suroy-suroy blues

I miss going out on a road trip with friends. Summer is almost over and PAGASA recently declared the early start of the wet season (hmmm interesting weather). For me it's never too late! A couple of days ago I harassed my officemates into accepting my invitation for a road trip. So today is laag day! Those who signed up are the "walay lingaw sa life"-- luz, lalaine, joan, ester and pareng jomar (our non-academic scholar in the office). I can't wait to upload the pictures! (more photos on my facebook) Anyway, we didn't have an itinerary because that's the idea of it all lol. Well, we decided to spend most of the hours at Mantayupan Falls, Barili, Cebu and the rest we spent it on eating (as in pakals!), chika-chika, goofing around and picture-picture!!!

How many times have I been to south of Cebu?? A hundred trips already (sure??)... but I'll never grow tired of exploring the outskirts. I may not be a hardcore adventurer but simply I love the simplicity of God's creations. Cebu is blessed with these simple wonders and they surely rejuvenate the soul.

Mantayupan Falls, Barili, Cebu

This is how we grill! Grill for rent... thanks for making Ester's load a little lighter. Ester was assigned in the food prep.. Thanks super-kusinera Ester!!!

Ahmm Pareng Jomar, can you still breathe in there?
Lifeguard on duty -- with my niece around I have to watch over her round the clock. She doesn't know how to swim but she was brave enough to wade through the cool waters alongside the many adults and children who occupied every breathing space in the area. I salute all the lifeguards in the world!!!

The road-trippers eagerly clamoring for the ice cream which didn't come back lol... get the joke? Ice Cream is BACK- you know BACK... lol corniks!! Actually their ice cream machine was broken so no ice cream for the day but we settled in with their freshest fresh milk. Btw, I like this picture because my 5-year old niece was so game and joined us in our not-so childish shenanigans... good role models guys!!! lol

At the Molave Milk Station, Barili, Cebu

The group happened to drop by Brgy. Mantalongon which was celebrating the feast of its patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, who is the patron saint of the farmers. Looking at the signages along the highway, we found out that they are also celebrating the Carabao Festival. So this beast was the star for the day and we never missed the chance of having a photo op with the mighty kalabaw! :)

Last stop for the day is the Acacia Grill in Carcar, Cebu. Carcar is famous for its shoe industry sort of the Marikina of Cebu. One can assure of its durability if it is made in Carcar. Hmmm... I wonder when they would make the other pair of this shoe... Anyway, mamu & ester bought some sandals while the rest of us kay nag-picture2x!!!

Happy Mamu's Day

Words are not enough to describe this wonderful woman who has lived all her life for her family-- My Mama Poding!!! Well, she preferred to be called Dence short for Prudence. An hour ago, I saw my mother teaching my niece the proper way of writing the alphabet and a special memory came to mind. My Mama merely graduated from high school but I attributed my interest towards education from her. I remember an afternoon in the public labahan where my mama taught me how to write my name. She has the patience of a real teacher when I seemed to write the letter z backwards. I like my mama's handwriting although lately she candidly admitted that she doesn't like her penmanship. This time the table has turned, every now and then she lets me write for her. Little did she know that she inspires me to write legibly. My mama was also my tutor during my developmental years. She instilled in me the love for learning and always reminded me to do better in my studies. She and my papa are my inspiration to do good in school and I offer all the academic recognitions that I received to them.

Just like any other homemakers, my mama taught me the basic chores from assembling firewood to build a fire for cooking rice to washing the clothes. All of the mundane household chores I learned from my mama at an early age. No matter how strained her body is, she always has the extra strength whenever our body failed us. When my sisters gave birth, she was there for them on a graveyard shift. When I was suffering from as asthma as a kid, she patiently and religiously brought me to a "manghihilot". My mama dreamed to be a nutritionist but that dream never became a reality but nevertheless she has accomplished a big deal in her career as a dedicated mother. She became our teacher, doctor, career adviser, nutritionist, caregiver, motivator and the list can go on forever.

Growing up in a poor community, my mother never let us feel deprived. Despite the financial difficulty, she made it sure that we, her children, go to school with dignity. We never went to school looking unkempt. She once said that she and papa maybe poor but their kids always have clean clothes to wear. I never forget that from my mother. Hopefully if I have my own family I'll instill the same values that my my mama has inculcated in me.

I am grateful for the gift of family and for blessing us with Mama Dence...

Happy Mother's Day Ma and to all the mamas in the world.