September 2023 is the month and year to remember forever. I moved out from the big city and back to the city where I was adopted, a place where I have a piece of home in my heart and where I have my own place to live - Cebu.
I always fly home when I can to visit my family and a few close friends, the longest I stayed here was two months and then I had to go back again to Manila because that's where my life was.
Now that I'm officially back in Cebu, there are so many new developments and new and familiar trends here. First of all, I am so happy that there are stores and restaurants that are now open here that are from Manila which is good.
New transportation - you can't see the original classic jeepneys and you will see the minibus in the city with one signage going to I.T. Park - like, wow! And because of that, I still go for booking a grab car and riding a cab. Soon, I will drive my own or rent a car to do my errands and go around the city. Which is what I miss the most - road trip.
New buildings and condominiums - wow, so many new buildings here and hotels and condominiums that I can say give a lot of new options where to live conveniently. I love my place tho, but to be honest living in a low-rise building is good and prone to earthquakes, but I miss the elevator for easy access and less hassle carrying grocery stuff and luggage going up. I miss my old place in Manila.
I moved here in a decision that my partner and I had to make because we are entering a new journey together. (KILIG!)
Anyway, I just couldn't believe I've been here for a month now and I am a tourist exploring new options where to go for groceries, malls, shops, beauty salons, spas, and new places to hang out.
I'm happy to say that I am closer to my family even though they live on the North side and hang out with a friend on weekends for coffee and dinner and life updates. Looking forward to meeting other friends who are currently busy with life and careers.
Time to get to know new people and be known in this small community where I live. Good thing there will be a Halloween Party and Playground and Basketball Court blessings and dinner for all.
I have to buy more chocolates for the kids trick or treat and think what to bring for dinner.
The year 2020 will ends in less than a month and we are now used to stay at home for so long and we couldn't travel abroad or domestic.
One of the things that we noticed during this pandemic is not wearing the outside clothes that we wear when we have a night out, events to attend, to work, or when we travel. As much as possible, I would like to wear them whenever I go to the supermarket or quick errands to the bank, or quick catch up with my friends. And because of that, my laundry is piling up so quickly!
It was also great to declutter most of my clothes, bags, shoes that I didn't use last year and started to practice minimalism last February. Less is more. So right now, with enough clothes, shoes, and bags that I have in my closet - I know for the fact that I am using them. I can't wait to declutter again next year and buy new ones that will last for a year and two.
Same-Day Laundry Service
I have moved to a new place a few months ago and when I was moving, I thought of "how I can do my laundry?" normally, laundry services take 2 to 3 days in return and with a delivery fee. (ugh!) Back to my old place, I used to do DIY laundry that I have to spend two hours of my time. I can do it while I'm working. Hassle-free right?
When I finally moved here to my new place, I started to look for a laundry service nearby, probably DIY - but I couldn't help but think of how can I drag my laundry going there? I don't want to.
Good thing, I saw this laundry service posted in the Facebook group marketplace and I started to inquire. They are offering the SAME-DAY laundry service!
So easy to book a scheduled FREE pick-up and delivery to your place. I booked it at 9AM and they will deliver your laundry in the afternoon at 2PM. They will do the laundry and fold your clothes. I don't think they do this before, but thanks to the new normal, I guess.
Before I used to do my laundry every two weeks, but only weighed 3 kilos and now that I want to wear the rest of my clothes, I wouldn't mind having my laundry in a month or three weeks because Dexter Laundry is here to rescue!
Oh, I forgot to mention, I book my laundry on a weekday - so imagine how less hassle to squeeze in the errand while I am working from home, I can just wait for my laundry the same day.
And the easiest way to answer all of these questions is "I'm good." As simple as that.
As much as we would like to rant or say so many things from our thoughts - it could impact a friend or a family who you are talking to the negativity that you have in your mind and they might absorb it and they will end up feeling bad about everything.
So, I have started to write snippets in my 2020 planner and yes, I have that because who would have thought that this year will be in this mess? I just write down what are the highlights of my day and what are my plans to do when I feel like to do it like typing this blog post right now.
I always remind myself that, first of all, it is not only me who is experiencing this kind of feeling - call it whatever you want to call it. It depends on how you handle situations or things.
They said that it is okay not to be okay. Sure, that was the Korean Drama I watched recently. It is okay to breakdown for a bit, then roll back again because there will be no one else to do that for you except yourself and God.
The good thing that I am buying stuff for my little space improvement. I am basically living in a small pod and I managed not to have the stuff that I just bought because most of the time I am on travel. Now that I am staying at home for five months, I need to comfort myself to buy the things that I need so I could stay at home and keep myself not to go out and buy essentials every day.
I will share to you what I was doing this quarantine life, such as the food I ordered from small businesses, stuff for home improvement, affordable loungewear and the latest quarantine home workouts that I do - yes, I keep on working out every day. :)
This is just a quick life update. I will write again soon.
Always remember to pray and thank God every day for the blessings that we received.
They said you can't make homes out of human beings.
But for the past weeks, we've been together,
You became an answer to a "what if" question.
You became a force, you became an adventure.
You became home.
I never got the chance to tell you this,
But every moment I spent with you is worth it.
This is me keeping you in my memories.
I miss the way you said my name because I can't hear it that way anymore. The way your smile became just a little brighter when you looked at me. It just felt perfect - how we made each other happier. I must have gone through hundreds of moments in my head with you and me.
It was like a Ferris wheel of times. You were making me laugh and you bit your lip in that beautiful way you do. The time we spent together was an entire orchestra of sounds. It's like we met in the dark and you slipped away, but I'm looking forward to your hand to hold. I just miss you, that'all. I miss us. Thanks for being part of my life.
It's the time of the year when I have to contemplate about what's going on with my life lately. How I've been dealing with different kinds of issues, but still being kind to people and to the universe. I am always like this - when nothing feels right, go left. Uhm, but this time, I have to face them all and deal with it until IDGAF.
On Personal Goals
We all have personal goals that we would like to achieve and as much as we planned it out ahead of time, there are some challenges that you have to deal with and distracts you that will make you feel like unmotivated. I've been living on pushing myself to work harder and I came to the point that I need to learn to chill and slow down sometimes to make sure that things are working on according to your plans.
On Making Decision
Living solo for the past 2 years in the city makes me feel like I AM AN ADULT and I own it. Deciding on small things to big things such as having Lasik Surgery at Shinagawa Clinic was really a life-changing for me. If I didn't do it, I think, up until now I am still thinking when I will be doing that surgery and seriously I hate having "what ifs" in life. I will share FAQs I received after I posted my experienced of my LASIK surgery on my YouTube channel- Happy 3rd month HD vision.
On Doing What You Love
I am not always updated here on my blog compared to my previous years. I came to the point that I want to keep my experiences private and just post at least five photos on my Instagram account with some on-point captions, but blogging is always been part of me, I love doing it online since 2006. Sharing experiences with my readers through my photo diaries is a good feeling and can be a good inspiration for them to travel when they have time.
Recognizing my blog since 2014 as a Best Cebu Photo Blog up to now being on Top 3 out of Top 10 Philippines Photography Blogs is an achievement for someone who shared little information on the internet. I am happy that you are here reading this plot twist (personal post) because that means, you're curious. HAHA!
Top: Uniqlo | Pants: H&M
Plot Twist
It is okay if you did today is (just) to survive. It is alright also to express how you feel and It is time to stand for what is right. Always see the good in every bad situation and when you can't take it anymore. You decide. HAHA
Finally sharing with you guys about my Lasik surgery experience at Shinagawa Lasik Center last May 16 and 17, 2018. I had my eyes screening last January. If you are reading this then I survived!
Backstory: My video photo before my right eye laser surgery this morning. Last May 16 I had my Lasik surgery and it was not fully done due to some bubbles occurred on my corneal flap in my right eye so the doctor couldn't proceed with the laser. So I only had my left eye done that day. Then I have to go back the next to see if the bubbles are gone to conduct the laser surgery. I can't describe my feelings when I know what will be going to happen or how the laser procedure works.
Watch VLOG:
I will be posting another blog post answering FAQs from friends. Shout out to Dr. Albert Dela Cruz III and to Shinagawa Lasik Center in Enterprise Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati.
If you are planning to have you lasik done or you know someone who needs this visit their clinic or you can contact them via:
Mezzanine Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas Makati
Every woman feels nervous when she is about to pee on that stick. And when you wish to embrace the motherhood, it may be difficult to decide whether to go for the test or wait a little longer to get the positive results. A careful understanding is required to decide when to resist and when the right time to take the test is. Here is everything you need to know about the pregnancy test:
The Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy test kits are designed to detect levels of hCG in your body if you are pregnant. The perfect time to go for a pregnancy test is after your period is late. This will not only help you to avoid false pregnancies but also rule out a case of false positives of very early miscarriages.
If you do not track your cycles or there is any irregularity in your cycles, it is recommended not to take the test until you have completed the longest menstrual cycle you usually have. For example: If your cycle ranges from 28 to 34 days, it is best to take the test on day 35 or later.
There may be cases wherein you may receive positive result if you test earlier but most likely end up with an inaccurate result or it may not develop into a true pregnancy due to the incidence of spontaneous miscarriage. So timing is crucial.
Pregnancy Test During Your Period
Your anxiety is completely justified when you have to take a test during your period. You might be thinking taking test during menstruation will skew the results of your test. So the good news is that the period does not interfere with the accuracy of the result. Pregnancy hormones are different from the hormones that control menses.
A pregnancy test can detect HCG level only if a successful implantation has occurred and you are pregnant. Within 2 weeks after conception, there are enough of these hormones to show up in the urine. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms which you are not sure about, consult your doctor.
In other words, it is a yes. You can take a pregnancy test while having vaginal bleeding and get accurate results.
Accuracy of the Pregnancy Test
If the result is positive, the test is right. There would be no hCG in your body at all if you are not pregnant.
That said, sometimes there are chances of a false positive result due to some circumstances such as a miscarriage/abortion in the past eight week or taking any fertility drug containing hCG. These are the exceptions which allowed hormones to show up in the urine.
There is a chance that you are pregnant and the test is negative. One of the most important factors that could affect the result is when you take the test. So it is better to wait a little longer to get the accurate result.
Whatever might be the case, it is always advisable to make an appointment with your doctor to be sure. Although a home pregnancy test takes you to an exciting early expedition to the motherhood.
Every day, a higher power reaches out to you. Whether you define this power as God, your Inner-Self, or the Universe, it is constantly sending you messages. To “get” and interpret these messages, you must learn how to listen and understand the universe’s language. Have you ever had the feeling that someone or something was trying to tell you something? It is not uncommon for your surroundings and subconscious to be signaling to you. Here are some of the most actionable ways to identify signs from the universe:
1. Tune into yourself.
We are constantly surrounded by noise and distractions. While technology can make life easier, too much may block subtle messages from the universe. The universe uses all your senses to shed light on your situations.
Daily meditation and visualization are excellent ways to fine-tune your senses to cosmic wavelengths. When you meditate on a problem and visualize the solutions, you are prepared to receive universal signs. Your expectation keeps you in the present moment and this process can lead to deep, fruitful introspection.
2. Start a life journal.
For years, mental health professionals have touted the benefits of journaling. Writing down your thoughts keep you connected to yourself and the world around you. Compose your life journal however you choose.
It does not need to be a long narrative; instead, just jot down pertinent events of the day and any thoughts that came to mind. If you saw, heard, or felt something unusual, write it in your journal. As you review each notation in the evenings or on occasion, you may notice patterns and signs. The universe is trying to get your attention! Write down patterns as you take notice of them.
3. Record your dreams.
In the wisdom of many ancient cultures, dreams were the gateway to the other worlds. They believed that the divine spoke to them during sleep in symbols. How the people interpreted these symbols created the map for their lives’ journey.
Do you pay attention to your dreams? They are the most common ways that the universe will communicate with you. Keep a notepad by your bedside, and write down anything you remember about a dream. In the morning, review your notes and look for symbols that correspond with situations in your life. Make a whole section in your life journal for dreams. Not every dream holds significant meaning, but many do with careful analysis, especially as dreams help us interpret and process our daily thoughts, feelings, and events.
4. There are no coincidences.
How many times have you chalked up obvious signs from the universe as just coincidence? For example, have you thought about a friend you have not heard from in years, and you get a call from her that day? What about the times that you were struggling with a project at work, and you saw something or talked to someone who inspires you with the solution? Is it a coincidence? Likely not. We and everything in our world is connected in complex ways, small and large. The universe will give you sublime clues if you accept them. They might not all be immediately life-changing, but they are often substantial enough to help guide you throughout your daily life.
5. Keep an open heart and a willing mind.
Often, the universe offers us answers, and we do not want to accept them. Have you lost opportunities in your life because you were afraid to trust your gut instincts? What we call “instinct” or “intuition” may be signs that the universe gives us at certain junctures of life.
Look at some of the goals in your life journal. Are you procrastinating on your dreams, because you think someone will laugh or you might fail? Keep your heart and mind open to universal advice—whether you understand it or not. These signs may be what you need to realize your goals and make sound decisions that help you live peacefully (and to your maximum potential).
Receiving signs from the universe requires all your senses. You do not have to be an overly spiritual individual to benefit from them. With a little practice and an intuitive mind and spirit, you will find that the universe has been talking to you all along. Listen with your heart and discover your true destiny.
Guest Post by:
McKenzie Brower is a contributing writer and media relations specialist forH & H Sign Supply
All photos were shot in Taiwan, by yours truly. :)
Whenever I travel I didn't just "go" to a place and stay there just for the sake of "staying" and "being" there. As much as we are falling in love to these lovely places that we visit and wish that we are living there we can't because we have to leave the place and we only bring the memories with us when we leave. As much as possible, I love living as a local to the places domestic or international.
When we say live we spell "home". Thank goodness for Airbnb.com! I am enjoying living in other places for two years now and believe me I am really liking it. When I was in Cebu I always look for my home in Manila live like I own the place. I always feel at home.
When I was in Singapore, I had a chance to experience how to live there and believe me I learned a lot and had fun even though I was juggling between personal life and work there. I stayed in a condominium in Farrer Road for a month. I will suppose to booked a place in Thailand when I was there for two weeks, but my friend offered a place to stay, but believe me I checked the available units in the same building where my friend lives and geeez! there are available rooms to stay. :)
In Tokyo, I found a private room to stay and in Shinjuku! Screaming because it was really an awesome gem to find. I had a great experience in a hostel in Osaka, but I still want my "own space" where I don't need to mind other people sleeping while me playing my favorite happy songs in Spotify.
So here guys! I would like to share you my home for few days in Tokyo.
Private Room in Shinjuku
I arrived at noon time and I was tired dealing with Google Maps and pulling my luggage to find the place. I was awake since 3AM that day because I came from Osaka. Imagine my travel time: bus ride to Kansai Airport - an hour flight to Narita - an hour and a half train to Shinjuku and more than an hour looking for the place. I paid 1000 YEN for me to check in early because the room will be available at 4PM and I needed to rest because I will meet my friends at night. Guys, It was Friday night.
This is the photo I took when I arrived from my Tour in Mt. Fuji
On my way home from I was thinking where to eat alone that I don't have to deal with the crowd, then I passed by this store and looks like for to-go food!
I ordered Pork Tonkatsu. I had a hard time what to order because there was no English menu and only photos, but hey, Uncle help me out.
After I ate my dinner, I tried my new scarf I bought in Uniqlo and a sweater because I was running out of clothes and the weather was cold.
This is why I need my own space.
In the morning, I was ready to check out, but I am waiting for my friend Yvonne from Narita because we will go around Tokyo for a mini tour. YAY!
But I was thinking how can I enjoy the hot coffee if my room is warm? So I decided to went out.
Lovely weather!
Don't worry guys, this is only 6th floor and not 28th floor. :D
Don't get fooled, but It was so cold outside. I was just enjoying it.
I have no idea where to go around Tokyo. I loved the chill vibe in this place. Except at night, feels like there's something wrong like in a Japanese horror film. HAHAHA
Good thing I brought my leather sandals from Topshop. Whew! I knew I can't wear this around, but atleast I have something to wear in the common area.
Now I am ready to go out and explore the cities in Tokyo!
Next on my blog. :)
Now finally my secret is out! You can now try to book your first Airbnb experience. You will have a discount when you book your accommodation when you sign up using this link:
Making big decisions made the changes for me this year. As I will look back starting January I can say that I tried to do new adventures with friends, family or alone. I don't want to post a drama here because, like I always say that whatever shit happens, I always look at the bright side and thinking that there are reasons why it happened and I don't dwell on negativity instead I go for solutions and how to get over it and move on with my life. #LifeGoesOnandOnandOn
Who would have thought that dad and mom will see each other after 21 years? We are not requesting or rushing them to go back together, but seeing them both in our home makes us feel complete. 2016 is definitely a year of changes for me, to my friends and to my family!
Thank you to my parents for not bringing up the past in the present and just be together for us being happy.
Meet New People
We all have wanted to keep our friends forever, but as you grow, you have to meet and deal with new people and you'll realize that we have a small world. I started that joining Cebu Booze Cruise. Some of them are my friends online only few of them I met to hang out after. I'm still happy to know them.
Sky diving is always on my bucket list and as much as I would like to do it before I turn 30 few years from now, I said "yes" to the outdoor adventures that I never thought would be fun!
I don't want to try this activity ever because I don't know how to swim and I don't think I can do the jump, but hey! Thank you for showing me what is YOLO how to enjoy life and do what you can do while you're still young.
Get Out of my Comfort Zone
I grew up in Manila like I always say whenever someone heard me speaking in Tagalog. BUT moving there was really one of my hardest decisions this year because 1) It's Manila 2) Cebu is my comfort zone.
Work and Live in Singapore
Last April, I decided to move there and accepted a job. After a few weeks, I was sent over to Singapore to work with the team. Things went pretty well, but you know you can't please everyone. Know where and when you stand is still one of the traits to do - respect whatever culture and traditional method they are doing. The good side of this experience is that I was able to hang out my friends who are working there. So yay!
Thank you for the time, dinner, lunch, coffee, treats and stories you shared. You are all hospitable and very welcoming that I felt at home.
So I went back to Cebu for a month. I am back to being a freelancer and not worrying about finishing the project in Singapore. While in Cebu, I attended some events to catch up with my blogger friends and also went back to some routine such as Muay Thai, Jogging and Yoga that I missed when I was in Manila
Cebu Muay Thai
Friendship
So happy to spend year-end with my loves! As time goes by our friendship grows and more mature. I can't wait to bond with them whenever we can as long as we are still single. hahaha :D
Thank you childhood friends for understanding whenever we have small arguements, looking forward for more memories with you.
Shelly, Jonah, Cathryn and Jewel
Thank you for unexpected sisters-bonding friendship we have and making time to meet me whenever I'm in Cebu.
Crisch and Gracia
YES to Spontaneous Bookings for Great Adventures
Boracay Island
I accepted the fact that I will travel less this year. So when friends said yes to Boracay Island adventure. I was really excited because we knew that we want this trip ever since!
Neil, Hendrix, Jewel, Rod, Cybil, Issa and Jenesa
Thank you for making this dream outing come true. For saying "yes" to my invite to have a trip to Boracay. This is one for the books.
Thailand
One thing I hate being working from home - You don't have a social life. That ended in booking flights to Thailand! :) Wahoo! Since I am a freelancer, I went there for two weeks. I've been lucky to have friends living in Thailand for so long and took care of me while I was there.
Thank you friends for making my trip unforgettable in Thailand.
Another spontaneous trip. I was invited by Nabi to come with her to Buscalan to meet APO Whang OD. I was not excited for the trip because of the weather, but ended great because I finally met her! I also gained new friends for keeps because I am finally back in Manila to work in a new start-up company.
Thank you Nabi for the inviting me though at first I was not that excited for the trip, but it ended awesome! I loved it.
Japan
And in the end. All I learned was how to be strong alone.
The highlight of my year is traveling to Japan! I booked my tickets as early as January 30, 2016 with my cousin, but he had to cancel his trip for some personal reasons. That was actually making me sad because I thought I will not go there alone. I processed my visa a month before my trip and not even planning for my itinerary. I was happy that some of my friends living in Japan pushed me so hard to get up my ass and plan my itinerary in Japan. Three days before my flight, I did all the bookings for domestic flights to accommodations and tour.
Thank you friends living in Japan for making me feel that I am not alone in this trip.
with Ryan in Kyoto
Yvonne in Narita
with Joel in Asakusa
with Rustan in Shinjuku
I can say that I will definitely go back there this 2017. :)
Hong Kong
Are we all love to have a friend that booked your tickets without your permission? My friend included me on her trip with her relatives to Hong Kong and Shenzhen China! I was like "hey, I don't think I have a budget because I will be back from my Japan trip" She said "that's fine. Just join us!" I am so thankful to be back in the city after two years! So many changes, but the feeling homey is still there. I wish I could stay there longer, just like my other international trips. Overall, it was great to travel again with Ate Jo after a long time.
Mong Kok
Shenzhen, China
Thank you Ate Jo and Sir Isaac for this unexpected trip to Hong Kong I am so happy to be part of your trip. Cheers!
Great way to end the year of 2016 travels!
Best Blogs in the Philippines Award 2016!
How do you define success? There is no definition of success, but whenever I received recognition or an award I always take it that I am on the right track doing what I enjoy and love. Blogging is fun! Check my previous blog awards here.
I was able to share my knowledge and tips to all aspiring young people who would like to start their blog. I'm glad that I was given a chance to do this. It was an amazing experience.
Thank you everyone for the appreciation of my works and to recognizing my humble photo blog. This motivates me to enjoy more and share more adventures in my blog.
Thank you 2016 you are now a year full of memories.
