It's been a while since I updated this blog. It's not necessarily because I lost the passion, but it's a combination of many things in my life for the past few months. Aside from not having enough time to write, there are several factors that have been enough for me not to update this.
Recently, a new friend told me that I look like a blogger. I'm sure it wasn't this blog because I don't post pictures here, but that sparked something in me that made me want to start blogging again. For one, I need a distraction to all the problems I've had. I need an outlet and this blog served that purpose before. I badly need to talk to someone but I don't really have that person to tell. I'm afraid of telling my close group of friends because of complicated reasons.
I also want to take advantage of my various activities such as the travels I made within the past year or so. I've also got to experience and learn many discoveries about myself that I feel like I need some written proof that it happened. Plus, my camera that I bought last year will be put to good use regularly.
Let's see where this goes from here. One thing's for sure, whether I continue or create a new blog, I'm still going to look for more adventures to remember.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
6/1/16
Last month has been quite hectic.
I went to Baler on my own. I went surfing and went to plenty of tourist spots in a span of two days. I would love to talk about it in detail but I would rather talk about it in a separate post.
I also attended our company's summer camp which was held in Pundakit, Zambales where we also visited other islands such as Anawangin and Capones island. I had such a great time bonding with some of my officemates who were there. I enjoyed it so much that I agreed to go back there this week! I'll be joining the last batch of our officemates who are scheduled to go there this week. I am worried about the weather as the second batch who went there wasn't able to go island hopping but did go trekking which I would also like to try. I also want to go back to buy some more souvenirs. I lost my shorts during the last time I went there and I'm hoping that it won't happen again this time.
This month, there's going to be some changes that are coming. I'm not referring to the result of the elections which also applies. Speaking of, I was able to vote for the first time last month which is an achievement for me. But going back to what I wanted to say, I'll be going back to the graveyard shift after exactly a year. I almost forgot how I dealt with it last time but I am worried about my body clock and the amount of sleep I'll be getting or lacking, perhaps.
I'm also getting promoted to a different position. I'm not sure if it's really a promotion but it is a position that I applied to before. Although the position doesn't seem to be as prestigious as before, I welcome it as a challenge.
I went to Baler on my own. I went surfing and went to plenty of tourist spots in a span of two days. I would love to talk about it in detail but I would rather talk about it in a separate post.
I also attended our company's summer camp which was held in Pundakit, Zambales where we also visited other islands such as Anawangin and Capones island. I had such a great time bonding with some of my officemates who were there. I enjoyed it so much that I agreed to go back there this week! I'll be joining the last batch of our officemates who are scheduled to go there this week. I am worried about the weather as the second batch who went there wasn't able to go island hopping but did go trekking which I would also like to try. I also want to go back to buy some more souvenirs. I lost my shorts during the last time I went there and I'm hoping that it won't happen again this time.
This month, there's going to be some changes that are coming. I'm not referring to the result of the elections which also applies. Speaking of, I was able to vote for the first time last month which is an achievement for me. But going back to what I wanted to say, I'll be going back to the graveyard shift after exactly a year. I almost forgot how I dealt with it last time but I am worried about my body clock and the amount of sleep I'll be getting or lacking, perhaps.
I'm also getting promoted to a different position. I'm not sure if it's really a promotion but it is a position that I applied to before. Although the position doesn't seem to be as prestigious as before, I welcome it as a challenge.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
4/26/16
It's been quite a hectic month, but I'm not really complaining about it. Though some things are not going my way, there are still some good moments to remember from this month.
Our team had an overnight summer outing in Pagsanjan, Laguna last week. It was quite awkward for me due to my recent issue with the team but I can say that it went well. It was held in a guest house that belongs to an employee in the office. It was a historic house that was renovated to keep up with the modernization yet still managed to keep its historic value with its design and interiors. Last year, our team outing was just held in one day but they decided to make it two days this year. It was quite surprising since we still had to do our operations during the entire time. Good thing that our accounts were not as active during that weekend. Not everyone was able to come with us but it didn't matter that much. Too bad there was no pool or beach we could swim to. We just had games and spent a lot of time cooking our meals. We also ate at a nice resto nearby. I couldn't fully appreciate the food because I had a canker sore in my mouth. Bummer. We also weren't able to visit the Pagsanjan Falls due to its supposed expensive cost but I hope that I could still come visit it one day.
Last night, we had an early celebration of one of my best friend's birthday. It was quite stressful to organize since most of us were busy but we found a way to make it happen. We were able to give him the gift that he likes as well. We celebrated it through dinner and drinks at Metrowalk. The last time I've been to the place was way back in 2009 so I had to familiarize myself again on how to go there and I managed to do so by walking to the place all the way from Robinsons Galleria. As usual, it was a night full of laughter and fun. Our table was right in front of the stage so we were able to enjoy the live music and even one of us got to perform! Had a lot of shoutouts from the performers as well. I'm really luck to have this group of people with me.
Next month will be quite busy as well as I'll be having my 2nd anniversary at the office. Our office will also have our annual summer camp and I have a planned beach trip on my own as well.
Our team had an overnight summer outing in Pagsanjan, Laguna last week. It was quite awkward for me due to my recent issue with the team but I can say that it went well. It was held in a guest house that belongs to an employee in the office. It was a historic house that was renovated to keep up with the modernization yet still managed to keep its historic value with its design and interiors. Last year, our team outing was just held in one day but they decided to make it two days this year. It was quite surprising since we still had to do our operations during the entire time. Good thing that our accounts were not as active during that weekend. Not everyone was able to come with us but it didn't matter that much. Too bad there was no pool or beach we could swim to. We just had games and spent a lot of time cooking our meals. We also ate at a nice resto nearby. I couldn't fully appreciate the food because I had a canker sore in my mouth. Bummer. We also weren't able to visit the Pagsanjan Falls due to its supposed expensive cost but I hope that I could still come visit it one day.
Last night, we had an early celebration of one of my best friend's birthday. It was quite stressful to organize since most of us were busy but we found a way to make it happen. We were able to give him the gift that he likes as well. We celebrated it through dinner and drinks at Metrowalk. The last time I've been to the place was way back in 2009 so I had to familiarize myself again on how to go there and I managed to do so by walking to the place all the way from Robinsons Galleria. As usual, it was a night full of laughter and fun. Our table was right in front of the stage so we were able to enjoy the live music and even one of us got to perform! Had a lot of shoutouts from the performers as well. I'm really luck to have this group of people with me.
Next month will be quite busy as well as I'll be having my 2nd anniversary at the office. Our office will also have our annual summer camp and I have a planned beach trip on my own as well.
Friday, April 01, 2016
4/1/16
Can you believe how fast time is passing by? It's hard to digest that it's already April!
Last night, The Gang had another drinking session as we watched our friend's gig in Thebar@1951 which is located in Malate. It was my first time to go there. I went there on my own after finding out a way how to go there if I'm coming from Taft. It gave me a chance to take a look at how my college looked like now as well as the surrounding establishments. I have to say that it indeed changed a lot. There are so many restaurants and food choices around the area. There's also a Fully Booked store right in front of the school which I wish we had when I was still studying.
Anyway, this night was not just to watch our gig but also to celebrate our friend's return from his vacation in Japan and also to maintain our goal of meeting each other once a month.
Two of us got to the bar early and as we waited, we decided to walk around the area first since the bar was still empty. It gave us a chance to have a quick catch-up and give him a summary of what's been happening in my life right now.
I've been telling the whole group how important this night is as there are plenty of events that have happened recently to each of us. Not a second of the whole night was wasted as we discussed all of them as well as talked about what actions should be taken in the future.
After last night, I can't emphasize how I'm really grateful to have these people in my life.
This month's meet-up should be polarizing as we are going to celebrate a friend's birthday as well as another friend's departure from my current company. Let's see how my emotions will hold up.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
3/24/16
I hate talking about work here but I can't help it this time.
I've had some sort of ambush feedback session about my performance and it was all basically laying down their high expectations of me for tasks that are not even supposed to be mine.
I don't want to go into details as it's hard to list down all the shit that they told me but I basically found out that my loyalty and all the hard work I've contributed to the company/team meant no value to them right now. They've criticized my activities outside of work as if that has anything to do with my work.
They think they're so powerful yet they're all handing down their tasks to the operators. This is a perfect example of how power can make people change so much and the fact that the company doesn't see this abuse of authority is not exactly motivating.
I am hoping to get transferred to another team. Let's see what happens.
I've had some sort of ambush feedback session about my performance and it was all basically laying down their high expectations of me for tasks that are not even supposed to be mine.
I don't want to go into details as it's hard to list down all the shit that they told me but I basically found out that my loyalty and all the hard work I've contributed to the company/team meant no value to them right now. They've criticized my activities outside of work as if that has anything to do with my work.
They think they're so powerful yet they're all handing down their tasks to the operators. This is a perfect example of how power can make people change so much and the fact that the company doesn't see this abuse of authority is not exactly motivating.
I am hoping to get transferred to another team. Let's see what happens.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
3/20/16 - Fortune Island
Yesterday, I went to an island located in Nasugbu, Batangas. It's called Fortune Island. I found out about it after my officemate posted about a trip going there for this month. It was apparently a popular place known for its ancient ruins that are similar to those in Greece. The island contains an abandoned establishment which I assume to be a resort. The island is influenced largely by Greece as seen in the stone monuments that surround the island.
I joined a tour package with my officemate and we traveled with a group of around 20 people which are all Filipinos for a day trip. There were two coordinators for this trip. My officemate was actually a coordinator who was joining as a participant in this trip.
It took us around 2 hours to get to Batangas from Manila then we had to take a boat ride going to the island. We had to bring all supplies from Manila as the island didn't have any establishments or convenience stores. Even the restroom was freshly built when we arrived. There were some old tables that we used to settle our stuff. Packed lunch were provided by the agency so we didn't have to worry. Though we still brought snacks and booze on our own to share. We actually arrived earlier than expected on the island. I suggest that everyone travel to the island early because people started to pour in as the afternoon came by and it would be hard to find a shaded spot.
Other travelers had tents to camp out especially those who are staying overnight. How I wish we could stay in the island for at least one night with my friends as well.
I spent most of the day taking pictures and visiting the ruins. There was also a cliffdiving spot but we decided not to do it anymore. I think the one we did in Boracay was higher though.
We couldn't really swim around because the sea was filled with big rocks so we just sat around. A shame though because the water was really clear, beautiful, and so blue.
We left the island at around 3-4pm which was not so bad at all. We had plenty of time to look around and do whatever we like. The weather was so hot that everyone literally bummed for most part and avoided the sun. I made some new friends including a 12-year-old kid who thought I looked like a 14-year-old teenager!
I got so sunburned in the back despite applying sunblock. It still hurts up to now.
I still want to go back to this island and hopefully, with my friends next time.
I joined a tour package with my officemate and we traveled with a group of around 20 people which are all Filipinos for a day trip. There were two coordinators for this trip. My officemate was actually a coordinator who was joining as a participant in this trip.
It took us around 2 hours to get to Batangas from Manila then we had to take a boat ride going to the island. We had to bring all supplies from Manila as the island didn't have any establishments or convenience stores. Even the restroom was freshly built when we arrived. There were some old tables that we used to settle our stuff. Packed lunch were provided by the agency so we didn't have to worry. Though we still brought snacks and booze on our own to share. We actually arrived earlier than expected on the island. I suggest that everyone travel to the island early because people started to pour in as the afternoon came by and it would be hard to find a shaded spot.
Other travelers had tents to camp out especially those who are staying overnight. How I wish we could stay in the island for at least one night with my friends as well.
I spent most of the day taking pictures and visiting the ruins. There was also a cliffdiving spot but we decided not to do it anymore. I think the one we did in Boracay was higher though.
We couldn't really swim around because the sea was filled with big rocks so we just sat around. A shame though because the water was really clear, beautiful, and so blue.
We left the island at around 3-4pm which was not so bad at all. We had plenty of time to look around and do whatever we like. The weather was so hot that everyone literally bummed for most part and avoided the sun. I made some new friends including a 12-year-old kid who thought I looked like a 14-year-old teenager!
I got so sunburned in the back despite applying sunblock. It still hurts up to now.
I still want to go back to this island and hopefully, with my friends next time.
Sunday, March 06, 2016
3/6/16
It's my first rest day this month and I have spent it on doing nothing. Quite different than last month so this is something that feels strange to me.
Last Monday, we attended my mom's graduation at the office. She is finally a flight purser (the head of the crew in a flight). It's so nice to see my mom achieve something to be proud of.
I've been trying to think of my future travel plans but everything is still in a blur.
These past week has been mentally draining and this upcoming week is still the same. I need to prepare for tough times ahead.
Last Monday, we attended my mom's graduation at the office. She is finally a flight purser (the head of the crew in a flight). It's so nice to see my mom achieve something to be proud of.
I've been trying to think of my future travel plans but everything is still in a blur.
These past week has been mentally draining and this upcoming week is still the same. I need to prepare for tough times ahead.
Monday, February 29, 2016
2/29/16
It's Feb. 29! We don't get to experience this day every year so I wanted to have a post today.
Last Saturday, I attended Henry's Professional 1-day Basic Photography Workshop. I just found out about it on the same week so I was quite lucky that I was able to reserve one of the limited slots. I was initially hesitant to join as I was not ready to share my work with other people who might be good at photography already. But I didn't want to let fear prevail and figured that everyone signed up to learn just like me.
I've had my mirrorless camera since last year but I've never really got to explore it as I am still trying to get the hang of using a camera that is more complicated than a point and shoot digicam. I've read a bunch of articles about photography but I wanted to actually learn more to understand it easily. The workshop didn't disappoint.
There were more or less 20 participants of the workshop which was held at the Big Brother Manila studio in Makati. The location was quite easy to be found which is one of the reasons that I wanted to join. All of the participants are already working professionals who shared the same interest in photography. I wanted to bring some people along like some participants did but being solo wasn't so bad. In fact, I found out that one of the instructors was the brother of my high school batchmate who was also there so I got to catch up with him. It was initially intimidating to see other people with their high end cameras but we were taught repeatedly that the camera is just a tool and it's not as important as our skills.
Despite struggling to keep myself awake the entire day due to the lack of sleep from the previous night, the lecture was enlightening and it helped me clear out some things that was hard to understand. They provided snacks and lunch as well as answered all of our questions.
By the end of the day, I enjoyed the workshop and hoped that it was actually longer, not just for lecture, but for more time to practice hands-on as well as getting to know each other which we didn't get to do. They hold workshops every now and then and I'm looking forward to joining more including one of their upcoming workshops which will tackle on travel photography.
I still don't consider myself as a good photographer nor do I plan to take this up professionally but I really want to take this interest to a higher level and add this to my skill set.
Last Saturday, I attended Henry's Professional 1-day Basic Photography Workshop. I just found out about it on the same week so I was quite lucky that I was able to reserve one of the limited slots. I was initially hesitant to join as I was not ready to share my work with other people who might be good at photography already. But I didn't want to let fear prevail and figured that everyone signed up to learn just like me.
I've had my mirrorless camera since last year but I've never really got to explore it as I am still trying to get the hang of using a camera that is more complicated than a point and shoot digicam. I've read a bunch of articles about photography but I wanted to actually learn more to understand it easily. The workshop didn't disappoint.
There were more or less 20 participants of the workshop which was held at the Big Brother Manila studio in Makati. The location was quite easy to be found which is one of the reasons that I wanted to join. All of the participants are already working professionals who shared the same interest in photography. I wanted to bring some people along like some participants did but being solo wasn't so bad. In fact, I found out that one of the instructors was the brother of my high school batchmate who was also there so I got to catch up with him. It was initially intimidating to see other people with their high end cameras but we were taught repeatedly that the camera is just a tool and it's not as important as our skills.
Despite struggling to keep myself awake the entire day due to the lack of sleep from the previous night, the lecture was enlightening and it helped me clear out some things that was hard to understand. They provided snacks and lunch as well as answered all of our questions.
By the end of the day, I enjoyed the workshop and hoped that it was actually longer, not just for lecture, but for more time to practice hands-on as well as getting to know each other which we didn't get to do. They hold workshops every now and then and I'm looking forward to joining more including one of their upcoming workshops which will tackle on travel photography.
I still don't consider myself as a good photographer nor do I plan to take this up professionally but I really want to take this interest to a higher level and add this to my skill set.
Friday, February 19, 2016
2/19/16
Earlier today, I went to the Art Fair Philippines 2016 held at The Link Parking lot. The event runs from Feb. 18 to Feb. 21.
It was actually my second time to attend the fair after going there last year around this time as well. The fair featured artworks from different foreign and local artists. The gallery was big enough as two floors were allotted for the event. The place was airconditioned so it wasn't inconvenient for the spectators. The place wasn't fully packed so it's not so hard to move around and take a good look at the displays. The crowd was mostly art enthusiasts from all ages, from students up to professionals.
It's hard to compare the pieces of art from last year to this year's crop, but I can say that both offer creative and visually pleasing experience from the different displays. My personal favorite is the mirror and illusions exhibition from artist Mark Justiniani. I'm surprised that I recall the name though.
I'm glad that I have a good camera this time around to capture the artworks. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to charge the battery so it died on me. It;s a good thing that I was still able to take pictures using my phone.
I'm looking forward to going to next year's fair.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
2/15/16
It's been quite some time since I've posted here. I've been quite busy these past few weeks and I hope I could write about it soon. :)
Saturday, January 16, 2016
1/16/16
I'm turning 26 in a few days and I'm feeling anxious about it. I don't feel like turning a year older. I'm not even sure if I want to celebrate it. But I am treating my close friends as a celebration so that one is worth celebrating.
I'm actually more nervous about my upcoming trip to Palawan. I already booked my hostel and got my plane tickets. The only thing I am missing is my itinerary. I want to go island hopping. But I mostly just want to relax and explore the city even on my own. I want to meet new people. Perhaps I'll muster enough courage to mingle with strangers. But most importantly, I'm just praying that everything will work out fine. I'm not sure how I'll go to El Nido from Puerto Prinsesa since my flight is not a direct flight and I have to take another mode of transportation from the airport to the city that I'm staying in, and it would take me hours to go there.
Things have been really stressful so far and I'm afraid that it's a sign of things to come. Last year started out so great, and it's gonna be hard to top that.
I'm actually more nervous about my upcoming trip to Palawan. I already booked my hostel and got my plane tickets. The only thing I am missing is my itinerary. I want to go island hopping. But I mostly just want to relax and explore the city even on my own. I want to meet new people. Perhaps I'll muster enough courage to mingle with strangers. But most importantly, I'm just praying that everything will work out fine. I'm not sure how I'll go to El Nido from Puerto Prinsesa since my flight is not a direct flight and I have to take another mode of transportation from the airport to the city that I'm staying in, and it would take me hours to go there.
Things have been really stressful so far and I'm afraid that it's a sign of things to come. Last year started out so great, and it's gonna be hard to top that.
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
1/5/16
This year is shaping up to be a calm one to say the least. Unlike last year where I already have plans at the start of the year, I don't have much concrete plans. Though I have a trip at the end of the month, it is still a bit unsure since I haven't even booked a flight yet or a place to stay. My mom said it should be easy but I am quite nervous at this point.
It is also not so reassuring that I am turning a year older this month and I want to celebrate it with my friends who aren't exactly working in the same schedule so I have to organize something that will reunite us all.
Work has been quite heavy but still steady. It is not my main priority right now though which is helpful cause I'm trying to avoid as much stress as I can.
I've been trying to catch up with movies from the past year though I am running out of movies to watch, not that I am interested in a lot. But since I am in the mid shift, I have some time to do a lot of binge watching.
Friday, January 01, 2016
1/1/16
Happy New Year, everyone!
I know I've been very inactive last year which was unfortunate because I've been quite actively posting regularly in 2014. That doesn't take away how great the past year was.
2015 was an amazing year that is full of adventures and experiences that I've never imagined I could do. Perhaps I could elaborate more on that if I start blogging in the office. Sure, there were also plenty of moments that made me question myself but those are still learning blocks for myself.
The holiday season has been quite stressful for me but I have also enjoyed some parts of it. There are also some health problems in the family recently which is not a good way to end the year. I pray that this year will be a healthier year for us, physically and spiritually.
Our holiday celebrations were toned down this year which was quite ironic to how the year started with a bang, but sometimes you have to slow down to miss the feeling of excitement.
I'm not sure what 2016 will bring me but I am hoping for the best.
I know I've been very inactive last year which was unfortunate because I've been quite actively posting regularly in 2014. That doesn't take away how great the past year was.
2015 was an amazing year that is full of adventures and experiences that I've never imagined I could do. Perhaps I could elaborate more on that if I start blogging in the office. Sure, there were also plenty of moments that made me question myself but those are still learning blocks for myself.
The holiday season has been quite stressful for me but I have also enjoyed some parts of it. There are also some health problems in the family recently which is not a good way to end the year. I pray that this year will be a healthier year for us, physically and spiritually.
Our holiday celebrations were toned down this year which was quite ironic to how the year started with a bang, but sometimes you have to slow down to miss the feeling of excitement.
I'm not sure what 2016 will bring me but I am hoping for the best.