A KUMBENTO BOY COMES HOME - REUNITING WITH MY PAST IN PASIG CATHOLIC COLLEGE

Opening of the Centennial Celebration

      The first I attended my high school reunion, I was not yet afflicted with THE big "C" and although the occasion was a fun experience is was not as memorable as the reunions that followed when I had the dreadful disease already.  The feeling is like seeing your parents grow old and retire and accepting that they have a few years left, they yearn to return to the ground.  At first you will construe the move to be literal with the biblical verse “from ashes to ashes, dust to dust” verse.  However, you will be surprised that what they meant was only to return to the basics and begin tilling the land, planting crops and feeding livestocks and very much preoccupy themselves each day with the same routine. I'm kinda having the same feeling now and the desire for me to return to my past and is stronger than ever. 

Pasig Catholic College Batch 1982

       The big "C" changed my life. I began to be grateful to each day I am alive because I consider each day a victory for me.  I realize that with the remaining time, it is not simply the years you remain alive that counts, but more importantly, it’s how you live your life in each year that remains.  And because of the acceptance of my fate, the change of attitude made a big difference.  I realize that reuniting oneself with the past filled a big gap in my heart and soul.

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       Pasig Catholic College is my high school Alma Mater where I both graduated in elementary and high school.  I was just a simple, normal kid back then, just playing around  while studying and occasionally has a share of the well-known misdemeanors in campus.  I’m proud to be a graduate of PCC and as such, have the privilege of being called “Kumbento Boy”, because the origins of our school can be traced back in the post-spanish era where it was once a convent for girls until it evolve to be an all-boys school during our time.  When we graduated in the year 1982, everyone was expected to go out in the real world to purse his own dreams.  I went to college in UST and during that time, I found new friends and seldom do I encounter a classmate in highschool in the same university, more rarely so outside.

Salvador Feranil and I having a jolly moment with former teacher Ms. Baltazar

      Our school was already way into the tradition of having an annual homecoming for its alumni and I being so immersed in the rat race of life, never had any plans of attending reunions probably because I never got invited in the first place and second, I was apprehensive of the desire of successful classmates to show off their improved wealth, appearance, or fame. For them, the evening was safer because of no fear of being ridiculed by bullies.  I, having led the elite Model Platoon is considered as one of the reputable students in campus and therefore much is expected of me when I return back for the reunion.  But I will be surprised of the turnout of events when I finally attended my first highschool reunion after twenty years.  I remembered that the first time I attended, there was no facebook yet and therefore I was not interested much in taking pictures. However, when social cybermedia particularly facebook became an avenue for sharing pictures worldwide, it enabled classmates to get in touch again and when reunions came, the most important agenda is no longer to catch up for lost time, but rather, take as many pictures as you can of friends and strangers alike.  

Most of the people I knew were there. I reproached myself for not keeping in touch with these people, but I was very happy to have found them again.  We start anew in catching up for the lost time. I could still remember names of those closest to me even if their faces are completely different.  However, there are also many whom are familiar but I could no longer remember their names. There are also some whom I cannot identify anymore even with the fact that we are all wearing the same reunion t-shirt issued for that particular event.

Classmates Francisco Ylarde and Serafin Tanyag

      Seeing the face of a close friend after being separated for several years is an odd feeling. The feeling was a mixture of regret and joy because at one time in the past, we all have to say our goodbyes to our friends. I vividly remember a quote by Richard Bach which I feel aptly describes the moment.  "Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."  It is these kind of reunions that makes you feel that memories you share with high school classmates whether friend or not, whether good or bad are what makes the moment worth remembering.

DocFun's INCREDIBLE JUMPSHOTS OF ALL TIME - Levitation in the Next Level

This is the last jump for 2014 during the Christmas break at the roof deck of SM Aura using the Samsung Dome as the background.  The jump was made at high noon as the Christmas sun reflects it splendor making a more spectacular effect with floating grace and balance.

The jumpshot since time immemorial has been part of the history of photography but nothing compares to how much it has evolved since the advent of filmless digital photography and photo sharing culture over social cyber network.  Though I am almost into the half century mark, my body still has what it takes to express myself thru the jumpshot.  This blog features a collection of my different jump strokes thru the years.  The photo above is a jumpshot off the coast of White Beach Boracay, and I labelled this jump as "The Son of the Beach!"

      As  I consider myself as a cancer survivor, at first it was easy to get down in the dumps, to feel like giving up.  My condition led to depression and staying positive in the early months was a very big challenge for me.  But I realized that when I find myself struggling, writing became my source of encouragement.  This blog served as my avenue to rid myself of all the negativity inside me. I stumbled upon a quote by Cayla Mills’ “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”  The jumpshot though meaningless to many is an achievement to an old chap like me.

Although all my jumpshots are favorites but I still narrow it down to the best.  This is still in Boracay specifically in Station 1 where some dude left it on the sand for me to have fun on.  I labelled this pic "Surfer's Up Dude!" lifted from the popular surfers' expression of "surf's up dude!".

This shot was taken in the north end of White Beach just off Friday's resort, so I tagged this pic as "Thank God It's Friday!

The best jumpshot can only be done in the company of friends.  This was taken in the early morning in Graceland, Lucban when we were having an exercise stroll along with my PCO (pollution contro officer) friends and co-officers in PCAPI-R4A (Pollution Control Association of the Phils.-Region IVA.  We were having a meeting in this resort estate courtesy of one of the officers.  I labelled this picture "Jumping with Grace!"

This shot was an attempt to imitate the logo of the NBA, I was'nt able to raise my left hand to the lay up position so I settled with the peg, "Shoebrand Logo Shot!".

This is a funny shot I made which I pegged, "Walking on Sunshine!"  Really funny indeed!

This is a simulated dash in the finish line so I pegged this pic as "Breasting the Tape".

I love this shot because of the symmetry it created with the road.  I therefore call this shot, "Highway Overpass!" honk-honk! ha ha ha ha!

  

 

Having to rent a private pool gives you an opportunity to do whatever you like instead of a public pool where you run the risk of injuring someone when you jump in the pool.  Jumping over water is great because you can very much execute difficult positions in mid-air before landing.  And since the landing is on water, an awkward position will surely create a big splash on the water which can be truly awesome indeed!  I peg this as the "SPREAD EAGLE" jump.

      This is a special effect shot where you create the effect on taking-off on water, flying in the air and landing on a dinghy in the pool.  With a momentum and body like mine. The dinghy was shoved so fast that in seconds, I was on the other side of the pool in an instance!  I peg this jump, "MIRACULOUS WATER JUMP!"

 This is "THE DREAMSCAPE" jumpshot I had taken during a faculty outing.  It was a gung-ho jump because I had only planned for the take-off and did not prepare for the landing.  I landed on my face very much how a plane crashes on the ground with nose first.  This terrific jump is one of my favorites.

  The "GANGNAM ON SAND" is a jump based on the current dance craze "Gangnam Style" by the Korean star PSY.  It was that kind of feeling that prevailed during that moment.

 The "FLIGHTLESS BIRD" jump was made off the cliffs of Bojeador in Ilocos Sur overlooking the sea.

 I call this jump "THE FLYING ZOMBIE OF BANGUI".  I was thinking I had the necessary lift to make the jump because of the many wind vanes around.

  This is by far the best jumpshot I had and I called this 'THE WARLOCK!" Jumpshots make moments in our lives very memorable and fun to look back to.  So no matter how young or old you are, don't hesitate to take that historic jump because it will be etched forever in history and it harbor you no regrets because at one time in your life when you are still strong, you can say to everyone "I DID IT!" I MADE THE JUMP!" So my friends, don't waste the moment because the moment may not come back to you again. "JUMP FOR JOY!"

 

      This is the wackiest jump ever! The launch was a lateral take-off and unawaringly had my pockets out kinda like a pair of vestigial wings of a flightless bird.   I pegged this jump "The Flight of the Dodo"! ha ha ha ha! Truly an epic shot indeed!

BUCKETLIST ADVENTURES: CIRCUMNAVIGATING THE SIERRA MADRE RANGE VIA THE MARIFANTA HIGHWAY

   Knowing I have cancer really turned my life around. It was very difficult to accept at the start because of the many plans that I have for the future.  Eventually, I've learned to surrender myself to the will of the Lord and things get to be lighter after that.  I no longer get hung up on the hard times and the challenges. Then the idea of blogging my life story made me realize that somehow writing serves as a therapy to my mind and soul.  In this blog, I share my story by highlighting the victories. Because I believe triumphs and victories  will inspire, motivate, encourage other people afflicted with cancer to live their stories in a similar or even grander ways.

      The Sierra Madre Range as the name infers is the "mother of all ranges" in the entire Philippine archipelago.  It is indeed the longest mountain range with a length of 210 miles, found in the big island of Luzon and stretches from Cagayan province in the north up to Quezon province in the south. It is impossible to travel the entire length of the range by road because the mountains make it difficult the connect the various coastal roads that line up the eastern seaboard.  Because of these, one can approach the Sierra Madre in some of the eastern Luzon provinces.

 We began our ascent in the intersection of Marcos Highway and Sumulong Highway and continued along Marcos Highway going up to the first town of Cogeo.  As we passed along the first towns, the road was littered by makeshift stalls selling this odd and peculiar fruit where the seeds instead of being inside the fruit juts out like a sore thumb. This is the fruit locally known as "kasuy" or cashew with the scientific name of Anarcadium occidentale. One of my companion delighted at the sight of these enticing fruit bought the entire batch for us to eat throughout the entire journey.  The fruit has a blend of sweet acrid flavor.  A bite on it will send its juices running down the corners of your mouth while savoring on its flesh.

 We decided to use my Dad’s Honda City for this drive instead of my Toyota Vios because I didn’t have my car tuned up for this trip.  The entire trip was a breeze because of the tip top condition of the car and that this baby hadn’t had a long trip since it was bought years back.  I believe that this is its moment of glory.  The car was full because there were five of us but the car carried the weight well.

 The trip going up already gave us a breath taking view of the Sierra Madre Range.  It is a so-called range because of the many mountains connected to each other like each have similar geological features with each other.  With so many mountains, it would be difficult to know the names of each mountain we passed by.  Furthermore, you will really lose count on how mountains have we crossed.  The drive going up consists of countless twists and turns, numerous ups and downs, bridges, a few houses and villages, a radar tower and lots of trees.  Driving an automatic in this road interesting.  In the plains of Manila and Cavite, I often drive in cruise mode all the way, but when going up and down, you should be  wary of your speed because there is a need to shift to a lower mode when driving on an inclined slope.  Going uphill will make it more powerful during the climb.  On the other hand, going downhill shifting to low will provide the necessary engine brake to slow down the car.  In a way you become  manual driver instead of an automatic one.

 When one speaks of the Sierra Madre, one would often have the notion of it being a remote, rugged and dangerous place.  However, when we reached the highlands, there are communities thriving for a long time there especially in the highlands of Tanay, where we even encountered traffic during the Holy Week because of the huge volume of pilgrims paying homage to the largest image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines which is located along  our path while passing Tanay.  We also passed by the road leading to Daraitan which was featured in one of the travel shows on TV as having one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines.  After passing the town proper of upper Tanay, we proceeded further into the heart of the Sierra Mader into the next town of Infanta which is already part of Quezon province.

When we finally crossed the boundary between Tanay and Infanta , the number of dwellings slowly began to decrease and the appearance of the countryside began to become more rugged, the vegetation became thicker and the road became more hazardous as cliffs became steeper in angle and more danger signs for falling rocks became more frequent along the road.  There were no establishments for miles around until finally at 2,331 feet from sea level, we arrived at a roadside diner called Jariel’s Peak.  It turned out that this is the last stopover available for the rest of the way according to the owner.  It was a cozy log cabin located at the km94 marker with a picturesque view of the mountains, windy and cool breeze and a haven for motorbikers.  It offers a variety of attractions like bathing in the nearby waterfalls, pitching a tent for the overnight campers, trekking or simply strolling along the roadside while enjoying the view.

What's more about this biker's haven is the cheap and delicious food that they serve.  You can just look at the variety of mouth-watering dishes that they have here and it will really make you plan on visiting this place.

 What's surprising about this restobar up in the mountains is that they have a raffle contest for motorbikers and they even have the motorbike prizes on display.  This really shows that this place is indeed a biker's haven as shown by the different biker groups posters on the wall.  We had a fun time taking pictures while posing with the bikes.

After a hearty lunch we proceede towards Infanta and stopped whenever we encounter an exhilirating scenery and we took the opportunity to get a posterity shot of the beautiful view.

Along the way we keep noticing several boulders painted with advertisement of resorts in Infanta, Quezon.  We actually visited these resorts and found that they the typical low-cost nipa hut cottages resort where it has tendency to be overcrowded at this time of the year.

The remaining leg of the trip was all downhill but still winding.  We passed by a bridge where several vehicles were parked but we didn't stop to look.  When we reached our resort in Infanta, the resort owner told us that the place is where Pinlak Falls is located and it is the newest attraction frequented by Infanta residents.

In almost the entire length of the MARIFANTA highway, this river called the Agos runs alongside the highway although this is the point where the river closest to the road.  The Agos River is a less-known river that was once being considered as a site for a dam that will provide fresh water for Manila.  I think there are many oppositions to the plan but I learned that it will still proceed in the near future.  This river is also well known to Infanta residents as the culprit for the many loss of lives when flashfloods occur due to rains high up in the mountains of Tanay and the floods come rushing down towards the Pacific Ocen taking the Infanta residents by surprise.

 Finally, we reached the end of the MARIFANTA highway here at this roundabout where the Marifant intersects with the Real-Infanta road.  The next story will be our many adventures in these two coastal towns of the eastern seaboard.  This trip was really something that just cropped out without any plans.  When you physically challenged such as me, one often becomes spontaneous in many things and I believe that spontaneity is one of the things that makes life interesting. In closing this halftold story, I stumbled upon a quote from Joseph Campbell, “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”