On Four

2015 has been a year about "being at home" for us - Butch went back to Hong Kong while I am currently based in Batanes. At some point, there was something endearing about this kind of setup: we had moved closer to our families, friends, passions and dreams. 

Four years together. Two years long distance. Happy Anniversary, Butch: the man who became home for me in four wonderful years. Thank you for always, always making me feel welcome to be completely myself.

Of course we don't know where we'll end up someday. Maybe Hong Kong, Batanes or somewhere. But in the meantime, do what you gotta do there. Tick those boxes, and make me proud. Like you always do.

Here's to many, many more years of going into the unknown - the near and far kind. 

June in Basco

Life really does have a way of moving too fast. During one of my hectic days last month, I snapped this traditional game called Maninadis (also known as Going to Market). Each team member should carefully pass a set of wakay to her teammate until the last member reaches the finish line. The group which has the most well-cared wakay is the winner.  

I still can't believe that it's been more than a month since I reunited with my homeland. Seriously, it feels like I've spent longer than the actual days. For now, I'll pretend we're just opening the halfway mark of 2015 to make this post more relevant. 

My first month had been all about chasing the loves of my life. From landing a job at my dream company, to taking classes in Graduate School, to trying on a new role as an art writer and to being a full-time daughter and sister, island life is currently whizzing by. 

With an artists' retreat coming this weekend, maybe a little slowing down won't hurt. So, here's a list of 31 beautiful moments from June. I share this with you in the hopes that if I write them here, they'll grow themselves further into my being and never leave. 

1. My journey in postgrad had officially begun. 

2. 2 AM Philosophy classes with Dr. Hornedo.
3. Candlelight Philosophy classes with Dr. Hornedo.
4. Beer nights with Rhodelyn.
5. Hello, Yaru nu Artes Ivatan!
6. First local exhibit experience: "Vuya Ku Vuya Mu?"
7. First legit drinking session at house with friends. Happy fiesta indeed!
8. Delivered letters to offices and agencies personally.
9. Hello, e-bike! Talk about level up!
10. First hosting stint at work.
11. Now who's ready for the 2016 Election? Hmm.
12. Won P 2,000.00 from a photography competition
13. Back at the softball diamond after seven-year hiatus.
14. Unforgettable Father's Day incident.
15. First Provincial Meet aka Ivatan Olympics at a community level.
16. Got my first Team Basco uniform. Fight Basco!
17. First judging stint at the pre-pageant of Miss Batanes 2015.
18. Crossed out two MA subjects already.
19. Gave Dr. Hornedo a ride.
20. Met a Fil-Am graphic designer based in New York.
21. Watched Peter Webber's Girl With a Pearl Earring.
22. Batted a pitched ball with two strikes already.
23. Discovered Avon's twenty-peso ice cream. Definitely the bomb.
24. Free hair salon services care of Shem.
25. First field work with the Dr. Florentino Hornedo. He's a walking encyclopaedia of Batanes history.
26. Three-minute ride to work. Oh, good life.
27. Missed out mom's first television appearance. Fine with her. Weird mom.
28. Fancy dinner at Fundacion Pacita care of Kamnan.
29. First and last usherette stint.
30. Wee hour bike rides around the town. The best.
31. Bronze look in progress. Heart heart.

I hope July is as surprising and beautiful as June.