When I was a kid, my dad would always take charge of my maintenance procedures when it comes to my wrist watches. That would include my regular watch battery change, repairs, etc. I dunno if dad was assuming I can't handle the affairs of going to that watch repair man in the market (mahal daw kse sa mall), that's why he opted to be the one responsible for the task. He did these sweet little assistance things until I reach college.

Last December I finally bought a watch for myself. The old one was given to me by, who else but dad. After a few months, my new watch stopped and it needed battery change. I resolved that I won't ask my father's assistance anymore coz, hello! Ang tanda ko na! I'm no longer dependent on my parents so I should handle these small things on my own, "ideally".

Fortunately, I didn't have go with the hassle of doing things after he said, "Okay, let me. I'll have it fixed."

Hehe. For some it may sound like some small gesture that should not be given any big deal. But come to think of it, don't we have times in our lives when we thought we're big (or strong) enough to handle things that we don't need much of God's hands?

I believe that regardless of our age, accomplishments in life, level of strength, power, or independence, there are certain things that no matter how small they seem, God will always want to take charge. And why not? Father knows best. He's always there even when you feel like you're already a grown up.

So how do we respond when our Father says "Let Me"?

Ansarap sa BICOL!!!

Yep! I had a one-week vacation with the family in one of the country's tourist destination - Bicolandia! Warm provincial climate, simple folks, tempting pili delicacies, refreshing Sorsogon beach waves, and who would forget, the magnificent Mayon Volcano.

MAYON visit

Our history books tell all its grandeur but one cannot appreciate such blessing of nature unless one gets on the road to have its splendor witnessed. Mayon, coming from the native term "magayon", means beautiful. I must say that beautiful would be an understatement for the scenery is one that it truly divine. The landscape of the region is composed of several perfect triangles - a mountainous land of well-arched slopes. One can compare it to a Bb. Pilipinas pageant where everyone's a beauty contender. But there's only one for the Ms. Universe crown, it's none other than the Mayon Volcano. If Gloria Diaz had perfect facial dimensions, so as this elegant volcano with its engineered-like structure - tall, magestic, and perfect!

Every kind of mountain, hill top, volacno, would only be some sort of a bulk of piled up land when one has seen the Mayon volcano. All of a sudden, my well-loved Mt. Makiling failed to figure in my life. hehe!

Sorsogon Waves

Before the Mayon Shrine and Cagsawa Ruins tours, we first spent a 1 day/1 night time in the beach. I could not recall if the accurate name of the resort is Fisherman's Resort/Beach, whatever. The beach has always been a favorite. Waking up in the morning with the sound of the waves is something, I bet, a lot would envy. I brought this book by Bo Sanchez, "Simplify and Live in Abundance". Just the right prosperity-inspiring book when you're down in the richness of the sand and the sea. 

Sorsogon is not as remote as most of us think. In fact, its people have complete access to basic facilities like education, health care, etc. Their main highway and roads are all well constructed. The best part, the gentleman from Sorsogon is one of the cutest, if not the most makisig congressman of the country. At the entrance into the province of Sorsogon, you'll get to see this captivating billboard with the image of the native pawikan and Rep. Francis "chiz" Escudero.

Family Time

Nothing compares to the time spent with your own family. You feel secure, loved, and happy. Some undermind such blessing when in fact, there are a lot of people who are wounded and deprived of the love of a family. I won't trade that special time I had with anything else. God has been really good - giving the grace of salvation and embracing us in His family. 

P.S.: It has been delayed for two days and yet I haven't got my vacation pics posted... promise, next entry you're gonna see the beauty that is Bicol!

Let me rant about this. It's proven. The MRT is now considered the best venue to showcase the disturbing lack of discipline and inconsideration of the Filipinos. Here is a detailed account of my single journey experience in the Philippines' supposedly finest public transportation system.

Pls Fall in Line.

I'm just not the type who would stick so closely to the person in front of me when I'm in a ticket line. Had I known that it would serve as an opportunity for another to inconsiderately take my place in the line, I could have stood so close to the person in front that I can almost be accused of sexual harassment.

Give way to the people coming out of the train.

It's the male specie who usually does this. Read:

Guy: Bilis, bilis! Pwede na yan! Pasok na! (pushing me inside)

The last person to come out of the train actually spent a good 5 minute struggle before he was able to successfully step out. He had to bear all that pushing like he's being coerced to get back inside. Imagine?!

When space utility has reached its maximum, just wait for the next train.

And for Filipinos, "maximum space utility" is a completely relative term. As long as they can get their ass in, they wouldn't mind if someone would suddenly suffer an asthma attack due to the lack of breathing space. By now, you can just imagine my small frame looking even smaller as I am experiencing maximum body squeezing.

I quote from the 3 guys who possess all the cruelty in the world to get inside the jampacked train.

Them: kasya pa! kasya pa dali! may space pa!

Me: (halos mamatay na sa sikip!)

I repeat: Give way to the people coming out of the train.

No, I did not allow myself to be taken advantage of this time when I reached Ortigas.

Close to being scandalous I guess, I got myself shouting in front of all those people who wouldn't even lift a finger to temporarily get off the train first so they can give way to us. My golly! they've been doing that the entire travel time. They've been ignoring all the "excuses me's" and "please" from the passengers who were to leave. And so they got their eardrums hurting from my loud proclamation of "Pwede bang lumabas muna kayo para makadaan kami?!" "Ano ba!!!!!!"

Don't get me wrong. I never ever make a scene like that. Yes, I am guilty of accidental slips and embarrassing stunts when I walk but never of shouting to people. Reality just gave a strong face tonight. And yes, it's hopeless. We are a poor, undisciplined nation (period).