My ♥ bids goodbye to 2011

I remember the last day of 2010 crying in bed because I was alone at home while my family is spending New Year's Eve out of town. I may have been lonely on the first few days of 2011 but over all it has been a good year and there's so much to be thankful for.

January. Mom's family from the States spent the whole month of January here in the Philippines. I got to spend quality time with my cousins who I haven't seen for years. There were reunions, out of towns, dinner outs, etc. For that, I am really thankful. It is rare for us cousins to bond because we live thousand miles away from each other.

February. We went to Singapore for our annual family out of the country trip. There may be inisan during the trip but nothing beats family bonding abroad.

March. My favorite month which also happens to be my birth month. I spent it with family and stayed in Sofitel overnight.

April. Summer is incomplete without a trip to beach. So I tagged along with my sisters and their friends and went to Anilao. This beach trip is special because it was my first time to cliff dive and fall into the coral rich waters of Anilao and being careful not to get bruises by hitting the corals.

May. Another beach trip but with my officemates this time. Last week of May was not a good idea to go to Anawangin in Zambales because of big waves and typhoons. We were supposed to spend a night in Anawangin but there was a typhoon coming. We didn't let that ruin our trip and spent the night in Subic instead.

June. My good friend Yeye and I went to Iloilo to see the famous sandbar in the town of Concepcion. This trip brought me closer to nature as there was no supply of electricity and water in the island but we had the whole island to ourselves.

July. Another out of town trip with the family to a place where we didn't want to leave. The first weekend of July was spent in Siquijor where the beaches were all postcard worthy.

September. To celebrate my sister's 20th, the whole family went to Malapascua to witness how gorgeous the beach is at the Northern side of Cebu.

October. Mom's and Wowa's birthdays. Two surprises for the two lovable ladies in the family.

November. I've been praying for November to come sooner because it has been a longtime dream to see with my own eyes how picturesque the Petronas Twin Towers are. I've experienced many firsts during this trip like traveling with friends, missing the flight, staying in a hostel and meeting a lot of interesting people whom I share the same passion - traveling. It's during this time that I realized how I want to explore, get lost, learn other cultures and meet many interesting people.

December. Every weekend of this month was spent at the beach catching up on my sleep, eating a lot or doing nothing but still enjoying. One weekend was spent with college friends when I invited them over for some catching up and quality time.

 

I will never ever forget 2011 because of all the lessons and experiences I learned, places I have been, people I met, traveled and spent time with. For that, I'm really really grateful. Looking forward to a more fruitful year ahead.

Breakfast is the way to my heart

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.

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?

Have you met my materialistic side? *Barney tone*

Yes, I know, it's five months away from December and yet here I am listing down the things I want for Christmas. Or right now.

Camera bag - The one I'm using right now is the default freebie bag that has a Batman stitching on the front. The problem is it's not going to keep it safe and dry. I need a light and durable camera bag that can protect it when I'm outdor.

1. Customized Leather Luggage Tag - I love the vintage feel of this.  it looks like it belongs to my grandparents then handed down to me. 
2. Combination Bag Lock - I want this because I got so paranoid about the drugs issues in airports. This is to make sure that no one opens my bag and put some drugs and whatnot inside. It also prevents someone from taking stuff out of my bag. I am particular about this brand because a card is used to unlock  instead of a key. 
3. Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a Shoestring - Just because! Maybe, someday. Soon!