Only plugged in to save rock and roll.

Some bands are worth seeing once. Others, twice. But with Fall Out Boy, I don't even have to think twice. I'll never stop seeing them as long as they keep coming back. I love this band so much, I'd even go to a show alone if I have to and I did.* After all, you're never really alone in a concert. I enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed their last two shows here. Or maybe even more.

This time, Typecast opened up for FOB (2007: Chicosci, 2009: Hey Monday). Funny how I've seen Typecast multiple times now because they always seem to open up for my favorite bands. The crowd was chanting "F! O! B!" while the vocalist was introducing themselves and I couldn't help but laugh as he teasingly said, "Kayo talaga ha!" HAHAHA Kids. I guess local bands are used to that by now but still, they deserve a little respect too.

But enough about that, let's move on to my favorite moments from Fall Out Boy's third time in Manila. Just excuse the crappy photos, okay?

1.1. The band opened up with Thriller, bringing us back to the last time they were here. Honestly, I was hoping they'd start the show with The Phoenix and it's hair-raising intro but I'm glad they stuck to Thriller. It was the perfect opening song then and it remains to be the perfect opening song now especially for a band who came back after an indefinite hiatus to save rock and roll. After all, it has always been about the kids. "Crowds are won and lost and won again but our hearts beat for the die-hards. So long live the car crash hearts!"

26th.

I have always loved Peter Pan (and I guess I always will) because just like him, I never want to grow up. And honestly, I kind of freaked out when I turned 25 last year. I knoooooow, so childish right? Let's just say I had a bit of a quarter-life crisis then. But this year, I feel (in)different. Signs of aging?? Haha I like to think of it as seeing things in perspective. Why sulk over how old you are when you can be grateful for another year to celebrate life? After all, that's what celebrating birthdays are for! And if you were born on a holiday like me, you'd look forward to celebrating it every year as the entire nation celebrates with you.

Yeah, I turned 26 today and it feels great to be alive. I have nothing but thanksgiving for another wonderful year so thank You, Lord, for 26 awesome years and for being with me through it all. With that, I leave you with 3 "Alive" songs I coincidentally discovered right before my birthday. Enjoy!

Last May 25th, I saw Yellowcard for the first time and I've had this song stuck in my head for days. Here's Yellowcard with Here I Am Alive feat. Tay Jardine of WATIC.

"They say you don't grow up, you just grow old. It's safe to say I haven't done both."

Next up: Am I Alive by TEAM. I discovered TEAM two weeks ago after bands I like started tweeting about them. I have a rough idea who the members are but as of now, they remain a mystery. I'm glad I listened to their first single though because it's so good. LSS guaranteed!

"Am I alive or just breathing?"

Lastly, here's Bo Bruce with Alive. It's MV was recently released and I just had to get Before I Sleep. So much emotion in her voice!

"What are we waiting for? We're alive."

So there, I hope you enjoyed listening to the soundtrack of my life. Chos! Happy independence day everyone! Enjoy the holiday~!

A little too late?

I woke up this morning thinking of ways to help my sister's friend out who is in dire need of blood donors. Since both Nee-chan and I couldn't donate because of being recently vaccinated with anti-rabies, I couldn't just sit around doing nothing. I composed the following call for donors while taking a shower:

Help someone win her fight against cancer. Or at least regain the strength to do it. If it wasn't for cancer, she would've been reviewing for the bar exam right now instead of going through a series of pain. She's probably the only person I know who took up law to become a PAO (Public Attorney's Office) lawyer. She wanted to make a difference but now, she needs us to make a difference. If you think you're healthy enough, please get screened and donate blood to Jill Hernandez at UST Hospital. If for some reason you can't, you can still help out by including her in your prayers. She's in a delicate state right now, even her friends aren't allowed to visit in fear of contracting viruses.

"Jill, lumaban ka ha. Di ko talaga kakayanin pag wala ka." - Mrs. Hernandez 

If you can't do it for a stranger, do it for her mom. Every blood counts. Every prayer warrior counts. Thanks.

I was just about to post it on social networking sites when I received a text from Nee-chan saying Jill's already gone. Just like that. Life is too fragile indeed. The thing with cancer is you'll never know when it'll get you. I've lost loved ones to cancer and each one of them put up a good fight. Jill put up a good fight. She had the strength to survive 3 years in UP Law and battle cancer in a year. May you find rest and peace in your Savior's loving arms, Jill. No need to be in pain now.

Bohstun

So I'm going back to Boston in four days time. I'm not too psyched about the 19-hour flight but hey, I'll probably sleep my way through it or blog about my recent Japan (2.0) trip if my eyelids stay up long enough. Oh and I'm not too excited about being away for two months and missing Ate's law school graduation either but still, I have nothing but thanksgiving for the outpouring of blessings. At least I have the weekend trips to look forward to. Not to mention Memorial Day (SALE!!!!), and the experience I'd gain from this business trip. Three different trips in a month? CRAAAAZY! But thank You, Lord, for keeping me safe and sane.

A blessed week

Holy Week just recently ended and I must say it's one of the most meaningful ones I've had so far. Aside from All Saints Day/All Souls Day and Christmas/New Year, it's one of the longest Philippine holidays so it's been kind of a family tradition to go on vacation during this time of the year because 1) it's summer and 2) we don't have to miss school or work just to spend time with each other. Honestly, I can't even remember the last time we spent Holy Week at home. This year however, we decided to stay home.

I had no idea I'll be spending Holy Week the way it's supposed to be - by spending more quality time with God. It actually started the week prior to that. I was supposed to go to a gig of a local indie band one Friday night but at the last minute, I backed out. For some reason, I was no longer feeling up to it so I decided to go home early and rest. I just got off at The Block when mom texted me that they're on their way to QC Circle to see Pastor Doug Batchelor. I know Pastor Doug was coming back to Manila but I didn't know it will be that night. Thank God, I followed my gut so even though I was feeling a bit tired, I didn't hesitate to go with them because I'd love to hear Pastor Doug preach again. So mom and Dad picked me up at The Block and in minutes, I'm back at the Elliptical road again.

Five years ago...

...I made this decision and I'm proud that I'm still with my first company. Parang kelan lang, we were building our resumes while looking for potential companies. Tapos naka-5 years na agad?? Not much has changed I guess but it's still funny when you look back on it. Ang childish lang namin okay! :))

For the Love of (Healthy) Food

It's no secret that I LOVE to eat. But to be honest, I've been wanting to switch to a healthier lifestyle for quite some time now. I know I won't stay young (and healthy) forever. And eventually, all that junk I've been munching on will come back to bite me later in life. So I'm trying to eat healthy bit by bit. Plus just thinking about going on a diet takes the joy out of eating. Definitely not for me. But what if someone can do the worrying for you?

Eat away!

Well, fret not because The Sexy Chef is here to save the day! I've been dying to try it for the longest time - along with Diet Diva and Juju Cleanse. But let's take it one step at a time, shall we? The Sexy Chef is a healthy food delivery service that offers several Diet Programs (i.e. South Beach, Pounds Away, Sugar Buster, etc.), Healthy Meals (for those afraid of commitment like me haha), and even Catering!

Earlier today, I received some good news. Yes, Vikings SM North is finally opening but no, it's not just that. The Sexy Chef is bringing back their 5-Day Dine Lite Promo for only P1,990 (inclusive of delivery charge)! For five days, you'll have ready-to-eat healthy lunch and dinner meals (with only 350 calories each) delivered right to your doorstep - be it your home or office. How great is that?

I managed to convince Nee-chan to sign up with me so from February 25 - March 1, I'll be eating a little bit healthier. Oh, and I get to choose ALL the dishes I want. Lovette! I just hope the menu items taste as good as they sound.

If you're interested, here's my meal plan for next week:

Day 1 

Lunch - Korean Beef Barbecue with Vegetable Rice
Dinner - Spaghetti Alfredo 

Day 2 

Lunch - Chicken with Cashew Nuts and Chinese Fried Rice
Dinner - Fiesta Beef with Mexican Rice 

Day 3 

Lunch - Yakiniku Beef with Vegetable Rice
Dinner - Fish Salpicao with Paella Rice 

Day 4 

Lunch - Chicken Gambas with Paella Rice
Dinner - Bangus Sisig with Vegetable Rice 

Day 5 

Lunch - Arroz a la Cubana
Dinner - Pasta Bolognese

Looks pretty good, eh? If you also want to give it a try, you can reach The Sexy Chef at 721-8881 / 721-7399 / 0917-799-2433 or shoot them an email at info@thesexychef.ph.

EDIT: This post from Twisted Sifter will give you a rough idea how big of a deal is consuming only 350 calories in a meal.

Indirect Words of Encouragement

I've been thinking about something over the last weekend. It's about time I take action and take that little step into making my dreams come true. But each time I try to, it stirs up the butterflies in my tummy. I don't know why but I keep on second-guessing myself. But God, being the omniscient being that He is, felt like I could use some words of encouragement in the form of random tweets.

Monday

Change is a choice exercised by those willing to endure pain for ultimate gain.
- @Jamieavastera

Tuesday

It's Tuesday again! Still second-guessing or doubting something? Just remember #GoLangNgGo!
- @enjoyGLOBE

Wednesday

Don't let your dreams be dreams.
- @alexanderdeleon

Thursday

If you are gonna dream, might as well dream big. It takes the same amount of energy.
- @iamjonathancook

Friday

When you are discouraged and you quit, you limit what God can do in you and through you.
- Ptr. Peter Tan-chi (RT'd by @kalachuchai)

The funny thing about this is I keep forgetting what I'm supposed to do but each day, these tweets keep reminding me of my dream. Amazing how much He knows me. Better start working on it. Bit by bit. :)

Answered Prayers

They feel so good no matter how trivial they may seem. To know that someone listens to your heart's every little wish is beyond amazing. Thank you, Lord, for always spoiling me. It's little things like these that make my heart swell with gratitude. If He pays attention to your smallest desires, how much more to the bigger ones. As long as your will is aligned to His, consider it done.

Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)

Kala mo kung ano na nangyari e no. I just booked tickets to my second trip to Japan. In spring! If you've tried booking flights to Japan, you know that cheap tickets are hard to come by so I've been praying for a seat sale for a few weeks now when lo and behold, here it is! Score!!!

So keep praying. For anything. No matter how small it may seem, nothing is too small for a bighearted God. :)

*Photos belong to their rightful owners: http://seekthingsabove.files.wordpress.com, http://www.wallpaper4me.com, http://fanpop.com, http://fineartamerica.com

My Best Friend's Wedding

Sabaw photos of the bridesmaid and the bride.

I just attended my best friend's wedding last night. Not in real life though but only in my dreams. Thank God!

I know I should've woken up happy, but I didn't. Not because of the man she's going to marry.* But because I did a terrible job as a bridesmaid. :(

The dream started with me waiting at SM's tricycle terminal. Daddy picked me up to drive me to the airport for a special event. I didn't know then that I was going to end up at my best friend's wedding but I woke up early anyway as I was clearly excited for something.

I was pretty confident I came to the airport earlier than I should but when I reached the departure area, I found out that my flight was moved to an earlier schedule. 6 AM! I was sure flustered as hell. I was definitely off to a bad start. >.<

Then the scene changed to my best friend talking with Tats in a beautiful garden. For some reason, they began practicing a dance number while talking about how late I was. Again.

While they were taking a break at what looked like an attic converted into a room, a guy suddenly stood up and walked to the balcony where he found me curled up in a ball. Hulog ng langit ang peg? The guy picked me up and brought me into the room and announced my arrival as if it's the most natural thing to do. Of course, it gets even weirder.

Next thing I know, I was dressed in a dark purple bridesmaid gown looking through my best friend's wedding souvenirs with a quizzical look on my face. At this point, I already know that my best friend was getting married. She was proudly telling me that her Tita picked out the wedding souvenirs herself which I strongly disliked. Yes, maldita pa rin even in my dreams. You can't blame my reaction though. She had incenses that smell weird as wedding giveaways! How could a BFF let that happen?? :((

Frustrated, I walked out of the room and decided to check on the reception instead. The place looked like a cross between a church and a lecture hall. But what was more shocking was that people were already lining up for the food when the wedding hasn't even started yet! QUE HORROR! I was furious and I was about to tell the servers to stop what they're doing when as I moved closer, I spotted daddy among the servers. HAHAHA Recognizing me, he began preparing all my favorites for me. I still can't believe what was happening but I gladly took the food he was giving me anyway. HAHA To make things even worse, the food started to run out while the guests just kept on pouring in!

15 years of friendship and counting!

Then I woke up. And I'm thankful I did before it got even worse. It was definitely a bridesmaid's nightmare! Or rather, a bride's nightmare? Whatever it was, I swear I won't let it happen in real life. Jona Myrrh, I promise I will do my best as a bridesmaid and  I won't let your wedding turn into a disaster!

*Heck, I didn't even see him last night. Sayang!

All I want for Christmas is the new iPod Touch*

Photo by REUTERS

So the new iPhone 5 was quite disappointing but have you seen the 5th Gen iPod Touch yet? Definitely looks promising!

Photos from Apple

Us girls went crazy over its super cute new look! We even picked out the colors we wanted already: pink for me, blue for Faye, green for Jeng, white for Erin and black for Mabel. Okay, only Jeng, Faye and I picked out the colors for ourselves then assigned the remaining ones to Erin and Mabel. True friends fo lyfe! Hihi [ EDIT: New color assignments! Pink for me, blue for Faye, green for Jeng, red for Erin, black for Mabel, and white for Vanie. ;) ]

Next thing I did? Convert $399 (for the 64GB version) to Philippines Pesos, of course! At roughly Php16k, it's alright I guess. I can't wait for Black Friday though! If someone from the office is going to the US in time for Black Friday, then it's meant to be. Otherwise, we'll just have to turn to our favorite Kimstore. ;)

*or a Samsung Galaxy S3 :p

My uncle, the fortune teller

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Have you ever had your future told? I was never interested in fortune-telling because I believe in focusing on the present and living life one day at a time. But last night, I had my future told. By my own uncle!

It happened as we were chit-chatting after dinner. They reminisced about how fast time flies, how we were once kids and now we're all grown up. They asked how old I am now and inquired about my love life, of course. Relatives seem to be always curious about your love life don't they? Upon hearing that I don't have a boyfriend, my uncle started giving me tips in dating - how I should open up and show everyone what a beautiful flower I am. Awkwarddd. But I laughed it off. He told me that Geminis tend to keep things to themselves. They know a lot but won't show it. Also, they're very giving that people tend to take advantage of them. Then he gave me a lecture on how to discern true friends among the many friends I have. You see, my uncle just never runs out of stories and knowledge to share.

He even offered to tell my fortune for fun and asked to look at my hands. I was hesitant because he just ate hundreds of shellfish for dinner! Haha Noticing my hesitation, he washed his hands clean before looking at mine. While he was away, I quickly asked my auntie how legit my uncle's fortune-telling is. Turns out, it's in their blood. His mother used to be the most famous fortune teller in Badio, Aklan. I'm still skeptical but I gave it a go.

After looking at my hands for a while, here are some of the things he told me:

#1 Financial freedom. As I grow up, I won't rely on my parents' inheritance but instead, work hard to earn my own money.

#2 Love life. There is a 99% chance of me marrying someone not from the Philippines. He may be of a different race or half Filipino or a Filipino born abroad. And we'll meet overseas. By chance. No wonder I travel a lot! Haha But somehow, I've had this feeling for a long time that I won't meet my one true love in this country. I'm just surprised my uncle knew about it! Also, he mentioned that this person won't be someone I've met in the past but someone I have yet to meet. Sounds pretty exciting, eh?

#3 Money management. One look at my right hand and my uncle knew how much of a gastador I am to which mom and dad quickly agreed. He says it's easy for me to spend or give money away because I'm a giver, not a receiver. If you think about it, I do love spending money on myself as much as I love spending on other people. On the flip side, the more I give, the more God will shower me with blessings as I help other people.* And to my defense, my spending is always reasonable. My uncle's words, not mine! :)) A look at my left hand and he told me that my future husband will be a gastador as well. Patay tayo dyan! Nevertheless, we'll manage to save up. He even advised me to let my fingernails grow (if I could) until my pinky reaches the line on my ring finger so as to lessen my spending.

#4 Health. I will live a pretty healthy life but he advised me to take special care of my stomach or abdomen. Ow. How did he know about my abdominal pains thanks to dysmenorrhea?? According to him, Geminis tend to have difficulty in giving birth so he advised me to do squats to strengthen my pelvic bone. He also advised me to eat on time and avoid skipping meals. And that I should lessen my consumption of sweets and watch what I eat because I will tend to eat and eat once I give birth. Ayayay!

#5 Compatibility. There are two kinds of Pisces - one that goes with the flow and one that goes against it. I should steer away from Pisces that tend to go with the flow because he's sure to be under-the-saya if I did end up with one and I wouldn't want that. Sagittarius are great companions for Geminis because they are jolly people but they hate restrictions. They won't like it if you ask them where they've been or why they came home late. They're just in it for the fun times. Now, those born in April are natural breadwinners. They'll do everything for you - be it housework or earning for the family. They'd love you unconditionally and will take really good care of you. The downside? They tend to get really jealous and would want you only for themselves. Not really good for a Gemini who doesn't want to be tied down.

#6 Marriage. I will have one and only one marriage. I won't get divorced or be widowed early. Glad to know my future hubby and I will grow old together. On top of that, I'll get married around the age of 30 or 31. Good enough for me.

#7 Children. I'll have two. Well, I want three but having more than two will be difficult for me. My husband may want more but two will be ideal. And these children will be from my bloodline, not my husband's. My uncle liked that since that means my future kids will be intellectuals. Haha

He then proceeded to lecture me to look for someone who will love my parents as much as I love them and for me to love my future in-laws. If they don't like me at first, I should do everything to get closer to them. Also, this guy I'm going to end up with will try to get in bed with me before marriage. Nakakaloka! He reminded me to always follow my head over my heart and I should save it after marriage. My auntie teased him about how old-fashioned he was. Haha That talk should be awkward but it wasn't. I just laughed it off. Again. He says he can tell me more but he'll leave the rest to me but he kept on going and asked to look at my right foot. According to him, the house or building I'll purchase, which will be my future family's home, will be overseas as well. Pang-Ms. International pala ang peg ko! But he added that wherever it will be will be both my husband and I's choice.

Sure, I don't believe in fortune-telling but it was fun. All the things he mentioned are likely to happen anyway. My auntie reminded me that I shouldn't let my uncle's predictions lead my life though. I should still be open to meeting guys even if they're pure-bred Filipinos or born in the Philippines. Haha

All this talk about the future definitely made my night. No wonder, I still haven't met Mr. Right. I guess I have yet to visit his hometown, eh? :))

With that, let me leave you with one of my favorite verses from the Bible:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

See, no need to worry about the future. My God has it all figured out for me. He's got my back. Always.

*Mom and dad raised us on this principle that we may always be grateful to God and helpful to those in need.

TGIPF

Thank God it's payday Friday!

Oh, how I miss the days when I was this happy to receive my paycheck. And yes, I got my first paycheck in cash four years ago! Haha As new hires, our ATM accounts were still being processed during that time. I was so happy back then thinking how much more I'll make in the future. I don't know what happened. Well, wanderlust happened but I have no regrets. Sure, I want a fatter paycheck but I'm still thankful that I have a job that provides for my needs (more like wants, really). I guess nothing beats the thrill of receiving your first hard-earned paycheck after all.

Photo credit: summer bliss // - my old Multiply page haha define ancient!

Dreaming~ ♥

Kim Soo Hyun ( 김수현 )

Rainy weekend + intermittent internet connection = series marathon. Just as the rain was heavily pouring outside, I was crying my eyes out thanks to this man. I can't believe I spent the entire weekend watching Dream High (technically, I have the TV turned on for the Olympics while I was watching Dream High on my laptop). I have shallow tears so as much as possible, I try to steer away from tearjerkers but I got hooked with this k-drama so much, I just had to know what happens in the end. Stat!

Jin Guk ( 진궄 ), Hye Mi ( 혜미 ), Sam Dong ( 삼동 )

I was rooting for the cool guy, Jin Guk, the whole time but towards the end, I eventually fell for Sam Dong. Who would've thought I'd fall for the country bumpkin? Well, he turned out to be quite a man. He sings, dances and acts really well. He's at par with his co-stars whenever they perform to think that he's the only actor in the main cast while the rest are all singers in real life. And those eyes! Aaaahh so expressive! I end up crying every time he does. :(

Initially, I found Sam Dong's character hilarious but he can also be a bit overprotective and annoying sometimes. His love and dedication to Hye Mi is really admirable though. Before I knew it, I wanted him and Hye Mi to end up together! If you know me, it's pretty rare for me to cheer for the female lead so I was really devastated with the open-ended finale. Why do they have to cut it when things are finally going well!!! Ugh. It was so frustrating. Paasa e. Now I can't move on! >.< Oh, well. At least I have a new Korean crush to stalk in November. HAHA

New crush = new wallie

See, this is why I shouldn't be watching dramas during that time of the month when my emotions are extra high. Here, have a clip of Sam Dong singing Dreaming* while battling Tinnitus. I was crying so much, I could hardly breathe during this scene. Kala mo kasali sa drama kung makahagulgol e. :))

Now downloading: The Moon That Embraces The Sun for more of Kim Soo Hyun ♥

*This has a Japanese version btw which I loooove! At least I can understand most of the lyrics. Hee~ ♥ Click here to watch Kim Soo Hyun in the studio. So cute when he struggles in pronouncing "michi." Haha

화이팅!*

Mr. Charm Lee's Beginner Korean Class!

After our bestie date over the weekend, my excitement for our upcoming South Korea trip went overboard!  I realized I only have four months to learn Korean if I were to keep my promise** last year.  I know I'm way behind but it's never too late to start.  So yesterday, I finally tried to learn how to read and write in Hangeul (한글) with the help of Mr. Charm Lee.  As seen above, the tutorial promises to teach you to read the Korean alphabet in just 30 minutes (or less if you're a fast learner)!

Something's changed.

"I'm thinking of investing in the stock market."

Wow, that did sound like a mature thing to say.  A few days ago, mom gave me a copy of My Maid Invests in the Stock Market and The Turtle Always Wins both by Bo Sanchez.  These were given to her as gifts and she asked me to read them so I can start investing in the stock market.  I rolled my eyes at the idea but took the books anyway.  Me?  Invest in the stock market?  But that's for crazy people.  In business suits! :|

But since I've been reading 40 Stories of Passion* for 15 days now, I decided to give My Maid Invests in the Stock Market a try and finished it in one sitting.  It's a small book anyway.  But it does contain enough information and tips to get you started in investing in the stock market.  And honestly, it got me thinking.  Sure, I've always wanted to have my own business someday but I've never even thought about investing in the stock market.  Ever.  But now I'm willing to give it a try.  It's just like putting your money in a time deposit, only it grows faster in the stock market.  Well, as long as you invest in the right companies.  And just like Bo's maids, you can start with as little as Php 5,000 (or any amount you like) as long as you do it consistently.

Turning 25 must be really something else.  You start thinking about your future but this time, you actually want to do something about it.  I think being in your 20's is the perfect time to start planning your future while enjoying the present.  It's the perfect time to explore, make mistakes, make all the wrong choices and do whatever you want.  After all, you have the rest of your life to learn from experiences.

I guess this decision is my attempt at taking charge of my future instead of letting mom and dad plan everything out for me.  Or it could be mom's attempt of letting me take charge of my own future.  Believe me, they've already done a lot for me.  I wouldn't even be surprised if they've already picked out a groom for me. Haha  Luckily, I'm in that stage where I'm kind of independent while still being under my parents' care.  So I guess it's time to let my inhibitions go and get started on this new adventure.  Well, at least after I receive my increase for this year.  Whatever happens, at least I know my parents got my back.  Always.

EDIT: I just got back from our BFF date and learned that my bestie beat me to it!  She already bought stocks from two companies.  Now I'm even more excited to buy shares!  Yuck, ang nerd lang pakinggan.


*Another book by Bo Sanchez.  I decided to buy a copy for myself after hearing the intriguing title from Jeng.  And no, it's not about that kind of passion. :))  I've been reading it everyday to draw inspiration from ordinary yet driven people living extraordinary lives centered in Christ.

This post is not sponsored by Bo Sanchez in any way, okay? Haha 

You've been warned.

I finally finished my lengthy blog posts about our recent Sagada trip so this serves as a warning.  Promise, I tried to cut it down but the storyteller in me just won't shut up.  The upcoming posts are definitely tl;dr* worthy but hey, it's for documentation purposes so cut me some slack.  This blog serves as an extra page for me to write everything that won't fit in my teeny, tiny Filed planner.

To give this post a little more sense of purpose than just a warning, here's a teaser to my Sagad sa Sagada series which is a realization I've had saved in my e-mail drafts for quite a while:

So I just saw some photos from SaGGAs of their rescue operation of a spelunker who slipped in Sumaging Cave and suffered from hypothermia.  It sent chills down my spine (no pun intended) as I remembered my fall.  That FB post was enough for me to realize the gravity of the situation and how well our guides handled it.  It was another near-death experience for me right there.  Thank goodness, Kuya Kelvin acted quick enough and grabbed me by the hand before I crashed into the boulders waiting below.  Understandably, I will be forever grateful to him for saving my life.  And to God for always watching over me and for giving me another chance at life.  I hope the spelunker gets well soon.  Props to the guides of SaGGAs for being well-equipped and well-trained!

There you go.  Enjoy and brace yourselves for the upcoming flood!  Of blog posts that is.

*too long; didn't read

Magical.

That's my signature answer whenever someone asks me how it feels like to be 25.  It may not be true but I like the sound of it.  Honestly, nothing much has changed.  I still feel the same as I did before - still a little crazy.  And apparently, so are my friends!  Good to know I'm not alone.  Hah!

Balloons everywhere!  And I mean everywhere.

Last week, my favorite girls surprised me for my birthday - not only once but thrice!  And this time, it was different from all the other surprises they've pulled off.  They really stepped it up a notch.  Define unexpected!  I felt like I was in an episode of Ellen where the surprises just seem to never end!  Nakakatuwa na nakakatawa na nakakakaba.

Silver

Today, I'd like to say that I woke up feeling a little older and a little wiser but honestly, it didn't feel that way.  When I woke up, rain was pouring outside and all I could think of was how perfect it was.  Thank goodness, I was born on (Philippine) Independence Day which means every birthday* is a holiday.  I could do anything I want on my special day - I could even stay in bed for as long as I want to without feeling guilty.  But no, I didn't want this day to go to waste.  So I got out of bed and thanked God for another year.  Nothing beats the feeling of waking up and feeling thankful.  Just as the rain keeps pouring, the blessings just keep on coming.  So thank you, Lord, for another year!  And for your never-ending goodness and mercy.  So when does quarter-life crisis strike?  I hope it never hits me.  I'm 25 and loving life.

P.S.  This year, I MUST finally learn how to surf so I can call myself the silver surfer.  Chos! :))

* Well, except in 2007 when GMA and her holiday economics ruined the tradition.

Another beginning

Travel blogs fascinate me.  The way bloggers sum up their travel experiences into a post and select a handful of favorites from thousands of photos amaze me.  From reading travel blogs, I discover new places to explore, exciting dishes to try, life lessons to learn, and tips I can use on my next adventure.  Not only do they make me excited for my upcoming trips, they also encourage me to go on more ambitious ones.  These blogs inspire me to become not just a better traveler, but a better person as well.

So last week, as I was doing research on Begnas* (I seriously need a cure for my Sagada hangover, I know), I found new travel blogs to follow and fell in love with their posts and pictures.  I excitedly shared these blogs with my friends over merienda and their reaction was something I didn't expect.

Friends: Hey, why don't you start your own travel blog?  You've been to a lot of places already, I'd love to read about your adventures!  Sure, you tweet or instagram a couple things but a blog might be better.  *Cue: hilarious blog name suggestions*

Me: Ehhh I can't do that!  I would just get depressed from reminiscing my previous travels wishing I was back there and not here blogging away.  Plus, I can't even take good photos.  Heck, I can't even upload photos (which I didn't even take) on time!  I'm too lazy!  Masipag lang ako mag-comment.

 Friends: Yun nga e!

And that got me thinking.  As I've learned from traveling, you can't say you can't do it unless you've given it a try.  So why don't I give blogging another try?  I won't guarantee this to be purely a travel blog but it'll be the main focus for sure.  After all, traveling is possibly my greatest love.  Plus, I can't even squeeze in all my stories in my teeny, tiny Filed organizer. HAHA

So, come join me in another adventure? ;)



*A cultural festival celebrated 3 times a year (where Igorots dress up in their traditional clothes complete with accessories and weapons).  Each celebration is based on the agricultural calendar of the I-sagadas (Sagadians).  Lucky are the tourists who get to experience this festival as there are no exact dates.  The dates are only made known at least 2-4 days before the festival.  - SaGGAs