Our March in Hong Kong

Cold, busy, different and the same. That's how I'd describe Hong Kong when we were there.

We arrived in HK at past 1am in the morning (which was sooo cold) and was able to get some sleep around 3am. We approximately got 4 hours of sleep before our first stop and adventure...

The Peak

We left the place we're staying a few minutes before 8am and as soon as the lift door opens, we were greeted by a cold, breezy Wednesday morning, 13C cold, that I had to go back up and add to my already 3 layers of clothing a shawl. Then, we're off to the peak!

We went there to see the view of city. There were a group of young students (probably around 7yr olds) with their parents conducting a survey with the tourists. I remembered having a hard time spelling the word 'Philippines' (that I would just write Phils instead) because the kids had to write the country of origin of each tourist they asks. We only stayed for an hour or so because there's not much to do up there and our main plan for the day is to go to Ocean Park!

Ocean Park

This theme park was huge and still expanding. I didn't expect it to be that big. It houses so many attractions that I think we only managed to ride and see/watch those that we think are interesting or fun.

 

Avenue of the stars

2nd day starts with some shopping and a walk in the Avenue of the Stars. Probably because of the chilly weather (owing to the fact that it is an open area by the bay where it's also very windy) this is the place where we goofed around the most. We were literally lying on the ground laughing and taking outrageous photos. We spent a couple of hours there and walking towards the Terminal where we'll ride a ferry that'll take us to Macau to meet our friend working in China!

Macau
Macau was ok. I think there's not much to see and do unless you're a gambler or you enjoy Casinos. Nevertheless, I think it is an interesting place. Interesting for me because they were colonized (i think) by the Portuguese. Their old buildings and structures and even the streets in Senado Square are definitely Portuguese inspired.

HK Disneyland

Last stop of the trip? - Of course is Hong Kong Disneyland. This park is definitely one for kids. We didn't get to do much here as some attractions are closed at that time and the weather is quite gloomy. It did rain in the afternoon just as we are about to leave for the airport.

I might come back to Hong Kong and next time try to allot enough time for everything.

After our 3 day HK trip, it's time to hit home (that is before going back to Singapore)!

Have you met...

The (fraternal) twins?!?!!?

The naughty and mischievous MJ.

Marcel Jace playing with, umm, my travelling stuff...

The sweet and always smiling LJ.

Lex Julian being attacked by the Disney Characters!!

They are currently the apple of my eyes. 

When they were around 1yr old

My sooo adorable and naughty nephews!

 A few months before turning 2

I hope I'll see them again soon...

My soulmate... for now (sequel)

It took me 2 years and 1 month (to be exact) to finally be with my soulmate... And I'm so glad I waited for this release...

I know I know, my post was almost 3 months delayed but I kinda was busy or, well, just lazy.

What do I like about it...

- I no longer need my iPod touch

- I can now listen to RX Morning Rush

- surfing the net and checking FB is so much easier

- chatting via YM is way easier

- haven't tried facetime yet but it's suppose to be cool

- instagr.am application makes picture taking so much fun

- the screen resolution is so much better than the 3gs

I guess there's a few more that I can still add to the list but I'll just leave it at that for now... I'd like to keep my relationship with my soulmate private. ;)

I wanna bathe you in the light of day...

I could sit for hours finding new ways to be awed each minute, 'cause the daylight seems to want you just as much as I want you... 


:)

She loves me, loves me not...

Love-hate relationships!!! It sometimes drains the energy out of me. 

That's how I describe my relationship with my one and only sister. There are days when it doesn't seem like I love her, but I do, I really do. 

Sometimes in the heat of an argument or if she's in a foul mood and would take it out on me, I would always ask myself 'What exactly have i done to make you despise and be annoyed by my mere presence?'.  I desperately wanted her to like and appreciate me that I end up giving her whatever she wants and doing whatever pleases her... I spoiled my older sister and there are times that I end up paying the consequences...

There are happy moments too. And I always like the feeling i get when those moments happen. Like when she would cook for me because I had a bad week or simply because I wanted a home cooked meal. When I got sick she bought me congee and took care of me. Sometimes she'd just enter my room and sit in my bed while eating her dinner - I think she misses me (because we no longer share a room). She now holds my hand while walking outside (she used to hate it when I hold hers). One morning, while I was sleeping, she simply laid down beside me while surfing the net on her laptop. It's those things that make me want to hug her. 

We're getting along most of the time and we are learning to compromise. We would give each other space once one of us is in the brink of throwing a fit. We're learning to be a sister to each other, we're not exactly the best of friends, but that's okay. Sister trumps friends anyway... :D

names names names...

The tips of my fingers still hurt from trying to play the guitar. I want to learn so I bought one last week (Yey!). My lesson started last Saturday and other than my fingers feeling numb, everything else was fun. I still need to practice though. Have to go home early to be able to do so. I remembered having a discussion with a friend regarding how people choose names for their cars or even guitars. She actually named her guitar Peachy, her reason being that the color of her guitar is pink and she didn’t like the name pink so she chooses something close which is, well, according to her, Peach. I also shared how my family’s lack of creativity is apparent on how we name our pets. We named our dogs, Doggie, Chacha and Donut. We used to have a cat named Pussy and my sister named my car Chevy (definitely a give away). So I am now wondering if I should name my guitar. And if I would, what will it be? Wanted it to start with S or T. I’m considering the name Tyke because I like the sound of it but I also like the name Aika because of what it means. Or I may opt not to name it at all… Hmmm… I guess I’ll wait awhile before deciding. I’ll wait awhile until a name feels right…

I’m getting busier by the week, and this time, it has nothing to do with work which is, for now, is a good thing.

Wish ko lang! ;)

I'm the type of person who makes lists. It keeps me organized and gives me a sense of calmness knowing that I am not about to forget something. The reason why I am saying this is because on the cab ride home from watching The Full Monty last Saturday, I had a specific list in mind. It is the list of traits or interests that I wish my (near? - I hope) future boyfriend will have:

- interest in music: playing an instrument or a good singing voice is a major plus

- smart: not necessarily a geek, but someone whom I'll learn a lot from

- athletic: can be basketball, football or swimming with the exception of boxing or anything that has a high probability of injuring or worse, killing him

- interest in books: someone well read is never bad

- a bit tall: a few (at least 3) inches taller than me

- smells good: I like it when a guy smells so good that I had to do a double take once I walk past him

- smile: I'm a sucker for guys with a sunny, contagious smile, top it up with a pair of (or even one) dimples and I'm gonna swoon

The odds of me finding a man who possesses all these is like 1 in a billion. And even if I did find him, he might already be married or taken. Oh well, as I said, this is just my "wish". And I know wishes and dreams seldom come true. Sigh...

Starlight, Starbright, first star I see tonight

I wish I may, I wish I might

Make my wish come true... even just for the night

;) Goodnight!

Start of the End

After over a year of OTYs and unreasonable work hours

After turning down the opportunities presented to me

After seeing almost everyone go

I decided to Start the End

It's a different feeling than before when the previous offer was presented to me. This time, I didn't feel scared or unsure. I felt rather excited and relieved. I felt happy and comfortable with my decision. I felt good.

I think our era for the "project" has ended. Almost all of us who was there at the start already left or are leaving. It's time for the newbies to take over and prove themselves. Because like us, when the "project" started, they don't have any other choice but to stay.

I'm pretty sure I've disappointed a few people with this decision, but I know that those who are really special to me will understand. And that's enough for me. 

It's time to Start the End.

♪ Broken mirrors and a black cat's cold stare ♪

I decided to start listening to Pink's Funhouse album yesterday. It has been in my itouch for months now but I never really listened to it 'cause I thought it's gonna be the same old, loud, angry songs she's known for. To my surprise, it is not what I had expected. It's less angry, more substance and few that's actually subtle to the ear. I'm liking a lot of the songs in the album. Funhouse and Crystal Ball are my favorite for the day because of the specific lines in the song and how it relates to my day. 

Funhouse

This used to be a Funhouse

But now it's full of evil clowns

It's time to start the countdown

...

Crystal Ball

Love just needs a witness and a little forgiveness
And a halo of patience and a less sporadic pace and
I'm learning to be brave in my beautiful mistakes

...

Pennies in a well, a million dollars in the fountain of a hotel.
Fortune teller that says maybe you will go to hell.
But I'm not scared at all

...

May - Berry

It's been 2 weeks full of strawberries.

Strawberry Shortcake for our Team Lead's Birthday

Frolick's Frozen Yogurt topped with strawberries

White Hat's Frozen Yogurt again topped with strawberries

Fresh Big Strawberries from California!!!

I was never really a fan of strawberries. I can't remember the first time I tasted it, but I might've not liked the taste then because I always refused when I was offered one. Well, that was before I tried it again. I said to myself that I will try the things I told myself I'd never do again, and I'm glad I'm still keeping that promise. 

Sigh.... my long vacation is over... 

Q&A et al.

My SG based friends labeled me as a "cheap and low maintenance date" mainly because when we pay the food bill, I usually pay the least because of the quantity of the food or the type of dish I ordered.

I had my hair permed! Upside: I only need to comb it twice a day. Downside: I can only comb it twice a day.

The first time a friend of mine saw me with my permed hair she said "You look nice with your hair permed. But I like it better when it's straight." - We both laughed at what she just said. Tact was not really her thing.

Whenever I got asked "Kamusta na?" I would usually answer "Eto, buhay pa humihinga." I don't remember when I started giving that answer, but it became my generic response. Come to think of it, it doesn't really sound positive does it?

I was asked if I'm happy. I guess the fact that it took me a while to answer is already a give away. I remember that I was asked the same question a couple of years back and my exact answer was "My happiness and contentment lies in the happiness of the people I love and care about. As long as they're happy, then so am I."  This still holds true. Hmmm... I think I need someone who is constantly happy - good luck with that!

I was told to "move on". How can someone who was never really stuck move on?

My 13 year old niece asked me if I have a boyfriend. I told her no, I don't. Then she asked "You're pretty and you don't have a boyfriend?" I'm not entirely sure how to answer nor interpret that one. I just find it really really funny...

Easter 2010...

Had a sumptuous Easter lunch at a friend's place. Yum yum yum!!!

Noticed a bruise on my left knee which I thought was just a normal bruise brought about by my once in a while clumsiness.

Long Island Iced Tea and Bailey's as a siesta drink.

More salmon and baked cheesy potato... Can't seem to resist...

Time to leave to practice swimming.

Tried swimming on a shallow pool 0.9M (I'm scared of drowning!).

Realized the bruise on my left knee was due to my inability to float causing my knee to hit the floor when I start kicking.

I now have a bruise on my right knee too.

Tried swimming on the 1.2M pool.

I think I'm still doing something wrong though it's way better than on the other pool.

Oh well... Mr. S. will just have to teach me closely... :D

Happy Easter!!!

Low EQ

I think my EQ has dropped significantly since i met you...
I find it funny.
Oh well.
It'll all pass.

Climb On!

A Happy Happy Christmas to all!!!

It's my 3rd consecutive Christmas here in Singapore. Although my Christmas could've been happier if I were in the Philippines with my family, celebrating it here wasn't that bad. After the anticipated Christmas mass, me, my sister and our friend/housemate had a quick dinner and went straight to Paulaners to meet another friend and had a few drinks while waiting for Christmas to come. Good thing the bar was giving away different hats for the celebration and we were fortunate enough to get the cool ones! =D

Christmas Day - we had Japanese Christmas lunch at Sakae Sushi and watched Avatar in 3D which was worth every penny. We didn't even notice how long the movie was because James Cameron made those 3 hours worthwhile. Kudos to him for making such a spectacular film that will definitely be another historical achievement for Hollywood!

Saturday was the rest day for us and I get to finish another book. Finally! After procrastinating reading for a while, I decided to go through my stack of unread books and pull out Freakonomics which was interesting and was something new for me since I'm mostly into novels. I have picked out another novel to read and I'm hoping I'll be able to finish it before 2009 ends.

Today was the highlight of my Christmas weekend as I attended the Level 1 Climbing workshop!!! A feat for me considering that I was never a big fan of such type of activities. I mean, I appreciate it and watch other people enjoy it, but I never entertained the thought of me actually doing the climbing. Hehehe. It was something new for me and I'm actually liking it. I didn't came out of it unscathed though - I got a bruise an inch and a half in diameter in my left leg. Tsk tsk tsk... And to top it off, my right wrist hurts, I might have sprained it, I might not have. Regardless, I enjoyed it! And the best thing was, I am now Level 1 certified (am not sure that's the right term). Yipee! And we got 2 days free climbing pass just for passing the course, another Yipee!

Finally, to add icing to my long Christmas weekend, I am on leave from work tomorrow. =D

This may not be the best Christmas, but I'm very thankful that the Birthday Celebrant made sure it will be a good one! Thanks Bro! and Happy Happy (belated) Birthday!!!

A weekend we can call our own

Finally. After weeks of grueling work, we can finally own this weekend. Don't get me wrong, our tasks are a far cry from completed and the worst is yet to come for our team, but for the next 3 days, we are told not to work. Yipee!

I know for most people, this is the norm, after all, it is the weekend. But unfortunately for us, it hasn't been like that for the longest time. The things that should be normal like being able to go home at 6 (or latest 7) and going out on Fridays are luxuries we are unable to afford. Most of us get disoriented on days when we get to go home early or spend a few hours not working. The only thing that lifts our spirits up is the fact that we enjoy each others company. As the saying goes "Misery loves company" and man are we miserable (because of work)!

So, this weekend we will try not to think about work. We will enjoy it and live it and own it. =D

Hmmm... I guess they just want us recharged because we'll be grilled and burned come UAT. Oh well...

thanks sis :D

Just got a new camera... yipee!!!

My sister bought me one as a (super) belated (multiple) birthday and christmas gift. So for today, she is the best sister in the world! :)

Coolest Wedding Entrance Ever!!!

In a month and 4 days

I'm now counting down the days yet again for another trip home. I know it's still 5 weeks to go and a lot could happen in those weeks, like the inevitable firecrackers in our project and the resulting grueling hours of work. But, I think I could endure that, I hope I can endure that... I'll just think of home and Momsie's paksiw na bangus and our planned LB trip which I really hope happens. I miss LB which we all consider our second home. We plan to catch one of SAM-UP's palaCASan games and see the old and new faces of the Org.

Tick tock, tick tock...

Harry Potter Saturday

Finally, we got to watch Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince... yipee!!! I was in a good mood this morning (thanks to this) even as I head to the office for another working weekend. And to ensure that no one gets late to the movie, I told everyone I booked the 3pm screening when in fact the actual time was 315pm. Not only that, since I am the one holding the tickets I told them that I am not willing to miss the start of the movie because of anyone's tardiness... And boy did it work. They're all there by 245, complete with nachos and popcorns. :D

The movie was good, but of course, like most of its adaptations, it was compressed and fast paced. But I didn't mind. There were a lot of funny moments specially with Lavander Brown and Hermione. Can't wait for the next 2 films to come. In the meantime, I'll look forward to the upcoming movies on my list, also adaptations which I think will require a box of Kleenex - The Time Traveler's Wife and My Sister's Keeper. ;)

Happy Food!!!

This post was way overdue but nevertheless, since I want to remember how much good (happy) food I ate that week, I'm gonna post it anyway. ;)

Last last week we had a craving for happy food! So to satisfy our craving, we ate what we want and man did we ate a lot!! Yum yum!

Thursday: We started out with our favorite MenTei Ramen which I rarely get to eat now that I am assigned in Alexandra. I had the Miso Ramen (less noodles) with an extra half egg. We missed it so much that we finished our meal in less than 15 minutes. Hehehe...

For dessert, we head to Starbucks for something sweet and a cup of cafe mocha. I had too much sweet that day that I was in sugar rush overdrive.

For dinner I had the only burger I would eat from BK (one without Mayo and ketchup) which is the Swiss Mushroom. I've always liked this as it's somewhat similar to Wendy's Bacon Mushroom Melt minus the Bacon.

Friday: my sister and I went to our usual Friday dinner stop which is at Orchard, I bought my delicious Golden Roll from Sushi Tei and she had her Pancit at Wisma's Food Republic.

Saturday: To get away from the frantic state of our house, I had my brunch at Ya Kun Kaya Toast Holland Village. Cheesy French Toast Set it is.

I prepared my Buttered Prawns for Lunch/Dinner afterwhich we went back to Holland Village for some more sushi, Frapuccino and a brownie.

Yum, yum, yum... :D