If you resolve to claim them back, Are willing to forgive the sins of the past? Human, vulnerable as they could be, The same mistakes may come to be.
And when that ordeal eventuate, Will you deal with it separately? And be reasonable, considerate, To not recount history indignantly?
The journey forward is a lot different. Comfort and repose may be hard to get. The annals of the affair is tainted with mistrust. So dawning anew may be tough to amass.
Can you discard the tear and care earnestly? Will you forgo the pain and love unconditionally?
What they say won’t matter. What they do won’t bother. How you react, it’s up to you. Vengeance bears no value.
Show off, insufferable, you won’t beat My indifference, strengthened to peak By circumstances that life brings feat. But in solitude, I silently bleed.
What’s in the surface holds true to many But what paints the big picture remains Unseen yet uncloaked, within reach yet submerged. Only if you invest in truth shall it emerge.
Small things bring big trouble Coz you blow it out of proportion Could have been fine with proper evaluation, not respond with a mere spike of emotion.
Wondering how it feels when the beat Flatlined, static, unable to flinch Where despite loud calls, you can’t heed Wondering how it feels, will I feel?
While the adaxis brims with vivid color, Vibrant, and with light, it shines even more; The underside’s dull, seemed lost the glamor. Rarely seen the sun, change of fate is its clamor.
Like the leaf, this love has two sides. A paradox! It’s like bliss and melancholy cycling every time. I cannot share the pain since you’re never truly mine. Smacked with truth, tears fall uncontrollably, to sadness it rhymes.
But since I really love you, I will endure each day the pain and sorrow, with tears they leave temporarily A small price to pay for the taste of felicity. Like the leaf, a favorable twist of fate is what I pray.
My name is Ian Limpangog, a resident of Barangay Bonawon in the Municipality of Siaton, Province of Negros Oriental. Though I am frequently away because I spend most of my time in Cebu—since it is where my workplace is located—I am always updated with the events and major developments of our barangay. Also, I go home on weekends or whenever there are long holidays. Most of the time, I keep in touch with family and friends from the province online, normally via Facebook messenger.
Our barangay got connected to the internet around 2010 or 2011. When the barangay’s lone cellular network went online, we were elated that we finally got integrated into the internet world. Adaptation was slow, but for the past two to three years, we were gaining momentum. The 3G and HSDPA experience was way better. Moreover, the internet demand grew higher when the young population started to get hold of their own smartphones. After then, we started to feel that the experience is deteriorating as more and more people are scrambling their way to connect.
Now that the pandemic is still looming and that social distancing and distance learning are highly encouraged, the demand is eventually near its peak. With the current Globe infrastructure, large file downloads, video calls or conferencing, and performing data-demanding processes are challenges that we constantly face. The experience is a lot disturbing for those who live outside the tower’s 300-meter radius.
Barangay Bonawon Coastal Area
I am sorry if I could not provide any data to prove my observation but please check the network load that you receive at the cell tower in the barangay.
Without the performance data, we are still hoping that you will consider our plea to upgrade the network infrastructure in our barangay to 4G. We have one junior/senior high school campus with over a thousand students, around five elementary school campuses (only one has decent cellular reach), and a little over ten thousand residents that will benefit from the upgrade. Some parts of our neighboring barangay will gain from the connection too.
The upgrade will not only aid our students’ and teachers’ distance learning needs, but will also integrate the population to all the convenience brought by the internet, such as online banking, digital payments, e-commerce, remote employment, and many more.
The feature-rich GCash is one of the fintechs that I admire. Sending money home could be a lot easier if using the GCash app is not a painful experience. Yes, accessing the GCash application using the network service that you provide in our barangay is almost impossible.
Also, we would love having a fixed broadband line traversing the major streets of our barangay so that we have another reliable option to plug in when need arises.
I bet, many are willing to pay for the service.
Thank you very much and I hope that you will consider.
At first glance, I thought it was a just another crawler or insect slayer. When I stare at the ceiling, my eyelashes are still entangled with the sticky eye discharge. Out of discomfort, I closed my eyes, and then I gently massage my upper eyelids with my fingertips, stroking down my eyelashes. It eventually removes the tiny specks that cling at the ends and refuse to let go. They remind me to hold on in spite of the difficulties.
I open my eyes again, and then, I realize that the crawler is just an elongated hole with paint erosion. It looks like a lizard on a blurry vision. It reminds me not to believe what you don’t clearly see. After all, a mere observation is not enough to substantiate a fair judgement.
The lockdown triggers melancholic emotions
The engine rev noise from the nearby alley brings me to my senses. When I got fully awake, jarring life realities strike me like a bullet. Fast and hot. It causes a massive shock. Vivid visions of failures and a marquee of sorrowful memories roll like phantasms. They remind me of my frailties, my weaknesses, the dreams that withered for good, the goals that were never achieved, and the opportunities that slipped away.
These kind of visions reoccur more frequently during the lockdown. The cramped space at home, the limited vantage point to gaze, and the unnerving feeling of stagnation draw me closer to despondency.
Melancholic look comes naturally when you endured it the longest time
Normally, I don’t give a damn to all those debacles. I already learned my lessons. But, difficult times trigger melancholic emotions. I try fighting it, but I always yield. In the end, my tears rush down to my cheeks, and then to my ears. Yes, I cried almost every morning this quarantine period, and I feel relief every time I do so. It all happen unconsciously, though. It acts like a natural vent that releases my extra loads and keeps me from shattering into pieces.
Do you think crying is unmanly? I don’t!
Sometimes, I think of getting a hotel room in order to alter the atmosphere that I wake up to. That is because I believe that new surroundings offer new perspectives, and eventually, fresh and clearer mindset. Sadly, the circumstances wont allow me.
Since Cebu is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), I cannot even go back to my hometown to seek for my parents’ consoling and assuring words. I also miss everyone at home. The longingness adds another layer of torment to the prevailing pain.
With no other option left, I rise from bed, go straight to shower, and then log in to my work computer. At the end of the day, I need to continue with my life and my job. I also need to earn to put food on our table.
Travel spares me from pain
I really wish that I can return to traveling. Travel relieves me from all the pain.
The joy of seeing new faces, learning new histories, understanding new cultures, and gaining more experiences drags me out of depression. It makes me forget the sufferings of the past temporarily, while cementing essential life lessons within the entirety of my wellbeing.
Traveling is a continuing education. It may not make you a master on a specific field of art or science, but it gives you deeper understanding with life, the community, and the people around you. After every cultural immersion is a life-changing realization and after every historical discovery is a consequential enlightenment.
Travel exposes you to several contrasting life realities, which in turn gives you sense of compassion, acceptance, and tolerance. It helps you comprehend the context of ups and downs, and therefore, teaches you how to endure yours.
Travel brings pure, unadulterated bliss
Unfortunately, traveling at the moment does not bring something favorable. With the pandemic still looming, it may get you, or anyone surrounding you, infected. We don’t want another wave of infection to happen. It will only prolong the agony.
My travel plan
Though the rising number of deaths is disturbing, hearing the news that many people are recovering ignites hope. I believe that anytime soon, many of us can return back on the road and explore places. Personally, I want to trace back the fading pathways to the country’s hidden beauties.
When things get back to normal, even if it is the new normal, I will also tick off an item on my bucket list. I plan to visit all the 81 provinces of the Philippines. With few more left, I am more inspired to complete it.
Travel also offers you peace and solitude
Batanes, Cagayan, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Dinagat Islands, and Davao de Oro are the elusive ones. I made several attempts in the past but I was stopped by various factors, such as weather disturbance, personal emergency, or armed conflict. That is why, I am determined to visit them within the next twelve months after the community quarantine has been lifted.
I want to revisit the place that inspired me to create a travel blog.
But before I go ticking off the items on my bucket list, I will head to Coron first. I want to revisit the place that inspired me to create a travel blog and check if it still exhibits the same captivating charm and displays the same unparalleled beauty. It was been eight years since I first set foot on the island. I wasn’t able to get a chance to return since then.
I was on my early twenties when I was captivated by the beauty of Kayangan Lake
Coron, though I was there once, remains a dream destination for me. Coron is my first love.
The excitement brought by nostalgia and the thrill of seeing one’s first love are the things that I really need after the lockdown.
Pre-travel preparation
I am a budget traveller, so I plan ahead to save money on my adventures. Aside from booking flights in advance, finding budget hotels is a top priority. I don’t look for fancy rooms. A well-ventilated flat with a nice smelling bed and a functioning shower works for me. Having a small window is not compulsory, but I want it as a consolation.
After securing the flights and accommodations, I will proceed with my research on how to save further, such as looking for cheap dining spots, pasalubong bargains, public transport route, and free attractions. I will also start saving for my pocket money.
Life is so beautiful, do not end it
The world is cruel, sad, and chaotic; and so is life. But if you go outside the confines of your comfort zones, you’ll be introduced to a lot of wonderful things and marvelous creations.
Let us travel and see each other after the lockdown. Despite the intermittent hiccups, the world remains beautiful and life remains sublime. Endure it. Do not end it.
The work from home arrangement reduces instances of personal interactions, which then reduces the chance to establish a cordial relationship. Professionally, such relationships are not necessary. But for you to strive in the workplace for a long time, you must secure your support systems. They help you brave difficult circumstances and calm you down on tense situations. They show different perspectives or give you differing opinions, which then enlightens you and eventually alters your course away from insubordination.
Social contact is a factor
Technology is available to reach out to those support systems, but it doesn’t work for me. I couldn’t be too personal over electromagnetic frequencies. Though my personality is introverted, social contact is still a significant factor for me to cope with all the relentless personal and social struggles.
Since I am an introvert, I keep and trust a few individuals only. But not seeing them for a while makes me feel alienated. Talking to them online doesn’t strengthen the connection. It just feels like interacting with strangers on Reddit or engaging with heated discussions with someone you just met on a comment box. Digital words don’t seem to have weight.
Now that we don’t see each other more often because of the pandemic that forced us to carry out the work from home setup, my anxiety surfaces again.
Travel eases my fears
I travel every now and then to compensate for the lost social contact and to spend time for my personal wellbeing and mental wellness. I also travel to suppress my anxiety. New culture, places, and experiences earn me new life lessons, which I could use to survive the upcoming strains.
Now that traveling is restricted, there is no other channel left for me to vent out.
Saying no is rarely an option
If you are not aware, I grow more fear as I gather more concerns and responsibilities. I tend to accept every assignment and request to prove my worth. I actually have no idea why I continue to do so. When they begin to pile up, even though they are still manageable, I start to feel uncomfortable.
I work on a clean and empty table, that is why, if I find that my plate is filled, my worries get agitated. With several other factors on the horizon as well as life uncertainties, everything goes beyond control. My anxiety attacks, and I have no support system to depend on. Moving within a restricted space is not helping at all.
Working with me becomes more difficult. I have a tendency to get easily frustrated and irritated.
Therefore, I will also take this opportunity to say sorry to all my workmates whom I offended and disappointed these past two months. I am sorry if my voice sounds mean to you. I am really sorry.
Depression, like anxiety, haunts me
I tried to stop thinking and watched things that are funny on the internet, but they were just temporary remedies. Also, watching inspirational videos only triggers unresolved emotional episodes. Hence, they bring more torment than solitude.
When I lie down at night to rest, a marquee of sad visions and life horrors roll like ghosts that haunt me in my nightmares.
Sleeping is difficult, but keeping sane is harder.
With my work station facing the west, only the glass wall separated me from the sunset. I was seated at a perfect vantage point. At first, the sunburst drapes from the stratocumulus openings. It gave an alternating shade of light and dusk to the mountain ridges that bedeck the foreground. Then, as the sun disappears from the horizon, vivid hue of red and orange painted the welkin. A stunning contrast that was.
Isn’t it ironic? No matter how hard life is, there is always a beautiful sunset waiting at the end of the day.
The clinks of the keyboard keys dominated the room. But, sometimes, mouse clicks competed in a rather incompatible rhythm.
Since it was a Friday, my office mates left early; returning to their hometowns and getting reunited with their families. I was left alone at work.
The sunrise is always stunning at the peak of Mount Kiltepan in Sagada
The Sad Reality
While shuttling between my desktop and report printouts, I noticed my phone flickered from my peripheral sight. My mom texted that my sister gave birth to a baby girl.
I did not consider it a good news—not a bad news either. I was confused. I was depressed. I was a bit upset.
I was aware that my sister stopped from schooling when she learned she was pregnant. However, my being was still very resistant on accepting that fact.
Memories rushed back. A marquee of childhood photographs and vintage animations rolled like phantasms. I remembered how the innocent and seemingly timid young girl transformed into a fine and intelligent lass.
I am a sunset chaser and this is one of those beautiful ones caught with my lens in Siargao Island
The family had high hopes on her. I also recalled her implicit promise to get a degree and help me out from my bondage. Yes, being the eldest, I was tied with the responsibilities I inherited from my parents.
I helped sending two of my sisters to college and I made a lot of sacrifices by doing so. I did not go on a date. I minimized my travels. I couldn’t even allocate a small amount for savings. So, when one of them conceived, I was totally hurt and disappointed.
I didn’t confront her. She didn’t talk to me as well. But despite the disappointment, I totally understood. I was completely aware that she was still young, and she might be equally perplexed and sad. She needed support more than anyone else in the family.
I spent holidays and weekends on travels, connecting with friends, and crossing out items on my bucket list. I went on a splurge discovering beaches, waterfalls, foodie spots, urban jungles, cultural sites, and historical monuments. I’d been to backpacking trips overseas without even informing my parents. That was an era of my revolt.
There was a long period of disconnection. Until one time, I suddenly missed everyone at home.
I immediately noticed this young child practicing her first walk. She plodded towards me and gave a tight yet gentle grip on my jeans. She looked at me curiously and tried to recognize me.
I met my niece for the first time. Her eyes were beautiful and her smiles were genuine, contagious as they seemed.
Our Angel with her Mama (center), Lola (left), and Tita Mae Ann (right)
I did not notice that I shed tears until I saw droplets on her cute cheeks. My reluctance was overpowered. I reached her side with both hands, lifted her up, and carried her snuggly with my arms.
I believe that this is what love is all about—acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and understanding. Family always weigh better than individual happiness and sacrifices.
We have a new angel in the family. And yes, my sister named her Angelica.
Her giggles positively affect everyone. She’s the entertainer during family gatherings and the spreader of good vibes.
I fully forgave my sister and fervently accepted our young angel. I believe that this is what love is all about—acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and understanding. Family always weigh better than individual happiness and sacrifices.
We want to show the world that the child who was unwanted at first brings back the warmth and compassion in the family.
I know I will stay long as breadwinner and running away is not an option.
Angel is now 3 years old, but she remained our baby. We will continue to protect and guide her. We want to show the world that the child who was unwanted at first brings back the warmth and compassion in the family.
Travel, for me, is a major stress reliever. That scene with a blue sky reflected on the sea beneath, which gentle ripples broke towards the white sand strips that freckles the edges of the island back dropped with verdant massifs is a pure bliss. Then at night, you can see the stars flecking in the sky, while you are comfortably lounging on your hammock with both ends fastened on steadfast beach trees.
Travel allows you to gaze at awesome amalgamation of greens, get pampered below the draping waters of majestic cascades, stride through vast prairies and lush fields, paddle across translucent seas, grace vibrant sunrises, witness vivid sunsets, and a lot more.
While I experience a lot on my jaunts, there’s one thing I really need to cross out from my bucket list—toppling the summits of at least three of the Philippines highest peaks.
Mount Pulag’s summit is always a dream for me. I look forward of seeing that sunburst piercing through the thick cloud beds rolling out at summit-level like futon.
The view at the top of Mount Apo is a lot stunning too, and experiencing it personally is a fulfillment. The interesting flora along the way adds an element of belonging to nature.
Unlike any other travels, mountain climbing is a lot more challenging. It requires careful preparation. Aside from strengthening your physical stamina, you also need to invest on important gears that will help you sustain and survive the extremes you encounter during the climb and while at the summit.
Shopback’s Win a Wish Contest
That’s is why I am joining Shopback’s Win a Wish Contest. I wish that with this promotion, I can start with my first major ascent. I am listing the items I need on my mountaineering stint. These items are available from Shopback‘s partner merchants.
List of my Shopback Wishes
Jack Wolfskin Highland Trail XT 50-Liter Backpack is durable, lightweight, and waterproof, which is perfect for overnight climbs. Its breathable mesh pads and adjustable frames makes every hike comfortable. Jack Wolfskin Highland Trail XT 50-Liter Backpack is available at Sierra Trading Post, one of Shopback’s partner merchants that specialize in outdoor gears and sporting goods.
Jack Wolfskin Highland Trail XT 50-Liter Backpack (Photo from Sierra Trading Post)
Marmot Ajax 3 Tent features Lightweight DAC® aluminum Press-Fit poles which is both durable and lightweight. Climbing would be easier if the loads you carry will not drag you down. Marmot Ajax 3 Tent is also available at Sierra Trading Post.
Marmot Ajax 3 Tent (Screenshot from Sierra Trading Post)
Marmot Cornice Gore-Tex® Jacket is an excellent protection for night chills at the summit. Since the jacket is water-tight, the rainforest humidity will not be a problem. The medium-sized, dark rust color version is a good fit for me. This nice jacket is available at Sierra Trading Post.
Marmot Cornice Gore-Tex® Jacket (photo from Sierra Trading Post)
Merrell Capra Bolt Hiking Shoes – Hiking wouldn’t be safe without wearing an appropriate and comfortable hiking shoes. Merrell’s Capra Bolt Hiking shoes have soles that would surely hold on the most slippery surface and sustain the most challenging trails. This pair is available a Zalora, Shopback’s partner for fashion wears as well as sports items.
Merrell Capra Bolt Hiking Shoes (Screenshot from Zalora)
Walkera iLook+ Cam Set – Of course, to capture the memories of the climb, the sceneries along the trails, and the rest of the actions, a well-performing action camera would be a nice partner. Walkera iLook+ camera comes with a 12MP sensor capable of capturing ultra-wide photos and 1080p videos. The Walkera iLook+ 12MP Cam Set could be bought at Gearbest, also a Shopback partner merchant.
Walkera iLook+ 12MP Cam Set (photo from GearBest)
About Shopback
Shopback rewards you with cash whenever you purchase to their online merchants.In order for your to get the cashback reward, you must course your purchases through the shopback website. Shopback also lists the existing promotions and sales of their partners. The most popular are the Payday and End of Season Sales. Shopback actually makes online shopping rewarding.
To make a purchase and earn a cashback, you must visit Shopback.ph. Select among the 500 merchants listed. Click the shop now button and make sure you read and understood the “few things to note” stated on the pop-up window. The website of the partner merchant will open, and from there, you can shop worry-free.
Every successful purchase entitles you a cashback of up to 12%, depending on the online merchant.
Getting a smartphone is essential nowadays, most especially if your work and daily life demands more connectivity and social engagement. Every smartphone should come with excellent data connection to meet your internet requirement. However, if your smartphone always lag and your mobile internet is slower than molasses in January, you couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced world of social media.
To maintain a constant interaction to the mainstream media, getting a reliable data plan bundled with a fast-performing smartphone would be a practical option. This would come a great price, nonetheless.
An iPhone is a way too expensive for a cash purchase. The reliable and steady data network is another money story. But, I believe you will agree with me that everyone is willing to spend money for internet, as long as it is dependable wherever you are and whenever you wanted to.
Smart’s iPhone 6s Plan 2000 Fits the Need of a Travel Blogger
That is why, I am very glad when I hear that Smart offers an iPhone 6s for its Plan 2000 without any cash out, just exactly what I need. The iPhone with Smart connectivity fits a travel blogger like me. It will serve as my camera on-the-go, a travel companion, a note keeper, my GPS, my organizer, and even a tool for me to publish my blog articles. With Smart’s excellent data services, I could easily connect to the internet to share my experiences, interact with my readers, research on “what to dos” in every place I go, and even contact my family and friends in case of emergency.
When I get an iPhone 6s Plan at Smart, I can save as much as 40,000 pesos (the device’s price if bought without a plan). I only need to pay the monthly fee of 2,000 pesos, which is a very cheap price for the 10GB of data per month and the All-Month Surf package.
The All-Month Surf offer allows me to connect to social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter; accommodation and transport booking apps like AirBnB and Uber; email services; and messaging apps like Viber, Whatsapp, Line, and Messenger without eating up the 10GB data allocation for my streaming and browsing needs. What does that mean? Just in case I used up my 10GB before the end of the month, I can still connect to Facebook and other social media outlets via the All-Month Surf. Awesome! That means that I will never get disconnected.
When talking merely about the savings from getting an iPhone 6s from Smart’s no cash out plan, you can still pocket a lot of savings compared to the competition.
My savings plan and what I want to do from the savings
With the money I save from Smart plus the additional cash I got from work, I could gift my parents a humble yet unforgettable Christmas vacation. But thinking about their nature, they’ll probably decline. They don’t travel unless we are with them, especially their favorite grandchildren. So, I’ll skip that for now and will talk to my siblings on a certain savings plan that could bring the big family to a long holiday trip.
So instead of a family vacation, I plan to host a noteworthy Christmas Eve dinner with all the family members at home including my grandma (my only living grandparent), my aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Our previous Christmas Eves had been really sentimental. If not because of a scarce fund or misunderstanding, there was passing of a relative and any other untoward difficulties.
I have no idea why when holiday season approaches, we are bombarded with a lot of life challenges.
This year, I would like to change that Christmas Eve trend. I want it to be all about fun, sharing, love, and forgiveness. And, I won’t let any obstacle to stop us doing it.
I will use everything that I save from Smart’s iPhone 6s plan to fulfill that plan of mine. I want the family to experience a Smart Life this December.
