TO MY CHEERLEADER: MAMA LENE

Dear Mama,

As I grow up, time begins to fly by faster and faster, and I often get too caught up in everything to realize how much has changed.

I really need to thank you, Ma. Thank you for doing all of the little things. For letting my friends sleep over every single time I asked, for reading my favorite books to me when I was little over and over again until I knew each one by heart, and then going along with it when I pretended I could actually read them myself. Thank you for coming to all of my competitions, performances and awards ceremonies and being the most proud parent there. Thank you for helping me with my homework and making me dinner and cleaning my room, and I could go on and on about all of these things, but you have done so much more for me that I am beyond grateful for. You understand me better than anyone else, and you have always been there to listen to me complain or hold me when I didn't even know why I was crying. You have been the most incredible role model; you handle every situation, big or small, with such strength, courage, and selflessness. I have been so blessed to have a person like you in my life to look up to. There is no better compliment than when someone tells me I look like you or act like you, or even when someone mistakes me for you on the phone. They say that girls become like their mothers when they grow up, and I can only hope that that will be true for me. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

I also need to tell you that I love you. I try to say it as often as I can, but I feel like even that will never be enough. It is difficult for me to put into words just how much you mean to me, because you are absolutely everything to me: my support, my friend, my sense of humor, my voice of reason. Above all of these things, you are my mom, in the most perfect sense of the word. You have never failed to make me feel loved, and that is something that I will never take for granted. Even at my worst moments, you have loved me unconditionally.You have taught me how to put my entire heart into everything and everyone, just as you have always done for me. Just please know that I love you more, even if you do love me most.

Lastly, Mom, I want to tell you that I'm sorry. I am so sorry for all of the times that I picked fights with you for no reason or was embarrassed by you. I'm sorry for shutting you out when all you wanted to do was help. I'm sorry for any time I have disobeyed or disappointed you. Most importantly, I am sorry for all of the times I chose my friends or anything else over you. You have put me first for your entire life, and I only wish that I would have done the same for you all of those times. I would give anything to go back and spend more of that time with you, because you really are the best person in my life. Please know that I love you more than anything, and I am so sorry for any time I may have hurt you.

Mom, you have been with me through absolutely everything, and have done so with a smile always on your face. Thank you so much for the love, laughs and lessons you have given me over the past 22 years. I can only hope that there will be many more to come. I love you!

Open Letter: To my Best friend on her Wedding Day

To My Dwarf Friend,

Saturday is your wedding day and I couldn't be happier for you as you embark on the next stage of your life with the man you love. As I sit and reminisce on our journey of friendship and all we have been through together, I am reminded of just how important you are to me; how much I love, respect and admire you. However, this friendship we share will inevitably change after this weekend; how could it not? But this does not sadden me, and I am thrilled to be standing next to you for the moment your future begins. Here are a few things I want you to remember Saturday, the day of your wedding:

It is going to be a whirlwind of pictures, flowers, dresses, emotions, and most importantly, joy. Remember to take in it all in slowly, and breathe. Don't get lost in the craziness of the day; remember to enjoy and appreciate these moments that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

I know it will be your happiest day to date, but it's okay to feel a little sad as well. As you remember your nearest and dearest who unfortunately can't share the celebrations with you, know they are watching over you and smiling. We may not be able to help yearning for the people we wish were celebrating with us and that's okay. Because, although not physically in attendance, these people WILL be a part of your day. They are with you, and always will be.

We are all so proud of you. Your family, friends and especially me are unbelievably proud of the person you have become. Everything you have achieved thus far is well-deserved and a source of constant inspiration for me. You've always been so confident, determined and successful in accomplishing your goals and dreams.

Above all, I hope you remember how much fun your big day will be. It will be easy to get caught up in the scheduling, timing and stress that your wedding day holds. Don't forget that at the end of the day it is about you and your worthy prince. Everyone you love is celebrating with you and the love of your life, as you two embark on your greatest adventure yet.

For now, try your best to get some sleep -- Saturday is a big day. It is going to be beautiful; all of the hard work you have done will certainly pay off and I can't wait to be by your side, watching you live the fairytale we imagine as teens.

An Open Letter To My Ultimate Crush

I just need you to know how I feel.

This open letter idea just popped up into my mind.

Personally, I'm going through a tough time right now trying to figure out what everything means. We all know what it's like to have a crush. To add on to that, sometimes we like people that affect our lives in either a positive or negative way. I like to think that we have all had at least one great experience when it comes to a crush. On the other hand, we've also had a few instances where it just didn't work out. Sometimes, us women have a lot of trouble with this. We overthink things, we stress ourselves out, and even lead ourselves on with guys. Because I am struggling with these issues, here's what I have to say to the guy I have a crush on:   

Hey you!! This one is for you. And the funny thing is, you will probably not even know that I wrote this for and about you. 

Most of the time, I'm a super chill girl that says it how it is. I'm straight up and honest with people when it comes to how I feel. I don't know what happened, but ever since you walked into my life, you completely changed the game for me. Obviously, by now, I have had many different experiences when it comes to having feelings for someone, but this is so different. At this point in your lives, in relationships, we either break up or we get married. How crazy is that?

From the moment I have met you I felt something I don’t understand. You are special, so special and I do not even think you realize how special you are. When I saw you I felt this instant attraction and for me this was weird because you are not my standard ‘type’. We share the same passion. We actually met in a competition. You are younger than me but you think more matured than me (how ironic is that?).

At this point, I don't know how I feel. Do you want something more than friends or are you just trying to pass the time?

I will not chase you. I've spent too much time in my past chasing people that did not even deserve my time. If you can't invest your time in me, how can I invest my time in you? By constantly being the one to text first and pursue the relationship, I feel like I'm just setting myself up for failure. I will not do that anymore. I want you to talk to me, and not just when you're bored. I need to know that you value me instead of making me your back up plan.

Sometimes, I act like an annoying girl that leads herself on more than you do. I plan things out in my head and prepare for the future together. I get so excited for you to meet my family, spend holidays together, and experience so many things together. I don't know why I do, I just can't help it. I enjoy being around you and I see myself being with you for more than you have even thought about. Sometimes I just have too many feelings that I want to share, but you'll just have to go with it. You're going to have to accept me as I am, even when I cry about small things or want to spend as much time as possible with you.

You may not like yourself, but I do. You talk down on yourself, but you don't even understand how much I value you in my life. We may have only known each other for a few months out of our lives, but I wish you would see how important you are to me. I believe that you have so much going for you and that you're going to go so far in your life. I just hope that maybe, just maybe, I could be there to witness that.

So, overall, I want you to text me. I want you to be honest with me. Even if it's to tell me that you don't reciprocate those feelings, I want to know how you feel about me. I just need something that proves to me that you're worth my time and effort.

If you think that this might have could be written for you, I challenge you to ask me if I wrote this for you..

Cebu Destination: ALOGUINSAN (Hermit's Cove)

"I just wanna pack up and hit the beach with good friends."

Hey!!! Now were down to our last destination for this Aloguinsan Escapade.. I'll be sharing you our photos and some words on how your friends can help you achieve your goals..coz these bunch of gals literally helped me in achieving my goals in life..meowk!!!

Now the drive to Hermit’s Cove is a bit tricky and actually scary. So be very careful. The road is littered with loose gravel and pebbles.

This part is the scariest since it’s a road along a cliff. Plus it’s pretty dangerous because of all the gravel.

At the end of the road, you will see a breathtaking view of God's creation. BEAUTIFUL!!

This trip is not included in the full tour package so we have to pay Php 50 per pax as our entrance fee.. It's so worth it because we were provided with our own cottage but we chose to have the table since the cottage is too big for us.

Look at that picturesque view..wow!!!

On this part, I will tell you three things on how your friends can help you achieve your goals...

#1: Encouragement

Some friends are naturally encouraging; make sure you let them know about your plans and your progress. They’ll probably be delighted for you, and keen to find out how you’re getting on.

#2: Practical Support

Although encouragement can be a huge boost to your motivation, it often isn’t enough to get you to your goal. 

Practical support is invaluable, and may well make the difference between success and failure.

Please excuse my beach (happy) face :P

#3: Advice

Good advice can save you lots of time, money and energy. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member who’s pursued a similar goal, or who has expertise in this area, don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.

One of the best ways to achieve your goals faster is to let others help you. :) 

To summed up this whole Aloguisan experience..I would say that it's all worth it..very affordable..very informative..and definitely a must-try adventure with your family and friends...especially if your tired of the city life!! Try to experience being connected with nature :)

Thanks you to those people who were very accommodating: to our bus driver, to our habal-habal drivers, to the rowers, to the tour guides, and to the villagers!! 

Thank you #TeamAcad :) To more adventures soon.. :P

'till next adventure loves.

xoxo DER <3

Cebu Destination: A LO G U I N S A N (Bojo River Cruise)

"Be one with nature."

On the second part of our Aloguinsan escapade, we went to Bojo River. It is still included in the full package tour that we avail from the ecotourism department.

The Bojo River Nature Reserve covers an area that includes the 1.4 kilometer-long Bojo River Nature Reserve and the surrounding environment that serves as home to 61 bird species and remarkable native flora.

When we arrived at the place, a villager welcomed us with a lei. 

The short 230-meter hike to the reception area was filled with moments of anticipation.

After a minute of walking, we arrived at the Bojo River. The villagers offered a welcome Visayan songs for us... #TouristaFeels

Then we had our first glimpse of the river. The serenity of the place simply overwhelmed us.

When we entered in their mini restaurant, they offered us a welcome Buko Juice drink.. (glasses were mine though..it's not included in the package..hahahah..)

While enjoying our Buko juice, Ate (sorry forgot her name) from Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) briefed us about the tour. From her, we learned that the name “Bojo” is the Spanish term for “river ceiling.” However, in the Visayan dialect, it is pronounced as “bo-ho,” which refers to the “hole” (actually, an inlet) at the end where the river exits the sea. 

She also discussed the rules, regulations, and safety precaution that we need to know before embarking on the cruise.

Their main goal is the preservation of the nature and not to be famous nor to make it as a business. 

Once the short orientation was done, we were ushered to the staging area where we donned life jackets. The villagers even assist us in putting our life jackets...

Now we're ready to board the bangka, a traditional Filipino boat equipped with outriggers for balance. We were divided into two since the bangka is too small to accommodate the four of us. So we did it by pair, me and angela; mona and jinky.. 

Let's get it on....

The river cruise is basically a 45-minute relaxing and educational ride along these mangrove forests.

Manong (our bangka driver/tour guide) said that there were lots of monkeys that used to live in the trees above the cliffs. They were hunted down long ago. I throw a corny joke on him..hahahah that the monkeys his taking about are the ones riding in his bangka.. :P #GiveChance 

Now were at the river mouth where the river water and sea water meets. It's like were in El Nido Palawan..look how magnificent it was..

It's time to forget that we don't know how to swim..hahahha..we immediately jumped off to the very cold water.

I would like to thank Manong..who became our photographer.. sorry for abusing your kindness Manong :) 

Lunch Buffet is already served when we went back from the cruise.

Happiness overloaded in one picture..

They prepared Kinilaw na Ampalaya, Nilagang Bisayang Manok, Humba, Sinugbang Isda, Saging and Rice.

Diet is not in my dictionary so basically I chose everything..hahahhaha.. They also served us Camote Juice...How cool is that right?? 

Hungry faces..no time to look at the camera :)

This Buko juice is for our friend who didn't make it..because of a very important person??reason??heheheh:P 

After filling our tummies with yummy foods, it's time to fill our creativity. Manang demonstrated us how to weaved a mat.. 

After patiently and passionately following Manang, whooola..we have our own cute mats..Yes...were learning a lot from this awesome experience.

We spotted this nice boardwalk. We decided to give it a try.

Friendship goals...

The boardwalk is 400 meters long and runs alongside the riverbank, cutting through a mangrove forest. It's definitely a wonder of engineering...just imagine a long causeway all made of bamboo! Along the way are signs that identify species of mangroves and terrestrial plants. Amazing right??

Now it's time to say goodbye to these bunch of hospitable individuals..they even sang a goodbye and thank you song for us..we really can't hide our smiles..it's all worth it..

Goodbye Bojo River!!! You literally captured our hearts <3 

But wait...there's more.. our Aloguisan Escapade is not yet over...

'till the Part Three of this adventure loves.

xoxo DER <3