Why I should feel sorry for Tom: REMEMBERING 500 DAYS OF SUMMER

500 Days of Summer is one of the best indie films produced in Hollywood, especially if you're looking for a romantic delight and "hugot" feels. It is the "That Thing Called Tadhana" of Hollywood in 2009, which makes an appealing debut not just only in America, but the whole world. Today marks its 6th birthday, and I'm "on the feels" to reminisce the story of Tom Hansen, the story of a boy meets girl. The boy who grew up believing that he'd never truly be happy until the day he met his... "soulmate".

The story of this movie is about two people who met, had a great relationship while it lasted but sadly they're not each other's destiny as you called it. The first time I watched it, I found it as a story of two people who fell in love with each other but destiny doesn't last on them. But as I watched it again, I found it as a story of an obnoxious hopeless romantic who turned into a depressed funk who forgot his direction in life, mopes on the days after the breakup which he finds hard to move forward, but eventually has moved on along the way.

The strengths of this movie is that we really felt sorry for Tom after his romantic affair with Summer. There are moments when I feel sorry for him, especially the first time I have watched this movie. And this also made me appreciate Tom more when this scenario seems so familiar to me. And Tom is the loser of this story. There are times when I laughed at him because of his grieving for an inappropriate length of time, but as I realize his situation, I began questioning myself "Am I acting like that?" because suddenly Tom's mopping seemed all too familiar for comfort. 

Sadly, Tom has to accept that Summer is not the "one", not his destiny and that he needs to move on on his life, which is hard for him. This is one of the unique concept of this film which is quite different from the usual romantic comedy movies.

Unfortunately, for me Tom is not the only one to blame why this story came to what it used to be.

Many even criticized Tom for having unrealistic thoughts and expectations from Summer in the beginning. After all, Summer already warned him that she didn't believe in love and she didn't want a relationship. What Tom did which most up us do why we ended being hurt is we always assume and expect. Tom put an unrealistic expectation from Summer and wants her to be someone that she wasn't. The fact that he haven't seen beyond that marks his own fault. Sometimes, I cannot help but think that Summer gave the motive on why it leads onto this which makes her a kind of fucking jerk.

Obviously and unquestionably, Tom is the responsible from his own heartbreak. Summer told him that she didn't believe in love, doesn't want a relationship and and just wanted a "casual one". Tom agreed to her conditions, but what he overlooked is that it's hard not to develop a strong attachment for her, especially on the level of their "kind of relationship", which also Summer took for granted.

Summer is dishonest about her feelings, who just wanted to reap the benefits of a romantic relationship without committing to anything until she was sure about her feelings about Tom. It's very unfair and insensitive for her to invite Tom to a party, wherein Tom made another expectation despite moving on. Insensitive for her to introduce Tom to the man whom she never thought she will fall in love in a short period of time.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT LEADING SOMEONE ON, EVEN UNINTENTIONALLY, IS NOT A NICE THING TO DO REGARDLESS OF FEELINGS, RELATIONSHIPS AND ENVIRONMENT. WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF WHATEVER MOVE WE WILL DO.

The best thing about this movie is that their unrealistic expectations from each other doesn't gave them a happy ending. But still they didn't end up in bitterness or hate. They were permanently separated by fate and destiny and learned to move on with their own lives. Time heals everything. Both of them found their happiness in a matter of time. I wish every story leads to that. And I hope I can find my Autumn. 

*In the end, Tom decided to focus on his career. He applied for a job in an architectural firm and pursue what he loves to do and there he met Autumn. Summer is over. Tom and I have something in common. Both of us were architects.Both met the Summer of their lives. And that is the reason why Tom will be one of the characters I will never forget. 

MT. DARAITAN TRAVERSE TO TINIPAK RIVER DAYHIKE

Mt. Daraitan is also a part of the Siera Madre Mountain range, and one of the most popular spot in Tanay. Last summer, lots of local tourist and mountaineers visited the mountain, not just to experience the trek to summit, but also to explore the possible traverse to Tinipak River alongside with its cave.

This is one of the successful climbs I have organized with my two best friends, Jonel and Jhong. I can say you must be prepared and make sure you have informed your group about the trail. The height of the mountain is 739+ meters above sea level with only 4/9 difficulty according to PinoyMountaineer.com. But mind telling you, it is not recommended especially if there are beginners on your group because of the steep trail.

Barangay Daraitan, the main jump-off.

Barangay hall, where you must register. 

Israel, signing up the registration. 

Make sure you register first, as required by the locals. This is also for your safety.

Map of Brgy. Daraitan

If you are planning to commute on your way to Mt. Daraitan, there are few possible options to take. The first one is riding a jeep going to Tanay from Shaw, or ride a jeep bound to Cogeo from Cubao. We took the route to Cogeo and it will take you 30-45 minutes from Cubao. From there, look for the terminal of jeepneys going to Sampaloc Market. This is quite a long ride, which almost took more than 1 hour. From Sampaloc Market, ride a tricycle going to Brgay. Daraitan. The way to Brgy. Daraitan is very rough because of uncemented roads. There are cemented parts but only 10-15 meters then back to rough road again. There are times you have to get out of the trike and walk just to get through steep parts of the road.

Groupie before starting the trek. Photo coutesy: Rhenly.

Getting to know each other, and group pic with the entire group.

Make sure to start your trek with a prayer. And make sure you listen to your guide.

Once you get to the jump-off, make sure you register your entire group on the registration at Brgy. Hall. Registration fee is Php 20.00/person. They also require to secure a guide no matter how small your group is. Ratio is one (1) guide every ten (10) persons for Php 500.00. For overnight, guide fee is Php 1,250.00/10 participants.

We had our heavy breakfast first before starting the trail. We started the trail at 9:30 am. The initial part of the trail is an uphill concrete way which is only 50 meters long. The trek is quite confusing at first and make sure you follow the correct trail.

The trail is quite okay at first. Make sure you follow the right track.

The time we discovered two of our group members is missing. Hello Rhenly and Nene!

Mam Jovy, Mam Rhydz and Jhong with the guides.

Take 5!

With my bestfriends and co-organizers: Jonel and Jhong.

Israel, Roni and Jonel. One of my best climb buddies.

View from the top. Have you seen the Daraitan River?

The trail towards the campsite is always ascending, which marks Mt. Daraitan as one of the challenging mountains I have climbed in Rizal so far. The first assault is quite hard because of the long, rocky and steep trail. Make sure you have the proper attire in climbing this mountain, with gloves if possible because of the sharp rock formations along sides of the trail.

This marks that you're few steps from the summit and campsite.

Karen, Kate, Mitosh, Deth and Wendy.

Another view from the top.

Earl and Ija, the couple of this climb. Welcome to the goup!

Jhong, enjoying the rockies.

Let me take a selfie. 

Sierra Madre mountain ranges in the background. So cool.

With Earl, one of my colleagues in the profession. Bob the builders and super marios of the group.

Be sure you are wearing proper attire.

It took us almost 4 hours going to camp site because of the volume of mountaineers during that day. The trail at most can accommodate one person at a time, so you have to be patient. At the summit, we took some photo ops on its iconic rock formation. The meandering Daraitan River will welcome you and give a spectacular view. The Sierra Madre mountain range adds a scenic background, which will make all the efforts and hardships along the trail worth it.

View from the summit. The snake-like formation of Daraitan River in the background.

Group picture before heading to Tinipak River.

I conquered another summit!

THE TINIPAK RIVER

From the summit, you have to traverse if you are planning to go to Tinipak River. It will take you for almost 2-3 hours, and the trail is not as steep compared to previous one. Better prepare yourself for a series of slides and fall. Once you get there, the luscious trees, large white boulders and crystal clear water will welcome you. There, you can relax and take same rest after the long and challenging trail. We don’t have the opportunity to visit the nearby cave, because we arrived at the river at almost 5:00pm.

Trail towards Tinipak River.

Take five and taking a selfie at the same time. 

Guess who? 

I dont know what plant is this, but it really looks amazing. So I took a picture of it.

I wish the fruits were edible.

Mushrooms, sprouting on the fallen branches.

Charmee, Cris, Mam Jovy, Wendy, Mam Rhydz, Brendon, Israel, and Jhong, 

We're almost there after hours of trekking. 

Mitosh and Kate.

Karen, Charmie, Wendy, Ija and Earl.

Another group picture.

Nanay's mini-store is jump packed with tired and thirsty mountaineers.

The Mt. Draitan- Tinipak River traverse is not advisable for a dayhike due to limited time. If you’re planning to relax, I suggest for you to took the trail straight to Tinipak River so you can maximize your time and have a chance to explore the springs, natural pools and nearby caves in the area. But if you are looking for a challenge, take the trail towards the summit and it will give you a rewarding view.

Luscious and green background. Relaxing scenery.

The landscapes of Tinipak.

Maki the Great,

It's almost 4:00 pm. And we're just having our lunch after the long trail.

Tinipak River.

Just having fun. Photo Credit: Rhenly Garin.

The iconic white boulders of Tinipak River.

With Kate, Deth, Nene, Rhenly, Walter and Jonel.

Overall, Mt. Daraitan is not the best hike for beginners. On my personal opinion, the trail difficulty is at 6/9 as opposed to 4/9 rating.

P.S. Kudos to all our friends who have conquered this mountain alongside with us. A big high-five to the following people: Earl and Ija, the couple of the trek, to Team Vista: Mitosh, Badette, Kate, Rhenly and Janina, Team Globe: Mam Jovy, Mam Rydz and Cris, Team Sun-Life Financial: Wendy, Charmie and Bryan, our call center siblings: Israel, Brendon and Roni, my cousin Karen and Walter.

Of-course, special shoutout to my bestfriends, climb buddies and brothers Jonel and Jhong: congratulations for this successful event. Until next climb!