cloverleaf

my first-ever rubbercut stamp :)

merci Mansy and Jed :)

no stranger

If there was a place I consider growing up with, it could be Hundred Islands, in my home province Pangasinan. Dad first introduced this destination to our family back when I was in grade school. And since then, almost every summer, or every time my mom feels like enjoying the sea breeze, she and dad would bring the kids there and spend the night or two on one of the rustic islands. The people on the island, my dad's friends, are very friendly and they have even adopted our family as well -- making us their second family. And of course, the feeling is mutual. :)

So, on Christmas day of 2012, we headed to our most-picked destination, like the old times. It's quite amazing because despite having been there for the nth time already, I kind of experience something new every time. :) 



Some university students were doing a research on the island. They were looking for different varieties of starfish but I can't remember the objective of their study (gold fish memory here).

I always take a photo of this island and it never fails to manifest its beauty.

the monkey island...

We always have fresh catch whenever we're on the island.

The boat, the island and the sea.

It was a lovely day. :)

avec ma soeur. Snorkeling time!!!!

The islanders! :)

wander: Hundred Islands

Alaminos, Pangasinan

wonder:

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." -- Jawaharal Nehru

Ready. Set. Dive!

Most of my travels involve getting adrenaline rush(es). I am not an adrenaline junkie, for sure, but I love to try new adventures, those kinds that challenge my fearlessness (if I really DO have it!). And so for my third visit to the all-so-famous Boracay, I tried something new, that thing considered as one of the most dangerous (?) extreme sports -- CLIFF DIVING! I jumped from 6 meters above water, a baby step for the experts, of course. I was feeling so scared walking towards the diving board but I felt thrilled at the same time. And If there was a mantra for my fearless "stunt", it could have been "There's no way I'm turning back" repeat nth times.

So, I finally JUMPED, hitting the water at 25 mph (40 kph). I didn't expect it to be so much fun and... PAINFUL!! Both my legs hurt but there's no stopping me. I went back to the diving board and jumped the 6 meters again. I felt SO thrilled! I was a bit regretful that I did my two stunts 30 minutes before getting back to the main island. If only I could have started diving earlier...

After a few days, my legs still hurt. My friends said the HUGE bruises I got from my cliff diving experience look like the punishment marks from fraternity hazing. Indeed. But I still want to try it again. Hopefully, when I walk towards the diving board again, I am ready with a BETTER diving posture. :)

Souvenir Baller IDs. I lost mine after diving. :(



Absolutely!

Bonjour Ariel's Point!

Testing the board. Smiley but a bit scared.

More cheers please!

I felt like I'm a gymnast... a scared gymnast!haha



There's no way I'm turning back.
There's no way I'm turning back.
There's no way I'm turning back.



My 25 mph (40 kph) jump! My posture here caused my bruises.

SPLASH!!!!

Thanks Kuya Gary for assisting me after my dive.
I could have drowned if you hadn't guided me.



wander: Ariel's Point, Boracay

wonder: I don't pretty much like Taylor Swift,

but this quote reminds me of what I have just done:

snowflakes

We may not have real snow in the Philippines, but we do have colorful snowflakes! :)

Mon amie Jed made the beautiful rubbercut stamp. Merci beaucoup! :)

Daniella the dessert maker!

Spending time with this kiddo is always heartwarming for me.

For the Christmas break of 2012, I chose staycation unless my parents or my friends asked me to get out of bed and go somewhere with them. I spent most of my time sleeping, eating and watching TV, such a couch potato, I know, such a bummer me. hahaha And many days, I found sweet Daniella asking my mom if I had already woken up, looking forward to some activities she could do with me. She was my frequent guest (as her house is just a stone's throw away, anyway) and she requested for a lot of crafty, homey tasks, which I could never ever resist. haha

It's always a fun time being with her, my little deary Daniella. :)

Note: A super late post means I was having trouble with blogspot's photo uploads. It's all under control now though. Yey!