#SeoulInLove: 1st Anniversary

"She took the leap and built her wings on the way down."

          It was just a random day in January that Cebu Pacific decided to have a seat sale and coincidentally, we were talking about places we would want to go to. Since Marti has traveled more than I do, we have concluded to go somewhere we both have never been to- Korea. We did not think twice and immediately booked the flight. The night before our flight, we couldn't help ourselves but feel giddy for this much-awaited anniversary vacation. Oh the places we would go! :)

          What I will treasure the most, aside from the trip itself, is the preparation and discussing where to go and what to do. Getting to know my other half even more made me realize how much this one person could do so much in my life. From knowing when to pause and admire the beauty of life to just simply take each step without hesitations and fear. This once in a lifetime experience has definitely made our anniversary more memorable and I must say, this is record-breaking.

          To the one I love the most, happy anniversary and thank you so much. My heart is full and loving you even more. We are so blessed that God is there to hold our hands and to lead us. I love you.

Note: Photographs were taken using Fujifilm X20 and iPhone 5s

On Weekends

          In search for some quiet place where I could chill, read a book, or practically, just sit down and have an alternative environment, I always spend my weekends outside wandering about. Tiong Bahru is known for its modernity. This area may have been known for where the first established land of now called HDB, but as what they say: the old, when restructured, comes out more beautiful. I always consider myself lucky to have found an apartment along these alternative shops. I, finally, can say that I live in a decent area of a cosmopolitan country.

          One of my favorite spots here in Singapore, apart from Haji Lane, is Yong Siak Street. This area is definitely not short on great food, drinks, and novelty shops. I always find myself walking around here since it is just few minutes away from my place. Many a times have I seen myself drooling over scrumptious pastries and special teas. Books and all those artsy trinkets have always caught my eye. Seeing myself in this kind of place made me realize this: "Oh yes, I am going to survive my 2-year stay in Singapore!" I will not deny it and I know there is more to try and see, but I have found the perfect place to enjoy and have an awesome time.


Books Actually
Mon: 11am-6pm
Tue-Fri: 11am-9pm
Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 10am-6pm

Woods in the Books
Mon: Closed
Tue-Sat and PH: 11am-8pm
Sun: 11am-6pm

Stangelets
Mon-Fri: 11am-8pm
Sat and Sun: 10am-8pm

Plain Vanilla Bakery
Tue-Fri: 11am-8pm
Sat: 9am-8pm
Sun: 9am-6pm

Forty H4nds Coffee

Tue: 8:30-6pm

Wed and Thu: 8:30-10pm

Fri and Sat: 8:30-11pm

Sun: 8:30-6pm

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.

The Magic Stays With You

          This is a special place I thought I will never get to visit during my vacation in Manila. I have been wanting to go back here for the past two years and only this year that I was able to fulfill this adventure trip. Theme parks will always be one of the best getaways and I, being a kid at heart, cannot contain all the thrill and excitement whenever I am at one- all the time. Finally, I am here. So many memories came rushing in and I must say, my childhood was truly filled with magic.

          There were a lot of new rides and of course, who could forget the old ones? They were still as exhilarating as it used to. You could feel the adrenaline rush of each person in the park. All the smiles, laughters, and screams gave such great memories for everyone and anyone who has been in the park. For a ride-all-you-can ticket that is worth 600 pesos, you really are never too old when you are in a theme park.

          Enchanted Kingdom may have changed a lot and yet, the moment I stepped in the park, it felt like I was my 10 year old self who used to drag my Poppa in this magical world of Eldar. Only this time, I was with the person whom my future kids would drag to this enchanting place one day. (Fingers crossed! Haha)