It was Monday, May 13 that my mother decided to bring the whole family (complete with aunts, grandmother, and cousins) to Wensha Antipolo to celebrate Mother’s Day and my little sister’s birthday. It was a holiday because it is election day. It is the best day to spend time together compared to Sunday which is Mother’s day itself (which means battling the crowd…no-oh for a relaxing ambiance).

Well, I am not new to Wensha but I am new to this branch. Some of the comparisons I can make is they got better spa area, the buffet is still not impressive and the massage is both good. Here’s more for the Pasay branch which we visited last year.

While waiting for the Siapnos, the always late family in our clan. Haha. We went there around 6pm and good thing, the people are not that many.

This is their very epic parking lot! It is very steep that even walking on it can make you slide down so be careful with your brakes cars. It’s also a challenge for cars going up. Oh well, it is Antipolo so it is given.

We are almost complete expect for my uncle who was not able to make it because he was a poll watcher during the election. But nonetheless, it was after some years that this type of bonding did happen again. I’m the happiest when I am with them.

Here are the 3Ms or the Siapno kids whom I grew up with. They used to live beside our house and we would create happy childhood memories.

Well, it might have been a bit awkward taking a bath naked with my family but the experience is made more awesome because of their company. I just got the relaxation I needed from the entire month of not having a body massage and being stressful from non-deserving stuffs. I tell you they are a lot. I recommend this branch more if you are near Antipolo and looking for a good place to unwind. 

Good luck and congratulations though to the candidates running for any political positions. I am still very hopeful that there are people deserving to make this country better. It is one thing we always have to instill, have faith.

Happy mother’s day to all mothers and to our motherland, bless you.

My definition of summer right now is sitting in my working table, facing the window and breathing the warm air of the season. Probably listening to songs that don’t necessarily explain what I feel but create an atmosphere bringing me into greater heights.

It’s not the beach, salt water and cool breeze. It’s a bout rest.

☀Just Give Me a Reason- P!nk featuring Nate Ruess

☀Stay- Rihanna featuring Mikko Ekko

☀The Flame- Cheap trick

☀Thrift Shop-Macklemore

☀I Could be the One- Avicii featuring Nicky Romero

☀I Will Wait- Mumford and Sons

☀Just One Last Time- David Guetta featuring Taped Rai

☀Clarity- Zedd featuring Foxes

☀Tonight- Jessica Sanchez featuring Neyo

☀Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men

☀Let Me Love You- Neyo

☀When I was Your Man- Bruno Mars

PS. Included artists who had a concert here in the Philippines but had no chance to meet me. Sorry for you great people. /selfconvince

PPS. Election period. Not so cool.

This is definitely going to be printed out and be pasted on my planner.

Being in a limbo, you can’t decide whether you’re dead or alive or ever be getting alive again real soon. Well, the truth is that there is this thin air that whispers to you saying that everything is getting hopeless. Oh, all those unpretty things that happen seems to even blows you apart, leaves scars that looks permanent. 

Promises, those broken promises are the living remnants of an seemingly awesome lie.All these things can get ugly but I am ready. Couldn’t be more ready than before.

We can learn to love again? The hell is that. 

Superb live singing. Real artistry right there. These two should work together more.

Was just in the middle of some discerning of where to take my life right now. I am just trying to figure out the directions I permanently want to take because I’m no teenager who depend much on the dictates of my indecisive self. My biggest and heaviest load right now is to prepare myself for a venture that might make or break me…law school it is. Literally it begins with choosing where first. Is it about comfort, training, convenience or compatibility with my limitations? I don’t know. It is hard because I don’t want heartaches and disappointments. I hate breaking up and giving up. I need where to divert my efforts right now. I want them to be rewarding and to grow in the future. As early as now, I want to take my life more seriously. Oh yes, that makes me an old woman who don’t care about the YOLO stuff they say. I guess this is my definition. I tend to be overreacting about things but in that way I get more prepared. So right now in all aspects of my life, that is the single thing that overtakes me. 

So tell me is this good or bad or even healthy? I don’t know. I don’t want to disappear and become stagnant while I study. I still want to achieve more that studying law and start building my life’s aspirations. I think I am dreaming so much. I’ve been wanting so much. Is that good or bad?

I think I should just have brains right now so I’m getting a crowbar and will be hitting walker heads in a minute. Good night. I’m loosing my insanity.

Oh why I love neons during summer, why! Probably because you can wear them without hurting people’s eyes and walk without looking colorfully wrong in places. It glows in pictures and I love the effect!

Went to two consecutive swimming parties this day! One is with Ginno’s family who never fail to plan a swimming party every summer. I was late because I hate Ginno for acting like a girl the night before. I was not able to bring any swimming attire so I just sat there and rummaged their food. 

After a long time! I was able to see these adorbs again! Sarah is growing up so fast but still the meek kid we used to visit every now and then. Grace on the other hand is effortlessly cute in all her ways. I can pinch her cheeks all day.

Second, we went to JCI’s family day! Again, I was not able to swim. I have no much pictures yet but I have a very annoying picture of Ginno making me a prop for his Instagram. I was singing my heart out in the Karaoke then the politician smile again.

I’ve been going home late for the whole week but I am just making the most out of my summer because when it is over and when it is already time for my law school, it means death sentence. Just the thought of it makes me weak. Ahhhh!

Like I was saying in this post, The Search for Miss Marikina 2013 is a joint project of JCI Marikina Sapatos and Marikina Marikit. This is one of the major events which is handed down by the City Government of Marikina plus it does not only showcase the beauty and brains of the Marikenyas but is also a part of the 383rd Founding Anniversary of the city.

I was texting Ate Kristelle and is asking how is everyone in the venue and she just told me…”We are freaking out!!!”. I went there and everyone was calm. Weird. Haha. But the truth is, organizing such event and carrying much pressure on the shoulders of the people handling it is not easy. We just want to provide a good show. That is all. 

The show started late but I am really amazed with the energy of the crowd.As I see the faces of the JCI members, I know they are so tensed because they just wanted for everything to go smooth and perfect. The show started and I watch it with so much enthusiasm because I know the organizers has given much more than what they can give just to make this event a success. It was a surprise! The venue was filled with people!

Is that Ginno standing beside girls in swimsuits???? O_O He was the presenter for the Ms. Congeniality.

The winner for each category (based on my unreliable memory):

Ms. Congeniality: Candidate Number 12, Ragie Dolatre

Ms. Photogenic: Cadidate Number 13, Evelyn Grace Santos

Best in Talent: Me (Joke, I forgot)

Best in Swimsuit: Candidate Number 13, Evelyn Grace Santos

Best in Evening Gown: Candidate Number 6, Mabel Joy Verceles

Ms. Careline: Candidate Number 9, Ma. Jacquilline Ramos

Ms. Ever Bilena: Candidate Number 1, Krisha Garcia

Ms. Pink Water: Candidate Number 1, Krisha Garcia

Ms. Kutis Filipina: Candidate Number 1, Krisha Garcia

2nd Runner Up - Candidate Number 7, Angelyn Dizon

1st Runner Up - Candidate Number 13, Evelyn Grace Santos

2013 Miss Marikina - Candidate Number 6, Mabel Joy Verceles

Congratulations to all the winners! I really believe you deserve it! I know that every candidate in this contest exerted all the efforts and everybody saw it. Though there are some people who protest and can’t accept the final decisions and turnout of events, eventually we will know that the organizers only did what they should do and being fair and just is one of them. In every contest, there some people who end up being not the victor but sportsmanship will make you more successful than the winner. I hope that next year, people, sponsors and help would not cease to support and be with the JCI’s in this project. A pat on the back for the people who made this event not only possible but beautiful beyond words.

With my fello JCI Marikina Marikits, judge Binibining Pilipinas contestant (I will remember the name promise!) and Director Jerome who celebrated his birthday after the event!

Looking fine boys!-JCI Marikina Sapatos

The supposed to be all black girls-JCI Marikina Marikit

My eyes excessively reflects with iPhone flashes. Ugh! It shines bright like a diamond much!

Had a fun time with other JCI couple and spent the rest of the night-morning in Eastwood! Congratulations guys! ‘Till next year!

Wednesday last week, April 17 is marked to be an law school errand day! I finally completed my law school applications and is just waiting for my entrance tests. Woke up early to achieve a lot and Ginno and I enjoyed the bibimbap Hanayo has to offer.

First time to ride at the back of the tricycle! Manila got transformed tricycles just to be able to get more passengers. Deserves a picture!

Doppleganger? Always see Ginno in that poster! Deserves another picture!

We went to Ginno’s YON event in San Sebastian Recoletos. It is really a law school day since everywhere I look in the school there are vibes of law and I just get more and more and more nervous. This May, I will be counting down the days before I lose my social life and my life maybe? Nah, kidding! I am full of determination right and there is no backing out now.

We had dinner in Cubao Expo in Fred’s Revolution which is owned by Ginno’s boss. Honestly, I don’t like their food that much. Hmmm. The ambiance though is quite relaxing and full of vintage vibes. It is in front of Bellini’s where One More Chance (fave local movie) was shot. Haha.

It has been my dream visiting this place again. Cubao Expo was used to be Cubao Shoe Expo where you can see lots of Marikina-made shoes and still, there are still some stores that sells them like Valentino. The place though is one heck of a haven of antique shops and it is more like a museum/gallery than a shop.

Vintage cameras looked so beautiful! Saw this beside a shop where Ginno bought his old Rizal book.

We visited a shop named Uvla near Fred’s Revolution.

I bought a book for only Php 50! It is very very old that it falls apart when I read it but nonetheless, I love it! I know everyone knows the criminal-couple Bonnie and Clyde! They are very adventurous, dangerous and delicious (huh?) Haha.

When I say vintage, name it! They are endless! They also buy items so when you have some worthy items to sell like records, badges and even photographs, go and rush to this place now! You can also visit and see a glimpse of the past which now seems to be overly creative in the eyes of the present! Cubao might be somehow big but Cubao Expo is just located at the back of SM and near Save More Supermarket. :)

Ever wonder why we are on our jogging outfits and yet we are on a coffee shop quite far from Marikina Sports Center? Yes, we are supposed to be attending a sports night with JCI. Ginno got home from work late so we were all prepped up only to find out that the event was over. 

We just jogged going to the photoshoot of Ms. Marikina 2013, one of the major projects of JCI, in Marikina Hotel. The shoot also ended up late. Instead of going home, we went to a nearby cafe, Qizia Cafe near SDS Hospital. Ginno and I is developing a habit of having late night coffees without really talking about anything but just hanging out.

I think I should really make a list of coffee shops we already visited. :) The coffees I order would not make a long list though for I order the same coffee again and again. Haa. I think Ginno knows how to drag me by inviting me to coffee, his old style. We used to date in Starbucks near our village and that is how we developed into closer friends before. /cheese

And yes, I make better company when we drink coffee or hot chocolate instead of beer. You can be sure I will not pass out or anything and that you won’t go home dragging me in the streets.

Qizia Cafe is located in SDS Medical Center Compound, Katipunan Ext. cor Pio del Pilar St. Concepcion II Marikina City, Concepcion 2, 1811 (They also have an Antipolo branch)

In this world we are in, we tend to grasp things we know that would someday slip our hands. These unfold the inner strength each of us possess just because we are tested whether we let go, give up or hope still. Some people want everything for themselves but things go. We own nothing in this temporary life. What we can only do is claim it for ourselves.

Other people are busy looking for fancy places and coming up mushy gigs to celebrate their V-day, anniversaries and birthdays but one man is spending it in the cemetery. Among the people who enjoy much the offerings of this materialistic and shallow world, it is very rare to see a person get so devoted to their partner and still linger to their memories even after they are left. In this case he was not left for the reason of cheating, one Irish band vocalist asking for her Twitter and number but to God who gave her life and has the right t take it away. With his acceptance and optimism that he is in a better and safer place, he waits and loves her still.

Being left is a gift specially when the reason behind it is for something much better to come. Maybe, it will reveal the person that is stronger and loveworthy. In this life we tend to see, one’s love is genuine and pure when all they can do is love though not getting something in return. Or not, maybe when loving is all they know and they want to do.

Love at first sight, they say. Probably this is the instance of seeing a person in the perfect manner and digesting their being in the most lovable way possible. Beauty that directs to your heart. Or so I say, beauty that you first saw.

Look beyond what you see. Just do. That darling you saw passing you by made your heart skip a bit but find the purpose of that beauty. Find sense. Find meaning. Fine substance. The most beautiful defining ingredient in a person might be their mind. How clever they think, how curious they question, how eager they explain. It is all there. This goes beyond what you see.

Give time for thoughts and words. They will mark up in your hearts longer than you think. Give a moment to listen, to endure, to captivate the pretty mind in that pretty face. In all that you are and in all that person is, beauty is yet to be defined.

Do not always be overwhelmed but contain yourself. Most specially, accept that new well-being and remember it. If it stayed more than it should, well maybe, that is the love captured by real beauty beyond what you first saw. Something that deserved a second look and your looks after.

Beautiful isn’t it?

Oh it is Sunday. Yesterday is Saturday. Tomorrow is Monday. I only got one wish, I hope I won’t decide to wear blue again.

Sorry for the very uncreative title but just yesterday, I fetched someone from the airport and we are both wearing blue. Also, just today, the whole family is wearing blue. I think there is nothing more bluer than the blue outfits of people for the past days.

Ginno just got home from Dipolog (for the nth time) but he was just there for only 2 days. Being the clingiest person that he is, he asked me to fetch him. Good thing I still got some money left after my other BF (best friend) and I did a thrift shopping the night before. Yay! Wish I can share my hauls.

We decided to dine in Mall of Asia, Yakimix because we always create illusionary events for us to have an excuse to spend. Usually we splurge on food. This time I am about to become the most spoiled person on earth.

We weren’t able to come for lunch buffet so we waited almost 3 hours for the dinner buffet. We strolled around the bay area because he was that wise to think Yakimix is along the bay and thus the ambush photo sesh. I just acted like I was a tourist and it was all his idea. Nyarr.

Good thing we were able to reserve for dinner and was among the people who are like ants that attacked the buffet. I don’t understand why people act as if food is going to run out. I just had a food challenge for the night…THE TEMPURA CHALLENGE! Ginno told me I should be able to eat at least 20 tempuras that night. But man, how will I if people hoard them as soon as they are served! Also, some girl bumped me and all my tempuras fell on the floor.  I just…I…I…/cries I had 10 tho. Not bad. My tummy is happy like I can feel it smile .creepy

I may be the luckiest girl in the world when suddenly fireworks started popping in the nightsky! I hurriedly ran outside to watch and my, I felt elated more than ever. 

The Smokeless Grilled Banana aka Banana cue :p

It’s like all my favorites co-existed all that night. tempura, gummies (Yakimix had them for dessert), fireworks and ok, Ginno. Hee. My energy was really high that night. I can’t imagine how spoiled I am it is like the universe conspired to put all the wonderfuls all in one night. I am so happy like I can barf colorful rainbows and puke glitters and stars. Thank you to Ginno who effortlessly put my happiness in his things-to-do for the day. I am trying not to make this post one of the cheesy ones I had so let me just say I love you and you are such a fairy, santa, magician, genie that makes my wishes come true. 

We have learned so far, both you and I, that being prepared for something as big as this would have to require a lifetime. In by lifetime, we both mean having each other in times immeasurable by distance nor minutes of every hour. I might be the most unexpected person you thought you will never have, I too feel the same. But the matter here is, the moment that is here and now. That moment that only you and I would understand. The moment that people would give us crazy thoughts. The moment we thought would only exist now, but actually would carry on as long as we carry on. 

In every morning you wake up, I hope I was the one to give you coffee. I hope I was the pillow you slept on before you open your eyes. I hope I was the one you were dreaming of. In times of idleness, I would be there to listen to you as you recite your favorite lines in your weird choices of books. We would walk a distance while talking about your endless rants, while I listen and absorb them in my very being. We would eat Korean foods, oh no, we would cook them. We will learn every single lessons in things we hope we would do in mastery. Both of us. Together. This would have to require a lifetime, I tell you.

Nothing of these would come easy. Not that Valentine’s day have to be celebrated everyday but the creepy sweetness of it would sugar our day. It would be the candies in our mouth as we say we would always be there for each other. I might not provide you the words you need when you cry. I might not speak in my times of silence but if only I could, I would and work to make you feel more assured. But I am not good at that. I am good in being myself and in being more of what I want to be. In all that, I was loved. 

And loving you back is what you deserve.

This would have to require a lifetime, I tell you.