Beyond the Horizon: A Euphoric Summer Escapade

It's not officially the end of summer or dry season in the Philippines, and people can feel hotter and more humid weather starting on the first day of June. Also, there are a few days left before the start of the rainy season, and for sure, many will miss the hot summer days that brought fun and holiday bliss, while others will still catch up before it finally ends.

Summer, with its intense heat and the possibility of sunburn, is a season I wholeheartedly embrace. It's our reality, and we can't escape it anyway. But what makes summer in the Philippines so special? It's the time when most people revel in the azure waters, the gentle waves, and the footprints in the sand, basking in the joy that this season brings.

Summer fills me with joy, unlike the monsoon season with its heavy rains that can bring a sense of gloom. This is why most people are drawn to the beach, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes during summer-for the natural healing they offer. A bright and sunny day truly makes us feel fully alive, rejuvenated by the healing power of nature.

I enjoyed my beach hopping in the peaceful coastal town of Zambales before the end of May. Memories of Summer 2019 brought a euphoric experience and a rejuvenated body, mind, and spirit.

The cool ocean breeze, the soothing sound of the waves, and the melodious chirping of the birds are all part of the natural wonders that contribute to our self-care. They play a crucial role in maintaining our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, reminding us of the importance of taking care of ourselves.

During my precious time at the beach, I would take the chance to meditate, which would bring stress relief, a lighter mood, and a greater feeling of happiness; that's true bliss!

Sitting on a beachfront for just a few minutes, I breathed out my own negativities, which I considered blockages to my well-being. It has beautiful results, and it truly heals.

Being mindful of our breathing is an essential step for meditation. When we inhale deeply, we prepare to eliminate what is supposed to flush out from our system, the stagnant energy that blocks our path to the success and fulfillment we deserve.

I learned the Power of Meditation from a world-renowned expert, Master Del Pe. He taught us how to be in stillness, quiet our minds, and expel toxicity from energy fields through meditation, powerful physical exercises, and martial arts. I will forever be grateful for the Lessons From Master Del Pe and the powerful life tools and techniques that will be shared with others who may need them most. Anyone can start to learn and practice the ancient science and art of meditation. It doesn't cost a fortune but requires openness, patience, and discipline to achieve the desired results.

The summer season is enjoyable and exciting. Where the road may have taken us, whether on the mountain or at the beach, we still see the boundaries and can always accomplish things beyond the horizon, beyond our wildest dreams.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Memories of Summer 2019

That was endless summer fun! From March during the Holy week until the blooming flowers of May, a season in the sun that is hotta fun. For about 3 months, we have experienced and collected another memory we will cherish forever.

Summertime in the Philippines is a celebration of vibrant life. We enjoy the waves on the beach with fewer worries of getting tanned or sunburned skin. It comes once a year, so we want it to be more fun and the most memorable experience ever. That's the kind of summer I want... get burned and just be alive!

Spending 2 weeks in our hometown to support my father's candidacy as a Municipal councilor in the midterm election last May 13 was an enriching experience. We celebrated Thanksgiving for a Victorious Journey along with the Christening of my nephew, J. Frenz Matthew. It was a joyous occasion and a celebration of a new life, and I was thrilled to share it with you.

A day after the winning moment, we visited my mother's birthplace in the highlands of Bato-Arobo in barangay Pasol-o. That was about 2 decades ago since my last visit. Memories of Mount Bato-Arobo reminded me of a hiking experience to reach the place with a fantastic mountain view and a place that offers serenity and peace of mind.

Living in a landlocked town, we may not have the sea and beaches, but we are blessed with natural wonders like rivers, parks, and waterfalls. Malinamon Falls, located inside the military conservation known as Camp Peralta in Jaena Norte, is a testament to the beauty of our town. We had an excursion with my family, a respite from the summer heat. We love the natural environment, and we had a great adventure, surely worth reminiscing about.

Back in Manila after a 2-week vacation, I knew that my summer was only complete with a visit to the beach. I traveled to the coastal town of Zambales to enjoy the remaining hot summer days.

Crystal Beach in San Narciso is one of the finest beach destinations, offering the best scenery and accommodation. In the mid-day sun, I was seated in a modern beach-type nipa hut while watching the seashore and meditating. It was a stress relief to be at the beachfront and in a meditative state. Truly, it was a blissful experience!

A day at the beach is too short, so I had to beach hop in the nearby town of San Felipe. That was my beach destination for the previous year. Memories of the Summer of 2018 at Camp Rofelio began my fascination with this peaceful and uncrowded beach of Liwliwa.

The second time around, a new accommodation, El Zamba Resort in Liwliwa, may be at the farthest end of the alternatives, but it offers the best sunrise and sunset view. The water is greenish-blue, and the waves are perfect for surfing.

Reflecting on my summer adventure, I am filled with fulfillment and gratitude. The journey was truly captivating and soul-searching. I left the place smiling, and the distance traveled was worth a million bucks of pure bliss. I feel good, blessed, and grateful because life has been fantastic, and I hope you feel the same after reading about my experiences.

© 2019 Del Cusay

The Summer Waves and The Agoho Trees

What makes summer memorable is having fun under the sun, getting sunburned, and getting a natural tan. The end of May is just perfect for a sunny beach escapade. This is a great time to feel the summer breeze of the sea, unwind, and enjoy the serenity. 

In the peaceful town of San Narciso in the Province of Zambales in the Western Philippines, I have found one of the finest beach resorts; Crystal Beach. The ash-grey sand turns white on a sunny day and into glittering sand at night.

I was in love with the beach in Liwliwa, a nearby town, but I was amazed by the relaxed ambiance of Crystal Beach in San Narciso. Here, I can sit on a seashore for hours while staring at the horizon and watching the waves. 

A deep inhalation is like breathing in the air, which brings complete relaxation and healing. That's the power of nature—the power to heal and transform. It's a natural medicine and must be prescribed by modern medicine. 

When the waves get stronger at night, I feel the calm wind with a mist. As I lay down on the chair facing the sea, I could hear a relaxing beat of acoustic music, bringing an upbeat vibe to a soulful night.

From the healing waves of the sea, there's one thing that gives off fresher air: hundreds of Agoho trees not far away from the shore. These tall, slender trees, part of the pine family, stand majestically against the sky, their long needles rustling in the breeze. The gentle swaying of the Agoho trees, accompanied by the soothing sound of their needles brushing against each other, helps rejuvenate after a moment of silence.

The Agoho trees would be part of my mental picture of the place. It's quite a different ambiance. They cool the surroundings on a hot summer day. They excite me as I wake up to breathe deeply and glimpse the shore.

Crystal Beach will always be one of the best on my list. I would love to return and spend time there with my loved ones. We have a lot more to explore in this Philippine archipelago. And this is achieved one place at a time—one beach at a time. 

© 2019 Del Cusay