Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Let me remind myself how to be me


Feeling a little bit dramatic. It must be the weather
2017 will soon be over but I am still here pooping colors as if I am some kind of unicorn. Since the start of the year, I have experienced a lot of major changes in my life. From leaving 5year relationship to my previous job, buying a new house and spending time with friends, the life I have been living in is far more different from what I imagined it to be.


I should be hungry for adventure and learning, this is what I need to remind myself everyday.


Now, as I sit here at Iloilo International airport, waiting for my flight to Manila, I realized a few things.

1. It’s not all bad to go back to basic. I am starting to see the old Jan Rae come to life. No longer the grumpy, miserable and bitter Jan Rae who always had a toxic knack to life. The Jan Rae who sees the positive, the beautiful, the solution and the good. I don’t know what has made me go back to this basic self, but I certainly want this to be a fresh start of something good.

2. Life has a few twists and turns, and you can’t do nothing about it. I entered 2017 with a heavy heart. With pure sadness and less hope for my life to get the direction I always wanted, I thought this year will be like some other years where I have little drive to continue, to dream, to live. But God has a beautiful plan in its perfect timing. It might not go as smooth or according to our plans, but our hopes will surely be granted. Not a minute too early or late.

3. Stumbling blocks are pavements, not obstacles. Those big boulders thrown at you, those small cracks that you thought would swallow you, those big or small things are stairways to reach that door of opportunities, that window of happiness. When facing a puddle of mud to overcome, I usually think of the dark roasted smell of a newly  brewes coffee, I slightly scratch my head, and face them with a forced smile. It was never easy, but imagining it done can make a very big difference. Trust me, it works.

4. It is so hard to say goodbye. I had a couple of teary goodbyes this year. To my former boss, colleagues, workmates and old flame. It was a hundred times harder than what I thought it would be. Full of tears, fake smiles and positive encouragements just to console the aching soul. However, these hard goodbyes make me appreciate the people around me more, the value of time, and the attention each relationship needs. These hard goodbyes offer learning, they test people to see who will stay, who will judge you for being you and who will always be there to support and pat your back. These goodbyes open new views, bigger space and a wiser you if you just take the courage to move forward.

5. Not all goodbyes are sad. I said goodbye to the me who people hated. The me who never stops criticizing the good. The me who will never run out of sarcasm. The me who likes to belittle others just to get ahead of the game. It was a nice goodbye. I just hope I never see that kind of me.

So here I am, ready to face what life throws at me.

So let me remind myself how to be brave, how to fight, how to say no, and how to openly love the world without hesitation. To not think of giving up or letting go. Oh wait, I think that’s my flight calling. Hate to cut this short bu I guess you can hear a lot of me more starting today.

By the way, I am still a sailor sailing my way across the seas. Happy sailing!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

GUIMARAS FLOATING COTTAGE, A MUST TRY FOR EVERY TRAVELLER



Most of time, I think my body is connected to the sea. It feels most alive when my feet would dangle up and feel the cold waves rushing back and forth. The sand in my feet and water touching my skin. I am at peace.
Even on my most normal days, I would plan out for a quick weekend getaway, and the experience is more exciting than the last. With friends behind me, and a beer in my hand, I am ready to face the road.

And so, we took the trail that led us to the famous Guimaras Floating Cottage. Its quite a surprise that only a few people, mostly Ilonggos, know the place. This beauty can compete to that of Manjuyod in Negros, or the common dream beach, Maldives.

Found in Nueva Valencia, the cottage is located in the middle of the sea surrounded by green islands and rich marine life.

This was taken on the way to the cottage.
You can see various marine life and a vast space of mangrove
One of the things you can see on the way to the cottage
Girlyn is my featured model for this blog.
Her excellent pose compliments with the clear view of the water.
And I am expecting a Christmas gift from her.


The view of the cottage before docking






How to get there
· Ride the Bangka from Ortis Wharf going to Guimaras. (Php14.00/ head)
· Upon arrival, directly proceed to their tourism office for assistance
· Either ride a mini van or jeepney going to ALIBHON TERMINAL/ PUBLIC MARKET for Php13.00
· Ride a private motorcycle to the drop off point of the Floating cottage (Php70.00/ head)
· From there, you can hire a banka (boat) at P400/3hrs to bring you to the floating cottage

You can also opt to hire a private jeep at P2000 for a round trip to directly go to the drop off point or a multi cab at P1500. We were in a group of eight (8) so that is way cheaper for us to rent a private cab.





I just find this crafty and nice, =)

And the photo session begins

You can go on a floating spree using this.

No photo edits made

Take note:
· Entrance fee of P50.00
· Be sure to bring all the things you need such as Food, toiletries and drinks. You cant buy anything there.

Budget breakdown:

Fare
Round trip with boat and jeep
Php 237.50
Entrance fee

Php 50.00
Food
(Depends on appetite)
Php 200
Total
Php 487.50

The Queen Lee striking a candid pose. Though she was not aware this was taken

Our hugot king goes candid 
You can enjoy the whole afternoon goofing around, breathing in the sweet sea breeze or maybe telling snippets of stories to friends. The caretaker was really nice. She gave us ideas on where to go next in Guimaras. I guess you can expect more adventures soon. =)

It's fun to goof around the place when you are with friends.

I will never cease to love the beach


Definitely a genuine smile for everyone on our way home.


It was really one of the best trips I had with my friends. Bourbon on a sunny day at the beach. Not bad. It was all smiles and less drama. And that made all the difference.

Say hi to my happy friends who were also my crying and fighting friends. See you on the next trip!

The lonesailor will go on another adventure to bring you more discoveries!
For updates you may follow me on my instagram account @janraethesailor or follow me on facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/janraethesailor/

Monday, November 13, 2017

BUDGET TRAVEL TO TATLONG PULO, GUIMARAS




I sometimes have these 12 midnight realizations which can turn into early morning beach trips. In those not so rare moments, I discovered tatlong pulo. A simple and private island in Guimaras, Tatlong Pulo boasts its blue beach surrounded by two islets. If the tide permits, you can readily swim from one island to the other.


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