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