My Empty Wallet Can Take Me Farther

From Pili to Morong, A Walk to Remember

kasinga_gala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:27:00 GMT

Brgy. Pili and Morong, Saraya, Quezon

April 4-5, 2013

These two adjacent barangays, with relatively low elevation can be reached from Sariaya Municipal hall in just a tricycle ride, although walking downhill could also be fun especially when you're travelling with your companions. Riding the tricycle at Brgy. Pili can be said as eco-friendly because driver tend to off their engine and just rely on the grvitational force in transportingpassengers to their specific destinations. If the engine is off, then there will be no combustion of gas hence there will be lesser carbon footprints in the aforementioned baranngay. Just sighting a lil' bit of eco-friendly trivial analysis.

While eating a Sariayan-made egg pie and pushing it down with a cold iced tea, refreshment is complimented with the wind blow and the sight of the green pastures. The country scent of ricefield, bleats of grazing cattles, under the ;ate afternoon ornage pastelled sky was really stress-reliveing. The hushes of bamboo trees was the best sense memory of Brgy. Pili.

The place were perfect for retreat, team building, and reflection activities, wherein we have had ours (LWCf Student Leaders). Bro Jomz and Kimmuel as well as their friends (young Teens) had warmly welcomed us. Jomz's Mom also helped us prepared our meals.The night was fille with sparkling stars as we cooked the cassava and "kapeng barako" with bro Jem-Jem and Bro. joshee. Aside from star-gazing, the cold summer night was also bombarded with songs of praise and encouraging testimonies with Ate Icai (Ate Angie's friend from Bicol). i just thought that the night will end up with a cup of coffee but as we have laid our tiresome bodies to sleep; trading "kwentong pari, pastors, and kalbo" was done with Kapatid Jeuel and Alquin and Alquin still owed us some stories since he didn't shared that night he'd just luaghed out.

Catching a Moment - Catching Fairy's Dusts

kasinga_gala — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:34:14 GMT

As soon as we noticed our potato chip packs had ballooned, we knew that we're getting on a higher elevation and sooner we'll be reaching Baguio City; Philippine Summer Capital. After several hours of bus ride and reconnecting with my inner self while playing bossa novas, I can notice from the bus window the rolling terrains, undulating hills, and green lushes of the Cordilleran Mountains. As we trace the MacArthur Highway which is aligned the mountain contours, I purposely slide up the window to feel the Cordillera's atmosphere, smell the scent of Pines, and overlook vegetable gardens in sloping terrains.

We, together with friends, arrived at the hotel at witching hours. We reserved a room at Raja Soliman Hotel, an old-manor-inspired bed and breakfast. A sala-themed lobby, wooden florings, abstract pastel canvases impressed the feeling that you never leave home. It is not as luxurious as other hotels in Baguio but this fits our wallets as students looking for adventures, stories, and experiences rather than luxuries. Chicken Adobo, a classic Filipino dinner was served and partnered with heavy rice loading up for a night out.

Taxi's flag-rate is just less than a dollar so I courageously claim the fare as my treat. The fusion of urbanity and the mountain setting had amused all of us. The smoke of an outdoor grill and the chill of the evening breeze had embraced us as we stepped out of the taxi. The ardent lights of the posts, blooming flowers, and the still lagoon had complimented to the melodramatic walk of camaraderie. I noticed their slow walking speed. I'm ahead of them of about 5 meters and I asked them why and to my surprise they just simply answered me; "Because we're at the park." That gave me a strike of always rushing things.

I noticed that time is running out and curfew is coming soon so I rushed them to a mall on the hill. I wasn't rushing for nothing. I just ignored their murmurings until we reached the top floor of the mall and overlook the city from the veranda. "It's worth the walk as their silence means. The mountain is lit with houses and buildings' lights displaying a festive and flamboyant colors. Our smiles were like adventurers dazzled by the fairy's dusts. I forgot to bring a jacket but their company and happiness had warmed my heart.

A Rough Guide to St. Francis

kasinga_gala — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:21:00 GMT

Brgy. St. Francis, Tiaong, Quezon

April 03, 2013

St. Francis is a remote barangay in Tiaong almost extending through the areas of San Antonio, Quezon. Around 20 minutes of jeepney ride from Tiaong town proper, you'll reach Brgy. Pury, San Antonio wherein a bumpy tricycle ride can take you to St. Francis for another several minutes. T'was not an easy road since the road was rough and powdery; the dusts go with the wind as it blows. As we trod the rocky road, we can notice calamansi and banana plantations as well as vegetable gardens along the way. Indeed, the locality is in an agricultural setting. Unfortunately, roads were not given much development beyond the fact that farm-to-markety roads are crucial in such areas. Even so, after several dusty kilometers we arrived at Rossana's place safe and sound.

T'was actually a graduation blow-out. The people were happy, especially the Bait's. Visitors were jolly and very accomodating; we've just came to know where did Rossana acquired such traits-It's her environment. The long bumpy ride was forgotten when we saw the buffet with mouth watering dishes, tootaching desserts and thirst quenching drinks. So much inviting and tempting to divulge on. As we got the go signal to dine, we did not ignore the chance to taste the edibles. And this was the best, the leche flan is the taste of four-year success of my friend in college. Very rewarding.

The journey could be rough,dusty, and rugged. Not as smooth as we always want it to be but the end of the road is the sweet and rewarding success. The end of the road is always a new journey to start with.

Special thanks to Rossana Bait and Family for accomodation, Roy Jasper for the free transporation, Mariah, Tin, and friends for always being late.