There's No Place Like Home: A Pause from City Life

I am now enjoying a weekend rest day (something I didn't experienced for more than three years in my previous job). This time I now have enough time to go wherever I want or do whatever I want to do. Unlike before, where I used to work six days a week and day off always falls on weekdays.

What makes me super excited this weekend is goin to my town, Talisay, Batangas. The place where I was born, the place I call "home". It's really relaxing whenever I see how simple life goes in Talisay. For I know that my online life will stop temporarily . No updating of Facebook status and "liking" of photos and comments and no emails to answer. No site visits and meeting to conduct. No stressful traffics to avoid. Everything is just plain simple and unhurried.


Im looking forward as well for a great weather. I want to smell the fresh air which I will never experience in Manila. In the morning I'd like to sit in our window while sipping hot "kapeng barako", coffee where Batangas is known for. From our window you can easily view the beautiful lake and volcano of Taal.


I also miss home-cooked foods. I remember the last time I went to Talisay where my "Nanay" cooked my favorite food, sauteed squash and string beans in shrimp paste and grilled "tilapia" with soy sauce, chili and calamansi. She also prepared "pancit" for merienda. Green mango was also served. These were the food I miss whenever I am in Manila. I used to spent a lot buying in fast food chains. I must admit, these foods are appetizing but time will come and you will still miss the food cooked with love by your mother. That is one of the reason why I always want to go home. Another thing that reminds me that I'm no longer in the city is that you need to get a pail of water in the "poso". You'll get sweaty because you need to pump (bomba) just to fill the pail. That feeling makes you to hurry more and wet your body with fresh water you worked hard for. There's no MAYNILAD or NAWASA, no faucet! You will really work hard for every water you are going to use.

I want also to dip my feet in Taal Lake. I havent done it for a long time. I cant recall when was the last time I swim there. That's the place where I spent most of my childhood swimming with playmates. I can recall those days when I was fishing with my Dad and my uncles using our homemade fly rod (bingwit).

I want also to see those seabirds that my sister is telling. She said that there are now different of species of birds in flocks, in different sizes, flying altogether while building incredible aerial formations. I want to take a photo of it.
But the best part I want to see this weekend is to chase the sunset. The shore near our place is perfect for sunset viewing. You will see how the lake water will sparkle in gold as the sun is hiding slowly in the western hill. Its a really a sight to behold.


Im now looking forward to spend more days with my family. Now I truly understand why some people choses to stay in the province. I know deeply understand what laid back really means. No pressure, unhurried, and plain easy.

Oh wait, another reason why I am excited to go to Batangas is because we are about to celebrate the town fiesta next week. Its the Feast of San Guillermo on the 10th. My sister told me that there will be some events like "Mardi Gras" which will be participated by different organizations and school. That's what I missed last year. I wasnt able to witnessed how my alma matter beaten all the contestants in the first ever streetdancing competition. This time I want to watch this not just to support my school but to see my youngest sister as well who is a member of the BBSM Dance Troupe. They will defend their title. I hoping them all the best. Hope they retain the title.



I want also to see the "perya", our merryland (mini carnival) and "tiangge" (Bazaar). My boss is asking for a pasalubong.

More importantly, I want to visit my father. Yes, In his tomb. Though he's no longer physically existing, I know he's still watching us. I miss him.

These weekend will surely be spent well and best enjoyed with my family. I just realized, even if you choses to go somewhere far, time will come and you will find reason to go back to where you really belong. Indeed, there's no place like home.

Hey,I need to pack my things now. I need to catch the last bus trip in Buendia. See you next week! Let me know what will happen.

I'll try to update my FB with my mobile. I just heard that there is promo called SUPER FREE WEEKENDS, where I can get FREE 200 texts to ALL NETWORKS + 1 hour of cellphone internet from Saturday to Sunday when you load* at least P199 from Monday to Friday! I think I'm qualified. For more info type SUPERFREE INFO send it to 8888. Need more details? Click the link.

For more promos and updates log on to http://globe.com.ph

How to Travel Safe and Light? (Our Experience)

Nature tripping is one of the best way to relax and escape from the tiring and hassles of city life. That's the reason why whenever my friends and I find some time, we definitely try to go for some adventure outside the metro. And of course, we always prioritize our safety and convenience.





TRIPOD at the shoreline of Anilao, Mabini, Batangas


At the peak of Mt. Gulugod-baboy, Batangas


GO Leslie!

Speaking of safety and convenience, backpack is one of those that provides these during your trip for obviously, this is where all your stuffs home. It is necessary for all the travelers to choose the best or the appropriate backpack to be used. I was reading some travel blogs last time and I found out that Pacsafe provides slashproof and and other anti-theft security features. VentureSafe 20L Adventure Daypack catches my attention which is perfect for our out-of-town trip this month in the becoming popular destination in Zambales, Anawangin Cove.


Check out Pacsafe’s superior features:

* eXomesh® Slashguard in front, side and bottom panels
* Slashproof adjustable shoulder straps
* Snatchproof shoulder strap allows the bag to anchor to a secure fixture
* Tamperproof zippers
* Zippered main compartment and front pocket
* Side mesh fabric water bottle pockets
* Padded adjustable shoulder straps and sternum strap
* Padded air mesh back support
* Side compression straps


Another Bag that hits my interest is the Slingsafe 200 Anti-Theft Sling Purse which is a versatile shoulder bag that is very appropriate for a short day trips that can accomodate all your important stuffs. Aside from its security features, it has a headphone port. Its perfect because aside from sight-seeing, I love listening to my playlist during the travel.


Slingsafe 200 Anti-Theft Sling Purse is a versatile and lightweight shoulder bag with 4 anti-theft features. Great for short day trips without weighing you down with excess gear. What makes it different? It has slashguard in front panel and Slashproof adjustable shoulder strap. Snatchproof shoulder strap allows the bag to anchor to a secure fixture – Tamperproof concealed safety hook secures front flap, main compartment and zippers – Main zippered compartment – Internal snug-fitting mobile phone / PDA / digital camera / mp3 player pocket – Internal back wall zippered pocket – Front zippered pocket – Rear slip pocket – Headphone port

For all the beginners, here are some of the other useful tips that might help you guys whenever you go out-of-town. These are all based from our experiences, so I guaranteed you, this would be a great help.

BEFORE THE TRIP:

Create a checklist of the things that you will need. Its hard to get one if you left something you will need the most during the trip.

Know how long the trip is for you to know how much money you will be needing and how many pairs of clothes you will be using.

Try to minimize the things that you will be bringing. Just put in your bags the most important and the most useful ones only. Try to avoid bringing so much clothes and accessories. Have a pouch bag for your toiletries so that it will not scatter in your bag.

Instead of folding your clothes, it is better to roll it before putting it in your bags. Rolling the clothes saves space.

Dont forget to bring first aid kit and other medicines.

If you think you are going to spend a night in an unfamiliar place, dont forget to bring flashlight and insect repellants. If possible, dont forget to bring jacket/jogging pants/socks to protect yourself from cold weather and insect bites.

You can also bring some plastic bags where you can put your stuffs just in case the heavy rain pours. Plastic bags can also be used to place all your trash to maintain the cleanliness of the place.

Become knowledgeable of the place. There are hundreds of blogs and experiences of some people in the internet that you can read.

Let your family or guardians know where you are going.

Bring an ID everywhere and anywhere you go. And if any, dont forget to bring your Health Card just in case of emergency.

Be updated with the weather forecast. Its important to take a weather check before going anywhere.

Its OK to be excited, but have atleast enough sleep/rest a night before your trip.

WATER FUN/BEACH ADVENTURE:

Wear on the proper attire when swimming. Dont forget to apply waterproof sunscreen atleast 20 mins before you swim.

First Time - Feet First Rule. Dont just take the plunge to avoid any accident. Dont dive into unfamiliar waters. You'll never know how deep or shallow the water is.

Never swim alone. As much as possible, swim in a group. So that there is someone to help you if you get into difficulty. Remember that "even good swimmers drown."

Make sure you always have enough energy to swim back shore.

Beware of fog. Its easy to lose sight of the shore and get lost in the dense fog.

If a lightning storm is starting, DONT SWIM. Its an electrifying experience you want to avoid. Stop swimming at the first indication of a bad weather.

Be careful of being entangled in seaweeds when swimming. Try not to kick when in seaweeds as it tends to wrap around your legs.

If its your first time in the place, do not swim faraway from the shore, know never know what might happen next. It is important to wear a life vest for your safety.

Never turn your back to the ocean/sea. You may be swept off by strong waves that come without warning.

Dont swim when you are already drunk.

Learn atleast the basic of giving CPR.

TREKKING/MOUNTAIN CLIMBING:

Be polite and show respect to the people you will meet along the way especially the locals.

If possible take a tour guide with you. So that you will not get lost. You wouldnt want to end up walking whole day circling the areas that are virtually uninhabited.

Let other people or especially the authorities know your going up the mountain. There are some places that requires registration before you go mountain climbing. Dont take it for granted, its for your safety.

Firts time hikers must be wary most of dehydration and heatstroke. Drink and bring atleast plenty of water.

Wear sneakers or hiking sandals instead of rubber slippers. Some parts may be slippery and the proper footwear will give you more convenience and safety.

Opt to wear light cotton shirts instead of heavy fabrics. For some its better to wear shorts, but cargo pants or jogging pants are better suited for areas that have higher weed growth and mosquito infestation.

Respect the place. Maintain the cleanliness and natural beauty, avoid vandalism and burning.

Here are some other important things you shoudnt miss to bring:

enough water
Snacks
Sunscreen/insect repellant
Hat/visors
Shades
flashlights
sweater
knife/bolo
first aid kit/medicines
tent (if you want to stay overnight)
plastic bags (for your trash)


Have a safe trip. Enjoy!