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Kawasan Canyoneering: Can't Help Falling (In Love) ♥

Wise men say, "only fools rush in"
But I can't help falling in love with you

A young priest once said, "we can't help falling in love." In the words of Donna Cruz, "kapag tumibok ang puso, wala ka ng magagawa kundi sundin ito."

Exactly a week ago, I had an awesome experience in Cebu. I finally got to tick off the first item on my BDJ's travel checklist. Yay!

Kawasan: CHECK! ♥

As I look at the photos and try to relive the memories of that great adventure, I came to realize that what we did - canyoneering/canyoning - was actually a lot like love. You fall hard and you're dead. LOL. 

Seriously, what I have gone through in canyoneering (and I believe my companions would also agree) can be pretty much likened to the stages of falling in love.

Let me begin.

Looking fresh. :D

It all starts with EXCITEMENT. That giddy feeling you get when there's something new! Months before our scheduled trip to Cebu, I was already researching for every detail I can get about canyoneering. I spoke with different people, read a couple of blogs... I was just too eager to know more about the activity so I can prepare myself better. I was extremely excited. 

That was the same feeling I had when Pao and I were starting to rekindle our friendship in 2015 after my best friend's wedding. I never thought we would be more than friends because honestly, I don't usually fall in love with someone close to me. I mean it when I say "we're just friends." But for some reason, I was excited to get to know Paolo more. At yun na nga. The more I get to know him, the more interested I become. Until I reached the second stage. 

FEAR. A week before our trip, I was feeling nervous. Ang exagg ng kaba ko kasi kung ano-ano na-i-imagine ko na pwedeng mangyari sa akin during the activity. I'm worried that I won't come out of the water alive. Baka hindi na ako lumutang or matangay ako kung saan. Weird thoughts. And I realized, fear is actually a result of overthinking.

Dahil mahilig daw akong mag-isip. :D

When I was beginning to fall for Paolo, I was scared to death. At that time, he wasn't saying anything yet. He was just so caring, so thoughtful, so sweet. You know, stuff that would make a girl swoon. But I was carefully guarding my heart then. And because I was scared that I was the only one falling (and he won't be there to catch me), I was stressed and at the same time, agitated. Again, kung ano-ano na lang ang naiisip ko. A lot of "what ifs" and "buts."

Just before our first jump. :D

Standing on the edge of the rock from where I would jump, all I could sense was fear. But the moment I took the plunge, it was liberating! Mas maganda siya pakinggan sa Tagalog: mapagpalaya. Our tour guide was right, the more you linger in your fear, the more scared you will become. During our first jump, I needed a lot of convincing from Kuya. I was holding on to him and I could barely move. But he kept on saying, "1-2-3 Jump! Huwag kang humawak, Ma'am. Tumalon ka lang." It took him several "1-2-3 Jump"s before I finally let go. And when I finally did, I only wished I did it sooner.

How did I overcome my fear? I learned to TRUST. Paolo was the first to do everything. He goes before me so even if I cannot see (because I have to remove my glasses, and you know how dependent I am on my eyeglasses), I know he's there to help (and if needed, save me). Aside from giving me helpful tips like "don't panic, you have a life vest :D", he has also given me the assurance that he's there. Ang laking bagay nung alam mong may sasalo sayo at alam mong hindi ka pababayaang malunod. :) 

Hooray to adventures with this one. :)

Same goes with love, right? We're afraid to commit unless there's an assurance. I said yes to Paolo because he assured me that he's not into playing games anymore, na seryoso yung relationship namin, kasi nga naman hindi na kami bata. 

Sometimes, that's all we really need. Assurance. 

Pero paano kung walang Paolo na magbibigay ng kasiguruhan? Hindi na ba ako tatalon? 

I'd still do. Because my greatest assurance comes from God Himself. :) 
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8) 
So what's the point of this kinda lengthy post? Do canyoneering in Cebu! Haha.

Seriously, it's a worthwhile experience. It won't just remind you of the beauty (and dangers) of falling in love, it will also make you realize that life is actually a cycle of these three states: excitement - fear - trust. And it is only when you trust will you be able to experience fullness. ♥

I wish I could tell you how amazing an adventure it was, but I encourage you to taste, see, and feel it firsthand! I tell you, it will make you ponder on whatever hugot you have. You might even have your "aha!" moment while sliding through the waterfalls. As for me, it didn't just give me extreme adventure feels, but an emotional high as well. 

And yes, it made me fall in love even more... with God, with nature, and with Paolo. ♥

Canyoneering is a test of relationship. And we're glad we survived. :D
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