Sixteen Challenges to Self for 2016
07 December 2015
Dearest Nico,
The year was indeed great for you. You’ve been to many places, explore new things, met a lot of new friends (more than you did for the last five years) and learned some very valuable life lessons. But know that there were also things that hurt you and almost made you cry. Nevertheless, keep the ones that made a good impact. So for 2016 let go of some loads and help yourself achieve a better version of ‘you’. So here are 16 challenges for you this coming 2016.
- Spend more time with nature (Travel as much as you can. Forget about the money, you’re not working to save a million but to earn life-long memories)
- Become 60% vegetarian (It’s not that really hard, you’re still allowed to eat meat and fast-food but only twice a week)
- Be organic and natural (Avoid the use of products with excessive chemicals. Change your shampoo, conditioner, lotion, facial moisturizer, sanitizer, etc. to all-natural products. Exception to this – master facial scrub and toner)
- Commit yourself to getting fit (You’re not getting young and of course you always wanted to look good. Take regular exercise at least thrice a week, or you might want to enroll to dancing/swimming lessons)
- Manage the use of Facebook (You’re only wasting a lot of time on this site trying to stalk other people’s lives. No limit on Twitter and Instagram though)
- Read more books than watching movies (I know you love watching films but isn’t it good to play with your imagination by reading?)
- Join a volunteer group (Share yourself by helping and making this world a little better for others)
- Find a new hobby (Look for something that you’ve never tried before and make it as a hobby)
- No more piercing and tattoo (Respect your body. Two piercings and one tattoo is enough)
- Never have sex until you find the right and deserving person (Always remember that sex is not your thing and you don’t know anything about it. So save it for ‘the one’)
- Say no to dating apps and pornography (You’re not in high school anymore. It only consumes your fucking time and storage device)
- Don’t look for love (Let love find you without you trying so hard. If it doesn’t come, so what?)
- Don’t make promises because liars go to hell (Stay true and don’t exaggerate things)
- Be kind and be patient (I know you’re trying really hard, keep trying until it becomes you)
- Forgive and move on (Whatever they did to you is already in the past)
- Do not compare (You are unique in your own ways. Just be happy for them and be thankful for what you have)
Cheers to the great person you will be!
With all the love,
With all the love,
Your own self
Heartwarming Illustrations Show That Love Is In The Small Things
True love isn't always about the big romantic gestures. Sometimes it's about sympathizing with someone whose tea has gone cold or reading together and sharing a quilt. When two people move in together, it soon becomes apparent that the little things mean an awful lot. The throwaway moments in life become meaningful when you spend them in the company of someone you love.
The wildly popular web comic SOPPY--with more than half a million notes on Tumblr--is the illustrated love story of author Philippa Rice and her real-life boyfriend. Philippa Rice is a multi-talented artist who creates simple but beautiful comics about the everyday joys of living with someone you love. The title of her comic book, Soppy, is unapologetically fitting! Rice forgoes the usual stuff like hearts and roses, going instead for the everyday ways we share love with our significant others – be it our morning routines, a hug and a snuggle, or finishing the day in each others’ arms.
SOPPY is Philippa Rice's collection of comics and illustrations based on real-life moments with her boyfriend. From grocery shopping to silly arguments and snuggling in front of the television, SOPPY captures the universal experience of sharing a life together, and celebrates the beauty of finding romance all around us.
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Sometimes, love can be found in the simplest things, like spending a blissful morning in the kitchen
You can be in the same room without having to do everything together
It is hugging each other accidentally while sleeping
Even the most mundane tasks are more fun when you do them together
Even shopping for food can be exciting
True love means putting everything aside just to hug
The biggest dilemma is often what to eat for dinner
Even if you’re feeling a bit blue, there’s always someone that will hold your hand
Love is about the little things
Happiness is when both of you read in bed after an exceptionally tiring day
Building IKEA furniture is like playing with LEGO when it’s just the two of you
Sometimes, you have to ask hard questions
Cooking together often becomes the most challenging and the most fun task
Even the tiniest problems matter to your loved one
It’s having those long talks in bed about everything and anything
It’s when you know your favorite cuddling positions
It’s having a favorite cafe, where only you two matter
The cold autumn wind can’t touch you because your heart always stays warm
Love means knowing when you need to say sorry
There is nothing more comfortable than falling asleep on your loved one’s lap
It is about exploring new things, even if it’s just your neighborhood park
It’s knowing that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, it’s compromise that moves us along
As long as both of you are headed the same way…
…Everything will be just fine
The Pain Of Loving Someone You Should Let Go Of, For The Both Of You
If there's one thing I learned from love and heartbreak is that -- if you know how to handle your emotions, at the end of the day it actually makes you a better person. So here's something for you.
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Written by: Paul Hudson
Original post: Elite Daily
I met a woman once who changed my life. Without her, I couldn’t possibly be the person I am today. That’s what true love does to a person — it changes you and sets your life on a different track.
Some love stories do come with a happy ending, the two spending their lives together, growing old together, and departing this world together. In such instances, the change that they create for each other is clearly visible: without them spending their lives with each other, their lives wouldn’t be what they are.
What I came to learn is that regardless of whether or not you end up spending your lives together, when you find true love, it sticks with you. It changes you and continues to change you as the years go by.
True love can be overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time experiencing it. I remember how incredibly exciting it all was. Every waking moment was filled with loving and pleasant thoughts. The day was brighter. The world, more colorful. Life seemed to be more alive than it had ever been before.
It was the happiest I had been in my life and I am certain that I’m not the only person in the world who recalls a similar experience.
But it wasn’t the good times that left that lasting impression. Of course, I continue to revisit all those great memories from time to time… but it wasn’t the laughs and smiles that changed me most. It’s those more painful memories underlining the good times that changed my reality.
They say it’s better to teach with a carrot than a stick. Yet, though you may not be able to teach someone with pain or punishment, when you manage to inflict pain on yourself, you learn rather quickly.
The problem with the pain that comes from true love lost is that it takes time to form, to build upon itself and become realized. You don’t just break your heart and learn your lesson. Heartbreak itself doesn’t live in a single moment — hearts have the ability to chip and break apart almost infinitely.
What good does come from all this unpleasantry is the opportunity you get to learn more about yourself each passing day. As long as you’re honest with yourself — which can often be difficult — you’ll get an incredibly insightful look into the person you have become.
What this thankfully allows for is the chance to begin constructing the person you want to be. Love lost really does show you the real you.
It shows you what you need to work on and improve on before you’re ready to be a part of a loving and committed relationship. As with all great things, however, there comes a catch.
When you decide to change the way you see the world because of a man or woman you loved, the new reality you create for yourself has that individual imbedded in its framework.
Our minds form chains linking cause and effect — and the life you create for yourself literally ends up hanging on the fact that you were once incredibly in love. Without that love, the joy and pain it made you feel, you couldn’t possibly be the person you are today.
Somehow, while trying to move on with your life, you may find that you’ve managed to make the memory of that past love a permanent fixture.
One that you are forced to look upon indefinitely. You never come out of love unscathed — no matter how the relationship ends. It’s neither good nor bad, it simply is what it is. All you can do is try and find love again.
You know you need to let your past love go — for both of your sakes — and the only way you can possibly do that is to find another love. Your lost love will likely never entirely leave your mind, memories coming to the surface from time to time, but that’s not a bad thing.
The relationship you once had made you the better version of yourself you are today. You loved, you laughed, you cried, you changed your life. You don’t want to ever forget the past that taught you those necessary lessons.
Although it may take time, there is always hope to once again find love. New love has a way of shrouding older, lost loves. One day, that pain will hopefully turn into fond memories you can revisit with a smile and sense of nostalgia.
YOLO-ing in Padre Burgos, Quezon Province
Note: This write-up has been long overdue -- our trip was last 21-22 February, so pardon me if i'm not going to be accurate with the details of this trip. But I promise to make it brief compared to our last trip in Burot Beach
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HOLA QUEZON!
Are you looking for a quick weekend getaway just to relieve your stress and pressure from work? It's time to recharge and rest. Whether summer or during off-peak season, Quezon Province particularly in Padre Burgos is a must go because it's a home for three spectacular beaches -- Borawan, Dampalitan and Puting Buhangin or Kwebang Lampas (we weren't able to visit this island).
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| Dampalitan from a distance |
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| Welcome to Dampalitan |
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| Shoreline in Dampalitan |
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| Boat ride to Borawan |
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| One of the many rock formations on the way to Borawan |
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| Borawan Island from afar |
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| Welcoming view in Borawan |
Borawan and Dampalitan may not as enchanting as Boracay or Palawan yet they can offer equally memorable experience -- if you just make the most of your stay. To make it more fun, bring with you your most awesome friends and indulge yourselves in white sand, high-definition backdrop (not to mention the sunset is almost perfect here), and a noteworthy camp.
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| Sunset in Dampalitan Island *speechless* |
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| Cezarah! (Nakaharap o nakatalikod?) |
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| Me. "Just wow!" |
HERE WE COME!
After Burot, me and my travel buddy Cezarah couldn't just get enough of the sun and the sands, so we decided to embark again into another YOLO adventure. We came across good reviews about Borawan which said that it was named after Boracay and Palawan because of its almost-fine white sand and limestone formations.
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| Make sure to wear your step-ins |
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| Camping under the rock formations is more fun than renting a cottage |
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| Feels like reaching the summit already |
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| Water is much clearer here compared to Dampalitan |
However, we ended up picking Dampalitan over Borawan. It's a very wise decision though because Dampalitan is a perfect camping ground with its wide stretch of sands. Dampalitan is like Anawangin Cove in Zambales, most part of it were covered in pine trees. Though its sand may not be that fine, the location is perfect for sunset lovers. Dampalitan is also the perfect venue if you wish to have bonfire at night while having some booze.
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| On our way to Dampalitan |
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| Just a perfect weather |
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This is actually the view on the other side of the island
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| Cottages are for rent -- though camping is more fun. |
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| Yun oh! |
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| Yes? |
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| Hammocks are everywhere |
MINGLING WITH THE FOLKS!
Arriving in the island, it felt a little gloomy. We are just glad that everyone is very accommodating and friendly. We were kind of lost the moment we arrived in Padre Burgos because we were not able to contact any boatman ahead of our trip. But fortunately, in our search for a boat ride in the middle of a community in the other side of Dampalitan Island, we were able to come across a local, with her child, who were headed somewhere in the farm nearby. They helped get our boat ride to Dampalitan and even carried some of our stuffs.
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| Mangroves. Mangroves. Mangroves. |
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| We have to walk in the mud to reach our boat since it's low tide |
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| Yes, you see it right. The boat was too small -- can only carry 3-4 persons. Oh well, this is adventure. |
The boat ride was about 15-20 minutes -- in our case since our boat was too small. Arriving in Dampalitan there were only very few tourists, we don't know if it's good or bad news. After setting up our tent and eating our first meal for the day we decided to tour ourselves in the island. We found out that Dampalitan is actually a quite big island connected to another island during low tide.
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| Campers come and go |
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| Rock formations in Dampalitan are also perfect for picture taking |
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| What a great view but sad to see dead corals -- if you just look closely |
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| What else to say? |
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| Uh-uh! |
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| The other side of Dampalitan |
We also met these two energetic and smart kids named Yuri and Lawrence and spent the rest of our stay in the Island with them. Adding more to the fun were Badjo, Honesto and the other kids who are really cute and innocent. Apparently, because of them, we had a youthful trip, full of high hopes, ambitions and of course, puppy love stories! Eventually we gained additional two friends in FB!
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| Hanging out with the boys |
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| Yuri and Lawrence playing with the bangka |
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| Too cute and innocent |
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| Bahay-bahayan with the kids |
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| Just like little brothers, indeed. |
The next day, we really had no money to rent a boat for island hopping. But, another fortune striked us -- Tatay Yow who is the caretaker of the island invited us to join his other guests heading to Borawan. Who are we to refuse? Yahoo!
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| Off we sail! |
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| Couldn't be more happy to get a free ride |
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| Always love to sit at the edge of the boat |
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| Tatay Yow and his co-pilot |
Too bad, we were still hoping we could drop-by Puting Buhangin but the guests just decided to stay in Borawan. Still, because of this not-so-well-planned and super-tipid-trip that we were able to appreciate those simple things.
Indeed, this trip was very special and memorable for us. We would definitely be back not only for the place but moreover because of the people we get to share our story.
Indeed, this trip was very special and memorable for us. We would definitely be back not only for the place but moreover because of the people we get to share our story.
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| Hmmmm! |
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| Last hurrah! |
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| Before we left, they handed us free souvenir bracelets |
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| Until next time |
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| Sun-kissed skin |
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| Must try resto at the jump off point |
HOW TO GET THERE?
Just before dawn (February 21) we decided to leave Manila and catch the earliest bus to Lucena (Jac Liner Buendia), the fare cost P220. We arrived at Lucena Grand Terminal in roughly 3 hours (the dawn trip was pretty fast, so better leave Manila around this time). From the Grand Terminal, you can ride a van or an ordinary bus to Marau, Padre Burgos. A bus ride costs P30 while a van costs P70. Considering it was just 5 o’clock in the morning, buses were not yet available so we had no choice but to ride a van. Well, according to van drivers, a bus ride will take a lot of time compared to a non-stop van trip. In 45 mins, we reached Padre Burgos. From there, we rode a boat to Dampalitan Island. (WARNING: The bangkeros are not available yet early in the morning the water level is still low. While an early morning travel from Manila will save you some time from traffic, it is better to wait until the sun rise before heading to Padre Burgos to have a less hassle boat transfer to the islands.)
And the fun starts as you step into the rough sand, the salty and cold water. Take those shirts off and feel the heat of summer sun!
And the fun starts as you step into the rough sand, the salty and cold water. Take those shirts off and feel the heat of summer sun!
Boat Transfer:
P800/boat (Borawan only up to 10 pax)
P1,200/boat (Borawan + Dampalitan up to 10 pax)
P1,800/boat (Borawan + Dampalitan + Puting Buhangin up to 10 pax)
Budget Breakdown:
Contributing writer: Cezarah Caldit (Thanks for filling the blank spaces)
Our
Expenses
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Bus fare (Manila – Lucena)
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220
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Van fare (Lucena – Padre Burgos)
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70
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Boat rental (Dampalitan)
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600/2 = 300
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Entrance fee (Dampalitan)
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75
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Entrance fee (Borawan)
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Free
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Camping fee
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200
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Water (Per gallon)
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50
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Food
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Baon
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Bonfire
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Free
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Bus fare (Padre Burgos – Lucena)
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30
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Bus fare ((Lucena – Manila)
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220
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TOTAL
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P 1,165.00
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Contributing writer: Cezarah Caldit (Thanks for filling the blank spaces)
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