The Waves Are Calling

          "Love is a risk that we all have to take. Bakit hindi mo siya bigyan ng chance? We all can see how much he likes you. Inaalagaan ka niya."

          You have taught me this right before that very moment when the waves took your life. I was so scared at that time to even give myself a chance, what more to other people. It never crossed my mind that that would be our last conversation; that it was a goodbye- our last toast, last laughter, last photo together, and last dip into the water. We all should have known and took preliminary precautions, but as what they have said, "If it is your time, it is your time."

          Every nitty-gritty detail of March 16, 2013 is still fresh in my heart. I can vividly remember the scenario. I can never forget how your once jolly and full of life aura became lifeless and pale, how we all tried to make things work for you to make it, and how we all stared blankly at you in the morgue with nothing but a thin, white sheet covering your whole body. Hindi ko malimutan na sa isang saglit kinuha ka nalang ng ganon. May the angels of heaven shower you today with love and happiness. No more regret and guilt, just love.

          Thank you, Nan, for making me realize some things are worth the risk. You have been nothing but a good friend, listener, and most of all, kalokohan. I will forever be grateful that once in your short life, I was a part of it. Happy 1st year in heaven! We miss you. Thank you so much.

Buzzer Beater

          As the countdown to 2014 slowly reaching its final count, I am beginning to realize what resolutions and changes should I jot down in my planner and include in my to-do list. But then, as the time, little by little, is passing by, I have come to conclusion that changing is not part of my list; nor, it will be my top priority in the coming year. It registered to me that "adding up" sounds more like it. At the age of 24, I am quite sure I know where I am heading and definitely, I know who I am and who I want to become.

So, here is a list of my resolutions and goals:

1. I want to become that person who will stand up for what she believes in. More courage for 2014!

2. Instead of spending my extra money on clothes/shoes/bags, traveling to my dream destinations would be my priority.

3. Sometimes, I have to learn how to let go of some things and people in order to find the inner peace that I have been searching for.

4. Embracing what I have. I am beginning to understand that some people are wishing for those things that God has given me and appreciating what I have is what I need.

5. "What the world needs now is love, sweet love," as what the lyrics would say. Spread it, share it, and receive it!

          For all the good and the bad, thank you, 2013! It has been a great and tough year for me; yet, you have shown me a deeper understanding of what life really is about. I am far to know what is, but I am sure that I am one step closer.

1, 2, 3, SURPRISE!

Happy happy birthday to my one and only!

We were on Skype few days after his trip here in Singapore and I randomly checked Tiger Air for a flight schedule to Manila. It was my lucky day to find out they have promo fare. I got my ticket for only $160! I messaged my TeamFab loves and his friends immediately to plan the surprise. I did everything while talking to him. Who says I can't be a ninja like him? Haha!

Three weeks left and I still have no clue as to how will I surprise him. I just told his friends to ask him out and I was thinking I'll just figure something out when the day comes. Thank you to ALL of our friends who have helped me plan this surprise. I hope Mr. Cuervo have been a good company to everyone. Haha!

Last night, his birthday eve, I did the surprise and I saw the most priceless reaction ever from him. He was there standing; stunned and could not utter a word. A hug and a kiss told me that he was VERY happy.

Of course, a ramen date will always be #1 in our list. Will you look at that smile? I can just swoon over it again and again.

Then, we wrapped the night up at Olive Tree Kitchen and Bar for supper with his family. An Italian cuisine restaurant located at Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City- just beside TGI Friday's. They serve antipasti, salad, pizza, small &big plates, pasta, wines etc. Food is fantastic; though, I hope they will serve the food accordingly and all at once.

I do not need to hope anymore that I will make your birthday wish come true because now, I believe I made it possible. With all my heart, thank you for always knocking at my door and making me realize that distance will never be a barrier between us. I never thought I could go this far just to see someone smile. I am thrilled and loved in this journey with you. Let's make our dreams come true!  Happy happy birthday, love! 

Ending the night with my birthday man before driving me home... I love you. 

Marti In Singapore

        Of all the dubious things in life, this is one of the certain things in mine. And, I am happy to have spent this unforgettable weekend with my one and only.

     
Day 1
September 6, 2013

I think this is the BEST morning I have ever had.

I woke up, not feeling groggy nor lethargic, at around 5:30am to get ready to go to the airport and fetch Marti. I was so excited that my heart felt like it was a blender machine that was about to burst. All I can think of that time was, "Finally, after 2 months!"

The moment I saw this 5'11, wearing coffee-colored leather jacket, and chinito walking towards me, I knew home was finally here. Just like in movies, everything just stopped for a brief moment and all I can see, hear, and feel were his smile, warm hug, and our lips touching each other. I really missed this amazing guy.

For his first day of visit here in Singapore, we went out for a stroll at Orchard Road and had a night out with his friends Dino and Jan at Bugis Plus.

Day 2
September 7, 2013

We just love theme parks. Period.

Happy couple in Happyland. :)

Ended the day at Haji Lane to shop and to have a taste of the famous Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken (Bugis Junction) for dinner.

Day 3
September 8, 2013

I would not miss Kai Kai and Jia Jia's Panda Party at River Safari for the world! My Sunday was complete being with the best man and my favorite animal in the world. And yes, this was my first ever close encounter with giant panda bears and a red panda bear. Thank God there were no glass walls in the zoo unlike the one I visited at Ueno Zoo, Japan. Oh heart, I was the happiest girl alive!

Day 4
September 9, 2013

And, tears began to roll down our eyes. It was time for him to go back home. It was a sucky feeling to say goodbye once more, but hey, I had the BEST weekend and in those four days, I know for a fact that things have gotten stronger between us; that we are certain of what we have.

I am loving him even more. 

Thank you so much, Love, for a wonderful weekend. I feel tremendously grateful and blessed to have shared this awesome experience with you. God is really great for holding our hands together in this journey. See you later, labidabs!

24th At Haji Lane

     Waking up to a brand new day is such and will always be a blessing. How much more if that life given to you each and every day is filled with happiness and love?

        As I turn 24 today, I look back and reflect on the things that I have been through and I am without a doubt BLESSED and LOVED. Life is really good. With its ups and downs, life has molded me into someone I dreamed of becoming when I was still small- strong, determined, passionate, and faithful.

        Thank you all so much for making my day. Of course, to the one I love the most, you are truly amazing. Thank you for making my day really special.

He started it out by surprising me with a birthday cake when the clock has stricken 12 midnight.

After lunch, while talking to him, the mailman delivered this to my flat.

And another one from my good friend Chloe! Her very own artwork. Sneaky people! :)

        I went out to stroll around Haji Lane and maybe, to get myself a birthday present. I love Haji Lane. Its authenticity and culture are the reasons why I am definitely going back here to shop and chill-out. Here you will find vintage stuff and a variety of clothes. The street has mediterranean restaurants- from Egyptian to Mexican cuisines. Men's fashion is one of the best here. They sell good finds for men who love to dress up and be in the fad. One of the best stores I have seen is Going Om. Being outside of the mainstream is what makes this store really cool. Next time, I will surely buy that aztec knapsack!

(c) Dino Dans 

        Before heading home, I met up with Marti's friends, Dino and Jan, to grab a dinner. Dino, thank you for the treat! And yes, another surprise from Marti c/o Dino. Haha! Sneaky!

       I was crying like a baby when I got home. Being this as my first time to celebrate my birthday away from home, I felt gloomy, but Marti made it one of the best birthdays ever. During my FaceTime session with my one and only, I could not help but smile and tear up both at the same time. (Please do NOT post the pictures!) I was just so happy and loved. Thank you, again, Love.

Next Chapter Please

   Even a happy biking Sunday does not hold a candle to the uncertainties in my life right now.

   I came out here thinking everything is all ironed out. I was wrong. I should not have taken the word for it. I thought when I fly here I just have to finalize things and work on my Singapore pass and yet, things did not turn out as I have imagined it to be. Yesterday was probably one of the most heartbreaking moments in my life.

   I went to the preschool thinking everything was secured and certain. I was REALLY wrong.

   I have never felt so devastated in my life. Of all the places, why in a country that is 1,500+ miles away from home? I feel like everything that I have prayed and hoped for is some sort of mistake. Did I misunderstand everything? Was I too confident that I missed out details about my job application? I do not think so. It was cleared out to me that I was hired and for the last step, I just needed to pass some documents.

   Friday or Saturday. They said that the result of my application status will come out in either of those days. I cannot take the anxiety and pain any longer. But yeah, all I can do is wait. I do not mean to sound like I am being negative in this exciting chapter of my life; however, this is becoming more bizarre as it is. I am already thinking of going back home. I really am.

   Probably, if Marti is not emotionally supporting me, I will just curl into a ball and cry all day. Thank you for always keeping me together and standing strong not just for me, but for the both of us. I love how you always put a smile on my face even when tears are rolling down my cheeks. I cannot thank you enough for always reminding how strong and loving person I am. I love you very much.

   3 more days. 3 agonizing days.

   Keeping my head up and keeping the heart strong.

Welcome To Singapore Lah!

So finally, here I am in this fine City Of Lion.

Honestly, I already feel homesick and lonely.
Basically, for the past 2 days (and counting), awful things keep bugging me out.

1) I stayed for 4 hours or so in the airport. Not that I am complaining, but sleeping while sitting is not as comfortable and heavenly as sleeping in a bed.

2) I was so hungry and could not afford the food in the airport since I am on a tight budget.

3) I must have forgotten I will be carrying a LOT and a little girl like me can only carry so much. I rode the MRT and bus instead of riding the taxi. Ha! I saved $38 because of that.

4) Since, I did not exactly know where my flat was, I went up and down the stairs of my building while carrying my luggage, duffel bag, back pack, shoulder bag, and canvas bag. Apparently, there are different staircases for every flat number.

5) When I finally found my flat, no one was home. I could not help but cry outside. I did not have internet access to contact my landlady nor did I have a Singapore number to call.

I think it took the landlady half an hour to arrive. Thank God. I rushed inside the room and cried for a while. I just felt really exhausted, sleepy, and lost. I slept the day off and was glad to talk to my worried boyfriend when I woke up. I have to rest for tomorrow is the big day!

Lesson learned: Bring ONLY what is necessary and never ever be stingy if it is for your own convenience.

First Of Many Months

It is so amazing how we are crazily and beautifully in love with each other.
This was and will never be a choice.
We are BOUND to happen- "fate" as how they call it.

Happy 1st monthsary!

I love you, my tiger.

Time Out

Five months away from this site is definitely the longest time I have not written in my entire life. A bunch of eventful things have happened and boy, I must say those things have made me stay away from writing.

BUT, I am definitely back.
Stay tuned for blog updates. =)

Who, What, When, Where, And Why

I am truly inspired by this video.

The first video I have seen from Wong Fu Productions is Strangers Again.

That video made me tear and smile both at the same time,

but this is, by far, the MOST romantic short film I have ever seen.

It just makes me want to fall in love again

and this gives me hope that one day, someday,

I will also find the LAST ONE.