Manila Adventures

I used to remember going to Manila is a luxury before. Since I went in a private school in Laguna during college, I seldom go to Manila or explore it. I don't go there without someone to accompany me since I am clueless commuting the LRT and jeeps and I find it too dangerous for newbies like me. First time I explored Manila was when I accompanied my Mom buying stuffs in Divisoria and found out it was a great haven for shopaholics like me! The next time I went to Manila was when my BF accompany me during my enrollment in Graduate School. Since he went to a public state university in Manila, he is more familiar in navigating the city. After my enrollment, he was able to show me around Quiapo, Recto, SM Manila and Binondo.

For now I am currently residing in Manila for almost three years and I must say it was a great experience for me since I learn my way around and I got comfortable riding public transportation. Sometimes I still get paranoid and suspicious of people around me.

Some of the lessons I learned in Manila are:

1. Don't talk to strangers
2. Be alert all the time
3. Do not flaunt your possessions
4. Avoid going home late in the evening as much as possible
5. LRT and MRT is a challenge everyday

Living in Manila is an eye-opener. Since I grew up being sheltered by my family, it is really tough to adjust in the city. But as you overcome the challenges of living independently you'll be used to the polluted and crowded city. For me it was like practicing to live outside the country.

Aside from personal learnings, there is something more Manila can offer. I know some people would say Manila is polluted, crowded, full of crooks and beggars and traffic but Manila is also rich in history and information. I learned these while trying to explore famous Manila landmarks during weekends with my significant other. For those who like to have weekend getaways that are cheap, relaxing and not going to the mall, visit these beautiful places and structure in Manila.


1. National Museum

This place is brimming with all our culture rich histories, arts and sculptures. I was fascinated seeing our national artists' master pieces such as Spolarium and offer interesting artifacts from different provinces and tribes. It was ages ago since I visited this place and I must say that my recent trip to National Museum is a fun one. Entrance to the Museum is 100 pesos and during February, museum is offering free pass since it is the National Arts Month :)





2. Intramuros

Just like the National Museum, Intramuros is rich with history and this represents Manila during the Spanish period time. This is also where our national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned. Parts of the Intramuros is dedicated to our national hero. If you have foreigner friends this is a perfect spot for sight seeing and learn Manila's history in one day.

Entrance fee to the park is 75.00 pesos. Not bad actually ;)

The crumbling structure in Intramuros

The old copy of El Filibusterismo, housed in Jose Rizal's Museum inside Intramuros

The famous facade of Intramuros, almost destroyed during World War 2

3. Manila Cathedral

This is one of the beautiful structure found in the heart of Manila. It was destroyed few times from the Spanish era up to World War 2 in 1945. It was re-created and copied to the original architectural design during the ancient times. At the back of Manila Cathedral, a marker / commemoration for the unknown victims of World War 2 is placed. This is to remember the cruelty and the innocent casualties brought by nonsense war.

The old picture of Manila Cathedral destroyed during the World War 2

Memorare - Manila 1945, for those innocent Filipino people who perished during the war

The Pieta inside Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral facade

Manila Cathedral facade

4. San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is one of the oldest church in Manila. Aside from being one of the most sough-after church for wedding, San Agustin church offers great history in its walls. Its museum is filled with information on the lives of Augustinian priests who stayed in the Philippines and the religious artifacts they left. I was impressed with the saints' statues and religious relics made from authentic ivory, gold and silver. It also houses an indoor cemetery dated back from 1500s to 1700s. Visiting it during late afternoon sends chill to the spine since it is eerily silent and cold. :P

Entrance fee to the church is 100 pesos, my bf thinks it's kinda expensive for an entrance pass, but for me I find it "sulit" because of the unknown wonders inside the church museum.

The beautiful ceiling of San Agustin (while wedding is ongoing below)

Wondering how this hall looks like during the 17th century?

Scary St. Rita de Casia, holding a skull in her left hand

The Prayles, inside the museum

The first floor hall, filled with paintings of renowned saints

5. Luneta Park

When I was a kid, I always hear the phrase, "Namamasyal sa Luneta". Well actually it might be a little different from before but when we stroll Luneta is was still filled with different types of people. You can see tourists flocking over Jose Rizal's monument, kids exploring due to their field trips, simple people hanging around, students studying and practicing/shooting for their plays (they are even in their costumes). Just to feel the actual experience of going to Luneta, me and my significant other brought packed sandwiches and mats then pass time by sitting and talking. We find it relaxing and fun since we get to talk about everything we see or observe in the park.

I also noticed that there are certain parts of the park that has entrance fees like the Japanese and Chinese Garden for 5.00 pesos each and the hidden Jose Rizal monument during his final hours for 20.00 pesos each

Photo from: http://www.aidan.co.uk/photo8436.htm

Next Stop: Manila Bay and Binondo food tripping :D

Signs of Growing UP

Growing up is the hardest thing for some people. Some are already adults and acting like crazy teenager or kids, some are kids who thought it was cool acting like an adult but end up doing stupid things and lastly, some never left the world of fantasy and illusion, refuse to move on and live life as it supposed to be.

Few days ago, I had a very interesting chat with my college friend. She's my constant shopping buddy and we always hang out together when time and budget permits. We always talked how things are constantly changing and how people around us (our college friends) move and live their lives.

I used to remember before our topic of conversation during college revolves around our projects, assignments, grades, teachers, current rumors circulating in school, defenses, college crushes and our empty love-lives. But life back then was easy. Now that we are currently working, we still talk yet on different level of conversation. Most of the time we talk it's about our annoying classmates who keeps flaunting their material possessions, vacations and fiancés/husbands/babies in Faceboooks, rumors verified to be true during college and our so-called direction in life. It seems like me and my friend is currently on the same wavelength, worried what will be our future. But I must admit we are growing up and bracing ourselves on the challenges will come on our way.




This is the changes I noticed that I am currently growing up…

1. I used to be impatient. I thought that if things didn't go my way, I don't bother trying again. Now, I am trying my best to be more open-minded about everything in life

2. I used to be jealous my boyfriend's ex. She seems career-minded and very stable in her chosen field, and that made me so insecure. But after meeting her and some few awkward smiles and talk, I just learned she's just like any other person who has her own issues and concerns.

3. I must admit I used to be very possessive with my boyfriend. I panicked when he's not texting or calling during our first two years together and I realized how quite unnerving I was before. Now, I allow him to hang out with his friends and officemates as long I am fully aware his whereabouts in case of emergency. (at least di na possessive masyado! Haha)

4. I used to envy my other classmates and friends who are already stable in their careers/jobs. I learned recently that everyone has it's own time to "shine". We just need to be patient and always seek refuge in God (He will never fail us)

5. During my first two years on my job, I love to "shop til I drop", now I am thinking of ways to increase finances and be more stable

6. I am still learning to work and be patient with different types of people

7. I am ashamed asking money from my parents… or even ask for a pasalubong from my DAD. I thought I'm too old for those stuff, but my Dad pointed out that no matter how old I am, he likes to give me presents because I am his kid. :)

8. Discussions and conversation with close friends and significant others are soaring into deeper level.

9. WE have plenty of things to discuss about love-lives. Hahaha

10. Gives advises to younger peers, sibling and cousin :P

Another Realization...

My GAWD!!!! Last time I put my comments here in my blog was last May. How pathetic of me... been very busy lately in the office and I did come back in the graduate school trying to redeem myself for being a mega MULTI SLACKER. It's been last of July and I haven't had any updates last June. Poor me!

Well, what done is done and let's move forward. It is already middle of the year and it's time to evaluate what are the few things I learned this year. I must say I learned a lot and hope its not the end of new realizations in my life. Currently, I am happy and little bit stressed but can fairly handle it. Hopefully everything will turn out well after August and September.

Things I learned this year:

1. It never fails to seek refuge in our Lord
2. Prayer really helps, we just need to keep in touch with our Lord
3. I used to take for granted those days when Dad is still working in the Phils., right now it is a blessing to share and bond with him every weekends
4. There is no place like HOME. I feel free when I'm at my own home
5. Be happy for what you have and be thankful for all the blessings that you receive
6. Patience is really a virtue!
7. Be humble

For now that's it. I know some people would think why I learned these things after 26 years of my life. For me it is just a realization that these things helped me become a better person.

What's UP???

I’ve been very busy lately and haven’t got any time to update my so-called “online journal”. This April and May I am swamped with lots of activities. It could vary from office, personal, friends and family. Though I am tired sometimes I really enjoy spending more time with people I really care about.

Things I did while I was “out” on this blog:

1. Attend my sister’s graduation - I am one proud ATE!



2. Went to Iloilo for vacation with my HS friends – our annual planned out of
town trips.




3. Join our company outing – first time I participated



4. Found new friends and group in the office – I was a loner for 1 and a half
years.



5. Start jogging again with my family



6. Visit Pink sisters and Poor Claire chapel – it’s been a while since I
visited my favorite chapel
7. Bonding with my family
8. Been hooked on Glee series – kinda late to join the bandwagon but I really
enjoyed watching and listening to their catchy songs



9. Meet up with my friends – I did have fun because after six long years,
was able to come back again to Padis. Dance, drink and sing like there’s no
tomorrow
10. Been able to meet my BF’s ex (finally!) – promise no blood-gushing boo-boos
or any violent stuff. Just plain simple “nice meeting”
11. My unnerving shopping expedition :P – (Uh oh, here we go again)



12. Created my personal twitter like diary – as in a hard copy journal of my own
13. Created my bucket list – which I will post it here (sooner or later)



14. I cast my vote during May 10, 2010 National Elections



15. Got my yearly flu vaccine



16. Process reviews of our projects in the office
17. Laugh a lot since meeting new friends
18. Found a nice “resto” somewhere in Circle, Mandaluyong. Me and significant
other enjoyed dining there when we have budgets



19. Will attend my friend’s wedding this weekend



20. Will attend baptism of my second cousin’s child – Again, chosen as the
godmother (and the list of kids under my care grew longer and longer…)


Plans this mid-year

1. Renew my passport – so I can try travelling outside the country
2. Enroll again on graduate school – just like in my previous post, this is the
final straw!
3. Create a proposed dissertation and prepare for the comprehensive exam
4. Create a massive photo album for all my recent trips!
5. Buy a storage media as a backup for the humungous data and files (that is
worth 2-3years of information)

Things I've Done this Long Weekend...

Last year, I went to our province for a long-anticipated vacation, since I wasn't able to plan any getaway this Holy Week, I just stayed at the house watching DVD with my family, read books and cook food. Recently, while browsing at National Bookstore and Booksale, I noticed that most magazine back issues are on sale. For a short period of time I already acquired at least 10 copies of magazine. To be honest, I already enjoyed reading magazines since I like to look at clothes, beauty products and career tips. I didn't even notice the time while reading magazines at my room.



Another activity I've done this long weekend is cleaning my room. I've been too busy to clear out the mess in my room. It was months ago since the last time I organized my stuff. Out of nowhere I discovered that I had stashed some of my favorite letters in worn boxes along with my personal diary / journal and poetry journal. It brought back all the memories (good and bad). I used to dream before that I would like to be a writer or a psychologist and even a journalist. The worn letters reminded me of the days when life was too simple back then and I'm thankful to have such a wonderful and caring friends who wrote me letters full of advice, warmth and love. I can't believe that discovering these tiny stuff would help me reflect on what I want on my life and how to value friends.

Who Says Being a Fashionista Can Be Expensive???

Since I started working I love to shop for clothes, accessories, shoes and books. I always go to sales and bazaars since that's the time I can purchase clothes and shoes for less. Then came the ukay-ukay craze, who wouldn't love them? You can find nice tops, dresses and pants way cheaper than those sold at the malls and best of all, you can be fashionista. Just like what my mom always says, "It's not on the brand or the prices, but how you carry yourself in clothes".

Here are some of the cheap finds I found in my ukay-ukay escapade:

A brown floral dress that can be worn with jeans, shorts and brown leggings. I bought it for P50.00 only




United Colors of Benetton boatneck shirt. I found this at Iloilo Market sold at P10.00 :)




U2 Women Green Cardigan Sweater. I bought it in Laguna for P20.00 only.




Soon: I will post my other stuffs I hauled for a cheaper price in this blog :)

If you have questions or comments, just leave it below

Fashion-Loving Me!

It's hard to admit that even I belong on the IT industry, my interest varies a lot. I love history and geography, I like reading magazines because of new styles and trends and love to dress up especially on momentous occasions, I like watching feel-good movies and listening to all different genres of music.

One of my favorite things to do is shopping and dressing up! If you know me personally, my closet is filled with tons of clothes, accessories and shoes (my personal room and in my apartment closet). I think this is every woman's vice. Last year my sister told me about this creative site called, Looklet.com. The site can squeeze up all your juicy ideas into mixing and matching clothes and accessories on the models. It's like an online paper doll dressing up during girl's childhood days.

For quite some time I became addictive on visiting this site, especially on weekends. Here are some of my sample creations I've done last year :)