Oops! It Hit Me Again

I never thought something like this could hit me again. I am 44 years old now.  But somehow it hit me again.

My heart races.  I get excited. I get goosebumps.  I could watch. Listen. Stare. All day.

Mr. Cupid hit me again.  The fourth time.  But, before I say to whom my heart races for at this time and age, I'll first talk about the other three men in my life. :)

MICHAEL KEATON. Batman.

(Image source : http://batman.wikia.com/wiki/Michael_Keaton)

I am not really sure what I liked about him as Michael Keaton.  But I sure loved him as Batman and Bruce Wayne.  Maybe because, as I see it, Michael portrayed the character very well.  Dark. Mysterious.  

AGA MUHLACH.  Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal/Sana Maulit Muli

(Image source : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0611285/)

So many women love this man.  Who wouldn't? Right? A combination of cute and handsome.  Ever since I got hit, I have watched all his movies and TV shows, hehehe. 


TOM HANKS.  Sleepless in Seattle.

(Image source : https://www.altfg.com/film/sleepless-in-seattle/)

I don't know but, there is just something in Tom Hanks that makes me like him.  I like his looks.  His expressive eyes.  Mesmerizing.   I then watched his other movies that followed.  :D

Of the 3 men above, Aga stayed with me the longest.  I think about 15 years.  Even when I know that Aga and I are from two different worlds, the thought of marrying him still crossed my mind.  My heart was broken when he got married.  Now I know I wouldn't stand a chance with him 'cause he's already married.  My sister even teased me, "Basin magbulag na sila te" (Maybe they'd get separated).  Hahahaha... My ever supportive sister.  A crazy me.  A crazier sister.

And when I was at the point in my life when I didn't anymore think of being married.  I thought. I should just have a child and not marry.  But the idea of sleeping with some man I don't love is out of the question.  It is just not me.  So. Again, the crazy me surfaced.  I said to myself, "hmmm... mag artificial insemination kaha no?" (hmmm.. how about artificial insemination?).  And where do I get a sperm cell?  Well, where else? Without batting an eyelash, I confidently said, Aga Muhlach.  His got good genes. Then my crazier sister said, "mosugot kaha si Charlene?" (Would Charlene agree?).  The crazy sisters both laughing out loud. Hahahahahahahahahahaha

And now, for the 4th man that hit me. At this time.  This age.

PARK HYUNG SIK.  Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

(Image source : http://officiallykmusic.com/heads-park-hyung-sik-jang-dong-gun-star-remake-suits/)

And now this.  It was in August this year.  When I started to watch Netflix.  It was actually my husband who chose the movie.  I just joined him and watched with him.  

I was really caught off guard.  I never thought in the middle of the TV mini series I'd be hit again.  Fall in love again.   I fell in love with the character.  And as it was portrayed well by the actor, I grew to love the actor as well.  My heart started racing.  I can't wait to see him again.  

So. When the TV series ended, I searched Park Hyun Sik.  And read all about him.  He will be 27 this November 16 hehehe.    I watched video clips in Youtube of his past shows.   And watched his other shows/movies. 

Oh boy.  He can act.  He can sing.  He can dance.  And so damn good at it.  Plus a natural model too.  A perfect package if I may say. 

Below are some photos of Park Hyung Sik which I screenshot from Youtube video clips. 

His TV show "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" is in Netflix titled "Strong Girl Bong Soon".  And Hwarang. 


He is a member of the ZE:A idol group which started in 2010. Check out his dance moves in this video.  He's the guy in white shirt and cap. 

He also sang original soundtracks of the movies he is part of : Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Hwarang, High Society and Two Lights.  Below is an original soundtrack of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon entitled "Because of You".

He is so cute. He is so handsome.  And I think he is a good person too.   I am captivated by him.  I can't get over him.  I can't move on.  For now.  I don't know how long this will last.  But.

It hit me again. 

The Journey Continues

2014.   The last post I made here.

2018.  Four years.  My blog has been asleep for 4 years.  I thought I'd never write again.  But somehow my mind seems to tell me to write again.  I don't know.  But I have to give this another shot.  I have so much on my mind, I thought I'd better write it down to clear them out.  And give space for new things.  :D

(Image source : https://pixabay.com/en/the-way-road-way-road-trip-1208199/)

So, as time passes, I will again write my adventures in life.  Memories will be the only thing I'll have when I grow old.  And I don't know how much memory my brain will give me in the old age.  So these blog posts will help me remember things that I may already forget.

And so.  The journey continues.......

To The Road Less Travelled

I have always wanted to go to Limunsudan Falls ever since I saw a picture of it.  But for many years never got the chance.  In 2011 though, I had a chance to see it, in aerial view (my story with that trip can be found here).  

Aerial view of Limunsudan Falls, Barangay Buru-un

Then last year, when I started my business on souvenir items for Iligan City, I told Pat that we need to go to Limunsudan Falls so we could have our own picture of it which we can use in the souvenirs.  And I need to talk to the Higaonon women for some project. 

After waiting for  quite some time, on March 14, 2014, my goal was finally accomplished! :-D

Pat and I, and some other members of the Iligan Bloggers Society left early morning for Limunsudan.  But since the Iligan-Bukidnon Road is not yet completed, we have to take the other route - via Talakag, Bukidnon. 

Picture-picture with the junction sign.  

This is the Mamaon-Iligan Road Junction.  We have to turn right to be able to reach the Limunsudan community.

This is the road leading to Limunsudan.

Unfortunately, the bridge that we would have to pass through was under repair.  And our vehicle has a low body, it could not pass the alternate route.   We have no choice but to hire habal-habal (motorcycles) to take us to Limunsudan.

We walked to get to the other side of the bridge where our new ride is waiting for us.

This is the submarine bridge.  The rocks sure are big. :-)

Our ride for the rest of the way.  Two persons for one motorcycle.  :-)

All set to go!

From the bridge up to Limunsudan, the road is rough.  No cemented portions yet.  And some areas are really very rough. But even with the rough ride, I can't help but take photos along the way.  I want to document it.  I didn't know how my photos would turn out because of the bumps.  I just took my chances and hope some would turn out not blurry.  :-)

Balancing act of the driver with his motorcycle.

Selfie moment with Pat while the motor is moving.  It turned out just the way I want it.  :-)

Along the way, we also had some stops and hikes.  The motorcyle drivers would let us walk when the road is a bit steep and the rocks are loose.  This is to avoid accidents.

In this photo the road is ok.

In here, the road is muddy.  If it will rain, it would be very slippery for the motorcycles.  A 4-wheel drive vehicle would really be ideal.

Yes! After the bumps and the hikes, we finally reached Limunsudan community. :-)

Tribal Hall of Limunsudan where they hold their meetings and other gatherings. 

Visitors have to register in their record book.

Inside the tribal hall.  They have an area allocated for visitors. 

It was timely when we arrived because the tribal leaders were gathering for some important meeting.  We have to wait for them to be complete to do  the ritual prayer that they need to perform for the visitors who want to view Limunsudan Falls.  It is a way of getting permission from the spirits of the forest and to protect the visitors from the bad ones that no harm would happen to them. This is because the Limunsudan Falls is sacred to the Higaonons.

Before the prayer, each of us have to give halad (offering) to the spirits, any amount will do.   Though I don't know where the offering will go hehehe :-D 

The prayer ritual.  

Picture-picture with the tribal leaders before heading to Limunsudan Falls.  And it was good that we already had this photo before going to the falls because when we came back their meeting has already started.

The road leading to the parking area for the Limunsudan Falls.  Also bumpy and a couple of stops and hikes.  It is about 13 minutes from the tribal hall to the parking area, including the short hikes.

The 10-15 minute trekking starts here. :-D

I think this is about half-way of the trail.   We have to climb 2 short steep slopes and then go down again.  But less than 5 minutes on the trail we could already hear the sound of the waterfalls.  The guide told us about the sound that could already be heard, hehe :-)

Tada!  After climbing the first steep slope.  This is what we saw! 

After looking at it for a few seconds, selfie dayon! I didn't mind much the ants on the ground which were already biting me, hehehe ;-D

Jam took this photo for us. Thanks Jam. :-)

Climbing up for the second slope to where the viewing area is.

When we arrived at the viewing area, the rest were already silently watching Limunsudan Falls, mesmerized.

Prayer ritual to the spirits. 

After each prayer ritual, the Higaonons chew on ma-ma' -  a combination of a part of a seed from sort of a palm tree and a leaf.  The guide showed us the tree and and its fruit.  I forgot to take a photo of it.  Here, Jeff took a piece of the ma-ma' to taste it.  I wanted to taste it too but decided not to when the guide told us that it is very spicy and at times it will upset the stomach of first timers.  I was having hyperacidity then.  But I hope to really be able to taste it next time. :-) 

One of the steep slopes.  Here we are tracing back the trail going back to where the motorcycles are parked.

The resting shade for the trekkers! :-D

One of the hikes and stops in going back to the tribal hall from the falls.

A close up view of the river on upper tier of the falls.

A close up of the lagoon of the upper tier.

Given the chance to go back again, I would hope to get really close to the waterfalls.  The guide said it is a 3-hour trek to the bottom of the falls, to and fro.  Hmm.. maybe next time, hehehe...

I really had a sore body for two days caused by the trip.  But I didn't mind.  It was all worth it.  :-D

Picture with some members of the Iligan Bloggers Society :-)

With My Love, who made it all possible :-)

Me and Limunsudan Falls, with the big smile on my face :-D

The Limunsudan Falls  :-D

PS.  Pat and I would like to thank DPWH-Iligan City for their assistance. 

Nobody Loves Me Like You Do

It's Valentine's Day once again.  And today is my 11th Valentine's Day with Pat.  As I was listening to Anne Murray's greatest hits on Youtube last night, I chance upon the song "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do". 

Listening to the lyrics of the song, I found myself relating to it.   And made me wonder

What if I never met Pat?
Where would I be right now?

Hmmm....

I don't know. 

All I know is "life falls in place somehow". 

Our very first picture together in November 2003.  

Taken during our very first out-of-town trip at Cagayan de Oro.

Last night, I was supposed to make a video compilation of our pictures with the song "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do" as background music.  But I couldn't get to download the song.  So, I opted to post here the actual video of Anne Murray and Dave Loggins singing the song. 

Happy Valentine's Day to my one and only Pat.  :-)

More Valentine's Day with you. 

I Finally Found You, Rick Springfield!

After listening to Menudo greatest hits on Youtube about an hour ago, I checked the list for the next album I would like to play.  Then, I saw Rick Springfield.  I don't know him. But thought I'd give it a shot and listen to his songs.  When I clicked the link, there was no description.

image source : http://www.pinterest.com/pin/476396466803015017/

BUT.

When the first few notes of the first song sounded, I literally shouted "AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

It has been the song I have been looking for for so many years now!

I met "him" (as I didn't know his name then),  I think, when I was in grade 6 or early high school.  My sister and I used to listen and watch his music video on TV.  I can't remember what happened then, but our TV wouldn't show any regular shows from the TV station.  It could be that was the time our antenna was damaged or the TV station couldn't get through locally.  So, for a few months, we only get to watch music videos and some movies, repeatedly.   That was the time I get to hear "him" and watched his videos repeatedly, hehehe

When the TV station regular shows came back, the music videos and movie replays disappeared.  And I never saw it again, ever since.  After some time, I forgot about it.  And at times would wonder what are the title of those songs and who is the singer.  I really liked the beat and the melody of the songs.

Then, I thought of searching it in Youtube.  But how could I? When I don't know the title of the songs.  I don't know the name of the singer.  I can't remember a single song.  All I remember are some scenes on the music videos and that the singer is so damn handsome! :-D 

So, today, now, that I finally found him.  I couldn't help but write about it.  I am so excited, I sang and dance with some of the songs.  I can't believe I still know some of the lyrics.  And could still remember some scenes on the music videos as the song is playing. Oh yeah! 


As I am writing this, I am still feeling the excitement as his songs are playing.  I have close to 1 hour of Rick Springfield.

Below is the Youtube link I accidentally clicked. :-)

And found some of his videos I used to watch on TV.  Yes!

I like his dimples here. :-D

My afternoon became a Rick Springfield day, hehehe..

It's wonderful meeting you again, Rick.  :-)


PS.  Rick is the same age with my father, born in 1949. :-D

Iligan's Keepsakes by Keepsakes Iligan Souvenirs and Crafts

There was a time in my life (about in 2000) when I wanted to make souvenir items for Iligan City since there's not much Iligan souvenir items a tourist could bring back home.  Just the usual Cheding's Peanuts and malongs.

But that was only written in a notebook as part of my "To-Do List" in the future.

Then, when I went to Germany in 2006-2007, that feeling again of making souvenir items for Iligan City surfaced as I toured a bit of Europe and saw that every place we visit always have souvenir items for tourists to bring back home.

Few years passed, still I was not able to even make a single item as possible souvenir for Iligan.  Then the time came in 2011 when Pat already have many requests of souvenir items from tourists he accompanied.  He then asked me if I could already start making my souvenir items.

So, I researched and tried creating some souvenir items.  In 2012, I was able to make some refrigerator magnets and key chains.  I ordered blank acrylic from Manila.  And by end of September 2012, I decided to register a name for my business.   And in January 2013, I secured a business permit to make my business legal and so that I could already pod labels on my souvenir items. 

This post really is already so loooong overdue, hehehe.   It took me quite a while to write this 'cause I couldn't get my thoughts to focus.  I had so much on my mind then.  :-)

Anyways, below were some of the first batch of key chains and refrigerator magnets I made.  I used pictures of Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls taken by Pat.  I was not able to take photos of the other items though.

Framed-rectangle shaped key chain

House-shaped key chain

Small rectangle-shaped key chain with "I love Iligan" at the other side.

Square-shaped refrigerator magnets

My business is already one year old.  It is not yet really that established but somehow it's beginning to pick up.  I am currently also making a website for it.  I'll update this post for the URL when it is already complete.