Longest 45 minutes of my life

I took a plane going home to Manila.  Cebu Pacific flight from Puerto Princesa.  As usual, I allowed my husband to have the window seat since he really like looking at the view from the window.   I, on the other hand, settle for the middle seat.  Beside me on the aisle seat was a lady, mid 30's.  Got no problem with that, but I guess it was her first time to fly and does not want to be seated away from her travel companions.  After the plane took off, she exchanged seat with a man. 

As you can see from the picture, my problem started.  The 45 minutes short trip became the longest 45 minutes of my life.  From the moment this guy sat there, I started smelling things.  At first, I smelled something like a fart or i thought somebody must be eating boiled egg inside the f***ing plane!  After few minutes, the air was okay again.  Or so I thought.  Darn!!!  Is that smelly feet I am smelling?  I looked at my seatmate, he was wearing slippers.  Darn! Darn! Darn!  How much longer is the flight?! Then, from the smelly feet came the foul fart like smell again.  F***ing torture!  Good thing I was used my ever reliable SUNSILK Shampoo!!!  Good thing my hair was long to cover my nose!!! If I can only spray perfume to this guy!  I swear, this is the worst flight I've ever been.

Puerto Princesa...The Last Frontier - Day III

Last day in Puerto Princesa!!! City tour! Again, I contacted the reliable tricycle tour guide, Mang Ding.

You can contact him at 09186620495 or you can also contact his friend who is equally reliable Mang Rey 09063235777.

Here are  some of the places we visited during the city tour:

The crocodile farm.  There are areas for picture takings like the crocodile for Php 30 pesos per person (3 poses).  You can also buy crocodile stuffs.

Next is Mitra's Ranch.

The famous Baker's Hill.

Their Kare-kare.  A must try!!!

The Cathedral.

My 3 days trip is over but I promise to be back in this beautiful place  I hope every city in the Philippines will be as clean as Palawan. 

Puerto Princesa...The Last Frontier - Day II

Day two, is my most awaited day.  This is the day I will visit the reason for this trip.  The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP).  I always wanted to see this beautiful wonder of nature.  (Go to http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/ to know more about this place).

For this tour, I cannot help but grab the offer of Php 1200 per person  (inclusive of van transfer, boat transfer and the buffet lunch). 

Words are not enough to describe how beautiful this trip was.  From the 2 hrs trip from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, you will not be bored because of the great sceneries and of course KUDOS to the tour guide who really gave his BEST in entertaining his guests. 

This is Ernie, the tour guide.  No dull moments with him.

There were few stop overs to and from the Underground river.

First stop is the famous Taratitat store.  This is where every tour bus or vans stops (pee stop).

Second and last stop is the Sabang Port or Beach.  Here, one will take the boat going to the Underground River.  This is also the place where we had our buffet lunch.

Here are some of the things that you will find in the Underground River.

Docking area.

The entrance.

The GEARS.

Some formations.

Some views to and from the area.

Another stop over.

Beach in the Sabang area has a strong current, not really suitable for children and those not really good swimmers.

Ugong Rock...another promising tourist attraction. 

Day two of my trip was far from tiring, it was very exciting!!!

Puerto Princesa...The Last Frontier - Day I

I often wonder why Palawan is called "The Last Frontier."  Based on my research, Frontier refers to -the region of a country that fronts on another country.  It is pointing to Borneo and almost very near to Sabah, Malaysia.

I never realized how beautiful Palawan is until the day I stepped into the island. 

The airport of Palawan is very small yet organized.  Just after the building, tricycles are lined up ready to pick up passengers.  I was informed that tricycle drivers inside the airport vicinity charges something like Php 35 per passenger.  Thank God for other people's blogs and feedback in forums, I have learned that just outside the gate of the airport (which is a very short walking distance) tricycle drivers will charge you Php 8.

We decided that since we will  be staying in Moana Hotel, which according to  the front desk is just walking distance from the airport, that we will just walk our way there.  True enough, after 10-15 minutes of walking, we reached the only hotel in Puerto Princesa that has a swimming pool at an affordable cost.  Imagine, Php 1200 per night (breakfast not included).  We were given an air-conditioned room located just beside the swimming pool (my request).  Room is clean and the staffs are friendly. 

My 3 days trip was well planned.  I never thought there were so many places to visit.  Day I started with our Honda or Hunda Bay trip.  I did not avail the tours offered by travel agencies or by the hotel.  We did a do it your own tour.  I hired a tricycle (Php 500) to bring us to and from Purok Honda Bay where we can hire a boat to do Island hopping. 

There we need to hire a boat (Php 1300)  and pay for some fees (very minimal). 

Off we go.  First island to visit is the famous Snake Island.  This well known island is famous for its 3km sandbar.  Most people drop by to swim, feed fishes, eat lunch (like we did) and just take pictures.

There are also lots of mangroves in the islands.

Next stop is the famous Starfish Island.  Yes, I was encouraged to go to this place because of one blog that I read. 

To my dismay, contrary to what I have read.  I only found 1 starfish in this island.

I think we only stayed there for about 10 minutes.  We were already on board the boat when the caretaker called us and was waving a paper.  Alas!  There is a Php 50 per person fee entrance.  I totally forgot about that. 

Anyhow, off we go for the last stop.  The Pambato Reef.   They said that it got its name for being "The Contender" of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Sulu.   Again, like the Starfish Island, there is a Php 50 fee per person.

I strongly suggest for those finicky like me and my husband, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN SNORKELING GEARS!!!  For Php 100, you can rent a snorkeling gears at the Pambato reef with free Hepa A, B, C.  Maybe a little bit of HIV and a dash of TB.  Hahaha.  I can just remember how my husband is trying to figure out how to snorkel without the gear.  He cannot conceived the idea of another person using the exact same gear.    He does not have any choice.

The sun has set and this only means one thing.  It's time to go back!

God works in mysterious way

On my last blog, I mentioned that the doctor’s  prognosis for my father’s health problem is Parkinson.  Today is the day!  My parents will go back for the result of the MRI.  I did not come with them.

Today is Friday.  My weekly ritual of going to Quiapo church.  I started this since June when our LOB came up with a new APSP.  Ever since, I never missed to come and say a little prayer every Friday in the church most popularly known as “QUIAPO church”.   Quiapo church is officially known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. It is home to the 17th century life-sized image of the Black Nazarene.    People on all walks of life come here to pray to the Black Nazarene.  Many experienced the miraculous healings and answered prayers of the Lord of the Black Nazarene.  I am one of them.

After having our breakfast, my husband and I went to Quiapo.  Unlike any devotee, I do not say the novena, pray the rosary or even hear mass.  I say my own little prayer.  Simple and short.  Sometimes my husband will question why I need to go too far away churches where travel time is longer than my prayer time.  He just can’t understand.

The moment I arrived in the church, I say my little prayer.  I always begin my prayer with a thank you for all His blessings, followed by asking for forgiveness for any wrong doings (which I know I always have). Last is asking for my petition.

I know what I want today, I badly needed it.  My God never failed me.  NEVER!  Asking for something you dearly want is not easy.  You need to surrender something or promised Him something. 

For my father’s health,  I will give anything.  I asked God, “Lord, you never failed me when I needed you most.  Today, I offer you something.  I will give up something that is very hard for me to give up. In return, please make my papa’s MRI result not as worse as the doctor says it will.  Not Parkinson, not Alzheimer, not even cancer or even disease that will take his sanity.”

I know since yesterday, my whole family is already praying for the health of my father.  I do not know if God granted my prayer or my mom’s or my other family members.  One thing I know, God works in mysterious ways.  My father is now free from Parkinson or Alzheimer.  Doctor says that MRI showed nothing that serious but my father will be under observation. 
I thanked God!  He made me realized how important my father is to me.  I will never take my father for granted.

Once I had a father…

Last Wednesday, my mother talked to me regarding the condition of my father.  She was so worried about the changes that are happening to my father. 

My father, who is now 68 yo is experiencing difficulty in walking, talking, and completing simple tasks. My brother in-law suggested we see a neurologist.  The next day, I accompanied my parents to Makati Med.  The hospital recommended 2 neurologists.  We went to see the first doctor. 

Consultation alone is Php 1,500.  Other Neurologists in the hospital charges Php 800 – 1,000.  This doctor must be good, I told myself.  After telling the doctor my father’s complaint and after some diagnosis, the doctor drops THE BOMB.  She said, “I think its PARKINSON.  It’s not full blown but the symptoms are there.  I want to make sure.  I need an MRI to be able to tell you exactly what is happening to your father.”

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) cost Php 9,000 in Makati Med. That is too much for a couple who is retired and doesn’t have much income. Now I know why God helped me to get the top bonus for the month of September. He has a reason.  MRI was immediately scheduled for my father that afternoon.  Results will be given the next day.

My mother is not aware what PARKINSON is and how bad it is.  I do not want to tell her.  

My father is a jolly and active person. He is very industrious. He is our all around man.  He can cook, baby sit, plumber, carpenter, mechanic, and others. At his age, he can still do the grocery, marketing and other stuffs. You won’t see him just sitting around doing nothing. Sometimes, my family is getting annoyed because there are times the he will try to fix something that is not broken just so he has something to fix. That is my father.  I love him in spite of his kakulitan.  

I may not be his favorite daughter but I know he loved me more than he loves himself. I know that because I am his daughter.  To see my father slowly deteriorating because of an unknown sickness makes me cry.  Not now, not yet.  I still haven’t given him what I want him to experience.  A plane ride, a long vacation somewhere.  Shallow as it may seem, that is still my dream.  I have taken my parents for a vacation 2 or 3 days in a beach or resort but most of the times, those trips are short.  I will never be who I am now if it wasn’t for him. He and my mom sacrificed a lot just to raise us the best way they can.  He is not a perfect father but he is THE BEST FATHER and I WILL NEVER TRADE HIM FOR ANY OTHER FATHER. 

God's sense of humor

Exactly 19 days from now, I will be celebrating my daughter’s 6^th birthday.  Six years.  I can’t believe that she is with me for 6 years already.  It seems like it was only yesterday when the only prayer I know is “God, give me a baby.”

After 2 years of being married with no contraception of whatever kind, I never had a baby.  I told myself, it’s alright.  My husband and I are still enjoying ourselves as a couple. On the 3^rd year, I started to wonder.  Our parents, relatives and friends are already asking.  After 3 years of being married…no kid/s. We seek the help of my brother-in-law who is an OB-Gyne and specializes in artificial insemination and In vitro fertilization (IVF).  First, both I and my husband did the regular routine.  Check yourself!!!  Determine who the culprit is.  The day of the test arrives.  It was the longest day of my life.  My husband turned out to be healthy and got healthy sperms.  Oh God!  What if it’s me?  What if I am barren?  I cannot even conceive the thought that I was the culprit.  Alas!  It was not that worst.  Yes, I got a problem.  I have 2 fallopian tubes and a uterus BUT it seems that my eggs don’t know the meaning of fertilize! 

My brother in-law gave us 2 years to try the Calendar method with his constant monitoring.  Every month I will undergo ultrasound and also, he will tell us when is the right timing to mate.  Oh, I forgot to mention, I am also taking a pill that will help me to produce more than 1 egg to have a better chance of fertilization. Every month that we are unsuccessful, my feeling is unbearable.  Every month that I will have my period, I cry.  My mother encourages me to opt for adoption.  My husband was very supportive.  There was no sign of frustration on his side.  All I can see is hope.  I am not fond of kids but hey, I want to have a child of my own.

I remember the last time I cried my heart out to God was December 27, 2004.  It was the day after magnitude 9.3 earthquake struck off the
Northwest coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.  I was at the gym, when my period came.  The moment I found out that we were unsuccessful again, I cried.  I asked God, “Please Lord, just 1.”  Oh yes, I was at the gym.  Part of my getting me pregnant experiment is I need to slim down because I was overweight. 

January 2005, God has a surprise for me!!!  I am pregnant.  Alas!  The 2 years experiment paid off.  Now our goal is to keep the baby in my uterus for at least 9 ½ months!  After 2 months, I experience spotting.  I was worried.  My brother in-law said in his most comforting words, “That’s alright.  At least we know you can get pregnant.  If this becomes unsuccessful, you can try again.” 

In my mind, “What!?! Try again?  As easy as that.  After all the frustrations the emotional torture and all he can say is I can try again!”  My brother in-law and God must really have a sense of humor.

Thank God, I was able to keep the baby in my tummy for at least 8 months.  Yes, I had a pre-mature birth.  We were renovating our house to prepare for the coming of our baby.  I insisted on sleeping in the house with all the fumes of the newly painted walls.  So there it goes.  The paint fumes triggered my pre-mature delivery. 4am of Aug 30, 2005 my water bag broke.  My dream of smooth and painless delivery was vanished into thin air.  I was rushed to the maternity emergency room of Philippine General Hospital.  Trust me when I say, “You do not want to be rushed during that hour in the maternity emergency room!”

My husband called his brother who is our OB.  While we were waiting at the labor room, the nurse was instructed to try to induce labor but it was immediately stopped after 5 minutes because I can’t really do a normal delivery because my baby’s umbilical cord is coiled in her neck.

My CS was scheduled at 12nn.  It was the longest and painful 8 hrs of my life.    Though my OB said it was not really labor pains that I am experiencing and it is nothing compared to the real labor pains, MY GOD, I do not want to experience the REAL labor pains. When the doctor arrived, my husband requested for 2 more hours to wait because the video cam has not yet arrived.  “Are you kidding me?  2 more hours? I can kill him right there and then.”

The time comes when I was delivered to the operating room.  Thank GOD!!!  After I was injected with the anesthesia, that’s it!

I was half awake and half asleep. The next thing I know, the nurse was holding my baby and rushed her to the cleaning area.  All the pains I’ve felt during the last 12 hours that day not to mention the emotional roller coaster I had for the past 2 years all vanished!

I have a baby.  Her name is Marian Dae.  The most precious gift God has given to me.  I always know that God loves me but that was the only time I knew how much He loves me!!!

Some of Makati's finest

There are two not so popular parks here in Makati.  Both are located in Legazpi Village.  These are the Legazpi Active Park and the Washington Sycip Park.  The two parks are adjacent to each other. 

Legazpi Active Park is more appropriate for joggers or those who want to do their exercise in the morning.  As its FB account says, “It’s small but it does the job.” 

Here you can find big trees, slides for kids, a small stage like place where you can do your thing.  Benches are ample.  Also ideal if you just want to be on your own amidst the busy city of Makati.

The Washington Sycip Park is quite new.  Newly renovated I mean.  I used to visit this park years back when I was single.  My best friend and I used to hang around on this place after office.    Now that they have enhanced this park, it is better than it used to be.  It is now worthy to be called Makati’s little oasis.

Both parks are accessible and free.  Come and visit sometime to enjoy some of Makati’s  finest.