Realization #003: Is Suffering Optional?

Friends, family, classmates, blog mates. Hello once again!

I heard many teachers of the Bible nowadays promising each and every believing Christian that life will all go well... prosperous and happy. You see, I realized this in my life, being a Christian, happiness is temporary, but God told me to be joyful because being joyful doesn't say of today but the outcome of tomorrow. What I have experienced in the past years isn't like that now, it is a life rougher than ever before, but I am glad and joyful that my soul is secure. And no matter how mysterious life may be, the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 still shines far greater than any threat that lies on the road I am now.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Upon my walk, I also see a lot of Christians who are still afraid, crawling out from their shell. They are afraid of finding who they really are because of what form of suffering may lie ahead. Some of them may not know it but still they suffer, they suffer from accepting who they really are and the rejection that lies ahead. Friends, I don't see myself prep enough to encourage you, but indeed, as the Bible tells us that suffering is not an optional thing. It comes standard in our life.

Why is suffering good? Yes, I said that, good. Suffering refines us, defines us; just like a precious gold being refined by fire.

1 Peter 1:7
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

SUFFERING EXIST EVERYWHERE
On Mountain Biking

You won't gain if you don't endure! That's not science fiction, it is a tested fact by each and everyone of us.

At School
Tests, tests, tests... there is always a downside for a greater gain. That is to immerse on studying and reading 4 inch thick books. But what do we get afterwards? Unimaginable bliss.

I see suffering as temporary, after this, you will soon forget about it and might just laugh in the end. A guy from BoMb said and I quote;

"Embrace the suck," I said. It's one of my mottos. "It's going to suck, you know it is. You might as well embrace it because you can't avoid it. False motivation is better than no motivation at all. So, tell yourself it's going to be fun and treat it as fun... and in two days, it'll be over and you might just find yourself smiling after all!"

It is the same with being a Christian. Sometimes, it's going to be bad (it's going to suck). We can't change that. What we can change is our attitude during those times. Embrace the suck. It's going to come, regardless.

In addition to his contribution to the blog, I say, suffering is not an option, we have to face it regardless, but we have to make sure when we suffer, in the end we praise God!

1 Corinthians 4:11-13
"To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things."

*Oist, I am not in a preaching mode ha!

High School Photovid!

Got bored. Made a video dedicated to my batch mates in high school. :D

Happy Birthday My Jamis!

In the far depths of the world,
I can’t express my awe.
I am alone,
but one is with me.

To the eyes of the many,
She is considered ordinary,
But for the possessor,
Breathless expression unimaginable.

Through roses and thorns of the trail,
To the smoothness of the asphalt,
She knows no complaints
She knows no stops.

She’s my beauty in black,
She’s an old’ faithful?
Neither I can say why?
My profound love I give.

She’s my Jamis Komodo FX.
Now turning five...

October 9, 2009

Realization #002: Why do we need to read the Bible?

This has been on my thoughts lately and despite having been able to conclude everything. I still want to share it to you; my friends, relatives, and fam! XOXOXO... :D

Why do we need to read the Bible? This is quite a question we might ask ourselves. Why are some people reading it? Why do some Christians don't? Why? Why?

As far as I can see it. The Bible is the most important book. Its a guiness record holder! It is the most translated book in the world, a best - seller, and probably, "the most smuggled item in the world."

The Bible is a book that many Christians would die for. If its not that important then why do Bible Couriers risk their lives into crossing borders with a bag filled with 150-190 pieces of Bible, one single mistake and this could send him to prison, worse would be death.

As much as how my story look fictional to you, but the story is real on the other side of the world. Many Christians risk their lives for a book, because it is a book that gives hope. That is the message of Christ. Still don't believe me? Please feel free to read on his experience.

Let me ask you again, Why do we need to read the Bible? Please allow me to ask another question. Do we really know that hope we have in God or are they just flying words of preaching from someone else? They say Christians have faith, but is it a faith that reasons "I just believe it!" kinda thing? or is it a faith in line with what Romans 10:17 says?

I can conclude on this thing. We are grateful to have our own Bible with us. We can buy at least five different versions; from NIV, KJV, to NLT. The list just goes on and on... But have we ever take the time in reading it? To know God better and to know ourselves better?

We are that grateful! Because the people living in countries where Christianity is banned is aching and praying for years to have their own copy of the Bible which they often refer as the "Diary from the Lord". They tear it page by page and allow everyone in their secret church rotate each page just to know something great about their God and how He really, really, really loves us.

Our hope, is it sitting covered with dust? Let us humble ourselves and make this book worthier than what it used to be. God loves you; take time to read His diary about how fearfully and wonderfully made you are. It's your life manual.

*Oist, not in a preaching mode ha! Just got really inspired by how a friend of mine shared her life in China together with the bible couriers. She said, the youngest was a 17 year old girl, asteeeeg ang tibay ng loob!

NOTE: I don't have any copyright of the picture. If anyone thinks it doesn't belong here. Please email me at sandreroque[at]gmail[dot]com or go to http://iam3739.co.cc Contact Page.

Holding the Tears

I DIDN'T CRY WHEN THEY LEFT.
I think. At least they didn't see me.

But after driving home, I can't escape my emotions pouring downhill. I said, "They're gone, they've left."

Dropping them off in the airport felt like saying goodbye to my mother when she left for the States. Mixed emotions stirred up within me. Some of it were the desires of my heart and some were thanksgiving for the Lord. Then I realized, this is my blessing... our blessing.

Six days (some were nights) with the Gregorio family is almost similar with the past. They are still the same; joyful, warm, loving, caring, and God-fearing. It was that first Sunday of September 2009 when we once again met. After four years, I was given by the Lord six chances of meeting them and it has been the best gift of my life this year. Its my own personal and easy reason to answer why I cry for joy today as I am writing this.

God's favor was also upon me when I was able to chauffeur them to the airport. I saw the last minutes of them entering the terminal gate. Up to now, I can still remember it fresh from my mind that farewell bon-voyage expression within us. I was really happy and I did truly want to jump for joy.

But still I really want to cry in front of them. At least because I felt that I will be truly missing them and they will be back with no definite date. But I thought it would be so much better if I didn't weep. Instead, I hugged them really hard because I truly missed it for years.

Now as I was heading home, I can't hold it in. Tears were pouring downhill on me (Sabay kanta pa ng Katinas - Someday on the background) The same spirit I have last Sunday as I cried so hard for so long. Part of those tears was my desire to spend more time with them as well as the joy that God will truly show the abundance of His grace through their lives. I can't imaging going home in Mindanao and not finding them nowhere as near as before. Despite digesting the facts that Thailand is so much nearer by plane, I can't imagine how will it fall into place. Oh! God knows... God knows... and He has better plans.

As I have said and realized, this is my blessing because God has answered their prayers for around 12 years. This is our blessing because we will see so much more Thai young people loving the Lord. There will be a day when they we will meet together with our Thai brothers!

To Momie Rya & Daddy Joey; I miss you here. Its not hard to love your family. I know all will be well for you guys in Thailand. I will always be praying for you, always!

Realization #001: Over and Over

I realized this in my life.

When things get rough and it's hard to forgive, I become alone by myself. I become weaker and weaker; devotions pass through my days. Opportunities from heaven are closed.

Then you find yourself stumbling and falling again.

"Consider it pure joy", someone said that to me that night but confused I become. He said, "When all things turn rough, be joyful always". He didn't stop there as he added, "because it will develop perseverance and faith."

I cried lightly as the world dictates that I should not since a man is defined on a box with a character based on firmness and strength. But God tells me to be a man for Him, not in a box, but a strong, firm-faith'ed, powerful, conqueror, history maker, and sensitive to discern. I thought these things require me to sacrifice in order to be refined, hence, I get all too tired.

But then He said again, "Consider it pure joy." God knew all His sacrifices. The cross was a painful thing for Him to do but He knew that this sacrifice would eventually turn to pure joy.

Then I realized, God in the first place considered it pure joy.

Fall Down

This day has been quite a downer-day for me. I didn't make it to the top ten of I love the Philippines 2 contest by Philstar.com I was thinking of my weeks' investment of time just for this website to be done. But I told myself that I did my best and I have my chin-straight up, knowing that the website will serve good intentions better than any entry out there.

For now I will be sticking with my gerontologically faithful Sony Vaio. She won't be retiring soon from mission trips and school projects.

If I can't get a piece of aluminum MacBook. Then I am asking God much better...

A Mac Pro perhaps with the 30" screen? My God can pay it like a penny!"

I am happy to have recovered from this; it comforts me to have done my best and I never tried losing hope. Now despite of all the fall down coming my way, I will still love you Lord; all has been Your amazing grace. You can open the door which no one can shut. I just have to prepare my field for the rain.

Congratulations to the winners. May blessings be upon you continually!

The W4EO: Where My Heart Cries for Joy No One Would Understand

This is my second post about the w4eo, after leaving wordpress in favor for a new start in my blogspot experience.

I know this is a bit long but I think its good stuff'.

We were just young lads back then; joyful, wishful, and fearless. I can't believe much had happened after I left that school. It was somewhat a relief after all I've experienced (the persecution and all). Though despite of all these things, somehow I wished that everything went back where we had our first fellowship in the school clinic.

BACKGROUND OF THE GROUP

We came from different backgrounds in life but we know for sure that in us we desire to achieve success in our lives. I was, at that time, hoping to become an english or a history teacher. All it mattered to me was to become an influence to the youth for next generation as what my Pastor have influenced me to make a difference. The rest of the group on the other hand also wanted to taste success and live differently to

wards helping the nation and the people. But some of our parents didn't understand our hearts yet. They dreamt of us becoming nurses in a far away land. As a piece of insurance for their dreams, they enrolled us to a school where we can be monitored day and night.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL FEEL LIKE?

The school felt like any arab country. Situated in a hill and two hours away from the nearest city, the best social life we can ever experience was a walk in the park or have someone agree to have puppy love with (not my case here). There can only be one shop and it closes as early as 5 p.m. And should I say the fanciest restaurant only serve vegeta bles and gluten as an alternative to meat. The easiest chicken we could find was a hard-boiled egg every Wednesdays. But the most daunting demand for us was to surrender our religious freedom (our freedom of worship). We were not allowed to form small groups to encourage each other.

HUMBLE START

I met a doctor named Sunni Moreno who knew my pastors back in the city. I was frowning when we first met (I was with mom) but he gave me a hope to take it easy and accept things step-by-step that I would be alright. As I was being indoctrinated by the school's affiliated church, I ran to him for some answers and I am greatly blessed as well as enlightened. After some occasional visit in his clinic, I suggested opening a group despite the peril that lie around us. It was a big step of faith, but great peace and joy was in my heart. Tito Sunni then got a copy of the college roster. I and Annabelle then started visiting our soon-to-be brothers and sisters. Some of them were very interested, some responded with a closed door. But God had completed us, we had four guitarists namely Arby, James, Kokoy, and Jake. A worship leader, Annabelle and me, uhmm, yes me. We meet every Wednesday night at the school clinic and sometimes we made special dawn worships and night prayers for the school.

(Kokoy)

(Tito Sunni)

Fellowship was one of the best. We were like a family, everyone was there for everybody. At school presentations, special events, and birthdays. As our group goes, we were watching out for each other (W4EO). Everybody cares for everybody. We were all we have in the school.

It didn't take a long time when we were on the spotlight of the schools administration. We were interrogated one by one and the clinic was guarded every night. I am glad Tito Sunni was there to defend us even though it will put his job at risk. Me on the other hand was asked by my parents to study in Manila. Somehow, deep within me, it felt good to be out of the dessert. But then it haunts me if I had left my brothers and sisters away from a dark land.

LAST WORDS

It was a long time, a very long time. The group scattered all over mindanao and the Tito Sunni is now a missionary doctor in Thailand. I can no longer name most of them except the first attendees. All have a very special place in my heart. They're the reason why I am happy to be a Christian. I've fought my battle with them and they've always been with me. If we had the chance to meet them once again, I would cry and hug them with my spirit pouring out, thanking how they made my life such a wonderful battlefield.

They are truly W4EO, we've watched for each other. Prepare to be squeezed by my hug whenever we had the chance to meet again!

The People of W4EO

Dr. Sunni Moreno - he was our guardian most of the time. No W4EO could be formed without him. He made us think of our love of brotherhood and sisterhood of all denominations putting every division and theological contradictions aside. He sacrificed things many professionals wouldn't understand.

Kokoi - He believes in himself that he is weak but in reality he is strong. Kokoi knows the importance of worship; he's not all that fancy when playing the guitar, just simple yet so powerful. And beyond all his knowledge and talents, he remained humble. It's easy to be a really good friend with this guy.

Arby - Another guitar boy. I think he is the business-minded of us all. This guy really knows how to love the Lord. Courageous he is but fear is only set to the Lord. W4EO won't be complete without him.

James - we call this guy Ong. As what his last name tells us. I really remember this guy when he testified about his worship. He said that no matter how simple it is, it should be the best.

Indie Music ni Bro!

Hehehe... Just snapped it from his past time projects. 

The songs is entitled Bite Me. Probably a dedication after his graduation from Med school. Care to listen, he admits he doesn't have the quality voice out there. But I believe he is a good composer. That's my brader. You know?!

I love the Philippines

I don't know a lot of things about my Philippines. Probably I know a little about the basics but I try to get out of politics since I may find myself judging someone. It's not that they make bad decisions or label them corrupt. But I know this for sure, I am also a subject of corruption myself. I can be considered irresponsible and a dying Filipino. I am guilty of many things, I preached my country like it was equal to rags. I have idolized richer countries, and praised other nationalities. And when it comes to comparing, I usually treat her as the second best.

It's quite hard spitting these things, but I am happy to find myself speaking up not to my friends or whoever Filipino there is, but rather to myself knowing that I still have faith in myself. A faith that there is still hope of changing how I look at my country and faith that is purely reasoned by love.

My recent escape stretching from the capital city of Manila to Polilio island have brought me a lot of things to learn and to reflect upon. The love for God and the innate discovery of my love towards the Philippines grew on me. Three days was enough to learn how to speak firmness of why I really love my country and not to be found dead on my lips. I was at my glorious awe, painfully searching myself and asking why I have been blinded for so many years.

I love the Philippines mainly because of its imperfections; the way it teaches me to live a life of maturity, simplicity, and the dependence in a higher being. The second thing why I love my motherland is the space for change. A big word for me since this is what we have all been longing for. Out there is a need for a big change, and I'm happy I could participate in that journey.

Traveling around the Philippines enabled me to search my soul, and learned what the Philippines is truly rich for. The calmness of the shore, and the wind dancing behind my ears have helped me realize that we all have one thing in common; our capacity to change things. I can no longer praise nor idolize other nations for my country needs a Filipino to speak out and be proud of its own.

King David was right with what he said, "If I change, everything will change". As I was hundreds of kilometers from home, I opened myself for change which has become my summer experience that I will never ever forget.

It made me love my Philippines; it made me change.

Polilio Biking & Island Tour

It was that specific day last week when I decided that I really need a break. All the burden, all the weight of life was just within me, not letting it out, added to this is the disappointment, utter sorrow to my patient who just died.

I cannot completely recover from the time I heard the news. She was always smiling at me but then I was with no knowledge that she was going to expire in the last day of our rotation, I thought she's going to be fine. I dug the past, asking myself did I fail to pray? I thought I failed her. So really, I said to myself, a break is what I need. I need a time to be with God.

Just these past few weeks, my friends at PMTB (Allan and April) organized a ride to his birth place - Polilio Island. The first attempt was last May 8-9, 2009 but was canceled due to a strong typhoon planning to rage the country. That first schedule was also the Cell Leader's Conference so I didn't intend to join the ride. Blessing came, it was moved to May 22-24, 2009, this time I am free to go and since I had my finances set. I decided to pursue my love for adventure and since mountain biking for me is somewhat a spiritual thing, it would be best to take the same route but with a different expectation from God. Ika nga, Level-up na!

So the day before, I got everything ready. My bag with 1.5L hydration pack was filled with 2 day clothing, cycling shorts, tooth brushies, shampoo, soap... the usual stuff. I am also happy that I was able to bring Buddy the van for the trip. He was a great help with the budget accounting to only ~250PHP of gasoline per head for a round trip journey.

The meeting place was at Shell Julio Vargas. Six of us met at the said place because the other three were planning to bike from Manila to Real port, a total of 120 kilometers. We left Manila at 5:00 a.m., while it took us almost 3 hours to get there, my stress was easily relieved by our arrival at Real port which welcomed us with a beautiful scenery. I thought life isn’t complex here. Growing up in the province made me wish I want to live there again. While taking pictures at the people, I thought about how blessed I am. It struck me to know that God was asking me to raise my expectations of the two day vacation. That time I was beginning to feel breathless, exciting, and highly anticipating of what is yet daring to come.

To reach the Polilio Island, one must ride a boat for at least three hours. Although not large enough, these boats are capable of carrying a big bike, mini cement mixer, or probably a Chery QQ. The locals expressed that RORO was once in service with the Polilio people but then they prefer ‘cheaper’ vessel. Now as we reached the local port, I have observed Barangay Polillo to be a well-developed one. People were very hospitable, generous, and accommodating. There is this sense of security that all people have good intentions for their visitors. Food is quite cheap too! Got to order a cup of rice and two parts of fried chicken and paid only P35. After a good meal, we prepared for the next 30 kilometers of our bike ride.

Now biking from Polillo to Burdeos is nothing special since it felt a bit provincial. It consisted of 70% unpaved and 30% paved road. What sets it apart from any ‘provincial’ road is the numerous number of beautiful sights. Most of the time you get the feeling that you are biking between two hills. Look at your left through the trees and you’ll realize you are biking near the shore. The most challenging part for me was conquering a long stretch hill. Now I guess for some guys it is fairly easy but then I got more than 3 kilos on my back - let’s see; a tripod, a DSLR camera, 4 sets clothing, 1.5L of water, hygiene kit, etc. And oh yes, this was my first time carrying so big while riding my bike. So forgive me.

We reached Burdeos nearing 5 pm in the afternoon. By this time, I found myself really wanting for some water to freshen up and clean myself from all the mud I got into. But then there was no water in the house we were staying! Actually, almost the whole town had water problems as well since electricity was very limited. At Burdeos, it was my first time seeing a town run mostly by diesel generators! I was a bit cynical on the water issue, thankfully, I realized it later on that I was into an adventure cowboy style. Now since we had no water, we decided to eat and freshen up at Allan’s relatives across the other town. It was another blessing for us because the town was celebrating its fiesta. We had fun; Drew was asked to dance with a local. And he felt honored.

Now the next morning, it was an awesome time for me. I woke up at around 5:00 where I did a little bit of worship walk in front of the house. The weather was perfect; it’s cold but comfortable, the wind flows as it was dancing beside me. I felt God’s goodness again, feeling excited of the this new day. It was planned before that we were going to visit the beach near the Pacific ocean. I never thought that it was a very small island that could be walked around for less than 5 minutes. I loved the white sand, crystal clear water, and the weather. It started to make sense why God asked me to raise my expectations for this trip. I was fulfilling something that I never thought of before. This proves that God really knows better things. Bad news arose when Butoy, our guide, told us that we cannot head back home until tomorrow. He said that the boat leaving Polillo got broken and has to be repaired. At first, I thought it was just a joke but then later on I found it to be true. Two of us really got worried about this but then we were left no choice to force ourselves to go home. So we decided to travel to another beach. By then it was 10 am, and I was awfully hungry so Allan and April decided to buy some fresh fish for the group. It took them some time so the rest of the guys decided to sleep while I on the other hand stayed beside the bangka to swim. The day ended after visiting the third island/beach. I was having fun on my own, not with noise, but with utter serenity that my life is wishing to hear.

Polilio is undoubtedly one of my best escapes. Not that I have been to a lot of places but to say this “I biked for 30 kilometers, in an island for three days, swam beside three islands’ beaches; all that then God filled me.” is epic. I know I have been complaining on the first day but he made me realize that I was again on search for an adventure and he did give it to me marvelously. God has placed me into practicing a simple vacation, He knows what I need and because of that I felt transparent before Him. It feels like I have nothing else to think except to acknowledge the beauty of life and how He is. Visiting the three islands also made me think more about the importance of being dependent in my God. How is it to know that when you are living a simple life and you acknowledge God to be a vital part of your life. How much more if I leave all this and carry the weight of the fast-paced life again? I now know the things that I really need and who am I. God made me breathless all over again and by that, I am proud of my God.

To the organizers of this ride; Allan and April. And to those who biked with me. Thank you very much. Salamat dyud! God Bless you.

Below this is a home-made video I made for the trip. An explosive feeling of joy needs to be broadcasted to let it out. You know?!






PS. Now I have my own definition of an epic ride.

First Baking Experience!

Remembering those days of my childhood when I used to sit at the dining table waiting for the food to be served. Most of the time, this happens til' today. But the value of change is evident when we grow up. Heck, what's the purpose of growing up if we are not susceptible for change? Sadly, most people wanted to change for worst and not for the better. I had the idea of hating myself when I sit at idle. I don't like to focus on the things which could lead me wandering and leaving uncreative.

Okay, before getting too personal and a little bit sentimental. I would like to share with you guys some things that I need improvement here. These little things are skills, valuable stuff which could be carried towards adulthood and can be shared with your kids.

For me, learning stuff like baking is an investment for the future. Most especially when your kids reach school age where you can just cook and bake them with fresh wonderful food. I don't want my partner to end up all the kitchen work. I am gonna be a master chef at home. Well, hoping that both of us could be. So above is the horrible looking thing… But it's quite sweet and smooth when it sits on inside your mouth.

Thanks Kuya for the guidance! I know you finished everything up by setting the oven to its proper temp but I did wait on the clock. :p

Greetings from 3739!

Trail Life Rhema: Talim Island Trail

It's funny how a single picture can spark out a rhema. This was taken from my ride at Talim last May 2, 2009.

"You've gone so passed today and you've tried your best", I felt that when we got out of the trail. "So because of hard work and how it pays off, this is the reward; a peaceful scenery that you could enjoy and be inspired with. I realized, "My God is a god of complexity but He chose to reveal His goodness in simple things. He knows how to make me happy.

Work is not a burden. It reaps rewards when done properly. God's goodness shows that He has some rest in stored for us. He knows that when we go through the storms of the trail (Christian life), there is something like this in return.

So ride the life mas y mas!

The reason why this specific picture was posted so late was because it participated on PMTB's monthly contest. Sadly, it didn't won but I was thankful for the 11 voters who probably had the same impression.

God Bless my dear readers!
Greetings from 3739!

Talim Island Biking Escapade

Written by 3739 on May 3, 2009

Before I'll start a little bit of review of the trail. I've been thinking about creating a journal for this one. This will be a little long but here goes…

It was around 0530H when I arrived at Tiendesitas when I already saw more than 20 bikers in front of the closed Mercury Drug store. I was quite anxious since this will be my second ride following the Licao - Licao ride last week. I saw old friends; Drew, Oliver, Nhan, Kirk and April. I also met new friends who share the same passion for exploration as well as the values they have for the environment. Such great people were there!

But I had so much expectations with the ride since I believe this will be my first island run. I was out pouring my thoughts, silently, speaking on my mind on what creative whoola would happen since our trail master is not yet around. But finally, he arrived at last, for about 30 minutes passed the said time. Without further questions, jokes and 'pabiro' to the late one, we left Tiendesitas and off to our destination - Binangoan Pritil Wharf port. It is here where I met my first challenge - wind coming towards me. My new set of handle bars and stem made me sit more upright compared to the flat bars I used to have, hence drag is more noticeable but no worries for me since I am more comfortable with the new set-up.

Then we arrived at the said port at around 0741H where I got the chance to eat my breakfast consisting of my favorite tuyo and bicol expresss (not the best breakfast out there). I jolted with the price of pork at Binangoan where 55 pesos a serve can be so little. The rest of the group on the other hand decided to talk more and more while waiting for the other bikers to arrive. Anyway, I was loving my breakfast when a glance to the port and the bikers were nowhere to be found. So I acted calmly but ate like a hungry hobo, err… not really. To my relief, I am still not alone since they were just loading the bikes and some of the bikers were off taking a bladder break while some were already relaxing aboard the vessel. About 0830H, we left the port and headed towards Brgy. Navotas. It was one of the best experiences and may be considered a highlight of the journey. Being able to go to an island with a boat filled with bikers and their bikes, I was on a bridge of life fulfillment. Moreover, the scenery was breathtaking! So after almost an hour of boat ride, we arrived to our destination, Navotas port (0924H). At last, I felt dizzy quite a bit.

Barangay Cardona is very small place with a small size in population. As always, the locals were happy to see us there and were eagerly asking where we come from. The kids were more surprised than their older folks. They shouted encouraging things and expressed compliments about our rigs. By that I was happy to see such an island filled with hospitable and polite people. At 0940H, we left Cardona for our journey towards the end side of the island, around 30 bikers were present during the ride, all happy and waiting for more things to be thrown at us. Now, if I was a local in this place, I'd be so grinning so badly. The roads were narrow enough to be passed by a single car which I thought was made only for bicycles. I believe the scenery we've seen in the boat ride was awesome, but til' I got there, I can neither express more. This paradise is filled with really steep climbs, fast runs, blind curves etc. Though we were mostly riding on concrete, there were brown soil waiting to be ran over. I was so happy to be here that I made an advance thank you to the trail master/organizer. But he said, thank me later, we have some more! Wait some more?, I said.

I didn't get the 'some more thing' he said. But did I mention about the word 'exploration' before? Okay, now I get it. Prior to the ride, the description of the trail was 70% trail, 25% hike-a-bike, and 5% boat ride. My own definition of hike-a-bike is walking a bike since there will be big rocks coming our way. I didn't realize that hike-a-bike means going down steep rocks. But I ain't complaining, even though my norm-o-meter tells me this is damn dang-gerous! But hey, the girls ain't complaining as well. They were ready to face it. So we proceeded on until we finally reached the place we have to take our lunch passed 1200H. We had a great time of bonding during a short meal. I can't express the meal as well, so here's a picture to crave for…


After an hour of break, we went back to the road. Not everyone knew that the road will get dirty, narrow, and grassy. Sure, we passed on a single track road but get too close with both sides and you'll scratch yourselves with thorns. As much as I wanted to crawl, it was no option for me to since I have to walk my bike. The people may find this place suitable for a name called "Talim" due to its large, pointy rocks. I was no victim of punctures, but there were many of us who had a flat. These things are fairly easy do solve, but it adds up to the time and challenges we still have to see. To tell you frankly, the trail will truly test your endurance, patience, balance, and strength. We have to walk our bike over steep and slippery hills. The hike was the 25% of our trip, how could a short distance take so much time? Still, I was thankful about the weather since it really participated this time, even a small rain could ruin our day of hike and would translate to longer stay in the middle of the woodland. Water would destroy the inch of traction we've got plus a rise in water could leave us stranded along the shore.


A relief! I heard someone singing with a karaoke, finally! At 1600H we arrived at our destination, only a few arrived early since the rest had to repair their punctured tires. The reward? Rest. The word everybody wants even after the ride. Some sun burns, pictures, and a memory to keep!

So what's with Talim Island?

The island can have so much promise in its own ground; people can't just stay on living with fishing and exporting bamboos. They can take initiative now and make the island truly a bike park haven - promoting tourism. Bikers should expect for more surprises but the locals really have to work on the importance of garbage disposal since it almost scared me away. So should I come back next week? Uhmm, no. Sometime in the future would be a good opportunity.

Bottom line here is, it is one of the most enjoyable ride and hike of my life.

Would like to say thanks to: Obi, Drew, Oliver, Kirk, April, Whoops, Bhogart, Nhan, and the rest who came.

Follow through write-up:
Talim Island Trail Review
Trail Life Rhema: Talim Ride