I Quit!

Today, I quit my job. Crazy, right? After 13 years of being employed, I finally decided to just quit. 

Do I have a job waiting for me? None. Was it wise in this time that the unemployment rate has increased? Maybe not. Am I happy? YES. And that is all that matters. I am happy with my decision. I am happy knowing that my family fully supports my decision with a note: "Follow your hear's desire. Do what you have to do." 




I am not getting any younger, I will turn 36 this March. Some may argue that there is nothing wrong to grow old in a company -- it may be true for some but, I just don't see myself going that path. For once in my life, I want to follow my instincts, I want to make my own decisions, I want to do things that really matter to me. 

 

To quote Confucius "find a job that you love and you'll never work a day in your life" With that, I am giving myself a chance to find a job that I love. A freelance photographer, an events coordinator and diorama artist. I have high hopes but, I know that I may stumble and struggle at first but, I have considered the risks before leaping. And one day. I will look back and say to myself that "Yeah, I did it, I finally did it!"

What to do now? Right now, I just want to travel. Feel the wind on my face without worrying of deadlines. Feel the sand on my feet without the fear that I have to leave soon because I have a meeting the following day. Absolute freedom from corporate world. I'm effin' FREE! 

It was an amazing 13 years and I will always be grateful to the company for putting my kid bro to school, for providing decent food on our table, and for all the lessons I have learned which I will be able to use. It was an amazing journey and it is time to create one on my own.






If all else fails, I know I have to go back to the corporate world. But today, I will enjoy my freedom after 13 years! I will once again embrace sunrise and not drag myself to work. And to once again enjoy the sunset which I seldom see. I will enjoy my life, even for a while before it's too late. You only live once. I choose to LIVE NOW! 

#YOLO

Truly, a Diver's Sanctuary

Who wants to go diving? 


Got invited last month to spend a weekend at Diver's Sanctuary, Bauan Batangas and I had a blast not just with taking pictures of the resort but with the hospitality of the people and the amazing experience of diving. 





The first thing you'll notice is the beautiful facade of the building. The rooms are clean and spacious with air condition. The interior is as amazing as the exterior. Well-lighted rooms and breathtaking view of the sea. 

Breathtaking view

The food is superb and what's even better? The staff are very accommodating. They are very polite and the owner of the resort will make sure that you are fully satisfied with your stay.

Time for a dip. If it is your first time, don't worry, the licensed trainers will teach you the ropes. 

Me being guided by the trainers

Too bad I have no underwater camera. 

After the dive, I spent the rest of the afternoon just taking pictures.

Meet one of the instructors to guide you on your amazing dive

You can also visit the spa after that tiring but wonderful dive or you can just stay in your cozy room --read a good book and have a wine.

Day 2

I spent the early part of the day taking pictures of the rock formation and the resort's exterior. 

Aside from diving, you can also ride a canoe and explore the island. 

Or you can spend it reading a book under the sun. :)

For the complete details on how to have one amazing diving experience, you may check out their wedsite: http://www.diverssanctuary.com/map/

I can't wait to go back in March :)

-Fin

A Romantic Tagaytay Getaway

Tagaytay is a best place for a quick weekend getaway to just relax and enjoy the cool weather. But, to the more adventurous folks out there, Tagaytay may not be your cup of tea unless you are planning to cross the lake and hike to the mouth of the volcano -- that I have to try soon. 

So, here's my story: 

In our attempt to fix a relationship, we do things for the first time in so many years. In my case - to travel more. We seldom travel together in our 10 years of companionship. We were okay with  just going to the mall, watching movies and just stay home. It was only on our 10th year that we decided to travel more --- but, it was too late. Things can no longer be fixed and heart can no longer be stopped from falling in love with someone else. Now, I'm just a lonely traveler. 

But, not everything has been lost -- my experience gave me courage to face my fears to travel alone and pursue my hobby. When I think about what happened, it still hurts but, one day soon, it will just be a memory -- it will linger without the hurt. 

These images will always be special to me because this is the day I changed for someone I love -- regardless of the outcome, I have changed. It was a blissful 2-day stay in Tagaytay.

Leslie's Restaurant famous for its Bulalo. 

Our first stop after the bust drive from Pasay to Tagaytay, the famous Leslie's Restaurant. 

Magallanes Hotel. Magallanes Drive Corner Sta. Rit, Magallanes Drive, Tagaytay

We then headed to Magallanes Hotel just right in front of Leslie's Restaurant. Cozy and the amenities are up to date.

Starbucks, Tagaytay.

After a few hours in the hotel, we headed to Starbucks. Perfect weather to share a warm cup of brewed coffee. 

Mushroom Burger. Km. 60 Brgy Kaybagal, Tagatay.

Dinner time. We went to the famous Mushroom Burger and ordered their bestseller. We then back to the hotel.

Breakfast at Magallanes Hotel.

  Sky Ranch.

We rode the Eye in the Sky. It was a warm but blissful day.

Bag of Beans. Aguinaldo Highway (near Rotonda)

We then headed to Bag of Beans before going back to Manila.

Fin.

I left my heart in Boracay

Few more months and it's summer already. Wow! time flies. Only a year since I visited the amazing Boracay Island and now I find myself booking for a flight and hotel.

Spent most of my time taking pictures and admiring the beauty of the island. Last year was my 3rd 'bora' experience with my friends. This year, I'm heading there alone. It was a tough year and I never though I will be Ze Lonely Traveler because my constant companion, the love of my life, has gone away and never coming back.  

Father and son

Sand and people

Friends

Enjoying a fruit shake on a warm Sunday

En route to Puka beach

Puka beach

It was a bittersweet memory. My first and last Bora with a special someone and I never thought I will be travelling alone from now on. But, life has to move on and I'm welcoming a new chapter -- traveling alone, meeting wonderful people and falling in love all over again. Thank you for giving me the best 10 years of my life. I'm ready to forgive and let go now. -ze lonely traveler.

My Baguio Tour Part II

Day 2.

I have been going to Baguio for 6 years already but, there are still places I have not seen. And today, I decided to visit Tam-Awan Village in C Pinsao Proper. The entrance fee is P50 for adult and P30 for kids. Discount is also given for elderly. It was a bit crowded and warm but, it was worth the trip because of the amazing artworks.

Wall visible from the outside of the village. Amazing colors!

This guy will greet you once you have entered the premise leading to an art gallery

Painted tires. 

Duklingan. Hut used by the natives. 

Hanging garden

Bamboo bridge leading to another plight of stairs

Spent almost an hour just trying to get a cab because most of the tourist have already rented their services. It's getting late so I decided to just spend the afternoon in Burnham Park.

It was so crowded in Burnham because of the long weekend and opening of the Panagbenga

A skater boy in Burnham

Still a crowd pleaser after all these years.

More pictures soon :)

My Baguio Tour (Grand Opening Panagbenga Festival)

One of my goals this year is to travel more and take pictures of these amazing places. I have read somewhere that sometimes, we need to travel alone -- to meet amazing people, to be who you really are, to experience absolute freedom and to leave everything else behind.

This year, I did that. And it was indeed liberating. :)

I stayed in Hotel Veniz and the check-in went smoothly, thanks to my booking agent. Because of the traffic in Urdaneta and Sison, I arrived in Baguio at 4PM. Went to the hotel, unpacked and went to Session Road for some waffles and brewed coffee -- Volante style.

Woke up with the beat of the drums from the opening parade of the Panagbenga Festival. Arrrgghh curse you, cold weather! Was only take a few pictures but, it was an amazing experience. This is the start of the month-long festival. I enjoyed the explosion of colors, the smiles on the faces of the crowd and the craftsmanship that was put into making those colorful costumes and props. 

                   

  

                                 

Then I went to Philippine Military Academy before heading back to my hotel to rest and spent the evening with a couple of drinks at Rumours, Session Road. 

Day 2 and 3 to be posted soon. :)