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Just finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I'm actually entertained. I thought I might get bored since I already saw the movie. But reading the book is a whole new experience! Now reading Catching Fire. Cinna!!! :(

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The moon hanging so low tonight
Together with the soft summer breeze

Lure me to a quiet time alone outside

I am here and I am there 

I am drowning in my fantasy all at once

Arte Conquers Mt. Maculot

My younger self would’ve never believed had told her that I’d be climbing mountains! Spent my Sunday at Cuenca, Batangas and explored the beauty of Mt. Maculot and its famous Rockies. This climb is a strong contender as my favorite for 3 reasons: company, view and difficulty level.

It was a relatively easy climb. The rich vegetation of the trail made it stress-free and on top of that, there were a lot of makeshift benches slash Buko Juice “pit stops” along the way. With difficulty level of 3/9, Mt. Maculot Rockies is absolutely beginner-friendly.

 

 
Post Card beauty

 Arte nervous shot

The scenic view up there is truly rewarding! Standing atop the Rockies and looking down the Taal Lake was both exhilarating and amazing; by far the most terrifying way to appreciate the tranquil waters of the Taal Lake. I was too excited to get a photo from up there, but was also too quick to come down. No room for too much inarte - one wrong step and that could be it for you. 

there goes my pangarap to be paper white

I almost thought that this hike will not materialize. But thanks to Eden, a friend of mine who’s also one of the people who encouraged me to try hiking and even with just the four of us – we pursued our plan of climbing Mt. Maculot Rockies. What also made this hike special is this is boss’ first hike. I’m glad we get to experience this together.

 

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Quick Escape to Canyon Cove with my bae

Since I didn’t have anything planned  for the summer, I got well too excited when Nelle asked that I arrange something for the two of us. She needed a quick escape; I needed an excuse.

I got us a Superior Room for Php5800 for an overnight stay with free set breakfast. I was thinking why would they call it “Superior” when this is their cheapest? When we got into the room I found the answer. It was spacious with really nice interior. The bed is huge and comfy and they were not stingy with the pillows. There’s shower and bath tub – there’s hotel shampoo and soap; but no lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste.

The veranda offers a really good view of the resort. But of course exploring the resort is the best way to judge it. I have to say it’s really a good option for a weekend getaway. The only disappointment was the set breakfast. There were only a few meals to choose from, nothing to crave or come back for.

Getting there is a no-brainer too, at least if you’re familiar with Nasugbu or have a good sense of direction – I know the person I came with didn’t have it ;p. We took the Nasugbu bus from the Coastal Mall Terminal. Its last stop is at the Nasugbu town proper – usually in front of Jollibee. If I remember right, fare is Php152 coming from Coastal Mall. There’s neither a tricycle terminal nor fixed rate for a trike ride going to Canyon Cove (at least that I’m aware of) – drivers would quote absurd fare so you should bring your haggling skills with you, better yet a car. The resort has enough parking spaces. With a bit of annoyance we paid Php80 for the 3km ride.

(going home tip for those who live in Alabang, to avoid Aguinaldo hwy Coastal/traffic, you can get off at Robinson’s Palapala/Dasmariñas and take a van going to Alabang – their route is via Daang-Hari it costs Php50)

Going back to fun. So, what I found out in my recent trip to La Union is that I’m absolutely in love with sunset while at the beach. If only it could last longer; if I could only pause it just right before the sea swallows the amazing orange red ball of fire. And the color of the sky, the orange-pink-purple glow when day meets night – everything is so beautiful! I was very excited for this cause I know Nasugbu faces the west – it certainly did not disappoint.

A lot of people care so much about swimming in the sea at night, unfortunately as soon as the sun has set, the resort prohibits it. I didn’t really mind; had I brought a jacket or a blanket, I could lie at the beach for hours.

I know I haven’t mentioned it yet, but our trip was mainly for Nelle to cry (but she didn’t), to drink and do crazy things (just partially; I was expecting more) and to take plenty of photos – at least one was accomplished. Of course we did a little bit of swimming. It was hard since it was just the 2 of us. We took turns in facing the beach to watch our belongings. Then as soon as we came out of the water we took some more photos.

 

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3rd date with Mr. Boyd - Or shall I say Mr. Einziger

"@MichaelEinziger: I'll try not to smash my guitar again tomorrow night... 😉 ”  How cute is this Tweet from Mike? July 28, 2011, Megalomaniac -- by far the most memorable concert experience ever!

 "I dig my toes into the sand...." Incubus opened their 4th concert here in Manila with Wish You Were Here. I almost didn't make it to this concert. I reactivated my Facebook just so I can ask friends if they're going so I can tag along; Garcia, MD is the answer yey! Bought a ticket  from a stranger on Facebook on the same day-- I was definitely unprepared. I spent 3k+ back in 2011 for the If Not Now When Tour and I said to myself that this may be the last time ("it will not be the last time" Oil and Water playing in my head) -- buuuuuut how can I miss this one? Got a really good seat at the lower box section - ushers offered us to go to the VIP area for free - I stayed at my seat -- Why?! Why did I pass a free upgrade?!
Kinda felt that the audience did not have that much of energy - I don't know with them, I really had a good time. I yelled "I love you Mike!" Unfortunately he did not hear me.

1. Wish You Were Here
2. Anna Molly
3. Adolescents
4. Made for TV Movie (with Lionel Richie's Hello snippet)
5. Absolution Calling
6. Vitamin
7. Dig
8. Circles
9. Trust Fall
10. In the Company of Wolves
11. A Kiss to Send Us Off
12. Nice to Know You
13. Sick Sad Little World
14. Drive
15. Pardon Me
16. Megalomaniac
"Encore"
17. The Warmth
18. I Miss You
19. A Crow Left of the Murder

It was Ben's birthday a day before their gig here, or maybe that same day, since we're 12 hours ahead. Someone yelled "Happy Birthday Ben" and there was a placard (is that what it's called?) that says "BEN IS THE TITS". There weren't much of band-audience interaction during the concert, but really, some people in the audience were just glued to their seats - why?

Anyway, you know what girls anticipate during Incubus concerts? -- Brandon taking his shirt off!! Hahaha - Of course he did, but already towards the end of the set. I was seriously obsessing over Mike this time - I kinda liked his Sick Sad Little World Solo back in 2011.

But I was so kilig when they played "I Miss You" - I totally forgot that they already played it in 2011.

Saw this hilarious but painfully true graph:

Hope to see you again Mike, Brandon, Jose, Ben and Chris ♥

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Obtaining NBI Clearance

Hindi ko alam kung kelan na-implement tong new process of obtaining NBI clearance. In a nutshell, you have to create an online account first and set an appointment beforehand to apply for an NBI Clearance.
There are other blogs na mas detailed ang pag tackle sa steps but generally here's how it goes:

1. Create an online account @ clearance.nbi.gov.ph/
2. Once you have an account click on APPLY FOR CLEARANCE
3. Select the branch wher you'd like to obtain your clearance
4. Set your appointment schedule
5. Select payment option - either thru Bank (over the counter or online banking), Mobile or Bayad Center
6. If you've made a payment ahead, you can go straight to Biometrics and have your photo taken
7. Clearance to be printed shortly after

Hindi ko alam kung lahat ng satellite branches require paying ahead. Based on my experience ganon sa Robinson's Dasmariñas Satellite branch. When I went to SM Centre Las Piñas naman, parang they don't require you to pay ahead. Madaming din naga-assist and some would even help you to create an online account. In my opinion though, mas convenient kung bayad ka na bago ka magpunta sa NBI branch of your choice.
Although I've also read some comments sa forum that they had to go back after certain number of days dahil may hit sa name nila -- appears to be some what caused by the new system.
Anyway, I think if everyone knows about this process, mas convenient talaga sya. I remember standing in queue for hours just to get this processed. Pero with this new system, saglit na saglit lang ako sa Satellite office.





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