Mountain View Nature Park

Now I've posted a similar message on my other blog. But this one has more photos of me and the scenery.

Yup, I greeted the first day of year 2010 at Mountain View Nature Park in Cebu. I rented one of their cottages for a day. Going to my cottage felt like I was climbing a steep mountain. However, the area offered a good view of the new year fireworks.

I wanted a change of scene after the office Christmas party at a beach resort in Panglao Island, Bohol. Sure enough, the weather at the mountain park was frigid (water flowing from my shower was ice cold) and surprisingly scenic as you can see in the photos I took.

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Hiking in the mountain areas of Metro Cebu is more challenging and definitely more enjoyable for me than strolling around the asphalt jungle of the island. Plus, I like the cool climate and absence of pollution better.

Here's one improvement in my lifestyle: I've dropped flour and wheat from my diet and reduced my intake of sugar and dairy. The result is a drastic reduction of asthma symptoms. I know that one day I can drop my asthma inhaler and do just fine. I just need to be careful about the food that goes in my mouth.

La Paloma Mart to SM City Cebu on my B-day

I didn't know if I would have the stamina to walk from my house to SM City Cebu which is more than 5 kilometers ! I realized after three hours that I could actually accomplish my goal.. When you train your body to walk every day even for short trips, walking gets easier. Each week I got more ambitious and lengthened the distance of my walk.

Last Wednesday, I walked my longest route so far; I discovered two short-cuts though and learned to appreciate "road food" (carenderia specialties)... he..he..he. My favorite stops for relieving myself are McDonalds and KFC. They have the cleanest public CRs.

These past few days I haven't touched my books. Wow, road sceneries have taken over my attention. I read somewhere that walking is not only an effective aerobic exercise, it also helps manage stress and temporarily helps one forget office worries. To think it doesn't cost me anything. I just have to make sure though that my lungs don't get clogged up with phlegm which is a problem for most asthmatics like me.

I don't walk at night for security reasons, I just took these photos here before taking a jeepney. I just like looking at lighted office buildings. It makes me remember my law school days when I would stay up late at night studying.

Walking Adventure

I bought a Metro Cebu map last weekend, September 20. I needed to plan my route on foot from Tisa to Ayala Center in Lahug.

I discovered a few short cuts such as from La Paloma Mart to V. Rama Avenue, passing through Bliss and Cattleya roads which is more of a footpath lined with ramshackle houses. What makes this trip interesting is the number of street dogs in the area. I had to run away from one ferocious mutt, nearly tripping over a dirty puddle of water. And up ahead was this drunk bloke at a small carenderia (yes, drunk early in the morning) coming towards me. I slipped through a tight maze of decript dwellings. I got lost in a human mass in the squatters area. Two hours later the pathway opened to B. Rodrogues Avenue.

I arrived at the Banco De Oro ATM to withdraw some money before proceeding to J. Osmena street down to Queen's road where I ate at the KFC restaurant. Then off to F. Sotto Drive and to Archbishop Reyes Avenue where I found the Cebu Business Park. I've walked around three kilometers. It took me four hours to reach my destination, that includes stopping for lunch and snacks.

From Tisa to Colon street

Everyone in my family knows I hate to exercise. But since I found temporary relief from Asthma, discovered a good pair of flip-flops (fake "crocs" actually) which I can bring to work, and cheap disposable masks to protect me from street smog, I decided to take a walk.

From work, I walk home passing through Colon, Sanciangko, J. Alcantara street, going out to V Rama Avenue and on to Katipunan street. I am distracted by the colorful street life.

I think I like walking better than going to the gym. At least I get to see a lot of different things and not another boring treadmill. I like to travel because it helps me escape the mundane and stressful life I currently have and walking tricks my body into believing that I am going someplace far away.