NBI 101

So this is the continuation of the previous blog that I have just written this morning. So let me have a short recap.
I met this scary stranger all by myself, I have risked myself and struggled in the heavy rain alone, just to get my renewed NBI clearance in a-not-so-decent-manner-because-I-was-dealing-with-a-stranger-who-transported-my-clearance-which-was-beyond-his-job. Well, I did that because I had no choice and probably because there was no one to do that for myself but me, anyway. Okay too much about my rants, but I guess my mom and dad would actually freak out once they hear this story.

I honestly don't know why t had happened. Out of the blue, someone (a government employee) offered to deliver my NBI clearance personally and met up with me to hand it over. And me, a paranoid freak (who wouldn't?) agreed anyway. I repeat, I had no choice.

So what happened??? Okay, I am still alive, obviously, still terrified, but thankful I was not harmed. I arrived home safe and sound, but still in a traumatic way.

Early morning, I was really hesitant to go there and meet that stranger. Maybe I was just that brave? or maybe so trusting? I don't know how you call me, but I did it. As I was saying, I was scared. I was just kinda disappointed that a friend of mine did not came up for me. (well, at least I was expecting even for a text message that he can't, but I received none and in disappointment, i did it alone).

Fastforward to what happened. Nothing much... Good thing we met in a public place, he handed over the paper and I thanked him. He walked away while I was waiting for the rain to stop. I looked back and I saw him still, watching over me. I rushed across the street coz I was scared he would follow me. he didn't, because I was rushing. My heartbeat was so fast, I seriously thought Im gonna die. (exage)

I did not go home yet because I was scared he might follow me. Instead, I waited for my friend. Finally, (Hazel) came. I was relieved. We ate breakfast and went to the mall. waaaahhhhhhhhhhh..... I got really so relieved. Afterwards, I received a text message from that stranger, it said, "bago ka umalis, magkita tayo ha, iblow out kita, ingat!"...Wow, so that made it more strange. If he was really not into monkey business, then why would he say that. besides, it was beyond his job already right? Actually, even that thing when he brought my clearance and handed it to me personally is actually beyond his duty already. I was thinking, was he just a good samaritan? Or is he really doing that to all people? Why was he doing that to me? And to ask me for another meet up??? arghhhh...that's too much already. Sigh, buti nlng tapos na. I am now thinking of changing my celphone number for safety and security purposes.

Okay, so what brightened my day was the cutee stuff I bought from the mall. I bought a passport and cards organizer plus a sticker to toodle up my organizer. For once, I wanna be organized with my documents. And pampalubag na din ng loob.

 This is my lovely doodle passport holder. It made me feel better.

Well, there's just few things i realized today.

Only few people really cares for you. Some just want to listen to your story just because they are curious, but then they don't care at all.

Another thing is that, don't expect too much from others. It would hurt...

Be brave! Just pray and believe in yourself and nothing will happen (just be cautious)

Lastly, I realized that maybe that THAT person was just simply astonished with my charm that nagmagandang loob syang ihatid yun sakin amidst his 1 hour drive and the super duper heavy rain.

On the positive side of it, I'm alive! And I got my renewed NBI with me =)

Macau Trip

Sometimes, things happen when we least expect it. Or more often, things that are not planned are that things that really do happen. Just like when I had an on the spot vacation in Macau! Whoah, I never thought I could go there when I didn't even had money at all. (well, thanks to my sponsors! lol)

So, here I am, travelling again. Well, it's one of the most favorite thing that I wanna do, next to falling in love. (hehe)....

So I went to China with my siblings and my close friend, Janet. It was actually my first time to go abroad with my siblings. So, it was quite exciting! My brother had been there last year, so at least we had a tour guide.

So fastforward to the trip. When we reached the Macau International airport, I was expecting that we would have a dilemma on how we would be understood by the people (chinese) again. And true enough, they hardly could not speak english. So here's some encounters we had:

At the bus:
We had no idea how to get to the hotel so we were waiting for a taxi. After few minutes, a Filipino approached us and said, "sumakay na lang kayo ng bus na may sign na A1." So we followed his instruction. When we reached the bus, I was figuring out how are we going to pay. Then I saw a small can with a sign in chinese and spanish. The only thing that I could understand was "exacto". I pressumed, it meant exact fare. Oh no, our currencies were all in bills. I was talking to the driver, "do you have a change for 20 pattaca?/macau dollar?" He was shouting... I thought it was just his nature of talking. Later, a chinese woman said, "here, I will pay for you." I was so grateful. But the problem is, we need to pay for  4 persons. nakakhiya nmn masyado kung lahat un ipapalibre ko sa babae. So I said, "how????" The driver continued to shout!!!! I was so scared. I handed over my bills to the woman. I could not understand what they were talking about but all I knew was he was mad. Finally, the woman paid for us and I gave her my bill... Whoah! we were shocked.... as in culture shocked! I never knew that they could be so RUDE!

At the Hotel Reception:
I said, "Miss, we have reserved 2 rooms in this hotel already. What time are we suppose to check in?" She was staring at me blankly. I don't think she understood, basta nag sign language nlng sya...(wtf?! I just thought, hotel crews should know how to speak in english for the fact that they are dealing mostly with tourists and foreigners right? tsk tsk)

At the Taxi:
So this was the most crucial. All taxi drivers were just mute. Some of them could not even understand the place that we were talking about. Good thing we always had a guide book with us and show them the pictures of the place. wahhh, nakakaloka!

At the Market:
My sister was trying to change her money to macau dollar. Then suddenly, the counter girl shouted at her, "1 DOLLAR!!!!!"""" so kelangan manigaw?

Wala lang, I admit the place was super nice. But then, I just believe that there's still no better people than Filipinos when it comes to respect and vallues. I don't know why these people are so ill-mannered..

Too much about the bad vibes. Let's fast forward to the goodies that we had. First destination was the VENETIAN.

It was a.... WHOAH!!! Amazingly, beautiful! I was so eager to ride the Gondola, the boat that was immitated in Venice. However, I just thought that it would be more romantic if I would be with someone special and it would be in the real Gondola, VENICE! So for the meantime, I just indulged with the beautiful attractions all over. Afterwards, we went to the "City of Dreams" just beside the venetian.

We watched an awesome show. 'The Dragons"

On our second day, we went to their market. And I bought stuffs, and pasalubong. We also had witnessed some pictorials for the weddings. And it was so beautiful. We as much as possible, tried their Chines cuisines. However, we always end up in Mcdonald's instead. un lang nakakabusog eh. hehe

So that's 711 at my back, the only store that sells familiar things (at least for us)

We then went to the museums...

And then we took pictures. The good thing was, the Gurads were Filipinos and they were very accommodating. Now finally, we encountered REAL people. hehe

After the museum, we went back to the hotel and freshened up. We want to see Macau at night so we need to recharge for the night.

At 5pm, we then went to Wynn Hotel. We walked and walked and took pictures. We then decided not to eat at Mcdonalds anymore and buy anything with rice. We found Circle K. There we bought our food. We were wondrin where to eat our food so we decided to eat at the park, while waiting for the night and the lights.

And this was a 7-pm view from the park (with my friend, Janet). We were so impatient coz 7pm na eh maliwanag pa din. Well, the view was wonderful, anyway.

So finally, the dim light!!! We were so excited to witness the Asian's Las Vegas!!! It's in the Grand Lisboa, the largest Casino in Macau.

yeah, yeah...It was worth the wait! Beautiful indeed....However, we were already tired so after we took picyures and got amazed with the view, we went back to the hotel....

I know it was not a long stay. However, I guess a 3 day stay at Macau was just enough for their tourist spots.  There were other spots we went though like The Grand prix, Wine Museum, The Ruins, and lastly, the Fisherman's Wharf.

This was the last but the last spot we went. And we were glad to see the replica of Coliseum in Rome.

Over all, it was a wonderful vacation. My stress and worries flew away for a while. And then again, I got inspired to travel more. See u on my next trip!

The Human Exhibit

It was quite unusual for us (I mean me) to go to museums. My friend has been inviting me to go there, yet I have been refusing coz in the first place, I have never been attentive to educational tours ever since. Better yet, our summer outing has been cancelled and so we pursued to this most talked-about exhibit. "The Human exhibit".

I was at first clueless what this exhibit was all about. Okay, we were prohibited to take pictures inside and so the only memorabilias I had was the posters and pictures outside.

We were a group of 9 and well, it was far from my expectation. When I reached inside and saw the cadavers, at first, well most likely the whole time I was inside, I was inside, I was amazed. I never thought people could do extraordinary ways to preserve human bodies and exhibit them for public viewing.

If only I could describe all the gross things inside, then, you would feel what I actually felt inside. As the things get even worse, like when I saw the internal organs, the child structures, the brain and most especially the unborn fetus, I just felt uneasy. I was walking like my heart was so heavy in dismay. I learned that these dead bodies were from China and most probably they were paid much for their bodies to be displayed.

I don't know why, but I felt pity to the poor souls, especially the unborn ones. I felt like, they were not only deprived to live, but they were indeed deprived for the dignity and privacy helplessly. At first, I was attentively looking and listening to the tour guide. But as I was walking on, I just felt so sad. Then I began to palpitate. I thought, maybe it was the formalin or the preservatives all over the place, or maybe I was already hungry that I felt busy and most probably because of the uneasiness I felt inside.

Honestly speaking, I was SAD. yes, I was amazed of the technology, but still, I just don't think it's right. Okay, call me "kill joy" but that's how I felt.

The least thing we could do is to somehow take pictures on places where it isn't prohibited.
So we did!

PALAWAN

The first beach that had amazed me this much I should say are the islands in Palawan. I never thought there would be a place that's such a paradise like this in the Philippines.

When I knew that there would be a company outing that would be sponsored by our hospital, I was so excited and I have listed my name right away. I know that this would be my first time to go to a place like this with my expense. There was a feeling of guilt somehow, but I thought, "why would I be guilty to be happy when I am working hard for it?".  So there... I travelled...

Everybody was so excited. I could not imagine the days or weeks we had for the preparation for this 3 day escapade. The clothes, the gym, and of course the itinerary

At 5am, we had an assembly at the hospital. We went straight to NAIA terminal. We were so worried because the news said that there would be a typhoon on that day. We kept on praying though.

(Me off to plane. It was as if my first time---NOT!)

 Then we finally arrived at the Puerto Prinsesa Port. Our first stop was at the Underground River.

It was shocking beautiful inside!! My jaw dropped like, wow!!! This is so amazing! Too bad my camera has no good resolution to take a better picture inside the cave. But seriously, when I saw it, I thought that "eto palang sulit na ang bayad ko sa lahat2"

That was not all though. We went to the main attraction which was at the El Nido Islands. They said that it would take us 7 hours to get there by land. The road was so rough, and muddy, plus the bus was so vintage that I was so scared that in the middle of the travel, we might not make it at all. The road was so slippery too. I just thought, "shocks, ganito ba kahirap mapuntahan ang isang paraiso?"

Now, can you imagine this mud caused us to have a roller coaster ride in the bus like that at my back?

Now, this is worse than you could imagine. This is the picture of other vehicles people take to go there in the El Nido Islands. I never thought na may sasahol pa pala sa sinakyan namin. Oh la la!

Finally, we arrived there safe and sound and.....super tired. Knock down lahat. I just didn't care anymore how our room looked like. I just knew I was tired. Very early in the morning, my friend woke me up. "Jen, labas ka dali. ang ganda ganda!"

Truly, it was heavenly! I said, "dito palang sa labas ng room natin, solved na ako!"
Then, finally we had an amazing breakfast...

Afterwards, the most awaited Island  hopping!

Okay, this first scenery made me speechless...

And this!

And there, our picture taking session had become unstoppable. napapa wow nlng ako kahit san ako lumingon. I just can't stop thanking God for showing me this very beautiful paradise.

We then took a rest is this island, the small lagoon. We took a swim with the clear waters, and snorkeled and yes yes, took a lot of pictures!

we were hopping and dancing for joy. Mga nurses na nakawala sa hospital. Now this is life!

After the island hopping, there came the night life. Unlike Boracay, the nightlife in palawan was quite simpler. Konteng jamming lang and sayawan. The serenity of the island still remained.

Then we slept. 3 days of island hopping felt like forever already. It was one of a kind experience that is worth for a lifetime to remember. The travel back to Puerto Princesa was not that tiring anymore. Maybe because we were already overjoyed. We had a side trip in Viet ville and the crocodile farm.

And of course, the highlights of this vacation was when I got a severe hypersensitivity reaction on my skin all over my body. I don't know if it was the water, the heat of the sun or the seafoods. All I knew was when I was brought to the emergency room and it took me several months to get rid of the scars and marks of allergies all over my body. Okay, that was all! Palawan, I will surely come back!

Late but not the Least Celebration

Okay, calendar check, it's already May 21, 2011 and my Birthday was obviously overdue like a month ago. Like, hello? Why still celebrate?

Anyhow, at long last the most awaited Birthday treat of mine happened yesterday, with 3 of my friends. It's been a long time that they were asking me to treat them and finally, i agreed, oh no, sounds like im bankrupt so soon. i was kinda hesitant at first because i know that people at work would really question this day out because i was with whom? with (eli) okay, i have to namedrop. i remember the day when my supervisor asked me if there is something between us. i was like... something? define "something". haha.... maybe it was way too over before. it was long gone. there might be something but not anymore, "maybe".

Okay, so this how our day went.

Plants vs. Zombies! Actually, he was wearing a zombie shirt and me the plants... hehe... So this was the first pic. my facial expression? well, i dont know what it implies. it was not like, i dont want to be captured but honestly, it was an accident that i smiled that way.

okay now im smiling.

and these are my other 2 dates, myles and hazel. we ate at carlo's pizza, tagaytay with pesto pasta, pizza, chicken fingers and fries. okay, for the first time, treat ko. well and good, we got satisfied. i thought that would be all that..uhhmmm....

so this was his treat- frap from starbucks. i was actually so full already but hey, this is libre so go na! hehe. afterwards, the rain started to pour and i was so sleepy at the bus. he was at my side and i didnt want to sleep.

This day. Oh this day. I think the picture tells a thousand words

The Living Dream

When I was a kid, I've always dreamed of going to Disneyland. I thought it would be be greatest endpoint in life. True enough, when I went there last year, I was like the happiest kid on earth. I was there, enjoying every minute of it, like a kid who just had her wish come true!

All of a sudden, I became dreamy. And this time, I wanted to be in Paris. I know it was quite ambitious, but I believe in the power of my dreams. And to myself, that I can really, really make it. I was crossing my fingers every time I have to imagine  that I am in Paris, in a very romantic place, seeing the Eiffel Tower for real and all that. Sigh!

Then there came my friend, who just dreamed with me. We have the same birthday, and the same wish----which is to be in Paris! On our 25th, we told each other that we're gonna make that wish come true and we're both gonna celebrate our 26th Birthday in Paris! Then she made it real! She did it. Sad to say, I did not---yet! =(

After her 26th Birthday, I never thought she would come home in the Phililippines and surprised me with this!

Isn't it cute? It was her Birthday gift for me. Aww! I was so touched. And then she showed me her recorded video at the Eiffel Tower while she was greeting me. Yes, yes, sweeter! I was teary... and so thankful. I know I am not able to grant my wish yet, but this will be my living proof that I am GONNA MAKE THAT WISH COME TRUE!

I swear to this page, and to my self that I will. Hopefully, it would be with the someone who would be the love of of life, forever! Now crossing my fingers! =)

Summer 2011

I used to have a hectic summer every year. My busiest summer was last year. I have been to several beaches. Amazing ones! like, Palawan, Canyon Cove Batangas, Boracay, Golden Sunset for my 25th Birthday and many others. And I just have a little secret to tell. Because of those, I think I got overdosed. I even had a serious skin asthma because of too much sun exposure, that made me moderate my summer getaway this year.

Well, talking about my first,
I should say that my first blast was the most awaited ANAWANGIN adventure. It was in Zambales and my sister had been dying to go there long before. Only that I was just too lazy because firstly, I am just another broke girl and I have no funds for getaways this time. Then my savior friend who was a balikbayan told me that she will treat me there. Uh-oh, so I guess, that's how it began.

My first dilemma was the swimsuit issues. I don't know but I gained a lot this year and what sucks is that, the fats only goes to my tummy and it's not so good to look at on bikinis.So I tried as much as I could to find a swim wear that would somehow hide those fats away.

This is the picture of our summer getaway. A camping? No way! Nah, that's just part of the fun. It was my first time actually to build up a tent on a beach site. The last time I went on camping was when I was in elementary and it was not fun like this. We literally cooked for our food. We had no light, no signal, not net and all. That was laid back, but it was so fun!

The beachfront was a white sand, and this was the picture at the back of the campsite. So literally, mapuno, at magubat. We even picked up some woods for our bonfire at night and also for our cooking. What made this summer outing exciting is that everything is definitely different from the previous beach outings. Mas may fun at halong adventure.

Okay, this is the most descent swimsuit I should say, that I have picked to hide those fats away. D nmn masyadong obvious na todo inhale ko dto dba? (haha)... So at least, it was somehow hidden.

So, this is the beachfront. And this is our bikini shot, first thing in the morning. Actually we look so bagong gising here. But what makes it perfect is that, wala kaming bilbil. After the night of horror, with no electricity at all, the good news is that we survived the night.

So after the camping experience, we went to Capones Island. Damn, ang ineet, that we even did not attempt to go to the lighthouse. We ended up taking pictures of the rocks and all... So this is Wendee, my super friend who just came home from Abu Dhabi.

Actually, bitin! But, overall I should say that I had enough for this summer and this is indeed a wonderful starter. =)