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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Twenty-Six (26)

Last Monday was my 26 years on this earth. Sometimes I can't believe that time flies so fast you barely even know what you got or achieved for the last 26 years... Still, I am thankful for the great things in my life that sometimes I think I am taking it for granted. After this I learned 26 Facts about me:

1. My dad and my lolo can make me cry buckets after all these years even it was just a simple phone call
2. I am still hopeless romantic. A simple birthday song, sang by my significant other on the other line makes me mushy. Yeah I know its cheesy but I am sucker for it.
3. I am still hard-headed and bitchy
4. Activities that makes me hyper is (a) Having time of my life with friends (b) Get some sleep
5. I still need to learn a lot of things
6. My mind is restless even when asleep
7. Retail therapy is the best way for me to think, cope up with problems or simply enjoy being myself
8. I don't care about what other people are saying about / against me.
9. I am still dying to go to Europe especially to Italy (Buon Giorno!)
10. I hate it when I'm sick
11. I love watching my favorite movies over and over and over again
12. I love talking with my significant other, sometimes we talked until early morning around 6am onwards
13. I love earrings
14. I love eating
15. I love to cook whenever I got free time around the house and unlimited supply of ingredients
16. My favorite sanctuary is my room. This is where I put up all my dreams and plans in the future
17. I always visit any church I pass by just to pray or look a silent sanctuary for a while
18. As much as I don't like swimming, I always like to hang out at beach
19. I even dreamed of building a resthouse near the beach :D
20. I always say what's on my mind (good or bad)
21. I am still the noisy and talkative person from the past
22. I like people who are good-conversationalist and with sense of humor
23. I miss my elementary and HS days (best childhood days!)
24. I am a daddy's little girl
25. I like different variations of music
26. Sometimes I think I can't do it but I REALLY CAN

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Two Weeks after the New Year....

Updates:

1. Finally, been able to reconcile to an old friend whom I had misunderstanding last year. It feels so good that we are able to pick up the pieces of our friendship and catch up for all the missed talks and moments.

2. Been sick again. When will be the time that I would be able to have a sick-free year??? Promise, this is not good. Middle of January hasn't started and I already caught the bugs of bad cough and cruel colds.

3. Been back to my old habit of spending a lot during sale. C'mon! Focus on your goal to save up for this year.

4. Talking on a new level of relationship is never been fun like this! I realized that trying to air out all the things you want to say (good and bad) will do wonders in your relationship.

5. I miss my Dad so much. I remember last year that January was the month my dad arrived from US. I was so excited back then. Now, I am counting few more months and days before he would finally arrive


And before I end my latest post, I just want to share this cool pic I found in Facebook:


Sunday, January 10, 2010

Get to Know Myself Better

I just stumbled upon this unexpected quiz @ quizbox.com :D

And this is how the quiz see me:

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

I have to agree that I am down-to-earth and tactless. I don't hesitate telling my friends wrong stuff. Most of the time my girlfriends love me because they can tag me around the mall.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

True. I always believe in true love. In this age and time where cynicals are scattered, I still believe that for you to be able to fullfill happiness is at least see your true love.


Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

All I can say is... hhmmmmm :D


The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

I agree on this one. I am not the flirty type nor loves playing around when it comes to relationship. If you knew me well, I am pretty late-bloomer when I started having relationship with opposite sex and yet I believe that quantity is not that matters but quality relationship.


Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

I agree again. For me education is a serious and heavy stuff. But I have to admit I still love going back to school (not only to visit the memory lane) to learn and meet new people. I like studying especially in the field of my interest. It is one of the reason why I took up post-graduate studies. I always wanted to go back to school


The right job for you:
You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.

This is the trivial stuff for me. I have lots of dream jobs. I want to be an explorer, a host in a travel show, clothes stylist, researcher, writer, teacher, consultant and a lot more. Until this very day I am still thinking what job would make me happy and will help me to rake bucks and bucks of money.


How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

I am always optimistic. I always see myself as a successful person and no one would tell me to stop if I want it soooo badly


What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

True. There are situations that runs in my head that I am afraid.


Who is your true self:
You are full of energy and confidence. You are unpredictable, with moods changing as quickly as an ocean. You might occasionally be calm and still, but never for long.

I must agree! One moment I am quirky, spontaneous, vivacious and then the next minute I am letting off steam or irritated. These are my strange characters. Sometimes when people irks me I am sooo mean. But I am trying to control myself and focus on the positive side of myself

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Starting Year of 2010

It's been a week since all the rethinking what are the things I need to do this year. I am not really used on putting New Year's resolution because I tend to break them. Instead I always put my Thank You wishlist which enables me to thank our God for all the blessings I received this year.

Blessings I am thankful last year

1. Dad came home safe last January 2009. He was supposed to take the US Airlines Flight 1549 which crash landed in Hudson River. Thank God he was booked on another plane in Charlotte, North Carolina next to US Airlines.
2. My 8 Stripes award in the office. It was unexpected but I really appreciate it
3. Bonuses :)
4. Trips I've taken and came home safe
5. Was able to survive Ondoy and our home was spared
6. Good healthy relationship with my family
7. Good healthy relationship with my significant other
8. Recession was hard in 2009. I am thankful I still have a job
9. Been able to see my close relatives and meet some of them last year

Next, I want to try doing all the habits I want to start and break based on my Belle Du Jour planner. Hoping I would be able to fullfill them this year.

Things to Do in 2010

1.Visit Boracay this year. Almost everyone I knew went to Boracay before, I’m the only one left 
2.Finish my Masteral Degree. 2010 is my FINAL straw!
3.Get the dream job I want!
4.Visit any South-East Asia country before my passport expires!
5.Remove my mole near beside my nose
6.Do my regular medical check ups
7.Learn Italian and Spanish language.
8.Do my dissertation. (No matter how hard it is. 2011 is coming closer)
9.Vote wisely
10. Go to Bohol. One of my local dream destination
11.Read more I.T. Books – see what are the unread IT books / titles that are sitting in my shelves not yet opened or read
12.Debt-free credit card this year!
13.De-clutter my closet and unused accessories
14.Keep writing on my personal journal. It’s helping me to cope up
15.Try the rappelling or the wakeboarding

Habits to Break

1.Forgetting to budget my money
2.My OVERSPENDING
3.My over-acquiring of clothes, shoes and books
4.My uncontrollable attitude of being “negaholic” sometimes
5.My procrastination
6.Being multi-slacker
7.Being tactless
8.Try to cope up with quarter life crisis
9.Try not to compare yourself with others. Life is a journey. I want to start my own unique journey in life that I will succeed!
10.Try not to be envious of others just like in item no. 9  (There I said it)- for sure I will get my luck this year. More bountiful!!!

Habits to Start


1.Recording all single transactions I made how I spend my money
2.Save up for the rainy day
3.Try not to be a shopaholic
4.Be more confident and assertive
5.Plan all tasks and do the time management efficiently
6.Exercise regularly
7.Eat more healthy foods and drinks
8.Buying more wisely and carefully

Well, I need to monitor these and make sure I can mark them off my list as accomplishments.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Ways to Start New Year with Happiness

A few weeks ago, I started out my list of things I need to do this 2010 and habits I need to break. So before posting them here, I just stumbled a very useful article in Yahoo that might benefit me and you :)


15 simple ways to be happier in 2010


"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." ~ Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

With Marcus Aurelius Antoninus' quote in mind, I invite you to explore these 15 Simple Ways to create happiness in 2010!

1. Be your own BFF (best friend forever). Enjoy your own company. Embrace everything about you! Without a doubt, it's the most important step towards being a happy person.

2. Smile, giggle, snicker, or chuckle! Smiling releases serotonin in the brain, which instantaneously gives your mood a lift.

3. Dream big in every area of life. Set your life in motion and manifest your heart's desire.

4. Shut the doors and the windows tight! And then put on your favorite song and sing out loud. Let it rip!

5. Cook a healthy, delicious meal. Serve it up pretty and savor the flavor, one bite at a time.

6. Expect a miracle.
Believe that something wonderful will happen for you today. The universe is waiting to shower happy blessings on you.

7. Meditate, pray and chant. Research shows that people who are spiritual tend to be happier and healthier than those who are not.

8. Pull up your best pair of warm socks. Wiggle your toes and enjoy a cozy kind of bliss.

9. Sleep baby sleep. Seven or eight hours each night should increase your energy and decrease your moodiness.

10. Count your blessings daily. Gratitude, the emotion of thankfulness, is one of the key ingredients for living a happy life. Make gratitude a habit and happiness will be yours.

11. Wake up early! Start the day off on a happy foot, with a happy thought. The morning hours are full of spiritual energy and prana (life force).

12. Let the sun shine in. 20 minutes of sunlight per day improves mood and wards of Seasonal Affection Disorder (SAD).

13. Take a hot bath. Feel the tension melt away as you sink into a pool of happiness.

14. Say "Good Job!" Give yourself permission to pat yourself on the back. Recognize your accomplishments and positive qualities.


15. Happiness is contagious!
Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values, your goals and dreams.

Link: 15 Ways to be happier in 2010

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Great 2009 Escapades

Since graduating from college I always wanted to travel. Not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well. Until now I am still keeping my fingers crossed that 2010 would be the year for me to go out of the country and visit at least 2 countries (still a hopeful thinking because I am still saving up) :D. For now I did explore some places here in the Philippines old and new that always left a good memories and best shared with friends.

Here are some of the snapshots of my escapade last year:

Puerto Princesa, Palawan - January 24-26, 2009
This is an unexpected trip. Me and my HS friends agreed that on our first out of town travel we choose Hongkong and Macau (one of my dream destination). Unfortunately budget issues arise during our booking, airfares and hotel accomodations. It is way over our budget and one of our friend is having doubts on splurging a lot since their company is on recession. Good thing, my friend suggest that we travel locally. They have a resthouse in Palawan and she wholeheartedly offered a place to stay in Palawan. She assure us that we will enjoy our stay. True enough, we did have a blast and unexpectedly fall in love with Palawan. The friendly people, pristine beaches, the nature trips and delicious foods entices me to go back to Palawan once more. Best of all, I get to share this with my best pals from HS.


Our trip to Crocodile farm

The View from my friend's resthouse




Going to the Underground river - beautiful formation of rocks

Inside the Underground River


Going back to the Sabang Beach

Sabang Beach




Iwahig Penal Colony






Iloilo, Philippines - April 4 - 12, 2009
One of my favorite places in Earth. I know some people would think there's nothing to see in Iloilo. Iloilo is special to me because this is where my parents grew up and most of our relatives came from Iloilo. I still remember when I was a little girl, going to Iloilo excites me because either we were riding in plane or ship I get to see my grandparents and go to places I don't usually see in Laguna or Manila. My last trip to Iloilo was in 2006 and I didn't get to enjoy it that much because it was only four days trip. This year I get to appreciate more of Iloilo and visited places I know exist in Iloilo but never went before. Holy week is a nice time to go and visit Iloilo since you get to see diffrent Spanish-old churches and ancient mansions. Not to mention the "taltal" (penitence) in Guimaras Island. For almost 25 years I've been visiting Iloilo, this is the first time I truly appreciate and enjoy our province. I am still looking forward in going and bringing friends here in the future.

View from our town in Sta. Barbara Iloilo



My Cousins playing around

At the back of my Lolo's house



Our Holy Wednesday "taltal" in Guimaras and enjoying the nice view in the top of Balaan Bukid

The View from Top - from Balaan Bukid's summit



The 15 minutes boatride from Iloilo




Snapshots our Visita Iglesia in Iloilo during Maundy Thursday:
Miag-Ao Church - One of the best!
I always read and watch Miag-ao church on lifestyle / travel magazines and even on Discovery and National Geographic Channel, but I never expected to be amazed on the old architecture and design of the church. Some people says that the Miag-ao Church resembles the Paoay church in Ilocos (which I have to see first) but for whatever reason Miag-ao Church got my full attention. From the intricate design in the front facade, the long stretch of aisle where you get to walk up the altar and the secret passages that were created during the Spanish times.





St. Anne Church in Molo Iloilo
- Known as one of the Spanish era church that our National Hero Jose Rizal visited on his way to Dapitan. I personally liked this church since it showcases all church pillars with female saints. I also liked the interior of this church because of the three domes in the altar and the old pulpit located near the altar. If ever I get to marry and choose a church of my own whim I would either choose Miag-Ao Church or the St. Anne Church in Molo. It brings special feelings to old world.








Jaro Cathedral and Bellfry in Jaro Iloilo

I always see this church when going to Iloilo city but I never went inside this before. If the St. Anne Church in Molo is the feminist church this one is the male dominant saint church. Too bad I wasn't able to see the saints since its a holy week and all saints are wrapped in a velvet cloths. I give thanks to Nuestra Senora Candelaria and baby Jesus or called there as "Our Lady of Candles" (which said to be growing and growing each passing day). The Jaro Cathedral was blessed by Pope John Paul II during his papal visit in 1980's.





Then the Traditional "Prusisyon" (Procession of Saints during Good Friday)









Guimaras Philippines - May 1 - 3, 2009

2009 was a lucky year for me because I was able to visit Iloilo and Guimaras twice. This time with my BF and his college friends. I already went to Guimaras a couple of times in the past but I never experienced exploring the island and stay there for a couple of days. We went to do island hopping and swimming in the cool water and lounge in the white sands in Raymen Resort in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Though the weather is kind of upredictable because it's sunny when we get there then the next few hours are raining. We get to visit the turtle sanctuary, snorkeling / swimming and do photoshoots on the islets.

Some of the snapshots of the adventure!



The Ave Maria Islet

Guimaras Port




The Turtle Sanctuary in Guimaras







Subic - The Treetop Adventure August 2009

Last time I went to Subic was almost 10 years ago during our HS fieldtrip! It was nice to know that there are few changes and improvements around Subic. I am not a thrill seeker but we did enjoy the Subic Treetop Adventure. You get to be a Spiderman and Superman for a few minutes. For those like me who are afraid of heights, this activity will really test your boundaries. In fairness, I get to enjoy the treetop activities and once again explore Subic :)

Me - taking my most feared activity...


The View from cable car



Notes: Some of the pictures in this blog are collected from my friends who's always my frequent travel buddies :).

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.
Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel

- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines

- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila Domestic Airport

- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat

- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash


Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Late Post

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

I'm kinda out after my last post in my blog and been busy hanging out in the house that I barely write on my page.

It's quite an irony that I did get my two weeks vacation at our house and yet I haven't been able to update my post. Anyways before I go through the things I want to change and start this year I want to give you a snapshot what happened during the last days of December 2009:

December 21 - came back at the office to get my forgotten digicam and additional shopping

December 22-23 - had a sleepover with bunch of my HS friends. As usual I enjoy the time talking, drinking coffee at Starbucks Tagaytay and food tripping at Leslies Resto. We did our sleepover in my friend's house in Tagaytay

December 23 - After the sleepover, I had to meet my previous officemates for our reunion. We stayed late and went home around 1am in the morning. It was really nice seeing my old colleagues and I miss my first job. haha

December 24 - rest day from all the weeklong hype

December 25 - slept all day and bought a new videoke to play with my sister. haha

December 26 - meet up with my college friends. After long time of not seeing them I really miss the fun times and it was nice to know that all of us are growing up. We also did a photoshoot courtesy of our friend/classmate photographer :D

December 27 - January 1 - I sleep most of my free periods at house, watching CSI series, indulge myself on the never ending Internet connection playing with my "farms" and "pet"

January 2 - I met one of my closest friend at SM Sta. Rosa and talk a lot of stuffs on lovelife, plans, our studies and girly gossips :

I must say that although I didn't get out of town during my two long weeks vacation, I really enjoy my time hanging at the house. I love talking with my sister and mom and even playing with my mischievous doggy "Coco". The one week rest was meant to relax myself and prepare for the upcoming things that will happen in 2010.

I feel that this year would be a good one to me... which I hope so ;)