Where I've been so far

BaTad Banaue

During the summer of 2007, I was in the middle of the review for my board exam when

I gave in to the breather that my father offered me.  

Destination:  Rice terraces in Banaue.  

 My eyes twinkled upon hearing the destination. O.O 

The goal enticed me a lot.   Weee!!  Insert excitement mode. Haha!  

I've seen the alluring site only in books back when I was still in school. 

And I told myself, that one day, I am going to see it.  

This is it. 

So we, together with his colleagues, traveled from Manila to Banaue.  

We had our private car, so we didn't have the hassle going around the area. 

Batad Banaue Rice Terraces is under the UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed under the

rice terraces of the Philippines) in 1995.  

This amphitheater-like terrace was built around 2, 000 years ago by the Ifugaos. 

From the jump-off point in Batad, 

we started to trek along the narrow terrace and took photos in between. 

The sceneries are sooo dazzling that I just can't get enough of it. 

In the middle of our trek, we spotted this small hut. 

Inside is an old Ifugao man dressed in his traditional outfit ready for a snapshot. 

*Well, tourist can take a photo with him plus the unusual background for a fee. 

After that long trek, finally, we got our reward, the Tappiya Falls. :) 

The Tappiya Waterfalls is a waterfall with a 70-meter drop

, and the sound of the water makes you want to jump into it right there and then. 

So I am not going to leave this place without savoring the water. 

So we dipped into the calm yet freezing water, and we enjoyed every bit of it. 

And it was too invigorating.  

Am sooo happy. ;) 

The effort, time and sweat were all worth it. 

By the way, we didn't have extra clothes when we hiked, but it was okay.

Our clothes dried up a little as we trekked back to the jump-off point. 

giant fern

It's worth it

Photo Taken in May 2007 @ Batad Banaue Rice Terraces

Every struggle is real.

I know but hold on.

Believe always that everything shall pass.

And everything is temporary. :) 

Miracles :)

With what's goin' on in my life, 

the movie that I saw again today reminded me that..

Yes!

It is true. 

We may not notice it every time but it is there. 

Miracles are everywhere.  

Just open your eyes.

And look around.

Korean Dinner

My hungry friends.. :) 

One beautiful day, a friend of mine had these cravings for Korean dishes, and she wanted that satisfied the soonest.   

she's elated that we're going to eat something Korean finally:))

So the next Tuesday, as I was going home from work early, 

we called and hopped into a cab and poof!!! 

Off we went to this remarkable Korean restaurant, the Korean Palace. 

I've been here quite a few times already. :)  

And it's not bad coming back as their food is delicious. :) 

So what did we have that night?  

Scroll down. :) 

Beef Bihon Noodles

Beef Bulgogi

Mixed Seafood Platter

Shrimp Tempura

Seaweed Salad

Pickled Cucumbers

Notes: Not in the photos are the kimchi,  the bean sprouts with garlic and chilies and the fried rice

When everything was served, and we're done taking snapshots of our food,

we took a few group photos and dug in. :) 

Our tummies were not the only one festive after the overflowing dinner, so as our pockets too.
Hurray to this!!!

Happy Korean-ese!! Haha! 

JPI Series: Mukawer

After our long journey en route to Mukawir, we have arrived finally. 

It was a fascinating drive actually because we got to see different landscapes 

and views along the way.

Mukawir is a fortress built by King Herod. 

It is also the place where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded

after Salome made a dance in front of the king in exchange for John's head.  

The place was surprisingly full of stories, but I was a bit disappointed when 

I checked on some other blogs, and they were able to see and go to the "fortress" themselves. 

Imagine, I was just behind the fortress, but we didn't get the chance to hike up there. 

I didn't know why we didn't.  

I am not sure if it was restricted at that time or what. 

Waaah!

Another I missed when I visited Mukawir.  :( 

Anyway, it was a lovely place. 

The sheep/goat made the venue picture perfect. :) 

So I just consumed myself taking their snapshots. Haha!