Always Wandering

Thank You, Lord, for the endless blessings and the sheer joy of my being in this world: treading, enjoying and wandering. I have had my tests of faith and physical limits; but You are always there when I start to think it all ends.

“Above all else, know this: Be prepared at all times for the gifts of God and be ready always for new ones. For God is a thousand times more ready to give than we are to receive.” – Meister Eckhart

“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.”
~Author Unknown

You were my happy accident as I was strolling along the streets of Lucban during this month’s Pahiyas Festival:

the innocence and radiance of your smile
the noisy banter of your fellow kiddos
the colorful array of houses and streets

This is your summer.

Of perfect young summer; lavish and eternal.

When you were first unveiled that eventful night in March, a mix of emotions ran through the crowd. It was launched as the theme of the bellwether RunRio team. Now, it has become the song of all runners in the metropolis.

And I saw you again this month – on a shirt.

As people continue to run for a host of reasons; you manage to capture and encapsulate it all in a *heart*.

Last March 26, burning mountains loomed over the back of the northern campsite of Nagsasa Cove. Retiring early after a scorching traverse of Mt. Bira-Bira (a.k.a. Mt. Nagsasa), we awoke at 10:00 PM to the agitation of fellow campers, the loud crackling of bush fires and a fiery orange sky.

We quickly hauled our bags and carried our tents towards the beach. As the flames engulfed the dry terrain and the strong winds fanned the fire, it raged and threatened to advance until it hit the rocky base of the mountains. Heavy smoke stung our eyes and made breathing nearly impossible. We retreated to the southern part of the cove where this spectacular yet scary sight befell us.

Behold. “The common curse of mankind – folly and ignorance.”

Mt. Pulag at 2,922 MASL

This month was highlighted by my return to where all the madness started.

We romanced Luzon’s highest (documented) mountains on this month of love. You were the main feature to cap our three-day and three-mountain climbing trip.

And we were blessed.

With the whispering of the cold wind.
With the smile of the full moon.
With the radiance of the bright sun.
With the dancing of your eternally golden grass.

Ichaddaw ko imo.

January marked the fulfillment of one item off my must-go to places in the country. And like this window, I open another year of travel and fulfillment to more beaches, cities, mountains and roads less travelled.

Dios mamajes.

xoxo,

Kiss

I end the year with hope. I end the year without a plan. I end the year clinging to life as I know it now.

“Life is without meaning. You bring meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”
~ Joseph Campbell

“Live as though it were your last day on Earth. Someday you will be right.”
~ Robert Anthony

Thank you for everything – the good and especially the bad. Thank you to all who have become and will become part of my wanderings.

xoxo,
Kiss

Dear Iron Man:

You are not the only one with a glowing heart. My slightly enlarged heart is all aglow as well.

Like you, I will chase dreams, never give up, ignite the passion and finish whatever has been started.

Here’s to always being out and about.

xoxo,

Kiss

I especially love this picture of you and your dad after your dance.

I’m always emotional when it comes to dads and daughters.

Being the first in our circle to embark on a new chapter and take on a new role, always bear in mind that we will join your ride through all the joys and discoveries.

Congratulations and best wishes to you and Al.

Dear Ina of Penafrancia:

In Naga City, September is always your month of celebration. In solidarity with my fellow Bicolanos and your devotees, we celebrated our 300 years of devotion to your guidance and healing power this year.

As millions troop to your home in the Basilica, the city comes alive and pulses with the fiesta spirit.

xoxo,

Kiss