Ako Nga Po Pala (Me, By The Way)

18 is my name. Read it as Itin. That's short for Christine.

There probably is a gypsy in my soul; an Itinerant in constant travel. Moving from one place to another; never at one too long. I am drawn to the fantasy that her character has.  I love the flamboyance she exudes, the magic and mysticism, the music and the dance that resonates with the fire burning ablaze. I am drawn to the image of strength that she has.

Gypsies, they say, symbolizes spontaneity and wild behavior. And they say one may identify with this archetype if one is interested in a path of spiritual development, such as those aligned to the mystery schools or study of the laws of the universe (perhaps this goes to explain my interest in things not-so-normal, in meditation, and even my path to a degree in psychology).

I claim to be an aesthete/artist, a poet, a thriving soul and this blog is my life in that facet.

This is the snippet of my soul...vignettes, musings, art and stuff.

 For after all, we are all but travelers moving this earth. I am La Itin-erante.

Culture & Tradition: Pasalubong

Pasalubong is the Filipino tradition of travelers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home. Pasalubong can be any gift brought for family or friends after being away for a period of time. It can also be any gift given by someone arriving from a distant place.

And even if it's not much of a distant bringing pasalubong back to the people you love is quite common in the Filipino tradition. Like, a parent going home from work will customarily bring something for the wife and kids. Likewise, a child may bring some small gift for their siblings or parents too.

It's a simple act of thoughtfulness we do :)

Island Hop: Bohol-Cebu

Because part of my life's journey requires me to do this...

Cebu Bound via Tubigon, Bohol (because it's cheaper)

And yes, the cruise took longer than the purpose of the trip.
Unfortunately, I cannot take the leisure of enjoying Cebu today.

So, I shall on the next.

For future reference: Tubigon - Cebu Ferry Schedules

Heto Nanaman, Bagong Yugto

Heto naman, bagong yugto. (This again, a new chapter). And we just move right along.             
I will admit to feeling lost for a while. But I am getting the hang of these shifts, transitions and changes.  The constant motion of an itinerant nomad is the destination. It is home.

I will admit to having ceased the wonder of new places, new people and new experiences; as if all these were mundane. Simply, because it's become too frequent. Hence, ordinary. But, I am choosing to regain that wonder. I am embracing wanderlust as a lifestyle. Life is not a journey. I AM TTHE JOURNEY. {A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. --- John Steinbeck}

The goal is to live life by seeing each day with fresh eyes. {We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. --- T.S. Elliot}

Still, the goal goes beyond just seeing. The core of the goal is to live. {Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. --- Mary Ritter Beard} 

Kaya, eto nanaman, bagong yugto. (So, here once again, a new chapter).

Moving right along....