Tuesday, June 29, 2010

One Way Ticket to the Blues

Recently, I realized that this law school phase is a solo journey. Your only friend and enemy is yourself. Its a long and arduous road and you need to be focused on your goal. Let nothing distract you from continuing the race. Don't worry, it'll be worth it in the long run. ;)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Stoked in Calaguas

I've been putting off this entry for too long but now I need to write to release some steam. The best way to do that is to go down memory lane and reconstruct my fantastic Independence Day weekend (June 12-14) plus the the proper documentation, of course.

Well, t'was the last long weekend  before classes start and my Planet Zips friends were inviting me to join them in the Calaguas trip. Initially, I was very excited to join since I thought classes would start on the 15th of June and it would be my last chance to go on a much-deserved beach vacation considering that I wasn't able to do that due to the election circus. However I was bound for a huge disappointment because the College declared that the madness would begin on the 8th. But thanks to the Independence Day holiday, which fell on a Saturday, and to the doggedness of the Dean who felt that it should be celebrated on the day itself, he declared that we won't have classes on Saturday. Yipeee. Its time to party, baby! ;)


Now, I had preconceptions of this trip and I kept my expectations at a minimum. I didn't know much about it and I didn't attempt to inquire about it. I just gave in to the wanderlust in me, always on the search for a new adventure. So, I thought there would only be around 10 companions. Lo and behold, there were 80+ pax who joined the tour. And I thought it wouldn't be very sunny because its already raining (men) in the Metro, but when we arrived there - the sun was shining ever brightly. T'was the perfect weather for the perfect getaway.

Armed with my backpack, water bottle, book (plus cases, sorry I couldn't resist), fully-charged Ipod, and buckets of adventurous spirit - we embarked on that memorable journey.

How can one forget a roadtrip where we flirted with death? I think the driver was too excited to meet the Creator that he didn't respect the idea that its a two-way street and there is such a thing as a counterflow. Fortunately for me, I was too excited to sleep to be overly concerned with this dangerous feat. I hope I could say the same for my vanmates who were hanging on for dear life. ;)


Eight hours later, we had our first glimpse of Mahabang Buhangin. And I tell, it was love at first sight. The powdery-white sand, the seashore which stretched endlessly, the crystal clear water. I knew then that it was the perfect place to calm my tired and restless soul. ;) All in all, it was a fun-filled trip. I even got my first lesson at skimboarding, which looked very easy but it was very difficult to execute. And since my fellow poistas brought gallons of kerosene, t'was enough for us to burn the night away.




Amidst all these beautiful sights, the  starry, starry night would remain etched in my mind. It was the perfect opportunity for me to think and sort my thoughts. To a certain extent, I even made amends with myself. I know I chose this road and I have to finish this race. Where it would lead me, I don't know. All I know is that the Creator planted a dream in my heart and I have to overcome all the odds, including these moments of indecision, so that I can persevere in this task. I know that I would be in this world for only a brief moment, so I should make the most out of this life. There should be no room for mediocrity. I must not forget my life mission -  

                         making a positive impact in other people's lives.


In that brief moment and in that faraway island, I had my fleeting taste of paradise here on earth. It was all I needed to recharge and to continue living this life to the full.

Carpe diem!






Postscript:
In case you also want to take that elusive trip to Calaguas, there's an upcoming tour on July 3-4, 2010. Just get in touch with Nano at mariano_balane@yahoo.com or 0927-2508522. It'll be the best decision you'll ever make. Watcha waitin' for? Book now. ;)