Part of Your World

I grew up with Disney characters. I've always been a fan of Mickey Mouse & Friends and of course, the Disney Princesses. Goofy, Donald Duck, Cinderella, Princess Aurora---I know them so well as a kid. Disney tales started my love for books. But as I grew older, never did I think that my life could actually be like one of my favorite princesses. Yes, thinking it over, I am like ARIEL. My life's like hers. And my song? PART OF YOUR WORLD.

"Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?

Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?

Wouldn't you think I'm that girl---girl who has everything?..."

Most people say, I am so lucky I am able to get what I need and even what I want. I have everything, that's what they tell me. Intact family, good education, travels abroad, great friends, latest gadgets, pennies in my wallet, car...yes, I do have all these. Who wouldn't think I am happy? Who would think I want more? Shouldn't I be extremely elated? Partly, yes. I do appreciate that I was able to get the best possible education for me. I am so thankful I've got loyal and true friends. I am grateful that I get caprices once in a while.

"You want thingamabobs? I got twenty.

But who cares? No big deal. I want more...

I wanna be where the people are

I wanna see, wanna see them dancing

Walking around on those---what do you call them? Oh, feet..."

All these things could never be enough to make one truly happy. A complete set of Barbie dolls could not make its owner a fashion guru nor can a complete Disney Princess collection make someone a real princess. In the same way, material things could never suffice my inner longing. They may be able to patch up the hole, but they cannot hide torn clothes. I want to be free. I want to be where people my age are. I want to experience what ladies my age normally do. I want to walk on my own feet. I want to be independent or even just a taste of independence. I also want to walk around, with myself deciding for what I want and consequently learn from the decisions I make.

"Flipping your fins, you don't get too far

Legs are required for jumping, dancing

Strolling down a---what's that word again? Street.

Up where they walk, up where they run

Up where they stay all day in the sun

Wandering free, wish I could be

Part of that world..."

Living just within your comfort zones would not get you anywhere. Instead of a thousand miles you can reach, you can only go for a few steps. Being so afraid to try something new would just limit the variety of activities you could have experienced and enjoyed. Legs are required for jumping and dancing...taking risk and standing up for it are required to enjoy life's pleasures. How I wish I could be courageous enough to take a step forward and wander free. I wish I could also be given the chance to prove my skills, to try things on my own and to be free to do things I want. I wish I could be part of that world...where my comrades enjoy life to the fullest and without regrets.

"When's it my turn?

Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above?

Out of the sea, wish I could be

Part of that world."

I am twenty-one but I feel my family treats me as a fourteen year old girl. When is it my turn to act my age? When's it my turn to show them they have done a great job raising me? When's it my turn to assure myself I am not a waste in this world? When's it my turn to be trusted by my family? I got the trust of almost all the people around me, except my family. What else do I need to prove? What else do they want to see to be convinced that I can be trusted? Have I not done enough? Wouldn't I be enough? What's that world up above mine? I wish I could be able to see that. I hope it's not yet too late. I wish I could be part of YOUR WORLD.

The Other Side of MOI

My friends say I am not the adventurous type. And I agree. But being one does not mean that I would not want to have a taste of adventure in my life. Let's just say, I don't engage myself much in rock climbing, mountain climbing or trekking, or in any other extreme sports there is, but I do find time to loosen up a bit and try things out of the ordinary.

This summer, I had a blast in Boracay. I experienced one of the greatest adventures I have had in my entire life---BORACAY'S WATERSPORTS! I tried Banana Boating, Fly Fishing, and the most daring of them all, PARASAILING! We did not have the luxury of time to try on the other watersports but the experiences I had were more than enough motivation for me to go back.

BANANA BOATING

Among the three, this is the least thrilling. We were just being pulled by a speed boat but this ride gave us the most beautiful view of the island. We've seen the three stations of Boracay and we also had a glimpse of Shangri-La Hotel and Resort, the MOST EXPENSIVE hotel and resort in the island. Well, there were rumors that on the days we spent in the island, famous celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were also spending their vacation with their kids in that hotel. But there was no way we can figure out if that was true or not. And either way, it did and would not change a thing. We were there to enjoy the beach anyway, not to stalk on celebrities. :) Going back to Banana Boating, I realized that this ride is very ideal for family bonding and barkada trips. I tried the first one and I can't wait to experience it with friends, as well.

FLY FISHING

Whew! This is pretty exciting! It functioned similarly as the banana boat ride but with a TWIST! Aside from being pulled by a speed boat, we were also dragged upward! Yes, upward...without any support or safety belt but our own hands and feet. The only thing that kept us on board was our VERY TIGHT GRIP. I woud never forget this ride because something soooo funny happened with my mom. My entire family tried it. So there were four of us at the start of the ride. But after few turns, there were only THREE of us who finished the ride. My mom gave up and desperately asked the watersports staff to stop for a while. She transferred to the speed boat because she could not endure the thrill of the ride anymore. We were really laughing so hard at what she did and my mom could not help herself but to laugh, as well, with what happened.

PARASAILING

The most daring I have ever tried! Before this ride, I thought going to Malaysia without a clue whatsoever was the most thrilling I'll ever experience. But when I went on to try this ride with my younger sister, I proved myself wrong. Being there, 300 feet above the sea, in the middle of nowhere and with your hands and legs as your sole support, was like we were on the verge of the cliff, awaiting nothingness. It was pretty scary at first but when we allowed ourselves to be with the ride and with the wind, it was like a piece of heaven on Earth. Everything was calm from our viewpoint. And one thing my sister and I realized, Parasailing is one great idea for marriage proposals. ;)