12 Reasons why I like to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines

12 Reasons why I like to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines

12.   Christmas songs I heard all over the radio ( whichever radio station I tune in to )

11.   Beautiful Christmas lights and all Christmas decorations I see all over the streets, malls, different establishments and homes.

10.   The Shopping with huge discounts the malls offers during the Christmas season.

9.   Christmas carolling especially from children.

8.   Misa de Gallo celebration at a very early in the morning ( This challenge me to wake up too early as well.

7.   The setting up of Christmas tree at home.

6.   The wrapping of Christmas gifts with my sister who’s like a Santa Claus when it comes to gift giving.

5.   People seem so warm. I believe people tend to increase at least 10 percent of being compassionate during Christmas season.

4.   Fireworks! They are awesome.

3.   The food! The delicious lavishing food  prepared during Christmas- very Filipino.

2.   The Exchanging of gifts. At home, We try to do this every Christmas and this is of course from the idea of my sister. This is the best part! I sooo like the thrill and the happy faces of the people who receives.

1.   The traditional Christmas eve dinner with the presence of the entire family. Though my brother couldn’t make it to celebrate with us again due to the calling of duty, at least we have his kids.J

Happy Christmas everyone J J J

I wish to put a smile on your face

There are many ways of helping and one is to donate a time. My cousin and I made it to be a volunteer in the DSWD's  relief operation. I actually thought of this since day 2 after the Yolanda disaster but didn't have the courage to do right away. And...today i finally found myself submitting in to a so called humanitarian mission.. :) and it is a good feeling. Yeah it's a bit tiring but it's worth it. 

I agree of what the crowd coordinator have said. Indeed, the volume of people who willingly donate their time and sweat is overwhelming. From students, teachers, private company employees, government employees, unemployed citizen, people with different walks in life gathered all together for a mission.- a mission to help! I estimated that there were about 200 volunteers present today. It was a huge number of volunteers for a huge amount of goods to be packed for a huge number of people in need. The experience to be on hand was great. I sneaked a bit for photo to remember this and in a way to inspire.

This is the i.d. This is issued to us as we entered the gate of the DSWD. This has to be wear at all times within the DSWD premises.

This is one of the areas where the packing is taking place. Busy good hearted people is at work. and they are having fun while doing it.

 Well, the good thing about the operation was that they take care for the volunteers as well. They have free water stations for us and...coffee.. :)

 These are canned goods to be brought in the packaging area. As shown, the men from the PNP were assigned to the work.

 I failed to take a photo from the packaging area coz it was a real hard work being there and it was a bit awkward if il take photos. Just to give you an idea of what happens in the packaging area.. Volunteers are divided in to groups one in the packaging of the 6 kilos of rice two the packing of 8 pcs of noodles and 8 pcs of coffee and three the packing of 4 cans sardines and 4 cans of corned beef. There were volunteers as well who were assigned to do the writing of the sacks naming it with DSWD the date and the cost of the food pack (by the way each pack costs 365.32 pesos ) I tried to do in each area except in the packing of noodles, coffee and canned goods. I concentrated more on the packing of rice.

Now, here is the ready to go packs. Straight from the packing area in the warehouse of the DSWD this pax van will be going to Tacloban. So help is coming....

And that was my Volunteering experience. It was fun and fulfilling.. :)

Zen

Came across with this post on FB and whoever is behind this page..to you i say- thank you..

What is your Passion?

What is your Passion?
I came across with this question a lot of times..

Every person should know what their passion is. For some it takes a long time to discover what it is. On this context, Parents I guess play the crucial role on finding it.      ( though I am not yet a parent ) When a child is growing up it is important for parents to expose their children in to different kinds of activities that will eventually interests their kids and will result to their passion.

I always admire people whose passion becomes their profession. Lucky are they. One of the luckiest people I ever know who found passion as His profession is my Father. I grew up watching him enjoying cultivating a land. Aside from rubber trees ( which is the main crop of my town ) He likes planting crops, may it be a fruit a vegetable, literally everything that grows.  Around High School, I remember asking him why he likes to be a farmer and He said I guess I found this interest from my Uncle. When I was a kid and my father died ( this was how my Papa narrates on me ) I had the chance to stay in their house and live with them for a while. I noticed, He wakes up as early as 4am to go to farm, by sunrise He’s had his siesta already. And I asked why do you always get up so early? And Uncle would answer me. It is always good to wake up early while most people are still sleeping that way I am ahead of them.  Land is good, there is wealth in every Land, only if you are willing to plant and sweat but if not it’s nothing. Take for example this one plant of banana this will produce 20 bunches, if a bunch costs 50cents  ( that was around 1960’s ) you will get 10 pesos already. So what if you have 50 plants of Bananas. It’s a big money already Carlito. So, from there my father looked up to his Uncle while He was growing up. He was a very good agriculturist he says. And I think I would agree. He was once an endorser of a Pesticide on TV! J

Growing up in a community where white- collared jobs were assumed as the best jobs, I honestly didn’t feel so proud then of what my father’s way on making our living. I feel like He can do something more of what he can aside from being a farmer. But then it came to me that for my father Farming is not just his way of making our living. It is his passion, his life, he was born for it. He always tells me that he find God’s manifestation of His mighty and wonder in every living creature especially in plants. To this day, He never stop planting and looking after his plants which made him still sooooo very productive even in his old age. He is a philanthropist to Sustainable Farming and with all his capabilities and his limited strength he still finding ways to continue being so. J

The 25th typhoon

Recently, my father and I were glued on watching the tele about the news of the typoon Yolanda. How strong and how destructive it was. I cannot avoid to ask myself why? What is happening to the Philippines? From time to time we have a breaking news for the world, and I mean the WORLD! Bohol wasn't through yet with the aftermath of the Earthquake and now here comes another awful horror. I am always out of words everytime I see the situation may it be on tele or in the social network. I felt like my heart was squeezed. I cannot imagine how much more for those people who were there having and facing the real situation. The typhoon treated everything and everyone so fairly may they be rich or poor. Times like this everyone gets back to its very foundation - Faith. Every time I hear sorts of stories like this The text from the Bible that says " Even gold is tested by fire, so as your Faith which is more valuable than gold shall be tested" reminds me. On a personal note I always have a follow up request that though I am sinner please do not look at my sins but on my faith in you. Please do not make it too heavy, I am weak but a weak who  always trusts in your Unconditional Love.
One way of accepting and getting through this I tell myself that maybe this is part of knowing God. His might, power and Love. And maybe this is part of knowing ourselves, our roles, Faith and how much we can Love. The sympathy together with actions I've seeing from different parts of the world alleviates the pain a little bit. Somehow, it's the time to give out and show compassion.
Good Lord i may not know the whole reason why but the Bible tells us not to be too concerned about the things that are not revealed to us. I am lifting all these unto you, may all the souls be granted eternal peace and for all the Survivors may they be able to find comfort in your Love trusting that all these shall pass and there still a bright tomorrow in the near future. May all the authorities be guided as they do their respective duties. Lead them in to an effective and quickest way in clearing, restoring all the affected provinces. And for all the people especially those who has the equipment/ capabilities to bring the relief and the help of all sorts may you give them the willingness/courage to give help. You are the the strongest, the biggest, and the mightiest God.- You are the Creator. 

A Little Princess

Do you know that feeling when every time you hear a particular song it reminds something to you. May it be a person, a place or even a certain phase of your life. If I have a song that marks my childhood, it would be John Lennon’s “Imagine”  I guess that’s what my Mother used to play to lull me.

I was watching on HBO’s A Little Princess this Sunday morning and it reminds me of my Childhood. I grew up watching the cartoon version of the story on a local TV Network. It was airing at 5 o’clock in the afternoon ( weekdays ) right after school. So I get to watched it every day.

The Story was about an amiable girl named Sarah. Her father left her in an All girls School to fulfil his duties. While in the middle of the battle His father gone missing and feared to be dead by the authorities. The government then held all his assets leaving Sarah not a single penny. The School administrator ( Ms. Minchin ) broke the news to Sarah informing her that She can no longer stay in that School anymore but since Sarah has nowhere to go to Ms. Minchin let her stay in the School provided that Sarah will do the household chores. She became a servant together with Vicky her friend. She was taken out from her beautiful room and transferred to the attic where she found her new other friends such as the mousses, the brids and the little monkey from a house next door. Sarah has done all works she is not used to do every day including the dealing of Ms. Minchin’s fury. Despite all these, it didn’t hinder her to be still friends to some of her classmates who truly loved and adored her. One day her classmates wanted to surprise her and decided to take back the locket of Sarah which Ms. Minchin took from her when She found out that Sarah’s father was missing and is feared to be dead. ( That was a breath taking scene ) The classmates made it to give back the locket to Sarah. On the following night her classmates went to the attic again and listened to the Story-telling of Sarah. They were laughing when Ms. Minchin surprisingly showed up and was very angry. She punished Sarah and Vicky. Vicky was locked in her room without any meal while Sarah was punished to do all the household chores without having any meal as well. They were so hungry and to their surprise they woke up with a beautiful, well-decorated room which is in the attic plus a sumptuous breakfast. The monkey friend of Sarah was there. Ms. Minchin found out all about these and accused her of stealing. She reported Sarah to the Police. The Police was about to pick her up, but then Sarah sneaked out to the door next house. To her surprise, She saw her father. Her father didn’t recognized her right away since He had a head injury ( kinda amnesia ) Sarah was about to be taken with the Police when her Father remembered everything. He rushed out and called Sarah.. yehey J They hugged so tightly and cried a river J missing each other so much.. Sarah’s father has taken back all his assets which made them get back to their normal lives while Ms. Minchin was taken out from her position as the School administrator leading her to be poor. And that was how the story ended.

Ms. Minchin: You are no longer a Princess Sarah.

Sarah: No, I am still a princess. Every girl is a princess even if she is poor, even if she holds rags, every girl is a princess, Didn’t your father tell you that?

And Ms. Minchin sobs..

That was my favourite line of the movie.

I didn’t know that there is a movie ( Hollywood version ) on Princess Sarah. So, the kid of heart in me was sooo amazed while watching the film. The movie did not fail me. It was an A movie for me. The Cinematography was superb and the kids who portrayed the roles has done it very well… J

Momma and Pap went out for a date!

It is beautiful to see how my parents grew old together. Indeed, if there is an ideal couple I look up to, I wouldn’t look too far, they are with me. And luckily I’m their product. J They are my parents.

They’ve gone through a long road together, full of twists and turns. I witnessed that. Mama was 25 then when She submitted herself to marriage with my 29 years old father in 1974. The supposedly eldest among their children ( my brother ) died when he was still in my Mother’s womb. Which made my sister Lili became the eldest, followed by my brother Bong and me as the youngest.

As newlyweds they didn’t have an easy start. When they decided to got married my father took the decision to quit from their respective jobs and started a brand new life together, away from the Capalong based company they used to work for. To cut the story short they started their own in my father’s hometown.- Makilala. It was never easy but as what I always hear from him, which I guess he lives with this quote “ This will pass-everything shall pass-nothing will stay the same. “ Now, 39 years had passed. Their children-We, have grown in to persons that we are today. As witness to how their story as couple unfolds I bow my head unto them. They are amazing. - They live in the simplest way. With a clear goal and complete trust to God above.  And with all the capabilities and wisdom that are bestowed in them they utilized it to have this kind of family we have today.

With worldly matters, such as financial status. My parents just had-have enough- never gone too much and never gone too little. How they manage that? It’s a little bit of mystery, but they find joy in the most simple way. I don’t remember them bringing us in to a luxurious vacation or in any sorts. Even if they can. Just fine, just a couple of days with my relatives who was then residing on a nearby beach in Bohol was a treat for us. Indeed, it is not so necessary how much money we have-for we will never have enough. It is what we do of what we already have. As I ponder, I realized that life is life..it is a gift- for I didn’t asked for this nor I didn’t chose to be them- as my parent. Now, with that it is up to us what we do with this gift that defines life.

I had a very nice conversation with my brother two days ago. At first I was startled and I disagree with what his plans are, but eventually I realized it is not for me to make or contradict that plan/decision he has.. instead..it is for me- to support him. After all, it is for his family’s benefits he’s after to. What is the use of too much money if you are sacrificing the distance the physical presence which will eventually make him unhappy,... To that..brotha I am with you! J

Here is a beautiful morning scene of today.

It is an ordinary day for us, I woke up with my Mother’s voice asking me to text the driver to drive her going to town. I got up and I found my father having his breakfast-had already taken his bath and almost ready to go. I asked,  where is Mama? She’s doing the laundry, he replied. Where are you going? I asked again. I’ll go with her he said. And I teased him. A-ha you guys are going on a date! Hahaha.

Simple joys such as this. Lying all together on the same bed. Sharing opinions, experiences and stories of all sorts.-This is the moments I missed most. Now I am sooo alone in the house, having my reflections and about to start my movie marathon. J

Nene's 7th birthday

And t'was my goddaughter's birthday today..I had fun! It is always nice to be with children. My sister hosted games for them and they enjoyed it. Actually, it wasn't in the plan to host such game for them so the lack of plan adds up the fun..-element of surprise!yey..The kids had a great time so are we...I had a good laugh with them. We played 6 different kinds of game from which they got their respective prizes. From there I saw how competitive the kiddos are.. though we ran out of coins but nothing equates the joy it brings to the kids. What a wonderful day. ( Nessa ) My goddaughter turned 7 years old today. Oh time you are like a flash! 

Random Thoughts of the day

1. It is always best to wake up early especially if I have errands to attend to. :)

2. Native Chicken dinuguan is great, and that made my lunch so as dinner sumptuos.

3. Indeed, in unity there is strength. And proper division of labor makes the loads of work easier.

4. My sister is a very good event coordinator.. Jollibee should hire her..hehehe :)

5. We should create beautiful memories like this to these children- for this priceless memory will remain in them, hopefully until they grow old :)

6. My brother is considering the idea of stopping his career instead, remain home and be with His family. Whatta a love..I just wish he'd be that financially ready when He turns that idea into reality.

7. My brother is showing a deep admiration on my father's way of fathering us..( my father did a good job on him ) 

Here is a photo taken from the game they played..

Election Realization

Two of my classmates when I was in Elementary are running for a position during this Brgy Election. I’d call them classmate K and classmate B. I witnessed the speech made by classmate K during the meeting de avance ( if I spelled it right ). Man! He speaks like a Mayor, a real politician far from classmate K  i used to know. Though, with all fairness in School He really has a leader-like traits and charisma. I didn’t know then, that He would have the courage to be a real politician someday.. J

To my surprise I often caught myself smiling to the thought. Again it made me realized that time passed like a flash. It seems like it is not so long ago when we were sitting in the same classroom, listening to the teacher, writing, doodling and playing!  We were kids then. And now, here they are, aiming to be one of the leaders of their respective places, about to hold a position which serves as crucial branches of the Brgy. It wowed me. J

I had a little chat with classmate K on the same night I heard him on his speech. Man! He is a matured speaking/thinking fella. I just hope it’s not just because of politics, but if it is I wish him to continue doing so.

Whitney Houston is sooo right when she said in her song that the children are our future. I didn’t give so much attention on those lines before and now I realized. Indeed, The Children are our future. Back in the 90’s we were those kids who looks up to the leaders back then, now some of my fella are about to be the leaders who will be looked up by kids in this present age ( Like my nephews ). Again, it reminds me to take care of the children especially these children that God has entrusted to us. Good- nurtured kids equals good future.  I may not yet be the parent who has the direct responsibility of these children but I can be a Tita who can help the parents in shaping them to be the good leaders someday. ( that if they choose to be ). Honestly, it is not so easy to discipline or I may say to handle a child especially with my age and with my experience. But I guess the effort of trying alone is a credit already. J

Time flies so fast

As a family we used to live altogether under the same roof even though my brother Bong has already been married. But last year my parents and my sister decided to move in to another house which made me decide to go with them as well. So, to cut the story short the old house where we used to live and where we spent most of our childhood and our youth has already been given to my brother. And to that it caused us a little bit of distance from my nephews. The house where we moved in isn’t so far, it’s just a 10 minutes drive away but still, it is a distance. It’s really not the same. Unlike before, when I wake up in the morning I already hear Angelou outside my room or knocking at my room. I can cuddle Calai anytime I want and they can piss me off at any moment…hehehe.. 

Sometimes I couldn’t believe how fast the time flies. It seems like yesterday when I first laid eyes on Angelou and now He’s already 7 years old. Wow, He has grown so much of not seeing him for nearly a year. He’s already a boy! He had his sleep – over with us yesterday and we had a nice time… Watching his innocence while he sleeps made me ponder- that this boy won't stay forever young, that sooner or later He will grow up as a man, a man we still have to find out. That as Tita I can play a role for him to become that man He will choose to be. That I should treasure moments like this, as I know that life is a constant change.Plus the fact that i am always away as my job calls for it.. That I should instill in him a good memory for His childhood.- like i had.. :) 

I got a photo of Angelou taken this morning while watching Mickey Mouse, that episode where Goofy wished to become a superhero which made him called as SuperGoofy.. :) it made me feel young again and it made me wonder what if I’d become a superhero? Then, I’d be called as SuperAnne? Cool :) Gels is doing multi-tasking here. Watching tele while playing on my iphone. What a kid! Now I wonder what would he’d be when He grows up. But due to this bad internet connection photo is to follow ;)

Random Thoughts

Wow, it's been so long and I feel sorry for myself of not fulfilling the challenge. I didn't reach even half! oH man! whatta a shame. But anyway, I am more of a forgiving person so, I forgive myself quickly. So much things happened on almost three months of not writing anything in this corner for my thoughts. I last posted in July when the season was just starting and now, I just get back. To start with, The summer season ended with a satisfactory remarks in both ends which results to a sort of relief. Despite all the tough times along the way, still we managed to hit the goal. and to that we deserved a toast.. Yey! but the toast I'm referring to has been proposed and already celebrated long before. This is much of a late post. :)
After Summer, my birthday came. and there I go, finally hit the big three- O. I was thinking so much about it only to find out that it's kinda ordinary feeling. Nothing really special aside from the fact that I was over with the 20s. I honestly feel the same. I still have my young heart excited to see what will come next. I still have my long list of wishes in my heart which I wish to fulfill someday. I just feel that I am 30 every time these people around me reminds me that I am 30! but ooppss,  I do have a little change of convictions over things now, that I am 30, but I guess it's not just because of age, it's because of the experiences that I have been through. It is just so timely, that it happened when I was about to hit my 30.. :) Why I came up with this change? I guess it's part of Maturity. I barely don't know as of now if it is worth validating. But this is how I feel. As what I always tell to God. If this isn't from you. Take it. If it is.. then let it be.. There were so many events, so as gatherings and strolls happened after my birthday which will be the content on my future posts. For now, I'll settle with this. I am presently having my vacay now and really having a nice time with my family, plus a good rest. So I have all the luxury of time.. :)

Sing out loud

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And we conquered the seaside of St Tropez with our Videoke session..such a shame, but it was liberating. We care less as we sang our favorite songs and people passing stares at us like. Hey, what are they doing? haha..it was fun. 

Wonderful World

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Yeah, I admit I failed again. I knew it! Much as I would want to have an entry on this blog  diligently as I have promised myself before, I didn't have the luxury of time to do it. This is what I hate on promises and or rules especially when I am setting it for myself, I usually break them! So I guess my thoughts were right. I should not set any rules for myself coz I bet I would just break them! haha.

So I missed 6 days. Now I'm back. So much things happened in almost a week of not having an entry on this blog. I would just write down the highlights of those 6 days that I missed.

We had our trip and it was quite a busy days. But it was fun. The new crew are getting used to the system and as I see it they are in the pace and are doing so well. Tougher days are yet to come and for sure by then they would be more better.

In those 6 days I remind myself to do not cross the border  or else I might get myself trap to a situation I wouldn't wish to happen to anyone especially to myself. ( this is so hard to explain, but out of decency I prefer not to elaborate. Let's just say that I am in the middle of my own battle and it just so happened that my opponent is my self! )

My friend Rhia is in Imperia and I am so jealous. I wish to be back in there. :(

I had fun with my drinking session with Bims. She's just sooo cool and I am starting to love her. She is funny and is so considerate as a cabin mate. :)

1st of July was my dear brother's birthday and homesickness hits me. But I was glad knowing that He is enjoying his birthday. I just love and miss him so much. It's been over 8 months that I didn't see him. We've had the chance to come over to the boat where he works  in November of last year but it wasn't enough. We didn't have much time to do the usual bonding and that's one of my wish right now. To have a bonding session with my brotha. I miss the fights and I miss his kakulitan. :) 

I finally had the courage to confess to my Mother one of the many boo-boos I have made. Thank God for calming her down and I was spared from her obsolete reactions. After all, damage has been done, all We have to do now is to figure out the next move we have to make. 

I chose to listen to her advise not to pursue the case coz as she said it would just drag me in to a pit of weariness if I'd do so. And i think she's right. I don't think I am ready for a fuss like that. Really not me. So better leave it to karma. If I couldn't defend my self and get even with those opportunist people for sure that Someone Greater up there would do it for me. enough with emotional torture! I'm handling it over to you Lord.  

This week reminds me to listen to the advises of people who really care about me. I mean not just listen, but give high consideration before submitting myself to a decision. I was caught in this kind of trouble because I was hard headed and too self willed. So I have to pay for my actions. As what my Mother says, Move on, and charge it to experience.

To sum up. It is not always easy to live in this world. Every actions I make has a corresponding return on me, so for whatever actions I have to make in this present especially in the future I have to think before I do it. I have to bear in mind to be accountable for my actions and be a lot more careful or else It would fall back in to me. :)

long great day

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I had a long day but it was great. And these are the highlights of my day.

From the same person who recently feed me wisdom. He says "When something is meant to be, it will happen". Somehow, so true. There are numerous  chances came in to my life without asking for it, nor a plan to get it. So I think I would agree to this quote. I like deep conversations such as what I had this evening. It is always nice to know how other people view things and see the difference from mine. 

On working in deck. Wow! I'm sure Bims won't agree with me but I find it interesting! but sure enough not on everyday. At least once in a while will do. :) Yeah it was tiring but  sometimes it feels good to experience something new, something out from my routine. It challenge me. And it's good. I feel more productive in a way. :)

live your life

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Anna, you have to live your life. And i was caught in surprise with those lines. How can any one say like that to me. It brought me in to reflection. What made him say that? In my 29 years of existence nearly 30 It's my first time to hear those lines thrown in me. So I asked myself How do I live my life? I live my life according to the way I wanted, I do not push my self much to please others and certainly I am not so fan of competition. I have a free spirit and much as people don't see the way i see, still i want to keep it that way. 

On Jet Ski Riding

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And I missed my 87th entry. Sorry, I was too busy yesterday. But I have today! And hey, today was a hooraH! The Chief mate gave us a training on Jet ski riding. It is always  good to learn something new, and it was fun! If motorcycle driving is good. Jet ski riding was even better. The Instructor discussed everything to us from safety to proper usage. 
In driving the Jet ski of course you should have to be familiar with the features of the Jet ski. It has a Kill cord which has to be attached on you and the other end should be in the Jet ski, so in case you'll capsize the engines would stop as soon as that cord detaches from the Jet ski. The green button on the left side of the steering wheel is the Start button while the red button is the Stop. It has Throttle on the right side of the Steering wheel which controls your speed. In riding the Jet ski you should be on proper outfit, and since the water in the Med is not that hot as it is supposed to be, we decided to wear a wet suit and of course a life vest. :)  After we had that bit of discussion they launched the Jet ski on the water and started the practical lesson. I ride with one of the deckie and started to test the features. In less than a minute I knew it already and man! as soon as I got myself familiarized on how it goes I was itching myself to put on full speed and that made me a remark. My Instructor told me that I was a bad student...nyahaha..again! as always ;) and that's how it goes. I had a great tuesday. Praise God. :)

Together Again

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The looong wait is over. We finally get the chance to see Rhia. And it was a joy :) The meet up went really crazy and unforgettable. Rhia had her off while we are in port in Golfe Juan the timing was perfect. The original plan was that I would fetch her up in the train station and from there we'll decide where to go. But we were not allowed to go ashore before 5pm so She was left with no choice but to come in our port. Not bad at least she got the chance to see the boat where we are working. We miss Mcdo so we decided to find it.We took the wrong road so we got lost a little bit, after a long walk we finally found it..and tadaaaaaaaa we ate and it was Rhia's treat. Yey! Our crave for Mcdo was satisfied and decided to go in Antibes  by walk..Yeah. by walk, without even knowing the way to get there. While on our way we had beers with us and it was just so fun. We ran out of time so we didn't had our chance even to sit on the seaside which I was thinking to do. Instead, we headed to the train station. The teller was out so we had no choice but to get a ticket from the machine, thanks for that boy who kindly helped us out to get the ticket. We seated in there for about an hour without our knowledge that the train passed already and there was no more train going back to Golfe Juan. It was a setback coz it means we will walk! And it would take us an hour of walking to get here. It was 2220 already , we were all tired and a bit cold because we wore shorts. But being the Miss Positivity I looked the brighter side of the story and charged it to experience. So with all our heart we got ourselves ready for the long walk, but miraculously as we crossed the center of Antibes a bus going to Cannes passed and we made our way to be back in Golfe Juan. It was a crazy yet so fun catch up. I enjoyed it so much and I wish to have more of like those in the future. It feels so good to see  friends I dearly cared for..after a long time of not seeing each other there we were, reunited again for at least 5hours..and the best part of it was that we are in Europe.. yey..stig :)

MS

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10 Things I missed most in Tacanuyaso

I consider Tacanuyaso as the place where my Maturity occurred. I stayed there for over 9 months and I can say that I have come to deal with life more mature and more happy. Thanks for the people especially Myla who played the lead role of that maturity. And since I am missing the boat so as the crew I asked myself what are the 10 things I missed most in Tacanuyaso. And here it is..

10  The home port where they stay. I love Greece and I miss the place so much. I wish to be back by any means in that country. I miss the food, people, scenery actually everything about Greece except the Strikes. I hate it.

9 The system of the owner. They are very organized when it comes to their travel. They set their itinerary ahead of time so before the summer comes we already know which place we will be going. They give definite figure on how long they'll going to stay in the boat, when are they coming and when are they leaving.

8 The work itself. Well, I guess nothing would beat the prettiness of life in Tacanuyaso during off season. We do our routines and that's it.

7 The galley. Yeah, seriously, i miss the galley. It's just so beautiful and so organized that made me wish to have the same kitchen someday :) plus I sooooo like the stoves coz it's really amazing the heat goes only to any metal, so even if you forgot the kitchen towel on top, it won't burn.

6 The crew mess. Both in forward and Mid. The designer of the boat must have been so concern to the welfare of the crew. It's just so wide and relaxing once you get inside.

5 The fast and free internet connection. I just so love it. I have the luxury of browsing sites whichever I want.

4 The night outs during summer. I am really not a party goer but in my stay in Tacanuyaso i experienced it all and it just feels so good. so liberating. and Oh the dinner out with the Boss. It's just a privilege for us to join them in those restaurants with all those sumptuous delicacies they served.

3 The food Kuya Mon cooks during his spare time.. man! He's a good cook.

2 The Captain down to the crew. I love them but I need a greener pasture :)

1 Myla above everything and everyone else. I miss her the most. I miss all those times that we are together, eating, dancing, strolling, crying.. She radiates positive energy  in me and I learned a lot from her. She was never  selfish not to share her stories. and it feels like I don't have to go through that situation to learn from it. 

St. Tropez

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What is in St. Tropez why people  seems so fascinated with the place. I first laid eyes on this famous place here in South of France in the year 2006 but got the chance to really know the place on the following year, 2007. At first I was amazed, But as my travel to the Med continues and got myself a chance to see other cities and places in Europe I wonder what made it special so I took time to research and satisfy my curiosity and then I found out that this place was a fishing village before. Apart from the beautiful beaches in here,it became so popular because of the artists who always come and go here which made this town a town for celebrity sighting. So that's the story. Now I know.

Here are photos from one of the famous place in the French Riviera.

 Obviously, these are the fishing boats around.

 This is one of the streets, a typical European street. It looks so laid back and cozy.

 And the Art. This is what I love most here in Europe. If someone has a talent you can show it anywhere even in the streets. They paint, they sell, they got money they share their ideas and both end meets in passion. Nothing is more cool than this. I loooove Europe.

 This is Me trying to get a jump shot from our walk going back to the port.

 This area is a wide center where people walks, do sightseeing or get some rest. Summer sun in St. Tropez is simply amazing.

 Because I am weird I think it would be a no- wonder thing if I am a fan of weird stuffs. At my back is a showroom of weird ideas.

 VIP is a famous club in St. Tropez as shown above, celebrities goes in this club and they just put their faces on.  cool :)

This is one of the souvenir shops in town. I liked the bag but didn't have the guts to buy it. Why? because though I liked the way it looked I am not a fan of glossy-thing. So I'm enough with just a photo of it :)

weirdness

There are couple of times that I was called as weird. At first I had a hard time dealing with it but as life brought me on where I am today I learned that there is nothing wrong on being me- referred as being weird, Anyway we are all created being unique and most of the times we are loved for our uniqueness. And if for me I am loved by these people around me who appreciate my so called weirdness, well I guess it would be a cool thing to be weird.. :)

I came across these lines from Dr. Seuss and it somehow made me appreciate more my weirdness.. and it says " We are all a little weird and Life is a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, We join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it Love. Such a beautiful quote.. :)

100 days from now I will be turning three-oH and it just came into my mind to do something unusual before the number of my years here on earth hits on three-oH. I would try my best to have an entry everyday on this blog whether it's a lesson I've learned, a feeling of  happiness or unhappiness, anything and everything. And i seriously want to have a devotion on this. And I hope i can make it.

100

This is the day after i was crashed. 

Although I know that I am receiving adequate love from my family, today it made me realized and appreciate more the kind of love they have shown me all these years, A love that makes me feel secured. A love that is comforting in times of when things happen not according to the way I wanted. A love that fuels me to go on. A love that is faithful. A love that I feel I need to share to people. And for that Thanks Mama, Papa and my awesome siblings. I love you beyond words and to my nephews who inspires me and somehow wipes away my sadness whenever i see those cute little pictures thank you. And of course to their mother if not because of you I would have not be able to feel this kind of emotion. Thanks Anjie :)

My long time no see friend dropped his line and we exchange PMs. It's kinda funny, sad and not so true...and here it goes:

Twilight: Kelan uwi mo?
Me:        October pa siguro
Twilight: Ayus yan dami kapa maiipon para makabili kana ng kagang..bwahaha
Me:       Hahaha.. Ouch kelangan talaga bilhin..Nku boy me utang ako kaya nararapat lang mga ganung
             buwan ang uwi ko
Twilight: Laangya..hirap naman ng buhay mo la na lovelife dami pa utang..joke..
Me:        Isipin mo nalang ikaw nga nag iisip lang hirap na panu pa kaya ako..kaganda ng buhay
Twilight: Kaya mo yan gurl
Me:        Apir!

Sometimes it's funny yet annoying how people perceive the life I am in right now. But as they said everyone has their right to their own opinion and I say I have all the right to ignore it. But with all honesty I understand how they feel for me. But what can I do there are really things that are not in my control.

Reflections

Today I'd like to bring out to the open my Reflections.

That I can say that I had a beautiful and happy childhood.

That as I was growing up I wasn't the best and too often it frustrates me, but then realized that I don't have to be. As long as I do the very best that I can.

That I have the best family any one would wish.

That it is true that the sorrow gets bigger when the sorrow's denied.

That you can always choose how to respond on a situation regardless how bad it is.

That there is no sense if you keep arguing with life. ( Just go with the flow )

That it is best to take things lightly ( you just have to know how to do so )

That happiness is always a choice.

That it is important that one should have faith, it is indeed the foundation of one being a human.

That prayer is the best weapon anyone can have at anytime and anywhere.

That I am loved by God so much and I feel like I have to share this love to His people.

That prior to my so called maturity, that was about 2 years ago :) i realized that the gifts which I consider as the bests are the ones I never asked. 

That I have to figure out more what is my mission in this world.

What a small world

It is always a good feeling to see long-time-no-see friends. I have this friend and her name is Zhana I worked with her in Scape and got the chance to befriends to her. When I decided to quit from Scape there was this thought of- Am I going to see this people again? Will i ever be able to come back in Greece? so many questions, but then the decision was firm and there was no way to change my mind. But then my two following boats I've worked with were based in Greece, so questions were answered. I get the chance to visit Scape as long as my schedule allows. Every visit was fun. Full of laughter and stories until one day an opportunity to work outside of Greece came in and knocked my door. Without any hesitations I joined the boat which has no itinerary in Greece. The boat stays in Croatia during off season and in France during summer, so obviously there was no way to be back in Greece. Zhana left Scape in 2011 and had her life outside Greek connections and last Monday i was amazed to hear that we are in the same port. They are also in Imperia and I was sooo happy. I get the chance to meet her and catch up. It was just so fun. Indeed the world is small. You will never know who will you bump the next time.. :)

Had a long talks in this catch up while having coffee. Reminiscing the past and thinking of the future was the topic. We share the same sentiments on how does life treating us nowadays.. :) 

Looking forward to see more of these.. :)

cHeers

Yesterday was my other brother's birthday :) "other brother" means kuracha. He's a claimed brother whom I've found from SF. I met him first at our training days in SF. We were 30 trainees on our batch having different ranges of age, He was only on his late 20s then, but considering as one of i may say oldest in the group He was named as the "itay" of our batch we had our "inay" as well. We were happy. It actually didn't looked like we are working, and I can say that it wasn't a career then. It was just fun, an extension of College..

47 days of training, a combination of good and tough times in and out of the training ground. It molds everyone of us. The whole batch developed connections and friendships. But soon as the 47 days has come to its end we faced the another level." The Deployment". Aileen, Joay, Kuratch, Lyndon and me were luckily deployed on 2 and that made the bond even more stronger and that was then the term "itay" became the kuya. He was fun to be with, certainly not a single moment of dullness. He always has something to say. Jokes, plain opinions, ideas, advices everything of all sorts, we get along so well and that was the image He created in me. Until we reached the face of separating ways. We left SF without any assurance of what would happen to our careers. But still we firmly held the decision and one day we just found ourselves on where we are right now. Kuratcha was employed in the famous Ritz Carlton in ky while I am in the yachting industry but it didn't hinder us to continue to be friends up until now that He's on his late 30s.. haha time flies so fast it's almost 10years..wOw..and i missed them. Once in a while we do our get together and it's fun..it's fun to reminisce the past. I am just so happy because over the years  some of the group chose to detach themselves from us but still kuya together with Aileen, Lyndon, Arian, Jovie, Yen, Cath, Russel, Jayvee, Honey and Joay are still there. It may not be the same as the old times but still I'm thankful for we able to keep the friendship..chEErs to kuracha.. :)

ME MOMENTS'

Three days straight without duty is simply just a pleasure. I get the chance to be with myself alone and thinking.. :) So I shouldn't be surprised if I am inspired to write my thoughts, I actually love to write my thoughts it's just that often times I need the right mood to do so.

Below is a collection of my photos taken on my so called ME MOMENTS.. Being with myself alone.. Along with it is a description, a little bit of story behind the photos.This is from top to bottom- left to right

Two days ago I left the boat for a walk without any definite plans where to go to. I just follow where my feet leads me. And I found myself going to the seaside of Imperia. It was beautiful with those coconut tree-like on the side of the bay, the air was fresh and there were lots of people walking around, babies on the stroller, dogs with their master young and old people. All blends were there. And this is me.. this is taken on the first street where my feet led me.

Beers are free on board  but never to be abused otherwise expect corresponding sanctions.. No offense and to clear myself ..I am certainly not a drunkard! I actually hate people who drinks beyond their limits. This is one of my ME MOMENTS photo when I was alone in my cabin having a bottle of Heineken and wished to have a good sleep :)

Behind me is a building facing the seaside, very european..

This photo is taken from one of the street going to the seaside.. It actually looks nicer in the actual scene, a classic european street.

It's good to be alone ( but not all the time )  coz it gives me the chance to be just myself . It allows me to think, It allows me to appreciate places, people, structure, nature and I guess what is best is that it gives me the chance to bring myself in to the depths and heights of imagination. So it's a chance to know myself better. And above all it's good to be alone coz  in my ME MOMENTS it is then that I feel that I'm in my most intimate conversation with God..and for granting these Lord.. I thank you.. I know I could never thank you enough but that's the only and the least I could do/could  have.. Thank you for giving me a grateful heart.. Allow me to radiate this to your people and in a way share these blessings that makes my heart so grateful.

Easter Presents

What a beautiful day! I woke up at 7am this morning but stayed in bed until 10am ( oh i love having a day off  who doesn't? ) After doing my morning routine i took my breakfast and there it goes..The tsigoni known Lucijan gave us presents and coming from him? it is surprising.. it's just not him. I mean He is known as the clever guy who doesn't spend his money on stuff like that..He's known being a wise spender of what He earns and to that I am sooo delighted..I got a chocolate hen for me and it's beautiful.. :) As shown below in the photo  It is wrapped with a transparent plastic with a baby blue ribbon on it and it has a card that sticks at the bottom that says the name of the bakery with an "Imperia" on it, and it's just so sweet. 
Chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs from kinder are the usual or i may say the traditional chocolates you find during Easter but Lucijan's unique finds goes out of track and that made the difference. It may look tiny but it means a lot to me. From the gesture itself it's pleasing already, and to that Thank You Lucijan.. :) You made our first Monday of April extra special.. :) :)

Receiving gifts especially if it is coming from unexpected person is the best feeling. It made me thought I might have done something good for him to remember me... haha..I wish to do the same thing he did..causing surprise and happiness to people.. :) Thank you again Lucijan..I doubt if I'm gonna eat those. I would prefer to keep it til when it would lasts.

Enjoying Imperia

Imperia is located in the province of Liguria, Italy just 2hours away from Monaco. Another  beautiful city I enjoyed a lot.

Staying in Imperia for almost 2weeks not mentioning my another week from last year's visit gives me the chance to observe and know more about the city.

Here are photos,  and below ( from left to right- top to bottom ) is the description of how my Imperia experience is

This is me behind the beautiful flowers it's an Easter Sunday photo. This is taken from one of the shopping street in the city.

This man captures my attention for his beautiful voice He sings hits from the 80s and even 90s. I guess that's what I like most about Europeans they are not afraid to show their talent nor their ideas. They sing in the streets, they paint and you can always see and feel the passion for what they do.

I always see people in the streets playing this instrument but  I really don't know how it's called. It has a beautiful sound anyway. The man is playing que sera sera and it's really good to listen to. I remeber my Monastiraki moments.. :)

A typical center in any part of Italy has always a water fountain. I haven't been in any city here without any of it, and it's beautiful. That's the square, Bus stops are there and this site is kinda memorable to me coz I was almost got pooped by birds from the top as in "almost" if only i  have walked a step faster surely i might have got pooped. :D

Just got out from the Church, this is me again that was a candid shot. I was about to sit a bit and Rebecca took  that photo of me.

Italians loves dogs you can see lots of dogs with their master in the streets everywhere you go..may it be in the shopping street, park as in everywhere! ( in different breeds )

Italians loves bicycles to attest you can always see bicycle lanes in the road, and what I liked most is that their bikes is not just an ordinary bikes you can see a lot of variation of how they customized their bikes and that's a proof that they are not afraid of showing their ideas no matter how weird it may be. and to that hanga ako.. :)

The three following photos are taken from the restaurant we dined in. They specializes grill in their dish and it is so delicious you'd surely burp even if you're not stepping out yet from their restaurant.. :) still, seafood is the best! I like the collections of their photos hanged in their wall, so as the story behind it.. a trivia from our host..a lol thing.. :) 

On our stroll, we reached this dead end and this is me again enjoying the green.. :) 

In Imperia aside from witnessing how cheerful Italians are I am also impressed how disciplined they are, they collect rubbish once a day and on an exact time, you seldom find  trash anywhere and what is best is that, they really give importance to Ped Xing no matter how fast they are driving if they see someone who wants to pass  the pedestrian lane they would really slow down and let that someone cross the lane and it is amazing it should really be like that. How i wish every Filipinos can adapt this.

Witnessing and knowing more about a certain city is really a good thing I just can't avoid to compare and wish, anyhow in my own little ways I wish to absorb in me the good qualities of the Italians and in a way share it to people I know. :)

Neophyte X

I just remember my first few days on board MLV the feeling of being watched in every move that I make. It felt so awkward and it isn't a nice feeling. I feel unsure in everything that I do, but as days passed by I get through it. Now I can say that I have the confidence doing things on my own, my own strat and on  my own pace and sure enough not minding what other people may think of me.

Neophyte X came just last week that's how I'd call him. I can sense He knows the job and very competent with it. But as new comers usually go through I see myself on him. Arriving to the boat being new and being watched. That's what is not so good when you come aboard without any guests yet ( off season ). Everyone has the chance to assess you even if it's actually non of their business. So if you'd like to keep the job you have to make the effort  to keep it. I like Neophyte X He's cool, at first He was  quiet but as days rolls by He's revealing his true colors. Tested and proven he's a good cook and I can sense he's funny. I feel his  interest to fit in to the team and I wish him all the good luck. welcome to the team Neophyte X. Looking forward to work with you till the season ends.. :)

Everyone went through an experience of being new you just have to do your very best and  prove yourself primarily because if you'll get through it, it would surely be another milestone. A challenge passed. :) 

Music, Music and Music....

The sound of 80s and 90s  are my energy booster when im down and need a good music to listen to. It wakes me up and energizes my veins and gets me back on rhythm again. So as a tribute to all those bands/groups who unknowingly gives me comfort when I need one I would like to feature you guys in this blog this is actually my so called "open letter to the ones I love" 

Dear Beatles,
I am such a huge huge fan.. I grew up with your music! Having those "plaka" in our house my mother always played it on a battery operated stereo back then. I knew your voices and so as your music before I get to know who you really are.. Who are the faces behind the songs that lulls me. Isn't it amazing.. you guys are that incredible! For those members  who passed this world away first may your souls be granted eternal peace and happiness you guys are part of the legend. Sir Paul McCartney and Mr drummer Ringo Starr thank you Sirs may you continue to inspire people. Your band, your story moved lives around the world and I am one of those.

Dear Fra Lippo Lippi,
I missed your concert in the Philippines and I feel so sorry about it. Clearly it could have been my best chance to reach a dream but time did not permit. I was in my province and I had a limited resources to catch you in Cebu nor in Manila. But still, I wish to see you performing right in front of my eyes. I love your music it is full of wisdom and it touches the depths of my being every time I hear your songs. My all time fave among all is light and shade. 

Dear Eraserheads,
You broke my heart when you broke your band and go on separate ways. But still my love for the music you made did not change. When I saw your Reunion Concert i missed you guys as a band, as a whole. But then you left me with a lesson..-that nothing stays the same.. thank you for your music and may you continue making good music and be an inspiration to people especially for the filipinos. 

Dear Live,
I was listening to "All Over You" when it crossed my mind to write about this open letters. You drive me to write about you. I love your music and your way of performing Sir Ed Kowalczyk. Your songs are full of wisdom as well. Phrases/ lines that opens the mind of people. It sounds really 90s awesome!

Dear Pearl Jam,
I am Mine is your best song for me every time i listen to that song it soothes to my soul. especially the line that says "the in between is mine" that is so deep that reminds me to be better as a person. Last Kiss is my second favorite your voice Sir Eddie Vedder resonates. I like the way you sing, I feel the passion you have for music every time I see you singing.

Dear Oasis,
Whoah your songs reminds me of my youth i mean my high school and my college days. It brought memories well kept.. :)  


This is actually too many to mention and to wrap this up my sincere thank you Jason Donovan, Earth, Wind and Fire, Cindy Lauper, Lauryn Hill, England Dan, John Ford Coley, Peter Cetera, Glenn Frey, Take That, Goo goo dolls, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, REM  and everyone i failed to mention who goes beyond my grasp.