I thought everything will be easy. This is probably the best sentence that summarizes the past week. I embraced freelance works in the academe. I thought it was my turf, only to later discover that I've been deceived and underpaid. I accepted a blog related work that I thought was refreshing and relaxing. It's still work but I love the different avenue and expertise. Only to late realize, everything still consumes time and effort. For my day job. I thought I was done with my recent project. I discovered the real weight of the work during its concluding stages. I'm so dead. Hahaha I have to wrap up everything tomorrow.

Still about my freelancing, I discovered a not-so-good incident involving someone I know. It relates some issues about the unwritten rule and ethics in freelancing. Most of the freelance works I secured entailed becoming a ghost writer. The kind of work I scored over the past years did not require me to sign contracts or any form of written agreement. This was probably because I only had short lived freelance works. Despite the absence of a clear cut contract, I have been very conscious in delivering my output and being discreet about everything. I mention the status of my freelance works here but I never detailed anything. I respect my clients and I knew my place beforehand. I was paid to ghost write. I was paid to write and keep my mouth shut. 

A few days ago, someone I knew spilled the beans of her ghost writing gig to someone else. Problems is, that someone else is an expert in cooking a major disaster plan. Next thing that happen, the person who hired the ghost writer was placed in a negative light. I felt bad. Although part of me feels pissed off to the ghost writer who failed to undertake her major responsibility... keeping your mouth shut. The prevailing events would not have happened if the ghost writer respected the unwritten rules in freelancing. Oh well, the mess has been created. I cannot imagine the succeeding events because surely, it feels like another set of bridges will be burned.

And because I have been a good freelancer hahahaha a client gifted me with a box of doughnuts as a bonus. :-)

The weather has been a little cold every morning this week. Then here comes afternoon feeling like summer. All in all, these temperature changes resurrected the nasty and inconvenient colds. Walking towards the workplace, I noticed the scenery. I'm not sure if it's only me, but the walls and garden looked like from another country. Hahaha

Those dreams about another country maybe brought by my intensifying dream to visit Hong Kong or Singapore again.. It didn't help that I always receive souvenirs from these countries over the past weeks. What's with the early months of the year? People within my immediate environment are traveling everywhere.

Before the week ended, I dropped by National Bookstore and purchased another useless item. Hahaha I got this butterfly puncher just because I wanted it. Hahaha

Postcards from Marieken - My dear friend Marieken from Netherlands is maintaining a lovely brick and mortar shop called Druk and Vorm. Please visit my friend's site and if possible, don't just window shop. Hahaha Let's support independent sellers.

My eyelids are beginning to feel heavy as I'm typing this post. I better be going to sleep now. Meanwhile, our neighborhood is busy for this

the town fiesta... but my family is the only one who seems to be unaffected Hahaha But according to my mother,we will have a nice lunch. In the afternoon, I'll probably make up with our favorite Dear Darla and Spicy Chicken Wings from Yellow Cab. :-) 

• February 28, 2016
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 201 - Last for February

I thought everything will be easy. This is probably the best sentence that summarizes the past week. I embraced freelance works in the academe. I thought it was my turf, only to later discover that I've been deceived and underpaid. I accepted a blog related work that I thought was refreshing and relaxing. It's still work but I love the different avenue and expertise. Only to late realize, everything still consumes time and effort. For my day job. I thought I was done with my recent project. I discovered the real weight of the work during its concluding stages. I'm so dead. Hahaha I have to wrap up everything tomorrow.

Still about my freelancing, I discovered a not-so-good incident involving someone I know. It relates some issues about the unwritten rule and ethics in freelancing. Most of the freelance works I secured entailed becoming a ghost writer. The kind of work I scored over the past years did not require me to sign contracts or any form of written agreement. This was probably because I only had short lived freelance works. Despite the absence of a clear cut contract, I have been very conscious in delivering my output and being discreet about everything. I mention the status of my freelance works here but I never detailed anything. I respect my clients and I knew my place beforehand. I was paid to ghost write. I was paid to write and keep my mouth shut. 

A few days ago, someone I knew spilled the beans of her ghost writing gig to someone else. Problems is, that someone else is an expert in cooking a major disaster plan. Next thing that happen, the person who hired the ghost writer was placed in a negative light. I felt bad. Although part of me feels pissed off to the ghost writer who failed to undertake her major responsibility... keeping your mouth shut. The prevailing events would not have happened if the ghost writer respected the unwritten rules in freelancing. Oh well, the mess has been created. I cannot imagine the succeeding events because surely, it feels like another set of bridges will be burned.

And because I have been a good freelancer hahahaha a client gifted me with a box of doughnuts as a bonus. :-)

The weather has been a little cold every morning this week. Then here comes afternoon feeling like summer. All in all, these temperature changes resurrected the nasty and inconvenient colds. Walking towards the workplace, I noticed the scenery. I'm not sure if it's only me, but the walls and garden looked like from another country. Hahaha

Those dreams about another country maybe brought by my intensifying dream to visit Hong Kong or Singapore again.. It didn't help that I always receive souvenirs from these countries over the past weeks. What's with the early months of the year? People within my immediate environment are traveling everywhere.

Before the week ended, I dropped by National Bookstore and purchased another useless item. Hahaha I got this butterfly puncher just because I wanted it. Hahaha

Postcards from Marieken - My dear friend Marieken from Netherlands is maintaining a lovely brick and mortar shop called Druk and Vorm. Please visit my friend's site and if possible, don't just window shop. Hahaha Let's support independent sellers.

My eyelids are beginning to feel heavy as I'm typing this post. I better be going to sleep now. Meanwhile, our neighborhood is busy for this

the town fiesta... but my family is the only one who seems to be unaffected Hahaha But according to my mother,we will have a nice lunch. In the afternoon, I'll probably make up with our favorite Dear Darla and Spicy Chicken Wings from Yellow Cab. :-) 

Read More

First work week. I arrived so early last Monday  and was surprised with an empty street. I had second thoughts, where is everyone? Is it still vacation and I wasn't informed? Haha Armed with a lot of time and a gift card from Starbucks (Thanks T!), I walked for a while and returned to my workstation with a sinful frapuccino. I had a hard time getting my working pace. I was sleepy for the first three days. I ended consuming so much coke and spicy food to get things going. The ending, a doctor's prescription that rifted a significant part of my money.

I don't write new year's resolutions. Although I have this target of minimizing expenses. As much as I'm trying my best, I messed up big time last week. I started when I saw the red flag sale at H&M Home. I love the home pieces at H&M ... except for the prices. Sometimes, similar items can be purchased way cheaper in the home section of Landmark. But since H&M was having a yearend sale, I decided to check it out.... just to check out. Unfortunately, I failed. In less than a minute, I was already on the cashier section. Hahaha I purchased the bed sheet I've been wanting to own. My excuse, it was on sale from Php 1,495 to 500!! Damage done. Haha

Not so long after H&M, I was able to pass by Japan Home. I rarely visit Japan Home ever since I changed route going home. I just wanted to window shop. But my story has its own ending. I purchased the wooden clips, jute string and other items for our home.

Aside from shopping, I dropped by the Post Office to send out my first postcards for 2016. Just when I thought that I will be able to go home early, I found myself with my friend TL. I was able to finally watch Honor Thy Father. During the holiday break. I watched two other films, which I didn't like. Hahaha I won't mention it here. I'd rather focus on my favorite. 

Honor Thy Father may have been deprived because of the awarding requirement controversy. But if I were to decide, it has my vote for everything. The story, acting, and the cinematography were all perfect. More importantly, John Lloyd just did it again. Unlike other films though, the film did not place any actor's ability to waste. Each character has a significant role in the movie, which rarely happens among local films. Some would include Celebrity A, B, C and so on just because they are everyone's favorite.  I have to specifically mention Khalil Ramos, who I first blogged here. He is becoming my favorite. Khalil has proven that there are no small roles in movies. His cameo appearance maybe short lived (just like in A Second Chance), but Khalil has given more than enough justice to his character.        

Before the work week ended, I arrived home with some goodies from the mail. It still feels like Christmas and my birthday. Love all the way from The Netherlands, thank you Marieken and Wilma!

In addition to all these beautiful things, I encountered some interesting links.

Kidzania Manila (if I'm not mistaken) is the first international franchise to produce its own theme song and video production. - I love everything about the song, Just dream big!

One of the many reasons why I admire the Japanese culture  - "Why should I not want to die for a country like this when the government is ready to go an extra mile just for me,”

Why I don't admire leaders who use fear to make things happen - Jonathan Yabut said it all.

I wanted to buy this limited edited cover of The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Problem is, it's only available from Waterstones in UK. I initially saw a copy from ebay which costs more than Php 3,500?!? The price in Waterstones is okay, unfortunately the shipping fee is almost equal the price of the book. I need someone who can share the shipping expense with me. Anyone? :)

It has been a sinful week of overspending. Added to this, I had some realizations which arose from events I never wanted to happen. It may sound not as the best way to start the year. But then again, I'd like to think that this is how I pay for lifelong learning experiences. I'm just glad that I have a few friends beside me and my freelance works are on its concluding stages. I'm expecting a little something for my family and savings account. Life is still good! 

• January 10, 2016
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 194 - Life is still good

First work week. I arrived so early last Monday  and was surprised with an empty street. I had second thoughts, where is everyone? Is it still vacation and I wasn't informed? Haha Armed with a lot of time and a gift card from Starbucks (Thanks T!), I walked for a while and returned to my workstation with a sinful frapuccino. I had a hard time getting my working pace. I was sleepy for the first three days. I ended consuming so much coke and spicy food to get things going. The ending, a doctor's prescription that rifted a significant part of my money.

I don't write new year's resolutions. Although I have this target of minimizing expenses. As much as I'm trying my best, I messed up big time last week. I started when I saw the red flag sale at H&M Home. I love the home pieces at H&M ... except for the prices. Sometimes, similar items can be purchased way cheaper in the home section of Landmark. But since H&M was having a yearend sale, I decided to check it out.... just to check out. Unfortunately, I failed. In less than a minute, I was already on the cashier section. Hahaha I purchased the bed sheet I've been wanting to own. My excuse, it was on sale from Php 1,495 to 500!! Damage done. Haha

Not so long after H&M, I was able to pass by Japan Home. I rarely visit Japan Home ever since I changed route going home. I just wanted to window shop. But my story has its own ending. I purchased the wooden clips, jute string and other items for our home.

Aside from shopping, I dropped by the Post Office to send out my first postcards for 2016. Just when I thought that I will be able to go home early, I found myself with my friend TL. I was able to finally watch Honor Thy Father. During the holiday break. I watched two other films, which I didn't like. Hahaha I won't mention it here. I'd rather focus on my favorite. 

Honor Thy Father may have been deprived because of the awarding requirement controversy. But if I were to decide, it has my vote for everything. The story, acting, and the cinematography were all perfect. More importantly, John Lloyd just did it again. Unlike other films though, the film did not place any actor's ability to waste. Each character has a significant role in the movie, which rarely happens among local films. Some would include Celebrity A, B, C and so on just because they are everyone's favorite.  I have to specifically mention Khalil Ramos, who I first blogged here. He is becoming my favorite. Khalil has proven that there are no small roles in movies. His cameo appearance maybe short lived (just like in A Second Chance), but Khalil has given more than enough justice to his character.        

Before the work week ended, I arrived home with some goodies from the mail. It still feels like Christmas and my birthday. Love all the way from The Netherlands, thank you Marieken and Wilma!

In addition to all these beautiful things, I encountered some interesting links.

Kidzania Manila (if I'm not mistaken) is the first international franchise to produce its own theme song and video production. - I love everything about the song, Just dream big!

One of the many reasons why I admire the Japanese culture  - "Why should I not want to die for a country like this when the government is ready to go an extra mile just for me,”

Why I don't admire leaders who use fear to make things happen - Jonathan Yabut said it all.

I wanted to buy this limited edited cover of The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Problem is, it's only available from Waterstones in UK. I initially saw a copy from ebay which costs more than Php 3,500?!? The price in Waterstones is okay, unfortunately the shipping fee is almost equal the price of the book. I need someone who can share the shipping expense with me. Anyone? :)

It has been a sinful week of overspending. Added to this, I had some realizations which arose from events I never wanted to happen. It may sound not as the best way to start the year. But then again, I'd like to think that this is how I pay for lifelong learning experiences. I'm just glad that I have a few friends beside me and my freelance works are on its concluding stages. I'm expecting a little something for my family and savings account. Life is still good! 

Read More

Years ago, worklife is relaxing at this stage. Teaching is over and more often than not, I'm savoring my quiet time at home because I decided to use my leave credits. But because of the little adjustment in the school's academic calendar, I still reported for work to the last week of October. I was hoping to schedule a leave last Friday. Unfortunately, some teaching related tasks needed to be prioritized. It was finals week while a major event at the workplace happened. The school's basketball team made it to the championship. There were days when I work in the morning and spend the entire afternoon to watch and support the team. In God's perfect timing as they say, prayers were answered. The most awaited championship ring was regained after 10 years. :)

There were a lot of stories behind this championship. One of my personal experience is when an alumni treated everyone seated in our row for pizza. On the way back to the school for the championship party, I had my own heartwarming experience as well. We happened to pass by the bus of the rival school. The students on both buses rendered friendly gestures to each. other. It was far more than the usual rough and provoking scenes I encounter before every game. Prior to the last game, I had my own share of being provoked. In the toilet area for instance, I encountered a lady from the rival school who intentionally bumped her leather bag against me. Years ago, while having our meal after the game, a group of friends from the rival school were throwing us bad words. I never gave in to any of them although social media is tempting me to do so. Hahaha But really, my overweight self, growing bills to pay and quarter life crisis have exhausted all my energy. I have no more space left to accommodate those cat-fights. Hahahaha 

The celebration continued after with the most awaited bonfire

Everyone is still on a high at the workplace. While me? I'm all tired, sleepy and can't wait for the weekend. Hahaha Before the week ended, I was surprised to receive postcards from Marieken. Thank you Marieken, the past weeks would always mean receiving my weekly dose of postcards. I love it!

Picture perfect, deserves to be framed! - I love Amsterdam and give me more years and freelance works to fatten my bank account, I will surely visit the Netherlands.

My first Christmas card came all the way from the Netherlands. Thanks again Marieken!

One of my favorite roads in Marikina - Thankful that other schools are having their semestral break already. Lesser traffic both on the roads and the train :)

Lanzones! - Almost finished the entire plate before a decent photo was taken 

In the afternoon, my family will head to the cemetery for All Souls Day. There will surely be another mini reunion. Before we part ways, I hope we will have another great dinner again. :)  

• November 01, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 184 - Surprises

Years ago, worklife is relaxing at this stage. Teaching is over and more often than not, I'm savoring my quiet time at home because I decided to use my leave credits. But because of the little adjustment in the school's academic calendar, I still reported for work to the last week of October. I was hoping to schedule a leave last Friday. Unfortunately, some teaching related tasks needed to be prioritized. It was finals week while a major event at the workplace happened. The school's basketball team made it to the championship. There were days when I work in the morning and spend the entire afternoon to watch and support the team. In God's perfect timing as they say, prayers were answered. The most awaited championship ring was regained after 10 years. :)

There were a lot of stories behind this championship. One of my personal experience is when an alumni treated everyone seated in our row for pizza. On the way back to the school for the championship party, I had my own heartwarming experience as well. We happened to pass by the bus of the rival school. The students on both buses rendered friendly gestures to each. other. It was far more than the usual rough and provoking scenes I encounter before every game. Prior to the last game, I had my own share of being provoked. In the toilet area for instance, I encountered a lady from the rival school who intentionally bumped her leather bag against me. Years ago, while having our meal after the game, a group of friends from the rival school were throwing us bad words. I never gave in to any of them although social media is tempting me to do so. Hahaha But really, my overweight self, growing bills to pay and quarter life crisis have exhausted all my energy. I have no more space left to accommodate those cat-fights. Hahahaha 

The celebration continued after with the most awaited bonfire

Everyone is still on a high at the workplace. While me? I'm all tired, sleepy and can't wait for the weekend. Hahaha Before the week ended, I was surprised to receive postcards from Marieken. Thank you Marieken, the past weeks would always mean receiving my weekly dose of postcards. I love it!

Picture perfect, deserves to be framed! - I love Amsterdam and give me more years and freelance works to fatten my bank account, I will surely visit the Netherlands.

My first Christmas card came all the way from the Netherlands. Thanks again Marieken!

One of my favorite roads in Marikina - Thankful that other schools are having their semestral break already. Lesser traffic both on the roads and the train :)

Lanzones! - Almost finished the entire plate before a decent photo was taken 

In the afternoon, my family will head to the cemetery for All Souls Day. There will surely be another mini reunion. Before we part ways, I hope we will have another great dinner again. :)  

Read More

Looking for a venue for corporate meetings have become a part of my job over the last years. I have been entrusted the responsibility of making arrangements for meetings participated by senior leaders. Searching for possible venues, asking for price quotations, requesting check payments, safeguarding money worth almost my annual salary, answering to the demands of my superiors even if it meant acting as the most annoying and demanding client, keeping receipts and preparing liquidation reports. The work never stops. My only consolation here, I get to see other places. I'm not stuck in the corners of my workstation and I get some free nice meals.... in exchange for some corporate slavery. Hahahaha Aside from the free food, this work has given me so many stories and experiences. Some are meant to be shared while some are meant to be left behind. Amen. Hahaha 

Before I end making another dramatic post, let me share a new venue which my employer chose for an important corporate meeting.

Having been working in Manila for a decade, I have witnessed how Luneta Hotel transformed. I initially saw it as one of the old and dilapidated buildings in Manila. Years ago, this was how Luneta Hotel looked like. I was one of those who were secretly hoping that the building will someday be resurrected. Problem is, with the high rise condominium and the nearby five-star hotels, it's hard to convince a company to take a chance to Luneta Hotel. The heavens have heard the prayers of old souls like me. It was gradually restored. At first, I thought that the new developer will demolish or have it converted to an office or business establishment. When I later discovered that it will return as a real hotel, I was one of the happiest. The restoration didn't come easy. I learned that it took the new owner 7 years to get all the job done. Good as, there have been efforts to restore the hotel ever since I started working in Manila. 

I took the photos a week before our corporate event. It was a good decision because I became occupied and it was quite a shame to take photos with the senior leaders during the event. ;)  

What greeted me as soon as I entered the premises of the hotel. A set of gilded chairs, which I learned used to be restricted for guests. These used to be mere decorative pieces.

I love this sculpture from Benguet. 

This cocoon sofa!

We stayed at the 6th floor, which houses the grandest function room of the hotel.

This was my workplace for two days. Originally, it costs Php 50,000 to have this venue for 4 hours. The cost already includes consumable food and drinks. But after some negotiations, we were given a considerable discount. :) If you share the same job with me, you might want to consider this venue for meetings to Christmas parties. You can look for their very accommodating and organized Operations Manager, Ms. Bel Ricablanca. Even the front desk service officers (Hello Keith and Kevin!)  are the best. I never had problems coordinating with them.

I never got to sit in the grand table and chair. This was my place.

I love the doors that either lead to the storage room or staircase. It felt like a setting in a fairy tale. I also learned that the wall tiles were part of the original flooring of the old hotel. 

One of the highlights of the function hall is this modest fountain. The windows behind provide a great view of Manila's skyline.

Even the toilet area has a view. :) 

While I don' have photos of the food, I have to say that it was worth the price. Everything served to us were tasty, delicious and offered assortment of Filipino, America to Italian dishes. Even the amount of servings is abundant. Food was never a problem and so as customer service with the cook and waiters. Their food can equate to the quality of five star hotels. 

For more information about Luneta Hotel, check out their website here.

• October 18, 2015
• Philippines

Luneta Hotel

Looking for a venue for corporate meetings have become a part of my job over the last years. I have been entrusted the responsibility of making arrangements for meetings participated by senior leaders. Searching for possible venues, asking for price quotations, requesting check payments, safeguarding money worth almost my annual salary, answering to the demands of my superiors even if it meant acting as the most annoying and demanding client, keeping receipts and preparing liquidation reports. The work never stops. My only consolation here, I get to see other places. I'm not stuck in the corners of my workstation and I get some free nice meals.... in exchange for some corporate slavery. Hahahaha Aside from the free food, this work has given me so many stories and experiences. Some are meant to be shared while some are meant to be left behind. Amen. Hahaha 

Before I end making another dramatic post, let me share a new venue which my employer chose for an important corporate meeting.

Having been working in Manila for a decade, I have witnessed how Luneta Hotel transformed. I initially saw it as one of the old and dilapidated buildings in Manila. Years ago, this was how Luneta Hotel looked like. I was one of those who were secretly hoping that the building will someday be resurrected. Problem is, with the high rise condominium and the nearby five-star hotels, it's hard to convince a company to take a chance to Luneta Hotel. The heavens have heard the prayers of old souls like me. It was gradually restored. At first, I thought that the new developer will demolish or have it converted to an office or business establishment. When I later discovered that it will return as a real hotel, I was one of the happiest. The restoration didn't come easy. I learned that it took the new owner 7 years to get all the job done. Good as, there have been efforts to restore the hotel ever since I started working in Manila. 

I took the photos a week before our corporate event. It was a good decision because I became occupied and it was quite a shame to take photos with the senior leaders during the event. ;)  

What greeted me as soon as I entered the premises of the hotel. A set of gilded chairs, which I learned used to be restricted for guests. These used to be mere decorative pieces.

I love this sculpture from Benguet. 

This cocoon sofa!

We stayed at the 6th floor, which houses the grandest function room of the hotel.

This was my workplace for two days. Originally, it costs Php 50,000 to have this venue for 4 hours. The cost already includes consumable food and drinks. But after some negotiations, we were given a considerable discount. :) If you share the same job with me, you might want to consider this venue for meetings to Christmas parties. You can look for their very accommodating and organized Operations Manager, Ms. Bel Ricablanca. Even the front desk service officers (Hello Keith and Kevin!)  are the best. I never had problems coordinating with them.

I never got to sit in the grand table and chair. This was my place.

I love the doors that either lead to the storage room or staircase. It felt like a setting in a fairy tale. I also learned that the wall tiles were part of the original flooring of the old hotel. 

One of the highlights of the function hall is this modest fountain. The windows behind provide a great view of Manila's skyline.

Even the toilet area has a view. :) 

While I don' have photos of the food, I have to say that it was worth the price. Everything served to us were tasty, delicious and offered assortment of Filipino, America to Italian dishes. Even the amount of servings is abundant. Food was never a problem and so as customer service with the cook and waiters. Their food can equate to the quality of five star hotels. 

For more information about Luneta Hotel, check out their website here.

Read More

Disappointments... such a negative word but that has been the prevalent sentiments I had over the past weeks. This is not the right place and time to write about it. But I have been very tempted to write about everything. I used to only hear stories of people saying that they don't know who to trust anymore. I used to console friends who was once in this predicament. I never imagined that I will be in their shoes soon enough. I discovered and opened a can of worms and the rest was another saga of eating and impulse shopping. :D If I can't overcome them, at least I feel entertained because I have an attention diversion antidote. Hahaha 

This aspect of my life does not deserve a spot in my Beautiful Sunday post. While I have been tempted to vent out, let me relate the other good things that made my week.

Dessert Buffet anyone? - This place in Banawe offers unlimited dessert buffet experience for Php 199. I've been hearing all stories about this place from my students. Sadly, I felt the complete opposite during my experience. We were only given one hour to try the experience. The place was crowded so going to the buffet table is a great hassle. We waited in line, knowing that there 11 clients before us. Not all types of cakes were served. The experience that nailed everything, the desserts did not impress me. The only good thing that happened here was the company I had. I was with a great friend MFA. 

Haw Flakes - Confession, I hoarded 5 packs of this childhood favorite. :) Since I rarely encounter this on nearby supermarkets, I bought a lot when I saw a few packs left on Salazar's bakery. Although the taste and quality is quite different from the Haw Flakes I had during my childhood days.

Three of my favorite things - My ghost chair found its perfect match. This sheepskin from Ikea is love, love, love! Thank you Mother E for helping me acquire it. And as always, Cath Kidston is there to brighten up the day. :p

Pink all the way from the Netherlands - Thank you dearest Marieken! You send me the most beautiful postcards. This one is special because it caught the attention of my Dad. He was saying that you probably chose the postcard because you liked his pink Japanese bike. Hahaha He love this cute motorbike especially the compartment for the spare tire. 

Family is love - We celebrated the birthday of my special brother last week. Celebrations meant having a mini reunion, seeing my closest family members together, capturing the most memorable moments and feeling that everything is perfectly fine. If only I could box these priceless moments. I will do it and open it whenever I feel that everything has been falling apart. Things are not easy now but the good news, I'm fighting. These times that break me will make me nothing a but a better and stronger person ahead. :) 

• October 18, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 182 - Through it all

Disappointments... such a negative word but that has been the prevalent sentiments I had over the past weeks. This is not the right place and time to write about it. But I have been very tempted to write about everything. I used to only hear stories of people saying that they don't know who to trust anymore. I used to console friends who was once in this predicament. I never imagined that I will be in their shoes soon enough. I discovered and opened a can of worms and the rest was another saga of eating and impulse shopping. :D If I can't overcome them, at least I feel entertained because I have an attention diversion antidote. Hahaha 

This aspect of my life does not deserve a spot in my Beautiful Sunday post. While I have been tempted to vent out, let me relate the other good things that made my week.

Dessert Buffet anyone? - This place in Banawe offers unlimited dessert buffet experience for Php 199. I've been hearing all stories about this place from my students. Sadly, I felt the complete opposite during my experience. We were only given one hour to try the experience. The place was crowded so going to the buffet table is a great hassle. We waited in line, knowing that there 11 clients before us. Not all types of cakes were served. The experience that nailed everything, the desserts did not impress me. The only good thing that happened here was the company I had. I was with a great friend MFA. 

Haw Flakes - Confession, I hoarded 5 packs of this childhood favorite. :) Since I rarely encounter this on nearby supermarkets, I bought a lot when I saw a few packs left on Salazar's bakery. Although the taste and quality is quite different from the Haw Flakes I had during my childhood days.

Three of my favorite things - My ghost chair found its perfect match. This sheepskin from Ikea is love, love, love! Thank you Mother E for helping me acquire it. And as always, Cath Kidston is there to brighten up the day. :p

Pink all the way from the Netherlands - Thank you dearest Marieken! You send me the most beautiful postcards. This one is special because it caught the attention of my Dad. He was saying that you probably chose the postcard because you liked his pink Japanese bike. Hahaha He love this cute motorbike especially the compartment for the spare tire. 

Family is love - We celebrated the birthday of my special brother last week. Celebrations meant having a mini reunion, seeing my closest family members together, capturing the most memorable moments and feeling that everything is perfectly fine. If only I could box these priceless moments. I will do it and open it whenever I feel that everything has been falling apart. Things are not easy now but the good news, I'm fighting. These times that break me will make me nothing a but a better and stronger person ahead. :) 

Read More

This is one of those weeks that I never wanted to happen. I will spare everyone from the details. Maybe months or years from now, I will be ready to write about it. But for now, all I can say is that I'm thankful that it finally happened because it meant, everything is over now. The silver lining though, it wasn't as painful as I was expecting it. Maybe because all the tears have been shed a few months ago. I hope I can finally say that I have moved on. I would not however deny that part of me is very tempted to release everything here. I guess my control hormones are stronger. I'd rather focus moving on and doing things that will rather empower me. 

While I have been tempted to be eaten up by bitterness, I have been showered by a few good things that uplifted me amidst of everything.

Sunrise and morning drive - I will treasure the few days when my Father brings me to the train station. Traffic in some key areas in Marikina is getting worst over the past months. My Father volunteered to drive me every Monday morning. He was able to figure out alternative routes which are usually more refreshing and relaxing. Thanks Dad. :)

A mini forest in Manila -  I never knew that this place exists in Manila. I had a recent assignment that required me to secure data from the Manila's Office of Department of Education. I was surprised to see a very quiet compound that houses this refreshing scenery.

Another work related endeavor - I was arranging the reservations for an important meeting of some senior leaders at the workplace. I will blog about this beautiful place next week. 

What Friday nights are made of - Thank you dear friend A for the regular Friday company. 

I will stir a lot of gossips and gain silent but deadly hatred if I will post this in my Facebook account  - Hahahaha A bit exaggerated but I'm really tempted to upload this message. Maybe I can blog about it instead. 

Thank you Marieken for another cutest postcard.

Blame sadness, this is what sadness can do - Hahahaha The few friends who know me well will surely get surprised. Pink? Yes, even myself was surprised with this choice. Probably for a change, I can try this very feminine color. If this color will bring me luck, then let's forget about blue. Hahaha 

Why am I suddenly so addicted to gold? - Another super advanced birthday gift to my sad self  :)

This compensates for all the sadness I had this week. Just what I needed when I feel that nothing is going right for me. Please, wish and pray me for more freelance works. :) 

• October 11, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 181 - Reasons

This is one of those weeks that I never wanted to happen. I will spare everyone from the details. Maybe months or years from now, I will be ready to write about it. But for now, all I can say is that I'm thankful that it finally happened because it meant, everything is over now. The silver lining though, it wasn't as painful as I was expecting it. Maybe because all the tears have been shed a few months ago. I hope I can finally say that I have moved on. I would not however deny that part of me is very tempted to release everything here. I guess my control hormones are stronger. I'd rather focus moving on and doing things that will rather empower me. 

While I have been tempted to be eaten up by bitterness, I have been showered by a few good things that uplifted me amidst of everything.

Sunrise and morning drive - I will treasure the few days when my Father brings me to the train station. Traffic in some key areas in Marikina is getting worst over the past months. My Father volunteered to drive me every Monday morning. He was able to figure out alternative routes which are usually more refreshing and relaxing. Thanks Dad. :)

A mini forest in Manila -  I never knew that this place exists in Manila. I had a recent assignment that required me to secure data from the Manila's Office of Department of Education. I was surprised to see a very quiet compound that houses this refreshing scenery.

Another work related endeavor - I was arranging the reservations for an important meeting of some senior leaders at the workplace. I will blog about this beautiful place next week. 

What Friday nights are made of - Thank you dear friend A for the regular Friday company. 

I will stir a lot of gossips and gain silent but deadly hatred if I will post this in my Facebook account  - Hahahaha A bit exaggerated but I'm really tempted to upload this message. Maybe I can blog about it instead. 

Thank you Marieken for another cutest postcard.

Blame sadness, this is what sadness can do - Hahahaha The few friends who know me well will surely get surprised. Pink? Yes, even myself was surprised with this choice. Probably for a change, I can try this very feminine color. If this color will bring me luck, then let's forget about blue. Hahaha 

Why am I suddenly so addicted to gold? - Another super advanced birthday gift to my sad self  :)

This compensates for all the sadness I had this week. Just what I needed when I feel that nothing is going right for me. Please, wish and pray me for more freelance works. :) 

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