Sunday, September 6

How it all started :)

Chapter I: Coffee at 3pm?
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I was in a hurry walking along Rufino St. in Makati that noon break for I was to send Yca’s allowance (my younger sister) through Western Union in Ayala-Paseo Branch. Then suddenly I bumped with this person I recognized as an officemate (but forgot the name actually) who was equally in a hurry.


“Uy! San ka?” he said. I told him my story.

“Ikaw?” He answered he’s to meet his girlfriend who was done applying for a job in Paseo de Roxas.

“Isasakay ko lng sya kasi uwi din sya ng Bulacan ngayon” he added.

“Bakit di ka nlng maghalf- day?” I said.

“Hindi na! Sayang nmn kung maghalf-day pa ako.” he answered.

“So lunch out na lng kayo?” I asked.

“Pag may dala syang pera, wala ako dala eh!” he said. (My eyebrows actually met at one point but I decided not comment na lng).

We parted ways at Paseo’s underpass for I’m walking ahead Ayala and he’s to cross Paseo.

The sending transaction took a while and luckily I’ve reached office at 12:45 (15mins left to eat lunch and do toiletries stuffs). I was about to eat lunch in the pantry when he came in, breathless and perspired. He actually ran, he said, to reach the office before 1pm so he may still take his lunch. Since we only have few minutes left, we never had the chance to chat anymore (though we’re aware of the teasing and curious eyes of our colleagues saying we had date ‘daw’ outside—date? How come eh we’re in a hurry taking lunch sa pantry? Lol!

I finished first and though I’m a bit hesitant to leave him alone in the pantry, I have to for I still have to brush and all.

To compensate to my (believed to be) unethical manner, I asked “Coffee at 3pm?”

He answered “Oo bah! Basta ipagtitimpla kita!”

My heart jumped in surprise by his answer. “Ok” I said and proceed to the restroom.

He was actually making two cups of coffee when I came in to the pantry during the coffee break. (I recognized my mug being the other one). He handed me the cup after and we started talking about anything-- life, love life…etc.

And so the coffee sessions at 3pm started (him making our coffees day by day).

He’s nice, he’s sweet, he’s neat, he’s cute and he’s a real hunk! So what? I was in a relationship then (a roller-coaster one) and so was he. There’s really nothing to be “kilig” about, right?

--to be continued! =)

Friday, September 4

Proudly GUMACA

During my last visit in Gumaca, Quezon- my hometown (a couple of days after my nephew celebrated his 1st birthday), I had the chance to have a glimpse again of some of the historical landmarks of the town, which were constructed during the Spanish Era (I was with my sisters Bing and Yca and cute little Gene). If you haven’t been here yet, then pack your things up and I’ll tour you around! :)

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral

Known as the biggest and the oldest Catholic Church in the province of Quezon, this centuries-old cathedral was first established in 1582 right on this site; was transferred to Silangan in the Island of Alabat in 1638; was burnt by the Dutch forces in 1665 and reconstructed and beautified in1846.


Gumaca is also the Bishop’s residence (thus the Diocesan of Gumaca Parish Pastoral Council) and where Mt. Aloysius College Seminary could be found for aspiring priests along with the Our Lady of Carmel Monastery for those who have callings to be nuns.


Kutang San Diego (Spanish Fort)

The last one remaining of those built under the supervision of the Franciscan friars in the latter part of the 18th century and was erected to help guard the town against sea pirates. Popularly known as Kastilyo (Castle) to town people. Atop, there is a well, which is believed to be leading to an underground tunnel from the fort to somewhere (I’ve seen it but haven’t tried it myself!) probably part of their safety measures aside from the metal canyons pointing towards the sea which were still being displayed.


Lamon Bay

It is a body of water connecting the northern part of Quezon to the Pacific Ocean and bounds the coastal towns of Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez and Calauag and the islands of Alabat. It is a rich fishing ground and the home of various living corals. Most parts of the bay consist of gray sand, rocks and living corals. (We’re blessed to have situated our house along Lamon Bay thus we’re able to experience swimming day and night whenever we wish to).

a perfect sunrise for a perfect day! (uh-uh! sa likod bahay po nmin ito!)

a soOo lovely sunset! (Overlooking Alabat Islands)
Gumaca, in addition, is the proposed capital municipality of supposedly Quezon del Sur under Republic Act No. 9495 (which eventually became junk, as in ‘ibinasura’ matapos gamiting plataporma de gobyerno ng mga trapong politico). With the beautification and maintenance imposed on these landmarks (and for the firm stand on the YES to Hati Quezon) I’d like to mention here the Municipal Council led by Mayor Joy Job Cabangon for the dedication they’ve shown. (There’s always a reason for everything!)
Inviting clear water (during Gil's first visit- yah! we dipped in after!)

my gorgeous Gil after our fave sunset moment

If you’re planning to visit Gumaca, why not during the Aranya’t Baluarte Festival held every May 15th of the year in celebration of San Isidro Labrador- our patron saint. It is an annual thanks giving of the town people for the bountiful harvests thus every barangays’ Baluartes (arches) were decorated with various fruits and vegetables. Usually, prizes await for those barangays that have the most beautiful baluarte presentations. (I have witnessed it myself years ago- hope to experience it again so I could share it with you!)

‘Till next post! =)

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