Evolve

"When people suggest we write a song, record, or sound like an previous record, that always floors me. I always wonder if the people suggesting this are musicians. If they are, do they only play the same chords and progressions or do they enjoy learning new chords, new arrangements, new ideas? This is really the case in anything you passionately pursue in life. Who wants to paint the same picture time and time again, write the same poem, live the same day over and over again? My favorite artists always evolve and when they stop, that's usually when I stop listening. Growing is the most important part of living." -Dave Elkins (vocalist of Mae)

I can never agree more on what Dave Elkins said when fans expects bands to write the same songs over and over again and how he related it life and growing up. Personally, I am on a phase what a lot of people dread of doing: moving on.

I've recently was accepted in a new job. After a couple of months of looking for work, I finally landed one and I'm ecstatic to start this coming Monday. Although I have a higher salary in my previous company, I'm still happy that I managed to find a job that I was really hoping to do. Career wise, it's the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm going to live the dream that I had when I was still a newly graduate and after passing the board exams.

I know how a lot of people from my former company thinks it's risky to leave with the amount they are currently earning. But if they know better, that's not a good enough reason to keep them from looking for better opportunities. I can't blame them though. This has been the toughest economic times in recent memory and it's almost suicidal to even ponder anything that's related to job resignation. It's understandable how anyone will think more about the short-term than the long-term results of our actions.

Is it just the money? I don't think so. After working for years on the same environment with the same people and sometimes with the same situations, some people have developed a phobia in experiencing uncertainties or what they call a "comfort zone" syndrome. But like what Dave Elkin said, "Growing is the most important part of living". Change doesn't come with a guarantee of a better life but it does give you the invaluable experience of learning.

Summer Destinations: Malapascua Island

Malapascua is an island located near Cebu. To get there you need to take a long bus ride (around 4 hours) from Mactan airport and almost an hour of boat ride from the nearby dock in Maya. It's quite far but it's all worth it once you've seen the white sand and crystal clear waters which reminds me of how Boracay looks like more than a decade ago.

The island is not that crowded during summer compared to more famous beaches like Puerto Galera or Boracay. But for me, the best time to go here is during off-peak seasons. It feels like you're all alone stranded on paradise. You can go all out nude if you like.

One of the best things on this island is the food. Compared to other destinations, Malapascua has nearby restaurants that sells not only great tasting food but cheap as well! The most famous is Ging Ging's, whose pancakes are to die for and very attentive staff.

If there's one place I won't mind going to over and over again, it would be Malapascua. For more info about this great place like how to commute, places to stay and contact persons just click here.