I took this photo through the lense of my binocular.

Yesterday, we went to the village of Ladi-an somewhere in Marilog District just a couple of hours away from home, and there I witnessed a total show off of nature.

Me, my father, and my mayordoma sister.

My father would always schedule his weekend visiting Ladi-an, Mariglo District. He closed a joint venture agreement with his new-found-Manuvu-friends in Falcata Farming. My sister, Apol, who’s the “mayordoma” of the house told me to go along with them because I too, will benefit from that business in the future. And when the mayordama spoke, thy will be done! 

As we were on the road, my eyes were amazed by the beauty of mountains and hills and plains we passed by because I’m a legit nature lover 100%! By the time we get out of the car, I never realized how cold the place is, much colder than the aircon. The vegetation is very alive with all the flourishing trees, so vibrant. The air is so cold and yet so refreshing as if I submerged myself in iced water. 

While my father was busy talking business, I went to wander around the place trying to kill the boredom. There’s this military outpost along the highway and by the time I walked by, one military officer asked me in his suspicious voice “asa ka mo adto bay?” (where are you going?) Can’t blame him though, the place is teeming with NPA rebels but I’m confident with our military force, I’m sure they’ll keep them at bay. But I’m from Mindanao, fully aware and fully accustomed to things like this. The officer was just doing his job, I’ll give him 9/10.

See the fog in the sky meets the hills? It calls me.

Finally, I found the perfect spot! It’s going sunset and as the surrounding was getting darker, the sightings were getting brighter. The fog have started to envelope the trees on the hills. It’s been years since the last time I saw fog that close, it makes me feel like we’re at Skypiea. That panoramic view of the mountains, so wide my eyes couldn’t get the whole picture. And the sunset, it’s like saying goodbye with a promise of something more awesome days will come.

That's me, for photo-op. LOL!

It’s past 7:00pm and it’s not getting dark anymore, it’s DARK! I was freezing like it’s gonna give me hyperthermia. But thanks to the good wife of Datu Demoy Lambac who offered us the fourth set of native coffee from the moment we arrived. And for letting me stayed in their cooking area to get myself a little warmed.

It’s not gonna be my last visit to Ladi-an, but next time, I’ll make sure I’ll bring 2 pairs of jacket with me.

See that house on the left surrounded by greenery? That's not ours.

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."
-Benjamin Franklin

WAZZUP?! I’m so back! I don’t know what possessed me but I just feel like doing online rants and irrevocable shaming to myself again! LOL! There are lot of stories I’d like to share (to you my future self) but I just couldn’t find the right time and I’m afraid I won’t be sharing them anymore because I’m old, you know, old people problems (LAMEST EXCUSE EVER!). BUTTTT! I can do recap to some of the important highlights of my life during my absence.

College, for the nth time
I checked my blog the other day and found at least 3 articles relating to my college come back. Ugh! Am I really that exaggerated that I have to talk about it a million times?! Ok, so I came back to college and now in my final year. Hopefully, by next year I’d march on March (HAHAHA!). I’m not gonna talk about this further since I’ve already said my disappointments, uncertainties, anticipation, and whatever from my previous posts Of Going Back To College, First For January, and Doubtful Hopes.

Blessed
I still got my job while studying. It’s one of the best things happening in my life right now. The company gave me the privilege not to report fulltime as per required in my working hours making it possible to attend on my classes. Though my job is kinda giving me extra stress, I’ll just hold on to the gratitude I am enjoying coz I’ll forever thankful about it.

Friendship
I make friends online and found out we love each other’s company so we become friends in real life. I’m a friendly person and I don’t choose who to befriend with,  as long they have the purest heart to accept me. Although sometimes, you can’t help to think that some are just there ‘coz they’re expecting to get entertained all of the time when friendship doesn’t actually work like that. That’s all!

EXTREMELY IN LOVE
I found the love of my life. My everlasting bbbaboy! We’re now on our 9th months and I really feel bad not to make any blog entry of our love story from the very beginning. I'd love to read it over and over again. What’s more than worst was I accidentally deleted all of our pictures during the early periods of our relationship. Thanks to my buggy phone ‘coz I’m certainly sure I made it secure from being deleted during the process of my phone reset. Right now I'm trying to save what’s left from that catastrophe. Soon I’ll make a new category and that’d be our love story.

Change and another change
I STOPPED SMOKING CIGAR! But I switched into using vape. It’s never that easy to quit like a cold turkey, especially when the nicotine impulse kicked in. I have this tendency to go mad and very short-tempered. I’ve tried many attempts and the longest was a month but eventually went back after getting influenced by friends and  least, the kind of working environment I was into. I don’t know yet what are the implications of vape since there’s no scientific proofs about its pros and cons but one thing for sure, it’s an expensive “hobby” (*EYES ROLLED*). What I have right now is the last juice and a failing coil. After that I’m gonna have to restock again but I’m planning to quit vaping as well. Though it’s not that dangerous than smoking cigar but it also have nicotine in it. Luckily for me I found several guides on how to completely drain out nicotine in the body, guess I’m gonna give it a go.

Responsibility
I’m now the President of the Supreme Student Council in my school and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m one of the oldest students that they thought I can take the responsibilities like I’m a father to them all. WTF?! I don’t know why I ended up becoming the President like it happened so fast I lost track of the definition and the purpose of my life. But anyway, it’s there. I’m just scared I can’t fully take the obligations lay before me. I’m a busy man (*SARCASTIC SIGH*). Need to maintain the chill.

-End-

I’ve said it already from one of my blog posts that I wanted to get even just at the foothill of Mt. Apo. I’ve been yearning to see it myself what my friends have told me after they've experienced the giant beauty of the Philippines.

Browsing through my FB wall, I saw a viral post of an inexpensive resort somewhere in Kapatagan. It’s the closest town to Mt. Apo and it’s quite cheap and convenient for commuters to get there. That’s when I decided to go on the said resort. To make the most of my time out of the town, I did my research of what are the other tourist spots nearby and voila! A lot! I arrived in Digos City early in the morning, from there I took a “habal-habal” to get to Kapatagan. As we climb our way up, I felt the rapid drop of temperature. It’s freezing! The view was spectacular! And that feeling of boundless joy that for how many years of gazing on the mountain from our balcony, I finally had my first ever experience getting there!

Camp Sabros

Saw this horse on our way down from Camp Sabros.

We're supposed to head straight to the resort to check in, get some food, leave our stuff, and start the adventure. Not until we learned that Camp Sabros comes first. So, we went there carrying our bags, that were heavy, and irritating, it wasn't my idea, it's Seph's. There’s a horse rental at the road that can take you to the camp and I was hoping to ride one for the very first time, unfortunately, someone else took it first. At the camp, it’s getting seriously cold!!! It’s crazy! I had a good cup of coffee to lighten up the day (like I always do). At first I was just looking around, selfies there, videos here, and watching the zip line and thought, that’s EZ and seemed to be not scary at all. But I was wrong! Very wrong! I have never committed something that will definitely end my existence in this universe. That’ll be the first and last life threatening outdoor activity I’ll ever do to myself. I mean, I was in panic! I thought I’m gonna die, I thought the rope would break, I’m so paranoid that I closed my eyes, pray to God, and accept the fate I never ask for. Luckily I’m still alive! I was energized, I’m so hyped, like I want more but it’s kinda expensive, so…

Dhen Yho’s Place

Does it look hot out there? NO! It's freezing!

We arrived in the resort by walking all the way from Camp Sabros, not a sweat since the place is at subzero. However, my feet hurt, my waist hurt, my shoulders hurt, and my feelings hurt LOL! That panoramic view of the mountain range is awe-stunning as I walk down from the camp! In the resort, there’s a swimming pool and I’m pretty sure it’s freaking cold! I asked the attendant if there are any places (aside from what I’ve searched) I can go on a tour—a water falls perhaps. But he’s not even finish talking when a lady interrupted, advising that going to those particular areas are strictly prohibited and stated at her credibility since she works for DENR. Ok! I preferred to rent a tent so I completely appreciate the feeling on the mountain and although I’m fine with the designated area for tent users, it all goes down when it can only be used at 5 in the afternoon. Not good ‘coz I was there for like 10 in the morning. I want to take a rest for a while and I can’t be carrying my backpack around going places. When I asked for a room they said what’s left are those that were reserved. In fairness to me I’ve made my reservation few days before. So there, I got a room!

Mt. Apo Highland Resort x Civet Farm x Strawberry Farm

That's a map of the entire Kapatagan, if you wanna feel like Dora.

These tourist spots are located in one place. We went there but the resort is exclusive for their guests only! Like you should pay first. Not even a glimpse to see how the resort would look like. I saw Philippine Civets but they were hangover from last night’s party, sleeping all day, feeling lazy. The strawberries, well, I guess, it's not their season yet so we only saw just green leaves on small pots that looks like yerba buena.

Lake Mirror

Expectation vs Reality. It was so awesome looking on it in the internet but it’s really different when you see it for real. However, those guest rooms are so cute, but I think there’s no one around 'coz it's like a ghost town, only with lively sightings. The lake is actually for swimming. If the sky was clear during that day, I’d probably get a spectacular view of the mighty Mt. Apo reflected on its surface.

Kublai Garden

Who else doesn’t know Kublai? A LOT! Well, for Davaoenos we know very well that he’s a renowned artist doing seemingly odd sculptures with a strong message associated to each of it. I first noticed his work at People’s Park, Davao. For someone who’s imagination and understanding is limitless far beyond than the stick figures, then you’d probably appreciate his thing. His Kublai Garden is just right behind the resort where I’m at. The garden is huge, occupying two adjacent hills with different sculptures. Two of the main attractions are the LAND OF PROMISE and the Agong House. I’m just in love with the place! Perfect for picture taking LOL!

We stayed overnight in the resort. On the last day, I went swimming for like 10 minutes (including the steps I took going to the pool) 'coz the pool can give you hyperthermia! At the end, I enjoyed Kapatagan. Finally, I had set foot half way to Mt. Apo and I'm pretty sure it won't be my last visit.

Since I met you. A lot of things have changed. I don't know where to start but I'm pretty sure all because of you I've appreciated many things in life which I've actually seen before. Little did I know I only need one person to engage them all and VIOLA! The wonderful things love can do that transcended me from somebody into someone.

"To love is nothing. To be loved is something. To love and be loved is everything."

Ayabyu ui!

Hours, days, and years

My long wait has been over

Loneliness, sacrifices, and tears

They all paid off in November

Time is not my best friend

It never tells what's there for me

Dreams, I do not recommend

It pretends to be a reality

I learned not to worry about the future

Prometheus was wrong about it

The past will not take me any further

And certainly I have more to submit

What's important now is the present

The "us" and the "we"

Loving you is my only intent

Because you matter to me