Saturday, December 31, 2011

Unwavering Faith





 If... you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt.
- Miracle on 34th Street
Source


Summer of 2011, I have this personal campaign of spreading positivity and keeping up the good vibes. I have not been an optimistic person my whole life and now that I’ve finally become one, I really couldn’t let it go. Last summer, in between having coffee we got into talking about the TheSecret and how you can have whatever it is that you wanted to the Universe and it will be yours.

I mean you can buy the book and read it 100 times for as long as you like but if you can’t feel it, it won’t happen. I remember sharing something about the Universe to someone and she retorted something negative like as if she wanted all the bad things that happened to her was something that she wished for, so from that moment on, I learned that --- stay away from negative, close-minded people and never argue with an idiot, because as they say, they will drag you down and beat me with experience.

So as I was talking to this friend, we both just “let our guards and hair down” and told each other what we wanted for the Universe to grant and keep track if it’s really going to happen. My friend wished for two life-changing requests but it’s something that she really wanted. And I wished for something personal and empowering.

The night before she left for the City, we had dinner and reflected on what we did last summer and it’s amazing how we both got what we wanted before 2011 ended. She asked for something major, like really major and I had forgotten what I asked for last Summer until she reminded me that I already got what I wanted and it was three months before the year ended!

OMG. It really works and we will continue doing this whole positivity and Law of Attraction thing. I am wishing for something major that I keep on secretly obsessing about it but I know it’s coming really soon. Because I am willing to alter my life for this and I know this’ll make me a better person. When I get this, I will really make sure to show my gratitude. Peace of mind is really non-negotiable for me. I told my friend about it and to remember what I wished for because I might forget about it again, and to remind me if I already have it. The Law of Attraction works.

I am now obsessing about the stuff that I will be putting up on my vision board. I don’t care if my Kuya finds it funny how I have my “vision board on top of my planner/organizer”. I will put up my vision board on new year’s eve and I will grab 2012 by the balls saying: Baby you’re mine!






Thursday, December 29, 2011

Smell+Remembrance = Smellembrance


Okay that title's just bad word play.

I'm reading the new book that I got for Php99.00 (Powerbooks Sale) and I'm currently at the section where it talks about perfume. ( I guess you can tell it isn't just some chick lit book, but I tell you it's non-fiction).My kuya and I were fighting over it but I got it first and it was such a steal that I am not letting it go.

Anyway, I was reading this section about Sean "Diddy" Combs knowing about women and perfumes when I remembered reading something like:

Remember a fragrance when upon the smell of it, it'll take you to the time when everything's fine...
...Or your most favorite time...

Damn. Something along those lines and early this morning I feel like I dreamt of that line and reached for that book and could no longer find the line that says that.

But I did recall taking a whiff of something that reminded me how everything was okay because during those time I was troubled but I didn't care because I know someone makes everything feel that everything's just going to be just fine.
Source

And that's the last perfume for men that I remembered and it was way long and ages ago.

In 2009, someone left his perfume at my apartment for remembrance just so that I can spray it on my sheets and remember him but I never got into doing that. I  did not consume the more-than half-the-bottle of that men's perfume that he left me, but I did give  the entire bottle to Manong Guard of my apartment complex when I moved out.

He was very happy. :)





Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Mousse for Digi-permed Hair: VO5's Curl Up VS. Plump it up


I’ve consumed 3 bottles of styling mousse already and my digi-permed hair is only a little more than 3 months old, and lately I’ve been really obsessed about find the perfect curl defining hair product. Mousse or serum, I’m willing to try it.

I thought I wouldn’t give VO5 another chance after my last review, but when I saw this product, I just couldn’t resist trying it out: 

VO5's Curl Up
Price: Php 219.00
Available at: SM Department Stores, Supermarket and Watsons
Finally! A curl defining mousse from VO5!

Yes I also judge how conveniently the bottle can dispose the mousse. Plump it up wins in this category. You have to have a nice "bwelo" when disposing the Curl up Mousse.





PROS: I like the nozzle, it’s not the usual whipped cream type that VO5 Plump it up Mousse has, and it really does hold my curls together. Maybe because it really does specialize in defining curls.

CONS:  I really couldn’t think of any other CONS, except maybe they could change the packaging in a more upbeat color than the red one. You couldn’t tell which one is the weighless and the curl up version unless you read it.  Color-association issues.


VO5's Plump it up
Price: Php 219.00
Available at SM Supermarkets and SM Department Store and Beauty Section

PROS: I was really intrigued by the cute pink packaging. I like how it easily disposes the mousse on my hand and it smells really great too!

CONS: It doesn't hold my curls as good as the VO5 Curl up mousse. Maybe this product is really intended for generic hair-styling. It sort of made my hair limp that plump.

VO5's Curl Defining Mousse (Red) wins this review! 

I was looking at their website when I found this:


I have not found this in the local beauty markets but I am willing to try this one out because it is CURL DEFINING.

Tip for those who wants to define their waves (natural or digi-permed):

It’s best to get the “curl defining” products because it specializes in holding your curls and keeping it together rather than getting a generic extra hold mousse.




Sunday, December 25, 2011

Sweets for Ears from the best sister in the world @ellipra!

Remember these posts:


If "Marshamallow test" was not so much a conyo term, I would have said that I failed it. I have low EQ when it comes to gifts! Haha!

Four days before Christmas, my sister asked if I wanted to get my gift already and I said: YES!

Cute Packaging! Isn't this kyooooot?
The gift appetizer:
Ready for SUMMER: Ang OA! This is a electric handheld fan! YEY!
OMG. OMG. It's Hed Kandi!


Photos from the Box:


I'm not exactly a music fan because I tend to listen to just RnB and house music but this baby will be used a lot for WORK!

Yes, you read it: for WORK!



I tested this one out with my iPod and my sister's phone and I love that it's noise-cancelling, slim, convenient, light weight... oh I can go on!

Plus... it's purple! Ang landi-landi lang!


Thank you Aprille! You're the best sister in the world, I loooooove you!!! :)




Friday, December 23, 2011

Davao Birthday Weekend: [Day Three] Eden Park and Some Last Minute Shopping

For our last day in Davao, we went to Eden Nature Park.

The night before,  I was talking to our tour guide about whether Eden Nature Park is something that we must go to.

He said: "It's our version of Baguio"

I've been wanting to go back to Baguio this year but then I think my schedule will not permit it so I guess this is good to go so we went to Eden Nature Park.

Tip:
Day Tour Entrance Fee: Php 180.00
Comes with free snacks ( Bread, Spaghetti and Soda)

I'm really lazy and not in the mood for blogging the place so I just borrowed pictures taken by my sister. There are so many photos to choose from but I just got the ones approved for public viewing.


 The shuttle comes with a voice-over that explains the whole Eden Nature Park. It was recorded according to where we're going so the tour guide didn't do much of the talking.
Kuya looking all MACHO by the Park's Map and my sister running after...I don't even know what that is. There's a tour guide and shuttle provided so we can roam the place.


We got a very nice, smiley-faced tour guide, I just forgot what his name was. I should've taken a photo of him.
They have lodges, they grow their own veggies

This is their amphitheater ( I think) This is where my friends Marc and Nikki got married last August, I was not able to go due to grad school commitments.

The rainbow garden

The old house we went to

Interesting stuff I took photos of. Kind of creepy when seen in real life haha. We went to the "kubo" / house, and we got this instrument. I asked the tour guide if I can hit it, and he said yes, and I banged the thing with all my might. My kuya was shocked how hard I hit it. ( I was in the mood for hitting something really hard!)

Nice Organized Garden
 We were running after time because we're scheduled on two different flights, so we dropped by at Aldevinco for pasalubong shopping.

Tip:

  • For my friends in Manila - Aldevinco is like Aranque in Pasay City. They sell the most affordable pasalubong to take back to the City.
  • Haggle the place. My mom is the best at haggling/negotiating and got the best deal. 
  • I just bought some eco-bags for friends and some native wallet for my friends in Grad School. I really had a good deal but mom beat me to the core in getting the best deal.

We also went to the Marina place (I think). My sister and her boyfriend went shopping for some tuna and seafood to take home.
 
I had a nice time in Davao but I didn't really had the chance to find out Davao through a local's eyes because we're always running after a schedule. Davao was nice but that day, I really just can't wait to go back to Manila.


Previous Posts about this trip:

 

 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Davao Birthday Weekend: [Day Two] My Birthday at Pearl Farm Resort


For our second day in Davao, we spent practically the whole day of my Birthday in Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Since we were on a tight schedule and going to Pearl Farm is A MUST, we decided to get the Day Tour Package instead of the overnight package since we have to meet our Davao-based relatives for Dinner on the same day.



Day Tour Package (php2,500.00 / pax) includes:
  • ·       1 Lunch
  • ·       Round trip boat transfers
  • ·       Use of resorts selected facilities (swimming pool, beach area, tennis court, basketball court and game room)

Boat Transfer Schedule:
Wharf In: 8:00 AM
Wharf Out: 4:00 PM

Davao Marina to Pearl Farm: 8AM/1:30PM/4PM/6PM
Pearl Farm to Davao Marina: 6:45AM/10AM/1PM/4PM
Special Boat Transfer Rate: Php7,000.00 – one way

WARNING: A photo loaded entry. I would've posted more pics for proof but there are just so many. So I just took the ones in my point-and -shoot camera. Sorry for some not-so-nice photos. It's hard to take blog-worthy pics while I'm enjoying the place while I can! 

Pearl Farm Marina Wharf. This is the place for checking in while waiting for our ferry to take us to Samal Island, where Pearl Farm is located.

They gave us an orientation and overview of what are the things and activities that we can do during our Day Tour on the Island. There is another separate Island owned by Pearl Farm and we can go there for FREE! We just need to schedule it.

On our way to Pearl Farm. I took a nap during the 45 minutes ferry ride. They provided us cutesy water drinks and when we're near the Resort Drop off, there were two jet ski riders providing us entertainment. Someone told me that it's Pearl Farm's strategy to make the guests look at the Jet Ski Riders because it takes some time for the ferry to position it self to the dock.

View of the Landmark and the Samal Houses of Pearl Farm. We were welcomed with the nice staff who gave us welcome drinks the moment we arrived.
Hello Pearl Farm! Finally we meet! 

There are really nice huts that's located by the pool that were strategically located. Can you see how clear the water is? I'm not even using a DSLR when I took this photo. I love their infinity pool as well, but the water is cold. I guess I'm just used to hot springs. 

Other side of the resort

We roamed around the place and a golf car took us to the other side of the beach. I took a photo of some of the Samal Houses for rent.

One of my favorite part - The Ylang Ylang Spa. The moment we arrived, my cousins and I immediately booked a body massage appointment.

Day Tour Package includes Lunch Buffet. I took the photo of my Kuya's Platter! Haha! They have the most delicious Buffet I've had in years and the desserts are just scrumptious!  

Happy Birthday to Me! We stayed at Mandaya 14 for FREE! The Manager of Pearl Farm is so nice and accommodating, when he learned that we were a large group of 14pax and ran out of by-the-pool huts, he arranged a free room for us during the day!



We were really lucky that we get to meet really nice people in Pearl Farm (regular customers) and gave us some of their spare cottages and tips on how we can request for extra accommodation.

Pearl Farm Notes:
  • I would say: WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE OVERNIGHT PACKAGE!
  • Free use of their beach towels.
  • Ferry rides are by schedule.
  • There are designated smoking areas.
  • A ferry ride is free, we had to arrange it the moment we arrive because other guests would like to go to the separate Island as well.
  • The cheapest whole body massage is Php 800. But since my cousins and I were running late due to whatever activities we had, we just had a back massage for Phpo 200.00! They're sooo nice!
  • The Mandaya house that we stayed do not have a door for the rest room. I don't know why?
  • They only have one golf car to take us around, but the short cut way to the Mandaya houses is beside the Spa.
  • They offer other tour packages like the hill top package which my mom and aunts availed while we kids roamed around the place, ala-survivor Philippines! LOL! 
  • Pearl Farm offers package for honeymooners and the likes, it's best to take advantage of the package.
  • The jetskis are for rent and we took home some sand samples from the separate Island. My sister and I have been collecting sand from every beach we went to ( EL Nido, Palawan, Boracay, Pagudpud - name it!) The guy in charge of the jetski took us for a nice ride in his jetski for free! 

I was telling my friends when I came back that Davao did not struck me as hard as Cebu, but I would definitely go back to Davao for PEARL FARM RESORT reasons!

This place is PERFECT for honeymooners. I think I want to tag along with my Kuya when he goes back haha! Hello third wheel!  But I am eyeing Bellarocca next for my destination. 



Upcoming post:



Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Davao Birthday Weekend: [Day One] The City Tour



I spent my birthday weekend in Davao together with my cousins and my mom’s relatives as well. We were such a big group that we had to be divided into two: The Juniors (us!) and the Seniors (our mom and aunts).  We were originally going after Pearl Farm resort but it’s expensive to stay for 2 nights there. So we just decided to explore Davao City during Day 1 and spend my actual birthday in Pearl Farm for the second day and go to the remaining tourist spots of Davao on our last day.

I was texting my friends who live and those who’s been in Davao for any tips on where to go.  We had a van rented to take us around the place and luckily we were able to tour the city, hassle-free.

Note: The photos chosen in this post is to capture what it is like to be there. I hope it did serve its purpose, so no, there's no HD pictures and tourist-catalogue-type shots.


We were able to go to the recommended places such as:


1. Malagos


A Nature Park where you can find the Philippine Eagle.

My sister’s glad that we went to this place because you cannot just find this super huge eagle in Manila Zoo.

Tip: Entrance Fee is Php 55.00



2. Outland Adventure


Those who will try zipline will only get to pay. I’ve already tried zipline in Tagaytay with my friends and my sister already tried the zipline in Bohol so we just watched our cousin and aunt try the zipline, so we passed up on this one.

Tip: Price of zipline is Php 500.00 ( I think, I’m not sure about the price. You don’t have an option to go just one way because there’s no other way to go back than through the cables again.)




3. Crocodile Farm


By it’s name, you can tell it houses a lot of crocodile from the small ones to the really big ones before the biggest crocodile, Lolong, was found.

I don’t really like reptiles (even the small turtles make me icky). They had crocodile show and some animal show to entertain the kids. My cousins and I were just really busy walking around the park looking at crocodiles.

On the other side of the crocodile farm, there’s firedance show and some native muslim stuff that they sell as souvenirs.

Tip: Entrance Fee is Php 150.00




4. Jack's Ridge


I keep on getting  recommendations saying – you have to go Jack’s Ridge.
Jack’s Ridge is an overlooking area of Davao City where you can see almost everything. Restaurants are strategically located in the area. I don’t know if this is the highest peak of Davao but the planes that passes by are really low, I feel like we’re in Paranaque City. Haha!

Tip: No entrance fee.





I never really thought that Davao is really so big that majority of our time was spent on the road.  We spent the entire day in Pearl Farm the next day, which will be my next post because I believe it deserves an entire entry of it's own.

Upcoming post:








Monday, December 19, 2011

The Sudden Death Advice

Way back then, I remember it was right after shift and I looked like shit.

My former boss came up to me at the nearby bar and asked me how am I doin? He saw me bawling few hours ago right before my shift started, talking to someone (my bff on speed dial) until some random male stranger handed over a tissue to wipe my tears off.

Yes, it was in public. Never had the chance to look at the face of the guy to say thanks.

And I don't think I still have the nerve to do that.

Source

I did not answer whatever question he had, but I think he got it. I just answered his question with another question:

What's the easiest way to deal with or get over a break up? 

Because I've had boyfriends before and this is not even my first serious relationship, but man, this thing has taken a toll on me. I never had to deal with personal problems at work but this was something else. I know how ridiculous this whole relationship was but for the first time, I actually believed in something. He was always telling me to hold on and keep the faith... and I fuckin' did and gotten my hopes up and then BAM!

So what's really the fastest way to deal with a break up? He said:

" Treat it like... Sudden Death lang." 

I thought it was radical. And way easier said than done. This person, although he appeared to be intangible is what I have considered the greatest love of my life... and I am in my mid-twenties. So it's not like some stupid puppy love shit. I felt it was real, because it was unconditional and I need not to be monitored because for once I was willing to be taken over. And it did.

It has taken a toll on me.

Later, it made sense. The Sudden Death Advice.

Who can compete with death nga naman? I can think of a hundred and one ways to make his life miserable, and spend every single day plotting revenge, but when the person dies, it's game over.

This is probably the most radical break up advice that I got and was able to only digest it now. So Imma send him some light and prayer, because it's game over.

May this battle rest in peace and this is without bitterness. At all.

It's Game Over.



Saturday, December 17, 2011

Tacsiyapo Videos featuring Franco, @laiahdear and @yeyeahye

Tacsiyapo: The Franco Jamias Version from Ara Kristine on Vimeo.

Tacsiyapo: The Aya Montesur Version from Ara Kristine on Vimeo.

Tacsiyapo: The Yeye Urtola Version from Ara Kristine on Vimeo.

Remember this post? http://keamistry.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloweekend-at-isdaan-resto-fun-park.html I finally learned how to post videos from vimeo. For my friends Pre-Christmas year ender we went again to Isdaan on a Lunch time to experience Tacsiyapo! As I've said in my previous post:
Tacsiyapo, means “Nakakainis”– you buy a plate/glass/mugs( with prices like Php 15, 18, 60, 240) and even a working TV set (Php 1,800) so you can throw it against the wall to release your anger). Caution: Cursing or using Vulgar words are not allowed that’s why you need to shout “Tacsiyapo”. I think for 2012 I will be making an effort to capture videos instead of photos. Get ready friends!
And finally we did it! I've been so busy that I have so many blog drafts but work (and my life off cyber space) comes in first. So I guess I will deal with the catching up when I finally have the time. Have a great weekend! :)

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Top 5 intangible things I want to have starting this Christmas


Source


While everyone seems to be busy making their Christmas lists, I have five important things I want to have permanently starting this Christmas (If only it can be bought by money) : 

1.      Self-control
I wish I could have more of these. I never realized how powerful self-control is until I tried it out of emergency.

2.      Detachment
I tend to be too hard on myself when things don’t go the way I planned.  I want to be able to bounce back easily.  I don’t like to get my self emotionally involved to things, commitments and even unworthy people.

3.      Forgiveness
I want to learn how to forgive easily because I want to “release” people as soon as possible. I want to be able to forgive easily because I don’t want walking around with a heavy heart.  I don’t like people that I haven’t forgiven taking space in my brain.

4.      Selective Memory Loss
I’ve recently acquired how this is being done and did a pretty good job. I just wish I know what are the specific steps that I did to make it happen.  I lost some “lose-worthy” memory that it seems like it never happened at all, but I lost some good ones as well.

5.      Patience
This is probably the hardest thing out of the rest of this list. I’m not exactly known for being Ms. Patient and I tend to really calculate time and schedule. I really want to be patient starting this year and it appears like my life’s next challenge after the quarter-life crisis is to...wait.


Oh if only these things were tangible...





Friday, December 9, 2011

So busy that I can't get anything done

Seriously.

Ever since December hit the town I've been putting loads in my plate not to mention saying YES to almost every invite.

I seriously can't get anything done unless I cram. ( Hello there @yeyeahye, I'm  a certified UPian now.)

Despite my being busy and all, I've been really having a good night sleep.

I've got drafts lined up but I can't seem to have the time to really sit on it and blog. I've been taking my life seriously and really living it so most of the time I am off cyberspace.

And I don't use my mobile phone that much anymore. So rare that I think I want a pager, but I doubt if people still remember using a pager.

I never really thought that I'd get to say this but yeah, IGNORANCE can sometime be a BLISS.


<3





Tuesday, December 6, 2011

To Travel


The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.



I did not get the window seat when I took this photo but it surely feels nice knowing that you're bound to your next destination.
I tweeted before that I woke up one morning feeling so old but for the first time in my life, I feel like my heart is going to be at the right place this time.

I still feel that way, a week later.

Like everything finally made sense.

I know I don't recuperate as fast as the others and I seem to have my own phase but I am getting everything now.

I've been wearing classes to get clear vision since 2007 but I've never seen my perspective as clear as this. Especially about you and me.

So I will travel. Not because I am running away from you because I chose to let go, let my self off the hook and because our chapter is done and I've got the rest of the chapters to read.

So I will travel.

Because this book is not about you, it's about me.








Monday, December 5, 2011

Planned Change


That birthday trip did open up a few things to me and I realized that:


Source
Some things that I picked up from class last weekend:

  • Different people, different reaction to change
  • For any change, adjustments will have to be made
The Myths:
  • All people are resistant to change.
  • All change brings improvement.
  • Change is always expected and it doesn't always come from chance.
  • Change always brings hardships.
  • Change can happen overnight.
I was scribbling notes while in class, nodding, agreeing and reflecting on some things my Professor shared... but little did she know I was relating it to the hardest thing to understand. Ever. 

LOVE.

Damn. I can really work my way into understanding Algebra and Statistics but I always flunk when it comes to that subject. 

So therefore today, I am taking a step to plan this change because just like what I have answered in last weekend's pop quiz:

Real change can be brought about by perfect timing (maturity) and space. 

Oh Time. Why do you always seem to be so hard on me? 





Sunday, December 4, 2011

Thank you @yeyeahye for Amapola


I got an early Christmas gift from my friend Yeye:





I think at one point I might have seen Amapola's house! 

 I've read the first line of the book and I already knew why she thinks I must have a copy!

Love you Ye! I have this really good feeling that I'm going to love this book and thank you for giving my my first Tagalog Book!