A penny for my thoughts. #ThailandEpisode

It’s been 13days since I first set my foot on the soil of Thailand. It was a dream come true to finally travel in a totally foreign land, except from the thought that I was feeling empty-handed for not inscribing even just basics of their dialect to my vocabulary. I couldn’t have made it through if it wasn’t for my childhood friend who works here and served as my interpreter. Lol

The first 5 days of my journey were all filled with discovery and adventure – wandering around the famous and touristy temples of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Pattaya and Prachin Buri, stripping along the shopping stalls of Pratunam and Chatuchak Weekend Market, riding buses and trains, meeting strangers and developing friendships, and delving into fascination over Bangkok’s city lights atop the luxurious Century Hotel.

Fast forward, some of my days were spent just inside the four corners of the apartment. I locked myself into isolation for I was broke, and alone most of the time (but I’m not lonely.)

I’m currently in Ban Tha Thum, Prachinburi Province. As much as I wanted to go out, they don’t have public transportation here like jeepneys, tricycles and habal-habal.

What kept my sanity for the past days was reading and reading and reading. I would read sensible and even terrible social media posts, my lessons in TESOL and above all, inspiring travel stories and sentiments of my favorite Pinay bloggers, to name afew, Adah Grace of Pinay Wanderess, Jona of Backpacking with a Book, and Trisha Velarmino of PS I’m On My Way.

I’m a regular employee and worked for the government for almost four years. I quit from my boring job in my deep desire to reboot my life the way these people did. I couldn’t decipher why I’m so hooked to these beautiful souls and found myself writing this piece now, channeling this awful writer in me. Haha.

I have this mad love and respect for people like them. Actually, I find them more charismatic and influential than successful businessmen and billionaires. I envy the life they live, how carefree and spontaneous they are, the places they’ve been to, the tattoos inked on their bodies, their courage and guts, their talent and burning passion for writing and travelling, and even their vast vocabulary – everything about them. They were exactly the kind of person I wish I was and will be. I know I will never be as good as them but I’m pretty sure that I’m changing my life now.

Dear, it’s time to stop wishing and start doing. I’m aware that my choice will never be like a walk in the park but it is going to be beautiful. By GOD’s grace. ❤

XOXO,

Little Miss Wild Heart, 26, Single, Philippines 😂
July 23, 2018, 8:49 AM
Ban Tha Thum, Prachinburi, TH

PS: I know this one’s poorly written. I constantly experience this slow flow of words in my head but atleast I’m trying. Defensive ang boba.😂

Thank you to my family who has been so supportive of all my decisions in life. Thank you for allowing me to explore all the possibilities life has in store for me, and even the most carefree and spontaneous shitty things I do. I love you, guys! 😘❤

Be SOXified! Kalon Barak Skyline Ridge in Malungon, Sarangani Province, Philippines

I originally wrote about Kalon Barak Skyline Ridge last May 2017 and posted it on my Facebook account and surprisingly it has reached over thousands of shares. It was unexpected because I posted it just with the intention of sharing my  wonderful first time experience in the place and just to give an idea to my fellow adventure-seekers who are looking for a perfect getaway while on a shoestring budget. Yes! I’m a “kuripot” (thrifty) type of traveler and if you’re like me, maybe this destination is just perfect for your pocket. 🙂

KALON BARAK SKYLINE RIDGE, Municipality of Malungon, Sarangani Province

Kalon Barak Skyline Ridge in Malungon, Sarangani Province is one of my new favorite destinations in SOX (short for SOCCSKSARGEN or Region XII). This eco-cultural tourism site is just so ideal for your barkadas and family who love to camp, relax and unwind on a minimal budget. The area is owned by Ex Mayor Bong Constantino, the father of the present Mayor of the municipality, Atty. Tessa Constantino.

Long before this place became very popular to many and developed to a tourism spot as it is now, I have already heard and saw pictures of it from a very good friend. My friend happens to have a connection to the Constantino Family and their group were able to camp and enjoy good food in Kalon Barak Skyline Ridge. And finally, I was able to push through my plans of setting foot here when a friend of mine from Manila visited and I had to tour him here in the south. Thanks Kuya Joms! LOL. We were lucky enough that the place wasn’t crowded that time. There were just the three of us and a couple who spent overnight.

At the height of 2,677 feet above sea level, you will truly be mesmerized by the overlooking view of the municipality of Malungon, nearby provinces of Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN, and the majestic view of Mt. Matutum, peaks and rolling hills. What made me fall in love with the place even more is the cold climate, the stunning sea of clouds that will welcome you as you go out from your tent at dawn, the taste of their native coffee, the bonfire experience at night where tourists gather around and meet new acquaintances, and the generosity and hospitality of the people in Kalon Barak special mention to Maam Joy who’s from their tourism office. Of all the places I’ve been to, it’s here in Malungon that I’ve met the friendliest tourism office representative.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, not so far from the camp site you can visit Malok Falls. It’s just a 15 minutes habal-habal ride from Kalon Barak Skyline Ridge and a 30 minutes trek. We were fortunate enough that we made friends with our habal-habal drivers and they suggested the place for us to visit. The trek to Malok Falls wasn’t really that challenging, just enough for beginners. When you reach Malok Falls rest assured your tiredness and thirst will be quenched away because of its natural beauty and the coldness of the waters that flow from it.

 

Actually, the municipality of Malungon has a lot to offer you if you’re seeking for a real outdoor experience just don’t hesitate to coordinate with their tourism office. They got the best and accommodating personnel ever. 😉

• HOW TO GET THERE:

1. If you’re from General Santos City, you can ride a UV Express commuter van to Malungon for 50pesos, their terminal is found beside KCC Mall
2. If you’re from Davao City, ride a Deluxe Yellowbus in Ecoland Terminal for 157pesos, or a commuter van to Malungon
3. Tell them to drop you off at Gas Petronas Station beside Malungon Central Elementary School/ SPED, there’s a waiting shed where Habal-habal drivers wait for passengers. Fare to Kalon Barak is 50pesos per passenger. You can arrange ahead with the driver to fetch you from the area.

• TIPS:

1. They have a mini store where you can buy snacks, coffee and water or order rice, pork bbq and native chicken dishes but if you want to save money, you can bring your own food and drinking water. However, you should try their native coffee. 20/cup of coffee, min. Of 5cups.
2. They have tents for rent, but budget-wise bring ur own tent and pay only 100/tent.
3. Don’t forget your camera and powerbank or else you’ll regret it.
4. Pitch your tent near the pine trees so that you’ll witness the stunning overlooking view at night and the sea of clouds at dawn.
5. Bring your jacket and socks
6. Never miss the bonfire experience and meet new friends
7. Record a timelapse of the sunset and sunrise
8. No entrance fee but there’s a donation box. Be generous enough.
9. Don’t worry about your security. There are roving guards at night. They can assist you with setting the bonfire too.
10. If you have inquiries about the place, or you wanna book ahead. Contact this number, 0939-304-6739 of Malungon Tourism Office.

The photos below  were taken during the 1st KASUMMA Festival held in Kalon Barak. KASUMMA stands for Kalon Barak Summer Music and Mountain Adventure Festival. The event was one hell of an experience where mountaineers, reggae bands, nomads and other tourists coming from different provinces and municipalities gathered to celebrate their passion for music, outdoor and adventures. The Social Night? my favorite part ever! Looking forward for the second leg next year. Hope to see you there!

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PS: Sorry for the low quality photos. I don’t have any high-end cameras when I travel. All I got is my 2-year old Iphone 5s. haha!

My First Blog Post: Do You Believe in Miracles?

Hello! 🙂 Welcome to my blog. This one’s my first blog post and I will be talking about miracles. I just couldn’t keep it myself, there’s this strong feeling inside me that’s urging me to tell it to everyone and now, here I am!

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that God makes miracles? For me, it’s YES! It was when I was in 3rd year high school that I had a personal experience of God’s divine intervention in my life and had fully become aware that God is indeed a miraculous loving God,  and Yes, He always listen to our fervent prayers.

I have been a witness of God’s wonders and mysteries in the scarcest and difficult seasons in my life for a couple of times like winning in a regional competition where winning seems so impossible because of undesirable circumstances; surviving a not-so-ordinary illness; a stranger paying my hospital bill; winning a job after going through the hole of a needle, and many more.

Just recently, I was so stressed and frustrated with my financial drawbacks that I don’t want to talk with anyone because my mind’s been so bugged with my snags. My parents don’t know how I would cry at night because of my problems. You wouldn’t even believe how I struggle financially at this young age of mine knowing that I’m single and still live with my parents. Though my parents would always tell me that it’s because of my addiction to traveling and adventure, I blame all my failed investments and those people who I lent all my money, the scams and the like. Grrr! HAHA. It was lesson I have to learn in a hard way. 😥

Going into details, just a week ago I was notified that I have to pay a friend whom I borrowed a large amount of money with its accumulated interest before the end of the month. And when I say a large amount of money, it’s really large. Haha! I promised I would provide the amount to her on the agreed due date but deep inside I really had no idea where to get that amount. Due to too much pressure and stress, I would weep at night, stare at blank spaces even at the office, feel irritated with people’s presence, and even experience frequent headaches and my eyes always feel tired. At night, I would also talk to God as if He’s just with me inside my bedroom, desperately asking for help while in tears.

I hated to do it but I had no choice, I withdrew all my money from my bank accounts but still it was not enough. Out of my desperation, I even looked for someone who would allow me to withdraw in advance my year-end bonus but no one responded. I was so distressed by that time. But just right before I feel hopeless and helpless, to my surprise my mom texted me with a very good news! Someone who mortgaged her farmland to me more than a year ago returned my money with its incurred profit. I was so happy. The feeling was unexplainable. The first thought I had after getting the news was that God was helping me. It’s his divine intervention! He was the first person in my mind during that time, no one else. I know and I can feel it in my heart. My mood was lit up as if I had won a lottery, and my heart was filled with thanksgiving. Because of that, I was able to accumulate the large amount of money to pay my friend and now I effin’ broke, with insufficient balances in my bank accounts. HAHA. Nevertheless, I know God will help me get through this like what He did many times in my life. I am confident that God always provide.

“Through my bleakest financial moments God always provided. I’ve witnessed miracles and experienced His Glory when in the natural it seemed hopeless or didn’t add up. Pray and leave your need at the altar. Trust Him for He will multiply and abundantly supply. Be blessed. – Shayla Ortiz”

I know this blog post may appear as very shallow or nothing but a petty problem to others, but for me it isn’t. My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for all his provisions in my life may it be big or small. Why am I sharing this? Because I want you to know that you should never doubt God’s love for you. There may be times that you would feel helpless and desperate but know that God is always there. He hears our prayers. He knows that deepest cries of our hearts even before we say it. Remember, God gives the hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. When you feel like life’s pushing on you, be strong and push back. God is with you always. You just have to trust Him. Trust His ways. Trust His miracles.

 

GOD loves you,

Little Miss Wild Heart