2013's Most Unforgettable Experience--Surviving Sagada

June class had already started for about a week, yet my heart was longing for an escape from the busy and routine life that was of a student, especially a graduating one. Thanks to God, I was able to acquire a free trip for two on a location I only saw on postcards and tourism-oriented shows, that is, Sagada.

Rice Terraces typical of the Mt. Province.

The preparations were simple and I had to go with my eldest brother in lieu of my mother who unfortunately got wounded that week. It wasn't my first time being away without my parents yet the feeling of uncertainty still overwhelmed me. Uncertainties like were to run to when we need help or the anxiety brought about by a rapid depletion of financial resources along. However, I made myself believe that I would be going to relax, have fun and enjoy this adventure.

And yes! I wasn't disappointed. Sagada was a 12 hour drive from Manila yet having arrive on the locality, all stress and burden seemed to have been lifted. Here, you can find tranquility and have a peace of mind because of the simplicity of life that was the native Igorots.

My adventures included having a close encounter with world-famous Hanging Coffins which were literally perched on the side of a big slab of stone (or was it the side of a mountain). It was heart-warming to know that certain traditions remained and were never forgotten. Our tour guide, Sir Erickson of SAGGAS was also keen in giving us information every step of our way.

Me and my brother, Niel in front of the Hanging Coffins

We also tried Cave Connection via Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave and had travailed the 2 kilometer subterranean depth in search of the wonderful rock formations native to the land formation. It was exciting and had become very unforgettable especially seeing the thousand names written across the walls that signify those who had pass the said cave. 

The toy-like appearances of Sagada houses, so cute!

Though our stay was not quite long, it was surely worth remembering since we are from Mindanao and had to travel all the way up north for this exciting once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We practiced independence and had survived being away for a while from our family. 

Truly, Sagada is a national treasure in terms of cultural preservation and beauty. If given the chance to build a home there, I would immediately grab it and see that I spend a portion of the year in the peaceful community that is Sagada. I also haven't tried all their specialties, yet, I'm proud to say, I Survived Sagada. 

Famous Sagada Lemon Pie House, they make awesome pies!

The mushroom, one of the cave formations. 

Overcoming Bad Habits

Let's admit it! We all have a habit or two that we know is bad, yet has its own way of making itself known. Its like a rotten egg we keep on trying to conceal yet the pungent smell will always come out. We might even want to include it in our yearly New Year's Resolution but we see ourselves fail, and the bad habit looming over us--grinning in glee as he was never eradicated.

I for one have the bad habit of pushing myself to the limit that even if I have reach my maximum, I try to go beyond it; forcing myself to drain every last drop of precious energy till I go slack and dead-tired. Yes, I have been reading commentaries and articles regarding the overusing of one's body that it will result to negative effects to one's health. Also, I began to observe a rather painful sensation in my limbs once I do such stuff. Argh! It's high time I control this bad habit.

But I always believe there are 2 things I could do to overcome this bad habit. First, ask/pray to God to give you the strength, courage, and help you'll need to fight this battle. Second, believe in yourself that you can overcome and win this battle with God's help. It's all or nothing. Currently, I have been on the third day and though I make lapses, I'm beginning to see change.

First Day of my Final School Year in College

I woke up very early (well not really early) at 5:30 am in the morning. Opening my eyes, I stared blankly on the ceiling silently chanting to myself a mantra to fully wake me up. I might be diligent, but I also succumb to the temptation of sleeping for another hour or two. However, I came to realize that I still have to make early for my class by 7:30 am. After whispering a short prayer, I immediately started preparing breakfast for the family since I was also scheduled the entire week. I came up with sauteed vegetables and fried fishes. I also sliced a few apples to complete the morning meal.

After we ate, I still managed to washed the dishes before taking a shower. Despite my attempt to go full speed, I came in 10 minutes for class, but was on time for the start of the subject orientation. The subject, which goes by the name, MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING III, is the third and last installment for Med-Surg, and is our major subject for 106. Our instructor talked about things for a while, had the class elect the officers and go home afterwards.

I did not immediately went home, instead I had a short chitchat with my friends. We decided to wait for another friend of ours, who by random circumstances got separated and went unto the next section. We just talked about random things just to fill the time until we were interrupted with loud, boisterous laughing on the other side of the canteen. Instinctively, my friends and I, looked at each other and mouthed FIRST YEAR. Then, we had a good laugh remembering how we use to be SOOOOOO LOUD and NOISY (even up to now). A few minutes after, our friend arrived which gave me my cue to bid goodbye and go home as it was still two hours before our next class.

FASTFORWARD. The day ended with me going home after our afternoon subject, and sprawled immediately on bed--dead tired and hungry. I woke up and ate dinner and did this one. Its weird how I'm smiling as I write this post since I would one day look back and look at the first day of my last school year in college. KUDOS!

A First: I stretched My Own Painting Canvas

Breaking the first-day-of-school fever as private schools and collegiate institutions resume classes, I shift between sitting on the couch or swimming in my bed. Argh! Enrollment is still going on in our department, specifically, our level so I had the luxury of extending my vacation. YAY! However, I wanted to do something worthwhile and since I already purchased the materials I need a couple of days ago, I decided it was high time to make my own canvas. But before I give you the details on my project, I'm going to narrate what made me decide to craft my own canvas. 

Almost a month ago, I was busy surfing the net and stumbled across Shell Philippines page. It was simple but lingering and was honestly informative. One tiny detail that caught my attention was the Shell National Student's Art Competition 2013. I hovered my mouse, clicked it, and voila! The mechanics appeared before me. All I need was to paint on a canvas sized at 2 by 3 feet or 3 by 3 feet. The next day, I began my search for the fateful canvas. I went from arts supply store one after another, all to no avail which ultimately crushed the hopes and dreams in me. I literally sat, exasperated and in despair, and wondered where I would get to buy pre-stretched canvas on those sizes. Then it dawned on me to make my own.

So here is the sequence of how it went. 

First, I bought wood priced at Php75.00 wherein I bought 2 so that's Php150.

Second, I bought a yard of canvas worth Php65.00

Third, Get a measuring tape, pencil and metal saw. (Yes I did carpentry!)

Fourth, You measure the desired length, mark it with the pencil and begin the sawing part.

Fifth, Put the damn pieces together and join them via hammers and nails.

Sixth, Lay your canvas cloth and pin them to the the center of each side with a push pin.

Seventh, finish pinning each side, stretching them properly with numerous push pins. Evenly space them.

Lastly, Get the deadly gun tucker and put each staple in the spaces provided. 

Voila! The surface is down. You may now paint!

The Eruption of Wisdom..........Tooth

The dreadful day has come!

When all I thought my wisdom tooth won't grow, I am now beginning to experience piercing pain on the last row of my teeth. Good news! on the growth of wisdom tooth comes complete set of teeth. Bad news! if wisdom tooth doesn't grow straight, the present state of my teeth being straight will turn into a jagged row of enamel tidbits! oh no!

Sagada!

Smiles and cheers went up my face as I read through Surviving Sagada's official blog. They held a tri-month contest on your personal reason why you want to go to Sagada. BTW, Sagada is much known for the Hanging Coffins, its smaller version of Rice Terraces, and the famous sunrise at Kiltepan Peak. However, the list seems endless you'll go crazy having to visit every tourist attraction. 

As a student, I first heard Sagada on the subject HEKASI as it talked about the famous Hanging Coffins which were said to have been "hanged" to prevent wild animals from attacking the remains of the native's loved ones. Also, they believed that the higher your coffin is, the close you get to Bathala. 

Here's my entry by the way. Here I come Sagada!

Contentment

CONTENTMENT- Ten letter word I personally couldn't observe most of the times.

Honestly, I have never been very keen in observing the value of being happy with what I have. First, I get scruffy in terms of my appearance. I wanted to go to a good figure so I engaged in strenuous exercise and strict diet and voila! I achieve it. Then, it came to me that I wasn't satisfied with my stature. I am a mere 5'8'' and I wanted to be 5'10'' or even reach 6 foot. However, I am constantly reminded by friends that I don't have to grow any taller as my height was already ideal. Indeed, I look tall but when taller people get beside me, that's the time I feel so minute and tiny. One point for discontentment.

Another area where I fail in the contentment test is to gadgets/devices/electronic devices. Yes, my first phone was automatically a flip phone from Samsung X510 which captivated me with its sleek appearance, however, I got bored and had it replaced with a Nokia 6300 which unfortunately got broken. After the 6300, I got the first touchscreen phone from Nokia, the 5800, which got lost followed by a Samsung Galaxy Y, also lost (again). Then I had the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.0 3G which I later traded for an HP mini notebook. Talk about contentment. My parents got so nervous 'bout me they decided to hand me a basic Nokia phone, which presently, works fine for me.

Yesterday, our church pastor shared a valuable teaching regarding the true meaning of spirituality and one of those was the spirit of thanksgiving which also entails contentment with what you have. Ouch! That hit me head on with a mighty punch! I was slapped so hard it made me realize my own selfishness. All I could ever do was to ask for forgiveness for such behavior. It's not until now that I realize how bless I am that I have to graciously accept what's bestowed to me. =)