Christmas 2011

I hope everyone had a blast during Christmas!

(1. snowman ornament 2. water color painting by myself 3. myself in nerdy glasses 4. what I wrote under the apple pie's box I bought for Noche Buena 5. parol in our sampaloc tree 6. lollipop 7. santa claus ornament for our rattan christmas tree 8. always love by nada surf played while we're on our way to Anilao 9. herd of deer under our tree 10. fur vest that I wore that day 11. plastic poinsettia 12. our pet poodle in santa outfit 13. christmas lights at night 14. our rattan tree designed by Wowa 15. merry grinchmas PJs)

Breakfast is the way to my heart

My Beach Bag

( Accessorize bag, iPhone, Canon Powershot D10, Panasonic Lumix LX-5, Rubber Ducky Dry Bag, H&M scarf, Cotton On sunnies, Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel, Nivea Tanning Oil, Marlboro Menthol cigarette, Zippo lighter ) 

Ferris Wheel

Ferries wheels are lovely and dreamy especially during sunset. It's feels Coney Island-ish in Manila.

Cheapo Shopping

Last Monday was spent shopping for cheap but good finds. These things make me happy because I am not a fan of spending too much on clothes. When it comes to it, I believe in QUANTITY OVER QUALITY. Haha

I bought 2 pairs of shorts and a flowy white dress for less than a thousand pesos. Shopping need not to be expensive.

Beach Weekend

Last weekend was special because I spent it at the beach with some of my college kabarkada. We reminisced our fun college days and updated each other of what's happening with our lives now that we're working.

How I love to have an effortless beach hair everyday.

You know you're getting old when you're having coffee instead of alcohol.

Manila ♥

I've lived in Manila all my life and didn't care about the places most tourists rave about until one night my good friend and I decided to drive around the Philippines' capital city.

We passed by Quiapo Church which houses the famous Black Nazarene.


We drove to Ongpin, Binondo to try Tasty Dumplings and their Porkchop Rice.

While walking around, we stumbled upon a cross where Chinese as well as Filipinos light up an incense and pray. So we did the same and acted like a Binondo local.

We got lost as we find our way out of Chinatown and we ended up in Luneta Park.

Binondo, Quiapo and Luneta Park are not enough Manila Vibe so we agreed to explore Intramuros as well. We hungout at a quaint little coffee shop with a magnificent view of the walls. We had the perfect cup of coffee and churros as we let out a few oohhs and ahhhs on how truly beautiful Manila is.

Travel doesn't have to be far, yes? Yes!

Ultimate Beach Song

Dear Nana

Dearest Nana,


I wasn't happy when I found out Ma was pregnant with you. I didn't like you because I am too old to have a baby sister. I'm used to having just two sisters all my life. I also got scared because people might think that you are my child. Our age gap is so big I will pass as your mother.


It all changed when you were born. I would visit you in the nursery in between my classes. When I knew you are coming home with us, I cut my Math class just to be home earlier than your Ate Eun and Ate B because I was really excited to touch and smell you. Other than Wowa, I was the first to carry you right after you got out of the hospital. I often give you a bath before I leave for school. I borrow you every night and let you sleep beside me even if I have an early class the next day. You brought joy to the whole family. You are truly a blessing from God!


Today, it's been three years, two months and a day since you were born and you still put a smile in everyone's faces. You have grown tall, you are potty trained, you already choose what clothes you want to wear, you talk like an adult, you brush your teeth by yourself, you know what a Macbook is--Ahhhh, you are growing up too fast I want to slow it down. As selfish as it sounds, I do not want you to grow up anymore because your spontaneity is too cute.


Next year, you are going to school already. I promise to take a leave just to be with you on your first day of school. I hope you make a lot of friends and have so much fun playing with kids your age. We won't pressure you to be at the top of your class nor pressure you to do any extra curricular activity. We just want you to do what you love and enjoy your youth. We won't get mad if your Math score is 76. Who needs that extra one point anyway? As long as you do your best, then that will do.


Whatever it is that you want to do in life, we will support you 100% all the way. Just promise us you'll be a good person.


Love,
Ate Erika

2012 Travel Bucketlist

Next year will be different compared to this year because I will lie low and save up for a bigger trip for 2013. All the places I'd like to visit are limited in Luzon and reachable by car only. I'm saying goodbye to expensive airfares and saying hello to the beautiful places in Metro Manila and in Luzon as well.

I am booked to two destinations since the third quarter of this year so I won't include that in my list.

Go on a day trip to Corregidor

Trek Mt. Pinatubo and swim at the crater

Take surfing lessons in La Union

Swim with the butandings in Donsol, Sorsogon


Death by authentic Chinese food in Binondo

So, what are your travel bucketlist for 2012?

Starbucks Planner 2012

I finally got the 2012 Starbucks Planner!

I want to say thank you to Yeye who collected most of the stickers. You made one of my Christmas wish come true.