still find myself wishing for you to come back, but to no avail, because you love her. And when it’s the love you don’t have any control over it, I can’t blame you I can only blame myself. I used to stay up all night and just stare blankly at the ceiling wondering what could have been but I’m done with it now. Done with denial, anger, bargaining, depression and I am down to my last stage, acceptance.

Truth be told sometimes I’d rather sleep than stay awake, cause in my dreams there’s still ME and YOU. In my dreams, I am your one and only, not just the third party. There, I see your smiles that are only meant for me. There, I can still feel your touch, fingers intertwined, and your warm lips on mine. But now on heavy heart, I must let go, so I can finally be set free from the prison cell that I put myself into when I started loving you. Now what is left of me is the memories of what used to be and what it taught me.

For the ME that loves YOU, I will wait for the day when your scent wears off when the bruise heals, and my shattered heart starts to beat again.

And for the YOU who loves HER, be happy because that is what I’ve always wanted you to be, even if it’s not with me.

Carnaza Island: Travel guide and experience

Created a new YouTube channel for my travel videos – Girls On Global Adventures , Check it out! I post new videos weekly. I am currently traveling through Southeast Asia.

I normally involve myself in a pre-planned open-invite group travels, not because I have no one to go and travel with but because it allows me to meet new people and make friends with them. It allows me to listen to new life stories and struggles, it gives me some sense of belonging, being with a group of people who doesn’t know who you are gives me that strong feeling of starting a fresh. Like I can be a different person, a better version of me.

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 Lamanok island on the background

During my most recent travel, my wandering feet and my curious self led me to Carnaza Island, honestly i did not put any attention when I was invited by my fellow traveler about this Island, in fact twas the first time i heard about it. Only when i started researching and reading blogs about it did i know that Carnaza Island is part of Daan Bantayan in the north. My curiosity grew bigger when I saw how picturesque the island was with its beautiful landscape and turquoise clear water.

Undeniably Carnaza is a lovely island that is yet to be famous

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ITINERARY for CARNAZA ISLAND
OCT 29-30. 2017
(Budget 1k for transpo)
1st Day
3am – meeting place (Hi way Jollibee Mandaue)
4am – depart Van going to Tapilon Port
7am – Tapilon port, depart to going to Carnaza
9am – Carnaza Island, tour around the island
10am- Camp Site, Kang Elena Beach Carnaza
12nn – Lunch
1pm – Travel with a Purpose Activity: Repainting

Afternoon: Enjoy the beach
You can walk and tour the island for your photoshoots!
Evening: Catch the Beautiful Sunset of the Island
Socials at night time
Overnight

2nd Day
Catch the Amazing Sunrise of the Island
Breakfast/Better cook your lunch before we leave, lunch will be at Lamanok Island

9am- depart going toLamanok Island
10am – enjoy the sandbar and the island
12nn lunch
1pm – depart going to Gato Island then head back to Tapilon
3-4pm – Tapilon Port
4pm – Head Back to the City

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How To Get There (Alternate):

** Take a bus from North Bus Terminal via Maya port
** Get off at Tapilon port
** Ride a boat to Carnaza Island,

Oct 29, 2017 right after my night shift, I went straight ahead to our meeting place. And there my fellow dream chasers awaits, we were strangers but we had a common purpose and that was enough to for us to be comfortable with each other. In that 3-hour road trip to the north we rarely talk with each other we hardly even look at each other, but the silence was perfect only because it was still dawn. The the morning came And we finally arrived to our first stop, Tapilon port where we embarked into a boat to our final destination – Carnaza Island .

Every where you look, you’ll find a picture perfect view

So there we were, 15 people oozing with excitement. At this point we were already feeling a little bit more at ease with each, made some small talks, took some photos, all excited to talk about expectations about the journey in hand. Hours past and we can finally see the white sand from afar, the island did not disappoint it surely have amazing landscape.

First order of business- Twin beach Carnaza Island

As soon as the boat dropped its anchor, I thought to myself, I had to get this place dissected. I wasn’t able to contain myself I had to explore the place. The view was breath taking, the clear blue water seemed so inviting, but dipping in the water was not part of the plan for this quick stop. With much eagerness i quickly disembarked from the boat and looked for a perfect spots to take photos of the place. It was amazing, the cliffs and the stone formation near the shore added more magic to the place it was pure heaven. I was able to find this small cave in one of the mountain in the island and it was a perfect spot to take photos. I indulge myself for a bit to appreciate the beauty in front me and then move forward to where my fellow travelers were busy taking pictures of themselves. It was a small mountain overlooking the twin beach where small fishing village resides. No wonder my fellow traveller hurried to this spot, it has a 360 view of the beach as well as the open water. And it was breathtaking, i took some awful lot time just exploring the mountain top. The cliffs were so jaw-dropping its as if its enticing me jump off it straight to the turquoise water. Anyhow, I had this fellow traveler whom I partnered with so someone can take pictures of me and vice versa, and we just clicked. We explored the rest of the mountain together and took some cool picture of each other, he completed my travel essentials. Photo buddy🙂.

The water so inviting, the sky so blue

In the scorching heat of the sun we finally decided to head back to the boat. we lost track of time, all the other travelers were already waiting for us when we got there. As soon as we settled in the boat, the boatmen then maneuvered the boat to our campsite, Kang Elena Cove. It took us approximately 15mins to get there, the cove was a perfect location for a campsite. There were no houses nearby, there were newly built boats on works for paint jobs though, but aside from that the cove is literally isolated. Its as if we own the entire cove. As soon as I touched my feet on the sand I wasted no time, I hurriedly looked for a suitable place tie my hammock and pitch my tent.

The view so invitinng I can’t help but take a picture of it

Moments passed and each of us was already settled in our private space, and then lunch time came. My friend, who’s the leader of this little venture already contacted someone from the island to prepare seafoods for our lunch they prepared crabs for us, back in twin lake we bumped into a local fisherman a fresh caught squids we bought that grilled them in the cove. Some of the travelers brought some food for lunch as well, and i must say it was a sumptuous lunch. At this point, were getting more and more at ease with each other. As time passes we learn more things about each other, we discovered we have lots of stuff in common. We didn’t even care how long we were sitting there eating, all we know is that its was fun sharing the food with these 13 strangers, and definitely fun knowing them little by little.

Sea foods bonanza
booddle fight ala Carnaza island

Afternoon came and we were all full, feeling lazy to do anything I lay in my hammock just enjoying the moment. Some of my fellow traveler needed to go to the cemetery for some paint job for Dilon’s deceased friend’s wake. I opted to stay together with some other people. With nothing else to do we decided to start socializing, hence libation. So there we were, 8 not so strangers anymore, in the grass squatting, sharing life stories while drinks on hand. Its always my favorite part, learning life experiences, struggles and successes. There’s no single moment in my life when I feel bored socializing, it’s always fun. The days still young, all 8 of us already tipsy but full of life. The time seemed too slow in this part of the world, I swear to God the time seemed three times slower not that were complaining though.

Hammock by the beach is always the dream life. Time seems so slow, living the dream

Sunset finally came and we transferred to the beach front, all of us under influence of alcohol but all conscious we stared blankly at the sunset as it changes the colors of the sky, it was pure bliss. One of the most beautiful sunset I ever witnessed in my existence. And then night came and it was all darkness in the cove, but we didn’t mind we know this was what we signed up for. The rest of the group finally came back and joined us at the beach, we then made bonfire to keep us warm while we continued sharing stories. The bigger the group, the more fun it became. Libation ended at 11pm, but that’s after we put our speaker on high volume, sang our heart out along with the music, one of us even started dancing her signature crab dance😂. It was pure fun! When the rest of them settled in their tents, we opted to be left behind enjoyed the warm of the evening water, gazed into the star-filled sky, spent another hour there and then finally settled in my hammock.

enjoying the sunset with a joyful heart

So I lay there in my hammock underneath the sea of stars, it was heaven on earth. I lay there staring at the sky contemplating of the day that has been. Spending the entire day here in the island with all these random people was amazing, people with the same mindset as you are, people who just wanna have a good time. And in that one day, i feel closer to them more than with other people that i encounter on a daily basis. Its both weird and amazing how can you be so at ease with people you just met. Its must be because we share the same passion for traveling.

Morning after a long night drinking sessions is always the worst, but to wake up to this view. It brings positive vibration.

Morning are the best during camping, everybody’s busy with morning chores prepping food and stuff. And of course early morning dip. Right after we ate our breakfast we all of us started heading to the beach and enjoyed our remaining hours in the cove. There’s never really a dull moment when you’re with your fellow crazies. Any moment somebody would crack a joke and even if its not that hilarious hearing people laugh would make you laugh out loud as well. Our final day begun just like that.

Another hour came and we finally left the cove and it was rather a rough ride to our next stop, LaManoc Island. Approximately 45 minutes boat right to this beautiful island. There we were insatiable for yet another paradise, like we haven’t spent the last 24 hours devouring Kang Elena cove. To our defense though, the island is pretty awesome it has this beautiful landscape and picturesque surroundings, it has this long white sand bar that connects two island together allowing us to explore the other adjacent island. It was perfect, the sun was on its peak, the water so clear and I can’t get enough of the of the picture perfect white sandbar. And in that island, 15 souls lost themselves. 15 wanderers was enchanted by the beauty that was LaManoc Island. 15 strangers turned friends made and left memories nobody can take away from us.

And just like that, we ended our 2 day trip to Carnaza. At the end of this trip I can only say two things. 1) We went here as 15 complete strangers, we were going home as friends. 2) We will definitely find our way back to Carnaza Island, may it not be together but for sure this wont be the last of us visiting here. The island is exceptional, there is something in this island that keep our wanderlust burning. It keep us thinking of more travels to come.

  Open Letter/ Story To Someone Who Used to be Very Close To Me : It is Never Too Late

First Drafted : May17, 2014

Letter:
They say “Friends give us courage to lift the blinds on our hearts. To open up and show what we generally keep hidden from the rest of the world”… So true indeed, and in my case you’re one of this so called “FRIEND”. You are someone whom I can relate to and be myself. You throw no judgements towards me, you listen then you understand. You forgive and then you forget. You are one of those people with a very childlike soul, kind generous heart, and the most selfless person I’ve known in my entire life. And for this I am always very grateful that in this life time i came across your path. I got the chance to know you and be your friend, Shared laughters and tears with you, most especially shared happy memories with you.
 I have always been vocal how Thankful i am for your friendship, and so today I will tell you once more. Thank you so much “Pretty Sis” *wink-wink* for everything you’ve done for me. For all the memories we have experience (both happy-sad).

Story:

Never did I expect to meet someone so caring, sharing, loving and kind-hearted. I know I don’t deserve to be his friend (kay evil ra kaayo ko), but somehow we clicked and at this moment I am certain that we will be good friends till infinity. I know I’ve always been a b!*ch to him for quite awhile, treating him like $h*!, but he never did put any grudges in me. He’s still that kind-hearted person I met since day one. And so for his birthday I would like to acknowledge his presence and how much he touched my heart life in more ways than one. To Nikki, this is my shout-out to you and Happy Birthday I Love You.

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with nikki taken at Camotes Island April 12, 2013

First, I would like to look back to that day we first met. I was applying for a job at a company he’s working as a Human Resource Personnel. He facilitated my preliminary exam and my initial interview, and he looked very young to be working at that company and to be facilitating the said application process. But he was very formal and I knew he meant business. Eventually, I got hired and two years after I am still working at the same company. I must admit though, I can’t remember vividly the exact moment when we first hit it off and started being real good friends. What I am sure of was that it all started over a bottle of Red Horse beer. I can remember going out with him and our other colleague after work to drink a bottle of beer. But instead of having one bottle, we ended up drinking one bucket while singing on the karaoke. From there we became drinking buddies and started spending a lot of time together (mostly drinking beer). I do think, I was his bad influence that time. But I didn’t really care coz I know we’re both having a good time. And after hearing his life stories and struggles, I know he deserved to have a break and just be free.

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taking a break a busy Sinulog night

It was February 15, 2013 (Friday) when I introduced him to my best friend – Yami. Nikki and I, with our boss were hanging out at my place when I invited Yami over so she can hang with us. They instantly became friends, they hit it off that fast. We were uber drunk so they spent the night at my place. I remember the next day, Nikki left his phone in the cab still groggy from last night’s drinking session. Since then we became really close friends (The three of us). As we are officemates, we usually plan our night-out and just inform Yami the details and all.

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Sinulog 2013 with our boss at Cebu, IT Park

We really did spend most of our time together. Every working day at the office, and then during weekends. We always hangout either just the two of us or with our boss and yami.

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taking some well deserved timeout Sinulog 2014

What I really like about him is that I can tell him everything, anything at all. He just listens without any judgements. He knows all my secrets and he shared some of his secret.  Whenever we’re together, anything is possible. And although he has this fear of riding on a boat, and ship, or sharks and other sea creatures, (literally anything that’s related to sea), he still accompany me to my all my trips. He’s brave, I hope he know’s that he is.

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yeah, we kinda love the beach and we used to love to travel together, not anymore

Taken at Camotes Island, Santiago Bay Garden & Resort
We’ve been to a lot of adventures together; to Danasan where he experienced riding an ATV, we climbed Osmena Peak in Mantalongon, Dalaguete. We went to Camotes to celebrate Yami’s birthday. We went to Siquijor to celebrate something special, tour around the island riding on a motorcycle. We crossed the waters of Bogo City and went to Capitancillo Islet. We did an outreach event in Daanbantayan in the midst of the calamity brought by typhoon Haiyan. Went to Oslob together with our officemate to swim with the Whale Shark and went straight to Sumilon Island. Went back to Oslob to visit Tumalog Falls. We were even together during our company’s summer outing – island hopping. We experience these things together, we shared moments no one can take away from us. Together we made both our lives fun-filled and with purpose.

Final Draft : May 17, 2015

I did mention a year too late right? I’m not only talking about figuratively but also in the truest meaning of the word “too late”. Too late because as much as I am ashamed to admit it, we had indeed went our separate ways. And this letter won’t mean a thing anymore, nevertheless, I am publishing this letter to put all my cards down in the table and clean my conscience after this I can move on and start anew. And in the years to come and I get older, I would look back to this article and reminisce all our memories together. Coz what really matters to me are the memories we spent together, the experiences, the laughters, the moments.

Never too late to post this article, I suppose. Now I am feeling lazy to proofread this.

At The Beach Is Where I’m The Happiest

Whenever I’m at the beach like when I was in Camotes Island, I always feel at peace. I can think of three reasons why, but I guess it wouldn’t even satisfy why I love it there.

First : There is something in the way the wind touches my skin – The fresh air with a touch of saltness when it touches my lips, it reminds me of the good old days, always reminds of summertime.

Second : There is something in the sound of the waves touching the shore – Somehow, the sound of the waves as it kisses the shore brings calmness in me. It’s as if it brings me to my happy peace, back to my childhood years when everything’s simple. When all I worry about is the time when I’m forced to sleep every afternoon, and every time I have no one to play with.

Third : There is something in the way I see the horizon – Watching that line that connects the ocean and the sky, it gives me a thought of endless possibilities. Imagining how would it feel like to travel to endless destination and reach where the sky touches the sea. But who am I kidding??

Summer is already here and I couldn’t contain my excitement to the unlimited beach-life I’m going to have this time of the year! I can imagine the cheerful laughter of people and giggles of teenager while enjoying the summer sun. Indeed, for me at the beach is where I’m the happiest.

You can check out Lonely Planet (Philippines), for best suggestion on what beaches you should include in your list to visit. And then book your hotel reservations at Agoda Global for faster transaction. Enjoy your beach adventures!

Open Letter For Valentines Day : To Piglet With Love

Ahhh… valentines, brings out the unusual sweetness of people. And so for this article, I will be sharing a letter I borrowed from a friend, she acquired from the recent valentines day celebration…

To Piglet with love,

When I first met you I knew that you will become an important part of my life. What I didn’t know back then was that you will be “My Life”.

There are times when I wonder about how things have worked out for us. When we first started, we were unsure about where and how things were going to be. I knew in my heart that I love you for as long as I can remember but wasn’t sure if you felt the same. But we took a leap of faith and look at where we are right now, still together. Not a day gone by when I don’t feel grateful to have found you. Sometimes when you’re not aware, I look at you and think to myself “I’m the happiest person in the world for having you” I’m not saying this to flatter you, but instead to let you know how much you mean to me.

We’ve had our share of ups and downs, we have issues, and through all the tough times, we managed to make our way and still remain strong. Many times when we argue I have wondered, what we see in each other. And then I look back on the wonderful times that we have shared together and realized, Arguing or not arguing, being with you, made everything worth it. After every silly argument, we sit together and laugh at it, and it makes us even stronger.

I am sorry for the tears you’ve cried and times you almost give up on us because of my faults. Thank you, for giving me the chance to be a part of your life, and sticking up with me despite my faults.  You are my confidante, my best friend, my source of happiness, my dream come true. You effortlessly become a center of my world, and I know I would be so lost without you.

You’re the one who means the most to me. You will forever be my pretty little Ehu girl. I love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond.  Happy Valentines Day 🙂
Always and forever,

Some people are just so fortunate enough to have found someone who loves them and cherish every memories with them. On the other hand, there are people who are yet to find that special person, my unsolicited advice, be patient, take your time, enjoy life. That person will come in the right place and time. By then, make it a point to appreciate and acknowledge their presence in your life.
Happy valentines day:-)

Puerto Galera : Luxurious Life In A Yacht

Puerto Galera is the northwestern most municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the southwestern end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers (81 mi) south of Manila. This coastal town is well-known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots. The area was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia. The marine environment has benefited in recent years from the influx of tourist dollars. This has seen a huge reduction in the number of fishermen in the area, as they gain higher revenue from tourists. – www.wikipedia.org

October of 2010, during my semestral break from school, I was invited by a friend to have a vacation in Puerto Galera  for a while. I was 20, in the peak of my youth, very eager to experience something new, who am I to refuse such offer. So I packed my things, was so excited for the said trip.

Crazy Day 1 – October 19, I booked a flight at Cebu Pacific Air to Manila, stayed for a day at my friend’s place, the day after we were all set to go to Puerto Galera where my friend’s father’s yacht was docked. We almost got lost on our way to Buendia Station. We rode a bus bound to Quiapo when we’re suppose to get the one bound to Makati. It was a very crazy day, We rode three busses and MRT just to get to Buendia Bus station, where Batangas bound busses are found. It was already noon time, when we were able to get in a bus bound to Batangas port, and get in a boat to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The trip to Batangas took us three hours and two hours boat ride to Puerto Galera. Got there by 6pm at Muelle Pier looked for a nearby hotel to check in at Badladz Beach Resort for the night. AT 7pm we dined out at the bar near the hotel and met new faces, had some beer with our new acquaintance and played some billiards. Our new acquaintance were all good people, they’re oldies but still very jamming. They even invited us for a bbq party at Puerto Galera yacht Club the night after. At 10pm we called it a night and went back to our room.

Day 2 – Life in a Yacht (October 21, 2010) We woke up at 9am it was a bit late. Had some american breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. After 15 minutes or so,  my friend’s dad fetched us on a dinghy and we were off to the yacht, where we stayed for our entire stay. I was a bit surprised when I first saw the boat, it was beautiful. It looked small on the outside, but the interior was big. Her name is Cosmos,  a catamaran. I was left awed when I first stepped in the boat, it was very luxurious – a dream come true. Bes (my friend’s dad) was very accommodating and friendly. we shared a story or two, he was a great host. We spent the rest of the day resting, just stayed in our room and unpacked our stuff. The at around 6 pm we started preparing ourselves, had to go to Puerto Galera yacht Club, for the “Barbecue Friday”, eating dinner there. The reception in the restaurant was great, the people and the yacht club members were all so friendly, to the extent that the Commodore (sort of the highest rank among club members) of the Yacht Club personally welcomed us, he even mention our names. I really didn’t know that he was the commodore, he talked to us as if he was just an ordinary member of the club. Later did I found out what he was and I admired him, very hospitable host, very humble and down-to-earth. The best thing in the PGYC was that the people were all approachable and friendly. We made a lot of friends that night. We even played pool with them. Later that night, dinner was served,  I ordered Baby back ribs it was so delicious, superb taste. At some point I had some beer and gin tonic. Then we went back to the yacht, we gazed at the stars as we lay on the roof of the boat, my first day in the sea had come to an end. It was a dream came true, just laying there under the stars and the moon, enjoying the night chill.

Life in c : Oct. 23-28, 2010 – the days gone by very fast, with our daily routine and activities there were never dull moment. We always wake up around 10am, tired from our nightly movie marathon. Then we would eat bread and fruits for breakfast. We would watch different TV Series while the sun was on its peak. Then off to Puerto Galera yacht Club for Lunch, the food and drinks are pretty expensive but that’s how it was, they’re used to living that lifestyle and I had to deal with it during my entire stay. I think what made that vacation memorable are the activities we did during our stay. I pretty much made a lot of “first” in Puerto Galera, here’s a list of activities we did:

1. Early morning tennis game at nearby clubhouse – we woke up earlier than usual, prep the dinghy and went ashore just two minutes across where Cosmos was anchored. We played lawn tennis at  Elizabeth Hideaway Hotel, what’s funny about that morning was they were looking for someone who they thought went missing the night before. He lives in a yacht near the Cosmos, the night before while we were star-gazing we heard some commotion in their Yacht (two people arguing). I also thought he committed suicide or something, the yacht club member commissioned a group of divers to look for him underwater, in trying to retrieve the body thinking he drowned. It turned out, the man was just in Sabang (Red District), too drunk to go home.

2. Participated in a soccer clinic for kids – The yacht club sponsored a soccer clinic for kids, the participant was mostly children of foreigners who chose to settle in Puerto Galera and married a Filipina. It was all fun, watching the kids having a good time and making friends with other kids is such a great sight to watch.

3. Went snorkeling; my first free dive experience – we borrowed Bes’s dinghy and went to a fish sanctuary just 10 minutes ride. It was fun, my very first snorkeling experience with all the gears (Snorkel, goggles and fins). The sun was on its peak we were on our swimming attire, we loved our sun-kissed skin, The marine life was highly diverse, corals and the fished were breathtaking.

4. Boat ride to Sabang  – one afternoon we decided to find another place to eat, so we went to Muelle pier and rented a boat to Sabang. The boat ride was about 30 minutes, it was kinda scary, we were in an open water, the waves were huge to the point that it almost flip the boat. The ride was fun too, we get to see some famous resorts along the  way. I must say, the Coco Beach Island Resort was quite an impressive place to stay, I bet staying there would cost much too. Upon our arrival in Sabang, we instantly went straight to La Laguna Beach Club, the food there was great we had pasta, played some pool, and drink some beer. Then we stroll along the shore, the white sand was very fine. I noticed some famous hotel in Sabang, the likes of; Atlantis Dive Resort, Portofino Beach Resort, Blue Ribbon Dive Resort, etc.. Sabang is very famous to tourists, and as expected the foods and drinks were very expensive. After sometime, we decided to rent a motorcycle and went home.

5. Watched movie outside the boat under the moonlight and the twinkling stars – One time we decided to watch a movie outside the boat, the sea breeze was very cold but still a memorable experience, shared a beer or two, and chips.

6. We would asked Bes to take us to the port and stroll around we usually eat fruits on the boat, luckily the market was just a walk away from the port. We would walk for minutes and haggle for prices in the fruit market, buy some home-made wheat bread and stack some beer, it was fun really.

All Souls Regatta (Oct. 29, 2010) – not an ordinary day in Puerto Galera, specifically at the yacht club. It marked the 1st day of the “All Souls Regatta 2010″, a yacht race. Another first for me, not only that I can witness a yacht race for the first time, but I am actually part of the race. We sailed in one of the yacht  named Lenny 2. It was surreal, so unbelievable. Never did I expect I will experience such adventure in my lifetime. On the day of the regatta, we woke up earlier than the usual time, bought some snacks and drinks, had some sun screen and we were ready for the race. The sun was so hot but it didn’t bother us in any way. We started to sail at around noon as the race begun. All along I thought sailing was as easy as abc… no it wasn’t, In fact it was very difficult. You have to be one with the wind, and know when to pull down you sails. All the participating yacht, (more or less 20 yacht) had to follow one route,  a very difficult route. All in all, it was a fun, memorable, tiring experience. I loved the afternoon sea breeze, the tan, the new acquaintances I met while in the race, the new experience, the huge gigantic waves, the adrenaline, the excitement.

It was FUN spelled all caps, in bold letters! After five hours, we could have won the 3rd prize for the first day if we weren’t got stock maneuvering the sail at the last phase of the race. What’s important was we finished the race safely. Then we went back to the boat to change our damp clothes,then we’re bound to the yacht club for a dinner celebration.-for the successful day 1. The beer was on the house, the food was superb, fun-filled night. Everybody was all ecstatic and in festive mood. I almost decided to stay for the 2nd day of the race, It’s just that my flight back to Cebu was scheduled on  the 1st of November, had to go back to Manila in time for my flight.  I was kinda upset at the end of the night. 

Goodbye paradise (Oct. 30) – Woke up a little upset, turned between going back to Manila and staying for the regatta. My friend was asking me to stay, I really liked to stay, I still want to join the second day of the race. But then I thought it was a waste of resources if I’d stayed, we would have to go to Sabang to reschedule my flight (too much of a hassle). What we originally planned before we went to Puerto Galera was that we’ll be going back to Manila together, we didn’t expect the regatta and so my friend decided to stay. I borrowed the key of the condo and went back to Manila alone. For the last time we borrowed the dinghy to the port, I decided to take the fastest route (motor-ride to Sabang). When I got their I bought a ticket for a boat ride to Batangas, I still had enough time so I went to the market nearby and bought several Puerto Galera souvenir shirts. I didn’t notice the time while I was in the market, next thing I knew, I was running towards the pier! I almost got lost but I made it on time. Then there was the one and a half boat ride to Batangas port, my seatmate was kinda annoying kept on conversing with me and I didn’t want to be rude. Finally Batangas! Noticed a lot of people in queue, only then when I realized it was the last day of October, many people go to their respective provinces for the UNDAS. What a luck I had that day, my seatmate was the same person I was sitting with back in the boat, the entire trip I pretended sleeping just so I won’t feel obligated to converse with him.  I was in a bus bound to  Buendia, another three-hour bus ride, it was a long ride. Around 5 in the afternoon when finally we stopped at  Buendia station, then  decided to take a jeepney. For experience purposes I pretended to know the street of Manila. Luckily, Baclaran church is such a popular place that I didn’t have a hard time looking for it. From there, I knew my way back to the condo. I settled my things in the room and went back down to eat my early dinner. I was a bit lonely, alone in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces. I knew I missed a lot during the second day of the regatta. My phone wasn’t working that time, I can’t even text or call. My loneliest day ever in Manila. I decided to sleep early that night but luck wasn’t on my side, I didn’t feel sleepy at all. So I drafted a letter to my friend, to show how grateful I am for the experience and left it on the reading table. Morning came, ETD 0800HR – it was that time again to say goodbye to Manila, and prepped myself for the holidays back in my province. Such a great vacation, that was – indeed,  It was a week-long in paradise. 

Looking back to 2010, I wished I had captured those  moments in Puerto Galera, wished I was able to freeze those memories in an image, I wished Gopro cameras are already available that time. Nevertheless, I have them all saved in my mind and there they will stay forever.

For complete list of hotel you can stay in Puerto Galera, you can check out www.agoda.com. You can also check out Lonely Planet (Philippines), for details of the corresponding destination listed! Enjoy your travels!

You can also read the following article for more blogs about Puerto Galera ; 

Snapshot : A Whole New Malasimbo Festival – www.lakwatsero.com

How To Plan A Weekend Trip To White Beach Puerto Galera – www.takethetravel.com

Sun-kissed, saltwater-drenched days (The Budget-Friendly Puerto Galera Beach Getaway) – www.jennifaye.wordpress.com

The Beach That Was Puerto Galera – www.ivanlakwatsero.com

Photo Credits to : www.pgyc.org (Puerto Galera Yacht Club)
Puerto Galera Info Credits: www.wikipedia.com

My Skinny Love-the meaning of the Song “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver

“When You’re happy, you enjoy the music. When you’re sad, you understand the meaning” For Parch who wrote this interpretation, Thanks!


Just created a new YouTube channel for my travel videos – Girls On Global Adventures , I post new videos weekly. I am currently traveling through Southeast Asia. Check it out!!!

Disclaimer : This is not my interpretation, I am merely publishing what I read in the internet while I was searching for the meaning of the song “Skinny Love”, I came a cross to this interpretation.

Parch, the one who wrote his thoughts about this song, thanks I believe your interpretation is far closer than to those I read on the same site.

I gotta say, I’ve listened to most of the versions of this song, and I have to say that Birdy’s version is technically fine, but it just sounds like a sad girl singing a song. The version of this that Bon Iver sings on Jools is by far the best. He’s not just sad, but he captures the essence of a failing relationship. You can just feel the anger, depression and desperation in his voice when he sings it. With that said, this is my interpretation.

First, I believe skinny love to just mean a relationship where the love has faded and the relationship is weak. But I believe the proper term should be “anorexic love”, because he is trying to inject all the love he can into the relationship, but it seems as if she keeps rejecting it, and letting the love waste away.

Come on skinny love just last the year

**He may be talking to the figurative relationship, or he may be actually talking to his girl, but I think he’s just begging for the relationship to last a little longer. He knows it won’t work out because she can’t nurture the love, so he’s just begging that it last long enough so that he can prepare himself for the inevitable breakup.

Pour a little salt we were never here
Staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer

**They must have just had a big fight and he’s just asking to pretend it never happened. Just pour salt to help the wound heal, and pretend they were never they’re fighting. Then he starts surveying that damage done in the relationship. Its like if you’ve been punched in the mouth, you run to the sink to wash up and you’re spitting out blood and teeth into the sink. The interesting thing is veneer is what you use for fake teeth, but it’s also a term to describe polishing something to make it look better than it really is.

So “crushed veneer” is also another was to say that his view of how good and awesome he may have thought the relationship was, has just been crushed.

I tell my love to wreck it all, Cut out all the ropes and let me fall

****He knows the break is going to happen so he’s trying tell himself to cut off his emotions and fall out of love so it won’t hurt as bad.

Right in this moment this order’s tall

***A tall order is another way of saying you are asking too much out of something. As much as he want’s to cut his emotions, he know’s it’s not a feat he can carry out. He loved her too much and knows he can’t just fall out of love right on the spot.

And I told you to be patient, And told you to be fine
And I told you to be balanced, And I told you to be kind

***These are the things he’s been asking his love to do, and if she would just do them, the relationship would’ve lived and been perfect. Notice in this instance, kind means her just being nice to him, but then. . .

In the morning I’ll be with you, But it will be a different “kind”

****He knows when he wakes up the next morning with her, everything will be different. He’ll be with her, but it will be a different “kind” of being with her. In other words, he’ll be physically next to her, but not as a couple. Also it means that she will be kind to him, but not in a loving way, but more of a kindness that comes out of pity, because she is trying to let him down easy.

I’ll be holding all the tickets, And you’ll be owning all the fines

***As someone else said, basically he’s holding all the memories and punishments for the relationship, while she makes out like a bandit with the fine money so to speak. In other words, he left feeling shitty about what has happened, while she wont care as much and sees the break as getting her freedom back.

Come on skinny love what happened here, Suckle on the hope in lite brassiere

***This one’s kinda tough. I think he’s just pleading with his love to feed off whatever little hope there is left in the relationship. Babies suckle, but if it’s a light brassiere then that means there’s not much in that bra to suck on. Basically, he’s pleading with his love to just stay with him a little longer and just hope she will love him more.

Sullen load is full; so slow on the split

**Sullen means kinda like beat up and moving slow. So I think that’s the skinny, malnourished love they had. They aren’t breaking up in some passionate way, it’s just that the love is dying slowly, hence, slow on the split (up).

And now all your love is wasted? And then who the hell was I?

****He’s saying that if the breakup happens, any love she managed to have for him is wasted. He feels like her love was all that ever mattered, and that anything good he felt about himself was because of that great feeling being loved gives you, so he defined himself through her love and the relationship. As a result, if her love was just a big waste, what does that make him?

And now I’m breaking at the britches

***Him breaking at the britches just means he’s falling apart now.

And at the end of all your lines

***Just imagine her as a metropolitan bus line and now he’s at the end of any line that bus could take him. He can’t even transfer to another bus because there are no more buses that will take him any further.

Who will love you? Who will fight? Who will fall far behind?

***Now he’s just wondering who will love her and fight for her as hard as he was willing to, and he believes that most of the men she will date will just fall behind in deserving her love.

Anyways, this song is very personal to me because I went through pretty much the same emotions as he did about a year ago. Love sucks sometimes.

Related post you might wanna read: Love, Feelings, Emotions:

Memories From The Past : Digging Up Year 2011

I was checking my Facebook account when I came across a button that says “Notes”, I can vaguely remember what it’s about and so I clicked it and was surprised to know the content of that page. It was actually some sort of Journal back in college. And today I am publishing one entry from that page entitled ” A Year That Was 2011″.

It’s 2011 baby – Just like every other year, it started with a new year’s celebration. It’s the only occasion my whole family actually celebrate at home (with lots of foods and fireworks), Only yearly occasion my parents and brother would allocate budget and we get to bond like every other families. And it’s always a memorable one, It’s always a good way to start another year. Two weeks after was the celebration Sinulog. It is a yearly celebration in Cebu, Philippines. Where you get to see colorful floats, 9 days Novena mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño. Parties at every street corners, Experience the street dancing and street concerts. And the Mardigras on its final day.

February – month of hearts – for some but not for me. I was more than excited for the National Olympics, February 17-25, I represented my school for the Lawn tennis women’s category together with my 4 other teammates. It was held in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. It was a dream come true, I meet new friends, Experienced new things, got to Flunk school and get away with it, and at the end of that trip, lessons learned.

March 25 – Graduation ceremony Finally, I graduated from my 5yrs course Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I was recognized as the Ambassador for sports – Lawn tennis women. All the hardwork, stress days, sleepless nights, patience, worries and tears. All paid off with degree and diploma in my hand. I know my parents are proud of me.

May – Started my first real job But not in the field I wish I’d land into. Nevertheless, got my first salary, Lived independently, Meet new friends/colleagues (cool people), learned many things, got to present in a room full of political people, people never in my life I dreamt on discussing something with. I went out of my comfort zone and embraced the real world. The world of employment, Where mean people are in abundance.. *laughs* In a more serious note, it introduced me to reality. To the pros and cons of life, to fresh experience, with fresh faces, Same old me but more mature.

Then I had to cut my employment days short.. “RESIGNED from my job” Got to focus on my review for the licensure exam for mechanical engineer. Back to the good old me, sleepless nights, allowances, house rents, problem solving, stresses, anxieties, excitement..

For four months I strive hard, sleepless months studying, memorization, stress, anxieties, but at the end of it, i all my sacrifices, all I’ve ever hoped for, the biggest goal I’ve ever had, and I failed. But looking on the brighter side, I gained lots of new friends. People I never expected I’ll get along with, people who touched my heart one way or another. New experience, new faces, new places. Lessons learned: you can’t always get what you want. But you’ll get what you deserve, and after every downfall, you will always learn to pick yourself up.

  It was late October I finally decided to let go of the love I had for someone. finally tried to move on. And finally put what we had to my past. If I have any consolation, when we were together I felt I was very wanted. I was cared, I was liked. Only it didn’t end up the way i like it to be. For a while I was hoping things will be fine but then it didn’t. And I had to deal with it. And I did great. I was hurt, but it doesn’t mean I was broken. I’m tough, and I don’t break that easy.

November- started looking for a job Realized how hard it is to do so.. Allowance & energy draining:-(

December- holiday season The month went quickly, Next thing i know it’s christmas eve.Celebrated it with family, foods, Bonding, Movie marathon, fun.fun.fun. Then came 26th, get together with high school batchmates. And just like old times, t’was fun. like good old days.

A year that was 2011… Collection of new experience. Happy memories as well as sad, new friends, realizations. And learnings… At the end of 2011, i’ll leave a qoute that goes…

“It’s not the prize nor the score. It’s not the fame, nor the win. It’s never the glory or people’s cheer. It’s not even how far or how fast you are. Life is a race and we should run. But in the end what matters most is WHO YOU ARE & WHO YOU BECOME”

Spread positivity.:-)

Having read my “2011 Highlights” I realize how far I have gone since that year, although I still have failures and challenges along the way I know I can make it through.