Getting Inked

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here and probably somewhere that one of the items in my bucket list is getting a tattoo. I know there'll be eyebrows raised whenever I mentioned this especially to the older folks, my parents included. But getting a tattoo is really something I want to do for myself before I get old and wrinkled. I am also in no competition with my husband who has several tattoos in most parts of his body. He also didn't prod me to get one or go against having one. It was more of a personal desire. 

So, last Saturday, I finally used all the courage I have and got myself inked at my back just below my nape. I chose a Lotus design after considering probably about 20 designs from Pinterest. I've researched further and found a deeper meaning of a lotus tattoo which is a symbol of strength and truth. The Lotus is also associated with Yoga and there's even a yoga pose named "lotus". I have been practicing yoga for almost one year now and I felt that the lotus is something meaningful to me and to my yoga practice. 

the stencil

I think it's true that when you've experienced giving birth, all the other pain in the world is nothing compared to it. I never really experienced intense pain which I often heard from those who already have their tattoos done. Or probably I have high tolerance to pain. The session only lasted for an hour and 30 minutes. If not for the tattoo artist taking his sweet time and cigarette break, we will probably be done in less than an hour.  But I have to give credit to the tattoo artist as well, Philippe of House of Shredding Art (HOSA) Tattoos for doing a great job and making this dream possible. 

the artist behind the tattoo

almost done

They say that once you have a tattoo, it will be a vicious cycle and your body will continue to crave for more. I think I would have to agree to that coz even now, I am already planning to getting one or add an extension to my current tattoo. 

my beautiful lotus tattoo

The Synergy Run

Pardon the silence but I was swamped with so much activities left and right. I felt the need to escape from the entire buzz but there are just things that you can't leave behind and just finish it once and for all.

One of which is the 1st Synergy Run - a half-marathon run organized by the Philippine Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Cebu (PAS) and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). It was a very ambitious project that almost took our time from everything including our sanity. At the start, there were already issues especially with the way both associations do things differently and there came a point when I just wanted to drop everything like a hot potato. But I feel blessed that I had the best team to back me up particularly on the PAS side. Towards the big day though, the committee pitched in and helped in the completion of some remaining tasks. We already felt the so-called SYNERGY. 

The committee goofing around

Well, the turnout wasn't really what we expected. We were short of our targeted number of runners despite the aggressive marketing and promotions. But it wasn't really bad considering the fact that it was a first time for us to organize such an event and despite the competition of runs on the same day. We got good reviews from the attendees with how it was organized on race day itself. And we were truly blessed with generous sponsors. 

Elite Runners in front before the 21k gunstart

When asked if we were to do it all over again, I would still go for it. I believe we have created a mark in the running community and we feel that there's still a lot of room for improvement. The only way to apply what we've learned from this activity is to do it the second time around...or the third and so on. There's actually more gain than lost. I learned so much and my patience was put to a test.

i can still afford a smile despite the pressure

Cheers to the 1st SYNERGY RUN!!!

Today, My Little Sister is Getting Married

Dear Magee,

TODAY, your life takes on a different path, a new journey, a new chapter. Call it destiny, serendipity or whirlwind romance...whatever it is, I want you to know that I am happy for you and Jhun. I know it wasn't an easy decision to make and I admire your strength for leaving everything behind here in the Philippines and find your luck in a strange country. You did not only chase after your dreams, our dreams but you were there to finally meet the man destined for you. 

Until now, I still find it surreal that my little sister is finally getting hitched. I still see you as my little sister. But most importantly, you are my bestfriend. I love that we socialize together, know each other's friends and even hang-out with the same circle. You were my ukay-ukay shopping buddy and my ultimate videoke adversary (including Mary Ann). We were each other's cheerleaders and staunch supporters. And despite the 4-year gap,we speak the same language and you are the only person who understands the real me. To watch you grow into the person that you are now, I take pride in knowing that I may have done something good  somehow being your second parent. 

I wish we could be there to witness and celebrate this important milestone in your life. I know it's never the same without us, your immediate family in the picture. However, don't make a big fuss about it and just enjoy this moment. There's still that big wedding we're looking forward to this side of the world. By then, the puzzle will be complete. Oh, I'm quite excited of the beach wedding reception. 

And to my new brother-in-law, I wish you will take care my little sister. We're giving her to you now to love and to hold until forever. 

Congratulations Little Sister...Welcome to Jungle!!! (joke)

I love you and I'm going to miss you more but I also feel assured in the knowledge that you're in good hands now. May this be the beginning of an amazing life together and hopefully some little de Torres who speaks straight Italian soon. 

Cheers!!!

All my love,

Ate Lou

Boracay Series: Nightlife

One thing that we also look forward to in this trip to Boracay aside from the beach is the nightlife. After the sun sets, party lights starts to glitter like fireflies along the shores of Boracay. My husband and I are not to be left out...where the party is, we go! As what I've said, we already made some research on the best party places in Boracay.

On our first night, we walked a mile by the beach to look for Cocomangas Shooter Bar. We thought that this famous bar is located at the beach front only to find out that it has been transferred along the highway. Cocomangas is famous for their "Still Standing After 15 Shots..." drinking challenge. When we arrived, the place is already jam-packed with both tourists and locals. The dance floor was already in full swing. I tried one of their famous drinks, the Jam Jars, which according to their website are "oversized cocktail jars containing potent mixes of alcohol". Husband settled for his usual beer. 

On the succeeding nights, we were already hopping from one bar to another. Since the drinks are quite expensive, hubby already have a can of beer or two in his hand while we walk by the beach to search for a place to chill. 

We've tried Tito's although I think their music/entertainers really sucks. I will give them credit though for a very nice ambiance which is by the beach and they have affordable beers and accommodating staff. 

Our favorite party place in Boracay would definitely be Epic located just a stone's throw away from D'Mall and our hotel. We were there for two straight nights. They have a DJ mixing some famous tunes. They're are bit pricey though compared to other bars but it's the best place to chill. What I enjoyed most is watching  people party like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world. We even spotted a local celebrity party the night away. We also had an epic conversation with one of the tourists at the bar and it was one swell of a night. We always hit the sack at almost 3am. We've never partied like this before but hey we're in Boracay, might as well enjoy it to the brim.

We've passed through several bars but didn't get the chance to really try them. Perhaps in our next trip to Boracay, we'll make it a point to try them all.

All Roads Lead to Boracay

The succeeding posts will be a blow by blow account of our ultimate travel this year --- our anniversary escape to the island paradise of Boracay. I'm sharing our experience in this blog in the hope that other travelers may also learn from it.

We boarded Cebu Pacific Air bound for Iloilo. As mentioned in the previous post, sometime March I was able to score a piso fare deal and only paid a total of Php1550. This is already good for two passengers round trip. Since we'll be in Boracay for four days, we were bringing a luggage that's already beyond the allocated allowance. I got a tip from some friends that it's better to purchase in advance luggage upgrade coz it's cheaper compared to just paying it at the airport. We paid the luggage upgrade a day before our trip and only paid only Php150 per way instead of Php300 if paid at the airport. 

Anyway, after less than an hour, we were already in Iloilo City. The last time I was in Iloilo City was more than 8 years ago and I am amazed at how big and modern their airport is. It's even better compared to Mactan Airport. 

From Iloilo airport, we rode a van to SM Iloilo and paid Php50 each. From SM Iloilo, we took a cab to Ceres Terminal and paid the taxi driver Php150 (amount in the meter is only about Php120 but the taxi driver was so nice we gave him extra). We immediately boarded the next bus that will bring us Caticlan. Bus fare is Php336 per passenger. 

After almost 6 hours, we finally reached Caticlan. We were dropped off at Jetty Port only to be directed by security to Tabon Port for some reason. We boarded again another tricycle paying the regular fare of Php25 per pax. At Tabon Port, there were 3 counters that you need to approach to be able to board a boat that will bring you to Boracay. We paid the following fees per person:

Terminal Fees: Php50 

Environmental Fees: Php75 

Fare: Php20

Boat ride from Tabon Port to Boracay Port only takes 15 - 20 minutes so we were already in Boracay in no time. From Boracay Port, we took a tricycle that will bring us to D'Mall. Since we already made initial research, we made sure that we only paid the regular fare of Php25 per person. 

After walking a few meters in the sea of tourists, I finally got a glimpse of the beach to my dismay. The beach was totally deserted and waves were really huge. The resorts built these windbreakers and sand screens at the beachfront. It's feels like were isolated from something. But of course, I didn't allow that sight to ruin our vacation. We're finally in Boracay and there's no turning back.

NEXT POST: Our home for the next 3 days

Fifty Shades

Last week, I felt that I am inside a bubble that is "Fifty Shades Trilogy". I got stuck in the world of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey...I guess everyone in the office too. I'm not going to make a book review since I don't really do book reviews in this space. Just allow me to share my thoughts and feelings about this book that created a brouhaha worldwide...

I think for a while, I fell in love with Christian Grey --- who wouldn't? He's super rich, he's HOT, he's SEXY, he's extremely sweet and even if he's f*cked-up and destroyed, Anastasia still sticks it out with him. I love their short email exchanges --- sometimes funny and some just plain sweet. And myged, how he showered Anastasia with expensive gifts, travels and just about everything a girl could dream of. Don't even mention about the sex...he just knows the right buttons to press here.

Although, I felt that the erotic pages is just too much too many and the BDSM is something I don't really fancy about. It's just twisted and hard core for me. 

But still I love the 3 books in totality I could read it over and over and over again. I can't wait for the movie --- I just hope they don't make a porn out of it.

Laters, baby!

Loving Myself Everyday

It's Valentines Day today!!!

I've long accepted the fact that my husband and I don't really celebrate the so-called love day as a couple. We never did and we never will. Well, I personally find this day too overrated, too commercialized and too cheesy.

But on the love department, I think I need to rekindle that love with my greatest lover - MYSELF. There came a point when I hated myself... heck I couldn't even accept myself for various reasons! Such a shame come to think of it. But lately, I realized that I need to embrace myself and showered it with so much love and affection. Nobody will ever love me like I do! People may not like me nor accept me but at least I have myself to love and like. I hope I made sense...but yeah, this post is about LOVING MYSELF not only on Valentines Day but EVERYDAY!

Here's a shameless photo of the most beautiful person in this world --- ME!

It's the time of year again...

...when my girls turn a year older and so my birthday notes for them are written.

Day 10: A Dream for the Future

I've been thinking long and hard about this particular challenge. They say that we need to DREAM BIG DREAMS but as I reflect more about it, my dreams are not really larger than life. They're simple, practical and attainable. Allow me to share these...

* To be able to buy what I want and need without looking at price tags

* To finish another degree (law, masteral, culinary or IT-related course)

* To be able to build our dream house in our dream community

* To be able to drive my dream car 

* To live until a hundred years old

* To see my children succeed in their chosen field, settle down and have kids

* To run a successful business

* To be able to publish a book

* To be admired by people I meet in this life

* To travel around the world with my husband

There you go...just a few of my unfulfilled dreams. I continue to dream everyday with a little prayer in my heart. Who knows, they might just come true.

Palawan Experience: Part 3 (The Baywalk)

After a tiring Underground River tour, we were itching to go on ukay shopping. We saw a couple of ukay shops in Puerto Princesa and the ukay addicts that we are, we were giddy! But first, our last dinner in Puerto Princesa was at Balinsasaw again.

We were so full that we decided to just walk 1 kilometer to another famous spot in PP --- the Baywalk.

They have interesting designs for their lamp posts --- I wonder if they're not overpriced just like what we had in Cebu hehehe.

Peacock

Fishes

Rented these old school bikes at P20 per hour...

It's like being a kid all over again!

After cycling around the Baywalk for hours and some minor accidents on the side, we went back to the pension house to freshen up and start packing up for tomorrow's flight. I refused another invitation from the husband to Tiki's bar --- yeah, yeah killjoy! 

Palawan Experience: Part Two (Underground River)

This is the highlight of our trip. Excited would be an understatement. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park is now among the new 7 Wonders of Nature. I say, the place deserves to be called as such.

We were picked-up as early as 7:30am. It takes a lot of effort from both me and my husband to wake up that early but we have no choice.Showing again some photos for this experience...

Pit Stop --- stuff sold here are overpriced!

We arrived in Sabang Port after more than two hours. Our tour guide tried to get us to the next boat ride to the Underground River but was told to go back at 11am. So, we're having early lunch then the tour. 

For lunch, we were brought to this stretch of resorts and restaurants in Sabang. The lunch wasn't ready so we took pictures while waiting. 

Nice beach...I wanted to take a dip but the waves were huge!

A new high-end resort...one of the episodes of Going Bulilit was shot here

This was lunch...yummy!!!

Finally, the boat ride that will bring us to the 7th Wonder of the World...

...and we were greeted by these amazing rock formations!

breathtaking!!!

This is it!

Ready for take off!!!

funny boat man - Piolo

Jump Shots!

Palawan Experience: Part 1 (Arrival and City Tour)

It's one of those less-stressful trips where we didn't pack for the entire family. It's just me and my husband --- thanks to piso fare that was bought sometime in August and the company Thanksgiving holiday, this trip was made possible.

We reached Puerto Princesa airport on a Thursday noon and the weather was just perfect. We had a smooth plane ride and even landed in PP before the estimated arrival time.

The place we're staying has this complimentary airport pick-up but we didn't see the vehicle when we went out of the airport. We have to ask around and we were directed to a certain van. The van brought us to Audissie Pension. It's the cheapest pension house that I found in the web. We were on a tight budget so I grabbed the package of Php4800 for our entire stay including airport transfers and the underground river tour.  Through an officemate, we were able to get a good deal for our City Tour at half the price (from 600 to 300 pesos per person). 

After a hearty lunch at Balinsasaw Restaurant, our City Tour kicks off. I'm just showing off some pictures and some description on the side.

Lunch at Balinsasaw Restaurant...this buko is so refreshing!

First Stop: Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Reptiles just freaks me out but lookie-lookie, getting cozy with a baby croc

Mitra's mansion was next --- here with my officemate, Ruth and tour guide, Angel

Then the famous "Baker's Hill"...i fell in love with the place. I could actually live here!

Marilyn Monroe was molested by the husband LOL

Binuatan Creations...feeling tired at this point already!

Our last stop was the Tiangge...I just bought a few pairs of pearl earrings for pasalubong but was planning to go back during our last day. Well, that's the end of our first day in Puerto Princesa. I was really tired that I had to refuse an invitation from the husband to hang-out at Tiki's Bar. So, I just dozed off while he went out for a bottle of beer.