My Valentine’s Weekend
A Weekend of Everything That Flies!
Ever since I heard about it from a friend 5 years ago, I’ve been itching to go to the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark. This year, I finally got to go with Oz!
Since we both know that he won’t wake up for the 5:30am balloon flight, we decided to overnight instead on Saturday night to be able to make it to Sunday’s flight.
Where we stayed: Clark Lohas Hotel
A Korean hotel with excellent service, although we expected more from the room and there was still a lot of construction ongoing. With no traffic, it’s just 5 minutes away from the Airfield.
- Around the Hotel
Where we went: Duty Free Shopping Center
After checking in at the hotel, we decided to visit Clark’s Duty Free area, which turned out to be quite depressing. We didn’t take pictures anymore, but everything looked run down, both on the outside and inside. And at the front of Puregold, these little angels greeted us:
- Doggies!
I got even more depressed with how the lady selling them were just grabbing and throwing them around. 😦 If only I could, I would’ve bought each and every one of them. Some were sold at 1000php, others at 2000php.
Where we ate: Cafe Mesa
We finally got hungry at 3:00pm and decided to hunt for a restaurant, which proved to be a little challenging. There were no restaurants around! Fortunately, we stumbled upon this little haven near Fort Stotsenburg.
We had the grilled prawns which was served with either soup or fruit. The food was great, and I’d suggest for you to eat there if you’re going to Clark (also due to the lack of other options haha). I’d definitely go back, both for the food and the ambiance.
The Main Event!
We arrived at the Airfield a little after 5:00am on Sunday, which was just about time since other people were also just starting to arrive. It was still pitchblack (and freezing) outside when Oz noticed a man flying around in a parachute way above us, being controlled by a motor. Crazy. Haha. Then the 4x4s started arriving, bringing the baskets/balloons to the field.
(Other Pictures in my FB Account)
After their flight, there were some air shows which were amazing as the planes were flying so close. The sky was also filled with too many kites, i think. Haha. We walked around to look at the concessionaires–I wanted a mini hot air balloon SO BADLY but the line was too long and it wasn’t really that worth it 😦
* * *
It was a breathtaking scene, the balloons rising with the sun. There really is a certain peace and calmness you feel as you watch the hot air balloons slowly drift away into the horizon. No one really knows where they’re headed but they float with ease and without any care in the world. 🙂
I will definitely go back next year and ride one. I’ll also get that cute mini hot air balloon, I promise.
Hello 2011!
Spent the new year with my family, watching people jumping and flying around in the National China Acrobatic Circus. I now have secret fantasies of joining the circus and being flung around like I weigh a pound. Haha.
It feels weird to welcome the new year now, it really does seem so soon. 2010 went by so fast that I barely noticed it ending. I should start setting my goals for this year before time gets ahead of me again.
Hoping not just for an awesome year, but an awesome decade ahead. 🙂
Endless Probabilities
I have a hard time believing that people can change, or that one action does not define a person. You always tell me not to judge someone based on an act alone. But I argue that having done something once means it’s just as easy to do it again. And if you don’t judge a person by his actions, on what should you judge him with? Is it really possible not to judge someone at all?
It is on this premise that my fear of the unknown is built. People can just as easily do something, or do something again for that matter. We are capable of so much, and that thought keeps me going the whole day. Living in the probable future, not minding whether the probability is high or low.
This is my problem. I talk of probabilities, when I should talk of possibilities.
Hello there
Being with you is an overwhelming experience of a world of paradox.
I look at you and a part of me is scared. We’ve talked and talked, about anything, everything, at all, anymore. But feelings are uncontrollable, and mine are irrepressible.
I’m scared of your touch because each time you hold my hand or kiss me, you draw my heart closer to yours. I’m scared of our conversations, because each time we talk about something silly or serious, I get ecstatic for the future.
I’m scared, because just as easily those things happen, you can break me into pieces. It’s inevitable, and I’m not ready yet.
But I’m here, I’m yours. In spite of.
Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
Some of the gifts I got this Christmas:
Best Christmas gift for 2010? Perseus (my iTouch!) of course. Although it’s also the earliest Christmas(/birthday) gift I received this year because of the excitement of the giver. Haha. Oh, and also the purple folding bike I won in the raffle of our company Christmas party. Will post pics of that soon. 😀
Less than 12 hours ’til the 25th and I still can’t believe the yuletide season is here. Gah, time is moving too fast.
Good Morning
I have always believed in the importance of starting your day right.
It’s 9 am on a Monday and:
1. I have an intense headache coupled with neck and back pains.
2. I was 6 minutes late to the office because of my brother.
3. I am uninspired and unmotivated to work, and really not looking forward to the week ahead.
4. I am emotionally down and my eyes are still a bit swollen from last night.
Happy thoughts, please come as soon as you can.
Scared /,= Excited
I’m scared of change. Change in the things I’m used to, or change in something (someone) I’ve grown to like or love.
I’m scared of uncertainty. Yes I’m scared of fish, but I’m more scared of the vastness of the ocean and what lurks beneath. Endless possibilities scare me.
I like my own little bubble, where I’m comfortable and happy. Don’t bother me with change, don’t bother me with uncertainty.
But where’s the fun in that?, you say.
Fun is relative, I say.
Most of the time though, it isn’t an option between being scared or being excited about one thing. Most of the time, scared is excited.
Spot the Difference
Downward, Upward.
The pessimist, the optimist.
With something as simple as the natural curvature of the lips, how noticeable their differences are. Yet, how well they mesh together.
To the Owner of Hermes
Do you know that in the morning, I look forward to you? To hearing your sleepy cheery voice when I call to wake you up. And then to seeing your name pop up in my task bar when you get to the office.
Do you know that the whole day, I look forward to you? To having nonsense dialogue and exchanging links, images, sites.
Do you know that in the afternoon, I look forward to you? To talking to you again after you’ve had your long lunches. And then to you telling me that you’re off to pick me up.
And do you know that when the end of the day comes, I still look forward to you? To spending the night with you. Dinner, jogging, or just hanging out. And then to you kissing me good night, which tells me that another day with you is about to come.
I look forward to you. I honestly sometimes hate it. But always, I’m happy.
Just so you know.
Great week ahead
3 big things to look forward to this week:
1. Gin Blossoms live in Manila. We should probably get our tickets already, it’s this Thursday!
Gin Blossoms in Manila
2. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1. Need I say more?
Can't waittttt!
3. Something entirely better than any song Gin Blossoms has ever written, and something on a completely different level than all Harry Potter books combined.
Looking forward! 🙂
Define VL
11 days of complete nothingness. 11 days of bumming around. 11 days of freedom. 11 days of thinking. 11 days of happiness.
Where did you go? Into the depths of my mind and to the house of the squishy boy.
What did you do? I played. Played with my thoughts, played with things I’ve wanted to do, played with new things and experiences.
How was it? Did you feel it was too short? Definitely. But this one was enough for affirmations and realizations.
* * *
Here are the things I did, in no particular order. All of these I consider highlights of my VL:
1. Another check-up and ultrasound—then was prescribed the Pill
2. Mooncake dice game with the Locos at Somerset, where I won first prize (yeay!)
3. Brought Buttercup to be repaired
4. Applied for a Globe plan
5. Cleaned up Linus
6. Attended a seminar on stock investing
7. Marathon-ed Modern Family and other series
8. First time at Club Manila East
9. 2-hour ML
10. Celebrated Halloween for the first time (Saturday win)
And now, it’s time to do the optimism dance for work. Hope it lasts me the whole week. 😉
Words and Dialogue
Words. The lack thereof, or in excess of. While most of them aren’t meant to be thrown around in such a reckless way, some of them should be.
Dialogue. The lack thereof, or in excess of. While some things aren’t meant to be talked about, most of them should be.
* * *
In a recent tumblr entry, I pasted these words from Thomas Gray:
To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn’d alike to groan—
The tender for another’s pain,
Th’ unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
‘Tis folly to be wise.
Not knowing at all, not knowing enough. Basically taking the easy way out. In another life, maybe. But humans are curious beings, most acting upon their curiosity.
We all want wisdom to live, wisdom to lead better lives, wisdom in general.
Knowledge gives us this wisdom.
Words and dialogue give us this knowledge.
Of relationships
History
The truth is often hard to swallow. Like a bitter pill, you force it in your mouth, make your body accept, then realize that it only makes you stronger and more immune to other foreign objects. Sometimes though, there are side effects.
No lies, we agreed. I kept my end of the bargain and I assume you kept(s) yours too.
I am happy that you have a past. That you have a history with all these girls. As insecure as I am of each one of them, I’m happy. Because of them, you found me.
* * *
Commitment
It’s sad how people are freaked out by long-term/commitment talk. By weddings, houses, babies. In an ideal world, excitement should be the predominant emotion when your partner brings this up. (Pre-requisite: happiness and contentment in the relationship)
* * *
Short-term
Wise relationship advice from you, for a friend: (spell check done)
“When it comes to relationships there’s a minimum requirement on how similar you have to be to begin with. When it comes to the differences there’s a minimum requirement also as to how much you actually love versus the ones you despise.”
Amen.
Dear brother
Once upon a time, I looked up to you.
I used to think you were cool, smart, and level-headed. I used to think you were someone I could aspire to be. We got along well and I took in a lot of your interests. It was to you I told most of the stories and experiences of my young life.
Once upon a time.
I can’t help but wonder what happened. Now, I can’t stand to be in the same room as you. Heck, I can’t even take sitting next to you during mass. I question you, I question how you treat us, and I question what you’re doing. I can’t stand your arguments and often get caught in the middle. I could go on and on and on.
I’m angry at you. Not the I’m-angry-at-you-now-but-later-I’ll-forgive-you angry. I’m angry at you.
I may not win the best sister or daughter award, but I know how to respect my parents. I know how to not think of myself all the time. I know how to be concerned about my siblings. I should, I’m already 23.
How about you?
Wonderful mess
I want to write but words have been scarce. My thoughts have been bullet points, phrases, pictures, video clips. I struggle to put words together for this mere entry.
When I feel, I feel more.
When I think, I think less.
I pinch myself just to check. Yep, still me.
The Updated List
I have always tried to avoid different types of food after my endoscopy last 2006. Spicy, fatty and fried food. Coffee, tea, milk, cheese, softdrinks and alcohol. Citrus fruits, instant noodles and canned goods. Name it, it’s on the list. These are said to be the causes of my constant stomach pains.
After undergoing the procedure again last Saturday, I’ve pasted part of the findings below:
…The stomach was empty with good distensibility to air insufflation, there were multiple erosions with hematin stains seen in the antrum…
What? Haha anyway, I have an updated (and shorter!) list of stuff to avoid.
1. Spicy food and instant noodles (Goodbye Yakisoba. For now.)
2. Coffee, tea, and softdrinks (Not a coffee drinker and not fond of softdrinks. But I shall have to say goodbye to tea.)
3. Milk (Or anything that contains milk. Boo.)
4. Citrus fruits and juices (Hooray for mangoes, melons, bananas, papayas and all other delicious non-citrus-y fruits!)
5. Smoking and alcohol (No problem here!)
6. Pain relievers like Alaxan, Ponstan and Flanax (Biogesic and Tylenol are exceptions)
Kinda similar to the one a few years back though. This list just affirms everything and reminds me to pay even more attention to what I eat.
Noooooooooo. This sucks.
Off to Iloilo and Guimaras!
Iloilo has never been on my “must visit places” list, and I never would’ve gone there if not for Gretch. Since she’s been assigned there for work and is only able to go back to Manila around once or twice a month, she misses us badly (haha 😉 ). Good friends that we are, we decided to go to her there and make it as one of our barkada outings.
We decided to visit Iloilo then Guimaras for our 3-day trip. After much planning on both Gretch’s and my part, we were all set.
Places visited in Iloilo:
1. Jaro Church and Bell Tower
2. Arevalo Church
3. Breakthrough restaurant
4. Miag-ao Church
5. Guimbal Church
6. Guimbal City Hall
7. Tigbauan Church
8. Smallville (Ate at Bourbon Street)
9. Ted’s La Paz Batchoy
Day 1
It was an experience to go Church-hopping, since I’ve never done it before. What stood out for me was the Miag-ao Church, picturesque and magnificent both in its exterior and interior designs. Oz mentions though how it’s kind of sad that some of the Churches had to be renovated and stripped of their natural historical beauty, and I have to agree.
In front of Miag-ao Church
After one whole day in Iloilo, we checked in Riverside Inn and left for Guimaras via Jordan Port the next day.
Places visited in Guimaras:
1. Balaan Bukid
2. Trappist Monastery
3. Guisi Lighthouse
4. Turtle Sanctuary
5. Alubihod Beach
6. Fish Sanctuary
7. Ave Maria Island
8. Biscocho Haus
Day 2-3
Guimaras is such a quiet and peaceful town, and it really does boast beautiful beaches. I specifically loved our island hopping experience, where we visited the Turtle Sanctuary and a place where they kept different fishes. (Giant Lapu-lapu!) My only regret is that we were unable to buy mangoes since they weren’t in season. Boo!
Other highlights of the trip:
– Food at Bourbon Street! Mmm.
– Attack of the “Wild Boar” on Oz. Yes, it was indeed a wild boar.
– Trek to Balaan Bukid: 1 km for kuya, 5 km for us.
– Taboo night (Go Ateneo!)
– Walking along the bamboo bridges from cottage to cottage in the middle of the ocean
Thank you for the “shared memories”, friends! 🙂 It was definitely a fun experience.
***
The trip was kind to our wallets–we spent around 5k all in. However, I’ve decided to skip traveling this year to save up money for the places I want to go to next year. Must resist looking at Cebu Pacific promos. GAH. Haha, can’t wait for 2011!
6 months after
Reading through all of my entries again, I’ve realized a few things:
1. A LOT can happen in 6 months. That’s how long I haven’t been updating this blog.
2. I really am emo. Haha.
3. I have a bad memory. There are things which I really can’t remember having written.
I have to start writing again. On a journal, on this blog or a new one…I haven’t decided yet.
The Pessimist
My uncle passed away last night, on Valentine’s Day and on Chinese New Year.
We weren’t close, and I don’t want to insinuate that we were. But being there and seeing how he was slowly leaving us was heart-wrenching. Hearing the slow beep of the heart monitor was so painful, and even more painful was seeing my cousin–a grown man, and my nephew–a teenage boy, holding back their tears as the doctors pumped my uncle’s heart for the 5th time. I stood there and tried to be the strongest I could. I knew I couldn’t cry because those closest to him weren’t.
He was brought to the hospital after feeling faint, and suffered a heart attack on the taxi as they arrived at the hospital at around 4:30pm. By 6:00pm, he was already gone. It was fast…..at least he didn’t suffer as much.
As I sit here right now, I let thoughts about death and how uncertain life is flood my mind. We all know these things for a fact, but experiencing it first hand is different. As I look around and think of all the people around me, I think about how everything and everyone I’ve loved is an uncertain entity. You could be gone tomorrow. And for me, it’s not something that would inspire me to “live each day to the fullest”, as they say. For me, it’s just a sad and unfair reality–and it’s such a heavy and pessimistic feeling that I’m carrying. What’s the point of everything, then, when you’ll just be gone before you know it? Why start and work on relationships? Why do good for other people? Why work?
I think I need to talk with someone who can tell me the point of everything and knock me back to my senses, before I turn into a true pessimist and drain all the hope out of my system.
Small Talk
I know I’m not a good conversationalist. It’s one of the important life skills that I really really lack and try to work on constantly. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say. I guess I just fear that I don’t have anything interesting to say, which is why I’d rather not say anything at all.
Person A: Uy Steph, kamusta ka na?
Me: Ok naman.
Awkward moment of silence.
I even resort to “hiding” from people I know (that I haven’t seen for a while) that I bump into in malls or other places. It’s either I feel they don’t remember me anymore, or that when they ask me how I am and what I’m doing, they might think I’m living such a boring life. This is why I’m not much into reunions, unless it’s with family or with people I’m really comfortable with.
Low self esteem, much? I need to either do something big that I’ll feel proud of, or just simply start feeling proud of where I am now.
1st Quarter of 2010 :)
I love and hate how the concerts are back to back in this first quarter of 2010. I want to go to all of them, but budget and practicality will probably just get the best of me.
1. JANUARY 27: BOYSLIKEGIRLS WITH HED KANDI
I’m definitely going to this one. I don’t really know who Hed Kandi is, but I’m going for Boyslikegirls. I’ve loved the band for way too long to not go. I was actually able to get discounted (or free?) tickets from an ex-officemate. Hooray for connections! 🙂
2. JANUARY 31: THE KILLERS
I want to go to this concert. No tickets yet, but I wouldn’t mind even just Bronze ones. I’m not a huge fan, but I think they’d be great live.
3. FEBRUARY 11: A WEEKEND OF EVERYTHING THAT FLIES!
Not a concert, but I yearly want to go to this event. But I guess it’ll have to wait again until another year. :p
4. FEBRUARY 14, 21, 28, MARCH 7, 14: WORLD PYROLYMPICS
Same as #3..not a concert, but I yearly want to watch this display of fireworks. 🙂 It’s supposed to be grand(er) this year because it’s the first pyromusical competition in the Philippines, although the hype has died a little due to being postponed.
5. FEBRUARY 27: BACKSTREET BOYS
Finally, they’re here!! Will watch this, of course. 🙂
6. MARCH 9: PARAMORE
Not a big fan, but I won’t mind going if I get tickets. 🙂
7. MARCH 14: OWL CITY
I didn’t know they were coming! I just saw the news at Ticketnet..I want to watch!! I just feel that I won’t be able to look for anyone who’d want to watch with me, though. Especially because it’s going to be on a Sunday.
Did I miss anything? Hmm. Looking forward to the start of the year! 🙂
December 2009
When work starts next week, it’ll be December. It’s such a cliche (and I’m tired of hearing it myself), but time does fly by so fast. I wonder what happened to the year. But before reminiscing and looking back, there are still a lot of things happening and things to look forward to this December.
1. December 1: Official start of my promotion and new job responsibilities. Not completely looking forward to it, as I’m more nervous and scared. :s
2. December 4-6: Cebu trip with Mic, Carlos and China!
3. December 11: First event that I’ll be handling alone–A Christmas party for our clients.
4. December 12-13: La Vista Bazaar of FILED!
5. December 16: Start of Simbang Gabi.
6 December 19-20: Greenmeadows Bazaar of FILED!
7. December 20(?): Barkada outing
8. December 25: Christmas!
9. December 26: Birthday!
10. December 26: ❤
11. December 27: Dad’s birthday.
I haven’t even included the Christmas parties/reunions that I might be attending, and the other projects I have for work. Looking at all of these makes me feel exhausted. Can’t December slow down? I want to be able to feel the Christmas (and birthday, and anniv) spirit slowly creeping up on me, and I don’t want to wake up and realize that it’s already over.
Drowned in thought. 