Field Trip 2016

     The past three days I've experienced were sooo tiring. Thursday? I cried my eyes out at the fact of me and Scarlette still being bitter like never before, even after semestral break. Friday? It was super fun since it was our field trip! I sat next to Emma, and I instantly fell asleep once I got home. And Saturday, you ask? Me and my family had a trip to Tagaytay, and me and my parents had this big argument earlier in the morning since I really didn't want to wake up because I was so tired from the field trip yesterday. But enough with the complaints, let me tell the story of my School Field trip! (For more photos, visit my Facebook page Wonderings of a Writer, or Instagram account, Athena Cat)

     As I can remember, me and my batchmates went to San Gregorio Farms, Diving Mercy Shrine, and Hospice Of St. John. I sat next to Emma, since me and Scarlette were still ignoring each other. I had a super great time with her throughout the trip, as we talked about childhood memories, music, zodiacs, and food. If you didn't know, me and Emma were also field trip buddies last school year. 

     Our first destination was Divine Mercy Shrine, which was somewhat of a grotto. From the parking lot, we entered this covered court where stacks and stacks of chairs were tidied up, and a cross and altar stood in the front. Farther away were statues of Jesus and other historical people displayed in the gardens. There was a wishing well, where I obviously asked for me and Scarlette to be alright again, and there was also a tiny fountain where you could pass by. There was also a cave that was filled with flowers and statues or images of Mama Mary, and as I remember, there was also a replica of St. John's home. And by the very very end was finally the beautiful church (which we couldn't really enter for a long time because there was an ongoing mass). 

     Our second destination was The Hospice of St. John, which was an orphanage. But sadly, we literally did not do anything at all there. Even though it was drizzling, we wore our hoodies and went there just to listen to a boring speaker inform us about drugs and abandonment. We only dropped the toys we were supposed to give to the orphans in a trash bag which was collected by our teacher, but the talk was just it. The promised interaction with the orphans was really a big fat lie.

     Lastly, we visited San Gregorio Farms, which was really quite enjoyable, if only we had enough time. After taking our lunch, we went to a part of the farm where we were taught how to create Pastillias (Filipino Candy), purely out of cow milk. 

     Then we watched the process of milking cows (I HATED THIS PART, AND I WANTED TO GO HOME SINCE MY HEAD WAS ACHING DUE TO THE BAD SMELL). And who would've thought that they held us captive there until at least two if our batchmates went to the cow and milked it! It was more of a nightmare if you ask me. I was personally about to die since I seriously couldn't stand the scent anymore.

     But once we survived that part, we moved on to tree planting, which was also quite gross since we had to touch the soil. One of my classmates shrieked in horror when she discovered a spider and a worm in her pile. But anyway, there was this plastic that was filled with soil and a little plant. Now, we had to transfer that plant to the ground using our bare hands. Not even a shovel? No gloves? What will you surprise me with next, Philippines? 😒

     But anyways, we also tried the zipline, which was the COOLEST moment of my life. EVER. It was even nervwrecking for me since it was my first time, and out of all my batchmates, I was second to try. The stairs were spiralling and you had to sit down on this belt and hold on to the grips to stay alive. My legs were so shaky, but part of me was also so eager and excited. And once the farm worker pushed me, I saw myself smiling at the spectacular view the zipline had to offer, and grinned wildly when I saw a River (because I was reminded of someone special...). Who would've thought that when I finally reached its end, I couldn't stop complaining for more! 

     I passed through a hanging bridge through the river, which actually led to the fishing area. Although I didn't want to touch any of the Papayas as bait, my eagerness, curiosness, and adventurous side couldn't say no to fishing. It was my first time, and I absoloutely love trying new things when it comes travelling (I EMPHASIZE, ONLY TRAVELLING.) But sadlyyyy, I didn't catch a single one, and my bait was always captured. 

     For more photos, visit my Instagram account (Athena Cat), or Facebook page (Wonderings of a Writer). This is Athena Cat, saying TRAVEL MORE! 

Happy Chinese New Year: Sierra Madre

"Fill your little life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show."

                               

     Happy Chinese New Year! Today, me and my family had a little road trip and went to Sierra Madre, which was such a great great place! It's so nice, and it isn't even costly. I strongly recommend everyone to visit it. 

     The Sierra Madre Mountains is the longest mountain range in the Philippines. Running in the north-south direction from the provinces of Cagayan to the north and Quezon to the south, the mountains form the eastern backbone of Luzon Island, the largest island of the archipelago. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east. The Pacific coast of Luzon along the Sierra Madre is less developed as the lofty and continuous mountains forms a bold and an almost inaccessible shore, exposed to the full force of the northeast monsoon and the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Some of communities east of the mountain range and along the coast are so remote they are still only accessible by plane or by boat.

     We woke up at 5 in the morning and left the house at 6:30 am. It took us about an hour to get there, but I am telling you that it was all worth it. We saw mountains, which were the first sign of Sierra Madre. The mountains themselves were beautiful. The wind caressing my face, with my hair flying away was purely priceless.

                          

                          

                            

     When we finally reached the top, we went to a church or place of prayer called Regina Rosarii. We thought it was drizzling qhen we got out of the car, but we later found out that it was just because of the clouds. Its farm land spans 13 hectares of rolling hills and endless forests. They are ran by sisters, who are very kind and even smiled at me when we were lighting a candle. Regina Rosarii is a place of peace, silence, and haven. It isn't a park, a playground, or a picnic area, as the staff had said, but a place where you can relax and enjoy the silence. If you're planning to visit, be informed that you'll have to bring a jacket because it is very very cool there, and Regina Rosarii is closed on Tuesdays except on Holy Week. 

                              

                          

                   

They also have a souvenir shop with rosaries, postcards, pictures, candles, and statues. 

                            

You will also have to attend an orientation near the souvenir shop before you can continue your walk up the mountain going to the statue of Mama Mary.

                             

At this side of Regina Rosarii, you can buy candles and light them, explore the labyrinth, take photos, and enjoy the cool breeze and wonderful view. I have to say once again that it is very very cold at Sierra Madre, so bring a jacket. After the hike at Regina Rosarii, we went to Cafe Katerina, and ate some Bulalo. The inside of the restaurant was really cool even without an electric fan or air conditioner. They had seashells decorated on each wall and more seashells hung on the ceiling which always made a clinking sound.

And after eating, we went to the rooftop of the restaurant and enjoyed the spectacular view, and took some group photos.

And lastly, we went to Sierra Madre Resort and did some sightseeing. We passed through a hanging bridge only made out of wood and rope, and there was even out without any wood.

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There was also a gigantic statute of Baby Jesus where you could sit and enjoy the breeze.

                                

 There was also a wishing well and I got three free wishes! (One was for good health, the other was to become a better writer, and the last was to have high grades at school) One more thing you should know about Sierra Madre Resort is that it is filled with dogs. My dad even called one which was climbing up the hill, and we pet it, and I was so so happy (I AM A VERY BIG ANIMAL LOVER PEOPLE!). And I also saw a furry white horse from afar. 

                               

     We walked some more until we reached the parking lot and ate some chips while we remembered the majestic moment that could never ever be replaced.