The tides

Low tide at Boracay

The tides are constantly turning. Sometimes rolling on low. Sometimes rushing in high. But always cyclical. We must move with it. Both the ups and the downs. With or against it. That's just the way it is. I prefer not to get swept along. Knowing not where the tides might take me. But rather dancing with it. Taking it all in and forever grateful when the tide flows full.

The other siblings God gave us

We go back some 33 years. My best friends and sorority sisters from college. In a world where life is short and uncertain, this friendship which spans over 3 decades is a long time. We've been there for each other all these years. From thesis to graduation, marriages and childbirth, family losses and heartaches, promotions and celebrations, love found and lost. It's the kind of friendship that is priceless and rare. Where you can call each other up at 2:00 in the morning and cry your heart out. Where you need not talk or see each other for stretches of time and yet pick up like you were only together yesterday. Someone once said sorority sisters are the other siblings God gave us. I belive so.

Thank you Audrey....

My sisters Audrey Agatep General & Eileen A. Carlos

It's Thanksgiving day.  A time to reflect and be grateful for so many blessings.

Marcus Aurelius said "When you arise in the morning, realize what a precious privilege it is to be alive. To breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love".  I often remind myself of this line especially on the days I wake up feeling sad and overwhelmed with anxiety.  It helps me remember that despite all the problems and issues we face, that there will always be something to be grateful for.

Aud with my dad Charlie

 And so today I want to say thank you to my sister Audrey.

With Audrey

Often times we take for granted the people closest to us because they are always there.  And when they are no longer around we realize all too late the things that should have been said and done.

with Norman & Audrey Agatep

Aud,
I should have hugged you more.
I should have spent more time with you.
I should have listened to you more.
I should have been more of a sister to you.
I should have said "I love you" more often.

And now that you are gone, I thank God for granting me the privilege to have spent beautiful memories with you. However short that may have been.

You will be in our hearts forever.

And you will be sorely missed.

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Baguio Golf in November

Hole 18 Baguio Country Club

It's November and I am in Baguio Country Club. The fog is dense and I can smell the pine cones.  This place brings so many happy memories of my childhood.  We spent many summers here and that always meant endless days of skating for me.  That was my happiness then. My father would wake up early to play golf and would be back in time for lunch with the whole family. It was such a wonderful time for all of us.

Years later, I still go back up to Baguio.  I just never get tired of this place.  The difference is that this time I go to visit and get all excited at having a chance to play golf.

It is such a joy to be able to spend time outdoors and enjoy this scenic course.  Baguio Golf & Country Club is a short par 61 and doing 36 holes on foot is possible.

Being so picturesque, you won't even notice that you have already finished 18 holes.

Fore!

It's the season to paraglide

The Philippine amihan season is now here bringing cool northeast winds that are perfect for paragliding in Carmona. For those wanting to learn how to paraglide or would like to tandem fly, this is the best time to do so.

Amihan 2013 from monique ignacio on Vimeo.