Enjoying Summer of 2014 the Aussie Way!

Travelling has always been a personal passion. It somehow gives you a temporary respite from the demanding world you are into at the moment. I remember myself having experienced boarding on airplanes at a very young age (I was like 9 years old back then I think). Our family has developed an immense love for local travel, touring from north to south of the country. Meanwhile, I haven't had experienced travelling abroad until summer of 2014.

My Aunt who was residing in Australia for almost two decades now with her family gave me the most exciting gift one could ever receive- the chance of an international travel! It had given me goosebumps all over my body as soon as I found out about this one. However, the excitement turned into a pressing apprehension- The thought of me travelling alone in a foreign land. Worse, it was going to be a lot of firsts- First travel abroad, first travel alone, and definitely the first time ever of being away from the comforts of home and my family.

Securing an Australian visa was the first hurdle I braved. Surely, it wouldn't be served on you on a silver platter- with all the documents, stamps, certificates and all related stuff that you need to provide, I could have easily succumbed to giving up, knowing that I was also being bombarded with all the demands of medschool back then. But because I really wanted it to happen, everything went into place. Then voila, the visa to travel to Australia was granted last mid of April.

As soon as my (loving) aunt received the notice of the visa grant, she went straight to Flight Centre to book my flight. It was a direct flight from Manila to Melbourne, via PAL. I left Manila at 10 in the evening of April 29, and safely arrived in Melbourne International Airport at almost 8 (local time) in the morning of the following day (torturing 8 hours flight, 0 min sleep).

The very first picture I got as soon as I arrived in Australia

I stayed in the comforts of my aunt's residence in Melbourne, Australia for 20 days. With my aunt always on my side serving as my tour guide, we got to visit different wineries, see a Roo and a fluffy koala at their local zoo, dine in fancy restaurants, and get a glimpse of the busy streets of Melbourne City. 

with my loving tita Tessie pigging out at China Bar Asia Buffet

a very fluffy koala! 

This is the closest I could get to it. It might punch me.

My ever dependable cousin, Kate. My lakwatsa pal!

Panoramic view of Melbourne City

Bird's eye view of the City via the Eureka Skydeck

Striking a pose at the famous Flinders Street Station, Melbourne City

at Chateau Yering- a winery

at Vue on Halcyon winery, having eggs benedict for breakfast.

Dinner with Tita at Lindos

Lost at Flinders Street Station

Eureka Skydeck experience!

Steavensons Falls with Tita Tess and Uncle Jack

Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne City

Death by chocolate- at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie

Vineyards at Chandon Greenpoint winery

At Healesville Sanctuary

Taken on the day of my departure at Melbourne International Airport, May 18, 2014

I couldn't thank my tita Tess enough for letting me experience such a luxury. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will surely be kept in my memory wherever I go. This experience sparked my interest even more for travelling, which was left lying idle for years now.  It will undeniably serve as an empowering motivation to better my studies so as to increase my chances of experiencing this luxury again in the near future. 

'til the next escapade! :p

Safe travels!

Day 2- What's love without tragedy?

Since yesterday, I always experience these acute attacks of apnea-like sensation every time I remember how me and my partner had ended up. It kind of feels like the mechanics of my own breathing now demanded conscious awareness and ceased from working involuntarily, making each cycle of ventilation a pain in the ass. These feelings seem to consume me, like gush of water bursting open into the dam. I was helplessly caught off guard. I honestly didn't see this coming. 

What really haunts me is the fact that I'm going to live my life now without him on it. We were too ambitious to plan on getting to places since we both love to travel, not knowing that our relationship was approaching its dusk already. What about the movies that we planned to watch? The family gatherings that we both vowed to attend together? The words of infinite love which were left unspoken? The promised obligation that we will be taking care of each other no matter what happens? Too late. 

Hey. Don't dream, it's over. 

I haven't heard from him since this morning. And it kills me.

DAY 1: How painful is painful?

I am sort of experiencing some kind of pain right now that no pain scale ever invented can actually gauge. Today, I was confronted by my partner that he did cheat on me behind my back.

I don't know what to feel at the moment. I  also have my own share of shortcomings when it comes to our relationship. I have committed mistakes in the past that I have regretted doing up until now. I broke his heart a couple of times before and made a vow to God that I will not do the same mistakes again. I tend to neglect him when I get too caught up with the demands of my studies and promised that I will make it up to him once I'm freed with all the academic requirements I have on my plate. These imperfections on my part had indeed made me question if I do have the right to feel frustrated when I found out that he was cheating on me.

I digress to what the famous Beyonce told Lady Gaga that 'trust is like a mirror, you can fix it if it's broke' while I nod in approval when the latter replied  "but you can still see that crack in that motherf*cker's reflection'. 

The man I trusted for nearly two years now proved to me that he was the person I thought he never was. That even his name that you once equate with purity could also be stained.  That everyone is bound to break their sacred promises. That everyone can't be trusted.

While I confess that I'm still in love with this person whom I trusted for years now, I seem to feel lost on how I can revert back our glory days. It's as if every piece of matter in the surface of the earth reminds me the fact that I once trusted somebody, but got busted in the end. How can I live the reality that I am indeed having difficulty in pressing on to whatever is left in our relationship? To rekindle the dying fire under unprecedented rains?

Time heals all wounds. I just have to be strong right now. I can make it through the rain.

Our 7th month:)

It’s been almost 7 months since my last blogpost. And I’ve been constantly reminding myself to write at least a single post whenever I get the chance, but the rigors of medschool just won’t let me. By now I should be changing my description from 'writer' to former writer or perhaps has-been writer. I have not written something decent in ages, just a hodge podge of passing thoughts, insubstantial randomness, rants, and an abysmal slew of nothingness. Even the semestral break I had 2 months ago (barely 2 weeks) didn’t give me the chance to seat in front of our PC and randomly type the things that I’ve been through as soon as I entered the gates of medschool. And on top of all that, I almost forgot my blogger password (what the hell, lol).

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To the one I love J

We’ve been together for the past 7 months. I have learned to live my life with you always by my side. I can no longer see myself being involved with another person other than you. Just the mere idea of it irks me to death.

Well, I have to admit that our relationship is not as typical as one could expect. I was comfortable being alone when you suddenly came. I am comfortable in the sense that I am enjoying the freedom of being single, without having to consider anyone in my everyday way of life—freed from demands of relationship.

But that certain kind of freedom is always accompanied by an ample amount of loneliness, and I think there is where the paradox lies. When you came into my life, that vacuum of angst residing within me for a long time was suddenly turned into an abyss of pure nirvana and unadulterated love. My reservations regarding commitments were relinquished. The mere sight of your name is capable of invoking a flood of happy memories that we’ve spent together. We’ve braved a hundred storms just to get to where we are today. Our love for one another is so strong that it can move mountains. You are an ultimate reminder of how blessed I am today. Even though I’m scared of not seeing things beyond this promising bliss, I remain to trust what is at hand. Simply because I feel you and I believe you.

Having someone like you is indeed an opportunity of a lifetime. I can’t thank you enough for all the sacrifices that you’ve done just to keep this relationship flow with great ease. I will remain faithful at all times and will hold you in my arms so tight so you can’t let go. Happy 7^th monthsary, bhebhe J

Punta de Uian- Review

The breathtaking view from atop.

Summer getaways are always on top of our priorities as soon as the scorching heat of the summer sets in. Last April, my family decided to spend this much-awaited treat at Punta de Uian, strategically located in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. An acquaintance of my dad had informed him about the place, its amenities, room accommodations etc. We also did our own research about this haven over the Internet. We are quite picky when it comes to resorts and beaches because we’ve seen some of the best beaches here in our country (Like Boracay, Panglao, Bolinao, and the list goes on and on). Having everything in place and well accounted for, we pursued the trip in great exaltation.

It took us roughly two hours to get into the place (We are from Pampanga by the way). Its brochure says the 19-hectare resort development is an exotic paradise whose ambient sea breeze is therapeutic; well it didn’t mention it’s secluded too – exactly what we needed for our little vacation.

We arrived at exactly 10 am, 4 hours earlier than the expected time for checking-in (we weren’t informed about the check-in specifics, our bad). We decided to stay at the lobby while waiting to be escorted into our room. We had the duplex type (P14, 640/night) which is good for 6 persons. It has two rooms, 2 comfort rooms, a dining and a living room, and a veranda overlooking the beach. We were accompanied by an attendant who led us to our room. Good idea since there are several lodging areas around the resort.

The room was a surprise because of its luxurious details. Adorned with fancy pieces of furniture and intricate interiors, plus a veranda overlooking the pristine waters of Pundaquit bay as it placidly roll onto the shore, the place is really captivating and downright breathtaking, quite a perfect place for those seeking respite from the stresses of modern-day living.

Interiors- Duplex

I had patiently waited for the sun to relent before I toyed with the waves. Together with my siblings and nieces, we bathed as if there’s no tomorrow.

Next, we toured the rest of the resort. I turned my eyes to the huge image of the Blessed Mother by the sea and quickly noticed that we are approaching the chapel. The calm, peace and total quiet here will make for a perfect group retreat. We stayed there until the brilliant orange mass of the sun cleared the horizon.

After having our carcinogenic supper (blame the ihaw-ihaw), we inquired at the concierge of the resort if we could set a bonfire by the beach. Much to our surprise, the bonfire materials cost 500 bucks. But since it could only be the perfect time and place where we could have such a set up while having superficial chitchats, we valiantly paid for it. And surely, it did not disappoint us! Having your loved ones altogether sitting around the bonfire while bantering with one another is by all odds one of the best moments in life.

all smiles

I, together with my two siblings, decided to go on a night swim after the bonfire went out. To our satisfaction, the pool was deserted, so we swam nonchalantly. I think we spent 4 hours just loitering about in the pool (10 pm-2 am, if I’m not mistaken). We really had a blast, so to speak.

For the benefit of those who plan to have their exodus in this resort, here’s a quick assessment of the resort’s accommodation and amenities.

>Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) is extensively available.

>The food is completely a different story. Punta de Uian has a serious lack of good cooks. We received a tasteless version of the usually yummy fare. A total rip-off. Take my word for it.

>There is so much to do at Punta de Uian. You could go Kayak-ing, Jetski-ing, etc. I had the brochure uploaded, brandishing the different water activities with their corresponding prices.

All Terrain Vehicle: P 3,100/hr
Jetski: P 4,000/hr
Kayak: P 600/3 hrs
Snorkel Set: P 1,100/day

ISLAND HOPPING

Camara Island: P 1,100
Capones Island: P 1,300
Anawangin Cove: P 1,500
3 Destinations: P 3, 500
*Rate is good for 5 pax only; Additional P 150.00 per head in excess of 5 pax

>When it comes to the general amenities: There is a restaurant, albeit a small one, that could serve possibly a maximum of 50 pax, give or take a few. There are two pools, a kiddie and adult one. The kiddie pool is not for smaller kids. It's about 3.5 feet deep, the average height of five to six year olds.The pool was clean for the most part, with the usual debris from trees and the occasional fly. Otherwise, it was good enough. Water was lukewarm, which served me well since I get cold easily.

>Not to disappoint anyone, but the beach is not that memento-friendly. The grayish and rough sand is not at all alluring. But on the plus side, the ambiance of the beach is serene and relaxing, primarily because it is uncluttered and most of the time, deserted. So if you enjoy walking around barefooted on a beach while desperately trying to invoke some bittersweet memories from the past, this definitely is the place to be.  

>The view is also to die for! One can choose a room overlooking the sea, the resort’s man-made lagoon, its impressive garden or the mountains.

>The staff was generally friendly and accommodating. No request was ever turned down.

The Resort's lobby

Verdict: 8/10

Hoping that this post could be of great help to those who are planning to have their respite at Punta de Uian :)

A Panacea for a Perplexed Mind

*April 14, 2012- 11:45 pm

I am lying here in my bed now, staring blankly at the wall while my thoughts seem to be pouring forth out of my subconscious mind and are likely to run in circles again. Few more weeks before the start of the arduous journey of medschool, and here I am, still in a quandary brought about by the unsettling fear of what might happen en route. The long and seemingly interminable wait may have run its course, but the real battle hasn’t really started yet.

On Wednesday, I will be heading to AUF for the psych exam. I am anticipating questions like ‘Do you really want to become a doctor?’ and ‘Do you think you have what it takes to endure the hardships of medschool?’ so on and so forth. As I tried to formulate and rehearse my stereotyped answers to these seemingly simple questions, the vagueness of my answers caught up with me. And a plethora of fears materialized out of thin air.

I fear that entering medschool may consume a mammoth percentage of my stay here on earth. After braving five years inside the academe, you are yet to have at least two more years of residency for your specialization, which perfectly explains why medschool is really a perpetual study. Once again, my social life, which is practically minimal to start with, will be cut off much more. I must admit I frequently found myself questioning if I really want to become a doctor, if all the sleepless nights, missed family gatherings, night outs and catch ups are worth sacrificing. I dread that I may become too busy poring over books that when I raise my head, I find that so many things have changed, and I constantly have to reorient myself to how life is proceeding in the real world.

Of course, time and resources go hand in hand. Hordes of money will be painfully spent for me to hop on to the next level. Though I was given a scholarship grant because I graduated with Latin honors in my pre-med course, still, I am quite uncertain if I will be able to maintain an average beyond what is set for me to still enjoy this privilege. Meanwhile, years of being a full-fledged consultant don’t necessarily guarantee a breakeven, unless you work really really hard.

A deviated state of well being can also be a great impediment. Most of the time, I tend to ignore the need for sleep to keep up with all the demands of school, only to find myself being hospitalized in the end  because of ailments that could have been prevented had I taken necessary care for my body. Perhaps, this destructive yet preventable act of self-annihilation can be put into practice again as I brave the hurdles of medschool.

Being unable to live up to the expectations of those people around me is also foreboding. From all the distinctions or accolades that I have fairly achieved, everyone may perceive that I am a real achiever, more than able to conquer whatever hefty, and sometimes, unpalatable servings that medschool has to offer to its students. But what if they are mistaken? How will they react if they found out that I am flunking exams than what my two hands can count?

I think it's normal for a person to have these ruminations especially if he or she is on the verge of a life-changing transition with far-reaching outcomes. I can’t categorically say that this certain type of disconcerting phenomenon is healthy, because talking on a psychological side, it is not. A mere thought of it leaves you helplessly perplexed and baffled. If it's any consolation, I still have few more weeks to have this cloud of doubts settled from being suspended mid air. One thing’s for sure- I really wanted to become a doctor, and I am more than willing to take the odds.

After spending few more weeks in a relaxation frenzy, I will be entering medschool with a rekindled fire to put myself through whatever mad-rough drive medschool has to offer. It may be a painful pill to swallow, but the good, valuable things in life rarely come in neat, just-open-and –enjoy packages. Someday, I know all the effort and sacrifices will have its use, and until that day comes, when I finally gaze into the picture where the pieces have finally come together, I will make that decision of becoming a medical doctor everyday.

Feeling Sorry for Jimmy Sieczka

Just recently, we were caught off guard by the compelling video uploaded by channelfix.com on Youtube, brandishing several reasons why a certain Jimmy Sieczka hated/disliked the Philippines. The video, which has generated 128,000 hits since it was uploaded on Youtube, brutally talked about several factors why the Philippines is not a good place to live, from problems on poor services in traffic, garbage collection, sanitation, and peace and order, among others. 

In less than no time, the video went viral on different networking sites, including the blogosphere, where viewers of the video vehemently aired their personal indignation and ire over it, stating that it’s quite unfair for the Filipino people to have this video circulating on the web, thinking that it might scare the hell out of the tourists planning to have their vacation here, and perhaps could also be a big blow to the steadfast and extensive drive of the Department of Tourism to internationally market the Philippines on the very competitive tourism arena.

Several government and non-government organizations alike had went amok and launched their retaliatory attacks against those who uploaded the video, specifically, to Jimmy Sieczka, who almost had the verdict of being considered “persona non grata” of the Cebu City, if not for his follow up video stating his guarded apology over the fiasco that the video had created.

Jimmy had mentioned on his apologetic video that he was just plainly stating the obvious, but he really never hated the Philippines. The scenes on the video may not be a product of fiction or a playful imagination, still it is somewhat unjust to generalize. Philippines, unequivocally, is a country known for its rich biodiversity, culturally-inclined and downright religious people. Just recently, we ranked 8^th on Forbes Magazine’s Top 10 Friendliest Countries. This is more than enough to consider our country a good place to live for natives and foreigners alike. We may not have all the advancements on technology within our hands, still, it is our optimism and inimitable resilience that make us stand out among other races.

However, the whole idea of giving criticisms to our country gets a different light when a stranger, or let’s say a foreigner who wasn’t even born in the Philippines, gives his or her own wayward sentiments over our country. The video may serve as a wake-up call for us Filipinos, even when we think we’re already awake. This unprecedented mayhem calls for collective efforts gunning for order and peace. While acknowledging its sinister effects globally may do little to change the status quo, a little may help move the wheel, other than letting it stagnate towards a lasting impression.