My Life in the Past Six Months (as described by my phone's saved wi-fi networks)

This could have been a year's worth of travel and wi-fi networks, but since I rooted my phone in April, all of the data have been reformatted and hence, unremembered. 

It is very amazing how one evening, while cleaning up remnants of uninstalled apps in my Android, a sudden hit of nostalgia has occured to me. Though it may be the most unusual thing in the world to note that network IDs caused the feeling, it's true. 

Ergo, here is where I've been, where I've connected, where I've experienced various things both personal and career-related. (I'll only include the relevant ones as I may bore you out of your wits if I write everything here.)

1.minda_pub2

Of course, this is where I work. 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Self-explanatory.

2. BellarmineAP

One Saturday morning, I finally have decided to claim my college diploma in Ateneo. Hooray! It was a bittersweet moment stepping once more unto the halls my Alma Mater. 

Because these Coca Cola stalls reminded me of College Fiesta I loved back then <3

Well, not mainly because of the memories but the realization of how old I am. Kid in black sitting in front of me at the gazebo, sup?

Additionally, this wifi hotspot never changed. I could still not connect to it. Oh well, nothing much has changed after all.

3. DFA 9th

On a more serious note, this is one of those times where I've "practiced" what I learned in college. Foreign Affairs, National Security, the like. The 9th floor housed the ASEAN Affairs and Asian and Pacific Affairs offices. In an hour's worth of discussions, I met some people for the first time, the ones who I only communicate with through e-mail and over the phone. Like Timmy, one of the most pleasant people I've come across with. She's a Foreign Service Officer at age 30. Smart, charming, confident - marks of a true diplomat. I like her so much I wanna make her my peg.

Whatever we discussed is a matter of national secrecy so this part should end here. :P

4. Discovery-DCMI-WLAN

Discovery Suites, Ortigas. This was where we stayed during the week of special meetings with the BIMP-EAGA Senior Officials, National Secretariats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs - China in July. This is actually an annual event, last year being my first (my baptism in BIMP-EAGA!) and this year my second.

5. GlobefreeWifi@MIAA

Terminal 2, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City. I've been here lots of times, but the most unforgettable would most probably be when I first traveled on my own to document the consultation between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Customs last April. This had been my best friend for a while; my means to acquiring some moolah as I didn't have cash at the time. No load, no taxi fare, nothing. I only had with me a hundred bucks and was waiting for my allowance to be deposited. I used this wi-fi network to locate the nearest MRT station (which I was able to find, by foot!), use Chikka to text my parents, Facebook, Twitter, etc. 

I don't know where I got this risky attitude from; cashless in Manila for Chrissake. And now I complain when some people tell me I'm "aresgada".

6. GREEN COFFEE

My favorite coffee shop, of course! I frequently visit the place especially when I'm with friends from high school and college. My fave treats in Green Coffee include Chocolate with Fine Salt and Cheese and Durian Freeziccino. Nomnom.

7. KCC-free-wifi

KCC mall, General Santos City. Been here twice in six months, in totally different situations. One in April, the other in August. The more recent, I did a spontaneous buying of overnight stuff because my mom won't let me go home to Davao at night. Yes, I'm not afraid of anything as I may have passed all my fears to my mudra. 

Special thanks to my friend Paul for helping me find a cheap accommodation as I was again almost cashless at the time. :))

8. MPEN_Conference Room

Sosyal is the only adjective that first came to mind as we were escorted in one of the function rooms in Manila Peninsula. Another meeting here, with a foundation which share with us visions in trade facilitation. Anyway, the CROISSANT is heavenly, which by the way came with an iPad menu. Kthnxbye.

9. ParaisoII

Paradise Island, September 16. Just wanted to get inspiration for a song I was writing, as well as savor their yummy kinilaw. I had the sudden impulse to just get my butt on that ferry to Samal, take note, at 5PM. Dragged my boy buddy along. It was an added bonus that it was Meet Febie's gig schedule. They played Lauren Wood's "Fallen", Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years", Adele's "Love Song", etc. Perfect. Perfect Sunday.

Fire dancers!

So yeah. :)

A Month and 29 days

I really have this tendency of making mental countdowns when I'm excited about something.

A month and 29 days.

About the same duration of time prior this day, I, along with the others in my division, were busy preparing for the National Secretariats Meeting. That seemed just like yesterday.

And from this day, till November 17, I'm going to be busy preparing for this year's ultimate travel. 

Siem Reap. Saigon.

Angkor Wat. The Killing Fields.

Excited is an understatement.

Wait for me, ayt?

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Saigon, Vietnam at night

Where Does Love Go When It's Gone?

For what were the tears you've shed, when at this very moment, the reasons for the feelings you've had do not anymore hold the same significant value?

Where does love go when it's gone?

You try to relive the moments. Moments you thought will forever remain to be the best ones in the entirety of your existence. You try to remember how it made you happy, how it once became the center of your universe. You give it a tight grip in the hand, with hopes that it would also reciprocate the gesture, the way it once held a strong grasp of your heart. 

But it didn't. 

Hopes, memories, things you've considered important no longer cause your heart to race a tad bit faster than normal. Your mind cannot at all imagine the same future you've dreamed of all along. You grimace.

Love, love is gone.

Where does love go when it's gone?

You begin to wish for it to come back to you. You want it to still be in your possession, as you have never felt something stronger than the feeling it has brought you before. You want this love to give you the drive to be better not only for yourself but also for someone you care much about. 

You knock, but it's no longer there. Empty. You feel empty.

Where does love go when it's gone?

15 Small Things for a Get-Happy Vibe

I have always liked that quote. It implies that there's always these certain events, albeit in small portions, that can make one's day perfect. It is a reminder that not everything has to be grandiose. They can be just mundane, everyday happenings which when put collectively, can be as big as this concept we call happiness.

Without further ado, below are fifteen things / sensations / events / what-nots which I consider to be the best at giving me that get-happy vibe.

1. Lying in a bed covered with fresh, cool sheets.

2. Wind blowing in my face while on a speeding motorcycle (or any open vehicle, for that matter).

3. Iron and Wine's "Fever Dream". NO FAIL.

4. Neutral Weather. No scorching hot sun, no downpour as well.

5. Reading a good book on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

6. Beach. Sunset.

7. Finally playing a song perfectly on guitar, with all the right chords.

8. Horror stories with friends.

9. Holding Hands.

10. Cute babies.

11. Leveling up on a computer game.

12. An organized closet.

13. Scoring a bargain.

14. First step (from the airplane) in a foreign land.

15. Shawarma and Chocolate Pearlshake combo.

How about you? What's your top fifteen get-happy things?

Roads, Rocks and Rivers: My Weekend Escapade in Don Marcelino, Davao del Sur

Alright, so before I commence with this entry, I just find it necessary to share to y'all that right at this very moment, my upper and lower extremities - biceps, triceps, shoulders, upper back, carpals, metacarpals, thighs, butt - are in pain, brought about by what you are going to read below. Well not that I feel this is a matter of your interest, but for the love of God, ALWAYS DO WARM-UPS WHEN YOU ARE PLANNING TO DO SOMETHING EXTREMELY PHYSICAL. Ouch, that caps lock hurt my finger. 

Anyways, it all started when my lovely friend Phel called one afternoon to invite me to her 22nd birthday. And it isn't just mainly a celebration with your usual birthday feast; it will involve a long road trip en route their province! I just looove traveling, especially when it's on the road with your friends. So the plan was to bring that Crosswind to a five-hour trip to Don Marcelino, a municipality just an hour away from Malita, just before Jose Abad Santos, in Davao del Sur. 

I've never been to Don Mar before, that's why I immediately agreed on coming over. I've heard about the beautiful waters and indigenous people in the area, things I am very much interested about. It will really be a lot more fun if you have your good friends with you while you're there.

That's me (in blue) at the backseat with Renren, Bambie and Rachelle

So there we were. 8 September 2012, a Saturday. There was a drizzle, but it didn't really matter as it wasn't much of a downpour. However, things took a turn for worse when we reached Malita, specifically the ones in the landslide areas. You wouldn't believe how massive the construction was. Humongous rocks from the mountains were on the road. A huge portion of the uncemented road was dug, probably to lessen elevation and stuff. If our driver wasn't careful, we might end up with a flat tire and a wrecked tank. The area was also dark, as there weren't any street lights around. It was almost 9:00 in the evening.

Drizzle, drizzle

Road construction on the maximum level.

Cam on night mode, yet you won't see anything at all.

We were doing well and good despite the inconvenience of bouncing up and down in our seats, but it all became a lot more frightening on that particular area in Don Mar where our vehicle is just about a couple of inches away from the edge of the cliff. One wrong move, and we're down. Added to that is the drizzle, which made the road slippery. Needless to say, our vehicle swayed twice ON THAT SIDE OF THE ROAD. Our driver maneuvered the steering wheel in a way which according to his own words "bahala na mabangga sa bato, wag lang mahulog sa bangin" (better to hit the huge rock than fall of the cliff). Right. So you can say that the moments after that incident is an extension of my life. Thank you God.

Evidence of how narrow the remaining passable side of the road is.

Rocky road, literally.

The show must go on, despite our mishaps. So from there, we continued on driving until we reached Don Marcelino, where we stayed at Captain's Lake Resort. It was a nice place, with a lake on location where you can do fishing and boating. The lake stretches out to the beach, one that's with a really nice turquoise blue. Little huts are also built in the waters, perfect for romantic nights with your loved one. Sadly I didn't have a loved one at the time so I wasn't able to avail of that. Haha! Our night ended with a bottle of tequila, karaoke session, and a coundown to Phel's 22nd. :)

Red Wine, Tequila and of course, good old H20. Haha!

My present for the birthday girl! Yum!

 Although the resort still needs a lot of facilities and maintaining to do, I'm positive that this will end up to be a must go-to place when developed.

Little huts on the lake

Another view (with the model  :))

The coming Sunday was exciting. With Mr. Sun around, we were able to really see the place. Waking up early also gave us the morning breeze you'd only experience in a non-urban place. Refreshing is an understatement.

Cutesy cactus I've found somewhere

To finally begin the birthday adventure, the group was advised to go to Brgy. Dalupan, well known in the municipality to possess the lushest waterfalls. Armed with the connections, we were able to have the best Riders to take us to the place. 

Onboard our motorbikes for the day

I had a good time chatting with my driver (who said "Ophel" was his classmate in elementary, haha), as well as the overall adventure itself. I don't know if people are just not used to seeing new people in the place, but all of them kept staring at me as my motorcycle speeded its way accross them. My driver said "Pasensya na sa mga nagsige'g tan-aw kay usahay ra na sila kakita'g gwapa." (Just don't mind the people staring, they're just not used to seeing pretty girls) Chos! I like you so much, koya! haha! It was a challenging ride as we had to go through the slippery road again, as well as cross a multitude of rivers that were along the way to Brgy. Dalupan. 

En route Brgy. Dalupan. I was riding a motorcycle driven by an authentic Riders member!

Yes, you really have to go down your ride at certain points.

Finally reached our destination... or not yet.

The ride took about thirty minutes long, and it didn't stop there, as a subsequent trek to the main waterfall area took about another thirty. For a person whose only form of workout is doing yoga at home, the trek was indeed a challenge for me. Climbing uphill, crossing big slippery rocks that are far from each other, coursing through the tall grasses, testing the water's depth, avoiding creepy crawly insects, you get the picture. We had to get assistance from our CVOs (provided by the Municipality for the pretty guests, haha) in order for us to safely and successfully do this nature-tripping adventure. 

Just getting started!

Hikers?

Careful, careful

Told you so! hahaha

Don't get me wrong, I was used to doing things like this during high school, in the falls of Batasan in Makilala and Kapatagan, Davao del Sur. But I guess that was too long ago that my sense of balance had already faded in time. But nonetheless, I HAD SO MUCH FUN. 

Yaay! Survived the boulder. :))

I never expected that an ordinary weekend could turn out like that extreme. Yes, it is convenient to just lounge around at home, watch TV, or go malling. But adventures can bring you a greater high, despite the inconvenience or what-not. New things lead you to new experiences, and what you get afterwards make you feel differently about your capabilities. You get to know another place, other people, and most of all, yourself. It is also a perfect way to discover the unearthed treasures nature has in store, which can be seen in our beautiful Mindanao. It's not at all war and strife here, guys. We possess the precious natural endowments you'd only experience nowhere else but here.

Inconvenient? Yes. Frustrating? No.

Just one of the beauties you will see along the road. 
Well, that is the road. :))

Stopping by to marvel on the view

This fun. :)

Asked if I would ever go back to Don Marcelino? Answer is, of course! I'd like to try the beach they said to house many different kinds of creatures. But that is, after the road construction has already been completed. 

Which reminds me, I'm very much hopeful about receiving something at the end of the year. I love my parents, and most definitely, road trips. :)

A Tribute to my Personal Heroes, My Friends.

As a normal human being, I have my down days. These can range from me waking-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed to those me having these i'm-so-depressed-i-wanna-eat-a-gallon-of-ice cream-and-cry-some-more tendencies. 

Fortunately for me, these emotional dips do not really last for a long span of time. Maybe it is due largely to the fact that I take joy in simple things like listening to a picker-upper song or stumbling upon an inspiring blog in the internet. But I believe, more than that, and mushy as this may seem (prepare for a corny one, friends), worries and pain easily go away because my friends are always there to save me. I don't know if the universe has its way of being updated on my emotional statistics, but it's always amazing how they decide to spend their precious time with me on those particular down days, with knowledge or without, re my emotional state. 

Scrap that. It's simply because I have the best friends one could ever have. With or without intervention from the universe.

I'll post this entry so that I'll always have a reminder that no matter what happens, no matter how painfully sad some days may be, I'll be okay because I have them in my life.

Enough of the lengthy intros. This blog is about my beautiful friends, and the way they make me happier. 

PEAS

Phel, Eamarie (me!), Anne, Shiela. These girls, I've been with during college up to now. Despite being pretty much occupied with matters related to our careers nowadays, PEAS has always been my go-to niche when I'm in need of a karaoke fix, movie buddies or just plain hanging-out. Anne, my personal introspective (not to mention the cutest ever) psychologist, and Shiela, my soul sister (we have so much in common, surprisingly even the names of our siblings) are two of the sweetest people I've met in my life. If I recount all those moments, I'll probably run out of internet space. Maybe little memories of card giving every monthsary, food court moments talking about "father john", "choco", "cyrus" and other decoded names of crushes, and those serious moments in an attempt to "work things out" are thoughts that lift me up, no fail. 

PEAS 4th anniversary (13 June 2010) at Marte's crib

Among the girls in PEAS, Phel is probably the closest to me ever since. Reason is, we live near each other, and we are the most updated in each other's lives. She's always been the first to know about everything. My problems, my secrets, my achievements, just simply EVERYTHING. She's seen me cry countless times, she'll treat me ice cream whenever I feel sad, she'll call even in ungodly hours just to check if I'm okay, she'll initiate events that will skyrocket my mood, any given time. All these, for six long years since I met her. I may not always tell her this, but I do not have the slightest idea of what I am going to do with my life if she ever goes away.

Yagit days will always be a fun memory. :)

PARE SOCIETY

Collectively speaking, the pare society is consist of all the girls in my Asian 2010 family, taking in point that common character of being these girls who are "too tough to handle". We have traveled Asia together, survived extremely difficult courses like International Law and International Political Economy, partied till the wee hours, and other experiences that are too many to mention. While I love all of them with all my heart, I am closest to my "pares", Johnafe and Jamila.

Valentines Day 2009. See who my dates were!

These girls, are the funniest people I've met in my life, not to mention the smartest. But despite the crazy fun, insanely zany relationship we have in the exterior, Jam and Johnafe have been the people who I've shared my best and worst moments with. We were classmates since freshman year (with Akeem, haha), made our way together till graduation, pares even up to now, and most probably forever. 

Thesis sleepover! haha

They are the ones who make me forget my problems in an instant, and are constant reminders that in the end, everything's gonna be okay. After all, it was the three of us who went out of our way to raise funds (and snag that round-trip domestic ticket from a willing sponsor) when we were already losing hope of being able to join our class's Asian trip. It was the three of us who were able to ace that thesis defense when all the while we were positive that our thesis sucked. It was the three of us who "innovated" and made our too-traditional professor happy with our final presentation which is just us having fun, being crazy in front of the digital camera and talking about Central Asian history in a different light. In other words, these are the people who know me the most, who can turn the impossible into a "highly doable" and I will never, ever regret that fact.

Pares, I know we are too pare-like to even say this, but seriously, I'm too blessed to have found you. 

Single life may be frustrating at times, but it is easy when I have you. :)

TRAVEL BUDDIES

Traveling is my passion, and sharing these with you guys, makes it all worthwhile. To my Asian family, Phuket peeps, Project 60k, and all my future traveling companions, thanks for being with me on those moments when I'm trying to discover new things about myself. :)

Asian 2010 - Merlion Park in Singapore City, Singapore (October 22, 2008)

Phi Phi Island Cruise, Phuket, Thailand (August 5, 2011)

ANONYMOUS FRIEND

Closest friends, undoubtedly, know who you are. Even with your absence from my life nowadays, I want you to remember that I'll forever be grateful because I met you. You've been successful in always making me feel safe all those years. You shared with me "nightless" sleeps, cared for me when I'm having my constant migraine attacks, agreed to watching tagalog sappy movies together just for the heck of it, and always reminded me how wonderful I am during my all-time low. We shared interests - we were both technology freaks, music junkies, crazy philosophers, introverted boring poets. 

I'll never forget how you made your way beyond my walls, when I have decided that I'll never let anyone in my life similar to the proximity we have had. I always go back to that day you reminded me I'm not like any other girl, and that I can do great things in the future. I have a perpetual picture of that moment when you looked into my eye and told me you love me. That moment, though gone now, has always provided me with joy whenever I think of it. You made (and still make) me the happiest person alive because I felt the same. 

I miss you sometimes, but I'm not waiting. That aside, I'll never regret us.

I know. It was limited edition. :)

Thank you everyone, for making me feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world. :)

Why Do We Always Want More?

Is this just an issue of satisfaction? or is there something more in our thought processes that make us want to acquire much more than what we already have?

I remember countless conversations I've had with friends with regard to this. My guy best friend once mentioned in college that the moment he finally acquired the iPod nano of his dreams, its value became no longer as precious as when he didn't have it yet. At that particular time, his no-longer-a-dream iPod has taken a backseat as this guy is now drooling over the thought of getting a brand new laptop.

We all have this issue; well, unless if you're the master of self-control and is perpetually contented with what you have at present. Personally, for example, despite the recognizable difference between the compensation I get from my previous and present jobs, I still can't seem to keep that extra moolah from making my savings account its natural habitat. It always evaporates like water in a perennial El Nino state. I seem to want more than what I have at hand.

Why? Because priorities expand. Back when I was earning little, I wanted just a little. I'd be satisfied with shopping maybe twice a month, max. But now, oh holy guacamole now, that wouldn't suffice. I have more, why not do it more often? I just realized recently how I've been carrying 10 lip products in my vanity kit, every single day, and not even touching most of them. Last night I was thinking, is buying a whole lot of those necessary? But then, on the other hand my mind explained to me the effects of retail therapy especially in stressful circumstances. Oh, you smart piece of muscle, you.

Evidence.

There was this thread in the net that I read once, discussing the same topic. One answer hit it bull's eye. 

It said, "As long as we live, spontaneous seeking to fill desires is never ending urge due to our selfish nature. It is because of our flawed human nature that we always thirst for something new to get motivated. Influences from our personalities, atmospheres or surroundings can make us always feel the void or even the challenges that comes up with the time to face nor compete or even just simply to enjoy. The trends and the changes that may take place in any matter or situations that may provoke you to desire even more."

Alright, so that was academe-ish. But nonetheless, it is true. Desires are inherent, and we want to fulfill them as much as we can. Many other aspects fuel these up, making us more motivated to achieve them. We feel good when we do, and eventually outranking our previous gains with more and more achievements.


Big, little, this matter can actually range from harmless to debilitating. It is okay, no problem. But once it goes in the way of controlling us, our finances, our relationships and our life in general in a mostly negative way, we have to act fast and call the shots. In this way, we'll learn to make most of what we have in life, albeit non-abundant.

Spoken on a third person perspective. I should teach myself that. :)