Best of 2017

Today is the last day of the year 2017. I'm sure a lot of people are busy preparing to welcome the new year. While I'm sat here for my last day at work for this year, I realized that the last 12 months has been pretty interesting with a lil bit of drama but full of wonderful music.

There's that once in a lifetime experience of listening to Coldplay's so called horizontal music dimension and the deep emotions they bring to each lines. Of course, the local music makers didn't fail to amazed me all the time. How about Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc 9, Franco and Silent Sanctuary all in one night?

The greatest surprise of the year is Ely Buendia's live performance. His songs and the throwback to the 90's music is something that I will never ever get tired of listening.

Singing along Hale's 'Blue Sky" and their new premiere single 'Alon' is such the best way to end this year. I was so glad to see them back after many years.

Why KCT?

We've been wanting to visit KCT or Kart City in Tarlac for months. It's in our "must go to" list before the year ends. So it's no surprise that we planned the trip to KCT just in time for Howard's birthday. A wish come true indeed!

Need for speed and want to go out of town? KCT is the place to be as it's a kart and restaurant complex.

Finding Oscar in Carcar

Warning! This is not about the Netflix film Finding Oscar.

'Twas when my dear friend Krys and I agreed to have a lunch out one morning. We're both craving for lechon and she suggested that we check out Carcar's than going to CnT in Emall or SM Cebu as we usually do. She learned from watching a travel program on TV that Oscars have the best tasting lechon in Carcar. Indeed Carcar's lechon is the number 1 Best Tasting Lechon in Cebu according to ceburepublic.com. Our all-time favorite CnT is surprisingly at number 3. Though both of us have lived in this city for quite sometime, there are still a lot about this place that we've never been to or haven't discovered and tried yet.

When we passed by the rotunda, we headed to the pasalubong strip first to buy some chicharon (pork cracklings) as it's cheap to buy it from there than from any supermarkets.

Suddenly, the rain poured heavily but we're glad that we found a good place to dine that also serve and sells lechon. Guessed, we weren't satisfied so we continued with our mission just in time when the rain has stopped. We decided to just walk to the city's public market and we ended up in the different lechon stalls savouring the free crispy lechon skin. It's great that the vendors gave out some samples to help you decide on where to buy. But still, we couldn't find Oscars. Then, someone recommended Bebie's lechon. Little did we know that it's the same that we had for lunch. So, where could we find Oscars? The other vendor pointed out to the stall sign: Oscar's! But to our disappointment, there's no lechon on top of the table. Their stall is close for the day. The lady vendor next to it says that they're selling the same Oscar's lechon as the owner is Oscar's wife. We didn't doubt her anymore as we got excited to try it and eventually bought some kilo to take home.

I must say that Carcar's lechon isn't tastier than CnT's and CnT or other Cebu lechon taste better than the former. They're all unique when it comes to texture and taste.

We may not have tried Oscar's on that day but we're grateful that we've accomplished our mission and we'll surely go back hoping to see and taste the real Oscar's next time.

Welcome back to Cebu Lingzi!

Credits to @kristinachiong1 for the photos

Mother Mary's Haven in Simala 2.0

The perks of going back to somewhere you've been to before. You get to see it grow and change. It's like knowing someone well for quite sometime as opposed to meeting them only once in your lifetime. You don't need to get a feel of it as the place itself welcomes you with warmth. Just like growing older with friends, seeing these changes and their transformation can truly enrich the experience of traveling.

Little Big Shot Rhian

I met Rhian and her family last January at the vibrant and busy street in Chinatown Manila during the Chinese new year celebration. This 8 year old isn't your average little drummer girl and has caught the attention of many due to her amazing skills. She plays drums with her father and brother in the streets to support their family. Not to mention that they're using an old drum set.

I had the opportunity to personally chat with Rhian and her family while they're having a mini break on that afternoon and treated her with a pack of snacks with the thought of (wish I can afford to donate a brand new drum set). Great to see that their family is still together despite of their situation.

I'm just truly happy for Rhian when she got the chance to showcased her talent for drumming on "Little Big Shots" show last Saturday and a brand-new drum set was given to her at last.

A Noteworthy Summer in Gingoog

This post is long overdue but I thought I'd still want to post this.

When I was in high school, I used to see some photos of my friends with those giant fruit statues in Tatak plaza. It's really the first thing that came into my mind when I had the chance to visit Gingoog last year for my brother's wedding. But what's noteworthy for me was the clouds- meet- the- sea view at the Promenade by the bay (photo above) and the scenic mountain ranges when traveling from the town to brgy. Samay.

I can't forget our time in Samay. Going somewhere unfamiliar at your own pace plus the cool breeze on that late afternoon was just perfect. You can really appreciate what you are seeing around you- one of the cleanest and the best countryside we've been to. It's a place where you can still see children playing the traditional larong kalye like patintero, luksong baka and habulan. I suddenly wanted to freeze the moment to go back in time when children still prefer to play outside than spend time on gadgets and online games. I'm one fortunate and proud 90's kid.

Baler at Last!

Finally completed and pinned down all the provinces in the Region 3 after spending a weekend in Baler.

Baler for me is a hidden gem in Aurora. You wouldn't expect such a beautiful stretch of fine gray sand as you passed by the neighboring towns and mountains along the road. The laid back feel would surely want you to go back.

We had the best time of the year and the best weather to have for surfing when we arrived in Sabang beach according to our surf instructor. The waves in July are just perfect for any beginners. And need not to worry about finding a surf school as you'll easily spot them once you step in to the beach front.

To bend the right leg, foot a few inches against the left knee, elbows folded and palms beside the chest and then wait for the cue from the instructor to get up are the tips that every beginner should always remember. We were wiped up a few times but every wave ride was indeed worth it!

thank you for the hospitality S.M.A.R.T beach house Baler

Here's saying hello! to a new beginning of our surf life...

Mom's day at Underwater World Manila

Is there such a place called underwater world in Manila?

Knowing that it's just around the corner, we didn't bother to visit Manila Ocean Park again 'til last Mother's day just in time when my sister and her family were in town for summer vacation. Our first time here was like 5 years ago.

Nice to see a lot of improvements around from when we first visited the park. Plus there's a buffet table that's totally inviting once you passed through the main entrance.

Lez do this!!!

Oceanarium

the kids and the kid in me

We also visited other attractions and enjoyed our time at the Sea Lion show and the close encounter with the sharks and rays.

Call it Coldplay Hangover

This is it!

Tighten your wristband and enjoy the show. 30 minutes til #ColdplayManila

Surreal and magical. Such words can't really describe what it feels like to see my favorite band LIVE for the very first time.

I have waited not just for 4 months (when I got the ticket) but for 15 looong years or so. Glad that Coldplay made a detour to Manila this year for their A Head Full of Dreams concert tour.

Coldplay's music has captured my heart and played such a big role in my life. The Scientist was a song that I and my college bestfriends love to sing all the time. Fix You is a song to myself every time I feel that I'm at a low point and need inspiration and many other songs that I can relate to until today. I can't help but cried when I heard them played all my favorites. Feels great to sing your heart out along with the crowd. Here are some of my favorite verses and lines: 

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh take me back to the start - The Scientist 

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?- Fix You

Oh they say people come, say people go

this particular diamond was extra special

and though you might be gone, and the world may not know

still I see you, celestial - Everglow

I don't care, go on and tear me apart
I don't care if you do, ooh
'Cause in a sky, 'cause in a sky full of stars
I think I saw you - A Sky Full of Stars

Your skin,

Oh yeah your skin and bones,

Turn into something beautiful,

Do you know,

You know I love you so,

You know I love you so. - Yellow

buddies at the best concert ever!

From my Instagram post minutes before the concert: Another dream come true for me and a loud shout out to all of my friends who are also solid #coldplay fans but can't make it here at #ColdplayManila I shall look up to the sky tonight from the concert grounds and see all of you through the stars dancin, jumpin and singin along with the band just as each xyloband lights up and the stage glows with the colorful fireworks. 

Thank you so much Coldplay. You were a dream to watch and you made so many dreams come true!!!

Night Changes

Just last weekend, I've looked through some of our photos and videos back from when we're happy. When we went on a trip in the North for a couple of times, those out of the blue videos of yours, the numerous food trips and every after shift walking rituals in Ayala Ave and a lot more. There's so much story to tell but I decided to empty my phone's photo gallery so I won't have to think about them anymore.

Yes, I used to imagine that we would still be best friends until we get old. That kind that can withstand through any changes, breakdowns, distance and years. But you have clearly chose to walk away first without any warning that friendship for you has an expiration date. And even if I'm still wondering what I meant to you all along, you're now just a memory.

Heyy Bes,

Hindi ko na maalala kung kailan kita unang tinawag na Bes. Bago pa man yun naging trending ay yun na ang tawag natin sa isa't-isa. Lalong hindi ko rin maalala kung kailan tayo naging mag best friends. Like a whirlwind, nangyari na lang.

Sadyang malakas yata talaga ang mental connection natin at nagkakasundo tayo sa maraming bagay lalo na pagdating sa music at food trips. Nakaka amazed kung paano tayo pareho mag-isip at kung paano ka ma LSS sa mga old songs ko.

Hindi ko makalimutan yong araw na pinatikim ko sayo ang favorite sisig ko of all time at sinama kita sa Clark dahil tawa tayo ng tawa sa nakita natin. For sure hindi mo makakalimutan ang mga first time experiences mo na kasama ako. Masaya tayo magkasama kahit minsan tayo lang dahil never tayo nauubusan ng kwento. Napa bilib mo nga din ako sa mga idealisms mo sa buhay.

Tapos nagising na lang ako isang araw at na-realized ko nag-iba ka na. Naiwan na ba talaga sa Singapore 'yong best friend na nakilala ko? You've changed into someone who's good at putting on a show stuff. Napansin ko kahit yong maliliit na pagbabago sayo. Kung paano ka naging conscious sa mga sinusuot mo. And you never bother at all kung nagkaka tampuhan tayo about who or this and that. What happened?!? Dati ayaw mo na natatapos ang araw na may tampuhan tayo. Kmusta ka bes? Kmusta ung bespren q? Anything new? May prob ba? Ok ka lng ba jan bes? Lahat yan ay hindi mo na tinatanong as if you never care for me at all. Kahit simpleng text na "hi bes!" ay wala na din. Then you've hurt me in a way that I can't comprehend. Nakalimutan mo ata na kagaya mo ay nababasa ko din isip mo? Sadyang napakahirap mag balance ng guilt at friendship and that you left me with no choice. Alam mo mahal kita dahil tinuring kitang bespren pero pasensya ka na dahil mas mahal ko ang sarili ko. I deserve to be treated well and with respect. 

Sa pag-alis mo bes ay alam kung may naiwan kang genuine na kaibigan, your confidante, personal chef and reflexologist and someone who's crazy enough to keep up with your crazy thoughts. At siya lang naman ang may lakas ng loob na magsabi ng kahit ano sayo at sa kanya mo lang din nasasabi and di mo masabi sa iba kahit sa nanay or gf mo.

Lagi mo sinasabi na gawin lang natin kung ano ang ngpapasaya sa atin. That life should be as simple as that. Kasama ba dito bes ang makitang nasasaktan ang mga taong nagpapahalaga sa atin?

Pero tapos na yun lahat and that I'm okay now. In fact, matagal na talaga akong okay. Simula noong araw na nagbago ka na ay araw-araw ko na rin tinuturuan ang sarili ko na bumalik na lang sa dati. And we both know na darating ang araw na hindi na tayo magkikita or magkaka bonding pa since we do have different priorities.

I'm very grateful that I met you and the lessons I've learned throughout the experience of having you as my best friend. I'm thankful for the chance to know someone like you as some people never do. I missed our conversations and how I was able to tell you everything that was on my mind. Thank you is never enough for all the best times, generosity and for the great things that you did for me and Howard. Here's hoping that you'll learn more about Honesty and Respect in all forms as you go on in your life.

Saan ka man ngayon bes, I wish you peace and contentment as always.

Be great for someone else. 

Hugs, 

A

Friendship- sometimes it just falls apart with no good reason. This isn't true for me as there are for sure a lot of reasons why it ends. May it be in a good way or not.

Guess a lot of us can relate that losing a friend is worse than losing anything. How much more if he or she is one of your best friends? When we know and believe that they should be there for us always. We have this special kind of love that we give to each of our friends and that kind of love should not suppose to fade. If it did easily, then it means that you have not held on to that friendship genuinely and tightly enough.

Thank You 2016

I've started the year right with a cake surprise for one of my bestfriends even though January isn't his birth month. Let's just say that 'twas my simple way of thanking him for all the good things that he did for me. And I just can't forget the look on his face on that day.

Hello February! The season of hearts just came in handy. It went by quickly with some food trips and revisiting an old place in the North.

March was all about this thing in the photo below. Definitely not a doodad.

April wasn't so friendly at all after we've received a sad news at the onset of the month. Nevertheless, we've managed to move on slowly.

The MRT Ayala scene. I shouldn't be telling this story but I find it funny in some other way. So here it goes...I was with one of my bestfriends waiting for a south bound train from Ayala station one afternoon in May. We're on our way to a very important transaction with thousands of cold cash in one of our bags. While waiting, my bestfriend suddenly sensed some smoke but clueless of where it came from. I noticed it as well but never mind about it until I turned my head up to him and saw that it's actually coming from his bag. How to spell panicked? I guess that's the closest adjective of how we reacted to the situation. But thanks to good luck as we're able to save those bucks. Lesson learned: just laugh out loud!

Last June, I took the time off from work and went home to CDO and sang at my brother's wedding in Gingoog City.

The groom's family

The airport. I was there more than once in the month of July. I love this place and hate it at the same time. 

August was one of my most unforgettable months after my encounter with Ms. World 2013 in High Street.

Meet my sister!

The 'ber' months was indeed very festive. We got a handful of birthday invites from September to October.

November - I had a month full of surprises which you can read about on my other article: Birthday blessings and then the TLC festival in BGC where I had the chance to see the Cake Boss himself, Chef Buddy. I've also made time to pursue my old hobby by joining JKA Camp Crame.

Howard showing off his artist side in one of the TLC festival booths

Then came the most wonderful time of the year. Did you ever think of making a difference in someone else's day? On Christmas eve, my son and I were out and about and without any plans, we surprised two of my good friends with an unexpected visit and some food. It was also in December when my son celebrated his 5th birthday. 

the birthday boy getting ready to dig in.

Those are just some of the events that I can't forget every time I think about the year 2016. Here's looking forward to a better and fabulous new year.

What is it with you Food?

I'd like to dedicate this entire month of January recalling some stories of my 2016. So how about food? Let's take a peek at some of my favorites last year.


Didi's. much about their best selling pizza, I keep coming back to Didi's because of my all time favorite "sizzling sisig". This has been my favorite since then (years ago when I was still living and working in Angeles City). It looks like that I haven't found anything close to its texture and taste even if I've been to anywhere in the Philippines. True enough, they stand by their province's pride of being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.

Vikings. can't forget the savory dumplings at the chinese station and there's the blueberry cheesecake and some more cheesecakes...and the rest is history. A good place to celebrate your birthday as you'll get a free personalized mini cake with their dancing staff to celebrate your birth month.

100g Burgers. discovered this place with my bestfriend out of curiosity and has became one of our favorite places to dine. Each burger that we've tried here is definitely worth the value for money. 100g is just right at the corner of Estrella Street in Bangkal, Makati.

Llaollao. because I simply love yogurt (frozen or not). When I learned that they're going to open a shop in Glorietta, I was all excited to try it.

Angel's Pizza. just along the lively street of Makati Avenue, you can easily spot one of Angel's pizza branches. There's no question as to how great their pizza plus the other food in their menu.

Dairy Queen. my only favorite is DQ's mango cheesecake ice cream but I'm sure that all the other flavors are also tonguewhipping? Is there such a word?

P.S I have not gained the extra pounds from all of those food trips. Good thing that I have someone (the bestfriend) who's always ready to finish my food if we're together and of course only when he's up for it.

Credit: google images for the DQ photo

Places of My Year 2016

1. The Gateway to the Land of Promise - or popularly known as the City of Golden Friendship. Cagayan de Oro City is shown in the background of this photo taken from one of highest points in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

2.  The City of Good Luck - this is what Gingoog City is known for which implies good fortune. Though this laid back city is only a few kilometers away from my hometown, I haven't been here before. Not until June of 2016. The photo below shows the new and only resort that we went to in Brgy. Samay overlooking the mountains of the neighboring provinces in Misamis Oriental.