Victorious

2014 © Dana Eve Valencia

"To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life." 

【The Secret Life of Walter Mitty】

Woot woot! As 2014 comes to a close, I reckon it's just fair to celebrate our personal victories and relish our sweetest feats.

I remember a few months ago I received a heartfelt message from a lovely lady, thanking me for being an inspiration to her two daughters. I was speechless for a moment. I did a silly little mental victory dance when I learned that my snapshots and stories stirred the sense of adventure in her girls and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones.

See, I believe that in life there's no greater test of the human spirit than beginning a story without knowing how it's going to end. To step into the unknown, to find the balance between holding on and letting go, to smile even when the waves of fear are churning within, to be a fighter — these are the things adventure has taught me. And being able to help awaken this sense within other people through my simple Instagram posts is something that I deem an accomplishment—an unexpected one at that.

So here's to all the adventures and battles we've faced and fought, big or small—be it a mountain, a school project, a sales quota, a marathon, a fear, an illness, a typhoon, a heartbreak, or heck, even a lawsuit. I think each and every one of us deserves to pop a bottle of champagne for being such awesome troopers.

Wishing y'all a more eventful 2015! May we all be Ambassadors of Adventure!

#TheLegenDannyDiaries

Short-lived Wonders

2014 © Dana Eve Valencia

I've always considered Japan as my second home. And its pristine charm, in which I never fail to find peace, is unparalleled in my eyes. Hakuba, this mountainous village in the photo, is just one of the many magical spots that certainly make one just sit down and sigh.

So just imagine how heartbroken I was when I heard from my friend Kousuke that only very recently an earthquake struck the region—destroyed homes, barns, roads, and all—which made it impossible to reach this part of the village again. 

This reminded me that nothing has been built to last forever as nature could be harsh. And quite amazingly, in no other culture will you find the short-lived beauty of things as valued as in Japan.

Introducing Potpot

2014 © Dana Eve Valencia

One of the best things I can freely do back in my mother's friendly little surfing hometown, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, this passenger pedicab or "potpot" as the local people would call it.  

Locals call the pedicab Potpot because it features a bike horn that makes a cute "Pot! Pot!" sound. 

A Guide to Danny's Secret Lingo

Me: "You reek of sweat. Ew. Change your top.

Friend: "Okay." 

Me: "And please stop being oh so clingy. You act like a freaking toddler." 

Friend: "Okay." 

Me: "Also, your laugh sounds like fart sometimes." 

Friend: "Okay." 

Me: "Only sometimes." 

Friend: "Okay." 

Me: "I'm trying to tell you I love you." 

Friend: "What?" 

Me: "What?"

#DefineAwkward

#ThatLastBitDidntActuallyHappenButInMyHeadItDid

Bottomline: #WhenIThrowInsultsAtYouItOnlyMeansILOVEYOUOkay

This Oar

2015 © Dana Eve Valencia

Humming seas do deplore

This aging piece of oar

‘Neath the rocks, kissed by waves,

Comes carriage of graves

Hail, the master of seas

Plunge for the Golden Fleece

With the mermaids steering,

“Go fo'ward!” cries the King

And misfortune, indeed

Clutched to sails, whilst they bleed

Humming seas do deplore

This aging piece of oar


© Dana Eve Valencia

We Are Groot

Sorry, I'm such a crap at updating my blog and when I do, I seem like a shallow Valley Girl, gushing about things. But from now on, I'll try to post random stuff as often as I can. I have graduated from Tumblr so . . .

Anyway, this is a really cool snapshot of the oldest Balete tree in the Philippines. #RootRoot! #WeAreGroot

PS: Please bear with my lame commentaries on every matter. I promise I'll edit everything, write a bit longer, and delve into things properly when I can squeeze in some time.

Sleepless in San Antonio Live Sessions II

Vios Cup 2014

Vios Cup 2014. Clark International Speedway.

#JustBecause we're awesome friends, we drove up north to show our dear friend, Rhian, some love.

Obviously, I had a blast spreading madness all over the track. Here goes my nonsensical photoblogging . . .

#PEEmpMyRide. Had to wish Rhiri's car good luck. 

With Rhian and the amazing three-time Vios Cup champ, Jason.

With Nadine. Gahd, I missed this lovely lady.

Rhian Howell and her rad ride. #08 FTW. 

With Rhiri, Lancer, and Mike - one of my favourite human beings.

Drifting. So freaking dope.

#LifeEezGood

#NotHawaiian

Sorry for the randomness, but I just felt the need to discuss this here. I am not from Hawaii, OK? Haha! #CommonMisconception

Nothing against Hawaii, though. I seriously love that place. It's a dreamland!

Quality Time

 Baler, Aurora. Surfing, Island-hopping, and Trekking Trip.

#JustBecause We Got Bored: Live Recording in the Garden

So my friend Rip (an amazing guitarist and chef) and I thought of giving this song a burl during one Wine Night. We just sat on the outdoor comfy sofa set, grabbed a guitar and went for it acoustic-style, recording using a mere iPhone. It's kind of surprising because not one mistake was made during that one swift take, considering that we were a bit intoxicated at that time. You can actually hear my tipsy giggling at the end. This is only a snippet, obviously. Pardon my mediocrity.

Cheers!

DanaDaDrummer

2014 Sinulog Festival: "Wild Kung Wild"

2014.01. Sinulog Festival. Such a weekend to remember.

MaitineraryTV: Sinulog 2014 from Jemima Josol on Vimeo.