Thursday, February 12, 2015
February 12, 2015
First, I would like to give myself a pat on the back for this first post after a long period of hibernation. It has been quite a while since my last post and I am so glad to finally be able to do one today. Anyway, it's 2015. The year 2014 has been filled with lots of stories of joy and sadness. Despite the many bad news that we have experienced first-hand and heard and seen here and there, still the previous year has been good to us, after all.
Now the first month of this year has quickly come to pass. And we are on the second week of February - the month of love - oh well - sige na nga . For sure I'll get to see some couples go on dating, a full display of flowers, colorful balloons, plush toys (usually bear), sweets/candies and several other stuff available for grabs along the streets and in the malls. I'm pretty sure, flower shops will receive several orders of bouquets or baskets of flowers - and that demands for chocolates will likely go high. I also anticipate some messengers come to our office to everyone's delight and surprise - to deliver some flowers - well, not to me - but to my colleagues. Ehe - and then hear everybody cheering in unison. With all these, I can truly say this month is sending some love in the air. Well, how can I argue?
Now I want to go back to the subject of my post, my bucket list for 2015! Oh well, I've got many in mind but for my sake (yes for my sake) I'll try to limit this into four (4) - the ones which I think within my means, my time, my resources and my circumstances to do this year - and I'm praying and hoping that I will have the opportunity to do all these. But first, let me give a background. Coming up with this list was inspired by my travel to the Underground/Subterranean River, a UNESCO world heritage site in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last year. From then on we (I and my travel buddies) have been contemplating to go plan a travel altogether at least once a year. Maybe we enjoyed much of Palawan that we had hoped for more (pls. check out this link for the story of our travel last year
http://mhymusings.blogspot.com/2014/05/3-day-tour-puerto-princesa.html
Ok, here is my list, in no particular order:
1. Sagada, Mountain Province
I hope to go and see the place with of course a side trip to the Banaue Rice Terraces, a 2,000 year old terraces that were carved by Ifugao ancestors along mountain slopes.
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I've heard reports that some portions are abandoned and deteriorating, well, i don't know how true. But I wish sustainable programs will help preserve the beauty and heritage of this Hagdan-Hagdang Palayan
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This was taken by one blogger who put this caption: a village atop the rice terraces.
A breathtaking view!
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Aside from seeing the Banaue Rice Terraces, here are some things that I'd like to try in Sagada:
* Lemon pie by Lemon Pie House (I just love pies!)
* Strawberry yogurt by Strawberry Cafe (i love strawberries and i think strawberry yogurt is a must-try!)
* Rock Inn Cafe - orange orchards are not a common sight here in the Philippines. That's why it's interesting how oranges grow in Sagada. Oh yeah, I've already tried the Sagada oranges - they are sweet - and I'd like to see the actual plantation for some orange-picking. It's actually a dream to do this. I hope when I get to Sagada, it would be the season of oranges!
* Kiltepan Hill. I've heard how awesome to view sunrise from this hill. So I checked out the net and got amazed by photos and stories of the ones who experienced sunrise viewing there first-hand.
Here are some of the photos I got from web:
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Who can resist such this beauty? (photo taken by one blogger). You will fall in love with the Creator!
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2. La Presa in Baguio
The next in my list is La Presa in Baguio. The first time I heard about this, I asked: La Presa what? And I should have known the answer. It's actually the name given for the location shooting of ABS-CBN's teleserye Forevermore http://tfc.tv/Show/Details/2990/forevermore-, which has turned out to be a hot tourist spot in the north - because of this TV series. It's real name is Sitio Pungayan in Tuba, Benguet (just near Baguio City). Since I love Baguio, and because the place very much resembles Banaue Rice Terraces, I'd like to go and check it out soon.
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I don't watch teleseries. But in case I do, this one can probably be on my list just because it was shot (entirely?) in Benguet and Baguio - the place I so love.
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3. Lomboy Farms
It's in my list because vineyard is not common here in the country. So I think it's interesting to visit something unusual. Besides, I am hoping that when I get there I'd somehow get a feel of the vineyard that I've seen in my all-time favorite movie: A Walk in the Clouds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Walk_in_the_Clouds. Hee-yah!
4. Strawberry Field and a rose plantation in La Trinidad, Benguet
Been here I think two or three times. But I never experienced strawberry-picking. So the next time, I make sure I do!
I also hope to go to a rose plantation and delight myself with a variety of blooms.
So there, my 2015 list is complete. Next time, I hope to make another one which will definitely and hopefully include a hike to Mt. Pulag and Mt. Pinatubo, and (hopefully) Japan (my cherry blossoms, when will I see you?), and the rest of my dream places! :-))))))))))
