Yexel Toy Museum | August 2015

Rejoice! 
I'm not a collector of toys but I am a fan of it. Seeing human size toys makes me so happy and amuse. 

They Yexel Toy Museum opened at the Manila Ocean Park. 

Yexel Sebastian started his toy collection when he was 7 years old by collecting small toys from fastfood outlets. As a young adult, he became a member of popular dancegroups, had a stint in show business, worked abroad and gained enough capital to pursue his expensive hobby of toy acquisition. He exemplified his passion through his toy museum. He is an internet sensation with over 500,000 fan base in social media. Yexel is a producer, director, scriptwriter and actor of his short films. Yexel’s aim for putting up his toy museum is to inspire the Filipino youth to follow their dreams. 

Manila Ocean Park

Entrance

IRON MAN!!!

Game of thrones

MINION!

You turn my whole upside down :)

Star Wars!

Toy enthusiasts and children of all ages will surely enjoy a fabulous time with Amazing Stories of Yexel’s Museum by Manila Shows and Display Corporation, the newest tenant of Manila Ocean Park. There are 7 spaces featuring Yexel’s life-sized interpretations, educational exhibits on toy making, spiders, outer space and more. These toy collections are a testament to the fine Filipino craftsmanship and superb quality. A souvenir shop and activity area are also found inside the attraction. The Amazing Stories of Yexel’s Museum is located at the second level of Manila Ocean Park.

Will never get tired of this | Pico De Loro | August 2015

"Adventure is when you find yourself whole"

I think almost everyone have already experience those moments like you lost something and you want to get it back but you don't know how, where or sometimes to whom. It's like trying to do something that you thought will make you happy but at the end it doesn't change anything. 

I felt so lost and I just found myself questioning, am I happy? Did I already move on completely? Did I already accepted that it will not happen again? Because I lost something 2 years ago and I don't know if I will ever redeem it again. 

My and my friend don planned a Pico De Loro Day Hike with our friends and called it "TeamMayForever!" Yes, we do believe that forever do exist.. with God :) 

Here are the little facts about the mountain:

• It is a 664 MASL, considered as the highest peak in the province of Cavite. This hike is perfect for beginners because of its friendly trail. 
• It is a part of Mt. Palay Palay.
• It is the famous parrot peak because in the early days, the Spaniards saw a form of a giant parrot and that's why they named it "Pico De Loro".

Ternate Jump Off

How to go?

Ride a bus going to Ternate Cavite at Coastal Mall. It will took you 2-3 hours trip depending on the traffic. Ride a tricycle to Jump off. Just some a piece of advice, try to hike during weekdays if you don't want crowds. 

Group pic at the Jump Off

We started our hike at 9:00 am. It was a bit sunny but good thing the trails are covered with trees. After 15 minutes of walking, we passed by a river flowing with fresh water. 

The mountains has two trails, the old and the recently opened new trail. I have never experience the old trail but they say it is a gradual climb and more shaded by trees. To tell you honestly, even though the new trail is covered by trees, I can't feel much air compared with the other mountains. The trail is friendly but it was exhausting because of lack of air. Don't know the reason why but it makes me think that the old trail is better as the other mountaineers mentioned it in their blogs. 

This was our 1st break after a 30 minute walk. If you have first timers in your team, be careful not to be insensitive. Take a break for them to catch their breath. They are not experience as you are. 

We even passed by a small balete tree. This one reminds of Baler. Oh I miss baler :)

After two hours of hiking, this was the first view we saw. This is actually a sign that we're almost near the camp. 

So this was our second break. We even used fan because we can't feel much air. 

And finally, we are in the campsite. And the parrot peak's looks so gorgeous! It was another different feeling again. I can't wait to climb at the summit and monolith that's why we decided not to take our lunch first. It was so exciting!

Group picture!

Solo pictures at the campsite

And this is my third summit! It was more beautiful on the personal and I don't think pictures can give justice on how magnificent the view is. I fell in love with Pico as soon as I saw it. And the monolith, it was stunning! The formation of its rock is incredible. I wonder what God was thinking when he created this. Itss too perfect! 

If you're already on the summit, do not miss the chance of going to the top of the monolith. It will be hard but everything will be worth it. Lucky for us we are the only people that time that's why we have the place on our own and we did individual amazing shots. 

You can take your lunch either to the summit or to the monolith but for us, we decided to start descent as soon as we can so we can still go to the beach. 

After 2.5 hours, we are already at the batangas jump off and took a tricycle to Nasugbu. From there, it took us 50 minutes to arrive at the beach. 

This is such a great reward. Aside from me being a fan of mountain, I also love being in the water. Whether it is a sea, falls, river or even rain. We had our lunch/dinner and took a shower before going back to Manila. 

THANK YOU TEAM FOREVER FOR THIS WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS! :)

Below is the video summary of our Pico De Loro Trip. I suggest all of you to do this for more memorable moment. :)

"A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step"

Breakdown of expenses:

Bus from Coastal Mall to Ternate P81 each

Tricycle P85 each

DENR Fee P25 each

Tour Guide from Campsite to Monolith to descent P100 each

Tricycle to Nasugbu P500 (group of 3)

Food P30 each

Comfort Room/Shower Room P15 each

Bus to Edsa P155 each

Bus to Cubao P27 each

Total of P685

Traverse at Mt. Maculot | July 2015

"I TRAVEL NOT TO ESCAPE LIFE 

BUT FOR LIFE NOT TO ESCAPE ME."

After experiencing hiking last 4th of July, I have this hunger for climbing again. I have these moments of longing for mountains, longing for fresh air and longing for nature. Thank God Pnoy announced that July 17 is a holiday so I immediately packed my things, call my adventure buddy and jump to Cuenca Batangas.

Located at the heart of Batangas, Mt. Maculot is very popular for day hike adventure because of its breathtaking view. The mountain is divided into three parts (Rockies, Summit and Grotto) and its optional if you're going to hike all of them. 

My friend and I decided to join with the other group of hikers to spare some money for the tour guide fee. The officials required to have at least 1 tour guide every group of 10 maybe because of the incident happened before. This policy is for the safety of the hikers especially beginners and first timers. P500 are being collected if you're going to Rockies only, but if you decided to hike to Summit until Grotto, they will charge you for P1000. 

So yeah, this is the group we joined. Starting from the left, this is Jeff, Adrian, Jayvee, Erness, Benjo and Don. We are so blessed to join them because they're very nice people. Their welcome is very warm like we already know them even before this. I am so thankful to God for these new found hiker buddies.

 First destination is the Rockies (760 MASL), This rocky formation stands beside Taal Lake, creating a scenic and magnificent view. Most climbers chose to hike just the rockies because of the satisfaction they get. The wind and view is very refreshing. Experience climbers can reach this in less than an hour but for a relaxed pace, it could take up 2 to 3 hours. 

 This is the left side of the rockies, I must say that the view here is better than the Mt. Tarak. Can't help but be amazed by how God created and designed this. I am so blessed to witness this awesome place.

With my adventure buddy!

Another lesson learned, do not forget to bring gloves.

Next destination is the Summit (930 MASL). Some hikers chose not to climb here because its view is not as nice as the Rockies. But we are not just for the view, we are here to overcome every mountain that goes in our way. We are here to see and appreciate the whole creation of Maculot.

And finally, we reached the summit. Another achievement.

Then we went to Grotto.

After this, we just went to the another direction which is there is already a stairs (cement).


All in all, Traverse in Mt. Maculot is great. This hike is better than my first one. The weather is very nice also that day. Thank God for this experience. To God be the Glory! :)

Below is the short clip of our traverse. Enjoy watching!

EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.  

"If you can dream it, you can achieve it!" 

Breakdown of Expenses.
Bus from Cubao (Jam Liner) to Cuenca P155/each
Tricycle To Jump off P20/each
Tour Guide P125/each (P1000/8persons)
Jeep from Cuenca to SM Lipa P25
Bus from SM Lipa to Cubao P130
Total P455

Life is a climb but the view is great. | Mt. Tarak Ridge | July 2015

One of my faith goal this year is to really try my best to explore, discover and try new things that is out of my comfort zone. I started by overcoming my fear to swim, do some water sports, trekking and going to places that I'm not familiar with. Then this month, I decided to finally climb. 

"Getting to the top is optional but getting down is mandatory." This is what I learned from Mt. Tarak Ridge. This mountain is very popular with its punishing trail. This is actually not recommended for beginners but because I'm not usually listening to the advises and I just do what I want to do, I was shocked of how hard it is. I almost give up because my feet and legs are already shaking. 

This major climb mountain is located at the Mariveles Bataan, a 1,130 MASL. It is not even close to the half size of Mt. Pulag but this mountain is considered as a one heck major climb because of its craggy landscape, sharp rocks and steep location that may have given rise to its name "Tarak" which means Tabak (hunting knife) and Tarik (steep). 

From the Jump off area

Jump off: Alas-asin Mariveles
Days required: 1 day (4-5 hours to summit)
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty: 5/9

The trail is divided into two parts. The first part of the trail which will consume for 1 hour only is very easy because of its flat ground. Our muscles are still relax and we can still do some talking and picture taking

After 30 minutes, we passed by in a place where people's tarpaulins who climb the mountain are posted. We got inspired by those pictures and it gave us an excitement too.

The second part of the trail is very rocky which you need to climb for four (4) hours and I'm telling you it's not friendly. Our legs doesn't have a choice but to be strong. Go climb up and then go down again. We always have this question. "Malapit na ba? Ilang hours pa po?" We keep on asking this because we are tired already and literally we want to stop. As a part of encouragement to myself, I open my ipod and go through to my christian songs playlist then I keep on telling to my self the Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ to strengthens me" and it works. I just love how God reminds me why I'm doing this. 

After few hours, we stopped by at the Papaya River. It gives shade from the heat and offers fresh water which you can really drink.

After having a short break at the Papaya River, I have told to myself not to missed any beautiful view. So I took some awesome shots (well me for it is haha) that makes me believe that this world has a lot to offer. Taking pictures has been my hobby ever since, its like trying to catch the moment for me to remember and reminisce again after how many years. Capturing nature's beauty really gives me joy and that's how I found my passion and what I really want to do with my life. I thank God for this revelation. 

After climbing for 5 hours, finally we reached the summit. I almost cried because of the joy I felt. "I did it. I did not give up. I did it. Thank you Lord." I can't even explain how happy I am. It is a wonderful experience and I'm hungry to do it again and planning to overcome different mountains. 

I'm thankful because God did not gave me the fear of heights. I actually love it! I love being in a high places where I can see almost everything. 

"Climb the mountains. Not so the world can see you, but so you can see the World."

Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep on climbing. Thank you trailadventours for the wonderful experience. 

And of course, here is short clip of my first official climb for this year. 

"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves" 

Stand by Me | June 2015

Based on the first 6 volumes of Doraemon Manga series, the movie version released in full 3D computer graphics animation. Directed by award-winning director Takashi Yamazaki (“The Enternal Zero”, “Always: Sunsent on Third Street”)and Ryuchi Yagi(“Resident Evil”, “Clock Tower”), “STAND BY ME: DORAEMON” that opened in Philippine theaters last June 17.

“STAND BY ME:DORAEMON” was a certified box office hit when it was released in Japan late last year. It also became the second highest-grossing Japanese film in Hong Kong after “The Ring.”The film will be released in English featuring the voices of the same cast from the popular English anime series. VIVA Communications, Inc. will be held a STAND BY ME: DORAEMON mall activity last June 12 at Trinoma Activity Center and had their premier night last June 14 at Gateway Mall.

Thank you Viva Films for the free premier tickets. The movie is good and I recommend you to watch it. 

Change is Here | IGNITE | JUNE 2015

Every Nation Campus Conference

CHANGE IS COMING!

The Every Nation Campus Conference: IGNITE 2015 is a three-day youth experience that features passionate music, unforgettable stories, and dynamic speakers from all over the world!

IGNITE 2015 happened in Smart Araneta Coliseum last June 2 to 4, 2015. It is the “can’t miss” event for high school and university students!

ID

I never got a chance to attend this when I was in college so I really want to attend. Thank God because someone (Anali, a newly fresh graduate from every nation) blessed me a free ticket! Answered prayer it is! This event has 7 sessions that will be divided into three days.

CTO

Day 1 Schedule

Gates Open 4:00 PM

1st Session 6:00-8:00 PM (The Father's Heart)

"The God who can't be contained by heaven or earth invites us to call him Father"

"The love of the Father will be so much greater than any other joy you could ever have"

"If we are going to change the campus or change the world, we need to be changed by a radical revelation of the Father heart of God"

Day 2 Schedule

Gates open 12:00 NN

Session 2 and 3 2:00-4:00 PM (Power and Love)

"The power of God will not bring us from death to life. It will also bring us from strength to strength"

"The nations are waiting for you to receive the power of God so you can touch them with the love of God"

"Most people in the Bible had a dead end. And in their dead end they found their beginning"

"God wants us to operate in compassion to be able to win this world"

"Jesus looked people with compassion because He knew their condition, and it moved Him to do something even dying for them."

Break 4:00-6:00 PM

Session 4 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Sound Mind)

"The world wants you to make you feel like you don't have a choice. But you can say, "Greater is He who is in me that he who is in the world"

"A sound mind is a divine wisdom to change lives around you and to change the world around you"

"We can reach out to a dying world because God healed us"

Day 3 Schedule

Gates open 12:00 NN

Session 5 and 6 2:00 - 4:00 PM (Influence and Serve the World)

"We will never understand the full capacity of who God is and what He wants to do with your life if you don't read the Bible.

"Your influence comes from the way you live your life, from the choices you make and from the things that you say and don't say"

"Moral excellence is non-negotiable if you want to change the world"

"You can't experience God's love and not serve Him"

"We serve, we volunteer, we do whatever it takes for the gospel to be preached"

"When we realized what God has given us through Christ Jesus, we'll never run out of love to give. He is the source of love"

Break 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Session 7 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Change the world)

"we are not only to go. We have to do it right, with the right motive and with the right spirit"

"it is only through God's spirit that anything of lasting value can be accomplished"

"This is the only thing that we are standing on: that through God's power, we can change the world"

If you wan to here the podcast of the speakers, you may visit the official website of IgnitePH at http://ignite.ph/

CHANGE THE CAMPUS, CHANGE THE WORLD!