Oh March

Hello spring! It's only a month to go before April, my birthday month yay! I'm quite excited to pick up my new passport next week though I don't have birthday plans as of yet, geez. As always, I'm looking forward to travel this year on my birthday, hopefully this year this will be possibility (do I see a glimmer of hope? Uhm, I'm not sure tbh). 

Going back to the passport renewal thingy, I totally didn't expect that it would be a piece of cake. My sissy and I went to DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) around 5 PM and had our passport renewed in less than 15 minutes (in my estimate). I initially opted for the regular fee and not the express since it is cheaper at Php950 plus I'm not really in a hurry to get a new passport however, I end up paying Php1,200 because the regular renewal is not available on Saturdays (believe it or not). I need to get things done so I paid the express fee anyway. 

I've been browsing several travel sites for months since my trip to Hongkong last year. I already have a run down of places that my sister and I would like to visit for our birthday this year either in Vietnam or Thailand. I know that it may sound strange but I decided to copy tour itineraries from travel agencies because I noticed that they have a list of decent budget hotels and tourist spots to go. During our HK getaway we booked a 4D 2N Free & Easy tour package from a travel agency and were surprised that the places we visited aren't worth seeing at all plus we have a lot of idle time I thought we didn't really get value for our money. 

For budget travellers like myself, there are pros and cons in booking with travel agencies. For pros, let's start with the fact that it is more convenient because everything is already provided for such as the hotel, meal (depending on your package), itinerary for the day, transportation (bus/coach), etc. It is also safer to travel with a group because whatever happens to you, they got your back. Some travellers say that booking with travel agencies is also cost effective because they often get the best deals also, you don't have to worry about tipping and all. For more private people like me and my sister I hate travelling with bunch of strangers, that's one of the cons for booking with travel agencies. For group tours there is a certain schedule that you have to follow so let's say you woke up late then you have to wait for the next batch, that sucks. Another con is that there is so much idle time after the tour. For the most part, there are more interesting places to visit if you Google it. If you want to explore places it's up to you. I didn't have a very good experience booking with travel agencies and I think I can do better with the tour itinerary with a lot of research and tips from traveller review sites.  

Gosh I miss travelling so much my itchy feet is driving me crazy. I'm looking forward to explore the richness of Southeast Asia because there's so much more to see. I miss temple hopping and food trippin'. 

I can't wait to hit the road again. 

  

I Need Space

I told myself that I'll write about something at least once a month, so here I am. Glad to be back. January was just like yesterday, now here comes the love month February. What have I been up to? Well, I've been busy surfing the Internet doing all kinds of research mostly about dieting, makeup, DIY dust mites kiler or just pretty much anything that make sense to me. I also had a quick visit to the doctor two weeks ago because I was feeling weak and nauseous after my monthly period and I'm not even sure if it has anything to do with that or I've just been spending too much time in front of the computer, I don't know. Anyhow, I was prescribed Betahistine to make the dizziness go away (Betahistine dihydrochloride is an anti-vertigo drug. It is commonly prescribed for balance disorders or to alleviate vertigo symptoms associated with Ménière's disease. Wikipedia) and Polynerv 500 (for vitamin B deficiency).  I've been okay for a week now, thank God because I hate going to the doctor just for some prescription and I don't have faith in medicines but they just work right?

So, my sister and I have been downloading tons of movies lately that we decided to purchase a Transcend StoreJet 1TB 25M3 portable hard drive (for a review of this product you may go to this link http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/portable-storage/transcend-storejet-25m3-portable-hard-drive-review-3596249/)  from Lazada for back up. As much as I don't want to buy anything from Lazada anymore because I despise them for the bad experience I had with them last year, my sister and I are left with no choice because they have the cheapest price online plus it is free shipping for items over 1k. As expected it took forever for the item to arrive but that's another story and I don't want to talk about it.

The package finally arrived in good condition yesterday via Air 21. I unpacked it immediately, took some photos and plugged it in to my Macbook. I tried transferring files right away but it did not work. I thought about 'Googling' for answers, gladly, it came in handy. I found a link (at http://www.transcend-info.com/Support/FAQ-878) that says I need to format StoreJet in order work on Mac (I have Mac OS X Yosemite). I followed the steps however, I got an error message that it cannot format the drive so my sister and I thought about a workaround that might help other Mac users. 

Here's what to do:

Step1: Click "Go," and click "Utilities.”

Step2: Click "Disk Utility.”

Step3: Select the external hard disk.

Step4: Select MS-DOS FAT and click "Erase.” 

Step5: A window will pop up. Click "Erase" to start format if you wish to erase the volume.

Step6:  A message tells you "Preparing to erase.”

Step7: Select "Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and click "Erase.”

Step8: A window will pop up. Click "Erase" to start format if you wish to erase the volume.

Step9:  A message tells you "Preparing to erase.”

Step10: Formatting Success!!!

Once done formatting I was able to just simply drag and drop all my files to StoreJet. I must say I'm a happy camper. I almost panicked I thought this portable hard drive is defective. I guess I will not run out of space anymore because 1tb is huge enough for me plus I don't want to keep a lot of junk on my Mac, I need it for work and I don't want anything to slow it down. 

Oh wait! My passport is about to expire on the 14th (yeah, on Valentine's Day!) but I'm not sure if I will have time to renew. I hate falling in line but I guess I have to deal with it, it's been 6 years anyway. My oh my.

For The Love Of Brandon

This article I saw on Facebook really broke my heart

I tried to keep mum on the death of our 10 year old German Shepherd Brandon two days after Christmas but upon reading this article regarding the death of a healthy Pomeranian after it’s owner took it to the vet just for grooming, I decided to share what me and my family accounted as "veterinary medical malpractice" to increase awareness that these things actually happen and it can happen to any of our beloved pets.

Brandon recuperating after he was confined for 2 days due to infection

We took Brandon to the vet last November 6 because of loose stool and dehydration. We had his cbc (complete blood count) checked and the numbers didn’t come out good. Brandon’s kidney (Renal Failure) and liver was badly affected by the infection and we were told that he may not live long partly because of his old age too. He was confined for 2 days but we took him home because they couldn’t make him eat we thought maybe he’s not very comfortable with strangers around and doesn’t trust anyone but us to feed him which is typical of canines like him. They are really suspicious especially with strangers. To be honest I was scared of large dogs before but when I got to know Brandon, he was actually just like any small or medium sized dogs, playful and very easy to love.

As expected, Brandon ate few hours after he got home. He was on IV for just a day and a half and started taking oral meds for a week. He was back on track after 2 weeks. There was no sign of him being sick, it’s like a miracle. We got our hopes up that he will live a little bit longer.

During Brandon's follow up check up on November 28 the vet advised to have his vaccines updated and to have him dewormed. My dad bought Brandon as a puppy from a family in Cavite and he had papers but we’re not sure what type of vaccines was injected to him so we thought maybe it is necessary to have his vaccines updated to keep him healthy. The vet administered a 5 in 1 shot on December 7 and gave us 3 Canex deworming tablets. As per the vet, we need to deworm 5 days after his 5 in shot 1 and that’s what we did. 

We dewormed Brandon on December 12 and 3 days after he started losing appetite again. 4 days later we started forced feeding him. He won’t eat or drink on his own. He’s become lethargic, drooling until he cannot stand on his feet again. I couldn’t stand looking at him like that, he’s like a vegetable but we couldn’t take him to the vet immediately because my elder sister was away that time and we waited for her to come home so for the time being I went to the vet alone to ask if it was caused by his 5 in 1 shot or deworming but the vet insisted that other factors might have caused his sickness again like the weather perhaps? I was like, seriously? I told myself I don’t think she will admit that she might have done something wrong. She was groping for words. Is she clueless or something? Unbelievable. I was told that we need to have Brandon confined again. I was totally disappointed that I insisted we take him to another vet. 

We rushed Brandon to another vet clinic on Christmas eve. They took his cbc as usual and later found out that he's kidney and liver were failing. The vet told us that the previous vet should have make sure that he is 100% well before the 5 in 1 shot and the deworm should’ve come first. He was also positive for blood parasite which means that he still wasn't well and if, only IF they had him go through several tests before the shot, they could’ve at least saved his life. We left him in the care of his new vet but was a little too late. The next day when my sister paid Brandon a visit she was given a heads up that he has a 50/50 chance of survival. We were hoping for another miracle but 2 days after Christmas I got a text message from Brandon’s vet that he already passed away. My family was totally devastated losing Brandon because he is not just a dog, he was family to us.  

The camera shy Brandon 

This goes to all pet lovers/owners and veterinarians out there. To veterinarians, what happened to Brandon made me doubt you and your expertise. Brandon is just a poor animal who left his faith in your hands because you are supposed to be an expert in your field but you cut his life short, slowly and painfully. As owners, we may be at fault too for believing and trusting that these guys know what they are doing. Providing proper care to animals espcially senior dogs should be your primary concern but what happened to Brandon gave me a notion that it’s all for the money, it’s a monkey business sort of thing.

RIP Brandon

Surely, my sentiments will not bring Brandon’s life back but I hope that this experience will serve as an eye opener for all pet owners to be vigilant. When in doubt and you suspect a vet malpractice ask for your pets medical records and a second opinion because it is your right to know what is going on with your pets and not just pay a hefty amount without asking questions. Remember, you are your pets protector, their voice.

To Brandon, you will be missed. May you rest in peace. 

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

I almost couldn’t believe that today is the last day of 2015. Before the year ends and I bid goodbye to the year of the sheep, let me recall this year’s highlights and what made it memorable for me.

First off, the Papal Visit happened in January from the 15th to the 19th. As a Catholic country this is the time where Filipinos experienced a renewal of faith when Pope Francis came. The Pope came to the Philippines during the first leg of his Asian trip and brought about the message of “Mercy and Compassion.” Pope Francis was the second Pope after Pope John Paul III to have visited the country.

I am still addicted to online shopping so my sister and I got ourselves mason jar cozies. I will never forget how cute this cookie monster cozy was and the hassle of buying a made to order item. It took a month before I got it but I swear to God I will not order from that seller again. My cozy will turn 1 year on the 25th of January. 

Pets come and go. Our house cat in Antipolo that I named Moonie passed away on February 13th. I don’t know how long he lived but he definitely died of old age. The last time I saw him alive was April of last year before I left for Cambodia to spend my 34th birthday.

I’ve always been a health buff but no matter how careful I am I had some minor health issues in March. I was diagnosed with G.E.R.D and was on medication for two weeks. I had my second endoscopy since my gallbladder operation in July of last year because of some bacteria that thrived in my stomach and was on medication for a month. 

I want a birthday present for myself and I couldn’t think of anything so I had my second piercing and I loved it. I thought it’s cute. My piercing is eight months old and will turn one year on April 12, 2016.

How can I forget my 36th birthday getaway in Hongkong (April 25-27)? It was my first time in HK though I never get the chance to visit Disneyland, I was happy to see the largest Buddha, the Tian Tian Buddha at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island.

It was a sigh of relief when I finally quit my job in July. I got my final pay in August (yay!).

Pets need TLC too. On August 2nd my sister and I brought our 10-year-old German Shepherd to the vet due to his infected hygroma and was on medication for 2 weeks. 

On August 21, Typhoon Ineng hit Northern Luzon big time. Our town was enveloped in darkness for 3 days.

I enrolled in a driving school in September, the rush course lasted only for 2 days. Whew.

Typhoon Lando badly damaged Northern Luzon last October 18. That was the worst typhoon ever. We had no electricity for 4 days. 

Moving into a new house this year in October was the best thing that happened to our family this year. God is good and I couldn’t ask for more.

Just three days after moving into our new house we took Yumi, our 4-year-old Lhasa Apso to the vet because my sister and I noticed that she’s losing weight and starting to smell weird. According to the vet that Yumi's blood test showed that she was positive for some blood parasite. She was bitten by an infected tick so she was on lots of vitamins and antibiotics for 2 months because she was still positive on the 2nd month. Poor little dog, thank God she’s all well now.

Our senior dog Brandon was rushed to the vet again and was confined for three days from November 16-19 due to dehydration. We had Brandon’s CBC checked and was told that his kidney and liver are no longer in good condition because of his age. He was able to recover after three weeks.

I'm a little bit of a gadget freak and an Apple fan. I couldn’t live without my iPhone or laptop so I got myself a MacBook Air 11 as a Christmas present. Happiness overload.

I was happy for a while but that happiness turned to grief when Brandon, our most loved guard dog passed away 2 days after Christmas. His kidney and liver finally gave up. He will be missed. 

I guess life is all about balance. Good and bad things happen for a reason, it is not just mere coincidence. Everything that happened this year gave me a lot of things to ponder. On that note, let me share a quote to wrap up 2015 for me:

“As the year comes to an end, don’t look back on yesterday’s disappointments. Look ahead to God’s promises yet to unfold.” ~ Buky Gelabi ~

Goodbye to the year of the sheep. This is going to be my year so let me welcome the year of the Monkey with a bang. Hello 2016, Let's rock this.

Merry Christmas Baby

Merry Christmas

It’s the festive season and food is just sooo hard to resist I still have a hangover from last night’s sumptuous dinner. Overeating is no good for someone who lost a gallbladder a year ago but I care less even if I suffer from heartburn because Christmas only happens once a year right?  

There’s a bunch of things to be thankful for this year thus, a reason to celebrate. I can’t wait to have Internet service installed in our new home. It’s been 3 years since we had postpaid Internet and I really miss the good ‘ol things that I used to do such as downloading movies, music, etc. I’m a big leecher, not proud of it but I just am.  

They say the best things in life are those that money can’t buy, I totally agree. I’m a hardworking person, I keep working and working even if I’m not happy with what I do anymore until I just quit and move on to the next job. My life has become a broken record, it just played on and on. I take a break by traveling at least once a year to get some fresh air but I guess a temporary vacation didn’t help at all I realized that life is getting way too monotonous for me, a never-ending cycle. I thought I needed to do something to change how things are. 

I must say that this year is the best so far and I think I finally got what I always wanted…time, for myself and I couldn’t ask for more. This year had a lot of unexpected twists, mostly good ones. 

It’s just a few more days before the year ends and I have a feeling that the best has yet to come so bring it on.

Excited over the new year.

Cheerio! 

Shopaholic

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm feeling excited but haven't started shopping for presents yet. I'm addicted to online shopping I pretty much buy everything online because I love the convenience right at the comfort of my own home plus going to the mall as the holiday gets close is such a pain, the crowd is unbearable especially during SALE season. Online shopping has it's own risks too so make sure to buy from legit sellers only. As a piece of advice coming from someone who've been shopping online for 10 years, make sure to always check for customer's feedback especially if you like to purchase from international sellers just like in eBay.

I was an active eBay shopper until I got tired of waiting for ages for my package to arrive. I like to shop in eBay because that's where I find real cheap imported goodies plus the shipping is free, however, I still pay a postage fee of Php100 per parcel once it arrived in the country. Talk about free shipping but not really.

I was never a victim of bogus sellers (thank God!) because I know how to spot them. I like to shop with ease so whenever I encounter sellers that are quite unresponsive, I will keep in mind not to purchase from them again in the future. I'm not very hard to please. I lover sellers who are very accommodating especially in answering inquiries and those who give updates. I appreciate it when I'm provided a tracking number so I can personally track my package. I know how it feels to buy and sell. I have sold gadgets online as well as managed an online shop in the past so I know how it feels to win the trust of a complete stranger. I had the best and the worse customer experience but the worse of the worse just happened recently through LAZADA so for those wanting to purchase from them, think thrice. You have been WARNED.

Lazada sucks

I downloaded the Lazada mobile app last month because when my niece bought an all in 1 printer months ago she said she got it cheaper and it arrived soon so I thought that I will not have any problem since they are a legit and reputable company. I ordered a MacBook Air 11 on the 20th of November and got an email order confirmation immediately that it will be verified anytime. The following day I got a call from a customer service rep to verify that I really ordered the item. I thought this is good, I like that they really take time to call unlike in eBay, an email notification is enough.

According to the order details that I will get the item between November 29 - December 1st but I did not hear from Lazada after December 1st so I shoot them an email and got a reply (yes, they reply fast. Well, at least) that it is still in process by the supplier and that I will get my item no later than December 8 so I uttered to myself "okay, I'll wait then" though I'm starting to have doubts already that there is something that they aren't telling me but I still trusted them, that's how patient I am when I know that it is beyond my control. I started reading blogs and found out that Lazada has a lot of complaints regarding items that are taking way too long to arrive but I just shrugged it off because I don't want any of these articles to kill the excitement that I'm feeling. I stayed positive that I will get my item before the 8th until on the 4th of December, I got another email saying that the item I ordered is OUT OF STOCK from their supplier from the time that I ordered it although it allowed me to check out from their website and that they couldn't find any other supplier that have that model available so they offered me a P200 voucher that I can use on my next purchase. BEAST MODE ON. I was like, you gotta be kidding me... I waited 2 weeks for nothing and you expect me to purchase again and use that voucher? Seriously??? I was totally DISAPPOINTED. Who wouldn't be? They wasted my time. For a first timer in Lazada, this is just UNACCEPTABLE. I replied back to let them know how frustrated I was with their crappy website and that I will NEVER order from them I again. How on earth are you able to order an item that is out of stock? Ridiculous right?!

MacBook Air rainbow case

On the same day that I got the bad news, I went Macbook shopping with my sister in SM Cyberzone unfortunately, it was out of stock too on both Apple distributors thank God one of the sales persons from one of the stores told me that they have a stock coming the next day so I reserved it immediately and paid for the reservation fee. I was ecstatic when I got my MacBook Air the following day but still haven't forgotten about the bad experience. I told myself that if I wasn't too lazy to go to the mall, I would've have saved myself from all the s***. Moving on and lesson learned, if you're looking to buy a gadget do not do it online. It's still best that you are able to see the product that you are buying so you are able to test if it is in good condition, this is one of the things that you're not able to do when buying online plus it's still best that if something goes wrong, you're able to take it back to the store where you bought it to have it checked. Currently, I am pleased with my Mac. I am a first-time Macbook user but I find it very easy to navigate, it's very straightforward compared to Windows. I just love my new baby so I got her/him/it a rainbow case (ordered one from Shopee) that comes with a black keyboard cover, it's super cute.

Unboxed my MacBook Air 11

I guess my new baby will keep me busy again since our senior dog Brandon, is all well again after suffering from diarrhea and dehydration and was on medication for 2 weeks but we still have to watch his diet and administer his vitamins religiously. As of Yumi the tiny dog, she's still positive for blood parasite so this will be her second month of medication. I hope that her next check-up will turn out good. 

Life As It Is

It's 34 days to go before Christmas, would you believe it? I know, it was only yesterday when I was staring in front of my computer monitor thinking what it's like not to work on Christmas or New Year's eve now here I am, thankful for life's unexpected blessings.

It hasn't been a month since my family moved into this new house and it got me really busy. Packing and unpacking stuff is quite a drag but exciting at the same time. The thought of living in a new house makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy because from the time that my sister and I started working we've always rented a pad so we have no choice but to be away from home so we are closer to our workplace. Living in a new house makes me feel like a child with a shiny new toy, I like it when everything's new. I am sad that my mom is not going to be with us anymore. We've been spending Christmas for three years now without her. I guess we are starting over.  

I love decorating our new house. I've always been interested in interior design that's why I can't get enough of Pinterest 'cuz that's where I get most ideas on decorating and stuff. I'm quite a perfectionist, I like things to hang nicely. I just hate eyesore that's why I do my research first to make sure I put things where they should be. 

Get well soon big boy

I like this new neighborhood, it's peaceful. Our pets are somehow getting accustomed to their new environment especially Atari the cat because he still gets to stay indoors. Our toy dog Yumi, is recovering from a blood parasite that came from our previous house and still on medication however Brandon, our 10-year-old German Shepherd was rushed to the vet almost a week ago because he had diarrhea and fever and was confined for 2 days due to possible contaminated water or food so just a to be safe never give your pets tap water, let them drink what you drink. We took Brandon home and is slowly recuperating. According to his vet, the infection badly affected his kidney and liver thank God his appetite is back but still too weak to stand on his feet. I'm just grateful that I get to spend time watching over our sick pets. 

I have a lot of plans for next year like working from home and hopefully my sister and I get to travel again for our birthday, I'm crossing my fingers. At the moment I couldn't ask for more. Happiness is contentment.

All We Need Is Just A Little Patience

I hate the rain sometimes. It's been 2 months since the last typhoon and here comes the rain again. I hate this bed weather because it keeps me from moving and being lazy is so not me. I have a lot of things to do and with this kind of weather, I can't do much (sigh).

In the course of two months, a lot has happened already. An adage goes, “when it rains, it pours.” After 5 long years, our vacation home was finally sold that's why I'm just ecstatic that my family is now moving into a new house. Rural life is such a pain, especially during medical emergencies. Aside from that, we can't get a good network signal or apply for services like phone, cable TV or Internet since we're too far away from the city. Oh boy! I can live without cable or landline phone but without access to the world wide web will definitely drive me crazy and it's not just all about social media, I want to keep myself updated all the time with the current news and stuff.

I truly believe that prayers move mountains as long as you don't lose hope because when the time is right God will give you what you asked for. I must admit it came to a point that I thought about giving up because I feel like God doesn't listen anymore. Maybe HE's too busy up there and my voice is too weak for him to hear but, at the end of the day, I still run to him for help. To me, there is no other God, who truly cares and understands even if I'm becoming too selfish already.

It' been 3 years since my mom passed away but I still talk to her every day like she's just beside me all the time, I know that she can hear my thoughts 24/7. They say that spirits who leave this world die to free them from the physical pain but continue to live an eternal life in the other world, it's a gift. Whenever there are major changes in my life I tell my mom how happy I am. When I'm feeling down and I need help on making tough decisions in my life I seek for her help and divine intervention. Every time I see a butterfly I associate it with my mom's spirit, looking after me. Whenever I get the chance to visit her remains I talk to her in silence and pray that she help escalate my prayers to God and one of my prayers is for God to send an angel that will help my family find a buyer for our vacation home. I believe my mom worked her magic. Prayers don't work overnight, patience is a virtue.

I think this year is a blessed one for me and my family sadly, my mom is no longer with us but she will always be our guiding light. I am grateful that things are finally falling into place. God's timing is always perfect. I quit my job three months ago and all I ever wished for is a new house that's accessible to everything so I can start working right at the comfort of our home because that's what my mom wants too when she was still alive. She wants me to stop working, it gets her worried a lot. My mom still hasn't changed a bit, she will always be the caring mom I've always known her to be. I believe that things happen for a reason and not just pure coincidence.

Darn, I still don't like too much rain but I should've learned by now that the sun will come out soon if I will just remain patient. Bear in mind that it's not always a rainy day.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Over The Weather

How's my driving? Sounds familiar? Whenever I see this at the back of PUVs it makes me want to text the mobile number posted just to see if it works but I never tried it, not even once. There is no perfect driver but on the road, there's no excuse even if you're just a newbie...like who cares? There are rules and regulations to follow. 

Now I know how it feels to drive even just for 2 days. A 5-hour drive is fun but exhausting. I was sooo hungry after the driving lessons that I could eat a horse! My elder sister drives a pajero but I think she's kinda scared for her baby to get hurt so I can't practice because I have nothing to drive at the moment (snort). 

I'm keeping myself busy with anything. I have to keep moving because I feel like I'm gaining weight but not the healthy kind of weight since I've been munching on a lot if carbs lately (sigh). I miss working out, really.

Since my previous blog, I'm now an avid viewer of Eat Bulaga's Kalyeserye because of AlDub. I no longer watch movies to kill time. When the clock strikes 12 I immediately switch on the TV for EB. Every Saturday is a big day for Alden and Yaya Dub and they never fail to disappoint their fans including myself. I spend more time on Twitter and Facebook than Instagram because I get more Aldub feeds, lol. In my opinion, it is very evident that Aldub is in the lead amongst other loveteams because in just 2 months they already had endorsements for major brands like McDo & Talk N Text. I'm happy for AlDub/MaiDen and I bet that if they continue to keep their image clean and as long as they stay grounded, they will soon become ambassadors of goodwill. 

Clearly, there is no competition. Nothing beats the original and longest running noontime show in Ph. I'm excited for Aldub's first date on Saturday. It's a Saturdate and I will not miss that. I hope that Maine and Alden will end up together, for real...lol! #Walangbasaganngtrip. 

Drive Me To The Moon

I'm excited to drive again.

I was 15 when I asked my mom that I want to learn how to drive so my sister and I have something fun to do during our summer break. I took driving lessons from a driving school as per my mom's advise so it'd be easier to get a driver's license. It's been 20 years yes, would you believe that it took me this long to realize that driving is a necessity nowadays?

I enrolled manual driving back then but I had a hard time multi-tasking until my interest in driving just waned through the years. My elder sister has been driving for 3 years now. She enrolled manual driving as well but now drives an automatic vehicle and said that it is easier so I thought if she can do it, why can't I?

I will start my 2 day/10 hour crash course in automatic driving tomorrow, yay! I'll start from scratch because I don't remember a thing about driving anymore but who cares? It's never too late to try again and there's no stopping me now.

ALDUB It

I'm not a fan of noontime or variety shows at all because I find it painfully boring with all the singing and dancing, audience participation, etc., etc. I thought it's way too "corny" for my taste. I meant no disrespect to people who prefer watching these type of shows every day to keep them entertained because I grew up watching them too but as time passed a lot has changed on Philippine TV that it has become monotonous for me. Growing up in the 80's I bet you are familiar with noontime shows such as "Eat Bulaga", "Lunch Date", "Student Canteen" just to name a few but to date, Eat Bulaga is the longest running noontime show on Philippine TV that has to withstand the test of time. I remember watching EB live in Broadway Centrum in grade school as part of our educational field trip. Aiza Seguerra back then was the Ryza Mae of the show and she was cute as a button. 

I'm not fond of watching TV but since I'm on vacay mode and we do not have cable service at home, I do nothing but channel surf until I find something interesting to watch. I prefer watching movies on my laptop during my spare time or surf the Internet but just a few weeks ago I noticed that people are going gaga on Eat Bulaga's newest segment Juan For All, All For Juan's Kalyeserye wherein the actors will perform a skit on the street then later pick a lucky household to receive tons of prizes. Every time I open my Facebook app to check the news I see nothing but pictures of the newest loveteam called "AlDub" on my Internet feeds (courtesy of GMA News). I got really curious as to who "AlDub" is and why these two became the most sought after loveteam so I started following. Surprisingly, I enjoyed watching AlDub and EB's Kalyeserye although I have already missed a lot of episodes. It is fresh and very entertaining it brings people together, young and old. The birth of "AlDub" from what I read came as an accident but this loveteam is here to stay. This whole "AlDub" fever has taken it's a toll on me too I get excited every time I see their exchange of sweet nothings via text messages on split screens, it seems real they're just way too cute to watch, lol. Hats down to all the actors especially to Wally Bayola and his bodyguards whom he calls "Rogelio, Rogelio, Rogelio". Wally really showed his versatility as an actor for his character "Lola Nidora" he is not just funny but "she" imparts good moral values too especially to youngsters. "Yaya Dub" or Maine Mendoza's character as Lola Nidora's "sidekick" is just clever although we cannot hear her real voice because she "Dubsmash" everything that comes out of her lips, her face lights up whenever she sees her "real life crush" Alden. Aldub is the icing on the cake. Jose Manalo's character "Lola Tinidora" is a good addition too because he is equally funny and his dance moves drive me crazy. It must be a lot of fun for these actors to be performing in front of a live audience. It's like watching a stage play on the street. I think that bringing entertainment closer to people for a good cause is brilliant.


At the moment I'm a fan of "AlDub" or "MaiDen" and EB's Kalyeserye. I don't care if other's find it cheesy or whatever because clean fun is what entertainment is supposed to be. But the real question is, when is the right time going to be for these lovebirds? I can't wait any longer. Oh boy, guess I'm hooked (pabebe wave).