Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand

Our family's trip to Bangkok, Thailand was memorable from the very start. The trip was booked four months in advance (thanks to the October 8 promo fare from our ever-dependable sponsor, CebPac, haha) but the political situation was so bad weeks before the flight. An advisory discouraging tourists from visiting Bangkok compelled us to cancel the trip. However, after consulting with the airline staff and realizing the penalties that would be incurred, we closely monitored the situation at our destination. Finally, it was a go for us.

It was not really that bad. We arrived safely and reached our hotel without any hassle except for the long search for a place to eat before check-in time. Finally, we settled for chicken and burger meals in a fast food chain just a few steps from the hotel.

Day 2 was spent in Ayutthaya for the cultural heritage of the oldest city in the country. From one wat to another, we saw different kinds of temples and other monuments. This time we decided not to eat more Western food but phad Thai and fresh tropical fruits/fruit shakes in between.

On Day 3, we took an unlimited boat ride along Chao Phraya River and a train ride in the city. We visited Chatuchak weekend market and a mall to buy our pasalubong. On our way to the train station where the rallyists set camp, we were mistaken as locals as we passed the security check.  They just let us go when I started to ask in English.;-)

Unfortunately, there was not enough time to visit my alma mater located about 40 km north of Bangkok. Maybe next time? And I hope the political situation in Bangkok and nearby areas will normalize soon. Sawasdee!

Kaybiang Tunnel

It was the first weekend of the year and we decided to drive and see the newly opened Kaybiang Tunnel in Maragondon, Cavite.  The tunnel, which connects Cavite to Nasugbu, Batangas, is a man-made structure that provides another access to Manila without passing through the congested national highway traversing Tagaytay City from Batangas.

Surprisingly, there were already several ambulant vendors in the area who anticipated the influx of riders and there were those like us who were there just to see and "feel" the tunnel. Next time, we'll pass through the tunnel, proceed to Nasugbu, and take the usual route to Tagaytay.

Welcome, 2014

As the year ends, I thank the Lord for all He has done for me. I've been blessed to spend the year with my family. I'm grateful for our good health, for the varied experiences, and for all the lessons learned. I thank Him for the spiritual and material blessings and opportunities to be His channel of blessings to others.

In 2014 (and in the years beyond, Lord willing), I will continue to claim the Lord's promises to me. He will never leave me nor forsake me as I continue my journey in this temporary world. I will be a better person for His glory. May I never fail to thank Him because He is good, faithful, and true. He never fails.

Thank you, Lord!

Apo Reef Adventure

I saw this view from the plane on our flight back from Busuanga to Manila on December 28, 2012. I was fascinated by the vast expanse of light aquamarine-colored seascape and the white-painted lighthouse on a small solitary island. Later, I learned that it's the famous Apo Reef and I suddenly wished to visit the place someday.

My wish came true the following year. I got to convince Bobby and our kids to spend my birthday and wedding anniversary in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, the takeoff point to Apo Reef.

A day after Christmas we were off to Batangas City port, took the 2.5-hour RORO trip to Abra de Ilog, and another 2.5-hour travel by van to Sablayan. After some discussions with the staff of the Ecotourism Office of the LGU, we agreed to stay in a beach resort and joined the two German
nationals the following day for the Apo Reef adventure.

True enough, the sea was rough. The moment we boarded the boat, we were already welcomed by big waves. My backpack which contained the digicam, cellphone, and other stuff was soaked in seawater. It was rough sailing but seeing the underwater beauty of the Apo Reef Natural Park when we snorkeled was all worth it. It's the largest contiguous reef in the country and the second largest in the world next to the Great Barrier Reef. What an awesome creation!

We saw the aerial view of Apo Island from the top of the lighthouse, explored the mangrove forest, and traversed the lagoon aboard a bamboo and styrofoam raft guided by a rope tied from end to end.

I'm truly grateful for the safe reef adventure with my family. I was reminded once again that sailing in life may be rough but with Christ in my vessel, I will be still and know He is God.

Silver Bells

"You're not exactly what I prayed for. Apparently, you're the answer."

It's been 25 years since I vowed before God and His people that I will be with my lifetime partner in sickness and health, for richer or for poorer, 'til death do we part.

Being together as husband and wife for this long is indeed a milestone. We're two perfectly imperfect persons determined to grow old with each other and live a legacy for our children.

Despite the many trials and tests in marriages (ours is not exempted), may we never get weary of each other and be sidetracked by the distractions that make us lose sight of God's plan for us as a couple.

"... but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15