In my 25 years of existence, there are things about myself that I cannot explain. These are stuff that though I know myself very well, I find it hard to define and justify. Below are some that I recall and sure I know, there are still more:
* I find the pleasure in feasting on lots of food, but I hate gaining weight.
* I'm at my happiest during paydays, but I wish I was earning by resting.
* I enjoy sleeping, rest & relaxation, but not the fact that much of my time was spent.
* I love working out but I almost curse my gym trainer.
* I like going to the beach, but I dislike getting tan.
* I enjoy a cold breeze, but not when the temperature extremely drops.
* I am an introvert person at home, but extrovert once outside.
* I love dressing up, but I am a homebody in nature.
* Fashion is my passion, but I don't like spending much for it.
* I like hearing stories and gossips, but I hate it when I am the subject.
* My life is very private, but I share my thoughts and feelings publicly through Twitter.
* I love travelling and going to places I've never been to, but not when I get lost.
* I'm not a fan of taking risks, but I was a "sure ball" risk-taker.
* I have been wanting to save money, but I want to shop, too.
Funny or weird I may seem, it could be nature versus nurture, but I'm proud of what I was, am and will become.
***
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sunday, December 30, 2012
2012 In A Nutshell
Wow! Time really flies so fast! It feels like we just celebrated a new year and here we are now, about to welcome another year. I just can't believe a year has already passed!
Looking back to the days and months of 2012, I must admit, it had been tough on me. I was unemployed at the beginning of the year, I hardly can find a job and the expenses were ongoing. Our house was sold to a developer, we needed to relocate from Mandaluyong to Parañaque. Can you just imagine leaving the place you grew up with your entire life, saying goodbye to your friends, relatives, the environment. Oh wow, I don't even know how I was able to adapt to our new home! Towards almost third quarter and the end of 2012, I suffered from different kinds of pain --physical pain, toothache, and emotional trauma after my bag was stolen away from me. Geez, I lost my cards, IDs, iPhone, camera, etc. A lot money flew just like that!
But hey, let's not focus on the negative things. I am a firm believer that there is a balance for everything. If I experienced all those awful things, there were also awesome ones. Lots of it actually.
Career. I started working again as a Company Nurse sometime in May. Lucky to have been working with the people I used to work with. In October, I engaged myself with a small-type of business. Glad that so far, it prospers way higher than what I envisioned. Don't call me businessman but an entrepreneur!
Hobbies. In March, I kept my passion burning. I began writing again and share it online through this blogsite. I was able to make my own version of Calamansi muffin. You could ask me for the recipe. I tried to become adventurous and try different things like playing billiards, basketball, wall-climbing and ziplining. I am looking forward for more active activities to the coming year.
Travels. In January, I was able to visit Vigan, where I met some of our relatives. In August, I went back to Singapore for a holiday. That was the first out-of-the-country trip of our family. Then I was able to go back for the third time in Boracay, where I also enjoyed the company of my college friends sometime in September. Of course there were other trips to nearby places like Laguna, Antipolo, Tagaytay, et al.
Love. It's always there throughout the year. Still no romantic love but I have abundant love from my family, friends, God. To feel you are accepted, appreciated, and blessed, that's more than enough love. I couldn't ask for more.
So to you, 2012, I want to thank you. Thanks for all the changes, travels, learnings, and experiences whether good or bad. There were ups and downs, pains and joys, but look at me, I am standing still no matter what. I don't know what's gonna happen this 2013 but whatever it might and could be, I know it will be an even more exciting and a better year.
Cheers to 2013 and may we all have a prosperous and harmonious brand new year ahead!
***
Looking back to the days and months of 2012, I must admit, it had been tough on me. I was unemployed at the beginning of the year, I hardly can find a job and the expenses were ongoing. Our house was sold to a developer, we needed to relocate from Mandaluyong to Parañaque. Can you just imagine leaving the place you grew up with your entire life, saying goodbye to your friends, relatives, the environment. Oh wow, I don't even know how I was able to adapt to our new home! Towards almost third quarter and the end of 2012, I suffered from different kinds of pain --physical pain, toothache, and emotional trauma after my bag was stolen away from me. Geez, I lost my cards, IDs, iPhone, camera, etc. A lot money flew just like that!
But hey, let's not focus on the negative things. I am a firm believer that there is a balance for everything. If I experienced all those awful things, there were also awesome ones. Lots of it actually.
Career. I started working again as a Company Nurse sometime in May. Lucky to have been working with the people I used to work with. In October, I engaged myself with a small-type of business. Glad that so far, it prospers way higher than what I envisioned. Don't call me businessman but an entrepreneur!
Hobbies. In March, I kept my passion burning. I began writing again and share it online through this blogsite. I was able to make my own version of Calamansi muffin. You could ask me for the recipe. I tried to become adventurous and try different things like playing billiards, basketball, wall-climbing and ziplining. I am looking forward for more active activities to the coming year.
Travels. In January, I was able to visit Vigan, where I met some of our relatives. In August, I went back to Singapore for a holiday. That was the first out-of-the-country trip of our family. Then I was able to go back for the third time in Boracay, where I also enjoyed the company of my college friends sometime in September. Of course there were other trips to nearby places like Laguna, Antipolo, Tagaytay, et al.
Love. It's always there throughout the year. Still no romantic love but I have abundant love from my family, friends, God. To feel you are accepted, appreciated, and blessed, that's more than enough love. I couldn't ask for more.
So to you, 2012, I want to thank you. Thanks for all the changes, travels, learnings, and experiences whether good or bad. There were ups and downs, pains and joys, but look at me, I am standing still no matter what. I don't know what's gonna happen this 2013 but whatever it might and could be, I know it will be an even more exciting and a better year.
Cheers to 2013 and may we all have a prosperous and harmonious brand new year ahead!
***
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Secret Santa
It’s that time of the year when it isn’t our birthday, yet, we receive surprise gifts and wonderful presents. Sure, it’s Christmastime!
In the spirit of gift-giving, my officemates and I organized our very first Kris Kringle. We did not plan to make it extravagant. Just simple enough to celebrate the season.
The categories per week were the following, with the gifts I received from my Secret Santa:
Week 1: something that describes your Santa Baby -- a dark chocolate bar (am i bittersweet?)
Week 2: something boxed-up -- a box of Nesvita
Week 3: something random & weird -- a concealer
Week 4: something annoying yet funny -- an eyeliner
Week 5: something Christmassy -- candy cane
Grand: something your Santa Baby likes -- to unwrap on Christmas Day + the gifts I got from
my workmates
Too bad my Secret Santa revealed that I was her Santa Baby the day before the first gift-giving. Supposedly, revelation is done at the end or during the last gift-giving day. I admit, it reduced the amount of excitement, but the enthusiasm never faded away. Each week, I was looking forward to the gifts my “Secret Santa” prepared and wrapped for me.
As a token of appreciation for all the gifts that Secret Santa gave, Santa Baby then returns the generosity of Secret Santa by giving a "thank you gift."
I know that this was our practice long before when we were still studying. But no matter how many times we do it, it is still fun and exciting -- from overthinking who's our Secret Santa, to what gift to buy, to how to wrap it. It's always fun! At the end of the whole gift-giving thingy, we learned that it feels good to give, whether it's small or big, expensive or cheap. It's the thought that matters! Now we know why Santa Claus loves giving presents!
Speaking of him, thanks to the real-life Santa Claus (officemates) for coming early to town! These gifts make me feel like a kiddo guessing what's inside!
Have yourself a merry little Christmas!
In the spirit of gift-giving, my officemates and I organized our very first Kris Kringle. We did not plan to make it extravagant. Just simple enough to celebrate the season.
The categories per week were the following, with the gifts I received from my Secret Santa:
Week 1: something that describes your Santa Baby -- a dark chocolate bar (am i bittersweet?)
Week 2: something boxed-up -- a box of Nesvita
Week 3: something random & weird -- a concealer
Week 4: something annoying yet funny -- an eyeliner
Week 5: something Christmassy -- candy cane
Grand: something your Santa Baby likes -- to unwrap on Christmas Day + the gifts I got from
my workmates
Too bad my Secret Santa revealed that I was her Santa Baby the day before the first gift-giving. Supposedly, revelation is done at the end or during the last gift-giving day. I admit, it reduced the amount of excitement, but the enthusiasm never faded away. Each week, I was looking forward to the gifts my “Secret Santa” prepared and wrapped for me.
As a token of appreciation for all the gifts that Secret Santa gave, Santa Baby then returns the generosity of Secret Santa by giving a "thank you gift."
I know that this was our practice long before when we were still studying. But no matter how many times we do it, it is still fun and exciting -- from overthinking who's our Secret Santa, to what gift to buy, to how to wrap it. It's always fun! At the end of the whole gift-giving thingy, we learned that it feels good to give, whether it's small or big, expensive or cheap. It's the thought that matters! Now we know why Santa Claus loves giving presents!
Speaking of him, thanks to the real-life Santa Claus (officemates) for coming early to town! These gifts make me feel like a kiddo guessing what's inside!
Have yourself a merry little Christmas!
***
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Real-life Halloween
Sorry for my late posting. I know it’s almost end of November
yet I would like to share this experience I will never forget. October 30,
2012. It was an awesome day in the office because we threw an event and it was
called “Halloween Fair,” in which I dressed up like Russell (from the movie,
Up). Sad to admit, but that very day, it ended so awful. I first encountered
riding a jeepney with a bad guy. By bad guy, I mean a person with an evil mind
and doing things illegally to survive. I was a victim. My bag was stolen from
me -- my iphone, wallet, Ids, cards, and other stuff with sentimental value,
included. My hands were shaking. I cannot move my feet. I wanted to shout but
no voice was coming out. All I knew was to immobilize. I should not make an
action to retrieve my bag. I might just put my life in danger.
When I got home, I called the banks to put my cards on hold.
Then it dawned on me. I lost almost everything important to me. What’s worst
was that I even saw the face of the bad guy. I get goose bumps everytime I
remember his appearance. I guess I still have trauma up to this writing!
The thought of them roaming around among us scares me. I
feel sad that they exist. I feel bad that they are moving freely outside. I’m
afraid that others could be their next victim – it could be you, our friends,
family, relatives, or any of us. I may sound unforgiving but I want justice of
what he did to me. I hope one day I see him again... behind bars!
***
Friday, October 26, 2012
A Little Pain, A Life To Gain
While my blood was being withdrawn from my system, I spoke with the Red Cross Volunteer and she mentioned that "-ber" months are mostly the time when only a few people share their blood. I hereby knock to your generous heart, to please be with me on this humanitarian and compassionate legacy. Donate your precious blood. Especially now that Christmas is yet to come. This would be the best Christmas present you could ever offer. Remember the saying, "It's better to give than to receive."
Voluntarily, the donor has to submit himself to undergo blood screening. The purpose of this is to determine the blood type, weight, blood pressure, and the donor's medical history & personal lifestyle. It is not true that if you have tattoos or piercings, you can no longer donate your blood. This is a common misconception among the people. If you get inked or had your piercings for more than a year, then you can still donate blood. There is a doctor to assess if you are qualified or not. Usually, the one who is "clean & healthy" passes the screening. The qualified donor will then be asked to lie down and there, a needle will be inserted. Once the bloodbag is filled with 450 ml of blood, a needle will be withdrawn. A successful donor will be instructed to remain still on bed for about 10 minutes before getting up. The whole procedure takes for about 30 minutes.
A donor's card will be given to all successful donors. Should you need blood in the future (knock on wood), you can come to Red Cross and ask for assistance. They will provide you the blood you need until you get well.
I hope this entry touched your heart and I'm looking forward to see more people supporting this drive in donating their blood. Yes, I know we inflict pain. I myself have fear of needles and the idea of being punctured. But what is a little pain, if life is we are saving. As long as I can give, this will be my lifetime advocacy. I hope you too!
***
Monday, October 15, 2012
Eyes, Eyes, Baby
We need our eyes. And if you love them enough, you will take care of them. Go, pay a visit to your ophthalmologist, EENT, and/or optometrist. Have them checked regularly. As a general rule, consider your eyes as your "baby."
***
Monday, October 8, 2012
Thumbs Up in Boracay
Over a week ago, my college friends and I went to Boracay. It was not our first time in that island; we all have been there separately with different groups. The only thing that’s first was I am (or we are) going to the beach with the BrainTrain Group, which later I will explain why we were labelled with that name. To make it more exciting this time, I prepared a list of better things to do, to try, to capture, to taste when we reach our place of holiday. By the end of our short vacation, only a few materialized.
First Day. The first day was one of the most memorable on this trip. WHY? That’s because for once, we felt like a VIP. The pilot waited for us. We were paged several times and immediately after we board, the plane took off. That garnered a non-stop laughs among us.
Second Day. No much activity as we planned. We were offered several times to try this-and-that but we declined because we already experienced most of the activities, like the ATV, zorb, helmet diving, etc. September is considered an off-peak season in the island so the prices are far cheaper than the rate when it is summer. Except we tried Parao to enjoy the beautiful beach of Boracay, the strong winds, the waves, the pristine saltwater splashing on our face, and the magnificent sunset. That was truly enjoyable!
Third Day. Everyone woke up late, but not Lara and myself. We walked by the beach, gazed upon the natural scenery, took our photos, and... let me just say “cook something exciting.” Since we did not let our time to engage with some “fun under the sun” activities, we were nowhere to be found but either in our hotel room, in a restaurant, or in a bar. Sure we were pigging out, drinking alcohol, resting, tweeting, and instagraming. That’s the whole point of our vacation, not to mention, to party every minute of every day.
“Happy Hour” starts at 4pm onwards. This is the time we always took advantage of the drinks which are sold at 50% off or buy 1, take 1. Our favourite was BrainTrain, which is made up of 10 alcoholic drinks combined into one mixture, best served with cherries. This is good to share and I swear, would be impossible if you don’t feel tipsy at all. During that time, at least when we were in Boracay, we were the only group that orders BrainTrain, hence, the bartender branded us as BrainTrain Group.
Darkness started to set in. We got hungry and wanted to eat in an all-you-can-eat buffet. We headed to Astoria and availed of our complimentary dinner. There was another story about this and yes, it was related to what I “cooked” earlier this day. Sorry, but I’d rather not reveal it. To give you a hint, among our group, I bagged the Best Story and Best Director. For Best Actor it was Adrian; Jessan for Best Actress.
It was our last night so might as well enjoy the remaining hours in the island. Party! Party! Dance! Dance! Even on the dance floor I remember the Strawberry Firework dance steps by Mykhel and the “Kasambahay” dance moves by Jean that we practiced in our hotel. No exaggerations, but that night was crazy fun!
Fourth Day. It’s our last and final day in the island. We started to feel nostalgic. But must bring the most of it! We bought some gastronomic delights and pasalubongs. Lounge by the shore, watch the beach, and bask under the sun while drinking the best shake in Boracay. That feeling was priceless! Over all, the experience was a thumbs-up! Just before we leave, we promised that we will still going back and perhaps, drink BrainTrain without sharing. I’m crossing my fingers, come next year, we could go back there all together.
I cannot share the nitsy-bitsy details of this trip. I am sharing only the highlights. As they say, “what happens in Boracay, stays in the island.”
***
First Day. The first day was one of the most memorable on this trip. WHY? That’s because for once, we felt like a VIP. The pilot waited for us. We were paged several times and immediately after we board, the plane took off. That garnered a non-stop laughs among us.
Second Day. No much activity as we planned. We were offered several times to try this-and-that but we declined because we already experienced most of the activities, like the ATV, zorb, helmet diving, etc. September is considered an off-peak season in the island so the prices are far cheaper than the rate when it is summer. Except we tried Parao to enjoy the beautiful beach of Boracay, the strong winds, the waves, the pristine saltwater splashing on our face, and the magnificent sunset. That was truly enjoyable!
Third Day. Everyone woke up late, but not Lara and myself. We walked by the beach, gazed upon the natural scenery, took our photos, and... let me just say “cook something exciting.” Since we did not let our time to engage with some “fun under the sun” activities, we were nowhere to be found but either in our hotel room, in a restaurant, or in a bar. Sure we were pigging out, drinking alcohol, resting, tweeting, and instagraming. That’s the whole point of our vacation, not to mention, to party every minute of every day.
“Happy Hour” starts at 4pm onwards. This is the time we always took advantage of the drinks which are sold at 50% off or buy 1, take 1. Our favourite was BrainTrain, which is made up of 10 alcoholic drinks combined into one mixture, best served with cherries. This is good to share and I swear, would be impossible if you don’t feel tipsy at all. During that time, at least when we were in Boracay, we were the only group that orders BrainTrain, hence, the bartender branded us as BrainTrain Group.
Darkness started to set in. We got hungry and wanted to eat in an all-you-can-eat buffet. We headed to Astoria and availed of our complimentary dinner. There was another story about this and yes, it was related to what I “cooked” earlier this day. Sorry, but I’d rather not reveal it. To give you a hint, among our group, I bagged the Best Story and Best Director. For Best Actor it was Adrian; Jessan for Best Actress.
It was our last night so might as well enjoy the remaining hours in the island. Party! Party! Dance! Dance! Even on the dance floor I remember the Strawberry Firework dance steps by Mykhel and the “Kasambahay” dance moves by Jean that we practiced in our hotel. No exaggerations, but that night was crazy fun!
Fourth Day. It’s our last and final day in the island. We started to feel nostalgic. But must bring the most of it! We bought some gastronomic delights and pasalubongs. Lounge by the shore, watch the beach, and bask under the sun while drinking the best shake in Boracay. That feeling was priceless! Over all, the experience was a thumbs-up! Just before we leave, we promised that we will still going back and perhaps, drink BrainTrain without sharing. I’m crossing my fingers, come next year, we could go back there all together.
I cannot share the nitsy-bitsy details of this trip. I am sharing only the highlights. As they say, “what happens in Boracay, stays in the island.”
***
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