"Siak dayta"

I was thinking of making an article about food when I read TengoLoTodo's post earlier but decided against it when I was browsing through my photos. I decided to share some of that here.

"Siak" is an Ilocano word meaning me.

"Dayta" means that.

"Siak dayta" means That's me.

Ilocano is one of the major languages we speak here in the Cordilleras in addition to Kankana-ey, Ibaloy, English, Filipino, etc.

What are your favorite "siak dayta" photos?

It's undeniable that many of us like taking selfies. With the advent of phones with cameras and the ability to take multiple photos, we are now all photographers.

These are some of my selfies.

This was taken in Candi Prambanan or Prambanan Temple in Indonesia. After spending a couple of days in Bali, we then took a bus from Bali to Yogyakarta. I'll write more all about it in a separate article. It was the longest bus ride I have had for it was almost a whole day.

Prambanan or Lara/Rara Jonggrang means Slender Maiden. These are Hindu temples and are one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site.

Just look at how little I am against the portion of the temple. If my memory serves me right, this was taken at Candi Sewu, one of the temples in the compound.

I was holding a rope that served as my jumping rope. This was taken during one of those rainy days just like now where I cannot go out for a jog or a walk. What I do on days like these is to exercise indoors and rope skipping is one of them. I took this photo in between rests and posted it in my social media account. There were several shots and poses but of those set of photos, this is the one I like the most. I like the background and I like how it was edited. This was edited using Snapseed.

I was surprised that some messaged and commented asking if I was okay. Apparently, this was read as a cry for help by some. Some expressed their concerns but I reassured them that it was nothing, that I am fine and there should be nothing to be worried about. I was tired from exercising, yes, but that's about it.

I was reminded again to think before you click and to check on your friends and loved ones. When was the last time you checked on them? Many of us have suffered during this pandemic. We have to check on our loved ones for mental health is one of the greatest issues one should be concerned about and not to be taken lightly.

Of all the photos there, this is my favorite. I like those mountains in the distance. This was taken at Mt. Yangbew. In that article you can see more photos of me.

Where this photo was taken is where there were lots of pitcher plants. We were lucky that time for it was pitcher plant season so they were spread throughout.

That rock juts out on a cliff. It looks higher than it seems. It doesn't look like it but I was scared. Just looking at this photo and remembering that time when it was taken, my hands are sweating. I am afraid of heights and falling but I like to challenge myself. One must be careful when taking photos in places like this. One wrong move and you could die.

Down below are houses and gardens, the other barangays of La Trinidad. Farther in the distance are the mountains of Kibungan.

Me, my partner ant Jaytee hiked here one time. I come here a lot since it's near our family home. I bring my family and friends here. One thing I haven't tried is camping here.

Here's another one taken at Mt. Yangbew again. The grasses were taller this time. The was setting and it was getting cold and it was windy as well which added to the coldness of the area. To warm myself up, I did some jump shots. I instructed my partner how to take the shot and where to take it.

Finally, this shot was at Mt. Kalugong.

This is a private property where you can camp. There are cabin's here that you can rent or you can pitch up your own tent. Entrance fee around that time was PHP100.00 or around $2.00. We also come here a lot to see the rock formation and have a view of La Trinidad while enjoying our food and drinks at the cafe.

Below me is the property of the the state university. This site used to belong to the university as well until it was sold to an individual. There are lots of potential activities that can one can do at this property. Aside from camping, the cafe and the view, there's not much one can do here. There is a potential for rappelling, rock climbing, bungee jumping and even skyway. At least that is what I will do if I own a place like this.

I don't take a lot of selfies though for I'd rather take photos of what's around me. Sometimes I just want to document me being in a certain place and the above photos are some of those selfies.

What I don't understand is the posting of multiple selfies in one place or on the bed or mirror selfies. Why? Why is one not enough? Also, why post a photo that you yourself criticize like saying you look fat or something about your hair you don't like? Why post it at all?

Thank you all to your unending support. I just noticed I have 139 subscribers. Whoever you all are, feel free to make some noise here and make your presence known.

*All contents are mine.