Getting Through Part1

Here is something I have somehow managed to master here in Singapore:
heating/cooking food using the microwave!!!

I have mistakenly chosen to live in a flat where I have to deal with arrogant and stingy landladies (owner and her Filipino girlfriend) everyday. A foodie like me will really find ways to be able to "survive." In the contract, one of the conditions says: Only light cooking is allowed. Little did I know that light cooking for her/them is just heating the food. I really should have asked her to elaborate before signing the contract. Anyway, to make things unbearable, we are not allowed to heat any raw food in the microwave because for her, that's considered cooking. Basically, all we can do is pre-heat water-based food and left-over. Her/Their irrational way of thinking is so good that it makes me question myself: "Am I really in a first world country? Seriously."

To enlighten me and further make me understand as to why, I have asked my flatmates about her brilliant house rules. They told me that the landlady does not want to lend her kitchenware or even the stove because apparently, the previous tenants who lived in her flat before us were a bunch of clumsy and inconsiderate people. So, okay. I get the point that she does not want that to happen again; however, when she posted and set the conditions in the advertisement and contract, she should have made EVERYTHING clear.

How on earth will I get through in this flat?

And so, my survival101 begins. Every time they are out of the flat or if their door is closed (Yes, they leave their door open so they can see what we do outside our rooms.), I always sneak in the kitchen and pre-heat everything and anything I want. I browsed through sites that teaches on how to poach eggs, cook rice, etc. using the microwave and voila! I am as successful as a hungry cat chasing for a sneaky mouse.

Here are the how-to steps. Enjoy!


1. Rice 

• microwave-safe container
• rice
• water

Rinse or soak the rice in the container before cooking. Put water together with the rice in your microwave-safe container. This is how I check if the water is just enough: I sink my index finger on the surface of the rice and see if the water level is 1/3 of my finger. Set the timer for 10-13minutes.

Caution: Container is VERY hot after cooking.

2. Eggs

• mug
• eggs
• water

Fill 1/2 of the mug with tap water. Gently crack an egg into the mug. Careful not to break the yolk when you crack the egg. Set the timer to 1 minute and 30 seconds. When you hear something pops, it means the egg is done. Drain the water out. Enjoy your poached eggs and don't forget to put some salt before munching on it!

As for the canned good, just pre-heat them in the microwave. :)

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.

Here Goes A Lot Of Things

     Two years is not that long. I will be back soon, my tiger.

     Life was terrible a week and a half ago. I must admit that this so-called adventure has caused me so much pain and heartache. I will elaborate no more of what happened and honestly, incidents like that should not be dragged to the future, rather be buried in the past. Lesson learned and this is definitely one for the books.

     God is so thoughtful that at this time in my life, He gave me that one person who will stand up strong no matter how chaotic and harsh reality is. To tell everyone the truth, this new chapter in my life has made me ride the roller-coaster without a seatbelt strap on. And behind every scream and fright, that person relentlessly made me smile and feel secured. For someone who makes sure I do not just know that he loves me, but also makes me realize that life is full of hope, being 1,501 miles away from each other is not a drawback. Thank you for being an inspiration and being the best man in my life. Love really knows no boundaries.

      The storm is finally over and the cloud of tears has finally receded. My prayers have been answered and all is well.

  FAITH and PATIENCE.

Better, I Guess?

     As far as my "supposedly" adventurous life is concern, I do not want to sulk in bed nor lock myself in the room for what happened. Life is so beautiful out here and there is yet to explore. I went to Jem Mall yesterday to sweep things off my mind and find it rather entertaining. It is not the usual mall I see around Manila, but this makes me want to come back. It may be small; yet, inside is filled with awesome boutiques. To name the familiar ones, they have Marks and Spencer, H&M, Victoria's Secret, and the like. I went to a book shop named Books Kinokuniya that made me want to scream, "Yes! Finally!"And of course, it broke my heart when I could not spend a single cent at H&M's midyear sale. However, I spotted a local cosmetics store called Sephora. They sell the "real deal" right here. Will I come back? Oh, without a doubt! You may find it shallow and pedantic, but it made my day, I suppose.

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.