Cebu

Trippin’ over: Sunset Lover by Petit Biscuit

So after months of planning, we finally had our first big getaway trip- CEBU invasion! Yey!! We were 11-person group so we opted to avail the tour package which is really advisable if you have a big group with you. The package includes itinerary of all the must-see in the place, the accommodation and the transportation. Although it is a little bit more expensive than planning your own trip, the real deal for us is that it is hassle-free; so we get to enjoy the trip. I am actually a over packer, so it is a must to make sure that your baggage is not overweight (which mine is unfortunately). I still have to learn how not to over pack 🙂

Unfortunately our flight was delayed due to aerial traffic and we landed around midnight so we were all tired and hungry and just slept for a couple of hours before the real fun started.

all on board. we are ready!

bye for now Manila 🙂

first attempt to eat lechon 🙂

on our way for our first adventure: swimming with the whale sharks! yey!

On our first day, we went to Moalboal to swim with the whale sharks. This activity was the most fun for me. Sadly, I do not have any decent pictures of the whale shark; but the experience was surreal. Going to this place took us around 3 hours from Cebu and the swimming with the shark only lasted for about 30 minutes or so; but nevertheless it was super fun! Afterwards we went to Tumilog Falls where I get to ride in a rented motorcycle (which was another yehey and fun for me). You have to remember the assigned number of the motorcycle so that when it is time to go back, the driver will just yell the number and you will just hop on. Because it is summer, the falls was a little bit muddy and the water was not that strong, but that did not stop us from camwhoring the whole time. We had our lunch in a little eatery around the place. During our first night we had a few drinks and lots of karaoke-singing. Of course we planned all our songs and basically called it the “moving on playlist”; which was of course dedicated to Don. After some drinks, hoarse voices, lots of laughter and well-spent coins, I think everybody had a fun first night.

at Tumilog Falls

On our second day, we went island-hopping. We went to Pescador Island to do snorkelling, swim with the school of sardine fish, interact with a pawikan. We also went to Sumilon sandbar. I honestly was a bit self-conscious with exposing my “rare” (ha!) body; but after some pushing (from my friends) and talking with myself, I decided to just enjoy the beach; which was we did. My friends and I had a lot of fun taking pictures, recording some videos and just laying in the sand. We also went to the Kawasan Falls where we bravedly hiked our way unprepared. The view was breathtaking despite the flock of tourists. I just want to emphasize that the hike was not fun; for a lazy girl like me, I rarely enjoy outdoor activities like that; but I also want to tell you that I pushed myself and even went to the third fall just so I can say I did it. Hooray for me!

For our third day we went to a city tour. The traffic at Cebu city was really bad. I have heard that it was like Manila traffic and it was THAT bad. I don’t know how the local government can improve it but I hope they will because the city has a lot of tourists and it’s kind of disappointing to be stuck on the road due to traffic.

 

 

On our last day we had the day as free time wherein we get to enjoy doing nothing but relax. We went out to buy some pasalubongs. Our flight going back to Manila was once again delayed; and I tell you– it was never fun to spend time in an airport. I got home around 1 or 2 in the morning-dead tired. 

When travelling with a group, you could help but be paired/partnered with someone. I was expecting someone to be my travel buddy for the trip, but expectations can definitely lead to disappointment. But I was really happy to get to know more and spend time with Micah. She was my buddy during the whole trip, my partner in taking good-angled pictures and my joking buddy. I guess expectations and disappointments can turn into surprises. I had an epic clean fun during the trip. I honestly had some inhibitions but I was really glad I went with this bunch. Like I said in the previous blog these bunch have been my friends since I started working and up to now they still are. We all enjoyed simple things in life and I think that made this trip a whole lot of fun and memorable. The jokes and laughter we shared during this entire vacay was out of this world. I guess the thing I missed most in my life is having friends whom I can laugh with and shared moments with. Nowadays it is hard for me to talk about the things I hide from others for fear that they might use it against me. I guess what I missed most is true friendship and I am grateful that I have found that in this crazy group.

 

beach-ing with my girls

Trippin’ over: Sandcastles by Adam Jensen and ToWonder

So this is actually an old post. This gig happened last month (I think??!!).

I rarely see these girls anymore. As much as I want to spend time with them, conflict between our schedules and some matters prevented me from seeing them as much as I want to. These girls were my first real friends at work. They are not only my co-workers, but my buddies through thick and thin. They were there when I no longer know who to trust, they stood beside me during the difficult times; they showed me what true friendship means. Recently, we planned a beach getaway. Although the place was not new for us, it did not hinder us from making new memories. Despite those times when we weren’t able to see each other, I realized that true friends overlook the missed dates, the forgotten events; but will always be there to keep my friend on the ground.

 

road trip!

 

I really like the road trip we had. The getaway was actually simple, no frills, and no extravagance. We were familiar with the place, we went first to the palengke to buy the things we need and we actually cooked our meals (well, actually they did, I was responsible for washing the dishes). I realized that even the simplest task, like walking in the shore late at night without drowning myself with alcohol; is actually fun when you get to enjoy the company you have. Sometimes I tend to get easily distracted with mundane things but this trip made me realized that sometimes I have to stop and take a breath. Sometimes I have to prioritize the real important stuff in my life. That sometimes, embarking with life’s journey is lonesome and I have to be with those who appreciate me. I will always be grateful for the friendship I had with these girls, and I wish for more trips with them. I can’t wait for our next getaway!

 

thank you laiya for the wonderful view and beach

 

 

dinner 🙂

 

can you guess what this is?

 

 

 

 

 

 

my mandatory selfie 🙂

 

 

because manong caretaker does not want us to go near the pool. boo!

 

 

 

a must-buy: kapeng barako! I swear these beans are very delish!!

 

our fave must-eat: lomi!!! *yum*

 

love you girls!! I can’t wait for next month!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WTF??!!

Trippin’ over: Angry Johnny by Poe

So i have been pretty bored lately and i don’t know what possessed me  but i decided to stalk the social media of my ex. You see, we broke up like effin’ years ago and i haven’t seen him like since forever. I just want to clarify that despite the messy break-up (we were young back then,and so i blame our naiveness), i don’t feel any bitterness nor any unreciprocated love for him. As i scroll his account, i realized that maybe i hunted him down just to see if he is doing okay. Although we no longer have any communication (his social media btw is open to public,that’s why i was able to see it). I DO wish him the best in life. At one point in my life, i shared to him my love and a part of me. At some point in my life he became the most important person in my life.

Do i regret having him in my life? No. I learned many things from him. The things and moments we shared will always have a special place in my heart. Maybe i do regret some of my decisions back then, but maybe things are really not meant to be between the two us.

The thing about past relationships, ex, failed love; despite all the messy breakups, unsolved conflicts; there will always be a connection. I honestly wish him the best in life because he deserves it. I wish him happiness and love because he deserves it.

First time solo-traveller

Trippin’ over: Stars by future generations, Test by Saro, The Ocean by Mike Perry, Easier by Mansionair, Whiteout by Warpaint, Outside by Tender, Stonecold by Machineheart, Loveless by Lo Moon, Answer by Phantogram, Waiting on the Summer by vhs collection, You only like me with the lights out by Avid Dancer, Into the Light by J. Views, No matter what by Little Monarch, I by Foreigh Fields, Lean by Blonder, California by The Lagoons, Get Low by James Vincent Mcmorrow, Temporary Love by The Brinks, Occlude by Nearly Oratorio, Horizon by Tycho and ILYSB by LANY

 

So as part of my bucket list, I want to travel alone. It’s not really because I have no one to go with, nor because I am a self-confessed introvert, or because I am lonely; I just really want to experience the hype of travelling all by myself. So I put on my big knickers and just went with the flow.

Thanks to the free roundtrip ticket my tito gave me I just got back from my Hong Kong trip which was really a short stint. It was actually my first ever solo trip so I felt every kind of emotions. The thing is I enjoy my family and friends’ company but then I have this nagging urge to take time to enjoy myself; to be okay with the concept of aloneness. Apart from being able to cross out few things in my bucket list, being away from work (even in a short period of time); I realized a few things I would like to share with you.

 

1. Plan… Plan… Plan ahead REAL hard

Hong Kong is actually near Manila. The flight just took me a little over 2 hours. So as a first time solo-traveller you really have to plan everything really hard. From the flight, your itinerary, budget, your accommodations, your mode of transportation; just about everything. I know this sounds very scary and exhausting but I had this little notebook where I put on every detail about my trip (and this helps). I searched the internet and followed various blogs. I read a lot of posts regarding solo travelling, watched videos about it and about the place where I intend to visit. I read different airport and airline policies (because it varies, believe me). I know this sounds a little OCD but it never hurts to plan every little detail because remember you are by yourself and you have no one other than yourself to rely on.

 

Hong Kong airport when I arrived. yey!

 

 

2. Know your budget

I tried scrounging up every available fund I have, I try to have a little bit more extra money for my trip. With regards to budgeting, I searched for fees I have to pay for every place I want to visit. I try to incorporate it with my existing budget. Is it worth seeing? Is it too expensive? Are there other alternatives wherein I could pay less and save? These are the constant questions I have as I try to select places I want to visit.

For someone with a limited budget like mine, I try to compare things ahead of time. When in a small budget try to find cheaper transportation alternatives. Like for instance, instead of me riding the airport terminal train (which gets you to the city for less than 30mins, but soo expensive), I opted to ride an airport bus which will take more travel time but is cheaper (less than half the expense of the airport train). I really don’t mind spending more minutes inside the bus since I get to enjoy the view and I’m not really in a hurry. Also I read that buying an octopus card (card that is prepaid and is used to pay for the city trains and buses and can also be used in some stores) and you can have a refund when it’s time to go home. Try to avoid riding cabs because not only are they expensive (like in most countries) it’s kinda unsafe for solo-travellers. Try to take transportations wherein there are a lot of other people who rides it; more likely those are cheaper and faster. There is also a place wherein I took a cable car; instead of paying for a roundtrip cable car fee, on the way home I took the bus. I also try to avoid going to the big restaurants because more likely I have to pay more for my food; instead I ate different street-foods and went to small locals-packed restaurants/eateries. One of the purpose of travelling is to get to know and experience the culture of the place where you visit, so try not to go to the fast-food chains; instead look for the restaurants where locals frequented; most likely the food there is great and cheap. There are ways in which you can stretch your budget. You just have to be creative.

 

double-deck bus from the airport (which is waayy cheaper than the airport train)

 

 

egglettes ( I think) this is a waffle-like street-food and it was yummy!

 

 

 

def delish street-food!

 

 

3. Set your own itinerary

Since my trip is not a package tour, I was able to set my own itinerary. I was able to choose the places where I want to visit and set my own time and pace. Since I only stayed at Hong Kong for a short period of time, I know I won’t be able to visit all the beautiful places it could offer. Instead, I try to list the places where previous bloggers rated the must-go-to places at Hong Kong. Also since I am in a limited budget, I try to go to the places where there is no entrance fees. I went to the Hong Kong Museum of History and I learned a lot (and it’s free!). I also went to see the Symphony of Lights in the Harbour (which I recommend). There are a lot of things a city can offer that is free from charge. Go to the city parks, take a walk there (I saw people practicing tai chi in the Kowloon Park, and it was awesome). Go and get lost in the city streets. I got lost and because of that I was able to find this small restaurant which serves a very yummy rice noodle soup. You don’t have to pack your day with a torturous itinerary and you don’t have to strictly follow it, remember you are travelling alone that means your time is your own, you can mix and alter your itinerary. Be flexible, whatever suits your mood go with it. Just make sure that you visit the places you really want to go.

the rice noodle soup I was raving about

 

 

Free entrance!

 

 

inside the museum

 

 

#fangirling

 

wong kar wai *sigh*

 

 

going to the avenue of the stars

 

 

4. Pesky children at airplanes

I am sorry that I have to include this, but this really sucks. On my way to Hong Kong I was very fortunate (insert sarcasm) to sit behind two toddlers. Even before the plane takes off, the two are arguing and crying. Ugh! So much for my peace on the plane. I don’t have anything against parents who takes their children for trips abroad, I actually applaud them for their effort. But the thing is, please try to talk and orient your children ahead of time. Please don’t allow and ignore your children who are arguing or crying thinking that they will eventually stop; they will probably stop when my eardrums are damaged. Well aside from the two distinct toddlers, other children in the plane are pretty tolerable. I think I was traumatized with those two that I want to scream to their dad and say “make your children stop!” (haha, I know bad me).

 

5. Meet new people

For this trip I stayed in a hostel which has a good review and is rated as one of the top hostels to stay (yes, I did my homework and researched thoroughly). I stayed in a dorm type room which accommodates 5 females. I was able to meet my roommates and spend some time with them. In the hostel where I stayed in, they schedule some activities wherein fellow travellers are welcomed to attend to. For my first night, I went with them to a cheap buffet and serves free unlimited beer. Well aside from the good food and free beer, this was a chance for me to meet and mingle with my other hostel mates. I was actually surprised that most backpackers are pretty friendly and accommodating. It was nice having to share a laugh and beer. Most of my hostel mates are Europeans and Westerners but there are some who are Asian, I was actually expecting to meet Filipinos in the hostel but I was surprised that I was the only Filipino who was staying there. The thing is, you have to be open-minded and willing enough to meet new people. I know for a fact that they won’t be my best friends but broadening your network of friends is not a bad thing.

my roommate Maryann

 

 

this place offers very delish dimsum 🙂

 

I rarely eat veggies but this time I ate A LOT!

 

 

6. It’s okay to ask

What is really hard for me during this travel is the fact that some locals do not know how to speak English. Although most of the people in the city are tourists, it’s hard to ask the locals especially when they cannot understand me. I got lost, I rode a wrong train, I went to the wrong station but I am not afraid to talk to strangers and ask questions. I admit, it’s not really my attitude to talk to strangers nor to ask for help; I am pretty proud; but when you are travelling solo, you have to swallow your pride and ask for help and directions if you have to. I realized that asking for help from strangers is not really a bad thing. I realized that despite being self-sufficient myself, sometimes you need other people. I think it takes a lot of courage to approach someone you do not know, strike a conversation and try to understand them and to give your gratitude.

ze famous chungking mansion..

 

 

I think this is the Hong Kong cultural centre

 

7. Always be alert. Keep your guard on

Since I travelled alone, I have no one other than myself to rely on. I am in a new place, I am a stranger in this city. I was fortunate enough not experience any kind of violence or crimes. One night, I went to the Ladies Temple Night Market and since I really like to walk around the neighbourhood, I actually got lost (again) in the streets. I go scared since it was late at night and there are only few locals who are walking in those streets. So another thing I would like to share to you is that to try to walk in crowded streets especially at night. And due to my shortcomings, my wallet got lost. Yes, my money and wallet got lost; I don’t know exactly when or where but it got lost. Good thing I kept all my important documents like ids and passports in my other purse. This experience taught me a lot of things, one is to always be alert. I don’t know if someone pickpocket me  or I just really lost it, but all the blame is basically on me. So to those solo-travellers, please, I mean please be careful.

 

one of those streets which I got lost

 

 

street art!

 

8. Take care of yourself

One of my misfortunes during this trip was I had my migraine episode. I had this really awful headache that despite taking all the pain relievers I brought in, it gave me no comfort. Since I was travelling alone, I have no one who can take care of me. During those times, I was feeling depressed since I have no one. But I have to grow up and I decided to but more pain relievers at a pharmacy nearby. I forced myself to get up from my bed, eat a little so I could take those medicines. Be prepared for unexpected circumstances and take care of yourself.

9. Do your thing at your own pace

As I’ve written earlier you own your time. You could set your own pace. You may or you not follow your own itinerary. Because I got sick, I have to rest in my hostel room for some time and I have to reschedule my visit to some tourist spots the next day. I was fortunate enough to be okay the next day, so I went to visit the places I want to go. The thing with solo-travellers is that you can be flexible with your schedule and just be attuned with your own needs and wants.

 

 

 

my ferry ride

 

 

10. It’s okay to be alone

At first I thought travelling alone was pathetic and lonesome. Because of this trip I realized that it is okay to be alone. It is okay if I need to spend some time with myself. Being alone does not equate with being lonely. I found joy in exploring new places by my own. I don’t mind getting lost by myself and eating at a restaurant by myself. I think we have this notion that because I am single that means I am lonely. I realized that I have to build first a good relationship with myself before anything else.

cable car ride

 

 

 

 

 

11. Learn more about yourself and love yourself more

Because of this trip I have learned things about myself. this may sound cliché but it is true. I learned that I am not really lonely, I just enjoy being along. I learned that I am more independent and self-sufficient than I give myself credit for. I learned that it is okay to enjoy things by myself but it does not mean that I am selfish. I learned to be more attuned with my body and guts, and to listen to myself more. I learned to appreciate myself more and to be grateful with the things I have. I really enjoyed my first solo-trip. will I do it again? I think so. I hope I can plan real soon where I want to go to next 😉

 

beautiful ceiling of Hong Kong airport

 

 

 

i am a nurse

Trippin’ over: Cool Girl by Tove Lo

I am a nurse. I have been one since I passed the licensure exam last 2007. I have been practicing my profession for more than 6 years. Quite long?! Some would say it is, for others it may seem like I am still just starting. Sometimes, I feel like I have aged because of my career, other times I feel like a young kid in this adult world.

When I was still young, I used to dream of becoming a doctor. I would dream of wearing the glamorous white coat with a shiny stethoscope around my neck, scribbling down in a prescription pad. I would dream of walking around the halls of a hospital with residents and fellows following me around. But circumstances changed and I ended up as a nurse. I still got my dream of working in a hospital (and I have this fascination with the sterile eerie feel and disinfectant smell of hospitals). The course of my life may be different from what I envisioned when I was still young, but I have a few realizations after practicing my career for quite some time.

for me, nurses are the unsung heroes of the hospital. we are the soldiers who are in the frontline, ready to  fight for the patient. Nurses are advocate and defenders of the patients, though some patients sees us as enemy. We are given little credit for all the things we do, yet we would gladly do it all over again; because we are nurses.
Here is the list of my rants and raves as a nurse. Enjoy!

1. Nurses are not doctors’ maids. Yes, I repeat, we are not maids of the doctors. I do respect the years the doctors spent cultivating all the knowledge they have, and the years they spent studying. I know they are only human; I know they also get irritated, tired and sleepy. I give my outmost respect to those doctors who respect and appreciate nurses. Yes, we may not be as knowledgeable as you, we may not know things that you know; but we are not your maids. Do not expect that for every change of dressing that you do, you could just leave all the mess you used. Please, have some decency to throw those trash you’ve used into the bin; it is just near you. The sharps that you used, please, have some decency to throw it properly, some of us might get pricked. Do not expect us to follow all your orders blindly. I know that you know a lot of things, but we have the right to question your decisions if we deemed that it will be harmful to our patients. We do not just follow all your orders; we also think of the rationale behind them and I think we have the right to question your judgement if we deem that you may be wrong. We respect doctors but you also have to respect us. I believe that we are a team who wants only the best for our patients, and with that please try not to bark orders as if we are your slaves and we will not be rude to you. respect us, and we will respect you.

2. Sometimes we are drained.  Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually drained.  I work a 12-hour shift. Most of the times I do not go home immediately after my shift ends. Those hours I spent after my shift are unpaid. Those hours are my sacrifices for the profession I chose. My duty does not stop once my 12-hour shift ended, I still have to endorse my patients to the incoming shift, I still have to make sure that my patient is okay, carry-out and facilitate the orders made by the doctors, and I still have to document all the things that happened during my duty.

   Physically most of the time we are abused. Sometimes I did not even peed for 12hours just because I have to do so many things. The lunch I am entitled to have? I ate my lunch at 5pm while checking the charts. Physically, nursing can be really exhausting and sometimes people do not see the sacrifices we do in order to make sure that our patients receive outmost care. Sometimes, patients or even relatives harass us. Sometimes they get mad at us for things we have no control of. The linens are not changed immediately? I am sorry but it is the housekeeping job to change it, and I still have 20 other patients to attend to. The bill was not yet finalize? I am sorry but I already closed your account an hour ago, forgive me if the billing section has not yet finalized your bill. Nurses are the front-liner in the hospital; every queries and complains of the patients are thrown at us. Sometimes despite all the efforts we do, despite all the care we rendered, some may not see it as enough.

3. The pay is never enough. I am lucky to be employed in a good company. I am lucky that the compensation is slightly higher than those who work in private hospitals. I consider myself lucky but the pay is not enough to ensure that I have sufficient savings for my future. It is not enough for me to start a family. It is not enough to make sure that I could live comfortably in the future. It saddens me that most nurses here opted to work in other countries. They preferred to work far from their family because the compensation for nurses abroad is so much higher than working here. I admire those who endure being far from their loved ones, just so they could give a brighter future for their family. I hope there will come a time that nurses will no longer need to work in another countries and leave their family behind.

4. We do not spend our time just writing. I once overheard a patient’s relative say that all nurses do is write in the chart. I was so pissed that I spoke and replied that documenting was one of our least priority. Some may not know that charting is the last thing that we do. Yes, we write stuff in the chart because we have to document all the events that happened in our shift. Yes, we scribble in the chart because we carry-out all the orders of the doctors and we have tons of forms to fill-up. We do not spend the majority of our shift just sitting down and writing. Documentation often times are the last thing that we do. We prioritize patient care first and ourselves last.

5. We miss our family. For the past 6 years I spent 4 new year’s eve and new year’s day at the hospital. This year I would spend christmas’ eve and Christmas day at the hospital. We work during the holidays. We go to work despite the storms and floods. Most of the time we miss spending holidays with our families. Sometimes travelling and vacation is not an option for us. Sometimes we even spend our birthdays at work. Most of the time, we rarely see our families because we go home late and we wake up in the wee hours of the day. For me my day-offs are carefully planned to spend time with my family and friends. During holidays when we have to work, we try to bring the festive season at work. We try to make our holiday duties a little happier and try not to think of our families.

   

6. New experiences and learnings. Every time I go to work I learn something new. I am fortunate that I am employed in a company who gives importance in making sure that its employees continuously learn, by giving free seminars. I would like say that every day is a new learning experience for me to hone me to become a better nurse.

7. The smile of patients and relatives are more than enough. Despite all the sacrifices we do, despite not being able to eat for 12 hours, one grateful smile from the patient is more enough for me. It still melts my heart whenever a patient or a relative appreciates all the efforts I made. Those grateful smiles and unspoken gratitude given by the patients are more than enough payment for all the sacrifices I made. The happiness and contentment I feel whenever I made a little difference for my patients is what makes me stay and in this career.

8. Friends. I am very fortunate to find rare crazy friends in this crazy world. I think we grew close not only because we like the same things, but because we appreciate one another. Friends for me, are those who always have your back, who walks beside you in just about every time, whom you can share your life and will still accept you despite all your flaws. I call my work friends playmates because despite the heavy workload, the toxic duties, working with them seems to help me view things a little brighter, it makes my work more fun.

   

 

Despite the long hours, the abuse, the toxic duty and heavy workload; I am glad I am a nurse. For me, nursing is not only a profession I chose but  a conscious effort to help make a difference in this world.  So for me, nurses rock!

 

Hello stranger

Trippin’ over: bitter sweet symphony by the verve

So I have a secret. This dirty little secret that is slowly consuming me. Yes, my heart feels like it would burst any second and it beats twice as fast. And all because of this secret.

Hey stranger, i like you. I like you a lot. And yes, that is my secret.

I ws surprised to hear from you. Never would I thought that you would initiate this “friendship”. It still baffles me that whatever this relationship we share started as funny as it began and grew wonderful as it can ever be.

We are the opposite of one another. You are gorgeous, I am ordinary. You are sexy and I am not. You party a lot while I like to stay at home and read. But the crazy thing is, despite all that, you have found your way into my heart.

You make me smile and laugh, you lighten up my day, you make me look forward to the time when I get to talk to you again. And yet you frighten me. You scares me on how fast I fall for you. It terrifies me thinking about the unknown future. You make me doubt my defenses, you slowly destroy the walls I built to protect myself from pain.

Yes, I like you. A lot. I finally have the courage to acknowledge it. I’m trying to guard my heart but you give me hope that maybe, that maybe this might work.

The future for us holds infinite twists and different endings but I’m scared to be swept away only to be hurt in the end. I’m trying to live and appreciate every moment with you while trying not to think of what might happen tomorrow.

Hello stranger. I like you. I like you a lot. And thank you for liking me too.

bon voyage

Trippin’ over: Girl on fire by alicia keys

I rarely make friends with girls. Most of my friends are either gays, lesbians or boys. Do not mistake me for being gender-confused because i am not. I just have higher tolerance with the said groups and it was not really intentional. I now have this all female group of friends. Surprisingly, they are fun to be with; and to work with. Yes, they are my work-mates, and yes, they are all girls. Ha! We are five in the group,each with different personalities and each have each other’s back.

The it girls.. I mean the not-so-mean girls 🙂

But for now, let me give credit to just one character in the group (and maybe i will have future entries for each of them).

Ma’m khing (that’s what i call her) will embark into a new adventure. She will now face the OFW world. It saddens me that we will be apart but at the same time i’m really happy for her new adventure. I remember when i was new at ICU. I can vividly recall who are those who gave me smile, who helped me and who encouraged me. And she was one of them. I used to think that we would not really get along. Come to think of it; she is so girly who likes make-ups, a person who is very frank and strict. But one’s initial perception can be wrong. And i was so wrong. I can not remember when and how we became close; but i will always remember all the times she helped me, she taught me, the moments we shared and the friendship we have. I used to feel scared everytime I go to work, but knowing that she’s there, the scary feeling often diminishes and that i feel safe.

You have taught me a lot of things, and being true to one’s self is one of them. You were always there to listen to all my rants and raves, to share all my accomplishments and failures. You always encouraged me to dream bigger but to keep my feet grounded. For all those things, and for everything; i am extremely grateful.

I have to admit that i envy her. She has the guts to pursue her dreams, she has the drive to make all her dreams come true. I really admire her.

I know you’re scared and excited; and it’s okay to be. I know we will be apart and that you will be far from your loved ones but never lose sight from your dreams. I know that you can face all the challenges with a smile. Thank you for the friendship and for all the love you gave me. I will always be here for you. Distance will never stop me from being you friend. I love you always. Take care always. Bon voyage! I think this is the time when other people can have the experience how great it is to have a friend like you. Rock on girl!

my fave foreign films

Trippin’over: bohemian rhapsody by Queen

So i was gifted with 4 days off from work which is super rare in my profession (which i am a nurse btw). So apart from meeting up with some of my friends, i have been re-watching some of my fave foreign films. I was surprised to discover that even though i have watched it before (some more than twice for that matter); these films still ellicited the same emotions i had when i first saw it–and that these films either made me cry, made me sad and happy at the same time. This may sound clichè; but these touched my soul and that these films will always have a special place in my heart. Please forgive me for this long post. I was not aware that it is THIS long.

Some in the list are from the same director (which is wong kar wai) and by that you may have guessed that he’s one of my fave. I really can’t pinpoint the thing i love about him as a director and writer. As i think about it, maybe it’s the rawness his films bring and the limited lines each actor say that makes me think and makes me feel more. I really don’t know but what i am certain is that i REALLY rave his films.

Another thing you may notice is that, some of the films listed here have the same actor(which is tony leung). And yes i REALLY love this actor. Who wouldn’t??!! It’s his eyes that speaks those unsaid lines,his face that spoke thousands of emotions. He may have a beautiful face but what i really like about him is the mysteriousness he brings onscreen and the unsaid emotions that makes me want to hug him and tell him that “hush, everything will be okay love”. So i maybe a fantard,so sue me! Ha!

So here is the list of my fave foreign films:

1. Happy together by wong kar wai, 1997

This makes me cry each time. Yes, this breaks my heart every time i watch it. It has always been my dream to live and work in a foreign land. A bonus if you have someone whom you love to share this. This film exposes you to the real struggles of life and of gay marriage. I know life is never easy (who says otherwise??!) But we all root for happy endings. Most of the american films feed us that there is a happy ending; but in real life, we must struggle to have one. Although the film has limited lines, the emotions that each scene expresses speaks directly in my heart. I was never been the same the first time i watched it. It took me a month to finally realized that “hey, it’s just a film”. It took me some time to tell my heart “you are already broken, but it will be okay”. I have this habit that when something deeply touched me (whether it’s a film, a book or experience) it takes me some time to get over it and embrace what i feel. This film bares me until i am raw with all my emotions. Despite making me sad, it made me smile in the end and made me think that although there may not be a happy ending for everyone, we always can hope.

The infamous dance

*sigh*

Ze lamp

*sigh* he’s so beautiful *sigh*

Fave Quotes:

● “Turns out that lonely people are all the same”

● “Lai Yiu-Fai….we could start over”

2. Chung king express by wong kai wai, 1994

Oh, what a wonderful sight to see the young Tony Leung! *sigh* it’s actually a relief to watch this film after happy together. This film is not as heavy as the former but it still has the same impact. Who doesn’t hope to find love, who doesn’t wish to be loved? I read a comment wherein a random guy says that it would be nice to have a gf who sneaks into his place to clean and unknowingly brings stuff to remember her. It’s actually sweet but then creepy at the same time. When Tony Leung tells Faye Wong that those things she brought to his place was from his exgirlfriend, i want to punch him in the face for being stupid. Ha! But love i would never do that to you.

Two drunk strangers

My dream cop *sigh*

This scene makes me smile like a high-school girl

And they fell asleep together

Fave Quotes:

● “So where do you want to go?”
“Wherever you want to take me”

● “The body loses water when you jog, so you have none left for tears.”

3. In the mood for love by wong kai wai, 2000

The dresses of Mrs. Chan is to die for! The sleek-hair of Tony Leung makes my mouth drool. Despite the ugliness of the place or environment, despite the ironic circumstance they are put into, the connection is real. It makes me wonder; if they pursue their relationship for more than what it is, will it be justified? Can it be labeled as true and right when it was started from wrong? In this film, loneliness has a new facadè and sometimes feelings really crawls behind you until you are caught unaware that it finally consumed you. But despite this, i admire the two main characters for their conscious effort to be different from their spouses. Yes, it will be easy to embrace one’s feelings but one must be responsible for his/her actions.

This scene is really cool..and ironic

I think wong kar wai has a thing for taxi shots

*sigh* (again..and again..and again)

Fave Quotes:

● “Feelings can creep up just like that. I thought i was in control.”

● “They went up a mountain, found a tree, carved a hole in it and ehispered the secret into the hole. Then they covered it with mud. And leave the secret there forever.”

4. Lust, Caution by Ang Lee, 2007

Lust, caution. Lust and caution. Lust or caution. These words envelope the entire film. It is highly sexual but with the fear of the unknown. You can feel the struggles of each character, and the chemistry they have. It’s one of Tony Leung’s films that makes me want to hug him tightly (me and my unsolicited hugs). The thing about old-era movies is that you gets a glimpse of past lives that were not taught at school or very unlikely to be read in history books. With political dilemma, the search for comfort seems to be found in the enemy but even the so-called enemy has its own struggles. Mind you, the scenes are artistically crafted making even the sex-scenes filled with unsaid feelings.

Ze poster

* swoon*

The chemistry..

Fave Quotes:

● “He knows better than anyone the extent of pretending. He not only invades my body, buy my heart. Only if I faithfully stay in this role can i burrow into his heart. He makes me bleed and cry everytime, only then will he be satisfied, only then will he feel alive in the dark. Only he knows that it is real.”

5. Cinema Paradiso by Guiseppe Tornatore, 1988

The story is about an unlikely friendship between a young boy and the movie theatre’s projectionist. There are plenty of flashbacks and nostalgic feel. Cinema Paradiso represents the old society as well as what we have in the present time. There will always be critics, the pessismists; but the real challenge is finding one’s passion even when faced with hindrances. The story makes me believe in dreams, in friendship, in memories and impact of one human being to another. It goes to say that dreams do come true if the passion is there.

Fave Quote:

*my fave quote is the story between the princess and the soldier. The story is kinda long, so i did not put it here.*

6. Y Tu Mama Tambien by Alfonso Cuaron, 2001

Beach. Roadtrips. New experiences. As a woman, we are forced by norm to smile irregardless of what we truly feel. We are taught that embracing our sexuality is very unlady-like. The truth is, adults are idolized by the children, and they mirror what the adults do. It just saddens me that one experimental night could lead to a broken frienship. Maybe there is truth in that part. A sad truth. But anyway the funny part of this movie is when the female character tries to teach the two teens on how to pleasure a woman. Maybe males should learn from this movie 🙂

Long drive and long convos.

The controversial dance

The beach

Fave Quote:

● “Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the sea.”

7. Three Colors: Blue by Krzysztof Kieslowski, 1993

How could one cope when your husband and only child dies? How can one’s life goes on? This is the question that haunts me the entire time i watched this film. Death is inevitable, but grief is real. The struggle to live after losing your family is the main focus of this film. I can feel the struggle of the main character. The unanswered questions, the challenge to live each day without them. Grief is something we rarely talk about, but it should be something we should all be prepared. But can we be prepared at all?

This scene breaks my heart, when she cries only when submerged in the pool.

Fave Quote:

● “Now I have only one thing left to do: nothing. I don’t want any belongings, any memories. No friends, no love. Those are all traps.”

8. Three Colors: Red by Krzysztof Kieslowski, 1994

Another unlikely friendship is formed from a former judge and aspiring model. The former who spies and listens to his neighbors phone calls. The thing about old age and loneliness is that, we rarely talk about it; assuming that it is inevitable, but we ten to overlook the elderly and their petty problems. If one’s action is socially immoral but the reasons for those is humane; will it be justified? When we grow old, will we look at our lives with a smile or with regret?

Her famous billboard ad

The judge and her

Fave Quotes:

● “I want nothing.”
“Then stop breathing.”
“Good idea.”

● “If I had to go to court..are there still judges like you?”
“You won’t go to court. Justice doesn’t deal with innocent.”

7. Amelie by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001

Set in Paris. A beautiful parisenne. A beautiful cinematography. The unending play of lights and colors. This is a feel-good movie minus all the cheesiness and crap. It reminds us of the innate kindness of humans, the ethereal hope and happy endings. Despite ironic circumstances, a person can choose to be good or bad; a person can hope or lose it; to believe in love or do something to make the his/her happy ending real.

Fave Quotes:

● “So my little Amelie, you don’t have bones of glass. You can take life’s knocks. If you let this chance pass, eventually, your heart will become as dry and brittle as my skeleton.”

● “Without you, today’s emotions would be the scurf of yesterday.”

8. Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni 1997

The first time i watched this, the tears were unstoppable. There is a soft spot for me for films featuring unconditional love of a father. This film makes me terribly miss my papa, and makes me smile and be grateful to have a papa like him. The thing is we are all responsible on how we perceive and accept the challenges we face. We can either make the most of what little we have, whine, or still be grateful. The life we face everyday will always depend on how we handle our so-called life.

*sniff*

Fave Quote:

● “What kind of place is this? It’s beautiful. Pigeons fly, women fall from the sky! I’m moving here!”

So i hope i did not bore you. I hope you had fun reading my raves. I still have a long list of films i want to watch. The list seems to be always adding something. Until the next tearjerker or a feel-good movie 🙂

PS: The pics and quotes are from the web.

The girl with the specs

Trippin’ over: bette davis eyes by kim carnes

When i was a little i would put my mom’s glasses and wear it while reading. Since it has prescribed lens, after a few hours i would get dizzy and lightheaded from wearing it. Yeah, rebel me. I used to think having glasses were cool (and i still do!).  I used to admire my mom while she was wearing one, thinking that glasses makes her look cool and smart (and she really is). Back when i was a child i would always ask her to have my eyes checked in hopes that i would be required to wear glasses. Little did i know that eventually my wish will come true.

Yes, i now wear one.  I was really prescribed to wear glasses and the opthalmologist said that if i wear it for three months, my eyes will not worsen. But i was indeed a rebel and
i did not listen to what the good doctor said; thinking that glasses are just hassle in life. Recently i visited the good doctor was shocked to receive the news that my eyes did worsen. So who is to blame? Of course the rebel me. Ha! So i vowed to wear it at all times in hope that somehow i could save my eyes for my future.

I was not really feeling anything strange. Previously, i would just wear it when i drive at night thinking that way i could see clearly. When i had my eye checked recently and started to wear it again (with a higher lens grade) the first thing i said was: “omg!Everything is clear! It’s like having a HD vision.”

Here are the list of my realizations to when i decided to be a good girl and start wearing my specs.

1. Cool. Glasses are cool. Yes they are. You get to see things more clearly. You get to have a clearer vision to appreciate things. You get to have more defined details of things than just blurred outlines . Most of all you get to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

 

2. Fashionable. Imagine trying different frames and designs  to match your face and attiude. It’s like harry potter picking out his wand that will help him defeat voldermont. There are so many choices, you could even have a glasses fashion week; different frames to wear every week! Sadly, my desire to have a glasses fashion week and my financial status did not agree with each other. But trying to decide what frame to choice? It’s feels like the kid in me was at the candy store. I felt like a had a glassesgasm (if there is). Will i pick out the large ones? The quirky one with the red frame? Does the square thing suits me? The options are endless, luckily the husband of the doctor helped me picked out the right frame. If he did not help me, i would think i will have to spend the night at the clinic trying out all the glasses.

3. For safety. I don’t drive at night without wearing glasses. I easily get distracted and blind when there are bright lights and with glasses, i can see things more clearly. Being a nurse, wearing specs minimizes the risk for medication variance. I could easily spot if the medicine or the dose is incorrect and i can clearly read the physician’s order. With my chosen profession, safety must be put in the outmost priority and if wearing glasses ensure that i give that safety to my patients; then i will proudly wear my specs. Also it protects me from unexpected splashes of bodily fluids. I had this one incident wherein i was removing an iv line from a patient and his blood splashed at me. Lucky me, i was wearing my glasses so the blood splattered at the lens. If i did not wear one? I would probably be having my blood tests done to rule out any kind of blood-transmitted diseases–which is a super inconvenient and dangerous.

4. Sign of aging. Yes it may be a sign that i am not getting any younger, the endless reading is putting a toll in my eyes. But despite wearing it as a sign of aging, i would like to think that it also signifies that i am taking care of myself as i age. Before i don’t really care if the things i see are kind of blurry, but now i made a decision to take care of my eyes and to not be contented with blurred visions when i could have a high-definition sight.

I promised myself that i will wear my specs in hope that my vision will not worsen in the future. Sometimes though i still feel like wearing one is a hindrance but i just have to remind myself of the things i enumerated above whenever i feel lazy wearing one. I realized that my dream to wear one came true, although it’s not really for aesthetic purposes that i wear one, but i’m really glad that i see things clearer.

 

That thing called crush

Trippin’ over: collide by howie day

You just winked..
You just winked at me..sigh!

It’s when we have those little talks that makes my day. Its when you smile that makes my day whole. Its when you wink at me that makes my heart do this little flutter thing. This is what i call stupid crush.

Somehow along the way, your presence brightens my day and despite not trying to be giddly about you, i realized just too late: i have this stupid crush at you.

I know this is just a make-believe, i know the stupid talks we had are just random thoughts; but stupid me for thinking that there could be more.

You just winked at me..and my stupid heart will never be able to distinguish the make-believe from real.

And so i will bid my sad farewell for you and for my stupid crush. Maybe along the way, our right time will come; and maybe it was just not meant to be. But i thank you for making my heart feel young, for making me smile, for making me unreasonably jealous for just about nothing. But most of all thank you for this stupid crush that makes me believe that there is still a chance for my heart to beat again.