Despite the snarky Facebook statuses, the eye-rolling, and all the hipster-ish brouhaha about New Year's Resolutions, I think, deep own inside, we all crave for a fresh start. As they say: 365 days, 365 chances. (Unless it's a leap year.)

I find that making lists works for me. I become more productive when I list down the things I need to do. When packing for an adventure, I list down the things that I need to bring and check them off as they go inside the bag. The result: I don't forget anything essential. So, to make my 2015 a little more challenging, I am making this list as a complementary list to the list of all lists: my Bucket List. Too many of the word "list" in one paragraph. Whew!

Same time next year, I will assess how much I stayed true. And how much I didn't.

15 Things I Am Determined to Accomplish for 2015

1. Ride my bike for at least 10 minutes every day. Because I truly enjoy this form of exercise. 

2. Be in bed by 8PM; asleep by 9PM. No sense in staying up late if it's only to scroll through my Facebook Newsfeed.

3. Get up every day before 8AM. Yep, I'll be a morning person for 2015.

4. Complete at least 50% of 9gag's 2015 Reading Challenge. Of course, I'll be aiming for a hundred percent. 

5. Do a plank before I sleep and right after I wake up. I feel so strong after doing it!

6. No more sodas! I am swearing off Cola and its kin for all eternity.

7. Limit my chichirya intake to once a month. This includes popcorn.

8. Go on adventures at least once a month. Let's make it official.

9. Update my blog at least twice a week. You'll be reading more of my writings this year.

10. Prepare a meal at least once a week. This intimidates me a little bit.

11. At least once a week, high-five a random stranger. It'll be so much fun. Hehehehe.

12. Travel to Visayas and/or Mindanao. This is actually one of my priorities.

13. Allow myself to back-out on a plan or cancel a commitment just once. Because nothing is more maddening than a trip that did not come true.

14. Return to a place I visited in 2014. Sorsogon does not count.

15. Write someone a letter. You know, a real one. On paper.

That's it! That's my list. How about you? What are the things you want to do this 2015?

Cheers to the next adventure!

The sky had the best shade of blue in it. And wisps of clouds. And good days to come.

"I love that blue, don't you?" I said this out loud. I was by myself. I'm weird that way.

I was riding my bicycle inside the compound of a nearby cemetery. My thighs were burning; I had been running and biking for more than an hour. Regardless of my corporal limitations, and despite the inherent morbidity that comes with graveyards, I do find a certain brand of calm in the Holy Gardens.

I tried dodging writing this entry. Yes, that is the truth. But now, after getting close to "riding into the sunset", I feel compelled more than ever to write the proverbial year-end post. 

It's healthy, I think, to look back, from time to time, and see how kind Life has been to you. I'm afraid Facebook's "Your Year's Highlights" wouldn't do my 2014 any justice. And, so, here is a lengthy post about the ups and downs, the twists and turns, the comings and the goings of the year.

My 2014 began with a tragedy. Thirteen days into the New Year and my mother died from cardiac arrest. My world, which was already on the verge of implosion, crumbled. I was undone. The little hope for a life rebuilt now swallowed in a vortex of loss and anger. 

I quit my job. I continued living off the grid, sans social media. I stopped communicating with my friends. I spent days in bed, reading books and pouring my tears into words. I mourned her so intensely that I thought I would never be able to remember a time when I did not. 

It was halfway through February when I received a call from one of the country's retail giants. I was being offered a job. I took it, because I didn't know any better. I was still miserable. There were these incessant whispers that told me I did not belong in the corporate world, that I should be doing something else. I tried to ignore them. Everyday, I was dragging myself to work. Everyday, I was complaining about the air-conditioner that was blasting cold air into my closed-up fontanel, for nine hours! Everyday, I constantly felt I was scammed into taking that job. I gave it a try, mind you. I even wrote about overhauling my life during my tenure. Alas, I did not even last a month. 

In late March, after unsubscribing to the Interim Mindset, through the help of my A.S.S. and a little path unfogging, I packed my things and said ta-ta to that miserable workaday job. And that was when the adventures began. It had perfect timing, if you ask me, because it was the beginning of summer! 

It began with an adventure close to home, with my favorite adventurers: Dennis, French, and Julius. I counted glitters, I had twice the water fun, and saw a lakeside beacon. Later on, I also witnessed a symphony of lights.

This was the start of something awesome

April was the month I visited Ilocandia. I chimed the bells of the Bantay Bell Tower, had a Vigan longganisa, made friends with a carabao in Burnayan, got all spiritual in the Paoay Church, had my very first Empanadang Ilocos, took a blast from the past in the Malacañang of the North, got mind-blown by the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations, saw the road on the edge that is Patapat Viaduct, risked getting whisked into the sea at the Bantay Abot Cave, swam to my heart's content at Pagudpud, drank mountain water at Paraiso ni Anton, sang with the birds at Kabigan Falls, and saw my second lighthouse at Cape Bojeador.

Fun with theT-rex and these girls at Baluarte

My friend the Carabao

Empanadang Ilocos is best enjoyed with good friends

And, of course, the top three favorite moments of that Ilocandia adventure were these: Sandboarding and the 4x4 ride at the Paoay Sand Dunes...

Shake it off. I fell and rolled down the sand dunes, but so what?

...seeing the windmills of my dreams in Bangui,

Team Ilocos with half of the windmill

and walking the cobbled steps of Calle Crisologo.

Now part of the Seven City Wonders, baby!

I had so much fun during this adventure that I decided to reconnect with the social world!

It was also in April, right after I went back from Ilocos, that I loitered at Wawa Dam. I went there with my nephew RJ, and here we explored Paminitan cave and hang out with stone giants.

with Boulders so white, you'll think they're made of snow

Also, Dennis and I fulfilled our dream of trekking to Taal Lake, and going ziplining in Tagaytay.

We got, er, Islandceptioned!

A dream we had since college finally came true!

During the Lenten Season (also in April), my good friend Ate May invited me to come with her to Marinduque. There, I experienced riding a ferry (my first time) and partaking in the Moriones Festival. I also got to explore the three awesome islands named after the Three Wise Men, and a white beach that can give Boracay a run for its money. It was also in April that I received my Master in Business Administration. That's right, technically, I'm Master Celine. :)

Cosplay Level: 100. With a Morion

I also had my second summit in April. And it was Mount Pundaquit. I finally went back to Anawangin - the place that inspired a song - even if only for a short while. Wow, my April 2014 was truly jampacked!

Pink is the color of success

Then came May. The flower month, my and my Mama's birth month. We celebrated my Mama's 60th birthday in a grand fashion. It was a tribute, and an attempt at a closure. I performed my song for her. And I felt better. I still miss her. I miss her everyday.

I welcomed May by traveling to Caramoan and doing piggyback rides at the Cagsawa Ruins.

An excellent photo of Louie, NJ (partially), Me, and Ninang Cmae

Piggybacking NJ

Then, there's the third summit at Mount Tagapo, and the fourth at Mount Pulog in Sorsogon.

Hello, Tagapo!

In the danum of Mount Pulog

To cap off my May, there was cliff-jumping at the Paguriran Island, unlimited beach time at Manunggul, and a courtesy call at the Cagsawa Ruins. And, oh! I also got my dream job in May: I was hired as a part-time professor! Yahoo!

Taking my time before I jumped

In June, I had my fifth summit at Mount Daraitan, where we crammed a two-day adventure into one. We hiked, we waded across the Tinipak river and swam inside a cave. It was awesome!

The ohm of Mount Daraitan. See it?

Cave-swimming!

And, of course, to honor the awesome summer I had, I released my third Summer Song - which was a hit, even the Department of Tourism liked it and shared it on their Facebook page! 

I also had my first ever trip to Visayas in 2014. In June, to Catarman, Northern Samar. This was also my first time to ride an airplane!

Off to the clouds we go!

For July, I attended, lectured, and judged a Feature Story Writing Contest in my beloved Angono National High School. I was so into the spirit of writing that I joined in during the contest proper. Here is what I came up with.

The eight month that is August was greeted with Cinemalaya - my blog post was shared by the Cinemalaya X Facebook page. How about that!

I loved the film First ko si Third

There came also the sixth summit at Mount Sembrano, where I met new friends, put my Divination prowess to the test, and took a dip in the nearby Manggahan Falls.

Mount Sembrano's Team Ligaw

It was also in August when I had my first shot at a buffet restaurant, when I went book-crazy at a book sale, and discovered that the province of Rizal is becoming a great food hub.

How could you stop when everything is only at P10??

September was mostly all about gastronomic adventures. By this time, I started saying goodbye to my firm stomach. I've dined in 14 Four Cafe, Frank & Charles, Wings on the Go, Nemiranda's Atelier Restoran, and Thinkerbell Ice Cream. It was also in September that I learned how to surf!

I was BORN to do this!

By the end of the ninth month, I went into a lake adventure in Laguna.

The Furious Four!

October was a thrilling month for me. I won a fun-filled and awesome trip to Sarangani, through the initiative of Green Cross and Rajah Travel. I was one of the nine "Do Good, Get Dirty" winners. I was also seen on TV because of this. Awesome, right? This also meant that I've gotten to set foot in Mindanao. I've been to LuzViMin within a year! This was definitely a highlight!

I was TOP 3!

I also continued my food trips in the Food Factory, Trattoria Emilia-Romagna, Kim is Hungry, and The Grill 408.

In November, I saw Celineism reaching the Top 50 travel blogs in the Philippines, peaking at top 31. It was probably because of this post. I also started writing for When In Manila, and it was in November that I got my first writing assignment: featuring Nurture Wellness Village.

At the Nurture Wellness Village, with fellow bloggers

By the end of November, I went to survive Mount Pulag. And I did! It was my seventh summit. But before I went to what was to become a six-day journey, I regaled with Santa Claus.

Halfway through Pulag's Saddle Camp

December was a host to the best adventure I've had so far. I got my first tattoo and met Whang-Od in this merry month. It was such a phenomenal experience! We headed to Tinglayan after the Pulag adventure and it stretched my character to its limits. It was very eye-opening. Later on, I had my second assignment for When In Manila. This time, it was about the city of Malolos.

Mountains within a Moon.

And, yes, there was Christmas. I dressed up as Esmeralda and I must say: I looked fabulous!

With Super Girl and Lady Thor

So, there. That was my 2014!

I started out as a mess. But I chose to rise to the occasion and took control of my life. I listened to my heart, followed it, and decided I won't be wallowing in misery. A lot has changed within, but that merits another post. I can only hope that my mom is proud.

Remember, though, fellow adventurers: no matter how awesome and how extraordinary you think your year has been, the best is yet to come. Better believe it!

Cheers to more adventures this 2015!

Love,
Celine the Dorky Adventurer

The passage of time is often subtle that when it manifests, we are caught off guard. We don't instantly realize the transformations that occurred, the changes that took place, within and without. Until such time that we are busy doing something else, we suddenly find ourselves thinking: Wow, things are so different now.

I have been out earlier, doing a sort of last-minute Christmas shopping. As I elbow my way to stall after stall, I couldn't help mulling over the fact that I was now shopping for gifts, for others. I felt mature, all of a sudden.

"Whoa! I have several inaanak now!"

Without wanting to, I started mentally compiling the specific things about Christmas that are somewhat different to me now. For one thing, this is the first Christmas I'll be having after my mom passed away. I know, I know. Way to kill the festive spirits. But while I am sad, I still think there are many things to be happy about. 

In any event, here are some of the things that had changed about how I see Christmas.

THEN: Carolers after Carolers

When I was younger, I was a hardcore caroler. It wasn't even December yet when I started collecting tanzans for my improvised tambourine. I even had a tiny bag of first-aid supplies meant especially for when I go out caroling, as if I was going on a dangerous mission. Of course, it was dangerous, to some extent. There were your obnoxious rival carolers and the occasional vicious stray dogs. And we all know how dangerous those are. But I digress. Even up to my college days, I went with my friends to go caroling. And we do it not for any noble purpose. We just do it for the sake of doing it. Because it was so much fun.

NOW: What happened to the Carolers?

I'd like to think I'm still a hardcore caroler. And I probably still am. I'd grab my guitar and go house to house if asked. But, you see, I wanted to be on the other side - the one being sang to. I wanted to make kids (and even adults) feel the joy I had the pleasure of feeling upon being handed our prize for putting on a decent mobile micro-concert. Sadly, up until now (it's December 22 now), no carolers have shown up in our house. It may be that children today are so busy with their assortment of gadgets they do not have the time for this sort of thing. That's just sad because I'm quite eager to give out some money just to listen to some good ol' carolers. I saw some carolers last night (December 21), but they weren't even trying! No musical instruments and it felt like their hearts weren't into it.

Great kids. I wonder where they've gone to. via worldpulse.com

THEN: Christmas Trees and Lights and Parol were a huge deal at my house

Now, our house is not that big. But my mom saw to it that we had awesome Christmas decor. I still can't get the classic medley of Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Hark the Herald - in this particular order - playing in sync with those old-school not-environmentally-friendly Christmas lights, out of my head. I remember our capiz parol and our fuzzy Christmas tree. It wasn't grand but I thought it was awesome.

NOW: I didn't even bother

This year, come to our house and you'll see no signs of Christmas. It's because (a) I don't know where the decors are kept, and (b) even if I did know where they are kept, I'm too lazy to clean the house and put them up. I figured having Christmas in our hearts was enough.

This is a bit of an overkill, I think. via weheartit.com

THEN: Nom nom nom

We all know what happens during the Holidays. That's right - lots and lots of food! Parties and merrymaking everywhere. It's a great excuse to gorge down heaps of Fruit Salad and Ham (not necessarily in that pairing). I didn't worry about having a gut or a muffin top back then. I just worried about what to tell my mom when she finds out the whole tub of fruit salad is gone.

NOW: There goes my diet

Although I have a relatively fast metabolism, I still dread the sight of so many food. Why? Well, because I will most likely eat them all. And, before I know it, I have a bellyache and a faint throbbing in my temples. After which, I will worry about how to get back in shape for summer. Damn you, ham and fruit salad.

So many food, so close to summer. via tenminutes.ph

THEN: I think long and hard about what to ask my parents for Christmas

We weren't rich, but my mom really made sure to get us cool Christmas presents. And when my mom asked me what I wanted, I'm usually prepared with an answer. Things were simple then and I was a simple kid. Books, a brick game, a pair of sneakers with wheels (you know what I'm talking about), a cool pencil case (the ones with the drawers and compartments), and a 64-piece Crayola crayons were some of the things I'd asked and had gotten.

NOW: I think long and hard about what to get my inaanak

As I grow older, I feel a certain embarrassment when receiving gifts. I mean, I like receiving gifts as much as the next one, but I do feel I sort of don't deserve them, for some reason. (It's different when I actually ask for them, like my beautiful new bicycle. I so deserved that.) And I think it's true that it's better to give than to receive. I mean, I am now whole enough that I find it easier to share what I have. And I don't have much. My job's virtually unstable, but I don't really care about money anymore. I just want to make others happy.

The greatest gift is love. via facebook.com

THEN: Admiration for people who wake up before dawn for Simbang Gabi

I was never really a morning person. If I can sleep until noon, I will. I'd probably sleep the whole day too, if need be. So, back when my mom was still insistent on bringing all of us to church for simbang gabi, I get really really grumpy. I did think, however, that people who were so dedicated to complete the Nine were great people.

NOW: Admiration for people who wake up before dawn for Simbang Gabi

While I no longer go to church, nothing had changed about this aspect. I still admire people who participate in this tradition. Hats off!

I wish every single one of these people's wishes come true. via kjrosales.blogspot.com

THEN: Awe at nicely wrapped presents

Before, every time I received or saw presents that were wrapped nicely, I felt a sense of awe and even admiration. I thought the giver must've really cared so much, even the exterior was well taken care of.

NOW: Grudging respect for nicely wrapped presents

If you wrap presents as awful as I do, you'll feel the same way.

How I basically wrap my presents via livingonehanded.com

THEN: I absolutely got to have new clothes for Christmas

I was forgiving when it comes to presents. It was a different matter when it comes to clothes. It might have been peer pressure, but I admittedly made a whole fuss about getting two sets of new clothes. One for the school Christmas party, and one for Christmas Day.

NOW: I realize how naive I was for associating new clothes with Christmas

This time of year, I can't help but giggle every time I see a cluster of teens in stylish clothes strutting along SM Angono or any malls, for that matter. A day ago, Dennis and I were cruising along the streets of Angono when I told him, "Galing sa Christmas Party yan," pointing to a group of girls in almost matching outfits. It was so obvious, because I was like that before. Now, I don't care much about clothes. I do like dressing up - I'm a girl. "Pangbata lang yun eh," replied Dennis, when I jokingly asked him if he already had his pampasko outfit. I hope we're not alone in thinking that, as we became more mature, we became more aware that Christmas is more than just fancy clothes and shiny shoes.

Merry Christmas, b*tches!

Many things have changed. Yes, that's true. But you see, regardless of your religious orientation (or lack thereof), the spirit of Christmas is universal: set aside differences, forgive and forget, make others happy, and spread kindness and love.

How about you? Has something changed about your perception of Christmas? Let me know in the comments section below.

Happy holidays!

The quest for Whang-Od is easily one of the greatest adventures that I ever had. It was filled with unforeseen events, with unanticipated plot twists, that had tested my strength of character and ability to make do of scant resources. It had brought me in the company of a welcoming tribe, and a celebrity. It made me feel that I'm going to get what I want if I actually go out and do it.

I want you to experience and feel the same way, or at least something relatively similar. I will try my best to give you the information that you'll need.

What To Expect and Some Friendly Tips

Journeys to Buscalan run on a very specific schedule. Once you leave Bontoc, public transportation is virtually nonexistent unless you know the schedule. Plan accordingly. And don't forget to ride the topload on the jeepney ride to Tinglayan.