D&G in Baguio

Southwind and 88hotsprings were not the gifts. They're surprises to augment a postponed trip. The real birthday gift D gave me was our trip in Baguio.

Preceeding this trip was a solemn wedding that D and I witnessed. The bride and groom were to head in Baguio too; but, we have to be there ahead of them.

The long land travel was fun but it was exhausting on his part; and late at night we reached the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. 

We were greeted by a chilling wind that penetrated to a not-so thick warmer that I worn. He covered me with his jacket that gave me comfort. I was never bothered with cold environment; but Baguio as always brings me to another world. Even at night Baguio is mesmerizing. The pine trees; the winding roads; and the cold atmosphere alienated anyone who lives in a busy district of Manila.

Looking in Baguio and reminiscing the disaster it battled not so long ago gave me the impression of a strong city that rose from whatever nature brings.

There was nothing to do yet at that moment but to enjoy each other's company. The next day would be different as we planned of visiting famous landmarks and tourists spots of Baguio.

Our first stop was Camp John Hay, a former rest and recreation facility for American Soldier in Asia. We roamed around the place and managed to scout things on nearby stalls inside Camp John Hay. The place is nostalgic. Each time I turned my head to other directions; i found scenic view that I have to capture on cam.

D&G in Southwind and 88hotspring Resorts in Laguna

October 5, 2012 ~ I received a bad news from Cebu Pacific that my flight going to Naga was cancelled and re-booking at the same date was impossible. It was a shocking news to think that my bags were packed and a few hours from then should have been my flight. The night before was agonizing; knowing that D wouldn't be able to join my trip to Calaguas as it was a previously arranged tour.

I guess, the news made him happy :) But, on my part; such a disappointment! Then he came up with a plan; so rushed just to compensate what i have lost on that day and to make me happy. D said we just have to go somewhere nice and stay there for a little while. I asked where to go; but he kept it a secret; but he asked me to just bring my things to go on swimming.

October 7, 2012 ~ 2 days before my birthday it was. D picked me up and we headed to Pansol, Laguna. So, he knew the place and been there already. Before checking-in we grabbed some food and bought some groceries at the nearby store.

Digyo Island, Inopacan, Leyte: My first travel with co-bloggers

It was on early May last year when I came across a tour invitation going to Digyo Island. Initially my first thought was "Digyo Island? never heard..." But I was so into traveling that the invites took me searching for the place. I said, joining one of the tours of some co-bloggers that I haven't met would be exciting. Having a first is always exciting anyways.

So, I booked a flight and sent my interest of joining to the event organizer, Owen: the DIY Master. He was very informative on what to expect in the trip; so, i prepared for almost 4 months for the trip.

Awaiting this journey gave me the opportunity of finding more participants. I even advertised it in my blog; hoping for more joiner to emerge.

In a long run; I managed to convince some few friends to join. :)

September 7 came and we started flying to Tacloban where our accommodation was reserved. We stayed in Welcome Home Pensione.We also managed to see Sto. Niño Shrine during our stay in Tacloban. It was just a tricycle away.

Tacloban: A Review on Welcome Home Pensione

Travel Date: September, 2012
Purpose of Visit: Tacloban Tour and explore Digyo Island in Inopacan, Leyte
Travel Companions: Friends and co-blogger
Type of room accommodation: Standard room with 3 single beds and private toilet and bath

Upon arrival at the airport, I had to take a jeepney going downtown to reach Welcome Home Pensione. The jeepneys lined up a few walks from the airport; however, as impatient as I am; i took the van that cost me a 100 peso to reach the place. That was actually a cheap bargain considering that the fare should have been 150 per passenger. It took me about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the place. The hotel was not hard to find as it is located at the center of the city. We chose Welcome Home Pensione as it is just a few steps away from Duptours Terminal where we have to be on a wee a hour of the morning to ride a van going to Inopacan Leyte.

The BEST GIFT 2012 Gave Me: Faith, Hope, Love

I usually do not write anything about the past year as I always believe that moving forward is way better than looking back. However, 2012 had been so kind to me; that writing what it had given me would be the right thing to do to show how thankful I am that God had been so good to me, my family and my friends in 2012.

Tracing the gifts of 2012 is never difficult; as most of them are instill in my mind and my heart:

The early gift of 2012 was the gift of faith ~ 2011 gave us a tragic moment when the family almost lost our light; my mom. But, no matter how difficult the family went through; our family survived this tragic event with prayers; helpful friends and the faith that she will survive :) She did! She survived 2011 and 2012 healed her.. Like a miracle; my mom not only survived death but she was healed. From a stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease brought about by her fatal cardiac arrest; she bid dialysis good-bye :) The doctors were shocked! She was supposed to be forever dependent on the dialysis machine or a kidney transplant. Her recovery is a miracle and WE THANK GOD for this gift as we shared with our hearts the gift of FAITH and HEALING in 2012.