Nowhereian Notes

A story about a dream and a DREAM

2021-03-18T00:44:00.002+08:00

A few weeks ago, I had a vivid dream. In it, I was drowning in a body of water. It was a river where I jumped on a jutting rock before landing on the clear water. Suddenly, there was this current pulling me back that I couldn't seem to get out of no matter how hard I try to swim to the surface.

After what seemed to be an eternity of thrashing and resisting, I simply let go. So this must be how it feels to die. In the dream, I clearly remember the feeling of surrendering because there's nothing else to get me out of that situation. I was a goner. So I just let go.

And then I woke up. I was so relieved I was on my bed and not in a body of water because I'm well aware that dream couldn't be far from my reality if ever I was in one.

That dream, of course, warranted a Google search for its meaning. Many interpretations say "I could be overwhelmed with emotions, fear or anxiety". Or it's "a symbolism of something that's weighing me down".

I probably was stressed due to a large volume of responsibilities that was added in our work load. I was also anxious with the results of my study permit application to the point I couldn't sleep well for weeks LOL.

The work stress will always be there, so coping and managing are keys. But I'm happy to say that today marks the end of my sleeplessness and agonies. Tbh, I've been anxiously (also excitedly) waiting for the results of my application and today, it happened.

I got it.

These times are crazy, unpredictable, and unprecedented, but I'll worry about those later but for now, let me bathe in happiness.

A 2020 Update

2020-03-17T17:24:00.001+08:00

THE FUCKING PANDEMIC HAPPENED ON OUR WATCH AND HERE WE ALL ARE COOPED UP IN OUR DOMESTIC HOLES.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.

Does it ever go away?

2020-02-07T03:44:00.001+08:00

Tell me, when will it ever stop?
It’s easy to trick the mind that it would be easier to forgive and forget.
I can never forget.
I am not ready to forgive yet.
But it fucking weighs me down.
It’s too heavy I can’t promise to be strong every day.

Will it ever go away?

Hello old friend

2019-09-13T00:29:00.000+08:00

Funny how it seems that we go back to our roots after a catastrophic event in our lives. In my case, roots here have a different meaning.

I meant, writing.

After all, this space was created because I was once a bewitched university kid who had no idea how to handle an infatuation and so funneled all that emotion writing to the interweb.

So.

I’ve been walking in perpetual daze ever since I found out something that shocked me to the core. I guess it’s normal when someone you’ve put too much faith, truth, respect, and love betrays you it’s as if you could feel the world is literally crashing down on you.

Which is quite apt to describe it. The crushing feeling doesn’t seem to stop. I don’t know when it will ever stop. I know someday it will but it sure as hell not today.

It might only be day five but by god it feels like it’s already been an eternity.

Who’s the worst?

2018-10-22T08:42:00.003+08:00

The longest I've gone MIA in here was 9 months. Well then I just broke that record once again. The new record is a day short of 13 months!

I literally am the worst. 😭

To be fair I've been busy with work (progress report: IT'S EXTREMELY DIFFICULT) and planning our recently wrapped-up (short) European trip. One day I'll get to write about that too (like all the other things I promised I'd write about ugh).

I know this page doesn't even get traffic and all but for sentimental reasons I keep paying for renewal, even during those times I was shitbroke. It's really hard for me to give up this space but I am aware that I am not utilising it the way it should be. Anyway, the only reason I created this space is to store my thoughts a la online diary. Nothing should change.

That's all for now. I'll see what I can do with better presence here. In the meantime, here's a photo of me with Matterhorn in the background haha.

So you just came back home after 17 months of travelling, now what?

2017-09-23T21:36:00.003+08:00

Recently, I bumped into a college mate who couldn’t hide his surprise after finding out I was back from my trip.

You read it right, I’m back.

In fact, I've been back home for four months now. There were people who couldn’t feign their surprise whenever I reply “I’ve been back since May!” to their “nasaang lupalop ka na ba ng mundo?” questions.

All this confusion could mainly be attributed to the fact that I didn’t Facebook announce our return (that's right, it ain't official unless it's Facebook official lol). JC and I told only a handful of people, not that everyone needed to know right?

How has it been so far?

Before landing in Manila, I’ve somewhat already went through the homecoming jitters and emotions when I landed in Bangkok last March. That’s how much I’ve missed Asia. Asia was home.

Truth be told, I didn’t miss Philippines.

YES I missed my friends, I missed Jollibee (Philippine food scene in general), and the warm ocean. I could totally end my list there. If I had my way, I wouldn’t come back at all but we were so broke I begrudgingly agreed. JC and I needed to find work so we could pay our debts, basically pull our shits together so we could deal with our next plan of running away again. Hee.

Since we came back I confirmed the following:

Everything is still exactly how we’ve left it. Sure, some friends got married, nieces and nephews got bigger/taller, dogs a little older but traffic is still terrible, wifi is still ridiculously slow and unreliable, most government offices and officials are still dubious and/or corrupt.
The good thing about #1 is that it also applies to people. My closest friends are still awesome and they still love me. Conversations were picked up like I've never left at all.
Somehow, I've changed. Too many things have happened while we were away. I discovered the good, the bad, and unfortunately, the ugly in me.

First order of business upon arrival: Jollibee!

Glad to have made it to our friends' wedding after missing two good friends' weddings huhu.

Here's how JC and I spent the three months we've been unemployed:

Fattening ourselves. Imagine this: we ate rice THRICE a day! His mum's fault.
But that's only because JC's grandparents have been living in their place - where we are also staying (they came here to the city while we were gone) - so whatever they are being fed, we are fed that, too.
Helping out JC's mum taking care of the senior citizens and goodness it WASN'T easy. It was a struggle mostly because the patient is a huge pain in the butt I am not even kidding huhu.
We saw mostly hospitals, groceries, UP ( 3 times if I am not mistaken), and SM North. We have our routes and schedules.
Sleeping. A lot.

Friends I met the days following our arrival in Manila.

Family duties. Taking care of senior citizens fam and having fun while at it.

While all these things were happening, more importantly I was also worrying about landing a job. I mean, what job can I take? Who will take me? Gaaad how I worried.

In mid-July, an opportunity by way of a former colleague (and friend) landed on my lap and Lord knows I grabbed it by its neck and never let go. After a month of interviews, going back and forth Taguig on odd hours, I'm happy to report that I made it and am no longer a pabigat in this household and country haha.

Taguig may be a long way from QC but I love my new job and its perks (technically I am still not doing the job but base from what I have been seeing and hearing, I can feel it isn't gonna be difficult to love this job. I'll tell you if it turns out to be a dud). I'm excited at the promise of getting paid every 15 days (bwahaha), of the coming months, the new adventures slowly taking shape because I am once again employed.

The long and short of it

It's hard to come back to reality after living a nomadic life for 17 months. We had no rules, no fixed schedules, no hard expectations. We lived by the moments and appreciated every little details. Which is - no offense to anyone - not understood by many. Why go through all that? Why quit a nice job only to go broke? Too many whys.

I understand that not everyone will comprehend why we did what we did—it's not for everyone. I don't go around telling everyone how easy and fun a life it was because, spoiler alert, IT WASN'T EASY AND FUN ALL THE TIME. It was a culmination of years of settings goals, visualisation, and hard work. But I LOVED every bit of it, the great, the meh, and the horrible days. I have zero regrets about it. The key is to be ready for anything and everything.

Not everyone might share my unconventional decisions in life but I find comfort in the thought that somewhere out there, there are those who wouldn't dare ask the whys, instead will have that same gleam in their eyes all the while squealing "SAME!", a look that any long-term traveller seems to share.

I dreamed of Patagonia. A view of Torres del Paine's famous three peaks after 3 hours of uphill climbing.

Hello, She's Still Alive

2017-09-10T00:18:00.006+08:00

Well this is an embarrassment. How did it take me 9 months to update this space? I am the worst.

Believe me when I say I have plenty of things in my head I want to convey into words and hopefully get posted in here but laziness always gets in the way. That and my unfailing self-doubt when it comes to writing.

Brb drafting something now.

It has been great, 2016!

2017-01-01T05:13:00.002+08:00

My 2016 takeaways:

Save a LOT of money before you quit your job to travel long-term.

Go quit your job if you have said money.

If you've run out of money, the universe will provide. Let me tell you a secret. We've run out of money a couple of months back already. We've done all kinds of pagtitipid there is in pagtitipid book but our money can only be stretched a few ways. The last time I had serious debt issue was between 2005 - 2007, my destitute years back in college. I make it a point to pay my debts or have none at all. Now, truth be told, I am neck-deep in debt 😭😭😭. I am not proud of it but I don't regret it either. I only regret not saving more.
In relation to #3: do not be afraid to ask for help. You'll be surprised on who ends up helping you. More often than not, they are NOT one of your closest friends or kin. But they believe in your cause and will not hesitate to offer their help. You will cry a lot because where did these people come from and why do they care whether you realise your dreams or not.

Thank those people.

No matter how expensive stamps are, send postcards to your dearest friends/family (I'm sorry that you will have to choose among them 😆). You can always eat curry rice every day. Which leads me to the next.
Always bring curry powder. Or instant soups. They are life savers!

Not everyone will be kind/honest/helpful. Be kind/honest/helpful anyway.

No matter how crap your Spanish (or whatever language you are learning) is, someone will always tell you your Spanish is great. It may not be true but they appreciate your effort to communicate with them (PS: Parisians scoff at non-French speakers but if you try with your halting French, they'll answer your queries and like you a little for trying but that's the Parisians, South Americans are a lot warmer and nicer hehe).

Surround yourself with great support group. Be a great support system to your friends, too, even while travelling.

Please leave tips for hotel/lodge staff. I mean if you can afford a 4- or 5-star hotel/lodge, I bet you can afford to dole out tips. Since I've been working as a kitchen help/waitress/hotelkeeper (??!!) for 3 weeks now (4 more weeks to go! 😩), I now have a better understanding of the hardships that entail these professions. The owners don't always give extras (or the tips itself) to their staff—who work unbelievably long hours— so PLEASE, it's better if you hand them the tip directly.

New Year's Eve 2016, I was being served food and alcohol by other people. New Year's Eve 2017, I am doing the exact opposite. What a reversal of role. Bilog nga talaga ang mundo.

I know 2016 did not really go well for a lot of people, for a lot of different reasons, but mine has been awesome. It wasn't always rainbows and dragonflies (🙃) but really, it has been the best year of my life yet. I thought 2014 couldn't be topped but then 2016 happened so moral of the story: malay mo mas best pa pala ang 2017 😬.

Feliz año nuevo! Bienvenido, 2017!

Volunteering Tales Part I

2016-07-09T13:24:00.000+08:00

As usual, I feel bad about not being able to write anything here for over a month BUT STILL I don't do anything about it. So while I was able to snuck out a few minutes away from all the lesser important things I have in my life AND while still inspired, I'll have a go at it.

This has been in my head for a while I need to set it free. So.

Disclaimer: I'm not making this up nor being fastidious.

I've been on the road for quite some time already that I've gotten used to Western behaviour and the ocean of differences that we seem to have (and by Western I meant European and North Americans). I'm not talking about religion, culture, nor belief here. These observations and experiences are based solely on working, OKAY, volunteering ethics.

Ever since JC joined me in Peru, we have been fortunate enough to have volunteered together in a backpacker hostel and in a retired couple's private property (where I am currently typing all these thoughts). The work is simple and manageable, some days it can get busy but nothing that we couldn't handle ourselves. We do, however, seem to always run into a problem with fellow volunteers with bad working behaviour and annoying habits such as:

Lack of care with what they're doing. Tasks as simple as cleaning are done half-heartedly or not done at all which could mean double job for someone else. Ex: cleaning a wet, muddy bathroom floor with dirty mop, purposely leaving dishes unwashed on their shifts so the volunteer on the next shift would do it, etc. I mean you are volunteering in a backpacker hostel so you basically know what you got yourself into.
Not knowing the difference between distilled water and vinegar. Someone actually mopped the floor using vinegar I wanted to cry.
Not giving a fuck over clogged drains that they themselves created by throwing all the little stuff on the sink, not bothering to clear and throw them away on the garbage bin like any normal human being would.
Using kitchen sponge for cleaning non-dishes related stuff. *cringes*
Leaving unwashed dishes everywhere (Okay I have an issue with unwashed dishes if you haven't noticed yet).
Not cleaning up right after prep/cooking session.
Antsy to leave shift 30 minutes before it actually ends.
Working as little as possible. If left unsupervised, won't do what should be done at all. The annoying thing is they do get away with it which leads me back to what I previously said, double the work for someone else.

I am not perfect myself, I am also guilty of procrastinating sometimes but not to the point where I let someone else do the job that I know I should be doing. I may be a bit of a stickler when it comes to washing dishes and ~~kitchen~~ overall tidiness (everyone should, imho) but it's a common courtesy to clean up after yourself, right?! Are they insensitive or am I too sensitive? I'm not too sure about all this but I suspect our [different] backgrounds may have something to do with our work behaviour.

Back home I've always hated cleaning chores but after doing it for a few months now I've learned to appreciate, even liked (gasp!) it. We may not get paid for what we do but it's no excuse for doing a lousy job.

Guess this post turned into a rant post, eh? Oops.

32

2016-05-11T10:51:00.001+08:00

In Manila I've officially turned a year older but since Peru is 13 hours behind, I won't be for another 2 hours here.

It's weird. Ever since I turned 30 I made it a point to celebrate my birthday out of town. It's my first time to celebrate it out of country, away from JC, friends, and family (and by family I meant family of JC and a few friends' family). I have no idea what to do tomorrow but I'd really love to treat myself. Perhaps I'd finally allow myself a fancy meal (missing good Japanese meal badly!) or a slice of cake or finally watch Civil War if I find a cinema playing it with Spanish subtitles instead of it being dubbed. All these I have to do in the first half of the day before my cleaning duty starts in the place where I'm currently volunteering.

Or I could walk again to my favourite, secret park in Malecon. Sit, stare at the sea. Mull over what I'm doing with my life, map out my next route, agonise about money, give thanks for everything.

Despite all the fears - founded or unfounded - I don't think I would change a thing about my recent decisions in life. Except maybe that time I still went, for the THIRD time, and typed an incorrect PIN code on my ATM card. I'd probably still have that card with me today.

¡Maldita sea!

Spending versus splurging. What would it be?

I'm Back In The Big City!

2016-04-29T10:28:00.001+08:00

After spending 3 weeks in a lemon farm with the best co-volunteers ever (will write about that experience later), I trudged my way back to Lima, Peru because 1) Chile visa was expiring very soon, and 2) I did not get a volunteering gig in Paracas.

It still worked out though as I landed a last minute volunteer work in Lima and since JC will be arriving in less than 3 weeks, I figured might as well spend it here. I'm so glad the house rental (not hostel) I'm staying in right now is in Barranco! I have my own private room. Period. Haha. Let's just say the work I'm doing here are typically the things I avoided at all cost doing back home. :| That being said, I can't wait to get out of here and head north. I'm eyeing Huaraz region so crossing my fingers we get a volunteer gig there.

25 Things I Learned on my First Month in Chile

2016-03-28T09:29:00.001+08:00

Just like that another month has passed. Not only am I celebrating my third month on the road, I am also celebrating my one month of living (or crashing in my friends' apartment) in Chile, specifically Valparaíso . What happened after I left Arequipa, Peru? How is Chile? Any interesting new experiences/knowledge to share? Fret no more as I present to you 25 things I learned on my first month of living in Chile.

1. Chile is expensive. Before I left Arequipa, 100% of the travellers I talked to that have been to Chile warned me how ridiculously expensive it was down there. Of course they were right. Still, I find comfort in the fact that there's another place in South America where tourists like me find it more and annoyingly expensive than Chile—Argentina.

2. Prepare for long bus rides. If you can afford domestic airfares, good for you mate, I envy you. Chile is a long but narrow country that stretches over 4,300 kilometres (by comparison Philippines is about 1,850 kms). One of the best decisions I made here so far was breaking my trip from Arequipa to Valparaiso by staying an extra night in Arica, a small border town located in northernmost part of Chile. From Arica I took a 31-hour bus ride all the way to Valparaíso covering roughly 2,043 kms. That's like half of the entire stretch of Chile. Typing about it makes me tired already.

Kids swimming in the middle of a public park. (Arica, Chile).

3. You can break down your trip, hello. If you can't stand long-distance bus rides, there's plenty of places to make a pitstop. I only did it because I have friends in Valpo (what locals call Valparaíso) and thought I had a work exchange waiting there for me.

4. Chile has a very diverse climate. From Arica to Valpo, I reckon 70% of the view from my window was of desert. Small oasis are rare to be seen. But there are also those that are huge enough to be a thriving city like Iquique. Valpo, located in the centre of Chile, enjoys a Mediterranean climate. I arrived at the tailend of summer here so it was mostly warm and sunny during day but cold at night. Parang Baguio weather. Only difference is Valpo is at sea level. When I went to Santiago on a daytrip, I saw hectares and hectares of vineyards. Down south is a whole different story. Hopefully, together with JC, we'd be there by spring.

Approaching Iquique, popular surftown.

5. Chilenos speak really fast Spanish it's insane.

6. Aside from speaking really fast, Chilenos tend to drop their 's' as well as end of syllables. Example: Buenas tardes becomes buena tarde, Lunes a Viernes becomes Lun a Vier. NKKLK. If, like me, your Spanish is super basic, you wouldn't understand a thing. I didn't. Most of the time when talking to the neighbours or vendors, I have this stupid look on my face that I don't even try to hide hahaha.

Save me from this dino este myself ata.

7. Related to above. Once while strolling in a supermarket, I overheard this couple saying Mickey Mau to their toddler kid while pointing to, of course, Mickey Mouse. Ang tinde! :))

8. They LOVE their completos. Completos are the Chilenos' version of the American Hot Dog. It has hotdog locally called as vienesa topped with chopped tomatoes and onions, mashed avocado then slathered with an insane (and disgusting after you realise what mayonnaise is made of) amount of mayonnaise. Completos food chain/stalls/vendors are everywhere. So far I had 3, one in Arica, 1 in Santiago, and 1 here in Valpo. The completos I had in Arica was the best so far. It was huge and came out cheapest of the 3.

A completos stall in Santiago, Chile

Best completos I had so far. This was in Arica, Chile.

9. Valparaíso is a beautiful and vibrant city. It's filled with colourful cerros and streets, artists in every corner, artworks in every space. No wonder it is Chile's cultural capital. Very bohemian.

10. If you have limited time in Valparaíso and have to visit 2 cerros only, make your way to Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion. Juiceko. Umaapaw sa pagka-hipster ang vibe ng mga lugar na yun. :))

11. They take their wall arts seriously. They make lovely and amazing arts even in places you didn't think you'd find art.

A few of the thousand murals found in Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion.

12. There's tons of people selling various whatnots along the streets of Valpo. What the bar guest I met in Arequipa said was true, we could actually sell something, ANYTHING here if we're cash-strapped.

13. There's also tons of canine friends roaming around the streets. People even leave water and food for them outside their steps or near posts. The downside of this tho is the poo smell everywhere.

A makeshift doghouse I found on the street somewhere in Cerro Concepcion.

14. If you live in one of the cerros (which I do), prepare for extensive leg workout. I live in an area where it takes 20 minutes to climb down to centre and 30-40 minutes to climb back. Most of the streets here are really steep with equally steep stairs it's not even funny. I walk a lot so I can save money.

Lots and lots of stairs huhu

Another route I take whenever going to the city centre. Quite a hike!

15. Cars going up to the cerros are called collectivos but they look a lot like brand new taxis we have in Manila. I noticed there's a lot of women driver here (yay!).

16. There's no McDonald's in Valparaiso. Nor KFC. If you want your Mickey D fix you have to go to Viña del Mar which is 20-30 minutes travel via micro bus.

17. I finally found a decent mall. It's also in Viña del Mar.

They have Chuck E. Cheese's but I don't know how it works haha.

18. I see many locals, even as young as high school students, with tattoos. They love tattoos which are curiously located in unconventional parts of the body.

19. Sadly, the cuisines here are not too varied. I am surrounded by completos, empanadas, chorillanas, choclos, papas, and other oily or fried food. Good thing we cook our food at home. I'd rather eat a peanutbutter sammich than stuff my face with overpriced, mostly fried and oily food.

20. There are plenty of supermarkets here and I've been to all of them haha. It's a guilty pleasure and often the highlight of my day whenever I go out. Sometimes I come inside, stroll, and look around without buying anything. Just admiring the variety of cheeses this one supermarket have over the other three.

Okay these pictures will be funny only to Pinoys hehe.

21. One supermarket, Mayorista 10 (which sells some of the cheapest products compared to others), do not sell soy sauce. I was walking back and forth the condiments aisle and couldn't for the life of me find a soy sauce but they have an entire aisle selling only cooking oil.

Kikkoman soysauce are super expensive here!

22. Chilenos are good-looking bunch. If the Peruvians have nice bums, Chilenos got nicer bums. Hehe.

23. Women LOVE their midriff tops. It's really a thing here. But soon as it gets cold everyone sports their coats and boots.

24. They have this strange but beautiful eye colour that I can't quite make out because I can't stare too long. It'd be rude.

25. On Sundays, streets of Valpo becomes almost a ghost town. Most of the establishments are closed, not much cars on the street. Even the vendors that usually line the streets are nowhere in sight. Goodluck finding your suking tindero for that cheap veggies or walnuts.

On Fixing 404s And Advertising Myself

2016-03-04T01:45:00.001+08:00

Google sent me an email today to inform me that there has been an increase on my 404 pages recently. I knew this would happen when I started moving my significant travel posts in another website. The move was mainly to realign all travel posts in one repository since this website has more personal and informal content than the other one I made 2 years ago. Also, to generate a more specific target which eventually could convert to income. It's a long road I have to take and involves a lot of work since I don't know a lot about these stuff buti na lang I now have the time and we have Google.

This means I couldn't ignore it any longer and have to find an immediate solution. So I did the easiest fix I could. I made a template message informing users that the page they are looking for has been removed and redirected that page to homepage. Easy peasy but I know it would hurt this website.

Now, I am including the link to that travel website to those handful of users who came here will not (hopefully) have a bad user experience by leaving empty-handed. It's still a work in progress so it's very basic. One day it will be pretty too (but highly depends on how fast I absorb all the coding and website tricks I'm currently learning).

I know not many people come here to read my thoughts, after all this website was initially created to record my personal thoughts and experiences.

But macncheeseontheroad is slightly better, informative, and worthy of your precious time. You can ask my friends to confirm this: I don't really sell myself to the public but perhaps, in this modern age of technology and digital living it's about time I put myself more out there. No better way than to start advertising myself now.

Please share the word. Also, YOUR support is highly appreciated. Please and Thank You.

21 Things I Learned From My First Month Of Living In Peru

2016-02-20T05:23:00.003+08:00

Today marks my first month in Peru. How time flew so quick. To celebrate surviving my first month, I made a list of things I learned, observed, and experienced the whole time I was here.

You can subsist on 14 Soles (roughly PhP190) worth of food budget for 3-4 days. Cooking is an essential skill you have to acquire when traveling slow.
On my first day of work in the kitchen, I was forced to cook an omelette for a customer. I've never done it back home (yes, I am awful like that) so imagine how I murdered my first omelette. I apologised to the guest but he was fine with it. Oh, did I mention I forgot to put salt on it? ✌🏼️ +_+
If you are not a loaded traveler (I mean come on first-world-citizens-who-claim-themselves-as-budget-travelers, you clearly haven't got clue of third-world-travelers-on-budget), buy your beers from supermarkets and drink it outside. Sit down in one of the many parks, sip on your cerveza while people watching. Beers in hostel bars are expensive, that's how they profit. Ssshhh.
Canadians are the nicest bunch of travelers I've ever encountered behind (and outside) the bar.
I met a few really nice American couples (they are out there, just rare breed!) traveling South America; BUT
I also met young American women who were the WORST. Let's just say they couldn't hold their alcohols, wrecked havoc in the hostel and pretty much caused an embarrassing scene which we still talk about until today.
Peruvian women are so gifted. I could stare at their bums all day and not get tire.
Reggaeton is a huge deal in South America. You will hear it everywhere so get used to it. Or better yet, learn to enjoy it.
Don't leave Arequipa without eating Chicharrones. Preferably those found in Mercado de San Camilo.
When being introduced to a local for the first time, kisses on the cheek are normal.
Also, a peck on the cheek before you leave. A simple ciao won't cut it.
I am still mistaken as a Korean.
There will always be friendly and curious travelers, talk to them.
But be wary of old travelers, they could be grumpy. Smile and suck it up.
Even if you've traveled extensively, someone will always have better travel resume than yours.It's mindblowing how they could.
Dutch are the second nicest bunch.
I like Peruvians because they do not stare at me. They do, however, stare at my feet whenever I walk around in my flip-flops.
It is RARE to see Arequipeños wearing flip-flops. They ALWAYS wear shoes.
In Lima, you can get away with flip-flops and pekpek shorts on summer. Everyone's showing skin, even the oldies (eyelovet!).
While accompanying a few friends for a late lunch, an old but obviously drunk man gave me a shiny un Sol to remember him by. Kinda weird but hey, I wouldn't say no to an un sol!
Rest assured when I serve you your cocktails, they are clean. It's my takeaway after working for more than 3 weeks in a hostel bar. ;)

I will be heading to Chile next week, stay tuned for my long-distance bus stories (huhu). Include me in your prayers if you are one of my friends who does. 😁

Ciao ciao!

A Valentine Post But Not Really

2016-02-15T12:32:00.002+08:00

When I woke up today at 6.30am, I looked for my phone and opened Facebook like I usually do. While scrolling down my feed, I saw my cousin's status announcing that our grandmother, the woman whom I was named after, has passed away.

I was surprised but calm. Then I went about today's activities. It's a Sunday so I'm in charged of kitchen. Once I was done prepping the kitchen for breakfast, I had a little down time. I decided to post about her passing away in instagram. It was while composing a caption that everything sank in. I allowed myself to mourn and cry a little.

The hardest bit of her passing away was I never got to say goodbye seeing as I'm on the other side of the world. But I do think that she will forgive me for it. We might not have the closest relationship, like my cousins have with her (since they all live in one house), I know ours was one of mutual admiration. I admire her for her courage to endure everything that had been hurled her way, for taking care of her (too many) grandchildren even if it meant giving up something for herself. My cousins, aunt, and uncle are the luckiest because they got to live and spend so much time with her but oftentimes I can't help but think that they drove her to the extremes and eventually it wore her out. She was aware of it but she chose them still.

I heard the reason why a certain cousin hated me then and made my life miserable - back when I used to lived in the same house during weekends - was that because I was her favourite. I never believed it. How could I? I didn't see her for almost seven years (I was shipped off to the province, came back when I was about to start University) and my mother isn't exactly well-liked in the family (let's just say she is the black sheep so initially, I thought everyone wouldn't like me as well).

My cousins had all the advantage in the world so why would she choose me? As I grew older, I realised that she might not really have uttered those exact words to anyone. She might, at some point, talked and bragged about how I was in the best University in the country, how I was a scholar blah, blah, blah that my cousin thought of me as a threat. Our grandmother got sidetracked for a while and she did not like it. I admire her sneaky way of getting into someone's head although I kind of paid for it for a few years.

When I told her about our trip to South America, she was genuinely happy and excited for me. I heard it in her voice and saw it on her face, how it lit up after hearing I was flying to the other side of the world after years of saving up for it. Her approval meant a lot to me. I'd like to believe that she approved most of my life choices, like not marrying at an early age like everyone else in the family had lol.

Wherever you are, I hope I made you proud. Sorry I was not there to hold your hand one last time.

Rest now, Lola Sarah. Say hi to Lolo for me.

First Month On The Road!

2016-01-28T03:31:00.001+08:00

And just like that, 31 days have passed since I left Manila.

Thirty-one days since I've last cut my toenails. Okay gross.

I've experienced winter (mild winter like what everyone kept saying) in Europe, traveled to 5 major cities, seen very famous landmarks, experienced very efficient transport system, stayed in European hostels (every hostels looked mediocre after that), drank a few beers, ate Belgian chocolate (and waffles!), walked too many kilometres, broke down one night due to solitude exacerbated by the freezing weather, flew from -5C to 26C with all winter accessories on.

Currently calling Arequipa, Peru her home base in the next 3 - 4 weeks (depends how everything pans out here). I am doing a "volunteer" work in a hostel in exchange for free accommodation, free breakfast, and staff discount on other services. But before arriving here, I was panic-stricken in Lima when I couldn't find a place to volunteer. I had to pay for my nights in the hostel, although which isn't much but still money going down the drain. I even had a very emo conversation with a friend who gave me his full support believing I could find one soon enough. I just had to be patient.

Lo and behold, when I went back to my hostel in Lima after a stroll in the beach an email was waiting for me. I didn't waste time and immediately traveled to Arequipa. It was a tiring 16-hour journey to the mountains of Arequipa. But I wasn't complaining.

I miss Jollibee, our malls, how there's so many restaurants/fast food chains to choose from (in short food diversity), my friends, and JC. But since this is the life I chose now, I gotta stay tough. hang on, count the days down before JC and I see each other again!

Life here is simple, days slow. It's weird to have so much time in your hand when back home I had barely time for all the things I wanted to do. Pero juiceko I need to find some online part-time job ASAP so if you know anything please hook me up! Thankz pow.

Anyway, goodluck to me in the coming months. Cheers to one month of making it! I

View from our hostel balcony

Happy New Year, Happy New Post! (Part I - UK)

2016-01-22T12:15:00.004+08:00

It's been ages since I wrote nonsense here. I've mostly been throwing down my thoughts in my instagram account but I dunno, I can't dump every single photo there that I find interesting just because.

SO MANY THINGS HAVE HAPPENED. Let me list those down:

I QUIT MY JOB! All caps for emphasis. December 18 was my last day at work which was spent doing last minute transition stuff and exchanging gifts with 3/4 of my team. Sad that I was leaving but excited for what's ahead. ;)

I spent New Year's Eve in a hotel pub somewhere in Southend-On-Sea. For those of you who are too lazy to google where that is, it's in Essex, UK. Yes, I finally made it in UK!

In case I forget where I was

I saw the Stonehenge!!! Unbelievable how many people were there. Apparently people are not deterred one bit of the winter weather. It was so damn cold. And windy which made it worse!

Had a proper English Christmas meal with the family of my host. It was so nice to have experienced how they celebrate special occasions this part of the world. I especially loved the crackers (that thing on the plate)! It's a cardboard tube usually wrapped in colourful paper. We crossed our arms to form a circle, each person holding one end of a cracker, then pull the cracker to reveal a gift, paper crown, and a joke inside. So cool! I got a nail clippers by the way.

Sherlock special! I need not wait for hours to download it in torrent haha.

London Underground! Although I stayed 2 hours drive away from London, my friend and I made a few day trips here to see the usual sights.

As mentioned earlier, on New Year's Eve we went to 2 pubs. The first was a local favourite called The Last Post.

The second was at The Railway Hotel where we rang in the New Year along with 100 (perhaps more) other souls. Absolutely no fireworks, just loads of beers chugged, hugs exchanged, and British songs sung (my favourite was Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now after Auld Lang Syne!).

Visited London icons.

Visited museums. They have the best, FREE museums!

Science Museum London

Natural History Museum

The star of Natural History Museum - Dippy, a the Diplodocus - is on display at the central vaulted hall near the dinosaur gallery.

Hunted this TARDIS.

Got drenched in typical London style.

English private schoolboys on a field trip + Tate Modern = dedmahin nyo na plz OOTD ko.

Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre. Rachel Anne Go = Pinoy pride!

A walk on the Millennium Bridge bcos Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London was fullybooked for like the next 2 weeks :(

Nando's!

These lads.

And I swear, too many things in between. I am so thankful for the things I saw, food I got to try, the new and oftentimes funny experiences I had, roadtrips (traffic-free roads damn!), a few shenanigans here and there, the family that adopted me for 11 days and most of all, the opportunity to travel. I hope I could come back again. Til next time, UK!

Next: Barcelona!

I Left My Heart in South America, I'm Coming Back to Retrieve It

2015-12-09T03:16:00.002+08:00

Leap of faith.

It's the best, nay, perfect phrase to describe the adventure I am about to embark. Less than 3 weeks from now, I will be leaving all that is familiar, comfortable, and dear to me. Something that I never thought I'd get to do nor will be able to do.

I quit my solid corporate job in order to chase a dream brimming with uncertainties. Me, whose one great fear is instability. But as I was mapping out immediate itineraries and backup plans, I realised that it's not really instability I fear of. It's the lack of money. Money to propel a life of comfort in this world. How would I fare out there if I don't have the financial means?

But dreams are dangerous. It burns fire within, something you did not know you were capable of thus equipping you with a belief that you can take on anything as long as you have your dream and you believe in it.

I have a dream and I believe that I can make it. There will be challenges - you bet there will be tons - but my belief is greater than the fears, hesitations, and doubts circling around. My confidence has always been too brittle, but not on this one. It does help that I have the vote of confidence from my little support group.

I can do it. I shall make it work.

PS: rackets and sidelines are very much welcome! :D

The Hunt For Cheddar Burst Blvd

2015-10-07T14:40:00.000+08:00

After watching a Man vs Food episode featuring Juicy Lucys, our brains and bellies went seriously craving for burgers - not just any regular burger but those filled with oozing cheeses. Despite the rain, we set out to hunt for the nearest Juicy Lucy experience. Enter Cheddar Burst Blvd.

I've never heard of Cheddar Burst Blvd until JC told me about it when he and his friends ate there. This hard-to-find burger place in Proj. 2 actually have several branches in the metro now which I had zero idea with.

Cheddar Burst Blvd is located in a quiet neighborhood where you least expect to find a burger joint. The tables and chairs were set up in what was obviously used to be a garage, the house a few steps away. There were 4 tables set up, 2 of which were occupied when we arrived.

I was trying to take a photo of the burger flipper, but I guess he was shy.

I had the D'Original Juicy Lucy, JC had the BBQ Crunch while Za had Just A Burger.

Legit! For the price you have to pay to these burgers, I'd say it's definitely worth it. Plus point for the free iced teas we got! They had a promo where you just like their facebook page, show it to them and you'll automatically get a free iced tea.

Expect to finish with messy hands. There's no other way to it.

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Cheddar Burst Blvd
13 Chico Street, Project 2, Quezon City
(0916) 408-9115

Japan In A Nutshell (So Don't Expect Too Much)

2015-09-25T01:32:00.002+08:00

So I recently came back from a 13-day trip in Japan. Like every other person I know who've also been there, I fell in love with the place. It might be a stretch, but landing back in Manila, counting in my head how many hours it would take me to get home (about 2 hours FYI)), was a little too dispiriting.

Manila's crappy public transportation is NOTHING compared to Japan. We are SO crushed in that category. Anyway, no sense in stating the obvious.

Japan is amazing, crazy, neat, rich, and too often, unbelievable. They've thought of everything. I mean EVERYTHING. There are days my friends and I can't get over how awesome and technologically advanced this country is.

Home to all the matcha you've been dreaming about (I mean, me), delicious Japanese cuisines, ultra-polite people, unnecessary but CUTE things one does not need in their life. A friendly reminder: leave your credit card in your hotel if you don't want to incur heavy debt! Seriously, Japan will screw you with all things kawaii.

Above all, it is a commuter's paradise. Well, once you get past the initial shock of 8-track trains serving aboveground train system and subway system with many levels deep underground, 200 exits in one station (Shinjuku stn). Such a complex network of mass and high-speed transportation system it's impossible not to get lost!

And don't get me started with their bike and pedestrian lanes! Japan is an absolute dream place for cyclists and avid walkers. Me.

The food, divine. But I'm biased with Japanese food so don't take my word on it.

For reasons not unknown, I wished Philippines was somehow at par with whatever Japan has. That we are reaping the same benefits or nurturing the same beliefs towards progress.

Japan was a nice break, a much needed break, from the terrible Manila traffic (and pollution that entails it), crimes, corruption, work. Even if it put a huge dent on my savings, it was worth it and I'm super glad I did.

There are plenty of parks, temples, and museums in the 4 cities I went. I respect countries that put premium on open spaces, culture, and education.

I promise to be back in Japan preferably during autumn. It would be sweet and really lovely to be surrounded with orange hues (the Cheese and I's favourite colour).

There was not a day that I didn't go home without tired and aching feet. If my legs and feet could talk I'm sure they'd tell me I'm a maniac walker and that they hate me. Whereas I wouldn't apologise for it because that's how you get to know a place. A tired feet to me meant I covered a considerable amount of distance therefore I had a really good day.

I'll write a more coherent post when I get another free time, which is (almost) never.

Ooma For Good Luck!

2015-08-14T19:52:00.000+08:00

After submitting our Japan visa requirements, Mitch and I headed to Ooma Japanese Rice Bar to finally give it a try.

We were ninth on the waiting list, luckily there were some groups not in the vicinity when their names were called so we got in earlier than expected. Their loss, our gain. :D

Waiting game for Japan visa began that day.

Quite surprised that our orders came out pretty quick. Gutom na kasi kami talaga.

Salmon Skin Aburi Maki (P265). Torched salmon, crispy salmon skin, asparagus, cream cheese, wasabi aioli and teriyaki sauce.

From their menu:

Aburi, meaning to "burn something", is a traditional Japanese method of blowtorch - direct flame to burn. It can be destructive or tame and the art of aburi brings out amazing things - a different flavor and enticing aroma that fills the entire place.

It's kinda weird to have your gyoza covered with mozzarella cheese but it worked.

O-Gyoza (P235). Gratinated mozzarella and cheddar cheese, scallion, togarashi, and unagi sauce.

We had two servings of their Tuna Tataki because.

Tuna Tataki (P195). Sesame crusted tuna, pickled mushroom and its juices, fried shallots, pickled red radish and ginger garlic sauce.

And the famous Hanger Steak.

Hanger Steak (P495). Sous-vide hanging tender, sauteed mushrooms, white truffle oil, sweet potato mash, crispy baby potato, pickle dressing, ponzu butter.

Would you believe I did not like it? Hahaha. What do you know, Mitch didn't like it too! Must be because of the strong truffle oil they poured on it. I mean I like me some truffle oil but I gues it was tad too much for me. Can't taste the mushroom and the tender beef.

The hype for the Aburis are real! Did not dig the Hanger Steak tho. But that's just me. Worth a try!

Awesome Triple Date on Crisp On 28th

2015-07-28T15:37:00.003+08:00

I just had to rhyme it. #Sorrynotsorry

Locating Crisp on 28th involved quite an adventure for us three that Saturday. We took the long way when there could have been an easier and less complicated way LOL.

Look at that personalized menu. So cute.

I'm glad we made it out here even without reservation. Although there were still plenty of vacant tables, a couple of them were reserved (eventually given to other customers when the party did not arrive on time).

We ordered Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Salad. For a salad it was really awesome!!!

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Salad. PhP195.

Mitch ordered Roasted Sambal Chicken (brown dirty rice, pickled cucumbers, fried okra, 64 degree egg, tomatoes, and sambal sauce).

Roasted Sambal Chicken. PhP395.

JC had the Pork and Beans (slow cooked pork tenderloin, black eyed peas, lager beer sausages, root vegetables, and mashed potatoes).

Pork and Beans. PhP565.

While I chose that week's special, Beef Ragu Pasta (slow cooked shredded beef ragu, smoked tomato gravy fettuccine, crumbled cheese).

Beef Ragu Pasta.PhP 480.

EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS OMG I KID YOU NOT. Hands down the biggest winner for us three that night was the Pork and Beans. I wish it wasn't too expensive so we could have it almost everyday.

After that satisfying dinner, we hung out at Fullybooked until before it closed. Grabe, so many books to read/want to take home it's painful.

Read Station Eleven ebook version. It was good! I thought it was a little bit bitin nga lang. omg ang coño. XD

I finally got to read this gem. It's hilarious but SAD.

The stash I wish my friend Mitch and I could've taken home. I already read Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and Station Eleven. Currently reading ebook version of Look Who's Back (I find the plot really interesting and can't wait how it plays out). A couple of weeks ago, was able to score a hardbound copy of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl for 145 pesos. Awesome riiight!

Okay end of rant.

Nope, I Didn't Buy Anything in Lego Store Philippines

2015-07-27T14:59:00.002+08:00

Which required an enormous self-restraint on my part. But yes, I am happy to report that I did it.

My friend Mitch and I were surprised to see that the store wasn't as big as we'd expected. It was bigger than regular stores but it wasn't as big as I imagined it/ Masyado ko yatang nakumpara sa Legoland stores sa Malaysia.

Here are the 3 DIY minifigs we built. The options are very limited so it was easier for us not to buy it for ourselves.

Oh Star Wars, I could only dream of owning one. One day when I'm less kuripot.

We made do of this section of the store where you can create whatever design you wish. Ang kaso, wala talaga kong talent sa ganito ever.

This diorama of familiar Pinoy fastfood chain, stores, bank, even a salon is so spot on! Eyelovet!

Because I can relate to Emmet. Amen.

That's all folks!

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Lego Store Philippines
Park Triange, 11th Avenue corner Rizal Drive,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Don Andres: A Peruvian Kitchen

2015-06-30T13:56:00.001+08:00

Like in Puñta restaurant, I tried out of curiosity but mainly because of the Peruvian on their name. Hmm, let's see how they will fare on the authenticity bit. For fear of sounding obnoxious - which I do think I am not - I want to emphasize that I ate mainly foods sold in the streets when we were in Peru. Like 75% of the time. The remaining 25% were spent in nice and almost fancy restaurants.

Plus, I am such a horrible food critic. My interpretation of gastronomic experiences is limited to amazing, awesome, tasty, delicious, OK, not so bad, starchy, and, like 5 or 6 more adjectives. Hee. Everything here is of my own opinion, therefore should not be taken against Don Andres.

So there we were on a Monday night. Despite being a weekday, a reservation is must do. Especially since we were gonna pay for it with coupons and there really were tons of people dropping by.

First bust of the night: Inca Kola that came from Jersey and not Peru. I understand, Peru is such a faaaar place to be importing these fruity and loved soda. Baka nga naman mas cost-effective if it came from the US. Besides, if they taste the same what's the big deal right?

Liked the sangria I ordered! I felt so, um, mature. I could feel my cheeks burning though after chugging it all down (not in one go).

Peruvian Sangria, PhP 150/glass

Loved the Aji-green sauce and spicy-orange mayonnaise but the chimichurri sauce lacked that fresh herb-y flavour and zest. I hope I'm making sense here. Señor Pollo's chimichurri is still the best for me.

The raw fish has the exact citrus flavour I always associate ceviches (or kinilaw locally) with. The raw talakitok chunks are huge, prepare to share this with someone else! As for the corn, I don't remember seeing corn in Peruvian ceviches, maybe this was a personalized touch from the chef or something? It's funny though how it was sliced hehe.

Ceviche de Pescado, PhP 240.

The canchas or corn nuts brought me memories of our time in Peru. I LOVED munching on these much to JC's annoyance haha. It is made from a special kind of maiz that pops without puffing out.

We chose the half-sized chicken cos we thought a quarter may not be enough for us two. It was, but the ceviche was heavier on the tummy than we originally thought (probably cos only 2 persons shared it!?!).

Chicken tastes good but frankly just like any other grilled chicken I had here in Philippines. They're not exactly the same, but you know, the chicken formulas are similar. Sa sauce and marinate lang talaga nagkakatalo. :) I loved their mashed potato though!

Pollos a la Brasa (1/2 Pollo). PhP320.

For dessert, we tried their version of Tres Leches. I'm not a fan of milk but I do get my needed fix or better yet body calcium nutrition from time to time. This is one of the few calcium sources I allow myself have. :))

Tres Leches. PhP165.

There's still so much dishes to try in Don Andres, gotta come back for their Lomo Saltado (usually ordered this when we were in Peru and Bolivia but decided not to order it in Don Andres)!

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Don Andres Peruvian Kitchen
Courtyard Building, 26 Sergeant Esguerra Street, QC
364-4145

2016 Goals: Ladakh, Leh, Khardung La!

2015-05-21T21:01:00.002+08:00

I've been following Jack on instagram for some time now. I get so inspired by the photos he posts I secretly daydream I could have his life (sige kahit job na lang, whatever it is). Six days ago he posted this:

image from instagram.com/doyoutravel

I was haunted by that image. Couldn't get it out of my head, I began researching about Ladakh on web. The landscape was so lovely! Then I immediately searched for airlines that fly to Leh. Travelers often fly from Delhi to get to Leh. So the next thing I did was to find airlines that fly to Delhi. Unfortunately, AirAsia does not fly there (hahaha budget airlines forevs). There are a few airlines, however, with direct flights to Delhi such as PAL (in partnership with Jet Airways), Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific but crazy expensive. Malaysia Airlines is the cheapest among I found but umm, yeah. We'll see.

A friend mentioned to me that Ladakh was the setting for the movie 3 Idiots. Now I'm curious, I should watch that film.

image from instagram.com/doyoutravel

So yeah. Ladakh, I am yours in 2016! Imma save vacation leaves for this shiz. And, o' course, dough.

Brb, composing Ladakh IT.