milestones

it is a year of firsts. the first semester of 2007 has been a fruitful one - hopefully it stays that way till the end.

it started in february, when sam and i took our first plane ride to boracay. that trip was a long, overdue one, took us about 2 years to fully realize, since we have planned it in 2005 along with other friends, who unfortunately couldn't join us because of important matters that they have to attend to.

the trip to bora was the 2nd one for me, but the plane ride was the first. it was such an experience because 1) i shared it with a friend who was equally new to the experience and 2) it somehow helped me rub-off my fear of heights.

ths stretch of white sand, the clear, blue sky, and the luminiscent yet cold water of Boracay was a sight to behold. it was a good thing that the place was not yet populous, hence it gave us the peace that we seek.

then came april - a month after i got my license, i was finally allowed to drive the car on my own, yun nga lang, sa loob lang ng subdivision. but nonetheless, it was a milestone for me because i was able to be the one in control of the steering wheel (am looking forward to the day thet they will allow me to drive the car out in the "real world").

come may, i filed for resignation from my job in the bank. after a year of whining, i finally found the courage to say "i quit" from the work that has held me for two years. i had a good time with them, it's just that i want more. i could not just whine and not do antyhing about the situation i am stuck in, hence the decision to go.

also in may, i got to visit surigao del sur - the province of my beloved dad. it was such a good time because all of my uncles and aunties (the iriberris) were there, and because i got to see first-hand the important role that my clan plays in the town called cantilan. however each of the clan-member ended up, they all find ways to bring something back to the place and to the people that has been a part of their existence and being - that is why i realize how lucky i am to be a part of that clan. the noble roots and the humble beginnings, someday soon, i would also be able to contribute something for the propagation of the seeds of good values in that place.

this june, i got to visit cagayan de oro and camiguin in one trip. thanks to the accomodation of sam's friends, irelle and che, i got to make the most out of my free time. i got to join the white water rafting adventure in cdo. it was really fun, what with all the spins, the almost capsiding of the raft, the scenic greenery as background, it was all good! camiguin was also fun, in a laidback sort of way. masyado kasing tahimik! we got to visit the white beach - a stretch of white sand bar with nothing on it, except for some stilts with buri roofing, then the cold and hot springs (kamusta naman ang pasma!) and then the very high falls of katibawasan.

after that, pahinga nang isang araw and then i had to pack for my next trip, this time international scene na! mitch, ghodz, kris and i were treated to a hong kong trip by our tita betty - a post graduation gift to all of us! and the best thing is that the trip comes with pocket money! o di ba, ang saya saya! it was a happy trip for all of us! we went to disneyland and brought out the kid in us. we marveled at the sights, sounds and rides that the park has to offer! it was a bit gloomy nga lang that we didn't get to watch the fireworks display because of the rain, but we still managed to have a good time!!!

after the disney experience, the bar was raised, so we were expecting more as we find our way to downtown hong kong. we were a bit disappointed at our hotel and the people running it, but we didn't allow it to hamper our jovial mood. we immediately went shopping - the best cure to all ill feelings! and the best thing about it is that almost all shops are having a sale!!!! by nightfall, our hands are full of shopping bags.

the next day, we took part in the tour around the city and by the afternoon, we were on our way to shenzhen, china for another city tour. that day was so tiring, having to walk and walk, but it was fun. after that we dined at mcdonald's where everything served is already upgraded! saya!

the next thing you know, it was time to go back home. haaaay.....

what does the next semester has in store for me? hmmmmm............