Nearing Christmas

It is the time of the year when most people are really excited, a reason to smile and a reason to see relatives and friends that we rarely see. In my case, December is the time of the year is when I will see little children smile. I don’t have my own kids yet but I do have six nephews and one niece. Witnessing them eager to open their Christmas gifts has a lasting effect on me, I see through them the same feeling I had when I was their age, but since I’m no longer a child, I feel I have an obligation to provide gifts to the little ones. How hard could it be? In our economy, it will be a challenge, because if you will ask me what gift I want for Christmas, I will just tell you two things, an item that I will definitely use and something that I will use in a long time, why is that you might ask? The root of that is because I want the person, who gave me that gift to see that that I value the present, to be honest I feel really bad for the person who bought me a gift then I will not use it or it might get broken after using it for several times only, most of us know that money doesn’t grow on trees.

As I mentioned earlier, this is also a time for families and friends to get together and celebrate. After seeing my calendar for this month, my weekends are booked. A children’s birthday party to attend on the 5^th, Cris Cruz’s wedding on the 11^th followed by the account’s Christmas party, Renee’s birthday on the 14^th, College friends reunion also scheduled on the 18^th, not sure if that will push through, same goes on the 19^th, former CEU scorpions that was under Coach John Ramirez’s tenure will also have a reunion. Date and venue is also not yet specified but it is something to look out for. With all the parties, food, and the alcoholic drinks, an increase in waistline is imminent.

As of press time, the only gadgets that I will be buying will be a 2^nd hand monitor which I had to bid for 1,500PhP from the office, assuming that I am able to get one, but I hope I do, a brand new monitor will cost Five thousand and up, I’m confident that this 15” ACER monitor that I will be purchasing is in good working condition. The second item that I will be purchasing will be Nokia c5, if my mother  finds out that I will be buying another mobile phone, I definitely get an earful from her, considering that I bought a cell phone earlier this year plus the free phone that I got.

A day of December had already passed, most status that I have read in facebook and twitter are about December and Christmas being near. A lot of people are excited for a lot of reasons, it may not be the same as mine but it is a good sign that the spirit of Christmas is well represented by these individuals.

I wonder,  how will my Christmas feel when I have my own family? That will be another story.

Bato-Springs, a first for yours truly

We just entered December; I personally ended my November with a fun and exciting trip to San Pablo, Laguna. A total of 14 heads was able to experience Nature and what Bato-Springs has to offer. November 28, a Sunday, Rico, Ken, Renee and myself took the bus to San Pablo while the other 10 was able to ride with Ralph and Vic. For the four of us who took the bus, we left for San Pablo right after Renee and Rico's shift was over. The bus bound to the south left a few minutes before 2pm. The experience of going there without any idea on how to go there was a challenge for all four of us. The moment we alight from the bus, the first thing that we reached from our pockets is a stick of cigarette instead of our cell phone to inform the others of our arrival. Once we have informed of our arrival, we were able to hitch a ride straight to the Bato-Springs entrance. Over two hours of travel, late lunch for the four of us while the others who left earlier that day was already in the springs. After the late lunch and a 30 minute rest, we joined the others in the springs, the water was freaking cold, and most of us could not stand the cold water. But we did enjoy the mini-waterfall that was there, the cold water did not stop us from having fun and a relaxing massage from the falls. The excitement in each one of us was shown in our faces, as we share smiles and laughter. When the late afternoon dip was done, it was time for dinner. Jun and his uncle prepared our food for this trip. We had menudo, lechon kawali, tokwa’t baboy and grilled liempo. Red horse and The Bar were the chosen drinks. Renee and Rico played the guitar as we sing along with them. While the others went to bed early, the remaining few stayed on to continue.

The next day, some of us were already up and walked around to see what other parts of the location as to offer and take pictures. I myself take pleasure in taking pictures, it was a moment for me to enjoy and relax with the help of nature. A few of us later went for a dip again, but this time the water from the spring was not as cold like the day before, as Rico described it “makatao ang lamig ngayon”. I will have to agree with him. Renee, Rico and I took advantage of the springs and the baby waterfalls as we played around and be the subject of the pictures.

 

For me, the best thing that ever happened in Bato-Springs is that I was able to enjoy something that I rarely see here in Manila, which is Nature. The location was worth the trip. The Tall trees, the pleasant smell of the wind, the natural running water which gives added calming bliss.

I will definitely return to Bato-Springs and experience again what I have come across in this part Laguna.

jason bravo