The Winner Is The Braver

"If there's one thing you can change in your life, will you change it? "

                    We don't have the power to turn back time and change a thing in the past, that's the very essence of time and that's the very same reason why we should make each moment count.  So why am i talking about time?? well, its because for the past months, my sense of volunteerism had arose. i have been thinking of volunteering for a non-government organization for a long time already but i cant seem make a move.  I had chosen an organization (which is World Child Cancer Organization) before 2012 ended yet I noticed that every time I plan to go there for my orientation, time seems not cooperating.  Its like whenever I get a huge spare time, there office is close but whenever I get a hectic schedule at school, there office is open and available for orientation. I guess time is playing on me because weeks after , I was assigned to coordinate with Cebu Plus, a non-government organization for people living with H.I.V, for my PR class. At first, I wasn't really interested (to be honest) , I mean, Why should I care about it? Id rather choose another organization like an orphanage perhaps. Later did I realize that I was led by time at Cebu Plus for a purpose. A purpose that made me  big impact in my personality.

                                             

As I got in the office of Cebu Plus, I had this feeling that one touch of any thing in that office and I'm done.  That very thought made me a shame of myself whenever I recall it now.  I guess I had that feeling of guilt because I was ignorant that time about H.I.V/ A.I.D.S and now, I realized that being ignorant is basically the reason why we tend to outcast people living with H.I.V/ A.I.D. in the society. Being oriented and informed by an officer of Cebu Plus was an aye opener and I knew for a fact that deep within me, I'm very thankful for the things I learned that day. Its as though before I was to enter the door of their office, I was oblivious and I didn't care but after I stepped out of that very same door, I found that urge to help them spread awareness among the youth.I guess writing in my blog doesn't make sense because people not aware about H.I.V/ A.I.D.S wouldn't really bother to read this (except for the title because i find it weird, hahaha) but then I know that this is a good way to show  my respect and salute to people living with H.I.V/ A.I.D.S most especially to Cebu Plus.Let me start by saying that PEOPLE LIVING WITH H.I.V/ A.I.D.S ARE ONE OF THE BRAVEST PEOPLE I KNOW. Why? because these people chose to live life normally despite the fact that there is no known cure for them yet.  Although a lot of people despise them, they still chose to take life positively and productively.  These people never wanted to be infected (I mean, who does?) but just because the most common cause of the transmission of this virus (sexual intercourse and inject-able drugs) is something sensitive doesn't mean we have the right to judge them disrespect them, and deprive them of their rights. That will not be fair because these people are people with feelings and emotions. they have needs and they deserve to love and be loved. Nobody is perfect. people commit mistakes, we all fall down, but what matters is how we get up.Getting up starting all over again may not be easy for people living with H.I.V but its a good thing that Cebu Plus is making a way to make it easier for them.Cebu Plus had been active in creating awareness to people may they be positive or negative of H.I.V.  Cebu Plus confront my doubts with facts. If before I thought I can be infected just by the sweat or saliva of PLHIV, now I'm not even afraid to share foods with them or even bathe with them in the pool.  Truth is, there are a lot of misconceptions that people have about H.I.V/ A.I.D.S.  Take for example french kissing. French kissing wouldn't infect a person negative of H.I.V because it takes 8 gallons of saliva to be transferred to a person not infected. I mean, PLHIV doesn't have a mouth like that of a faucet for them to be able to create 8 gallons of saliva while kissing, sharing a food or bathing with them, right?? because if they do, don't you think they wont die of dehydration?  That are just some of the many facts we ought to know before judging them. You see? If you open your mind and think, having H.I.V isn't as bad as having Tuberculosis . The difference is just H.I.V/ A.I.D.S has no found cure yet while Tuberculosis can be treated; but then again, You can get infected with TB by just  saliva but you cant be infected with H.I.V/ A.I.D.S with just it. These are just sort of comparisons and I certainly don't have any intention to offend someone. So how come we discriminate or stereo type PLHIV? I too am guilty of this but at least I know better now. Like what the famous reggae icon said, "Before you start pointing your finger, make sure your own hands are clean".

                 I guess the day I landed at Cebu Plus wasn't just an accident and I realized that we cant go back to the past to change a thing, all we have is the power to step forward and create a better future. PLHIV should be a source of inspiration not discrimination because at the end of the day, THE WINNER WILL ALWAYS BE THE ONE WHO'S BRAVER..

AMALAYER??

AMALAYER?? AMALAYER!??? AMALAYER!!!? -- this word had been famous in the internet for the past days and even became the talk of the Philippines. I was kinda bothered what that meant at first because my friends kept posting on their walls and hash tagging it in twitter. The funny thing is it had became an expression already: "AMALAYER" which simply means "IM A LIER"..

So, how many times have you LIED? once? twice? thrice? or you cant count it on your fingers and toes anymore?  Well, lets not be a hypocrite. Everyone has lied, starting since we were five i guess.  There are 29 kinds of lie according to Wikipedia and as I was reading those kinds of lie, the only thing I'm familiar with is the "white lie." White lies are minor lies which could be considered to be harmless, or even beneficial, in the long term. This kind of lie is basically the lie I'm  so good at (high five to those who can relate.)  Ive done this a hundred if not a million of times already, like calling my mom and asking for money because there's this expensive project I have to pay but the truth is I over spent my allowance for non-sense stuffs even before the week is done. I thought to myself its okay because I'm sure that even though i over spent it before the week is over, I didn't use it for drugs or things alike, but I realized, BIG OR SMALL, LIES ARE LIES.. This I guess  I know you've done it too but I believe there's this one very common lie today: the words "I LOVE YOU." Why?  Because it had been used not purely for the intention of loving, many times it is used for something else. You say "I love you" to your parents but you don't obey them; you say you love your friends but at times, you talk behind their backs when they're not with the group; you say you love someone your opposite sex but you leave them when you realize they're not really the one you're looking for. The second most common lie is saying "IM OKAY".. The question is, are you really? lets all admit it, all of us lie to ourselves. We come off strong but the truth is we cry ourselves to sleep. We smile to  mask the pain in the heart. We laugh to conceal the tears in our eyes.  Truth is, many times, were not okay, were just good at hiding-- WERE JUST GOOD AT LYING.  The world is composed with millions of lies that sometimes you don't know what to believe anymore. Once a lie has been told, there can be two alternative consequences: it may be discovered or remain undiscovered. If its discovered, you pay for what you did. Either it may put you in jail, people will no longer trust you, or worst it may cause broken relationships.  If its not discovered, then you keep it to yourself and your conscience will make you pay.

Now, let me ask you a question, DO YOU STILL WANT TO LIE? well, in my case, i guess it depends. By the way, I heard a honest "I LOVE YOU", from my mom and dad. I haven't been a good daughter to them but they never left and gave up on me, and that's when I realized that a true "I love you still" exists. Ive also experienced saying a real "I'M OKAY", when people I love hugs me when I'm not. Yes, AMALAYER and with fingers crossed, Im willing not to be anymore. how about you?

Dajon kamo sa BOHOL!

I was thinking of something interesting to blog lately and since Christmas is around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to feature a very wonderful place to relax and enjoy with the family.

Blessed with abundant greens,amazing culture and warm people, brace yourselves to see lustful sights and amazing adventures-- We got it all in BOHOL! Tourist from all over the world visit its captivating beauty making it one of the top tourist destination in the country.  A day isnt enough to explore Bohol and since I was raise in this paradise, let me give you the TOP 10 reasons why you should visit Bohol. It is my honor and pride to take you to a wonderful journey, "dajon kamo sa BOHOL"!

TOP 10   Ilijan Man Made Lagoon

Watch the sunrise or savor the sunset in Ilijan Man Made Lagoon.  This Irrigation dam is one of the most breathtaking scenery in one of Bohol's town.  Fresh air and relaxing aura keeps tourist visit the place. one can also camp in at night and have their bonfire beside the dam. If you like to go fishing, you might as well cast your bait and get a big catch.  After visiting the place, you can also go food tripping in the town's square since Tubigon is also known for their finger-licking "calamay," "moron," and "lambay." The Lagoon is located at Brgy. Ilijan, in the Municipality of Tubigon.

TOP 9   D.A.T.E Park

Experience the Green Recreational Eco-Adventure at Catigbian,Bohol. The park has the facilities, trained guides and high end equipment to offer. The equipment (cables, harnesses, rope, etc.) are of the highest-standard and tensile strength to ensure everyone's safety.This is a 4-in-1 outdoor adventure experience – from  the Canopy Walk, Monkey Bridge, Trekking and descent through the Mountain Slide. To miss one is not to experience the rewards of the complete challenge. The challenges at Dagook Adventure Tour Experience will definitely prepare one for the extreme challenges of Danao adventure park.

TOP 8      Punta Cruz Watch Tower

This Spanish-era watchtower was built as a lookout against marauding pirates.The site has a small shop selling ice cream, cold drinks, various snacks and souvenirs. Several picnic tables give you a place to sit, all offering a view of  the sea. It's possible to swim here as well, so pack your swimsuits. Punta Cruz watch tower is surely a place to visit in Bohol.

 

 

Top 7 Billar, Man Made Forrest

This forest is an amazing spot in Bohol. Planted by the Boy Scouts in 1950, the trees in the area are growing in number and becoming taller and taller each year.  the place is perfect for pre nuptial coverage and pictorials as well. the trees here give a perfect shade for tourist going to Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills.  You can even open the windows of your vehicles and enjoy the fresh, cool air giving you a Baguio-feel.

Top 6 Danao, Extreme Adventures

 

Danao Adventure Park is one of Bohol's newest and coolest destination that you shouldn't miss.  This park gives you the kind of adrenaline rush that you wouldn't forget. starting from Sky ride which gives you a bird's eye view of the place, to plunge which will take your breath away (for seconds), to its zip line which is recognized as one of Asia's longest zip line and a whole lot more. Moreover, they have Suislide, river trekking, river tubing, river kayaking, wall climbing, village tour, organic farm visitation, camping, rappelling, root climbing, and caving. What are you waiting for, visit Danao Adventure Park now!

 

Top 5     Hinagdanan Cave

Hinagdanan Cave was named as such because of the flight of steps (hagdan) that brings visitors down into the cave. The cave was a haven to the swiftlets orbalinsasayaw birds. These birds build their nest between the crevices of the cave and their nests are prized as they are the main ingredients in making Bird's Nest or Nido Soup.There are different formations inside the cave that looked significant from afar, like the Holy Family stone formation.

Top 4       Virgin Island

The virgin island is located in Panglao Bohol. It can be reach by boat for about 20-30 minutes from the wharf near the Panglao Parish.  Tourists visit this place because of its very fine sand where you can take a swim or go sunbathing.  This island vanishes when the tide is high making it appear as if it is not in its location.  I was able to visit here and trust me, you'll keep coming back as soon as your feet get the chance to step in its world class sand.

 

 

Top 3   Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

 

Bohol is first known because of the very famous chocolate hills.  it has 1,776 hills thats covered in green and turns brown like a chocolate during dry season.  amazing, isnt it? The tarsiers on the other hand are one of the endangered species already that are very well taken care of in Bohol.It is the smallest primate in the world. when you get to take a picture with this tarsiers, they look very cuddly and innocent that you'd like to take them     home.if Australia has koala, Bohol has tarsiers! 

 

 

Top 2    Pamilacan Island

Pamilican Island is situated in the heart of Bohol Sea.  Its name was derived from the word "pilak", a large hook used by fishermen in the island to capture rays and whale sharks.  This Island is perfect for tourist who wants privacy and peace of mind. Some of the attractions you may see in the island are the 200 year old spanish fort, the Santa Cruz at the chapel's altar, the very famous diving spot surrounding the island and its very fine and clean shore.  Pamilacan Island have been visited by professional divers and tourists because of its world class beauty.

 

Top 1   The Boholanos

I have always been proud to be a Boholona. Although I was born in Manila, Bohol has always been my home, my paradise.  I have all the bragging rights to say the least so let me tell you why coming here is a MUST. For our Top 1 reason, Drum rolls please ( drrrrrrrrr...) 

You should visit Bohol because of the PEOPLE. With warm smiles; courteous nature; and compassionate hearts; you'll surely feel at home here. In addition to that, Boholano's are good cooks, I'm pretty sure that they'll fill your starving tummies with yummy and delectable foods which your taste buds won't get enough. These are few of the many reasons why Bohol is captivatingly Bohol. It is a one in a million haven where breathtaking views meets delicious foods and warm people. "Ali Bai, suroy ta sa amo, SUROY TA SA BOHOL!"

When the River Became Calm

"How the hell does a broken heart get back together when its torn apart?"-- A line from the song played by my friend.  It made me smile and for the 129th time, i journeyed again: back to the time when the river's current was fast.....

 Summer after high school, i met this guy whom i don't usually talk to 

before.. we've known each other because of a pageant we both joined. He was tall, about 5'9 i guess, his skin was sun-kissed, he's got a beautiful, expressive eyes, blessed with a very high-bridged nose and he's got a fit body as well. i didn't really like him at first, so did he. I don't know what happened next, all i remembered was the rush of butterflies i felt in my tummy and that smile on my face whenever we see each other. a whirl-wind romance, they say. Months passed and we got to know each other a lot.. We hanged out, I met his parents and he met mine (he was actually the first guy i introduced to my family), and we called it official. We had a lot of good times together although we weren't perfect as couples.  Were practically opposite and rarely do we agree to each other, but one thing is certain: one couldn't go a day without the other.  Yeah, it was the first time that I compromised more than I have to, tolerated even if i didn't like to and risk without even realizing what I'm putting myself into.  I guess there's that time in our lives when we become shallow, naive and dumb while becoming happy and carefree at the same time.

Months passed and the whirl-wind slowly made itself a storm. Everything went rough. The all-night-waiting-for-his calls that led to disappointments in the morning when I checked my phone's call log; the tears cried and dried; the lies; the trying-to-look good moments because we'll be seeing each other that day only to find him saying he'll not make it; the "WHAT IF" moments.............. he was slowly becoming distant and later did i know that, he left. without any explanation, just like that, HE LEFT..  this might sound like crap but really, i don't mean to be cheesy or something, it hurts like hell. like I've held on to something that was never there to begin with. months passed and i don't know what was that he ate and came back asking for another chance. "Yes," I finally decided to give him another chance but things just got off and the same story happened again.  I couldn't cry to my friends anymore because i know its just a stupid thing to do. i held it all when things came crumbling to pieces again.  I cant even tell my closest friends  about what the hell was going on because of the fear to hear them saying "I told you so." for months, I've been running and running until i got tired. ones in our lives, we become dramatic-psychos (forgive me for being one right now). yeah, i was pretending to conceal the hurt i was feeling. some of my friends even envy how i manage to laugh when things arent going well. i guess thats just how unfair and ironic life is thats why I need to play it smart. PLAYING IT SMART then, for me, was synonymous to PRETENDING.


Its a cycle we've been playing. like the line of the song: "you go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me." Its going nowhere. Like i had to be used and lied to for hundreds of time before God finally shook me to do reality check. finally, for almost 3 years, i had the courage to leave, and this time, i made sure that my heart was with me as I go. I don't know where I'm heading to but one thing is certain, i deserve someone better and i deserve to love myself more than anyone else.

I was like a river before. A river that had a very strong current, oblivious of where she's going except for the fact that she'll land in the ocean. And then the whirl-wind came again; and this time, it has brought a soothing and refreshing air for me. the storm had left now, leaving the river calm. I guess sometimes happy endings doesn't include a boy and girl holding hands over sunset. i guess sometimes its more of finding yourself,picking up the pieces and starting all over again..



before i end, id like to share a quotation from my favorite author, I know its out of place but id like to leave you guys with a thought you might want to think about: "CLOSE SOME DOORS TODAY. NOT BECAUSE OF PRIDE, GREED, OR INCAPACITY, BUT  SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY LEAD YOU NOWHERE.." ciao!