How will you choose to Live your Life?

28-- it's just a number. A number that will tell of how long I have been living my life.I never really looked old for my age. People say that I look so young and could not believe that I am already 28. Sometimes I feel flattered, but oftentimes I like to be seen as a fine young lady who knows how to handle all the responsibilities and hardships in life. I want to be beautiful, successful and confident (who doesn't want to?). In addition,  I want to do a lot of things. I want to improve myself and enjoy life (like I could shout to the world that ," hey, this is me living my life to the fullest); because when you are truly happy with yourself and life, everything follows. And I want to become rich. Rich in  all aspects not just materially but also mentally, spiritually and socially. They say that when life gives you a hard time, don't take it seriously. Play it well in a way that will teach you to become tougher rather than complaining on how miserable you are. I know it's easy to say, but you got no other option. So you have to change your current situation when u get tired of doing what you always do. Change your rut! 

It is true that as you age, your level of maturity also increases (for most people). I just realized that for 27 years of my existence, I have been complaining about some things in my life. Until one moment changed the way I look at my life--my self! I realized that when you start disliking something and do nothing about it-- but complain more--you get stuck in that situation that you would not even noticed that you have been like that for so long. And worst is: your life is going no where, it's not progressing. Then you get insecure with other people who get to enunciate to the world that, "life is terrific and just so happy to live life". Sometimes, we just don't get it, until someone or something will change us. And as I turned 28, I guess I will have to embrace this moment of becoming the person I always wanted to be. No more what ifs, buts and I can't drama scenario. I want to be happy!

I have always been a fan of great men who were able to live life to the fullest. And when I say living life to the fullest, it's not just having a rich life; but a kind of life that will inspire other people. "Majis" as what they call it. I have this friend of mine who was so optimistic about life. We used to have this schmooze during break time at my workplace. Sometimes I find him talking nonsense, but oftentimes I listened to him when he speaks and I just sort of smile. Then now, I realized that indeed my dear friend was funny. He shared this wonderful sense of humor to the group that it made me laugh so hard. Even though he was suffering inside, he still has the courage to live life and to see the world beautifully; but he died of cancer. It made me realized to value life more. Death is like a thief. And during the burial, I realized that his body was alone down there. It might be that scary. Then something scary thing crossed my mind that we will all going to die. It terrifies me, really. I guess, no one will ever live in this world for too long. No matter how good or bad, short or tall, rich or poor, sane or insane--we will all going to die. It depends on us on how we will going to live our life. The question is: are you going to waste it or enjoy every moment with people you care? Because in the end, what matters most is not the day you were born nor the day you will die. What matters is that small dash (what you did when you were alive and kickin) that will measure your very existence in this so called "life".

Majestic Mapun

Mapun is an Island municipality of Tawi-Tawi. It is formerly known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi. The Island is located in Sulu Sea and near Sabah, Malaysia. The people here are called Jama Mapun. The place exhibits a world class natural wonder. But since it is not included in one of Philippine's tourist destinations, it is likely to be unheard of to many people. The people of Mapun are very lucky to live in this place because of the abundance of hidden nature's wonders such as lakes, falls, springs, rocky mountains, white sand beaches, islets, etc. In addition, the species of green turtles are commonly found here. 

When I visited this place, I fell in love with the beauty of the lakes. I saw the first lake which is murky to describe or "chocolatey" as best to call it. They say  that crocodiles thrive in this lake. However, I was stunned when i saw the second lake, it is really beautiful! I have seen some photos of this lake before, and I am always in awe of its beauty. And when I have finally seen it with my two naked eyes, I just could not believe that something exists like this in Tawi-Tawi. I became more proud to be a Tawi-Tawian!

How to get to Mapun? Well, it's not that easy and no regular travel schedule going to Mapun. But you can get there via boats from palawan, Zamboanga and Bongao. Travel time might take 16 hours to 32 hours or more depending on the point of origin.  

Baguan Island--A Piece of Heaven

One of the richest Islands found in Tawi-Tawi is Baguan Island. Baguan Island is considered a marine turtle sanctuary. When we say sanctuary, it is a protected area set aside for conservation. There are many numbers of green turtles lay egg everyday in this Island. And in fact, during my visit, I was able to see some hatchlings racing toward the sea. The Conservation International (CI) takes care of this place. It is the only establishment in the Island. 

Baguan Island is a bell-shaped island with a coastline of approximately 1.7 km. It is volcanic in origin just like Taganak Island. 

Aside from being considered a marine turtle sanctuary, it is also a piece of paradise (for me). A taste of Baguan is a phenomenal experience. I was able to circumnavigate the whole Island for 2 hours. And it was a rough and rocky journey. I experienced climbing some big rocks, then crossing a knee-level water and walking in a fine white sand. Seeing a vast white sand is a wow! A clear water is another thing!  My experience there was really awesome because I was able to have a close encounter with  baby sharks! Isn't it cute? I laid my eyes on them in a shallow water. And the beauty of the place is indescribable. The photos cannot depict it. You really have to be there and circumnavigate the Island to feel that you have seen a piece of heaven. 

How to get to Baguan? Just like Taganak Island and Mapun, there are no regular travel schedule. But once you get to Taganak, Turtle Islands, it will be a 45-minute ride to Baguan via pumpboat.