Just in the Niks of Time!

Long story short.

2019-02-03T20:24:00.001-08:00

I guess I blog once a year now! I know people thing the blog medium is dead but honestly there's a reason I keep coming back to it. I love the idea of being able to journal with words and photos in a way that instagram or facebook could not.

Just a quick update, I've moved cross country to the Bay Area. I never truly planned this and thought at some point my landlord would find my carcass in my tiny New York apartment. Huh, guess not. Still adjusting to the life in the Bay but I got to say nothing beats the weather.

Live an hour from San Francisco but when I get to visit it's fun. I love the the architecture.

This is what I look like now. Oh yeah, I got tattoos last year. 5 of them actually. My mother was not thrilled.

Union Square.

ART

Let's see how long the next blog takes.

Of Mountains and Ice cream

2017-07-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Rarely do you meet an officemate become a friend you want to spend time with outside of work! But I did. Hopped on several trains and car and we were off to Cold Spring! I love going to Cold Spring. I love the Stars Hallow vibes, the little antique stores, and the yummy ice cream! It's also close enough to Bear Mountain. Tons of photos below!

Love that purple door!

Handbags galore.

Outside one of the many antique stores.

Sucker for all things old.

YAAAAS.

I believe we had this when I was 8 years old.

I think I'm the only one who liked this funky kitty chair.

Finally, ICE CREAM from one of the best place I've been too.

Beautifully lit.

<3 the dress.

Always ready to pose.

Meet your hipster from Brooklyn.

Writer. Typewriter.

Love Bear Mountain.

Yeah, we went hiking like this.

JK.

Can't beat that view.

Loved this woman's tattoo.

This woman taking an epic break.

'til the next road trip!

High Time for the High Line

2017-06-12T17:31:00.004-07:00

It's been more than a year since I last saw Aya. I didn't even realize she moved to DC! We spent the day going around Chelsea and walking the High Line. I love the High Line, train tracks converted into a park, because it gives you beautiful views of the city.

Hi Aya!

Love this bridge!

This installation art is so real it's scary.

In the summer, this place is an awesome spot to hangout.

Graffiti.

Rhode Island Road Trip!

2017-06-04T13:03:00.001-07:00

Rhode Island is one of the best places I've been to. If I ever end up with tons of money I'd want to retire there. I was feeling a little burnt from work so I decided to take a few days to work from Newport. I booked a lovely Air BnB right at the heart of Newport and wasted no time heading out to the water.

Love this cliff of flowers overlooking the ocean.

It was still pretty cold when I went but whatever. The sea heals everything.

I know, I know. I said it was cold but whatever, don't judge me.

Hello doggie!

At least it looked like Spring even if it didn't feel like it.

Wearing my favorite tshirt! Rawr!

What I love about RI are all its lighthouses.

Totally worth being cold.

Okay, this one looked really dirty but still!

Just one happy kid.

Boat!

Love the bikes.

I could live here forever.

Lovers

Manila Bay Love

2017-05-10T18:21:00.004-07:00

One of the highlights of my trip to Manila was seeing my cousins and nieces from New Jersey! It also gave me a good excuse to trek all the way to Manila Bay. I love the Manila Bay area because you get to see tons of families just enjoying themselves as the sun sets magnificently in the horizon. Nothing beats a Manila sunset.

Hi Cassie Bear!

Too cute!

Love that ferris wheel by the sea.

Giant christmas trees? They're everywhere in the Philippines.

Zip line!

Great place for lovers

And kids!

And lovers again!

And still more lovers.

Wonderful.

Food stands galore!

Kylie and Uncle Allan!

Paintings at the Pinto Museum (and more!)

2017-05-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing so much buzz about the Pinto (door) Museum that I definitely had to go when I went home to the Philippines last December. The museum is actually different buildings spread through beautiful gardens. I would definitely go again. The art is very Filipino - colorful and reflective of daily life and culture. Just be sure to wear cool clothes and bring water as you'll be doing a lot of walking under the sun.

The best part of this trip was being able to hangout with a couple of my closest friends - Ma'am Rica and Coni. <3

Blue skies and green trees.

Filipino religious iconography.

Hello lovely ladies!

Unicorn sighting!

Love the plastic installation/sculpture.

I feel like you need two days just to be able to explore and appreciate everything.

Coni looking as lovely as ever.

Me looking okay. lol

Zuma!

Love the trees and this girl.

Too real.

Definitely a lot to take, so come early and be ready to be overwhelmed by beauty and creativity.

Desserts at Dominique Ansel Bakery

2017-05-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is my first post in two years. Is blogging still even a thing? Whatever. I have photos, things happen in life, so here we are. And of course, my first post in a long while is about food. Dominique Ansel bakery is one of the biggest tourist traps in the New York. They also have the yummiest desserts, which is why we lined up in the cold of winter for an hour to have our turn at going over our daily calorie requirement.

These are not your ordinary smores.

No campfires here.

The highlight, of course is the milk shots.

Wallked around SOHO for a bit with my awesome coworker and friend Yessenia.

Now, let's see if I can keep this up.

Stonecrop Garden in Cold Spring, NY

2015-07-14T21:42:00.003-07:00

Autumn in Cold Spring

2015-02-02T19:19:00.002-08:00

This is my fourth year in the East Coast and I can honestly say that autumn is my favorite season. There's something magical and wonderful about the way the leaves turn red, yellow and orange and how the air is cool but not freezing. Some poets see death in the falling of the leaves and the shortening of the day as though this season stand for nothing but loss or sadness. But is death not a necessity for change? And what is autumn if not the world changing, dying unto itself so that a new world can be born again? What is death in autumn if not the chance to start over? And if autumn is truly nothing but death, then is it not the most beautiful of endings - an explosion of inspiring color and beauty, the world burning to its inevitable but magnificent end.

I seem to have gotten sidetracked. What I'm really trying to say is that, autumn is beautiful in New York, especially upstate in Cold Spring. Cold Spring is a small town, about an hour and a half by metro north. It is surrounded by mountains and hills that are good for trekking. It also has a park beside the river, perfect for strolling and photos. The town also has a several quaint restaurants, hotels and vintage shops. No wonder hipsters come all the way from Brooklyn to see this town. Pictures below! Can't wait for all this snow to finally melt.

A day in Central Park/ Poet's Walk

2014-10-13T22:42:00.001-07:00

Manila will always be home but I can't deny that New York has a soft spot in my heart. Sure, NYC can be stinky, the people rude, and the cost of living unrealistically high, but it's got its moments.

It's been a while since I last went out and explored and I did so one weekend when I was feeling down. I wen to central park and it was wonderful. The leaves have started to turn and the air was cool but not chilly.

I came in through Columbus Circle, ate some dogs wrapped in pretzel. I was a dollar short and was about to return my water when the vendor told me that it was fine. See, there are nice people in this city! On a weekend, the park was packed with tourists, families, and children! I try not to take pictures of children in playground to avoid prison.

I miraculously found my way to the poet's/literary/shakespeare trail. It's probably my favorite part of the park because of the long line of trees forming a canopy. Under the canopy are people reading, playing music, blowing bubbles and dancing! There was even an area for roller blades. A couple of guys were playing violin. This curly haired boy was playing songs by Adele and Taylor Swift on his violin. He was amazing and I stayed on for about half-an hour just listening to him play while i read a book.

I also went by the Bethesda Fountain but that place is always packed. I moved to Sheep's meadow and lied on the grass until it started getting chilly and I knew it was time to leave. On my way out was a band playing more music. Perfect way to end a perfect day.

Pictures below, as always:

Gail in NYC - MOMA and Central Park

2014-07-16T01:10:00.001-07:00

Gail was one of the first (if not the first!) people I met in college. I was this shy, scared little boy from the province come to live in Manila by myself. And I was glad to have met someone like Gail who was truly nice and welcoming.

We hadn't seen each other in almost a decade so I was really glad to tour her around NYC even though the list of places she wanted to see was exhausting on paper and deadly in real life. haha. Fine, it's my fault for wearing the most uncomfortable shoes.

But we made it! First stop: MOMA and Central Park!

Started the day with flowers.

St. Iggy.

I finally got to try the famous Halal Guys outside MOMA. Totally worth the long wait in line!

This month alone, I've been to the MOMA three times.

But I never get tired of it.

Salvador Dali!

Starry, Starry Night of course!

Picasso

Outside are some pretty apartments.

Monet!

My favorite! So relaxing to look at.

What is modern art if not crazy.

And fun.

I had to take a selfie because the bathroom was so pretty. haha.

People watching some weird movie.

Gail let her hair down.

Stopped by the gift shop.

And walked around Central Park!

Next Stop: Brooklyn Bridge!

Happy Birthday Juls and Annie!

2014-07-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

We haven't had a Pinoy party in a long time so I was really happy when Juls and Annie threw one for their 25th birthday! Yay. It was good to see friends again and eat tons of food and just laugh. A lot. Then laugh some more. My mistake was drinking without any food in me. So, I barely remember taking some of these pictures. Fine, most of the pictures. haha. Everything was kind of a blurrrrr after the first hour. Hahaha! But still! fun!

Can I just say, ang init! haha. Nay, minsan lang to, hindi po ako alcoholic! hahaha.

Of course this happened. Why are you even surprised?

Tons more pictures after the cut!

Hello Annie!

Hello Michael and Karen! Welcome to my blog Karen! haha.

Aisa, Chuck and Ramon! Roll call?? haha.

Sige chuckie, push mo yan. push mo sa mouth mo. haha.

What is Tantan measuring?

Krister to the left.

Lavahhhhhhhhsssss

Favorite VCUT! Siyempre dala ko sa party yung trip ko kainin. haha.

Things started to get blurry.

And dark for Tantan with his shades.

NKKLK

Gus! Welcome to my blog! Kumusta naman po ang fried chicken ni Juls?

Kennedy Fried Chicken! Apparently it's all over the city now.

And it's really yummy.

Karen and Annie!

Uno Stacko while drunk. haha.

Not. Drunk. At. All.

MWahhhhhh

Amputi ng ngipin ko dito. Lovet! haha.

Apple Cider = traitor! Akala mo juice lang, nilalasing ka na pala. haha.

IDK.

Birthday peeps!

HAHAHA.

Uhm.

Yeah.

Awww.

Ferosh.

Drunk in Love.

SOP na tong pose na to sa parties. haha.

Broken doll.

Hello Nikko katukayo!

Random shots of food.

Lovet!

Insert Catption here.

Gwapo naman ni Chris. haha.

HAHA! Closeup kung closeup.

Hello friends! I don't remember this photo.

Or this.

Kinda remember this?

Happy drunk in the background.

Lapit pa ng kaunti.

Yay! Missed you annie!

Pikit pikit pag may time.

No recollection of this one too.

Was I even taking this? haha. peace!

Bea we miss you!

Party party!

Kaya mo yan Juls!

Chris tsuper naka lunch-break sa pagmamaneho. haha. joke!

Happy birthday!

Pinoy Boy in the City

2014-06-23T12:36:00.003-07:00

I started this blog as a place to store and dump my pictures. And sometimes it still is, but that's beside the point. Along the way it became a place where I could post my pictures publicly, which, I thought, would then encourage me to take better pictures. And later, I found a blog format that allowed me to tell stories through the photos I took, a sort of extension of my creative writing days when I used to weave fiction.

Inevitably, this blog, without me noticing it, has transformed again. Inevitable because I've been moving through doors, phases and places this past couple of years and transformation comes with stepping through doors, whether we realize it or not. I want to say that this blog is changing because of all the growth that's been happening to me and in me but "growth" would be too presumptuous, and in many cases, plain lie. So let's stick to the word "change." I'm changing and so is this blog.

I moved to New York a couple of years back to study Economics and International Development. Back in the Philippines, I've worked in the non-profit sector for a long time, but I felt I needed to go back to school and equipped myself with skills and knowledge to actually be able to serve better. It's been a year since I finished my MA in Fordham and it looks like I'm going to be here in NYC for a couple more years to learn a little bit more about being in development.

And as I come to terms with being here - and yes, it's taken me this long to come to terms with it because I miss our ridiculously large and numerous malls, the smell of taho in the morning, the sound of the Selecta ice-cream bike in the afternoon - I've also learned to grow fond of this City. Don't get me wrong, Manila will always be number one for me, but New York can be very charming in the way that some mannerless, rough, rugged but pretty people can be charming after you spend a few weeks with them trapped in an elevator with nothing but alcohol for drinks.

And knowing that I won't be here, surrounded by lights and subway grime, forever I want to capture this City in my own way. Whatever that means will unfold in the days to come. This may also be a long way of me saying that I'm changing the name of this blog. Atleast for now.

And in keeping with the photo blog theme - here I am in Grand Central. Grand Central is probably my favorite spot in the City because I love people-watching and great architecture and GCT certainly has those.

San Fracisco at Night

2014-06-22T22:17:00.001-07:00

First part of this trip is HERE.

We only had one day in San Francisco and I wish we had more. I was super exhausted but I couldn't rest when there was so much of the city to see. So I decided to walk around some more.

What I love about San Francisco is that it reminds me so much of Manila. This reminds me of Manila Bay.

Entertainment by the bay.

I read somewhere that there's a Parisian alley. Sadly, it literally was an alley.

Walked to China Town.

We saw this wonderful store with all sorts of things. Like these monkeys.

And lights and clown.

And beautiful chess pieces.

So much pretty.

Went by the skating rink.

I <3 San Francisco.

Guess what these are.

And it was time to go.

See you again San Francisco!

MET MUSEUM with Ma'am Rica

2014-06-15T20:28:00.001-07:00

I've been to the MET Museum almost ten times and I don't think I've seen everything there is to see. It's huge. It's one of the few things that make me a little jealous of Americans and their first world money. And so I was glad when Ma'am Rica said she wanted to see the MET again. We looked at the Egyptian exhibit and ALMOST bought jewelry.

First part is HERE by the way.

This made me miss Egypt even more. Egypt was turbulent, dusty and confusing but it was also beautiful . And yes, my shirt has a drunk panda on a hipster giraffe.

Ma'am Rica's look of wonder.

I remember how the Egyptian Museum had so much artifact that they were literally on the floor without any sort of casing or protection.

To cleanse our palate, we saw a special exhibit of clothes by Charles James.

It's hard to explain, but the exhibit was brilliant. James's art was articulated in how he manipulates structure in his dresses to achieve shapes that are in themselves beautiful. The exhibit made this easier to understand by heaving computers scan through parts of the dresses while a monitor explains how it was made and what it meant in the overall effect of the dress.

I took this picture before I realized that we weren't supposed to. So lucky me!

Hat collection!

Baby clothes!

And then back to Egypt!

The exhibit was lit very beautifully.

Just wanted to make sure I had proof that we were together!

Selfie time!

Happy girl at the MET.

The MET lobby itself is very pretty.

And now the Greeks.

NYC snow globe :)

Ma'am tried on some jewelry.

Those earrings looked great!

But these was the clear winner.

One last shot before...

SHAKE SHACK. My poor arteries.

And back to Cafe Lalo we went.

For some coffee.

Tsismis.

Insight.

And plain old laughter.

More to come!

Missing Winter

2014-06-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

I know I spent the last few months complaining about how cold it was and here I am posting about missing winter. But can you blame this boy from the tropics where it's always sunny and warm even when it's raining. Man, has it been hot or what. It really is the city of extremes when it comes to weather.

I found these pictures lying around in my hard drive. It's also been a while since I've seen most of these people and these pictures are a good reminder of how it can be to hang out with them. The day started with me meeting Chinno and Kathy in Grand Central. I haven't seen Chinno in 10 years so that was awesome.

And then I had lunch with Aisa, Annie and Chuckie then met up with Neil in Central Park just to roll around in the snow! I keep forgetting to make snow angels! Warning, long post ahead.

Not fake laughing, of course!

It was nice to catch up with Chinno after all this time. He has changed and he hasn't changed, if that makes sense.

It was nice to meet Kathy too! And love Chinno's bag. I want one!

Chinno, always searching for love and then some. :)

And then Central Park!

Hello Annie!

The Titanic pose happened.

Who knows why.

And then there was Aisa!

Aisa with her fab new hair!

And then Neil!

Chuck is like an eagle with wings always spread wide. Spread eagle. haha. I'm such a dork.

Mich was away so we entertained Neil.

LOL! Neil, you have to practice your poses! These guys are experts.

Best pals.

Yes, I'm wearing a tie. Because I can!

Strutting fiercely.

WHY?

In the horizon, the sun begins to set.

Snow is the only saving grace of winter as far as I'm concerned.

Strong.

I think snow just brings out the inner child in everyone.

See! And yes, Annie and Chris deserve each other. Photobomb!

Lovet!

Tableau.

Death scene.

Yes, Chuch showing his, uhm, eating prowess.

Hey Neil!

Reminds me of Mojako.

Hey it's me!

I love Central Park because it's always nice to see so many people.

And so many kids having fun!

Wheeee!

By now you should know that taking pictures was the purpose of this entire trip.

Look!

Let me know if you want this removed! :P

Neil taking awesome photos.

In the horizon the sun sets behind the city.

And everything was lovely.

Stopped by a mall to pee. haha.

And take pictures.

Of the beautiful lanterns.

We met this cute Japanese boy.

Outside, a shadow of the park.

We watched a movie. But not the Lego movie.

See you soon winter!

Zsazsa in NYC

2014-06-13T22:26:00.002-07:00

These days I've been blessed with friends visiting from everywhere. Someone up there must know that I'm homesick and Jollibee is no longer enough of a cure. This time, Zsazsa dropped by! She was my co-worker at Pathways to Higher Education. It's this great non-profit organization that helps marginalized but deserving kids get access to quality higher education. I haven't seen Zsa in over seven years. She's been in Philadelphia for over two years and it's only now that we've had time to finally meet up. Why it took us so long is a wonder to me because this visit just made me remember how much fun hanging out back then. We ended up visiting the Bronx Botanic Garden which is pretty all year around.

Sasssy girl Zsazsa! Her style has always been amazing.

Every school has Compliments page where students can compliment anyone on Facebook. Fordham took it up a notch by publishing one for every graduating senior!

It was the day after graduation. There's something very pretty and haunting about the field with folded chairs scattered about.

In front of Keating Hall!

Obviously, these pictures are in no particular order. Here's Doris!

At some point we also had lunch at Minado, an all you can eat Japanese restaurant in NJ.

Why I insist on blogging about food in the middle of the night is a mystery to me.

God, green tea and vanilla ice cream.

Hey gurrrl.

Water with lemon. Although I read somewhere that this is unsanitary.

And finally the Botanical garden. Fresh herb plans! I put basil on everything so I might buy one one of these days.

The Garden is right by Fordham and students can come in for free! So yay!

So much prettiness!

I can't even!

I took a picture of this plant because it reminded me of Fr. Nemesio Que in Ateneo. I know, totally random.

Prerfect day for pictures.

Lovely.

Of course! Obligatory picture together.

More to come!

Bea in Boston Part 2!

2014-06-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

I felt that this particular trip to Boston was a little bit more relaxed since we've already seen most of the tourist places and there was no pressure to run around and see everything. Bea is also a good travel companion because she's very chill and just wanted to walk around the city.

So the fun continues!

Part 1 is HERE

I think this was our first stop when we arrived in Boston. Ice Cream near BC!

So yummy.

I think this is where I left of in my last blog post.

Chris and Annie doing it better than the couple behind them.

See, this is why I love Boston. It's so easy to walk by the river. It's very calm. Here, it takes so much effort to go see the Hudson, which is right by the highway anyway.

Gang's here.

This is what I plan to look like when I'm older.

Chris found his picture as a child.

Ahem.

Oh Chris. Never change.

It was a bit gloomy but still pretty.

Wait for it...

And there it is!

Your wedding pictures will look amazing. haha.

Chris riding a cannon. just because.

Why?

Love this view of the city!

Here I am looking like the grumpy, outcast sibling. haha.

Stopped by my favorite vintage bookstore in Boston.

Might also be the only vintage bookstore I know in Boston. haha.

Walked around the park.

People who can't wait for the cold to end.

Saw this fabulous man! Words are not enough!

Ma'am Rica in America Part 1

2014-06-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Ms. Rica Bolipata-Santos comes from a line of very famous artists in the Philippines. Today she is one of the most important writers/essayists and is head of the Ateneo University Press(naks!) But for many years she had always been Ms. Rica, my teacher. She was my very first teacher in Ateneo and, being a boy from the province who wrote nothing but cheesy love letters in high school, I owe much of the confidence I gained, and badly needed, throughout my college life, to her. She wasn't just a teacher of English, she was a teacher of life. And this is why I probably took 18 units with her, because it was from her that I gained so much passion, not just for literature, but for living. The kind of living, which rests on arms that reach out to the highest of heavens and the lowest of earths, arms that unfold to embrace and welcome but also fold to rest and protect.

Living in the moment, living for the moment.

So imagine my excitement when she told me she was coming to NYC. She brought with her a suitcase full of memories and insights. And silliness, of course. Lots of fun, senseless, meaningful silliness! And also her wonderful sister, the oh so talented, Ms. Plet Bolipata-Borlongan.

We picked them up from the airport and welcomed them with flowers and the most excited of hearts!

As with other blog posts, this one is in no particular order. Ma'am introduced as to Cafe Lalo where the movie You've Got Mail was apparently shot. It was also home to these yummy cheesecakes!

Ordered some fruit flower lemonade because I didn't know what it was.

We had apple pie.

Our new favorite spot in the city.

What a lovely summer day. And yes, I think the city just decided to skip Spring and go straight to Summer.

We walked around Central Park for a bit.

Ms. Plet was reminiscing their younger days in the City and so had some pretzel.

Bad idea to do this post at this hour because I'm now craving for Pretzel.

Passed by the Museum of Natural History.

We took photos in front of the hotel, where John Lennon was shot to death.

The light was lovely.

Imagine!

Some guy skateboarded through the flowers and this guy was awesome enough to rearrange them. Kindness in the most unexpected of moments.

Walked around some more.

Stopped by a nice furniture shop.

And then we ate some yummy Indian food for dinner.

Lord, why am I doing this post now.

And then we walked around some more with their lovely cousin, Marie.

I've always been fascinated by how lovely this building is.

So we took pictures in front of it.

And that was that for now. :)

Cardinal Tagle visits Fordham University

2014-06-10T14:13:00.002-07:00

The Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Cardinal Luis Tagle visited Fordham University to receive his Honorary Degree. Of course, Filipinos all over the city came in full force to welcome and celebrate mass with him. Some of us helped out in the mass and the coat check. And when we got bored, we did what we do best - pose.

I didn't get to take pictures during the mass because we were running around most of the time.

Here's everyone looking dapper and nice.

Fr. President passed by and Juls took a picture with him.

And so did Mich. Hello freshies! haha.

Oscar came as the mayor. And shook hands.

With his constituents.

Then this happened. I don't know why.

The Ambassador.

I'm obviously bad with people's names.

But he was really cool and friendly.

Here's more of everyone.

And here are the boys.

Obviously not a lot of people were checking their coats.

TEEEEEVEEEEEEEEEE.....

....PATROL!

Hello!

Ask Chuck.

Hello Mayor Oka!

Of course we had to get our picture with the main man, which wasn't so easy since he was very popular and every one wanted a picture with him.

Amen.

Boyzzzzz.

Anna's Birthday at Grill 21

2014-06-08T07:24:00.002-07:00

I've always been very resilient when it comes to homesickness. I think it comes from being an only child raised by a single parent. While my mom was away working, I would spend hours playing clay and watching TV. In the beginning, of course, I used to cry a lot when my mom would have to go to work. But in time, as with many other things in life, you get used to it. Which is why, I think, it wasn't very difficult for me to join JVP or study here in NY.

But, you know, there are just those days when there's nothing I wouldn't give up for a sniff of dirty Manila air. And the closest I can get to home, other than coming home to relatives in New Jersey is eating Pinoy food. And so I was a very happy kid when Anna said she would be celebrating her birthday at a Filipino restaurant so her husband's non-Pinoy friends can try Filipino food.

They served lumpiang shanghai as an appetizer. And they kept the supply coming! I don't think I've eaten that much lumpia in my entire life. Thank you Anna!

Anna looking good here!

They had coconut juice in their menu but I was disappointed to find out it was canned. Booooo.

Anna's friends! Thankfully most of them loved the food!

I think this is caldereta. So yummy!

This is their special pancit.

Tinola! While I've never been a big fan of tinola, because I'm a sinigang boy, I really loved their version.

Dan whispering sweet nothings. haha.

Of course the Russians brought alcohol. Lots of alcohol.

I love the wall decor!

And Red Horse! But I never got to drink it because, uhm, there were other options.

Halo-halo for dessert!

Happy birthday Anna!

Awwwww.

Everyone was in a jolly mood.

The other wall.

With Llenell and some Rando she met on the street. haha. I kid. :)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visit

2014-06-07T17:18:00.001-07:00

Every year, come spring time, I always make plans to see the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. They're supposed to be amazing. And every year my laziness and aversion to huge crowds win over and I end up staying home, eating Chinese food and binge watching survivor.

And so far, every time I miss the one in D.C. I end up going to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden just to be able to say I took pictures of cherry blossom trees There's not a lot but that doesn't diminish their beauty in any way.

And for the first time in five months, I'm wearing shorts!

There were so many people which made it even hotter (and not the good kind of hot.)

Living in a city with four seasons make you appreciate the small things like wearing shorts outdoors after months of being buried under layers of coats and jackets.

yay!

Apparently, everyone in the entire city was there too.

Looking at these pictures now just reminds me of how truly pretty those blossoms are and why I keep wanting to see them.

And that's good because while I was there it was really hard to appreciate anything because it was so freaking hot.

On a side note, my camera is driving me nuts with that oil spot. I have to get it fixed but it pains me to be away from it for a long time.

Also, please forgive my many selfies.

Fountain by the entrance.

And further proof that it's already spring, flowers!

And more flowers!

I think this is supposed to be some sort of art work nest. But what do I know. And yes, I rarely read labels.

So many people. It's crowds like these that make me want to go home and read a book. Sorry, introvert.

The lake by the Japanese garden.

Looking at these pictures make me sweat. haha. But still, prettiness.

I think I lost a few hundred calories with that short trip so I had to eat some Chinese food.

It's so unhealthy, it's really good.

Bea in Boston Part 1

2014-06-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Boston is, I think, next to Manila and New York, my favorite city. Sometimes, I think I like it even more than New York because it has all the convenience of a city but in a package that's small enough to be tranquil and stress-free. Thus I was very happy to be back in Boston for a third time, this time with Bea, who was on vacation from her amazing work in Kenya.

As with other blog posts, don't expect any of the pictures to be in any sort of order. Life is random! and so is this blog.

We started by exploring the seven mile walk. It's essentially a seven mile (duh) strip of brick stone that goes through all the important historical sites in the city. Here is Bea, taking her first historical step on the brick road.

The first site was this cemetery for famous historical figures. I do not know much about American history so there. This is just the beginning of Chris's, uhm, "amazing" poses. More to come.

Hello Donna.

Donna and Leilanee.

Samuel Adams. We should've brought a beer.

I love taking these shots because it always reminds me of scenes from TV shows, like Sex and the City, of people walking down city streets.

By now, you should realize that Chris does not simply smile and say cheese at the camera.

This is King's chapel. I think. It's pretty though!

We went to Fenuil Hall. It was still pretty chilly.

The gang in front of Quincy Market. Thanks Becca Balls (long story) for hosting us at your super nice apartment.

And yes I decided to wear a tie. Some days, I just feel like dressing up a bit.

Bea and Annie!

I love Christmas and I love Bea, so perfect!

They decided to separate from us since they've already seen the spots we were visiting. But we saw them again after a few minutes. Took a photo before we let them go.

Hello Elmo. And Cookie Monster.

By Christopher Columbus Park.

Spot the photobomber.

Yiheeee.

Obviously, see you at Part 2. and maybe 3.

At the Whitney Museum

2014-05-10T23:12:00.003-07:00

Knowing that you'll be at a certain place for sometime can make one lax about exploring. When I wen to Barcelona, I only had 3 days and so forced myself to get out of bed and to walk for hours. I made sure to see every major tourist destinations. Here in NYC though, knowing that I would be here for quite a while, I haven't really been going around much. How many weekends did I tell myself that I would go out to see this or that only to end up staying in bed and on the interwebz, telling myself that there'll be other days. Thus, it took me 3 years before I finally set foot at the Whitney Museum.

Man, I should have done this before. Also, I wish I took notes and could tell you who made who, but I can't. I just took pictures of artworks that struck me the most without even thinking that I would someday blog about them. My bad. Maybe next time!

Reminds me of a Stephen King book cover.

The Museum isn't as crowded as the MET or the MOMA.

I think that this is my favorite.

Amazing what people can do with wires.

I love this chandelier made of wine glasses!

I like this guy's sweater!

I'm on a suit phase.

We took the stairwell and these were spread around the corners.

Not creepy at all.

Deer Sweatear

2014-05-10T01:31:00.005-07:00

For Christmas, I got a deer sweater. It's ridiculous and I love it! haha.

Obviously, this is my favorite hallway on campus.

Because there's no one to witness how awkward I get in front of the lens.

I also like the elbow patches. Although, I have know idea what they're for.

What I like about living in a place where there are 4 seasons is I get to wear different things that I wouldn't normally be able to wear in a tropical country like these bargain boots. haha.

Deer closeup!