A Reboot......

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..... like you, I also have my down days.... Days wherein I would have constant headaches and wished that I had nothing to do.
Days where I couldn't get any inspiration no matter how hard I try. Artist's block as what they call it.  I've been experiencing this for some weeks now.... been wanting to clear my head... a reboot! Of course, I just didn't sit around  and wait... instead, I  said yes
to what dear universe had to offer.

This weekend I got invited by Frank's family to join the 10th birthday celebration of Blashnel at their place in Montalban. I knew it was gonna be a grand experience as always as their family has been really really nice to me eversince I met all of them last year. What do I think of them? Cooler than cool!! One of the coolest families  I know. I've known some of them from my childhood days no wonder I feel at ease with them. They seem to be very fond of my antics and the kids are so fun to play with! With them I'm not ashamed of the crazy things which I do (they even seem to like them). I feel very at home and safe.... I can be myself. Another thing which I really like about them is that they are all very polite and humble. I hope they realize how fortunate they are for having such a happy home. I'm sure many people
would die to have that kind of clan. I am very much honored and blessed to be welcomed by them.

I may say, their place is pristine perfect! It may lack some of the basics for now but frankly speaking, it didn't
really matter, for having them all around plus the fantastic sceneries are more than enough.

My new favorite adobo by Ate She

a very tasty pancit canton

Ate She slicing Joewel's special Maja Blanca

Paypi and the birthday girl Blashnel!

Beans aka: Junatan

the resident loony intruder from the taliban land of Abu Ridu

makes me feel relaxed...

climbing our way to their place

Lana and JingJing

every minute cherished...

Rhea has been really really nice to me since I met her.

another spectacular view

yours truly while realizing how cold the water is....

father and daughter bonding

Blashnel with Pipay

Goofing around with Paul

and Beans of course!

I'm blessed to have been there to capture this moment. I knew I was at the right place and time.

today's drama: a crazy terrorist! lol

me with my hostage! ahahaha  I love this little lady a lot! she acts well too! lol

meet the uncle of the century... Frank

my new chum Julie

Badeth doing her thang!

it just felt sooo right!

Uncle Frank strutting his stuff....

 

and here is the masterpiece

a moment

a product of smart cropping...

priceless....

This place has given me the fresh air and inspiration which I have been searching for. It made me
wanna take meaningful photos once again. I can feel my instincts working more and I can now feel the shots as I click on my shutter. This place made me feel like I'm no photographer but more of
a storyteller. Yes, a storyteller! When I sing a song, I tell a story. When I write songs and lyrics.. I tell stories.
I write articles and tell tales.
When I take photos, I also make more and more stories. My life has been all about telling tales of people and mine.

Photography is but only a part of the other forms of self expression which I'm into.
I may not have recovered from these migraines yet but at least I have filled myself with much gladness.

Honestly speaking, there are also times wherein I wish
I was never an artist so that I can live a more simple life... Sometimes I wonder why some people tell me
how much they wanna be more like me. .. couldn't help but think if my life is really that "ideal" to be
idolized by some.... My life, like yours has its own yins and yangs which we all need to balance to achieve harmony.

hhmmm I guess the only thing which sets me apart from other women is that I'm one of the few females who live with conviction. I have somehow learned not to be threatened by the stupid norms which are still very much clouding the society. I've achieved a balance in a sense that, I see myself as a very modern and liberated woman and at the same time choose to be very conservative in many many ways. I guess I'm not that liberated at all due to my conservative principles and morals which I always defend.
 I'm not saying I'm the best but I do know that 

I'm perfect the way I am... like you!

So my message to those who wanna be like me, thank you for choosing me as your ideal person but  please don't ever dare to be like me because I'd like you all  to be yourselves instead.. like what I did! =)

You can only be yourself  so might as well, invest your energies in developing your gifts rather than being someone you're not. Do your own thing... Cast you own spells and discover the gem in you.

As for my finale  this weekend, I'd like share to you what I had for lunch as sort celebration for surviving yet another chaotic week. It's more than just food for me... it's basically fried fish with red sauce and cheese... but to me it's more of a symbol of something good which I deserve.

Peche Parmigiana: this week's reward

Overall, I'm still very much thankful for everything around me.

May you all have a great week ahead!!

It Must Be The Hormones....

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I dunno. 

I just don't feel like I'm myself this week.
A lot of things in my head and unexpected events.. I find it hard to focus.
I feel this urge to vanish for a while and take a closer look
at the progress (if any) that I've done so far.

No fancy topics this time. Sorry

I just wanna be myself and be human...
.. it has been a while since I last tasted my own tears..
I know this is just a passing thing...
I just wanna acknowledge the pain..
No more asking why...

I've got so many things to do...
Projects are piling up..
My mind bursting with so many ideas
... but can't seem to find the means and the people
to help me accomplish them.

Funny how people can change in such a drastic way.
... that you cannot even fathom how you were
able to live with them for so long.
It's sad to see how they have evolved as monsters...
.. and at the back of my head, I'm wondering if I had something to do with it.

I feel alone...
Though I have much love that surrounds me and much activities
to do.... a part of me still  is screaming from within.
Sometimes, I enjoy solitude and there are also times wherein
I wanted a little comfort. Part of human nature...

Sometimes I wanna  breakaway from certain people
whom I know are not really supporting me but are only
rubbing elbows with me because of the little influence which I carry.
I have identified all of them by now...


I'm tired of being used...
My creative ideas.. oftentimes stolen from me..
... with no one to defend me.

If only I was rude enough to give them the finger and
say "FUCK YOU!" at their faces..
.... nah! I wasn't raised that way.
It's not queenly. =)


How do I feel now? I feel like a late bloomer...
I feel I missed out on a lot and I'm just starting my life again..
It's the morning of my life. I just wanna do the things which I failed
to do before.


Sometimes I even feel like taking a vow of silence
and keep things to myself....
... and try not to see and talk with people for a while...
... and be forgotten....

... this I have yet to learn.

I don't wanna walk this lonely street anymore...

V-day Suggestions.....

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photo by Mangored

It seems that many people have been asking me about some Valentine's Day gimmiks.

Am I a love guro? hahahha it's really weird! Probably because I'm known for my creative ideas that's why people usually seek my advice. I've decided to write it as early as now so you may plan way ahead!

It feels a little awkward because I myself don't really have someone to share this special day with but I do wish I'd get invited by someone though.

Honestly speaking, V-day isn't really that big for me coz showing your love to someone doesn't really need a special day.. you can do it at any day as often as you please. But anyway, ok ok due to insistent public demand, I've listed down some of my simple and practical ideas for V-day!

1. Manila Bay Sunset Cruise
    - I must say, I've been dying to experience this for years but no one has invited me yet.
      A romantic dinner, sunset bay cruise and serenade for only 550php per head is a sure
      nice way to show love to your partner. Better book early! http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/mbc.html

2. Your very own  Photo shoot
    - Invite your favorite photographer to shoot pictures of you. With the rise of hobbyists all over the country, I'm sure you can find someone whom can capture and immortalize those precious moments. If you don't know any... ehem ehem... I can always offer you my services! *wink* wink* www.majicanimayo.blogspot.com

3. Kiss him/her in the morning a soon as he/she wakes up and eat breakfast in bed!
    - I find this gesture very sweet. I believe it'll be much more sweet if you cook breakfast yourself. It doesn't really need to be fancy. It may some pancakes, fruits, cereal, bacon and eggs or even the classic silogs would be perfect!


4. A handwritten Love letter.
   - I believe in effort! I believe that handwritten letters are very very personal and nothing beats any gesture or gift with a personal touch for it makes the person feel very special. Feel free to be very creative with your letter! Just make sure that everything you write there is true ok? And please try not to copy from the internet.


5. Bake some Valentine Cookies!
   - These are really cute! Cookies are also very easy to make and you can be very creative with your designs. If you don't know how to bake, try visiting ArtCakes at your nearest SM Malls and take a look at their cookies and cakes!

6. Stay home and simply spend the day together!
    - Hotels and restos will surely be fully booked  during this day and when both of you have nowhere to go, I believe spending it at your own home would be best! You can do lots of activities at home like cooking a special dinner. Buy a nice bottle of wine and some chocolates to kick it up a notch! It also won't hurt to grab some blooms for her! Romantic movies are lame so I suggest watch a really hilarious film to catch some good vibes!

photo by Mangored

7. Romantic Dinner at Bellini's!

patiently waiting for the one =)

    - I believe that this is a romantic place to dine! Nuf said!  Try a glass of their sweet red wine, pizza, pasta and antipastos!It's located at the Cubao Expo.

If you noticed, I didn't suggest any getaways or expensive tours... I guess I just wanna prove that you don't need to spend a fortune just to show someone how special they are.

Also my friends, V-day isn't about giving expensive stuff. If you can afford it, why not? Go book yourself a room with a very own jacuzzi inside. You may find one in Laguna for sure!! There are many resorts there! Or you may both get a couple's massage at your favorite spa like the Nurture SPA in Tagaytay

Whatever you may decide to do, enjoy it! Cherish it! Takes pictures!

No matter how extravagant or practical the celebration is... it all boils down to the 2 of you!
Just have a damn great time! As long as both of you are together..... any place will be perfect! *sigh*

For me, I dunno... I don't really have any concrete plans yet.But if you were to ask me, I'd definitely prepare a nice dinner for 2 and spend the night just talking while holding hands... and wait until I fall asleep in his arms! Beat that!  AWWWWWW somebody stop me!


Also, do yourselves a favor and please DO NOT quarrel on this day ok?

Hope you liked me suggestions and please feel free to add more ideas which you have in mind!

"ME" Time in Corregidor

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Last weekend, my elementary school bestfriend Joanne and I went on a weekend trip to the historical island of Corregidor. It's actually my 2nd visit. 2 years ago, I was with my bf then.  I remember telling myself that I will definitely visit again someday. I believe that this was the perfect time to pay a visit once again in order to make new and better memories in this island. At last, I am now able to go the places which I've made memories with an ex lover. Finally... I was ready!

Why Corregidor? Aside from offering an insanely cheap package tour, I may say that I just simply fell in-love with the place due to the sense of "peace" it gives me. It's the best place to escape the chaos in the city. Here, I can sleep soundly and relax to the max. I feel very safe in this place. Also, the people are genuinely kind so you will definitely feel at home.
It may be a small island but the place is screaming with stories of war. Many people fear about the ghosts but honestly, I never saw any during my trips there.

One thing I love about this recent visit is that now, I have my dslr and knowledge in photography so I was able to take lots of photos.

I believe I should cut the talkies and go straight to the photos. No captions this time!!

 The night before the trip, we stayed a nearby hotel to save time and energy

We were the 1st ones to arrive at the terminal

ready to board

our vessel

boarding time

hmmm 1st memory.. during my 1st trip we sat at the 1st 2 seaats at the 1st row

feeling sleepy...

i used to hate posing in front of the cam, but now, I'm not afraid to look at myself anymore

there were many Japanese tourists that day

A Japanese man watching a documentary about Corregidor

checking out the nice weather

A photo worth a thousand words....

waaaahhhh finally!

we were assigned to Tramvia #

Meet Roberto: our loony tour guide

beside one of the many ruins

i believe this is a great shot for pre-nups... I'm kinda fascinated with the rule of thirds

Joane beside one of the many batteries

did I you know I used to be a bird in my past life? lols

hmmm traces from the war

the whole island is full of these

always ready to strike a pose

I just realized how useless keychains are

travel travel! i wanna roam around the world!

simple

boing boing!

here I am doing my thing!

a jumpshot a day, drives stress away!

chillaxing!

having my moment

inside the famous Malinta Tunnel

spooky!

how many ghosts do u see?

the super delicious adobo sa gata

lunch buffet at the hotel

Buddha shrine at the Japanese Memorial

hail ye God of Ska!

our cozy hotel room!

I miss this place!

our dinner at a local resto outside the hotel

The next day....

hotel food is soooo expensive!

our room 2 yrs ago...

and so the journey begins...

Rock Balancing: a common activity at the island

my favorite shot with a profound meaning for me

just testing the waters

watching my feet get wet

I love these cheap sandals.. they make my feet look sexy

goofing around at the helipad

lookin fab as ever! I like wearing brown for I believe it compliments my skintone

at the hotel

Next activity: Zipline!

ohhhhh I'm a Zipline newbie!! Will I survive?

Joane getting ready!

Don't be fooled with the smile! I was dead scared that time!

Que Sera sera!

Joane pretending to be ok

I did it!!! teka! baket ang ganda ko?

panic!

dami pa dahilan!! itulak na yan!!!

because of my bravery, they gave me a free ride this time with Maggie!

a priceless feeling!! you should try it!

meters away...

wwweeeeeee i love it!!

it was a windy day!!

the hotel!

on our way to the cafe

I insisted we dine al fresco style (outside)

the object of my obsession

simple food+a grand scene= the shiznit!

halos nililipad ang mga plato!

ansarap! homemade cheeseburger!

awww!!! I wanna stay!

I will definitely come back!

don't mess with the queen or else!

the waves were sooo strong everybody got scared!

safe at last!

a sweet ending for a grand journey!

I actually thought that I could write during my stay but my mind was too relaxed  that it just ordered me to clear my mind and sleep whenever I had the opportunity. I thought I was gonna feel emo or sentimental but I was surprised that  I just really enjoyed the sites and the whole experience. I didn't feel like reflecting or writing anything during the whole stay.

It's nice to travel with a trusted friend. We talked mostly about our own experiences in life and I realized that eventhough we have a lot of differences, we are also the same in many ways. We both enjoyed our respective "ME" times and I believe it contributed a lot in getting to know myself more. I guess the highlight of my stay was I was able to replace the old memories with better ones. =)

Am I gonna go back here again? Definitely if time and budget permits! Oh and if you're planning for a nice valentine date? Corregidor is just perfect for all you love suckers out there!!