Friday, August 22, 2025

Sweating, Strolling, and Surviving Nong Nooch Garden Pattaya

When I look back at our Nong Nooch Garden adventure in Pattaya, Thailand, one word comes to mind: sweat. Buckets of it. Let me start with a confession—I never wanted to roam around this massive, beautiful, and jungle-like garden. My original plan was simple: admire a few flowers, snap one or two photos, maybe grab a coconut juice, and then retreat gracefully to the comfort of shade.

But fate, or should I say my wallet, had other plans. Since I had already paid for the entrance ticket—times two, in full—there was no way I could just sit down and waste it. You can’t exactly tell yourself, “It’s okay, I’ll skip this, the money’s gone anyway.” No, my brain was like, “You will march through this garden, admire every leaf, and smile at every flower. You already paid for it!”

So off I went, dragging my tired legs under the sizzling Thai sun, with Lao happily strolling beside me like it was a walk in the park (literally). He seemed to be enjoying the endless rows of orchids, bonsai trees, dinosaur statues, and manicured landscapes, while I was negotiating with my knees and lungs to cooperate just a little longer.

Picture this: a sprawling paradise filled with perfectly arranged gardens, topiaries shaped like animals, elephants wandering about, and cultural shows happening here and there. It was so beautiful, I almost forgot my legs were staging a protest. Almost. Every step felt like an accomplishment, and every shady spot became my personal sanctuary.

The heat was no joke—think of being slowly roasted while walking on a catwalk made entirely of concrete. My sweat could have watered half of Nong Nooch’s plants by the time we reached the second garden. Still, I kept telling myself: “Smile for the photos, Addy. You paid double for this experience, don’t let it go to waste.”

And honestly? Despite the exhaustion, I couldn’t help but admire the sheer beauty of it all. The garden was alive with colors, from bright orchids to golden temples peeking out between the greenery. At some point, even I stopped complaining (for a few minutes, at least) and let myself enjoy the scenery.

Of course, Lao was my partner-in-sweat through it all. Sharing this kind of experience—the good, the tiring, the funny moments of “Oh no, not another garden section!”—made it worthwhile. We laughed, we snapped silly photos, and we survived the sun.

Somewhere between the laughter, the silly selfies, and my dramatic complaints about walking, I realized I was actually glad I did it. Glad that Lao was there with me, glad that we shared the experience—even if I was half-melting along the way.

By the end of the day, I was dehydrated, sun-kissed, and convinced I had burned at least 5,000 calories. But you know what? It was worth it. Not because I paid for it (though, yes, that played a huge role), but because it turned into one of those unforgettable travel memories that you laugh about later.

So here’s my advice: if you visit Nong Nooch Garden, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and prepare yourself for a lot of walking. And most importantly, bring someone with you—because every sweaty, tiring, and unexpectedly beautiful adventure is better when shared.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Wat Arun: A Memory Wrapped in Light


There are places that feel less like destinations and more like chapters in the story of our lives. For me, one of those chapters was written at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, during our journey in Bangkok.

The temple rose before us like a dream—its spires glistening under the sun, every porcelain mosaic shimmering as if the light itself had chosen to rest there. Standing at the gates, I felt both small and infinite at the same time, as though we were stepping not just into history, but into something timeless.


We dressed in traditional Thai costumes that day. The silk flowed against my skin, the colors catching the light with every step. Lao, in his costume, looked every bit as dignified and striking as the temple itself. For a moment, I forgot we were travelers—we belonged, as though the temple had been waiting for us all along.

To honor the day, we had an official photographer capture our journey. It was one of the best decisions we made. Freed from holding cameras, we allowed ourselves to simply live the moment—walking hand in hand through courtyards, laughing at little things, standing still in quiet awe before the towering prang. Each photo is more than just an image; it is a mirror of the joy, the bond, and the wonder we felt.


Inside the temple grounds, I paused often. There was a hush beneath the chatter of tourists, a rhythm of faith in the air. I found myself looking at the river, its waters carrying boats and sunlight alike, and felt deeply grateful. For this place, for this moment, for Lao beside me.


Travel has always been about discovery, but Wat Arun taught me it can also be about belonging. We weren’t just passing through—we were becoming part of the story, even if only for a day.

As the sun lowered, the temple turned golden, its spires bathed in fire and light. They call it the Temple of Dawn, but I found its magic at dusk too—when day and night embrace and everything glows softly, tenderly, like a memory being sealed.

Looking back now, the photos make me smile, but more than that, they remind me of what truly matters. It’s not only about the grandeur of the temple, but the quiet joy of being there with Lao—sharing laughter, silence, and wonder in equal measure.

Some journeys end when the plane lands home. Others, like this one, live forever in the heart. Wat Arun is no longer just a place on a map—it is part of me, a memory wrapped in light.

“วัดอรุณทำให้หัวใจของฉันสว่างไสว เหมือนรุ่งอรุณที่ไม่มีวันสิ้นสุด”

“Wat Arun made my heart shine, like a dawn that never ends.”


Thursday, July 24, 2025

To Our Dearest Jao in Heaven

 

Happy 29th birthday, Jao.

Today, we celebrate you—not with cake and candles here on earth, but with prayers whispered to the skies, tears softened by smiles, and memories cradled tightly in our hearts. You would have been 29 today. It’s hard to imagine the man you would have become—though in our eyes, you’ve always been extraordinary.

From the moment you arrived in this world, you were our joy, our sunshine, our hope. And when you left, too soon and too painfully, we stayed by your side—our hands holding yours, our hearts breaking as one. Losing you in that tragic accident tore a hole in our lives that no time can truly mend.

You were only 23. So young. So full of life. You had dreams that could have lit up cities, a laugh that could change the mood of a whole room, and a heart that loved so purely. In your short time here, you managed to touch so many lives—more than you’ll ever know.

Even in your absence, you remain. In the quiet moments. In the sound of your favorite songs. In our shared stories and the “what ifs” that cross our minds daily. We imagine you now, maybe still pursuing your dreams, maybe just coming home with that familiar smile, arms wide for a hug.

We miss you with every fiber of our being.

But more than the pain, we feel immense gratitude—because we got to know you, love you, and grow with you. You are a part of us forever. We carry your memory in every joy we feel, in every gentle breeze, in every sunset that reminds us of heaven’s colors.

On your birthday, we choose to celebrate your life. To honor who you were and who you would’ve been. We light a candle not just for remembrance—but for love that never dies.

May heaven throw you the kind of birthday you deserve—peaceful, joyful, wrapped in everything beautiful. Keep dancing in the light, Jao. Keep watching over us. And know that not a single day passes without someone here thinking of you, missing you, loving you.

Happy birthday, our beloved Jao.

We were there when you arrived, and we’ll carry you with us until we meet again.

With all the love in the world...

💙💕❤️🫰

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Duty Beyond Holidays: Life of a DRR Officer in Times of Emergency


In a world that is constantly tested by natural calamities and human-induced hazards, the work of a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer is never bound by the ordinary clock, nor by the comfort of holidays. While most people look forward to weekends and rest days, our reality is different. As DRR Officers, we are governed not only by our passion to serve but also by official memorandum directives and circulars that mandate our readiness and presence—especially in emergency situations. We are duty-bound to respond anytime, even on holidays, because disasters do not wait for regular working hours.

My work as a DRR Officer is rooted in a deep sense of public service and preparedness. Whether it’s monitoring an approaching typhoon, coordinating evacuation efforts, conducting risk assessments, or joining relief distribution, my days are filled with urgency and responsibility. The directives are clear: those working in disaster response must always be on call, must ensure visibility in the field, and must lead operations when our communities are at risk. This is not just a job—it is a commitment to safeguard lives, properties, and the future of our municipality.

It’s not always easy. There are days when I miss family gatherings, church Sundays, quiet meals, and even personal rest. But seeing children safely evacuated, families fed and sheltered, and communities empowered makes every sacrifice worth it. I’ve learned to find joy in the little victories—like early warnings that prevented casualties, or communities thanking us after a storm. These moments remind me that holidays can wait—but saving lives cannot.

To all my fellow DRR workers, responders, and volunteers: this is more than a role. It’s a calling. And to those reading this blog, I hope you remember us—the people working behind the scenes while you rest safely at home during storms and calamities. We are not heroes. We are just ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, with an extraordinary heart.


Sunday, December 17, 2023

Siblings in Solitude: Navigating adulthood as orphans

Surviving as orphans, my brother and I faced a world that seemed indifferent to our struggles. With no parents to guide us, we became each other's anchors, navigating the tumultuous seas of life together. Our journey was marked by resilience, forging an unbreakable bond that transcended the hardships we encountered.

In the absence of parental figures, we assumed dual roles of caregiver and confidant. Everyday tasks became shared responsibilities, transforming mundane routines into opportunities for collaboration. From cooking makeshift meals to managing scarce resources, we learned to rely on one another's strengths, fostering a sense of interdependence that defined our survival.

Emotional support became our lifeline in a world that often felt isolating. Shared grief over the loss of our parents provided a unique understanding, a silent language that only siblings who have weathered similar storms could comprehend. During moments of despair, it was the comforting presence of my brother that anchored me, reminding me that I was not alone in the struggle.

Education, a beacon of hope, became our ticket to a better future. With limited resources, we embraced a relentless pursuit of knowledge, viewing education not merely as a means of escape but as a tool for empowerment. Late-night study sessions in our own illuminated rooms, as we fueled each other's aspirations, determined to break free from the shackles of our circumstances.

Life's inevitable complexities unfolded, and we grappled with the intricacies of personal identity and purpose. My brother, a constant companion on this existential journey, became a sounding board for introspection. Through discussions and debates, we navigated the nuances of our evolving selves, embracing change while remaining grounded in the shared history that shaped us.

Career endeavors brought both fulfillment and setbacks. The support we provided each other became a catalyst for professional growth. In moments of doubt, my brother's encouragement echoed the resilience that defined our past, propelling us forward with a shared determination to carve out meaningful paths in a world that often seemed indifferent.

Our journey was not without obstacles. Financial instability and societal prejudices cast shadows on our aspirations, but adversity only fueled our determination. We became adept problem-solvers, finding innovative ways to overcome obstacles. The shared dream of a brighter tomorrow served as a guiding star, steering us through the darkest nights.


In the absence of traditional family structures, our bond withstood the test of time, emerging as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Our story is not one of victimhood but of triumph over adversity, a narrative shaped by the strength derived from the sibling connection. Together, my brother and I proved that even in the absence of parental guidance, love, and shared purpose can pave the way for a meaningful and fulfilling life.

As we navigated the complexities of adolescence, our sibling dynamic evolved into a powerful partnership. We became each other's mentors, offering guidance through the turbulent waters of identity formation. Shared dreams and ambitions provided a roadmap for the future, propelling us forward with a shared sense of purpose.

Financial constraints necessitated resourcefulness, and we honed skills that extended beyond the academic realm. Side jobs, creative endeavors, and entrepreneurial pursuits became avenues for self-reliance. In the face of adversity, we discovered our untapped potential, transforming limitations into stepping stones toward a self-sufficient future.


The absence of parental figures forced us to create our own traditions and rituals, forging a unique family culture rooted in shared experiences and mutual understanding. Celebrations were modest but rich in meaning, reinforcing the idea that family is not solely defined by blood but by the bonds we choose to cultivate.

The external world often cast a judgmental gaze upon us, but within the walls of our shared resilience, we found strength. The stigma of being orphans fueled our determination to defy societal expectations. We embraced our narrative, recognizing that our past did not dictate our future. Our story became a testament to the capacity for growth and success, irrespective of the circumstances that initially defined us.

As we travel to this life called adulthood, the lessons learned through our collective struggle became guiding principles. Our shared journey had instilled in us qualities of empathy, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection. We emerged not as victims of circumstance but as architects of our destiny, shaped by the adversities we confronted hand in hand.

In retrospect, the bond forged in the crucible of orphanhood was a source of strength, a sanctuary against the storms of life. My brother and I not only survived but thrived, proving that the love between siblings can be a potent force capable of overcoming the most formidable challenges. Together, as orphans, we wrote our own narrative—one of resilience, companionship, and the enduring triumph of the human spirit.

The transition to adulthood brought both challenges and opportunities, and our shared resilience continued to be our guiding force. Educational pursuits opened doors to new possibilities, and we leaned on each other to navigate the complexities of career choices. Our shared commitment to self-improvement propelled us forward, ensuring that the sacrifices made in our early years laid the foundation for a brighter future.

Building a support network beyond our sibling bond became essential. Friends who understood the intricacies of our journey became an extension of our makeshift family, enriching our lives with diverse perspectives and shared camaraderie. In cultivating these relationships, we discovered the significance of chosen family, a concept that expanded our understanding of kinship beyond biological ties.

The pursuit of independence led us to forge our paths, each contributing unique strengths to the collective journey. As we encountered setbacks, the unwavering support of my brother served as a constant anchor, a reminder that we were not alone in facing life's uncertainties. Our individual successes became collective victories, reinforcing the idea that our bond was an invaluable source of strength.

In the pursuit of dreams and aspirations, our shared journey taught us the importance of giving back. Despite our own struggles, we found fulfillment in supporting others facing similar challenges. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, became a way to honor the resilience that had defined our own lives, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

The specter of our orphaned status occasionally cast shadows on significant life milestones. Yet, rather than succumbing to the weight of loss, we transformed those shadows into reflections, reminders of the courage and tenacity required to thrive against adversity. Our shared journey became a source of inspiration, driving us to redefine success on our terms.

In the tapestry of our lives, community engagement became a priority. The lessons learned from our struggles compelled us to contribute to the well-being of others facing similar challenges. Volunteer work and advocacy became outlets for expressing gratitude for the support we had received, reinforcing the idea that our shared resilience was a gift meant to be shared.

As we ventured further into adulthood, our collective resilience was tested in unforeseen ways. The pursuit of individual goals sometimes led us down divergent paths, challenging the cohesion of our sibling bond. Yet, even in moments of discord, the foundation we had built through shared struggles proved unshakeable.

As we embraced the responsibilities of adulthood, the bond with my brother evolved into a source of enduring strength. Our shared past, marked by loss and triumph, became the cornerstone of our identity. Through the ebb and flow of life, we stood side by side, a testament to the enduring power of familial connection and the capacity to not only survive but thrive, even in the face of profound loss.

Monday, June 27, 2022

i made it again! repeat!

Thank you Jesus for giving me a very kind life. Thank you all for the prayers, hugs, love, kindness, friendship, encouragement, support so that I can concentrate on my academic work. 

Grad School is pretty hard but i am grateful to all my professors and the favorite dean for the assistance, considerations, reccommendations, boundless patience, insightful comments, for teaching me things i badly needed to learn and for making things bearable for me. I wish you all the energy and good health so that you will able to help more students.  













thank you and i love you lao! your nagging, hugs, driving skills when it's too late and i forgot to tell you i have to be in school before 7:30 before pandemic, waking me up when it's about to google meet already this pandemic, choosing my shoes and dresses when i have to meet doc for the thesis checking, for practicing me the way i deliver words when i have to report, for drinking all the liquor i cant take after 3 shots, the kind environment at home, your never ending prayers for me every defense and for always rooting for me are the best deals why we got this 💪! Congratulations to you brother!



I am forever grateful to my adviser Dr. Rabacal and to my teammate sir rowell and sir ian for the friendship and everything. 





Kay Lao na favorite mag pa SANTIGWAR, sa mga big brothers ko at ki nene, ate liza na para SANTIGWAR ko din, sa mga lolo padi ko, sa glam team ko, and to all kazens na maraming-marami thank you for the kind environment at home, for believing in my work from the beginning and for sacrificing much to help me got this. 

Thank you all for rooting for me!
I love you talaga mga bes! 

MARIBETH AUSTRIA PONCE (sa pag sulat sa logbook gamitin ang tunay na pangalan ng kapitbahay)
Dean's List for Outstanding Academic Performance
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management
CBSUA -Pili
Class of 2022