#expgoals

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November 13, 2019 | Van Gogh Alive BGC, Taguig City

It’s almost like an unspoken pact to go to anything artsy these days. From the Sip & Gogh to the Planetarium and now we’re here. I remember that soon after we finished the exhibit, Hannah and Jane were already planning where to gogh next. And while the show itself both underwhelmed and overwhelmed, it was still a nice experience as a whole. You can really immerse yourself in the artist’s life works. 

I find Van Gogh’s art pieces disturbing as much as they’re ravishing. Maybe what makes you vulnerable really makes you beautiful after all. But having learned about some of his days, I wonder how hard it must have been to share this version of himself, and how equally hard not to. The infamous Starry Night in particular glued me in front of it for a good number of minutes. It hurts me to think of how much heartache and how many breakdowns he had to go through to create that piece. 

And now, for the life of me, how can I even fathom the thought of how much heartache and how many breakdowns God had to go through to create this masterpiece that is you and me. So Paps, for everything You had to go through and overcome to have each of us, I can never thank You enough.

© Hannah Dela Cruz, Jane Pangan

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May 1, 2019 | Tondol Beach Anda, Pangasinan

I couldn’t believe we made it to the beach in these early hours. I gave up few sunrise sessions before because the snuggle was real. Haha. But not today, sleepy forces. We got up, strapped our cameras on and treaded to the beach. The morning revealed Tondol at low tide with its fine white sand. Malayo layo ang nilakad namin to get a good spot to take pictures. Then the sun started making its move, leaving strokes of pink in the sunrise sky. And right there was the exact kind of color I was looking for, and in my peripheral, I saw Ian’s trademark smile. Thank You, Jesus.

The crowds began to thicken so we checked out before lunch. It was another three hours of joyride and jumping convo. And of course, I seized every opportunity to make him listen to Red Velvet songs. (Once he becomes a Reveluv, my job is done. Haha). In retrospect, I guess good memories are like a good song. You just don’t want them to end. P.S. So let’s play Bad Boy and RBB one more time, Hon. :)

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March 17, 2019 | Mt. Kaanducian Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija

Waking up (unintentionally due to cold), we peeked outside our tent oblivious to Paps’ surprise. And there, spread out in a vast, inky dome above us were millions of tiny pinpoints of light. Wows felt inadequate. It’s the most incredible star-filled sky I’ve ever seen. Even Ian thought the same--him having camped up several times already. It was hard to fall back to sleep. Stargazing was just addicting. It’s such a shame our phone cameras couldn’t give it justice. But for these galaxies of grace, so many thank You, Paps.

Few hours after, I jolted myself awake. I slept through my alarm. But thankfully, we’re just in time for the dawning on the other side. It was wonderful in its own way. Post-hug and satisfied, we broke camp and hiked down carefully. Descent is always easier but nginig-tuhod was real. Haha. And as early as eight, we’re ready to get back to the mainland. The rest of the day was blue skies and sunshine.

Beginning the days and ending them together were amazing and synonyms thereof. They felt safe and special. They felt home. So I want to thank Ian for being a solid brother, friend, and lover to have in my corner. I’m so glad that we have each other on this quite difficult and dazzling hike, and life. And I thank Paps for being with us every moment of it. 

© Adrian Doctolero

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February 23, 2020 | Art Fair Philippines Makati City

As soon as our personal problems’ summit concluded at The Wholesome Table, our triad moved to The Link to visit this year’s Art Fair. I think it was Hannah’s scene more than it was mine. It’s my first and I enjoyed going through this diversified exhibit with the two of them. Kahit pa ilang beses kaming nagkawalaan. We could call it lost in art, perhaps? But really, there were few corners that did catch my fancy. I figured early that I relate best to words and photography. And Sol Lewitt’s line still rings true to me: There are many statements involved in a work of art. The most important is the most obvious. The most obvious is that I love you both. To our next, girls!

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February 17, 2020 | Sikyop Underground River Cave Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

Iligan is another item that’s been crossed off our itinerary back then. Not by choice, though. The weather and safety issues made it difficult for the pack to go. And as grace would have it, everything was fine now, so I bravely included it in my #BakitHindi list. I only need one reason to traverse a different province. It might seem like a waste of time or rather foolish, but that’s just how I roll. So what am I waiting for?

It was around six in the morning when I left for Iligan via bus and dropped off at Mandulog Bridge after an hour. The military man and my habal-habal driver both asked the same question. Bakit ako mag-isa dito? I mulled over it on our way. Ang tapang ko rin talagang mag-solo no? But of course I felt scared. It seemed like I was coming into an uncharted territory this time. And maybe I was. I remember thinking--while its long winding roads unfurled before us--that I have nothing to compare the city with. Everything felt different and raw.

I think it took us an hour and a half to get to Sitio Lawlawon. And since it’s a Monday, I was the first and probably the only visitor for today. With all its caves, falls, spring and an underground river, kulang siguro ang isang araw to make the most out of Sikyop. I was short of time so I haven’t explored much but I picked the best to trek to. And true to its name, which means hidden paradise, I mumbled thank You, Paps several times.

Driving back to the highway, halfhearted rain began falling from marbled skies. I was drenched but grateful. The whole experience was terrifying and overwhelming but amazing. I want to live my life with all its grit and grace. And for once, I trusted myself to do exactly that. Well done, self. You make me proud.

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February 16, 2020 | Lampanag Ridge Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

I left Eiffel Kubo, my accommodation, in dark-sky hours, that thin edge between night and morning. Rode a bus plying the CDO route and alighted at New Ilocos--boundary of Malaybalay and Impasug-ong. The sleepiness of the city was apparent but my poor sense of direction didn’t waver a bit. Wala na talagang pinipiling oras ang pagkaligaw. Hindi ba’t pwede namang pagsikat na ng araw? Thank Paps, Vinson, my guide, came to the rescue. 

We reached Datu Melendez’ house in the peaceful sitio of Kibuwa, the jump off, around four and started trekking. Looking up, we were graced with the starry sky. It was such a heavenly view. Thank You, Jesus. We moved on assured that we’re up for an amazing feat in an hour or two. The trail was mostly downhill, very similar to that of Paminahawa--one of its neighbors. It was cold and damped of morning dew. I couldn’t care less, though. And at 5 a.m. mark, we finally hiked up the ridge. 

Seeing the Tagoloan River from the Lampanag Ridge in photos and videos made me want to go out of the gate. And here I was. Never mind the cold and our failed attempt to light a fire. I looked around, listening to the silence. There were few campers but it was so quiet. And in less than an hour, I started seeing this hazy pre-dawn light. It meant the sun would be peeking out over the mountains in a couple of minutes. 

I’m gonna see my better days, I thought, as I felt the first rays of sunlight on my face. It was a different kind of safe and warmth--the kind that only God can give. I savored this solitude, this happiness, this moment of sheer love and goodness. Oh, how far I’d scale the valleys, Jesus, if You grace this other side. Thank You.

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February 15, 2020 | Malaybalay & Valencia Cities, Bukidnon

After yesterday’s turn of events, I woke up in an unfamiliar city, more than a thousand kilometers away from home. Original plan to kick off this trip was tackling Mt. Capistrano but I unfortunately came during its healing season. Rest well, mountain. I guess I’ll just have to live slow this Saturday morning. And it’s totally fine.

With my sling bag, camera and plaid shirt, I went out to do some exploration--unfazed by the afternoon sun. Ang ganda ng panahon. I won’t mind getting lost on a beautiful day like this one, I thought to myself. So I hopped in a multicab en-route to Casisang where I’ll transfer in a habal-habal to Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm. It took me an hour to reach the place. The DIY hobbit houses in here are creations of the owner himself with the resources available in their farm. Wow. It was a sight to see. And I wish I had tried their coffee. Next time, maybe? Self, today, it’s the house of the hobbit. In another lifetime, it’ll be the summit.

My next destination was in the nearby city of Valencia. I suddenly remember how Lake Apo didn’t make it to our Northern Mindanao trip last 2018. Isang oras din ito mula Malaybalay at 30 minutes din ang nadagdag sa aking motor taxi diaries. Hehe. And around four, we turned up at Guinoyoran where the crater lake is nestled. Ang perfect sana mag-sunset dito. However, I couldn’t find the trail up to have the perspective I had in mind. Akapta.

In retrospect, the highlight of this day would be the in-betweens. The multicab rides and the habal-habal adventures. The bumpy and windy paths were the most unforgettable experiences. It’s always fun travelling like a local when I go solo. Maybe because I get to know the place better and I get to remember the memories I had for a long time. Capping the day with a cup of Monk's Blend coffee seemed fitting--warm and comforting. Thank You, Home Team.

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January 12-13, 2020 | Fresno Agro Forestry & Eco Tourism Campsite Tanay, Rizal

Over ramen and coffee, Ijo, Hanah and I looked for a place to go and when we found one, we packed our bags six days later and left. Just like that. And after more than an hour on a familiar road, we alighted at Sitio Maysawa--the same jump off of Treasure Mountain that we camped at almost three years ago. We even drove past its gates en-route to Fresno which sits atop Mt. Kulis (620 MASL). 

We reached the campsite around sunset. And even when the sky's already turning purple, Fresno offered us one of the best 360-degree view of Tanay mountain ranges without much effort. Jinjja yeppeuda. We then eased up in our little kubo before racing out for dinner, moon-gazing and some serious conversation. Hanah bared some of her heart tonight--sharing how she hurt and how life is too long, there’s too many unwanted scenes. I nodded off hoping her next chapter would be better and kinder than the previous ones. 

Our three-person unit woke up to a cold ash-fall-covered morning. Yes, naabutan na naman kami ng kalamidad sa galaan. But as always, Paps kept us through the night. And around 5:30, we started trekking down to Noah’s Arc. We waited for sunrise while anchored on top of the mountain over the sea of clouds. How can we not sing hallelujah to the God who makes beauty out of the ashes we’re in?

We soaked up the majestic start of day and then hiked up its neighbor peak, Mt. Sambong (629 MASL), right after. And maybe I love the scenery better here. Coming back to this side of Tanay after years, I realized that some things never change (despite the many things that did), the serenity that this kind of view gave me and the way I’m holding on tight with these two beside me. 

As I behold Your beauty with unworthy eyes The only song my soul can find to sing Is hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah my King (Transfiguration, Hillsong United)