Months after...

Blog.
So it's been two months since my last post. Seems like Blog.com has done some changes that I got a little confused when I logged in.

Haircut.
I went out yesterday for an appointment at a salon. I went to a different one compared to where I've always been going these past more than half a decade. My hair hasn't been cut for 9 months, from my old salon, so it has become really long and the style I wanted this time is very short. Not pixie though but it's below my earlobe.

Quarantine.
While inside the Grab car, I noticed the traffic of both people and vehicles. Seeing them felt a little like how things were before the quarantine. It's good for the economy. I just hope everyone's taking proper precautions.

Metro Manila is still under quarantine. I have no idea when it'll be fully lifted, or at least 75% lifted. I hope it'll be soon, but everyone's safety is of course the priority. We've been under (various) quarantine for almost 6 months now.

For selfish reasons I want it to be lifted soon. I'd like to say "at least some changes in the travel restrictions like permission for obvious non-essential travels," but that would mean headache for us working at the border control, especially my agency. Besides, I wonder if issuance of travel authority would also resume soon.

I want to travel overseas again. This may be against the preference of most, if not everyone, but I want to travel to China. The country may not be included in my planner's "travel destination" wish-list, but it's always on earmark, whispering from time to time at the back of my head. I'd love to fly to Shanghai, stay there for a couple of days and have a few more spent in Hangzhou. I'm thinking of at least 5 days total trip to both. Aah, my wandering feet is itching for some adventure. Perhaps I'll push for 7 days, so that means avoiding SLs.

Now Playing: Ikimonogakari - Sakura

Lotus

Having watched mostly Chinese dramas, movies, and anime recently, it is not unlikely that I get to see a common thing among them especially those associated with or inspired by Chinese mythology. I am particularly referring to lotus.

One can check online how it has been associated not only with Chinese folklore but also with ancient civilizations and religions given it's nature and character. It is indeed a pleasant water plant, full of symbolism.

The recent lotus that I have seen was in donghua  or Chinese Anime Mo Dao Zu Shi. What caught my attention though was when it was served as a soup. I didn't know that lotus is an edible flower. Out of curiosity, I of course want to taste a lotus dish. If it isn't for CoVID-2019, I might've already planned a trip in Southeast Asia for the sole purpose of seeing and eating lotus. I'm really curious how this flower is served as a dish in our regional neighbours.g

Now Playing: WENDY - What if Love

Of Schedules and Days Without CoVID

Our new sched has already been posted and I'm glad that mine doesn't have a break. I mean, it's going to be 3 straight days of duty then 2 days off-duty before another fortnight of what we like most. Still, I miss the pre-ECQ days when one could freely go from one place to another, without curfew, and  the almost 24-hour delivery availability.

There are also transactions that I need to settle and work on. Can't wait to get them done. Some plans have been postponed, if not cancelled. Also looking forward to when I can plan my travels again. There's even a particular place where I've never been to but I am already thinking of coming back to.

Now Playing: Duan Ao Juan - The Most Amazing of You

14 months later...

...a new entry is posted.

If there's one word that mostly kept from posting again it is work. The other factors would only come as consequence of this word. Thankfully I can do something about it now. And I need to intentionally write things down to keep my sanity, mostly, and to of course keep a record of events. I would probably be posting travels and adventures from the past year or so.

Truth be told, there are plenty to write about, crossing borders and going beyond typical interests. That kind of makes me excited, the thought of writing about them. Sweet.

For now, I'll get started with reading Arriane Serafico's book Existential Crisis Courage. Been looking for a copy in bookstores but found none so I ordered it online last month. I just received it today though; perhaps email matters. Well, things happen for a reason or more. I'll be posting some thoughts on the book here - that's intentional - and not just on Twitter or Instagram.

Now Playing: The Corrs - What Can I Do

Visita La Residencia de Aguinaldo

Albeit two decades of living here in Luzon, it was only recently - 19 September 2018. Wednesday - when I finally visited Kawit, Cavite. Still, better late than never.

At first I thought I wouldn't be able to make it because I left Makati around noon. The Aguinaldo Shrine is only open until 4PM. Thanks to Cavitex, going to the province of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo is faster than going anywhere in Metro Manila.

It is not difficult to spot the residence of the First Republic's residence. Amidst the houses in Kawit, the Aguinaldo Shrine stands proud in white paint. I easily hopped out the bus and walked a little into the compound.

I love the architecture. Well, I always appreciate colonial architecture in the country. The guide inside the shrine mentioned that the residence didn't start as what it looks like today. The General made extensions on the right side of the house for his children. If I remember correctly, there were three additional rooms on the second level, for the daughters of the general. There's a room leading to the tower but it was off limits. Too bad. I would've loved to explore the place.

It rained some minutes before the shrine was to be closed for the day. Having no umbrella, I had to stay. It's interesting that I had to take shelter from a very old and historical house, one that has contributed a number of times for the country. God bless this house.

Because of the rain, I haven't explored the compound. I headed straight inside the residence when I came. Thinking about it, I have to go back. A friend of mine was also inviting.

Hanging out inside, I learned some interesting information about the country's first dictator and his house. I dare say Mr. Emilio Aguinaldo was one particular and meticulous person.

It was also relaxing to watch the rainfall from his residence, whether from the window beside his bedroom or through the windows at the receiving area and even when you do so at The Sinner's Balcony, which is overlooking a river not so obvious anymore. Too bad. I was told the river used to play important role in transportation and trade back in the old days.

I would've gone to the irasan but it was getting late and I had work the following day. I ended up not sleeping. I was too preoccupied with President Emilio Aguinaldo. Visiting his house was one thing, watching GOYO: Ang Batang Heneral  was another. That was double dose.

Crazy

I got lost, distracted. I've already prepared in my head what to write for this entry, for now as there are a lot to write, but everything got swept into the sea. Crazy. Well, I spent quite a time watching YouTube vids of CRA casts appearances. That's why.

It reminded me though of something I've been thinking a lot before, for some years. Well, I still think about it from time to time. For now I am committed to what I have. But somehow things don't seem to fit and you get to have an urge to do something unusual. I wanted to say "crazy" but I've always been one so that would just be "normal" me.

Few of these past days without work were spent somewhere, particularly in Cavite and Batangas, respectively. Having gone so I realized I should've done that before. Both provinces are in the same region. I live in the same region, for goodness' sake!

Kawit, Cavite was an obvious first choice because it's the closest to Metro Manila, and for the reason that at the time I was quite preoccupied with the Philippines' first dictator and president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy.

The quick trip was a revelation, not just of Pres. Aguinaldo but also of Kawit. I was particularly intrigued with architecture and trade during his youth and early adult years. So I left Kawit with a lot of curiosity and considerations. Knowing there would be a whole lot of them, I decided to pursue an another crazy plan: watch GOYO: Ang Batang Heneral again, only after a week's interval.

The memories and curiosities from my Kawit trip still haunt me so I thought I should push for the Tanauan trip. And I just did that, in a crazy manner I must admit. I'm simply sweet lemon-ing it, thinking that it's for the town now city that has given and produced a son who has done a tremendous thing for our country, for our nation.

Unfortunately, I forgot that it was Monday when I would be having the visit to Apolinario Mabini's shrine. National museum and/or shrines are closed on Mondays. Heck. Thankfully, Tanauan has other things to offer. I will talk about it another time. It deserves a separate entry, so does my Kawit trip.


Now Playing: Kina Grannis - Issues (Julia Michaels)

Adventure

Recently found myself itching for some adventure, be it travels (mostly) or simply any activities that can be done in the metropolis. Although I've always had that, the thing is I've been sort of very much welcoming to do any possible activity with other people. What has become of the INTP/INTJ in me?

There are very few people that could make it possible, in the past. A lot of them live really far and they of course have their own lives, meaning different schedules. Well, there's one pretty near but seems unwilling to share some fun with the rest of the barkada.

As someone who's always doing stuff alone, of course I still dare do them. Recently, I've watched movies alone, again. I just think it'd be nice to have someone to share some comments about what you've watched over dinner or coffee. I really miss my INTJ friends.

Now Playing: MYMP - For All of My Life

Out of PH again

I got to have my second overseas trip after almost 6 years, on my goddaughter's birthday. It's another five-day trip. I also realized recently that both destinations - Taiwan and Hong Kong, respectively - are Chinese autonomous territories. I wonder when I'd be able to visit mainland China. I'm so looking forward to that.

The days before our departure were quite stressful due to the travel clearance I had to secure. I only had a week left when I found out. Thank God all went well, but it was not that easy. I had my travel clearance the day before our departure.

Come the day of departure. I was so pleased to see my passport stamped again though it's a new one so technically it's the first stamp for the renewed passport. But I only got stamps from the Philippine Immigration as Hong Kong's does no such thing, both for arrival and departure. There will be no passport-evidence that I went to Hong Kong.

Our flight (PR 306) was delayed for an hour with another hour of delay in retrieving our luggage. I don't know what caused the former but the latter was due to some rains when we arrived in Hong Kong. So much for inconvenience.

While still up in the air within Philippine territories, I got to take a shot of Metro Manila. I can't really say it's an unpleasant shot as I know how congested the capital region is. I guess I just got curious on what could be done to make things better.

However, how willing are Filipinos to make things better? Such do not happen in days or months. Are Filipinos willing to pay the price? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Inner Nomad

I've come across this article in BBC about Living in... the world's most reputable countries. It's pretty interesting.

Among those listed, there's only one that has not been among my 'top' picks but I still want to visit that country though I'd rather go to the Scandinavian countries first. Sweden is always a yes to me.

Reading the article got me thinking of going places. It kind of ignited the wanderlust in me. I've been recently thinking that I wouldn't be surprised if my ancestry would be traced back to the Bedouins. There simply is an inner nomadic nature in me that strongly desires to be there and thereto.

However, my inner nomadic nature has been recently grounded as something is "back" in my life. It'll be redemption time for me that I do not intend to miss. I cannot fail this time. Something else is also holding me back "somewhere" though I'm not really required to stay. This is worth playing another Susie Suh song.

I really wish that our HR will settle my absences that were incorrectly filed and have my unpaid over time works either paid or be available for off-set off duties. I need available days to return to Pangasinan, and it's not for leisure purposes. Of course, I also need money and available days for vacations or at least leisure trips.

Note: Photos are from the BBC article

One Year After Going to Baguio

I was on the road alone, inside a bus of course, leaving Manila for Baguio. It's been exactly a year, though I've already arrived by this time 12 months ago. Time flies. I was planning to stay there for good but I got summoned and Paul got me convinced to return to Manila. It felt as if I was Timothy.

The City of Pines was a lovely city. I loved walking albeit alone along its streets. I loved dropping by Burnham Park then the City Library almost every lunch break. Both are only 7-10 minute walk from where I used to work. I miss a lot of things about Baguio. If I could, I would love to be back. I actually had the chance of returning but only for an overnight stay. It was last month. Very quick indeed.

I am hoping that I'd have the chance to go up to this lovely city soon and with a longer stay. I miss Baguio. Yes, I do.

From the Capital to the Summer Capital

Would've posted this first if it wasn't for the World Cup. Geez.. speaking of which, there's no more game to watch out for. Spell #SepAnx.

Let's forget the 2014 World Cup for the mean time. So what's really going on with me?

I left Manila last July 9, Wednesday, for Baguio to follow my mother. It's a roller coaster with a lot of reasons and expectations and hopes. I was supposed to leave earlier but there's the World Cup semis. Would've traveled overnight (July 8/9) if it wasn't for the Brazil vs. Germany match. #AsianProblem

It was raining when I reached Pampanga. It was a beautiful sight, I'd say, as I love watching the rain. And it felt pretty sentimental as I was travelling alone. And there were beautiful sceneries. Cue: When I'm Gone. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture them all.

When I was already approaching the Summer Capital of the Philippines, I saw fogs covering some areas of the mountain ranges although it was still quite early.

The first time I roamed around the city by myself was yesterday. I'd say I've explored more than I did during my first couple of days with my mother. I've been to two universities by accident but I'd say I wasn't lost. Yes, because "Not all who wander are lost."

The thought just came to me when I was walking the street shown on the photo on the right. It had that feel, but it was also pretty exciting. It felt like I was on an adventure. On my own though.

What I first noticed in Baguio, which I haven't when we visited this city many years back, is its architecture. I love the uniqueness of Baguio architecture, if there is such a term anyway. The city reminds me of Europe, though I haven't been there yet, especially The Netherlands. The World Cup has nothing to do with it, but it really does remind me of Dutch houses and buildings. Each house has different paint colour and window. It's so amusing.

I find the city pretty. I'd love to explore more, but I'll be patient. There's a time for that and hopefully my phone would then have enough memory capacity to capture the scenes.

Now Playing: Hillsong United - You'll Come