It's cold and there's something I hate to do - But I'm still doing it!

The longeeeeest title ever........

No excuses afterwards: What insect came into my brain to post this... I would understand if tomorrow I don't have friends anymore.  LOL! A very random fact on a cold morning brought about by the changing weather and the air condition on my back which I wanted to destroy right now.

I noticed the changes in the wind at night. It's getting colder and colder. I know it will last until February and it gets me excited. 

But there is one thing I'm afraid to do or lazy to do rather. 

The reason why I was late for one minute at work. It's something I have to do. 

I can't sleep or step out of the house and meet friends without doing it. 

It's a must but it's taking me too long to complete the process and there is no shortcut to get it done (doing it twice a day), that's why I hate  doing it. BUT I HAVE TO.

I'll leave it hanging for you to guess. I know you'll get it and would understand why :) you know my weakness.

If ever we'll meet someday around late December to February, and I'll be late....you know the culprit so don't be mad at me. Okay!

A little help won't hurt

Last Saturday, it was one week before Christmas Eve

While I was struggling to complete my Christmas list

Our countrymen from Northern Mindanao were trying to save their properties

While were safely tucked inside our homes, they’re struggling for their lives

Everyday news only shows how bad the situation is with dead bodies everywhere

I remember I talked to a friend last time and I said why my heart seems to be like a rock

Tried and tested by time, hardened by the circumstances

But seeing children lost their lives while their bodies were held by the mourning parents

Surely, only a rock won’t cry.

In times like this, Filipinos always manifest a great spirit full of hope

That in every crisis we’re always ready to stand up from the fall

Even those who just have enough tried to help and for sure

A little help won’t hurt

A lot of people helped and were helping but more help is needed

With our prayers and little donation, no matter how small when put together

Will help sustain life and bring hope

This maybe one of the saddest Christmas but  now is also the right time

To show the true spirit of what we’re celebrating.

For those who are willing to help, 7 eleven branches are accepting donations,

just approach the crew on the counter and they will give you your official receipt

Or click here for more ways how you can help – whichever is more convenient for you.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 photos via:

This Christmas

Christmas never cease to be my favorite time of the year. An event I always look forward to, and I consider more important than my birthday. This excitement rooted form my childhood memories. I remember how I used to hang my Christmas socks on our window on the 24th of December  so that Santa won't have a hard time looking for a perfect place for my gifts. That I believed, until I caught my family at midnight sneaking on my socks to put the present.

This year I started to draft my plans as early as September from the gifts list down to the smallest detail. But no matter how I tried to create a perfect plan to accomplish everything, I am still short and way behind my Christmas schedule. We only have 9 days until Christmas and now I am conditioning myself for the Christmas shopping rush which is most likely to happen because I am not yet even on the 1/4 of my plans. Not to mention that I have to stay here (work) until the 24th before I could finally join my family for the celebration. It's another battle against long line on ticket booths, heavy traffic and if there's no more seat available - stand in the bus for almost 2 hours just to get home.

That's how messy life will be for me this coming 9 days and if you have spare time, please lend me some. But everything is worth the effort and time. Christmas is my favorite and the most special.

And a little update to the people who are interested and concern. First thank you so much. Right now I am caught in the middle of a busy season in our office and several books to read. End of the year (4th Quarter) seems to be the hardest and the most hectic schedule for us with endless meetings every now and then. 

I 'll be in touch and will response to your kind emails and tweets asap. Thanks!

Where did my time go?

We're on the middle of November and I can't stop thinking where did my time go. The year is about to end and  I had this feeling that my time goes to waste. But if I would take a look back to all the adventures, fun, laughter and tears - time didn't go to waste but there's a craving in me to do more of the time given to me.

In less than 2 months, 2011 is over. It's another year again and needless to say new beginnings for those who seek a new life. I myself doesn't follow new year's resolution. For me, it's a come what may situation. Just enjoy the time and what life has to offer. 

I am not making any new year's resolution because I am not good with it. I tend to procrastinate and throw my list on the bin. Same with bucketlist.  But who said I have to do/complete the list in a matter of short time? It's just me who put pressure to myself. I realized I have to do the list but I am not compelled to complete it at once. I just have to take the chance when opportunity knocks. 

Now, with no pressure, I am in the process of completing my list of all the things I wanted to do in my life even if it will take me forever to complete it. No pressure at all.

Post ala Twitter

How are you guys? Hope you're all doing fine and having a great time, enough sleep and plenty of energy which I don't have (just the energy and sleep). Yes, I was deprived of quality sleep again so the lack of energy, I would blame it to the lack of sleep.

I can't keep a grasp of the proper words to write one decent post. All the updates I attempted to write ended up residing on the draft folder. I hope I could sum up everything in 140 characters because I am too lazy and drained right now. But I don't want November to end without making an update especially now that the year is about to end (where did my time goes?).  So here is a post ala @Twitter to sum it up.

-Can't wait for #thanksgiving

-Updating my #bucketlist on a website I found so I could keep track of my performance.

-I'm so tired #justsayin'

-watched #intime - gimme more time!

-We have a new work schedule because of #DST. There are pro's and con's. 

-someone called me #guesswho

-dear #globe, please call me now.

-#Christmas, please slow down a bit. Just walk don't run!

-Reading "House of Daughters" a #novel.

-doing a final touch to the story I will send to @kikilabotz later..

-it's time to rest.

Let me know if you have suggestions on how can I sleep better. Thanks.

It's not Trick or Treating that I miss

If you want to make me cry, you cannot use this topic to bring tears to my eyes. It's a moment in my life that I for a long time endured and accepted. I poured all the tears the day he bid his last goodbye but a moment I was not on his side.

He was strict but loving. He never failed to bring me a slice of custard cake when he gets his paycheck.  I tagged along when he's going out of town. I accompanied him when he visits his friend. I helped him watched the chickens in the poultry. I watched him cut bamboo trees to make a chair. He let me borrowed his racing bicycle. I am his avid fan when he played  baseball. We strolled town after town pedaling our bicycles. He loves coffee.

On December 15, it will be 10 years since he's gone. I didn't notice it's been that long. Maybe because I am still keeping him and his thoughts alive in my heart. And I know we didn't waste anytime of our time together.

But today is different. I was too emotional which is not usual for me. It maybe because I will not be there tomorrow to light a candle, bring him flowers and offer my prayers. I terribly miss my father.

I don't give a D*** F

Last time a good friend of mine told me she likes my picture on twitter. She said it implies the attitude of "I don't give a d*** f****** care". Thanks to her I came up with a post, hahaha.

"Nobody can hurt me without my permission"

Above is a famous line from the famous Mahatma Gandhi. I have it on file since the day I don't remember when. I love collecting quotations and inspirational messages either from famous or unknown scholars.  

Why am I writing about this? Maybe you're thinking I am in pain right now or is suffering from depression. Don't panic, cause I don't.  Coincidence also works in mysterious ways because when I go over the quote above, someone also educated me with a psychological fact (according to her) that "emotional pain only last for 12 minutes and anything after that is self inflicted". Ouch!

Ouch!!! Because I suddenly realized what I did to myself when I let people hurt me. I gave them the permission to take away years of my life.  I was a bad caretaker of myself.

But that was the case before when I have no control over my emotions. Now I choose to be proactive. I want to make the best out of those emotions, let them bring out the best in me by focusing on the lessons rather than the pains.  That doesn't mean I'm invulnerable.


Letting yourself feel the pain in a matter of time will help in easing the pain itself. Time will come you'll realized you're just punishing yourself by letting yourself sulk and you'll be encouraged somehow to get going and let bygones be bygones. It's just letting yourself cry when you have to and after letting the tears fall down, all that was left were clean eyes and a light heart.

for your viewing pleasure this is the picture

please bear with it.

Baguio's Mines View Park

The journey back to Baguio continue. We arrived in Baguio after long 6 hours of travel probably around 6 p.m. Sorry I wasn't able to check the exact time because I was so hooked looking at the houses covered with fogs. We can't barely see what's around us and I am also nervous at the same time. We get off the bus and our hotel is situated along the road so no sweat even though our bags were really heavy. Besides, there's no room for sweat in Baguio - hahaha!

I won't bore you with any of my words. Without further ado, savor yourself with the photos I got. Please bear with them and with me

the view on the back porch of our room

Me with an umbrella because it's raining. Wait till you see what we have down the park

Mines View Park, the place I was so afraid when I was young (afraid of heights)

Back then, I was so delighted to see the kids maneuvering on big rocks and towering heights

to catch the coins thrown by tourists never aware that that would cost their lives.

Now the said practice was prohibited by the local government to protect the lives of the kids as well. Thank God.

Mines view park covered with fog. Mountains were not visible and it's cold.

Mines View Park. Same as above minus the fog. We go back to the place the second time, because the fog and the rain didn't let us enjoy on our first time.

Travel with Comfort

When I was 5 years old, I lived in a cool high place, where the weather is nice and the wind is so cold even when the sun is so high. The summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio.  I remember how afraid I was because the houses were built on the mountain slope. 5 years old, that was the last time I set foot on that place until we're able to arrange a trip back to Baguio.

The place is far from Manila and the only means to be there is to travel by land for almost 6 hours through buses or private cars. But the road is zigzag and it's safe if well practiced drivers were the one to take you there. So with that being said, we opted to entrust our lives to Victory Liner.  We're on the bus station by 10:00 something in the morning and purchased our tickets. You can also reserved tickets 8 business days before your departure. I would suggest that you order the tickets ahead of time because their De Luxe buses travels just 4 times in a day so the chances of you ending on a regular air conditioned bus is high.

the waiting area for the passengers of Deluxe buses
it has television and it's air conditioned.

while waiting for the bus, my bags deserve a shot

going aboard the de luxe bus
a 29 seater air conditioned bus with stewardess,
portable toilet and wi-fi.
Non stop travel, hooray!

Our departure time was 12:20 p.m. And in all fairness they strictly followed the time. Some might say this was luxury but for us who came from work, graveyard shift, sleepless and tired, I think we deserved this. Just look how big the seats are, you can bent them so you can sleep well and each seat has foot rest. Because our plan was to sleep the entire 5 hours of travel. But that didn't materialized because we're busy looking out the window and savor our eyes with the view. They also serve snack in the middle of the trip. So with a little/big difference from the fare of the regular air conditioned bus, I think it's all worth it especially we traveled with heavy baggage.  

P.S. this is such a long story, I don't know where to start. More post about the places we visit on the next post.

Wazzup Tokyo Tokyo?

Where should I start? I've been losing my blogging spirit lately and before my blogging soul separates from my body, I will share with you one of the fast food chain I love to dine. 

I am not a fan of Japanese food but one of my companions love this place and the food. Even I disagreed, I couldn't disagree harder. This was his favorite place and every time we dine out, it was his choice. I remember ordering the same set of food as always because I was afraid the food wouldn't suit my appetite but I was wrong. Little by little I gave in.

Due to unnecessary circumstances I ignored Tokyo Tokyo for a very long time. It's one of the places I never dared to look back. I had a love and hate relationship with the place...ha-ha-ha! You can't blame me right?

But earlier this year, I gathered all the energy within me and visited the place again. Of course I weighed myself and my feelings. Though afraid at first, I still continue walking towards the entrance. Inch by inch I get closer and I felt nothing but a sudden urge inside to say "Wazzup Tokyo Tokyo, it's been a long time, nice to be here again".

Hooray!!! I entered the place again with a happy face and a smile not only in my lips but also in my soul.  

While waiting for my food (vegetable and shrimp tempura), I let my eyes wander. That's when I realized that the place was renovated. The ambiance is new and refreshing just like what my heart felt. Like I had a brand new heart which is so light and jolly.

P.S. I had a great time in Baguio. Vacation really do good not only for the body but for the soul as well. I am still gathering my thoughts regarding the trip and will write about it soon. My lazy body had a fusion with my lazy mind - hahaha :)

Part 3 - An Adventure I won't forget

the continuation of the saga of my almost trip to heaven.  To refresh your memories, you can go back here .


Third Day: The Island of Borawan

The only option left for us is to take a detour to the nearby island named "Cutcutan". Upon hearing the name of the island, I stared to one of my buddies who used to live in our province. In our local dialect the meaning of the name of the island is "Libingan" or cemetery. But of course we stayed quiet. We don't wanna add reasons for our buddies to freak out, knowing that we're actually freaking out. The boatmen carefully navigated the boat onto that island where we ate our lunch but we already lost our appetite. With that situation, we're left with 3 options:

1. Trek to Borawan Island via the port for 2 hours.

2. Walk along the shore till we reached Borawan which isn't too far...that's what I thought

3. Take the chance of risking our lives again by going back aboard the boat and declare amok with the waves....which we all thought wasn't a good idea.

We all go for option 2. We took a walk until the boat fetched us on the side where it is safe to ride again. Well for me, I still have the fear factor and if anyone would accompany me, I would rather continue walking till we reach  Borawan. 

Below is the shore were we opted to take the walk. The rock formation are wonderful

And he even manage to strike a pose. Yep, we made fun of the situation. Better take the opportunity to enjoy rather than welcome wrinkles, right?

The entire day was really hectic and fearful. As we reached Borawan, we're already tired. We camped beneath the huge rock formation and in front of us is the sea shore. We fell asleep with the sound of the waves and gecko as lullabies.

our camping site and our tent. mine is the second from the left

the view of the ocean inside the tent

and woke up in the morning with this view 

a morning greetings from the sun

this scene was spectacular

me and my buddies

And the  jump shot

After long and tiring days we're happy and blessed that finally we stepped our foot onto the land again after our almost trip to Heaven.

It's Free but Priceless

When was the last time I smiled to strangers? I can't really remember. I am not snobbish, though people told me I am.

I am NOT snobbish

Maybe I am living on a fast pace surrounding which made me forget that there's more to life than office work and stress.

Just want to share a short story which happened in a span of 30 minutes. Last week, I went home late from work. Needless to say I have no more time to cook my meal. There's no other options left for me than to buy my lunch on a fast food chain. So off I go and went directly to the line and ordered my food. The crew asked  for my order and asked me if its for "dine in" or "to go". I opted for the latter. 

While she's preparing for the food, the other crew prepared my drink which she put on a glass intended for dine in meals. When she gets to the counter, I told her it's for take out. I can tell that' she'd done a lot of work though the day just started - I saw it in her face. But she willingly went back to the food section and do the necessary revisions. Though I am really sleepy, I gave her a "HUGE SMILE" and said "THANK YOU". Mind you, I always say thank you but I seldom smile.

Seriously, she put my drink on the counter and went away, but she looked back to me after 3 steps realizing what I said and did...She smiled back. I know she's happy! 

Walking away from the counter I know I made one life happier with a simple gesture. I felt happy too. It's free yet priceless so why not give it away everyday. So from now on, I will always be like this:

it took me like forever to upload the picture

it seems like Google doesn't want to accept it

but in anyways, the upload became successful

maybe that means, I should be ready for shame. LOL.

So SMILE people, it's contagious!

Part 2 - An Adventure I won't Forget (Our Camping/Island Hopping)

if you missed part 1 it's here

Day 2 at Puting Buhangin Island ---supposed to be

After breakfast, we went sight seeing, took some pictures and collected shells, while the others are enjoying the cold water on the beach. I didn't tried cause there is no water available for us to rinse our body. We have to buy one container for a price of 35 pesos. But we did of course. We needed clean ourselves before heading to the next island. 

Below are some of the pictures taken before leaving Dampalitan

At around 10:00 p.m. May 29, 2011, Sunday, we loaded our things on the boat and off we go to the second Island - Puting Buhangin. It is the farthest of the 3 islands that's why we opted for it so we could settle and fix our camp there. The sea seems so calm and friendly but not until we're at the middle of our journey. 


The waves started to rise and somewhat ready to devour us in no time. My gal pals were shouting cause they're at the front row where the impact of the waves on the ship was very evident and alarming. I was relaxed until one of the big waves hit our boat sideward and that made me stand in fear. The boatmen shut off the engine so we wouldn't go any further and that's when we decided to go back. The problem was we're already at the middle and going back means risking our lives on the same big waves. I never thought that kind of fear would struck me. The boat was like a surfboard on top of the giant waves. 

to be continued again...the last part with more pictures to come.......

An Adventure I won't Forget (Our Camping/Island Hopping) Part 1

This is a post long overdue. The story about our island hopping in the province of Quezon.

Day 1 at Dampalitan Island: 

May 28, 2011, we packed our things and pushed through with our camping trip despite the pitiful weather condition.  It's not like were not minding it but the forecast seem unstable and that made our minds. This was an island hopping adventure with lots of fun as we anticipated it, but what we had was an adventure and not much of a fun. 

look at the sky that day

When we reached the seashore, the boat which will take us to the first island was not there. According to our contacts, it transported some tourist to another island but couldn't go back quickly because of the big waves. Needless to say, we have to wait for the boat to arrive and for the waves to settle.

After almost 2 hours in waiting, the boat finally did arrived. Sigh of relief for us and we immediately loaded our stuffs and off  we go to the first Island called Dampalitan at around 4:00 in the afternoon. We pinched the tent and cooked our food. Cause we came from a night shift before that, all of us were sleepless and tired so after eating my dinner I decided to take a rest before hanging out with the gang. But my anticipated few minutes of sleep lasted till midnight and I did awake with the sound of raindrops falling on my tent. The rain gets harder and harder and the water started to kill my tent, so I decided to move out and leave my camping bag in the middle to save it from getting wet. I sacrificed for the sake of my camping bag and the result for me was an aching body due to cold raindrops.

We thought it wouldn't last long but it did. Thank God one of the local folks there offered us  one of their nipa huts where we can stay for the night and wait till morning so we can fix our things and our camp. Well, that's how it goes for the first day. We're tired, wet and sleepless.

to be continued........

sorry for the picture quality, I was sooooo tired

Welcome Back to My Christmas Directory

Hello September! I know it's already half of the month and I barely noticed it, though I am staring at the calendar everyday.

It's Ber months again and that means taking your jackets and sweaters out of your closet because the wind is colder than it was during the rainy season. It's the time for a happy environment, merry makings, delicious food, sparkling lanterns, gigantic Christmas tress, gifts and the time of giving and loving. How could I possibly miss September 1?

But it's better late than never. Today September 16, 2011, (exactly 100 days before Christmas) I will give life to my Christmas Directory page for the second time. It's a page dedicated for Christmas where I put all the things I am planning to do until December 25th, the gifts I already collected and all the plans and preparations for Christmas. 

I hope with this simple manifesto I can continue showing kindness to people everyday eventhough the season ends - in any way the spirit of Christmas should always be present everyday. 

We have different cultures and traditions in celebrating Christmas but what is important is we're celebrating it's real essence - the birth of our savior.

Advance Merry Christmas everyone and I am hoping you could join me in my countdown.

source

McDonalds Delivery Bag

We have a long weekend because it's labor day on Monday. Someone sent me a text message but I am in doubt with his intentions. I don't have any idea what he's up to. Okay, now that I mentioned that, let's forget about it.

Today me and my office mates made fun with our flash drives. We searched our admin's cabinets (shhhh-these are spare and we have permission) for spare casings and we switch ours with trendy one. Will show 'em to you next time. What I would like you all to see was what I found inside the flash drive.

A huge bag where I can fit snugly.

Believe me when this bag is carried on my back properly, its length is almost 3/4 of my body height. And the bag itself is so heavy. 

The Itchy Fever

Another typhoon hits the country and it’s raining hard outside last Saturday morning. Because I’m a nocturnal being working on graveyard shift, rainy Saturday for me means difficulty of going home. We cannot discern when the rain will stop so we decided to go out of the office not minding the fickle weather.

As fickle as it can be, the rain poured so hard when we’re outside. My shoes were wet; the crying sky ignored my umbrella. We (me and my friends) decided to take refuge on the nearest establishment called “Molito” (a small mall). Though smaller than a regular mall, it has what we need, food and food. We’re so hungry folks! A girl was standing on the main entrance with handful of leaflets. She gave us one and we hurriedly went to the second floor. However we hurriedly went down again to ask for another leaflet. Why? Because of the “Buy one take one Meal” offered by Mang Inasal. It’s a chicken meal which goes with unlimited rice. You know I’m a diehard fan of chicken so, no question from me when they decided to have our lunch there.

sorry folks, this is the only picture I got

no camera on hand

I devoured the chicken and 2 cups of rice for a nice price. It’s so delicious especially when paired with an ice cold coca cola. The crew then offered me a third cup of rice but it was I who said no. Hello, my stomach is so full. Imagine me - one of my hand touching my stomach and the other one swaying left and right as a signal to the crew that I don't want another cup.

Afterwards we went upstairs because Raj-Raj (one of my friends) needs to buy something. We agreed that we’re all exhausted and sleepless so we decided to go home but of course not until she got what she needs.

Came Sunday morning my whole body has small red dots and my hands were itching. The chicken no matter how delicious it can be, brings allergic reaction to my body. I didn’t ate in moderation. I should only eat a chicken meal once in a week but I broke the rule and this is my consequence, an itchy fever. Before the allergy came out, I lavished myself the past week with chicken burgers (plural) and other savory chicken meals for lunch and dinner.

If you’ll ask me, will I break the rule again, honestly, YES but not until I get rid of these itchy red dots.