The Blossoms of April: A Journal

( Last Week of April 2024) – Island Rekindling: Back on Court

The last week of April has been incredibly productive for me. One of my main goals while living on this island was to reignite my passion for my original (original?, Maja’s voice popping out my brain cells lol hahaha 😅) sport from my elementary school days. Basta, that was the sport when I am in 6th grade. My father used to train me in this. This sport brought me to different places like Bogo where I came out the champion and Ronda where I finished third place. Those were my core memories. (charrowt ba, haha 😅) And now, 21 years later, let’s just say I’m a bit rusty – muscle memory can only take me this far, lol Haha😅! But I was determined to get back into the swing of things, and I finally managed to hit the courts for a game of lawn tennis.

Continue reading “The Blossoms of April: A Journal”

Tricycles and Places

Pwede papicture? (Can you take a picture of me?) – My friend asked me as she hurriedly gave her phone to me and then she entered hastily in a rela (also known as motorela), a kind of tricycle here in Bantayan Island. I, then, eventually took a snap and when she went back to me to get her phone, I asked why, of all things in Bantayan, did she want to be photographed in this tricycle. She replied that this tricycle in Bantayan was different from the tricycles in other places because it looked like a mini jeepney.

I kept mum and thinking “Bitaw noh, the tricycle designs differ from place to place. PALAWAN, BATANES, PAGADIAN…these places have different tricycle designs.” And that hit me to get this notion to collect photos of tricycles and other interesting modes of transportation in different places in the Philippines. So far here is my collection of photos of trikes.

Continue reading “Tricycles and Places”

Tristan’s Pizza Hauz: A Pizza Experience with a Side of Sunset in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island

Harold had been craving pizza ever since he set foot on Bantayan Island. That’s the only food he constantly mentions as we headed to Santa Fe. (Haha! As if there’s no pizza in Cebu, LOL.😋) Then he suggested that we go for a swim at the beach and then look for a pizza place. I agreed, but then I had a better idea. (Ding! Lightbulb moment 💡, haha 😆)

“Why don’t we do both together?” I asked. “We can have pizza by the beach!”

Continue reading “Tristan’s Pizza Hauz: A Pizza Experience with a Side of Sunset in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island”

The Winds of August: A Diary

Rainy Day, A Perfect Story, and An Unplanned Trip – Second Week of August 2023

Last week, I decided to cut out sugar. I had been feeling some unpleasant symptoms already (HAHA gor na me! 🥹) and I was proud of myself for reaching seven days without it. I still ate rice, though, and drank coffee, but I didn’t add any sugar. I felt great after seven days! I had more energy, my skin cleared up, and I lost a few pounds. I’m going to continue cutting out sugar, and I’m excited to see how I feel in a few weeks.

Continue reading “The Winds of August: A Diary”

(UPDATED 2023 ) 13 Plus Ways to Experience Bantayan Island to the Fullest

I am not a well- founded writer, I am not even good in translating my thoughts into words and to express myself correctly for I don’t have a rich vocabulary to aptly describe the ideas in my mind. Neither do I have profound ideas, great insights and creative concepts; but one thing is truly accurate, I love blogging.

I am so fond of blogging that I just realized I have been sharing my perceptions by way of brief entries for almost a year and a quarter (7 years now haha 😂) This favorite pastime of mine has inspired me to live by the name of “The Wanderlust Keeper”. I have the desire to go places and experience the thrills along the way, learn something new and expand the keepings of my wanders.

I love to visit other places but…

Continue reading “(UPDATED 2023 ) 13 Plus Ways to Experience Bantayan Island to the Fullest”

Sip and Learn at SANDALO VINEYARDS Wine Appreciation Course

I’ve always been an adventurer and I love exploring new places. I thought I had explored everything the island had to offer, but I was recently surprised to learn that there is a wine appreciation course offered on the island! I am a local but work in the city, so I don’t get to visit Bantayan Island. When I heard about the it, I knew I had to sign up. Oh jiva? 🥂🤫

Continue reading “Sip and Learn at SANDALO VINEYARDS Wine Appreciation Course”