Zambales 2016

Last October, I went on an trip to Zambales with my block as part of our fieldwork for our Social Science class. We were to research on the Aeta community in the resettlement areas of Zambales and how their lives have been changed by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo explosion.

It was honestly so astonishing how beautiful the area was. Near and far, nature displayed beauty. From the small piles of differently coloured rocks and the collection of fallen leaves to the tall, green mountains that seemed to reach the sky, Zambales was beautiful. My eyes couldn't believe just how real the view was. Zambales was a beautiful painting that seemed to had come to life right before my very eyes. There was this sense of tranquility in the atmosphere that left me speechless. There was this unspoken harmony in nature that I found so beautiful.

Spending time with the Aeta community was such a blessing as well. Getting to know their story and how they live their lives now was eye-opening. If there's anything I learned from the Aeta community, it's that they are one of the most resilient people that I've known. To have been driven out of their ancestral homes by a volcanic eruption that no one could've possibly fully prepared for and be placed in towns in provinces and left their without support and yet still remain so strong and alive decades after is a sign of their resilience.

Being in Zambales was definitely a breath of fresh air. I have been blessed to hear their stories and witness their lives, and I would love to come back and be with the Aetas again.

Until Next Time!

~ Luis

Previous Post: 17 Things About Being 17

17 Things About Being 17

A few weeks ago, I turned seventeen and to be quite honest, not much has changed (except for the fact that I'm much closer to turning eighteen). But, a lot can and does change over time, and so I wanted to look back at my life and see for myself just how much I've changed in the past year.

So, here are seventeen things about being in this oddly awkward age of seventeen:

1. You suddenly enjoy having candles lit in your room because it actually lifts your mood. 

2. You've sort of found a style that you're comfortable wearing (although you don't know exactly what it's called). 

3. You sort of appreciate lotions now. 

4. You're starting to take more naps especially now that you barely get to sleep well. 

5. You actually like Big Macs now, but Jollibee is still life. 

6. You've been blogging for two years now. Two years. 

7. You're learning to say yes to new opportunities (even those outside of your comfort zone).

8. You enjoy a cup of tea a bit more than a cup of coffee now. Honestly, you've changed. 

9. You've been to a friend's debut. 

10. You've also been to a friend's wedding. 

11. You value your friendships more now than you did when you were sixteen. 

12. You value yourself more now than you did when you were sixteen. 

13. You suddenly feel old and young at the same time. There's honestly no in between. 

14. You're completely okay with not being okay. Read: When I'm Not Feeling It  

15. You've actually watched (most of the) Star Wars now.

16. You never leave the house without an umbrella anymore because you want to be prepared for when it rains and that's partly because; 

17. You're in college now. College. 

Looking back at how much has changed in the past year gives me so much hope for the next. That in spite of all the mess and sadness in the world right now, a lot can and will change over time. I'm excited for what God has in store for me and I can't wait to look back when I'm eighteen and see the growth and progress that has happened in my life.

Until Next Time!
~ Luis

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Previous Post: When I'm Not Feeling It