Come-Again to Camiguin

Camiguin Island is not in my bucket list. But if there is a chance to see it, I would definitely go. I’ve been hearing good things about it and everything was true as I saw it with my own eyes on November 4-5, 2017.

Camiguin is a small island province, so one-day tour can take you around Camiguin’s must see sights. But of course, you can stay there for 3-4 days to maximize your time. 

My family and I spent a night in Cagayan de Oro. We woke up early to embark on the ferry en route to Camiguin. The trip lasted an hour and a half only. Before we got underway, a tour guide came to us and offered his service which was a fairly good price. A multi-cab took us to our accommodation to check-in, settle our things, and freshen up.

Like most of our family outing, this is adult-friendly because my parents are no millenials. Haha! We just visited some of the tourist attractions. We did not wade hot springs and waterfalls, except my little sister, but we still enjoyed. Just gazing the green surroundings and breathing the fresh air alongside the uplifting weather made our stay pleasurable and worthwhile.

Here are the places we visited:

1.) Old Volcano & Stations of the Cross

2.) Sunken Cemetery

3.) Old Church Ruins

4.) Bura Soda Water Park

5.) Three sisters Mountain

6.) Tuasan Falls

7.) Sunset viewing at Mambajao

8.) White Island Sandbar

9.) Camiguin Sign

We went back to CDO the next day to meet my relatives who are now residing in Iligan City.

There are so much beautiful things to see in this Island. I would surely come back here! Oh! Don't forget to buy lanzones and pastel!

Skydive Dubai - Flying, Not Falling

My favorite dream of all time does not involve romance, like my crush and I are dating in a park. Not even the dream wherein I became a millionaire and got all the things I wanted. The dream in which I can fly is my favorite of all time. I can feel the wind and my body feels so light. It feels so, so real. I get a tingling feeling when I twirl in my dream. I had this kind of dream twice or thrice as far as I can remember and it was amazing that I just wanted to sleep and dream again after I woke up. This is how I exactly felt when I had my first skydive experience.

I am not sure if I am the only adventurous person who is afraid of heights. I love zip line, wall climbing, roller coasters, and the like. But I spend an hour trying to relax my muscles, tame my heartbeat, and fight negative thoughts before pushing my limits. Just like my experience in Skydive Dubai, I was very hesitant about booking on their website. I watched many skydiving videos and asked all my close friends to get motivation.

On September 3, 2017, my sister, Kuya Sai and 2 nephews accompanied me to The Palm. They saw how nervous I was!

My instructor was a Belgian. He began skydiving at the age of 17 and has been working at Skydive Dubai for 5 years already. Professional, he is and I know I was in safe hands but I was still  very scared! He gave me all the instructions I need, geared me up with harness and even helped me calm my nerves. Haha!

When I embarked on the aircraft and the door closed... I knew there's no more backing out. After some minutes, they opened the door and the solo divers started jumping out of the aircraft. My nervousness got doubled. A few more minutes, my instructor told me we're set to jump. I suddenly felt numb. I could not feel my heart beat and whole body anymore.

We stood at the edge of the door and he bent my head on his shoulder. I saw the vast openness below. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... We jumped out at 13,000ft! The free fall was not as scary as I expected it to be. There was no falling sensation at all, like what we feel in a roller coaster ride. I felt like I just spread my wings then fly.

The Palm, the blue sea, the skyscrapers... Aaaaah! Dubai is such a beautiful city!!! I can't believe I saw the world from the bird's eye view.

After a few minutes, he launched the parachute. We floated and glided freely. He taught me how to maneuver the parachute handle. I spinned it a lot of times because it was fun! Haha! Afterwards, we landed safely.

Until now, I cannot believe I made it! Another tick off my bucket list. Next year, I would like to have my first hot air balloon ride and scuba diving experience.

Kikay Katambayer, Signing Off

"Lights, camera, rolling..." I never imagined myself hearing this in the background while standing in front of a camera and holding a microphone with the logo of the show printed on its box. But look! I have been seen on TV all over Europe and Middle East.

I graduated with a degree in Mass Communication, major in Broadcasting without the expectation of practicing it thereafter. I have always thought this course is viable for 2 reasons; First, I know how hard it is to be in the related field, especially in any network in the Philippines. Second, my dream was to be a flight attendant. But this thought ceased to be known after I auditioned for Kabayan Tambayan. It was the newest show on TFC at the time. It featured inspiring stories of OFWs, showed their talents, and challenged them through games with prizes.

I saw the television advertisement where TFC was looking for segment hosts. I submitted a clip from the documentary show I hosted back in college. Humbly, I was chosen to be part of the show. I was then called "Katambayer".

My first shoot was taken in a bowling event of one Filipino Community in June 2012. It was my first time to meet Kuya JP (coordinator), Sir Roland (mentor), Brian (co-katambayer), and Kuya Tims. I was in a tense state, highly strung. With everyone's help, I was able to pull it off. Yay!

It was just a passion at first. Few months passed, I met new Katambayers and made friends with a lot of people. I became active in Filipino Community. Unconsciously, our passion turned into delightful public service.

We have been Katambayers for 5 years. Those years are very memorable, especially the hosts and staff became one family. I experienced many firsts because of this show. I became friends with the Cardio boys and Ms. Dimples Romana. I witnessed how kind and simple they are, no matter how big their names are in our country. My skills in media production got developed. I gained self-confidence. And the best things I had from this show were the people who eventually became my friends/family.

The show has ended but this experience will forever be treasured.

For the last time... "Hello there, Katambayers! Ako si Annizah Camid, ang inyong Kikay Katambayer, na nagsasabing... see you again!"

My Cali Trip (Part 2) - SFO

Have you seen a 25-year-old lady running on snowy and icy trails and jumping for joy? You should've seen me acting like a 10-year-old kid when I got to see snow in Cali.

On January 21, 2017, I traveled from Los Angeles to San Francisco through Virgin America. As a flight attendant who takes another airline, I tend to observe the cabin, the crew, and their routines. I noticed that closed window shades are fine during take off and landing. But the pre-flight safety demonstration amused me!

I arrived at San Francisco International Airport in the morning. My Aunt Carol together with Uncle Ross and my cousins picked me up. It was actually an emotional meeting because my aunt and I cried. Well, our family is known to be that mushy. Haha!

My first day in SF was long. We just dined at a restaurant that offers a delectable Asian cuisine then off we went to tourist spots. California is such a lovely place! It has beautiful landscapes, alpine mountains, fine deserts, impressive skylines, etc. Here are the attractions I saw on that day:

1.) Twin Peaks

2.) Golden Gate Bridge

3.) Palace of Fine Arts

4.) Lombard Street

I used my phone in taking photos, but I could not find the. Sorry...

5.) SF Downtown
Unfortunately, there were people rallying around, so, we were not able to disembark.

These 5 spots were visited in one day. So, I was knocked out in like 5 minutes as soon as we arrived in their house in Daly City.

I woke up early on my 2nd day. It was raining outside. I found my uncle watching news. He was getting an information about the weather in South Lake Tahoe and the accessibility of the roads. I was worried that my dream of seeing a snow will not come true. Oh my! I was praying hard in my seat. Haha! We eventually pushed through the bipolar weather. Aunt Carol told me they are also excited to see snow because the last time they experienced it was 10 years ago. My two cousins, Neil and Lenard, were still little back then.

There was a sparkle in my eyes while we were wending our way south. We passed by various beautiful cities. When we were getting near our target place, piles of bright powder were welcoming us. I wanted to jump out of the car and throw myself at it. Haha!

We stayed at a resort. It was so beautiful! There we played with other kids. I myself became a kid. Yay! We just had some meals at Taco Bell before we headed home.

My remaining days were spent by meeting our relatives in San Francisco.

I look forward to exploring Cali in summer. Maybe, before this year ends?