Stop and smell the flowers

Once upon a time, a guy friend gave me and another single lady flowers for valentines day back in 2013. I asked for tulips (not exactly a favorite but was just being random), she got stargazers. There was supposedly a trend for he gave another lady flowers before and she ended up being in a relationship sometime after. He is married but we sort of bully him that way. 

A year later, I was so over the heartache, I moved roles and got busy with travelling mostly for work that I was away for that week. He too was travelling frequently which didn't allow for as much gossiping as before. But when I got back, I saw a lone wilted rose at my desk with a note.

The gesture was much appreciated so as the note. I know a lot of my friends are just rooting for me and my happiness knowing what I've gone through which is not really much but they probably thought I deserve to be happy just as much.

A year later, I went digging through my stuff and found the note again. Coincidence or not, it still makes up for a good story.

For some reason, someone got me flowers not exactly on the day but I count them anyway. And some days after that, and some more days after that... And I ended up taking a leap and giving my heart to that someone. :) 🌹🌼💐🌸🌷😍😘❤️💓💞💘💋💌

Thank you friend and of course honey! :)

Relocation Diaries: Entry 1

So, it's been a couple of days since I've officially moved out of my parent's home. It took me many years but the catch would be I just not moved out, I moved several timezones away from home. Armed with two suitcases, I once again braved the unknown to step out of my comfort zone.

While stepping out of my comfort zone is nothing new and I know of its benefits and rewards, as always there is the struggle. I am not sure whether the struggle now is easier or harder than when I temporarily moved to Korea where mostly everything was provided but I couldn't communicate much and I was pretty much left on my own to figure things out without much Filipinos in sight. Or when I have to basically figure out most things on my own from the apartment to the car, etc. to get settled. While there is some sort of a Filipino community here that I know I can just seek assistance from, I still somehow feel isolated. Probably I unconsiously set some expectations and I don't feel the support and welcome right now. I know I can do this. I know I am strong and I'll get over this - that things will come together eventually but it's just awfully lonely and I wish I somehow feel some support and assistance.

You try to be there and be supportive, trying to sustain the emotions in the best way you can but right now I wish I can lean on someone more than anything. All part of the adjustment I guess.

James Morrison - Love Is Hard

And it kicks so hard,

It breaks your bones.

Cuts so deep

It hits your soul.

Tears your skin and

And makes your blood flow.

It's beter that you know,

That love is hard..



Love is hard, love is hard.



If it was easy,

It wouldn't mean nothing tough.

Gifts

They say it is better to give than to receive. Indeed, there is a sense of satisfaction and happiness when you get to share with family, friends and strangers through giving whether material or immaterial (like time) things. Beyond that, I was reminded that the joy in giving also lies on seeing your gift well appreciated. It is in spending time to look for a gift, hoping that the recipient will like them and then seeing the happiness and excitement afterwards by the recipient. Giving gifts is not just the monetary value but in the time, effort and thought that was put into it and having those well-received. I've forgotten this unfortunately because I've ended up having to buy generic gifts for friends and cash for family for the most part in the past years. It was to avoid the stress and to make it easier rather than "wasting" something on what they eventually don't need/like. I guess as we grow old, we tend to get picky or complicate things. Thanks to a friend's daughter who was so happy and contented with a simple gift of bubbles, I was reminded of this thought and feeling. Maybe that's why they say Christmas is also for kids. Give a kid anything wrapped in a package and it will paint a smile on their faces regardless of what's inside.

"Open Possibilities" - Jan. 3, 2015. PET bottles recycled and installed as dandelions. #CY365

Jeje

While on vacation in Seoul, my brother overheard a group of Filipinas speaking softly and referring to our group as jejes. I must say I got affected badly and it took a while before I got over it. I was pissed off for having been judged and I was concerned on my appearance straight away. Vanity got the better of me and the nasty judgement left me feeling insecure, unfortunately.

Then it got me thinking about the fact that being affected and feeling bad about the judgement also doesn't make me any different. I was feeling bad because I was also judging the so-called jejes. I wasn't any better at all and being unfair myself for wanting to be disassociated from the term, for being unwilling to be called as such. I have judged and labeled negatively as well. Thanks to this realization though, the mistake was acknowledged and it was easier to let go of the comment. So what if they thought we were jeje. Maybe we are, maybe we're not. To hell with the labels. This is who we are, what we want to wear, what we're willing to spend our money on and how much we can spend. No need to feel insecure. You are who you are. If we judge on the outside all the time then that's just being too shallow and superficial. 

Everland x3

It's funny that even though I've been to Everland thrice: first during spring, then autumn last 2012 and now winter 2014. I've only managed to try out three rides: T-express, Double Rock Spin and Rolling X-train. Tulips are featured during spring then roses in autumn but come winter it seems it's Christmas and all the lights/illumination. 

I chanced upon a way to get discounted tickets at around 28% cheaper for a day pass than the standard 20% discount for foreigners by presenting your passport at the information counter/ticket booth for foreigners. However, this required buying them at the cosmojin tour office in Seoul first. Unfortunately for us, we ended up being way behind schedule after our failed attempt to attend the midnight mass at the cathedral. We ended up having to visit everland almost close to 6pm. Everland sells afternoon tickets for around 38000 KRW (as of 12.25.2014) and I wasn't too sure if the foreigner discount can still apply to this afternoon rate.

Thanks to my curious sister we ended up with the same 30% discount for the evening pass, that is 27000 KRW each. To get this discount we just presented the korea grand sale 2015 coupon at the information counter and that was it. 

I'd say it's not bad at all in comparison to the 30,000 KRW entrance only. It's probably best to still raid the brochures/information desk in case of any deals from time to time. 

Anyway, Everland did extend the hours from 9pm to 10:30pm when we visited on Christmas day probably due to the throngs of couples that went to visit but we opted out. I decided to take the unconventional way going back to Seoul which was to board the 1500-2 bus, get off at AK plaza stop. Walk a few meters to the bus stop for buses 9401,9000,9001 and M4102 which makes a stop near to the Myeongdong cathedral at Seoul Paik Hospital Pyeonghwa Broadcasting Corporation. It's probably a longer route but lines are shorter and seats are more probable. I'm not sure how it would compare in terms of getting to Seohyeon via subway though. Probably something worth a try next time (but it would require 2-3 transfers and a bus ride just to get to Myeongdong).

'Old' friends

Reunited with a few of my really good friends from back in college during this weekend in KL. While many things have changed and many have stayed the same, one thing's for sure, we have grown up or turning into "adults". Here are some recollections, realizations and afterthoughts for this weekend:

- We are scattered around the globe that get togethers are harder to organize and have fewer attendance. Back in the days, we'd be spending summers and Christmases together.

- Those summers or Christmases usually were accompanied by alcohol. Not anymore.

- Finding an activity becomes limited to somewhat boring ones. What used to be anything goes will have to be carefully considered if everyone's up to it and if we are too old for those kind of things. For example, a game of laser tag or ice skating to pass one afternoon of. It has something to be out of the ordinary or unusual ex. Skating in Finland may still be something of interest. (Hi Cy!)

- An evening out usually involves minimal alcohol and at lounges at the most not clubs. It's more for social drinking and having a conversation over alcohol not for getting crazy/partying. It's still an option once in a blue moon maybe but not as much.

- Conversations with old friends are more relaxed and laid back. You can openly discuss your feelings without too much fear of being judged and you can expect them to be honest with you anyways.

- You start to look back on your past adventures and reminisce a lot. 

- You may drift apart in the future but these are the friends you are really fond of and would like to keep. :) 

Cheers! Until next time my dear friends!

Losing a passport

Never did it occur to me that I'd end up losing my passport at the airport. It's probably lucky that I realized that it went missing just some minutes or so and some distance away from where I would have lost it. You see, I realized it on the taxi on the way to the hotel and I definitely remember having it up until the immigration counter. There wasn't that many places to trace your steps and recall where you may have misplaced it.

I almost lost or thought I lost both my phone and camera back in Japan last August. Sure, it induced panic and a sense of loss on a personal level. Losing a passport was pretty much the same but it's not as easy to just try and let go. On the point of crying, you are prepared to take any steps to just try and recover it. For a drama queen like me, keeping my composure was tough. I travel alone many times for work and I may have gotten used to it so much I may have become complacent in some aspects already. However, with losing a passport you sort of lose your identity in the country you're visiting and you can't imagine not having one.

So apparently, when you do lose one, you have to file a police report. and then use that police report for checking-in temporarily until you visit your embassy so they can issue a temporary passport for you.. I'm not sure what would happen next after that as when I was just starting to draft the police report someone returned my passport at the information counter. Thank Goodness!!! Lucky day, even the police had to say so... I did ask them about the chances of recovering the passport (short of asking for the cctv footages). Guess the odds were in my favor... Thank you Lord!!

Autumn is love

When you live in a tropical country, spring and fall are a treat. Between the two, I favor autumn more than spring. The colors are just awesome. I probably will be in awe with spring should I get the chance to view the sakura in Japan... Hopefully... 

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus

And because I don't get to see autumn foliage this year, here's a few from a year and two ago back in Korea. Autumn is ❤️. 

Misadventure in Fussa

This picture just about sums up the stressful-turned-amusing misadventure after visiting my cousin and her family at the Yokota air base. On the way back to Tokyo, I realized my phone was missing. Good thing we were just a station away so we went back. However, I didn't have my cousin's number so we didn't know how to reach her. We decided to just take a cab to the base and maybe try to get them to page her. It was only until then that I realized that my camera was also missing. This time I left it inside the toilet of Fussa station. I was so frustrated because I just bought the camera on credit for the Tokyo trip. Checking the toilet it wasn't there anymore but I've heard of stories about the honesty of Japanese people so I was hopeful and optimistic. Of course, I was scolding myself for being so absent-minded and losing both my phone and camera. Now, I can attest to the honesty and efficiency of the Japanese. My camera was promptly returned to the station master and I was able to claim it within 15+ minutes that I left it. 

And so we only had the phone to worry about. Thankfully there was no taxi and I just thought to hang out in starbucks, use the wifi there with my mom's ipad to get in touch with my cousin. Unfortunately, you can't use their wifi straight away and you have to register somewhere else with wifi first. I was beginning to panic and feel desperate. Desperate that I was devising of a way to approach an American with his macbook to get me to use it for a while. And then, my mom decided to rummage her bag and surprise surprise my phone was inside! What a way to end our vacation!

As they say, misadventures and mishaps make for an even more memorable experience. :)

Surviving Summer in Tokyo

After so long I finally got to visit Tokyo. Although it was summer (which was definitely hot and humid therefore draining for all the sightseeing activities we did.) it was over the long weekend and in time for my birthday. Tokyo aside from being hot in summer was also expensive.

Here's how we survived on a budget:

1. Umbrella

Whether for the hot summer sun or for the drizzles, this came in handy. Of course, you can always buy one but daiso/donki may not be around when you find yourself in need of one.

2. Bottled water

My cousin emphasized how we should try to keep ourselves hydrated. We made sure that before leaving from the place we were staying we already have one. It doesn't last long though.

3. Shades

Protects your eyes and enhances your looks for those photo ops.

4. Sun block

UV protection

5. Fans

We didn't have one but there are quite a number that would give one away for free especially if you happen to be in an event. 

The ones from the souvenir shops are expensive as well so if you're really trying to maximize your budget, donki or daiso would be the way to go.

6. Sheds and trees

Thankfully Tokyo had quite a number of parks with benches that are shaded from the sun. Grab some tokyo banana and relax a little from all that walking and sightseeing.

7. Temples

The temples are very relaxing. The one in Hokokuji was also great to recharge us because the heat was really unbearable and draining. 

8. Plan your itinerary well.

Though taking pictures of Odaiba at night was difficult (I don't think I managed to take a decent picture.), it would have been challenging exploring around in the hot summer sun.

9. Proper clothes

Of course that goes without saying leave your sweater behind. 

10. Train naps

We usually end up getting sleepy and dozing a bit during the train rides when we do get the chance to sit down.

Auto Pilot

 Since moving roles within the company last year, I've been travelling a lot. Prior to that I would travel every three months back and forth between my home country and Seoul. This year alone I've made about 12 trips already or a minimum of one week out of the country every month. While I don't travel very far, these frequent overseas trips allowed me to learn a few things.

1. I don't need to show my passport and ticket to the guard at the NAIA terminal 1 entrance. If they ask, I just tell them which airline otherwise I'll just go straight past.

2. Keep everything in the bags for the first xray screening.

3. Sometimes the check-in lines get very long so this is a good time to check-in at foursquare (now swarm) and fill up the immigration departure card. I don't need to pay the travel tax otherwise I'd pay first before queing for check-in. Or if I'm not travelling alone I'd queue for check-in and ask someone else to pay to save time.

4. The terminal fee is PhP 550. There is a separate payment counter for OFWs.

5. I'd have my company id, invite letter or even certificate of employment ready for the immigration staff. I try to be as detailed with my occupation (matching my job title) as possible. Generic ones, ex. Engineer lead to more questioning. I know when I'm coming back, where I'm staying, what I'll be doing and the fact that I'm still locally employed. I can't blame the immigration officers for their questions but sometimes I do wish they'd recognize the fact that I always go back home given the numerous stamps.

6. In short, I've developed a system for departure and arrival airport processes. I do think I've become very efficient at it.

7. Packing for business trips are relatively easy. I've got my essentials at the ready.

8. Sewing kits from hotels are very handy for fashion emergencies. All those hotel laundry can take its toll on your business clothes.

9. My nationality or race is east asian (as I blogged separately already) depending on which country I'm in and as long as I keep my mouth shut.

10. Adapters are a must.

11. Countries who were occupied by the British are right-handed.

12. Pedestrians are given priority in first world/progressive countries.

13. Even if flying the same airline, and the same plane model, the landing can be smooth depending on the pilot and the weather. I do compare how smooth the landings are nowadays.

14. I'd rather sit near the aisle than the window for easier access to the toilet and getting off the plane.

15. I tighten the plane seatbelt and almost never take it off even when allowed to do so.

The recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of the airline industry to accidents and mishaps. The world has become smaller thanks to the internet and air travel. Moving in and out of places several thousands of miles apart are not a big deal anymore conSidering that airplanes have somehow reached a period of stability even in terms of safety. Honestly, many of us may have become complacent with our travelling and have taken for granted the safety procedures and all the like. While I still wouldn't shy away from plane rides (I've got three trips scheduled next month alone and two are via MAS though I'm negotiating the other one out of supersitition.), my last flight brought the following to mind:

16. While preparing for landing home, the pilot announced that he had to take a U-turn adding a bit of delay in our arrival. All of us on that plane were basically in the hands of that pilot. We have entrusted our lives to his judgement and skill, to the machine, the builders who made them, the maintenance crew who check them, the weather outside, the air traffic crew monitoring the air traffic. We have grown complacent to all these things. But in as much as we can entrust our lives like so, we should be able to do the same to Him. He should also be the pilot of our lives. We go about our ways everyday but between here and our final destination we should trust and be moved by Him.

Ramen Nagi!

This is more of just a shout out to Ramen Nagi! I'm not too much into Ramen although occasionally I would crave for one. So I would eat at random places which served them. There's only two places which served mainly just ramen that I've tried: Ajisen and the one in SAn Jose back in 2009 when a friend took me.. It was good but it wasn't really memorable. Either that or I prefer Viet/Korean/Chinese soup dishes more...

Until we decided to try Ramen Nagi in SM Aura last weekend. There was a line and we had to wait a few minutes to be seated even if it was a very late lunch for us at 3pm. After that first sip of the Original Ramen, I immediately realized what the fuss was about. That was probably the best I've tried so far!!! We weren't so adventurous as it was our first time so we just got the chef's recommendations.

My sister got the Red one and if you like korean spicy noodles, you'd like this one. I actually liked it but it's probably too spicy for me to eat a whole bowl.

Next time, I might try to vary the taste (ex. Richness, spicyness, etc.) a bit but to be honest I'm quite contented with the chef's recommendations. Their ramen is not available for take out so I guess you'd have to bear the line for now to have a taste.

Signages at Stilts

While the beach wasn't as great for swimming as compared to boracay where you'd have a long stretch of just pure powdery sand, Stilts Resort in Calatagan had a few nifty details which made it great for lazing around in a laidback and no-nonsense kind of way. I'd say it's still underutilized but it sometimes is good to enjoy these things at their simplest. For the basic level of course you'd have to rough it out but sometimes modernization and commercialization takes some from the whole experience. The signs with different quotes all over the resort piqued my interest the most probably to warrant this post. Of course, the cottages in stilts would be the highlight but it was fun reading some of the quotes and taking their pictures.

(I've used this line quite a number of times already...)

I especially like this last one too. Well said (creatively):

"I wanted a perfect ending... Now I've learned the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."

*all pictures taken by me using an iphone