Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Monday, June 03, 2013

Oh, The Irony.

Death is a life changer. And moving on means accepting that things will never be the same again.

I miss you, pops. There is never a day that I don't think of you. My heart breaks into a million pieces with every thought and with every memory of you.

As selfish as it may seem, I need to move away. I need to keep myself busy so I wont miss you as terribly as I miss you right now.

Oh, Hawaii. Please be good to me.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

A Big Change Is Coming

Spring in New York. Summer in Cali.

Sounds mighty fine to me. ;-)

#ThankYouLord

Perksquad Goes to Indochina!

 Angkor Wat and the Tuktuk ride.

 Best coffee in the world!


Ang lakas maka TGIS ng pose.


Naliligaw in Angkor Wat.


Hindi mukhang pagod kahit bugbog sa byahe at lakad.


Tomb Raider.


Night Out in Phnom Penh.


Genocide Museum. Wag malinlang sa saya ng kulay namin. Depressed kami nyan.




Tambay ng airport.






 Gimik night in Saigon.


 Typical Vietnam Traffic. CRAZY.

 Shopping daw.

Miss Saigon.

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Oh Cambodia Faithful and Vietnam Moreno Tour by the Walang Tulugan Gang

I just came back from our Annual Perksquad Trip..and this time around, we decided to conquer the land of Lara Croft and Pho-- Cambodia and Vietnam.

As expected, the trip was AWESOME. No, it was even beyond awesome. Its totally something else. It was spectacular, magnificent, fabulous, fantastic and all adjectives to that effect. I could not have asked for a better vacation.

Why? Okay, let me try to write the reasons down:

1. Vietnamese Coffee- the hype is worth it.  This is just the best tasting coffee  I ever had. And the greatest thing is that it is ubiquitous in every street corner of Saigon. For coffee addict like me, Vietnam is paradise.

2. Cute Tourists- everywhere. Guys from all over the world in their sandos and board shorts and flip flops. You can just sit in a cafe and watch cute people pass you by, all while drinking the best tasting coffee (see above).

3. Angkor Wat- Angelina Jolie and National Heritage site. Need I say more? 

4. Shopping- although i dont consider myself a shopaholic, I totally understand why people go ga-ga over Vietnam and Cambodia. Night Market and their version of tiangge offer dirt cheap items. Total bang for your bucks. 

5. Warm,Friendly People- being total magnets of misfortune, we dont know how we would have survived without the help of the locals. We have Kelvin, the tour coordinator who got us tickets to Siem Reap when no other bus companies would take us in, and apparently, he exchanges currencies too. Just a blessing especially on our last day when we were becoming poor from too much shopping (see #4). Vannak, our Ankor Wat tour guide who was just amazing. His knowledge of Siem Reap and his patience and enthusiasm to take our pictures are just commendable. Certainly the best tour guide I met (and I had a lot of tour guide from previous travels, i.e. Paris, Japan, Thailand etc). There was also Mark, the front desk guy from our Saigon hotel who was just too willing to do things for us. Of course, we also met other back packers who made our trip more memorable like the British couple named Nick and Nikki, the Russian couple who spoke little English but smiled and conveyed messages through hand gestures, Simon, the Singaporean photojournalist, The two Canadian bus mates whom we call Prince William (PW) and Prince William's Friend (PWF) and Guy with Great Hair (GWGH)/ Ken who was an inspiration during the long, bumpy ride to SR. 

I could go on and on and on but really, the reason why this trip is spectacular is because

6.  I am in the company of my bestest best friends 

...and that made everything perfect. 

I cant wait to discover where our feet and lust for traveling will take us next year. 


Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Reserved Space



Beside you, everything fades into oblivion.

The falling of leaves that reminds us that another season is about to end. The shuffling of people's feet as they hurriedly cross the street. The guileless laughter of children as they play with abandon. The coldness of the wind that embraces us and brings you another inch closer to me.

Beside you, I forget about the the harshness of the truth that we are two puzzle pieces that will never ever fit.

That is why I chose to wait.

To wait here until this space has forgotten how we used to warm it with everything that you meant to me.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Another Day, Another City

My cousin wasn't joking. It is really cold up here in San Diego. They live up in the hill, in a very fancy subdivision.

My nose will bleed not because of speaking English but because of the unforgiving cold.

I'm so excited to see what's up in this city.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Banana takes On CALI!

Finally, I'm having my long overdue vacation. As I've frequently told my office friends, I am the original curacha, linggo lang ang pahinga.Yep, I went straight from college and into the work field. I graduated Saturday and started working Monday... and I havent had a leave lasting more than two working days.

So, how's my trip so far?

Let me start by telling you my first day. I had to attend the wedding of my boss, but only up to the church wedding as my flight leaves 10pm. Knowing traffic could be such a bitch on a Saturday, I was fretting because I had to be at the airport before 8pm, and my parents were still stuck at traffic at 6pm. I was saying all my prayers and thinking of all possible worst case scenarios if I come late to the airport.

Thankfully, I arrived a few minutes before 8pm (no dinner! just my baong hopia). I was still in my wedding attire (electric blue, body hugging dress and 4 inches heels) so everybody was looking at me thinking, "what is she all dressed up for? It's just the airport."

Anyway, I was able to check in without a hitch and survived a long flight watching Lake House ( a beautiful movie) and Before Sunrise (aaaw). I was also able to sleep for 7 hours, longer than what I usually have at the comfort of my own home. In a matter of hours, I was in beautiful California.

My cousin's husband and my two nieces took me to LA and Hollywood on my first day. Being huge Lakers fans, they had to take me first to downtown LA to let me see Staples Center and Nokia Theater. After that, we went to Hollywood and saw Grauman's Chinese Theater and the shops on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills (as if I could afford these shops!). It was so sweet of them to buy me a Hardrock and UCLA shirt, and a Katy Perry perfume which smells soooooo good! It comes with a purse and locket with solid perfume in it. So cool. But the greatest thing would probably be having my picture taken with a smokin' hot Abercrombie and Fitch model and walking down the gay district of LA and seeing guys dancing in their undies (like a girlie bar). My two underage nieces were so scandalized, its funny.

It was a good day strolling and shopping at Nordstrom. But since I am a self-confessed workaholic, I just had to check my mails when I got back to work. 78 emails for barely 4 hours off from work(working hours I mean). And I had a report to submit! so much for relaxing.

Day 2 was more laid back. We went to a mall near my cousin's place but it was huge. I didn't get to go around much because my cousin's husband had to go to work. I also had to fix my shopping list before I go to malls to have my purchases (and budget) in order. I got some stuff from H & M and Roxy. We also had time to go to the beach to stroll. It was so beautiful, I love it. Even though my hands were freezing, I still had time to appreciate how "OC" the scene was.

Since we got home pretty early and there wasnt much to do, I spent most of my free time answering emails and eating. Yes, people here do not stop eating! Even though I'm stuffed to the brim, I couldn't put down the caramel popcorns or the raspberries.

Tomorrow, time to walk off the calories because I'm going to Universal Studios! Time to bring out the child in me.

Friday, December 16, 2011

2 More Days To Go

I can't believe I'm leaving in a few days. I'm still so stressed from work, I barely have time to do all my errands.

Too bad I wont get to see PS and GH and Legolas before I leave. I just want to give them a really, really tight Holiday hug.

This will be a different Christmas for me-- spending it in a faraway place, miles away from my family and lacking a significant person in my life.

But I think change will do me good. I deserve this. I need this.

To breathe. To grieve. To let go of a bad year. To move forward. To start anew.

When you're stuck in a rut, sometimes, all you really need is a taste of the unfamiliar.

So, Unfamiliar, I'm excited to meet you too.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Anyare?!?

Oo. Super busy week. Naiisip ko pa lang ang gagawin ko, natotoxic na ako. There's just so many things to do, so many people to meet, so many events to attend and organize, so little time.

Pero I'm not complaining. These are really good things happening.

This week, I never even noticed the significance of 11.11.11. Or November 11 for that matter bilang may "unforgettable experience" lang.

Anyway, I finally go my visa. Yeeeees! This is it. I'm actually overwhelmed by the people wanting to see me when I go to the States. Even my grade school friend whom I haven't seen since 1997 asked me to meet up with him when I get there. That's so nice of him.

I cannot wait to go to SF, my "favorite" city and meet Georgeous*, Dhangkers and Hazey.

Promising. Very promising journey indeed.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

It's A Thank You, Lord Day!

One.
My prayer is finally answered and it's a resounding YES. Praise the Lord! This is really it; God's plans are finally set in motion. I can just feel it. Hello, new world. Hello, new beginning.

Two.
I have a new phone. And my contact list has been erased. All of it. Talk about starting fresh.

Three.
Your one month's up. Thank you for NOT taking your last chance. Goodbye.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

The Long Weekend That Was

Can we all say Awesome?

It was just the break that I needed after all the toxicity of work and other miscellaneous stuff.

Day 1: That Badass Road trip
It's good to go back to the Perks Haven, swim under the stars and just enjoy the night with people you love and who love you back. I had a particularly nice time catching up with Mamba and Tubby's parents. It brought me back a few years when we were planning out our lives, wondering where we'll be after 10 years. Career-wise, I think we're still on track, maybe even ahead of what we initially planned. But in terms of our personal lives, well, it's just a minor detail that we're currently working on. We've been meeting a lot of people, widening our circle, meeting new friends. Sooner or later, things will fall into their rightful places, and Mamba's parents will finally get the "invitation" they have been waiting for.
Ang Stopover

The 3am swim

Waiting for the Breaking of Dawn (walang kinalaman sa Twilight, pero vampire mode kami)

Ang breakfast of Champions

Ang chillax under the Tree

Ang circle of friends, with a new addition

HOHOL under the Tree

Caught on Cam, ang social butterfly. I want to believe this is a sign.

Hanggang sa muli

Day 2: The Geeks with the Geek in Pink (Now in Black)

The Perks did not have the chance to sleep all day after the very tiring Friday to Saturday gig. I had to wake up early for Cemetery #1 duty, and to prepare for our Jason Mraz concert. As I previously mentioned in my post, it was Awesoooome (think Barney Stinson's high pitch voice as I say this). Kulang na lang ay mag group hug kami sa pagkanta ng You and I Both, The Remedy at I'm Yours.
Ang favorite lines:
"God knows we're worth it... I am loved, You are loved."- I Wont Give Up
"If its a broken part, replace it. If its a broken arm, then brace it. If its a broken heart, then face it. and hold your own, know your name, go your own way.. and everything will be fine." - Details in the Fabric
"When I fall in love, I take my time. There's no need to hurry when I'm making up my mind... I won't worry my life away." - The Remedy

All in All, it was an intense night, a superb listening experience with a bunch of people who share the same love and passion for music as I do. Can't wait for our next concert together.

Day 3: Sleep All Day, Eat all Night
My family does not need a special occasion to throw a party. My cousin just prepared ginataang halo halo as a lure to bring us to their house and the rest of the night was just our typical gatsby usapan about nothing and everything. Of course, we took some time to do grocery shopping for the cemetery visit but after that, we had an impromptu dinner that amazingly looked as if it took a day's worth of preparation. A huge bowl of salad, chicken take out, BBQ ribs done by my cousin Lilac* and Good ole chicharon to keep us talking the entire night. This is why I love my family. Clingy lang kung Clingy.

Day 4: Camp out at the Cemetery
With just barely an hour's sleep, I had to wake up at dawn to go to Cemetery #2. Contrary to my initial thought that I would be dozing off the entire stay, I actually didn't sleep a wink when I got there. Maybe it was because I brought Atlas Shrugged that kept me awake or maybe it was because of the intense sun beating at my skin as early as 6:30. Or maybe it was my actual longing to be with the company of Mama. This year is actually the 10th death anniversary of my twin brothers, my Lolo and my Mom's 25 Death Anniversary. I felt guilty that I wasn't able to visit her last May on the actual anniversary date because I was at Paris that time, but I never forgot to include her in my thoughts and prayers.

Whenever I talked to her in front of her grave, it never fails to bring a tear to my eye. She's my angel. I prayed for her guidance and for longer years with Pops, especially now that he's going through a tough time with his illness. I pray that I would still have more years to spend with him. I really want him to see me get married, to walk me down the aisle, to see my kids grow up and be a doting grandfather as I know he would be.

It's really been a tough year for me. Sometimes, I wish that I have somebody permanent to give me strength to get me through some days. My ex could call me anything he likes, but I want to believe that I had been there for him when he needed me most, when he was at his weakest, that is, when his dad fell ill. I had genuinely cared for his dad, and I know he meant a lot to him so I gave him strength during those difficult times, even when I had none to give anymore because we were also going through a challenging time during our relationship. He wasn't over my past so I tried to assure him that he had nothing to worry about. He had too much on his shoulders then, and with my love for him, I helped him carry them so our relationship can progress. I wish I had that somebody right now, a pillar of strength and source of optimism as I had been for him. But God has a different plan for me. I think He wanted me to find my own capabilities and if I feel my strength fraying thin, He would show me His love through the kindness and compassion of others; my family, my friends, my angel.

This weekend had proven not only to be a healing moment for my body but for my spirit,as well. It invigorated me to work harder towards my goals, be thankful for the blessings God continues to shower me with, and love the life I have.

AS we draw closer to the end of the year, the Lord is giving me more and more reasons to believe that 2012 is going to be my year. And I cannot Wait.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

My Epic Weekend


Words cannot express how much I enjoyed the Friday- Saturday northern escapade. It was everything I wanted and needed. The nonstop jokes during the drive, the gasoline stopover pictorials, the dancing in the dark, the swim under the stars (I was stargazing while floating, sooo awesome!), the food trip, the lazy morning chillax under the tree.

This is really one for the books! At dahil narealize natin na sobrang lapit lang nya, what if we do this every month?

Later na ang photo upload. For the meantime, Jason Mraz na. I LOVE THIS WEEKEND.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Paris, J'Adore


Arc de Triomphe


Waiting for Dinner sa dungeon...este, inside a restaurant along Rue St. Honore
]

Jardin De Luxembourg


With my kids. :-) im such a proud momma having helped them get here.


Inside the Louvre, baka dumudukot ako ng biskwit. hehe.

Inside the Louvre

Spring + Paris



At the Eiffel Tower, overlooking the City below.



With the team.


Eiffel Tower.

Pintuan. (why not?)

Picture with the team sa labas ng hotel.

At La Vallee With Strawberry lemon and Juan Miguel


La Vallee

Thursday, September 01, 2011

...and I'm Back!


It was a great three days spent with my best friends in a city away from all the emotional baggage I've been carrying. Never mind that I was sick 75% of the time or the fact that I still answer emails as part of my obsession with work. It was just pure bliss laughing and being carefree with people who accept you for who you are (un-skinny bitch that I am---an allusion to our Temptation Island day).

So mostly, our trip consisted of pigging out, looking for places to dance (epic fail, though), drinking girly drinks, endless photo shoots, and probably our favorite would have to be the island hopping and the trivia quiz night(being the geeks that we are). With all the things that we did plus my illness, I entertained no room for lonely thoughts. It was just beautiful.

I'm hoping that since I left all my demons in a pile of heap somewhere in the middle of the sea, it's time to bring in the happier, more optimistic version of me.

It's only been a few hours but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll retain this great vibe. With God's help, I'm sure I can. Aja!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Ceboom Cebu- A Stepping Stone to my Infinite Bliss

I am so excited for tomorrow's epic Perksquad Annual Outing. 8 months in the making, finally the time has come for us to conquer Cebu! I cannot be more excited. Its time for us to hit the beach and soak up some sun. We don't care that it's no longer summer, or the fact that there seems to be 10,000 nights of thunder in all parts of the universe. We are going to be loud, tanned and happy.

I will symbolically purge my old soul in Cebu. Set myself on fire and from the embers of my grief, a new, nay, a better me will emerge. The things I've been putting off will finally see the light of day. I will finish my driving school, enroll in MBA class, quit my vices and live a healthier lifestyle. I'm gonna be a happier me--one who is devoid of all the hangups and negative vibes.


And I will love again. Maybe not now, but eventually, I will. :-)

but before that, CEBOOM!