Paragua San Vic Surf

Photo credit: OMT

The largest surfing competition in the Palawan province has just successfully concluded its second surfing event, the Paragua San Vic Surf Competition last January 22, 2023 with its guest master of ceremony, Ms. Ina Feleo.  Seventy-seven (77) surfers from different parts of the country joined the competition, wherein majority of the winners were from Puerto Princesa and Siargao. 

                       Photo credit: OMT

                In the past few days before the event, the weather wasn't really good. It rained a lot, as in a lot. But fortunately, it became better and even really sunny on its opening day. While there were rain showers on the following days, the spectators did not mind it at all while watching the competition.

Apart from the competition, people also had fun with the foods and other displays since there were vendors at the venue. There were tattoo shops and accessory shops, too. 

Festival wouldn't be complete without night parties and music. With the band, Ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez, everybody enjoyed the night at the beach. Yeah, a lot got drunk. No question for that. lol

SINULOG sa CEBU

Cebu's Sinulog is 50 years old!!!

I was not able to celebrate Sinulog for its 50th year last 3rd week of January 2023, but I was able to celebrate again the festival in 2019 before the pandemic with my friends from Palawan. 

*Our flight date back to Palawan was also the arrival date of the first two Chinese who were COVID positive. So, my friends and I were pretty anxious if we accidentally met them that day at the airport. hahaha Na praning na eh!

For those who have not experienced Sinulog, let me share with you some tips and ideas during the festival:

1. Wear comfortable footwear. 

    Many streets are close during Sinulog, so expect a very long walk. 

2. Bring a water tumbler, extra hanky and extra clothes. 

    Since you have to walk a lot, you really need more water to drink and you'll get sweaty.

3. Bring some sun protection.

    Especially if you are not staying in one place with roofing,  then a cap, a visor or an umbrella shall be     useful as well as a sun cream.

4. If you feel like peeing or something even if it's not yet urgent, find a comfort room right away. 

    The queue is always very long. 

5. You may choose to stay at the area where the grand showdown is held or along the street to             witness the street dancing.

    I prefer along the street. It is more fun for me. :)

6. Buying and eating something along the streets is fun, too.

AND 

7. Watching and listening to music bands at night while waiting for firework displays is pretty cool. fireworks

Pit Senior!  

For your reference:

Sinulog dance music

One Beat One Dance

Ayutthaya

 

Ayutthaya is my most  favorite place I have been to because I love ruins very much. Its history is just amazing. The temple ruins gave me a lot of joy and happiness. The vibe of the city is perfect for me that I do not mind visiting there many times. hehe

There are 41 temples in Ayutthaya, and I haven't seen all of them although I have visited there twice. I don't even remember the names of the other temples I visited. hahaha

So, these temples shown below are the ones I remember: 😅

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Love at first sight.  hehe This is the first temple I saw in Ayutthaya and I fell in love with it. Its features can strike you at first sight since it is constituted by 8 stupas surrounding the high prang (a common shrine element of Hindu and Buddhist architecture during Khmer Empire). 

 

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon - by far, this is the temple with most people during our visit. 

This wat/temple is still active where monks reside. Its very large bell-shaped chedi strikes you the most, and if you look around the temple, you can see more elements such as the reclining Budhha and dozens of stone Buddha images.

Wat Lokayasutharam - where  a huge reclining Buddha, measuring 37m in length and 8m in height is found. It is the only thing left together with a stupa after the temple complex was destroyed by the Burmese. 

Wat Ratchaburana 

What makes this temple striking is its main gate. That's why we had our groufie there.hehe This is just north of Wat Mahathat, approximately 3-5-min walk.

Wat Phu Khao Thong - the most unforgettable temple I visited. I climbed up on the stairs so fast, and stepped down so slow. 😂  The stairs are pretty steep and high, but you'll get to see the view of the city on top.

very wide :) no mountains in sight

Just tried if I fit

Wat Phra Si Sanphet - during the Thailand's ancient capital of Ayutthaya,  this wat was the holiest, grandest and the most beautiful temple on the site of the Old Royal Palace until it was totally ruined by the Burmese. This is also a very popular temple since it was one of the shooting locations of the movie, Mortal Kombat in 1995.   

The Sandstone Buddha Image at Wat Mahathat 

Wat Mahathat used to be the royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.

What to wear?

Most temples in Thailand require your knees and shoulders to be covered, but you can still wear shorts in Ayutthaya. You may only need to bring a long scarf to wrap around your waist when needed.

Entrance Fees

Ranges from 20- 50 Baht 

*Other temples do not have entrance fees

How to get there from Bangkok:

By train: From Hualamphong Station (approximately 4 hours depending on the train) - Cost, from 15 Baht (3rd class, ordinary train) to 345 Baht (2nd class Fast train)

By bus: From Mo Chit Bus Terminal- Takes more or less 2 hrs.- Cost, more or less 60 Baht

By van: From Mo Chit Bus Terminal- Takes more or less 2 hrs.- Cost,  150 Baht or more

I DO

Tying the knot may not be an easy decision as what others told me, but saying YES to the man you had not been even dreaming of of having  makes the decision easier. 

There are so many things in marriage that scare the h*ll out of me, because, gee, I grew up in a not so perfect home just like you, and the moment I step out from the house I can see that the road of marriage life is not all paved :

    - Pregnancy

    - Raising a child

    - Financial crisis

    - Sickness

    - Infidelity 

    and the list goes on....

However, I also believe that all those doubts and anxieties would not help me at all. So, if I would  just live the present more, be prayerful and be committed to work things out when life hits hard, then I am good to go. 😃

Good thing, my brother gave me these two (2) books. I think these would be perfect. :) 

I have started reading the first book. Yes, it's me who reads and my hubby just listens since he's not into reading.hahaha I love it, so far! 

I would love to share with you later some contents of the books,  my understandings and thoughts about them. 

Waaahhh... I am now indeed, married! hahaha