Wow. 2008 is over. 4 hours to go, and a new calendar year starts.
As the year ends, I look at my blog - the stories I've told, the pictures I've posted, the thoughts and feelings I've shared - and I wonder at how I matured in 2008. I reckon not much, but significantly so. This year, more than any other in my life, has seen the best ups of my life.
In the beginning of the year, I decided to be with someone special who has been the rock of my existence here in the Philippines. <3 I learned so much from her, from commuting, to treating people better, to a new language, and to always keep humility at my side.
In the summer holidays, I experienced going for a holiday with absolutely no one to rely on but myself, planning everything, booking the hotels and tickets, and financing most of the costs. The independence was amazing.
In the first term of this school year, I proved myself right; that a student can both be an excellent scholar while also submerging himself (excellently too) in co-curricular activities. I received Second Honors and had the honor of representing De La Salle University with Animo Squad.
Second term was no less blessed. With my family and friends of Skittlez Crew, we managed to win, hands down, the championship of Remix08 dance competition. To have gone through so many conflicts, fights, and altercations, and yet surface as a team held together by love for each other, was amazing.
And after four hard months of work, I have finally achieved clear definition around my mid-section. I believe they are called 'abs'? LOL.
Christmas was beautiful, and I'm glad I had someone very special to spend it with. <3
Now, a new year approaches, and I can only look forward to more blessings, more victories both in my academics and athletics, better time with family and friends, and another beautiful year here in the Philippines.
To all my friends and family: Nothing else but thank you. Jay~
Final day in the sunny island of Puerto Galera. :(
Trying to get a bit of snorkeling done.
Other than that, nothing much planned, as we needed to be in Muelle Pier by 1pm.
Once again, breakfast at the rooftop. I could really get used to this. LOL. Seriously, who couldn't?
Getting some snorkeling done before we left.
A little bit of cam-whoring. :P
"I'm leaving Puerto.."
"Not that I want to.." :(
A guy's gotta go when a guy's gotta go. Even in a boat.
Leaving Muelle Pier and its cove.
We stopped by White Beach (around the island) to pick up some more passengers. This is White Beach as seen from the sea.
I'll miss waking up and seeing this.
On the bus home from Batangas.
Overall, it's been a wonderful holiday. What a summer trip! We almost canceled the trip because of bad weather which turned great just the day before we left. There were more friends who went to Puerto than I thought, which was really good. It sucks that none want to bring a camera close to the waves. LOL.
Aside from the horrific tricycle rates (P80 to go downhill to town, P100 to go back to Blue Crystal, and P200 from White Beach to Blue Crystal), the whole trip was pretty much enjoyable. Managed to get a shirt, lots of beach anklets and bracelets, some food to bring back, and collected some shells from all that snorkeling.
Fantastic holidays! I feel so relaxed and refreshed! The clean air every day was really good too. I miss Piasau Boat Club and Esplanade back home in Miri. :( I have to go there one day soon.
Summer, I never thought I could like you. :)Jay~
The second day of my summer holiday beach fun.
My aim for the day was get some shopping done, sample some good food, get a henna tattoo, go to White Beach (apparently the 'nicest' beach in Galera), and just relax. Of course, 'relaxing' in the hotel's private cove involved something totally alien to me, and I ended up totally loving it: snorkeling. Very handy, considering the hotel's beach was literally about 20 steps away from our section.
Good morning!
Our section of the resort.
And the hang-out place.
Breakfast.
View from the rooftop restaurant.
Snorkeling!
However, before I jumped in the water, the hotel staff told me off, saying they required all guests to use life preservers and beach shoes. Um, okay then.
For some reason, I really like this picture. :P
I love Puerto Galera!
Blue Crystal's private cove.
After snorkeling, we all went to get our henna tattoos. Mine was pretty customized. I wanted a fireball, but in the middle, a profile of the moon and a single star. Of course, personal meaning. :) I like Efren's henna tattoo of a carp, but I forgot to take a picture of it. :(
The girls were all about running off into boutiques and shopping (hence the lack of pictures, but here are the rare moments when everyone were actually together. This was in the bazaar (shopping again) of White Beach. Poor Efren had to be the camera-guy. :( Thanks though bro.
Really cool jet-ski dining tables.
Welcome to White Beach!
This poor boy was lugging around that heavy case of drinks, so we all bought a cup of coconut juice each. Very delicious. :)
Life is easy and breezy. :)
Jay~
