The Sweet Escape: An Excerpt from Sweetie's Diary

Dear Diary,

It is April 9, 2013.  Historians claim that 71 years ago, almost 76,000 Filipino, Chinese Filipino and American soldiers participated in a death-defying and life- threatening 140 km. march from Capas, Tarlac to San Fernando, Pampanga taking the lives of almost 10,000 troops.  This event, more commonly known as 'The Death March,' has been commemorated in the country every year through a special non-working holiday called 'Araw ng Kagitingan' or 'Day of Valor.'

For Romeo and I, this day is also a historical one since it marks our 5th month anniversary as a couple.  We both know that we can't be together on this day so we decided to have an advanced celebration a week ago at a place bestowed with one of the world's most beautiful harbors - Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

Known for its breathtaking bay area, white sand shores and amazing nightlife, Puerto Galera has been a favorite tourist destination not only in Oriental Mindoro but also in the whole country as well.   Romeo and I were quite lucky though that we got to experience the beauty of this place last March 30, 2013 with my family.  We visited Elizabeth's Hideaway, Hollwood Palm Beach Resort and Hotel, Infinity Resort, Muelle Port and Tamaraw Falls.

Our first stop was at Elizabeth's Hideaway Resort.  Located on Boquete Island, this area is known for the breathtaking views of its tranquil turquoise waters and the rich tropical vegetation of the Puerto Galera bay.  It also houses a  freestyle swimming pool, a bar, various recreational spots and one of the best pizzas at the island.

We also got the chance to visit Hollywood Palm Beach Resort and Hotel.  Dubbed as a 'vacation-perfect spot at Oriental Mindoro,'  the resort offers the most spacious and comfortable rooms at the island.  It is also home to a swimming pool for kids and adults, a fine- dining restaurant for 300 people, a music bar and a sports bar.

The next leg of the trip was at Talipanan Beach.  Known for its relaxing and peaceful ambiance, Talipanan boasts of a relatively new resort at the area- the Infinity Resort.  We weren't really given the chance to explore this gorgeous resort since it is privately owned and costly so we then headed back to White Beach to experience the crowd.

Famous for its countless inns, souvenir shops, music festivals and nightlife, White Beach is one of the most  popular areas for tourists at the island.  We went there for sightseeing, pictorials, 'halo-halo' and souvenirs. Check out these photos!

at White Beach, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

The 'Port of Galleons' also serves as a port of entry to Or. Mindoro through the Muelle Port.  Along with its breathtaking bay area, the port offers round trip boat rides to Batangas mostly during the day.

Our last and final stop was at Tamaraw Falls.   With its magnificent 423 ft. (129 m.) waterfalls, what else can locals, tourists and foreigners wish for as they explore Puerto?

I've been to Puerto Galera countless times before but this trip is far different from the ones I used to have since it is my first out-of-town trip with my Cutie.  We've been together for five months now and we've already been through a lot.  We're not a perfect couple, I know.  We have a variety of differences. We fight and argue for childish reasons and we're apart most of the time.  However, despite of it all, we always manage to say those three sweet words to each other by the end of the day.

Five months may not seem that long but for me, it seems a lifetime already.  I really hope that I'll be given the chance to spend the rest of my life with my Cutie exploring the whole wide world and creating great memories together. 


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Manila, Manila

So I had a rough day at work yesterday, went home, spent the rest of the day in front of the computer, had my devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was about to sleep when I had visions of a familiar place that used to be my home: Manila.

Music Video embedded from Youtube

Wikipedia.org defines the City of Manila as the capital of the Philippines. It is also one of the 16 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world, with a population of 20 million people.

For probinsyanas(someone from the suburbs) like me, Manila can just be the key to our brighter futures.  Why?  Because the most well-respected educational institutions in the country such as the University of the Philippines- Manila, University of Santo Tomas, La Salle Taft, Ateneo de Manila, San Beda College and Centro Escolar University(my mom’s Alma Mater) are all located here.

As for me alone, this place cannot be just an ordinary one because it has been a witness to some of the most significant events in my professional life.  I reviewed for the local boards in one of the nursing review centers in Espana, took my licensure examination at the University of the East, had my oathtaking at the SMX Mall of Asia and took my IELTS exam at the British Council in Manila.

me and Mara with Ralph and Shem, our high school buds at Manila

picture-taking at Trinoma

In every sense of the word, this place made me closer to my dreams and while this place is just a boat ride and a bus ride away from Oriental Mindoro, it takes a lot of effort to be on it. However, despite of all these, I am still feeling a sense of longing for this place.  I miss Manila and everything about it.

I miss waking up in a review day, choosing an outfit to wear for classes, walking the streets of Bustillos, riding jeepneys at Espana, and buying food from 7/11 stores.  I miss Tuesday afternoons at St. Anthony Shrine and the famous Thursday novena masses at the St. Jude Shrine.  I miss Friday DVD marathons with my sister and reviewing.  I miss going to the internet shops and paying 15 pesos just to get a glimpse of Facebook.  I miss Sunday masses at the San Beda Chapel and Sunday movies at theaters.  I miss Starbucks, Pan De Manila, Kamiseta, National Book Store and FullyBooked.  I miss LRT(Light Railway Transit), Divisoria, the DVD stands, Lianas, and Recto.   I miss the sunny mornings, the rainy afternoons and the cold evenings.  I am definitely missing out on M-A-N-I-L-A.

Hence, as I opened my eyes this morning, I saw a small green room, lots of books,and my nursing uniform.  I didn’t hear noises from jeepneys and vendors.  I didn’t see beggars, lots of newspaper stands and shrines.  All I saw was our humble home, my siblings and the familiar television set in the center of our house.  I was breathing the fresh air of Mindoro, hearing noises from the computer that my brother was using  and living the laid back life of a Mindorena.  I am definitely home and Manila is just a dream away.

Lovelots,
Maica Angelle