A ten- minute farewell lesson from my Mom's kitchen

mom

It was back in April of 2005. Excited to finally leave the place I have called home for 24 years, I had my bags packed with my tickets and passport ready. I was ready to discover the rest of the world, or so I thought.

Born and raised in Mountain View College in Bukidnon, Philippines, the life I knew was simple. Everything we needed was abundant and near. We were raised cocooned in the safety of a 1024-hectar school campus which had its own water supply with no water meters, two hydro-electric plants supplying 110 and 220 volts direct to house outlets, our own gardens, we had our own world!

Still, my naïve self was itching to leave. Before I left, mama took my hand and guided me to her kitchen. She gave me a glass of water and asked me to drink. She then pulled out a spoon and a fork from one drawer. She had a number of different sets but she chose a pair from the most plain set. This pair had no designs or any engraved adornments. She laid them on a small towel which was on the counter in front of me.

home

"Look at this pair", she begun... "these are from the cheapest set I have. Thin metal, easily bent,.." she examined them like it was her first time to see them. Then she continued, "they may be cheap, but they are as efficient as the more expensive ones in the drawer."

"People are like that- they may come from different social status, race, creed, or religion, but they are capable of doing tasks all the same."

Mama picked up the fork and handed it to me. "What does it say at the back?"

"Stainless steel Japan", I answered while adjusting my glasses.

"Where you come from is not as important as what you are made of." She continued. "Stainless steel may lose its shine in time but all you have to do is clean them and they will be as good as new."

Mama took out a paper towel, wiped the pair and wrapped them in the hand towel roll. While putting them inside my bag, she gave me another lesson: "You may get tired in life. But remember, all you have to do is take a break, unwind, and then get back to your work refreshed and good as new!".

As she zipped up the pocket of my backpack, her final lesson for the day came slow, loud and clear: "I want you to take this pair with you to remind you that wherever you go in this world, you still belong to one complete set- My set. My family. Remember that my set in this kitchen will not be complete with you gone. With every spoon you feed yourself, remember where you came from, how we brought you up and what you are made of. You may get dirty and stained in the outside but remember that deep within, you are also a child of God and He made you stainless! Just clean up!"

That's deep and that's our mama!

my "reality checker"

This is the actual pair mama gave me. How could I ever forget a lesson like that with every spoonful I eat? It needs cleaning but it sure is stainless!

Mama has rested in the arms of her maker on her sleep on the early hours of February 23, 2021 due to complications of diabetes and renal failure. The memories and lessons she left us are so valuably treasured. We look forward in faith that we will see her again in that one sweet day.

Why I often go solo camping.

Taken from my facebook post dated 19 June 2017.

Last month, while entangled in one of our random tight embraces, my better half looked up at me and tightened her arms. She asked, "why do you always go camping alone in the desert? You always say it was safe, but aren't you scared of spending nights all alone in the middle of nowhere?"

camping in Al Qudra lakes, Dubai

 I have been asked that question a thousand times but this one deserved an honest answer, considering the question came from the pouting lips and curious eyes that could look into my soul.

I took a deep breath and gave my most honest answer to that question: 

"Because I miss my dad."

Those close family friends who witnessed our wild, crazy, action-packed adventure known to many as "childhood" will know exactly what I meant. 

We grew up in the comforts of the boondies. If you find a map of Mindanao and placed your finger in the very center, there will be a big fat chance that you are pointing at the place where we were raised. (that depends if you gave big, fat fingers)

our home in Bukidnon, Philippines

Dad loves the outdoors. He highly appreciates nature and as expected, passed it on to us kids. We didn't have much but he taught us that there are a lot of ways we can go for what we wanted. He showed me how to use the sewing machine by making one project- a tent! We used that tent for over a decade in hundreds of camping activities. 

I was barely six when we would camp wherever we wanted to. He taught me how to build fire for cooking and camp fires that would last the whole night. He would be roasting whatever meat he packed while handing over corn or eggplant to be roasted by his vegetarian son. 

Al Fayadha, Abu Dhabi

He taught us how a good tool can be a lifesaver and how important it was to keep everything in tip-top condition. He showed me how to take care of my knives, guns, multi tools and the ride. 

On camping nights, he would point out the stars  and tell stories around

Jabel Jais summit, RAK

the camp fire, also stressing the importance of watching each other's backs while sitting facing each other and enjoying a meal in the dark. He would ask me where would be the best spot to pitch a tent and give me tips and hints like "what if it rains, will we get soaked?" "will the wind blow hard on our tent if we pitched it here?" "how far should the fire be to keep us warm and will we have some smoke to drive away mosquitoes?" "will we be sleeping on roots and pebbles" "would you like to wake up facing the sun tomorrow?" (and gives me my first compass) "would you be breaking camp under the sun or under the shade from a tree?". He then makes me responsible of keeping my boots accessible in case we need to get up in haste and also to secure them from creepers before taps. 

solo camping under the milky way, Razeen deseert, Abu Dhabi

I also miss our trail bike rides in the mountains. He trusted my riding skills even when my legs were too short for his Honda. On some Sabbaths, he would pack suman, binaki, puto or bread that my mom and sisters made and announce that we both will spend time in nature. That meant a whole day of exploring the forests of MVC, with a challenge of finding water springs to drink from and saving our packed drinking water as last resort. That explains why I love long motorcycle trips. 

On our rest stops, dad would tell me of his solo camping adventures when he was a student, which inspired me to do the same (without their permission and knowledge).

camp in AlMazraa, RAK, UAE

Those were the years when life's most important lessons and skills were passed on. 

So... why do I always go on solo camping trips?

Because I miss my dad.

Being alone and far from home, camping gives me time to unwind, reflect on life's lessons and mistakes and to plan for my family. 

I'm looking forward to another camping with dad next year. By then, with my better half's permission, a little wide-eyed dynamic munchkin will be tagging along to start his ritual of passing on the hobby and skills. This time, I'm doing the cooking- unless dad finally outgrew the idea that Sardines and noodles were perfect camping food. 

dad and I in Mt Kitanglad, Bukidnon

Lean on Me

Cute picture, right? hmmm please read on...

I was browsing through my phone pictures and then one picture hit me right then and there. It was something I took months ago and I totally forgot about it. This is probably the most meaningful picture I took. The quality of the picture is not good, it was taken with a mobile phone and I did not give value to it until after major twists happened in the lives of the subjects within the next hour after taking this shot.

I call this picture "Lean on me"

The story behind:

These kids were asleep in this wheelchair when I got in the ER. The first thing I noticed was that they looked so cute sharing the wheelchair. Obviously siblings and tired, all they wanted to do was sleep. I just took a shot just to capture the moment. They might awaken when their parents come, so I took my fone out, took the shot and hurried on 'cause the charge nurse was telling me to relieve RN 1 at the rescucitation room.

There were two patients in the rescucitation room- a couple- parents of the kids in the picture. They were involved in a car accident. The kids must have been asleep in the back seat. They (the kids) had minor bruises and scratches, but nothing serious. However, it is a very sad fact that both parents did not make it. (internal bleeding, punctured lungs) No one wanted to wake the kids up because they were sleeping peacefully while their parents were fighting for their lives.

In their family car, they shared the comfort of the back seat. Now they share the meager comfort of what the wheelchair has to offer for sleep and rest. No one could dare wake them up to a nightmare. Together, they will have to carry on with their lives' "ride".

Taking a closer look at the picture, the little boy leans on the his big sister while she leans on to the wheelchair's arms, which now fills up for the absence of their parents' arms. They have their mom's purse and among the contents are pictures of their happy family. Something tangible that would remind them of happy days.

I could just imagine how these two would take turns keeping those pictures when things get rough ahead. Looking at this from a parent's angle, I could say that all the rules of parenting (if there are any) can be summarized with two words: BE THERE.

For me, this picture is a real tear-jerker and I always pray for them every night. It was the last time I saw them. Their mom's sister took them home while the rest of the family stayed with their parents' remains until they were taken for cremation.

It bothers me to think that when they reached what used to be their home at dawn, there would be no mom to change their clothes and to attend to the scratches they have. No dad to play with them and take them to football games. It would be a place that seemed so familiar, but yet so different.

A mediocre picture, but it did melt my eyes. I hope you spend a lot of family time after looking into this picture. Who knows what's next?

For our kids--- be there!

Al Wahtba dunes

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon when the idea to find this place drove away the stupor I had. The clock factually declared that there was barely three hours of skin-complimenting golden sunlight and the clear skies promised at least an hour or so of blue light shooting. I had no time to waste. Studying the maps in the book and entering the coordinates, my GPS figured it would take 46 minutes to get to my destination. 

The 2016 edition of the UAE explorer off road book features an eye-catching cover picture of an out-

of-this-world landscape that seemingly invites the viewer to go out and explore what majestic treasures the desert has to offer. I just knew I had to go to that place.  An artwork in progress, this barren sea of sand littered with icebergs of rocks that are continuously shaped by mother nature's breath of seasonal winds is surprisingly not that far away from the city. The stunningly captivating masterpiece is centuries old and still far from complete. 

The thought of going to this place may be intimidating to some car drivers since it looks so remote and
the fact that it is in the cover of an off road book adds to the impression that a 4x4 is needed to get there. Reality is, this place is actually accessible to sedans. If fact, I was using my Altima when I first visited this dunes. Located just a few hundred meters from the road, the drive to this area actually is not that bad. 

Photography was the first reason for me to find this place. after a few visits I soon realized that this was a good camping site. Google maps actually marks this as a camp site. Since then, this became my favorite destination for a quick overnight camp or just to go celebrate rest days on Friday sunsets.

These natural formations are delicate works of art. They may withstand baking under the sun, strong winds, sand storms and all the elements but they easily crumble and even walking over these may cause a frack or even break them.  A sad observation I had was that some folks think that these formations are actual rocks and and they drive their rigs over the "rocks". Others  actually break the smaller formations by sitting on them for pictures. 

I was happy to find out during a 2019 visit that the trash left by campers and visitors was actually removed from the area. It is our responsibility to keep places like this clean by taking out rubbish materials with us after enjoying the place.

 

My last visit to the dunes was on my traditional new year's solo camp to welcome 2020. As seen in the video below, I got stuck on the soft sand. Was that an omen of what has to come this year? 

Shuweihat Island

 

It has been five months now since "lock down" has been implemented due the the COVID situation. Although this situation has prevented me from traveling freely, I am thankful that measures to promote our safety from infection has been in place. As  "stay at home" rules slowly ease up and a new "normal" is slowly being implemented, I just can't help but dream of the best road trips I have had in the UAE. I will be revisiting most of them when leisure road trips will be safe again. 

Topping my list of all-time favorite outdoor destinations in the UAE  would be Suhweihat Island. This

Instagram-candy island is located around 270 kilometres west of the capital. The accessibility of the island heavily contributes to the melancholic feeling when adventuring alone, which I find amusing. This rock island is actually reachable by a land bridge that adds to the dramatic approach to what arguably is the most scenic spots on the country's coastlines. Technically being a military base, most of the beaches are fenced off to the public but that does not serve as a turn off to the wandering ones since the accessible areas still make up more than enough for the 2.5 hour drive from the big city. 

Lined with cliffs and beaches, the coastline of this island paradise can be described with a thousand adjectives of praise. I would say, it is like Arizona's Antelope Canyon had a love child with the Maldives. The beauty of the island is highlighted by the pastel colors of the sands, rocks and the clear ocean that emits ever changing hues as the sun traces it's path across the Arabian sky. With the island being barely 2 kilometres wide, photographers can easily move about, taking full advantage of sunrise and sunset landscapes. 

In one of our opportunities of camping overnight a few years back, we have observed that a lot of 

rubbish is left by campers. It is a sad fact that humans leave an ugly footprint in natures masterpieces. Still, a silver lining is that there are more of those campers who are responsible enough to clean up after camp break.

My favorite activity in the island is exploring the cliffs and beaches. It is a unique experience to see the different faces of the beaches within a few hundred meters of walking and "discovering" caves along the cliffs. 

Public access to the island have changed quite a number of times in the recent year. If you plan to visit, doing due diligence of checking online may be a good idea. 

Another new year solo off road drive and hike: The Village of Sal

It has been a complete orbital ride around the sun since I first climbed the highest mountain of UAE. Okay, I drove to the top. That makes it more accurate. This time, I decided to make that destination a back up. I got the latest UAE off road book and Al Qudra lakes looked like a promising place to pitch a tent and welcome the year.
 4:30 pm. The final shift for the year was done. I hurriedly bought my camping food and the promised chocolate cinnabon roll for my best friend who was still at work. Time seemed to be going faster and a granted wish to be in two places in one time would have made everything perfect.



Al Qudra lakes, Dubai



I delivered the sinfully tasty pastry to the hungry friend, we exchanged new year wishes, I left my trip details, explaining where I was supposed to be and what time I have to check in over facebook, and finally, the time I would be back in the city. That is a must for every solo camping trip. They must understand that if they do not hear anything from me, they gotta alert the world that someone stupid is lost.

Abu Dhabi- Dubai traffic was a mess. The road was full of red tail lights from in front of me to infinity. Although the night was clear, cars were only going 120. For this road, that was a drag. I needed to get off the next exit and find an alternative route. The road I found was cutting across some forestation area and finally leading to al Qudra lakes. It was 10 pm when I finally got to the lakes. I was not expecting the camp site to be overcrowded. Cars were lining the lakeside and tents were everywhere. Although the whole camping site was in a party mode, it was not what I came for. I found a place to park and took some photos. 

 

These lakes were developed as a haven for migratory birds and yes, there were big birds by the vegetation along the lake. Although unseen to me, one could tell they were big ones by the baritone, hoarse quacking the make every time someone lights firecrackers.

After taking a few shots, I decided it would suit my intentions best if drove 140+ kilometers to Ras Al Khaima and revisit Jabel Jais. Well, not the exact area I camped to welcome 2015. A small ancient village at the lower part of the mountain seemed roused my curiosity. Grabbing the off road book, I flipped to the route I saved as my plan B, the village of Sal.
 

Ras al Khaima is significantly cooler than the other emirates especially when you are in the mountain ranges at night. I pitched my tent and made my meal. It was now 2 am and a foggy 6 degrees  so the camera had to be in its bag. I cant risk moisture from the fog and condensation inside the tent so I regretfully failed to take pictures of my camp.

The first light of 2016 was obscured by fog and I had no chance of seeing it as I was camped between high peaks to avoid strong winds. Still, the day was awesome! I was on the road to the village of Sal and it was my objective to be there before noon. Making a fresh cup of cappuccino and eating corn I roasted over my fire was enough for breakfast. Power bars were in my bag but I deemed it overkill since i was driving most of the time eating them would add up to adipose in my belly. Although there seemed to be no sweating in this cold weather, water was always in demand. 

The steep road up the mountain was tricky. Crushed rocks were used on the dirt road and often times, I had to make the car crawl since spinning the tires would be a big no-no. There were ascending parts where all I could see was the sky and I was sure that I'd be dangling on the seatbelt on my way down. I felt so alien in land cruiser/patrol country. Still, the 175 horses under the hood managed to pull this 5-year old all stock saloon up the ancient, weather-beaten road to the archeological mountainous village. One final turn and i discovered that I not only reached my goal. I was literally looking down at Sal. The mystical village of Sal that was 1350 meters above sea level was a hundred feet lower from where I was. 

 

Leaving the car in a rather safe spot where it would not be an roadblock, I took by back pack and explored the area on foot. Trekking was tricky. It became apparent that choosing my steps took more time than I thought. There were times when  rocks that look heavy actually move when stepped on as they are the type of light rocks that make a metallic ting when hit. Big boulders demand caution when you approach them, They tend to be likely places where snakes make their home. Luckily, the only wildlife I noticed we mountain goats, bees and doves and falcons.

 

As the sun reached its zenith, I had consumed half the trail water I brought. That was my cue to head back. Retracing my steps down the moon-like terrain was no easy task. I almost lost balance a few times. okay, a lot of times! (no witnesses were there to keep count)

There is always a jubilant sense of completion when you reach the goals you set to your challenging self in hikes like this. Friends often ask me why I do these solo camping or hiking trips. The best response I always give is "why not?" Starting a brand new year with a sense of achievement and completion in day one was not so bad. 



View from above the Village of Sal.

The Archeological Village of Sal is currently being renovated as of time of writing this blog.

New year camp at Jebel Jais

The road to Jabel Jais

As the final hours of  the last shift for 2014 was dwindling down, I knew I just had to make a getaway. The options I had for meeting the year were either to watch fireworks at Abu Dhabi Corniche or just lay back and watch the stars. Being me, I had to pick the latter.

Getting a good spot for star gazing in this country is quite a challenge. Even the deserts in the middle of nowhere are cursed by light pollution. My last attempt to find such a spot in the desert along the Sharjah-Kalba road was futile. With this in mind, I knew finding altitude would increase my chances.

When accessible mountain heights is brought up, the known Jabel Hafeet in Al Ain is usually one's first pick. The name itself makes me feel jaded so I referred to my UAE off road book. Jabel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE became my first pick. With an altitude of 1,925 metres (6,315 feet) I knew I'd be sleeping with shivers. This peak has a history of having heavy snow fall in January 2009. That fact gave me even more gusto in making it there for the new year.



night sights from my camp

Like my other camping trips, this one was no different- it is unplanned. I passed by a shop to get  some food supply. Of course, my camping gear was already in the car. (When was the last time I took them out of the car?) I took 2 coats and 2 sleeping bags. I've had experiences of sudden temperature drops in the desert before, forcing me to sleep inside the car with heater on and that is not happening tonight. After exchanging wishes with the person that matters, I left Abu Dhabi at 10 pm. GPS said the trip would last 3 hours an 37 minutes. I was on my way. Stopping to make sure I had enough petrol before making the ascent, I noticed the boys attending the pump started dancing and making high fives. It was 12 o'clock. We chatted for a while, asking them for directions. I gave them 2 sachets each of UNO 8 in 1 coffee, got into the car and headed for the mountain.

I woke up to this view from my tent. Simply awesome.

I knew I had to eat before I sleep so just before the climb, I pulled over and wrapped 1 can of potato soup with a rag, taped it to the strut brace and was on my way, knowing the engine heat would give me a warm meal later. (now you know!) The drive was challenging. Unlike the "driveway" in Jabel Hafeet, this road was totally dark and had far more horse-shoe curves. I felt an increase in ear pressure so I rolled down a window. The road was not as steep as I expected and driving on ascending curves flexed the muscles of the 175 horses under the hood. After 45 minutes, the navigator declared that I have reached my destination. It was a point in the road where cars were parked in both sides. Tents were pitched and the paved road ended. Some 4x4s took up the challenge of negotiating the steep dirt road that continues to the military base at the top of the mountain. I didn't drive 3 hours just to camp roadside. The only direction I would go is up.



view from camp as seen by the naked eye

With only headlights to illuminate the road and a cliff on one side, I knew it would be fun!
In some ascents, you only see the hood of your car and considering that most of the mountains in the area are shaped like "Pride Rock" from the "the Lion King" I cant help but entertain the feeling that I might be driving to a cliff. It was the type of driving where torque in low revs was needed and I wanted no interference of electronics in my driving so I turned of the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). That gave me the ability to spin my front tires when needed- sometimes an essential in getting grip in loose gravel. Luckily, I did not have to trade gasoline for horse power as the road was well kept.

Finding a place to park near a good vantage point was easy as there was barely no one else on top. Taking some pictures, I noticed a silhouette of a stone table near the ledge of one peak. That was the place to make camp.

home for the night

Yes, there were stars and yes, they were affected by the ever-present light pollution. At first, I just enjoyed watching the lights of cars negotiating the road below and I started taking pictures. I knew my camera battery would not last long in this cold, which I could feel through my leather gloves. (the car thermometer registered 8 degrees) Settled in the comforts offered by my tent, I made myself a cup of coffee and opened the warm can of soup. I tried to brave the cold and take pictures but managed to only get a few before the camera battery decided it needed sleep. A tent, one yoga mat and two mummy sleeping bags- one as extra mattress and the other to crawl into. That would to it. Yes, I had a sweatshirt and a coat on. I felt so snug and comfy just like I was in a cocoon. 3 am. Goodnight, world!

6:30 am. the fone alarm woke me up. It was too cold to take my gloves off so I used the tip off my nose to slide it off. I wear an N95 mask when I sleep t keep my face warm and prevent frostbite in my lips. Feeling the cold LCD in my nose woke me up! I started chuckling at myself. It was comfortable but getting out of my cocoon of comfort was such a task. I feel you, butterfly! I was now awake. First light was breaking and I had to warm my camera battery for this.

I had a hearty breakfast, invited the first guy I saw but he shyly declined. He was bringing four asses (not the ones you stare at... the ones you ride on- donkeys!) to get hay supply for the stable below the cliff. I got him a paper cup of nice hot coffee. He was all smiles and said something before he left. I guess it was happy new year, he said. He didn't speak English.

I spent the day exploring the peak. I spent hours waking around, climbing rocks and meeting occasional hikers and giving them water and prime juice to prevent cramps and boost their energy. I drove further up to where the road ends. Apparently, it does not end. there is just a check point near the military base. One hiker said a passport is needed to get thru as that was Oman across the gate. I was too tired to get my passport in the car so maybe some other time.

Overall, it was a much needed getaway where there was nothing in my head except for the "here and now" situation. 2015, I'm ready!