Summer is where I feel most alive. It is a time when I’m inspired to seek new adventures, to explore, to make new memories of fun at the beach, to discover the simple joys of nature and everything around me, to bond with my son, to bring a renewed spark to love, life and any that brings happiness and peace.

I love Summer because…

I get to find myself during peaceful times of solitude. I get to walk on the sand as the day unfold, the world quiet and still. For a brief moment, I get to hear the whispers of the wind, the call of the sea and the beating of my heart.

I am able to discover people and places that brings about fun and excitement.

I get to smile and laugh in all abandonment. To feel happy without worries of tomorrow. I get to enjoy life and all that it has to offer no matter how transient it may be. I get to breathe and enjoy the vividness of the world around me.

Summer and its colors has just began. This week’s photo challenge just gave everyone a glimpse of what’s to come. One thing for sure, it will be amazing for everyone.

Thank you for being a part of my Summer adventures. The Sun just woke up and more stories are about to unfold.

How did you start your Summer. Why do you love Summer? Whatever reasons we have, we should always enjoy the gifts of this beautiful season.

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Lots of twisted cone-shaped shells are washed to shore everyday. These are used as materials for Art and Crafts like making a mermaid shell. Capiz is also known for the famous, “Capiz shells” which are made into decorative ball ornaments, lamps , chandeliers, wind chymes, windows and picture frames. So, every Capiz shell product is more than just a commodity. It is a real place, with real people.

I hardly recognize the coastal town I grew up with after being away for 10 years. What used to be a wide stretch of vacant beach lots now stands houses and restaurants that blocks the view of the beautiful beach that gave me so much wonderful memories.

I remember riding the tricycle with my classmates still in our school uniform heading towards the beach after our Friday class session. We would simply take off our shirts and jump into the water wearing our school pants. It was fun and exciting. Life was simpler.

Rows of bamboo stands in from of the church. These stands are used to dry and salt fishes. Capiz is known as the seafood capital of the country which still holds true until today.

The day I arrived after almost 2 days of flight from Houston, Texas to the Philippines, I asked my dad to bring me to the beach with my wife and son. We drove from end to end, covering pretty much the entire beach which locals fondly called as “Baybay.” Perhaps I was tired but on the first day of my visit, I felt a bit of sadness. Most of what’s familiar to me as a child were almost gone. Change and modernism erased a lot of the physical structures that my memories always find comforting.

Imagine having to wake up each day with the same smell of drying fish. Sounds awful at first, even yucky but not to those who lived in these areas for so many years. The stench becomes as normal as the air itself. As for fried salted dried fish with rice…just delicious!

A few days after, I started spotting a few remnants of the beautiful past. Just after Sunrise, I saw a group of fishermen, pulling a net to gather the catch of the day. I remember how excited I was and my sisters whenever we see one. We would wait until the catch has arrived. We would run with excitement as we watched the different sizes, shapes and colors of fishes being hauled inside a big net towards the shore. I remember how fascinated I was seeing a small hammerhead shark or a puffy bloat fish. My mom would buy some fish as well as clams called “Kagay-kay” or “Diwal” and cook a mouth-watering seafood medley for dinner.

Fishermen catching fish the traditional way. I can’t believe that I was still able to see one but I’m glad that I did.

These are more that just a pile of assorted fish. They are a symbol of a pile of hope and dreams. Sometimes we get to catch several of them while on other occasions, we missed a few. In the end, what matters is we tried our best.

On my first dinner of 4 years away from home, my mom made sure I get to taste my favorites. She prepared broiled crabs and shrimps, “Kagay-kay” clam soup with green veggies, grilled fish and more. Once again, I felt like a kid having a feast of delicious seafood medley. To savor the taste and make the entire eating experience unforgettable, I used my bare hands. Of course, I washed them first for 15 seconds!

Dipped in salted vinegar with lime, these crabs tasted divine. After the meal, I felt guilty about my cholesterol level. Oh well, it was just one night! Hmm…

There were a few developments which I thought were totally cool such as the “People’s Park.” It lies at the center of the beach front overlooking the Island of Mantalinga. There was a time when I would ride a kayak and get to the island in 15 minutes all by myself and without a life vest. I was young and stupid not realizing that there were sharks at the back of the island and it led to an open dark blue sea. Oh, well I did find it fun and exciting. I probably would do it again but this time with a life vest and a kayak buddy.

Lovers, sharing a dream at People’s Park. Hmm, reminds me of how I was when I was in college.

It’s Always Summer In Capiz

Summer is my favorite season. In America, there are four seasons but in Capiz, it’s mostly Summer all year round with abundant golden sunshine and clear blue skies. Yes, there’s the rainy season but in between the rain showers and possible typhoon visits, it’s back to the warm, radiant sunny day filled with fun, happiness, calmness and island dreams.

Every weekend, trucks of people from different towns, all the way from mountainous parts of the province would flock at the beach. Children would play , swim, build sand castles, ride tubings and catch sand crabs all day long. It’s like having a “Fiesta” complete with balloons , ice cream and cotton candies. People can smell grilled food from miles away.

I once was one of these kids. Just having a great time at the beach without worries. My only worry then was the sun settling down which means it was time to go home.

My son, discovering one of the beaches in Capiz. He was thrilled to hit the waves. He looked so happy.

Thrill, surprises, laughter, a joyful moment with friends and family as well as long days of  peace and quiet, all these are part of the endless Summer events in my town. Never a dull moment. Only an almost infinite possibilities. How these possibilities can lead to wonderful adventures is up to those who discovers them.

One of my five sisters who showed me that inner beauty comes from a pure, gentle, loving and generous heart. Till today, together with my wife they remind me of the simple joys in life.

Under a tree sharing a dream or a story.

The biggest hat there is. A perfect way to protect oneself from sunburn. Kidding aside, this is a “Banig” sleeping mat. Yep, a lot still sleeps without any mattress or soft cushion. This is the only thing that separate the person from the floor.

The Colorful Sunday Street Market

The city’s main bridge leading to the river walkway where the Sunday market vendors sell their produce.The church is the main structure of the town square. All the city’s main festivities and celebrations are held in this place called locally as the “Plaza.”

This is one of the most touching scenes of the market. A little boy, just older than my son helping his mom and dad prepare the produce they were selling. I could see that he was doing it out of love and eagerness to help his parents. His dad would pat his shoulder and smile as if saying, “Thank you for helping. Great job. We’re proud of you.” The next Sunday, they were still on the same spot. He was sleeping on a mat and woke up as soon as the customers started checking their goods. My mom bought a lot of vegetables from them. I’m glad she did.

Every Sunday, we would go by the street market that starts at the river walkway all the way down to the next block as well as inside the wet market. It has been a tradition for so many years that on Sundays, farmers and live stock growers from all over the province would bring their produce from native chickens to the most exotic fruit for the city dwellers to enjoy. And enjoy we did.

Heading the market adventure was my mom who is a veteran market buyer. She can tell which fish is fresh to what fruit is ripe and ready for eating. Her skills are amazing. After buying the goods, we would treat ourselves with the sweet rice cakes or “Bibinka” cooked in a traditional oven made of aluminum steel baked to perfection with native dried wood.

Catching Sand Crabs And Building New Memories

My last weekend before returning back to Houston, my parents brought me and my son back to the beach. I missed the sunrise so we decided to go lunchtime. While waiting for the food, my son and the twins went playing by the beach. I was wondering what they were chasing back and forth. Then I saw these tiny grayish-white crabs running on top of the sand. Oh, my gosh! I used to do this as a kid. Now it is was my son and his cousins. For a moment, I went back in time and saw myself running like crazy, happy without a care in the world. It was beautiful.

No Goodbyes, Just New Beginnings

The hardest part of any beautiful journey is saying goodbyes. No matter how I psyched myself that I won’t feel sad, I can’t help but feel a deep longing and void as I watched the faces of the family who welcomed me with love and open arms slowly disappear from my blurry vision as the car moved further away from my parent’s house.

Cherish every moment you spend with your family. Hang on to their love and keep that happiness in your heart for as long as you can. One day, when you have to go somewhere without them, that love and happiness will give you the strength to endure anything.

So, on my last trip, I told my folks and sisters, “This time, no goodbyes. I will be back before you know it.” I kissed and hugged them for as long as I can. Then I rode the bus trying my best not to look back. I was silent for a long time. I simply looked at the sky, closed my eyes and told myself, “You are stronger than you think.”

How can I forget?

This is my Island Summer. I may seem to talk about it like it’s in the present but in my heart, that’s how I want it to be. You can never forget a happy and beautiful memory nor images that makes you still believe that dreams can come true. People ask me sometimes, “Why would like to go back?” My answer without a doubt, “Why not?” They say home is where you are the happiest the most. Me, my wife and son agrees that one day, the tides will lead us back where island dreams do happen. This time, for good. As to when, only destiny can tell. Till then, I will patiently wait and rekindle my Island Summer of 2012. I could always revisit them in my dreams and memories.

Where is home? Home is where you are happiest the most. Home is a place, even a state of mind where time seems to be on a stand still and all you hear is your heart beating with joy. A joy you can’t fully describe.

I hope you enjoyed my “Summer” entry in this week’s Travel Theme. Thank you for sharing my Island Summer adventures. Summer has just began and so are the stories and new beginnings that are about to unfold. Get ready for all the fun under the Sun.

http://wheresmybackpack.com/2012/05/18/summer/

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Tonight, I watched the finale with my wife. Our other friends were also doing the same. Updating each other via texting. We were voting for Jessica Sanchez, a 16 year old with a powerful and soulful voice. We supported her till the end not only because we believed in her amazing talent but also because in a lot of ways, she reminded us of the great “American Dream.” But last Wednesday after seeing Phillip Phillips sing the moving  song “Home,” I knew he already won. Everything about the performance was perfect. The voice with so much heart, the melody, the lyrics, the accompanying back-up singers, drummers and instruments flowed and fused as one unforgettable song.

The final show is one of the best and most memorable finale in American Idol history. All the performers were amazing from the top 12 finalists to the unbelievable Chaka Khan. Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna drove everyone crazy with their exciting numbers, so did the awesome Steven Tyler and the Aerosmith.  Neil Diamond‘s voice swooned the audience and have everyone singing, “Sweet Caroline.” A touching rendition of the Bee Gees songs in memory of Robin Gibb made everyone realize that they just lost one of the music industry’s legend.

The excitement reached its peak. The Winner was announced by Ryan Seacrest. As Phillip sang his winning song, he cried close to the song’s ending. He didn’t finish the song but instead he went to hug his family who inspired him. It was a moving moment. Indeed he is a winner. A passionate, humble winner. That night, his star shone brightly into the hearts of the 132 million voters. And it was spectacular!

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Work. A four letter word with so many implications. Some work motivates us to persevere and reach our potentials. Others, we dread to  go from too much pressure and stress. While others seem fun and laid back. This kind of work, we simply take our time, enjoying the day’s colorful and exciting surprise.

Today, I bring you the vibrant life of an Island vendor. A life as sunny and as beautiful as the tropical Island Sun.

Island Vendors At Work

At daybreak, the Island vendors  prepare for the day’s work. Some have fancy stores while others, only require a mat on top of the sandy road and lots of generous smiles.

I asked this woman if I can take her picture. She gladly said, “Yes.” She called her daughter and told her, “Smile.” I forgot what I told her but it made her laugh. In the process, I got a generous and beautiful smile. A smile I often see in all the places that I visited. It was amazing how everyone exudes warmth and joy in the most simple and humble of settings.

Beads made of shells, wood chips, bamboo, clay, crystals, even bones are strung together from a nylon string or a dental floss to make a bracelet, anklet, necklace and more.

The Bead Vendor And Her Story

As I stared at the beads, I remember a “bead story” 10 years ago while still working in the  island. We were taking care of a sick kid who needed some medicines. Her mother didn’t have enough money to buy her prescription. Then I noticed that she was making beads and I asked her, “Do you sell these?” She said “Yes,” and told me that she goes around the beach selling them to the tourist. It helps supplement the income of her husband who was a fisherman. I asked her to make me some. The other hospital staff did the same. We had a great time choosing the pattern and colors of the beads that we wanted. She ended up getting more supplies at a local market. By the time she was done, she was able to buy the medicines her daughter needed. She looked so happy and relieved. It’s been so long since it happened and I could no longer remember her face. But I did remember how it felt when she said, “thank you” to all the staff when she brought home her daughter. It was said in all sincerity, humility and gratitude.

Bags made of native plant fibers like “Banig,” which is also made into sleeping mats, hats and throw pillows are made by hand. Each bag is more than just a bag, it’s a symbol of a dream of every hard-working Filipino hoping to have a better life.

Hats. Lots of hats. A tourist’s weapon against sunburn and premature wrinkles.

There were also fruit vendors everywhere. My favorite was the Philippine Mangoes. They are the sweetest that I’d ever tasted in the world. The best variety comes from Guimaras Island and Leon, both of which are close to my wife’s hometown.

When it comes to life and work, the Island is filled with fascinating visions and stories. Some can make you smile while others can make you shake your head in disbelief. Others will cause you some tears and a few, just utter silence because no words are needed. You simply capture and treasure the moment in your heart. And truly, that’s all you’ll ever need.

Thanks for sharing my Sunday Post for the week called “Work.” Making this post made me realize that there’s more to life than work. Sometimes, it takes an Island vendor and her story to remind us that work is but a tool to make the most out of life.

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Have you ever had a moment when you felt so lost? Have you experienced being hurt or crushed by someone whom you gave your heart and trust? Have you ever felt so sick you could hardly get up and walk? Have you ever felt a pain so excruciating that you lost your breath if not your consciousness? If you did, have you noticed that in most of these times, someone offered their kind hand and with their touch every painful part of your being seemed to heal like a miracle from heaven? One or twice in my life, I experienced all these and in all of them, a loving hand tended to my wounds.

The Hands That I Will Always Be Thankful For

To my wife, thank you for holding my hand when I felt like my heart is breaking from all the trials that we went through. Thank you for each generous hug when sadness and emptiness surrounds me heart. To my mom and dad, thank you for holding my hand as you guide me to be the man that I am now. For gently easing my pain and helping me breath when I was younger. I know that you both sacrificed so much when I was a child because of my sickness. I will always be grateful for each moment you both held me in your arms. To my son, thank you for inspiring me each day. For bringing a smile to my day. For holding my hand and making me feel that everything will be alright and tomorrow will be more awesome than today. To my God who stood by me no matter what, thank you for catching me from every fall.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Hands

Thank you for being a part of my journey, day after day, week after week. I hope you enjoyed this week’s beautiful theme called “Hands.” Just remember, richness is not measured by how much you have but by how much your heart can give. The more you give, the more loving hands are there to catch you when you fall.

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Blue is beautiful because…

It is where unforgettable adventures begin.

It is a gateway to having fun, finding happiness and achieving my Island Dreams.

It gives me the chance to find myself. To discover the important things I long forgotten. To search for answers. To find meaning and purpose. To rediscover. To reconnect. To heal and feel refreshingly renewed.

It gave me a lot of wonderful memories with my family. Memories that I will always take with me wherever I may be. Memories that will fill my longings when homesickness strikes. Memories that will remind me of my blessings and how beautiful life is.

We have our reasons for liking a particular color. Some bring sunshine. Others passion. Mine gives me a reason to face my journey with renewed spirit.

I hope you enjoyed my version of this week’s photo challenge called “Blue.” What’s your favorite color? How does it affect the way you envision your World?

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Today, I kept on thinking, “What makes me happy?” It’s an easy question. So many answers. So many choices. Some are simple while others are complex. A few, a bit weird and almost fictional. But they are in their humble and pure sense, makes me smile even on a dark, gloomy day. So, I decided to check my photo archives to see which photos reminded me of a happy memory. Here goes.

Happiness is…

A day with my wife, holding her hand as we walk on a white sand beach with crystal clear waters. As we stare at the horizon, we get to share our Island dreams with the Sun humming the lyrics, “Love is in the air.”

To hear my son laugh generously as we play “Beyblade” spinners and “Nerf blaster” games. To see him looking so excited as he build his favorite Lego Star Wars and Ninjago.  To see him run so happy and free as he greets the sea’s playful waves. To see him create a sand castle filled with bright and hopeful childhood dreams.

To be one with nature, undisturbed from any chaotic and stressful life. Just drifting into a place of calmness and peace as the swaying motion of the hammock relaxes all sorts of body aches. Every now and then, I get to wake up, and I could see the coconut leaves gently dancing with the music of the soothing Sea. And yes, I get to have lots of wonderful dreams. Dreams as far as my imagination will take me.

To spend another day with my parents, specially my mom so I can tell her in person how much I love her and appreciate her generous heart. To greet her in person a “Happy Mother’s Day” while I give her a warm hug and a kiss.

Unforgettable Sunday street market visits with my mom. My sisters and I would tag along excitedly. We get to buy and eat the delicious “Bibingka” or rice cake before heading home. I miss these moments.

Thanks for sharing my day’s reflection. I hope you enjoyed dreaming with me. I hope it brought you to a place that gave you a happy memory.

Before the day is over, as a form of mental exercise, ask yourself, “What makes me happy?” Then close your eyes and let yourself drift to that place. Chances are you’ll be smiling with a joyful glow on your face before you could even open your eyes.

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My brother-in-law woke us up early all excited for our parasailing adventure. We rode a tricycle that took us to the beach where a boat awaits.

I decided to back out as soon as we reached the floating bamboo platform. I slipped and fell 3 days ago and hurt my back. I was pain-free that day but I got scared that I may have back spasm while on air.

I could hear the laughter of my wife’s sister as the parasail wing lifted off. Soon enough, she and her brother were like tiny birds hovering the cloudy island sky. I could hear my brain saying, “Up, up and away!”

During their descent, the boat captain teased them a bit as their feet bounced on the dark blue waters. We were all paranoid of sharks. The boat captain assured us there were none. At least none that they saw recently.

I asked my brother-in-law, “How was it?” He said, “It was a lot of fun. I felt totally free as if nothing else matters. “

In a way, I wanted to experience it myself but my fear of my back overshadowed my sense of adventure. I felt bad for a moment. On our way back to the beach, the boat captain let me drive the speed boat.It was fun. Not the “Oh, my gosh” kind of fun but more of a “That’s so cool” kind of fun.

Thank you for joining me in this week’s Sunday post called “vehicle.” Just remember that it’s not just how we ride the tides that creates unforgettable events but whom we share it with.

Whatever opportunities life gives us, always try to make the most of it. Always try to have fun and make new exciting memories. I did and I can’t wait for my next adventure.

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When I was younger, I was driven by career goals. Back then, success and happiness means getting a lucrative job that pays well and saving as much for my family’s future. It’s not a bad goal. Everyone wants to give their family a better future if not the best. But along the way, I forgot about myself and the other dreams I used to make as a child. I forgot the things and reasons that made me happy when I wake up each morning. I forgot how beautiful it is to chill, to let go, to be silent so I can hear what my heart was trying to scream for such a long time. I forgot that life is meant to be enjoyed, to be savored, to be celebrated as often as I can.

Yes, it took me to unfocused myself on fleeting, superficial material trappings and pursuit to see once again what would make me smile and just be happy with each new day. It wasn’t easy and it will never be easy considering the so many distractions and demands of the world that we all live in. But it sure is worth every ounce of the effort.

The moment I unfocused my self on what the world wants me to believe as essential is the very moment my eyes were opened to what really is important in my life. Now I see things more clearly. And yep, I get to smile once again with each new day knowing the reasons of my joy and meaning are just in front of me.

This week’s photo challenge called “Unfocused” is a great way to see if we are heading on the right direction. Sometimes to see the road clearly, we need to be unfocused on anything that is non-essential.

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A dream shelter? For a moment, I thought it was my dream shelter as our boat passed this amazing “Greek” inspired structure over looking a view that can take anyone’s breath away. Then I remembered those who barely have any roof above their heads. At that moment, I stopped dreaming.

A shelter is a place where we find refuge from the rain, to feel safe, to find comfort, to rest and rejuvenate. There are some shelters that are transient and fleeting, while others are almost forever. Others gives us happy memories among friends and family, others pain and sad goodbyes. Some a combination of both. Some shelters we called “home.” Others a trap we can’t wait to break free. Some shelters are unbelievably extravagant with an almost nauseating grandiosity while others simply have a transient roof of any structure where their tired feet took them.

Some shelters are simple but with a view of beauty and calmness. This is one of my dream shelters.

Others have a special memory of people we celebrated a beautiful life with. Of a place we called “Home,” because it is where love and happiness flowed generously.

A home that gave me a warm and loving welcome.

Some shelter we can just relax, unwind, drift and dream.

Some people find shelter where their weary and tired feet will take them. Some of these can’t hardly protect them from the cold and rain.

Every day, on my way to the wet market with my mom, I would see this man sitting on the same spot, rain or shine. In a way,this is his shelter or part of the many shelters his tired feet took him. Looking at him, I felt sad. Why can’t everyone have at least the basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Aren’t we all deserving of these?

Thanks for sharing my Weekly Sunday Post called “Shelter.” May it brought you a sense of comfort today as much as it did to mine. Have a blessed day to all.

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