Helping Hand

It’s four days before Christmas while I can’t wait for this special day to come, my sympathy goes to all the victims of "Typhoon Sendong" especially children who lost their loved ones, they are so oblivious of what lies ahead. We know that what happened is nature’s wrath but this wouldn’t have happened without negligence on everyone’s part and it’s always easy to put the blame on the government but the truth is we’re never prepared for anything and it’s always too late. So where do we go from here? If we will not care for mother earth we can anticipate that the worse has yet to come. God never wanted this to happen neither for people to suffer. HE never gives up on so let’s just take this as a reminder that we are lucky enough to be alive and to cherish every moment that we have with our loved ones for what is lost can never be saved.

Holiday Plans

It's 14 days to go before Christmas... really? It doesn't feel like Christmas at all here in the mountains hadn't because of the cool morning breeze. I think the locals aren't big on Christmas lights, lanterns, etc. I don't know if they're just too lazy to decorate or they simply don't care at all? It's no big deal though, I'm just wondering.

I miss the festive holiday atmosphere in Makati, especially along Ayala Avenue. I look forward to see what concept they'll come up with every year. The lights are such an eye candy. Whenever I'm inside the bus and passed by Paseo, I can't help but feel that Christmas is coming close.

So what are my holiday plans? I'm afraid it might be the usual, traditional Christmas and New Year kind of thing. My idea of a perfect holiday is just to spend it in private with my family. I Iike to keep it simple. That's all.

Early Bird

Good friggin morning. So why am I up this early again? Well, it's my day off and I'm just making the most out of it, I guess. I slept around 5PM yesterday. Every week is like the longest week of my life for some reason and I can't wait to get plenty of sleep and rest. I miss my bed so much. I'm in love with my bed and someday we'll be together forever! 

Thank God it's pay day weekend I'm done with my shopping spree (wow, really?). People are flooding the mall because of the 3-day sale that my sister also took advantage of as well she got herself a real cute jacket with 20% off (I'm not envious, snort). Anyhow, twin sissy and I didn't find the nail art stall we're looking for inside this local mall so we're a little upset but I'm over it somehow I just bought a cheap nail polish so I can just paint my nails later. I also got myself an eye shadow palette. 

I hate the idea of having to work, can I just get paid for doing nothing? I wish it's that simple because work can be a little too much. For now, I'll just chill and enjoy the rest of my rest day while I still can.

But Why

Why does it always rain in the afternoon?

I did our laundry this morning thinking that the sun will stay up the whole day but as expected here comes the rain, (not) again. The weather is indeed very unpredictable so better have an umbrella handy at all times.

The rain brings this melancholic feeling sometimes. I don't know if it's the cold breeze or just the sound of it. I hate it when when it's raining too much or when it gets too hot. Anything extreme is not good of course. Looks like the rain's going to be around for a long time so I guess I better just enjoy a hot cup of tea while listening to Earl Klugh.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Heya! I'm back from outerspace again. Did I miss anything? I haven't been MIA (missing in action) for quite sometime now I've been really busy dealing with a lot of things. Mostly personal so I'd rather not talk about it. Well, I'm up here in the mountains, somewhere in this lonely planet but guess what? It's really not that lonely after all even if we don't have cable TV or postpaid Internet I kinda enjoy the cool breeze and refreshing view. There's no place like this in Singapore, there's no place like home.

So what's keeping me busy lately? Nothing much really. Movie marathon all day and watching "The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition" every night. It hasn't been a month since we moved here so sissy and I are still getting ourselves familiar with the way of life here. It's not as fast phased compared to what we've been accustomed to, it's pretty simple actually. I'm enjoying the company of our dogs and I missed them a lot because for the past years I only get to see them once or twice a year thank God they are all so welcoming everytime I pay a visit it's just sad that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to our dearly departed senior dog Harriet, who passed away a month ago (sob, sob). Even Yumi, Harriet's grand pup didn't get a chance to say hello and goodbye to her (sob, sob again).

They say that life is like a rosary, it's full of mystery so I think it's for us to unravel life's mysteries in a positive way instead of dealing with it negatively because whatever God take away from us he'll give it back, sometimes it's even better than what we expect if we wait patiently. God took Harriet from us I'm betting she's in a better place now. God gave us three cute puppies in return. My elder sister decided to sell two of the three pups 'cuz we have too many dogs already. We decided to keep Yumi, I think she's the cutest and cuddlliest of them all she's slowly learning to howl.

I guess I'm starting a new chapter in my life. I'm looking forward to something better. 

Moving Out (Soon)

I say hello from outer space. It's only been weeks that I haven't written anything but it seems forever to me because a week after twin sissy and I came home from our two-month vacation in Singapore, we spent two weeks in Baguio. 

I really enjoyed the cool breeze in Baguio how I wish that the weather all over the Philippines is like that. Okay, I'm back to the world to take care of some unfinished business. While in SG and Baguio sissy and I have been talking about giving up our apartment here in Mandaluyong since we won't be staying here often. Also, we have way too many services that we don't really need anymore, to cut it short it's time to get practical and start saving up for our future. We're not getting any younger so earlier today we informed the building administrator of our decision to just consume the two months deposit our dad paid back in 2004 (see rental law of 2009 in the Phils., R.A. # 9653). Giving up our apartment didn't come easy it's almost like our second home. It's been our own personal space for 7 years and we've come to love this place, the convenience and all but we've also accepted the fact that we can't stay here forever. You see, nothing is constant in this world but change so we have to be prepared for anything that lies ahead may it be the end of the world or whatever. There's nothing that we can hold on to forever.

Home at Last

It hasn't been a week since my twin sister and I came back from our 2 month vacation in Singapore but I miss SG already though I'm happy to be back home. 

The weather is kinda sultry in the Philippines thank goodness it rained for a few days it helped cool down the heat before it kills me. The summer heat in SG is tolerable because there are wide open spaces and there's no pollution unlike here. 

So, what did I miss? Nothing much I guess? I have all our bills printed they've been sitting in my inbox for quite a while. I got my backpay and my new credit card (the old one's expired already). I've been eating a lot of food that I didn't get to eat while I was in SG like the spicy hot pancit canton, tapsilog, etc. They're quite expensive there. Truly there's no place like home but If I have to choose I'd still prefer to work abroad I believe that there's so much more to learn and it doesn't end here.

Birthday Holiday

Home alone. It's been raining more often for the past few days here in Bright Hill. Thank God it didn't rain on my birthday, April 27 or I'd be really disappointed. Twin sissy and I heard mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, strolled along the Esplanade and had a sumptous dinner at the Makansutra Glottons Bay. I had quite a few people who remember and greeted me on my birthday I'm glad to know that I still have friends. 

We're caretakers of the house as of the moment. The Pinoy couple who own the house we're renting paid a visit to their loved ones in the Philippines and will be back next week. We were informed that we have a new lady housemate coming in tomorrow so we have to be here to brief her regarding house rules or in case she needs anything. When we first came here in Singapore we're really surprised at how comfortable Pinoys are to let strangers in their house. They even leave their valuables like cellphone or laptop unattended while they're at work. Back home, it's a risky thing to let strangers in your house. You can't trust anyone these days either you'll end up getting robbed or worse case scenario, murdered by people you trusted because they aren't afraid of the law. I admire how people in SG have respect for the law. All my life I was accustomed to living in a country where criminals and thieves roam freely on the streets and I mean it with no disrespect, that's reality. I have no regrets that I am a Filipino and I'm proud of where came from but I'm just wondering why the Philippines can't be like SG where it's safe to go around even late at night, use your cellphone without fear that it might get snatched from you. Why is everything so organized here? why is everything seem so simple yet so difficult? Filipinos are very hardworking but we go elsewhere to search for a better life. 

I'll be leaving SG soon. I might come back or maybe not anymore but for sure I'll remember this country for all that they have that we don't like the cleanliness and safety. If only the Philippines can adapt the kind of discipline they have, I think we can do better.

Wanderlust in SG

Happy Easter! It's a sunny day today hopefully it'll stay this way for the rest of the day. Twin sissy and I are supposedly going to church early this morning but it didn't happen. My legs are still aching we walked all day in Orchard and Chinatown yesterday plus I had a terrible hyperacidity possibly due to chilli sauce in the Thai chicken 

rice I ate in Orchard. I really have to avoid eating oily and spicy food to avoid the weird feeling in my stomach thank God for Kremil-S I'm feeling better now. The only challenge is that most hawker food here in SG are spicy so I really have to be a lot more cautious of what I eat.  Sissy and I went to Singapore Botanical Gardens we followed directions from www.gothere.sg but the website says to alight after Pierce Road which is the wrong bus stop it should've been "before" that so we had to walk 2 bus stops to get there I thought I already saw the gate of Botanic Gardens from inside the bus but I didn't follow my intuition, geez. Nothing much to check out inside the garden actually so we just have a few pics taken but it's definitely a good place for a family picnic too bad we didn't bring food I didn't enjoy the food there and it's pretty hefty too grrr! There are huge century old trees, plants I've never seen before, a

swan lake, etc. It's also a perfect place for a morning jog or if you simply want to commune with nature. Before we head over to Tanglin Mall to check out antique stuff we cooled ourselves down and bought ice cream sandwich near the bus stop but the ice cream is sooo frozen we didn't enjoy it at all argh! Last stop is Chinatown where we bought souvenirs for a much cheaper price from this mall called "People's Park Complex." I suggest if you want to buy souvenirs to check out this mall first. There are souvenir shops there that sell 12 pieces of key chain for $10, 4 for $10 fridge magnets, etc. whilst outside they only offer 5 or less pieces for $10. We're not leaving Chinatown without having "mango pudding" for dessert, so yummy. We also tried "chicken satay" it tastes good but I didn't like the dip that go with it I still think that Pinoy barbeque is a still a winner. 

I had a real long and tiring day yesterday. I put Salonpas on each of my legs to relieve the pain I still can hardly walk I'll make sure to rest well today.

Goodbye Harriet

I received a sad text message from my sister that our oldest dog harriet passed away already. I am somehow prepared that harriet will leave us anytime soon but when the time finally came it's still a bit disappointing. I am thankful that God gave Harriet to us and without her we wouldn't have Jack and Jill. I still recall when harriet gave birth to Jack and Jill I hurriedly travelled from Antipolo to Mandaluyong to see her pups. Mom named Harriet's puppies Jack and Jill, just like the nursery rhyme. Whenever I pay a visit I bring milk or anything to keep them healthy. I get excited everytime I visit Harriet and her pups they're so cute I took they're family picture and kept it in my Photobucket account to make sure I don't lose it. Their picture still make me smile everytime I look at it. 

They say that dogs are "man's bestfriend" but to us our dogs are more than that, they are part of our family. I will surely miss Harriet's presence and her playfulness when I visit our vacation home in Baguio. They say that dogs don't have a soul I'm not sure where they go when they leave their physical body but I hope that she's happy wherever she is now and that "Owi" (her mom) is with her now along with the rest of her family that have died years ago. My sister told me that my brother buried her in our backyard and her cause of death is either due to old age or infection from a scar that she got when one of our adopted dogs "fiona", bit her few days ago.  When I was told that Harried passed away I didn't want know how it happened. She escaped death many times she's so fond of playing with bull frogs when it rains and they're poisonous but no matter how hard my sister tries to keep them away from her she still manage to chase and bite them. She's one hell of a stubborn dog probably because she knows that my sister can fix her everytime she gets poisoned by a bull frog by making her drink sugar and it sure does the trick. I guess Harriet's time has come so as much as i don't want to miss her, I definitely will. 

We lost another wonderful and cheerful dog. Rest in peace Harriet. You will be missed.

Keep Moving

Another boring day in Sembawang, SG... zzz. 

It rained a bit but now it's sunny again, good thing we don't have any more clothes waiting to dry outside. Sissy and I we'll be moving out again to our fifth house in few more days I'm kind of getting used to the idea of being a "gyps." Nothing to do but surf the net so as much as I don't want to maintain too many blog sites, I thought it wouldn't hurt if I create a Tumblr account just to keep myself busy so I did and so far I'm enjoying it. I don't really like living with strangers. I'm not very sociable but I have no choice since we couldn't afford to rent a whole flat yet as of the moment we have to rent a room for the two of us. Oh well, sink or swim but we have to survive. 

I'm coming home soon, hopefully. Life.

Missing Home

It's raining here in Sembawang, SG for the first time since we moved in this neighborhood. This is the fourth house we've lived in since we came here in Singapore believe it or not, in less that a month. Sissy and I kind of anticipated that things aren't gonna be easy but it was actually tougher than we thought. 

Finding a place for a long term stay is the biggest challenge that we've encountered so far because everything else, we managed to get by. It's true that nothing here is cheap but you can always find a way to save on your budget. There are cheap accommodations like hostels or room for rent. Pinoysg.com is a good place to start if you want to deal with Pinoy house owners and live with Pinoy housemates. Everything is convenient here in SG. Budget supermarkets are also everywhere, usually near HDB's (government housing). 

I'm getting the hang of life here quite a bit already but still, nothing feels like home. When I was in the Philippines, I can't wait to get out of there I'm getting sick of how slow the way of life is. I hate the traffic, pollution, corruption, high crime rate and all of it's imperfection. Now that I'm here in a foreign land and I can't wait to come home. I miss the food, the smile on people's faces despite adversity and everything that make us who we are. I guess I just need to breathe some fresh air but one thing is for sure, this is a learning experience. One day I'll come home to where I belong.

Away from Home

It's a gloomy Thursday morning here in Singapore. We just moved from Sengkang to Bishan yesterday thank God I think we can live more comfortably here because we have our own toilet and bath. We have Pinoy housemates and they're mostly out during the day. We can cook, eat in the kitchen, do laundry and watch T.V. so it feels like home. I'm a little anti-social, to be honest and this is the first time twin sissy and I moved out of the country and lived with strangers. When we were kids we lived in a house with other families in Quiapo, Manila but during Edsa revolt, our Dad acquired a property in Antipolo so we grew up in our own home and enjoyed our personal space until we finished school and land a job. My twin moved in with our elder sister who's taking up law that time in a nearby school in Mandaluyong that was back in 2007 while I was left alone in Antipolo because my work is still there until I got bored talking to myself so the following year I moved in with them when I got a job in Mandaluyong. I didn't really abandon our studio-type room in Antipolo I still come there once in a while to check if our stuff is still there you know, Akyat Bahay gangs are everywhere we make sure the padlock to our door is still working unlike here in SG where people are very lax they let strangers in the house. 


Going back, we decided that we have to be practical and gave up our room in Antipolo and live in Mandaluyong instead so we don't have to pay too many bills. Sissy and I are here in SG to test the waters, so far so good. I've only been here for ten days but I miss home already, I miss the food. I'm not a fan of noodles so I go for "chicken rice" most of the time. They don't have combo meals so whatever we eat we pair it up with bubble tea or flavored soya drink which is very common apart from fruit juices. 


Locals can understand English but most of the time their Singlish (Singaporean English) is still difficult to understand or, they can understand you but they talk to you in their local tongue, hays. 


When it comes to accommodation it's not an easy task finding a good one especially if you're the sensitive type when it comes to sanitation and all those things. You have to be very adaptive that's why I envy those people who have their place to stay here for good. Wifi is all over the place and people here are busy all the time. They walk fast and are always glued to their mobile phones. Most of them are accommodating though, when you're lost and need directions you can just ask any local and they are very much willing to help. 


SG is a very progressive country, there's no doubt about that. But from what I observed, elderly people still work, mostly as service crews on the food court. A friend once told us that old people here live on their own because their children left them to support themselves and it's sad to know that it happens to progressive countries. In Pinoy culture, we care for our parents until they are too old to take care of themselves just like giving back the life we owe them. 


I left home because I feel that my job isn't working for me anymore, I'm so burn out. I'm gonna get the hang of life here. No turning back, I'll finish what I started.

Exploring the City

It's only been five days since I set afoot Singapore I'm glad that I'm slowly getting the hang of how things work here. This is a whole new experience for me. Back home I don't commute via MRT, the only bus going to work but here, it's the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation apart from buses so I have no choice but to learn how the system works thank God I have my twin sissy and friend with me in this adventure. In case I get lost, Well I'm not the only one haha! 

Everything was quite a mess during our first few days here. We're in a maze trying to find our way home in this peaceful town until we figured things out amongst ourselves. I'm loving everything here so far, they're so systematic. The EZLink MRT card is our friend without it we can't go anywhere since you can use it on on both MRT and bus. The air is clear, there's no smoke on cars or PUVs, no depressed areas, garbage, etc., etc. Well, what can I say, SG is a Fine City, literally. People have discipline and they don't break the rules or the consequences will be fatal. I've seen some of the tourist spots already like The Esplanade, Marina Bay and also some of the amazing Hindu temples. Food is good and affordable in hawker centers so I might set aside my diet for the time being and just enjoy the food here. There are times that I can't help but compare my beloved country to SG and wonder if we can still catch up and be as progressive. I don't know but all I can say is that if the locals were able to build a progressive country, then why can't we?

Worry Free

So this is how it feels to be free. I've never been jobless in my life so I'm loving the freedom of not having to worry about anything. My twin sissy and I have more bonding time together and I'm happy with that. 

Giving up my job was never easy but in life we have to make tough decisions in search of something better. I'm not gonna lie, I have a nice paying job but I'm not happy with what I do anymore. I'm burn out and believe me, it's never a good feeling. It's like being in a relationship that doesn't work out anymore... sucks right? Life is a matter of choice. 

No regrets.

All Mine

I had a real busy week and I'm happy that I finally got my Ipad, yeah it's all mine. I'm totally enjoying installing every free apps out there, so cool. We had three boxes of pizza for lunch in the office earlier for my Despedida (farewell) because I am leaving the company I've worked for three years soon. I've no regrets, people leave for a reason. 


I'm ready to embark on a new journey and that's all that matters to me now. 2010 is gonna be a promising year to me. Blessings just keep coming and I'm thankful that my hard work paid off.


Wish me luck, I can do this.

Just Got Lucky

All by myself. I don't feel like going out today I'm feeling kinda lazy. After two hours of sleep I did my usual household chores, I showered, then redo my pretty finger nail art decals. We had an early time off at work so I got home around past five in the morning. My shift ends at 6 so I'm home before the sun is up. How I wish I can go on half day everyday so I can sleep longer, lol. What the hell is wrong with me?! I'm still ranting when I only have two weeks left in this company?  I just can't help it maybe I'm just so darn tired already, yeah whatever. 

I haven't got my Ipad yet I'm a little disappointed I thought I'm gonna get it before my rest day too bad it didn't happen due to unexpected circumstances, sigh. In my two years of stay in this company this is the first time they're giving away an Apple Ipad as incentive and lucky me I'm gonna get it before I leave for Singapore. I find it ironic I'm planning to buy a netbook after our sick leave conversion but decided to keep the money and just wait and see if I'm going to get the Ipad luckily, it's all mine. Seriously? I need to resign just to get an Ipad? I've never won a gadget in my two years of stay in this company I guess I'm just a little overwhelmed because for sure I'm gonna need it when I travel so hallelujah! 

It's my teenage niece's birthday tomorrow so my twin and I are going to crash in their humble abode. Our elder sister promised us "pancit malabon" so we're kinda excited that's my favorite. I also got an unexpected Sodexho gift certificate few days ago what a coincidence I don't have to shell out cash to buy my niece a birthday cake. I thank god for all the blessings. Keep 'em coming.

Taxi No More

Thank you God my 3AM shift is over. I don't have to ride a cab on wee hours of the morning anymore, super. I can save up now I have cheaper options for transportation especially that LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board) has recently approved the petition of taxi owners to increase the flag down rate of taxicabs in the whole country. Oh my everything's going up! For most Pinoys, it's becoming tougher each day to make both ends meet so instead of waiting and hoping for a better life in our country we go elsewhere, sad but true but you see practicality is one of the keys to survive in this crumbling world. 

Well, I cooked twin sissy's breakfast since I woke up early so I can sleep later. I'm excited over SL (sick leave) conversion but I have to keep it somewhere safe until I know what to do with it. Then, I will submit my resignation letter, wait for my passport and fulfill my lifelong dream to travel, yay! this year's gonna be a good one. I can't wait.

NBI Application

It's been years since my last NBI clearance application I lost my personal copy I just noticed last night. It's supposedly a renewal but I lost the old copy so I have no choice but to apply for a new one. 

NBI clearance renewal can be done at the any any of their satellite offices in the mall but new applications will have to be done at the main office only. I'm a little lost when I went to the city hall of Mandaluyong good thing there are information booths all over the place so it was a little convenient. It's my rest day today so I'm in no rush. I got my cedula first (it's required before they give you the application form) then I waited patiently for my turn which is so not usual of me but since it's my fault I have to deal with it. The thumb marking process was quite a mess I brought my own wet tissue but they're so quick to give you theirs so you can't even say "no" and pay the P5.00 upfront for the darn thing. It's not too big of a deal I just find it too obvious that it's for "extra income." The whole process took a good hour an a half I'm so tired and hungry when I got home. 

I heard mass in Quiapo prior to renewing my NBI clearance it's too crowded and suffocating inside the church I decided to leave after the homily to get some air it's feels like i'm going to pass out already. I'll resume wit boxing tomorrow I haven't boxed for three weeks I need to burn 'em carbs. 

I Did It My Way

I haven't blogged for weeks so I never get the chance to say cheers to the new year, the year of the metal rabbit... rock on! Kidding aside, time flies by so quickly. Let me rewind the clock back to the new year of 2010 when twin sissy and I welcomed 2010 amongst ourselves because we have work, sucks right? That's why I'm so thankful that I spent Christmas and New Year with my family this year, that's good for a start. 

It was back in January when I was able to convince twin sissy to try out boxing for us to lose weight and from then on it became our weekly routine. Now we can't live without boxing it became our major form of exercise and bonding time aside from shopping teehee! We became uber OC in terms of losing weight and avoided eating fast food as well as those high in carbs. We stopped eating rice gradually and substitute it with food that is rich in fiber instead. Nothing comes easy but no pain, no gain. Sacrifice and discipline is the key to losing weight the healthy way. I have nothing against slimming pills there that widely exists in the market nowadays because I'm taking one too but I don't depend on it too much. Slimming pills will not work unless you exercise and take your diet seriously. 

I'm no fitness expert but hopefully, my experience will inspire and benefit a lot of people who will read my blog. I've tried a lot of things to lose weight. I've been boxing for almost five months when I noticed that I'm not losing weight that much.  My twin sister suggested we try the apple and cucumber salad diet for weeks. I don't know where she got that idea but I'm sure she researched it or something so I gave her credits for that. It worked but I'm still not satisfied with so I resort to eating brown rice until eventually I quit eating rice for a week and noticed that I'm losing weight more rapidly. I lost 10 pounds in 2-3 weeks time. Instead of rice for lunch, I substitute it with wheat bread sandwich and fruit like an apple or banana. I start to feel lighter and not bloated anymore. I resume eating rice after a week but from then on I make it a habit to eat rice only once or twice a week. I weigh 125 lbs. before I started boxing. I'm petite so I'm pretty overweight for my height. Walking is my only exercise when I go to work after I get off the bus. I sit for eight hours at work and I've been working for years so I'm sure you can now imagine how I got all the flabs. My waistline is getting wider and everything that I wear just won't fit right anymore. I told myself I can't let this go on until I decided that last year's a good year to stay fit and I'm proud to say that "I did it!" My year ended weighing 97 lbs. but gained 2 lbs. when I came back from vacation for the holidays but no longer worried I know I can maintain what I started. I won't just put everything to waste, of course, spell d-i-f-f-i-c-u-l-t! But it was all worth it. I gave my old jeans away and some clothes that I can't wear anymore I swear I'll never wear those again.

So what's in it for me in 2011? According to my astrology and horoscope that 2011 is a challenging year for Taurus. I will succeed in career however, there will be too much hard work and some struggle. This year will bring promotions and elevations in career, and hard work will be appreciated. Furthermore, in terms of health 2011 is a good year. Taurus will become a great source of inspiration to other people in the year of the metal rabbit. How's that? I don't rely on astrology and horoscopes they're only guides so it's still up to me to make it all happen and I'm pretty confident that I can do it with divine providence and hard work. I'm looking forward to a great leap in my career this year. I'd like to travel, experience other culture and see what's out there. Testing the waters is a bold and risky move but life without the risk isn't life worth living and part of it is the learning process. It's normal to stumble and have regrets in the past, we're only human but moving forward is the most important thing. We can never go back so don't dwell on the past and move on but don't forget those people who inspired you and make you a better person and the experiences you've gone through. Pretty deep eh?