1. Batanes island
Who cares if the island only has electricity for a limited n umber of hours during the day? Well...err... I do... but I think the breathtaking scenery will more than make up for the discomforts.
2. Sagada
If the road to Sagada from Baguio was better constructed, I think my dad would've taken us there a long time ago. Hopefully, by the time Justin is old enough to travel, the Philippine Department of Tourism would have addressed that problem already.
3. Donsol, Sorsogon
Why else -- to swim with the butanding.
4. Albay, Bicol
To see the Mayon volcano...and eat the pili nuts!
5. Pagudpod beach
A couple of summers ago, I went with Eric and his friends to La Union for a vacation. A couple of us came back to Manila after a few days (presumably because we had work the next day), but the others journeyed on to Pagudpod. Looking back, I should've stayed with them, because it's not everyday you get the chance to travel that far, not to mention with that good a company.
6. Amanpulo (or any of the beaches of Palawan
Okay, so it's probably cheaper to travel to the US. I'll settle for El Nido, or Lagen Island.
7. still in Palawan -- the Calaiuit Wildlife Sanctuary
I'm fascinated by zoos and wild animals. Never mind if the Clauit sanctuary was built by Marcos so that Bongbong could go on a safari without having to leave the Philippines; at least it's still well-maintained up to today.
8. Bantayan Island
The only place in the Philippines where the people are allowed to eat meat on a Good Friday, through a special permit given by the Vatican, no less. This was because when the Spaniards came, they taught the people from Bantayan Island that Holy Week is a time when all people -- even fishermen -- were required to stay home and pray. Because there was no fish to eat, the Vatican allowed the islanders to eat meat, something carried on up to this day.
It's also a pristine place, much like Batanes.
9. Bohol
For the Chocolate Hills. And the amazing beaches. And so that I can look daggers at ignorant tourists who still insist on touching the tarsiers.
10. Tubbataha Reef, Sulu
But I think I'll need to learn how to dive first.
Hay... this list depresses me...
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Pillow fights
I know one of the cardinal rules for a healthy relationship is to never go to sleep while still angry at your partner.
Eric and I have tried to maintain that rule since we first got together, but I have to admit that twice recently, we broke it.
The first was because I was just too upset to even think about talking to him at all.
And the second was because the cause of the argument took place exactly at bedtime, and by then I was too sleepy to talk about it or hear his apology (which, to be fair, he readily gave).
But I guess the important thing is on those two occasions, we made up the very next morning. And that (so far) we're not like other couple-friends we know who fight and don't talk to each other for days, even weeks (sila pa ba pag ganun??!?) on end.
Eric and I have tried to maintain that rule since we first got together, but I have to admit that twice recently, we broke it.
The first was because I was just too upset to even think about talking to him at all.
And the second was because the cause of the argument took place exactly at bedtime, and by then I was too sleepy to talk about it or hear his apology (which, to be fair, he readily gave).
But I guess the important thing is on those two occasions, we made up the very next morning. And that (so far) we're not like other couple-friends we know who fight and don't talk to each other for days, even weeks (sila pa ba pag ganun??!?) on end.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Restaurant review: Sumo Sam's
Eric and I ate at Sumo Sam's (6/F Shangri-La Plaza Mall) for dinner yesterday.
Today, we both experienced major diarrhea.
End of review.
Today, we both experienced major diarrhea.
End of review.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Too hot to handle
It's so hot these days that I'm thinking twice about taking up Eric's offer to vacation in Singapore. Isn't Singapore just as hot as Manila, if not more?
Power staff
I'm in love with Powerbooks staff. Even the girls. They're so helpful, I think the country definitely prosper if Powerbooks people were the ones in charge.
A few weeks ago I was at their Greenbelt branch, buying books for my godson. A couple of the books I chose were part of a series... some of the volumes were nicely wrapped in plastic, while the others' plastic were already torn. I asked the saleslady of they had new copies in stock that were completely wrapped in plastic and when she went to check, she told me they didn't anymore, but that if I was willing to wait, she'd take the books out back and wrap them anew. Nice, 'no? National Bookstore staff would've probably just told me, "Ma'am, wala na, last copy na po yun," and let me be.
And then today, I was at Powerbooks' Shangri-La branch, looking for a locally published book. Usually, I look for books on my own but the branch's Filipinana section was crammed, and eventually I got dizzy from searching through all the thin paperbacks. So I went to their Customer Service Center, where the girl checked the computer and found out there was still one copy of the book left. She went to look for it while I browsed the other sections. I think it must've been 20 minutes before she returned, successfully, book in hand. Other salespersons would've probably just given up after five minutes and told me the book was unavailable.
National Bookstore staff, ahem, should take lessons.
A few weeks ago I was at their Greenbelt branch, buying books for my godson. A couple of the books I chose were part of a series... some of the volumes were nicely wrapped in plastic, while the others' plastic were already torn. I asked the saleslady of they had new copies in stock that were completely wrapped in plastic and when she went to check, she told me they didn't anymore, but that if I was willing to wait, she'd take the books out back and wrap them anew. Nice, 'no? National Bookstore staff would've probably just told me, "Ma'am, wala na, last copy na po yun," and let me be.
And then today, I was at Powerbooks' Shangri-La branch, looking for a locally published book. Usually, I look for books on my own but the branch's Filipinana section was crammed, and eventually I got dizzy from searching through all the thin paperbacks. So I went to their Customer Service Center, where the girl checked the computer and found out there was still one copy of the book left. She went to look for it while I browsed the other sections. I think it must've been 20 minutes before she returned, successfully, book in hand. Other salespersons would've probably just given up after five minutes and told me the book was unavailable.
National Bookstore staff, ahem, should take lessons.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Teaser
Justin is getting baptized today.
I'm so nervous / anxious / excited -- it might as well be his wedding day!
I'm so nervous / anxious / excited -- it might as well be his wedding day!
Friday, April 13, 2007
20 of my favorite things
a.k.a Life Really, Really Sucks Without Them
Healthy Options' Jan/Feb 2007 newsletter asked readers to list their 20 favorite things (excluding the obvious loved ones and good health), which they printed in their March 2007 issue. Some of the answers included "afternooon nap" and "Grey's Anatomy." I thought long and hard about mine and here they are:
1) Powerbooks' Powercard
2) airline business class
3) crispy kangkong
4) fresh pan de sal
5) St. Ives Apricot Body Scrub
6) old pajamas
7) moviehouse seats with retractable armrests
8) cold shower after a long, hot day
9) massages
10) rakets
11) 80's songs
12) extended edition DVDs
13) flowers
14) December mornings
15) Haagen Dazs ice cream
16) harmless flirtations
17) long lunches or dinners with old friends
18) www.apple.com/trailers
19) garlic rice
20) pedicures
Healthy Options' Jan/Feb 2007 newsletter asked readers to list their 20 favorite things (excluding the obvious loved ones and good health), which they printed in their March 2007 issue. Some of the answers included "afternooon nap" and "Grey's Anatomy." I thought long and hard about mine and here they are:
1) Powerbooks' Powercard
2) airline business class
3) crispy kangkong
4) fresh pan de sal
5) St. Ives Apricot Body Scrub
6) old pajamas
7) moviehouse seats with retractable armrests
8) cold shower after a long, hot day
9) massages
10) rakets
11) 80's songs
12) extended edition DVDs
13) flowers
14) December mornings
15) Haagen Dazs ice cream
16) harmless flirtations
17) long lunches or dinners with old friends
18) www.apple.com/trailers
19) garlic rice
20) pedicures
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
There's nothing quite like the first time
One of the downsides to living alone (versus, say, with the in-laws) is there's no one around to witness Justin's firsts. Like the first time he rolled over. The first time he giggled. The first time he shrieked with delight. Or the first time I learned he could sit up (with some assistance, of course).
While I am, of course, thrilled to be the first to witness these "firsts," it's also a bit sad that the other people close to Justin don't (and can't) have the same benefit. The only other person who can share my delight right then and there is the yaya. Eric, my family, and in-laws have to settle for either just the re-enactment (for things like rolling over or sitting up) or wait for Justin to feel like doing the action again (i.e. shrieking and giggling).
Now that Justin is getting older and his skills are rapidly developing, I have a good mind to install a video camera in the room and just leave it running every time Justin is awake. Because some things are just too precious to keep to yourself.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Introspection
They say Holy Week is supposed to be a time for reflection, so since I'm not going anywhere, I think I'll do just that.
Top 5 regrets:
1) Not completing my MA in Asian Studies. I took only one semester, and went LOA right after, because I couldn't fit it in with work, and I was too dyahe to formally drop out of the program since I busted my ass to apply in the first place.
2) Not travelling enough. Even domestically. I should've made the most out of all the 3-day weekends there were.
3) Not participating in EDSA 2. I don't know why I didn't. I think because (again), it conflicted with work. Plus no one wanted to go with me, or their parents didn't want them going in the first place. I should've just gone alone.
4) Not giving my all when I was an intern with the PDI. What happened was I showed up, wrote and filed my stories, and left for home. Because I was such a shy greenhorn and felt I was way out of my league. Looking back, I realized that I squandered an opportunity other journalism students would've killed to have. And maybe my career would've taken off in a different direction.
5) Not paying attention to my Mandarin Chinese classes. Whether it was in high school, Taiwan, or Beijing. Again, another squandered opportunity.
Top 5 things I'm thankful for:
1) My supportive family. Whatever angst I may have with my parents and brothers, they all went away when I stayed with them right after giving birth. I don't know how I would've survived that first month without them.
2) Friends who don't change. My high school barkada remains my barkada up to now. We're the type who even if we don't see each other for the whole year and only meet up during the holidays, it's as if we were never that apart for long in the first place.
3) The chance to study at UP Diliman.
4) Incredible opportunities at work. From an all-expense paid trip to Boracay for Singapore Airlines, to guesting on radio and TV for Entrepreneur Philippines.... hay, is it a wonder why I miss work so much?
5) My healthy, bouncing baby boy. I was so praning during my entire 9 months of pregnancy that when Justin came out way better than expected (and growing better than expected!), I couldn't help but think I must've done something good in my past life to deserve something so great.
Top 5 regrets:
1) Not completing my MA in Asian Studies. I took only one semester, and went LOA right after, because I couldn't fit it in with work, and I was too dyahe to formally drop out of the program since I busted my ass to apply in the first place.
2) Not travelling enough. Even domestically. I should've made the most out of all the 3-day weekends there were.
3) Not participating in EDSA 2. I don't know why I didn't. I think because (again), it conflicted with work. Plus no one wanted to go with me, or their parents didn't want them going in the first place. I should've just gone alone.
4) Not giving my all when I was an intern with the PDI. What happened was I showed up, wrote and filed my stories, and left for home. Because I was such a shy greenhorn and felt I was way out of my league. Looking back, I realized that I squandered an opportunity other journalism students would've killed to have. And maybe my career would've taken off in a different direction.
5) Not paying attention to my Mandarin Chinese classes. Whether it was in high school, Taiwan, or Beijing. Again, another squandered opportunity.
Top 5 things I'm thankful for:
1) My supportive family. Whatever angst I may have with my parents and brothers, they all went away when I stayed with them right after giving birth. I don't know how I would've survived that first month without them.
2) Friends who don't change. My high school barkada remains my barkada up to now. We're the type who even if we don't see each other for the whole year and only meet up during the holidays, it's as if we were never that apart for long in the first place.
3) The chance to study at UP Diliman.
4) Incredible opportunities at work. From an all-expense paid trip to Boracay for Singapore Airlines, to guesting on radio and TV for Entrepreneur Philippines.... hay, is it a wonder why I miss work so much?
5) My healthy, bouncing baby boy. I was so praning during my entire 9 months of pregnancy that when Justin came out way better than expected (and growing better than expected!), I couldn't help but think I must've done something good in my past life to deserve something so great.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
10 things I (blank) about him
Sometimes I wonder if Eric and I are really compatible:
1) I'm a morning person; anytime before 10am, he's Oscar The Grouch.
2) I put sauces on my food by the dollop; he likes his food swimming in them.
3) He's very masipag in keeping in touch with friends, even those who live in other countries. I can't even bring myself to organize a reunion with my college classmates.
4) He perspires after a short walk; if I'm perspiring it means it's REALLY hot.
5) I like planning ahead -- yes, even months ahead. He's not as..umm...forward-thinking.
6) I'm a neat freak. He's perfectly fine with leaving the bed unmade for the rest of the day.
7) I feel that modern cleaning conveniences like the vacuum cleaner and washing machine are indispensable; he thinks I'm being maarte when I use them.
8) He likes horror movies. Especially Tagalog ones. I can't stop rolling my eyes whenever I watch them.
9) He's very hot-tempered; I rarely lose my cool, or if I do, I don't show it like he does.
10) He's into cars and gadgets; I can't even tell one model apart from the other.
And then I think about some of the things that we have in common:
1) Browsing in Powerbooks.
2) Japanese food.
3) B-grade disaster films.
4) We're both Kapamilya.
5) Strong attachment to family.
6) Haagen Dazs ice cream.
7) Saying "sorry" (and forgiving right after).
8) Cold cuts for breakfast (him = ham; me = salami).
9) Being low-maintenance.
10) Doing groceries.
I think 10 years from now, I'll look back at these two lists again and add some more items. Let's see which list grows longer.
1) I'm a morning person; anytime before 10am, he's Oscar The Grouch.
2) I put sauces on my food by the dollop; he likes his food swimming in them.
3) He's very masipag in keeping in touch with friends, even those who live in other countries. I can't even bring myself to organize a reunion with my college classmates.
4) He perspires after a short walk; if I'm perspiring it means it's REALLY hot.
5) I like planning ahead -- yes, even months ahead. He's not as..umm...forward-thinking.
6) I'm a neat freak. He's perfectly fine with leaving the bed unmade for the rest of the day.
7) I feel that modern cleaning conveniences like the vacuum cleaner and washing machine are indispensable; he thinks I'm being maarte when I use them.
8) He likes horror movies. Especially Tagalog ones. I can't stop rolling my eyes whenever I watch them.
9) He's very hot-tempered; I rarely lose my cool, or if I do, I don't show it like he does.
10) He's into cars and gadgets; I can't even tell one model apart from the other.
And then I think about some of the things that we have in common:
1) Browsing in Powerbooks.
2) Japanese food.
3) B-grade disaster films.
4) We're both Kapamilya.
5) Strong attachment to family.
6) Haagen Dazs ice cream.
7) Saying "sorry" (and forgiving right after).
8) Cold cuts for breakfast (him = ham; me = salami).
9) Being low-maintenance.
10) Doing groceries.
I think 10 years from now, I'll look back at these two lists again and add some more items. Let's see which list grows longer.
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