Filipina in Flip Flops | Travel Tales and the City Life of a Filipina

2025

2026-01-13T20:47:00.003+08:00

If it were any other year, I probably would’ve started this by saying this is the latest I’ve published a year-end post, with some explanation that “life happened” right at the start of the new year, etc. etc. I would’ve implied guilt and remorse at being late, and of time getting away from me. Maybe I would’ve also sounded a little smug about being “so busy” and “appreciating the hustle”.

But you know what? 2025 was a year of unlearning a lot of things that didn’t serve me anymore. It was a year to start from scratch, going back to zero, and I realized it was as much about unlearning and decluttering as it was about building something new.

So, no—I offer no explanation about the delay. It was a conscious decision to write my year-end post once I had time for it: on a Tuesday in Tiong Bahru Bakery, probably my current favorite bakery/café in the city, after an extra-long weekend of birthday celebrations, great food, hip restaurants, and having all my favorite people around the same table.

All things considered—particularly my corporate redundancy at the end of 2024—2025 has been a good year. Honestly, it was great! But I’ve also moved the marker on “great” in this new chapter of my life, so allow me to clarify.

Compared to the previous years, this year I had no overseas trips, which used to always feature in my year-end posts, and are often the highlights of my year. But since last year I’ve been rethinking my relationship with travel, and at the start of 2025, I made the conscious decision to do no trips. The main reason is that with no steady income, I didn’t feel comfortable spending for travel. That said, in previous years, I’m pretty sure I’ve travelled with my credit card maxed out and did not care. I went anyway.

But I realized I travelled not just for the experience, but in large part also to escape my “current”—a corporate job I knew I only did for the money (no matter how much I said it was kind of fulfilling) which led to a lack of time for the things I cared about. Travelling was a big “**** you” to my corporate life. And now, without a corporate life to loathe, travel didn’t seem as enticing. Definitely not enough to spend my dwindling funds for.

Of course, I’m never going to regret how much I travelled in my 20s and 30s. I will always cherish those moments. They shaped me in ways nothing else would’ve, had I spent that money on something else. I would not write the way I write now without having travelled that much. Cheesy as it sounds, I would not be the same person I am now if I didn’t travel. But it’s time to turn a page on my relationship with going places. There are still places I want to visit—the English countryside on the top of my list—but I’m content in the thought that I probably won’t be able to do so for a while.

Instead, I spent most of the year at home, in my tiny house, writing, crafting, catching up on shows and movies, hanging out with my dog and my family. And that is one new marker of a “great year”—a slow life in the province, content at home.

Another thing I had to unlearn (and will continue to) is to stop myself from worrying so much. I’ve talked about stopping myself from borrowing grief from the future, and a lot of times in 2025, I caught myself when I was doing so, and was able to stop myself. But it’s a journey. Old habits die hard, and it’ll take a while for me to be less of a worrier. I’m working on it.

A friend also lost his job at the end of last year, and the piece of advice I told him was that he shouldn’t worry about a lot of things: not having money come in every month, not knowing what will happen in the future, or what he’ll have to do if some emergency comes. But I also said that it was easier said than done.

At the end of last year, right around my milestone birthday, I also got an income-generating gig doing part-time and remote marketing consulting. Like a reflex, as soon as I was back with a corporate email and doing calls and making presentations, I wound back into the tense corporate drone that I once was: always thinking ahead so as not to make mistakes and to impress the boss, always trying to overdeliver. But then, I decided I needed to unlearn that. I’ll do the best that I can, but I’m not going to get worked up about any of this. It just isn’t worth it. And it doesn’t serve me. So while I’m thankful for the job (I really am!), I’m not thankful enough that I’m going to get myself all anxious and worried about it. Is this what they call a healthy approach to work?

Of course, amidst all the unlearning, I also did a bit of building. The biggest, biggest achievement of the year was that I finally signed with a literary agent. It took many, many months, a lot of uncertainty and emotional roller coasters, and SO MUCH WAITING, OMG. The waiting was horrible. But a lot of this writing business is waiting, so I guess I need to get used to it. It finally came, also right around my birthday and accepting the offer on the marketing consultancy. It’s funny how that happens—you spend the first nine months of the year steady, almost empty, and then everything happens all at once! Currently I am waiting to see if I’ll be going on submission soon with my first manuscript. I have high hopes that there’ll be more progress this year—please pray for me!

Some other highlights: I really got into crocheting, and even hosted two workshops for making a chunky yarn bag. It’s a new income source I hope to explore this year! It’s also nice to build community, and I like that it’s another channel for my creativity.

It was also a great year with friends, which I am incredibly thankful for. I saw them a lot this year, I think, which is wonderful, given we all don’t live in the same place anymore! With everything changing, I’m thankful my friendships are the solid foundation I rely on while everything keeps moving. May that foundation only grow stronger.

I was always a bit of a non-conformist. But now more than ever—40 years old, without a corporate job, living in my parents’ property, still (and most likely permanently) single—I’m the most non-conformist I’ve ever been.

Nothing is said to my face, and maybe this is the little bit of the conformist inside of me that says it, but I’m almost certain there is judgment—from my parents mostly—of what I’m doing with my life. I bet they struggle to explain what their first daughter—former achiever, did well in school and went straight into working for Fortune 500 companies—is doing staying home, not attending their get-togethers, not working. When their friends’ kids are building homes, taking their kids to school, taking them on trips abroad, I’m not doing those things.

It took a while to realize and accept that I was living with those expectations—like I said, I always thought I was a bit of a non-conformist, and that I didn’t care what other people thought or how I measured up to standard forms of success.

But I think I kept my corporate job for so long so I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable being so different—my parents could still say I had a great job in a great, global company. I was single, yes, with no plans of getting married, I didn’t have the big house, I went on trips but they were trips they didn’t understand (one of their friends once asked why I went to the UK to visit ‘forests’. I bet my mother was affected.) But I still had the cool, girl boss job. And now I don’t have even that.

My biggest unlearning of 2025 was to let go of those thoughts, those expectations—I’m not living to please my parents, or anyone. I didn’t choose this life to explain it to others whose lives I don’t want. Those expectations are boundaries imposed by others, and in 2025, I just wasn’t having any of it.

I thought I was done with my rebellion phase in my teenage years. Little did I know a bigger rebellion was coming in my 40s.

And as was stated in Andor, my favorite show of 2025 and probably ever, rebellions are built on hope. So I welcome 2026 as the Rogue One that I am, hopeful for a good year of achieving my non-conformist goals. Long live the rebellion!

2024: There and back again, but different

2025-01-01T19:16:00.006+08:00

Seems I've reached the age where a lot of things that happen in my life tend to feel deja vu-ish. Is this normal, like a common, growing older kind of thing? "History repeats itself", as is often said, so maybe it is.

And 2024 felt a lot like history repeating itself, but with edits.

After four years, I feel like I finally got my pre-pandemic life back in 2024. I went to Kpop concerts (Bobby and iKON), travelled (a little beach road trip, Japan, Iloilo, and the Great British - and Welsh and Scottish! - trip), and most importantly, saw more of my friends. I did bits and pieces of these in that last two years or so, but they always felt uneasy and a little alien. It was only this year when they really started to feel normal again. And I loved being able to take back these aspects of my life that the pandemic kept away from me. I'm happy to report that going back to the things you love is a lot like riding a bike - you never really unlearn them, you just lack a bit of practice.

But I have to reach further back - eight years, to be specific - to talk about the other big, deja vu-ish thing that happened to me this year. In 2016, I left corporate to pursue a passion project. In 2024, I also left corporate to pursue a passion project.

Now, the edits. I left my job in 2016 voluntarily. With minimal savings and the audacity of someone in their early 30s, I thought, "if not now, when?" and just did it. I won't go into detail, because I already have in this post. Suffice to say I believed I was fully in control at the time, driven by my YOLO tendencies, corporate burnout and sellout guilt.

This year, I left corporate involuntarily...with my consent? They say be careful what you wish for, and at the end of 2023, I watched the Stories of a friend who was impacted by their company's re-organization and spent a month (or two?) travelling in Europe. We chatted about the exciting months ahead of them, and I inwardly wished it would happen to me.

Well, it happened. Haha. I spent nine months of 2024 coming to terms with the bombshell that my role at the company I worked at for 7 years was being redundated. I tried to find other roles in the same company and outside, came close to a new one but ultimately decided not to pursue it because...YOLO?

If not now, when? But I asked it with more fear than excitement this time around, in my old age of my late 30s, hehe. When I left corporate in 2016, I was confident I could go back if I wanted or needed to. I think a part of me knew I would have to. This time around, it didn't help that the idea was forced on me. I was content with my job, though I was recovering from burnout that I suffered in 2023 (again, won't go into detail because I already did here). Admittedly, it was starting to feel repetitive, but I valued the stability, and it allowed me so many benefits I never experienced in my previous companies - I was working from home practically 100% of the time, the people I worked with were great, I was happy with what I was getting.

But nothing is ever truly stable in corporate, is it? So when I realized I was losing my job, it felt a lot like I was taken out of my orbit forcefully, that the rug had been kicked under me - even when just a few months prior I was kind of wishing for it, mind you! - and it was honestly an emotionally harrowing experience.

I say "emotionally harrowing" with the awareness that it was a privilege to be all dramatic about being redundated. Some people in a similar situation would've had to just suck it up and find a job, any job again. So I know - and knew then - that this wasn't going to be the end of the world, but it was still difficult to go through and my mental health definitely took a hit. In the end, I realized I had to make sure I was owning my decisions - that I wasn't being forced to make them, but that I was making of the circumstances around me what I wanted of them, moulding them into what I needed them to be. It took a lot of months, a lot of borrowing grief from the future (which I said last year that I didn't want to do in 2024! huhu), A LOT of voice messages to friends, not to mention the long lunches. Finally, at the end of September 2024, I left corporate to pursue my passion project.

Again, the edit: this time around, it's not a passion project, but a more all-encompassing passion. The dream of building a cafe was a youthful passion project, but my writing, I now truly and wholeheartedly believe is my passion, and my life's work. There is literally nothing else I want to do as much as this. And while going through the stress of impending unemployment, there was a silver lining in my severance: for the first time ever in my adult life, I have been given the means and the time to actually pursue it, without needing to do anything else.

Isn't that such a gift? If my math is correct and my spending is managed, I have a year or so to really pour my time and effort to my writing. It won't be a side project, a weekend activity, or an after-office hours thing.

What's more, I'll be able to do it but also have time to rest, make sure I'm taking care of myself and my creative well and pursuing other hobbies for fun. At the end of 2024, as I was getting used to my new life, I had this DM exchange with a dear friend:

Me: So I'm trying to do this thing where I finish my work at 5PM every day kasi otherwise I just keep going hehe. Success today! Medyo nasobrahan pa but I clocked out at 530 and I've just been looking at stuff online hehe. I'll have dinner, watch a movie with Kyle, then go to bed!

Friend: Congratulations! You've worked hard to afford a slow Monday like this. Enjoy it my friend.

I'm eternally grateful for friends who are able to give a new perspective on things. Because it was true! Isn't it such a privilege, to be able to have time to rest? I never had 8-hour days. I had eight hours for work, and the rest for my writing and other pursuits. Rest was always few and far between and felt stolen from the things I should be or had to be doing. And to have this gift before I'm even 40? Not just making lemonade out of lemons, but lemonade with elderflower bubbly and a splash of vanilla.

At this point it's pretty clear that my 2024 can be summarized into this: same same, but different. Hehe. Here's a quick list of the "different" things that happened this year:

1. A full on, emotional meltdown. Haha. As can be insinuated from all my year-end posts, I'm not exactly the most stable person, and I'm quite emotional. But this year I really had a tipping point that would've been emotionally manageable, perhaps even trivial by itself, but after everything I was going through this year, unravelled a lot of scar tissue and emotional sinew. Again, and they probably won't read this, but I'm ever thankful to my friends, who in my meltdown I realized was the only constant in my life. In my moments of doubt this year (and I had plenty), they were always there to provide support and genuine belief. I hear so much about the difficulty of finding adult friendships, and I can't help but feel so darn lucky that I have a handful of them. Not to be Gen Z about it (because I'm not, haha), but I find it pretty cool that "Birds of a Feather" came out this year, the same year I truly realized how much I value and truly love my friends. In my emotionally fragile days this year, I was unable to listen to that song without getting teary-eyed, but just yesterday in our New Year's Eve festivities I was able to sing it through karaoke, so I think that's progress! lol

2. I got property! Another piece of land to my name, in a beautiful island, next to that of a friend! One I look forward to making a home away from home in the future.

3. I don't know how I feel about travel anymore. It's something I'm still trying to understand. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED my trip in the UK. If I had the means to do it, I would come back every year! I had the best time with friends and alone in the UK. Seoul, South Korea has been replaced - the entirety of the UK is now my favorite travel destination. But the planning can be stressful. And the world we live in is so different now, so I don't know. One thing I do know, is the kind of travel I prefer. I'm certain now I would give up going to tourist spots and "go to's" if it means I can spend more time soaking in a place by living in it for a few days. Maybe that's not travel anymore - maybe it's taking a break? A change of scenery? Not necessarily going, going, going, but staying still, somewhere else. I'm still processing this and I'll get back to you next year, when I will hopefully have more answers.

It hasn't been an easy year, but I've also been uniquely blessed in 2024, I guess. I've just had to dig deep and toughen up emotionally and mentally to get to the good parts. It broke me, too, but I healed. I don't want to make any proclamations for 2025, only that I hope for a slow and gentle year. I say that, while I try to end this post so I can move on to planning the year ahead, hehe. You can take the girl out of corporate, but sometimes you can't take the corporate out of the girl, hehe. So I'm a bundle of contradictions - and as I type this, I have a very distinct feeling I've also written that about me in an older year-end post.

Same same, but different. Happy new year!

P.S. You know what else is different? I can't be bothered to post pictures on here anymore, lol. There are plenty of those on my Instagram, and even more videos on my TikTok. We move with the times!

2023

2023-12-31T17:45:00.001+08:00

The thing about 2023 is my plans for it were derailed almost as soon as the year started because of work. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to devote the first half of my year entirely to a campaign we were about to launch while our team was heavily understaffed. Adjustments were made, but because of unplanned circumstances and a deadline we couldn’t push back, our team really just had to put our heads down and get the work done.

I realized early on (like in late January / early February) that the only way I was going to get through the campaign sane was to accept the circumstances I found myself in and just brace myself. So that’s what I did. To be honest, I had gone through worse work conditions. This time around, the work, though heavy, was still confined within the eight hours (alright, sometimes ten) of my work day. I never worked on weekends. I was still able to get time off (and even got to go on a much-needed 8-day vacation to El Nido which was perfect, and a few more beach trips and day trips). It was really my mindspace that I just couldn’t devote to anything else that required me to be productive. Unfortunately, that meant that what I had to set aside for the first half of the year was my writing.

But by June things at work were close to getting back to normal. I thought there were no more surprises that would come our way until the launch of the campaign, but I was wrong - the week before our launch, on our busiest week, Mom got Covid, and eventually Dad too because he had to look after her in the hospital. So on top of work, I had to look after the house and also run errands for my isolated parents in the hospital. It was the most trying week, and I particularly recall the Friday night of that week, as we were working on the finishing touches of the campaign before launch (if you’re in marketing you know those last few hours are the most intense). It was raining hard, thunder and all, and I was on a call with a counterpart in Germany, getting approvals for German translations I had worked on with an agency (imagine? I was working on German and Dutch materials without knowing either languages, because our teammate who spoke German fell ill and was on medical leave while our Dutch-speaking teammate had just resigned). At the same time, because of the heavy rain and thunder, Elio was cowering and shaking, under my desk, afraid of thunder. So there I was, trying to stay in the call and sound completely calm and focused while my counterpart was politely telling me that the translations the agency made were very faulty, and could not be published, all while comforting a very scared dog. Looking back, it didn’t seem so intense, but because it happened towards the end of a very intense six months, it felt like a very big, dramatic deal.

Thankfully, my parents recovered from Covid without any lasting effects, the campaign was launched successfully, and my company and teammates were understanding enough that for the rest of the year, things were a little more relaxed. In a way, the stress and workload for the year was frontloaded to the first half of the year, which has its perks, because it freed up the second half of my year.

And that was when I was able to focus on my writing. I didn’t wait for NaNoWriMo - by September I was already prepping, and by October I had started a routine that I carried on until November. I thought I would be able to continue until December, but I realized you can still get burnout even if you’re doing what you love, so I decided to give myself a break. This, while I also had two other non-related big projects I wanted to get started.

A lesson I still have to teach myself regularly is the lesson of allowing myself to take a break and rest. I had gotten so used to using my time out of work to work on my other projects that I don’t know how to use my downtime for time to actually relax. But I was able to do that in December, over the holidays. And being able to rest and relax meant watching the shows I wanted to watch, reading the books I wanted to read, getting back to playing video games, and getting enough sleep. I did all of those in December! That said, as the year and the holidays end, I’m still getting flashes of guilt about not getting any work on my manuscripts and my other projects done, so it’s still a lesson I’m trying to learn.

Another thing I made sure to do during the second half of my year was take care of my health, knowing that I didn’t do it during the first half of my year. Similarly, I made a promise to myself in 2022 (after I spent a week in the hospital) that I would avoid hospital visits and look after my wellness in 2023. Thankfully, my annual medical exam results showed improvement from the previous year, but there is still a lot to do, and I still need to be more consistent. BUT, I also don’t want my journey to wellness to be miserable, so that’s another thing I need to watch out for.

It’s my age showing - already talking about health. It’s really not something anyone can escape, and the passing of time will find ways to let you know that all of our clocks are ticking, something I was exposed to more times than I have been before, and in succession. It’s still something I’m trying to come to terms with. Something that weighed on me in the last few months, if I’m being honest.

But you know what? Maybe it’s something we should look at in a different way. I read something that stuck with me this year, about not borrowing grief from the future. Because that’s what worrying is, isn’t it? I’m quite good at not having regrets about my past, but not very good at not worrying about my future.

And maybe that’s my biggest resolution for 2024. I realize it’s much easier when you’re young to not worry - but as time goes by and as you get older, worrying finds more effective ways to rear its ugly head and take up space in your mind. Maybe we shouldn’t let it. There’s probably a difference between planning ahead and borrowing grief from the future. It’s something I want to do better at in 2024.

And, I want to travel again. After the pandemic, I’m ready! Thankfully, I already have a few trips planned in the coming year.

To end on a lighter note, I’m also pretty happy at all the content I consumed this year, lol. Weird flex, but I think it’s indicative of how I’ve been able to take a step back, relax and unwind!

The books I read are on my GoodReads account so I won’t list them here (I read/listened to 55 books this year!), but here are the shows I watched:

Succession Season 4
The Last of Us Season 1
The Gilded Age Season 2
Yu Yu Hakusho Season 1
Artful Dodger Season 1
So many episodes of Gilmore Girls lol
Only Murders in the Building Season 2
Queens of Mystery Seasons 1 and 2
Miss Scarlet and the Duke Seasons 1 and 2

I’m pretty sure I watched several movies this year, but only one made an impact: Saltburn. I will say, I quite enjoyed all the Hallmark and Hallmark-adjacent Christmas movies I watched this year!

I think I’ll end this ramble here - see you next time, in 2024!

2022

2022-12-31T18:23:00.001+08:00

I was struggling to start to write this year-end post, mainly because I was struggling to make sense of the year I’ve had. Normally there’s some big lesson or theme or idea that stands out in my year, but this year has been a strange soup of many different events and thoughts with no clear conclusion, no clear message. So many things happened, yet it feels like there’s nothing new to write about; I’m certain I’ve done a lot because of how tired I’d become by the end of the year (thankfully the holidays have been restful and rejuvenating), yet I don’t feel accomplished, necessarily. There are none of the markers that I would often write about in previous year-end posts: I didn’t travel much (thanks to this still ongoing pandemic) and had no big trips, work was the same old thing in bigger volume, and I didn’t publish anything new.

Then there was the part of the year that I’m still trying to come to terms with, though often, I’d still opt to not think about it instead.

I’m done trying to make sense of this year and trying to wrap it in a box and tie it in a big pretty bow. I’m just going to look back to the year as it happened.

I started 2022 hopeful, if a little distressed, which I know now is pretty common when you commit to a cause bigger than yourself. When you want something, need something to happen but you’re faced with so much uncertainty – worse, when you’re facing horrible odds.

Still, I – and a lot of people – persisted. And there was happiness and joy and pride in that persistence, and for months it buoyed me, helped me keep the doubt and distress and thoughts of doom at bay, hoping if we shouted louder, sang together, we would be heard, and what we wanted, needed to happen would happen. And we were fighting for the truth, for good, so it was the worthy fight and we were all in, and I really thought we would win. Actually, more importantly, I wasn’t ready if we lost. I didn’t even want to consider the possibility. Me, who always needs a Plan B.

And then we did lose. The one time I fought for something and went all in on something without a Plan B, and we lost. And it was traumatic. And I genuinely think I went through (maybe I’m still going through) the stages of grief. And maybe it’s a large part of why it’s hard for me to close this year. I usually end the year writing about my victories, but this year I can’t help but write about defeat.

I found ways to cope – a quick trip to my favorite island with friends, which truly was healing and couldn’t have come at a better time. I found comfort in books, and visiting coffee shops and reading books with Kyle. And I was able to create a bubble of peace, and it was good for a while.

Then I got sick. I caught dengue and for the first time in my adult life, had to stay in the hospital. I stayed for a week, and had to rest at home for another. I was glad it wasn’t any worse, but it did take a toll on me.

Then as soon as I got back to work, my work load got incredibly heavy. I worked non-stop for three months. I came near my breaking point work-wise, which hasn’t happened in years, since I rejoined corporate. I contemplated starting my villain origin story or quiet quitting because it go so bad.

Luckily, I’m in a company and a team that helps address a toxic workload, and the help came just in time before I could really reach my breaking point, and for that I’m so thankful.

If anything, the best part of my year has been – surprisingly – my writing and my reading. My love for reading, which was rekindled at the start of the pandemic, grew even stronger this year. I read 40+ books when I only meant to read 12! It’s thanks to my discovery of cozy mysteries, a genre that absolutely suits my preferences.

Writing-wise, I actually finished three manuscripts this year! One was a manuscript I had started last year, a sequel to my other work. Another one I finished because I finally signed up for #RomanceClass, which was a really great experience, and the third I finished through joining another Storywriting School workshop. I don’t know why I’m not celebrating these enough, because I should. I think it’s because finishing a manuscript is really just a beginning, and I’ll have to put in a lot more work next year so I can follow through.

I came across a serendipitous tweet while I was thinking about what to write in this post: some years are for sowing seeds. I think that’s what 2022 has been for me. Nothing has blossomed, nothing has bloomed, but the seeds have been planted, and they only need to be nourished to grow. While other seeds planted didn’t bear fruit (only trauma, lol), others brought lessons, and an encouragement for the future.

I don’t regret joining the cause, though I still grieve that we lost, and I still don’t know how to come to terms or move forward in that regard. While I’d rather I hadn’t gotten sick, I’m thankful for my new lease on life and vow to prioritize my health moving forward. Finally, I’m thankful for the productivity I was blessed with this year, work-wise but more importantly writing-wise, and I’m so excited for what comes next, and I’m so looking forward to actually working for it again next year.

Here’s another tweet I just came across that feels relevant for this post, too: now that this post is done, I’ll spend the last 24 hours of 2022 looking ahead, not back. So happy new year if anyone is still reading this. 2022, it’s been real (Rosaline’s last words to Romeo – I’m writing this with the move playing in the background), let’s hope for greater things in 23.

2021

2022-01-02T00:05:00.001+08:00

And just like that, another year is done and dusted. Another year that was a lot like the one before it: no trips, no seeing friends, just staying home every day.

It makes sense, now that I think about it, that my biggest accomplishment for 2021 was being able to put down roots.

My default has always been in motion. Going places, changing jobs, just doing, doing, doing. Always wanting to move forward. Life on a moving train.

The pandemic became this station where the train of my life stopped, and where it’s still parked. And when you keep something in the same place for a long enough time, it slowly becomes part of that scenery. If it’s not alive, it becomes a ruin, gets taken over by what lives around it, like temples overrun by the jungle or sunken ships taken over by coral. If it’s alive, it grows roots, settles in, takes the nourishment it needs from where it sits. I’d like to think my life in 2021 was the latter.

I don’t know how I would’ve survived the last two years if I hadn’t moved back home. I’m so thankful it was a choice I could make, an option available to me. Being forced to leave the city and move back with my parents and brother was the emergency brake that put a stop to my train that kept going, but was going nowhere. Who knows how much longer I would’ve taken to make a change?

This year, I failed to publish a new book or make progress on my author career. I didn’t go on any trips. I still have the same job and I’m still in the same company I’ve been part of now for four years. On the rubric I always used to measure my year against, it would be mostly red instead of green.

I was saying as much to my friends over our year-end call just a few days ago. I just didn’t feel like I had accomplished anything great this year.

But actually, I did two things I had never done before: I built the writing cottage of my dreams, and I now have a piece of land to call my own, to hopefully build another cottage of my dreams in the future.

Somehow, it didn’t immediately come to me that putting down roots was an accomplishment, and now I think I know why: because while on my ever-moving train, being stationery wasn’t yet part of my vocabulary. Staying still was something I avoided, or something I told myself I couldn’t do just yet.

But maybe I was just never in a place long enough to allow myself to put down roots. But now, I think I am.

So yes, I love my little cottage amongst trees. I can’t wait to watch sunsets in my little piece of the world. I’m grateful for what I’ve done and what I’ve been given this year.

Of course, it’ll only be a matter of time before I’m pushed into motion again. That’s just the way it is. But for now, I will relish in being rooted, I will be grateful for being grounded. Let’s see what happens next year.

2020

2021-01-01T23:25:00.001+08:00

To say that 2020 has been a strange year would be an understatement.

I wouldn't want to remember it for its big, world events, though. Instead, I'd like to remember it in the context of my own, little bubble, and the events that happened in my life, irrelevant to the rest of the world, in the last twelve months.

All things considered, I feel very fortunate. So much tragedy took place in the world this year, yet my friends, family and I came out of it fairly unscathed, and for that I am so thankful. I am thankful that I write this year-end post not in sadness, but in gratitude. I am thankful that I write this year-end post hopeful for 2021, albeit a little jaded from 2020, too.

An explosive January (literally)

We live relatively near Taal Volcano and had to leave our home when it erupted. Thankfully there was no damage, just ash fall, and while we went through a stressful couple of days, everything was eventually sorted.

A second chance at Melbourne

Rissee, Ics and I travelled to Melbourne on what would be my only trip for the year. And what a trip it was! We met with Tiff to eat a lot of good food, visit her house, go on a road trip, go on a wine tour, but most importantly, we watched the Australian Open!

It was my second grand slam (went to Wimbledon in 2018) but it was the first time I actually got to watch matches. We saw Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Simona Halep, Gael Monfils, Garbine Muguruza, but the highlights of the tournament were getting to see Roger Federer play an epic 5-setter vs. John Millman (which turned out to be his 100th match win at the AO) AND Dominic Thiem (who would eventually be in the AO final AND win the US Open!).

I loved our Australia trip because other than watching the Australian Open we had a fairly relaxed itinerary. And I loved exploring Melbourne with Ics, Ris and Tiff. My first visit to Melbourne was nothing to write about, really, but this time around, it was really special. Of course, it wasn't without its shenanigans, from a fire alarm going off in the middle of the night at the hotel which forced us to evacuate but thankfully ended up being a false alarm to trying vegemite at Tiff and Carl's wonderful home, to Ics having a meltdown because "we didn't come to Australia to have samgyupsal", to Ris and I being judged by the proprietor of Grain because of our massive brunch bill. Oh! And searching for penguins in St. Kilda! And trying to figure out which borough of Melbourne we'd like to live in, given the option.

Even if I knew then that it was going to be the last trip I would take in a really long time, I wouldn't have changed anything about that Melbourne trip. I have nothing but great memories.

Elio

Because of the pandemic, I made the decision before the lockdowns to move back to our home in Batangas. Suddenly, the conditions were just right for me to finally get a dog, so I did! Elio has been a great source of joy (but also worry and headaches, sometimes) not only for me but also my parents (for my brother, not so much. LOL.) I look forward to many more years bonding with him. Look how cute he is!

My first book and the start of my publishing journey

In August of 2020, I published my first book! But before I could even publish, it was a great experience working with an editor and an artist to polish the manuscript and give it a book cover. This wasn't just a milestone for 2020, but a milestone of my life, and I'm truly thankful for everyone who supported me through this journey!

A few days ago, on Christmas Day I also published my second book, and while the book wasn't as perfect and launch-ready as I had hoped (it's taught me never to be too optimistic about Kindle upload deadlines again!), I have many more projects I hope to accomplish in 2021.

Love Monday Cafe ver. 2

Finally, somewhat unexpectedly, another great moment of 2020 was being able to revive my old passion project, Love Monday Cafe, but in a different format. We've only just begun revamping it (and now I have the entire family to work on it as well!) but I'm so excited for how far we can take it in 2021!

I'd like to remember 2020 for its blessings disguised as bad news; for things found to replace things lost; for new habits formed out of ruined routines; for Zoom calls with friends in the absence of overstaying at cafes with friends; for new projects in place of postponed plans. Because despite the shitstorm that was 2020, despite the standstill that we seemed to have been in, life actually moved forward. And for that, I am thankful.

Here's to a better 2021 - is that a big ask? I don't know anymore. But I will remain hopeful. I will write my goals and try to achieve them. I will continue to pray for my family's, my friends', and my health and happiness. I will continue to push forward to move forward, but when time requires it, to stay still and take a step back. Because everything happens for a reason and they happen all in good time.

2019

2020-01-02T16:47:00.000+08:00

And just like that, it's a new year and a new decade.

2019 flew by so quickly and now I find myself refreshed and recharged from the holidays, starting a new planner with a new resolution, and getting the year wrong when I have to write down the date (you can't imagine the number of times I've written "2019" when it should already be 2020. Haha.)

I got to take a long break over the holidays (read: 2 weeks) and it's done me a lot of good. But maybe it's also because all in all, this year has been relatively chill.

NO BIG TRIPS - just lots of repeat visits to Japan and Korea (twice each). Slow travel for healing. They were great, memorable trips and were exactly what I needed.

LOTS OF FANGIRLING. I rarely mention my fangirling in my year-end posts, but after many years I've come to terms with the fact that it is a big part of my life, and I should talk about it more! For 2019 it was mostly, almost entirely fangirling for iKON, a continuation of last year. I owe my second trip to Osaka for the year to iKON, because we went to watch their concert - our first time to see them as just six members. I will only say this: I never thought I would get myself a concert ticket and book myself a flight to a foreign country just to be made to cry so much. It was a crazy emotional experience. But it's okay - iKON is still OT7 for me!

But at the home stretch I discovered a new fandom to get into: The Untamed, or CQL, or MDZS. Or two super handsome men who are each other's soulmates in magical ancient China. Haha.

I mean, look!

WORK IS WELL. There were some changes in my role but it's not work I don't know how to do. So far, it's going well. I think I can stay in this company and in this role for a while. I'm not too stressed, I am able to live comfortably, and most importantly, I have time to pursue my passion. For the first time in my corporate life, I am at peace with the fact that I am in corporate. No more angst, no more sarcasm, no more anxiety. Instead, a certain kind of calm and comfort, an inner peace.

MY PASSION. I say this year has been pretty chill but actually, I had a pretty amazing personal milestone happen this year! I finished two manuscripts - one I've decided to set aside for now, another I've been able to share with the world for free under a pen name, and the reception has been great! If there's one thing I'll take away from this year, it's the motivation I got from the fact that other people - people who don't know me, actual strangers - took the time to read my work, provide feedback, and even get to know me after. It feels like one big step in the right direction. Like this really is what I'm supposed to be doing. Building worlds and characters, telling stories, and sharing them with others.

So maybe it's not exactly a chill year, it's just that it wasn't a difficult one - pretty easygoing, single-minded in my goals, and definitely less drama compared to last year.

FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY. This year I learned to step back from friendships in the hope that giving them breathing room will make them stronger in the future, while keeping and building on other friendships I know are for keeps. I also got to make new ones, and it's opened up my world a little bit more and made my bubble bigger, which I am so thankful for!

Also, family is everything. And I know now for sure how I want my family to be in the future. Again, that gives a certain kind of calm and comfort, an inner peace.

What do I hope for in 2020? I hope and pray for health and happiness, for myself and everyone I care about. That whatever comes our way, we will be able to come to terms with it.

I also hope and will strive to to achieve more life-long goals. Actually, just the one: to finally, FINALLY publish my books. For real this time. I am claiming it, owning it, and committing to working towards it. This year, I will publish at least one book. Four, if everything goes according to plan.

Wish me luck! Here's to an amazing 2020. :)

iKONIC Places to Visit in Seoul (A Guide to a DIY iKON Tour in Korea)

2019-05-22T04:26:00.000+08:00

Get ready? TRAVEL!

Early this year, I went on a DIY iKON-inspired tour and visited iKONIC places in Seoul with a friend. We had so much fun and made so many memories!

We visited Cafe Platte, shopped at Colorful Title and met Jinhwan's noona
We ate at the Song Family Restaurant (twice) and met Yunhyeong's mom
We randomly saw Bobby's mom at our favorite bakery/cafe in Yeonnmadong
We saw iKON at a fansign event!

Here's a list of the places we visited and directions on how to get there + photos from the iKON Mexicana fansign event!

Where we stayed in Hongdae / Yeonnamdong

Hongdae Family Guesthouse

The place is affordable, strategically located (the closest station is Hongik University, exit 3), has very clean rooms, provides breakfast, and has friendly staff.

Three places we visited below (Bobby's favorite soondaeguk restaurant, Cafe Platte, and Fave Bakery) are all walking distance from this guest house! I strongly recommend you stay here if you want to experience Yeonnamdong.

Click here to check for available rooms on your travel dates.

Around the area:
Fave Bakery

This was our favorite bakery and went there everyday for coffee, the chocolate-covered Madelines, the biscuits and the Mont Blanc!

More importantly, this is where we ran into Bobby's mom! She was out hanging out with her friends.

Find this location on Google Maps here.

Must-Visit iKONIC Places and Spots around Seoul!

BobDong’s Soondaeguk Restaurant from iKON TV Episode 2
(aka Tobaki Sundaekuk Kamjatang)

Find this location on Google Maps here.

Directions / How to Get There:

Get off at Hongik University Station and take Exit 3.
Walk straight parallel to Yeonnamdong park.
Turn left on the third corner (you will see Innis Free to your left).
Walk Straight until you get to the large intersection (you will see a chicken restaurant called The Chicken Specialists to your right).
Cross the road and turn left on the main road.
Walk straight, and turn right when you find Olive Young in the corner.
Walk straight until you see the FNC Academy building to your right (it has an Ediya Coffee at the ground floor).
You will see the restaurant after you walk past Ediya Coffee (the restaurant will be right next to it).

Café Platte (Jinhwan's Noona's Cafe)

Find this location on Google Maps here.

Directions / How to Get There:

Get off at Hongik University Station and take Exit 3.
Walk straight parallel to Yeonnamdong park (this will be a VERY LONG walk. Brace yourselves).
When you get to the 2nd intersection (you will see the Apartment Buildings numbered 103 in front of you), turn left.
Walk straight (another slightly long walk) until you see Cafe Platte to your right).

Colorful Title (Jinhwan's Noona's Boutique)

Find this location on Google Maps here.

Directions / How to Get There:

Get off at Sangsu Station and take Exit 2. As soon as you exit, make a U-turn, then turn right.
Walk straight until you get to an intersection with Dongmak-ro 19-gil Street (you will see It's Skin and GS25 on your left). Turn right at the intersection.
On the second corner, turn left.
Walk straight until you find Colorful Title on your left.

Around the area:
Club Gabbia
Find this location on Google Maps here.

Pinkage (as seen on iKON TV)

Find this location on Google Maps here.

X Academy
Find this location on Google Maps here.

Yunhyeong’s Family Restaurant

Find this location on Google Maps here.

Directions / How to Get There:

Get off at Jamsil Station and take Exit 8. Walk straight and you will immediately come upon a bus stop.
Take Bus Number 30-5.
Get off at the 12th bus station (counting Jamsil Station Exit 8 Bus Stop as your first). As an alternative (or if you lose count of how many bus stops you have passed), after you stop at Olympic Park station, get off at the 4th station, counting Olympic Park Station as the first. The bus station is called "Baedari Seohanam Nadeulmok".
Keep on the lookout to the left side of the road to try and spot the restaurant so you know when to get off the bus if you lose count of the stops.
Once you're off the bus at Baedari Seohanam Nadeulmok station, cross the wide pedestrian lane and you will reach the restaurant.

Finally, some photos from the Mexicana fansign event!

Six Instagram-worthy Locations Loved by Hong Kong Locals

2019-02-01T00:48:00.002+08:00

The drone of your daily routine getting to you, but don’t have the time or money to spare for a long holiday? For a quick escape, I recommend a long weekend getaway in a city like Hong Kong.

It’s a compact city that packs a punch. What it lacks in land mass (at just 2,700 square kilometers), it makes up for in a plethora of things to do, attractions to visit, and food to eat. And everything is within reach a quick walk, MRT ride, or Uber away, which makes it the perfect destination for a short getaway!

You’ll also have plenty of content for your social media feed after a trip to Hong Kong, with its many picture-perfect destinations hidden in the most non-descript locations. So here’s a pro tip: if you’re short on time for planning and want to make the most out of your trip, booking a Hong Kong private tour with an expert local guide is the way to go.

Here are a few Instagram-worthy destinations to visit on your next trip to Hong Kong!

1. Choi Hung Estate

Everyone who’s spent an inordinate amount of time on Instagram (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?) would’ve seen the aesthetically inspiring photos taken at this unexpected location. The pastel-colored backdrop of the basketball court at Hong Kong’s oldest public housing estate makes for a great shot for your Instagram profile photo.

It’s a little ways away from the Hong Kong regular tourist route, so it’ll be good to have a local show you around.

Choi Hung Estate, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon East, Hong Kong

2. PMQ

Hong Kong’s coolest new creative hub is a great place to shop, eat, and take Instagram-worthy photos in. The site used to be the location of Queen’s College, the first school to offer a Western education to Chinese students. After the war, it became a dormitory for police officers (hence the name PMQ, which stands for “Police Married Quarters”).

Now the area is home to numerous cafes and shops selling local, handmade products. Our faves include G.O.D. (Goods of Desire) for the coolest and sometimes irreverent Hong Kong souvenirs you can take home, The HK room for home goods and other trinkets, and for food, visit Levain Bakery for their amazing sourdoughs and the PMG Taste Library where you can attend various food-related workshops and events.

pmq.org.hk

3. 65 Peel

Not far from PMQ is a great lowkey bar serving local craft beer in a beautiful space. If you like the aesthetic and visual mood of the movie “In the Mood for Love”, you’ll love 65 Peel. Try one (or two, or three!) of the twelve local brews they always have on hand, sourced from various microbreweries around Hong Kong.

65 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong

4. Ho Lee Fook

Let’s face it, you really need to go to Ho Lee Fook for the food, first and foremost. But their wall of lucky cats and the local artwork that dot the restaurant’s interior are definitely worthy of space on your Instagram stories.

A self-proclaimed “funky Chinese restaurant”, you can’t leave Ho Lee Fook without trying the roast Wagyu short ribs and the grilled pork belly with Taiwanese caper salsa.

holeefook.com.hk

5. Quinary

Hong Kong is known as one of the cities with the best nightlife spots in Asia, sporting a number of bars that serve award-winning craft cocktails. Among them, a locals’ favorite is Quinary. Their imaginative cocktails are as pretty and visually pleasing as they are delicious. Don’t forget to snap a photo or a story before taking a sip!

My go-to cocktail is a whisky sour, so any place that serves an amazing whisky sour gets a check on my book. I’m happy to report that the Quinary Sour, their own unique take on the classic, gets my approval!

If you want something a little more fun and flirty, try the Lavender Meringue Pie, and if you want something a little more adventurous, try their seasonal cocktails!

6. Yumcha

Hong Kong is also a city that thrives on cuteness, no better demonstrated anywhere else than in Yumcha. Not only are their food delicious and a great introduction to Hong Kong cuisine, they’re also so adorably pretty! The dimsum are particularly overflowing in cuteness, they’re almost too cute to eat!

yumchahk.com

2018

2018-12-24T19:56:00.000+08:00

I often use this time of year to reflect on the year that was, put those reflections into words and post them here.

I kind of don’t feel like doing that this year.

The reason is simple: I’ve done a lot of reflecting throughout the year about everything that’s happened: while they were happening, after they happened, long after they happened. Suffice to say, it’s been exhausting. My brain is tired and maybe I just need a break from all the thinking.

That’s saying something, because I like to think. It’s a weird thing to say, but I like to mull stuff over, analyze and overanalyze, come to conclusions, figure out what I’ve learned from all of them, and save them for later use.

But I’ve done my fair share of that this year, and for these last few days as we wind down 2018, I’d very much like to take a breather from all the…thoughts.

The other reason is that many of the things that happened which ultimately defined 2018 for me were very, very personal matters that not only involved me but many others, and I’d rather not air them out in public here (to my 2 readers, haha).

The most I’d say is this: 2018 taught me to be there for friends and to be there for family. I was happy to be there for them through everything that 2018 threw at us, and if I had to, I’d do it again in 2019.

You know who you are – I love you guys. I’m here for you. I hope there won’t be a need for you guys to be there for me in 2019, but in any case, I’m thankful we’re all in this together, through whatever.

Of course, there are things that happened that I am comfortable to talk about, and I will briefly mention them here.

In September this year, I closed down Love Monday Café. A brief passion project that taught me many things. It didn’t quite work out the way I planned, but I tried, and it was fun while it lasted. I have no regrets. I only remember the good times. 😊

As if it were a metaphor for my life this year in general, this year has been a year when I was able to come to terms with my life choices: career, passion pursuits, future path. I’d rather not dwell on them anymore because as I said, no more deep thoughts until 2019, but my friends know all about it. I’m putting this here more as a note to myself, if I’m being honest, so I don’t forget this memory.

On a lighter note, then there are the usual travel stories: if this were a different year, I’d probably be raving about my 2 week-long UK solo trip on this year-end post. And maybe I should a little bit because it was epic.

I was there for a couple of days for work, and then I was there for a holiday. IT WAS LOVELY. It was the bubble I needed this year.

I stayed in the Cotswolds for five beautiful days where I lived in a converted old sheep wagon in the backyard of a lovely family’s quaint farmhouse. There was a stream nearby. I could hear the water flowing and owls hooting at night. The church bell would toll to signal the start of every hour. There would also be the occasional vroom of the fancy sports cars always zooming around because apparently, it’s a luxury to live in small, quaint English towns (I later found out my host is the daughter of a big-named former member of parliament).

Every morning I’d wait for the bus at the Blockley bus stop that would take me to the other towns: Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway. I’d be waiting with the same group of people, most of them Blockley residents in their 50s or 60s. The most memorable among them were a quiet man who was always impeccably dressed in a light-colored suit, slacks and a hat, who didn't say much but always had a smile, and a chatty gentleman and his wife.

On my last day in Blockley they noticed the luggage I had with me and, realizing I was already leaving, encouraged me to carve my initials on the bench we would sit on every day while waiting for the bus. The chatty gentleman even let me use his pocket knife to do it!

On the same day, my last in the Cotswolds, I decided to spend my morning in Broadway. I had a little bit of time to kill and came upon their village museum. Turned out that the artist Willard Wigan was there and so were his amazing microscopic sculptures. Literally microscopic - as in the exhibit was a table lined with microscopes you had to look into to see his work. That's one of his sculptures in the picture - created inside the eye of a needle. The eye of a needle! Can you imagine?

There weren't a lot of us, less than ten or so at the exhibit, and the artist was patient enough to answer our questions and tell us his story.

The most amazing thing is that he mentioned that he is actually on the autism spectrum. He said that even as a child he lived in a microscopic world, having been fascinated with ants and insects and all sorts of little things. He had trouble learning in school and often retreated to his tiny world (isn't there a Dr. Seuss book about something like this?).

It was inspiring, seeing him being so engaging, telling us his story, talking about his work. The incredible amount of focus, resilience and discipline it must take to do what he does! A testament to how one's difficulties are actually one's gifts, when seen in fine, microscopic detail.

After my adventure in the Cotswolds I spent a couple more days in London, in a log cabin in what my Londoner co-workers said was the dodgy part of the city, but it was a nice, quiet place, again by a stream.

I met my host’s neighbor, a guy taking his PhD on African studies and his Korean professor friend and her Korean student-friend. I joined their Saturday evening barbecue where they were talking about Grizzly Man, the documentary about Timothy Treadwell who was killed from an attack by the bears he loved – it was captured on video (but not shown in the documentary, don’t worry).

ANYWAY, my host’s neighbor had an impressive beard, kind eyes and an eclectic taste in music.

Also while in London, I got to go to Wimbledon, a childhood dream. AND I GOT TO SEE RAFA NADAL PRACTICE! It was insane. I felt like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time. Rafa is a gladiator. He was gorgeous.

ALSO, I got to watch The Book of Mormon, which was hilarious. BUT I ALSO GOT TO WATCH HAMILTON! It was beautiful and I cried a lot.

My West End experience was quite an adventure and a story in itself, actually. When I watched Book of Mormon, I made friends with the lovely American couple sitting next to me who said they reminded me of their liberal, free-spirited daughter, and they were my adoptive parents for the duration of the play.

Meanwhile, at Hamilton, I wasn't able to get tickets online but I thought I'd take my chances at getting one at the theatre. I lined up for the resale queue and got lucky! So for the play I was mom to two teens from Glasgow who were twice my height. Their real mom wasn't feeling well and couldn't make the show so their dad, George, resold the ticket.

I thought the fangirling for the year would end in London over musicals but little did I know I would double down on it towards the end of the year, for an entirely different type of music: Kpop. Went to Taipei to watch iKON in concert in September as a birthday gift to myself and because I needed a break from aforementioned drama, and it was a great long weekend and a great show. THEN I saw them again in Manila in November WHICH WAS AMAZING! My fangirling hasn’t let up since.

And I don’t think I want it to let up soon – Kpop might seem like a trivial thing, but fangirling over iKON has been the escape and little spot of untainted joy I needed this year. I’m so thankful I’ve been supporting them since their trainee days on Who is Next! Best decision of my Kpop life.

I realize I was quite the Scroogette at the beginning of this post, but it’s nice how it turned out quite happy in the end, somehow. Things always work out still, maybe.

I don’t have big wishes or dreams or goals for 2019. I’m on my way to finishing editing my first novel, and I hope that by the time this goes up, I would’ve already finished it.

On top of that, in 2019 I hope to learn how to bake scones, make clotted cream and learn how to play the ukulele. That’s it – plain and simple.

Happy New Year!

Visit Glasgow for a Weekend Away

2018-06-22T00:34:00.001+08:00

For anyone a weekend away can really break up the regular routine, where ever you visit there will be things to do, but in Glasgow, there’s more. You could use it as a spa or golf weekend, or simply visit some of the wonderful sites that the city has to offer.

You might be thinking that you could do all that somewhere else, but there is no place on earth like the Scottish city. Below we have included a number of examples of just some of the activities that you can find yourself doing when in Glasgow.

Have a Spa Break

While you can go away to any place for a spa break, very few places have a relaxing atmosphere. With all the country views and relaxing areas Glasgow is the perfect place for a spa weekend away, you could even look at spa hotels in Glasgow.

If day-to-day life is causing you to feel stressed then some rest and recuperation in the relaxing environment of the spa might be the perfect thing. Wherever you go, there will no doubt be various treatments available so choose something that will suit you.

A Round of Golf

If you’re in to golf then there is no better place to be than Glasgow, surrounded by the picturesque Scottish countryside. Rather than going to your local course and playing a few rounds, a course in Glasgow will off you the opportunity to take in some beautiful views whilst playing your favourite game.

Compete with one another on the golf course during the day and visit some of the city’s bars and restaurants during the evening. You really couldn’t ask for anything better.

Sightseeing

If you’re visiting a new place, then exploring must be on your to-do list. Even if you only visit a few locations, you must get out of the hotel and see some of the wonderful sights that Glasgow has to offer.

Glasgow has a very rich culture and while you’re visiting you will surely wish to enrichen yourself by experiencing it for yourself. Immerse yourself in tourist activities, such as taking a trip around the city on a tour bus. Not only learn the history from the locals themselves, but you’ll find out what else the city has to offer.

Take a Romantic Trip

A romantic couples weekend away might be your idea of paradise, and why not? You can mix it up and have a romantic spa weekend away, or if you’d rather, why not visit some of Glasgow’s more romantic sights, such as the Royal Theatre or take a trip along the river on a Waverley Paddle Steamer Excursion? Whether it’s a blossoming romance or keeping the old flame alive, we are sure the stunning views will have you falling heads over heels in love not just with each other, but with Scotland, too.

However, if your idea of a romantic break is enjoying some of the finer things that can be found indoors, then you must at least visit some of Glasgow’s restaurants. There are so many, so you are guaranteed to find something to suit you, maybe even think about trying something that you’ve never tried before. What better city to do it in than Glasgow?

Eid-ul-Fitr Traditions Across the World

2018-06-15T22:34:00.001+08:00

As we find ourselves at the end of Ramadan, now is the perfect time to look ahead and consider what the future will bring. Regardless of our faith, equality and generosity are things we should aim to include in our daily lives. Of course, every faith has its own traditions, events and special occasions – for those who frequently travel the world, it is important to ensure that you are fully clued up and aware of the cultural traditions in the countries you will be visiting.

In Islam, the Holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important times of the year. It is a time for fasting, prayer and reflection, and is observed in many predominantly-Muslim countries. However, once the month of Ramadan comes to an end, it is time for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr is another important occasion in the Islamic calendar. It is a festival of celebration, commemorating the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast, and is a time where Muslims across the world join together to celebrate.

Although there are certain traditions that are common throughout the world on Eid-ul-Fitr, there are many others which can vary by country and region.

For those who are planning to travel or visit these places during Eid-ul-Fitr, it is important to ensure that you are aware of the customs and traditions of the particular area you will be visiting. Not only is this an important way to be respectful and considerate of the local’s faith and beliefs, but it is also essential to guarantee that you don’t fall foul of any localised laws or customs.

To get started, here are some common traditions which take place on Eid-ul-Fitr.

On the morning of the first day that Eid is celebrated, Muslims will bathe and dress in their best clothes before visiting their local Mosque for congregational prayers. Following the prayers, the traditional greeting of “Eid Mubarak” (have a Blessed Eid) will be used to greet friends, family members and other Muslims.

Many Muslims will then spend the day visiting loved ones, eating traditional dishes and sweets and spending time together. In addition, children are commonly given gifts at Eid.

When it comes to traditions by country, there are understandably certain variations and differences in the way that Eid is celebrated. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but here are a few traditions from around the world.

Indonesia

Indonesia is home to 12.7% of the world’s Muslim population – the largest Muslim population in a single country. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to learn that Eid-ul-Fitr is a significant occasion in Indonesia! During the festival, locals participate in parades, watch fireworks and go shopping for gifts for their loved ones. When it comes to food, traditional dishes like Rendang (a spicy meat dish) and Brongkos (a traditional soup dish) are usually enjoyed.

Tunisia

Eid-ul-Fitr is a real celebration in Tunisia, with many people spending the occasion enjoying time with their families. The youngest members of the family will be given money or small gifts like toys, and traditional Eid cuisine like biscuits, Kaak (a type of cake) and Baklawa (a sweet pastry dessert with chopped nuts and honey) will be eaten.

Morocco

Traditional Eid breakfast foods in Morocco include delicious treats such as cookies, Baghrir and Melwi (types of Moroccan pancake), washed down with refreshing mint tea.

India

Although Islam is not India’s main faith, Muslims throughout the country celebrate it in a number of different ways. Women wear traditional clothing and decorate their hands with henna designs, and the night before Eid, many Indian Muslims go out shopping. In this country, a traditional sweet Eid dish is Sheer Khurma – a milk pudding with dates.

As the month of Ramadan draws to an end, make sure that you are fully clued up about Eid-ul-Fitr and everything that this special occasion means to Muslims around the world.

2017: The Love Monday Movement in Review

2018-01-01T16:02:00.000+08:00

It truly has been a year like no other.

Usually I would write my year-end posts by recounting my travels from the last twelve months, some work milestones and a few personal anecdotes. But I will remember 2017 as a year of personal pursuits.

This time last year, Love Monday Café was just an idea I had scribbled on a notebook, written in emails to myself and put together on a few Pinterest boards. It’s been a great journey, bringing it to life, and throughout the process my emotions have ranged from truly inspired and encouraged to downtrodden and defeated to grateful and fulfilled. Somewhat surprisingly, a value I learned from my corporate life was what kept me going throughout the year: resilience.

Another motivating factor were my friends and family, who continue to support my crazy self and my crazy ideas. I can only imagine how frustrating and worrying it can be sometimes to be friends with an ENFP, and I’ve never been so much of an ENFP in my life as I was in 2017. So a lot of love and a thousand thanks are in order to all of you who have been with me all these years!

There’s a lot to look forward to in the new year when you’re coming from a year of first steps and new beginnings. I’m excited. There’s still so much I want to do. Bringing ideas to life and – excuse the cliché – turning dreams into reality can be quite addicting. It’s not always easy, it’s not always going to work, but doing it is always worth it, no matter what happens.

I also feel a new perspective coming to life throughout all my experiences in 2017: a preference for simpler things, a penchant for minimalism, a different set of priorities. I’ll write more about it once I’ve put them all together in a more coherent way in my head.

If I’m being honest, I struggled writing this year-end post. Not because I had nothing to write about - there were plenty. But everything I wrote would sound like some sort of cliché, the kind of repetitive, formulaic story written about in a Thought Catalog article or on some motivational or inspirational blog with questionable credibility: I was a girl who quit her job and gave up her career to pursue a far-fetched dream.

Except it isn’t a cliché. Because it’s been a deeply personal and one-of-a-kind journey, and I lived it, and I have the entire 2017 to look back on to remind me of it, and I will continue to live it in 2018.

I guess it’s still a little hard to believe sometimes. I really did it! I really took the plunge and did it, and it’s been a whole year since of taking plunges, breaking through obstacles, and moving onward to pursue my purpose and my passions, with supportive and loving friends and family around me.

So what more could I ask for in the new year? Not much else, really. Perhaps health, a level head, and a lot of heart so I can make the most of the good graces that have been given to me. Excuse the cliché, but there’s no other way to put it: hashtag-blessed. Happy new year!

The Best Honeymoon Places in the Philippines

2017-07-18T20:05:00.000+08:00

There is an old saying among lovers, “Love is the food of life and travel is the dessert,” and this fits perfectly for the time right after getting married. On one hand, your wedding signals a new beginning, a new phase in life; on the other hand, it also paves the way for added responsibilities. Now, this is where a honeymoon becomes significant, it is a phase where you can enjoy your time with your wife or husband to the fullest before you fulfill those responsibilities.

If you’re planning yours in the beautiful country of the Philippines, then you can head over to Philippinestravelpackage.com as well as other online resources out there and check out their best tour packages for couples. On top of these, you can check out the destinations in this article since they can complement the tips and pointers that you can get from the said resources and therefore, achieve a honeymoon that is just one for the books.

Boracay Island

Boracay Island is the most famous beach place in the Philippines and it has become the “go-to” destination of honeymooners for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, romantic environment, friendly locals, vibrant nightlife and sparkling sunlight, just to name a few. Because of these attributes, Boracay is heralded by many as the Ibiza of Asia. The suggested activities here are scuba diving, parasailing, and kite boarding.

Vigan, Ilocos Norte

If you like long road trips, romantic evenings, outdoor adventures, and the likes, then Vigan is the place to be. While there, you can enjoy its historic and culturally rich streets, particularly Calle Crisologo, a district that made a name for itself for its old white houses, calesas, cobblestones, and so on. Stay there till nighttime and watch the streetlights bath the whole place with elegance, grandiosity, and romance.

Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte

After your Vigan escapade, you can head a bit further north to Vigan. While there, you stay at one of the resorts and other accommodation facilities in Saud white beach and visit its neighboring attractions. Then, you can trek and experience (up-close and personal) the Kapurpuran Rock Formations, breathtaking rock formations that looks sea of sand. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes if you choose to go here. Afterwards, you can go to the Blue Lagoon and dip in its bright waters and then head straight to Bangui, a place that is known for its windmills and dramatic sunset.

Palawan

The province of Palawan, which is popularly known as the Philippines’ last frontier is known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, particularly its municipalities of El Nido and Coron. The two are post-card perfect and are known for its limestone formation, clear water, lush-green forests, blue skies, white sand, and many others. Because of these, it is no wonder that international travel magazine and Internet-based reviewers recognize the whole province as one of the most breathtaking provinces in the world. Also, due to its sheer beauty, taking a bad photo is close to impossible.

El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, which is located on the northern region of Palawan, is an ideal spot to enjoy lagoons and coral reefs. The authentic hospitality of its local will not fail you as they will welcome you with open arms. While there, you can go kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkeling, have cave tours, and enjoy romantic dinners.

Coron

Coron is a dreamy destination that is secluded in the natural treasures of Palawan. It boasts of jagged escarpments, superb vegetation, and lush landmasses. The mere sight of Lake Barracuda as well as Lake Kayangan can leave you and your partner enchanted.

Batanes

Batanes gained notoriety for being the greenest place in the Philippines. Its lush-green hills and rugged cliffs perfectly complement its lighthouse, stone houses, and blue skies. While there, you and your partner can be swept away by the island’s sheer natural beauty and strong waves. You can walk its rolling hills and feel the wind or watch the waves pound the cliffs. Simply put, the natural beauty of Batanes is just one for the books.

Tagaytay

If you reside in Metro Manila, then Tagaytay City is one of the nearest places that you can visit on your honeymoon, you can get there in three hours or less. It draws honeymooners from Manila and elsewhere due to its exquisite sceneries and cool climate.

Located in Cavite, a high altitude province, you can head over in a heartbeat and take pleasure in your intimate moments. The city is tranquil and serene and surrounded by forests, grasslands, mountains, and so much more.

Subic bay

Located off the west coast of Luzon, Subic Bay is one of the most vibrant and exciting honeymoon spots in the country, particularly in its Northern Region. If you choose this place for your, make sure to include White Rock Waterpark, Magaul Bird Park, and Pamulaklakin Forest Trail, Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure and so on, in your itinerary.

Baler

Baler, Aurora has made a name for itself for being one of the best surfing destinations in the Philippines, however, bear in mind that on top of this, it boasts of a unique charm that is simply unlike any other. It is enriched with exquisite mountain sceneries, rocky mountains, and large as well as strong waves, among others. The scenery is simply relaxing and are perfect for honeymooners who want to sit back, relax, and enjoy their post-wedding activity.

Sagada

Sagada is great outdoor place that is perfect for newly-weds who want to enjoy their honeymoon and enjoy the beauty of nature. While there, you can enjoy some of the finest draws that it boasts of like Bokong Waterfalls, Mt. Kite Plan, Sumaguing Cave, and Echo Valley

Since your honeymoon is arguably your most important post-wedding event, it should be done in a place that will perfectly complement your preference, personality, and more. So choose from the list of destinations that were elaborated above. For sure, you will find something that will give you satisfaction, even if you’re a picky traveler. Do you have honeymoon destination that you want to share our readers? Then drop us a message on our comments section.

2016: My Personal Bubble in Review

2016-12-31T21:37:00.002+08:00

Most year-end posts will probably start by saying 2016 has been a shitty year in general. And I totally get it – I don’t think I’ve ever felt this disillusioned about the world we live in.

But I’ll let other, more credible, knowledgeable and entertaining people talk about that (I recommend Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’s season ender for starters). For this post, allow me to retreat to my own personal bubble. And if I had to define my 2016 personal bubble in one word, it’d be this: purpose.

At the risk of sounding like the product of a motivational lecture or self-help book (it wasn’t), this year, more than any of the years before it, I took great strides in trying to find my personal purpose. On top of that, I finally did something – something big – about it, by finally deciding to make my personal purpose my daily purpose.

I feel this post is going to sound incredibly cheesy and pretentious if I keep waxing poetic about the things that happened this year without sharing the straightforward version of it first. Basically, in 2016 I got promoted and moved to Vietnam, and after six months, I decided to quit my job, quit corporate, and move back to the Philippines.

It’s been a long time coming, and far from being a spur-of-the-moment thing. I feel like 2015 in particular had a lot to do with my decision to finally take such a big step. Last year was nothing short of stellar: great accomplishments at work, one epic trip to check off the bucket list, and the rekindling of an old, dormant passion.

I left 2015 feeling satisfied and accomplished with the path I had taken – but also ready to do something else, to finally listen to that tiny voice that had been so patient with me since I graduated university.

That voice that remained silent while I ventured into “adulting”, i.e. into a fast-track ride up the corporate ladder. The voice that didn’t object when I aimed for stability while simultaneously wanting to enjoy life’s simple and great pleasures (i.e. The Great Paradox of My 20s: working my ass off + travelling as much as I can to as many places I can + spending money + saving money for a car and a condo, etc. I don’t know how I managed to pull it off, either.) The voice that grew loud as I approached my mid-20s, becoming known as My Quarterlife Crisis, but gradually grew silent again as I moved companies for better jobs and better benefits, continued travelling, and moving from saving for a car and a condo to paying for insurance and investments.

That voice came back in 2016 with a different approach. Actually, it started rearing its head in 2015. Life was going well, and my path seemed clear. But it was also becoming clearer and clearer by the day that this path was not the one I really wanted to take.

A lot of this has to do with my job, but it really goes beyond that. That’s content for an entirely different post though. For this post I’ll jump right into recounting the year that was in less abstract ways.

I got promoted to marketing manager and moved to Vietnam in June. Living in another country is a great experience I’d recommend everyone experience at least once in their lives. I can’t say it taught me to be more independent and to rely on myself more – I’ve already learned plenty of that living alone in Manila since my days at university, while my family remained in the province. If anything, I learned the opposite – it was a humbling experience, learning to ask for help, and relying on the kindness of strangers and new acquaintances. Living in another country did teach me to become more responsible though.

But beyond all the learning, the more fun bit was all the exploring – discovering my new city, my new neighborhood, and playing tour guide to visiting friends and family! The sepanx that would kick in after guests left was a pain, but the fun few days they spent with me were worth it. You guys know who you are – thank you for taking the time out from your lives to come over to visit!

Being expatriated meant travelling became a bigger part of my life than it already was – it wasn’t entirely for the better, however. I don’t think I’ve ever been severely exhausted from travelling the way I was for a couple of months this year. It was just physically and mentally draining, flying from Vietnam to Manila and back again several times with such short days in between. Add to that the business trips and weekend trips I had to take to Singapore. I have no regrets, but I won’t deny that it was physically taxing.

To paint a picture, two examples: first, a weekend I spent in Singapore with friends to watch a concert (iKON saranghaeyo! LOL). The time in Singapore and the concert was epic – food, drinks, dancing, quality Kpop. Recipe for a perfect weekend! But the journey to get to Singapore to spend 2 full days there was a complicated one – I had to fly from Vietnam to Manila about 2 days prior for a last-minute trip (visa issues), but my flight to Singapore was going to be from Vietnam. Which meant I had to fly from Manila to Vietnam and arrived Friday afternoon, only so I can repack my luggage and get ready from my flight from Vietnam to Singapore early morning Saturday. Then I had to fly back from Singapore to Vietnam early morning on Monday the week after.

Second example: a whirlwind trip back to the Philippines, in which I flew in from Vietnam and arrived Friday morning, had to work at the Manila office for the whole day, then drove to Batangas that night for a beach trip with family. The drive to the beach the next day was about 4 hours (thankfully I was just a passenger), and then we had to go back a day after that, on Sunday. By early Monday morning I was driving myself back to Manila so I could spend another day at work in the Manila office before my flight back to Vietnam that night.

The truth is I’m recounting these instances as a note to myself more than anything else – because while it was necessary at the time and I don’t regret it (I discovered then the lengths we go just to see family and friends, even for a little bit), I hope for a life when I never need to go through that kind of stress again.

So yeah. While I loved living in Saigon, the constant travelling also took a toll on me. That’s not to say I lost my love for travel this year. I had some pretty good trips, and visited two countries for the first time: Australia for a dear friend’s wedding and Japan.

Port Fairy, where the wedding was held, was a lovely little town, the kind you’d see in Hallmark movies, and I’d love to come back someday to rent a cottage for a couple of days and do some writing. Melbourne meant just one thing to me: brunch. LOL.

Osaka was a-mazing. Kyoto was quaint. I’d love to go back again, and soon!

Despite all the changes, one thing remained the same this year: my love for Seoul. I went on a spring trip to my favorite city with friends before I moved to Vietnam, and also marked the end of my stint in Saigon and the start of a new chapter in my life with a trip to Seoul early this month. I don’t know how things will pan out next year with my life in general, but I’m hoping there’ll still be a trip or two to Seoul then.

I think that needs more emphasis – there hasn’t been a year in my adult life that’s as unpredictable as the coming one. 2017 is bound to come in with a whole bunch of surprises, but it’s all part of what makes it so exciting. If I need to survive surprises, both good and bad, to live a life that lets me fulfill my purpose everyday, then so be it. So bring it on, 2017! And thanks to all the friends who continue to support me all the way.

I’m too lazy to make a collage of photos to mark this year (my little brother is waiting for me, because we have a Mortal Kombat X tournament tonight) so I’m posting a photo of me taken early on in 2016 instead. Know that this was not how I looked on a regular basis this year (in fact I looked the exact opposite, haha), but please allow me a rare decent selfie. Happy new year!

A Beginner’s Guide to Osaka: How to Manage Culture (and Credit Card) Shock

2016-11-16T22:44:00.000+08:00

My first trip to Japan had been a long time coming - I had the chance two years ago but had to cancel my trip on account of work, and I didn't get to plan another trip until this year. I'm so happy I finally got to go, and I have to say that now I am officially hooked. I can't wait for another chance to visit! Even though we only spent a weekend in Osaka and Kyoto, it was enough to give me a taste of what Japan has to offer.

A lot of people say coming to Japan for the first time is a massive culture shock - everything is just so dynamic and different that it can be extremely disorienting, especially in Tokyo. I'm glad the first city I got to visit in Japan was Osaka, because it's not as crazy. In fact, I was surprised to find that it was actually a pretty chill city. People seemed relaxed and had a general casual chic about them. And the food! Oh my gosh, the food!

I've also been told that things in Osaka are cheaper than in Tokyo - but even then, compared to countries in Southeast Asia or even Korea, stuff in Japan are quite pricey.

But fear not - there is a way to manage the culture shock and the credit card shock on your first trip to Japan! Here are a few tips on how to experience Osaka like a local without breaking the bank.

1. Stay in the Dotonbori area.

It's a great home base for your first trip to Osaka because there's already lots to see and do in the area, and you can just walk around and explore without needing to navigate their subway system. Don't forget to also check out the neighboring areas of Amerikamura and Orange St. for a hipster, less tourist-y vibe.

As the area is popular among tourists, be sure to book your accommodations in Dotonbori ahead of time to get the best deals.

2. Eat great food at great prices.

Try takoyaki from the numerous stalls you will find in Dotonbori, or check out a restaurant that sells okonomiyaki. Visit the Kuromon Market for incredibly fresh seafood at reasonable prices, as well as other Japanese treats like Kobe beef or traditional sweets.

Finally, you cannot go to Osaka without visiting Endo Sushi. A set of five life-changing sushi pieces will only cost you a thousand Yen, which is a steal! The restaurant is located in a local seafood market, which means they're serving you incredibly fresh fish. Trust me, the long walk from the train station is so worth it. I regret not getting a second plate, and it's one of the main reasons I want to come back to Osaka.

A life-changing plate at Endo Sushi!

Skewered treats at Kuromon Market

Kobe beef!

3. Shop wisely!

Believe it or not, there are actually some great stores to get a good bargain in Japan. Visit Don Quixote or Daiso for trinkets and souvenirs at good prices. For clothing, check out Gu, the more affordable sister brand of Uniqlo (their self-service cashier counters blew me away) or Sense of Place by Urban Research.

Here's another tip: Royce Chocolate is way cheaper in Japan. The chocolate covered potato chips (which I absolutely love) were half the price at Kansai Airport compared to if you buy them in Vietnam or The Philippines. Lush products are also way more affordable, so be sure to stock on those bath bombs when you go!

4. Visit Kyoto for a day or two.

It's only a train ride away from Osaka but has a completely different feel, devoid of Osaka's urban vibe. Instead it provides a unique glimpse of traditional, historical Japan. Drop by the usual temples flocked by tourists but also consider booking an overnight stay in Arashiyama, an artist community, for a more serene, local feel.

The Iconic Trail at Fushimi Inara

You can rent a yukata or kimono for a day when you go around Kyoto

5. Drink and eat at an izakaya.

Once you're back in Osaka, drop by an izakaya, the Japanese version of a pub or watering hole. Order some yakitori while drinking sake or a whisky highball. Or both. You're on vacation. Enjoy!

I highly recommend going to Batten Yokato, a small izakaya we chanced upon between Amerikamura and Dotonbori (based on their website, they seem to have other branches too). The staff are friendly with foreigners, and they have an English menu with cute illustrations of the food. The prices are also pretty affordable, with yakitori sticks that cost as low as 90 Yen. But even at good prices, the food is amazing. The yakitori is seasoned simply but bursting with flavor, and grilled to perfection. You definitely get more than your money's worth here!

Gateway to yakitori awesomeness, great drinks, and a friendly local vibe

My kind of window shopping tbh

You can also check out Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten if you want to go izakaya hopping.

Five Fun Things to Do in Ancol, Indonesia

2016-11-02T22:30:00.002+08:00

photo credit

If you’re traveling to Jakarta and are looking to spend a day or two to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you should definitely add Ancol to your itinerary. Situated in northern Jakarta, it is known as the city’s main recreation and adventure center, which means you’re bound to find something to keep you entertained during your stay there.

Did you know?

Ancol’s existence dates back to as early as the 16^th Century, but its development only began in the 1960s under then President Sukarno’s vision of converting the area – at the time a neglected collection of mosquito-infested swamps and fish ponds – into an industrial and recreation hub.

Need recommendations? Here’s a list of things to do in Ancol

1. Feel like a kid again in Dunia Fantasi

A great place for kids and kids at heart, Ancol Dreamland boasts of a theme park that has over 30 exciting rides and attractions. Dunia Fantasi, or Fantasy World, is divided into eight areas.

For the adventurous and the daredevils, there are quite a number of heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping rides to choose from at Dunia Fantasi, including the Halilintar roller coaster and the Power Surge.

Meanwhile, younger children can enjoy taking a ride on the massive ferris wheel or the Poci-Poci, the theme park’s take on the spinning cups ride.

2. Live in luxury!

Reward yourself with a luxurious stay at the Aston Marina Ancol. It’s in a great location near all the activities Ancol has to offer.

But staying in would also be an option – if you need some time to rest and recharge, why not have a relaxing massage at the Zhu Spa or enjoy a few drinks at the 33 Sky Bridge?

What’s more, living in luxury need not be expensive – you just need to be on the lookout for Aston Marina Ancol best deals online so you can get the most affordable rates for what’s sure to be an excellent stay.

3. Go Shopping at the Mangga Dua Shopping District

photo credit

No vacation is complete without a bit (or a lot!) of shopping, and your credit card is sure to get a workout in Ancol thanks to the Mangga Dua Shopping District. The area consists of numerous shopping centers.

Shop at Harca Mangga Dua or Orion Mall to get the best deals on gadgets, electronics and appliances. For fashion and household items, visit ITC. For wholesale items, visit Mangga Dua Square.

Most shopping centers open as early as 8 AM but are closed by between 5-6 PM, so it’s best to start your shopping day early.

4. Get Inspired at Pasar Seni Ancol

photo credit

A great way to get a feel of a country’s culture is through its art and artists, and at Pasar Seni, you will be able to do just that. Revel and get inspired by Indonesian craftsmanship as you walk through this street where local artists display their work. It’s a great place to visit if you’re hoping to bring home some local art, especially if you want to meet and interact with the artists themselves.

5. Make a splash at Atlantis Water Adventure

If you need a refreshing experience to beat the heat, make your way over to the Atlantis Water Adventure Park. The complex has a wave pook, a waterfall pool, a flowing river, and several water slides. And after all that activity, you’ll have five restaurants and a food court to choose from for a satisfying meal.

6 Reasons Why I Love Bangkok

2016-10-23T17:37:00.002+08:00

1. There are lots of places to explore

Bangkok is one of the biggest cities in the world, and home to at least 10 million people. If the sheer scale of the city doesn’t wow you, the eclectic mix of the past and present will - futuristic shopping centres sit side by side with centuries-old Buddhist temples – it’s unlike anything you’ve seen.

2. Everything is affordable

Bangkok is one of the only cities in the world where five-star hotels can cost you as little as £100 per night, sometimes even less depending on the time of year you visit.

3. The food is out-of-this-world

Bangkok is not only the capital of Thailand, but an epicenter for delicious cuisine from all over Thailand. Tuck in to some true culinary classics like Thai green curry or Pad Thai, your taste buds will not be disappointed!

4. Thai massages are to die for

There’s nothing like a good Thai massage, and it’s an experience you just can’t afford to miss when in the country’s capital city. Get lost in an authentic full body Thai Massage, at a fraction of the price you would pay back home.

5. Things get really interesting when the sun sets

Bangkok has one of the best night scenes in Asia, without a doubt. Whether you’re a party animal or shopaholic, there’s always something to do through from sunset to sunrise.

6. Its next-door neighbour is a tropical paradise

Soak up some sun at one of Thailand’s popular beaches. A short plan ride will take straight to the paradise islands of Phuket, Koh Samui and Ko Pen Yang. Trust me, it’s well worth the journey.

What are you waiting for? Get out of those winter warmers and pack your bags for warmer climes. Unlike the UK, this gorgeous Thai capital enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, so any time is good a good time to book your flights from Tokyo to Bangkok. But there’s no time like the present, right?

Revisiting the excitement of Macau

2016-08-10T23:30:00.000+08:00

My travels have certainly taken me to some wild and wonderful places, but one of my most enjoyable trips has to be my excursion to Macau. This dazzling Chinese enclave has certainly attracted a lot of global attention thanks to its booming gambling industry, and whilst I previously took a look at some of Macau’s alternative offerings, it’s hard to deny the sheer vitality of Macau’s casino culture.

So I’ve been checking upon on the latest developments in Macau’s casino scene to see how it’s adapting to increased competition from digital casinos providing alternative gambling options like online lotto, as well as some of its more garish entertainment offerings!

Despite the economic slowdown a few years ago, it still seems like Macau is a construction site that’s constantly adding some seriously spectacular casino resorts that are all outdoing each other in architectural extravagance.

A quick look at the skyline of the Cotai Strip reveals a glimmering selection of skyscrapers that are jostling for position in providing the most dazzling gambling experience. My favourite building has to be the immense Studio City Macau which forms a massive arc of towering skyscrapers - perfect for grabbing a good selfie in front of!

But there’s so many other architectural gems to enjoy when wandering the streets of Macau, from the futuristic designs of the MGM Cotai, to the gaudy old-world charms of the Grand Lisboa Palace - and definitely don’t miss the mini Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macau!

What’s clear from these new casino resorts is that they’re fighting a tough battle to stave off the intense competition from online competitors like Coral who have a lottery offering that can be played just about anywhere from a smartphone which is seriously hard to beat for sheer convenience.

And it’s not just the gambling options that Macau is upgrading in its bid to retain its position as the number one global casino destination, as resorts like Broadway Macau have endeavoured to deliver a family-friendly holiday experience with carnivals, live music shows and special culinary extravaganzas that give you just one more chance to experience the delights of Macau street food!

In addition to this is the fascinating news that there’s expected to be a Hollywood-style movie theme park built in the enclave in 2018, which suggests that despite the innovations in online lotto gaming, Macau is finding some pretty interesting ways to make new revenues!

Just Like That Passion Pit Song, 2015 Was A Good Year

2016-01-01T00:53:00.001+08:00

Nine countries (six of them finally outside of Asia!), countless memories, and with all my trips combined, at least an entire month out of 12 that I was on the road, traveling. While I always try to write these year-end posts with optimism, always try to end the year on a high note, this time around, there is little effort needed to try and put a positive spin on the year that was - because oh my gosh, has 2015 been good to me. Hashtag blessed.

2015 actually started on the road - in Seoul, Korea, where I spent my first ever New Year's away from home. And it was a blast! There would be three more trips to Korea towards the end of the year. Because Seoul is officially my favorite city.

Next came a long weekend of eating in Singapore and another food trip in Taiwan (my first time there - and I really must come back!). Nom nom nom. Good times.

And then there was the mother of all trips - the adventure I said I would take before I turned 30, which I did! Our nearly month-long cross-country adventure in Europe took place in June. I've yet to write about any of it because I just don't know how to start - there's so much to rave about! All the beautiful places we went to, all the history we experienced, the food we ate, and of course, the company - the amazing travel buddies on the trip with me.

I can talk about all the tourist-y places, the Eiffel Tower and the Coliseum and the Gaudi buildings, but I doubt I'll do a better job than Wikipedia or Lonely Planet. I can write about all the food we ate, but my friend Rissee would certainly be much more credible in matters of taste (see what I did there? Haha).

Instead, every now and then when I find myself daydreaming about our trip, I would be going back to those little moments - Ics, Rox or Rissee behind the wheel as we drove around Provence and Tuscany in our rented car; walking around Paris with Mabs to go to that church that housed the remains of an incorruptible saint; doing burpees by the bay in Barcelona with Ics and Ris; going for an early morning solo run in quiet Rome, and seeing the coliseum before the flocks of tourists came; exploring Avignon with Ris on an early morning run; sitting back and enjoying the view in our quaint and incredibly adorable B&B in Chianti; surprising Mabs for her birthday in aforementioned B&B; going on a beer tour in Prague and meeting other people from our hostel; trying out funny brownies (that had no effect on us whatsoever, hmp) in Amsterdam with Ics! The list is nearly endless. The best travel moments are always bittersweet, aren't they? They exist in one's memories to remind him of a happiness felt in the past that he will never be able to recreate again.

Someday, maybe I will write about all of them. For now though, here's a video of our epic trip, edited by our resident (nutty) videomaker Mabs, also known as All The Cray We Had In Europe, Told Through A Passion Pit Song About The Year Rissee and I Were Born:

My travels this year would've been more than enough to fill up this year-end post, but the amazing thing is, so many other things happened beyond those trips, serving as further proof that 2015, the year I turned 30, was a year on steroids.

Career-wise, I'd have to say I had a pretty amazing year. It wasn't easy, it wasn't always fun, but it was definitely fulfilling. Working with the team who launched a great campaign, with a powerful message that I personally believe in and live by - I couldn't have asked for a better corporate gig. I could only hope for even greater things in 2016.

Then there's the rekindling of an old passion, explored in a new way. I pretty much abandoned this blog in 2015 - but not because I stopped writing. In fact, I abandoned this travel blog because I was writing - it's just that I was writing something else.

The idea came to me some time during the summer, but really, it had been stewing in my head for a long time - it was only then that all these little bits of details came together to finally make sense. It stayed as random notes and doodles on my notebook for a little longer, until I attended a few writing classes towards the latter half of the year. It took the month of November - and the push of NaNoWriMo - to help me accomplish something I had never done before, but had always wanted to, always dreamed of doing. By the end of November, I had written draft zero of my first novel.

There's still a lot of work that needs to be done - and editing, as I am finding out, is a little bit of a bitch - but I'm optimistic. I already wrote 50,000 words, there's no turning back now.

Just as there is no turning back from 2016 - another year of possibility, another year to do that which brings us joy, another year to explore places we never thought we'd go to. There is not much else to say except I can't freaking wait. Let's do this. 2015, you've been so freaking amazing, and 2016 will be just as great. Hashtag positivity.

How to Stay Safe During a Trip to Cambodia - Things to Look Out for

2015-12-17T08:06:00.000+08:00

Cambodia is a country that many of us dream of visiting, but one mistake that we typically make is failing to consider the harsher realities. Traveling to a foreign country can be a great experience, as long as you research the place you are visiting and do all of your homework ahead of time.

First of all, consider the costs and think it well through, as there are many opportunities to save. Check all the options for airfare and accommodation to have a wide choice, and remember to prepare whatever you can beforehand, as with coupons for Target from such places as Discountrue or other online services you will be able to do that on a budget. However, that is just half the battle, so read on to learn more about the important tips you'll need to make your trip to Cambodia a safe one!

Keep Your Valuables and Cash Hidden

Cameras are a common item that is stolen from tourists, so if you must walk around with yours, be sure to stash it in a place that cannot be easily accessed by pickpockets. Hide the gear in a deep pocket, but make sure it is within reach for any photo opportunities that might present themselves.

Don't allow yourself to stumble around with a map in mind, either. Learn where you are going ahead of time. Pickpockets know all of the telltale signs of a tourist. When you head out, keep as much of your money and valuables back in the hotel room as possible, as a person who looks like they are carrying a lot of cash can become a target.

Watch Out For Open Buildings

Many Cambodian nightclubs and buildings are constructed with maximum openness in mind. The nation has a very humid climate and as a result, their infrastructure provides as many open spaces as possible. Unfortunately, this provides a perfect atmosphere for thieves to run amok, stealing wallets and purses from unsuspecting tourists who do not realize they are under siege.

And if you are thinking that you can catch a thief, good luck. The Cambodian streets are a labyrinth, one that is very hard for newbies to navigate. When you decide to enjoy Cambodian nightlife, be sure to select seats that allow you to rest your back up against the wall and avoid bringing important documents with you, such as your passport.

Don't Be Too Friendly

Be careful of who you strike up a conversation with. Most Cambodians speak fluent English, which causes tourists to let their guard down. If one thief or con artist sees you engaged in conversation, they are very likely to come join. Once they have latched onto you, it is unlikely that they will leave you alone.

Should you suspect that a scam is heading your way, simply pretend that you don't speak English. If a criminal is unable to establish any form of communication with you, they will be left with no choice but to leave you alone. This works especially well for all of the bilingual travelers out there. Good luck!

Travel to India: Tips to Stay Safe

2015-09-01T21:25:00.005+08:00

From the ancient era, foreign travelers have come and explored India in different ways, its natural beauty, rich culture, astonishing architects; Indian cuisines are prime attractions of the travelers. India is considered one of the significant historical countries where almost each state has carried historical data and historical relic. To make India trip safe, travelers should contact real estate agents, or they can meet property dealers or property brokers to get a house in a safe place.

Actually recent day’s property business has been emerged sharply; there are a lot of people who are involved in this business and deal with property. Currently people prefer to buy a well finished house where they would get all kinds of facility, from car parking to security, each and everything has been available. In busy schedule, buyers do not want to take extra burden or responsibility, so readymade housing complexes and apartments are convenient options for them. In this case they would be offered two options one well furnished room and without furnishing room. In case of furnished room, they would get a complete house, where necessary furniture and essential stuffs are there. And non-furnished room, where buyers have to set up and decorate their house as per their choice and budget. A lot of property dealers who are ready to assist the buyers in this area.

Features of the house:

Property brokers are the middlemen who maintain the communication between buyers and sellers. They have played important role in negotiation. In India, a lot of modern housing complexes are being built which have equipped with modern facilities and amenities. Interior and exterior design of the housing apartment is completely new and trendy. Its modern look, contemporary arrangements make the complex different. Real estate agents are giving buyers numerous options, according to requirements and budget, buyers can avail their house, 2BHK, and 3BHK houses are available in the market and once you contact property brokers, they would help you to negotiate the price of the house, even you would get legal advices from them also. Generally across the India, buyers would get various alternatives such as small apartments, spacious apartments, low budget housing complexes and luxury complexes. So all you need to do is to contact convenient property dealers, speak to them and try to explain you preference, now it is their responsibility to seek an apt and suitable house for you.

Builders profile:

Across the country there are a lot of small and giant organizations who are building the housing complexes, some of them are eminent builders who have been working in this sectors more than forty years. Their work, innovative idea, and sincerity are globally acknowledged. They have already shown their work of art by creating outstanding housing complex or commercial space.

Conclusion:

So if anyone is planning to visit India or stay in India, but do not understand how to get a convenient house, is requested to contact Indian real estate agents, they would help him/her to obtain a house in suitable place. Visitors are requested do not need to worry, as Indian real-estate companies are giving you top quality apartment which not only best quality but also you can stay safe and secured.

SMTOWN at COEX Artium Virtual Tour, Part 1: Celebrity Shop, Official Goods and Merchandise

2015-01-09T19:00:00.000+08:00

SMTOWN at COEX Artium
58, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Directions / How to get there:
Take Seoul Subway Line 2 (Green Line), get off at Samseong Station, Exit 6. COEX is directly connected to the subway station.

My friend and I got to check out the SMTOWN complex at the Coex Artium during our recent trip to Seoul for the new year holiday. It will only officially open on January 13 so we didn't get the whole experience, but there was already plenty to see when we went.

The complex is made up of 6 floors:

1F - Welcome Stage
2F - SUM: Celebrity Shop, Artist Goods, Artist Picks, Gifts)
3F - SMTOWN Studio: Music Video, Photo, Recording, Hair & Make up, Vocal, Dance
4F - SMTOWN Liverary (lol): Cafe, Music, Media, Books, Special Goods
5F - SMTOWN Theatre: Hologram Theatre, Community Hall, Interactive Amusement
6F - SMTOWN Theatre: 3D Printing

I took a whole lot of pictures so I'm cutting this virtual tour up into two parts. On this post I'll be sharing pictures of the celebrity shop and the official goods they sold. Enjoy!

Once you get out of Exit 6 from Samseong Station, you'll see this big sparkly SM Town logo:

The hallway leading to the Celebrity Shop:

We had to wait in line for a bit before they let us inside the store:

Lots of branded candies and sweets for each SM artist. They all looked too cute to eat! They were pretty pricey too:

CDs, photobooks, etc.:

They had a trophy wall and lots of posters. I think the trophies and plaques were all for sale and they were made by these young local designers:

They had a lot of branded bags, clothing and accessories:

They also sold branded items that the SM idols wore (I guess these are the "artist picks"):

And then there was all the merchandise:

These were the cutest thing ever, and the most reasonably priced! Some designs were already sold out:

Throwing in some photos of the SHINee merchandise. I love their fan group color! It stood out in the store and looked real nice:

Check back for Part 2, where we explore the rest of the floors!

2014: Of Greatest Hits and Encore Visits

2014-12-31T15:00:00.001+08:00

I honestly don’t know where my year went. One day I was cramming my 2013 year-end post at home in Manila, and the next thing I know, I’m sitting in a café in one of my favorite areas in Seoul writing my 2014 year-end post, which is exactly what I’m doing right now. It’s the last day of the year and I’m spending it in Hongdae, at least until we head out for a big New Year’s Eve party somewhere else in Seoul later. I’ve never been away from home during the holidays, so this New Year’s trip is a milestone, and it’s been a great one so far!

More on this trip in another post, though. For now, I’d like to look back on the year that was, because I don’t think I’ve really had any time to reflect on how I spent it. Between so many changes at work, finally turning my tiny matchbox of a house into a home, getting into a new hobby / business venture, and taking so many random trips, it’s been a whirlwind of a year! It’s been pretty exhausting too, and I got sick for nearly a week this month (right when all the holiday get-togethers, parties and dinners happened! Friends, please don’t forget me! Let’s catch up in January) as a testament to the toll the year has taken. So this trip away from everything as the year ends is much needed, and I’d like to think, well-deserved.

I kind of feel the same way for all my trips this year, actually. Six holidays and two business trips and I didn’t plan a single itinerary for any of them. My trips this year were all pretty relaxed, fairly spontaneous, and all of them were repeat visits. And what I loved most about them was how unhurried all these trips were – there was no urgent need to get to anywhere quickly, and to pack a day with so many things to see and do, because technically, I had already been to these places. It was just about revisiting old favorites, without the pressure of getting nice pictures taken or finding anything “blog-worthy”. It was all about soaking up a place and living in that travel moment. I wonder if this is what it means to mature as a traveler?

I look forward to discovering new places in 2015, though. We have a big trip planned, an epic one I’ve been waiting to do for years, but it would be nice to do a short backpacking trip to an exotic place some time in the year too. Nepal or Sri Lanka, maybe? This year’s trips were all in cities and fancy hotels and resorts, so I would really love to be climbing temples and walking through dirt roads with my huge backpack again in 2015.

And as far as the big elephant I’ve been ignoring in this post goes, yes, I do hope to blog a whole lot more in 2015. Too many things happened this year and I honestly just wasn’t able to find the time and I guess the drive to do it. And I have so much to write about! I’ll work on it. Next year will be a better blogging year, I promise!

Closing this out with a few pictures from my trips this year. We’re gonna head back to our hostel in a bit to take a disco nap before we head out for tonight’s festivities. Hopefully it’ll be an epic night! Have a happy new year everyone! Friends, let’s run into each other next year, in a tiny airport in the middle of nowhere, on a dreary red eye flight home, in an untouched, pristine beach, or at sunset in an ancient ruin. Dinner in BGC is fine too. Haha.

Hong Kong

Two weekender trips to Hong Kong for two concerts. 48 hours of fun and fangirling in each one!

El Nido Resorts, Palawan

Long overdue family trip to paradise. So much fun!

Bangkok and Singapore

The hotel beds are always too big on business trips.

Seoul, South Korea

Officially my favorite city. Went to Seoul three times this year! The first one with the YOLOs. Our pictures by Carlos Dominguez. I want to learn to take people pictures like this!

The basement bar I found in Hongdae, where the owner plays his vast collection of records all night while his wife tends the bar. You can even ask him to play a song for you!

The photos below are hot off the press (more like cold off the winter haha), we just came from this Winter Wonderland yesterday!

Wise words. Happy new year!

A Guide to Macau

2014-09-26T14:02:00.001+08:00

One of the upcoming destinations tourist are flocking to is Macau, a region of China. The area has had a massive rise to prominence in recent years, becoming famed for its fantastic historical past, vibrant entertainment and likeness to the bright lights city Las Vegas thanks to its casino culture. One of the most popular entertainment attractions in Macau is the DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts. The venue is a great place to take the kids, but also enjoyable for adults too, and has free entry for all ages. The park is open between 12-18:45pm on a daily basis and gives visitors are great experience at 3pm each day with the All Star Parade.

To take in the more cultural side of Macau’s history, a visit to the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral is a must. The 16th Century build is known as one of Macau’s most famous landmarks, featuring some excellent carvings by Japanese monks as well as a jaw-dropping façade, which will impress all of your party. Also worth visiting is the A-Ma Temple and the Guia Fortress.

But if you want to take in some of the finest casinos floors and play blackjack or craps, Macau is the place to be. The Casino Lisboa is built in the shape of a lotus flower is the best Macau casino if you just want to game. The poker room is particularly impressive, with high stakes tournaments involving very good players, while the members’ reward program may be the best of any Macau casino. There is little in the way of other entertainment though, so it’s not a place to take someone who doesn’t share your love of gambling. If that is the case for you, the giant Venetian Macau is definitely the best choice. Although the complex still offers games ranging from Texas Hold’em to Baccarat which you can also find at casino sites like CasinoOnline.co.nz , it also has a fantastic entertainment scene. Top stars such as Beyonce perform music concerts here, while there is also a golf course, a 1,800-seater theatre and fine dining. Here you can even top off the evening with a moonlight gondola trip along one of the canals, making it easily the most romantic casino on the island. END