'Tis the season...

'Tis the season to be beautiful, to have a shopping binge, and to meet friends. But I'd rather surf the net while I chomp wafer sticks with my pyjamas on.

 

Everyone is prepping for the holidays (Christmas and New Year).  I saw my aunts having cooked sumptuous food, my uncles having decorated their houses, and my cousins having tried out their new clothes. Whereas, I see on Facebook that my friends hang out here and there.

 

I've been here in the Philippines for almost 4 weeks already. My mission here has not veritably started yet for I have to return to Saudi Arabia by February for a resident visa renewal purpose. This causes deferment. What's keeping me busy now is the small business invested by my mom. It is only a  mini-mart which was built by the generous hands of my Uncle June. I have planned to commit myself to handling it personally for the whole month of December, that I rejected several hangout invitations from friends and even ditched CEU Alumni Homecoming. So here I am, spending my whole day talking to customers and selling goods.

 

Small business, it is, but it injects me with a strong dose of stress. Each day I spend inside this mart makes me want to spew. There are even times that I feel depressed and miserable. It is simply because this is not  my cup of tea nor my preferred bread and butter. I do not know if I am just being jerk, but doing this everyday changes my outlook in life. Worse... it changes negatively. I become more desperate and a bit of depressed. What makes me go on is hearing my mom's joyous laughter as I tell her about the store.

 

2013 will end soon. I can see 2014 waving hello. I try my hardest to end the year with positive vibes, but that is not how I feel. I do not want to be dishonest with myself. I am unhappy. Thankfully, I have my family and friends who always pulls both ends of my lips.

I will leave it all to God...

One Last Dream

Dream big and pursue it. But what if you are not destined to aim that dream, despite the hardships and perseverance you mounted? Will you still strive, even if you only have a wee time? Or just stop and dream for another dream?

I'm a big dreamer and a hardworking pursuer. I have always dreamt of 2 things; one is a profession and the other is a competition. They've been my dreams, ever since I was a little kid. I submitted to the gradual process so as to gain experience. I took the so-called "stepping stone". Patience and courage were my magical sword. Having passed every course of action uplifted my spirit. But now that I am 22 years old and haven't achieved them yet, I am losing hope.

Young, still I am. But I feel like my dreams are becoming far-fetched. They are going beyond me... way, way beyond me. Call me pessimist! But here... Try to put aside negativity and step your feet on a realistic pavement. Not all people who exerted massive effort for their dreams succeeded. What might be the reasons? One might not be having all the means (location, season, age, connections, money, etc.). Cast out hypocrisy. I do have a point, don't I? Another might be the different plan of destiny, which is more harrowing. A person may have all means and all positive characters, but if a thing is not meant for you, you can do nothing then.

I just dropped my dream competition for I realized I do not have the prowess and connections, seriously and realistically. I am alright and happy with all the springboards I previously joined.

 

I am currently working on my dream profession. This is the reason I got back to the Philippines. This is my dream where I am willing to give up everything. If it would cost me to fly back to Saudi Arabia or even go hopping on every country in the Middle East, my tickets and luggages are standing by. I know I sound too desperate, but I am hungry for this. This will not just give  me sense of fulfillment, but a stability in life as well. I already reluctantly renounced one dream, I won't let it happen again. I do not want another broken dream.

My biggest fear now is to say this line after a long run... "I did everything, but God has another plan for me". Sadness will be felt, but I trust Him.

Baloney

Broken ceilings, broken dreams, and a broken heart - This is where I am now. This is what I have. This is what I own. Never state the obvious, but dig down some more.

Sometimes, people tend to become materialistic. That is why there is no doubt that all positive feelings become immaterial.

Some people say that love sees no boundaries. Two people do not need to be in the same age, gender, appearance, and life status. But I think, the meaning of love alters when practicality and sagacity cut in.

People in this kingdom misjudge and underrate me ever since. Their views about me probably stop me from wagging my tail and achieve what I dream of. Try to see the life I'm living back in my humble hut.

When you are in love, you tend to forget your own value. Some say, there are plenty of fish in the ocean. I used to think I was Ariel, a mermaid who was being hunted by plenty of fisherman. But then I met Prince Eric, and there... I forgot that I was one of the Disney princesses and forgot the other Prince Charming. (Yes, I can have a lot of airs and boast.)

I chose the rain that occasionally comes, over the sun that gives sunlight the whole year. It hurts! Nevertheless, I once enjoyed dancing in the rain. So, thank you... Big time!

This post is going nowhere. People would sure think that this baloney is posted by a childish, stupid, stubborn, braggart, finicky, and inexperienced girl. And these people are right... It is my blog.

A Serene Summer Getaway 2013

 

A typical ideal summer would either be partying like there's no tomorrow or hitting the beach to ramble ashore. I actually planned to experience a typical one, but never did I expect that an outgoing person like me would fall for a very serene summer escapade. Picturesque landmarks, pleasant weather, and wonderful companions - 3 things that made my summer 2013 just perfectly amazing.

This post is 5 months late. This escapade was poorly planned as it was all very sudden. Like, we were just sipping hot coffee on the veranda and thought of summer-fun-hunting. We thought of going to Bataan, Subic, Baler, or anywhere in Region 3, from June 3 to June 5. But it ended up going on a road trip all the way to Baguio.

(P.S. This blog is bombarded with several selfie pictures. Forgive me! Yay!)

From Bulacan, we landed at the summer capital of the Philippines in 4 hours. None of us knew the route directions to this place. Neither did we have map nor GPS. We just googled it, read a certain forum, and followed the written instructions. So yeah! We felt we were charmingly cool while were strolling along SCTEX, Kennon Road, and Marcos Highway.

Since it was a bit unexpected, I packed my things quickly that in the end all the attires I brought were very summer-ish. I forgot to bring accessories and cardigan.

We were not familiar with the tourist attractions in the city that much. We were not even aware that Banaue Rice Terraces could be reached. Unfortunately, a few spots were only visited.

As far as I can remember, we arrived at the City of Pines at around 2-ish in the afternoon. We saw the Lion's Head. The weather was very relaxing. Sunrays could be seen but its warmth could not be felt. How perfect! What really depleted our time was finding an accommodation to stay at. We wanted a hotel that is just nearby to much of the Baguio's attractive features. Summer it was, so most of the hotels were occupied. Nonetheless, we luckily found a fine one. After having checked out, we headed to Burnham Park since it was just alongside. Everyone was sleepless and tired. We had a dinner splurge at SM Baguio then returned to our hotel and snored.

Second day was a very long day for us. Honestly, I cannot specify the names of the places where we jaunted to. The only names I can recall are The Mansion, Botanical Garden, Good Shepherd Convent, Strawberry Farm, Chinese Temple, Wright Park, Mines View Park, and Camp John Hay. A lot, right? But I can no longer spell out the place where we had a tree-top adventure, played with butterflies, and bought souvenirs/food. Not to mention, we pleasantly pigged out in this city. I enjoyed the street food near Chinese Temple. We purchased jars of ube jam, peanut brittle, seedless oranges, and many more. Moreover, people from Baguio are so amiable.

 

Despite the tiredness of our raffish feet, we opted to go back to north. I marveled at our boldness to traverse the Kennon Road while the clouds bawled at night. The roadway was slippery that we did not need to touch the shift gear. Ain't kidding! We spent the night at a hotel in La Union.

The whole third day was spent inside a mall. We watched a movie, had a breakfast, played arcade, and shopped. We had a superb lunch at Isdaan, Tarlac.

It is too amusing how a not-so-intended summer getaway would turn into a splendid one. This is actually my 3rd visit in Baguio. However, this vacay made me relish the city more. What I have realized in this trip was my love for nature and historic places. I am a gregarious girl who likes FUN, but never did I think that I would fall for nature trip and would appreciate places with influence on history.

Here are some of my selfies. Lol!

 

 

 

 

5 Types of Silly FB Askers

Social networking sites are now part of our daily routine. You see everyone spends time in front of a screen, updates his status, shares his thoughts, and uploads pictures. I believe, the famous and most commonly used social network is Facebook. I avow, I spend 40% of my day surfing this blue website.

The primal purpose of Facebook is to connect people, particularly to put related people inside a circle. But I think, this opportunity has been taken advantage of by many people. Well, I would not include 2 strangers who eventually became love birds with the help of FB. There are "some" who go beyond. Some are annoying that you could just plonk them into your block list and some are funny that you could offer them the seen zone (a bit harsh).

I will share the 5 types of silly Askers I often encounter on FB. Here are they:

1.) Thumbs up Asker

"Please like my default picture" - This kind of message can be found in every inbox. Raising an eyebrow would be my initial reaction. But this asker can persuade me to spare him the blue thumb. I would return his effort into clicking my name and typing his message. So, there you go. I hope I make him happy!

2.) Put-my-name-on-it Asker (Fansign)

Frankly, this kind of request gives me tingling feeling. But c'mon! Take the word "FAN". I am not a crackbrain yet to entertain the idea that I have a fan. Sometimes I feel like doing it though. Still I feel like I do not have the right to pose in front of a lens while I hold a sign with his name on it. Na-uh!

3.) Hype Asker

"Please promote my account/profile" - This is causing me a little bit of vexation. I am not going to blow a space on my timeline just to puff your profile, so you can gain followers/friends. Unless you are missing because you've been seeking your swollen face you dropped somewhere else and lost track. You cannot turn me into a gullible girl.

4.) Métier Asker

Most people would advise us to grab each opportunity that comes our way. I am flattered, of course. However, in a virtual world where fraud and prank are pervasive, you cannot just give a nod forthwith. I am vain but that does not mean I always accept invitation from professional photographers. Honestly, I'd rather be shot by my sister or my father than by the pro. I'm a bit shy, yah know! Lol!

Filipino community here in Saudi Arabia frequently organizes basketball league. Humbly, I've been receiving invitations from various teams to be their muse which I had to reject. I deem myself too old for this kind of competition and just give other girls the chance to showcase what they got.

5.) Annoying Digit Asker

How would you feel when an unknown person (not even on your list of friends) PM-ed you and asked for your number? Most peeving asker ever! How about an acquaintance asking for your personal number? Not all my friends know my personal number. Why don't you await our friendship to level up before you stimulate your nerves in discovering my number? Unless there is a serious business we need to talk about.

Social networking sites were made so as to create a fast and easy communication. However, there are responsibilities that we must consider and limitations that we must be aware of. There is always a right time, a right place/website, and a right person for befriending, inviting, anything.

I am sorry if you find me uppity. Let me just remind you that this page is personal and things stated here are subjective. If you hate, please close the tab and proceed with facebooking. ;)

Sweetest Pain

P.S. This is an imaginative fiction. Merely to put story for the 2 pictures.
_________________________

I lay in my bed, curled up on my side with knees tucked in. I bit my fingernails underneath the pink quilt. The noise of air conditioner covered my ears. Its sound was too strong, enough to distract me from thinking. But bother was gnawing away at the back of my mind.

I suddenly heard a heavy sigh. A small gesture was felt by the skin of my weakening arms. He sat at the edge of the bed. I did not hear a slamming door nor a footstep coming closer to me. But I knew who it was. "Woman, are you really that conceited," I heard a voice. I did not retort, neither took off the quilt.

I stopped biting my nails. I waited for the next word. None. My pride kicked. I did not let a single word spill out of my mouth. I felt him moving. He lay beside me in a supine position. The sound of air conditioner was all that could be heard. Until...

"What is it with you, Angela? You are being stubborn at times. Oh no! Your are always being like that. You get into a huff when you do not get what you want. You would not talk to me if I beat you in a play station game. What's even worse is... Often do you show your ire and I don't even know the reason. Then, I would find out the reason is... I forgot you to buy your favorite brownies or cookies. Just that! Never did your sluggishness annoy me. No matter how long I wait for you downstairs while you groom your hair, it is fine with me. But when it's me who arrives late at our meeting place, even when I'm only 2 minutes late, you automatically give me a tiger-stare. You would rant about my poor punctuality for a week. You would blame me for the not-so-delish pasta you eat at a bistro, when you're the one who ordered it. And most especially, you do not take things seriously. How insensitive," Tom emphasized.

A long silence dominated. My heart beat quickly. Did I feel guilty? Did I feel mad? Did I feel melancholic? I felt all of this. I was about to give a yelp of pain when I heard him say, "I know what's on your mind now. You are thinking that I never appreciated you. You feel like you never did good things for I only draw attention to your flaws. It seems to be that way, but it actually is not." He nestled his head near mine, placed a hand on my hips, and spoke, "I will not lie. You are a headache. You always pain me." My chest began to tighten as I repressed a salty liquid from my eyes. He deeply sighed. "But you are the sweetest pain. You are the only pain that could not kill. You are the pain that makes me alive. This pain is the reason why I want to wake up every morning. The pain that feeds my soul. An incongruous pain that makes me happy. An ironic pain that heals a heart," he continued.

His skin created warmth in me. He slowly took off the quilt. My eyes did not want to sight him, so I kept my eyes closed. He spoke, "I'm not asking you to change. It's just that I've been keeping this inside. Perhaps that's your way of showing your love, so be it. You would not be the girl I loved years ago, if you are not as that. And you would not be the girl who has been giving me happiness for so long, if you change."

 A few more minutes, he gently lifted my chin up and whisperred, "Stay the same. I'm sorry for flaring up. I'm sorry." He hugged me tightly. I felt his very soft lips on my forehead.

I then realized... I am the pain in his bum and he is my serenity.

It's the last day of the month of September. This month has been amazingly spectacular. God has showered me with myriad blessings. My heart is very thankful, but I am so stupid for ending so many days/nights of this month without talking to and thanking Him. Well, I always pray before I sleep but I unconsciously fall asleep amid conversing with Him - which I know it is not good. This is perhaps due to lack of focus.

Since I am into blogging and I express myself through it, I want to share my letter to God with you.

-----------------------------------------------

Dear God,

I want to end this month thanking you for all the things I have received.

Thank You for the love and care you gave me, and not only me...
Thank You for taking care of my loved ones as well.
Thank You for the healthy food we eat.
Thank You for the little luxuries we indulge in.
Thank You for the opportunities that have been coming my way.

I welcomed this month with many confusions and worries,
But I know it is Your way of challenging me to eked out some strength to be a stronger person.
You reminded me that these weaknesses could be my source of tenacity.
Thank You for guiding me in making decisions.
Thank You for helping me stand up after a downfall.

People come and go.
People who went away but left precious memories I could always cherish, thank You.
People who just came and are now giving me reasons to appreciate life more, thank You.
People who never left my side since day one, thank You.
I have the best family in this world, thank You.

I want to end this month apologizing for all the sins I have done.

I am sorry for the anger and hatred I feel towards others.
I am sorry for  paining a person who knows nothing but to love me dearly.
I am sorry for ignoring people who have pure intention towards me.
I am sorry for there are times that I talk back to my parents and I become mean to my siblings.
I am sorry for hurting many people, intentionally and unintentionally.

I want to end this month asking for little things, not for me, but for my loved ones.

Please guide my friends, colleagues, RIS/CEU families, relatives, and my family.
Please save us from accident, sickness, any harm.
Please make Mama and Papa stronger and healthier so they can be with us for a million years.
Please help my super friends in achieving their goals.
Please do not forget that my heart is forever thankful.

Amen.

First Asian Tour - Hong Kong

Nobody is too old for Disneyland. Visiting this amusing place is everyone's dream. I am 101% sure of it!

This post is 4 months late. We had our first Asian tour on the 27th of May at Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. The whole idea was made when we realized my nephews are now youngsters and can appreciate and recognize Mickey Mouse. So, we decided to take them to Disneyland. This trip was actually unexpected.  My parents hate travelling or long-distance trip. Hence, my siblings and I laboriously made hoax and batting of eyelashes until they brought out the big "YES".

We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights only. On our first day, a shuttle accompanied us to our hotel. It was a lovely clean city.  We took a rest at the hotel the whole day. My parents were really tired of the plane trip that they did not even want to rove around. But having wanted to make our tummies happy, we went to metropolis. Initially, we were a bit apprehensive about trying Hong Kong dishes. So, we went on the safe side and headed to McDonald's. I was stunned to see Black & White Burgers. OMG! But I did not try 'em because I have no strong appetite for burgers.

Second day was enervative. I am not kidding! Our itinerary was packed. We had a city tour in the morning.  We visited various tourist spots and other boutiques. Morning activities consumed darn 80% of our energy, I tell you. When the clock stroke 2 and needed to get to Disneyland, my whole family and I were already very exhausted. But this amazingly enchanting land was the most awaited tourist spot, so the remaining 20% energy was prolonged. My outfit here was obviously not appropriate for any theme parks. I wore this on purpose. I was not gagging when I said, I would wear a dress for a reason that I felt like "I am of the Disney princesses". I fluttered my floral dress all over the place. Lol! Due to limited time, we were unable to amble the whole resort. I was kinda dismayed for having not ridden their extreme rides.. My companions (supposed-to-be) were scared.

After we enjoyed Disneyland, we directly proceeded to our flight to Shenzhen, China. That was around 9-ish in the evening. Too much physical effort, huh?! Our sojourn in here was not so special for me. But as for my parents, it was a fantastic shopping-spree day, especially in the Bamboo boutique. The only scene I enjoyed was the Window of the World.

I want to visit many picturesque places but I hate the tiring concept of travelling. Ironies! Knowing that it would take much of my energy makes me feel lazy to create my itinerary. How am I going to visit these places without travelling? Lol! No wonder whom I obtain this character from. All I can say is "The family that travels together (regardless of how tiring it could be), stays together FOREVER." (Lately, Been using this line a lot.)