Overdue Post

Hiya, guys!

I know it's been a looooonnnggg while since I last posted here. I mean, come on it's already July and my last post was way back in April! Right about now, I'm apologizing for that fact. And since it's been quite a while, it's time for you guys to treat you with a bit of an update on what I'm up to these past few days.

1. I turned a quarter of a century older almost three months ago. But unlike the past few birthdays where I had all that shebang, I just spent my birthday this year in my mom's hometown in Pangasinan, primarily to 'break in' our new family vehicle. For those 'auto noobs' like I was a few years ago, 'breaking in' a vehicle means driving a fresh-from-the-factory vehicle to a decent long distance for the first time to 'warm up' its engine. Kinda like breaking in to your heels a few days before you plan to use it. As for the kind of vehicle I was talking about, I'll give you guys a hint: the car is from a Japanese-owned company which has its factory somewhere in Rizal. :)

The distance between Manila and Pangasinan is a pretty decent one for breaking in our vehicle, so we headed there for that purpose. And since the following day is a Sunday (and my birthday!), my family and my grandma headed to the famous Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine to have the vehicle blessed and hear the mass. During the communion, I prayed to God, thanking Him for all the blessings I received and asked for further guidance for my future. *new work, please?*

the birthday celebrant and the *magic* car

Tatay, brother Harley, Lola Lolit, sister Martina and Nanay

Nanay and her Nanay

our designated priest who did the car blessing..

Side story: Manaoag is also frequented by students who wish to pass an important examination, particularly board/Bar exams. In fact, every year, our college schedules visits for the Bar candidates to this shrine as part of their Bar operations activities. Knowing this fact, I had my two favorite ballpens blessed during one of the blessing sessions in the shrine. I know it's kinda silly for some, but I kinda believe in this, so I gave this a try. Wala namang mawawala kung susubukan, 'di ba? Besides, I know some devout Catholic law students would have their codals blessed, especially when they they have exams coming up. *wink wink!*

More on the happenings in my life the past months when you click 'Read More'

The (Anti-)Solo Traveler Diaries (Visayas Edition): The Long (and Hard) Way Home

If you've been following my (Anti-)Sole Traveler Diaries series, you might be wondering in my last post why we're taking a bus on our way back to Manila instead of riding a plane like we did on our way to Bora.

This is because the Team Grade Six decided to book a one-way plane ride to Caticlan. Probably because the promo is only available for Manila-Caticlan and not on Iloilo-Manila. Or maybe they intended to forego the Caticlan-Manila ride to save money.

Whatever the reason may be, they are about to learn their lesson the hard way. Siyempre, damay na rin ako sa bad decision nila bilang kasama ako sa trip, 'di ba?

As I have mentioned before, Dingle, Iloilo is four hours from Caticlan by bus. But because I'm starting to get sleepy (my MP3 player could not help me perk up this time), I started to take pictures of the scenery from the outside of the window.

Once we're in Caticlan port, we wait for the bus driver to book the RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ship tickets for his passengers. While waiting, we decided to take our lunch at an eatery near the dock.

Note: for those who are unfamiliar with this mode of transport, most, if not all, bus trips to Visayas and Mindanao get by through the RORO ships -- ships that lets vehicles get in and out of the ship by 'rolling.' Thus, the term 'roll-on, roll-off' or RORO. This mode of transport allows buses to travel into different island destinations, albeit longer (a trip to any Visayas destination can take up to 24 hours).

Upon getting the ship tickets, off we board into the RORO, heading to Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

We're riding up there!

Caticlan port as viewed from the ship

Onboard the ship

It was almost nightfall when we got to Roxas. I did not bother to take any more pictures from this point on, because flash photography is battery-consuming and we do not have easy access to power outlets during the entire trip (for charging batteries).

We got into the bus again for a road trip to Calapan that spans another four hours. During the trip (and even as we head to Caticlan), I was mulling my thoughts of getting down in Calapan, ride my way to Naujan, my father's hometown, stay at my grandmother's place and remain there until May. However, thinking that the idea might spell major logistical nightmare, I postponed my plans.

It's practically bed time when we get to Calapan, so it was no surprise that we have to be waken up for us to know that it's time to get off the bus again. We obliged, although we were like zombies as we walked off the bus.

Fact about me: I find it hard to fall asleep again after my sleep has been interrupted. So I remained wide awake during the entire ship ride to Batangas City, and even as we rode our way to Manila.

We got to SM Fairview (bus driver was persuaded to take us to SM Fairview instead of getting off at Cubao) at past 12am. It also marked a new day... which is also my 20th birthday! Because of that, the Team Grade Six sang 'Happy Birthday' to me before reaching our destination.

I was dog tired when mom and I got home. But I did not mind. I had a hell of a good time, and was able to do new things before I turn 20. Good enough for me. :)

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So that ends the Visayas edition of The (Anti-)Solo Traveler Diaries series. On my next post, we're heading back to Luzon, to one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines. I'll give you a clue: I've mentioned that place somewhere in my Bora-Iloilo documentation. Enjoy guessing!

Oh, let me remind you that please feel free to comment in my posts for questions or anything. You may also shoot me an email at navyisthenewpink@gmail.com, like the Navy is the New Pink page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Countdown to 22...

I just got home from my first day in PM shift after five months. Will be living this way for the next two months, just in time before classes start in June, and by then I should have transferred back to the AM. I found working in the PM more beneficial for me, because I feel less sleepy, making me do more work than the usual. Adding the fact that I'm not doing much readings, I have more time to catch up with my officemates.

But more than my first day in the PM shift, I'm starting the countdown to mark my 22 years in this world. I have to admit that I'm starting to be like most of the adults today: regarding birthdays as reminders that they are not getting any younger. At the same time, my birthday reminds me of the milestones and achievements that I have gained for the past years. Finally, it also reminds me of the lessons that I have learned, and that I have to carry them on to the next year.

Well, let's be exact: It's 23 hours and 10 minutes before my birthday (as of last timecheck).