Summer Means Fun

At the boat going to Pandanon

The summer season in the Philippines will be ending soon, but I am uncertain if there were a lot of people who happened to get the opportunity to go outdoors for recreation, to enjoy the beach and to just bask in the summer heat. Since most parts of the world are on quarantine and people are on social distance, travel is kind of an impossible thing to do for now so I guess summer will just go by for me without being able to wallow in it.


Since I cannot go on a summer trip, I will just have to do a recollection of my trip to Pandanon Island in Bohol years ago. I have written an article about it before but I am not sure if I was able to publish it somewhere because I can’t find it, but a short draft about it. Besides, my love life is not teeming with beautiful and romantic stories that would make exciting reads. I am not a travel bug and at most points of my life, traveling is one of the few things I hate engaging into. I don’t know why, but I find traveling an expensive pursuit. 


Most of my friends know that I am a solitary soul. I am a homebody. Alone, I can get lost in the world through books and the Internet. I can be at places far more distant than my imagination can artistically create. But you know what? I have one dream and that is to live in my own apartment in Paris where I can write my best-selling novel and enjoy all the time I have in the world. If dreams do come true, that would be one of my biggest. Well, my New Zealand dream will definitely have to come first.


Anyway, I would like to talk about my summer island getaway years ago. The place might have tremendously changed today, but that was an unforgettable experience worth sharing. That summer (never mind the year), I found a day to forget about the extremely draining heat. Instead, I made friends with sun, sand and sea to experience an amazing summer adventure together with my friends who also love basking under the sun, lazing around the white sugar-fine sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear blue waters. 


Welcome to Pandanon Island: A majestic island paradise in Bohol!


The Philippines is home to many majestic panoramas and beautiful islands with beaches at par with the world’s must-visits. Pandanon Island is among those natural treasures. It is a lovely island endowed with a stretched, winding sandbar that changes with the tide. On a sunny summer day, you could see the mainland of Bohol which is a picturesque reality. It was an amazing sight to behold. 


How to Get There?


Since I was living in Cebu when this trip happened, let us pretend we are in Cebu City. So, from SM Cebu City, we took a 20-minute jeepney ride to Parkmall where we would take another 45-minute jeepney ride to Maribago in Mactan. If you are in a group, it would be best if you would divide the “to-do” list like what we did. We worked on committees like food, shopping, etc., but we booked our trip two weeks before the actual day to make sure that we could get a good boat at a reasonable price. At P3,500, we already had a nice boat enough for 30 people, plus our boatmen were so nice. Though that’s exclusive of the small boat transfer from the shore to the main boat, the snorkeling and the cottage fee in Pandanon Island. The cost was worth it (it might have changed now, sorry).




As soon as we arrived in Maribago, we bought a few additional provisions, like drinking water, soft drinks and beer, ice cubes, paper plates and disposable cups, fish for grilling, and other small stuff. If you would need anything while in Maribago, you can go to Savemore. Few of the group had already cooked rice, pork adobo and marinated the pork chops. Then, after we had everything we needed for the trip, we met with our tour guide. He took us to the docking area where our boat was waiting. Shortly, we were already navigating the sea to Pandanon.


An exciting more or less one-hour pump boat ride will take you to the island. Along the way, you can see several inhabited and uninhabited islets where tourists and beach lovers flock during the best season in the Philippines. You could see jet-skiers, parasailers and island hoppers enjoying the natural wonders.





A festive air, blue waters, amazing beach, and comfortable cottages welcomed us as soon as we arrived on the island. Not too big for an island, Pandanon is a promise of fun and adventure not only for the summer. Seclusion best describes this island where both tourists and locals converge for the same purpose—fun. Although it is less popular than Hilutungan, Nalusuan, or Caohagan in Cebu, there are so many things you can do in Pandanon Island. 


You can take a solitary moment walking and exploring the long stretch of white sand bar. You can enjoy different beach activities like sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, or just relaxing on the beach. Just don’t forget to put on sunscreen protection (lotion) and wear sunglasses. There are also a lot of people you can join in a beach volleyball game. If you are too lazy to move, you can spend your day on a cottage eating and watching different faces and activities. It is also important to note that there is a small village on the other side of the island that you can check out. 


My Pandanon Island experience was amazing because I spent it with my crazy friends who also love the sun, sand and sea. It was a trip to remember, a beautiful and fun experience to keep. 




Lent 2020: A Call for An Act of Penance

Photo by Rodolfo Clix on

For many years, bread, cheese, water, contemplative films, mellow music, and good books complement my solitary existence on the holy weekends of the Lenten Season. That’s how it went for me during those years when I was away from home—and in the four corners of my rented room. 
This year, Holy Week is overwhelmed by the progressing pandemic, the Corona Virus, that affected more than a million and killed thousands of people all over the world. Due to the community quarantine, I can no longer tell what day is it and all I know is day and night. And, I would have forgotten that we are already on the holy week in the Christian liturgical calendar if I didn’t have enough time to contemplate. I have been reminded.
As I lie in a makeshift bed outside the house, I can feel the smoldering breeze of summer piercing through the depths of my flesh and consuming my vigor, and it leaves me with almost nothing but oozing sweat and worn-out feeling. Supposedly, such discomfort will bind those who are on a pilgrimage—a traditional exploit and an expression of atonement—to relive the historic event and the penance of a man who saved the world and humankind. Amid the blistering weather of the Lenten Season, people are alive with their faith and hope that at the end of this, life will be renewed. But this time, it’s never gonna happen. 
Amid the world’s ongoing battle against the cataclysmic COVID-19 Virus, we are called to do our own act of penance, especially in this time of world crisis, with the hope that this Holy Week brings enlightenment and inspiration to everyone!


Hope In Time of Corona Virus

Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash
I find it dismal that it took two years and the emergence of a silent pandemic for me to realize that I have ignored this site for too long. Honestly, for the past several years, I lost grip of the one thing that really makes me happy—aside from books and music—and that is writing for personal fulfillment. I was occupied trying to make a living and working out on realizing a lifelong dream. However, amidst the hysteria of embracing that personal goal, COVID-19 virus came up, slowly and quietly marauding every sliver of fortitude we have to sustain.
The last several weeks have been very challenging for almost everyone in the Philippines and the rest of the world and it has changed my daily life routine as well. No training sessions to attend, no weekend trips and no gallivanting. While the government has been making the most expedient plans and critical decisions to either save or lose humanity, some people are already on the edge of losing patience—or sanity. Hence, we need to divert boredom into activities that will productively improve ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.
So, instead of immersing ourselves in the puddle of chaos and complications, we should remain optimistic. In spite of the negativity COVID-19 Virus has brought, we need to hold on to hope and strengthen our faith that after this, we will embrace a brighter tomorrow. No matter how this plague may drag our spirits down, we have to rise again and relentlessly fight for ourselves, our families and our country. Let us solidify our objectives and ambitions in life, and consider this the best time to believe that with our cooperation and support to the mandates of the government—and with the grace of God—anything is POSSIBLE.
Since the government is doing its best to protect us, let us do our share of the bargain. Follow the protocols, don’t forget social distance when you have the chance to go out, wear personal protective equipment, especially face mask, and be safe everyone!

Life in Transit

Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash
On rare occasions, I would take solitary excursions to the city to just wander and buy stuff that I need. Typically, I would take a conventional bus ride (and I would love a seat by the window). I like the bus because it is like an ampule of diversified souls on a trip to different realms—a carousel of people from all walks of life. It is a flask filled with a fusion of various scents, like expensive perfume and shampoo, stinking feet and fish, reeking underarm and sweat.
Fortunately, on a drizzly morning, I found an empty seat on the bus where I thought I could see some relaxing landscapes. While clinging on to my backpack and trying to shun the frigid breeze infiltrating the window, I was perturbed by the issues prowling in my mind like a nauseating pestilence I needed to get purged. But I was awakened from my woolgathering by the bus conductor when he asked for my ticket.
Looking back at the panoramas along the way, I contemplated on how my life had been for the past three years. I realized I haven’t accomplished anything of remarkable importance.  When I relatively gave up my writing career, I felt I made a chasm of desolation deep within me. Honestly, I pined for the typical days in a cubicle—with all my crazy but gifted colleagues—devising and creating masterpieces to get paid luxuriously. I missed the sound of clacking keyboards and the blending of wordplay and marketing strategies of call center agents on the floor.  I also missed the aroma of bottomless coffee, the infrequent splurge of pizza, and the sporadic chinwag with my teammates and other friends. Life, however, has many realities.
The Inevitable
No matter how cruel life is, we still want to enjoy every little happiness we can get anyhow. Well, who doesn’t enjoy the best things that life could offer? We all do. There are inevitable instances, however, that we find ourselves wanting to do something to escape life for a minute. If you had come to that point in your life, you need to dissect your life more closely. That instead of trying to decipher the means of escape, try on working out the best means for making your life more gratifying. Just try to be happy with yourself and the things that you do. If not, I think it’s a good time for a change.
The Pressures
Every aspect of life has its own pressures. At work, we are sometimes pressured to get fragmentary tasks done and times like this trigger emotions to run astronomically high. By experience, it can make everyone panicky and frazzled and leads to breaking out of squabbles. Situations like this call for motivation—to focus on the tasks at hand and not on the petty arguments. Always remember that you are not required to prove anything to anyone. Sometimes we need more time in some tasks to create something of exceptional worth. So when you are in this situation, always keep your blood pressure down. Keep your cool and don’t spend your time in futility.
The Blues
Sadness is a human reality. It comes in different terms, but whatever you may call it, this reality can happen to everyone. Sometimes, we feel abandoned. At times, we feel lost. But there are also occasions when we feel sad for no reason at all. Normally, we will look for ways to combat the blues. Sometimes, gadgets are not enough to subjugate this sulk. The best way to fight it is to be with friends, get out and do the diversionary tactic. Don’t ever think about recoiling; instead, do some inner work and arise from the gloom.
The Attitude
Taking charge of your life and seeking for opportunities are no easy undertakings. The same with dealing with other people. Sometimes, being stern from the outside can be construed wrongly by other people. Your attitude, however, matters a lot in navigating the intricacy of life. Being optimistic really does magic in any challenge. This goes along with foresight, which is important if you would want to succeed. A friend of mine told me that she believes in destiny. Well, I don’t. I believe in hard work. Don’t rush. Carefully plan your every move so that everything will work out as you wish.
The Changes
When was the last time you made changes to your life? Last week? Today? Well, most people try to modify the material aspects of their lives every day. What is important when doing this reformation is knowing how to take a look at those things that inspire us to create the life we are living today. Focus and evaluate the choices and decisions you’ve made. If you would really want to make that changes, make it happen. Just make sure that you are doing what you were meant to do—the kind of thing where you can utilize your talents and skills to the fullest.
Life is always on the go. No turning back. But there is always enough room for improvement and there is still time to expand your horizons. The bus ride was rewarding. It took me to realize that I need to keep up with the changing tides and make my life more meaningful and profitable, despite the odds.

Twenty-Three Years After

 

Many people say high school is the most memorable juncture in their pedagogical endeavor.  Well for me, it’s not. I thought I enjoyed my college life most of all, probably because I was reticent and unsociable during high school—even had the hard time adopting the urban culture. In spite of that, I have kept some crazy and good memories of that chapter. Of course, during those years, I made friends and found my first love.

I’d heard from only a few and wondered what happened to most of my classmates back in high school over the years, until last year I got the invitation to a get-together. Without a doubt, I confirmed my attendance with deep excitement to see them after so many years. Just imagine everyone’s thrill and curiosity as to how we have changed after 23 long years.

Back when we were in high school at the university, we were a bunch of cute and charming, but happy-go-lucky teens, fretting about nothing but diversion, jaunts and only little about exams and school works. Moreover, we enjoyed Intramural, Foundation Day Celebration, Christmas Party, and other non-academic activities. Now, so many things have changed—physically, emotionally and financially.

So on the day of the reunion, I was surprised to see the older versions of the classmates I used to hang around 23 years ago. Receding hairlines, sizable physique, grown-up faces and inflated tummies are only few of the many changes that obviously manifested in us. Unquestionably, we have grown older in so many ways. Most of them already have their own families with grown-up children, and also very successful in their own chosen fields. But somehow, we still have that childish way of behaving. That day, we had fun and those who were not able to make it were envious of the excitement we shared. That’s how we are after 23 years.

The get-together reminded me of the realities in our existence—that we are transitory creation constantly changing with so many options at how we would want to become. As we grow old, we can look back at the choices and decisions we made in our lives. We can either laugh or frown at it; but one thing for sure, we will treasure every memory, because we still find life an amazing gift from God.

 

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Photo Credit: Glizer

 

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Photo Credit: Glizer

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Photo Credit: Glizer

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Photo Credit: Glizer

 

Check out and get a copy of my color book, A Walk Through Life at Xlibris.com. It is also available in Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other resellers worldwide.

 

A Glimpse of Paradise in Puerto Princesa

Summer has ended. Too bad, I’ve never been able to walk around many destinations. Well, for once, I got my skin burnt while basking under the heat of the sun in one of the beautiful islands in Misamis Occidental—Capayas Island. The island is a revitalizing treat to every traveler through its natural beauty that embodies the heritage of the people. It was a day of fun and pure enjoyment and that experience evoked pleasant memories of my trip in Palawan that I wasn’t able to share. 
A taste of paradise will neither be squandered nor forgotten, but rather etched in the memory and will become a treasure to be cherished for eternity. I’ve never been a travel bug, but by propitious circumstances, I got the chance to embark on wandering sprees. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to travel to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.
Found at the island dubbed as “The Last Frontier of the Philippines”, Puerto Princesa City is one of the cities that define the real meaning of beauty—a depiction of heaven on earth. Undoubtedly, you may have heard so much about Palawan—if you haven’t gone to the island yet. Of course, it is famous for its Underground River, which is considered one of the world’s wonders. Whatever you feel about it, however, will be magnified a hundredfold when you experienced Palawan firsthand.
Exploring Honda Bay
You can absolutely discover Puerto Princesa City at its best by exploring its main source of income—tourism. The famous Honda Bay is among its pride. It is an alluring attraction that caters to thousands of tourists every day. The bay is comprised of seven (7) islands of different sizes and amazing features. It holds both the aesthetic and fiscal attributes. It is the place where people of different races meet and where business booms and locals become productive. With the influx of tourists every day, earning a living is easier and has become an enjoyable venture for the locals.
I only visited two of the seven (7) islands in Honda Bay. Cowrie Island is a glorious haven that warmly cuddles its guests. I reveled in its white sandy beaches, cozy cottages and scrumptious food that I could only wish to find back home. Pandan Island was also a paradise filled with fun and excitement for it offers different amenities everyone can affordably enjoy, aside from the luscious food, comfortable cottages, entertainment, and of course, the splendid sights.
The two (2) islands allowed me to understand how tourism works in this province. It made me realize that even in a small island business can flourish and an ordinary local can earn generously.
Cruising the World’s Wonder: The Underground River
To find out the more lucrative aspect of Puerto Princesa’s tourism, a cruise to the world-renowned Underground River was included in my itinerary. A trip to Palawan would not be complete without going through the magnificent tributary.
It was a long journey via land and water, but I was neither tired nor bored during the trip because of the breathtaking sights along the way. The splendor and affluence of Puerto Princesa could be seen everywhere—a city blessed with natural, marvelous gifts. Before arriving at the river, I walked under the canopy of thick foliage, like a rainforest filled with multifarious lives and conserved for people to wallow in, appreciate and learn from. According to the tour guide, hundreds of tourists, both foreign and local, visit the site every day throughout the year—not a seasonal activity they would like to anticipate.
Dark, musty and spine-tingling, the Underground River was a true wonder. It is home to nocturnal creatures, minerals and mind-boggling rock formations that could stir one’s imagination. I took a more or less 30-minute boat ride—with ten people per boat—into the river where our only guide was the portable light and the voice of the rower, narrating historical events relating to the site and explaining every intriguing feature inside the Underground River.
Apparently, there were many tourists waiting for their turn to experience the Underground River. As one team leaves, another arrives. This scenario was very inspiring and it showed me how economically successful this part of the city is. The city government’s return on investment must be remarkable.
A Foretaste of Bakers’ Hill
Baker’s Hill is a place of delicacies and refreshments at the top of the hill. It is home to a variety of flavored hopia and flower shakes that delight both the olfactory sense and the palate. The incursion of guests from different places was overwhelming. They came for the hopia, flower shakes, pizzas, and other delicacies. Some also came to see and take their photos with the various replicas of famous Hollywood characters like Marilyn Monroe, Shrek’s Princess Fiona and her children, Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, and many others. Not only I tasted the unique flavors of flower shakes and hopia, I also enjoyed watching the wonderful landscape and listening to the sounds of peacocks, mynas, geese and parrots blending with the sounds of other tourists.
An Ephemeral Peek of Mitra’s Garden
I took a trip through the long and winding road uptown to experience the comforting breeze that surrounds the Mitra’s Garden. It is an incredible spot overlooking picturesque greenery that exudes cold and calming air. If you needed inspiration, to clear your thoughts, or to find short seclusion, this could be the right place that you would want to go. You will never starve because refreshments are also available.
Walking Through The Crocodile Farm
One of the well-known tourist destinations in Puerto Princesa City is the Crocodile Farm. It is an ideal location to visit if you would like to see live crocodiles. There is an endless line of tourists every day to uncover and see living crocs. The excitement, however, doesn’t finish off at the last croc to see for at the end of the tour, everyone can opt to eat different sets of food choices—all crocodile meat inspired.
My trip to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan was brief but very significant. The island offered serenity and solace to my disconcerted mind and longing heart. I could only wish to be back someday—to a place where I found surprises and good memories.

Health and Ambition

Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash
The working population regularly invests eight hours of its time each day, trying to earn a living. There are people, however, who work 9-10 hours every day to make both ends meet. There are also people who work more than those hours, making themselves prone to different illnesses and serious physical conditions. The risk of getting these conditions is really high.
Look at yourself. You can’t even say a little prayer before you sleep because you are always dead tired. If you were among those people who work more than eight hours every day, you should stop for a while and try to assess yourself. How have you been in the last six months? Are you still maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Or you are now curling in bed due to the inescapable stress and exhaustion?In today’s financially challenging world, we need to earn money in order to survive. To make it happen, we need to work hard. We love extending our work hours to earn more, put something more on the table, pay for tuition fees, save for medical services, and pay rentals; but most of the time, we forget about our health.
I am not going to tell you to stop earning a living, but I will ask you to make little changes to your lifestyle. I know you are too busy to spare another bit of your time each day, but if you would want to survive in the next four to five years in your current job, try considering the following health tips. When you try to practice any of them, observe the gradual, positive differences it make to your everyday life.
Sleep Like A Baby
If it would be impossible for you to get longer, regular hours of sleep, try to at least sleep like a baby. An uninterrupted sleep reinvigorates your body, refreshes your brain and allows your system to function precisely. You may consider a piece of relaxing music, a comfortable mattress and soft pillows to make a good sleep.
Eat Like A Royalty
People who are working terribly hard sometimes forget to eat on time. Or, they do not bother eating at all and when they do, they eat like it’s the last food on earth. Be conscious of your food diet. Being overworked and eating the wrong foods can put you into serious health troubles. Eat the right foods and take in the right nutrients to boost your physical strength and maintain your focus.
Keep The ‘Head-Turner’ Shape
Getting fit must be the hardest thing to do for a very occupied person, but always remember that your health is one of the determining factors when it comes to personal and professional growth. Allot a few minutes of your time each day to get fit. Run, swim, or try aerobic exercise. Try outdoor activities. Or consider physical fitness programs that can be done in a few minutes and at home.
Develop Healthy Habits
Make “healthy” your definition of life. When you are sick, you can’t go to work and you can’t enjoy the best in life. Achieving your life goals should be secondary to achieving optimum health. There is no word “busy” when it comes to prioritizing health. Proper food diet, healthy exercises and positivism will make you a better person and a more productive professional.
The world is as competitive as your brains. If you aspired to achieve bigger, you should begin your journey towards that dream with a healthy lifestyle and determined outlook. Health is wealth as the saying goes. It’s better you are financially struggling but healthy than being rich but dying too early.

Life and the Quest for Happiness

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The quest for the right elements that complete life is a never-ending adventure. Some of us may find joy at simple things, but certain people may not find contentment at the best things they’ve had. We may have head out to different journeys, but we are searching for the same things—true happiness. Probably, that would cover everything else that we are looking for in this life and at times, we make critical decisions and sacrifices to seize it.
For most people, happiness is just a matter of the mind. If we looked around us, it is true. Why? Even the smallest of things around us, which most of the time we failed to see, is a source of joy and happiness. The green trees, the waves of the ocean, the colors of sunset, the sands on the beach, the breaking of twigs, the sound of birds chirping, the flailing of the leaves, and the smiles of innocent children on the streets are only very few of them. Finding true happiness entails hard work. In order to discover it, we need to fill ourselves with so much enthusiasm and determination and the readiness to experience both the best and the worst in the world. The important thing to do is set up our goals in life, work on achieving it and never cower to any trial along the way just to get it. In the end, we will find the fruits of our hard work, find contentment and discover the meaning of life.
There are so many things that make us happy, depending on our preferences and choices. Personally, simple things bring elation and thrill to my day.
Pens, Papers and Discs. I can’t live a day without writing. It has become my life for the past many years. I’d be damned if I could not read a book and watch movies. Through writing, I allow myself to save memories and unleash stressful vibes out of my system. With books, I can travel around the world and to places I’ve never known. Movies allow me to stop my boring routines, have fun and learn some things.
Natural Wonders. While I really love those three, I found nature a treasure cove of breathtaking escapades and spring of joy and liberation. There are freedom and hope at the sight of mountains and green fields. The panoramic view of marshlands and the beach could create changes in our lives at enormous proportions.
Physical Activities. Nowadays, maintaining optimum health is vital to survival. Medical services are quite expensive, especially for those who survive with a meager income. Besides, physical activities foster positivity and good vibes. Running or walking can also give us time to think and discover our life’s purpose. It is important to determine which way to go and avoid wrong choices and bad decisions.
Outdoors. There are also people who love the great outdoors. Experts say that outdoor activities are beneficial to life, both physically and mentally. There are a lot of outdoor activities we can try and enjoy. Aside from the health benefits derived from these activities, we will also find the sources of delight and excitement.
Life is a mystery to be uncovered and understood. Therefore, it is essential to have time to listen to our inner self, prepare for the surprises and be willing to embrace what’s favorably available for the taking. Life lessons are abundantly everywhere. We don’t have to chase them or search for them. We will find them at every corner of our existence and they will show up when we need them. We only need to see things, deeper. To enjoy life is to allow ourselves to discover happiness and life’s meaning—allowing us to grow and look at life in a more positive way.

How To Practically Celebrate Valentine’s Day

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It’s Valentine’s Day and maybe most of you can already smell scents of roses and wines and chocolates. Greeting cards are surely filling most shelves on the bookstores and gift shops—and exhibits of customized items are everywhere. Even the coffee shops, airline companies and clothing lines have sweet and romantic treats for couples. Timeless love songs are crooning on almost all radio stations, trying to ask those who are listening if they were ready to surprise their partners on the big day.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is already a tradition, the only time of the year when you needed to treat your beloved ten times more than how special you normally treat her. Nowadays, however, practicality has framed almost all people’s mindsets, especially those who are earning low, or not earning a single cent at all. Thinking about Valentine’s Day makes me feel like a teenage boy again. Then, I realized that although you are already at your 30s, the delightfully shivering sensation when musing about the occasion still remains. You can’t help but reminisce your salad days—the times when it’s not a problem to splurge; when for many, dating was a giveaway. You can’t buy the joy derived from being “in-love”, though, so you don’t have to complain or compare.
When you are in a relationship or still dating, you don’t need a lavish celebration to tell her how much you love her. What you need are good, practical concepts, simple but sincere ideas to make your someone special happy this Valentine’s Day.
Simple Surprises
Buy her a greeting card where you can express, through writing, what’s inside your heart. Send it through the mail. It’s old fashioned, but let us see if she wouldn’t be surprised. That’s not it, send her a bouquet of flowers every day for three or five days prior to Valentine’s Day. On the day itself, take out some food from her favorite restaurant, pick her up from work and drive to the outskirts to eat. Settle in a place where you could be alone on a mat or blanket while enjoying the breeze, holding hands and stargazing. Before the night is over, whisper to her ears the most beautiful words you can take out from your heart.
Sweet Tooth Satisfaction
Most probably, you know what she likes for dessert or her favorite food. If you didn’t, you can still surprise her. Abuse your kitchen by doing experimental baking. A whipped chocolate and cream confection would surely make a difference in your day. Learn in advance how to bake or prepare her favorite dessert or food. On Valentine’s Day, take her to your kitchen and surprise her of your new skill. After the session, a romantic movie, good wine, and all the stuff you baked would make a stimulating way to begin the long night.
Stay At Home
Keep yourself warm over a tasty home-cooked dinner. Prepare an aphrodisiac for dessert. Enjoy sipping a good wine while reminiscing the previous Valentine’s Day celebrations you had spent together in the past. When it’s getting late, cuddle by the fireplace over a cup of hot chocolate, a plate of cookies and sweet music on the background. Talk naughty, set the mood for romance ablaze and enjoy the night like it’s the end of the world.
Valentine’s Day is not about how much you spent on the celebration, but how you made the celebration special and memorable without spending much. Think of something creative. Plan something unique. Most importantly, make it a moment where when you can both fall in love with each other again and again.

Love: Beauty and Madness

Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash
I guess, at this time of the year love is the most overused word in the dictionary. There will be bags of “I love yous” to be conveyed and tons of love notes to be written by people who are romantically smitten. Even the salty breeze of the bucolic world carries the amorous scent of love—blatantly rendered by the effervescent aura of the people around, especially those who are in a relationship.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Certainly, fabulous getaways were already booked, dinner dates were arranged and romantic plans were organized. I can imagine jam-packed restaurants, busy recreational areas and fully-booked hotels on the actual day. I think the young and foolhardy will regard this season as a good time for idiotic escapades like corporeal exploits in the middle of the farm, on an isolated road trip, or abandoned abode. Generally, however, it is a time to affectionately bond with loved ones.
Only few more years to wait and my real life begins. At my age, I have already witnessed wedding vows and two people’s promise of forever. I have already joined in the celebration of true love, but I never really thought about making a plan for my own nuptials. Although, there were times when I wished I had found my match, had kids and lived a happy married life. Again, there are few people asking me to get married already. Who’s the bride? Maybe, I am setting my standard too high.
“But then, it made me realize that when you are at your late 20’s or early 30’s, people will ask, “When are you getting married?” If you will answer that it’s not in two shakes, they will say, “You might miss the train!” or “What’s holding you?” Believe me, those who prefer to keep their comments in mind want to scream you are gay or lesbian—if not, too finicky when it comes to getting a mate.” – An excerpt from my previous article at Lightning Bulb.
Why do some people make another person’s civil status an issue? Is getting married a requirement to eternal life? Several friends are still surprised of my being a bachelor after all these years when being unattached is not an issue for me. I am happy waiting for the next ride and if it wouldn’t come, I would sincerely acknowledge my destiny without shame or grief. Being single is a sanctified vocation, I presuppose and a personal choice.
“I am still enjoying a life of freedom and blithe—sans the nagging wife, the shopping spree demands, and the never-ending list of financial liabilities. Oops! I am not afraid of responsibilities for I have been carrying the saddle throughout half of my life. Honestly, I really want to have children right now. It’s just that, I haven’t found my one true love yet. I just hope she is still alive, or she is not from across the globe that it would take my forever to find her. And I want to find her because I know that when it’s a match made in heaven, we will not end up in separation.”- An excerpt from my previous article at Lightning Bulb.
Not all grandiose weddings and overgenerous honeymoons have happy ending. Some of them end up in annulment or divorce. They thought they were destined to forever, because when they first see each other amid the crowd and stared at each other’s eyes, everyone else disappeared and the world revolved around the two of them. After several years, they realized they started to fall out of love and before you know it, they are enjoying the company of another soul. Time, things and trust were lost to a brief impulse that could bring pain and brokenness.
“I have been through several relationships—a smorgasbord of short-lived, long-term, meaningful and futile bonds. Some of them changed my outlook in life, a few taught me important life lessons and quite a lot of them allowed me to experience the true essence of life and love all at once. Each of those experiences has left something for me to mull over and learn. Those are the things that help me grow as a person who can live only once, but can love over and over again.
It is amazing that even if love had already tended to crash your life you will still cling on to it, because you think that’s all you can do, and for you it’s the best. That even if the person wouldn’t care for you anymore, or not even in a wink since from the start, you are still hoping that someday he or she will look at you differently and with prized admiration. Of course, it is life-altering to love and be loved in return but still, we can’t impose our feelings on someone and ask to be loved back; otherwise, it will only spur agony and maladies that could devastate your soul.
I know you would agree that it’s very wonderful and crazy to fall in love. Whether it is requited or not, we will surely revel in its magic, remember that knee-buckling sensation, submerge into its mysterious depths, and embrace its tempting intimacy. What’s with ‘love’, anyway, that it can change the world in so many ways?
For me, love is both delicate and powerful. When it’s not handled with care, it can break not only your heart, but also the wholeness of your being. The fragility of this affection can breach your sanity, and at a slightest mistake, it can cut you deep and let you bleed endlessly.  It is powerful because it can make the impossible to happen. It can make you to do things you never thought you could in your lifetime. Aside from making you feel overjoyed, dying out and worn out altogether, isn’t it a miracle that with love you will be more willing to sacrifice in many different ways? It will inspire you to dream and achieve bigger things, and eventually propels you to live a life that you deserve—a life filled with genuine love and true happiness.
When you are ready to fall in love, make sure you are prepared to get hurt. Or else, love will lose its meaning and life will be worthless in the end.” – Excerpts from my previous article at Lightning Bulb.

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