The Good Samaritan In Me

                Isn’t it amazing to see that an ordinary man’s pure heart could be so powerful in saving our world from violent and ruinous forces? That one man’s dream could turn the entire EARTH into a serene, enjoyable and unpolluted place to live in. That all of us has the capacity to be this superhero that our dying world needs. We could be role models and ideal examples for everyone especially the youth. And if we all have this same heart and dream to revive our failing world, then everyone will have a better and brighter place to call HOME…

                I want to share 4 of my own experiences where it brought out the Selfless and Good Samaritan in me… First, was when I saw a Bank Check on the floor of the University grounds amounting to 30,000 Philippine Pesos that I can en-cash anytime in the Bank but instead it worried me that the student who lost it might have no tuition to pay for the next semester, this might force her to stop studying in college and it will destroy her dreams for her future and could also affect her family who are depending on her. So I did all that I can to find this girl who lost the check and thankfully I found her and asked her some essential questions to prove that the check was hers. So I returned the check and she was very grateful. The Second scenario also happened in the university, when I saw a phone on the floor which is the latest version in the market at that time so it might cost around 25,000 to 30,000 Philippine Pesos. So again, I searched for the owner until I returned the phone to him, he was very appreciative for what I did because his mother was worried sick that she can’t contact her son. That was the time when landslides were occurring in Baguio due to heavy rainfall. The third situation was when I have withdrawn only 500 Philippine Pesos from the ATM Machine but instead 4,000 Philippine Pesos worth came out from the machine so I was shocked, urgently I went to the Bank and returned the extra money right away, the company praised and awarded me for my honesty. The last thing I did for my fellow Filipinos was I tried to collect and donate all that I can find to a relief organization that provides help to those affected by disasters.

                So in my own little way, whether it will create a small or big impact would have made a difference in trying to change the world and making it into what you can call HOME that is full of love and sharing. We don’t need to expect anything in return if we did something kind and good to others. By helping others itself and realizing that we have that potential in us is already a marvelous gift given by our GOD…

- Soul Writer 

The Ultimate Filipino Traveller (The Philippine Travel Photos Edition)

               It all started when I want to go to Boracay but no one is available to accompany me because all the people including my family and friends were too busy in their own lives. It was my ultimate dream here in the Philippines to visit Boracay, so I told myself that even if I’m alone, I’ll enjoy Boracay to the fullest. So I began travelling alone on October of 2006, the first two places that I went to was Boracay and Bohol and from there, the name “HAPPY LONER TRAVELLER” was born…

                When I was learning gradually about my Country’s history, culture, traditions and my fellow Filipino’s lives, it became so addictive for me that I realized, I want to discover and explore more of the Philippines, that I want to learn more of the hidden mysteries and magnificence offered by my own Country because I was just so fascinated and intrigued by it. From there, I developed these idea and advocacy that I want to visit the places that are not yet popular and undiscovered so that I could help promote Philippine tourism, so that people from foreign lands would see how captivating and fruitful our Country is and they would plan a vacation to visit the Philippines thus, creating and increasing more jobs for our fellow Filipinos.

                 So I promoted the Philippines through my love of writing… I started making blogs as “HAPPY LONER TRAVELLER”, exploring places not universally known to man and yet journeying alone to these best kept secrets… Beautiful opportunities have blossomed from my hobby of writing blogs, it became one of my sources of living. I have won awards from different contests, been recognized from several magazines & websites and have been sponsored & given gifts from various airlines, hotel & resort owners. But for me, primarily, writing is still an art and advocacy of which I could make my own difference in this world and lifetime by sharing my utmost thoughts in trying to change our world from extreme poverty & tremendous destructions into a fresh, sanitary, rich and peaceful earth…

                I have been a Traveller of the Philippines for 4 years now and I have already turned myself into a Professional Travel Blogger and I won’t stop with my advocacy until all Filipinos and foreigners will learn how to appreciate, love, protect, cherish, maintain and treat the natural beauties of our Country, as well as the entire EARTH as a place of haven and sanctuary… And I won’t stop tracking down and uncovering more of the unseen natural gems in the Philippines and opening them up to the whole globe…

                Thank you to the owners and creators LAR DE LOS REYES and LIZZA of PHILIPPINE TRAVEL PHOTOS for featuring me in their website. It’s such an honor for me to be a part in promoting our beloved PHILIPPINES!!!

Website:

Armie Yuson Featured In PHILIPPINE TRAVEL PHOTOS

- Happy Loner Traveller

My Special BIRTHDAY Thanks (A Look Back To An “Out Of The Ordinary” Existence)

                It’s October 9, 2010 and I’m 26 years old… The only thing I want to do in my special day is to be thankful to all the people who have been a part of my past and present years. And my only prayer is for them to know how grateful and appreciative I am, that they have been an essential ingredient in my simple yet blissful life. They will always be remembered by me… So I took a rewind of my time and saw all the people that have greatly influenced me…   

                First, I want to thank our God the Creator for giving me a decorated life… Second, My Family, from my Grandparents, Dad, Mom, my 2 Siblings, Cousins, Aunts and Uncles… Third, I want to thank my “Barkada” for letting me feel and believe that True Great Friends can last 22 years of comradeship and these people are Rachel Villahermosa, Viele De Guzman, Jacquelyn Jimenez, Jascy Mondok, Aillene Umangay, Miya Diokno, Jessamyn Camacho, Jobie Doria, Christine Sy, Perla Marano, Mariecar Magat, Aurora Del Mundo, Daphne Malicdem, Jill Subido, Michelle Mamaradlo, Czarina Villanueva, Jihan Pagdanganan, Carmel Evangelista, Al Grace Merong, Jennylyn Tamayo, Jennylyn Garcia, Diana Marcellano, Koschella Moreno, Lourdes Estrada, Christine Seridon, Donnalyn Tan, Tanya Ocampo, Regina Ferrer, Zenia, Rowena Sison, Karlo Casillan, Anghel Baniqued, Orlando Serrano, BG Patino, Aaron De Vera, Ralph Samson, Claudius Velasquez, Christian Soriano, James Cayabyab, Mark Padlan, Jonald Ballesteros, John-ray Leano, Warlito Versoza, Ryan Roque, Kristoffer Espinoza and the members of SYMAC namely Herman Soriano, Marlon Magali, Lemuel Arenas and Cris Caybayab.

                I also would like to thank my Pharmacy Colleagues namely Jojette Agustin, Malou Santos, Kat Elias, Sheng Padlan, Joanne Tagorda, Queng Salvador, Joan Rabacal, Ochie Beltran, Karen Sy, Vanessa Pacson, Charissa Dysangco, Jing Poyaoan, Ervin Orpiano, Marichu Rosario, Milhyacinth Quitlong, Mary Lim, Fely Mones, Aiza Gamboa, Mycah Magcamit, Kitz, Joyce Samson, Karen Calatrava, Mabelle Gacayan, Maricar Sulang, Veronica Casuga, Michelle Fajardo, Jed Sibal, Jeff Tamondong, Emily Caronan, Jeena, Joyce, Katrina Corpuz, April Ang, Christa Guiang, Contessa Balnao, Karenne Somera, Micai Panganiban and Marlon Bay-an. And to my Co-Natsci and Co-Louisians namely Faize Licdan, Niro, Jefy Jovero, Mia Guansing, Zion Zabala, Loyd Wallace, April Josol, Reviley Lamsen, Rhyan Tremor, Ahmir Buen, Irish Bajala, Arnel Manoloto, Edessah Sanchez and Raychelle Yang. To my compound mates Shai Cortez, Mags Paquibot, Janet Paquibot, Lea Paquibot, Luzvi Paquibot, RJ Villafana, Mycah Galulo, Jojo Toledano, Jojo, RD, Grace, Bert Abellera, Niegel Abellera, Misty Jordan, Kristine Chua and April Dayrit.

                Another group of people I am thankful for are my Medical Colleagues who are Josephine Gonzaga, Cynthia Mendoza, Chester Pelwigan, Arnolfo Tomas, Khecy Manuel, Macky Tiu, Irish Tangco, Roselle Sanchez, Ryan Cayabyab, Chutima Chotiprassidhi, Zaheer Din, Tomas Antonio, Ember Rabanal, Jomay Mandapat, Malou Macaraeg, Daryl Sudasena, Ice Agustin, Jaymoore Suyan, Paulito Mandia, Tom Acosta, Sister Gertrude, Franz Rasay, Margot Schlaaf, Jennifer Winter, Diana Mange, Paolo Igama, Aprylle Fernandez, Karla Abaya, Karla Morden, Kaka Balmilero, Macon Vitamog, Jeff Fernandez, Winston Fernandez, Aze Diwas, Joyce Cortez, Jelna Luzadas, Reda So, Vanessa Bayon, Jill Salazar, Carol Villanueva, Ivy Tangco, Gerik Flor, Vega Castor, Carina Felix, Gia Vera,  Aiza Co, Ryan Yanes, Mary Orteza, Jimmy Rosales, Carl Leochico, Joshua Gaboy, Jomar Javier, Rodel Tan, Christalyn Masa-ao, Rodel Banggiacan, Elmer Fabito, Jerrie Quintos, Karol Camonayan, Graciela Badua, Joyce Dela Cruz, Asha Varghese and Precious Balansay.

                My Mother Goose friends Fatima Salazar, Karlo Soriano, Athena Siman, Generose, Diowella, Justin Tiu, Rebecca Erfe and Rose Dizon. My GenDrug Co-interns Odette Mariano, Sherylin Lim, Julie Mercado, Anne Pascua, Paula Guy, Kristine Enrile and Eireen Atutubo. Our House Staff Raul Austria, Lynlyn, Rose, Jecky, Judith. Our Family friends Dr. Reynaldo Neri, Dr. Nitoy Casillan and Ara Casillan. To My Churchmates Carmelita Dagaraga, Joy Annonuevo, Grace Benin, Camille Romero, Wennie Velasco, Diane Arenas, Eiver Obispo, Erich Obispo and Mark Resurreccion. To my old friends Merycris Revita, Precious Buan, Madelyn Dizon and Rebeliza Mangahas.

                My Mentors Jun Cabangon, Ghie Antonio, Eva Pascual, Ana Fe Revilla, Lily Aglubat, Mark Langit, Lester Sotelo, Wilfred Antonio, Nay Maximo, Dr. Leo Bunag, Dr. John Domantay, Dr. Ayochok, Dr. Tan Yee, Dr. Efren Balanag, Doc Tolenz, Dr. Peralta and Dr. Liban.

                To my friends in the Entertainment Business namely Mitzie Regala and Daddy Wowie Roxas for opening the doors for me, Norma Alvero, Len Alvero, Ramon Bravante, Michelle Ting, Viktor Dela Cruz, Nanan Villalba, Mycke Arcano, Dense Modesto, Hiyasmin Neri, Direk Toto Natividad and Sam Pinto.

                To my new friends that I’m hoping would last… Judith Fianza, Krystel Ocampo, Alexia Velasquez, Jhen Arenas, Rhen Macapagal, Shily Cardenas, April Lagman, Gene Velasquez, Heather Ocampo, Aprilyn Esposo, Vic Asuncion, Bongga Datiles, Vess Gonzales, April Asingan, Danice Tejero, Ivy Uy, Zerah Madrigal, Kerzie Mones, Angel Chiu, Nei Padlan, Marissa Marcial, Zyron Marcial, Zyrel Marcial, Patrick Marcial, Maricar Capinpin, Marilyn Capinpin, Mavelyn Capinpin, Gye Nacionales, Lalaine Larga, Anne Lazatin, Anne Simbulan, Mark Dela Rosa, Chito, Criselle Gatmaitan, Mary Carvil Diate, Lau Rice, Sarah Cepe, Joni Mandap, Khym Villagracia, Lei Barcelona, Khathryn Del Rosario, Shandy Lim, David Santos, Lorraine Garcia and Kathy Uy. And last but not the least, I would like to thank those people whom I met while travelling and exploring the Philippines, for taking good care of my vacations and these are Eugene Palmes, Joan Luneta, Teresa Agpalsa, Eranio Decena, John Araneta, Saira Tungol, Karl Baybay and Desiree Ancheta.

                To those whose names were not here, I’m very sorry, I can’t write everyone or else it would take a lifetime to note down every person… But ALL of YOU are a huge part of ME so I would like to end this by saying my final thoughts… Let us do our best to value and give worth to each other, even if it’s a small gesture of appreciation or love, you never know how significant that is to a friend who really needs it…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! :-)

- Your Reliable Comrade

A Traveller’s Sweet Escape (The Mango Capital Of The Philippines)

 
          Guimaras is popularly known as the place where you can taste the sweetest mangoes in the World, where even other countries order in advance just to have a bite of the pride mangoes of the Philippines and that there is even a law to protect the mangoes of Guimaras by prohibiting the importation of mangoes from other places inside Guimaras. However, Guimaras has a lot of diverse activities to offer besides its popular mouth-watering mangoes. It has its popular tourist sites waiting to be discovered like the Guisi Old Lighthouse and Beach, Trappist Monastery (The only Monk Monastery in the Philippines), Macopo Falls, Sadsad Falls, Mango Plantation Farms, Mountain Adventure Park (Horseback Riding, Camping, Firing Range, Paintballs and Slide & Rapelling), Alubihod Beach, Lawi “Pawikan” Sanctuary, Ave Maria Island and my favorite of them all, the Tatlong Pulo Island where I had the tastiest fresh catch 1 and ½ Kilos of Crabs for only 170 Philippine Pesos… Besides also being known as having a lot of varieties of Seafoods, I also love their native mango delicacies like the Piaya for only 30 Philippine Pesos and Dried Mangoes for only 70 Philippine Pesos. There are also popular and money-saving Seafood restaurants here like the Sa Payaw Grill and Lisa’s Talabahan.

          In order to arrive at Guimaras, its gateway is Iloilo City which is similar to Metro Manila for being an urbanized and commercialized area. From Iloilo City’s Ortiz Port, you will take a 15 minute boat ride for only 13 Philippine pesos per person to Jordan Wharf of Guimaras. From there you can take the tricycle, multi-cab or jeepney going around the small promising Province of Guimaras.

          In all of my vacations within and outside the country, I have met the most hospitable group of people here in Guimaras, all of my needs and wants were all accommodated perfectly. Even if you’re tired, their kindness, smile and laughter will truly brighten up the rest of your day. And they will really literally make you feel that you’re at home and you’re the owner of the place. It’s like you’ve known them forever because they really make you feel that you are very close to them. This group of people I’m referring to are the people managing the Hotel place where I stayed at Guimaras and it is called ZEMKAMPS CHALET, its structure is similar to that of the appealing cabins in the mountains and It’s located in the central business district of Guimaras which is San Miguel…

          I was given a chance to talk to the owner of ZEMKAMPS CHALET, Engr. Eugene Palmes, He is based in Qatar and only visits the Philippines once a year for only a month. It is a big privilege for me to have a little chat with Sir Eugene, He shared to me his insights in creating a great hotel and resort, as well as his future plans for ZEMKAMPS CHALET, as I’m listening to his thoughts and advices, I was so amazed and inspired in how he brilliantly handled his beautiful life and wonderful family. I’ve learned a lot from him in our short conversation and I prayed to our Almighty right away that hopefully with God’s grace he would give me the same blessing as he has given to Sir Eugene… I also would like to say Thank you to Joanne, Raul and Teresa for a marvelous job for surpassing my expectations…

          The alluring Island of Guimaras is very prone to the destructions caused by the Human Race like Oil Spill and Garbage. Please, I am calling help to the Natives as well as the Local Government of Guimaras to let us create programs wherein we can be knowledgeable in protecting and conserving the radiance and beauty of Guimaras’s Nature for these Scenic spots can bring us fortunes because these are our own treasures given by our God and we may use it for our daily living. If we protect our captivating land then we will invite tourists from all over the world to get a glimpse of our astonishing culture and ravishing natural beauties… Help promote Philippine Tourism to increase more Jobs for our fellow Filipinos…

- Happy Loner Traveller

*** This Article has been adapted by PEARSON INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY and I will be fully acknowledged.