We’ve gone fishing at A&J Fishpen in Lagoon (30 minutes away from where we stayed for the night). The guys enjoyed fishing, caught one fish each….and were cooked for our dinner (in addition to what we ordered).

After dinner, we went back to Mambajao and spent some time at Paras Beach Resort

After a restful night, we had an early breakfast and off we went to White Island

it’s about 10-minute ride thru pump boat….and here we are…..

The guys took pictures of us jumping but after numerous attempts, we weren’t able to make it….

after a while, we were able to make improvised tripod so that everybody will be included in the group picture….

the water is so inviting…..so cool, fresh, and clean. 

the sand is white…..it’s so nice walking in it…..

hubby took picture of our footprints

and our final pose in the island….

like beach models….

The next destination is the Katibawasan Falls.

it’s so high that we had difficulty capturing the whole height of the falls.

Next is the Sunken cemetery.

we took a boat (non-motorized) to go to the cross behind us….so scary at first but it’s worth the experience

behind us are the old volcano and portion of Mt. Hibok Hibok.

The island is so beautiful, the people are nice and accommodating….being here is one of the greatest experience I ever had!

We departed for Camiguin on Monday, 7:55 AM (January 28) and took the shortest road to Cagayan de Oro City via Carmen, Cotabato. At 1PM, we arrived CDO junction and turned towards Gingoog City. Nobody in the group has been to Camiguin and we haven’t brought a map with us. We just relied on our instincts….hehehe. Good thing I read some reviews about the island before we left and I get familiar with the towns in the island and where we will ride a shuttle ferry. We are so happy upon knowing that we are already in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental (after an hour) and was teeming with joy as we read a road sign “To Balingoan Port”. We arrived just in time for the ferry is about to leave. As the ferry is making its way to the island, we were able to take our lunch (at last!).

I and my hubby just arrived home from Camiguin Island together with some friends (my high school batchmates). After days of being away from home, I’m back….back to reality, back to the real world. For four days, I’ve been away from the hassles, from the stressors in life. It was so nice coming back recharged. Going back from a  vacation is one of the hardest thing to do but I need to face my real world, at work and at home. However, I find it really helpful being away for a couple of days or more to compose myself and to have time to think while enjoying nature’s wonders.  

Life’s Little Instruction Book II is the first book that I bought. Out of curiosity, I bought it when I was merely 12 years old for only PhP29.95 at Gaisano Center in Iligan City. The book is written by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. as a gift to his son who’s leaving home for college. As I read on, I find it so interesting as it is applicable to my daily life. Years after, I bought the 1st edition in a bookstore in Manila for more than 6 times the price of the first book I bought. The books passed on from friends to friends until it wasn’t returned to me and I don’t know who’s keeping my books now. One of my favorite entries is Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely. I am trying to recall the entries and will post it as soon as I can have my list. Anyways, if you have read the book, you can help me compile the practical advices/thoughts written on the it. Just let me know.

Almost everyday, my sister-in-law’s boyfriend sends inpirational SMS to his friends….and I am lucky enough that I am one of them. This morning, he sent me something to ponder.

“In life, there are five balls to juggle:

1) Family

2) Friends

3) Health

4) Values

5) Work

Only work is made of rubber. The rest are made of glass. Don’t drop them!”

Hence, I salute those who gave up their work for the sake of their family, friends, health or even their values in life.

My Dad’s nature of job almost made him live in the camp, 24/7. Though our house is only a few meters from their detachment, he wasn’t able to spend more time with us. He gave up his work when I was 7 because he wouldn’t want to compromise his values and didn’t want his children grow without him. 

I believe one thing is for sure, money cannot buy family, friends, health and values. If these are shattered, it’s hard to bring back the broken pieces again.  

Tags: family, Friends, relationships, values, work