10 Things He's Thinking When You're Naked:)

by Kimberly Bonnell and Pamela Satran

1. The webcam didn't do her justice.
2. Only one beer? Check. Ate the Altoids? Check. Pre-date safety orgasm? Check.
3. Please don’t wear the baggy T-shirt.
4. Duuuuuuude...
5. Interesting. Another nipple shape for my mental collection.
6. Who is Mike? And what is his name doing there?
7. Hmm…have I ever washed these sheets?
8. I kinda don’t care if they’re fake.
9. Focus on her eyes, focus on her eyes, focus on her…oh, forget it.
10. Suck in my gut, suck in my gut, suck in my…oh, forget it.


Click here for the original post:)

Isang Litrong Liwanag

Necessity is the mother of invention.

The Organizer

School has already started and I'm too busy to function. Huh? Is that even possible? Now I'm not making any sense. Sigh. I've been preparing for classes and adjusting myself to my new albeit insanely hectic routine. I'm really bad with time management so the busy and hectic part may be an exaggeration. However, it is still true. I'm adjusting to a new school, a new environment, a new language (not exactly new but then it's kinda different because I used to only write it and use it during class reports and now, I'm using it on daily conversations), a new way of teaching, new professors, new classmates and schoolmates, and lastly, a new curriculum (translation: a LOT of homeworks). It's really taking a toll on me. If I don't adjust soon, I'll probably suffer from information overload, brain meltdown. and culture shock. Two weeks down and sixteen more to go. Sigh. I really need to feel more enthusiastic about it. It's my future we're talking about. I can do this. Fight:) I just need to try really hard to learn time management, confidence, and more lessons on vocabulary and grammar.

Putting all those depressing thoughts aside, I tried out my motor skills yesterday. The task was---assembling my organizer. Lol. I know it's simple but I'm usually an impatient person and constructing things isn't my strongest trait. Good thing I tried. I was rewarded with not only a fully assembled organizer but also the realization that I can do anything if I just put my mind into it. If I gave up, my room and school supplies would still be a mess. Yehey:) I just hope I can be consistent and not give up---again.^^

The components of my organizer and the first 'box' I made.

Finished product.:D

My incentive---a mocha frappe. Yum!

My next missions:

1. To LEARN time management

2. To adapt to everything new

3. To not give up

4. To lose weight...hehe.:)

thesis, antithesis, and synthesis

I was browsing my facebook status messages when I came across this post:

THESIS: How can you achieve happiness when every move you make is dictated by societal standards?

ANTITHESIS: How can you not be happy when you can attain that sense of belongingness when you adapt yourself in a group, i.e. society even with all its complexities and standards imposed to every member?

SYNTHESIS: Can't fomulate one due to prejudicial influences.

I was currently taking a Philosophy class at that time and we had a topic about the differences of the three. I was staring at my fb screen and then the thought just rushed out of my mind. This was a product of a philosophical concept with a touch of reality. I miss making something like this. Sigh. I've been too busy to even write something in my blog so i'll prolly settle for a single paragraph about some stuff here and there. Hopefully, procrastination won't get in the way.

ISLAND OF ROMANTICS

Isla Romantica: A brief background

Is.la – island

ro.man.ti.ka – romantic

isla romantika – romantic island, island of romantics

Isla Romantica is a little man-made island located offshore in Alegria, Cordova. The owner, Mr. Benjamin or Noy Ben, shared a little history about his island. He told us that he built the island for five years. Whew! IMO, that’s quite an accomplishment from a single individual not to mention an old man. We then asked him as to how he built the place. He replied that Isla Romantica was naturally a coral island. Noy Ben only improved the edifice. Still, his effort to improve nature’s rough handiwork merits commendation. I’m still not sure why it’s named Isla Romantica. Maybe Noy Ben is a romantic gentleman who wooed a lot of damsels during his time. Based on our conversation, we noticed that Noy Ben is a really kind, humble and down-to-earth individual. With these qualities, no doubt he was able to capture women’s hearts.:D Another reason for the name may be the history of the island. An artist sees beyond what is real and puts his interpretation for something he had perceived. An artist strives to evoke emotions, ideas, and thoughts as well as improve something uninteresting to something fascinating. Noy Ben is certainly such an artist. Nature provided the materials and mold while Noy Ben created something based on his imagination and perception.  His creation is a romanticized version of nature’s work. I praise his creativity and industry in making the Island of Romantics a reality.

Getting there:

 Isla Romantica is situated in Alegria, Cordova. If you’re from Lapu-Lapu City, you can just ride the multicab bound for Cordova either in the Opon market or along the M.L. Quezon National Highway. If you’re from Mandaue or Cebu City, you can ride a multicab headed for Opon, Lapu-Lapu City. You can find the multicabs across the San Miguel Brewery near the gasoline station (I think it’s Petron) or in front of Rose Pharmacy near KFC Mandaue. The fare is only P 7.50. An alternative would be to ride the ferry. Those from Mandaue, tell the driver that you’ll be getting off near the ferry wharf or in front of DepEd Lapu-Lapu or at the side of the Birhen Sa Regla Church. Then, ride another multicab bound for Cordova.

If it’s your first time and you don know where to stop, you can tell the multicab driver to drop you off in Alegria or you can just mention that you’re heading for Isla Romantika. The best advice is to enjoy the ride. If the driver drops you off and you’re uncertain whether it’s the right place, here are the landmarks. The letter signifies where the multicab drops you off.

When you’re certain that you’re in the right place, you can look for a trisikad. They are usually parked across Nicey bakeshop. Just tell the driver that you’re heading for Isla Romantika and they’ll take you there. The fare is only P10.00. If you’re observant enough, you’ll notice that the trisikad will turn right before reaching barangay Gabi near the Alegria Outpost. Upon reaching the drop off site, you can ask the locals as to where Noy Ben is. Tell them that you intend to go to the Isla Romantica. Don’t fret, they will help you. They will tell you to go ahead and wait for Noy Ben near the shore especially if Noy Ben is at home. If you want to stay and wait, you can.  But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk towards the shore.

Follow the red line and go around the gate. You will see a well treaded path which will lead you to the shore.

So green:)

Keep walking...you're almost there.

Ah! The sea. I can almost taste it.

Across the shore, you can see the island already.

View on the left side

It's the island!  

View on the right side

When a kind but silent old man approaches you, do not be alarmed. He is Noy Ben. When we met him, he wore glasses. He is the owner of the island as well as the person who will steer the motorless boat (banca) to Isla Romantica.

The glamour of simplicity

If it’s low tide, you will have to walk through murky waters and muddy sand.

Aw...my poor, poor  cheap slippers.

The 5-10 minutes boat ride will take you to Isla Romantica. Noy Ben uses a wooden pole to steer the banca through nearly shallow waters and a trench. It’s quite amazing.:)

The trench is really distinct.

Isla Romantica

The Island fee

The boat ride is worth P20.00 back and forth. You will only pay P100.00 for the use of the island and its tables and lone cottage. No, I don’t think it’s P100.00 per person because there were two of us and we only had to pay that amount. Pretty cheap huh? Your very own island to use for only a hundred Pesos. If other people will use the island on that same day, you will have to share.:) There’s no first come-first served policy. If you’re feeling generous, you can give a tip or bonus to Noy Ben. He will refuse but if you will insist (in our case, strongly insist), he will oblige. I really think that the island fee is a great value for your money. Unlike other destinations, they will charge exuberant fees for everything (even the use of toilets, entrance, table and water for flushing). Although later on you will discover the simplicity and lack of certain amenities but you get my point, right?

The lone cottage. It has withstood storms, heat, and intense humidity.

Isla Romantica: The Reality

After the boat ride, you’ll then set foot on the small island. You’ll climb up on rocks fashioned like stairs. You may be pleased or disappointed by what you’ll see. The reality is that it’s not a paradise. On the left side is the poorly maintained (for others, shabby) cottage. On the right side are three tables beneath the shade of the Talisay trees. The island’s foundation is made of coral rocks.

The lush leaves of the Talisay tree

Birds enjoying a moment's respite

It's quite shady here:)

The Pros

It is an isolated island. It will offer you a setting depending on your preference. It is a good place for a romantic date, a comfortable family outing or an enjoyable chance for a group bonding. The island also offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. The vivid colors contrasting in the sky presents quite a picturesque vista. The sun’s heat won’t bother you that much because the place is breezy and the Talisay trees serve as a good shade. Staying on the island gives you a chance to reconnect with nature, spend a quiet day alone or with your loved ones, sleep while enjoying the cool breeze and of course, frolic on the warm waters.

clean waters

white sand

tables beneath small Talisay trees

A picturesque sunset

The Cons

The island is still undeveloped with regards to its amenities. The cottage as what I have mentioned is poorly maintained although the bamboo chair/table/bed served its purpose. There is no electricity, no proper waste bin and no toilet.

The skeleton

the view above....

Leave nothing but footprints

Guidelines before going to the island

1. Bring lots of food and water since there are no stores in the island
2. Secure everything you need because it will be quite a hassle getting off the island and going back for something like ice for example.
3. There is no electricity so you’ll have to charge your batteries at home---your mobile, camera, music players, PSPs, electronic books, and other gadgets.
4. Bring plastics for your wastes. Do not leave your trash on the island.
5. Lastly, enjoy!

Expense:

P15.00 (7.50x2) - Fare from Mandaue City to Opon, Lapu-Lapu City (two-way)

P22.00 – Fare from Opon, Lapu-Lapu City to Cordova (two-way)

P20.00 - Trisikad fare (two-way)

P20.00 – Banca fare (two-way)

P100.00 – Island fee

---------

P177.00 – total

Experience – priceless!

It's time to go...:(

I shall return^^

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.
Rabindranath Tagore 

The sweetest stolen moment is spending it beside a loved one; holding hands, feeling each other's warmth, while watching the sunset. ---renkei

?

I'm just wondering why all the days of the week ends in 'y'.... hmmm...

-=Psychedelic Illusions=-

I wasn't really planning to watch the 4th of July fireworks. I wanted to just lie down and listen to my playlist waiting for sleep to knock me out. However, my mom urged me to go and witness the spectacular dancing of the lights. After getting ready in record time (5 minutes), we drove towards the site. Unfortunately, there's no parking space left so we double parked (lol) and stayed near the car just in case. We sat on the ground near the plants and waited. I didn't regret tagging along because I was able to capture an electrifying myriad of colorful display in contrast with the inky black veil of the sky. While we were enjoying the fireworks, the sprinkler suddenly started giving us an unexpected shower. To think that the show is still halfway. Brrr. So, here are some shots...enjoy:)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY:)

incessant babblings

It's already late at night and yet, I don't feel drowsy. All I can hear outside is the pitter-patter of the rain. Inside, only the hum of the air conditioning system and the light crunching of the keyboard keys break the silence. The thing is, I’m slightly nocturnal so I’m not dozing anytime soon. I can force myself to succumb to the bed’s invitation but I have so many unnecessary things to do. Lol. These things can wait but I am too caught up with it. I couldn’t let go. I’m currently resizing some unearthed photographs so that I can upload it on my social network account. For others who will be tagged by the said photographs, it may seem necessary because these are two years of age. It’ll be considered as an uber late post but it’s better late than never. The reason for the late upload is my Achilles’ heel, procrastination. I’m still trying to conquer it, albeit, unsuccessfully. (sigh). At least I’m trying. Sooner or later, it’ll get tired and I will rule. (insert maniacal laughter)

I’ve been busy with some stuff lately. I’ve been trying to achieve my travelling plans before I leave. I know that I still have to face some problems like my passport for one thing or some registration but since I can’t do anything about it (the Philippine government has the control over it), I’ll just wait...patiently...The waiting may be extremely painful but I need to stop worrying about it or I’ll go nuts. I’ll just hope for the best.

Oops, now I’m writing slash babbling slash ranting instead of resizing. Boohoo. Got to get back to my work..:) It’s time to focus, time to get my synapses firing in line. It’s time to put my head down, time to stare at the endless parade of photos ready to be resized. It’s time to start...again.

preview of my unearthed photos:)

 

Holy Week Distraction in Bantayan: Day Three

To read the beginning of ur journey, click here. For our second day, click here.:)

Mysterious dawn

It’s our last day in the wonderful island of Bantayan. We woke up earlier than usual although Nx stayed awake the whole night playing angry birds (well, after the karaoke stint and the mild intoxication). It was around 5 in the morning. We decided to walk along the shore while taking a lot of photos.

rocks of friendship

shrouded beauty

wave's writing

look closely for a minute...she'll turn her head and look at you>:) 

wishin'

signage

mired

bang it!

lost cards

 

literary convulsion

bound for the unknown

sky's enigma

woman on the beach

lost



early morning

washed away letters

blessing from the sky

faith

almost there

remnants

sand's alcoholism

signage part 2

We then ate our breakfast and paid our lodging. Our planned destination was the famous Ogtong cave. We went to the Sta. Fe market and rode a tricycle bound for Ogtong. The fare is P20.00. When we arrived, we paid P100.00 for the entrance and pool. It was a bit exorbitant for sightseeing. We didn’t plan on dipping into their pools and yet, we still need to pay a hundred just for the view.

welcome!

look up

Ogtong cave

I wasn’t really thrilled with the cave. Good thing I enjoyed (a bit) the mini zoo. Here are some photos.

imprisoned

green

are we peculiar?

innocence amidst captivity

bitten

fish surprise

hairy disposition

backside bell

brush you teeth thrice a day

seeking companionship. apply inside.

vain

camera shy bird

cocktail

local iguana

After seeing the few animals they have, we sat on a rusty swing. It creaked everytime we moved.

Ogtong resort's cottage

watery

pathway

step. skip. hop.

remainder from humans

It was already late in the afternoon when we went to the port. Unfortunately, a lot of people decided to leave Bantayan on that day so the ferry was extremely full. We had to stay at the other side of the ramp while waiting for the go signal from the crew. The only good thing that came from it was when we were transferred to their fast craft for the same fee. It was comfortable compared to the regular ferry. Although the air condition system wasn’t that strong, it was bearable. After 45 minutes, we docked. Lo and behold, the difficulties were far from over. There was a really looooooooong line of passengers bound for Cebu. Centuries passed and we managed to board a bus after a lot of shoving, pushing, ranting, and praying. When we reached Cebu, the holiday was over and we are back to reality. We bid our goodbyes and parted.

a jump to friendship

Ren speaks…

It wasn’t my first time in Bantayan but the beaches never fail to please me. As I lazily walked through the long sandy shore together with my friends, I couldn’t help but feel that comfortable friendship, laughter, and fun hanging in the air. It was refreshing and memorable. The paradise not only offered a picturesque vista of pristine beaches, white sands, cool sea breezes and clear blue waters but it also presented a nice view of the sunset and a wonderful opportunity to bond and renew friendships. It was definitely a utopia away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

P.S. Like all tales that must come to an end, so is the bantayan story. However, there will always be sequels:)