Guiding newly-hatched Olive Ridley turtles to sea since 2001, the annual Pawikan Festival held at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Barangay Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan has become an important representation of environmental awareness pertaining to marine life. Most especially to these lovable creatures teeming with delightful qualities, but now considered an endangered species. Experiencing this unique festival centering on environmental conservation, particularly marine life, has made me far more aware of the dangers that many creatures of the sea face each day.

Most travelers saw Thailand as a nation teeming with culture and historical relics that extended to its numerous ancient cities—where iconic temples and reclining Buddha statues abounded. To some, it was a shopping haven; to the younger generation, it was a multitude of islands ripe for an abundance of revelry—especially come full moon nights and during the renowned cultural festivals of Songkran and Loy Krathong.

It was almost a year ago when I found a comrade-in-arms in the art of moving on. A knack – because it takes a while figuring how to pull it off, and requires keen imagination to create a way for one’s self to wiggle out. A heartache that punctures deeply and hurting necessitates a massive redo of one’s routines. A friend of mine; Cha found a progression to distance herself from that madness; by indulging in the sport of mountain climbing. Mountaineering - my first love back in college, which I had abandoned except during sporadic hiking trips that happens far in between.

Already positioned on top of my longboard, I looked behind me and saw a cluster of incoming swells. With my heart racing, I rapidly paddled my hands to gear up for my impending stoke. The waves aggressively pushed me forward, and as I raised my body against my two arms to confidently stand on my board, I heard a sudden pop in my lower right chest. I lost my balance entirely, and the swirling of the swell—closely resembling the chaotic insides of a washing machine—swallowed me yet again.