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

Truth to be told, I was sleeping when Miss Universe 2015 was happening. I got occupied by a freelance work the night before the pageant's airing. I worked from night until dawn. I finished the work with some tradeoff. My arms felt like I had sand bags tied around. The prolonged typing almost kept my entire arms so numb. I felt so lightheaded. I slept the entire day, woke up around 5 pm. I checked my Facebook account and my newsfeed was flooded with nothing but news from the recently concluded Miss Universe 2015. As I was checking my friends' status messages, I learned one of probably the craziest mistakes done in the entire world history. A few days after, the Filipino public's attention was focused to MISS USA and MISS BULGARIA. 

Thanks to the evening replay at Star World. I got to see everything, only that the replay was a little edited. :) It was initially Miss USA who caught my attention. Yes I agree, Miss USA can pass as the "bestie" of the year. I love you Miss USA!

More than showing support to Miss Philippines, I discovered the memes and later, the instagram account of Miss USA. She has pre-pageant photos with Miss Philippines. I felt that she was really friends with Pia Wurtzbach even before the competition. I followed Miss USA's Instagram account and I started to admire her more. I love Miss USA to bits and pieces! I will always remember this post. 

I also discovered the role of Miss Bulgaria, who is now very popular among the Filipino populace. 

The entire Filipino community got your back as well Miss Bulgaria :) 

Miss Bulgaria eventually discovered how and why the Filipinos love her so much. She posted the memes in her Instagram account as well. 

Sometimes, you just wish that you and your friends look like this :) 

Wishful Thinking: T, Me and A
Hahahahahaha

source : Cosompolitan Philippines

Setting aside the "mistake," I will also remember Miss Universe 2015 because of the story of Miss Slovenia. Get well soon Miss Slovenia :) 

• December 26, 2015
• friends

Friendship Goals :) Miss Universe 2015

Truth to be told, I was sleeping when Miss Universe 2015 was happening. I got occupied by a freelance work the night before the pageant's airing. I worked from night until dawn. I finished the work with some tradeoff. My arms felt like I had sand bags tied around. The prolonged typing almost kept my entire arms so numb. I felt so lightheaded. I slept the entire day, woke up around 5 pm. I checked my Facebook account and my newsfeed was flooded with nothing but news from the recently concluded Miss Universe 2015. As I was checking my friends' status messages, I learned one of probably the craziest mistakes done in the entire world history. A few days after, the Filipino public's attention was focused to MISS USA and MISS BULGARIA. 

Thanks to the evening replay at Star World. I got to see everything, only that the replay was a little edited. :) It was initially Miss USA who caught my attention. Yes I agree, Miss USA can pass as the "bestie" of the year. I love you Miss USA!

More than showing support to Miss Philippines, I discovered the memes and later, the instagram account of Miss USA. She has pre-pageant photos with Miss Philippines. I felt that she was really friends with Pia Wurtzbach even before the competition. I followed Miss USA's Instagram account and I started to admire her more. I love Miss USA to bits and pieces! I will always remember this post. 

I also discovered the role of Miss Bulgaria, who is now very popular among the Filipino populace. 

The entire Filipino community got your back as well Miss Bulgaria :) 

Miss Bulgaria eventually discovered how and why the Filipinos love her so much. She posted the memes in her Instagram account as well. 

Sometimes, you just wish that you and your friends look like this :) 

Wishful Thinking: T, Me and A
Hahahahahaha

source : Cosompolitan Philippines

Setting aside the "mistake," I will also remember Miss Universe 2015 because of the story of Miss Slovenia. Get well soon Miss Slovenia :) 

Read More

I'm off for a two-week vacay. The perks of working for a school, I don't receive humongous bonuses but I'm endowed with plenty of paid vacation. Although in my case, I have pending tasks brought by freelance works .... to which I'm very thankful. Hahahahaha Who am I to refuse additional income especially when time is on my hands. I also love the fact that I'm confined in the comforts of our own home. Everything can be done in my most comfortable time and space. Time is slow. I have a very laid back atmosphere. I work in my pajamas. Food from the fridge is just a few steps away. Hahaha I got everything I need in our home. 

The week before the most awaited holiday break, I attended a number of Christmas parties, had dinner with a few friends and for some reason, me and my friends would end up rushing to the nearby SM Mall after work. I almost forgot, the past week marked my birthday!!! Here are a few beautiful things that happened last week.

Birthday OOTD... and even until today Hahahahaha - The happiest birthday meant wearing your most comfortable clothes.  I took a leave from work on my birthday. Truth is, I'm willing to report for work. I have no problems working on my birthday. However, I knew that I will be having a lonesome lunch break. I don't want to eat on my own during my birthday. I had a nice lunch with my family even with the presence of an unlikely typhoon in December. In the afternoon, we ordered everyone's favorite, pizza and chicken wings. Happy tummy, everybody happy! 

Chicken wings and pizza again Hahahaha - The annual birthday tradition with T and A. I had dinner with my workplace friends the night before my birthday. I've been having post / pre birthday celebrations with them for more than five years. And I intend to do it over the next years. To more birthdays, happiest memories, and belly heavy dinners!!!

Another friendship tradition, the aftermath of the workplace's Christmas party - Before we parted ways for the holiday break, we spent the last few hours of the day in Starbucks. While other colleagues stayed for some drinks and booze, we have a boring tradition. #TitasOfManilaUnite Hahahaha 

When your online orders arrived right in the nick of time - Ordered these goodies from the Black Friday Sale. I wasn't expecting that they will arrive before Christmas. I conditioned myself that they will arrive at least before the year ends. Surprise of surprises, they arrived on my birthday!

Custaroon Poppers - First time to taste the famous concoction from Gigi Gaerlan. Had it not because of a colleague who gave this as a Xmas present, I would not be able to try the famous custaroons. If you prefer dark chocolates, you will love this custaroons coated chocolate. 

PS I'm a sucker for pretty packaging :) hence the excessive photo uploads. 

Found some vintage postcards - Get ready Marieken :)

It's a fairy tale, but where is Cinderella? :) 

I wanted to try a separate post-birthday post. But laziness is overpowering me, given the very conducive bed weather. :) There was nothing special that happened on the day of my birthday, except that my Facebook wall has been filled with greetings. Thanks everyone! Although I have to admit, this year's birthday was better than last year. I stayed home but the sadness is no longer around. Also, my birthday caught a little unfortunate event. My 92-year old grandfather was rushed to the hospital. In God's grace, he's better and now resting at home. I treated my cousins who were in the hospital for chicken again. Hahaha I spent my afternoon at the hospital. I was able to come home in time for dinner with my family. Cliche as it may sound, life is good! 

• December 20, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 191 - Happy December

I'm off for a two-week vacay. The perks of working for a school, I don't receive humongous bonuses but I'm endowed with plenty of paid vacation. Although in my case, I have pending tasks brought by freelance works .... to which I'm very thankful. Hahahahaha Who am I to refuse additional income especially when time is on my hands. I also love the fact that I'm confined in the comforts of our own home. Everything can be done in my most comfortable time and space. Time is slow. I have a very laid back atmosphere. I work in my pajamas. Food from the fridge is just a few steps away. Hahaha I got everything I need in our home. 

The week before the most awaited holiday break, I attended a number of Christmas parties, had dinner with a few friends and for some reason, me and my friends would end up rushing to the nearby SM Mall after work. I almost forgot, the past week marked my birthday!!! Here are a few beautiful things that happened last week.

Birthday OOTD... and even until today Hahahahaha - The happiest birthday meant wearing your most comfortable clothes.  I took a leave from work on my birthday. Truth is, I'm willing to report for work. I have no problems working on my birthday. However, I knew that I will be having a lonesome lunch break. I don't want to eat on my own during my birthday. I had a nice lunch with my family even with the presence of an unlikely typhoon in December. In the afternoon, we ordered everyone's favorite, pizza and chicken wings. Happy tummy, everybody happy! 

Chicken wings and pizza again Hahahaha - The annual birthday tradition with T and A. I had dinner with my workplace friends the night before my birthday. I've been having post / pre birthday celebrations with them for more than five years. And I intend to do it over the next years. To more birthdays, happiest memories, and belly heavy dinners!!!

Another friendship tradition, the aftermath of the workplace's Christmas party - Before we parted ways for the holiday break, we spent the last few hours of the day in Starbucks. While other colleagues stayed for some drinks and booze, we have a boring tradition. #TitasOfManilaUnite Hahahaha 

When your online orders arrived right in the nick of time - Ordered these goodies from the Black Friday Sale. I wasn't expecting that they will arrive before Christmas. I conditioned myself that they will arrive at least before the year ends. Surprise of surprises, they arrived on my birthday!

Custaroon Poppers - First time to taste the famous concoction from Gigi Gaerlan. Had it not because of a colleague who gave this as a Xmas present, I would not be able to try the famous custaroons. If you prefer dark chocolates, you will love this custaroons coated chocolate. 

PS I'm a sucker for pretty packaging :) hence the excessive photo uploads. 

Found some vintage postcards - Get ready Marieken :)

It's a fairy tale, but where is Cinderella? :) 

I wanted to try a separate post-birthday post. But laziness is overpowering me, given the very conducive bed weather. :) There was nothing special that happened on the day of my birthday, except that my Facebook wall has been filled with greetings. Thanks everyone! Although I have to admit, this year's birthday was better than last year. I stayed home but the sadness is no longer around. Also, my birthday caught a little unfortunate event. My 92-year old grandfather was rushed to the hospital. In God's grace, he's better and now resting at home. I treated my cousins who were in the hospital for chicken again. Hahaha I spent my afternoon at the hospital. I was able to come home in time for dinner with my family. Cliche as it may sound, life is good! 

Read More

My favorite month is here. I started the week with an extended weekend break. The second semester for teaching had just started with a lesser teaching load. Work at the office is fine. Freelance work is starting to prosper, to which I'm very thankful. Although there is one work that really challenges me. I'm planning to seriously deal with it during the holiday break. My blog got a new look but I discovered a little bug that needs to be fixed. A little request, anyone here who owns an iPad, iTouch, or iPhone device? If you can access my blog using your mobile devices, please give me feedback. I want to know how my blog works on Apple mobile devices, particularly using Safari as a browser. In the case of my iPad, the menus do not seem to work. I tried using other iPads and same problem still persists. This is quite frustrating for me. I hope this will get fixed soon. I love my new blog design but if the glitches are not addressed, I'm afraid that I have to redesign again?! 

While everything else is still in the hands of my blog designer, let me share the few good things that made the past week.

Love from the Netherlands - Thank you Marieken for making all means to get the PiP Studio planners. PiP products are not available in the Philippines and if the brand lands here, I'm pretty sure that the price will drive me crazy. :) It will double the original price from Amsterdam. Thank you also for the vintage postcard of Nijmegen and a freebie from your brick and mortar shop. 

My first Pip Studio planners would not reach me had it not because of Mother E! Thank you for taking care of everything Mother E. I received the gifts and these most awaited Cath Kidston mugs too. 

Fridays - I was planning to go home early last Friday but the traffic in Manila forced me and MFA to stay in the nearby SM for a while. I got my favorite Keema rice from Kebabers. 

Tsubaki is love! - I've been hearing a lot of good things about Tsubaki, Shiseido's line of shampoo. If it's made by Shiseido, it will surely be expensive. True enough, it costs almost thrice of my regular bottle of shampoo. I encountered a few shops in Hong Kong selling it in bundle packs with conditioners. Still not cheap, but makes quite a good deal. My regret is that I should have bought at least one bundle pack. I purchased this Tsubaki shampoo from the rare and little online earnings. :) It was expensive, but what they say about beauty products that come in a price tag is for real. This is one of the few best shampoos I've tried. I've experienced a number of noticeable benefits. It gave a refreshing feel to my scalp. Unlike other menthol or pepermint inspired shampoo, the cooling effect is not too dominant to the extent that it felt like lathering Vicks on your head.:p It also effectively removes excess oil from the hair. I made the mistake of overusing sunflower oil to prevent snow fall (heavy flaking of my dry scalp / dandruff) :p. The snow fall was addressed but the traces of excess oil was gross. The shampoo worked so well in cleaning my hair. Best about everything, it didn't cause excessive dryness which is often the problem in most oil control shampoos. I will try to write a separate review about this. :)

The Body Shop's Sale - I love The Body Shop, but then again, minus the price tag. I only enter their shop if I have a friend to accompany or there is a screaming sale. :p Problem with me is that while I can splurge for shoes, bags and clothes, beauty products are always on the last in my list. Last Friday,  MFA and I chanced upon some good deals. These soaps are sold in 6 bundle packs for Php 1,095. Quite a good deal because each originally costs Php 195. We later learned that the bundle packs are offered in Buy 1 take 1 deal. It appears that each bar costs less than Php 100. Hooray! I gave in, the other bars will be given away as gifts to my friends. :) My favorite by the way here is the Olive and Shea Butter.  

It will be my second to the last week at work. I can't wait for the holiday break. While I love the Christmas season, the bills to pay and the other expenses have to be prioritized. A little message to all the kids out there, this is how grown ups spend Christmas! Haha We may have money because of the most awaited 13th month pay but other important things have to be prioritized before anything else. :P 

Happy December to everyone but before anything else, I HOPE MY BLOG'S GLITCH GETS FIXED SOON. :) 

• December 06, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 189 - First of December

My favorite month is here. I started the week with an extended weekend break. The second semester for teaching had just started with a lesser teaching load. Work at the office is fine. Freelance work is starting to prosper, to which I'm very thankful. Although there is one work that really challenges me. I'm planning to seriously deal with it during the holiday break. My blog got a new look but I discovered a little bug that needs to be fixed. A little request, anyone here who owns an iPad, iTouch, or iPhone device? If you can access my blog using your mobile devices, please give me feedback. I want to know how my blog works on Apple mobile devices, particularly using Safari as a browser. In the case of my iPad, the menus do not seem to work. I tried using other iPads and same problem still persists. This is quite frustrating for me. I hope this will get fixed soon. I love my new blog design but if the glitches are not addressed, I'm afraid that I have to redesign again?! 

While everything else is still in the hands of my blog designer, let me share the few good things that made the past week.

Love from the Netherlands - Thank you Marieken for making all means to get the PiP Studio planners. PiP products are not available in the Philippines and if the brand lands here, I'm pretty sure that the price will drive me crazy. :) It will double the original price from Amsterdam. Thank you also for the vintage postcard of Nijmegen and a freebie from your brick and mortar shop. 

My first Pip Studio planners would not reach me had it not because of Mother E! Thank you for taking care of everything Mother E. I received the gifts and these most awaited Cath Kidston mugs too. 

Fridays - I was planning to go home early last Friday but the traffic in Manila forced me and MFA to stay in the nearby SM for a while. I got my favorite Keema rice from Kebabers. 

Tsubaki is love! - I've been hearing a lot of good things about Tsubaki, Shiseido's line of shampoo. If it's made by Shiseido, it will surely be expensive. True enough, it costs almost thrice of my regular bottle of shampoo. I encountered a few shops in Hong Kong selling it in bundle packs with conditioners. Still not cheap, but makes quite a good deal. My regret is that I should have bought at least one bundle pack. I purchased this Tsubaki shampoo from the rare and little online earnings. :) It was expensive, but what they say about beauty products that come in a price tag is for real. This is one of the few best shampoos I've tried. I've experienced a number of noticeable benefits. It gave a refreshing feel to my scalp. Unlike other menthol or pepermint inspired shampoo, the cooling effect is not too dominant to the extent that it felt like lathering Vicks on your head.:p It also effectively removes excess oil from the hair. I made the mistake of overusing sunflower oil to prevent snow fall (heavy flaking of my dry scalp / dandruff) :p. The snow fall was addressed but the traces of excess oil was gross. The shampoo worked so well in cleaning my hair. Best about everything, it didn't cause excessive dryness which is often the problem in most oil control shampoos. I will try to write a separate review about this. :)

The Body Shop's Sale - I love The Body Shop, but then again, minus the price tag. I only enter their shop if I have a friend to accompany or there is a screaming sale. :p Problem with me is that while I can splurge for shoes, bags and clothes, beauty products are always on the last in my list. Last Friday,  MFA and I chanced upon some good deals. These soaps are sold in 6 bundle packs for Php 1,095. Quite a good deal because each originally costs Php 195. We later learned that the bundle packs are offered in Buy 1 take 1 deal. It appears that each bar costs less than Php 100. Hooray! I gave in, the other bars will be given away as gifts to my friends. :) My favorite by the way here is the Olive and Shea Butter.  

It will be my second to the last week at work. I can't wait for the holiday break. While I love the Christmas season, the bills to pay and the other expenses have to be prioritized. A little message to all the kids out there, this is how grown ups spend Christmas! Haha We may have money because of the most awaited 13th month pay but other important things have to be prioritized before anything else. :P 

Happy December to everyone but before anything else, I HOPE MY BLOG'S GLITCH GETS FIXED SOON. :) 

Read More

It was another long weekend here. I initially thought that I will become another useless couch potato. Plans abruptly changed before Friday ended. In a snap, the weekend was filled with meet ups, celebrations and a few surprises.

Gifts from my Korean friend, Jenny! - Jenny is my Korean penfriend back in High School. I can't remember why and how we stopped exchanging letters. A decade after working, I decided to reconnect with Jenny. I attempted to send a letter again. Much to my surprise, my letter reached her. The heavens connived with us, Jenny was assigned to the Philippines for work. I finally met her  last August .The year is about to end and Jenny is scheduled to leave. I took advantage of the weekend to meet her for the last time in Manila. I'm praying that we will meet again, but this time in her hometown in South Korea. 

Thank you for the gifts Jenny! 

I received my first Christmas present! - If Marieken gave me my first Christmas card, Terra gave me my first Christmas gift. I love it Terra! I'm the proudest and happiest owner of your masterpiece.

Old Game Cards - I purchased this along the streets of Sta. Cruz Manila for Php 2 each. Although initially, I thought that they are vintage game cards. When I googled I Spy, I discovered that the cards are still available in a few online shops. Hahaha Nevertheless, I still love the vintage feel of the cards.

For those who were born from 1995 onwards, can you still identify this machine? ;)  I discovered that our old machine is still perfectly working.

Everything old school, a typewriter and my weekly dose of postcards - After weeks of having an empty mail, the work week ended with a happy mail box. 

Thank you Marieken! - The postcard does not look like a freebie at all. I love the design and the message behind it.

My first postcard from Sri Lanka!

And yes, Terra you have always been one of my sources of rare sunshine

This vintage postcard dates back 1966. I will blog about this on my next post. 

I finally found a nice decorative birdhouse! This will become a part of my new project at home. 

I cannot remember the last time I wore a rubber shoes. It made me feel like a kid again.

The family feasted over this forever favorite, Mango Bravo from Conti's

To be young, wild and free! It was my first time to join an event from Hydro Manila #WeMakeItRain. I have no regrets at all, the "water experience" changed everything. :) 

• November 29, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 188 - Last for November

It was another long weekend here. I initially thought that I will become another useless couch potato. Plans abruptly changed before Friday ended. In a snap, the weekend was filled with meet ups, celebrations and a few surprises.

Gifts from my Korean friend, Jenny! - Jenny is my Korean penfriend back in High School. I can't remember why and how we stopped exchanging letters. A decade after working, I decided to reconnect with Jenny. I attempted to send a letter again. Much to my surprise, my letter reached her. The heavens connived with us, Jenny was assigned to the Philippines for work. I finally met her  last August .The year is about to end and Jenny is scheduled to leave. I took advantage of the weekend to meet her for the last time in Manila. I'm praying that we will meet again, but this time in her hometown in South Korea. 

Thank you for the gifts Jenny! 

I received my first Christmas present! - If Marieken gave me my first Christmas card, Terra gave me my first Christmas gift. I love it Terra! I'm the proudest and happiest owner of your masterpiece.

Old Game Cards - I purchased this along the streets of Sta. Cruz Manila for Php 2 each. Although initially, I thought that they are vintage game cards. When I googled I Spy, I discovered that the cards are still available in a few online shops. Hahaha Nevertheless, I still love the vintage feel of the cards.

For those who were born from 1995 onwards, can you still identify this machine? ;)  I discovered that our old machine is still perfectly working.

Everything old school, a typewriter and my weekly dose of postcards - After weeks of having an empty mail, the work week ended with a happy mail box. 

Thank you Marieken! - The postcard does not look like a freebie at all. I love the design and the message behind it.

My first postcard from Sri Lanka!

And yes, Terra you have always been one of my sources of rare sunshine

This vintage postcard dates back 1966. I will blog about this on my next post. 

I finally found a nice decorative birdhouse! This will become a part of my new project at home. 

I cannot remember the last time I wore a rubber shoes. It made me feel like a kid again.

The family feasted over this forever favorite, Mango Bravo from Conti's

To be young, wild and free! It was my first time to join an event from Hydro Manila #WeMakeItRain. I have no regrets at all, the "water experience" changed everything. :) 

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A few months ago, I related my attempts to reconnect with my long lost penfriends from South Korea. A few weeks after, my attempt turned out to be successful. My letter reached one of them and I was already more than happy. And because of technology, communication became easier for us. We became Facebook friends and would chat once in a while. It was also through Facebook that I discovered that my friend stayed in the Philippines for almost a year. I believe that was more than two years ago. I regret the fact that I should have reconnected with her earlier. If only I wrote to her earlier, we could have been given the opportunity to personally meet. 

Fast forward now, I discovered that my dear friend returned to the Philippines for work. I saw a familiar photo posted on her Facebook account so I decided to confirm her presence. When she said that she was indeed here, I wanted to scream OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! She's here, for real!!!!! And even though I have poor social skills, I never had second thoughts. I invited her for a meet up. We were suppose to meet around April when I had those forced leave credits. Unfortunately, there were some hindrances that came along the way. We would occasionally exchange messages and she sought my assistance for this brand of Virgin Coconut Oil that she prefers. I was quite surprised that VCO is that expensive in South Korea. I was successful in finding her preferred brand that is rarely available in most supermarkets. I wanted to personally hand out the bottles of VCO but I understand her busy schedule and priorities. But deep inside, part of me is still hoping that we would meet one of these days. She surprised me last week because she was asking if I'm free over the weekends. I never had second thoughts, I said yes!!!  And the rest was history :) 

It's for real! I have a great and beautiful friend from South Korea! Say hi to my dear friend, Jenny :) 

It took me a while to reach our meeting place. Blame the traffic from the afternoon rain. I felt stupid for making her wait. :( And since I'm meeting a South Korean friend, we have to do it inside an authentic Korean restaurant. :) I had my favorite Bibimbap and she introduced me to this Korean spicy squid with noodles. It was the best! We started talking and eating at 5 pm and before we knew it, it was already so dark outside. Haha We parted around 8 pm. Hahaha We may have exchanged letters a few times but it felt like I knew her for the longest time. I tagged my friend Anne and we somehow interviewed her about the best places to visit in South Korea. Haha 

I was surprised with the number of places Jenny has visited in the Philippines. I admire her best for being able to survive like a typical Filipino. She's a legit Filipino commuter! She takes jeepneys, UV express / FX taxis, buses to tricycle when she visits different places in the Philippines. That is real bravery!!! 

I hope this will not be our last meet up. I made a promise to Jenny. :) I have to complete the 20 bottles of VCO. Hahaha She has a few more months in the Philippines. I wanted to treat her at Cafe Lidia  or bring her to Lilac, the famous food hub in Marikina. And before she leaves the Philippines, I also wanted to give her a little send off dinner. And probably next year, Anne and I would visit her in South Korea. :) 

• August 02, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 171 - And we finally met

A few months ago, I related my attempts to reconnect with my long lost penfriends from South Korea. A few weeks after, my attempt turned out to be successful. My letter reached one of them and I was already more than happy. And because of technology, communication became easier for us. We became Facebook friends and would chat once in a while. It was also through Facebook that I discovered that my friend stayed in the Philippines for almost a year. I believe that was more than two years ago. I regret the fact that I should have reconnected with her earlier. If only I wrote to her earlier, we could have been given the opportunity to personally meet. 

Fast forward now, I discovered that my dear friend returned to the Philippines for work. I saw a familiar photo posted on her Facebook account so I decided to confirm her presence. When she said that she was indeed here, I wanted to scream OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! She's here, for real!!!!! And even though I have poor social skills, I never had second thoughts. I invited her for a meet up. We were suppose to meet around April when I had those forced leave credits. Unfortunately, there were some hindrances that came along the way. We would occasionally exchange messages and she sought my assistance for this brand of Virgin Coconut Oil that she prefers. I was quite surprised that VCO is that expensive in South Korea. I was successful in finding her preferred brand that is rarely available in most supermarkets. I wanted to personally hand out the bottles of VCO but I understand her busy schedule and priorities. But deep inside, part of me is still hoping that we would meet one of these days. She surprised me last week because she was asking if I'm free over the weekends. I never had second thoughts, I said yes!!!  And the rest was history :) 

It's for real! I have a great and beautiful friend from South Korea! Say hi to my dear friend, Jenny :) 

It took me a while to reach our meeting place. Blame the traffic from the afternoon rain. I felt stupid for making her wait. :( And since I'm meeting a South Korean friend, we have to do it inside an authentic Korean restaurant. :) I had my favorite Bibimbap and she introduced me to this Korean spicy squid with noodles. It was the best! We started talking and eating at 5 pm and before we knew it, it was already so dark outside. Haha We parted around 8 pm. Hahaha We may have exchanged letters a few times but it felt like I knew her for the longest time. I tagged my friend Anne and we somehow interviewed her about the best places to visit in South Korea. Haha 

I was surprised with the number of places Jenny has visited in the Philippines. I admire her best for being able to survive like a typical Filipino. She's a legit Filipino commuter! She takes jeepneys, UV express / FX taxis, buses to tricycle when she visits different places in the Philippines. That is real bravery!!! 

I hope this will not be our last meet up. I made a promise to Jenny. :) I have to complete the 20 bottles of VCO. Hahaha She has a few more months in the Philippines. I wanted to treat her at Cafe Lidia  or bring her to Lilac, the famous food hub in Marikina. And before she leaves the Philippines, I also wanted to give her a little send off dinner. And probably next year, Anne and I would visit her in South Korea. :) 

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My struggle is still here but I can safely say that I'm feeling better! Big thanks to my little support system in the blogposhere. Most of my friends are away from me. Haven't seen and talked to them for a while. It helped that I have online friends who sent that much needed sunshine. I'm still blessed and lucky. Thanks everyone! 

There are a few good things that made the past week better. First on the list is the new freelance work. I was tapped to do some improvement and documentation project to a large distribution company. My nose is bleeding with all the terminologies and technicalities. I'm still on the process of learning. I'm praying for the success of this project because it's my first industry experience. I also believe this would open more opportunities for me. But before I further daydream, I have to get things going. 

Late last year, the highest office at the workplace tapped me to join this working committee. The work entailed coordination among other sister companies. My short lived involvement placed me in an "awkward" position. I was just burdened with the inconvenience of explaining my presence. Truth is, they were expecting another person to represent the company. I didn't gain enemies. Thank God! When the new management entered, another person was appointed. I made the initiative to turnover everything. I bid farewell to the people I've worked with, albeit through email and text messages. One thing I realized, farewells bring those unexpected words of appreciation. For someone who rarely feels appreciated, my heart easily melts for moments like this. Thanks everyone! The experience, though short lived, was great. I just have one more responsibility to unload. This one is tougher and I'm still trying to figure out how to do it the smartest and the most respectful way. :) #GrownUpProblems 

Sigh... meanwhile, here are the other less serious and beautiful things that made my week

Snacks from 7 - 11 - The store is revamping for good. I love their own product labels, especially the bread selections. I used to be addicted with the Peanut Butter x Strawberry sandwich. When their version of Three Cheese was released, I'm a full convert. :) This was way better for my taste buds. Their collaboration with Anchor butter was also the best. My favorite has to be this raisin bread baked in Anchor butter.

Back to the same old task - If the company is under new management, expect changes and another round of planning. And like the good old days, I'm back doing the same task. Collating materials and analyzing proposals for their corporate planning. 

Shopaholic attack - I have a little story behind this purchase. :) When things in your life don't do well, retail therapy can probably provide a little comfort and happiness. I discovered this online shop that curates products of independent and distinguished Filipino artists. I signed up and window shopped. But because of their excellent customer service, I gave in. I purchased a tote I can use for my teaching stuff. While I love their customer service, I felt disappointed with the bag. It looked way better in the photos. I thought of just keeping the bag but I noticed the customer feedback form attached. I decided to relay my sentiments. I explained that while they have great customer service, I was disappointed with the quality of my purchase. I never received any response at all. Hahahaha It was way different than those times when they were sending me invites to pursue the purchase. 

The best part of my week started when my mail box was filled with these

Hi Jeannie! You surprised me with these nature themed cards. The hologram card brought out the kid at heart in me. 

Whenever I receive a envelope with a wreath stamp, I'm sure that it would be from Terra! :) Thanks Terra, will send you an email in a while.

Love all the way from The Netherlands! - Thank you to my loyal, supportive and very creative blog friend, Marieken! My favorite has to be the vintage playing card that also served as a postcard. I love it!! I want to collect more. 

I'm beginning to feel better. I hope this will finally progress over the next weeks. Wishing everyone a Beautiful Sunday and a great week ahead!

• July 05, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 167 - Surprises from the mail

My struggle is still here but I can safely say that I'm feeling better! Big thanks to my little support system in the blogposhere. Most of my friends are away from me. Haven't seen and talked to them for a while. It helped that I have online friends who sent that much needed sunshine. I'm still blessed and lucky. Thanks everyone! 

There are a few good things that made the past week better. First on the list is the new freelance work. I was tapped to do some improvement and documentation project to a large distribution company. My nose is bleeding with all the terminologies and technicalities. I'm still on the process of learning. I'm praying for the success of this project because it's my first industry experience. I also believe this would open more opportunities for me. But before I further daydream, I have to get things going. 

Late last year, the highest office at the workplace tapped me to join this working committee. The work entailed coordination among other sister companies. My short lived involvement placed me in an "awkward" position. I was just burdened with the inconvenience of explaining my presence. Truth is, they were expecting another person to represent the company. I didn't gain enemies. Thank God! When the new management entered, another person was appointed. I made the initiative to turnover everything. I bid farewell to the people I've worked with, albeit through email and text messages. One thing I realized, farewells bring those unexpected words of appreciation. For someone who rarely feels appreciated, my heart easily melts for moments like this. Thanks everyone! The experience, though short lived, was great. I just have one more responsibility to unload. This one is tougher and I'm still trying to figure out how to do it the smartest and the most respectful way. :) #GrownUpProblems 

Sigh... meanwhile, here are the other less serious and beautiful things that made my week

Snacks from 7 - 11 - The store is revamping for good. I love their own product labels, especially the bread selections. I used to be addicted with the Peanut Butter x Strawberry sandwich. When their version of Three Cheese was released, I'm a full convert. :) This was way better for my taste buds. Their collaboration with Anchor butter was also the best. My favorite has to be this raisin bread baked in Anchor butter.

Back to the same old task - If the company is under new management, expect changes and another round of planning. And like the good old days, I'm back doing the same task. Collating materials and analyzing proposals for their corporate planning. 

Shopaholic attack - I have a little story behind this purchase. :) When things in your life don't do well, retail therapy can probably provide a little comfort and happiness. I discovered this online shop that curates products of independent and distinguished Filipino artists. I signed up and window shopped. But because of their excellent customer service, I gave in. I purchased a tote I can use for my teaching stuff. While I love their customer service, I felt disappointed with the bag. It looked way better in the photos. I thought of just keeping the bag but I noticed the customer feedback form attached. I decided to relay my sentiments. I explained that while they have great customer service, I was disappointed with the quality of my purchase. I never received any response at all. Hahahaha It was way different than those times when they were sending me invites to pursue the purchase. 

The best part of my week started when my mail box was filled with these

Hi Jeannie! You surprised me with these nature themed cards. The hologram card brought out the kid at heart in me. 

Whenever I receive a envelope with a wreath stamp, I'm sure that it would be from Terra! :) Thanks Terra, will send you an email in a while.

Love all the way from The Netherlands! - Thank you to my loyal, supportive and very creative blog friend, Marieken! My favorite has to be the vintage playing card that also served as a postcard. I love it!! I want to collect more. 

I'm beginning to feel better. I hope this will finally progress over the next weeks. Wishing everyone a Beautiful Sunday and a great week ahead!

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