My Bucket List as of January 2016

Few years ago, I had entries about my personal dreams and goals. Some have already been ticked. Others are yet to be realized. A few ones are no longer thought-provoking. Inspired by Krissy’s Ultimate Bucket List 2016, I have decided to list down my dreams and goals once again. Procrastination has always been a major snag for me. This list, I believe, will help me stay focused and stimulated to pursue the desires of my heart. This is going to be a mixture of old and new dreams; a blend of attainable and ambitious; a combination of short-term and long-term goals.

(Drum Roll)

Business/Financial Goals:

Consistently follow my “Income Allocation System.”

Be Debt Free.

Expand existing business.

Learn stock market technical analysis.

Earn from blogging.

Attend business-related seminars.

Own a travel agency.

Invest more in FarmOn or Agricultural-related industry.

Invest in Insurance and Mutual Fund.

Operate a food park Filipino style.

Spiritual/Service Goals:

Read three chapters in the bible everyday

Watch inspirational videos daily.

Pray seriously upon waking up and before sleeping.

Attend mass more often with family.

Bring more people to “The Feast.”

Donate to various charitable institutions.

Send someone to school.

Constantly support church activities for construction of a new church.

Create more jobs with rewarding income.

Teach people basic but effective financial planning.

Give gifts to loved ones in all special occasions.

Visit an orphanage.

Organize a party for homeless people.

Join a pilgrimage to Holy Land.

Provide financial assistance to new mothers of Fabella Hospital.

Teach a kid basic skills or academic-related.

Promote Quezon Province as a tourist destination.

Support and promote Expos.

Promote volunteerism.

Relationship Goals:

Treat my mother monthly.

Massage my father every night.

More sundates with the whole family.

Have a monthly date with my cousins.

Have a regular communication with close friends.

Try new things with friends.

Have annual travel adventures with family and friends.

Spend more quality time with my godchildren.
Attend the Feast with family and friends.

Health/Fitness Goals:
Wake up at 5:15 am everyday.
Exercise daily for 10 minutes.
Limit coffee intake to only one cup a day.
Soda is allowed once a week.
Bike once a week.
Enjoy Zumba dancing at home every weekend.
Run on a treadmill once a month.
Eat more fruits and veggies.

Simple Activities/Extreme Adventure Goals:

Organize a retirement party for my father.

Organize 60th birthday of my mother.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Binondo.

Renovate our house.

Have a cozy backyard.

Own a mini farm.
Try ride revolution.

Have full body massage.

Have hair treatment whenever necessary.

Win in a raffle promo.

Learn to play drums.

Color an adult coloring book.

Collect toys.

Have a photobook of all my travels.

Have a photobook of family pictures.
Compose a song.
Create a blog for my college friends.

Write an inspirational article in a broadsheet.

Finish story version of “The Last Man Standing.”

Complete poem version of “The Last Man Standing.”

Create a comic version of “The Last Man Standing.”

Make “The Last Man Standing” into a short film.

Write a book.

Have movie marathon inside a camping tent.

Watch at least 10 or more movies every year.

Watch at least 3 Filipino-made stage play every year.

Watch Eat Bulaga live.

Watch a concert near the stage.

Watch a movie in Director’s Club Cinema and 4DX Cinema at UP Town Center

Watch Aliwan Festival.

Watch a fashion show.
Watch dance battle.

Witness various Philippine Festivals.

Witness a movie shoot.

Watch Cebu Dancing Inmates groove.
See Aurora Borealis

Experience Night Sky Cinema.

Experience Antipolo’s nightlife.

Staycation in a 5-star hotel.

Spend a night in a private resort on top of a mountain.

Laugh in a comedy bar.

Be part of the production team of an independent film.

Visit more museums.

Visit more old and historical churches.

Watch a volleyball finals match.

Witness Olympic games.

Get spa treatment.

Play in snow.

Ride a carabao.

Ride an elephant.

Ride extreme rides in an amusement park.

Try target shooting.

Experience archery.

Bike on air.

Ice Skate.

Solve a mystery challenge.

Join a fun run.

Go Kart Racing.

Have selfie in Edge Coaster

Zorb.

Ride Habal-Habal.

Walk in a hanging bridge DONE @ Masungi Georeserve 3.12.2017

Climb a mountain.

More zipline adventure.

Go mud karting.

Explore caves (1) Sumaguing Cave 

Bike on air (Anicycle)

Have a selfie in an edge coaster

Overcome Giant Swing.
Selfie at man-made spider web DONE @ Masungi Georeserve 3.12.2017

Glamping.
Paraglide.

Rappel.

Skywalk.

Wall climb.

Bungee Jump/Plunge.

Feel the breeze in Fly Fish.

Ride PNR train.

Ride Pasig river ferry.

Ride 4x4 ride to Mt. Pinatubo.

Tour Albay thru ATV.

Tour Batanes thru biking.

Day Tour Subic.

Day Tour Tagaytay

Trek Cavinti Falls.

Parasail.

Walk on sandbar.
Watch whale shark. 

Get wet in water tube.

Bathe in kawa.

Watch the sunset in Manila Bay cruise.

Watch dolphins.

Watch a fire dance on the sea shore.

Watch the sunrise in a beach.

Bathe in hot and cold spring.

Food Adventure Goals:

Food trip in Binondo

Food trip in Maginhawa Street

Food trip in Pasig Kapitolyo.

Food trip in Lilac St., Marikina

Food trip in Tagaytay

More Cebu lechon
Lechon Belly

Ripe mango of Guimaras

Ice cream from various ice cream parlors
Estrel's Caramel Cake

Palabok of Little Quiapo

Torta delos Reyes Sansrival of Aristocrat Bakeshop

Fresh cow’s milk
Lasagna of Bhest Lasagna

Tornado Peri-peri Chicken 
Cheesecake by Maria's Kitchen Manila

Authentic mang inasal of Iloilo

Dine in at Loboc river cruise

Dine in at Don Henrico’s

Dine in at 100 Revolving Restaurant

Dine in at Caffé Piansa 04.02.2017

Dine in at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s Buffet Restaurant

Dine in at Sky High Bar, Ace Hotel and Suites, Pasig

Dine in at Spiral, Sofitel Hotel, Manila

Dine in at Movie Stars Cafe

Travel Goals:

NCR:

Venice Piazza, Taguig - 03.21.2016

Circuit Makati

Solaire Resort and Casino, Pasay

The Henry Hotel Manila, Pasay

Robinson’s Magnolia

Rockwell, Makati

Art in Island, Cubao

Bamboo Organ in St. Joseph Parish Church, Las Piñas

Manila Ocean Park

Yexel’s Museum, Las Piñas

Mystery Manila, Libis

Future Park, Makati

Malabon Zoo

Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay

Music Museum/Teatrino, San Juan

Centerstage, MOA

Luzon:

Batanes Island

Callao Cave, Cagayan 
Palaui Island, Cagayan

Sagada, Mt. Province - DONE (April 21-24, 2016)

Puerto del Sol Resort, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Anawangin, Nagsasa Cove, Capones and Potipot Island, Zambales

Thunderbird Resort, La Union
Monasterio de Tarlac, Tarlac

Kart City, Tarlac
Sandbox, Porac, Pampanga

Corregidor, Bataan
San Rafael River Adventure, Bulacan

Philippine Arena, Bulacan

Pinto Museum, Antipolo 04.02.2017

Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo
Masungi Georeserve, Tanay, Rizal 03.12.2017

Pililla Wind Farm, Rizal 03.12.2017

Ten Cents to Heaven, Tanay, Rizal

Calaruega, Batangas

Fortune Island, Batangas

Casita Ysabel, Batangas
Nuvali, Laguna

Mountain Peek Resort, Laguna

Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna
Cavinti Falls, Laguna

Villa Escudero, Laguna
Puzzle Museum, Tagaytay
Taal Lake, Tagaytay, Cavite
Aguinaldo Shrine, Cavite
Caleruega, Nasugbu, Batangas
Balesin Island, Quezon

Padre Burgos, Quezon
Cresta de Gallo, Sibuyan Island, Romblon

Bellarocca, Marinduque

Maniwaya Island, Marinduque

Palawan Island

Mayon Volcano, Albay

Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Visayas:

Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu
Tumalog Falls, Oslob, Cebu

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Mahogany Forest, Bohol

Loboc River, Bohol

Rolling Hills, Nagtipunan, Quirino
Calanggaman Island, Leyte
Sambawan Island, Leyte

Mac Arthur Landing National Park, Leyte

San Juanico Bridge, Samar/Leyte

The Ruins, Negros Occidental
Campuestohan Highalnd Resort, Negros Occidental
Manjuyod White Sandbar, Dumaguete City
Lakowon Island, Bacolod

Gigantes Island, Iloilo
Guimaras Island, Panay

Mindanao:

Camiguin Island
Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

Siargao Island

Dahilayan, Bukidnon

Rivers of Cagayan de Oro

Camiguin Island
Aliwagwag Falls, Davao

Buenavista Island Resort, Davao City

Abroad:

Join a pilgrimage in Jerusalem

Be like a child in HongKong Disneyland
Witness Loy Krathong, Thailand

Skate on Ice in Korea

Experience Spring in Japan
Shiver in Formula Rossa, Dubai

Ride an elephant in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Witness Dubai Fountain

Explore Santorini Greece

Selfie in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Russia

Set foot in Eiffel Tower

Hear mass at St. Peter Basilica, Rome

See Christ the Redeemer in Brazil up close
Slide at Kandersteg Alpine Slide, Switzerland

Pass by Golden Gate Bridge

See Grand Canyon, Arizona

Walk on Great Wall of China

Stay in Fairmont Hotel, Canada

Freeze in Niagara Falls, Canada
Pass by in Jasper Skywalk Canada
See Aurora Borealis, Canada/Norway

Hear mass at Sagrada Familia, Spain
Stroll at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, California

Things to Buy:

Folding bike
Hula hoop
Jigsaw puzzle

Handy camera

DVD

Toys

Washing Machine

Watch
Rashguard
Running shoes

Oven

Heavy duty mixer

Food processor

Personal car

More jeans and shirts

Flat screen tv

Watch

Aircondition

Play station

Hair dryer

Truck and jeep for business

Sala set
A bed designed by Woodstackph
Two Story house with backyard

The End (for now).

But dreams constantly occupying your thoughts are nothing without faith and action. I am aware that I have to supplement my bucket list with perseverance and hardwork. Strive to be an eager beaver. With God’s grace, I believe, these dreams will be fulfilled…in its own time…in God’s time…One step at a time. 

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This Blog is not Dead

This time last year, I shared an iota of the remarkable events that I experienced in 2014. Today, billions of people are actively engage in various social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to personal stuff and be updated with the hottest news in town. I’m no exception. But this crib is not dead.  After a lengthy hiatus, I’m going to speak once again with words supplemented with mixed emotions converted into a blog entry. 

Dissecting 2015

I splashed out money on major health issues. It was a lot and mostly severe cases. Normally, we look at the mirror to inspect our look and fix what needs to be fixed. Many times during my virus-infected days, I would look at the mirror to view the nasty transformation of my appearance. Sadly, there was no quick fix. Here are my top three worst health cases last year:

Stye. I had the most awful and excruciating stye that lasted for many weeks. My brother’s shades became my best buddy. Mind you, when the pain has started to spread almost all over my face, I consulted two different ophthalmologists from two different hospitals to be certain I got the right medication.

Infection. My middle finger underwent a minor operation. Because I was too coward; because I was too unmindful of my mother’s advice; because I didn’t want to seek doctor’s assistance; because I chose to follow my “not so wise prescription”… the pain I was enduring for several days became unbearable that only a minor operation can stop the infection from further damage. 

Dengue. Just when a huge financial crisis started to haunt us, I had skin allergy, UTI and a severe case of dengue all happened in almost two weeks. While consulting a doctor  and undergoing blood testing for two consecutive days, I was also continuously rejecting medical professionals' recommendation to have myself admitted in the hospital. I thought I was superman that only kryptonite can take my life. And then, boom! On one Thursday night, flat red rashes occupied my whole skin. The itchiness of the rashes was complemented with on and off high fever. I had the most bothering sleepless evening ever. And after five days of cheating myself, my doctor’s trembling voice on our second meeting finally convinced me to have serious monitoring and treatment in the hospital. 

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 I had a lot of travel plans that went pear-shaped including a birthday getaway in Tarlac, Tanay or Tagaytay. I wanted to experience kart racing in Tarlac, feel the rush and gratify my need for speed; or walk on mountains and see the world on top of it. If I only I knew what others were thinking, I should have followed my collective plans. Admittedly, I have not overcome this bitterness even up to this day. Para akong nanakawan pero hindi ko pwedeng ireport sa pulis. Ganon! Pak! But I will move on and forget this eventually.

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I was my mother’s right hand; a shoulder to cry on; her support system. In the 4^th quarter of 2015, financial crisis were left and right. Though not a personal problem, I couldn’t take away myself from it. But with the help of God even in the worst of times I was able to put on a brave face. I guess, through the years I've become more patient and resilient. Sometimes ‘the not so good events’ in our lives are blessings in disguise.

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In my Novena to God’s Love, I wrote: I want to send someone to school. It is still unclear if God has already answered my prayer in the person of a twenty year old high school graduate who wanted to take up a vocational course. Last year, while my mother was desperately juggling our finances, I was using a part of our income from our micro business to help support this young man in finding a job. He wanted to take the opportunity to work and earn while enrollment is still far. I supported him to the best of my ability. It was not only physically draining but financially challenging as well. Two months later, he was able to find a job. The whole process was a test of character. I refuse to stop there. I pray that the Lord will continue to give us patience and strength so we can guide him in his journey towards the achievement of his ultimate dream - to give his own family a better life. 

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In 2015, I realized that my connection with my closest friends has started to narrow. Our eagerness to see each other was no longer as high as compared to the days when most of us were still single and ready to mingle. Sometime in August, an older sister of a dear friend died of cancer. The night before my birthday, some of us had a mini reunion in a wake. Ironically, this sad event made us gather. Fast forward, we met again last December 30 just to catch up and simply chillax. We had dinner, watched an MMFF entry and spent the night in our living room. We were only three but our voices were equivalent to eight. Lol! I also made it a point to see some of my college friends and a former colleague before 2015 ends. Just so our bond will not be completely broken. Ganun yata talaga kapag tumatanda na…tapos may FB pa. :(   

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On a happier note, in April 2015, together with some relatives and a couple of high school friends, I stepped on the grounds of Ilocos. It was the longest road trip I ever had in my entire life. Yes, it’s a long travel and a very tiring one but it’s worth it. The 4x4 Adventure and Sandboarding at La Paz Sand Dunes awaken the thrill-seeker in me. It was pure adrenaline rush. Nonetheless, my most favorite. It was like riding a roller coaster without any protective device. Just hold on tight and call all angels in heaven to protect you. Lol! Kidding aside, Ilocos is a place that offers buffet of things you can do in Ilocos – from exhilarating adventures to historical sites to nature trip. This travel vacation was made extra special for me because I had relatives and friends all in high spirit in one frame. I was the happiest, indeed.

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Of course, my year wouldn’t be complete without attending “The Feast” with my cousins. Nothing beats the feeling of praying and worshiping the Lord beside a loved one. After The Feast, we would eat together and stroll together and take selfies until the sun goes down. Unfortunately, our Sundates were fewer last year. Hope 2016, will be different.  

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To sum it up, 2015 had legion of thorny issues. In the middle of my post, I mentioned bitterness. Honestly, I feel guilty for not allowing myself to completely forgive and forget. This 2016, I hope and pray that I will overcome. The truth is, I have a lot of things to be thankful for in 2015. I've learned to see Christ in different people specially in times of difficulty. In the scripture Matthew 11:28 it says “ Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” God was physically present in every moment I was in pain. I felt God’s presence in my mother’s loving arms when I was hospitalized and at my weakest point. I felt God’s presence in my doctor's genuine compassion to help me get well and lighten our hospital expenses. I felt God’s presence in all medical professionals I met when there was something unusual happening in my system. I felt God’s presence when I have peace of mind under any circumstances. I was never alone in my battle that's why it's perfectly fine to rest. God is good all the time. Kudos 2015!

Cheers to more peaceful, healthier and happier 2016!

To God be the Glory!

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It's a Wrap

It’s the 4th day of 2015 and still a holiday. While many of us are still in hiatus, I’ll take this moment to browse my FB Photo albums and to retrospect to key events last year.

Travel and Adventure

It has been a family tradition over the last couple of years to gather in a place favorable to cluster of kin from the North and those from the Southern part of Luzon. Last April, we spent the summer outing at La Virginia Resort, Batangas. Located on top of a mountain, it’s a great alternative to have an optimum view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake while delighting in water splash and a fairly cool breeze.  A large table for food was an apparent mark of our reunion that at the end of the day every family still has lavish viands to take home. Picture taking was also rampant, as expected.

 

The view from the highest part of La Virginia Resort

Doña Salud Resort in Calamba, Laguna witnessed three celebrations last September. It was our first time to rent a private resort and it was relatively a good experience since the place has more than enough space to accommodate a really huge family at reasonable rate.

My cousins and pamangkins enjoying the natural water of Laguna

2014 was a remarkable year for me and my younger cousins. We had three fun fun fun Sundates last year. Attending The Feast has always been the top most priority of our Sundates. Followed by another feast, literally, where there is food in the table supplemented with stories and picture taking. Strolling and theme park adventure composed the third fraction of our hangout. We’re done with Star City, Bonifacio Global City and Ayala Triangle Gardens. And we are set to conquer more places this year including an out-of-town. Spell Level up--- ILOCOS!!!

 

Getting ready for ultimate adventure @ Star City

Killing time @Bonifacio High Street before going back home

My cousins watching the spectacular lights and sounds @ Ayala Triangle Gardens

In May 2014, I had my second summer getaway with my high school friends. This time, we decided to go North. With limited budget on hand, we opted to try Metrodeal’s voucher for the first time. We bought Camaya Coast day tour with round trip transfer worth P1,400.00. It was a mixture of good and bad experience but that’s another story. My friends and I had time well spent, nonetheless.

 

I think we were the only group who was using a real camera (yung pinapatong sa kung saan saan para kasama lahat sa picture)

Since I failed to give my goddaughter a Christmas gift last December 2013, to spend time with her was another option. At least few months before Joyous Visual Trick Arts 3D Gallery at SM North finally bid goodbye, I together with my kumare and inaanak explored the world of fascinating illusions and optical spectacles. At the end of the day, we were able to bring home a number of uncanny snapshots.

 

This photo is one of my favorites 

After x-years of not seeing each other, I saw some of my college Tropatits during the christening of our newest inaanak. Nothing beats the moment catching up with old friends and talking about the latest buzz. After few days, I accompanied two of them in a financial literacy seminar that hopefully can be useful to boost their hard-earned money if ever they decide to take the risk.

Before the year ends, finally, I ticked one dream destination in my bucket list – Cubao Expo. Haha! Yeah! It was a simple dream but it means a lot since my first attempt to find it over a year ago was a huge failure. Thanks to a college friend for withstanding that long walk from Kamuning to Cubao Expo. Fortunately, we still had the endurance to stride after attending a very amusing Jollibee kids birthday party.   

 

Cubao Expo at night. I would like come back when there is still sunlight for better appreciation.

Of course, my year wouldn’t be complete without going through the streets of Divisoria for more than x exponentially raised to the nth power mostly for business purposes. Being the sole workforce (in Manila) of my brother’s events company in Surigao, I singlehandedly carried the burden of negotiating or making tawad here and there. Hehe! Kidding aside, every visit in Divisoria entails new discoveries, it is so easy to fall in love despite the fact that I had to brave crowds, endure long walks and carry heavy loads. I received my ultimate reward when my brother and gf visited Manila – Casa Verde’s gigantic Brian’s Ribs, colossal chocolate shake Milky Way, a taste of their best sampler and a bite size of a humongous burger.

 

Almost everything here is BIG!!!

Financial Investment

Last year. I discovered a number of FB group tackling matters about the stock market. As an investor with high risk appetite, I made too many experiments. I was brave to test the water. In effect I was gaining and losing money at the same time. Unfortunately, the former is more extensive than profits coming in. The most common scenario: after selling a stock which I was holding for months the price of that stock would suddenly skyrocket and I couldn’t do nothing but sigh. Blame it to my impatience. Therefore, if one has a high risk tolerance he/she must supplement it with long thread of patience. Studying the market is also a key. Do not completely rely on others judgment, otherwise you might fall in a pitfall and realize that you just have been victimized by hypers, bashers, strategist or should I say wiser?. But this year, I remain positive and cautious. Plus my Chinese astrology sign say so. Hehe!

Crayola Moments

May 24, 2014, our home was enveloped with silence and mourning. Our beloved dog, Mio, whom I dearly called “bata/bebe” died of certain illness. As much as I wanted to share every bit of my agony hours before he died, I’d rather recall the good memories he left with us. As I am writing this post, I couldn’t help but be emotional. I extremely miss Mio. He was not just my pet, he was my bestfriend and my child. He was a blessing to this family.

 

My Mio, bebe

In the middle of this year, our grandfather suffered a severe case of arthritis due to old age. He couldn’t stand. He couldn’t walk. Sometimes, even small movement was too hard for him. We all felt bad because his target age was 120. He’s 84. Thinking about the possibility of losing him was terrifying. But God is so good. After months of therapy and finding ways to cure his illness, he is now back to his old form. I thank God for giving us more opportunities to serve him.   

2014 was probably one of the most challenging years for almost the entire family. Simple disagreements resulting to squabble day after day were just too many to count. Emotional struggles were just too difficult to handle specially when suppressed. There was even a day I wanted to move out and just breathe somewhere else where I can find the courage to pick myself up quickly. My plan to spend a night in a friend’s house, however, was hindered by someone comparably frail as me. For the first time, in the midst of emotional crisis, I felt important. But more than my inner catastrophe, a lot of unexpected turn of events just happen so abruptly that no one in the family was prepared to comprehend the situation sensibly. Emotions were too over-the-top, most of the time. We were all consumed specially our mother. Things seem better now, at least more peaceful for the time being. I gather strength through prayers. I know there is God who understands our core being. Last week, before I go to bed, I was weeping while talking to God. I asked for God’s embrace. And God answered my prayer --- I had a really good sleep. This year, one of my ultimate goals is to renew my relationship to God. I have been inconsistent in my faith. I want to return so I can feel God’s loving embrace everyday even in the midst of a storm.  

2014 is over and there is nothing I can do but look back; cherish the good memories; and pick valuable lessons from the bad experiences. 2015 has just started. I have plenty of time to write the goals I want to happen this year and I’m going to claim it. In Jesus name. Amen.

To God be the glory. 

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#Pushkoto

With my teeny-weeny fingers firmly pressing the keyboard for a blog entry feels really strange but blissful (with a speck of nerves). This blog has been comatose for a long period and here I am about to give a dose of oxygen to my dying blogsite. Just a short story telling...

New dreams are beginning to form in my head. Last July, I and some of my cousins shared a wonderful day together. I called it monumental. I said to myself “this is just the beginning…” Last November 3, we were able to do it again (minus 1, plus 2). At least, we are escalating in numbers. Yahoo!!! Yesterday, I had a crazy idea of having one last hurray for 2014. Hesitant, it was only today that I had the guts to speak my mind and create a new GM in FB (where it all started).  Since December is the month of parties, reunions, gimmicks etc. I thought this one is going to be hard. The calendar days would be literally hectic and financially challenging. So while hoping for YESesss, I’m allowing the slideshow in my brain to produce happy thoughts.

Dream1: Organize a semi-momentous event

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Probably, the most critical decision (hopefully not stupid) I made today was to sell a rising stock I’ve been holding for months and bought a speculative stock which some stock traders describe as “basuras.” I’ve decided to join the ride. I’m keeping my high hopes that the trend is still upswing. That’s the problem when one doesn’t want to study her lessons. Yes, I’m making “kopya” at sana lang talaga tama ang nakopya. Haha! This is the nerves I’ve been talking about in the start of my post. My conscious mind is telling me the risk will pay off eventually. But part of me is asking “What did you do?” As Tom Rodriguez always say in his game show “Don’t lose the money!”

Dream 2: Learn how to trade successfully

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This Sunday, the championship game of Shakey’s V-League will finally go live on the boob tube. I’ve been planning to watch it live in San Juan Arena since last week but due to budget constraint I’d rather postpone it. Oh yes, suddenly I’m a volleyball fan. And I’m rooting for the Philippine Army Lady Troopers. Still hopeful!!!

Dream 3: Watch live volleyball game in San Juan Arena

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Few hours ago, I saw a photo of a second cousin standing right in front of the Eiffel Tower. Envious much. Hehe! Hey, who doesn’t want to go to Paris? I had two out of town this year and several metro escapades. Hoping to see more new places next year.

Dream 4: Travel more

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Honestly, I’ve been very lazy this year. I’ve become too complacent with where I am now. I’ve settled with the average. I know I could have done more if only I let perseverance always run in my head. I sometimes feel sorry for myself and my family. But Thank God for always giving me another day; for always giving me a chance to pick myself up and be a better servant. This one is not a dream but a goal.

Goal: Push myself harder

That’s all for now!!! Goodnight World! 

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Superb Sundate with Cousins

Hello my dear blog! I took a long break in blogging and now…where do I begin?

Many times I felt a great desire to make an update - about my dog that died last May or about my travel adventure with my high school friends version 2.0. Apparently, I struggled with procrastination. But now I’m back…with a happy story to tell. Because this blog deserves a blissful comeback.

Let me share with you a speck of my Sunday Pasay Getaway.

After numerous weeks of planning, last June 29 my cousins and I finally had a fun fun fun Sundate. We were only six - me, my four younger cousins and our aunt who is also younger than me.  We started the day by attending the Kerygma Feast at PICC. That was the first time for my two female cousins. Attending The Feast never fails to set a good mood.  Past 12pm, we had lunch. Since Flaming Wings and Zarks were both closed we ended up filling our starving tummy at Yellow Cab, Taft Avenue. While waiting for our order to be served, we took our first groupie and second and third and fourth etc.

Getting ready to rumble!!!

Before 2pm, we headed to our ultimate destination – Star City. We had a thrilling ride-all-you-can pass through Metrodeal’s promo worth Php280 instead of PhP420, a relatively affordable bonding activity for the six of us. Who wouldn't be happy getting a 30% discount? I was actually expecting a long queue towards the redeeming counter. But everything went so easy. Star City was not even crowded. The weather outside was also good. The whole world was seemingly conspiring to make good things happen on that day. We enjoyed (and sometimes feared) almost all rides available inside. However I just had to decline the Star Frisbee which for me has no dash of amusement. Giant Star Wheel was remarkably way better than SM MOA Eye. Bump Car is classic but has never failed to stimulate blood cells. Yet, Star Flyer was my personal favourite. The strong breeze rushing into my face was just breath-taking.

The view from The Giant Star Wheel

That's me while waiting for my four cousins with braveheart

The whole day was literally packed with stories, laughter, scream, selfie and groupie. But was it just about the fun that made that day superb? It was a rare moment though not for the four of us who live under one roof (hehe). To bond with our two female cousins was really monumental. Haha! I bet our cousins who were not with us that day were also surprised to see us together having a good time. More than that, it has paved way to reinforce family ties specially among us, cousins. In fact, the moment one of my cousins posted a number of photos in Facebook, some of our cousins in the province immediately expressed their wish to have a grand reunion. Well, that was the goal from the very beginning. It was just my simple dream and we made it happen. We were able to pull off a significant result. Sure it was a tiring day, but nevertheless very fulfilling. God is good.

Groupie before going home

P.S. We’ve only just begun. #iponiponnarinpagmaytime.  

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My Private Space (One Day)

Dreaming of this for my own crib...

A private and cozy backyard for chatting accompanied with barbecue, nachos and Coca-Cola.

Photo credit: hgtvgardens.com

with small outdoor kitchen

Photo credit: firemagicgasgrills.com

Surrounded with things that will bring back childhood memories (free of charge)

with duyan perfect for siesta

Photo credit: psychogoddess.wordpress.com

With Stereo System that will set the mood

Photo credit: popscreen.com

With wooden crates as storage

Photo credit: houzz.com

With therapeutic activities - to bond; to think; to sing and shout; to laugh and giggle...

Dart Board

Photo credit: too-much-time.com

Sungka

Photo credit: rfabrigo.aminus3.com

Uno Stacko

Photo credit: sidlantis.blogspot.com

Boggle

Photo credit: wikihow.com

Game of the Generals

Photo credit: 03gamelover.blogspot.com

Mastermind

Photo credit: wistfulwrists.com

Chess

Photo credit: fauquiercountrylibrarynews.blogspot.com

Snakes and Ladders

Photo credit: hellokittykarma.blogspot.com

52-Card Deck

Photo credit: big-2.net

Domino

Photo credit: de.wikipedia.org

Scrabble

Photo credit: simplysenia.com

Coloring Books

Photo credit: ifitshipitshere.blogspot.com

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