Vitamin F February 14, 2009
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I have to say that this week is one of the worst weeks I have had for a while. The stress was unbelievable, but then it always gets worse before it gets better, and I learned that from my own experiences. I know I am good at problem solving, and I know I will feel soooo happy once the problem has been solved, but before that happens, I have to wade through a lot of crap, and challenges. I thrive on challenge and pressure (I sometimes wonder if I’m a masochist because I get bored when I don’t have a problem to solve) Yesterday was one of those days when I just want to give up. My chest was tight most of the day, and I can hardly hear my mom when she talked to me, because my mind was so focused on the task at hand.
A few weeks ago I invited my Novare friends to come on Feb 13 for dinner and karaoke, at 7pm. By 6:45pm I wasn’t done yet with work and I was wondering if I’d be good company when I just want to drop off and forget about the problems for a while. I finished a few minutes past 7pm, and luckily my guests haven’t arrived yet. I took a shower and got dressed in time to wait for the first guests to arrive.
Watching my office friends (they’re my team mates when I was in Novare) pile into my small apartment, I felt content and happy. I didn’t talk that much, mostly I just soaked in their presence. Dinner was good and then we sang til midnight. I sang my favorite, “I Will Survive” hehehe As they left, the thought that crossed my mind was that I missed this, being around these people. I had my Vitamin F, and most of the frustrations melted away for a while.
Guys and gals, thanks so much for coming. I hope you don’t wait too long before we get together again. Thank you for giving me a good dose of Vitamin F… for Friendship. 
Tomorrow’s going to bring more challenges for me, but for tonight, I will enjoy the feeling. Happy Valentines to all!
Watching the News… February 9, 2009
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Ever since I worked from home, I have had more chances of watching the news. In fact, it has become a habit for me to watch the evening news (TV Patrol) and whenever I could, Bandila. I sometimes switch to GMA7 when the one for ABS-CBN is done.
I’ve always avoided watching the news because mostly they’re bad news. But lately, it’s really depressing. Not a day passes without mention of the economic crisis. People losing jobs, price of commodities going up, companies going down, the list goes on and on.
Sometimes I wish the media would tone down a bit. Listening to this topic day in and day out, makes me feel hopeless for the future. I wonder if others feel the same way. Or maybe some people might even use the crisis as an excuse for their shortcomings and failures, or use it as a reason not to try harder.
Someone told me late last year, that the Philippines is already in crisis for years so this one we will just weather and survive, because we always have. I really hope this is true. Just when income is going down, the prices of commodities are also going up. I am watching now and the price of rice has gone up as well. Did anyone watch the news about LPG being sold for P80/kg?? I was disgusted when I saw that. How can some people take advantage like that? It’s ok to make a profit, that’s what business is all about, but almost double? And it was appalling that people still buy, because they have no choice.
Just heard now from the news that gasoline prices are going to increase at midnight… so far, fish, pork and poultry prices are stable. Hope they stay that way.
I gotta admit I am affected by all these bad news. I’ve also seen so many trying to find jobs, while some who are blessed to have jobs, doing their best to get fired by being complacent, selfish and violate company policies, thinking that they will always get away with it. Then when they are called to task, they start begging their employer to give them another chance and not to terminate them because they need their job. If such is the case, in the first place don’t do anything to jeopardize your job for God’s sake!
I’m ranting. I’m mad and frustrated when some people don’t look beyond their noses. They have tunnel vision and do not consider consequences when doing things. I’m angry because some people do not give their best when it is to their advantage if they help their company thrive. I am saddened that some people only think of themselves and not think of the common good, and do not know the meaning of paying it forward. I am dismayed to see how few people have honor and integrity in this world.
I just hope things will get better for everyone. I hope that those who have jobs will give their best to the companies hiring them. I hope those who lost their jobs will not lose hope and keep looking, in the meantime being resourceful and find small ways to earn income to tide them over. I hope this crisis will pass and find all of us stronger and better.
Ok, that’s it for now. I’m stepping down from my soapbox and getting some rest. Tomorrow is another day, and tomorrow brings new hope.
Bad week over February 1, 2009
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I’m glad the week’s over. The past week was filled with frustrations. And, I’m not sure why but I kept flaring up. My patience was short too. Hormones? Old age? hehehe
It was a scary Friday. Early morning I slipped in the bathroom. I’ve been so careful these past years for fear of breaking a bone, and thank goodness I didn’t break anything when I fell. The floor tile was and still is super slippery, the landlady used the same tiles as the ones used on the wall, those shiny ones. When we moved in I wondered about that, but decided to just be careful when I go in. After 3 years, it happened. I landed on my butt (thankfully) but while flailing for balance I hit my left elbow, left hip and head on the wall. While on the floor I didn’t immediately move, took stock and checked if anything is broken. I got terrified when I realized I was spitting blood. For those close to me you know I’m a baby when it comes to blood, needles and knives. So I started crying. After a few seconds I realized it was irrational, the blood was because I bit my tongue. I slowly got up, and it took me a few minutes to stop shaking. What scared me was the thought that it could have been worse, and then I started counting blessings. For a second there I thought I was going to be caught dead in the bathroom! I don’t want to go that way! No gym for now, my body is sore especially my hip… hopefully I can go back this week.
Aside from that, my tooth jacket kept falling off. It’s been 6 times. First 3 times with my old jacket, it started happening after my prophylaxis. See? I’m being good now. After the 3rd time my dentist suggested I replace the jacket, so I spent P13K for a new one. This one felt better but after 3 weeks it fell off again, and again, and again. The last one was the day after it was reinstalled. I was there again at the dentist yesterday and it was frustrating having to go back all the time. Mind you, I WAS a good girl and followed instructions! Soft diet within 24 hours! And just to be sure, after installation last night at 6pm, til now 8:30am I haven’t eaten or drank anything. I think THAT’s enough time for the cement to settle? I regret not taking better care of my teeth. And I vow not to have another tooth problem!
Lately I’ve also been depressed at times. It’s nice being able to work at home, but when I feel like going out I couldn’t. I know I’m the one limiting myself, but with all the things I see in the news, I’d rather not go out if I can’t use our van. I’m also too big to ride in the public vehicles. I had too many experiences where I was mocked at, and it’s difficult to get on and off especially when drivers are in a hurry. As for cabs, it’s easy to go to my destination, but it’s hard to get one on my way home. So I decide to call it off and just stay home. Besides, I need to save money for a new laptop and going out entails more spending. Aha! Which brings me to another frustration.
This tablet has been with me for only 8 months but it’s been sent to service twice, and about to be sent again tomorrow. First, less than 2 months of use and the pain on the keyboard has chipped off. Then, last November it started blacking out. Hibernate and Sleep don’t work. I had this serviced just this January. But 2 days after it’s been returned it blacked out again. I haven’t given up hope on the hardware, I think it’s Windows Vista. This morning the sun was shining and the light fell on the screen, I saw that it wasn’t a total blackout. I can still see the screen but it’s super super dark! I have no idea why this is happening and I just wish this can be resolved ASAP! I do love the size and weight of this unit, as well as the normal sized keyboard. Now if only it will start behaving then I’d be happy. Unfortunately, buying a tablet was a bad decision. I thought that it would help a lot when I do my rounds in the stores, but the writing tool isn’t as efficient as I expected. I end up using the keyboard anyway.
One good thing happening was my photography class. It was a basic course but I am so happy I got to know my camera better. There were times when I wondered why my shots are so grainy, now I know One of these days I’ll take off just to do some photos. Now if I can find the time… so far it’s my dogs that are my favorite subjects, just because they’re always here in my room. When I want to take a break from work, I whip out my cam and take pics of them. As for tinkering with the settings, I guess practice makes perfect. I’m resisting the urge to buy a DSLR. There just isn’t enough free time for me to pursue this hobby. I know the unit is cheap now but the accessories aren’t. And knowing myself, I’ll bust my wallet buying those goodies so it’s discipline time for now. One more consideration is my size. In order to take good photos you gotta be able to bend this way and that, and I’m not that flexible. Another reason to keep going to my gym sessions 
I’ve also decided to take a vacation in May. Already making arrangements. Will ask my bro to go with me. Something to look forward to. I also took my uncle, mom and bro to Red Crab yesterday, and this was my 3rd time to feast on crab. I’m a happy puppy, then took them to watch Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. I like the movie, although I think Viktor is a bit OA na sa pagsalita hehehehe I hope I find a chance to watch Inkheart. Or should I read the book first? hmmm
Getting ready for my last day of Photography Class now. Hope I can budget to take the Advanced as well, but perhaps after a month or two so I can practice a little more. The other question is, if I only have my Canon G9 with me, is it worth it to take an Advanced Class?
I wish… I wish… January 12, 2009
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The Christmas and New Year holidays weren’t that spectacular, I mostly stayed at home chilling, and watching DVD’s which have piled up because I was too busy to watch them. I enjoyed the rest, although work is always there. Our peak season is December and I had to monitor the stores.
I did take some time to take stock of what I have and why I wasn’t “ecstatic”. Bottom line is that I have all that I need, but some things I want but don’t have. It led me then to count my blessings. I do know I’m not yet where I want to be, but there’s no use complaining. I have to make sure I fix my sights on the goal and work on getting there. For a while now I have been waiting for things to happen, but like what Oprah said, we gotta take control of ourselves and our lives.
One of the things I realized that held me back is the fear of failure. With age comes caution, because of experiences good and bad, and lessons learned. But I think I am too cautious lately, and I realized I want the Jenny who took chances to come back.
A friend once told me that sometimes, we are afraid to walk the plank, because we’re afraid to fall. But a lot of times when we do, we’d find out beneath the plank is not a 100 feet fall, but just the floor.
So I’m doing some stuff to “walk the plank”.
- I’m going back to the gym tomorrow. I don’t care if I don’t lose weight, but I’m going to get some exercise. I love working from home, but the only walking I do is to go to the bathroom. Even my food is brought upstairs because work was nonstop. So time to move my butt.
- I’m going to start a business this year. What it is I’m not yet sure, I have some options. But what is holding me back is the fear of failure. But then business is always a risk. I have to have a good concept though before I let it fly.
In terms of wishes, I’m happy because when I look at my wishes, so many of them have already been granted. But who doesn’t have more wishes?
- I want a macbook! My HP2710 tablet is only 6 months old and I hate it already. So far, in a month, the paint of the keyboard has chipped away. The supplier replaced it, but then on it’s 5th month “hibernate” and “sleep” stopped working. Whenever I start the computer it takes me at least 5 tries for the screen to stop blacking out and booting properly. Windows Vista. Sigh. But I’m not getting into debt to get it. Will save money before buying it!
- Car and a driver. The car is easier to attain. But I need to be able to afford to maintain a driver. I don’t like driving. I’m too used to working while travelling, I’ll probably end up bumping some car because I was too distracted. I hate parking as well. In the meantime, it’s cab and my sister’s van when possible.
- My landlady increased my rent. I appreciate that she didn’t for 3 years, but it’s still so heavy. I hope to find a cheaper place but dog friendly later this year. I’ll start hunting by June or July. Any of you have recommendations do let me know, but it has to allow labradors. No way am I giving up Fluffy!
- I want my tummy to be smaller than my chest. Right now it’s the other way round. Hehehehe I don’t wish to become skinny. I’ll never be skinny and I accept that. I’d be happy to drop 1 size from my 4x this year, and I want to be able to see my toes when I look down. If I can’t, it should be my chest I see, not my tummy.
- Go on my Star Cruise. Last year I was happy to join my sister for the Hong Kong Disneyland trip. This year I hope to have one more vacation. At least once a year. I hope it’s the Star Cruise, if not, then somewhere cool
- Have more time to go out with friends and family. Been so busy, still am. Besides, I have to save money and whenever we go out, we spend.
- Succeed in creating a new business for myself and earn extra income.
- Bring Get Laud to new heights and help my sister with business.
That’s it. Other than that, I’m happy. I look around and I know I got most of what I need, and even some I can live without. I used to have a long list, it got shorter, and I’m thankful for that
Chariya’s Thai Kitchen @Reposo December 29, 2008
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One thing I like about where I live now is that the next block is JP Rizal and parallel is Reposo. There’s a Jollibee, Chow King and McDonald’s right there and a short walk takes you to 7-Eleven. Then there’s Reposo. I usually buy the pork barbeque of Sa Tabi, and sometimes even go there and eat. The only thing that turns me off is the cockroaches because you eat on the sidewalk. But you always see the place full of people in the evenings. Their pork bbq is P20 per stick. Beside Sa Tabi, what used to be Som’s (another favorite of mine) is now Chariya’s Thai Kitchen.
I first encountered Chariya’s at the food court of 168 Mall. I fell in love with their fried rice with crab meat and pad thai, and ever since, it’s the only place I eat from when I visit my sister. I didn’t remember the name of the place though. Then a few weeks ago I took my mom to the Saturday Market at Salcedo Park, there I saw their booth and bought their bagoong rice and pad thai. Definitely it wasn’t as good since it’s not newly cooked, but I took one of their brochures. That was when I realized they were the same store as the 168 place.
Last night I decided to take my mom, brother and Josephine out to dinner. Since we have no transpo I decided on Thai food. The place is now very open, the walls knocked down so with the current weather, it’s cool inside. What pleasantly surprised me was the service though. It was a refreshing change after my experience the other day at UCC Coffee Terrace. These guys were just wearing T-shirt and jeans, but they were very attentive and helpful. We enjoyed a happy dinner and I vowed I’ll go back. The price isn’t too cheap though… we had my favorite fried rice with crab meat for P150, the tom kha gai, pad thai with shrimp, green curry beef (careful this is spicy you gotta tell them you want mild or not spicy), chicken in pandan and stir fried squid with garlic and pepper. Yeah we were quite hungry coz I made them wait til I finish watching Singing Bee (8pm) hehehehe It’s definitely more expensive than eating at Sa Tabi, but the taste is good and they used good ingredients. Their shrimp is actually good sized prawns so it’s worth it. Add that to good service, I can eat there even though they don’t have aircon hehehe
I hope they stay long there, I for one am happy that there’s a nice Thai food place near home. I still love Som’s, although I’d only go there if I have the transpo. Chariya also delivers, I would order for pick up to make it faster since it’s so near hehehe
Bad Experience at UCC Cafe Terrace - Bonifacio Global City branch December 27, 2008
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I promised myself I’m going to blog about this, and here I am. UCC Cafe Terrace is supposed to be a nice place to dine, and we decided to have our meeting there today.
First problem I encountered was that there was a horde of fruit flies (little langaw) flying around us (this is inside the cafe not outside!). When the food arrived, they attacked our food before we even get to touch it. I immediately asked the lady server for a candle, but it didn’t work at all. Still lots of flies and my goodness, the food looked appetizing except that you get flies flying around and several landing and walking around the food even though we were all busy waving our hands in an attempt to shoo them away.
I asked again for assistance and the girl just LOOKED at us, then turned away and began wiping a table. My sister, our friends and I looked at each other in surprise, and one of us loudly said “oh my, dinedma tayo”, and I seconded the comment. The girl then disappeared and came back with another candle. By the way, the glass is deep and they use tea candles, I have no idea how that would help. Anyway, we decided just to keep waving our hands while eating our meal.
When the afternoon sun started shining on our backs, we decided to move to another table. My brother-in-law offered to carry our food but I said no need, we’ll just ask for the server to help. And I did. Everybody saw that I talked to the server asking her to move our food and drinks. We waited for several minutes and when I turned to look, I saw them WIPING our table and our food and drinks gone. I immediately called one of the servers and after TWO attempts, someone then went inside to look for it and guess what, they’re already somewhere where the food is to be thrown away, and this girl had the gall to put the remains of my cheesecake on a new plate. Who knows what happened to the plate already??? Why did she move it to another plate? And when I asked for my half consumed Hawaiian Blue Soda, she said it’s gone. They threw it away. Not to mention another cake we haven’t finished eating.
That’s it! I got really mad, and I decided to just get the bill and asked everyone to bear with me and move to another place. I also asked to talk to the manager and guess what, they made me wait a long time before someone showed up. At first she just listened and we felt like we were talking to a blank wall. I also heard someone banging something and I went red with anger. I told the manager what happened and it felt useless. I told her that with the price they are charging for that place we don’t deserve such service, and she better check the quality of her people because they’re giving UCC a bad name. I just wanted to get out of that place.
By the way, the service button you use to call the servers isn’t even working. Geez. And they tend to ignore us when we raise our hand to call their attention. What a place. I am SO NOT GOING BACK THERE!! SERVICE SUCKS!!! Usually I am the patient one but my gosh they threw away my food when I wasn’t done? Grrrrr!!!
My 40th… December 11, 2008
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Before starting this blog, I read last year’s birthday entry. I felt kind of sad because I remembered Sam, Fluffy’s mom, was sleeping on my bed at that time. This year she’s passed on and Belle, my Jack Russell, took her place.
I woke up in a bad mood on my 40th birthday, I really hate the thought of leaving the 30’s. I guess I still have this fear that I won’t live past 45. But what the heck. There are things that I can control and there are things I can’t.
My birthday started at midnight when I got text messages from friends and family. The whole day was full of birthday greetings in my Blackberry, my other cellphones (yeah I can’t believe I carry 5 of them around LOL) , Yahoo Messenger, Friendster, Facebook… this is the 2nd year that I couldn’t afford to throw a party but I got 2 in the evening. My sister G kidnapped me for dinner, and let me choose where I want to eat. I went for another bout with Red Crab’s buffet, I’m so in love with Crab Maritess, even though Clawdaddy’s even better (but it’s not eat-all-you-can hehehe). Then I found out that while I was gone, my friends from Novare went to my house to throw me a surprise party! I got a panicked text message from Josephine saying there are a lot of people at my place. My sister took me home and I was surprised to see so many of them! I won’t name you guys na ha, but I’m so happy that you took the time to come. I realized then that the reason I was in such a bad mood all day was that I was sad I couldn’t invite my friends over, and I miss being with them. It was a short party because there’s work the next day, but seeing them made my heart full. For the past months I haven’t had much contact with my friends from Wolfpac and Novare, them being as busy as I was. I had this thought that maybe this year, they’ve moved on and won’t really remember.
Again, I have no reason to complain about my birthday. I may not be rich in cash but my golly, if it’s friends we talk about, I’m a millionaire. As for the much feared big FOUR-OH, well, I don’t feel much different. I guess everybody’s right, 40 is just a number. I do hate that I gained back all the 38 lbs I lost last year, but I will have to lose them again. It’s just that I wish I’d stop aging and just keep enjoying life. Calling Carlisle! nyehehhehe
To all my friends and family who greeted me on my birthday, thank you so much! You are my source of happiness in my life, and if there’s anything I can be proud of, it’s you who care for me this much.
Every day is a blessing. We never know how long or how many December 9’s I can blog about my birthday. But what’s important is, looking back, every one of them was happy, especially these last few years. And mostly because of all the people in my heart and my life. I kept asking why I am here, why I exist. I guess they’re the answer.
Twilight… December 7, 2008
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I had to wait til today to watch Twilight. We went to Greenbelt 3 early, and I was glad we did because we caught the last 3 rounds of Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Oscar de la Hoya… my heart was pounding throughout and everybody was shouting with joy when he won. I immediately sent text messages to my family to let them know the good news. After that we had lunch at Red Crab, then it was time to go into the movie house.
I LOVE the movie! I finished all 4 books in a week, inspite of my hectic schedule. I loved the story and the movie stayed loyal to the details in most of the scenes. The awkwardness of Bella was very much shown as well as the way Edward and Bella acted around each other. I wasn’t expecting too much considering how much detail of the book was changed when I watch the Harry Potter movies. I hope they show the next one next year! I loved it so much I wouldn’t mind getting bitten by Edward hahahaha!
I won’t do spoilers here, all I will say is that it was worth every peso I paid and I hope to watch it again soon.
Dumplings? Dumplings! November 30, 2008
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It’s been a while since I had the chance to do any cooking. I’ve been so busy with my day job that I hardly had time to do other stuff.
My sister has been craving my dumplings, which I used to do often. I myself have been planning to make some but I kept having to put it off due to work, but finally tonight I decided to make time and make some. Here’s the finished product. I usually make them from scratch and use my hands to knead and form them. But recently I came across a gadget (although manual) that helped me create a finer dough. I’ll be sending them to both my sisters. I had my mom taste it tonight and she said it was really good. I tried it too, and yeah, it’s good alright!
My next plan is to experiment with fillings. I miss this! Another thing I miss is baking. But then, that will take up a lot of free time so I guess I have to do it when I’m not so busy.
When I was making the dumplings it relaxed me. My hands were full of flour so I couldn’t answer or read my Blackberry messages. My back was turned from the TV so I can only hear what’s going on. There’s something soothing about the repetitiveness of the process. The only thing missing is aircon… it’s hot downstairs! That’s why I don’t get to cook as much also. I hate sweating.
The dumplings I cooked are healthy and low in fat. It’s also a one-dish meal when I cook it in broth with veggies in it. One of these days I’ll make more hehehe I was so happy with the outcome I had to take a picture… my first dumplings using my new gadget! Looks good huh?
Trip to Hong Kong November 5, 2008
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The last time I travelled out of the country it was 8 years ago. I can’t believe it’s been so long. I went with G, Darren and Gabby. Since my last trip was before 9-11, I noted that there have been a lot of changes. For one, I didn’t expect to have to take off my shoes. It was a bit embarassing to ask Darren to be my Prince Charming and help me put back my shoes on. Hehehehe
One thing I did notice was that at the airport, there were these security guys who check our docs and usher us to where we should go. Well, when Caucasians pass they bow and smile and greeted them good morning. When it’s locals, they were not smiling and weren’t very friendly. It’s ironic, that when we’re in another country, they were nicer to their locals.
Which brings to mind a memory. I remembered this one time years ago when I was in Sangandaan with an American friend of mine. We had trouble getting a taxi, they kept passing us by without stopping. A policeman noticed and asked my friend “do you need taxi?”. He hailed one and the taxi driver had no choice but to stop. We had our ride, but it really made me feel bad. I’m the one paying this guy’s taxes but he’s serving the foreigners!
Anyway, back to my trip, I had a good time. I had so much fun bonding with Gabby, and spent time with my sis and bro-in-law for fun. They did enjoy making fun of me for my snoring… according to them, if G is classical music, and Darren is rock, I’m heavy metal! hahahaha!
Unfortunately I didn’t get to buy much of anything. Everything was expensive and we noticed that a lot of the items being sold at the night market are available at 168 Mall. Actually I didn’t get to the night market because my feet were killing me. I was faced with the reality that I better lose weight if I want to travel a lot! Good thing the hotel we stayed in (Royal Plaza Hotel) is adjacent to a mall. My sister bought me a pair of Crocs… and ended up buying a pair for herself and Gabby too. It was cute seeing all 4 of us walking around in Crocs with different colors hehehe. The fast foods were great though. Love the dimsum, the asado… yummy! Servings were big too! I don’t want to know how much weight I gained during the 4 days. I wish I brought home some frozen wontons!
On Day 2 we spent the day at Disneyland. My first time. I didn’t take enough pics because I was too busy enjoying myself. It was October 31, so the place was decked with Halloween stuff. The castle of Sleeping Beauty was also lighted with different colors and Halloween pictures. There were several shows and rides, and even though my feet hurt, I kept walking! I didn’t get to take pics with Mickey and Minnie because the line was a mile long and it was super hot! I got sun-burned even! I was told it would be cold, definitely HOT! I missed only one of the shows (Winnie the Pooh). I didn’t get to do Space Mountain either. The others though we were able to go. By the end of the day my map was in tatters! I did get to take pics with Jaffar and Captain Hook. I guess it’s because it’s Halloween, all the bad guys are out. I didn’t see Malificent for picture taking, only on a float at the parade. That character gave me nightmares when I was young. By 7:30pm we watched the Glow in the Dark Parade, and at 8:30pm, the fireworks display. We left at 9pm and it was another long walk back to the bus. During the ride back to the hotel, Gabby just said “A-yee can I take a nap?” When I said yes, she leaned against my arm and went out like a lamp.
On Day 3, Darren and Gabby went to Ocean Park while me and G walked around at Tsim Shah Tsui. Food was good! I realize that I’ve changed a lot. Years ago I’d have bought on impulse, but I’m more practical now. Ok, I gotta be honest, I love gadgets now hehehe
On Day 4, we lazed around the hotel then went malling again. We left for Manila on the 6pm flight. Travelling is so convenient now. But no more playing cards on the airplane. I used to ask for them whenever I go abroad and have a collection of different playing cards. Gabby is a good travel companion and a trooper. She does get makulit when she’s hungry. She’ll keep telling you she’s hungry hehehe Mana na naman sa akin?
After coming back to Manila, I regretted not buying this Esprit bag I saw, I hope I see it in one of the local stores here. Another one is the Twilight movie companion. I went to National Bookstore yesterday and found out it’s not available! 
Aside from that, I’m ok. There were things I saw I could have bought, but when I think of my overflowing bedroom and apartment with things I hardly need, never mind na lang!
While there I loved drinking sugar cane juice, they have it in bottles now by Coca-cola, wish they have it here too. It’s dilluted, not like the freshly squeezed ones we used to buy at Ongpin when I was a kid. Those you buy by bringing your own bottles and they fill it up, have to drink it same day or you see fungus floating and the drink smelling like something died in it! Me and my father used to love that drink!
I hope to go back next year with my brother, we’ll see though. Because there’s also my dream to go on a cruise. One thing about this trip that is priceless, spending time with family again. For those days I realized I am no longer a “damong ligaw’.
