Expectation VS Reality

It is no secret that I have been to Boracay several times. As a matter of fact, I visit the island almost every year. For those who have traveled to Boracay sure know why, because it's a paradise! 

The beauty of the island never gets old and there are so many activities to do, and food to taste to have your entire stay memorable, enjoying, and fun. And to make it more exciting, days before our scheduled flight, I made a photo research on taking creative beach pictures. Please note that all "EXPECTATION" here are not mine and were just grabbed from the internet for these are the very images I intended to copy (Pampaganda ng Instagram feeds! LOL). Though we didn't get exactly as they were, the photo session itself was truly fun! 

Our first day happened to be Father's Day and my brother's birthday...

EXPECTATION 

REALITY

The following day was beach bummin' with my godson, Joaquin...

EXPECTATION

REALITY

EXPECTATION

And because I am not in a relationship, might as well do the same pose with Joaquin...

REALITY

Of course there were times we just let Joaquin play by himself in the sand...

EXPECTATION

REALITY

EXPECTATION

REALITY

In the afternoon, picture taking resumes again...  

Family picture taken from behind...

EXPECTATION

REALITY

Family picture in matching outfits...

EXPECTATION

REALITY

Solo pictures will surely never be forgotten...

EXPECTATION

REALITY

EXPECTATION

REALITY

EXPECTATION

REALITY

EXPECTATION

REALITY

To whoever sees this entry, I hope I inspired you to be more creative. Next time you hit the beach, challenge yourself to capture the beauty in everything you see and never forget to have fun! 

I would like to end this blogpost with my OOTD's...

Day1

Day2

Day3

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Soon I'll Be 30 Years Old

    

It has already been over a week ago since my birthday and even up to this writing, I am still reeling from last week's birthday fun. 

I felt blessed that when I was younger, I grew up celebrating my special day with our close family, relatives and friends. My celebrations were not something grand. They were just simple and very intimate. My Mama made sure that every year, I could have the "best birthday ever" she could possibly give me despite our financial situation. Having spaghetti and cake on the table, okay na. As they say, "mairaos lang." For the rich kids, that may be small, but for us, that was already special. 

Perhaps it is the upbringing that made me feel excited each year to spending my birthday with the very people that make me feel special. 

P.S. The whole week, I was wearing the color that truly makes me happy. RED! 

First celebration was in our office, July 14, a day before my natal day. My HRDearies were so creative to surprise me. I went out of the room and when I got back, they all together greeted me with a cake and hand me their gifts.

In return, I ordered delivery food that we devoured for our afternoon snack. Thanks, HRDearies!

The following day, July 15, which is my real birthdate, I woke up to lots of birthday greetings and messages on SMS, Viber, Twitter, Facebook, Facetime, and the list goes on. I wish I could treat each of them but I can only thank the words they sent me! 

Since it was my special day, I planned to do the things I enjoy doing. Anything that would please no one but myself. I started with a quick workout and then I dressed up in red (again) for my birthday lunch at Vikings. 

The people who know me so well know how much I love eating. From cold cuts to desserts, Chinese to Japanese, Korean to Mediterranean, and all other cuisines, I like them all. Good thing, Vikings has them all in their buffet spread.

 

My brothers were in the office so we were the only ones who ate like Vikings. 

The simple joy of having a birthday cake. In my eyes, it's magical!  

I am a cake-lover but that little kiddo is truly an ice cream monster! Haha.

Then I had coffee and desserts. Lots of it, actually! 

Then we killed time malling/shopping. Too bad I forgot to ask them to take a photo of myself buying some stuff. 

By the time the sun has set in the skies, I headed to the church to thank God for the 29 wonderful years of existence. 

With both a wish and a prayer, I thanked Him for all that is here and now. I may not have everything that I want, yet I was granted with all the things, family/friends whom I need. That is more than enough. 

My day started good and I planned to end it better. My brother got back from work and so we decided to cap off the night in BF with his wife. First stop was at Central Bar & Grill. 

Food trip, music trip and bad trip. Haha. But because we felt like we are likely becoming "Tito's and Tita of Manila," we hopped to Bacaro, where we enjoyed good conversations, strawberry margarita, pizza and mozzarella sticks. 

Thanks to these two for making me a third wheel. LOL. Seriously, for keeping me company on my birthday.

The following day, Saturday, the Parrilla's gave me a cake, which made me feel so happy. Perfect for coffee & cake and quiet afternoons. 

Sunday, our family day -- all July celebrants sponsored our family lunch. Here's the flatlay of the food we wolfed down. 

Thanks for the gifts and for coming, guys. Your presence was my best present.

 

I have yet to meet some of my friends for my post-birthday celebration. To end this entry, I would share with you the wishes I made as I blow the candle of my birthday cake: 

"I wish that I may always have opportunities to do the very things that make me feel alive. And that I may continue to make and chase new dreams."

Soon I'll be 30 years old. But for now, I will enjoy my last year of being 20's. Thanks to everyone for making my 29th birthday not just special but FABULOUS! 

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Introducing Oneself

Gone are the days of schooling when I needed to introduce myself on the first day of school year. To be honest, I hate doing it. I could clearly remember that back then, I was so nervous everytime I speak in front of the class and tell something about myself, which with high hopes, my classmates would like me, especially with my words and how I described myself. Of course I didn't want to sound boastful and proud right there while I keep my best foot forward. So with my fingers tightfully crossed, I thought of sooner or later I could make friends.

It was too late for me to realize that in introducing oneself, there were no right or wrong answers. No need to impress our fellows. All we need to do is to connect with them and from there, ignite a mutual understanding and over some time, build a rapport. To all the kids out there, NEVER BE AFRAID. Just tell no lies and you'll be fine. If your classmates like you, good; if not, it's still good. It is better to find a friend who would genuinely accept you for who you are than who you are not.

Even up to this date that I'm already working, I am not really comfortable introducing myself to the public. But compared before, I am more confident presenting myself now. In my mind, "I know myself better than anyone else in the room. I have nothing to worry about." 

To my readers who would want to know more about me, please read some bits and pieces of myself below. 

"Fashion is my passion; styling is my obsession. Spending is easy; saving is a real suicide. Sleeping is a necessity; creative writing is my hobby. Summer and Christmas are my favorite seasons; hearing a mass is a Sunday obligation. I work, I workout, and I pig out. I found joy in eating junk food, and I can't imagine life without cake and French fries. I do not smoke but alcohol runs in my system. I drink coffee but tea is way better. I am a registered nurse, and (I hope) I have been an obedient son, a loving brother, and a good friend. I like the color red, I am a netizen, a music-lover, and a watch-collector. My curiosity has always been my guide. I chase the sunset and I pursue my dreams. I travel and fly the friendly skies. In a nutshell, I am a lover of life."

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Home Away From Home

Everytime I go on a vacation, I stay in a hotel. Of course, there were lots of considerations in choosing my home for a few days -- good reviews, clean rooms, breakfast inclusions, strong internet connections are just to name some. Not to mention, paying a not-so-expensive luxurious hotel without compromising comfort. After all, we are on a break, which means, we have to indulge once in a while. 

However, not all the time it is best to book a hotel. Last March, when I was granted a privilege to visit Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo), I rented a house from Airbnb. At first I was very hesitant to try Airbnb but after my entire stay, I realized, I think I made the right decision.

Below are some of the photos of the home we rented:

Please don't think I am promoting Airbnb. This is not a paid advertisement. I just want to share with my readers that it is possible to find a place where you feel as comfortable as you do in your own home by not staying in a hotel. 

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