An Endless Ride: Caramoan

I am a reader.
I am quickly satisfied with the scenery and landscape by the works of my sight and my imaginative mind.

I am not a backpacker.
I am not an avid traveler.
But this time around, I gave my chance to enjoy the last days of the summer and go to the beach. 

Anticipating the long hours of travel by land, me and my friends dared to go to the island of Survivor and do the challenge: 

SURVIVOR: CARAMOAN PENINSULA

So there. I spent a weekend getaway with friends from my first workplace, the Government (Dept of Finance) and some of the insta-friends who work with the GFI (Land Bank of the Philippines)

Left to right: Dolly, Tanya, Ella, Jed, Cyril. Ella is the vampire accountant, Jed is the coordinator. He's my previous officemate from the Government then shifted his career to the GFI.

Insta-friends: Josh and Jules (Jules is my friend from Graduate School, so not really an insta-friend), Bianca, Jay-Mar and Vince

Travel time? Okay, accounting duties: 

• Took the sleeper bus from Malate to Naga for 10 hours, with stopover somewhere in Quezon (just before the zig-zag-two-hour-roadtrip)
• Took the van from SM City Naga to Sabang Port for 2 hours
• Took the pump boat trip from Sabang to Guijalo Port, Caramoan for 3 hours
• Took a tricycle for 30 minutes to the Caramoan Town Center and our Inn.

Good morning, Bicol! At 6AM we rode the van with the view of Mt. Isarog in the left window.

 And this is Mt. Isarog on the right side, we are riding the boat from the Sabang Port. 

Hi Mayon! A glimpse of your perfect cone made me realize that I am in the Bicol Region.

So total travel hours from Manila to Caramoan is fifteen (15) hours.

For a start, what is Caramoan? Even some of the Bicolanos never have the chance to go there yet since it became famous during the Survivor episodes. From wikipedia blurb:

Caramoan Peninsula is a hilly peninsula, with deep gorges and a rough, rocky terrain, located in north-east Camarines Sur, Bicol,Philippines.

Caramoan is a first class municipality. But if you compare it with the lifestyle of the metropolitan Manila, it is much simpler, and life seemed slower than the hype of the city life. 

We settled in the town proper, put down our bags and changed into our swimsuits. Then arya! We ate quickly and rode yet again - going to our island hopping for the day.

Travel time? I do not know exactly. I guess it was another 30-minute ride from the Town Proper to the Island Hopper boats. Then we allocated around 6-7 hours for island hopping.

We hopped four islets around the peninsula. Forgive me if I did not ask the names of the latter two islets - but the first two are Matukad and Lahus islets. Matukad, meaning naaakyat (can be climbed, if there is such an english word); while Lahus meant nahahati (can be divided).

Okay, time for pictures~

Island hoppers

Cute islet. Cool for cliff-diving, but for sure, there are lots of jellyfishes!

A glimpse of the Matukad Islet

 Looking up? Cyril does his pose, while on the second photo is a shot taken by Jed, he was on the first half of the trek of the limestone formations.

Lahus Islet Photoshoot

A conquest toward the sky: Vince climbs his way up to see the view of the whole islet - and yeah, for the sake of a good photo. Kids, do not do this for the sake of bravado, okay? Own a life insurance first!!! (Accounting-slash-nanay-adivce)

Cool - this big limestone hanging above us!

A photoshoot to the third islet. Forgot to ask the name, though

 Tsismis-tsismis: The dollar-denominated-resort is a secluded islet, and every commodity is paid in USD. The locales say that this is owned by a kin to the Villafuerte clan. Not really sure if this rumor is true.

Pictures of the other islets

Not really a sunset pose since it was 4PM, but I need to have this taken! :D

Posing on the limestone formations, yet again!

Cool sand! We put them on their bodies and they became Sandmen! LOL I am so corny (Sorry, Neil Gaiman!)

We ended our island hopping at night time and took the dinner together. And the province, being simple as it is, ended drinking and being merry in our inn.

Dinnertime: Ella, Tanya, Cyril, Jules, Josh, Bianca, Jay-Mar, Jed, Dolly, Vince

Then came Sunday morning~ 

Vince and I woke up too early. Too excited to attend the first mass, I guess. Maybe because we both believed that wishes come true when you pray for it in a church for the first time. I woke Dolly and Tanya up so that we can all hear the first mass together. 

The cute thing about it was: THE MASS IS IN BICOLANO! Diak ka maawatan! What I only understood clearly was the priest's acknowledgement to the tourists. In Bicol, he said thanks to the local tourists who roamed around the peninsula and hoped that we enjoyed our weekend stay.

St. Michael Parish Church

Then came breakfast and preparations for going home. We left the inn at around 9:30AM and then we took a quick stop to the church yet again, since some of the friends wanted to have their pictures taken~

This is what we wore before going home. Souvenir shirt at Php150.

Picture with the church, before going home.

And yeah, Sunday became another day allocated for the long travel hours. You know what to do, multiply it by two. HAHAHA. I am such a lazy accountant. 

Caramoan is fun! But you should prep yourself up to survive the long travel hours. And the long hours of island hopping. This is not like my Boracay Trip where the island is a one-stop-shop and full of nightlife. This place will give you the beach-bumming-effect. No hype, just a simple life.

Landscape and peers photos are owned by Jed Ambojia. Read his romantic rants and escapist episodes here. 

The vampire accountant and The coordinator. 

Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books Goes To: Museo Pambata

Hi Fellow Readers!

This is me doing the storytelling. Halata bang first-timer? :)

I started joining book clubs last year, as my response to a friend who invited me to sign up and catalog my books in Goodreads. Thrust into the world of book discussions, bookish shopping, field trips and friendships - once a year they conduct an outreach program - to keep in touch with fellow readers and inspire them to enrich their hearts through the power of literature.

The first outreach that I have attended officially is the TFG Outreach Activity: Kaibigang Ermita Outreach Foundation, Manila. I enjoyed doing the activities, the sharing, and all the fun and feels with the teens, who are inspired to read not only the short stories required by the schools, but also the English novels that are highly recommended. Photos though, are posted officially in the facebook group. You may see the pictures here. (send me a message if you cannot see them, and I shall liaise you to the moderators, thanks)

While The Filipino Group catered young adults, the newest book club I joined named Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books catered to the kids - those who are in the pre-teen, young, innocent, and very-noisy-and-sometimes-annoying-years. This summer, we all have had our field trip to the Museo Pambata. 

Forgive me for shouting this but: ANG SAYA SA MUSEO! PERSTAYM KO KASI!

Again, because of the perks and burden of being a vampire accountant, I was one of the first batch of members who arrived at the museum. And with that, me and Ayban and Jhive have the luxury to have a look-around and enjoyed the interactive tools and colorful sections. 

Before lunch time the other members arrived and we set up the place to where the actual program will be held. Composing of us members plus the 36 kids and two administrators - we anticipated that the program will be full of energy.

Actually, IT WAS A HAPPY CHAOS ALL OVER!

Each member became an insta-parent, having to make bantay the kids. And be with them at all times. HAHAHA, tiring but awesome. 

We have had the tour with them. Cute! Most of us are first-timers so everyone became kids instantly. 

Tour guide Mara was with us. But she let us play first before ringing the bell and going to another section of the Museo

Novelty Jeep is the best ride ever in The Old Manila

Free-reading sessions: Kids are not only enjoying the interactive, but also the exhibited books

Anong amoy nito?

Ella: Magkano dalawang kilo? Kid: Kwarenta. 

"Sandali lang, hindi pa luto!"

"Mangga kayo riyan!"

"Tinapay po?"

When the kids are away, we became kids. THIS IS SUPERFUN!

Ayban and his dream to be a Children's book Illustrator

Ella, the twitter queen, sees all her minions hanging above her - like her free-thinking-thoughts.

Tired but happy

May sunog ba?

After the tour, we officially started our program. With Berto's prayers of gratitude and blessing, we proceeded with storytelling sessions and games. And EAT EAT EAT and being merry with the kids. Afterwards, we officially donated our books that have been compiled for the activity, and gave some backpack to the kids before the school starts.

Joanne, author of Brightest, reads her own book to the kids

Some of the books donated included the Trese Komiks, and I am a fan of the Philippine folklore  in black-and-white graphics

Charlotte acknowledging the overwhelming donations for the kids

"Ano ang laman ng bag? Lahat ito kailangan sa pasukan!"

Gandaah natin, tara - picture!

Everyone is overjoyed and filled with all those heart-warming-feels. We knew then that the activity is very successful, going home with all the smiles in our hearts and enriched souls. 

Members of the PRPB enjoying the success of the program

We're not only riding jeepneys, but helicopters too!

We all felt that in our own little way, we made a miracle that day. 

We were simply grateful.

Photos except me storytelling are taken by Reev Robledo. See his music, pictures, and his upcoming historical fiction here.

Abused Storyline + Heist + Exes = Different Chic-lit

My Imaginary Ex by Mina V. Esguerra

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Having a heist plot with flashback effects and making it fit in a little chic-lit novella is really amusing. I cannot help but gush over the skill of the author having the capacity to put the plot and make it so cohesive, it captured the target market of women and teens who giddy over a good read and the man of their dreams.

While Zack and Jasmine are good friends, they played with the relationship, for the sake of the anecdotes that they keep. You know the memories from the old times that you cherish, or if you're brave enough - told then anonymously through sharing of your experiences? They have that. The feeling of a shared experience is very much present between the two characters. Some girls will feel grateful that they have had that with their special someone, for the memories lingered on and on - especially those good ones.

Zack moved on, and fell in love, but you cannot help but wish that these two friends will cross their paths again and again, and finally, be honest about their feelings to each other and will end up together. Yes, Mina will give you the treat, but the value-added of a weird situation where all exes gather together is a bit of different, but a laughtrip still.

What else? There are still glitches in our femme fatale named Jasmine but we learned to love her character still. And we still learned to hate Kimmy from the eyes of the former. We are still sold to the idea.

And all the feels of mushyness - totally sold. That's why the abused plot plus those different add-ons made this novel very much loveable.



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In Our Darkest, In Our Brightest

Brightest by Johann de Venecia

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Firefly. There is something symbolic about this being. It may not be noticeable during the daytime, but it is when the dark comes, its light shall shine.



Brightest, a children’s book, is about a firefly catcher that got lost in a mushroom patch. As he tried to find his way home, he met a lost firefly. And with a smile they became friends, and both found their way home.

In an orange book with simplistic illustrations, looking at the panels is not enough – albeit it is a children’s book with beautiful sketches, it needs the eyes and the soul of the reader for one to convey its true message. And for me, this book is meant to be read by a parent or a guardian to a kid. The story will make you move in a depth might bring you to tears – for you may pour out all your own stories of darkness, of hope, and of our beauty. By reading this to the kids, we are not just reading the lines, or showing the pictures, but also we are sharing our own stories, teaching the life lessons that one has to impart to another.

For when we’re in our darkest time, we see our own light.
For when we’re about to be forgotten, we tend to remember.
For when we are lost, we are bound to be found.

These are some of the lessons that one should not forget, and these are some that needs to be bequeathed.



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Roaring 20s, Upcoming Movie, and Green Light

After the First World War, a period of economic recession persisted for more than a year. Nations encountered an economic deflation as their recuperation, suffering a period of depression. People having their wages earned from the war are not enough, and as returnees, the unemployment from the civil labor force rose up. Such is the adjustment from the wartime to the peacetime economy.

Then the breaking year came. Economists believed that there is a necessity for the economic adjustment to give way to economic progression. Like the cycle of life, the start of 1922 is a start of a change for the economic lifestyle of the Americans, and liberalization of the economic policies. Roaring twenties became a decade of widespread prosperity – Government growth policies, booming construction as industry and the rapid growth of automobiles. This is also the year where American people are reintroduced to consumerism – since one has adequate fund sources, you are encouraged to spend it in consumer goods.

These golden years also influenced the American Society, having the radio as the most expensive medium, and influencing the societal breakthrough. Many people are being engaged in music, particularly the Jazz as musical genre. Not only had that, but also of the influences brought about by modernization and urbanization, having increased liberal views of sex, alcohol, drugs and homosexuality. The isolationist theory gave way to enhancement of the White Supremacy idealism, having xenophobic tendencies towards the minorities and the foreign.

I may not be an American, and this novel may not be my required read, but in the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, no matter how short the novella is, American situation in the roaring years have been reflected in the sceneries and the characters of The Great Gatsby. Known as a required read for American schools, the story is about Jay Gatsby and his escapades, businesses, and engagements, as told by Nick Carraway, his friend from the World War. Gatsby loves to hold large parties, as he enjoys the intimacy of it, and hoping that one day this will be known to his loved-one named Daisy Fay-Buchanan, who by the way, is married with Tom. It also includes side stories of Tom’s mistress named Myrtle Wilson who is married with George, and Daisy’s friend named Jordan Baker who later became Nick’s girlfriend; and Gatsby’s long-time friend named Meyer Wolfshiem.

Readers may find this classic appealing since it has a love story element and action delivered in a language that is easy to understand. It may be very much different from other classics (like Tolstoy and the Bronte sisters), but for me, this novel best described the American dream, the social politics and human aspiration, and the excesses of the rich and recklessness of the people. I shall not dwell much into detailing the story since an upcoming movie adaptation is coming soon in Manila theatres.

But if one is really curious, the green light is the poetic delivery of the author describing the character's resolve and his aspirations for greater heights - reaching the American dream. One having this scene being written in words that are in form of tall tales is very much remarkable.

citations from chapter 1: “…he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away…”

From Ranting to Rethinking

Dear reader,

Thank you for visiting this review and my blogsite.

In here, I will be able to relax the policy of Php1.00/word and be able to freely write my sentiments to Alan Navarra’s work.

Try to read this book. And if you want to own a copy, it will only cost you Php200 (the number of words in my other review).

Dumot is an illustration – a perfect manual for imploding one’s angst toward his boss, his work, and his anti-social-non-growing resolve. And his will to get out. As a reader, you are able to see irate and angst-y episodes of Michael Perez as an Assistant Department Head of a Communications Division.

Do you see the paradox? He is not able to rant freely because he has to be careful with words. He is, after all, an assistant to the Department Head. He has to kiss-ass – all the time.

Just like those people who want to go up the corporate ladder, one needs to hone political skills. Because the general truth about the corporate world is that managers are the most hated people by most of the workforce. I remember my office mates, both from previous and current work, who do this kind of imploding, and sometimes, when they are at their limit, confiding (and NO, confidential IS confidential, apologies) to me as their stress outlet. 

(Good thing I have my book clubs as my sweet escape!)

Actually, page 1 will make you feel intrigued. The next few pages will make you feel so angry that you either: (a) lose your patience and drop the book; (b) read and rant at the same time; or (c) patiently reading it with excruciating pain. I cannot help but take the second choice. Then comes some statements that are true to the heart, and you cannot deny that at one episode (or maybe at your lowest point) of your life you said the same sentiment.

Being prudent or not, the trash-talks are trash at first, and then you tend to like it too, in a way inexplicable. Maybe because you are slowly turning into Michael Perez, seeing what he sees, feeling what he feels.

From the letter formats, to memo notations, to application forms, to upset alphabetical definitions and “floating thingies”, you learn to love this creation for this is not a novella or a comic book – this is a different type of non-linear illustration. It may not be an excellent read, but it is an excellent example of how an employee faces the toxicity and monotony of a corporate setting – with all the overwhelming workloads, superfluous bosses, tall buildings and never-ending traffic – to the point of just quitting.

TRUE RATING: FOUR STARS.

Post-scripts: 

1. I am a new fan of the author. 

I tweeted him, and he replied. 

(batch 1 of tweets, reading style: bottoms-up; batch 2, reading style: top-to-bottom)

I cannot help but gush when he added this picture:

2. He's now my friend in facebook, so I can insta-link this review to his profile page.

3. I promised to read his other works, for the sake of "research".

4. I shall recommend this book to my bookish friends who want to expand their Filipiniana shelf.

5. "Floating thingies" remind me of the negative spirits that are willing to eat those who can see. Like this guy:

Watanuki being chased by the bad spirits - xxxholic episode 1 by CLAMP

Thematic Reading for May 2013

I invest tears in reading. 

A friend told me Matrons do the same. 

That is why in my book club I have the title - The Matronic Reader. 

To celebrate Mother's Day, I shall dedicate my tears with these books about Mothers. I am not a mother, but someday I will be. :)

Please Look After Mom is a story of the family's search for the lost mother; Battle Hymn is a Mother/Lawyer's take on her upbringing her kids; and The Last Time I Saw Mother is a reunion with a mother who wrote a letter that she is to reveal something about her past.

Here are their synopses: 

Please Look After Mom. A million-plus-copy best seller in Korea—a magnificent English-language debut poised to become an international sensation—this is the stunning, deeply moving story of a family’s search for their mother, who goes missing one afternoon amid the crowds of the Seoul Station subway.

Told through the piercing voices and urgent perspectives of a daughter, son, husband, and mother, Please Look After Mom is at once an authentic picture of contemporary life in Korea and a universal story of family love.

You will never think of your mother the same way again after you read this book. 

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way-and the remarkable results her choice inspires.

The Last Time I Saw Mother. Caridad's mother never writes. So when a letter arrives for her in Sydney from Manila, Caridad doesn't even recognize her mother's handwriting. There is more distance than just miles between the two women. And that is why Caridad is called home. Her mother needs to talk. And to reveal a secret that has been weighing heavily on her for years.

As Caridad hears at last the unspoken stories, and the never forgotten tragedy of the war years, she will learn a startling truth that will change her life forever. For Caridad is not who she thinks she is. . .

A Korean, A Chinese/American, and a Philippine Lit. A healthy dose of the different cultures and different takes of being a mother.

May the Lord of Time bless me to read them all and to shed tears to these mothers. :)