El Burito goes to Baler

*THIS IS A LATE POST. I saw it in my drafts and decided to finish it anyway. Lol. The trip was around April 9, 2010. 3 months ago. Lol.

I have loved Baler ever since I went there last 2006. Ever since, I kept coming back at least once a year (at most 3 times). Considering the number of times I’ve been there, I haven’t explored it thoroughly.

I’ve been trying to remember the number of times I’ve been to Baler. If I remember correctly (also based on my pictures) I’ve been there once in 2006, then 2009 and then 2010 (hoping to go back there this year) and thrice last 2008 (Best birthday evar!!!!). Almost every year, I find something new about the place. Something that captivates me. I usually go to Baler with the Girls except last year where I went there with the Kids.

My favorite place so far is Dibulalan. Last time I was there was 2 years ago. A Baler friend told us that it’s privatized right now so I’m not really sure how it looks, or if it’s still the same.

If Joy’s element is the mountains, mine’s the beach. Best way to relax and unwind.

El Burito

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This year, I went there with some of the members of El Burito (our frisbee team). Some of them were instructors in the frisbee clinic Travel Factor organized. I was actually hesitant at first, but I’m really glad I went. It was my first time to go out of town with some of them so it was quite a new Baler experience for me. Yay for new friends or renewed/revitalized friendships.

Latest Baler discovery was the Mother Falls. Last time we attempted to go there (birthday trip), we were attacked by bees. I tried to go there again this time, facing my fears. Lol. Oh, funny thing, the tricycle drivers remembered the incident and they kept on scaring me on the way to the falls.

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After a 30 minute trike ride, and around 10 to 15 minute trek, we finally arrived!

Mother Falls

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It looks better than the pictures. Promise! The water was clear and refreshing. I loved every minute we stayed there.”Parang bagong ligo lang” was our impression after. When we arrived there were only a few people. It was around 3-5 groups (including ours). We left just in time because a lot of groups are finding their own spots.

We also discovered new eating place (we always eat at Bay’s Inn before). It’s sort of a chinese restaurant without dumplings and siopao. It’s called Jerry’s. I love their “salt and pepper chicken” and “spicy pork tausi”. Service is kinda slow though. But heck, it’s cheaper than Bay’s Inn.

Anyway, I haven’t gotten tired of going to Baler. I still have a lot to discover. Also, I want to explore Aurora (I want to go to Casiguran). I know it’s selfish, but I just hope it wouldn’t be as commercialized as Boracay or at least tourists would take care of her.

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Since some of my friends are asking me how much is the budget for a Baler trip, I tried listing them down (I’m poor at organization and planning, so I’m sorry). If anybody is interested in itineraries or activities to do there, they could refer to my past posts or links about it (too lazy to rethink).

Budget:

  • 800 – Transpo round trip.  (per person) You could opt to take the bus straight to Baler (ETA 4AM, ETD 12nn), or bus to cabanatuan then bus or van to Baler (ETD 1AM, ETA 9AM)
  • 500 – Fan rooms for 3-4 at Kahea’s lodge. Water smells icky though, but the rooms and the prices are ok. Try Bays Inn if you want something more comfy. Aircon rooms at Bays Inn I think goes up to 1200. I’m not sure. We also rented a house last year that costs 1500, 2BR (1 has AC the other one is a fan room), water smells icky too, but heck, it’s cheap and far from the surfing site making it seem like we’re the only people at the beach.
  • 100-250 per meal. Service kinda slow(Both at Jerry’s and Bays Inn, I think they complete the order first before they serve it), so better order early especially if you’re in large group. Try the rolling store also. Will try eating there the next time I go there.
  • 300-400 per trike when going to the Mother Falls. If you know any jeepney’s for hire there, kindly tell me.
  • 400 – surf board with instructor. I think this is for four hours.
  • I forgot how much it costs to rent a boat. :(

*photos taken using the camera of Jun or Patrick.

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Deal breakers

I’ve seen a few blogs posting their deal breakers. It made me think about my own list. It was quite hard actually because I try not to be judgmental of people (I’m very accepting actually), but sometimes there are certain irks that makes me say “friend lang yan”.

  1. Txt language. I can let this pass if you are indeed communicating via sms, but please with proper grammar. Not the “Wer na u? D2 na me” kind (“Wer r u? I’m hir” sounds and looks way better). Also my biggest peeve is the use of “aq” instead of “ako”. But if you use txt language when IM-ing or e-mailing me, it makes my eye roll. I get use to it though. I have tons of friends who still uses txt language. It bothered me at first, but I realized they are really good people. It’s still a dealbreaker if we are dating.
  2. Guys who are more vain than me. I rarely dress up. I would want to, but I lack the resources. I rarely wear make-up (except for the usual eyeliner and lip gloss). Guys who dresses properly are really attractive, but if they spend more than an hour just to fix themselves, I really find that annoying. I like guys who are confident in the most comfortable clothes they could find. I also dislike wax and hair gels. As I told my friend “ayoko ng mas maarte pa sa akin”.
  3. Guys with food allergies. I love eating. I love trying out different kind of cuisines. I love seafoods and nuts. So yeah, food >>> boys.
  4. When his alcohol tolerance is lower than mine. I drink, but I’m not a heavy drinker. If ever we are dating and we get to drink with friends, I don’t want to be the one to take care of you. I at least want to be confident enough that someone would take care of me and would take me home when I can’t barely walk anymore.
  5. Guys who are afraid, too lazy to explore or worries a lot. I love adventures. I love going to different places and trying new things. I want to share the experiences with the person I’m with. I love spontaneous plans and if you are too paranoid, we wouldn’t like each other in the first place.

I can’t think of anything else actually. These are mostly based on my past relationships. I’m also pretty sure that when I love someone, I am blinded or acceptful… or maybe in denial. I hope this time, I stick to my standards.

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Too lost to think of a title

I’ve been single for two years already. Told it to a friend his reply was

di ko kasi alam kung gusto mo bang maging single o ayaw mo eh

Actually, I don’t know either. I don’t even know how to be a girlfriend anymore. I don’t even know how it feels to be in love. I enjoy being single, I can do anything I want. I could go out with friends, my phone bill is what it’s supposed to be, I don’t have to wait for someone, etc. Enjoying the perks of being single. Sometimes though, when I’m with my friends and their partners (like I’m the odd wheel, 3rd, 5th.. 13th), it just gets to me. I miss having someone. I miss sharing my thoughts and experiences with someone special. But I get peeved when people always bring it up. “Napagiiwanan ka na”, “Kelan ka mag-aasawa?”, “Bumabarkada ka kasi kaya wala kang boyfriend”, etc. So yeah, I don’t know what I want. I told myself last January that I’ll fall in love this year. It’s June already. I know I can’t force myself to fall in love, but I don’t give myself a chance to meet new people, to go out with them, to know them better. Maybe I need to get over my self-esteem issues first. I haven’t started with it yet. Maybe tomorrow. Oh well.

Posted in ako, heart | 1 Comment

Dashboard Confessional

Coming straight from a frisbee game (well, after I showered), I was able to watch them live last night :) Missed 6 songs. We we’re looking for a parking space around the 7th song. So ayun, medyo bitin. Hate the fact that they’ve sang some of my favorite songs during the first 6. Also that they did not sing “The Best Deception”. But all in all I enjoyed it. The band was amazing live. He’s as whiny live as he is in their records (and that’s a good thing), the riffs and drum beats were in sync (as if may alam ako?), the acoustics of the erm parking lot was great, etc. It’s like the 3EB concert, only it’s Dashboard Confessional.

Bands should come here more often. I mean 3EB and DC were surprised how much fans they have here, also Tears for Fears. Pero sana wag in one year. Ang hirap mag ipon :( .

Best line of the night:

“Tangina, ang pogi ni Chris! Basang basa na panty ko sa kapogian!”

While wiping off the sweat off my legs

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I HATE YOU WITH PASSION

I just need to get this off my chest. Just so I could sleep well tonight. Well try to sleep well.

I hate you. You made me look stupid. IN FRONT OF YOUR FAMILY. Ano ako?? Instant girlfriend? Tapos after a few days, may girlfriend ka na? Pucha parang dati lang ah. Walang nagbago? Di na ba talaga ako natuto? ARGH! I’m calling you and you’re not answering your phone. I’m very much tempted to text you and tell you every feeling I have right now. Good thing Gay was still awake and was able to pacify me.

Pero really, I hate you.

I hate guys. Starting tonight (maybe till tomorrow) I hate guys whose names starts with J. Probably I’ll end up being a man-hater too. You guys have no right to treat me this way.

Eto na naman ako eh. Tapos afterwards, NR na naman. Walang sama ng loob. ARGH. Self esteem -30 points.

Isipin ko na lang, kapalit nito, magandang career. Yun na lang.

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Denim Pants and Beer Bottles

A friends’ dad passed away last April 5. I went to his wake last Saturday (that’s another story). I hardly recognized his face since it was already more than 10 days since his death. But I noticed that he was wearing denim pants. DENIM PANTS. How cool is that? This is the same guy who made a chandelier type of lamp out of BEER BOTTLES. Imagine the color of Pale Pilsen surrounding your living room.

Last time I saw Tito was last December. I regret not drinking with him and going home early, especially he was offering me more beer. Their family is one of the most artistic family I’ve encountered. Maloko rin (I remember Tita and my friend playing a prank on me, up to the point that they both have to say sorry. Lulz).

Although I’m not really that close to them (well compared to the parents of my other friends who considers me a prodigal daughter. Srsly), I admire how close they are as a family. My friend wouldn’t be that amazing if it wasn’t for his parents. I’m also glad that my friend showed how much he loves his dad while he was alive. Like he said, he is a proud son of a great man.

So yeah, don’t forget to tell and show your parents you love them. Even your grandparents. I know I do. Every single chance I can.

Also Denim Pants and Beer Bottles. Amazing.

Posted in family, friends, heart | 2 Comments

Dear Beauty Pill,

I tried writing you a letter a few weeks ago and failed. I guess I needed to cool down. The last time we met, I know I went ballistic and said things uncalled for. I mean everything I said, I just didn’t say it in a civilized manner that’s why I apologized to you a day after.

I know I’ve said everything is over between us a million times but it was hard keeping my word. You always know what to say to me, you know my weaknesses and played this game very well. This tug-of-war is tiring, but you tend to disappear for months and come back whenever my defenses are down. I believed everything you say even though I say I didn’t. Actually, I think I believed it because I wanted to, just like people tend to hear what they want to hear.

I thought what I needed to do was to stay far away from you. I even added working abroad in my options. I realized though, that whenever we have our falling out, I try to avoid you but everytime it cools down, the cycle starts again.

Last time we saw each other, I hated you. Then I felt sorry. Now, I feel slightly indifferent. A few weeks or months from now, I’m pretty sure we’ll be back to normal (normal is what we were before this). See? It’s a cycle.

I told you before that we could never be friends, But I was hoping it’s not true. The happiest and most memorable moments I had with you is when we were still friends (and this “thing” hasn’t started yet). Even though we don’t spend time as much as we used to, I still think of you as one of my walls. Considering what we had before “this”, our friendship trumps any issues I have with you. Even though I try, I just can’t cut you off. Even after this “thing” started, there were days that you’re still a very good friend to me.

The last time we saw each other, I hope, was the tipping point. I realized that what we could never be more than what we are right now. Even though I tell a few friends that I don’t expect us to be together, that I just wanted you to be free, I realized, sometimes it was more than that. You being free is not enough. I don’t want to hold on to something that is not mine, even if it can be. I want us to be together. Something that is far from happening. Sometimes though, I feel that I just want the drama and feel the thrill, feel emotionally high, which you successfully give.

I’m tired of thinking. I’m tired of pretending.

I don’t know what will happen next. I don’t want to promise something I’m not sure I could keep. It’s tiring. Hopefully though, it was also the tipping point for you. Because the last time we talked, you said that you don’t want us to fight anymore. I also hope I have enough courage to say “no” and self-control to not give in, or maybe I could just not expect anything and opt for the drama and thrills. Be an angel or a devil, I’m really not sure. But for now, you’re still my friend. I just hope it’s still enough to trump the issues to come.

Abi

Posted in emo, friends, rant | Tagged | 9 Comments

Miss You Like Crazy

So kanina ko lang napanuod.

Habang pinapanuod ko, bumabalik ang 4 years sa aking alaala.

Wala sa timing. Pag libre ang isa, taken ang isa.

Ang makareceive siya ng text or tawag galing sa gf habang nag momoment kami.

Ang marinig mo na mag “I love you” siya sa ibang tao.

Ang paputol putol na communication.

Ang pag aakalang tapos na ang lahat, sabay babalik.

Ang aayusin lang raw niya ang sarili niya, sabay wala ren pala.

Pero ang pinagkaiba sa amin, walang nag sasabing mahal namin ang isa’t isa. Hanggang ngayon, di ko nga ren alam if mahal ko nga ba talaga siya. Hindi ko pa siya iniiyakan. Kung umiyak man ako, sa inis yun at galit.

Tama na, nangyari na sa pelikula, di na mangyayari yan sa tunay na buhay.

Paasa ka.

Posted in ako, emo, heart | 1 Comment

Financial Adviser

So I was on YM with Darn and we were talking about my expenses, asking what how much I usually spend for food, transpo, bills, etc, how much is my income, and my savings. Akala ko interview lang.

Then we met for lunch. Viola! A print out of my expenses. So monthly I’m -4700. No wonder I can’t pay my credit card bills. Lol. So over lunch we talked about how I’ll be able to pay for everything and still have enough. I lol and *sniff* at the same time since I have no idea If I can go with minimum expenses, no gimiks, no trips in two months (sana one month lang). I gave him my credit card again (for the third time) so that I won’t be able to use it.

Oh he also gave me gas receipts. :D

Wish me luck.

Posted in ako, friends | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Kababawan

Wala akong masabihan sa friends ko dito. Pero malamang pwede nilang mabasa to (well isa sa kanila). I tried not thinking about it, pero wala eh, ang babaw ko nga para hindi ma let go eh. Disclaimer lang, I’m happy pasok silang lahat sa semis. They deserve it naman.

Pero malungkot ako. Malungkot ako kasi di kami pumasok. Malungkot ako kasi magagaling naman team mates ko tapos di man lang nila naranasan ang semis. Ang taas ng expectations ng mga tao sa team namin, meaning kaya namin talaga. I just couldn’t pinpoint where did we go wrong? May idea ako, pero ang sakit aminin.

Continue reading

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