palAAAWWWan: City Tour

If you're thinking "What a jejemon post title!", judgmental ka, aj3j3j3!  ;p 

More than 2 months ago, my HS barkada and I went to Puerto Princesa.  Even if it was already my second time in Palawan (last 2011, we went to Coron), its charm again left me so amazed and with no unintelligible word to say aside from "Aaaawwww".  Hence, the title of this post hihi.  Darn, I really had to explain that huh. 

GOING AROUND THE CITY

As we were travelling in a big group, I felt like it was pretty safe and much cheaper if we do not avail of the tour packages that tour companies offer.  We just rented a van to get us around the city.  It was more fun this way as we're pretty much left to our own devices, being able to stay long or leave a certain place as we brats, wish. 

Baywalk - where the statue of Princess Eulalia of Spain is located.  PP was named after her.

Plaza Cuartel - this is where more than a hundred American prisoners of war were burned inside a tunnel by Japanese soldiers during WW2.  JuskoLord, i know!

Puerto Princesa Cathedral 

Mitra's Ranch - a property owned by Ramon Mitra.  sarap mag-moment!

Baker's Hill - famous for its hopia and other sweet treats :)  

Butterfly Garden & Tribal Village 

Crocodile Farm and Nature Park

Iwahig Penal Colony Farm - more of a rehab center-turned-community where those detained are free to walk around and earn a living.

For the van, we contacted Topstar Travels (0908-899-5002)


photo credits: Keps & Michy

to be a 21K race finisher - CHECK!

Last Sunday, I put a gigantic check mark on one item in my bucketlist - I married Adam Levine!  Gising gising din sa katotohanan pag may time? hehe sige na nga!

October 20, 2013.  I finished my first 21-km race!  I had Jason Mraz'  I Fuckin' Did It as theme song in my head while I was nearing the finish line.  Haha I was knackered, that was the only song that came to mind! :)

ages ago since the last time na masabitan ako ng medal.

The run was not an easy one for me.  I ran slower than my already slow lola pace as I got sick the night before from fatigue, and not eating enough carbo, altogether skipping dinner and breakfast (don't be undisciplined like me if you are running long distance!) and then probably some nerves got in the way too.  In fact, I walked a lot and I was unable to keep up with the guys I was supposed to run the race with.  I will no longer tell you about the conversations I had with myself because they are Sisa levels sa pagkabaliw.  Kasi naman, it was not pushing I needed in this race, kundi a lot of SHOVING! haha. But that was okay, my only goal for this race was to finish it alive, with my uncooperative legs still attached to my body. hehe and huhu how they hurt after ah!

It was really a happy feeling to have accomplished something I've worked hard for weeks.  Running made me a medyo morning person as I had to force myself to get up from my warm bed on the wee hours, lace my shoes and run around the village half-asleep, 2 or 3 times a week.  Then most days, I'd walk down the stairs on achy legs because I ran the day before.  No pain, no gain, so they say. :)

with Gorgeous Ala, who will be running 21K with us in no time! :)

I would like to thank the following for helping me cross that finish line: my running bud Ace who pushed me (I pushed him harder) to train and scared me with the info that those who still have not finished the race by 6:30AM will have to be picked up by a van, without a medal and a finisher's shirt haha;  the rest of Team Chos who made running long distances on Sundays a lot more fun;  Haruki Murakami's book entitled What I Talk About When I Talk About Running for the added inspiration;  my new running shoes, for shamelessly reminding me that I didn't spend a few thousands for them to be just a decor;  my parents for understanding why I always had to leave the house and had to sleep the rest of the day after a tiring run; and to God, my pacer, who gave the not-athletic me the strength and a drumload of lakas ng loob to finish the run.  :)  Salamat po!  

with the guys of Team Chos.

You know how I always upgrade an item in my bucketlist once I've realized it? hehe Well now, it has become: to finish a full marathon. A slow-running girl can dream. :)

who are we to judge?

I finished this wonderful wonderful book yesterday written by a mother of a now 5-year-old gender-creative son.  Yup, I learned of the correct term: Gender-creative.  Her son at 2 1/2 of age identified himself as a boy but likes all things that society categorized are "for girls only" - Barbies, tutu skirts, makeup, high-heeled shoes, and all other girly sparkly pink and purple stuff.  At this stage of his young life, they are not sure yet if he will be a G or a T in LGBTQ, but the author is unshakeable in her declaration that her son (or daughter) will be supported and loved, NO MATTER WHAT.  Best kind of love, if you ask me.

The book is mainly for parents who have sons and daughters who fall on neither male nor female group, but I found myself totally engrossed in reading as Lori Duron relates the difficulties, happiness, fears and pride of raising a son who is different from most little boys his age.  I guess the book hits so close to home.  You see, one of my nephews is gender-creative - he does not own tutu skirts (yet) but he shakes his little booty better than Beyonce, pretends he has hair like Rapunzel, swings his legs like Ariel the Little Mermaid would and declares himself as the Reyna ng mga Iguana, whatever TV show he got it from.  My gut is telling me that he will turn out gay.  And I want him to know that it is perfectly okay.  I wish I could go as far as telling him that the rest of the world will also be cool with it, but that would be lying. 

It's no secret how much bullying gay people get from being who they are.  I don't know exactly what the Bible says about gay people, but I know that somewhere in the writings, we're commanded to "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."  It's pretty straightforward so it's a question where all the hate is coming from.

I had goosebumps of the good kind when I read an article that quoted Pope Francis saying, "If someone is gay and seeks the Lord with good will, who am I to judge?"  Enough said, that is exactly what this world needs to hear.  Bless your marvelous heart, Pope.  :)

Source:

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/pope-condemns-gay-lobby-wants-bigger-role-women-000912084.html

Love knows no disorders.

She was the first beautiful thing I ever got stuck on.

I want her back so bad...
I leave the door unlocked.
I leave the lights on.

Awwwww this poem.  Almost hugged my friend Allen for sharing the video with me.  The sucker-for-kilig that I am have been watching this vid everyday since Saturday. Haha. Thanks baks :) 

A+K on Opportunity, Being Sexy & Building A Life

“It’s really three things.  First thing is about opportunity, the second thing is about being sexy, and the third thing is about living life.”

"I believe that opportunity looks a lot like hard work. When I was 13, I had my first job with my dad throwing shingles up to the roof. Then I got a job washing dishes in a restaurant. And then I got a job in a grocery store deli. And then I got a job in a factory sweeping Cherrios dust off the ground. And I’ve never had a job in my life that I was better than. I was always just lucky to have a job. Every job I had was a stepping stone to my next job and I never quit my job until I had my next job. So opportunities look a lot like work."

"The sexiest thing in the entire world is being really smart. And being thoughtful and being generous. Everything else is crap. I promise you. It’s just crap that people try to sell to you to make you feel like less. So don’t buy it. Be smart. Be thoughtful and be generous."

"The third thing is something that I just re-learned when I was making this movie about Steve Jobs. And Steve Jobs said when you grow up you tend to be told that the world is the way that it is and your life is to live your life inside the world and try not to get in trouble and maybe get an education and make some money and have a family. Everything around us that we call life was made up of people that are no smarter than you. And you can build your own things and you can build your own life that other people can live in. So build a life, don’t live one, find your opportunities and always be sexy."

I have always admired the guy for his sense of humor.  But hearing this acceptance speech he gave at the Teen Choice Awards confirmed what I've always known to be behind that handsome face - super SEXY BRAINS!  Very very well said, Mr. Kutcher! :)


Source: http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/08/12/ashton-kutcher-teen-choice-awards-speech-video/

a tita's wisdom-wisdoman

I adore my pamangkins, all them little brats.  My Facebook and Instagram can attest to this, teeming with photos of their unaffected toothless smiles.  If there's one role in this life I enjoy doing best, it's being a Tita (it used to be "ilusyonadang fiancee ni Adam Levine" until the heart-wrenching announcement of his engagement huhu).  Moving on to reality!haha. 

Kiel has those adorable big eyes. He eats everything.

By being a Tita, I believe I am entitled to spoil them a little, encourage their minor mischiefs and teach them some more stunts, much to their parents' dismay! :D And by being just a Tita, I believe I am also entitled to use the "Your kid, not mine" ticket when they make a crying scene in the mall.  Hihi shet I'm a bad Tita! 

Jude has a sweet smile but throws the world's worst tantrums.

I have long conceded to my cousin-slash-soul-sister Niña in winning the title for "Favorite Tita" with her being so awesomely patient like no other from our family.  I am more than happy to be Fun Tita Day to them, the one who never runs out of batang-makulit stories to tell, the number one supporter of all the naughty tricks their brilliant little heads come up with.  It is embarassing to admit that as soon as they had spoken their first word, I whispered "Tita Day" to their ears over and over until they learn how to say it.  You could say I made it their mantra!  Ask them who their tagapagtanggol is, they'd say "Tita Day" paired with raising of their fists in the air.  I so love it! haha

My pamangkins are my go-to people when I have sumpong and in no mood to deal with an adult.  I am aware that it should be the other way around - pamangkins running to tita for comfort - but whatever, that's just how it is with me. :D  It's amazing how I am hugely comforted by their little presence.  Grown-ups at home are just no match to their oozing cuteness. :)  I cherish their visits to our home, declaring control over our television, demanding to watch Despicable Me or Tangled (both we have seen a dozen times), getting bored after a good 20 minutes and later deciding that making a mess of our living room is a lot more fun than sitting down and watching.  

boys' general assemby at home

Them growing up so fast gives me a queasy feeling.  I fear the day when they would no longer let me kiss their soft cheeks or hug them ever so tightly.  What scares me even more is there might come a day when they will just acknowledge me with a nod when they are with their pa-cool dudes because you know, no cool pogi dude beso their tita.  I don't even want to think of the day when I stop being Tita Day, the Tagapagtanggol.  Waaaaahuhuhuhu that would hurt!

Kade and his fluffy cheeks.

So while the little brats still look at Tita Day with trusting eyes and still believe my stories about madamot kids never gaining friends ever, I would like to impart some words of wisdom, if you may even call it that. :D

•  Bullies are baduy.  They are also bano and epal.  It's NEVER cool to call people names like 'Nognog' 'Chubbylita' 'Pato' or whatever alias that offends them, or steal your classmates baon, or frighten younger kids into buying the latest issue of K-zone for you.  Before doing something to another person, put yourself in his or her shoes and think exactly how you would feel being called names and ordered to do things you do not like to do.  Sucks, right?  So what do we do with bullies?  After mo batukan ng isang matindi (errr), bully them!  Bully them with kindness, good deeds and gentle words.  Make them realize that there's no place for bullying in this world, only love.  Naks! :)
• Real gentlemen do not spit on the road.  Because it simply is disgusting.  Yuck!
• Find friends that are for all seasons.  As cliche as it sounds, true friends will be there for you not only during the happy times, moreso during the bad times.  Even through boring times when all you want to do is wear your pyjamas without ligo and watch telly, your true friends stick with you.  They cheer you for your wins, tell you when you are being stupid, keep your secrets safely and happily share their favorite cake slice with you.  They are one of life's most bongga gifts ever.  :)

  

  Dwayne likes helping (messing) while I cook.

• Never forget to say 'Thank you' and 'Sorry'.  People appreciate appreciation.  It feels sooo good to accomplish a good deed and be wholeheartedly thanked for it, right? :)  As essential as thanking people, is saying sorry.  Sometimes we can't help hurting people's feelings.  What's important is that we realize that we are wrong, we apologize and ask how we help to heal that hurt.  Then we never repeat doing that thing that hurt them.  It's not easy but it can be done. :)



Yuel thinks he's a girl. I think he's lovely.

• NEVER EVER DO DRUGS.  It will turn your brains to jelly.  
• It's okay to be different.  Do not worry about being different, about not liking what others like and not blending in.  Just think that God put an extra 'oomph' when He molded you, the reason why you are different from others.  SPECIAL.  Embrace who you are, love your flaws and be proud that you stand out.  It's perfectly okay not to be like anybody else, you are special and that makes you God's favorite. :)
• Never belittle a woman's intelligence.  Be it your mom, your teacher, or your girlfriend (not until you're 30, kids!).  Us women have this special talent called INTUITION.  We sense what mischief you are up to so never insult our intelligence by telling us lies and making all that palusot  because I'm telling you, kids, it will not work.  You will only get yourself in trouble if you dare try! (insert witch laughter here)
• Do not prick your pimples; it will scar! 
• Find time to read.  Lots of girls have written 7Bs or Books Before Boys Because Boys Bring Babies as motto in grade school slam books.  Why shall it be any different for boys?  With that, I'm recommending this new motto for boys, especially to my pamangkins. BBGBGOMP, short for Books Before Girls Because Girls Only Make Palibre  Hehe!  Cuteness fades, but not intelligence. :)  So young men, while you're still very young and penniless, instead of making pacute and wooing girls, date your books.  Read a lot and earn extra pogi points by being smart. :)
• You are who you think you are.  You can be what you think you can become.  You are a wonderful person and you have it in you to make your dreams your reality.  Now this may sound too complex for you at your young age.  We're keeping it simple with "Dream big, Study Well and Pray Hard" for now. :)

I don't really care if they heed my advice.  I just want them to grow up to be happy and God-fearing kids.  I pray that they'd gain the confidence to go after their dreams.  I hope they would value family and friends at all times and be respectful of everyone around them, especially women.  Whatever life has in store for these rascals, I wish they know that they can still always call on Tita Day for help and for a big power hug. :)

 

They're growing up so fast!

dining at Bawai's

My beautiful Mama turned 54 last week and I wanted to bring her somewhere nice, fresh and relaxing.  Tagaytay had always been our go-to city for special occasions but it's not like we have explored it so well.  So I did an in-depth research (online, of course!) and learned about this cozy place that garnered nothing but positive reviews.  My research brought us to BAWAI'S. :)

Bawai is Vietnamese for lola.  Aside from authentic delicious homemade Vietnamese dishes that they serve, I think what makes dining here a truly memorable experience is the place's very homey mood.  It is actually the residence of the couple, a Filipino man and a beautiful Vietnamese woman who met in Vietnam a few decades back, then decided to settle here in the Philippines.  I'm not doing a good job narrating their wonderful love story so please visit other blogs or better yet visit the place and let the couple tell the story themselves para may feelings and emotions! ;)  

The restaurant is open for only 3 days a week, from Friday to Sunday at 11AM to 2PM and 5PM to 8PM.  You have to make a reservation a few days before (I heard it's always full) and place your orders in advance.  Dishes are good for sharing of 2-3 people. 

And as to the food, the foooood, they are really oh-so-delish!  If you want to try fresh, savory and guilt-free dishes, Bawai's is the perfect place for you.  :)  

Bawai's House Salad - fresh coconut sprouts with herbs, glazed pork and steamed shrimps - P250

Goi Cuon - fresh caramelized pork and steamed shrimp roll - P195

Tom Rang Me - spicy tamarind prawns with chives - P395

This stood out for me as it's so super duper over yummy!  yes, ganyan ako mag-food review haha

Ca Nuong Xa Ot -grilled lemongrass dory fillet with cold mango salad - P385

Curry Ga - slow cooked chicken on curry base - P295

Pho Bo - traditional beef noodle soup with herbs and spices - P260

Bun Tom - sauteed prawns on dry noodles with fresh and pickled vegetables topped with roasted nuts - P235

Ban Da Lon - pandan and yellow mung bean rice cake - P35

Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen

Purok 5, Brgy. Bukal, Silang, Cavite (near Tagaytay)

0920-972-2924

info@bawaisgroup.com

Mraz-sessed ♥

Jason Mraz is one of my icons.  There!  I have been trying to explain that positive feeling I  had during his concert and went on all throughout the week.  And that about sums up the happy-giddy-hopeful-laidback-inspired feeling I got from Jason Mraz' concert - he is one of my icons and I got to witness again how awesome he is. 

I'm not sorry I did damage to my budget and would probably have to miss several meriendas.  That's more than okay!  I just can't NOT see him perform live again.  

My friend Allen was telling me before the concert started that she read somewhere about Jason saying he was not able to give his best during his last concert here in Manila less than 2 years ago.  I was like "Eh diba enjoy na enjoy na tayo 'nun?! Hindi pa 'yun best?!"  And that's when I became certain I'm in for another beautiful experience. :)  Plus he came clean-shaven and wearing shoes this time! :) (We didn't mind him dirty-looking and barefoot then.hehe)

Jason Mraz has a way with words that makes one acquainted with a wonderful soul within him.  With straigh-from-the-heart lyrics accompanied by rhythm so good, it makes me see the world through his eyes.  It's a world that is filled with beauty, hope, positivity, love, and music.  He makes songs about ordinary stuff and when he tells the world about it through his music, it somehow magically becomes extraordinary stuff.  For instance, he made a song about his lolo and it made me want to introduce the late Lolo Frank 'd fixer to my very own Lolo in heaven (and then they'd be close friends tapos mauuwi sa usapang arranged marriage ng mga apo nila - Jason and ehem, me of course!)  hihi ooops please excuse my imagination.  Seriously, I'm thinking how much I want to be friends with him.  Not because he's sikat and all that, but because I believe with all my heart that he is a gentle person.  He is an advocate of love and peace and that's an advocacy I completely understand.  I'm a fan of his music, and his writing but more than that, I'm a fan of his spirit.  He has an exceptional appreciation and understanding of things.  He sees problems, acknowledges them and believes something can be done.      

This fan is done gushing about her love for Jason Mraz, FOR NOW. haha.  It won't end, I promise you!  Lalo na now that I'm updating one item in my bucketlist to "be constantly awed by watching Jason Mraz perform live every chance I'd get."  

I saw this post in his blog day after the concert and it warmed my heart. 

Uploading concert vids when my internet connection no longer sucks! :)

I adore you, man. :) ♥ ☮

29 years and counting. . .

it's my parents' 29th year anniversary! yaaaay!  to me, this occasion is christmas day, valentine's day, new year's eve and all national holidays on earth, combined!  haha

it just makes me so thankful (and hopeful) that i've got parents who are reminders of a love so wonderful and a friendship so beautiful.

if next lifetime, God will make me choose among Brangelina, Carmina-Zoren and my parents, no brainer! my choice would always be Mina and Bien, my awesome parents. (then pray to High Heavens to have the other 2 couples for godparents). haha!

thank You, God. i will forever treasure these gifts :)

let's celebrate love!

every valentine's day that i'm single (which is since birth haha), i can't help but wonder "next year kaya, may ka-valentine's na ako?" yiiiiii arte lang! :)

it's so discriminating to say that valentine's is for the lovers out there only.  i won't buy it, i differ, i object!  bakit, sila lang ba ang may kakayahang magmahal?!! Chozz diba! ;)  so whether you are single, in a complicated relationship, a long-distance lover, or whatever! you have a heart which is capable of loving, in so many ways, i believe there's no reason for all of us not to enjoy Valentine's Day. :)
 
take your mom and dad out on a date.  have a videoke session with your other single pals.  walk your dog and give him the most bongga doggie treat ever.  have an intimate heart-to-heart with the best date for all seasons - God. :) 

CELEBRATE THE LOVE YOU HAVE!  doesn't matter where, when, how or with whom. just celebrate it! ♥♥♥