My Palawan

I LOVE Palawan.

Been a long time since I wrote on this blog, and during that time, I was regaining my composure and spinning slowly to find the North in my inner compass.  I got homesick for Manila and did not feel like I wanted to stay here anymore.  Okay, I didn't miss Manila, but I missed family whom we left behind.  It's true, it takes about six months before you truly feel homesick. And it happened to me, on the sixth month!   Should have been used to the sixth-month homesick bug by now, since it has has happened every single time I live away from home.

Now I can say that with conviction.  I really DO have genuine love for this island - beyond being awe-stricken with its beauty - the lush Puerto Princesa City sidewalks,

safe, slow-moving traffic

long shady roads for joy rides

small rivers and creeks

domesticated animals just taking their time

... the spectacular skies and beaches!

More than all that, I love this place because of what it has done for me.  It has stripped off so much baggage, turned me inside-out, and filled me up again!

And when I stand back now and look at myself, I recognize someone whom I met some 12 or 13 years ago,  spontaneous and full of courage and hope.  And so now, I start my life again, inside and out.

The Sky's Story is Never Told Twice

I do not remember ever taking time to look at the sky.  I was always busy driving to work, driving home, walking on sidewalks in the busy city.  Working, hurrying.

These days, when it is not too hot outside, I peek out the window to see what skyscape God has painted today.  If the sky is exciting, I take the kids with me for a short walk.

A few days ago, Nacho and I strolled on the Emerald Playa trail and circled the lagoon.

Nacho began his exploration...

...and came across this blue machine:

He wanted to climb it, but it was too rusty (I am a bit paranoid with rusty metal things.)

But I digress.  Back to the sky above us.

And even if I gaze at it for only a minute, the clouds continually move and the light and shade changes from moment to moment. 

I have taken hundreds of pictures of the sky, and when I do not bring my camera or even my camera phone, I get so frustrated when a beautiful piece of sky goes unrecorded.

Thank God for another day.