Health Benefits of Steam Sauna

Last night I had the privilege to experience for the first time, the thing called "Steam Sauna." I bought this portable steam sauna from Lazada the other day. I am so eager to loose weight and to have a better-looking complexion without using beauty products containing harmful chemicals. I want to loose weight and have smooth skin, the natural way. 

Portable Steam Sauna

I can say that buying this portable steam sauna is a wise decision. And thanks to my sister Debbie who shared half of the steam sauna's price. So last night, as soon as I get home I ask my father's assistance to set up this portable sauna. After it was all set and done, i stripped all my clothes, stepped in and sit comfortably inside. Since this sauna kit doesn't include the chair as shown in the kit CD manual, i used a regular mono block chair. My brother Daniel, took some photos of me while I'm having moments with my steam sauna, but the photos are not of good quality so I decide not to post it for now. Maybe I will post it later when I get a clear photo of me on my next sauna session.

Let's imagine the girl in this photo is me. Hehe. Well, ganito naman talaga ang peg ko last night in my steam sauna.

Loosing weight is just one among the many benefits of steam sauna. And my main goal actually why I bought this useful aid. I do a little research because I want to learn more on the health advantages  I will be getting from this. According to naturalnews.com  sauna works on the principle of generating abundant sweat to detoxify the body and relax the mind. Last night's experience was great. After the 45-minutes sauna steaming at home, lots of sweats came out of my body. I'm dripping wet! If I could measure it, I can say that my body generated one glass of sweats! I never sweat so much like that before. When I came out of the sauna, I feel light like a feather tossed by the wind  and my skin seemed to breathe comfortably as if I had just unloaded some invisible baggage in my body. Dirt on the surface of my skin caused by dust and smoke were removed even without scraping it. It flows with sweat dribbled from my skin. 

This cool experience I had from using this portable steam sauna is so satisfying that I want to share it with you my dear readers. Here are few among the many health benefits of steam sauna:

1. DETOXIFICATION

One of the many ways of flushing out toxins from the body is by expelling sweat. For  you to generate lots of sweat, you need to do physical activities. If you are not fond of exercise and other physical activities that will cause you to sweat (though exercise is good and recommended) steam sauna can be your option. Nowadays, with the not so good condition of our surroundings, we are susceptible to harmful factors that can damage our health. Various products we regularly use contains toxins that may damage our body in the long run. Being exposed to chemicals is part of our living whether we admit or not. The smoke coming out from vehicles swirled around us as we breathe. These harmful factors destroy our body, weakened our immune system. Seating in steam sauna long enough to sweat, is a good way to get rid of harmful toxins.

2. IMPROVING CIRCULATION

When heat comes in contact with muscle fibers, it increased blood flow to the muscles. Better circulation of the blood means more oxygen will reach the tissues. The body uses oxygen to help push toxins out of deeper areas of the muscles. Optimal circulation is important for good vascular health. Increased circulation also helps the body create more energy. A person with more energy and less muscular toxins will feel refreshed after stepping out of a sauna.

3. STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM

The heat emitted from steam sauna causes the body to create more white blood cells. These cells are responsible for attacking infections and diseases that infiltrate the body. A person with a higher count of white blood cells will stay healthier and heal faster from illnesses.

4. WEIGHT LOSS

This is my favorite part. Haha! When a person exercises it burns calories same effect from the heat produced by the sauna. But of course diet and exercise are still important components in loosing weight. The heat increases a person's basal metabolic rate by a considerable amount, which helps the body burn calories better throughout the day.

5. SKIN CLEANSING

Saunas cause the pores to open up. When the sweat starts coming out, it will flush out oil, bacteria, dirt,make up or any other residue that has collected in the pores. Regular flush out of pores result to improved complexion. Regular use of sauna reduces cellulite. Cellulite comes from subcutaneous fat erupting through fibrous connective tissue which gives the skin a dimple appearance. Since fat becomes water soluble at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, some reports show that some of it may pass through the skin through sweat.

These are few among the health benefits of sauna steaming. Other benefits include stress relief, better sleep, pain relief and feeling revitalized. I'm happy with what it does in my body. I am determined to soak myself on the aromatic steam produced by the sauna. It's aromatic because I put few drops of essential aromatherapy oils on the water before turning on the steamer.

Sagada Getaway

I only knew Sagada from the vivid tales my friends have told me and from the articles/blogs of people who went there and got fresh and authentic experiences of this mountain-top civilization. Because of these enticing stories, I myself got interested and want to experience Sagada one day. Actually I wrote Sagada Tour on my prayer notebook as one of my 2014 prayer items. By God's grace, it became an answered prayer this year. 

Muntik nang hindi matuloy ang Sagada summer outing ng Dgroup ko for this month. By the way, Dgroup means Discipleship Group sa church ko sa Christ Commission Fellowship or CCF. We are six girls all set and ready for Sagada tour on March 20-22, 2015 but because of the pretty tight work schedule and tons of workload nang ibang Dgroup members, we postponed the actual departure date which was 9pm of March 19, 2015. Some of the Dgroup ladies were bit disappointed for the sudden change of trip itinerary. By God's grace, we were able to proceed with this trip pa rin and left Manila for Sagada on Friday night (March 20, 2015). The 3D and 2N Sagada Tour with Baguio side-trip became 2D-1N nalang. For me it's no big deal. Ang importante natuloy ang trip. 

It was a long travel by land. Thank God the road isn't bumpy just zig-zaggy. We left at night and reach Banaue early morning. You know you're in Mt.Province already when you started to feel the air getting colder and colder. And the roads getting steeper and steeper. 

First in our Sagada Itinerary

Ang lamig pala dito! Good thing I wore a long-sleeved dress. Wala pa kami breakfast when the photo above was taken. I'm kinda hungry na but all-smiles pa rin for photo's sake. Hahaha! From Banaue, few more hours pa before you reach Sagada. Puro rice terraces at kabundukan ang nasilayan ng aking mga mata on our way to Sagada. Some of the mountains are not greenish in color (kalbo na kumbaga) while other still look greenish. We had a stop over at Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint. After witnessing the breathtaking view of the Rice Terraces, kumain na kami ng breakfast.

Sa wakas narating din namin ang Sagada. Thank God for the safe and sound travel. Nadaanan pala namin yung area kung saan nahulog yung bus na sinasakyan ni Tado. Grabe, ang taas at himala nalang kung mabubuhay ka pa after mo mahulog sa bangin na yun. Nagpahinga kami ng konte sa Sagada Home Stay (our accommodation for one night) then nag lunch. Nagbihis. Then ready na ulit for Sumaguing Cave. Nakakapagod ang bumaba sa malalim na kweba. Madilim ito at maraming paniki sa itaas. You will know it's paniki dahil sa huni nito at dahil na rin sa amoy nito. May mga tumutulong tubig na parehong malamig at mainit. Yung malamig malamang some kind of mineral na tumutulo from the cave walls at yung mainit naman, baka ano na yun ng paniki. Haha! The cave is dark so tour guides used traditional gas lamp called Petromax. May ganong ilaw kami noong bata pa ako at nakatira pa sa Sibuyan Island, Romblon. Nakalakihan ko yung ganong ilawan. Kaya nung makita ko na dala ng tour guide bigla kong na miss yung previous life in the province. Simple. Tahimik. Panatag. Masaya,

Umabot din ng 2-3 oras yung cave exploration namin. Malamig yung bato at tubig sa bottom nung cave. Some of the girls in our group ay bumaba pa hanggang dun sa may tubig na part ng cave. But I stayed sa isang area na pwede ako makaupo. My leg muscles are already stretch out like a rubber band. At dahil icy-cold ang tubig, nag decide ako na wag na lumusong dahil for sure sasakit kinagabihan ang mga paa ko kasi malalamigan ito. Hingal mode ang peg ko pag akyat pabalik sa entrance ng kweba. Pero mas mabilis ang move namin pabalik/paakyat kesa yung pababa palang kami ng Sumaguing Cave. On the surface of the cave, is a wild fire na three days burning na. Malawak na ang nakain ng apoy. Kusa lang naman daw ito namamatay pag naubos na ang mga tuyong damo. Kung paano nagsimula ang apoy, hindi ito masagot ng mga locals.

After Sumaguing Cave, we went to Lumiang/Burial Cave. Sorry hindi ko na picturan hehe. Na-focus kasi ako dun sa mga wood coffins na around 400 years old na daw as per our tour guide. Humanga ako sa effort nang mga tao naglagay nung mga wood coffins at the top of the cave. Hindi kasi ito madaling akyatin at konting pagkakamali lang mahuhulog ka sa mala-bottomless pit na hukay. Madilim ito and no one knows what awaits you at the bottom of the pit. Scaryyyy...

After Burial cave, we proceed to the Hanging Coffins and Echo Valley. Dito nakapag picture ako. Hahaha! Dumaan kami sa sementeryo on our way to Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins. There lies one of the SAF's Fallen 44. Siya yung may pinaka magandang graveyard landscape.Refreshing ang area facing the Echo Valley. Since I'm tired already, hindi ko na na-keri ang bumaba pa para marating ang Hanging Coffins. Pero makikita naman ito sa view deck.

Tired but happy

After Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins we went back to the town for dinner and to buy some pasalubongs. I bought red and black rice, mountain tea and Sagada t-shirts. We ate at Salt and Pepper Restaurant then have some honey yoghurt at the Yoghurt House. These are famous in Sagada---a must try. While shopping at one of the souvenir shop, nag brown-out so we stayed there for awhile. Nung hindi agad bumalik ang kuryente, we decided to walk nalang back to hotel. My feet is super tired na. Thanks to Alaxan FR at nawala agad ang muscle pains na dulot na nakakapagod na whole day activities. Since malamig ang weather, nakatulog ako agad by 8pm. I woke up at 3:30am to take a bath.May water heater kaya keribels ang maligo ng super aga.

We checked out from the homestay around 5am for Kiltepan Sunrise viewing then proceed na sa Baguio side trip. Unfortunately, cloudy ang weather when we reached Kiltepan point. So no sunrise to watch. Nagdecide nalang ang tour guide na mag proceed sa biyahe. We stopped at the Highest Point.

Swaggy and Foggy

First time ko maka experience at maka kita ng fog. Parang usok pala ito. On some of the areas na dinaanan namin, makakapal yung mga fog. Delikado ang pagda-drive. Thank God that he guided our driver para hindi magkamali sa pagmamaneho. After few more hours, nakarating din kami ng Baguio. First stop at La Trinidad's Strawberry Farm. I bough fresh strawberries for my family and some strawberry preserves (ordered by my officemates). For the first time, ngayon lang ako nakatikim ng authentic strawberry ice cream. Real na real ang lasa. Hahaha. Yung picture nasa phone ko. Naka upload na rin sa FB account ko.

Nag lunch kami sa Good Taste. Affordable ang  food pero masarap. After lunch, nag window shopping kami sa mga Ukay-Ukay stores. Ang gaganda ng mga items pero may kamahalan. So wala kong nabili. hehe. We did some strolling at Burnham Park then sumakaya na ng van dahil gusto na namin umuwi ng Manila. Some of us have work on Monday so we need to be in Manila before 9pm. By God's grace, we made it smoothly and safely.

All in all, I can tell na nag enjoy ako sa Sagada Tour na ito. Daming pagod pero okay lang, part ng trip yun. If you'll ask if babalik ako ng Sagada? Hmmm mukhang hindi na. Pero Baguio? Oo. May gusto pa akong puntahan at bilhin. hehe.

Should you wish to see and experience Sagada and Baguio. Just contact our tour provider:

N.E.C. Tours and Van Rental

09175872705, Globe

09989982705, Smart

09328907005, Sun

nec@touristas.com.ph

inquiry@touristas.com.ph

reservation@touristas.com.ph

http://www.touristas.com.ph/about.html

How To Handle Stress At Work

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 Whether you like it or not, stress at work is inescapable. No matter how you tried to keep things under control, you will experience bombshells in the workplace.I'm not exempted from this wonted working scenario. Occasionally I was stressed out by the unforeseen incidents at work. Especially, if I missed out salient tasks. I know when stress is zapping me already because I experience some kind of mild chilling and I can feel my knees weakened. As soon as I feel those unusual feelings, I rebuke it and utter a silent prayer for God to calm me and keep me focus on the situation so I can figure out, by His grace what to do. Let me share with you, some tips I've learned for five years of working, in handling work-related stress.

Stress Factor #1-Angry Boss

Why is the boss angry? The common answer is---it's either you missed doing an important task or you have this recurrent job inefficiencies. Bosses are usually pissed of when an employee keep on repeating same mistakes even though they give clear instructions on what to do.

Solution:
Don't freak out when the boss is furious  because of your mistake. Be humble and polite in your conversation with him/her even if he/she is already shouting at the top of his/her lungs. "A gentle answer turns wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1. Consider this Bible verse as a reminder for you.

Stress Factor#2-Unfamiliar Tasks/Assignments

You might be given an assignment or a particular task that  you are not familiar with. What's annoying is the deadline associated with that task. You are like, "What the?! How will I do this?" Then you started to feel dismayed and pressured that you can't think of a way how to solve your problem and meet the deadline.

Solution:
One best way to start this "new challenge" for you is to ask questions. Ask your boss on how to do the task. I believe a good and concerned boss is willing to help you accomplish your task. He or she might give you some tips if necessary. Do not assume. Always ask if you are not sure on what to do, and how to do it. Have a talk with old employees who knew the company's system and procedures.
 
Stress Factor#3-Unmet Deadlines

Do you like deadlines? I don't. Because deadlines make me feel pressured to accomplish the task. So when I'm pressured, I'm also stressed. But you know that deadlines are good motivators? If you only see the positive side of it, you will realize that a deadline serves as a motivation for you to accomplish the given task without any delay. Since you are looking on that particular date to finish the project or particular task given to you, you are now aware that every second of your working time is important. And that there's not time for your "para mag petiks." Because of deadline you will feel some sense of urgency, but still should not be pressured if you know the procedure on how to do it.

Solution:
To avoid inconvenience, aim to finish the given task or assignment before the deadline date. This way you won't be stressed out when the deadline date comes because you are prompt in doing your task. The boss will actually get angry at you if she/he gives you deadlines but you are not able to accomplish on the said date because it's either you are procrastinating things at work. Know what to prioritize in your job. Be prompt in accomplishing the task given to you by your boss.

Those are few to mention among the many factors of stress causing situations in the workplace. I hope these tips help you in handling stress at work. Make this your inspiration: Colossians 3:23, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." When you have this mindset, working for you no matter how challenging the task is, won't be that burdensome. You will experience a hassle-free, stress-free working life when you consider God as your Big Boss rather than men.

Say Goodbye To Your Past

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“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."-Isaiah 43:18-18



Your past played a significant role in who you are today.There are times that even when the past events of your life were gone a long time ago, it still affects you at present and the effect may be extended in your future. But God is speaking to you, not to dwell on the past because whatever happens to you in the past, no matter how broken you were, it doesn't matter anymore. Because God is making something new and beautiful in your life now. If your past consist basically of bad memories, each time you look back you get hurt. You cry, your heart is filled with sadness, bitterness and regrets. And our loving Father in heaven, doesn't want you to dwell on negative feelings and thoughts that when get worst, may affect your health and your sanity. God wants you to anticipate the future with positivity. But how can you be positive of your future when you don't have faith in God? And how can you have faith in God when you don't know Him. Don't worry, I will tell you the basics. 

Being born to a Christian family is not a life of bed of roses.It is a life of thorns and bushes actually. I experience hardships and struggles that are no joke to everyone. When I was a kid, I ask God more often than not why we we're poor (with the thoughts of: we believe in Him. My parents are  both pastors who were in the church pioneering ministry. My family is serving the Lord, but why we are lacking this or that?) Why I don't have even some of the nice things, my classmates have. Why I need to walk several kilometers just to go to school  everyday (without "baon" pa yan) while others can afford their own means of transportation. I ask God why my bed for 17 years is made of wood with no foam (matigas, pag pagod ka hindi nakaka relieve ang humiga sa papag) while others have different types of bed like waterbed, airbed, etc.etc. Basically, I ask God for material possessions other people have that we don't have. But when it comes to my family, our relationship to one another, that I am always thankful to the Lord. I grew up with my parents, who taught me about God and his Word. When I learn how to read the Bible, my knowledge of who God is grow,as time goes by. The more I read the Bible, the more I become positive of the future because God through his word reveal his plans for me. And the more I talk to God through prayers (some of it were silly requests,hehe), the more I become attached to Him.Reading God's Word daily, will enable you to have the right perception of who God is. You will know that even though God is Holy and seemed like a "strict father" He is also loving, compassionate and forgiving. So there it is, if you want to know God so you can fully trust him of your future, start it with a prayer and reading the Bible. Not only you will know what pleases and displeases God but you will also know his plans for you. His purpose in your life, even before you were born.

My past is both bitter and sweet in taste. Sweet because I experienced the grace and goodness of the Lord. Through the years, He never abandon me, no matter how many times I disobeyed him. His provisions are so obvious that I was able to graduate from college with honors with just this P20 daily allowance and 1 set of uniform. Anyway, during my college years, each time I walk few kilometers ahead before I ride a jeepney or bus (para kumasya lang yung pamasahe ko), I'm telling myself, "matatapos da ining kahug-anan nga ginadanas ko.makaka-graduate da ako kag makakapagtrabaho." That's in our native dialect in Sibuyan Island, Romblon. It means, this hardship will come to an end one day. I will finish college and get a job. By God's grace, it happened in 2009 when I finish my degree in Journalism, Cum Laude. Praise God for that! Who would have thought na yung walang budget sa pag aaral sa kolehiyo na tulad ko, makakapagtapos ng pag aaral. It's all because of God's grace. So ngayon, iba na iniisip ko when I commute for work. "Nangyari rin yung pinaniniwalaan ko noon, yung sinasabi ko sa sarili ko tuwing naglalakad ako pauwi."

One of the bitter ingredients of my past, are the wrong choices I've made in getting myself involved into romantic relationships. I don't know why, but it seems that I had some crazy inclination with a  "bad boy" type of guy before. Yung parang Robin Padilla lang ang peg. Hahaha! I had a boyfriend before that look like Wiz Khalifa. The idea of having a thug love story is what triggered my excitement and curiosity. Church girl vs. Gangsta, ya know. But when I've found out that having a ghetto boyfriend is a misery, plus he has this not so good old habits, I got turned off and eventually broke up with him. I was so ashamed of myself. How did I get myself that low? What happened to my standards? Thank God, by His grace, I didn't go all the way with him. Then I got involve with a musician as well, who made my world upside down but made me realize that romance pursued not on a right time and place and with the wrong person could end up a disaster. Thank God, by His grace, He really didn't allow me to give up myself for these guys I'm head over heels with. The "moving on" process is both painful and traumatic. There are times that I kind of feeling scared to have a boyfriend again. I feel like I can't a trust a man anymore. Like whatever he will tell me, my brain would protest, "that's a lie!" But of course, I'm human and I'm capable of loving, so I know I can't say no to love the second time around but I'm cautious na. And I decide to wait for God's best. God will tell me if he is the one.

When I read Isaiah 43: 18-19, my God telling me to forget the past. Leave all the pains and not so good memories behind because He is making something new in my life. I obey, kahit masakit. That's the best decision I could ever made, obeying my Father in heaven for He knows what's best for me. In New Living Translation it says, "But forget all that--it is nothing compared to what I am going to do." 

I am anticipating that God must have really something beautiful in store for me that even my past is nothing compared to what He is going to do in my life. That's exciting,isn't it? God won't tell me to drop what I'm holding on or clinging to if He doesn't have a much better thing to give me in return. Last Sunday's message in our church is entitled Surrender your Isaac. It's about surrendering something or someone to God that might take God's place in your life. I learned that when you surrender to the Lord, surrender with faith and anticipation, just like Abraham. 

My friend, no matter how bad your past was it doesn't matter anymore. Because God's love for your is greater than all the pains and mistakes you have in your life. All you have to do is surrender yourself to Jesus. Let him be the Lord and Savior of your life. I guarantee you, when you commit your life to Christ, you will never be sorry.

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Sheol's Call

Death comes to everyone. It has no favoritism between the poor and the rich, the unheard of and the famous, the strong and weak. Lately, I have two friends from my Dgroup team whose parents  passed away unexpectedly. Me and my dgroup girls were dejected by their losses. Death is also associated with Hades and Sheol. Hades is famous as an ancient Greek god of  the underworld in the Greek mythology. In the Bible, Hades is a Greek word used to denote a place or starte of departed spirits (wikipedia.com) while Sheol is a place of darkness to which all the dead go, both the righteous and the unrighteous, regardless of the moral choices made in life, a place of stillness and darkness cut of from God (wikipedia.com). Most of us fear death especially when we're not ready or we don't know where to go when we die. The Bible, which is a book about life and death and God gives us a glimpse of what happens when a person dies.In John 3:16, Jesus said, " For God so loved the world (you and me) that He gave his only begotten Son (Jesus) and those whoever believed in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." Will not perish does not mean, a believer of Christ won't die physically. He/she will die but his/her soul/spirit will live with the Lord.  For Christians, Christ's second coming is a much awaited event. They wait. And as they wait, they grow old and die. Psalms 103:15, NLT version remind us that "our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
  
 Our earthly body experience some frailties. We get sick, we feel weak, we deteriorate. And when we die, our bodies will return to the dust and our souls will be carried immediately either in presence of Christ (for those who accepted and believe Christ as their Lord and Savior) or it will enter into a place called Hades (for those who die with unbelief and nonacceptance of Chris). So it is important, to know where we end up when we die. When you are pretty sure of the venue of your final destination, you will no longer fear dying. Let me share with you tips on how to be prepare for death.

Preparations before you die:


1.  Be sure you have accepted and believe Christ as your Lord and Savior so when you die you will be with him. Jesus said to her, " I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

2. If you want to live a little longer, take care of your body. Have a healthy lifestyle. This body is not ours. Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?You do not belong to yourself,for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19).We honor God if we take care of our bodies and not submit ourselves willingly to sinning and immorality.

3. Share the gospel to your love ones,friends and relatives. Share who Jesus is and what he has done on the cross. Your love ones need to hear about Christ because faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. (Romans 10:17 NLT).

4. Save money for your funeral expenses.  If you don't want to become a burden to your family when you die, set aside  budget for your funeral. Save money. Get memorial plans if necessary. So when you die your family won't panic where to bury you, what coffin to purchase etc etc.

5.Enjoy life at the moment.Take delight in the goodness of the Lord. And while you are enjoying and having the time of your life on earth, remember God. "Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.(Ecclesiastes 12:6-7).


God has a purpose to each and every one of us. That purpose or plan  is one reason why we are still alive at this very moment. Let's not waste our lives, our time living aimlessly, selfishly. Live your life for the Lord, delight in his presence. Love God, love others. Thank him everyday and submit to His will so you won't get lost on the wrong track. As you live, remember that one day you will die so be wise enough to prepare for your death.

The Tale of Mischance

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   Since I've learned that my Aunt Perry from Florida is coming to the Philippines for a vacation this year, I couldn't stop getting excited that I literally counting the days for her arrival. I haven't seen her for more or less than eight years. And what triggers my enthusiasm the most is the news that we will be having a family reunion and that she is sponsoring my airfare. Going back to Cagwait, Surigao del Sur (my mother's hometown) once again was actually one of my plans years ago that didn't happen for a lot of reasons. This was also an item to my "prayer list notebook" since last year. And I was pretty sure, that May 16-21, 2014 is the appointed time for the fulfillment of this long time plan. I can't wait to see my relatives which I haven't seen for more than a decade. My Lola Auling, cousins, nieces&nephews,aunts&uncles knew I'm coming. They keep on calling me, checking me for my ETD and ETA. I can tell from the sound of their voices over the phone that they are all excited to see me. Two weeks before my flight, I already packed my traveling bag with things to bring. I was super ready then...and thrilled at the idea that with this trip, I will be a solo backpacker for the first time. Flying from Manila to Cebu, then Cebu to Surigao City. From Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, I will be riding a bus bound for Tandag City, Surigao del Sur for more or less than three hours. From Tandag, I need to ride a bus or jeepney that will take me to Cagwait and from Cagwait I will ride a tricycle to get to my Lola's house. I can only imagine how would i feel commuting for long hours alone. Being a stranger to a place I'm not familiar both scares and excites me. There are many "what ifs" running through my head. But I'm confident that I can make it home safely. Besides, I have faith God's divine protection is upon me. I was on fire, when suddenly an icy cold circumstance change everything.

  This icy cold circumstance I'm talking about is when I missed my flight for Manila-Cebu via Airasia on May 16, 2014. My departure time is 6:45pm but I got there at Terminal 4 in NAIA around 6:10pm. I was stuck on traffic for two hours in Edsa! So when I got there, the ticket check-in girl told me they already close the boarding gate around 6:00 o'clock. She said I was super late. I know I should check in at least two hours before my flight schedule but i read something in the plane ticket that says 2 hours to 45 minute the passenger should be there in the airport. So i thought I could still make it. Or maybe I was just hallucinating that I  thought I read it that but actually there is no such thing like that and the truth is I was just late. That's all! Late and I can't afford to book another flight because with Airasia rebooking and rerouting is not allowed. Lutang ako that time when the Airasia girl told me my ticket is forfeited. I was like, "what the hell?!" My thoughts are screaming, "you blew it! you're not going to Surigao anymore. The entire trip was cancelled and you just wasted the money!" I check the web for other airlines for airfare prices but they are all too costly. Hindi makatarungang bumili ng ganun kamahal na ticket. Imagine the next flight for Cebu that night costs around P8,000 one way, while my rountrip ticket only cost P5,000+.With a broken heart and scattered mind,I  left the airport and decided to go home.On my way home, I  walk along Edsa, don't know where to go. I just want to walk, I just want to make libang of myself eventhough my feet hurts from walking and my arms were in pain from the heavy bag I'm carrying. I was surprise I didn't cry. I just let my  mind wander.

 I just can't believe that the entire trip was cancelled. I also didn't think that I can opt for a ship transport since I can't bear the 3-day travel by bus from Manila to Tandag. If only I knew through the internet that Superferry is departing by 2am on May 17 I could have gone to the pier and board that ship. So many questions I ask myself: why I was late? why I didn't feel the sense of urgency that day knowing I have a flight. Why can't I go to Surigao smoothly? But then God spoke to my heart. He comforted me. He confirmed it to me many times through various circumstance why I can't go to Surigao yet. I was just insistent. Who knows what could happen to me as I travel alone?  My cousin told me that the road from Surigao City to Tandag is quiet rough and bit dangerous. He said I should have chosen Butuan to Tandag route since main road is smooth and safe. I'm so persistent with this trip while the circumstances, my Dad, my siblings keep me from going. Anyway, no matter what reasons I  tell myself, no matter how much I blame myself it don't matter anymore. The trip was over. And perhaps the trip wasn't really meant for me or maybe I just missed the chance. Now, I don't know when can I visit my Mom's hometown again and see my relatives. But I am hoping that the next Surigao trip I have, God be willing, I'm with my whole family na. It will take me a year of saving for the vacation budget. Pero ok lang, what's important is I'm with my family and we'll go together to visit our grandma and other relatives.

Underground River, Puerto Prinsesa

Underground River in Puerto Prinsesa is now included in the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature. By van, it's a two-hour drive from the city. You can contact Yzabelle Mansion for the tour package. Underground River tour package includes buffet lunch in Sabang.

Underground River

where the river meets the sea

with dgroup ladies