Survi-BER!

Survi-BER: one who survives the challenges of the BER months. These 4 BER months (September, October, November, December) normally scare the hell out of me. It poses a great threat to my budget and time.

 

But no matter how big the challenges are and how much gravity the threats poses on me, I (try) to manage to pass through it. Not by playing dedma, because sweeping things aside wont really make them away nor solve it. Be brave facing it.

 

One challenge for me is the budget I need to allocate for the many celebrations BER months has in store for me. Birthdays, christening, wedding and Christmas parties. The celebrations are endless. And these are not usually on the list but additional. That would make me end up tightening my budget. But if it calls spending them on my family and frineds, budgeting wont be that hard at all. Might lessen spending on some not-so-important matters like going out or buying stuff. And, after all, it's only for 4 months.

 

Another one is the time I need to do everything that needs to be done. From preparing parties to attending them, I need to maximize every little second so as not to miss a single bit of fun and memories. These are the times that your presence is badly needed. Hard to miss if you don't want to be the topic of their chismis. So I have to make way and try to insert bits and pieces of these activities in my daily schedule.

 

Time and budget at these crucial months of the year may be at risk if not played properly. So even before the -ber months come, we must all be prepared. Save some for the rainy days, ika nga! Make the most of the days where things are at sale and our time permits.

The Grey Effect

It's a guilty-pleasure novel..

 

Name some most sought after fictional male characters: Edward Cullen, Harry Potter, Jacob Black, Peeta Mellark, Robert Langdon, etc. These are the men every girls (of all ages, race, religion..) are longing for, every girls would bring to meet Mama and Papa, every girls would be proud to introduce to their friends, every girls would soon want to marry and spend their lives with.

But.. all these men were ousted by the charming Christian Grey. The most coveted eligible and millionaire bachelor, the enigmatic CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings, the proud owner of Charlie Tango, Audi SUV, The Grace.. and the grey tie!

But not everything in  Christian Grey glitters in gold. Grey has his own share of deep dark secrets,  only unfolded and uprooted by the fierce Anastasia Steele. His childhood is far different from any other children. Abused in so many forms: physically, verbally, emotionally; Grey has built a certain wall no one dared to break. A wall that hindered him from feeling certain emotions such as love, care and trust.

Enough for the brief introduction, Christian Grey has captured the hearts of so many women (including me), from single girls to married moms. There is really something about Christian Grey. And I'm in dire search of that something!

Truly, the book speaks of Greygasm (def.  When anyone, while reading 50 Shades of Grey, has an orgasm) But, hey, this is an erotic novel! Reaching for an orgasm (in this novel) is... given and not far-fetched! hehehehe...

Now to answer the question: What is Grey's effect on me? 

Grey's character is trying to unleash every women's sexuality. Be more open to it. Sex, in the 21st century, must no longer be considered a taboo. Di kailangang bulgar. Di kailangan maging malaswa. But every women must learn how to express themselves when it comes to love making. To satisfy their needs. To gain respect for themselves and from their partner. To have control over things. To learn when and how to say no. To decide for their own happiness. Everything, through sex.

Christian Grey's unfolding of his dark secrets and weaknesses to the girl he love the most is one brave act. Every girl will feel proud and honored that one tough man will dare speak of his would-be downfalls. That a man of power, strength and strong-will will entrust his life to a girl and trust her enough to know everything about him. Having witnessed such a heart-breaking moment (that of Christian Grey down on his knees and slowly disclosing the dark days of his life) will make every women feel the responsibility of caring and loving a helpless man.

Christian Grey dominates the inner goddess in every women. Truly, a knight in shining armor, yet equipped with the deepest and darkest of secrets. The story of Cristian Grey surely tells of unconditional love.

And as I quote Christian Grey,

Tagaytay: People's Park in the Sky and Picnic Grove

Spectacular view. Cool and fresh air. Lush greens. Bountiful produce. These are the few words I will use to describe Tagaytay.

It was my sister's birthday and Easter Sunday celebration when we went there. There were lots of people doing their usual weekend pasyal but that didn't stop us from witnessing the breath-taking view of Tagaytay. People's Park in the Sky and Picnic Grove are major attractions one shouldn't miss to visit when inTagaytay. Known for their popularity, people can go at ease as there are public mode of transportation available to take you there.

These places doesn't only offer amazing view of Tagaytay, including Taal lake and volcano, but also cheap finds, produce and crafts. From souvenir items down to baskets of pineapples at a very affordable price, one can hardly leave Tagaytay without these.

Our's wasn't just a normal trip to the  park, but to celebrate my sister's birthday too. So we held a picnic, exchanged some chitchats with other family members and, of course, no one left without their pictures taken.

The climb uphill at People's Park wasn't tiring. Thanks to the cool fresh air which didn't leave us sweating. For elderly people and children, they offer a jeepney ride going up and down. I was in total awe when I saw the view. Di sya nakakalula. But it will make you hold your breath for a few seconds because of amazement. God is such a magnificent Creator. I mean, the view were definitely not man-made. Maybe part of it but not all.

After few hours of wandering and picture-taking, we've decided to go to Picnic Grove  to eat lunch. The place was jam-packed with people, not only to have their lunch, but to enjoy the many facilities the place has to offer. There's zipline, cable car, henna tattoo, animal shows, etc, just to name a few.

I felt the itch to try their zipline but since it was holiday, the price was doubled. I felt I may not enjoy nor feel the worth of my money. I spend my money na lang on getting a henna tattoo and buying souvenir items.

We didn't leave Tagaytay without paying a visit to out Lord's home. We heard mass at Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish. We paid respect and offered thanks and praise for a safe trip and great family bonding moments. We didn't let the chance pass of buying produce like pineapples, bananas and mangoes from stores along highway.

Sama ka sa Panagsama

Go and wander Panagsama beach in Moalboal. Fine white sand. Crystal clear waters. But hey, where is Moalboal located? Moalboal is one of the southern municipality in the province of Cebu. It's a 2-hour bus drive from the city.

So, how'd we get there? What drove us to travel all the way downsouth? Aside from it's being a famous diving spot, Moalboal houses beautiful beaches. The drive going there  almost filled the excitement I was feeling. Again, Mother Nature showing it's finest.

The cool about this trip was that we didn't exactly know where to stay and who to contact to. We just worked it on ourselves. Did a little research. Asked the locals.

So, we hailed this tricycle which eventually became our official service. Manong driver was totally friendly and accommodating. He helped us look for a place to stay, even toured us from the Orchidarium up to Kawasan Falls. And what's funny though, he asked for our facebook id's, but the sorry manong driver didn't get a single info on my fb.

Good thing, my travel buddy was about to meet a fellow blogger, like himself, and told us where he's staying. Not too pricey but not cheap as well, we rented the room for an overnight stay.

Then we had a little chat with a newfound friend. Ate an expensive yet delish beef dish. Then set our feet off the sands of Panagsama. Took some, i mean, lots of pictures. Bodies half-dipped on clear waters.

We pretty much enjoyed the waters of Moalboal and it's serene view. Someone can really find peace here. Since it's a small municipality, no one will dare disturb your silence. To each his own.

Our stay did not only satisfy our hunger for food and for rest but the hunger for personal space and time. That only this place can wondrously offer.

Fort San Pedro

I never knew there are also forts existing in some parts of the country. Geez! The only forts I knew were Fort Santiago and Fort Bonifacio.

When I went to Cebu (March 2011), visiting Fort San Pedro was on my list. But since we've spent most of our vacay in Bohol, we didn't get the chance to visit it. Plus, we hardly know how to get there! Now I know that it's very near the provincial capitol. Or near the port.

Fort San Pedro is no different with the other forts here in Manila. Stone walls, canyons, dungeons and bars. But it's tiny as compared to Fort Santiago. Baby fort?!? hehe..

And usually, forts were built to serve as a military defence structure. Maybe tons of guns, ammos and even canyons were stored here. It might also housed the high-ranking Spaniards. Or served as the seat of government back then.

The fort today serve as a park/museum to the Cebuanos. It houses a museum of paintings and artifacts. From torn dresses of Spaniards to paintings of the people and their way of living back then.

Smallest as compared to other forts but still holds history that made and shaped us Filipinos.

Unfortunately, I can't give you the how-to-go-there instruction, should you want to pay visit to the fort. I must admit, I took  the cab. But I'm pretty much  sure almost all Cebuanos know this place.

Taoist Temple

Taoism is a religion. From China. Defined by temples, adorned with dragons. That is Taoism for me. 

Wikipedia. Taoism (pronounced and also spelled Daoism) is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. The term Tao (or Dao) originally means "way", "path" or "principle", and can be found in Chinese philosophies and religions other than Taoism. 

I am not gonna discuss Taoism. I am no master to that field. I will just shed you some little learning and pictures from my visit at the Philippine  Taoist Temple in Cebu.

Philippine Taoist Temple is located inside Beverly Hills subdivision. One can go there by simply hailing a cab. Or dare to ride habal-habal. Since it's located uphill, we opted to take a cab.

There is no fee when you enter the temple. Cameras are allowed but no shooting inside the temple. The place offers a breath-taking view of the city.

Dragons are common to be seen in ALL Chinese temples. It doesn't only serve as an adornment but dragons are also regarded as gods by the Chinese. 

Before we left, I felt this itch to try throwing some blocks of woods then utter some wish. But my friend told me that it is something to be taken seriously. Not to be treated like a wishing well or a falling star where we can simply whisper our dreams. The praying area is  to be treated sacredly, just like our adoration chapels.

Going back to the city is quite painful. For there's no public vehicle passing by, we opted (again) to take cab. 

I may say this place is really worth-visiting. Especially those who aren't only after the view, but those in need of time and opportunity to reflect.