Birthday Wishlist 2012

Hello October, we meet again. As per tradition of this blog, I now present to all of you (godmothers/godfathers and friends) my annual birthday wish list. 

1. pocket sized devotional bible - my bible is so old. the spine is ripped, the pages are crisp. i think it would not last especially in ever changing season of Canada.

2. iphone5 - this item is consistent in my annual wishlist. I just hope this year someone out there would grant my wish. hahaha! #feelingera. well, there's nothing wrong in wishing. :)

3. perfume - i really love the scent of Issey Miyaki's L'eau D'issey Florale, i just have a hard time pronouncing the name of the perfume. wahaha!

4. old fashioned letters and cards (snail mail) - in the age of internet, YM, Skype, viber, bbm's very few people nowadays use cards and letters to communicate with their loved ones and friends. Its perfectly fine, in fact I often use those apps to talk to my friends. But once in a while, I really want to receive a letter, a simple postcard or note will do. Its a tangible manifestation on how friends find time to write, give advice and wisdom, offer encouragement, get in touch to update me about their lives. And I can always go back and read it again and again.

5. lomo camera - i want the spinner 360 so bad!

6. winter jackets - i might arrive during winter inorder to combat the cold. i need those jackets!  

7. backpack - i'm a backpack type of girl. all my backpacks have given up on me. i need a new one for my travel soon. i like eastpak's getter coat backpack. i wish they had color blue. but this one is just fine. 

I'll be leaving my comfort zone and venture to the unknown. Friends, please always include me in your prayers; prayers for safe travels, protection, guidance, blessings, strength. pray for me that I'll be able to find a job soon. I hope all my wish will come true! :) *wink* *wink*

let's go!

I had a dream a long time ago to go on a road trip across US. I am currently reading Spark your Dream and it made me want to expand the dream and go on a road trip across South America.

Told the friend you gave the book to me, he said he's not fond of road trips. Well, I can't please everybody but for me road trips are cool and a nice way to travel. Maybe because growing up we often traveled by road and I had many pleasant memories.

• Manila - Samar ( about 17 hours travel with RoRo)

My cousins and I were seated at the back and played games like 'who would be the 1st one to throw up?' when we pass by a certain place that has a lot of sloping curves. The "winner's prize" is endless teasing for the duration of the trip. I remember passing through Bicol region before crossing to Samar,  we stopped to admire the spectacular view of Mayon Volcano. 

• Baguio (6 hours)

My aunt together with her barkada decided to go to Baguio and brought along their respective nieces/nephews. The whole road trip was so fun, we were about 5-6 kids playing inside the bus. My aunt would also play pranks on us, she would also take stolen shots of those who slept early. 

• Tagaytay (2 hours)

Tagaytay, one of my favorite place for a quick getaway. I have so many fond memories of our road trip to Tagaytay. Right after work, we head straight to Tagaytay.  Oftentimes we would use Reggie's van and just drive there right after the 9pm flight just to have coffee and steaming bulalo and talk as if we've never seen each other for a long time. Going home is also a fun part coz we have to drop off everyone in their respective houses. First stop is AnnKat's house in Sta Rosa, Laguna; then Cheng's house somewhere in Laguna too;  Jr and Butch's house in Antipolo; last stop will be at my place and Will's in Pasay!  A road trip within a road trip, oh what fun!

If Reggie's not around, Jr's the man! Since its a smaller group, we would exchange ghost stories especially when we pass by unlit roads to liven up the trip. Going home, we would roll down the windows and sing our hearts out on any song in played on the radio. One time, it was a spice girls medley and everyone was so enthused to sing along with matching choreography.

• Tuguegarao (12 hours)

Tadz and Taby would squeeze me in between their seats. They would cover me up with a blanket saying that if the bus conductor sees me I have to pay for my own fare. Back then, I thought they were serious. Wahaha! But later on, I realized they just want me to sit still during the whole trip. I must say, I had fun playing hide and seek with the bus conductor, I thought I'm invisible. Gullible much!

• Ilocos ( 12hrs)   with Vina, Bogart and the Maligsons
  Read about my Ilocos Road Trip here

Not all road trips are fun and pleasant experience. There were also some unpleasant things that happened along the way like our bus got pulled over by the military police for a routine check. It was scary I tell you, seeing my dad or grandpa or uncle lining up while military men are frisking them. Then there's landslides. On our way to Tuguegarao,  a part of the road was blocked due to landslide. Buses and even small vehicle can't pass through. We have to walk through the muddy puddle to get to the other side of road where another bus was waiting for us.

What I like about road trips are the experiences I'd encounter and will encounter that will teach me on almost everything. I get to meet people from different walks of life and it makes the journey colorful. So, what are you waiting for?! Pack your bags, Pick a place and Go on a road trip! Have fun, take it all in and be amazed with what you'll gonna learn. Let's go!

Life is a journey and what we learn on the journey serves us our whole life.-Herman Zapp, Spark Your Dream

thanks

October last year I blogged about my birthday wishlist, click here to see my wishes. Well, I got (1) one my wishes plus one more extra gift! Thank you! Thank you!

Birthday Wishlist 2011

Almost halfway through October so to my fairy godmothers, generous godfathers and thoughtful friends here is my annual birthday wishlist. You'll never know I might have a ultra rich friend reading this post. *wishful thinking mode*

1. Lomo Camera

I really want this spinner 360

look at these cool photos you can take...

or this Lomo Fisheye

Lomo Fisheye

the fisheye effect

2. Rubber Shoes
I've been eyeing this since last year. I so love the color. :)

3. Spark your Dream

Its an inspiring story about a family traveling around the world in a vintage car;  how the dream began for the couple; how they embark on the journey of a lifetime.  They've been here and traveled the Philippines for a month or two, I think last December 2010.

Its not available in the Philippines and when I tried asking the local bookstores. The book costs around PHP2500 because they have to order it abroad plus tax plus shipping, etc., But when I checked on amazon it only cost around PHP750. Its way cheaper if I just purchase it online, the thing is I just have to wait for someone to go to US and bring it here in Philippines. Calling all my friends and relatives in the US, ito na lang pasalubong nyo. hehe! :)

4. iPhone

or Blackberry will do. I'm not choosy. hehe! :)

5. Funds! Funds! Funds!

I need a sponsor to fund my great escape. I'm in the process of gathering all the necessary docs for the big move. I hope all will go well. The world out there is waiting for me... I'm gonna be strong and free!

Thanks in advance! :) hehe!

click wishlist to see  last years wishlist. :)

walk the talk

i said in my previous entry so here's the plan; i'm going to chronicle my quest to lose weight. 

as part my plan to somewhat become healthy, i bought a step counter.  a  sedentary person  average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day, they say its about 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. so, let's walk! i know i'm far from that goal but every big leap starts from a small step. so this is it! 

by the way this step counter costs 88php only! i don't know if its really accurate like that of an expensive pedometer but what  the heck, this gadget will give me atleast a rough estimate of my average daily step count. it will help me  gauge my progress.

after my 30 minute morning walk, almost 4000 steps! :)

earlier today, i went out for a walk. and it felt good. :) i will try to do it again tomorrow. erase that i will do it again tomorrow. 

i can do this! ftw! 

so here's the plan...

I got a text from my cousin, the message goes like this, I'm engaged! And then she said, you'll be my maid of honor!

My cousin, who I fondly call Ate Cci, was practically the older sister I never had. Growing up together,  we would wear the same dress from head to foot, people thought we were twins. I'm happy and excited to be part of her entourage. 

Hearing that she's getting married made me excited, great news indeed! This would be the first wedding in our family on my father's side. So relatives from all over are flying in to witness this event of the year.

So here's the plan, starting this month I will COMMIT myself into walking/running exercises and lose weight. I will soon have my medical exam too that will determine if my visa will be granted or not, the best time to start is now.

Discipline and focus will be my powerful ally. I gotta make this work! That's why I will chronicle my weight loss endeavor here to get me motivated.

Wish me luck guys!

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” - Jim Ryun

A decades recap

Year 2000 was unforgettable. A lot of firsts had happened during that time. Here's a look back on the past decade; my exhilarating, exciting and tumultuous life at 20.

2000 HOPEFUL

believed it or not, I had my first love that year  (late bloomer much?!). I was full of hope, full of life, ready to take on the world.

2001 UNCERTAINTY

bid  college goodbye. I was excited and scared at the same to get 'out there' in the real world. I had my first job, (at a financial institution) not the field I wanted to be in when I graduate. I haven't figured out where I was headed.

2002 BITTERSWEET

had my first heartbreak.  :( and finally landed on the job I always dreamt of. I  started working at the airport as ground stewardess and slowly making a career. I guess you can't have it all.

2003 FREEDOM

I became independent. Moved out from the comforts of our house and lived at the other side of the metro. It was daunting at first, but it was a liberating experience as well. That same year, I harvested the rewards of my hard labor; first out of the country tour with my barkada.

2004 SACRIFICE

Along with the perks of my work are the downsides. One of it, is working on holidays like Christmas, New Year, Holy Week and the likes. It was my first Christmas/ New year without my family. I was welcoming the new year at the airport ramp, meeting families that were going home to celebrate holidays with their loved ones; when everybody else is on holiday mood,  I'm on duty, double time.

2005 OPTIONS

Quit my job at the airport coz I didn't see any growth in my professional life. Tried various jobs but I learned that you'll always go back to the one you love. I got an offer from a sister company of a big European carrier. I was a travel coordinator, my primary duty is to arrange travel documents of the employees'. I was running from one embassy to another, re booking flights, making hotel arrangements among other things.  Money does not equate to happiness, sure the pay is higher than my measly salary at the airport but that office job is not my cup of tea. I can choose to be practical and be miserable or I can be happy and penniless. :) And so, after 6 months (of office work) I handed my resignation. 

2006 LEVEL UP

Good news come to those who wait, got a call from an airline company and I was accepted to work as a ground stewardess aka ground staff. On top of that I'm a direct hire which means I'm not under a ground handling company, (an agency that provides ground stewardess/steward and other ground personnel to airlines) which equates to a decent pay and travel perks. Brought independence in a whole new level, I moved out of the metro and left my comfort zone. This time, I have to pack my bags and move to Pampanga. 

2007 DISCOVERIES

I think this was the year that I became full blown travel bug. I also got interested in blogging thus I started to chronicle my life's journey through this blog. I also spurred interest in photography.

2008 CROSSROADS

Learned how to swim, its never too late to try something new. And after all those hard work, I was able to save up and let my family experience the joys of traveling. It is our first international travel as a family. We visited Mickey  Mouse in Hong Kong, experienced eating egg tarts in Macao and see the mighty Petronas. As for my career, I have to face the most difficult decision of my professional life. When you're made to choose between power or principle, what would you do? I'm sure I made the right decision coz I can walk with my head held up high. I learned a lot that year, I discovered that I am 'strong', I was able to stand up to those 'bullies'. And I can overcome all those adversities with the help of my family, it also helped me strengthen my faith in Him.

2009 JUNKIE

This year, I blew up all my savings (as if I have one). Ha ha! most part of 2009, I was travelling. I'm a travel junkie!  I went to Bohol; Guangzhou, China and Cambodia. I get a different high when I travel. Meeting different people, experiencing new culture, sampling different dishes brings joy to me!  and a little misadventure on the side spices everything up. Also brought my 1st DSLR cam to document my travels and to practice my shooting skills. (skills?! am just kidding about the skills thing) he he!

2010 CHANGE

2010 rolled out slow for me. I jump started my 2010 on Chinese New Year (14 Feb2010) by exploring Northern Part of the Philippines. Travel always get me started and hyped. :) I also celebrated 3 decades of my life here on earth! 3 decades?!? Yes, I'm that young. 30 and thriving! I was able to ticked 2 activities on my bucket list (1) crawl inside Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam; (2) try zip lining. Last year was also made for goodbyes. December of 2010, a 'friend' said his farewell to me. One of the most difficult thing to overcome that year. It was like giving up 5-6 years of my daily life. I have to slowly unlearn some of my habits; like chatting, constantly awaiting for his updates, mostly of things about him and me.  If anything came good out if it, I'm free. But still, everyday is a struggle but I'll get by, one day at a time.

The past decade  have its highlights and some lowlights. This is what life is made of, we have to deal what it throws at us and just hope for the best.

I'm ready to face another decade of challenges, struggles, triumphs, dreams and accomplishments. This is how I roll. Let's get it on! :) \m/

the story of 'you'

journal entry

12 Oct

from Iloilo, on my way to Bacolod

How do I get you off my mind? Even when I'm supposed to enjoy my time, images of you  would cropped up. I wonder DO YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY TOO?! I guess not because things are going your way, every piece of the puzzle is falling into the right places. Don't get me wrong I'm happy for you, I truly am. I just wish I can say the same for myself. 

And so, here I am wishing you were here with me. Seeing what I'm seeing right now. I wish we could travel and see the world together. :(  *wishful thinking mode*

my thoughts about you..

wishful thinking

October is finally here! Oh how time flies fast! For my fairy godmother and friends,I'll spare you the hassle of wracking your brains for the things I would want to have on my birthday! Malay naten, mewon pala ko mga bigtime na fwends, ninong and ninangs, hello! wahaha!

1. laptop  - you can donate your old ones to me! I'm not choosy. hehe! :p

2. iPhone  or ipod touch (with camera!) kailangan specific! :D

3. backpack - my dear eastpak gave up on me. sadly, i have to let it rest.

4. running shoes - I wanna give running a try, and eventually I wanna join a marathon.

5. lomo camera -  I'm really fascinated with lomo. It has a 180 degrees fisheye lens! and It's not that expensive! I asked clang to find one for me when she was in the US. She wasn't able to find one.

6. canon d10 - I gave my canon ixus75 to my dad. and since SLR are too bulky to carry sometimes. I want a regular point and shoot cam. and this is perfect for me! it's water proof, dust proof and freeze proof! I like!

7. letters, cards and picture greetings! - I'm a sucker when it comes to receiving letters or cards. a letter expresses what that person thought of you or how they feel about you. no amount of hi tech gadget can compare to that.

8. prince charming!  to quote my former colleague, anra; "nobody should really take me seriously when I say I don't wanna fall in love,because everybody knows I would... Eventually.... "



wish granted

its never too late to be a Santa to someone. so, these are for you... you know who you are... hope this made your day? did i miss anything from your wish list, hope not!

birthday wish

for my birthday... here are some of my wishes

1. lots of travel opportunities [ more VL allotment, please!; more free tickets and more sponsors!!!] still counted as 1 wish, okay?!

2. hope to find that someone I can grow old with. whom I can share my happiness, dreams, aspirations and passion. [enter: cla clang's theme song: When will it be ME?!]

3. in line with wish number 1, I wish to go to US to visit my relatives and see my nanay!

4. more opportunities to make a difference!

5. on material things, I want to have a laptop

6. a DSLR camera, preferably Canon 450d

7. for my grandest wish... I want a brand new car!!!

and lastly, WORLD PEACE!!! wehehe!

my top 10 must see places

being a wanderlust, i have been daydreaming about the places i would like to see, here is my top 10 in random order

AUSTRALIA

i'd like to see what's down under in Australia!!! visit the blue mountains, the sydney opera house and the great barrier reef. so, wait for me mate, i'll be there soon. hmmm... then, a side trip to new zealand, the adventure capital of the world! try bungee jumping, sky diving, white water rafting and other adrenaline pumping activities. (now, it's 11 places to see! yipee!)

PARIS

ahhh.... the city of lights, paris! as i said, i'm fascinated with the french language, so fascinated that i want learn how to speak. paris = love, a romantic getaway. want to go with me?! wehehe!

EGYPT

egypt.. english class, 1st year college, we were asked to do a extensive research paper. i chose EGPYT. i'm curious on how they have built those extraordinary pyramids. after doing all those research, it's still a mystery to me. so much so, that i really really want to go and visit egypt and see it for myself.

JAPAN

konnichiwa! watashi wa ge-ru des, douzo! (hi! i'm gailie, how are you?!) why would i want to go to japan?! 3 things: culture & technology, ninjas (this is naruto-inspired) and fashion. one of the most advance countries in the world yet they still preserved their identity as a nation.

UNITED KINGDOM

as a requirement for passing the course 'tour operations' (during college), we are tasked to plan an itinerary and entice tourists to visit UK. i fell in love with london while doing this project. wehehe!

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

US?! who doesn't want to go to US?! disneyland, hollywood all those glitz and glamour.

CHINA

china! china! china! i really want to visit china within the next 2 years. im curious with ancient civilizations and china is one of them.

RUSSIA

there's so little information on russia. so, i'm planning to go there myself and find out russia. wahaha! i want to see kremlin.

ITALY

roam in rome! that's what i plan to do. visit pisa (the leaning tower of pisa), venice (grand canal), milan(see the breath taking duomo) and finally rome (colosseum)! see all those extraordinary structures of all time. breathe in all those historic statues, fountain and monuments. wow! i'm all excited just doing this blog!

GREECE

the land of the god, as i call it. see all those ancient ruins and monuments. it make you appreciate those greek mythology lessons you took up in school.

my heart is all giddy, i'm really excited! hopefully, i can visit all these places within my lifetime. i should start saving up from now on. anyone who wants to join me?!

* all photos are taken from www.travelblog.com

new year

Wow! Its new year, a fresh start... new adventures to take...

My top 10 things to do this 2008

1. Strengthen my Christian life ( I felt that my Christian life have been stagnant for the past year, I was not growing. Maybe because of my work, palagi may pasok pag Sunday, walang time makapag ministry, di makapag quite time. Pero ngayon, I'll DO my best to make time to be with God.)

2. Learn a new language (French language fascinates me. I think learning mandarin would really be useful someday).

3. Learn a new skill, like driving... then maybe test my driving skills sa pamamagitan ng road trip, wehehe! Maybe up north with friends, Mia, ready ka na?! Starting point naten ang Clark, tapos Pangasinan (Hundred Islands, here we come!);  then Baguio, tapos Ilocos Norte/Sur (Vigan, Pagudpod);  Cagayan Valley (Tuguegarao and Callao caves); tapos Nueva Ecija (kila sheila tayo). Don't worry, ako driver, kotse mo nga lang!

4. Climb a mountain. Commune with nature, experience and appreciate God's awesome creations (dean, ung mountain trekking na sinasabi mo, ituloy naten ha?!)

5. Learn how to swim (Mimi, walang iwanan, sabay tayo mag-aaral ha?!) tpos scuba diving naman, pag punta naten bowacay, masulit naten ang stay dun! hehe! hay, sana nga makarating tayo bora!!!

6. Photography lessons pero kailangan ko muna bumili ng camera! kailangan mag save!

7. Volunteer and become a part in a cause oriented group, its my way of giving back, pay it forward ika nga! Masarap ang feeling pag nakakatulong sa kapwa.

8. Try one or two adventure sports (river rafting or bungee jumping or surfing, sana lang I have enough guts to do it! )

9. Learn martial arts! (taekwondo/judo/karatedo)

10. Explore places, learn new culture, meet new faces ----> travel!

wish upon a star

As I was watching the news the other night, I heard about the Geminid meteor shower. It is seen during mid -December, especially during 14th-15th. Last night Mimi, Sheila and I went outside and tried to see it for ourselves. After straining our necks for 3 minutes, I saw one. Then, another one and another one. It was really awesome, I was amazed. Too bad, I only saw 3 shooting stars. My roommate, Mimi also saw 3, but Sheila has the most sharp eyes, she saw 6! Hmmm... I'll mark my calendar for next year and try to watch again this spectacular show. Next time, my goal is to see a minimum of 5! hehe!

from wikipedia...

***The Geminids are a meteor shower caused by an object named 3200 Phaethon, which is thought to be an extinct comet. The meteors from this shower can be seen in mid-December and usually peak around 12-14 of the month. The Geminid shower is thought to be intensifying every year and recent showers have seen 120-160 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The Geminids were first observed only 150 years ago, much more recently than other showers such as the Perseids and Leonids

my christmas shopping list

After a year of hard work, its time to give myself something.

1. Canon 400d camera, as stated on my previous post, this one tops my list. But I don't think I can buy this right now. Maybe in the years to come.

2. Wallet





3. Journal

- for jotting down all those thoughts,feelings and memories







4. Scrapbook materials/supplies


- making scrapbook is my past time, to relieve myself from all those stress. Currently, I am finishing my 'haunted in bangkok' scrapbook. My next project would be 'malaysia misadventures'.



lastly,

5. drawing materials.
- I am not really artistically inclined, but ever since I can remember I am fascinated with colors and pens. I really like doodling and lettering.