This Is It!

Dearest Bloggerbuds,

July is already here and this month comes with heavy downpour of rains, floods in our village, nerve- wracking duties, exhausting workouts and households chores in between.  My dad has been reporting at his new office for a week now and life, well, is still interesting.

I haven't stopped by dad's new office yet but I'm still lucky that I got to witness one of the most historical events in his life- his oath taking ceremony.

Last June 30, 2013, my dad and the other newly-elected government officials of our province took their oaths at the Provincial Capitol Complex of Oriental Mindoro.  My mom, my twin sister and I were with him and we had fun.

It was my second time to see my dad take his oath (the previous one was when he took his oath as the Municipal Mayor of our town during his first term).  It was also my first time to attend a Filipiniana- inspired event.  There, I saw the other prominent people in our province together with their families and the people of Oriental Mindoro.

Papa's New Office

The event may have lasted for several hours but attending it was really worth it.  I don't know if I'll be able to attend another event like this but one thing is certain- I'm already looking forward to the next ones.

Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Credits:
https://www.facebook.com/jaime.b.concepcion/media_set?set=a.10200136968411316.1073741951.1363964316&type=1
http://pixlr.com/express/

All the Way to the North: An Excerpt from Sweetie's Diary

Dear Diary,

The end of the month is almost nearing but that cannot stop me from sharing my recent adventure with my one and only Cutie at the third biggest province in the whole Philippine archipelago- Pangasinan.

Described as the heartland of the Philippines, Pangasinan is a 5,451.01 square km. (2,104.65 sq mi) province in the central plain of Luzon with a population of 2,779,862 people (according to the 2010 census).  It is as a major producer of salt in the Philippines and the rice granary of the country.  The natives from this place are also famous for speaking unique languages such as Pangalatok, Ilokano, and others.

I really can't tell much about my stay there because I've only been there for less than 24 hours.  I can only remember the famous Pangasinan dishes such sa Pigar-Pigar, Papaitan, and others, Romeo's relatives (who had been so hospital to me), our long lost Crit Care friend Kim (We dropped by Dagupan just to see her.), the miraculous Manaoag Shrine, the endless food trips, the tiresome walks and the never-ending bus and jeepney rides.

The first town we visited was Binalonan.  This town is really special for my Cutie since he was born and raised there.  I never got the chance to explore such place but my stay there was really memorable.  I got to meet some of my Cutie's relatives and see his residence as well.

with my Cutie's relatives

Our next stop was Manaoag.  Referred to as 'The Pilgrims Center of the North,' this town is home to the miraculous Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.  It was my first time to visit such place and it was beautiful indeed.  

at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

The Manaoag Shrine

We also got the chance to visit Dagupan. This city is known as 'The Bangus Capital of the World' since it is home to the tastiest milkfish in the country. My stay there was notable because I got to see my Crit Care friend Kim (who is based there) and taste some of their famous dishes.

Dagupan City

At Dagupan

That was the last leg of our trip.  We had to go back to Manila afterwards because of an important appointment. However, despite of it all, my first road trip with my Cutie was a fun-filled experience after all.  I really hope that I can go back there someday and explore the rest of Pangasinan.


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle


Credits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangasinan
http://rediscoverphilippines.blogspot.com/2011/07/tourist-spots-in-pangasinan.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagupan
http://www.dagupan.gov.ph/
http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/the-province/cities-and-municipalities/manaoag/
http://philippineromancatholic.blogspot.com/2011/06/important-announcement-regarding.html
http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/the-province/cities-and-municipalities/dagupan-city/
https://www.facebook.com/kim.evangelista.5/media_set?set=a.596252413722449.150187.100000130881158&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=413066075474037&set=p.413066075474037&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/manalotiburcio/media_set?set=a.326426567380604.92720.100000397892268&type=3
http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtinamilan/383337739/

Eleksyon 2013

Dearest Bloggerbuds,

The election period is finally over.  At long last, I can now bid goodbye to the endless political bickerings, the deafening jingles and the countless campaign posters here and there.  What a relief!

May 13, 2013- Election Day

I may not be totally at peace with the results at all (Just take a look at the Senatorial line-up and you'll find out why) but I am really happy that two of the politicians in our family (my dad and my uncle) won.  I even made this for my dad during the campaign period.

Vote, Vote, Vote...

My dad's campaign poster

I was only 15 when my dad first ventured into politics and since then, my life turned upside down.  Imagine growing up in a simple household and then one day seeing your dad in posters and print ads.  There was even a time when our family picture was printed on a calendar for the whole town to see.  It was really weird huh.

Anyway, since politics is kinda big in our family, me and my cousins were required to vote once we turn 18.  It is my 3rd time to vote this year and it is kinda fun especially when I had to wait for 6 hours with the rest of the Feraren clan in order to cast one single vote.  Spell awkward!

It may be a long wait but in the end, it was all worth it.  My uncle was elected as the Municipal Mayor of our Town (through the infamous toss coin win) and my dad, the outgoing Mayor was also elected as one of the Board Members of our province.  It was all surreal.

At the end of the day, we all realized that no matter what happens, we are one great family.  Win or lose, we will always have each other's backs.  

Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Credits:
http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2013/02/are-we-over-governing-political-campaign-activities/
http://www.demotix.com/news/330697/philippines-automated-elections-retrospective

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.

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!

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

Credits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Galera,_Oriental_Mindoro

http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/puerto-galera-lucas-lodge-talipanan-beach/

http://www.kalawplace.com.ph/puerto_galera/puerto_galera.html
http://www.puertogaleraresorts.com/blog/sandbar-divers/
http://www.puertogaleraonline.com/hotel-resorts-information/hollywood-hotel-palm-beach-resort/
http://www.puertogalera.org/white-beach/
http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/puerto_galera/muelle-bay-in-puerto-galera.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Mindoro
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_173722887
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_173725361
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_173727244
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_173732349
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_173734243
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_174084914

In Full Bloom

When I was 23, I had significant advancements in my career, had been in controversies (well, sort of), met the love of my life and realized that life, indeed is full of surprises.

That was a year ago.  I can still remember how it all began.  I celebrated my birthday at my hometown- San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro.  We had a fun-filled sing- along party.  I was with my mom, dad, friends, twin sis and relatives.  It was memorable indeed!

This year though, I decided to take another route and celebrate it somewhere I considered home during my ‘Crit Care’ days- at Grand Tower’s, Vito Cruz, Malate, Manila.

I was with my not-so-little brother and my equally charming twin sister Mara.   We had a simple but meaningful celebration.  We had our own party by the pool and some picture-taking moments.  It was fun!

 By the next day, I was given the chance to be with my Cutie.  We went to SM Mall of Asia, ate together and chitchatted until sunset.  It is one the few and priceless moments I get to be with him (since we are kinda in a long distance relationship) and it was really worth it.

A month has already passed since I bid goodbye to my tough and wonderful 23^rd and I’m already looking forward to my promising 24th.  Right now, I have everything I need to be happy. I have a very supportive family, a blossoming career and someone who makes me happy all the time.  What else can I wish for?

   

Lovelots,

Maica Angelle

Credits:

http://maicaangelleesguerra.muzy.com/#lightbox_post_168871695

http://maicaangelleesguerra.muzy.com/#lightbox_post_168872361

http://maicaangelleesguerra.muzy.com/#lightbox_post_168866238

http://maicaangelleesguerra.muzy.com/#lightbox_post_168865883