Crystal Beach Stories

It has been a long time since I last saw the beach. It was a journey for me. Join me as I recount what happened in that trip.

Wrong Turn
You know that feeling like, you’re going in the wrong direction? That feeling where you’re trying to look for a sign or even a hint about your location whereabouts. I’m on a bus going to a town called “San Narciso” somewhere up north. This is my first trip out of the city this year. I hope this turn’s out great.

Correct Decision
I arrived safely at Crystal Beach, a resort owned by a friend. Sharing lives always works. I am hoping to learn from this experience. I hope I made the correct decision.

Moonlit Solitude
I left my friend’s shack to glance at the shore. Swells of salty water greeted me. As bubbles brush the beach, the moon gives off its soft mood light. It got too cold for me – the weather. I retired back to camp, to have a few winks.

Shacking Experience
Day two – Early morning, still alone. After replying to my friends who are on their way to the resort. I stayed at the beach front shack. Still haven’t done anything productive yet. It’s alright. I’ll just write.

Hunger Management
He who conquers anger conquers a strong enemy. I must say that one who conquers hunger, conquers a big belly chemistry. I’ve got to find food.

They’re Here
Other friends came. Time to enjoy. I think they’ve planned everything so it’s time for me to relax. She’s here too. I hope to spend time with her. I hope that there’ll be time for us to at least talk more.

Surf’s Up – Not!
I tried a few times but I wasn’t able to stand. I will have to try again at a later time. For now, I need to let go of the board. Try again next time.

Stay A Bit More
I stayed for two or more days. I enjoyed everything I did. I went home broke, but it was worth it. It was a refreshing experience.

~~~

I’m blessed with this much-needed break from my daily routine. It was a welcome escape from a vicious cycle. I will definitely go back to rest and then ultimately conquer the waves.  For now, I return to my daily tasks – with a a tan and a wide smile.

The Beach In You

Apr 23, ’09

Work stress kills.

Okay! I agree. Work stress can’t kill you. But it certainly won’t prevent your mind from roaming around. No, I’m not talking about near-death experiences after you experience a serious case of seizure in the office.

I’m here again, pondering about a lovely destination. Now that’s what I’m talking ’bout. There are a lot of destinations to gain ground on, if you think about it. Now since it’s summertime, beaches really stand out as a place worthy of travel.

Okay lets start having a list of things to bring:

goggles. check!
fins. check!
shades. check!
beach towel. check!
sunscreen. check!
volleyball, surfboard, Bob Marley’s music. check! check! check!

You are now in the state of mind called Relaxation.

Our country owns a lot of beaches. Most of which are easily accessible to man. So easily accessible that, a lot of times, we tend to care less about it. Now before you go ahead and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea; I’d like to mention a few things so we are made aware of whats going on behind the scenes.

Mind your trash. – This fundamental thing is most often forgotten, if not ignored. Mother Nature has her way of cleaning herself up but that takes a lot of time. For eons She has balanced everything until we came in the picture. Every little thing we do to improve / clean / freshen / tidy up not only beaches but the whole environment as well is really a big thing. “Let’s clean up the environment” is not another cliché that we don’t have to worry about. Let’s help take litter and debris from our beaches

Leave wildlife be. – Our curious watchful eyes often pick wildlife out of their habitats only to keep them as decorations, pets, or even exotic food. How many times have you picked up a mini crab and keep them in a cup as your pet for the day? C’mon you guys, Finding Nemo is an animated movie for kids. If you find Nemo, Dory, Nigel, Marlin or even characters from Shark Tale when you snorkel in marine sanctuaries or go for a swim in beaches, enjoy the scene, but leave them where you saw them. Wildlife has been exploited enough.

Bonfire Don’t Fire. – Campfires destroy the sand. Some wildlife burrow in the sand. Some of them lay eggs in the sand. In short You don’t know what you are killing when you kindle that fire. As much as possible, use a portable stove if you need to cook something. Use lamps / flashlights if you need light. Should you need heat, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires where it is permitted.

These are not rules but guidelines so that future generations can enjoy what we enjoy now. for more information, check Leave No Trace’s website (http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)

~~~

my observations on Philippine beaches

Puerto Galera was once pristine, pure. You can go there to relax and really call it a get away. While I don’t disagree with development; Infrastructural development in that beach disrupted wilderness balance. I feel that Puerto Galera was exploited and its value as a natural treasure has declined.

Anawangin Cove has now become one of the most popular beaches in Luzon, Toilets have now been established in that beach as well as man-made tables. Mind you, this is very much like how Puerto Galera started to have infrastructural development.

Camiguin Island: According to the families living there, they are being driven out from the island only to be relocated (in a far place) away from the sea. Sad to say, that these locals whose only way of making a living is by catching fish, who take care of their habitat are being driven out because some people will make a beach resort out of it. bah… money matters…

Nasugbu shoreline: Although the waters there are still clean, you can’t help but notice broken bottles of beer and the like on the beach floor, occasionally you will see orange juice packs floating around while you swim. such a sad story.

Manila Bay – need I say more?
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While we are made aware of these things; my hope is that we also make an effort to make others aware.

the philippines according to lonely planet and bbc news…

Feb 21, ’09

I was checking the introductory potion of the Philippines on lonely planet‘s website. I felt so proud because of their exposition of our heritage… places that you can consider paradise…Looking for some more information, I slowly scrolled the website page down and saw this section about the latest news in the Philippines. I was saddened by the fact that all news there were about kidnapping and abducting foreigners.I rest my case…

glory in hope

Thursday, December 7th, 2006

My sovereign Lord.
You who brought me out of darkness
In my distress…
You have been my help.

You lifted me up…
took me from the pit I was in.
placed me on the rock.
I’m steadfast in You…

For my God is the Lord
and I will glory in my hope.
for His great love is unfailing
His mercy never ends

I will rise like the dawn
declare the goodness He has shown
through ages He has been faithful
and I’m ever grateful to Him

I could see clearly now
the scales have fallen from my own eyes
You’re plans and visions are true
and I will trust in You

Though the tree doesn’t bud,
I will always lack for nothing
Though the olive crop fails
I will rejoice

I have heard of Your fame.
stand in awe of Your deeds
in all I have been thru
You are God indeed!

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I remember Doc Derek always when I sing this song
it’s because its his song…

Doc Derek was one of the fun-loving, adventure enduring person i have been with..
and he is also a singing songwriter or was it songwriting singer…

anyways…

I remember the treacherous mountains of apayao when we went on a mission there
and mind you… for those who don’t know… Doc Derek was one of those… shall we say… chubbier than chubby guys…. and he endured that mission…

his inspiration???

check his song above…
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God you are so wonderful…
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