Doodle-icious

I'd Rather Not.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 21 Jul 2013 09:36:00 +0000

They say that when your desires manifest in your subconscious, then there is a certain level of depth and yearning beyond what you initially acknowledged.

I don't know about that but I do know that you have been occupying my dreams quite often since the day I met you. I have been vocal about wanting to get to you know especially to my friends and other random people who have no idea who you are. But after that moment when our world was convulsed in sweet and abrupt collision, I have to say everything about you and me, is not written in the stars. AT ALL.

Before I realized that, I thought otherwise. By some sort of intervention by the universe, I found out that your best friend and I have a common friend and it was through her that I learned to latch on some sort of hope and inch closer to getting to know you. I came to know of your life dreams, your issues, your baggage, your hobbies and other stuff. Things that, in reference to our short-lived text conversations, would not have come from your non-initiative to share anyway.

And then my interest began to grow, owing that curiosity to the fact that our commonalities are more than what we bargained for and are simply hard to ignore. You were a refreshing break from the people I used to like and I thought that maybe you're finally this someone that I need. So I mustered up the energy to make my presence felt every once in a while, hoping that you would notice me again and remember why you asked for my number that fateful day in the first place.

To no avail.

It was only after several attempts that I realized you are as disinterested as a rock placed in front of a purring cat. You may have had your share of weird episodes in the way you 'reached out' (or should I say, misdialed my number or was supposed to ask me something but then you decided not to) but I was getting tired of trying to make you look my way.

Despite this, even if I have begun to think of you less each day, you are still there in my dreams to stay.

I've finally accepted that life was just giving me a reminder: guys like you still exist but do not necessarily linger. I became a bit furious at the thought that had you not come up to me and ask for my name and number then I wouldn't even be in this mess. That was a bit insensitive and unfair. But well, sh*t happens. What's worse is I couldn't bury this deep at all since our network dictates that this year might be a stretch of possibilities in seeing each other. I wonder how my heart would react the next time I see your face.

I may, perhaps, still watch you from a distance and sigh at the lost opportunity of making this more than what it is. I may continue to be surprised when you suddenly appear in my dreams and beat myself up every morning in order to shake that feeling of being hung over from your intoxicating presence.

But if this is the best that it gets and I can never break your walls or spur any sign of interest, then it's time for me to get off this one-way street and carry on. Because a heartbreak from a person oblivious to my feelings is too much of a familiar alley and I would rather not go back.

Safe Place

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:12:00 +0000

I've been gone for too long since the year kicked in. Been having a blast lately: school has ended, all the kids are out and here I am juggling an impossible schedule.

Work is a bit bittersweet. I keep learning new things everyday, meeting a lot of people and putting my skills to greater heights. Adjusting to an experienced group may be a tough job to keep but that's why I always try to balance it with things that keep me sane. Despite everything being new to me: the pace, the people and the endless possibilities, I am happy that I get to have the best of both worlds. Feeling fulfilled because all my KRAs are measurable and having the time (and money) to open new doors for passion projects are more than what I bargained for.

Travel is still at the top of my priorities. Though I kind of removed it from the top spot because of investments in the works and my nonsense logic to always do things in a linear fashion, I still can't survive a month without traveling. I celebrated my birthday with my family in HK and sans the bad weather in Macau, it was probably one of the most maximized trips I've ever done. This is also my only time to rejoin my friends - my closest - since I'm finding it hard to create a travel niche in my new work place. Being the youngest and only unmarried person can stretch your character in both ways - you teach yourself to absorb so much knowledge and experience at work and you get to relish the fact that you still have ample time to enjoy all of your youth compared to the people around you.

Sports is my second priority. After going on a volleyball hiatus for two years, I've finally gone back to the tribe in the village league. I'm still a bit rusty as evidenced in the past games but being able to play just makes me feel so home. I've also joined my friends in their after work swim and jogging sessions. Coupled with the right diet, I do believe it's high time that I cut down the excess baggage and redeem my glory days. This will also be good for my chronic back pain/scoliosis paranoia.

Passion is passion. On top of all these, I have a long list of plans doodled in my planner. A lot of which I could only dream about before but are slowly and finally taking their course, and some I still need to heavily work on. I have neglected some of my commitments because of trying to take in too much which makes my feel frustrated. I'm trying to keep my handpicked responsibilities on track along with my Gantt chart so that I can come out in one piece after every project. The election campaign, the NGO, the teaching, public speaking, the singing, the cooking, have always been a backbone to who I am.

All in all, I'm in a very safe place - nothing too extreme, no drama, what have you. Turning 24 made me take on decisions for my life that finally instigated the turning point that I've always needed. I needed to stop comparing myself to others, building too much expectations and overanalyzing the simplest of situations. While I'm generally working on these things, choosing to let go and take action has made wonders. I finally feel a simple little kind of free. :)

First Day Funk

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:18:00 +0000

What do you know I have another pending entry before I decided to compose this? It got bumped off because it was incomplete and my Multiply export tool is taking forever to download all of my memories circa 2006. I was planning to do a top 20 list complete with pictures and everything as a tribute to my insanely colorful past.

But okay. Here goes.

It's barely a minute before 1AM and I'm up doing leftover reports for my former employer. Yup. Tomorrow is my official first day at the new palace. I never thought it would be more exciting than it should, but it is. The only reason why I'm still up is because of the adrenaline rush (despite the tiring 4 day 'hiatus/self-errands' transition period) that's been picking on my nerves. I booked a lunch date with a friend (who I think is reluctant to show up since he didn't rsvp) and a dinner with my marketing foursome (I kind of have to call them that now since that has to be our x factor) just to keep the day's momentum.

I can't believe I'm back to square one. A week ago, I couldn't believe that I was leaving the place I called home for over two bittersweetly agonizing and euphoric years. The decision to transfer to another company, let alone a bigger, more mature, more economically relevant one was a bit of a surprise for me too. But I felt that, and this of course is paired with reasons known to my peers and I, it was really time for me to grow and move forward to do greater things like I am destined to.

A room full of unfamiliar faces is enough to make me press the panic button, what more an entire building? It's like freshman year all over again. Despite not being able to tidy up my warehouse of a room (still longing for the time I can vacate and move to the new higher ground) I have already packed my bag with notebook and pen, decided on my outfit and of course prettified myself for the occasion - such a cliche. I'm ready as hell to take the new road again. I guess what makes me more excited is the fact that I can take more challenges now and buckets of to do lists await me plus the fact that I feel I'm becoming a more responsible and a wiser person each day. Couple that with the perk of earning at least 3x more to give way for my lifestyle (hello travels, investments, stocks, masters, business) and the time to do so many other things like my orgs.

I left with a caveat from most of my friends and professional peers that if I left because of a few unpleasant people at work, this bigger sea I'm about to dive in has 100x more filled with them. In the first place I didn't and of course, I already knew that. And that's no big deal.Because no matter where I am, I know I'm a step closer to where I should be.

Christmas Wish List :)

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:59:00 +0000

HELLO! Long time! As per usual, I have failed to keep this blog alive thanks to all the yuppie problems enough to keep me busy on a daily basis.

Some good news: I have kept true to my promise of cooking meals for my family on a weekly basis, I have found a way to solve my career dilemma, I have remedied a few of my short sighted crises in the past months. In fact, 4Q is turning out to be the best period of the year so far.

In the middle of all the pre-holiday planning, pre-shopping and food scouting for the looming festive season, I took the initiative to organize all probable expenses into a wish list. This way, I will be able to prioritize the assortment of goodies I already earmarked since day 1 of our pre-shopping spree this first week of October.

1) Table top oven
I have not been able to test my skills in baking and desserts because the gas range and the oven have yet to be replaced here at home. Thank God my parents are allowing me to buy a smaller oven this Christmas. I saw one today while looking for a portable emergency light (because my parents are really paranoid about typhoons and the climate change) which is a bit under 10k. Pwede na! I'll treat it as part capital for a hobby-business. Hahaha.

Goodbye to no-bake desserts! I already have a gazillion ideas in mind, maybe even do this as a sideline on weekends. I've done a mental layout of the packaging and sticker design to top it all off. Hahaha :)

2) Baking and cooking materials
Of course I won't be able to pursue sweets and pastries without the right cooking ensemble. I've been eyeing on the basics but nothing fancy. Just the few that will help me survive since I have been using improvised molding pans for quite a while. Hahaha. I also need a sushi mat, outdoor grill and food processor. Hihihi :)

3) External Hard Drive
Yes, I love my series. Plus I'm working on some freelance projects for PS and web content. I might need to free up some space and give way for a formal portfolio. I'm kind of lazy to take pictures lately but since I'm looking at upgrading my camera, hope I can do my 2012 travel photodump soon! :) This year was indeed the beginning of my travel years ;)

4) Classes
Since I'm still on my 2nd year off of graduation, I have a year before I can pursue parttime teaching and eventually an MD, so I want to invest in all types of learning I could use. Short courses on cooking, Adobe apps and of course another set of refresher course for driving. Finally getting wheels (oh so delayed gratification) but I don't know if I'm happy since I'll be paying for it and the gas. I might have to lay off on the clothes and travel for a while. It's a good thing I've already invested in great gadgets this year.

5) Treadmill
With my mom lobbying for opposition, my dad and I have been canvassing for treadmills that we can use when our veranda gets built. Nothing can surely replace jogging in Makati parks, but let's face it. This is a more practical (and lazy-friendly) way to ensure that we all do our mandated dose of cardio every day, even during the rainy season. Here's hoping my mom isn't right about us. Hahahaha.

Well what else? Looking at my wish list, I can see that I'm maturing in terms of selecting purchases and investments. I hope everything fits my budget since we're upgrading almost everything in the house starting November.

I'm so excited! Never been more excited for the holidays! I have a lot of dinners, reunions and travel lined up for this! :D

The Quarter Quell

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:02:00 +0000

A seemingly plateauing career with several mountains and avalanches of workload.

Always the first to come in and the last to leave.

Heightened caffeine intake.

Increased weight and body fat. Delinquency in health.

Clothes that don't fit.

Negligence of personal care.

Unfinished passion projects.

Long overdue to-do lists.

Speech slur.

Overwhelming responsibilities and accountabilities.

Never ending and unjust deadlines.

Dissatisfied friends finally taking the huge leap of faith to leave. Something you have been planning to do for the longest time.

An empty bank account and wallet.

Autopilot social sessions.

Not seeing great friends for too long.

Long time couple friends getting engaged.

Long time couple friends getting married (at 23).

Nagging parental authorities.

The call that never comes.

The plans that have not materialized.

What is this?

Signs

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:17:00 +0000

When wheeling around a decision that is bound to utterly change your life, you will always go for the standard method of singling the other one out. The pros and cons checklist.

But what if, all circumstances granted, the pros and the cons don't seem to outweigh one another? What will you do?

You pray to God, and ask for a sign.

This week I've had a couple.

In the nearness of the highly anticipated pre-clincher activity, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about God sending me the signs. I wanted to prepare myself and gradually be inclined to the more favorable outcome.

1) I let go of all the usual anxiety at work despite all the looming deadlines and they, in one way or another, found a way to deliver themselves.

2) On the first day of school, I asked the cab driver to take the usual route, despite the qualms about slow moving traffic in Service Road. He told me we would take the express way but I insisted on going the usual direction.

We took the Service Road and we breezed through it. No traffic, just a 5 minute ride all the way.

I was right in trusting my instincts and in taking the risk. I took the way I trusted more and it was smooth sailing.

3) The biggest sign? I was asked to submit writing samples. I dug deep into my HD to retrieve all reaction papers and position essays that I did in college. (Since, in the absence of such at my present work, I have none)

I found this in one SOMBA paper that I wrote for a post-talk reflection on starting a business.

Of all the people I quoted right? :)

Who is John Rockefeller? You'll find out soon enough!

Fingers crossed!

A Real Food Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Today I was talking with parents regarding my career and a possible change in route (this early). It was a pretty sneaky ninja attack since I told them that I've already laid out some action to progress my plan and I was just waiting for the favorable results. In short, I wasn't just thinking of doing it, I have done something about it.

Of course, as usual, they have always trusted my guts and instincts ergo very little reason not to support my cause. I just promised them a couple of things that would buy me time before I make the move and I was very certain that I could get the spot. What this is, I'm sure to update you when it's already final.

So during the course of the conversation I tricked my mom and my dad into thinking that I wanted to take a degree in culinary. Hahaha :) OF COURSE NOT. As a not-so-recently transformed foodie and cooking enthusiast, I wanted to channel the cravings and weight gain into something more adventurous and suffice it to say, beneficial.

I want to take short course in main entree, desserts and baking. (On top of teach at my alma mater. This were the justifications that I used when I told my parents about wanting to leave my current job. I won't be the full career woman/entrepreneur/teacher/government worker that I intend to be if I stay.)

When I do take up these short courses, I want to open up a small store that specializes in comfort food, like a coffee shop or a tea shop with snacks and desserts. As cliche as it may sound (and saturated in the market) I have to argue that there is a shortage of these places in the south especially near residential areas. A lot of commercial food establishments are available, why not homey coffee shops? In order to go to coffee shops you have to be in the mall areas or the business districts that sometimes, it defeats the purpose of wanting to be in an ambient surrounding so you can use the peace and quiet to be productive with work, or catch up with good friends.

I know it's a long way to go and it's a stellar-ly ambitious dream. By the time I might have the resources to go through with this, all residential areas might have staple little coffee shops and my dream will be history. But it's worth a shot. After all, my love for food will always be there and I will never ever give it up as one of my passions.

In the meantime, I could use the practice to explore and to hone my skills, develop the tastebuds and think like food lovers with adventurous palates. I want to start the ritual of cooking meals at home on weekends and trying out new places on weekdays. It will be pretty costly for my weekday routine and it will be definitely a hit or miss but the weekend habit will be a breeze. My mom hates cooking on weekends that's why we eat out. It's her only time to rest so it will be my pleasure to be of service to the family on Saturdays and Sundays.

I've tried to start the food blog on several attempts but to no avail. I would get carried away experimenting with the recipes that I forget to document everything that I did. Plus, my kitchen and dining area have really bad lighting so I can't count on them for scrumptiously appealing photographs of my hard work.

First order for my food blog: find a list of blogs to emulate. From there, it will be easy breezy. Next will be shows to get inspiration from, cookbooks as well as dining areas. These will all contribute to what will be the next food blog for a foodie wannabe like me.

Next to my dream of wanting to be in the food business, I also wanted to have my own cooking show in TLC, Lifestyle or AFC. Since I'm sure that this is never (or too far off) to happen, this career in food blogging will be the next big thing. It's the most convenient way to document gastronomic experiences while being able to share it with other people.

My love for food, it will never ever die.

Let's join the Feast! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:24:00 +0000

I've been saying this for quite a while and I have never been more excited that tomorrow's a Thursday because, I miss the Feast!

Been so stressed lately I've been channeling a lot of rollercoaster positive-negative vibes since the year kicked in. My life's flying with colors if it's about family, friends and my goal to travel but my work life started taking an unexpected route to burnout. I'm super lucky to have a friend like Patty, who I share a lot of things in common with. She's very active in extra curricular activities like helping out in an NGO for less fortunate kids, short of a visionary that's not contented with status quo and being a corporate slave, and of course she was the one who introduced me to the Feast :)

For everyone who was active in serving faith-based orgs in college, the Feast is like a gathering of people from all walks of life to listen, share and praise God's Word.

Patty invited me to one session and I've been trying my best not to miss every now and then. But of course, for as long as my schedule permits I could only make so much time for other things right now.

The first time that I attended was the key to unlocking the door.

We assembled at a conference room in AIM, with about 400 people in the hall. There is a theme for a whole month called the 'series' and that's where the topics of the builders/speakers will center on. After inspirational stories were shared, worships songs with one of the most amazing bands played for everyone to participate in. It was like a big jamming session for all people to take the songs in and the message of the earlier talks. It reminded me of the worship sessions that my lola used to bring us to after Sunday school (of course back then I didn't know what Born Again was).

After which all updates were made for past events, announcements were released for succeeding dates, invitations to join care groups and ministries were held and there were even intermissions for our entertainment.

The night capped off with finger foods lined up at the tables outside the hall so that we can fill ourselves up before going home.

It was truly a Feast in the truest sense.

Unlike Sunday masses (which I do not discourage of course) is that this is not the preachy, traditional and uptight celebration of God's Word. It is a sincere modern approach to bringing across the message of God that relates to everyone no matter who they are, where they come from or how they feel.

What touched me deeply was the fact that I was with genuine people, with genuine feelings who were all willing to let go and spend time with God. May it be to ask for pardon, for supplication, to ask for strength in trying times. Whatever the reason is, people go there to be with God.

I'm so amazed that a friend has ignited the spark for me to be active with my faith again. Despite everything that's happening, being able to spare a few hours in order to remember what God did for me for the past years of my life is such a blessing.

And so tomorrow will be the day that I finally can go back to attending the Feast.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of life :)

I'm still alive.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:36:00 +0000

After two hell-ish months, I am still here. Struggling to keep my promise of updating this blog. Hahaha :)

Turning 23 was a bit awesome for me. It was timed right smack into a flurry of events at work, in my family, summer, etc. etc. Then my laptop died. That's why I had to wait and buy a new one before I regained my techie dependent life once again.

The whole of April turned out to be some kind of spread for me. Capped off two events, had a lot of weekend sales, had to do my regional rounds (and still ongoing), so on and so on. I have a whole line up of posts that I want to make:

1) Bohol Trip

2) Work & Burn Out

3) New recipes!

4) On being a semi-foodie

5) Debunking the diet myth

6) Canon events!!!

7) The oblivion called the friend zone?

8) Room make over

9) Volleyball

10) Summer like no other

11) The Life Plan

And many many many more. Don't know how and where to start but at least I got to list them down. I'm so happy with my new laptop (although I don't have funds for any shopping until before Christmas) that I promise to be diligent with all my work. I have yet to organize my files and my contacts.

Plus I have work to do now so I better continue and get my beauty rest.

Til then. Just wanted to let you know I was still alive.

Better Than Manny

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:14:00 +0000

(Doing a spin-off from my TM speech proj 2)

What comes into your mind when you hear the word GenSan? (pause) Or Saranggani? (People mutter familiar answers under their breaths) Or Mindanao?

Good evening. I am here today to take you into a small tour of the treasures that lie within General Santos and Saranggani, other than Manny Pacquiao's mansion and birthplace.

As a yuppie, I consider the luxury of traveling (on my own and with my friends) as a hard-earned privilege. When I was 10 years old, traveling meant waking up at dawn to be able to get to a resort or a beach in nearby Laguna or Batangas with my family. But now, the possibilities are limitless. Because traveling has been made so accessible to almost everyone in this age, it is only common for people to invest in exposure to and absorption of so many different cultures that the world has to offer. Or the Philippines at that.

My college friends and I have this small traveling group because of our friend Paolo, who gets assigned to ridiculous places in the archipelago as his retail territorial manager stint in Pilipinas Shell Corp. Aside from visiting and spending time with him to perk up his dying nomadic social life, we get free passes to tour, lodging and gas when we book a trip to his turf. Last year it was Iloilo-Guimaras. This year, it was the borderline mountains of the Philippines in General Santos and Saranggani.

We know Davao and Samal Island as the more frequented tourist spots in Mindanao. But apart from the familiar echo of the words GenSan and Saranggani whenever Manny Pacquiao wins a fight, nobody has any idea on what treasures these cities hold. So, coming into the trip we absolutely had no idea what to expect. For me, there were only two things: I was in it for the 1) fun and the 2) relaxation no more no less, away from the city - because honestly the stress of it all can't make me any less thankful than being deported to the far flung areas of the country.

Prior to this trip, people would ask me, where are you off to this weekend? I'd politely say: "GenSan" and get to a short narrative of this thing with Pao. With eat and roadtrip with "the best company ever" in mind and a few bikinis in my bag in hopes of having little traces of sun when I get back to the city, I set off for my weekend trip to GenSan.

When we got there, Pao already poured effort into debunking the absence of our expectations and promised us three things (you know, the non-negotiables in any traveler's checklist): 1) food 2) adventure and 3) scenery. And we were like, okay since we're already here, might as well. Then we began our itinerary.

On our first day, Pao picked us up with his familiar red Ford Ranger (company car no less) all filled up and ready for the roadtrip. After our breakfast stop in one of the popular coffee shops in the key city area, we headed to Lake Sebu, a 2 to 3-hour drive from the municipalities of GenSan located in the South Cotabato region. As we took off, we saw long outstretched roads that boasted of green pastures and fantastic mountain scenery. I thought this was a given since this was very rural for the place and I sure hoped this would not end there.

We got to the place at around lunch time. It was a very balmy summer day and the lake's surface was reflecting the sun's sparkling rays. A boatman set out to paddle within the area and check if there was any catch at that time. Now this was still scenery :)

The whole morning drive drained us so we settled for lunch that was mostly tilapia in nature. Since Lake Sebu was known for its cultivation and breeding of tilapia, all sorts of dishes were practically made to appeal to everyone's palate. We ordered just about anything that looked scrumptious. We chose the floating section on the top of the water to complete the dining experience.

Tilapia like never before: pinakbet, sinigang sa pakwan, chicharon, sizzling, sweet and sour. BURP.

First attempt at showcasing food, check. It was a definite success.

After filling up our stomachs, we then headed to the second item in our itinerary, adventure. Just a few minutes away from the lake was a zipline attraction that served as a go-to by many of the tourists. Never mind that the drive was pretty bumpy and scary, my mental image of the zipline ride got the best of me. News had it that it was right smack in the middle of the mountains, just beside the waterfalls and a few hundred feet above the ground. I was scared of heights and I needed to someone to hold my hand, like the last time. Heehee :)

Shortly after a 10 minute trek from the hill view top, we readied ourselves for the zipline ride. I was so eager to ask the manong in the first stretch of the station: "Manong, ilan po pwedeng sumakay?" (Silently praying that my friends would cut me some slack and accompany the chicken in me to the ride) He surveyed me from head to toe and unhesitatingly answered, "Ma'am depende po sa bigat." KABOOM. I dared not ask more. But thankfully my good friend Sammey rode with me on the first line.

Strapped to death.

Here we go!

At long last!!! :)

The ride was mind numbing/breathtaking/adrenaline pumping in all levels! We got to cruise above 600 ft off the ground with all the trees and tiny specks of living things prodding below. We passed by the gigantic water falls on our way to the other side. Adventure, check. I was ready for round two.

This time (and despite what manong said) Raymond, Sam and I were fastened to the zipline.

There was nothing like it.

Upon settling down, we then proceeded to the waterfalls where we were hoping to have a good swim. We were all sticky from the zipline and the humid afternoon deserved no less than a plunge in the cool foresty waters. This was what welcomed us tucked behind the mountains.

Of course at this point we were all thinking, Pao you haven't disappointed us one wee bit.

But the rapids were too strong so after taking some pictures with the Japanese painting-like view, we then headed towards home. Awesome scenery: double-check.

Being in a place far away from home puts you in a state of experimentation, of trying things you have never done before. But en route to our dinner place we tried out one thing we didn't have to experiment on just because we didn't have a choice: watch the last full show at 8PM. A bucket of popcorn plus a romcom and we were all set.

Unofficially Yours

Then at long last, it was dinner time. To humble our grumbling stomachs, we were in for this kind of treat:

King crabs smothered in garlic-ky goodness.

Tuna. The pride of Mindanao.

We dozed off in bed very very happy. That capped off our first night in GenSan.

Second day, woke up to a pretty late start but the sun was high enough to welcome us to the tententen: BEACH! It was time for us to get our tan on. High from the previous day's adventures and food, we headed to Saranggani to have our regular dose of the beach.

Lo and behold this was what we found. No words, embellished and exaggerated could describe how underrated this beach seems to be. Hiding in the borderlines of this country, left unexplored by wanderlusts and travelers, this is a good enough attraction to magnet all tourists to this place.

Nope, this ain't PS and BS. White sand, aqua blue crystal clear waters that mimic the shorelines of Brazil. This is Saranggani for you.

The weather was just perfect. The scorching heat of the sun complemented the sea breeze as we indulged ourselves with a noontime dip. We played around with the fine sand, so fine it seemed like clay. Scenery and adventure: check check check check!!! :)

Needless to say, I got burnt after this trip.

On our way to the city, we decided to stop over and have our first meal of the day (at like 3 in the afternoon). We stuffed ourselves up with these babies. Only the cheapest, yummiest and most sinful steaks in town:

Rib-eye steak with a bar of margarine. Thousand points for Weight Watchers!

As if we haven't had enough, we hung unto the promise of cliff diving as briefed by Pao on our first day. We took another 30-minute drive to the cliff bay area to find the perfect diving spot for another fresh adventure. But much to our dismay, it was already getting dark and no one could accommodate us anymore. We then took a pit stop at Cesma cliff and swam the waters until past sunset.

That aww-inducing moment.

By twilight that day, we were quite sad that our GenSan adventure was nearing to an end. But before everything else, we had yet to tire ourselves with tuna. So this was what made our dinner on our last night:

Baby back ribs at Php 300+

Grilled tuna.

Tuna kilawin.

Our last night was cheered to a halt with a bottle of Bailey's rolled out with the best of our friendship's catching up and talks. It was another one for the books most definitely.

I apologize for the lack of description (my corporate life is catching its toll on me) and hasty ending but here's what I assure you.

I came to this trip with just 2 expectations: fun and relaxation. Pao counterproposed with three things: scenery, food and adventure. He didn't fail the least in any of them and at such, actually exceeded them. Because at the end of the day, most truly, there is something better in GenSan and Saranggani to see than Manny.

Toodles!

Book On Board!

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Life is a journey,we're all going somewhere, but where are we going? - Logos Hope

I've been too many years late in finding out about the MV Logos Hope, just about the largest floating book sale that sails all over the world (pun intended). I read about it in a newspaper article that was posted by a friend in Facebook. Anything about books and book sales makes me go gaga ever since I was a kid.

Before booking my parents for a visit to the South Port of Manila and see what was there to see, I did my own research about the MV Logos Hope. Apparently, it began its journey originally as a car ferry before it was operated by the renowned German Christian organization the GBA Ships e.V. Since 1970, its ships (Logos, Doulos, Logos II and now Logos Hope) have visited over 500 different ports in 160 countries and have welcomed over 40 million visitors on board.With a very inspirational goal of bringing knowledge, help and hope to nations across the globe, it also allows citizens of various countries to volunteer, live and serve for two years in the ship en route to its many destinations.

It was scheduled to dock in the ports of Manila from February 16 to March 14, 2012 and I was lucky enough to have time on the last weekend before it sails for the Subic pier. Stationed on Pier 15, right behind the Manila Hotel and past the Philippine Coastguard Headquarters it was pretty easy to find if you're familiar with the Manila Bay area. Since it was a Sunday, I told my parents to go after lunch because it opens at 1:30PM on Sundays. When we got to the South Port entrance, there was very little parking space so I guessed a mob of people must have gone to see the ship on its last weekend in Manila.

Moving into the gates, we were welcomed by two ships. The Superferry carrier ship was nearest the dock and the MV Logos Hope was sitting majestically behind it. This was a pretty shot that I was able to take complete with an overcast sky on a late Manila Sunday afternoon. I could smell the sea breeze from where I stood.

And the standing took long, mind you, because this was the queue that greeted us upon setting foot in the port entrance.

About a hundred feet away waiting to board the MV Logos Hope.

Crossing over the real gates, where we would pay our entrance fee and board the ship.

But the wait was absolutely worth it. Despite the long lines and our grumbling stomachs (a very clever mistake not to eat before going there), it took us roughly about 20 mins. tops to wait for our turn. Every 5 mins. signaled a flurry of people getting off the ship so I could just imagine how many people were actually in there. Finally, after paying a very delightfully cheap entrance fee of Php 20.00, we entered the MV Logos Hope for a real treat.

We were welcomed by a highly energetic crew, with the frontliner being a woman (a South American I'm guessing) giving us the house rules after playing a short video about the MV Logos Hope and its crusade. She was even chanting Tagalog words to relate to us and help us ingrain in our minds that the walk in the ship is a one-way system and that we cannot make "halo-halo" the books as courtesy to the next customers who will be coming in. Pretty witty at that, and I was more excited to move on into the book sale.

Wall exhibit on the ship history.

Inside the ship were 5 different stations: the welcome area where we watched the video, the book fair area, the journey of life area, the theatre and the international cafe.

Predictably, there were a lot of people on board that it was like mall sale of sorts inside the book fair. I had a hard time squeezing in past customers in the different sections that held almost 5,000 titles. Like the usual bookstore, the books were divided into catergories according to their general topics and I was pleased to see that the staples were there: fiction, health, biographies, cooking, children, spiritual, academic titles, etc.

My parents and I were not so keen on hoarding books since we were there mostly for the adventure but we grabbed a few titles that we found the most useful for home use (which I will reveal later). And well, my dad told me I could download through my iPad the books I wanted anyway and I guiltily agreed so.

The books were priced per unit but it was fairly easy to remember because 1 unit = P1.00. The price range was fairly reasonable, though I could still vouch for cheaper books in real book sales. But the books were not all hand me downs and the majority for sale was actually brand new.

After asking my dad to pay for our finds, we then cruised through the other stations hurriedly because we wanted to get to the international cafe, to where the food was. On our way we saw murals on glass that told the story of the Prodigal Son, videos of life as a crew on the ship and a small room where a seminar on HIV was being held.

At last we reached the cafe which was unsurprisingly barricaded by a long line of people yet again. Most families and kids had to fight their way to get tables.

While waiting in line, a woman went around and showed us the menu so we'd be ready to order by the time we reach the counter.

I got us the quickest snacks: a bag of popcorn, a croissant (with chocolate syrup and almond slices) and vanilla ice cream. It wasn't bad at all. After it, we were ready to say goodbye to MV Logos Hope and make way for more people to enter the ship.

The book titles that we got were more on health, recipes and self-help. I didn't bother much on the fiction and biography since I still had untouched books here at home. We also got a bag for our books and I have to say that these were best buys that I can't wait to flip through.

The MV Logos Hope goes around the world every year and my only wish for it is for more people to come and visit. An adventure in it once is enough, given the multitude of people who want to get a piece of that experience.

I'm not sure if I'd be visiting next year to get more titles but I am interested to volunteer when it docks in Manila again. It would be truly great to spread the cause, involve people and help in a vessel of hope, inspiration and knowledge, in every sense of the word.

What's Food For You

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:53:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me can attest my love for food. In fact, I can almost eat just about anything (yes, anything mind you) for as long as it doesn't border the too exotic. You can just take a look at my almost obese figure and understand how a 5-foot tall girl can store tons of food in her system. As a full-fledged night creature, I go to sleep every night excited to wake up because I look forward to having breakfast in the morning. That's how pressingly I love food.

But I don't just love food. In my college years, I developed a knack for cooking. That, which was triggered and gradually stirred by no less than cooking shows in Lifestyle Network, Travel and Living, Asian Food Channel and the like. From Barefoot Contessa to Giada de Laurentis to Wolfgang Puck to Jamie Oliver to Bruce Lim to whomever shows I flip through. I didn't always have time to work on my technique and come up with a variety of concoctions to have people try and critique but I always had my share of practice come holidays (3 years running, or that which I could remember). I become the resident chef who prepares an entire meal for a party of 4, festive enough to last post-holiday dinners with leftovers and remakes of the recipes I was able to pull off.

On my first year as the cook, I focused on the easy, no-brainer pasta. I remember making my first ever puttanesca, coupled with a main entree of buttered shrimp and a dessert of the passe mango float. You could say that I was a chef on a whim, pretending to be inventive and a pretentious chef who knows nothing about combination or the appeal to the palate. But the pasta ended up being too salty because I overused the anchovies and from there it was history.

Second year as the cook, I planned on a Greek/Persian Christmas platter with salads and gyro stuff when I discovered the wonders of the yogurt shawarma sauce. I ended up doing roastbeef sandwiches (this got an A-grade) and kebabs (B+) which were then complemented by my mom's sweet roast chicken.

Last year, I took my cooking skills up a notch by trying some heavy gourmet meal. I cooked sundried tomato pasta, steak with asparagus and potato gratin. My friends and I would always have these in reunions and it was about time to bring it to my family. (Sorry for the poor lighting of the photos)

Pasta with sundried tomatoes and chili flakes

Tenderloin steak with asparagus and potato gratin

Now to take this a step further, my parents, friends and I have recently become 'foodies' on a quest. Not so much critique food for a living but to extensively scavenge the streets of Manila and the tourist destinations that we go to for the best they have to offer. With the advent of Instagram and Twitter, that host the wild evidence of weight gain and food pornography, I can easily share snapshots of the restaurants I visit. The combinations that I taste and leave lasting impressions then become an inspiration and instruments to the next cuisine experiment that I will venture.

So, with this I will now begin to embark on a new culinary adventure. I'm toying with the idea of doing food business as a sideline (seeing that my business Caja has been put on hold indefinitely). My first trial will be tentententen: MOCHI BALLS. Googled the recipe and it's selling like pancakes in night and weekend markets, plus it looks very easy to make (or I hope so). I'm giving it a try this summer and will offer it to my friends and officemates so they can enjoy the heat with a cool and delectable dessert.

Updates on that soon.

Toodles! :)

The magic 2-3.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +0000

It's the 1st of March and that only means one thing: BIRTHDAY MONTH!!! :)

Aside from the exaggerated excuse to make a month-long celebration centered on my being (wait for it) 23 and fabulous, I wanted to make this year extra special. Not because 23 is such a milestone and a cause for jubilation, but because this year compared to the past couple of years, is entirely and more excitingly different.

For one, the schedule by which my birthday chose to grace is a combo of three paradoxically stressful, gratifying, long-awaited yet long-avoided kind of day. Well at least for me. Picture a month end-end of quarter, payday, Friday birthday. There are just so many things all happening at the same time! More amusingly so, my initial goal of making the whole month about me just zapped itself to oblivion because everybody else will be busy thinking about other things. Hahahaha. Too bad! I'm still clueless on planning celebrations (I got pressured because of my friend who's celebrating her birthday to fund charity) so I guess I still have a few weeks to plan.

Second, as part of my yearly Lenten sacrifice and I have to say, one of the most unique gift selections for myself on my birthday, I chose a rather unconventional way of bringing the grandeur of my celebration to new heights. I picked a very special present for myself in the form of: WEIGHT LOSS. Specifically, a minimum of 20lbs.

After my brief weekend adventure trip to GenSan (post of which coming right up) I had the chance to talk to my good friend Raymond. He, like my many other friends who pass on the good news (and unwarranted advice) of how to lose weight is a very credible source of tried and tested means to achieve a hot body to complement the already excessive oozing out of intellect and personality. He was actually the second person to discuss the Slow Carb Diet next to my other good friend Niko who drastically transformed in the 4 years that he was my blockmate. I believe them (and the article) because of their so many valid points and I guess it is high time that I make the extra effort to look go back to looking at mirrors again and not hating the weighing scale. This obesity has been a nightmare for me in every sense of the word. Clothes that used to fit suddenly scrimped on room and I actually had to avoid meeting up with old friends to spare myself from being ridiculed.

Never mind that I have crazy yoyoing hormones, people have been alarmed about my weight for too long and I just can't give them the right to judge me anymore. Whatever it takes, I will do my best to stick to the diet, finish my gym membership, start running and discount myself with those 20lbs. My new and improved figure will be the best gift that I will ever receive on my 23rd birthday.

I can kiss these goodbye. At least 6 days a week.

I'm electing Sunday as my cheat day since my family almost always eats out on weekends but of course, my birthday makes the exception. ♥

Finally, the turn of the month signals more work and more responsibilities but I am so glad that in the midst of chaos and stress, I'm beginning to see all my dreams materialize. Maybe not exactly how I want them to be but where I am is definitely a good start.

Toodles! :)

Dear Heart :)

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Entry written while Dream A Little Dream is playing in the background.

Dear Darilita,

I know this may come as a surprise because you have made it a point to let everyone know that you've been dreading this day like a blood extraction. In the middle of frantically caffeine overdosed mornings and unjustly extended work hours, your yuppie life has been caught in the looming bitterness of this day. That, for the first time in how many years, you are back to the non-celebration and non-recognition of this occasion. That, amid the piles of things to do, you find yourself scouring for genuine reasons to feel happy for everyone around you who is, face it, not in the same state as you are right now.

While convincing yourself that it is just a trivial day in the everyday marathon up the corporate ladder, it should be appropriated with nothing but a shrug on the shoulder, the right to dress nicely and the perfect excuse to indulge in spamper. Looking back on your aspirations a year ago, you hadn't achieved all the goals that you've set and you're not exactly where you want to be. But that's okay. Because it's proven that where you are now is somewhere a million times better.

If there's something your 22 years in life have taught you it could be that one, you are the lone creature who will depend on yourself until the very end and that second, no time should be wasted doing/(spending) things/(with people) you do not love and live for.

Stumbling upon the few epic romances of a lifetime has no less than proven that your worth is yet to be realized by a man whose value is beyond question. Value the luxury of having time for yourself and doing the things you want. Value the money that you save and spend, of being able to feel that everything you work hard for pay off to make you a sustainable living. Even without a man you have the incorruptible strength of a woman. Because really, you have surpassed your trials in life with everyone you could ever need, your family and friends.

It is the same thing in knowing that you should never expend hours on people who will never respond and on things that are not worth your time. Choose your battles and know that not everything is within your control. Especially love. You can't force yourself to live with something that doesn't fuel you with the sincere kind of passion. Not even your personality, not even your chosen profession.

It's alright to remain a hopeless romantic a month before you turn 23. You've had your share of love's polarities so it's time to settle for middle ground. There is one way to go from here: move forward to the countless encounters on who Mr. Right could be. Be in no hurry to try and get hurt, so that as you age and become better, you will have no regrets.

Now that you have practically convinced everyone that you will don this day with a gift-giving of chocolates, do it without remorse, without pretentions and without bitterness.

Do it without expecting any act of reciprocation from unwarranted parties.

Do it because you are just filled with priceless happiness right now. ♥

Valentine's day is fairly overrated anyway. At least for the chunk of the population who can relate. Hahahaha :)

Don't stop believing that he's out there, gorgeous, smart and loving, ready to sweep you away. He just doesn't know it yet.

Love,

Your ♡

What's Inside My Bag?

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:29:00 +0000

Because I am feeling so good and it took me a month of lagged time to actually put my life on track, the all new me is keeping all my commitments intact too! Here's to the start of an interesting spread! Hopefully this blog will be a doorway to many opportunities of whatnot :) The most important part is, the nostalgic part of me will now have something to look back to. Unlike the past couple of years that I have been able to skip quite a few important chapters, daily/weekly updates won't be such a hassle!

But anyway. Here goes!

I have always wanted to do a post that details the inside of my bag. No matter how many times I've seen it in other
fashion/personality blogs, I was always curious to try and detach myself from the post so I can judge my own character. What happens inside a person's bag tells a multitude of things: what she deems important, her initiative to take responsibilities, her sense of preparedness and her daily activities.

Of course I should know. I always liked lugging a lot of literal baggage around ever since I was a kid. My grade school trolley back then was like a pirate's treasure chest of sorts because it was unjustly oversized and heavy for a kid my age. I was able to bring that habit with me until puberty and for the rest of my stay in the academe, which is why my medical insurance now comes in handy and pays for a month's worth of therapy for scoliosis that was years in the making.

So really, how much can a girl carry in one bag? Let's talk a look at what's inside mine :)

1) I use the large red longhandle bag of Longchamp Le Pliage. This is the first 'investment bag' that I bought for myself since I started working. It looks a bit too shabby now because of overuse. Seriously, because of its size, I sometimes use it as my sleepover bag or what I call my layas bag . But then again, I bring it with all my junk to the office and that works for me!

2) My Mercury Drug medicine pouch. When I found this coin purse one random day while packing for a trip, I decided what better to use it for but for a mini-medicine kit with all the essentials? I have pain killers, anti-allergies, antacids and paracetamol. Whenever I feel queasy and ill, I just conjure the pill I need and then all is well :)

3) My makeup pouch (posting the contents of which on another entry) which holds how I understand everything cosmetics should be. I rarely ever retouch my very basic makeup application throughout the day and this routine even takes place inside a cab, when I'm stuck in the usual traffic jam on my way to work. It's a pouch from LeSportsac which isn't the actual design. But it would be nice to have one that looks like the picture I got.

4) My dark red framed Swatch glasses. I got my near-sightedness and astigmatism from my mom so I started wearing prescription glasses when I was a sophomore in college. My first ever pair was a rather cute pink-framed one with
stones in the rim from Lulu Castagnette. I don't wear it all the time, just in board rooms when I do presentations to give me the complete touch of class and intellect. But since my vision is getting a bit poorer, I'm beginning to consider wearing contact lenses soon.

5) I never leave the house without any earphones but only the best brand gives me the best grooves and that's my Apple earphones. I gave my shuffle to my mom so I use my BB for listening to music. Especially when I'm stuck inside a cab with the most annoying stations of all time.

6) My ever-reliable connection to the outside world BB 9360. I lost my BB 9300 Keplar in BCD when I visited last October and I almost died because most of my social life inside the office depended on it for updates. I switched to using a BB Bold for a while, but I missed the crunch of the keypads that only the Curve series can give. So when I found out that BlackBerry was releasing a sleek version of the Curve, I was quick to get my hands on it as a Christmas gift for myself (after buying my iPad) HAHA.

7) My dual-sim Sun/work/the one I least check phone Nokia C2-03. Though my BB's battery gets drained because of the 3G connection, this Nokia phone can go for days without charging. Plus I got it because of the easy interface, touch-and-type dual function and the just-in-case-my-Globe-phone-gets-lost-again (but I surely hope and SWEAR not) dual-sim feature so I have a standby spare for both lines.

8) The Bath and Body works anti-bac pocket sanitizer. When I first saw this in the market, I actually thought having it was a bit tacky because it turned out to be such a fad. But I got is as a gift from my good friend Patty and that's when I felt that it was very handy and useful for a busy gal like me. The scents are very refreshing too.

9) My red leather Canon business card holder. This was a picture I got from Google (well bec I couldn't take pictures my camera's lens is being fixed for a whopping bill of 7 grand) but we actually had Manels design a customized leather card holder as giveaways for our clients last 2010. I'm 100% positive that I'm not the only one who has this in more than one color.

10) My 2-year old Topshop sunnies. This has been the sun glasses for everyday use prior to the F21 shades that my friend Robbie never gave back and the Fly Wear wayfarer pair that I sat on. I actually need to replace it soon because it doesn't hold onto my nose bridge anymore. Nonetheless, I never leave the house without it esp. when I feel that the morning cab rides can be a bit slow and bright, I get to sneak in a quick nappie under it before I land in the office.

11) Mossimo Secret Wish spray-on perfume. Frequently mistaken as a deo spray, I got this super bubbly and sophisticated scent from my good friend Jamie. It smells a lot like the Bebe perfume that I bought from SG last summer so I went on ahead and bought it. I'm really eyeing on the Lanvin Eclat bottle when I finish this one.

12) House keys. This has my locker keys in the office, gym locker keys and keys to my former college room (hahahah I forgot to return it). Of course it conveniently allows me to go home in the ungodly hours of the morning when everybody else is asleep in the house and wouldn't help me yank the door open.

13) The breath freshening toothbrush. Being office-based has given me the chance to freshen up on lunch hours so I carry this toothbrush kit with me along with my monthly supply of tissue. I had to resort to a pack of mints before but since this is the routine on yummy luncheons, I feel and look refreshed ready to take on afternoon (and overtime) challenges.

14) My Charles and Keith seaweed green wallet. This was an impulsive buy last December in the middle of a yearend stress spree with my good friend Rica. I wanted to replace my old wallet because it was full of unnecessary paper and was a little discolored when it caught the color of my bag after taking a shower in the rain. I never go for colors like green and yellow but I got it anyway because the interior is smooth and hot pink. Very often it's empty and full of receipts that justify my irrational spending but I always treasure it when it helps me survive on a monthly basis.

15) The Belle de Jour Powerplanner 2012. I can never go on my daily routine without listing the things that I have to do. It has to be in a scratch paper, a post-it or a notepad that is inserted in every page of my planner. Every appointment and every errand that I have to pencil in as well as brewing thoughts and feelings, all go in the secret pages of my journal. Without it, I am never complete!

So that's it. I know this hardly does justice to all the contents of my bag but more or less, these are the everyday must-haves. Will do another post on my makeup kit next!

There can never be enough time for a 22-year old like me.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:23:00 +0000

My relationship with this blog has been reduced to being plain pathetic, I can never squeeze in enough words to justify how I have been living my life.

After my last post, 2 months zoomed by and the new year kicked in. Work has never been busy enough that I have had to do overtimes for about 3 days in a row (being the lone soul in the office, define creepy) and I had to practically give up what was left of a so-called close to occasional social life. In between reruns of Sex and the City, New Girl and Modern Family, weekends with family and irrational shopping, I have always found the means to exhaust the remains of my free time.

It's no wonder why it's 3AM post-holiday dawn that I am up watching my series, with my planner, junk food and coffee attempting to do work but ending up setting it aside for... well an attempt to update this blog.

[EDIT] January 30, 2012

As I have said, plenty attempts have been made none of which were successful to actually fulfill the longings of this blog. I really have no time. Sometimes I would rather just sprawl all over my bed and sleep, the rest of the time I would play Temple Run or some stupid gadget game if not, I will be out doing some irrational gratification for my job through nonsense shopping and binging on food.

Which is why, according to MyFitnessPal digital calorie counter and diet tracker, I now weigh 140lbs and should now limit my intake to about 1490 calories/day. PLEASE.KILL.ME.NOW.

Ever since I have been formally fastened to Marketing, my life has been all about the leg work. (Will save that for future posts)

Three things I plan to update this blog with:

1. 2011 Highlights
- Places I went to
- Meals I cooked
- Major investments
- Tick offs from my former goals list
2. 2012 Resolutions
3. 2012 Travel Destinations
4. 2012 Professional Goals

HAHAHAHA :)

Because this is my life summed up in a photo:

Toodles! :)

In God's Own Time

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:14:00 +0000

For the past two years, Oct. 20 meant shitloads for me. I was celebrating the birthday of a then-important person fussing about surprise party preparations and keeping all our friends happy.

Today, as I moved forward from the distant meaning of several calendar dates of a past life, I never expected it would significantly mean something different. Until today.

12:40 PM. I was about to exit my office pantry after another awkward lunch with my new teammate and 'bosses' when I got the text. Mom told me that my lolo was gone and that they were on their way to the hospital.

A sudden flurry of emotions rushed past me. I held on to my phone and I didn't know how to react at first. Eventually, after what seemed like a long pause, the tears came. I had to let something out in front of my teammate or else I would have gone berserk.

She advised me to just give myself a good cry since it was the natural thing to do. Instinctively, I did. Then she suggested that I go to the hospital so that I could assist in whatever my family needed at the time. After breaking down in my cube and staring blankly at my laptop, not knowing what to do with my pendings, I gave up and asked my boss's consent to take the afternoon off. Then I headed to Makati to meet the family.

Multiple organ failure. Roughly at 1030 in the morning after his bath and breakfast (which he was surprisingly amenable with since he usually refuses to make it easy for the help), my lolo's color had changed which alarmed my lola's household. After a surge of panic he was brought to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Later on in the afternoon, we all agreed that he somehow knew that it was his time since he was a bit pale for the past two days and just gave in to the helper's request. Contrary to how people nearing their time would lose the ability to eat or move, he was the exact opposite before finally giving in.

It was also a good thing that he was given prayer and blessing for a couple of times already care of my lola. Something that was done just in case but none of us expected, at least not anytime soon.

After a brief discussion of what happened, we had to disseminate tasks in order to prepare for the wake and interment of our lolo. Since it was the highest form of all unexpected events that caught everyone off guard, nothing - literally nothing was prepared to anticipate the situation. My lolo's clothes, the chapel for his wake, even his casket had to be taken care of. So we all had to set off the whole afternoon while waiting for him to get settled in his final bed.

I was one of the few who was able to spare time and help the family make the necessary arrangements. Three years ago, when he got paralyzed, I was also there when he was rushed to the hospital after an attack. It was the turning point of his life since after being confined for about a month, he was rendered bed rest because of inability to move, walk and even talk.

I wrote about it. It was painful to see him grappling on with life at that time. I could even remember giving him my pillow as he held on. But I knew he was a fighter. Even though he spent the succeeding years in a wheel chair, feeding off powdered food and liquid through a tube, I knew he was going to get better. On his birthdays we'd take him out, gather around and give him a cake and he'd cry because we were all there. Every now and then his old friends took the time to visit him it made him extremely happy. Compared to the nights that we spent in PGH and after sending him to Laguna where he and my lola could rest, he looked healthier and more peaceful when I saw him tonight.

Words could not express how heartbroken I am for losing my lolo - who, for the past 22 years of my life, was full of humor and life, beer in hand always running to greet us asking us to sit down, getting mad if we didn't whenever we'd have family gatherings. It was always comforting to have both of my grandparents while growing up. My dad's side of the family is a pretty big one and my lolo and lola always made it whole and bonded.

The Santillan side has actually had a pretty rough year. We have witnessed three of our immediate members pass on and it was not easy to let them go. I was excited for November because it only meant the start of the family festivities commencing on my dad's birthday and culminating in my lolo's birthday after New Year. The -ber months were always a jam packed season for all of us.

For the first time, it would be a pretty lighter celebration knowing that we missed three of our dearest ones. Three holes worth keeping but in the back of our minds, always there above guiding us. I guess I'm still in denial because I find it hard to accept due to the abruptness of what happened. But I know my lolo lived a full life and growing up as one of his grand daughters true Santillan blood and features from him, makes me proud, full and inspired.

I will be forever praying for him knowing that he served his best in God's given life and that he was able to fight for the family until God's own time.

I love you Lolo :)

For the better.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:55:00 +0000

In the spirit of new beginnings and in trying to keep my promises (and priorities alive), I decided to make a major overhaul for this blog. Spruced it up a bit with additional must-reads (especially with my upcoming business blog's link and our designers' links) and added a more personal touch to the overall look and feel. Will shower this will more content since I have a lot of ideas for initial posts already! :)

Until then, here's a rather fitting quote for a fresh new start! This time, I mean it! Change is always better! ♥

Keep the ball rollin' :)

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:09:00 +0000

Now that we're finally done with our presentation (will create an entire RANT post about it after), I'm going to finish this 50 questions first. We're still in the conference hall watching the CBP presentations and as a full pledged multitasker with a rather short attention span, I have to finish my long to-do list to keep myself from dozing off. Hihihihihi :)

6. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?

I WISH? Hahaha! Well I highly doubt that I'll be put in a situation with him where I can get THAT drunk in the first place. Hihihihi.

But if and in the event that it happens, I hope he would. PATAY NA.

7. Do you think you'll be in a relationship 2 months from now?

I have no idea but I'm pretty sure I won't. Mainly because of the drought and I don't have the time too. After Demo Challenge, a pile of work is waiting for me back home and I have a lot of other things to commit to like teaching, Toastmasters, yoga class and my business.

8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?

HMMM. I guess this guy presenting from Maldives. BAHAHA. Kidding. No one actually. I'd like to say it's someone associated with work but I don't really want to go there so. Yeah no one :) No guy is worth my precious brain cells right now.

9. Does talking about sex make you feel uncomfortable?

Not really. It depends on who I'm talking to and why we're talking about it. It has to be in the right place with an open-minded person.

10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?

My best friend Tep of course :) Our sleep overs don't really constitute a lot of sleeping. In fact we have extended heart to hearts until the wee hours of the morning and wake up just in time for brunch. This deep conversation of course, is about our only pain in life: LOVE.

11. What does your most recent text say?

My most recent text was 2 days ago before I left for SG since I don't have network connection here. It says: Papunta na ko diyan to Mommy Shei. Haha :)

12. How do you feel about abortion?

I feel that it is the most cruel thing any person can do and it actually surpasses the level of murder. I don't understand how anyone can take the life of someone and that someone is inside you, with your genes and potentially a bit of everything in you. However, sometimes it almost seems inevitable for a lot of people. I wish that somehow, women are aware of the consequences tt entails for them, and for the babies as well.

13. Do you like big crowds of people?

It usually depends. I like big happy crowds in parties but for everything else I like to keep myself surrounded by a small circle so it's more intimate. I also like spending time alone when I have the chance esp. when I work in a coffee shop or when I go window shopping. I've never watched a movie alone though. Hihihi

14. Do you believe in luck and miracles?

Hmm. I would like to keep myself neutral about that. In as much as I would like to believe in them, I still think that a huge part of the things that happen to us is shaped by our decisions and how we react to situations. It's possible to make our own luck and our own miracles. We always get to decide what and how things should tranpire. But someone said that circumstances are 90% choice and 10% luck so I might have to leave some allowance for luck and miracle to happen. I want to get rid off my cynicism about that since my bias towards the saying 'If there's a will there's a way' is much stronger :)

15. What good thing happened this summer?

Good thing? I don't know about good but a lot of things definitely happened. HAHAHA. But I guess I got to travel a lot with my friends. There was a month when I spent consecutive weekends outside Manila. I spent them exploring beaches and food so it was really a good break for me. Other than that, it was work and well, I turned 22 :) PLUS stuff I'd rather not remember.

16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Surely! I kissed my parents goodbye before I got dropped off at Mommy Shei's for this trip :)

17. Do you think there is life on other planets?

Haha. I used to. Until recently, I grew up. HAHAHA. I think that man has enough resources to discover that. Otherwise we would still be clueless by now.

18. Do you still talk to your first crush?

I don't even remember who that is. Haha :) Probably not?

19. Do you like bubble baths?

YES PLEASE. In fact, I just had one in our hotel last Wednesday. It relieved me of all the stress, just dipping in a warm ocean of bath suds and bubbles. I hope I could do it again before I leave so I can come home very happy and refreshed.

20. Do you like your neighbors?

Of course I do. I actually have a set of village friends who I grew up with. So yeah I love them to bits! I haven't seen them in a while though.

I will continue answering the other questions next time so I can tick off more stuff in my list! I enjoyed this! Toodles! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Hello there :) This week officially marks THE week of all my hell weeks. Supposedly an upping scale of sorts, a milestone in my career and hopefully the paying off of all sleepless nights, long days, working weekends and just nonstop WORK.

But before I take the plunge, I would like to procrastinate first by answering a 50-question list (which I got from Tumblr). I used to enjoy this back when surveys were still answered in Friendster and Multiply so this actually says a lot. First few questions for this post. Don't really want to let it eat up all my time. Here goes!

1. The last person I held hands with was... my mom I think. We went shopping for my compet clothes this evening. It was crunch time so we kind of ran around the mall looking for the perfect corporate outfit. Hahaha :)

2. I am every bit of an extrovert as I am so yes, I'm outgoing :) I have a jologs sense of humor but I'm not afraid to make other people laugh by being myself because I know that I can make a lot of sense when I need to.

3. I'm looking forward to seeing no one actually. I've been busy with a lot of work lately because of Demo Challenge that I can barely fit everything into an exaggeratedly impossible schedule. After this, I'm definitely taking a breather. I'd like to see my best friend, village friends and the usuals, settle down, get a few drinks and celebrate.

4. I would like to believe that I am. I'm not really the snobbish type (though a lot of people mistake me for one). But I guess once someone breaks the ice I'm super easy to get a long with. I'm not the greatest conversationalist out there but I do make an effort to connect with a person who tries to reach out.

5. HAHAHAHA UHM. PASS? Well yes. Loads of times. I'm known for my messiahnic complex. I just never know when to give up or it takes me a little too long to realize when to drop everything and walk away. Sometimes, just when I think I finally decide to, I come running straight back. Which is sort of a trademark already. I used to believe that for as long as I can hold on to something, it spells all the difference. I can change him, I can save him. But circumstances have taught me otherwise. Sadly, yet at the same time, fortunately, I'm learning it only now :)

Next questions on another day! Have to get back to my presentation and my red alert post-it! Toodles! ♥

SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK!

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:21:00 +0000

It's been a long time since I've procrastinated out of anything and for a week now I've only subscribed myself to one motto: I eat stress for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In between, I just simply eat. I desperately cling to the fact that me being burnt out is simultaneously burning all my calorie intake too. HAHA.

DEMO CHALLENGE. I plan to conquer you! We're one written proposal and 5 dozens of slides away from finishing but it's all good.

I watched the dvd copy of last year's competition so I was able to benchmark my expectations already. It really echoes the Brandstorm vibe in so many different levels. I guess the Asian feel (yes including the panel of judges as opposed to Frenchies) and the nature of the pitch are what set them apart.

ARGH. But I have to go back to work now. Otherwise it'll be another sleepless night. I'm gearing myself up for a mishmash of occasions for this long weekend. Work-party-work-relax-work juggling kind of thing.

I still have to work on a lot of things for this blog (side bar, header, description, linksssss) But I hope I get the time. I'm launching my project timelines shortly after my SG trip. PRAY FOR US. TOODLES.

Q2-Q3 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 10:57:00 +0000

Seriously, I should be penalized for always promising to update this blog yet failing at every inch to do so. Pardon my schedule and my penchant for overbooking. It's one of the perks of being single - I get to say yes to every opportunity that comes knocking on my door. I have to be anywhere and everywhere all the time and the last thing I want is to be stuck without nothing to do, even though my life is a huge pile of work as it is.

I've gone a whole month without any substantial updates. My last post was about splurging (wait for the part that uncovers if that's still an issue or not) and I have not posted a single word on my exaggeratedly busy weeks. (For blow by blows, refer to my FB and twitter) So here goes nothing.

(Grabs planner to check dates)

July swooped in with a lot of gifts and surprises. (It is to the extent that I can't help but cuss under my breath when I look back and dissect everything that's happened) It can even probably win the most eventful month of the year award. But then again, who's to say that the coming months can't get any spicier and more exciting than all of my 22 years combined?

1. Major major work paradigm shift

Can I just say that working in the major and global accounts has been every bit of demanding, challenging, grueling, tiring, etc.? Negotiations are on opposite sides of the poles. I have been pressuring myself to increase my coverage so that I can already give a comprehensive report on my list come the end of Q3. However, I have to face the fact that I have a whole other list of commitments that need focus and attention. Plus, some clients tend to be demanding (and I mean a whole new level to that word) so I have to take the extra mile to actually create, revise and overhaul presentations, schedule repeated meetings and do consistent follow-ups.

What weekends look like for me :)

2. Demo Challenge 2011

I could still remember my first day at work over a year ago. I sat in the mock presentation of the DC2010 delegates to our president and CEO, head of division and managers. I mused over the fact that I can still get to do what I love doing in HS and college - being the seasoned presenter on marketing competitions, theses, defenses and speeches alike. So, I vowed from that day on, that I was going to be the next representative of the Philippines to the hosting country of the Asian regional finals.

Nearly a year, cried over drafts, crammed spiels, recycled slides, nagged teammates and supportive other friends later, I was standing on the 15F in front of a panel of judges hoping to become the next DC2011 champion to Singapore.

Lo, and behold! After crashing down to make up for all late nights' loss of sleep, I got the text saying that not only was I going to SG, I also topped the contest for the division. For a moment right there I was feeling a bit jubilant. It was a milestone in my career and a goal that I set for myself. Once again, I was on the road to making my dreams come true. No one can ever come in the way of that. :)

Demo Challenge 2011

Needless to say, it's eating a huge chunk of my time right now. The whole stretch of preparations is up until the first week of September. That's already an unwarranted pass to run over my (once in a blue moon) long weekend but hey, I'd be having a mini-vacation when I get there anyway. I promised myself not to entertain side booking for the rest of the coming two weeks so that I could focus on work and Demo Challenge. I'm excited as hell to go to SG and be exposed to other cultures and practices of Canon in the whole region. It's time to actually savor the good memories that I will get from that place when I come back. :) Please wish me luck!

3. Business as usual

Well my partners and I have had quite a successful test run on our first batch. Although a big struggle for us is finding the right fit for our calendars, we've taken a few baby steps to advance the progress of our business and making it materialize. And I have to say that part of the bottleneck is charged to my account since it's me and my ambitious multitasking that gets in the way of beating deadlines aptly. I swore to help expedite the process once Demo Challenge is over so that we can move on to the next phases of our implementation.

Please watch out for us in the coming months as we launch our next batch of designed accessories made especially for the requests of our buyers! We're also going to launch our first line of clothes and hopefully bags and shoes! :) Will keep you updated on that.

4. Toastmasters

Back in college, I had this sort of inexplicable inkling to join this org and help myself enhance my public speaking skills. I never had the chance to, especially with my then-obligations to the bf and other seemingly more important things (of course I was wrong). Even my partners and I at some point tried to venture into joining one chapter to pilot a team that will teach high school students (this offer is still up but later on in the business CSR). Imagine my reaction when the chance to be a guest came, thanks to my Demo Challenge partner Mommy Shie, who I love so dearly just because we have tons of things in common. Toastmasters for one :)

The experience was everything I pictured it to be, and more. I sat in a room full of yuppies, entrepreneurs and executives - basically a hodgepodge of people that I don't get to ascribe to as my audience on a daily basis (well long before, but since I'm in the corporate world now, pretty much). What really got to me was the passion and warmth of the people. Never mind that they have to critique the way you organize your speech, the number of times you said aahh, uuhms, or any other verbal crutch, the errors that you made in grammar or how much you went above the given time limit. It was like practicing in a band with long time friends or sitting in a room full of colleagues that don't judge your output but cheer you on to give the best that you have, give constructive criticisms the nicest way they could and still give you a pat on the back for a job well done.

That, over and above the fact that it's the nearest chapter that allows us an hour travel time to beat after work rush hour, is the winning reason to actually join that particular chapter (Achievers Toastmasters Club in Makati Stock Exchange). After my first session as a guest with the theme "Style or Fashion", Mommy Shie and I are finally doing our ice breaker speeches a week before we leave for SG. I AM STOKED :)

5. Fitness First!

Some good news to top off everything, Fitness First finally gave us our corporate rates for our monthly workouts! I'm really looking forward to this when I come back to SG since I've been gaining a lot of weight (hello frequent drinking and binge eating) and I haven't really spared some time to get my butt out for a short workout. I'd rather spend time refining my solution design in front of a laptop than attend a free session of Barre3 or jog around McKinley.

This time, no excuses - I'm saying hello to my yoga , hiphop and combat classes again. Not to mention my prolonged hours in the sauna and steamroom and my pretentious cardio minutes in CineFit. Hahahahaha :p

6. Financial Disability

With regard to being financially challenged (please refer to last post), I still am in the works of solving this dilemma. My bills just skyrocketed in the last few weeks and I just turned negative with all my pending expenses. I had to get myself a new pair of prescription glasses and book myself a flight to BCD for the Masskara festival on top of a supposed trip to Samar. That and my membership with Fitness plus Toastmasters - all this coming September. Please shoot me now.

To somehow remedy the situation, my bestfriend Teptep and I are going to hold a small fundraising so that we can pay for our bills and cover up our debts (first to our parents, next to other benefactors). All unnecessary clothes, bags and fairly profitable items will be open for a mini-online garage sale to the public in the coming weeks or so. I pray to have the time for this soon.

Aside from this, I still need to get a credit card of course and pay my utang to Globe. (BREATHE) I know that funds will easily run out because of all pending travels, bills, night outs and whatever demands of being single are. I promised myself to start learning how to play the stocks soon since that will also give me extra income. BUT JEEZ DO I HAVE ALL THE TIME FOR THIS??? Hahaha. I'm mentally laughing and panicking as I type.

7. Fling-a-majig

Given this long list of life-defining pre-occupations, do I still have the time to entertain MEN? Well, here's a pretty straightforward answer: I TRIED TO. But you know where that got me. I never expected to actually like anyone in the course of my career-first disposition, well at least not seriously. I'd have eye candies, crushes and occasional admired guys but not to the lengths of... going out.

Until this one person actually came along. And that will be spared for a separate and rather lengthy blog entry on questioning what it means to make a move and not follow through, of false hopes and pretenses, of leaving someone hanging, of falling in like and chickening out and of being an asshole. And of course me, being the hopeless romantic who always always foolishly believe too much of the good in people with a side of stupid, overthinking, overreacting and easily FALLING. :)

But hey no sweat. If I were smart at everything then it'll be the end of the world. So no big. HAHAHA :D

So there folks. That's all I can throw for my month-long cavorting with life. It's highly ambitious of me to hit the bull's eye and perfect everything but hey, that's MAGIS for me. I just hope I don't drive my crazy along the process. PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE to use this blog as a break and fasten myself to updates! :) My life's been a whole cosmic product of interesting whatnots lately, it's real good not to share.

Off to work now! :) Toodles!

Impulse-aholic.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Today, I went into astral projection and saw myself impulsively shop like there's no tomorrow. I'm truly scared at myself and my spending habits.

I cannot even begin to describe how disappointed I am at myself. I thought I were better, that I could put my endurance to the test, show my newfound self-discipline to greater heights but I who was I kidding? The sole reason why I can't give up carbs? Why I can't really go on a diet? Why it takes me forever to do/give up some things? Why I have an obsession on adrenaline rush? Why it took me so long to write on this blog again? Why I always put myself at the odds of rejection?

Because I can't handle it. For me, a taste of what's good for a fleeting moment is always better than most of its consequences in any given day. That's where the damsel in distress in me comes. This is how I dig my own grave. It's because I'm so much of a feeler and a sucker for my own emotions that I forget how to think.

But forget the deeper nonsense. Let's talk financial responsibility.

I have been telling myself, and for quite a time already, that I really really direly need to be financially wise and responsible. Gone are the days of mindlessly spending on things that I end up using temporarily. Or of doling out cash on other people (and making them charity cases when the total amount can exaggeratedly and unfortunately send someone to HS already, I know) or of not even choosing the better options when 'giving' away my hard-earned cash. I know I'm making up for lost time and a lot of lost opportunities in splurging because of my previous setup but I never planned on making this a monthly habit. I even developed a penchant for buying things I don't need or can live without but just for the sake of, and end up clicking the purchase button or whipping out cash in a flash from my wallet.

Today, I sorely outdid myself. Before payday, I always have this routine of mapping out and mentally budgeting the things I need (to spend for). Of course the debit/credit, accounts payable and accounts receivable almost cancel themselves out (and in one case even declared AR negative) but the figures don't matter. Just as long as I have the money, I have to make that extra time for a trip to the mall and relieve myself of stress by doing retail therapy. Most of the time it's a lame invention of some kind of self-reward for a difficult and stressed out month. But just how much of a reward is it if it leaves me broke until the next payday?

So I had a list of things I thought I needed for this month's cash in. A caramel sweatshirt from F21, a backless tee from Terranova and a bag from CMG. This is just the physical retail that I planned to cross out in a day, on top of my online purchase of 3 corporate sheer/layered/fringed/sleeved blouses (the ones I've been trying to peg my styles on lately) from this cute online store. And the list doesn't end there. I also planned on buying 5 sessions of IPL laser for underarm hair removal from Metrodeal since I was getting tired of always going to LayBare lately.

Feeling primadonna right? Hahaha. This is not exactly what my parents have tried to ingrain in me: spend within your means. It's like, whatever I feel like is of benefit to me, I just end up getting. And paying for it. SIGH.

So anyway. I went with a good friend with my list in mind. First stop was CMG where I was lured (or myself lured myself) into buying 2 bags! Never mind that I had stuff to buy, I wanted to get a bag for my mom (which as out of my budget) and so I got them! Just like that. I left with two big paper bags in hand.

The culprit. Photo credits Google.

And did I mention how bad it felt after a couple of minutes? I didn't last the entire night before going home, without feeling any sorry than I already was for my insanely impulsive self. I thought how else could I have a family without any cash to spare? Or how else could I enroll in financial investment programs? Buy stocks? Park money for insurance like my colleagues and I used to rave about? Even rotate cash on hand for my potential businesses?

SIGH.

It's not even shopaholism. I've always been a self-confessed prude on shopping even when I was a kid because I'd always let my parents spend shopping bags for me. But when I started working, it became harder to say no to being a materialistic brat who just has to have everything.

I am far from knowing how to remedy the situation. But I do know that I have to begin with small steps, set a deadline or establish an achievable short-term goal. Those will be my simple measures of trying to break the habit. From there, only God knows.

Did I mention that I still have pending purchases online? A phone bill to pay and parents to repay?

AND end of season sales + shoe in love next weekend?

PLEASE HELP ME. :(

And when I do get some answers for this, maybe I would be able to solve my dilemma of always having to impulsively put myself out there to someone I really like and ruin the chances, right?

RIGHT???

Overhaul.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:13:00 +0000

If I had tried to apply for being a columnist, I would have easily found ways on how to not nail the job. Like turning in an article past the deadline for one, and the lack of creativity (or writing skills for that matter) to keep an interest piece actually interesting for another.

Which is all so funny because I used to write a lot when I was little. I used to draft sample novels and short stories, dreamed that I would be the next Louisa May Alcott of my then-favorite book, The Little Women or Charles Dickens who would create an amazing set of classics as David Copperfield and Great Expectations. Those were the legends, the non-negotiables when a bookworm is to be initiated. After the long stretch of must reads, my choices then matured to contemporary ones with more depth, mystery and insight.

ANYWAY. As I was saying, I couldn't finish writing to save my life the moment I entered tweendom. Before, my only outlet was this blog. I would bombard it with a lot of trivialities, of senseless thoughts and rants mainly because I was too alone for a time that I didn't bother keeping my life an open book to strangers. Now and then I would update it (to the dismay of the decreasing number of readers) and would leave it hanging for most of the time.

Now, the sense of blogging in the (and for my) blog world has been redefined. From how I saw it as no more than an online journal, back in the sections of MySpace or Multiply, it has been transformed into a powerful reading tool and a means of self-expression to proliferate and enhance culture, to shape the minds of the modern readers.

And of course, microblogging has emerged. After my breakup (yes details below), I got myself attached to my one and only BlackBerry. Thanks to easier social access, BB SOCIAL ON, Twitter and Tumblr have been both my bffs next to Facebook in any given day. Of course, I would rather type in a 140 character update of where I am, what I ate or what I did than compose a lengthy entry for everyone and anyone to ogle at and read.

But now I do not have any excuses. I have fully resolved it in myself that I would, somehow find a way to spruce this blog up, see how the times have rolled and keep it a pretty interesting reflection of how my life has set its course. It definitely isn't the immature, juvenile and naive write ups that I used to post circa 2005 here. However, it wouldn't try to sound as preppy or as choreographed as most blogs do as if writing a column for a fashion magazine. It will be the avenue of my open mind, my adventures, my opinions and my feelings.

So before I move further, I decided to give myself some rules of engagement. Since this will be an official upping scale of all sorts, I'm establishing a set of seemingly hard and fast rules (which can be broken most of the time depends on my mood, HAHA useless) for the entries that I put here. The content will solely be on things like:

1. My eternal love for food.

And no, I won't even try to sound like I'm a foodie. Everything I eat is practically considered delicious already so I don't have to go ala Giada de Laurentiis or Nigella Lawson on anyone. I don't have to dissect the taste, piece the flavors and make up some crap about how the dish is a harmony of whatnots. I know food is worth remembering when it passes one major criteria: It's so good I have to have other people try it by cooking it. So alongside my bouts for the food I try for the first time are the experiments that I make on my journey towards my long awaited stature of life: a stay at home/trophy wife who cooks wickedly delicious meals.

KIDDING.

I love to cook and I decided that I make it a weekly habit by cooking fancy lunches for the family. It's a good way to polish my Iron Chef skills in the making without having to attend ridiculously expensive culinary schools which won't get me any closer to earning Michelin stars anyway. (No offense hahaha)

2. Adventures

Though the mundane is inevitable, I think I have proven that a lot of firsts and things to be crossed off my bucket list have had the chance to happen at this time and age. This time, I have earned the right to inject some poetic license and to sensationalize these events by highlighting my feelings. Mind you, these will be the only real feelings that will be revealed in the coming months or so, as I have finally coerced myself to shut out all possibilities of unwarranted frustrations and anxiety related to the male species. And yes, that was a bit bitter and shallow. But screw you.

So, may be it an an afterwork session of beer and Rockeoke, a hike to Sagada or a trip to Shoe In Love (yes, for the most part these are what make up my July's first week), every little adventure is worth documenting.

There is some kind of liberation when I look back and compare all these to nonsensical entries of how I got stuck in class or the readings I did or the tests I aced and the subjects I unwillingly failed back in my years in the academe. I have so much time that I can invest on doing so many other things that I cannot deprive myself of living just because I have to beat deadlines and live up to the expectations of other people (in this case, my teammates and bosses).

The time to live is now. I have responsibilities at work and I do them great, but I also have a responsibility to myself. To live.

3. Projects

Basically anything that falls within ambitions, aspirations, hopes and dreams. Like my upcoming business, my new involvements and things I try to initiate that are a bit of life-changing. Whether it's aspiring to become financially responsible, whether it's a mental debate on getting a credit card, or even the most impossible dream of taking over the world at 22, then I should be able to write about it.

HONESTLY. I don't know why I have to categorize these things or impose them as if no other subject is allowed. This is, after all, my virtual space that cannot be just left hanging or filled up with junk or creepy blog walkers who advertise or whatever. Just don't expect my blog to trend, go viral or be a part of BlogLovin'. I do not intend to make another space in Wordpress, my loyalty is with Blogspot ♥

Therefore, expect to be doused with these couple of things, with much better tags, labels and bookmarked sites on the side scroll. I need to keep up with the times and have a few good reads myself so I can set a benchmark for good writing. (HAHA) But most importantly, it's where I get to share with you the things that interest me the most and get the inspirations for most of the (literary) work that will be coming in. Safe to say that these are all still in the works until further notice. I still have a daytime job too you know. Heehee.

So here's to more entries, substance or no substance alike, as I finally cheer myself to living life. Moving forward as we say. En route to happiness. (Next entry title)

'Cause we are all hanging by a thread and it takes no time for us to think, whether to take that leap of faith or not. ♥

And so it is, like you said it would be.

noreply@blogger.com (Daryll) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:46:00 +0000

I only have a few words to say because up to now I'm still dumbfounded with what happened.

As to why it has, only time can explain.

As to what will, only time can tell.

As to what now, I can only but admit that in the deepest of all pains, I have finally found it in myself to try and understand things as they are. I am not the same girl crying all over the place whenever something threatens to separate us. I have become stronger with the love that you have given me. I have no reason to cry because I was truly happy.

I really don't know what to think yet or how to feel. For now I am just waiting for it pass.