"I set my eyes wide open to see and savor the great space, it was freedom! I enjoyed the moment seeing the frontierless space, it was freedom! It was indeed an endless space beyond my reach."

It was a great sweet escape from reality - the reality that I work 8 hours a day (sometimes I have to work 12 hours) and 6 days a week. It is the reality that I am longing for space, freedom and delight badly. It is the reality that I am thirsty of seeing a wide space under a time that runs so slow as if it will never end.

Being stuck within the 4 corners of the hospital with my role of giving unconditional care, patience, love and service to humanity, I almost forgot that there is a wonderful place outside waiting to be discovered by me. It was the day I found love once again -- a love for God that has gone deeper who is the Creator of marvelous wonders on Earth, the love for nature that I tend to miss at times and a love for peace and right freedom. I don't have a problem with my job at least, I loved it. Sometimes the job becomes so rewarding even I have to work under a not so generous compensation but I am not complaining about it because it is already a reality for our profession that we need to work more than what we earn. So there should not be an issue for that, as I said, I love my role, my vocation.

San Quintin, Abra
But what made me landed to those realizations is the fact that I am seeing a raw natural wonder that is impossible to see in my daily routines. Upon seeing a gratifying wonder, NO ONE, as in NO ONE should blame me why I have to come up to the point that I have to say I am thirsty for freedom and to feel the other side of adrenaline rush I always wanted to experience.

In my work, everyday is an adrenaline rush and I am deeply loving the daily challenge that makes me a better nurse but it is a very different thing. It is an adrenaline rush that signals my role that I need to act because there is something wrong or someone is in danger and I have to save lives. Well that task is oh-so-nice. Not everyone can do it aside from trained health care providers like me.

San Quintin, Abra Adventures
The adrenaline rush that brings out excitement and passion is the one that I long for. But then again, I don't want to hurt anyone so please don't jump into conclusion that I am "mareklamo." It is NORMAL for a sound person to crave for something he always wanted to do. Unless if you have an unsound thinking, you will never, as in never understand the things I am saying and you will tend to jump into conclusion that I am complaining. I am proud being a nurse. But outside our work (generally speaking), there is that other side of us that is activated [aside from the things we love doing inside our workplace] be it cooking, jogging, farming, singing, sleeping, surfing the net, etc. On my part, I can't deny the fact that I love going outdoors and I shouldn't be stopped for that like the way most of us prefer.

I don't have a problem with my job and I love it. I am merely expressing the great feeling and insights that consumed my soul upon seeing a natural wonder that I can never see in my daily routine. So I SHOULD NOT BE BLAMED if I am expressing these things. Well I am just human that is susceptible of becoming amazed and I should be respected for that. In the long run I am not against anyone. I am not blaming anyone and I am in the position to complain.

Abra River
The truth will set you FREE!

In my previous post, if you ever read that, I reached the dead end [of the road]. But it doesn't mean it was the end of everything. It was actually the start of great adventure.

In life, sometimes we have to end something, but ending something can mean it is the start of more thrilling and exciting adventure as what happened here in San Quintin, Abra.

As I get off the motorbike, I already knew that I have to get off the ride to experience the real essence of the adventure. The adventure is not always along the road. You need to get out of your comfort zone and find another comfort zone. Yeah! There are a lot of comfort zones out there to grab but we fail to recognize them.

I was expecting a great scenery here and it didn't fail me. It was more than my expectation. Before I came in this town, I am already aware that the Abra River flows down in this quiet beautiful town. Thanks to Google Map for showing me that. Now my role is to find the road that will lead me there, if there will be no road, I have to walk and if I have to cross a river, I will. I triumphed! I actually did the three: I passed on the road, I walked and I actually crossed the river (story will come next).

Abra River

I was indeed rejoicing to see the new place I discovered. Ahhhh! This is freedom! This is the adrenaline rush I am looking for! I set my eyes wide open to see and savor the great space, it was freedom! I enjoyed the moment seeing the frontierless space, it was freedom! It was indeed an endless space beyond my reach.

There was no restrictions as to how should I act or move, it was like me and just the nature with God above! It was peace, no pressure, no heavy responsibility or almost none at all.

San Quintin, Abra
As I look at the man riding on a rake, I have realized how we make our lives complicated when we can make it simple. But that would be another story. I have to say, this man should consider himself lucky. It seems he has no great demands for luxury and wants. He is not pressured, the way I interpret the image.

While enjoying the view, I saw a lady dressed in white coming near us. I was wondering what is her purpose of going here. I let her come close and ask why because I am curious. I thought she is related to the man fishing in the river atop a rake.

The moment I had the chance to talk with her, I asked her what is she doing here. She told me she is going to cross the river. Huh? I wondered how until she told me that a motorized boat is coming to fetch her.

"Really!" I squealed. I tried to focus my eyes at the other side of the river and there I saw it was real. I saw tiny boatmen riding on a tiny boat. I know they are real. They are just too far from where we are standing that I didn't notice they were just there.

Motorcycle Adventures in San Quintin, Abra
Motorcycle Adventures in San Quintin, Abra
After taking several photos of me near the river as souvenir, my spirit can't just wait to be awakened and push me to cross the river.

I thought I have to pay but the lady told me it was a free ride. I stand amazed. I let her talk and learned that the free boat ride is funded by the provincial government of Abra to help the people.

I later learned why there is a need for the government of Abra to do this. The fact that it is already the end of the road is making sense. The other side of the river are other communities and they are literally isolated because of the great river. There is no bridge to connect these communities to other places where important human activities take place. So the road has to end up here.

Abra River
Zooming my camera, I was able to at least magnify the tiny boat with tiny people therein. It was coming close already. They know when to come and go. The free ride starts from 8am until 5am but they may extend as the need arise.

San Quintin, Abra
Two boatmen are fast approaching. Finally, I will have to cross Abra River for the first time at one of its widest parts. Will this give me the chance to see the footprint of mythical giant Angalo? That would be the second footprint I should see if ever. They say I can see it at the other side of the river. And right now, I am ready to cross the river and I know it would be fun. It was very spontaneous, unplanned and instant. To be continued...

San Quintin, Abra Map
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You are reading the Part 4 of our Abra Motorcycle Adventure Series
SPEAK YOUR HEART OUT. DON'T BE SHY TO POST YOUR COMMENT, THOUGHTS, OR FEEDBACK. MAG-REREPLY AKO ONCE MAKITA KO ANG COMMENT MO. :)

Axact

EDMAR GUQUIB y DEL CASTILLO

Born and Raised in Vigan, Philippines. Hardcore Ilocano-Cordilleran. Professional Nurse on Weekdays. Coffee Addict. Travel Blogger in Between. For collaboration or partnership, email your business proposal at admin@edmaration.com.

Post A Comment:

34 comments:

  1. What a good morning for me;) just started my day and saw ur latest post bro;) we are in diff industry pero sobrang nakakarelate ung post mo! Tumpak na tumpak! U or i should say that We always deserve that break to recharge and refuel para pagbalik natin from travel we're totally full to do our commitment en task;) good am bro! See yah soon, may sked na aq pa ilocos jejeje;)

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  2. Traveling Morion | Brother Jeffrey! Wow! That melts my heart to know that someone understands my predicaments and things close to that! See ya soon!

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  3. "I have realized how we make our lives complicated when we can make it simple"...nice line that made me realize how do i made things..hehe tnx sir edmar :)

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  4. Joel Balance Catimbang | Same thanks Joel! Let's dig in to that, haha!

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  5. I also want to have the free ride...Most of the time it feels good to reflect on things no? I am glad there are places where we could find the inner peace. Ganda and peaceful pa.

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  6. juanderfulpinoy | Correct! And these places are of great help when sometimes we feel we are already dipped into the realm of daily routines that don't allow us to enjoy life to the fullest!

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  7. sad but we all need to work most of the time but I like your spirit. always enjoy life when you have free time! :D

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  8. Every time we see nature's beauty, it does make us realize that there is more to life than being stuck in the four corners of the office. I guess reality is that we have to find a sense of balance between working and traveling.

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  9. you deserve to have a break from the stressful work just like everyone else who give their best to serve our people better. That trip in Abra is a must on my list . This gives me another reason to visit north luzon again ...

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  10. Traveling can really ease the spirit, I guess I should find time to balance my work and my travels. Thanks for the tip ;)

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  11. wow may libreng boat ride pa! hope you gave them some tip na rin for their daily living :)

    i have never been to abra, maybe someday :)

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  12. Franc Ramon | Exactly Franc! We all deserve a break!

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  13. lovemindanao | Hey Dennis! The north is always welcome for you! :)

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  14. claire | Equilibrium is life is much needed for without it, we won't be an efficient person :)

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  15. Christian | LAKAD Pilipinas | Waah! Ngayon ko lang narealize yan! Haha. I didn't give any. Duh! Na-overjoy lang siguro ako! :)

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  16. wow! it's a wonderful place, this is the first time to visit your blog!

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  17. Great post Edmar! I'm an accountant and at work I am enclosed with books and my computer and files and files of documents. Boring yes but like you I love my job. And it feels so wonderful to be out of the norm every now and then. Breathing in some fresh air, seeing nice sceneries, enjoying something I love which is nature and outdoor activities. ;)

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  18. Violy Vallester | Great you can relate Vi! Let's continue doing what makes us happy!

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  19. such a nice feeling of freedom and having this emotion by seeing the beauty of God's creation. sometimes we really need a break from work and reflect.

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  20. It is important for us to be able to get away from work from time to time. That will make us more productive as employees. Great pics, Edmar. And it's great, too, that you had the time of your life. :)

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  21. You deserve a break every once in a while, especially with the kind of work that you do. I'm particularly scared of wide and open spaces (such as the sea), but I do get you from getting tired of being enclosed (or caged) at work. :)

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  22. che | Practically everyone deserves a break, that's why the Labor Code was enacted if ever I make a sense out of that :)

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  23. Chilipina | Ate Ayzee, we might not have the same line of preference (because I am claustrophobic and I want to get out from small space, LOL), the bottomline is we really need a break, I second that! Thansk ate!

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  24. It's always comforting to be at peace with nature. Just riding on a boat and gazing upon the vast green environment... just beyond compare!

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  25. wow, this is quite a refreshing sight... away from pollution and city's congestion... somewhere you can set your mind free... good for you. Yahweh bless.

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  26. Wow! Very clear! Hope it remains unadulterated! being at peace with one's self is the best thing in the world!

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  27. Nature had been provided to us for free so it is best for us to enjoy it especially since many things threaten their beauty and purity. It is good that you find time to discover it and have the time of your life .

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  28. Marie | Yeah, we hope it won't change as what we are seeing now.

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  29. Teresa Martinex | Yes mommy Tere, we need it really :)

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