Sakura in Toronto

I was finally able to go on a hike yesterday after being kept away from all things nature during the Winter season. I wish I could say that by doing so I conquered another mountain. I didn’t. Simply because there aren’t any mountains within the city that I live in. But thank god to the forefathers of Toronto for having the sensibilities to hire genius urban planners who decided to keep forest patches as part of its urban landscape. These forest patches lined with wild trees grown on sloping terrains have been turned into enormous recreational parks. And found in those parks are various hiking trails that imitate the trails found in actual mountains. Yesterday I was the badass hiker of High Park. I pretended that I was climbing a real mountain while listening to Cynthia Alexander on my Ipod. It wasn’t as challenging as scaling Philippines mountains for sure but the experience still left a satisfied feeling in me. Enough to make my legs wiggle and my soul leap yet again.

The highlight of my trip to the park yesterday was seeing an abundance of freshly bloomed cherry blossoms or what the Japanese fondly refer to as Sakura.

Boat Man

In Coron, Palawan, Philippines.

Chiang Mai

It was with a lot of sadness when I had to send an email to Moi, the owner of Victory guesthouse in Siem Reap, saying that I will be cancelling my reservation as I had decided not to push through with my trip to Cambodia. At that time a mysterious virus that was making many people sick had just struck Siem Reap so pursuing a trip there seemed not the best idea. When Moi replied back saying that she understands and that she is sure she will see me again soon, I felt worse. I really did want to return to Siem Reap and stay at her hotel again.

That whole trip was supposed to be a 4-country journey which started in Singapore. My next flight was to Bangkok but before that, I was supposed to go on a sidetrip to Melaka in Malaysia. After having found some wonderful zen time in Singapore however, I didn’t want to leave soon. I said to myself, forget Malaysia, I’ll just fly over to Bangkok and cross the boarder to Cambodia in a few days. 3 countries ain’t bad, I thought to myself.

Needless to say, 4 countries went down to 2.

I was left with no other choice but to stay in Thailand which turned-out to be the best accidental decision that I ever made on a trip. It was then when I sparked an interest in Thailand. It was then when I started to fall in love with this utterly beautiful country.

On the word Backlog

I don’t know about you but in all honesty, whenever I hear this word being associated with blogging, I couldn’t help but burst a little inside. Backlog? In blogging? Must all of your fans really know exactly every single event that happens in your life? All of your travels? All of what you have eaten? All of what you have felt? Backlog in Social Media? Like you failed to Instagram your food last evening? And so you are backlogged? What are you on assignment or something?

When I was still trying out my hand at being a blogger in the ways of a more commercialized type, the word backlog was never something that I ever wanted to use to describe my ineptness in updating. I’ve always thought of blogging as supposed to be growing out from the gut. A post must always be something that I should write precisely now or never again. If the experience was never translated into a post, then that meant I chose not to share it. Or in some cases, I found ways to dig back into the memories and share some past experiences. But I just could not understand how one finds the need to list down every single experience and give each one of them their own deadlines. Like your blog is some kind of a reality show. And your fans will be missing an episode had you not updated and wrote about your recent trip to Timbuktu. I am in no authority to be judgmental and by no means am I consciously being so. But if my way of explaining comes out that way, then please accept my apologies. I am a subscriber to the great mantra of live and let live believe me.

I accept that blogging has evolved and has now become an effective way to grow a business. On the other hand, one side of my brain remains archaic and it will continue to force myself in believing that there is still room for blogging only for the sake of. Because of which, part of me will always find it peculiar to hear a social media enthusiast complain about having too many backlogs.

I never like having to whip-up a sensational post because I am being forced to do so. My feelings have no deadline, you know and my life ain’t a product. I will only write about something when the right time comes along and whoever is reading must understand that.

Tribal People

In Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Committed

When I made a leap a few years ago, I knew I made a commitment. So despite my desire to explore and live in a different country other than this, I know I musn’t.

Here, is like my wife and there, is like my concubine.

The alluring Orchid is calling me out so I may pledge to her my unending love. She’s fascinating and seductive, certainly. Her face adorned with golden temples. I want her, I know. I must profess… but I am incapable. For there is none, there is no more love to share.

My love has been given. Professed and promised to my beautiful Maple leaf.

Crucifix

At The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City, Philippines.