Interlude: Seasons and Reasons

I wanted to debunk the existence of writer's block.

I really do, hence another blog post. And blog about what is an interesting question. Actually, I haven't put much thought into it. But laying bare the current condition of my heart, I am so excited to enter yet another season of my life.

Recently, I got a word from UST grad school that I got accepted to the creative writing MA program. There may also be a major career and address change. I remember praying for these things way way back. My emotional disposition would swing from side to side of the pendulum, where I'd feel hopeful for a bit and hopeless when things do not go as planned. PJ Erpelo couldn't be more right in saying that God will ultimately give us the desires of our hearts His way though, not out own.

Past events made me feel like I was in a season of summer, when faith stretching normally happens (for more info on spiritual seasons check this site). It does feel like spring now, when everything's new and fresh and my prayers are being answered.

But blessings aren't as important as the lessons I was taught while in the season of waiting. We become fickle when we think that tangible blessings are all there is to our walk with God. I learned to hold on to and trust in Him more. I learned that Proverbs 3:5 (my life verse by the way), when applied, embodied and taken seriously entails being still before God, complete surrender, not rationalizing and questioning His will. I learned all the more that He has the final say in our plans.

I look forward to the season of fall, when harvest occurs, and winter, when resting and letting go is required. Every season is a season of prosperity and power and opportunity to grow in love with God.

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A thought about marriage has crossed my mind lately, not that I would like to get to soon. It's just that, many people I know-close friends and the likes-seem to be ready enough to be in a relationship. And I can't seem to get around to it, at least in this season. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there's a time and season for everything. I can't hide my strong desire for marriage someday but I am happy to be single when I can deal with issues that I need to deal with that I may be the man that I should be for that one woman God has destined me to be with. I am blessed to have parents who model my ideal kind of marriage and family. I am blessed to have a God who wants the best for me.

Here's the thought: Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson did give us a poignant tearjerker flick about what to do before you die. I kind of tweaked the list and made it, "things to do before I settle down." Here's some:

1. Publish a book and win the Children's story category of the Palanca Awards and be one of this country's distinguished contemporary writers/documentarist in the level of Lourd de Veyra, Maria Soliven-Blanco and Howie Severino.
2. Write/work for/in Disney.
3. Tour all or most of Southeast Asia.
4. Climb Mt. Kinabalu in Malaysia.
5. Finish my MA.
6. Climb Mt. Pulag for the second and third time.
7. Relearn Cebuano.
8. Learn to cook European (northern, that is) cuisine.
9. Meet Nick Hornby, Sir Paul Mcartney, Joshua Harris, Elisabeth Elliot, Grant Morrison, Ben Gibbard, Ra Ra Riot and Rush and tell them how huge they are an influence to me.
10. Go solo in Sweden.

October Tradition (part 1)

Turning 24 recently made me realize that there are so few things that get me really excited. When one embraces adulthood, one finds himself reluctantly thrust into the proverbial rat race. No wonder why so many young professional get tired easily. My loving dad sort of warned me about being jaded as one ages. When I was younger he advised me to go on a trip at least once a year.

Following his advice, I resigned from my first corporate job in 2008, joined a group of mountaineers and climbed Mt. Pulag and traipsed the pebbled beaches of Pagudpod. In 2009, I enjoyed the beaches of Batangas and the breathtaking landscapes of Tagaytay with my dearest friends.

Ever the pattern seeker, I noticed that all these escapades happened in the month of October.

This year, I went on yet another October trip in Cebu and Bohol. From here on, I vow to travel in October of every year, and so I dub this trip 'October Tradition,' now on its third year.

First Stop

Manila holds so much of my stressors-traffic, schedules, work. Twenty-four hours before leaving, I went to UST to submit my gradschool application, went through a job interview and packed. My typical day comprises a hectic day at work and other engagements. So imagine my joy at the fact that in a few hours I would be on a plane to another place.

I did not sleep, literally, as I had to pack and cram every traveling needs into my back pack. After a hearty very late dinner, I rushed to the airport only to find out that my flight via PAL got delayed for an hour. It was okay though as I found myself chatting up foreigners and being entertained by a game of women basketball players.

I sat by the window in the hopes of getting a good view. The plane's wing was in the way, much to my disappointment. So I decided to nap. I woke up with a pack of energy bar and greaseless peanuts on the empty seat before me.

The atmosphere outside Mactan Airport was a little deceiving. By which, I mean it almost has no traces of urbanity in it. Then I took few steps, asked a couple of guards the way to Colon, referred to a cab with a fixed rate of 395php, then it finally hit me that I landed in a city similar to Manila only cleaner. I successfully avoided taking a cab and ended riding a jeep to pier four. I haven't been in Cebu in a long time, estimate 20 years, and I forgot Cebuano the moment I started learning Pangasinense so I somehow felt alienated when being answered in Cebuano by the locals. It's unnerving and exciting at the same time.

But that's the point of adventure.

On Board Supercat

Thankfully, a lady who speaks tagalog quite fairly helped me get to Pier 4 in which the Supercat going to Bohol was docked. I was welcomed by Eka and Arun, with whom I toured the island.

I couldn't help but notice a slew of Asians inside.

Supercat did get us to Bohol on time. The fare was reasonable at 800php round trip (i advise you to take advantage of the promo). While inside, a huge flat screen TV provided entertainment partly eliminating the almost 2-hour boredom. We were also treated to a scenic view of the Island of Cebu and Bohol.

Arrest My Heart, Bohol

Down in the docks of Supercat, our tourguide greeted us with a warm Boholano welcome. Kuya (I forgot his name) was born and raised in Bohol and he pretty much know the history of the province.

As he toured us around historical landmarks in a Toyota Vios, we couldn't help but be amazed at rich the history of the province is .