I VOW

I vow this month to take care of my skin and get enough sleep. I lack sleep because I have a late class every night. I enjoy it so much but it's taking its toll on my skin. My eyes look deep and dark, and if I put a little eyeliner and it gets smudge-I would look like a raccoon. Hahaha..A sleepy raccoon.

Anyway, I think my Pond'd morning cream doesn't work well anymore and my Maybelline loose powder makes my skin looks dry. I will try the Human Nature night collagen cream to see if my skin will be better and I bought a Human Nature toner for oily skin to see if it will eliminate oil in my oily skin. (I have some breakouts lately and St. Ive's can't even stop it!haist) I just hope my skin will be back to it's normal self. How can I look presentable if my skin looks so dull? I've tried many products and I hope this new cream and toner will give me remarkable result so that my search will be over. Waaahhh...Now, I have to sleep or else I will yawn the whole morning in the office. Ciao!!!

TOTORO

I am not really sure about this but this cartoon character lights up my mood every time I see it. My boss introduced me to Totoro. He said that all the kids in Japan knows Totoro, so I should also be familiar with him. He's cute and only kids can see him. I wonder what powers does he have? I just wish I could be a child again..No problems and no worries. You can play all day and just sleep when you are tired. =)

YOU HAD ME

I have known you for like more than three months now. Your family's been good to me and I can't even believe that it is easy to deal with people like you. I have been very timid before and admittedly, I have some negative thoughts about your kind. I just to let you know(in case you read this blog!) that I have been so happy for the past months that I have talked to you and your family. Your sister and mother are very kind. I feel so happy every time I finish talking to them and they say nice things to me. This is the most wonderful part of being a teacher and I will always treasure this all my life. My greatest dream now is to go to your country and meet your sister and your mother. I just hope it will come true.

You told me the other night that I might ran away. I want to tell you that very minute that I will not because it just very hard to let go now. Sometimes if you become very comfortable, it becomes part of your system. I want to say to you that after three months of talking, I still get jitters every time you booked my class and every time we talk. hahahaha..Crazy right? Okay, call me crazy but it's just probably me. I guess you don't feel that way. I just liked what you said today-You ran from the station to your house just to get to my class...awwww!!You had me at that situation. Just tell me to stay and I will stay but if you get tired of me, just tell it to me gently. For now, I'll do my best to teach you and your family and hope you'll keep me in your heart forever!!Ayasuminasai KM san....

SINGAPORE FOOD ADVENTURE

When I visited Singapore last November 2011, I had the chance to explore my adventurous taste buds. I am not a picky eater and I think a travel will not be complete without food trip. I decided to try different kinds of food during my trip.

On my first day, I was accompanied by my friends, Melody and Cynthia to try their favorite fried prawn noodles. I didn't hesitate at all because they worked in Singapore for almost two years and I believe their choice of food is great. We went to Food Republic at Wisma Atria. It is located at the topmost level of the mall. When we arrived there, the place was already full with yuppies and some locals who were very hungry just like us.

Melody ordered Hookien Mee(Fried Prawn Noodle) in one of the stalls in Food Republic. I am a bit dismayed when I learned that we will only eat noodles and no rice. No rice? I felt that I will never be satisfied with the lunch I am going to eat.

PRICE OF HOOKIEN MEE(FRIED PRAWN NODDLES)

HOOKIEN MEE(FRIED PRAWN NOODLES)-Small serving

Much to my surprise, I liked it so much. I didn't even looked for my favorite rice while eating it. I can even imagine the flavor of the noodle while I am writing this. The shrimps are juicy and very fresh. The noodles are cooked very well and very tender. It is best to eat it with chili paste to neutralize the oily taste.

I got hooked on it because the following day during lunch time, I went back to Food Republic to eat Hookien Mee(again!!)hehehe. This time, I ordered a small serving. I cannot even finish it but I know I need some energy to survive Singapore so, I finished it all up.hehehe...*burp!*

THE BAK KUT TEH STORE FACADE

On my second night in Singapore, Cynthia mentioned that I should try the Bak Kut Teh near my backpacker's inn. The restaurant looks old but Cynthia swears that their Bak Kut Teh tastes so good. I am not really quite impressed with the name though but knowing Cynthia, I think she is telling the truth.hehehehe.*peace Cynth!* So, I decided to roam around Singapore and then starved myself so that I can relish the famous Bak Kut Teh.

INSIDE THE STORE

The place looks like a movie set from an old Chinese movie but many locals came to eat dinner. (TIP: You should go to the restaurant early because the restaurant gets packed with locals and yuppies during dinner time.) I seated myself in a comfortable spot and slowly many people came inside the restaurant. Just when I finished my order, the restaurant is already full and some people are waiting outside. A few minutes later, the Bak Kut Teh, a bowl of rice and ice lemon tea came. Okay, see that little black stick beside the rice? It's a wet tissue. Hahahaha funny because I thought it was free but when I saw my bill it was sold separately. Waaaahhh...No wonder my bill reached SGD 8.80.

Okay, now let me describe the food. It's somewhat near our "ribs sabaw" in the Philippines but it taste very unique. It's like a little spicy and not too salty with a little sweetness. I like it so much and the meat was so tender that you can actually peel it out of the bone. I even underestimated the food thinking I won't finish it but I guess I was so hungry, I finish the meal with a little soup left. (FYI: They will refill the soup in your bowl.)

My stomach was so happy that night and even though I went out of my budget(My budget per meal in Singapore is SGD5.00), I wasn't disappointed. I definitely recommend this meal. I also learned they have lots of branches in Singapore. Just mention Bak Kut Teh and surely uncle and auntie will help you around.

THE PRICIEST MEAL I HAD IN SINGAPORE-BAK KUT TEH ^_^

FOOD REPUBLIC-VIVO CITY

My next stop the following day(my last night in Singapore) is Vivo City. It is the drop off point for Sentosa Island and Universal Studios. I always go out sightseeing in the afternoon to avoid the crowd in the train station and it is cooler in the afternoon. I checked out Vivo City and saw many branded shops in the mall. Again, I walked around the mall and I want to feel tired so that I can indulge after. I was delighted to see that Food Republic has a branch in Vivo City. I didn't waste my time and went around the place to see what I can eat.

KOREAN FOOD STALL-FOOD REPUBLIC, VIVO CITY

Wow, they have very good food selections inside compared to the one in Wisma Atria. They have Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and some Western food. I choose to eat Korean that day because I have been a fan of anything Korean since Autumn in my Heart days. hahahaha. I stopped by this Korean stall and a Filipina girl was serving the customers. Must be my lucky day, I said to myself. I decided to order Korean mixed rice. I ordered it out of curiosity and of course, I always see it in Korean movies. ^_^

Now, I asked the Filipina girl to at least add a little rice to my order (Hahaha, my Filipino appetite gave in and I felt hungry that time too!) and she said YES. Yehey!! Unfortunately, her companion, gave me the different bowl of Korean mixed rice. She protested but I said it's all right. Epic fail! It has kimchi and pickled bean sprouts side dishes and a little soup. To eat the Korean mix rice, you should mix it all so that the flavors of the food will come out. You can put a little chili paste if you want it a little hot.

Now, it's time to indulge in Korean mix rice and my gosh, it taste so good. I still crave for it until now but too bad-it's in Singapore. Cham madineyo as the Koreans would it. The rice is not very sticky though and I didn't use chopsticks. It is delicious and the serving of the rice is just enough to make you very full after eating.(Good thing, they gave me the wrong bowl because I could have end up with a painful stomach due to excessive rice intake.) Bwahahaha.

My food adventure in my trip to Singapore was very memorable. The bad side is, I like all the food I ate that it would probably take another 48 years to eat that meal again. Hahahaha. Singapore is just a plane away but it needs some ample budget and planning to go there again. I'll never forget my first out of the country food adventure. 'Till my next food adventure pips!!Ciao!!

BOOK ADDICTION

I know this book addiction of mine should come to an end soon. I mean, not literally end it but my addiction for paper bound, hard bound and whatever physical books I have in hand. E-books are the IN thing now and sooner or later, I will probably have my own tablet(char!) to browse or read e-books online. Arrrgggh, I am just not so good at reading e-books or just my excuse to keep my very dear books with me. I have a copy of the Twilight series e-book and I think it's been more than a year with me already. The funny thing is, I haven't even finish the Twilight part yet.hahahaha. So tamad!! I just can't let go of the feeling of bringing a thick book with you or reading a very cute book in a cafe or whatever place comfortable. I feel so nerdy or probably smart whenever I carry a book in my hand. Feeling!!

So far, I have ten books from Booksale and unfortunately, I have read only three of them. Okay, I am a hoarder but I have to defend myself. I am just a bookworm who fortunately, saw some books that are priced so cheap that you can't resist them. Okay, take for example the book titled Michelle(Michelle Obama). I bought it for Php45 only. Now, who would resist that??

Anyway, to make this book addiction of mine stop. I guess, I should stop my sudden urge to go to Booksale. I have to read the books and finish it before I buy a new one. Arrrrggghhh. Now, that's difficult. I just hope I'll have the willpower..I'll just keep you posted guys on the books I already read. Ciao!!!

MY 2011 LITTLE BLESSINGS

1. Passport-helped in my travel in the following months
2. Hilary’s debut- made new friends and helped me realized my potential as an events organizer
3. Singapore e-mail: made me realize that I can actually work there and explore the city
4. Genetics Computer: helped me in discovering other areas of computer graphics. It made me want to learn more about graphics, web designing and video.
5. Family outing in EDEN: made my family happy and took time out from the stressful work
6. Good health and body in the way of the Cross: I make sure I participate in it every year. Thank GOD for the good health and body during the Way of the Cross.
7. Summer Outing in Maxima: It was so fun and we were so happy. I am happy to participate in this.
8. ABREEZA: Thank GOD for ABREEZA…Now, it’s nearer and very convenient to shop pretty things in DAVAO.
9. NESTLE Film Anthology: I made me ponder on life and the little lessons the movie gave me. I am happy to share it with a good friend, Glecyl who was very supportive in everything.
10. Red Ribbon of documents: I didn’t really use them but I know that it will help me next year.
11. New international friends: They make me closer to where they are. I am happy when I receive some of their messages and I am excited and looking forward to seeing some of them here in Davao.
12. Part time job: It’s probably one of the best blessings I have received this year. I have waiting for this for years? And finally I meet some good friends through this while earning.
13. Blog opportunities: My blog friends multiplied through blogging and I am happy that I have also earned ample amount for this year. I love every moment in blogging.
14. Friends: This year, I had the chance to meet friends from different groups. Attended Lorna’s wedding and chitchat the whole night. I miss you guys!!mwaaahh!! I also attended Loise’s wedding and meet the whole gang. My LCRMD friend also makes me sane and alive every day. I couldn’t thank them enough for the laughs and the not-very-boring day at work. I will treasure my friends and they are every day blessings.
15. Travel solo: I am really proud of what I did. I am really looking forward for my next adventure. I love myself more and I am surprise of what I am capable of. AJA!!
16. Parents: When no one listens, they are there. My best friend and confidante. I’ll treasure them and won’t trade them for anything in the world.

I know there are still lots of things to be thankful for. I just hope that we should look at the brighter side of 2011. I am very happy that I came out of 2011 very blessed though with some tough times but I am still alive!!!I just hope 2012 will turn out well for me. I am so excited for no obvious reason but I am just setting my mind that something very good is coming my way. Thank you Lord for all of the things you have let me experience and all the blessings. I want to thank you in advance for all the blessings that are coming this 2012. Bring it on 2012!!*woot*woot*

MY MIND BLABBING!!

It’s been a while since my last movie review. Just in time for the holidays, I have been planning to stimulate my mind through watching meaningful movies and maybe some tragic love story in between. Yes, call me emo or very melodramatic but I guess it goes well with the chilly and no-one-around-to-hug season. Anyway, to make this very lengthy introduction a little lengthy, I decided to download some movies online. I downloaded One Day, P.S. I Love You, Lost in Translation, Great Expectations and Never Let Me Go. Okay, now here is the part where I explain why I downloaded them. I have always been curious about One Day and Never Let Me Go because of their bestselling books, while P.S. I Love You and Lost in Translation came in mind when I stumbled upon them on Youtube and lastly, Great Expectations has great memories. I have always loved the movie ever since high school. I want to watch all over again. Enough said, I am very much into movies now. It makes my brain steady for a few minutes after doing some talking on Skype. Recently, my mind’s going hay wired that I cannot simply shut it out especially if I am in deep thoughts. It speaking in English and it makes me want to blurt it out but of course I can’t or I might look foolish talking to myself. I am so into talking in English lately that even my mind speaks and talks and even answers on its own. Hahahaha. I am not crazy or anything but I probably my mind is so active that I sometimes need to talk it out or write it in my blog-which I am doing right now. hehehehe.

I’d probably blame this situation I am to a person who is equally very entertaining and interesting to talk to. He is a typical guy but he loves to talk about anything and my golly, he has lots of vocabulary words than I am. He is very stimulating and very deep like a massage to an aching body. Hahahaha, bad metaphor!! I like it when he speaks his mind and talks about anything and then making it into something interesting. I can talk to him probably the whole day and all night without getting bored. (Of course, I haven’t tried this one yet!) He is very vocal and very straightforward in his thoughts. I like it but sometimes I get irritated when he talks about how poor our country is. Aarrrggggh! Aside from that, no other issues though. You might be thinking I am smitten. Yes, probably I am but never in my wildest dream that it will become a reality. Admit it gals-there is only two types of person we tend to fall for-the funny guy and the smart guy and the other things just follows. Whatever situation I am in right now, I just hope it will make me happy in the long run. Sometimes, I don’t care if I am broke or sad or ugly as long as I can speak my mind. I hope he will not get tired talking to me or me getting tired of him. I am excited to go home today. Hahahaha…What can I say? I think it is already an addiction.