I have now moved my blog here.

I hope to see you guys there.

This blog will be maintained up until I have the time to move my images and other uploaded files to my site.

Ciao.

I was reading an entry of a friend of mine this morning.

I told her I'd post something about it but it's now half past six when I start to write about it.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

I say, when in doubt ask questions. Directly to the person involved.

This way things are cleared up quickly.

Especially in relationships. It's difficult to have any room for misinterpretation when it comes to relationships. Just ask the person and clear everything up. Make it clear. Unless you're afraid, that is.

Right now I fear some things. It's actually frustrating because I told mysel that I would take more risks and not fear things like this. But come to think of it, I still fear it. Losing a friendship over a failed love.

But if you and another person had a relationship and broke up, you may actually still have feelings for the person. Even if you've told yourself and the entire world that you don't. Deep down inside you, when you're alone and thinking, you still love the person.

I believe you still do. And you will never cease to. If the love was real in the first place.

So you just have to accept that you still love the person and that you are no longer together. You still have that special connection no matter what happens.

After all, it was unconditional love (hopefully) in the first place.

Last night, I saw Over the Hedge with Tin, Joyce and Suzette. Cherli and Suzzie were supposed to go with us but they had some appointments that could not be left to attend to.

We all met at Kitchen at Greenbelt to have dinner. Actually, I already ate before going there so I just had dessert - black beauty. Joyce had chicken (she still doesn't eat food that comes from animals with 4 feet), Tin had grilled meat, eggs and bananas and Suzette had Seafood (it contained shrimps which she knew she was allergic to but she still ordered it). She started to itch so we looked for a drugstore, but we couldn't find one in time since the movie was about to start.

We bought our tickets and went directly to the cinema (cinema 14, Suzette?). We made it in time and the movie started.

It was hilarious. The animation was great. The story was simple. The characters were a real treat.

There was Vincent the vicious hibernating bear, RJ the raccoon, Verne the turtle, Hammy the squirrel, Stella the skunk, Ozzie and Heather the possums, and a family of porcupines.

I really liked Verne and Hammy. They were really funny characters.

I really recommend it to everyone. But I'm not sure if it's still screening.

Buy it on original DVD or scavenge the metropolis looking for a cinema still showing it.

Watch it, it'll make you nuts!!!

I've just registered my own domain name and am currently waiting for the A Record to be updated and propagated thru the net.

 I can't wait. I'm so excited. 

Creating computer software is always a demanding and painstaking process — an exercise in logic, clear expression, and almost fanatical attention to detail.

It requires intelligence, dedication, and an enormous amount of hard work.

But, a certain amount of unpredictable and often unrepeatable inspiration is what usually makes the difference between adequacy and excellence.

Just watched X3 last night with Tin, Joyce and Suzette.

I was really excited, being a big X-men fan.

We met at Red Ribbon in Parksquare. Suzette and Joyce were having dinner. I already had mine. Then Tin arrived and had dinner.

We then went to G4 to buy tickets. When we got there at a couple of minutes after 9, we decided to buy 11pm tickets so we can have coffee. Suzette and Tin had been craving for coffee and I already bought mine and was sipping it while they were having dinner.

We couldn't find a vacant table so we stayed and looked around. We eventually got one and Suzette and Tin ordered.

I saw a magazine with Mei Melancon on the cover. She was playing Psylocke in X3. I got even more excited. For me, she's the hottest member of the X-men franchise. I was disappointed during the movie because she didn't have much time on the screen.

We sat in the front row in the middle.

During the course of the movie, we made some comments on the scenes and Tin was continuously sending sms messages :). When the movie ended, we waited for the credits and saw the teaser at the end. Tin and Joyce wanted a rewind because they didn't see it clearly. They didn't get their request.

When we got out, we went to Mercury to buy medicine. We stopped at every door of Glorietta where they had a big circular tile design and stood there holding hands. These were supposedly waypoints according to Suzette. She said her mutant powers were level 8 compared to Jean Grey/Phoenix's level 5. Tin's mutant powers are a secret according to her. I can't remember what Joyce's mutant powers were.

It was one crazy night.

I hope the X-Men movie franchise goes on and we get X4, X5 and so on.

I can't wait for the next comicbook-based movies.

I felt it was nice to use a Star Wars theme for my blog posts regarding Boracay. The trip for me felt like what it would have made George Lucas feel knowing he had something so good in his hands but couldn't share it with everyone.

The trip started on a very unsure and exciting note. I almost didn't make it. Only God knows how things fell into place.

We were initially disappointed when we arrived but we decided to remain positive and look at the good things we see and experience daily. Lo and behold, not long after, we had the time of our lives. Probably one of my best vacations ever.

I met a lot of new friends, acquaintances and great personalities.

I tried new things. Tried some old ones too, but with new people. Had fun. Laughed. Built better and stronger relationships with those I came to the island with.

• In this trip I found friends who I can go with to any destination anytime. No excuses. No ifs, no buts.
• I jumped off a cliff!
• I climbed up a cliff by pulling against tree roots!
• I had really great food at remarkably low prices.
• I had not so great food at remarkably high prices.
• I made 2 new friends in Cerisse and Melissa
• I roasted marshmallows using candles
• I'm starting to love rowing.
• I found out that there's wifi at Boracay. I can now work there!!!
• I found out I can live in a single room with 3 women. Maybe not in general, but Suzzie, Suzette and Joyce are at the top of my list.
• I found out that you should never book at the last minute especially if you're taking a boat.
• I can't wait to go back.

The saga is now complete.

On to the next ones.

The last day on the island.

We finally succeeded in waking up early. We changed clothes and went directly to the plazoleta. We were met there by Ate Kat and Kuya Tammy. Then by Cherli and Tin. They then gave us (Suzzie, Suzette, Joyce, Tin and I) a booknotes version of kayaking dos and don'ts. Suzzie rowed with Kuya Tammy while Joyce went with Ate Kat in the two 2-seater kayaks. I used the single-seater. We rowed to a distant boat out at sea. It was tiring, especially for me since I was rowing alone and trying to catch up with Kuya Tammy.

When we got back to the beach, I was really drained and slightly burnt. I got off the kayak and sat on the beach with Ate Kat and Cherli.

Repacking our stuff for the trip home

The Female Kayakers after action
When they got back, we went to Fat Jimmy's to have breakfast while the Boracay Bugsay Team had it's daily training.

We had our last free breakfast while Cherli and Tin went to Real Coffee to have their breakfast. Suzzie and I wanted to go back and row again when Ate Kat and Tammy got back. So we all took a rest and then went to the Plazoleta to wait for the team.

The coolest coffee place in Boracay

Working in Boracay

Suzzie, Suzette, Cherli and I had coffee at Lonely Planet Coffee while waiting for our second kayak experience. There we met a new friend in Xyzko. He had his drum and his energy with him when he came. He was introduced to us by Ate Kat and Kuya Tammy. Suzette rented a bike, Joyce was taught zip lessons for a minimal donation while Suzzie and I kayaked.

This time, we were unaided by Kuya Tammy. We just paddled to wherever we wanted and actually reached a far distance. The waves were stronger now and there were more boats. It was a lot harder to paddle. I was using a 2-seater which was harder to turn and move alone. Suzzie was using the single-seater. We eventually went back to shore and back to the Plazoleta to finish our coffee. There were more of the locals at the Plazoleta now, waiting for drum lessons. They played some music for us and we took more pictures.

Xyzko, Suzzie and I chilling at Lonely Planet Coffee

Suzette, Joyce and I then got our last tattoos made before going back to Fat Jimmy's for lunch and repacking. We had our last lunch for this trip at Smoke (again) and repacked our stuff before going back to the Plazoleta for some shopping and to kill time.

We left for Caticlan at 4pm and had our early dinner at Andok's. We waited in line and for quite a while for the boat to arrive and for us to board. When we boarded, I was surprised at the accomodations I got. I went to where Joyce, Suzzie and Suzette were and stayed there. When I got there, they were pissed at a couple of passengers who took their places. Suzette and Joyce went to the front desk to try and upgrade our accomodations. Suzzie and I managed to talk to the people who took their places and we got them back. We weren't able to upgrade and just stayed in our place. The three girls shared the 2 beds that were together and I took the other one. We had our sleep and woke up early next morning.

We went around the boat and had breakfast at the canteen. We had some talks about a lot of stuff and our future trips. We then went back for Suzette (who was still sleeping when we left) and waited with her. When we got to Manila, we separated at the pier with Suzzie and Suzette going home and Joyce and I going to work.

It was a great trip.

Our little place in the boat ride home

I will go back. Hopefully with all of my friends who came with me this time. Maybe even more.

Here are the pictures of Suzzie, Suzette, Joyce and Cherli with Kiko:

On the third day, we were going to join Ate and Kuya Tammy and the Boracay Bugsay during their stretching. Yet again, we failed to wake up early because of the previous night's activities.

Cherli came to at Jimmy's to join us for the day. She came just as we woke up. We had our free breakfast again and then Suzzie and I joined Cherli at Real Coffee for her breakfast. I had my first cup of coffee there. a doppio. It was good. The food was great. After breakfast, we went to the beach to take a dip, take pictures and get a tan. I also took a short nap. Just as I got up from my nap in the beach, a boatman comes up to me offering their services and their sailboat. The girls negotiated and got a good deal.

Suzzie, Suzette, Joyce, Cherli and I then got on their paraw and went sailboating. They brought us to Puka Beach. The trip was great, surreal and relaxing. Puka Beach was beautiful. We took pictures, and some were taken by our boatman. We also bought bracelets, anklets, rosaries and other stuff from the locals.

After a while, we decided to go back and have lunch because we'll be having another activity in the afternoon.

We had lunch at Smoke and took a tricycle ride to where Tin, Mele and Cerisse were staying faroff in station 1.

Again, we took pictures before boarding the boat.

We then took a boat ride to the Crystal Cove for some cave exploration. It cost us 100 pesos to get in Crystal Cove. We ended up going to just one of the caves and taking tons of pictures - as always.

We then went to somewhere near crocodile/alligator island to go snorkeling. I was the crash test dummy again. As soon as I got in the water, I felt the strong current and it pulled away from the boat. I managed to grab on while the others were going down. The current proved to be too strong for us and I strained my arm trying to hold on to the boat while Suzzie and Suzette hang on to me (and my shorts) so they won't be dragged by the current. Good thing my shorts were tied tightly.

Getting ready for snorkeling

We decided that we didn't want to continue the snorkeling activity in that part of the sea and chose to go to Puka Beach and wait for the sun to set.

The ride from the snorkeling area to Puka Beach was anything but calm. I was sitting at the front of the boat and water was continuously splashing on me as the boat went up and down each strong wave.

We eventually got to Puka Beach and swam a little. Then we were swarmed by the locals again, trying to sell us their wares. And they did sell a lot. When we got tired and ran out of things to buy (or money to buy with) we went back home.

Everybody was silent during the trip home. Probably tired from everything that we've done so far in the day. We planned to buy some drinks from the stores and bring them to the beach and chillout so we can save some money. Everybody agreed.

When we got back to station 1, we all went to our rooms to rest and freshen up. We all met again for dinner at Smoke.

After dinner, we walked to the beach and looked for a store and then went to the sand to lay down and roast some mallows - using candles, of course. We also played a question and answer game based on slambook questions. It was fun, exciting, and informative.

We called it a night because we had to wake up early the next day for our activities with Ate Kat and Kuya Tammy. We swore that we'de really wake up early this time.

As soon as we got to our room, everybody readied for the night. I slept on the bed now, instead of the makeshift one I've been using for the past nights, with Suzzie. Suzette and Joyce shared the other one.

These pictures are worth at least Php 100 (entrance fee)

(taken from Crystal Cove)

Everybody set their alarms. We couldn't miss our activities the next day. It was going to be our last on the island.

We woke up late on our second day on the island.

Suzzie and I were supposed to watch the sun rise but were still sleeping long after it had gone up in the sky.

When we woke up, we had our free breakfast at the resort. Cherlie came to our resort so we can all go to beach together and have some activities. Cherli, Suzzie and I went to the beach earlier because Suzette and Joyce were still fixing some stuff. We went to meet Cherli's friends, Kat and Tammy, for our activities.

We saw them while they were having a meeting for a fund raiser. They told us we had to go in the morning instead of the afternoon because the tide would be rising. So we looked for Joyce and Suzette and told them we'd all be going cliff jumping in the morning. Tin then told us she wanted to come with us but not Mele and Cerisse.

\

Root climbing past station 3

Yes, you heard me right. Cliff jumping. But before we were able to jump, we had to trek along the coast line and Root Climb. Yes, you hear me right again. Root Climb. Up a steep rockface with lots of roots. Then a slight walk then we arrived at the cliff. Tammy told us when we started that we'd be having a slight trek, but no climbing whatsoever. We then waited for Kat and Cherli who rowed to the place. When they got there with the life jackets, we set off to jump. I was the crash test dummy. We jumped of the lowest one first, then higher and higher. Each jump increased the thrill and excitement to a level unknown to me before. When we jumped off everything we could jump off from, we started trekking back.

Suzette, Tin, Suzzie and Cherli jumping off cliff 1 and 2

Joyce "flying"

(keep your arms close to the body and your feet closed too)

Before the level 3 jump; After my first jump at level 3; my second level 3 jump

(they couldn't capture a mid-air picture of me jumping)

When we got back to station 2, we had lunch at Smoke and took a break for the afternoon.

During the evening, we met Tin, Cherli, Mele and Cerisse during dinner at Blue Berry. It was a great place with huge servings. I ordered a 50 peso chicken tinola and got a huge bowl. Big enough to feed a small family. We then went to Bom Bom to watch and support Kat, Tammy and their friends during their fund raising. We then chilled out while listening to some cool reggae music. After that, we went and joined Cerisse and Mele who went to station 1. We stayed at Club Paraw. We left early in the morning and we had to take a tricycle.

When we got to Fat Jimmy's we slept like babies.

It was an exciting and tiring day.

We were starting to reconsider our oath that we would not be going back to this island at our expense.

All things start off in their own special way. This trip started with roasting marshmallows on my bed at the condo using candles.

Am now on the island that most people want to go to on summers. Went here with my friends. Almost didn't make it. But that's an entirely different story.

We were all supposed to go by boat but I was late and wasn't able to buy a ticket on time and as for my friends, they were left by the boat. They weren't informed of the change of schedule for the trip. But they were given plane tickets instead from which I got my tickets too so we can all go together. It tripled my fare to go there and totally disrupted my budget.

While waiting at the airport, we were discussing the trips we'll all be having together in the near and far future. From road trips to backpacking across the Philippines. We'll be travelling together practically our entire lives. And maybe even our kids will continue what we're starting to do. The rowdy, crazy and happy group of these four travellers.

We finally got here. We were so excited when the plane landed. We rode a tricycle and a boat to get to where we'd be staying. The beach where we landed didn't look too promising. We then took another tricycle ride to the resort. We checked in and put all our stuff in the room and took showers and rested.

Then we went off to lunch. It was expensive to say the least. We were looking for alternatives. I am on a tight budget. We then met our other friends who took other arrangements. Had some henna tattoos had a slightly less expensive dinner and went off to look for a nice and happy place to stay.While waiting for dinner, we talked about our disappointment with the place. We expected it to be much more surreal. Not like manila on a beach. The place, as far as what we've seen, is nice but it could've been so much more if it were not overdeveloped and too commercialized. We found out that we're not the type of people who like crowded tourist spots.

We ended up in a videoke since all the girls wanted to sing. As for me, I can't sing or to be more precise, I choose not to. We stayed at the bar until past 2am. They were so into their singing that they even started standing on the chairs so they can vocalize better.

We were there so long the owner and staff were literally waiting for us to leave so they can close shop. I think we ran thru the entire playlist. Enough songs to put in an ipod.

I brought my laptop for the trip. I'll be working whenever possible so I can finish my stuff at the office. It also gives us a means to store our pictures. On our first day alone we already have almost 200MB.

I still don't know what we're going to do tomorrow, or rather later. I can only guess.

I hope my budget makes it.

Having lunch at the Sun Village

When will these girls finish singing? I guess when they kick us out of this place.

Here are some other pictures:

Having my dragons made

Chilling out at the plazoleta

Some other pictures have been left out due to the request of my friends.

I can only post these, as of now.

Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.

I've been chasing that butterfly for some time now. Especially for a specific instance. I think it's been a couple of weeks.

But just I said in my first line, it has always been beyond my grasp. I almost lost hope of attaining it. And finally, I just told myself that if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.

And just as I sat down quietly, it came to me. In the lowest moments of my week, I found hope. A very small light, but still a light.

And I just banked everything on it. And as everything turns out, I succeeded.

The butterfly is now in my hand. Resting. Flapping it's wings.

I can't wait to reap it's rewards.

Hello, little butterfly.

Been thru a lot of stress lately.

Spent some sleepless nights thinking.

Almost lost hope today.

Then got it back.

Let's see tomorrow how it all turns out.

I had a really fun night last night.

To be quite honest a couple off days ago I wouldn't have thought my birthday would be so much fun.

It was simple. But I really had fun.

It all started at around a couple of minutes past midnight yesterday. I checked my email and noticed a message from Friendster. I checked my account and got my first online birthday greeting. And it came from the least likeliest of person (really appreciate it), Faith of BDO.

After replying to her, I got back to what I was working on. I wanted to finish it before I slept. And by some strange reason I finished it in a record 30 minutes or so. Then I slept, woke up just as my roommate was about to leave to do some errands and just in time for him to greet me.

Today is going to be a good day.

I coded some more on some other stuff, bought some bread from the convenience store for breakfast and just enjoyed the morning at our balcony. Then I prepared to go to work and went to the Starbucks near our office with AJ. It's been a while since I went there for coffee. Been trying to save. It was a nice way to start my day. Just as the surprise of my first online greeting, the baristas all knew it was my birthday too!

I had my usual Personal Double Raspberry Ice-Shaken Doubleshot Espresso with Ice.

We worked there until lunch time. Then we went to the office and AJ ran some errands. I bought some rice (I brought my lunch with me) and ate alone. T and Ross then came and the work day started.

Beyond all the greetings, I asked Joyce if she could ask the guys (Tin, Suzzie, Suzette, Che, Manny, etc.) if they'd like to go to the condo and have some pizza. After that, I went back in the zone.
I had a lot of funny and some serious conversations on my messenger, had a last minute bug fix and some pizza for the team.

Then they (the guys) picked me up from the office and we all went to the condo. We ordered some pizza and talked and had a lot of fun.

The people who came were: Manny and his girlfriend, Che, Tin, Joyce, Suzzie and Suzette. Thanks. You guys made my day even better.

It actually lasted up until the early morning. But everybody had work the next morning so they went home eventually. First was Tin, Che and Manny. Then the four of us remaining talked even more and finally called it a night (actually early morning) at around 2am.

Then I cleaned up the condo (partially) and gave in to the calling of my bed. Time to get some rest.

Now, it's the 9132nd day of my life (that included the leap years since birth). Such a big number. I hope I get another couple of thousand days to add before I call it quits.

Now it's back to the rest of the year. The part where it isn't my birthday. I'll try to make it just as fun.

Even though I didn't meet my good old friends yesterday, thanks to my new friends it was an unforgettable birthday. Certainly unique and really fun (i just cant stop saying it was fun).

My aunt even sang happy birthday to me over the phone.

Woohoo!!!

25 years.

Sounds like a lot to me.

I just cant believe I made it this far.

…

I actually don't have any plans yet for today.My birthday wish (outside of being a bit more financially stable) is that I see my friends today.

Now, that'll make my day.

Hell, that'll even make my year.

I've been feeling a bit down lately.

Probably from pressure from a lot of places.

Work, home, family, friends, even the universe.

But thanks to a friend of mine's blog entry, I've been reminded of what I decided to do a long time ago.

To practice this: "It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis." And so, I now decide to be happy. And now I am.

I will no longer let anything stop me from being happy. Nothing. No excuses.

I will choose to be happy all the time.

…

I've got plenty of reason not to be happy today:

Foot blister

Work

Home

My Birthday

My phone

But right now, I'll just focus on what I'm doing. And be happy.

Finally got some rest yesterday.

We pushed phase 1 and it seems to be fine.

Will be starting today on the phase 2 relaunch.

Hopefully, I'll be finished tonight.

Want to enjoy tomorrow.

Whatever that day may bring. It only comes once a year, so I sure hope it's good.

…

Am alone at the office right now.

Where is everybody?

At least I have some alone time to finish my code.

Wish me luck!

She is the energy eminating from the Sun
And the patience I show everyone.
She is the warm embrace of a Carribean breeze
And the cascading rain that puts me at ease.

She is my admiration for all things alive
And my insatiable desire to strive.
And within the most horrendous calamity
She is the love and strength of family.

She is the Moon providing me light.
Within the soft tranquility of the night
There are just no words with which to explain
The way her gentle caress soothes all pain.

She is everything I ever do or say.
She is the reason I exist this very day.
She is my emotion and thoughts through strife
She is my friend…

My mom.

We haven't pushed yet and are still awake for the nth straight evening.

Hopefully, we'll be finished tonight.

Just need to actually push the code.

Done testing and revising.

…

Tomorrow I start on coding for Monday's push.

I'll need to be in the zone.

I hope I can go home to Kalookan tonight.

I miss home.

I miss my mom and my dad.

I miss my room.

I miss sleep.

This is a continuation or rather a more detailed account of my climb last week.

As you may have read, the mound of earth I scaled with my friends is called Mount Pulag (sometimes Pulog). It is the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines and the highest in Luzon. The superintendent at the PAO told us that it is a very important place because of the water it provides to the main watersheds in Luzon.

She also told us that the Rangers are underpaid (if paid at all), that our fees help the community, and that we should not sleep while she is talking.

Well, let me continue my story in a more chronological manner.

It started on a friday. Joyce and I met and decided to go together to the bus station (because during the last climb, she forgot to wakeup and was left behind). We couldn't get a cab since it was a friday and we were in Makati. So we called up Tin and asked her if they (Mymy was with her) already got a cab and if they could pick us up. They did have a cab and they did pick us up and we all went together to the bus station. The traffic was heavy and we were afraid we'd miss the bus, hopefully we got there in time.

My seatmate at the bus was Morph (he's also my tentmate and trekmate). There was a stopover at Tarlac and a couple of others. I slept most of the way. I woke up when we were in Baguio and were about to get off the bus. It was already cold in Baguio.

We went inside the bus station and looked for food. The best we could find was Mr Donut. So we had donuts for breakfast.

We then boarded our jeeps that would take us thru our itenerary for the day. It was a long ride with some stops for pictures, rest and refueling.

We first passed by Ambuklao Dam where we had some cool pictures taken. Then to the Sulfur springs which stank. And then to the Kabayan Caves and Museum. One of our companions, Jema, was making a documentary film for her students about the cave and the mummies. It was actually quite interesting. And so was she.

Our last stop before going to PAO was the Opdas caves. It was creepy and wet (it was starting to rain). After the caves, we hurrily boarded our jeeps to go to another bumpy ride to the PAO (Protected Area Office).

At the PAO we were to log-in and be briefed by the authorities. We watched an old american short movie about mountaineering and endured a monologue by the authorities about their plight and how we are helping them and how we should do everything else in our life for the betterment of humanity.

After the lecture, we headed to the Ranger Station on what is currently the scariest jeepney ride I have had in my entire life. Our jeepney had our bags strapped to the roof and we were packed inside. The road was as rough as any place I know and it was going up. To make things more exciting, we were a few feet from falling off the sides of cliffs along the road which was wide enough for 1 vehicle. Now here comes the clincher, there was another jeep going the other way! The maneuvering that transpired was truly heart-stopping. I almost kissed the ground when we got to the Ranger station.

We had dinner and would be spending the night at the Ranger station. We had pink sinigang for dinner (thanks Cherli). It was fantastic, partly due to the intense cold and the warmth of the soup. Before, during and after dinner there were some of us who took turns in the shower. To continue the tradition of extremes and firsts in this trip, everybody probably had the coldest shower they will ever have. Everytime you pour water on yourself, your skin numbs. It was either take this icy shower or stink until washup on monday. Everybody chose the icy experience.

Then it was time for socials but almost everybody was sleeping and the only ones left were the guys. Some of the guys played cards while the rest talked about a whole lot of stuff.

Morning came and we had breakfast and prepared for the trek to camp. It was still cold but not as cold as the night. We started our trek with our 3 guides. Now these guys are mutants, they don't sweat, get tired, thirsty, I don't even think they feel the cold.

The first part of the trek had a steep part before the first stop. When I got to camp 1, there were people resting before going down. There was a cute one there, I didn't get her name but we had some chitchat (I was still catching my breath but when I saw her I lost it again, hehehe). I got some much needed energy boost from that conversation.

Then the next part of the climb was a bit flatter than the first. Next time you turn a corner, you were already at camp 2.

We then hurriedly set up camp and cooked lunch. Everybody was obviously in need of sustenance from the 3-4 hour hike.

After lunch, we finally had socials. There was "get to know each other" game initially but it was really inevitable. We had to have a contest. And so we did, charades! Topic: movies. It got heated and a lot funnier but eventually the better team . . . lost.

Then it was time to cook dinner and hole up in our tents. The temperature was about to go all the way south.

After a long chat with the other companions in the climb (including some fortune-telling) we went to our tents and rested in preparation for the 3am hike the next day for the summit. I thought the night at the Ranger Station was cold, I was totally wrong. It was cold, windy and wet. Only God knows how I got thru it.

Then at around 3am, we were woken up by Chex and were told to prepare for the assault to the summit. It was dark and cold. Just the perfect conditions to take a walk in the mountains.

I got drained at the start because I was at the front of the group and my light wasn't too much help. I kept stumbling over stuff. I decided to let them go in front of me and take a slower pace. We got to the summit in the perfect time. The sun was about to rise. I was wearing 6 layers of clothing and I was still cold.

I think every paragraph in this post contains the word cold.

Anyway, we spent an hour at the summit taking pictures. We even saw a couple taking their prenuptial pictures there. Now that's a sweet moment if I ever saw one.

We then went back down and took even more pictures. We're like photomaniacs, all of us.

When we got back to camp, we had breakfast and started the walk back to the ranger station. This trip was about to end.

It would have been a whole lot easier for me to go down if my shoes had been still with me but they died and were laid to rest in a plastic bag put inside my backpack. I had to wear my sandals down. Now I know that they're tough.

On our way back to Baguio, we were delayed and had to hurry up in the showers. We had no time to buy food or gifts for home. We just cleaned up and ran to the bus station.

I got back to the condo at around 3am. The guard told me my housemate had to climb thru the window to get inside our place since he forgot his keys. But that's another story.

Now, I'm back at work.

Motivated.

Inspired.

Changed.

Just because I took the opportunity to climb the highest peak in Luzon.

Truly, people are changed after they breath air at 9,586 ft.

I'm now prepareing the prerequisites for a push for one of our products.

My documentation script has been running for a while now. I hope it works.

I've finished my stuff and will be testing.

Hopefully, it's bug free so I can start on this monday's push.

Need to study some jabber stuff too by the end of the month.

Wish me luck!

Yes, I have been 2922m above sea level and still be standing on the ground.

It all started weeks back during the preclimb for Mt Kairukan. Chex asked me to join her next climb, Mt Pulag. And I said yes, I'll think about it.

Eventually, I joined the climb. And I was very excited about it. The opportunity to climb the second highest mountain in the Philippines doesn't come that often. And the chance to go there with your friends is even rarer.

The day to leave for Baguio came. Joyce, Tin, Mye and I went to the bus station together (actually, Tin and Mye picked us up at Buendia because we can't get a cab). We got there just in time despite the harsh traffic jams in EDSA.

We boarded the bus and left for Baguio.

When we got to Baguio it was already cold. We got our bags and went in the Victory bus station. We went scouring for breakfast but the most we could find was Mr Donut.

We then boarded our jeeps and started the journey to Benguet. It was a long, dusty and very bumpy ride. Needless to say that our asses gut pretty bruised and sometimes even our heads (for the sleepy ones).

We went to Ambuklao Dam, Sulphur Springs, the Kabayan Caves and Museum, the Opdas cave then to the PAO office to register the group for the climb. The side trips were great and we had a lot of fun taking pictures. The video and talk at the PAO office was another story. It was like trekking - long and tedious.

Then another very bumpy ride to the Ranger station where we will be spending the night.

We had dinner and most of the people slept. The guys played some cards, talked and had some drinks - anything to keep us warm. There were some very funny stories, some serious ones and a lot of fun. We eventually had to get some rest while the others took turns in the bath (the coldest one I have ever had).

Morning comes with the promise of climbing to Camp 2 of Mt Pulag. We had breakfast and cooked lunch and started the trek to the camp. It was cold so you didn't tire that much, and it was also very fun since there were 29 of us climbing in the group.

We eventually got to Camp 2 and setup camp at around lunch time. Just in time for some nourishment after a long climb. After lunch we had nothing else to do so E.L. decided to have some socials. We played games and got to know each other a whole lote more. Some of the games even got very competitive, as one colleague put it. Then it was time to cook dinner and rest.

Everybody slept early because of the biting cold, aside from the fact that we were waking up at 3am for the assault to the summit. It was a very cold night but we managed to get through it. At 3am, everybody got up and prepared for the summit. It was dark, wet and cold.

My flashlight couldn't help me because it was that bright and the batteries died on me so I had a hard time during the dark climb, especially at the start. But we got to the summit in time for sunrise. One of the best I've ever seen. To say that the view was spectacular would be an understatement. It was simply breathtaking. And to top it all of, we saw a couple in a wedding gown and barong take pictures at the summit, truly a priceless moment.

After an hour we started our trek back to camp. It was a lot shorter and easier and we took even more pictures on that trek. When we got to camp, we had breakfast and broke camp. We started our journey back to the Ranger station and back home.

Our ride to Baguio City got delayed so we had to hurry in washing up. We didn't have time to buy souvenirs or even dinner. We boarded our bus and realized that like all good things, this trip was about to end.

I got back to the condo at around 3am and went straight to bed.

It was an unforgettable experience. A lot of fun, some bruises (how's the knee joyce?), a lot of laughs and 28 new friends.

And as George Leigh Mallory said, "The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this, "What is the use of climbing?" and my answer must at once be, "It is no use." There is not the slightest prospect of any gain whatsoever. Oh, we may learn a little about the behavior of the human body at high altitudes, and possibly medical men may turn our observation to some account for the purposes of aviation. But otherwise nothing will come of it. We shall not bring back a single bit of gold or silver, not a gem, nor any coal or iron. We shall not find a single foot of earth that can be planted with crops to raise food. It's no use. So, if you cannot understand that there is something in man which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for."

'Til the next climb.

…writing about climbing is boring. I would rathe