FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT WITH A CHILD

This was not my son's first time riding a plane but it's his first time traveling out of the country. We booked our fight thru Philippine Airlines. Once your kid turned 2 and up he has to pay ticket already. Our destination was Singapore which is approximately 3hrs flight so you need to bring toys or save some videos in your phone (if the plane does not have minitabs) for them to play and be tamed. We went early in the Airport and my son was already active for 6AM flight so we played like run from each other and hide and seek because if I do that he'll get tired and sleep in the airplane while en route which happened and of which I am thankful. 

Ryan does not want to bring the stroller because he thinks it was hassle and heavy but I insisted because I know my son, he always wants to be carried by me even if I told him to go to his papa he just want me. I cannot imagine myself roaming and walking in Singapore carrying my son for hours. It's so tiring and most of my friends who went there said that there's a lot of walking tour in Singapore. You can bring strollers and it will not be counted as baggage and you can take it to the Boarding area and hand it over to the airport staff before entering the plane. Stroller is very useful in travelling with a child. In Universal Studios Singapore you can rent a stroller if you need one but why not bring from Ph if you have so you can save. It's not much of a hassle because the streets are stroller friendly as well as their buses and trains that you can move you strollers in and out unlike in Philippines. It also keep your child safe while you walk around and also stop them from running away. You can also put things like you bags, water, etc it really offers us convenience and efficiency.

You also need to make sure you bring right amount of Milk and right quantity of diapers. My son is already potty trained but he needs to be assisted going to rest rooms. Most of the time in Singapore he uses diaper because I am not sure if rest rooms are always accessible and we move around a lot. When I checked that i might run out of diapers , in the last day when we were in Singapore Botanic Garden he only use diaper while taking a nap , then I just ask him to tell me if he's going to pee so we can go to the rest room. I opted to bring diapers because it's so expensive in Singapore.

For packing list, since Singapore has a warm weather I brought cotton shirts and sleeveless for my son. I always bring extra clothes for him in my backpack so he can change clothes after long hours of touring the City.

That would be all for now. I will be posting separate blog on our experiences in our trip to Singapore.

The To-Do List: for the month of July 2013

June just ended. I was not able to cross out all my June to-do-list, but I accomplished a 7 out of 9 and that's for me a big feat.  The highlight of my June 2013 was the Mt. Pulag Climb. Another month filled with unforgettable memories and joyous times has passed.  Now it is another time for new month, new day, new chapter, new page, new blogs, new adventure, new destinations! Welcome July!! As this new month of July 2013 begins, here is my to-do-list and hopefully I can do all this :)

Shoot for Fun: Independence Day Special

I had the chance to play shoot with friends in Global Gutz Paint Ball Field Taguig last independence day. We purchased a voucher for an all day pass for only P199 in Ensogo with free 25 bullets, gears and paintball gun rental. Paintball is an exciting game that you and your friends would definitely love. It's an action packed fun filled adventurous day.

We were all first timers so we decided to play the game until we are all gun out and not the simple elimination game.  I really thought it was easy but when you're already there doing the real thing, it's hard. All the hiding, ducking, knee bending were tiring but worth the sweat. I felt like someone else every time I shoot or fired an opponent. You can bring out the action start in you and it's a safe way to release aggression.

My First 10K Run

Hagardo na ang mukha ko nyaha papawis pawis din pag my time.

We participated the 2013 RUN UNITED 2 that was held last June 2, 2013 with Ceelin 500m dash, 10k, 21k and 32k race categories. All categories will have a start and finish line at the SM Mall of Asia. Getting started with running can feel overwhelming to a beginner runner.  I finished the 10k run for 2hrs. hahaha While my friends made it at less that 2 hrs and mind you its their first time. 

The To-Do List: for the month of June 2013

When it comes to organizing tasks or events, I rely on a to-do-list to stay on top of things. This is my first time to blog my list though. I know I am late in this bandwagon but I think I might need to try this monthly to-do-list.

My version of Hangover: Take 2

Good musics, disco lights, friends and alcohol… and oh it’s tequila…

Not that there’s anything wrong with being an alcoholic, but I would like to clarify that I am not an alcoholic.

Sometimes I can have 2 shots and feel pretty tipsy, sometimes I can have 4 bottles and feel completely sober.  Little bastard in a bottle isn’t it? I have done in the past some stupid things when drunk that I wouldn’t normally do.  The next day after the drinking session, I was labeled as the working girl with more embarrassing encounters with alcohol, the girl who was admitted to the hospital due to alcohol intoxication (dull).  It isn’t my fault that my heart is weak. To some it was funny, for me it was mortifying. I woke up in a room. It wasn’t too big nor too small. I had a Dextrose attached to my hand. I have no idea what happened; but it happened twice. (Di na natuto ang lola mo!)

That girl would later blame it on the alcohol and the fact she felt so exposed after what happened. Is it real? Tell me more! Also, how about my bruises! Who carried me? Then I started asking, are all the crazy things we do after having a couple of shots are really because of alcohol or  it’s because people do what they want to do!? Some say thru drinking, you can channel your intentions and make legitimate change occur…it’s mindblowing.

Why a sudden post about this!? Well the last installment of my favorite movie Hangover is now showing and I suddenly miss drinking nyahaha… Kampay!!

Peace Mural Painting

Dubbed as Lakbay para sa Kapayapaan sa EDSA or A Journey of Peace in EDSA, the series of peace mural paintings aim to be the longest peace mural in Asia and even the world and I happened to be part of that last May 26, 2013.

Last Saturday peace has become a celebration of vivid color. About 1,000 volunteers joined the said event. Mostly students and from organizations that promote peace. I learned this from my artist friend Karen. I'm so glad she invited me because I am really looking for something different to do.  Since I don't know what paint brush to buy, i bought a small one and found out that I should have brought a bigger one. hahaha anyway my brush was able to survive the work.

Senti Sabado - Tagalog Movies

I miss watching my old favourite movies.  I am not actually a fan of local movies but I was so in love with the stories and lines of the Dahil Mahal na mahal kita of Claudine and Rico my love hehe as well as Labs kita, Ok ka lang(1998) starring Jolens and Marvin. Yeah that was too old school, you might say I'm jologs but that's fair since I don't care like telling everyone I'm a proud Britney Spears' fan. Too many movies had been filmed since then but these two remain on my top tagalog romantic movies of all time. 

Actually we'll be like close friends if you love and memorize the following memorable lines like I do. hahaha

MIGUEL: Don't make things hard for me Mela.

MELA: Hard? I make things hard for you Miguel? Bakit? Ano ba ang nagawa mong madali para sa akin?

MIGUEL: I care for you, Mela.

MELA: Hindi kita kailangan...

MIGUEL: Mahal kita...

MELA: Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Binigay ko sa'yo ang lahat, wala na nga akong tinira para sa sarili ko. Pero, kahit na anong gawin at sabihin ko, di mo pa rin matanggap ang nakaraan ko. Maramot ka, Miguel. I sincerely loved you. I sincerely believed and hoped na ikaw na nga ang para sa akin. Akala ko iba ka... Pero katulad ka rin pala nila, maramot ka rin pala sa mga tulad ko...

MIGUEL: ...I'm sorry...

Labor Day Treat

It's holiday, another escape from work.  I can't just stay at home reading magazines all over again and watch my old copies of series. Something is telling me that I need to go out. So I searched for a place where we could enjoy our Labor day and invited my friends Poulla and Ivo. We came up with the idea of visiting La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City. It is the only remaining forest within Metro Manila after all, so it's a good catch.

With Poullala and Ivory

Famous La Mesa Dam is located here. It is a vital link to the water requirements of 12 million residents of Metro Manila considering that 1.5 million liters of water pass through this reservoir every day.

The park's entrance fee is P50 for non-QC residents. You can enjoy a lot of attractions in La Mesa Ecopark such as, Lopez Picnic Grounds, Salt Water Swimming Pool, Superferry Boating Lagoon, Fishing Lagoon, Shell Flower Terraces, Ecomuseum, Butterfly Trail and Hatchery, Pavilions for rent for different private and public functions, Overnight camping zone, Biking area, and Zipline. Paintball field - Global Glutz is no longer available when we went there and so sad Wall climbing was also not yet available.

Realizations @ 25

I can't believe I just turned silver this April 2013. The thought of turning 25 is a little bit heartbreaking.  All your life, you look forward to being eighteen so you can legally enter bars and drink, be in a relationship, and go wherever you want to go. When I was in high school, I envisioned myself that by the age of 25, I am already married, working my way up to becoming a manager, and was able to travel around the country. I start thinking about all the things in life that I haven't done yet. I am still not real sure about wanting to become what I've become. I still haven't traveled to Batanes (my dream destination)... I'm still not a manager...I'am still single.

The Birthday Girl

However, there are things that I realize looking back. For my 25 years stay in this universe,  I was able to survive life challenges since you can see that I was able to find time and resources to share my stories. I made friends a lot of friends of which some I don't recall the names but shared memories with them. I've been to places I never thought I'd visit.  I met people, amazing people. I became stronger, independent and smarter. I have learned plenty of things along the way. The world have thought me that it's not how many technical knowledge you know and memorized, and its not also how many promotions you get in two years, or even if you get six digits in your paycheck, or how many thousands of friends you have in facebook,  and its not even how many parties you attend, its not also how many dozens of flowers and chocolates you receive on valentines, its not on the brand of your clothes, bags, heels or wheels, or how many countries you've been to..Everything is Senseless and Futile.. What most people put their efforts to are here now but will be gone tomorrow.. what really matters is that you know and believe that Jesus died for you and your relationship with him is true.. I think that we measure each other too much by our status in life, especially our financial status.  But people should put in mind that there is more joy in relationships, than there is in owning things.  Be less demanding and possessive and everything will go a lot smoother because there is more to life than what you're worth financially.

Now after these realizations, I can positively say that at 25, I am still single - yet happy and just waiting for God's right time, not real sure about wanting to become what I've become - but enjoying life pleasures, and my bank is not full of savings but i'm full of memories. There are a lot of things to be thankful, like me having a job, being healthy, experience many things and been to places, have meaningful relationships, and many more. So I realize, what is there to be afraid of turning 25?! I should be excited for many things that are about to happen. 

Since I am only five years away from being thirty, I decided that every month this year, I would do something exciting and new, maybe travel to a new place or do something I've never done before. Cheers to turning 25!

Perks of being Single

Lately, a lot of people have asked me questions like, Why are you still single? or Are you still single? And my common answer would be "Yes, because I don't see any problem with that." People did not find it hard to believe because they can see how I live my life and how I enjoy every single day and every single person in my life that God have given me. 

Photo credit to totalchaosdfbc.wordpress.com

I've been in a relationship twice and get dumped by them. I don't know how to break someone else heart (or I am just insensitive haha) so it's always them who put an end. Now I’ve been single for a long, long time and I enjoy it because I get to be in a relationship with myself and be happy at the same time. So let me share you some perks of being a single that I appreciate.

Gives you more time for your family and friends.  I am a family person and I would do selfless things for your friends and family. I have a lot of girlfriends and I think, women tend to put the needs of their partner first. Being single gives me more time to hang out with friends. Like in my case I have various group of friends to hangout with.  In my single life, I even missed going out with some group of friends due to lack of time. 

Not having someone else tell you what to do all the time. I am no longer a baby and I can take care of myself. I can travel alone or with friends , boys and girls, without asking permissions (except from my parents) and without explaining every detail of the errand. Your partner tends to become an investigator who keeps nagging you. Then you will end up arguing. No curfew or whatever rules bf/gf usually have. I can spend as much time with my guy friends without worrying someone’s gonna get jealous. I can be as adventurous as I want to.

Less expenses. I can go buy things without someone asking me how much it cost. I don't need to set budget on anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, Apology dinners, valentines day, etc. Or spend for fashion and style to keep me look good. No need to get a phone plan, or load phone everyday.  Most of the time my mama is the one who buy load for me because I don't have anyone to text or call except my family and occasionally my friends. 

Less heartaches and headaches. Come on girls, save your tears :) I’ve had enough with heartbreaks and drama. And I don't think I can handle such right now. You can also skip dealing with jealousy, insecurity and anger. 

I am not saying it's better to be single, of course it's a case based decision. So that's it.  I only have top four on the list but I gotta say the I also have reasons why I am single (different case from above).  But when the right time comes, I will have only one reason for everything, and that is because of love. :) 

"Single is not a status. It is a word that best describes a person who is strong enough to live and enjoy life without depending on other people." - girlthoughtz.tumblr.com

Elementary School Memories

My elementary years were so fast I could just recall few details. I could say I did not enjoy my elementary years that much and I don’t know why. Maybe because I don’t have regular friend/s. Every year I joined different set of class and I became friends with my seat mates but not best friends and they excelled or moved to advance section after a year then I am left behind. My mother kept on encouraging me to take up an admission exam for the SPED Class (Fast Learners) but I insisted not to. My thought was that I don't belong to that kind of students. It’s not that I judge them in a negative way, it’s just that I don’t want to be serious, I’m young and wanted to enjoy life and I hate pressures, I think that my lifestyle does not go with as well. Before I forget everything, I am writing things that are still fresh in my memories.

Series of Apes

I love watching American and Korean series. It is something I look forward after I am done with my daily routine.  It makes me feel as though I am part of the journey when I sit down to watch a series.

For american series my top 3 favorites are Suits, Two broke girl$ and Game of Thrones. These three are of different categories and stories and I love how the writers came up with the lines, plot and scenes. Consideration next to a good story is having great stars or celebrities for the roles. In these three shows, I am very much satisfied with the casting. I am in love with the tandem of Harvey and Mike as well as Caroline and Max. Soundtracks are also a big attraction for the viewers. My current phone ringtone is Green back boogie from Suits.

I am addicted to Korean Dramas (Koreanovelas) after watching The Full House of Rain and Song Hye Kyo. Full House was a big hit in the Philippines.  Rain and Song were perfect for each other.  My top three favorites are, Full house, Dream High, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, hey can I add a little more haha I also love Secret Garden and Moon Embracing the Sun. J I love watching koreanovelas because; first – the stories are cool, simple and realistic, second – good looking and cute characters (which we termed “mga taong walang pores”) and their fashion style; third – soundtracks, I may not understand the lyrics but it touches my heart. Their songs are cool and enjoyable to hear; fourth – the place Korea, their culture and landmarks.

When I get hooked on a series, I can watch the complete season for only two days. Watching series give me a lot of perspectives and insights in life. Sometimes I envision myself being one of the characters in the series. I also get emotional to some scenes especially those that involve my favourite characters. Korean series are mostly about love and traditions and they always make me cry. What can I do my heart is so weak!  

Even though the actors are not directly communicating with me, the stories are often enough to make me feel better and connected to the characters I am watching.

Nail Polish Junkie

I’m pretty obsessive about nail polish. I am not a fan of accessories but I consider my nail polish like a an accessory. I am more of the simple kind and will wear the usual suspects- plain colors, nude, black, red, or natural.  The following are my usual colors and nail treasures.

Orly

This brand offers awesome colors that are really pigmented with a great quality. I love it for it's durability, and being chip-resistance. It's kind of pricey but, it is definitely worth the money!

BK Rose Essential

One day I went to a Salon for a pedicure and they encouraged me to choose Rose Essential nail polish, so I tried it. It is gorgeous! My first try was two coats and it went on perfectly smooth. It is also scented - it smells like roses!  After that I’ve asked my friends where I can buy BK Rose Essentials.

I’ve got my first BK nail polish from a korean store at the 168 Mall.  Their Rose Essential Collection has a lot of pretty shades in cute bottles. I’m starting to love them, and I’m planning to collect their nail polish in different shades. 

Caronia

I use various items from the local leading nail polish brand, Caronia.  It is affordable and of good quality. There are Caronia Polishes that I love and i hate. I love their plain dark colors like Pussy Red, Blue Berry and On the Go (blue green).  I don't like their frosted products.

Caronia Italian Nude

Caronia Frosted Plum

Nail Up

This polish is so fabulous! It has a great formula, application with two coats to full opacity, no brush marks, and dried quickly. It's a long lasting polish that you can keep and use for more than a year. I can only see them in Robinson's Ermita, don't know other stores that sell this brand.

Nail Up

Nail Up

Klean Color

Carving for some glitters!?  Klean Color have the best glitter combonation! I love all of their glittery polishes although the glitters are hard to get off your nails. The glitters are really fine, micro glitters, and their holos are just too pretty. Hope to buy more of Klean Color Nail polishes in the future! (haha ang daming glitters!)

Other brands I use are Careline (which usually takes me 3 to 4 coats to get a nice result), Chic (easily dry and goes on smoothly), and Bobbie (Nice colours and can last but tends to bubble).

Chic

Bobbie

I've never owned or used pretty expensive brands like Revlon, Chanel, Essie, China Glaze, Zoya, etc., but I really want to try one of their Nail care products. Uhm maybe soon when my financials allow me to spend for this. For now, I think my nails are contented with the brands I mentioned above. Actually ang weird nga ng mga brands na binanggit ko, kadamihan di sikat hahaha. Well, that's all folks, I am glad to share this because I been wanting to write a blog about how I love coloring my nails kasi vain ako sa nails ko. This is my simple pleasure. Pag stress ako, I apply polish to my nails and I feel good na. :) 

Escape from Reality

I am a hopeless romantic person. My passion for love movies allow me to feel hope, happiness, love, sadness, and be placed into a story that may not be my own, but feels as though it could be. 

The following pictures are my favourite scenes from movies I keep watching over and over.

A moment to Remember

It's a Korean Movie that made me cry. The story touches my heart by the little sweet and exciting details of how they fall in love. It is a tragic movie because the 27 year-old girl lost her memories during the early period of their marriage and they have to be separated. The relationship between memory and love has been  explored in this movie which makes you heartbroken after watching.

How to lose a guy in 10 days

Andie: "Ben Barry you're so vain, you probably think this song is about you, don't you, don't you! You fooled me to win a bet, you should feel ashamed". 
Ben: "Look, You took me to a god damn Celine Dion concert, you made me miss the big game". 
Andie: "Oh, Smart Guy's a rhymer, well do we want everybody to know your love making is lame". 
Ben: "Maybe because you named my penis, you named my penis, you named my penis after a dame." hahahah 

Crazy Little Thing called Love

The Notebook

50 first Dates

People say my habit of watching romantic movies keep me from having relationship because it gives me a set of high standards.  Of course everyone wants to have a perfect love story, however, we are not the author but God. I hope I could find true and unconditional love like what was shown in these movies. I am willing to wait and watch more love movies until I meet my prince charming and I’m going to tell him which movie our love story best fits. 

Holding your life in high regard is a great way to show respect for yourself. Set high standards for yourself without completely detaching from reality and do not make choices that are disrespectful to the life you want and who you want to be.

“I guess if true love was easy, we would all have it” – Snow White (Once upon a Time)