Uragon…Albayano…Filipina…Loving daughter…
True friend…Confident…Strong-willed…
Glowing…Woman of our generation…
You will be dearly missed,
our Melody Gersbach.
Today, it was passed four o’clock in the afternoon when dark clouds started to pour huge pebble-like rain. I was still at work, and my colleague shared something with me that it would be another ‘Ondoy’ for this year. I hope it wouldn’t.
When I looked through the window, the rain has begun to slow down. Then it stopped but still electricity in our work hasn’t restored yet. When I was about to time out, the lights lit on. It was a double good news for me.
Little did I know on my way home, traffic was heavy on part of Marcos Hi-way. I’ve waited half an hour for a ride but everything was fully loaded with passengers. I had no choice but to walk with others and go home.
As others begun to crowd near the flood, I joined the others to walk barefooted into the water (not good for my blisters on my toes. Good thing it is not yet pricked.)
But here’s the spirit of confidence: I overheard someone saying “Kung kaya nila (maglakad), kaya rin natin.” (If they can walk, why can’t we.) I had no arguments with that because in that situation, we have to keep it going or we are just killing time for nothing.
At 9 PM, I never noticed that I was nearing home. I told myself I’m still blessed. I’m glad that I was safe despite the presence of immovable traffic and 20-inch-tall flood.
Now, it is time to pamper myself at home tonight- watch TV, eat, email, text, call loved ones and sleep. Zzzzzzzzzz.
—
Photos:
Still traffic at Sumulong Hi-way. Somebody even asked me why it is not moving.
College girl was also on her feet
Dirt on my clog shoes
:)
Sto. Domingo, Albay as one of the exotic beach destinations is now planning to take a big leap towards e-technology. Yesterday, Mayor Herbie Aguas has announced during his radio interview that he is targeting to install WiFi connection in central park of the town. Once it is set up, this service would be readily accessible for the Domingueños and tourists for free. The project will clearly benefit the students and businessmen to gather information with their own fingertips.
(Photo credit: http://stodomingo-albay.org/) Plaza Pugad Lawin with the comfort of atmosphere
Leonardo DiCaprio who starred in Titanic has announced that he will visit Philippines next month particularly in Albay. Instead of promoting his latest movie - Inception, the Hollywood star would go to Legazpi City to promote environmental awareness, and to boost eco-tourism industry in the province. Di Caprio has also confirmed he would stay at Misibis Bay, the finest luxurious playground. The actor would spend his days in the country for one week.
A scene from ‘Titanic’ with his co-star Kate Winslet
:)
One morning when I went outside home, I was having a quick look to my place. I did this for the reason I don’t know when I’ll be back to this sweet surrender – a serene view of the sky and Mt. Mayon (tip seen above). Recent fond memories were beginning to sink in such as those happy, frat, jologs and jejemon moments. Also, a ride of sikad-sikad or padyak (pedicab) when I go to a market or perhaps attend online game invites is now what I’m missing too. The exquisite taste of raw pili soaked in boiled water was what I’ve craved for. All of these I want to exprience again. Well, I’m pressing my luck I would come back sooner.
:)
Tabaco City is really close to my heart. I would not let time pass without having a glimpse on Tabak Festival that was celebrated on June 16-25, 2010.
Aside from street presentation that amazed locals and tourists, the city also offered lots of varieties of our culture like cutleries, specialties, etc. In the evening, pageants for men, women (Ms. Tabak), and gays (Ms. Tabakla) can brighten up the nights. The contestants of Ms. Tabakla were such entertaining to the mass because muscles were still all over the place. But wit wise, they have answered questions really good, they can really kick butts.
We also had Vhong Navarro, Side A, and Claire dela Fuentes performed in front of Tabaqueños giving us great cheers. It was really nice to watch them especially in my own city. It’s also very nostalgic.
Tasting beers with my friend while listening to the gigs of our local bands was nice to end a day.
Rakrakan na, mga jejemon! 4reebh4 4lbh4y! $4r4ru s4r4bh4i, M4buh4Y! (Arriba Albay! Sararu, Sarabay, Mabuhay!)(Arriba Albay! Long live together as one!)
Claire having fun with Tabaqueños.
Locals at the central park as they watched Ms. Tabakla
:)
It was a hot night of last week while I was puttering something with my computer, I heard this unusual noise. Just outside my door was a repetitious little noise but not futile. I came quickly to look for it. Little did I know, a cute little squishy puppy was already born. “A celebration of life!”, I thought. Then the other one followed after few minutes, and so on. When I woke up in the morning, I counted seven puppies which eyes were still closed, and steps made were still crawling. Among these cuties, only one is a dirty white which I named “Nognog”, and the rest was all white, no names yet.
Nognog in his Styrofoam bed
His six siblings having their siesta
:)
In January of 2009, a very good friend brought me to Hoyop-hoyopan cave. I remembered it was drizzling but I insisted to be there. Then, we finally reached the place. Inside, I felt the wind blowing my slightly wet body. It gave me chills, sort of rare refreshment (that’s the reason why the cave was named from - “blow-blow”).
After minutes of touring, I saw translucent stones the lady was selling. “Sain ‘yan hali?” (Where did you get those?). Because of that curiosity, I found a new terrific spot that I wanted to go to – the Calabidongan Caves. I told myself that I am going to get the gem myself too, probably a souvenir for that adventure.
The Calabidongan cave is dubbed as “cave of the bats”, located in Camalig, Albay and 2-km away from Hoyop-hoyopan. It has an underground stream that can be very dangerous when heavy rains approached. It is said that there were also traces of ancient pottery, ornaments and human bones that have been retrieved and housed in Camalig Church.
Just after “Undas” in November 2009, I was blessed to visit the cave with my friends. We had our little bumpy road trip to the place.
Arrival time: 2 PM. This is the entrance with deep water. I was the one who decided to go inside and get the gem. My friends didn’t accompany me may be because of their near-drowning experience. It was really dark but I was eager. Good thing I have four tour guides with me (cost: P100).
After several steps of spelunking, the first stop made me say “Wow!” I partially submerged myself in cold water under this grotto- or dragon’s mouth-like formation to have picture taking.
We saw these human bones caught in the net. Scary, right? But it was just a joke. Those were from the bats.
This cute little dude appeared before us.
All 5 of us were swimming across this seven-foot lagoon called lizard’s gate.
The lizard’s gate has stalactites nearing to touch the water. It was fun swimming with limited light. You don’t know what’s beneath or after it.
Finally, a sand! No more stones that can hurt my feet. The noise from the bats was getting louder and I still haven’t seen any gem. “What’s up, Doc?” Bugs Bunny isn’t here to take this large carrot. This is my second “Wow.” I had wished to extend my time swimming around here. The formation is just like in the Sagada Falls. It’s beautiful. The streak of light in the ceiling was the last pic of the trip. The camera’s battery was about to be emptied. We chose not to pursue in obtaining the gem. It was almost 4PM and my friends were worried waiting for me. 
I really enjoyed that my experience here was such a huge blast. I promised that I’ll be back to swim more and find that token for me.
Things to bring: Flash light; slippers or shoes; water.
Spelunking: heavy
Road: from well-paved to bumpy
Travel destination: more than an hour from Legazpi City to Camalig, Albay
Happy Valentine’s Day! Another hearts’ day has come, let us enjoy the light breeze of love this month. Also, try to find humor from bitter relationships you had ‘coz laugther is still the very best medicine, especially for the hearts barely beating. Spread love and enjoy reading my piece. Ciao Ciao!
I just wanted to share this composition of mine. It was extracted from Spiky’s recent personal experiences. This goes for the broken-hearted who have dissected what they went through and be able to change the course of their lives. Advance Happy Valentine’s Day. Enjoy.
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
(Albay Bikol version)
Ano pa an muya mo tabi sako?
Nagkakurua mo na gabos.
Itinigaya ko na an sakuyang puso.
Nata muya mo pa pabalintukon?
Mapagal man baga an hiru-hiro na arog kaan.
◊
Magrayu ka daw tabi sako.
Pinasabot mo na sa ngimot ko
Dai magliwuy sa duwang-dupa mong lanop
Nata sa hutok ko igpabalik-balikan mo an?
Matanglay man baga ang magnganga sa isip
◊
Ata baya, pumundo ka ta baratak na
Kalag ko nagparalakaw na sa bilog nin Albay
Nakaabot na lamang sa Antipolo
Nata sige ka pang sulsog sa tikab?
Makauyam man baga magpainit sa lipot gilayon.
◊
Kan kuminadyot baga an asu mo parayu
Halaba kong yosi naging upos
Dai lugod ako makapilsi kan tada na tabako
Nata lugod naging arog kaan?
Makatuok man baga magparahit-hit sa parus.
◊
Pago lamang ta pinabulbol kan kairibahan mo
Pinabuaya sa tahaw, sa gilid, sa taas, sa baba
Suminalbod lugod an libog na nagpaparautik
Nata muya mo pang pataralibungon?
Makasawa man baga an magparatana sa kama
◊
Uminagi na lamang an ribok kan sikad-sikad
Natapos na an kanta kan mga buyong
Naraot na lamang pilditan kan ligther
Nata sa laog, nagparasiyak giraray?
Makabungog man baga paruton mong kanta
◊
Posible daw magkabalikan dawa lapa an pahamot?
Dai ko aram ta ngunyan na sarung banngi
An hamot kan pagmati ay diitun na
Nata?
Makaurag man baga pagsaru sana nagpaparahiro sa kutsyon.
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
(English version)
What else do you want from me?
You had it all
I turned my heart upside down
But why do you still have to bend it over?
It’s wearisome to assume that position
◊
Please get lost
You have my mouth understand
Not to drool over your thick wall
But why want me to salivate it repeatedly?
It’s tiring waiting with a mouth wide open
◊
Whoah, please stop, it’s cracking already
My soul had roamed around the whole Albay
And it had reached Antipolo
Why move back and forth though a chest?
It’s bothering to yield warmth in a cold space again.
◊
When your smoke moved further away
My long cigar turned to ashes
Now, I can’t even press the remnants of tobacco
Why does that memory fade away?
It’s also suffocating to puff through its air
◊
Damn, your friend make it entangled
Deteriorated in the middle, to the sides, on top, and below
It then traversed with a fake urge
Why make it go round and round?
It’s not gratifying anymore to lick in bed
◊
The sound of pedicab have just passed by
The song of drunk men was already over
The button of the lighter was already broken
Why it screech inside again?
It’s deafening to hear your stupid song
◊
Is it possible to rebind us with rotten cologne?
I don’t know coz this one night
The scent of emotions are now barely sensed
Why?
It is freaking annoying to joggle alone in bed with someone like you.
◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
