BACKLOG :(

I was at Camsur last weekend ( mind you, I wasn't even able to go wakeboarding T_T) but it was a superb conference! Oh oh...Im having some backlog now
-marinduque ( oh gosh, that's like soo last year! hahaha)
-my birthday
-The Rent
-SFC Icon experience
- and my thoughts on LDR ^_^

I hope I will be able to share it some time soon! For now, I have to work my a** off.. I have a plane to catch *wink*

30b430 update : REVISION

It will hit you at the most unexpected time and day.

I don't have to explain further (yet) but # 17 will be having some MAJOR changes.Just browse my list on the right side of my blog and see for yourself ^_^

# 26 of 30B430 A day at the 2011 Hot Air Balloon Festival

# 26 A day at the 2011 Hot Air Balloon Festival

Mission Accomplished.

Venue:  Air Force City, Clark Freeport, Angeles City in Pampanga

Date: February 11, 2011
Official website

 Last Friday, February 11, 2011, I finally set foot on the land of Hot Air Balloon in Clark, Pampanga. I have always wanted to go to this magical event way back 2 years ago. I coined this experience “OLD and NEW” (credit goes to my good friend Teta) Why?

a.        An OLD dream that I was able to fulfill, finally! *yipee*

b       I was so happy that my dear Kristine, a good OLD closest  friend of mine  way back Nursing  days was with me in accomplishing this endeavor

c.       I got to be meet a new friend – Aeus ^_^ ( coolest name by the way!)

d.       NEW dream for next year – to actually ride a Hot Air Balloon 

Being #26 on my 30B430 list, I always dreamt on how it feels to actually be on top of the world ( and in some sort kinda flying). Well, Skidiving and riding a Hot Air Balloon  are on my bucketlist but due to budget constraint I opt to just be awed with the cuteness of these flying objects as it goes up up and away into the sky.

I was determined to go alone in case no one would be lovely enough to accompany me. But here goes my partners in crime and I truly thank them from the bottom of my heart for they played the perfect roles that auspicious day:

L-R : Sweet, Alvin, Aeus, Kristine and Espie

TRANSPORTATION: We were supposed to ride by car with some other friends but there were changes in our plans so being a commuter that I am, we decided to take the public transportation.  You can ride a Victory Liner bus, terminal is located at Cubao, Quezon City, bound to Alaminos, Pangasinan and go down at Dau, Pampanga (P123.00 one way). From Dau, you can take PUJs or Tricycles going to your destinations. If you know how to ask directions you will get by :) hehehe


We also planned to ride PUJ from  Hotel Hana to Clarkfield but since we got extra cash ( hehehe) and we need to get going as early as 4:30AM we rather asked the hotel to request an Innova van to take us to the event (P350.00). It was kinda expensive but we got a bit of a baggage so we really need one ( right Alvin?:P) It's just a 10-minute drive. 


After the event, there are sponsored vans, free of charge, outside the venue that can take you to Marquee Mall and in front of this mall is a Victory liner bus stop that will take you back to Manila (P121.00) You just need to wait for the next bus to arrive, usually every 15-20 minutes. In our case, we played Monopoly to kill time :)

Alvin introduced us to the new generation Monoploy card game 

   
HOTEL : Based from our experience it is better to book the hotel a few months before the event so you'll have a lot of options. There are plenty of hotels within the vicinity that you can choose from to suit your preferences. In our case,we booked late, though we were able to get rooms at Hotel Hana (P1095 per Standard Room). We paid extra for additional heads (P300.00 / person) and for the additional mattress ( P300.00). We checked-in the day before of the event so that we wouldn't be late for the early Hot Air Balloon Flights which starts at around 5:30AM. Being early on the venue also gave us a good spot to witness the exhibition.

courtesy of Teta

TICKET: Ticket for the Hot Air Balloon costs P150.00 only. It is available at the entrance on the day of the event but my friend Kristine bought our tickets at Ticketworld in Manila so to avoid long lines. If you want a closer encounter with these big balloons I think you have to pay another P250.00 ( <-not really sure about this part) and of course if you wanna ride the balloon you would need a bigger amount of dough - $150.00 ( which is a first-come-first served basis)

ayan!

FOOD : Food stalls are located inside the field, so no need to worry about your tummies. I suggest you bring your bottle of water ( we had 1Liter of water each, hehehe) and food from outside is also allowed


WHAT TO EXPECT :  Well, cute Hot air Balloons! hahaha.. You really have to be there early on for the Flight exhibition will just last for about 2 hours. I loved the way Mr. Sunshine said hello while waiting for the flights to start.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING : 
1.Your P&S or DSLR to document your activities
2. A cap or umbrella to protect you during the day , and put on some sunscreen or sunblock please
3. Something to sit on during idle hours - we brought malong with us, since there's a limited number of chairs and tents
4. If you are commuting, pack light! Carry a backpack so it would be easier to go around 
5. Your happy self! Enjoy, even if you'll be fried under the sun, this cute event is worth seeing in this lifetime :)


And so, Im crossing out #26 on my 30B430 list ( the first of the 30 by the way) 


LESSON LEARNED: Pursue you dream no matter what, Espie and I are really determined to go and nothing stopped us from seeing this magical event. If you really want something, there's gotta be a way to get. I just find hot air balloons amazing and I dont wanna miss this for the world!


I cant's wait to accomplish the rest on my list. Thank you Espie, Alvin, Teta and Aeus, it was superb! Love you!

my favorite picture

16th Hot Air

hold on tight!

the crew

^_^

snapshot

several pictures available here


P.S. This is,seriously,really my first time to blog about my travel hahaha, so spare me on this one. Promise, I'll be better :D

Share a sunshine,

Sweet :)

The Sweetest Love is in the morning...

It's my birthday and I got the Sweetest Love in the morning ^_^

Chocolate or Blueberry on top?

One of my closest friends described my current state: I’m experiencing an Indian summer, to complete her account; I’m savoring a cheesecake. :)

Indian Summer

A soft veil dims the tender skies,
And half conceals from pensive eyes
The bronzing tokens of the fall;
A calmness broods upon the hills,
And summer's parting dream distills
A charm of silence over all.

The stacks of corn, in brown array,
Stand waiting through the placid day,
Like tattered wigwams on the plain;
The tribes that find a shelter there
Are phantom peoples, forms of air,
And ghosts of vanished joy and pain.

At evening when the crimson crest
Of sunset passes down the West,
I hear the whispering host returning;
On far-off fields, by elm and oak,
I see the lights, I smell the smoke,--
The Camp-fires of the Past are burning.

Henry Van Dyke

http://allebacharts.com

FEBRUARY is LOVE (again)

I must admit, February is my fave, why not, it's my birthday month! ^^ 

I was with my dongsaeng this afternoon and she shared some songs on my new Rabbit USB dongle that I got for free just by purchasing Happy last weekend. One particular song caught my interest, Chantal Kreviazuk's This Year.

Perfect!

It's my February hymn and what inspired my monthly mantra! Here are few lines from the song and click here to hear it yourself.

This year, I'll reach that pinnacle
This year, I'll get to the top
People'll realize where she got that energy
This year, I'm never gonna stop

January, I'll learn to fly
February, love's gonna find me
March, April, May
I'll get carried away

I would always say, I fall in love easily, to a good book, a cute pair of shoes, a boy ( a downside i guess LOL), or good music. Maybe that's why I am really a February girl - born on the love month ( Mom, you should have waited for Feb. 14 though >.<)! One blogger friend said, and I will quote his exact words :  "I reckon you're a hopeless romantic", I couldn't agree more.

With my 30 things before 30 project going on, I am more excited with the rest of the year. I am slowly realizing the purpose of each  most especially #17. .  I have come to learn more what I really want, I feel in control ( and not just letting my stupid emotions blur my way). I am learning to focus on the NOW rather than repeatedly looking back at the past or worrying about the future. One day at a time as they say, but still determined to reach my DREAMS in the process!

January, I learned how to fly - just because when I decided to start my 30B430 I know will accomplish everything by hook or by offering prayers. 

February, *sigh with a smile* I love you! I'll be turning 29 in 12 days and yet I still feels like a teenager..hahaha, and yes love's gonna find me. I know you will ^^ - love for self and more love from my family and friends it is! 

And some stupendous  things to happen this love month :

1. My Birthday ( weehhh)

2. CamSur trip with SFC friends

3. Speed dating ( yes! arrgghh, my first and probably the last LOL) - I have always wondered about the feeling of doing such crazy thing plus it can almost fill my 30 sweet delights =) Dinner with Mr. Blueberry and his family

4. 2011 Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark, Pampanga 

5. I'll be moving, goodbye Quezon City ( and my haven T_T ), I loved you so much and I will always love you but it is greener on the other side

6. The Rent Musical @ RCBC

7.Flourish in my business 

8. and few more things that will surprise me in a positive way *kilig*

So, stay in love my friend and share a sunshine. Happy Love month!

Hugs,

Sweet 

PAPA JESUS, CAN YOU PLEASE CLONE HIM?

After my Jap dinner with friends this evening, I went straight home and started  to check some emails ( slash Facebook) when I came across this link shared by my friend. It did ignited tears to run down my face,  I mean come on, I already heard bad stories that a partner left his girlfriend when he found out that she has cancer. I know he has his reasons and I can't blame him for that but watching this video just sends goosebumps and a lot of blood to my heart. It affirmed my belief that yes there are still, not just a handful, but a bunch of good men around. Honestly, I have this fear ( I don't actually ponder much on it but occasionally escapes my thoughts) about that one special person I may possibly spend the rest of my life with. You know the vows - through thick and thing mantra-  and up to what extent really can someone be willing to give, offer his time, love and that one complicated word : COMMITMENT.

I salute Chris Medina. I salute all those men and women who can offer everything in the name of Love ( platonic or romantic, it does not matter) This is a perfect example of Unconditional Love.

This kind of stories, made me cling on and have the best and high hopes that yes, it is still  possible to find that One True Love. :) May your search be over soon, and for those who have found it already, be committed to your vows. Love with all you heart, mind and soul.

SIXTH SENSE

It’s just another run of the mill Wednesday when I saw an odd bottle inside my old tote bag while looking for some stuff. I knew instantly that I have to veer away for it tremendously connotes danger. “Ahhh..the power of our senses” I thought.

 You know that feeling when you smell a particular scent and you instantaneously warps into a different dimension, let’s say, your past memories ( and really reliving it!)? I’ve been an expert through the years, and I should say Im either a masochist or I’m just  harebrained in doing such thing.

The air is heavy with their scent, a constant reminder of the first bloom you gave me

I have a choice whether to ignore the specimen or mug my fear, I chose the latter (I always do). So I picked it up, examined the bottle with my hands and clasped it for a moment before I unhurriedly opened the cap.  It’s funny how I challenge myself with these kinds of things.  I even entered into a conversation with myself first, “Are you sure you are ready? Don’t blame me of what might happen next, OK?” I warned myself. “Pfftt, this is nothing, I know I can handle it!” I disproof, and then started to move the bottle towards my nose, closed my eyes and welcomed a familiar ground. Ola! I dissolved in the whiff.

To my surprise, there’s no twitching of the heart and not even single cholesterol clogged the path. I was anticipating a teardrop, a frown or maybe even a wail but I just kept my eyes close and all I can remember are happy recollections. “Shame on you!” my ego growled but I just smiled.

I wanna give myself a pat on the shoulders. See, having short-term memory loss probably has its advantages after all. In the next few days, I may deliberately seek for those old scents that I almost forgot, it is a minimal reminder that may keep my feet on the ground and a constant keepsake for whatever I had in the past is the result of who I am today. And Im lovin’ it!  

30B430 update : #13 Almost in Boracay

Boracay ( photo courtesy of paynepat44 on flickr)

Naaahh.. not yet!  But yes, God heard my prayers and angels were sent to deliver it ( I'll consider it as an early 30th birthday gift, dude Im not even turning 29 yet! haha ) Anyway, in my quest for the 30 things before 30, it includes a wedding hosting in Boracay. Even though I've been to this paradise a couple of times already, it would be a different dish to host a wedding there( for those who just passed by my blog - I am a freelance wedding host ^_^). So I attracted the universe and well of course, took some diligent actions.

I emailed Ms. Amanda Tirol - she is a popular and expert wedding coordinator in Boracay ( who else should I be asking help from, right? *wink* ) and the kind woman as she is, informed some of her brides of my insane idea. In just 48 hours, a sweet bride shoot me an email - so sweet her name is Hershey ( destiny?! as she quoted..hahaha) I have to save the rest of the story for my official # 13 30B430 article after the wedding. But I am so happy this evening since I finally met her and she confirmed that she likes me ( not the romantic kind, silly!) to be  her wedding host. Yey! Thank you for trusting my ability and I am so excited for October 2011, not just because I will be able to strike -through #13 but of course in high hopes on pulling-off a great hosting stint for Hershey ^_^ 

God is good all the time!

I can now hear the waves hitting the rocks of Boracay, the fine sand that swirls under my feet..*screeeaaaccch* sorry, you know how powerful our imagination is, and I can't just believe I have attracted it this much! Thanks again to my angels :D

Here goes the lovely story of Darren and Hershey. I was reading it yesterday and all I can say is "Auuuwww" tee hee... it really paints a smile on my face whenever I discover such beautiful couples.. and who says fairy tales don't come true? :)

When I was a kid

“Do you remember when you were a kid

and you thought you could do anything?

You still can…”

When I was a kid and an elder would ask what I want to be when I grow up I would answer “I want to be a doctor!". I have no idea where it came from but I guess that's what I usually saw on TV during the 80's (blame it to Little Ms. Philippines in Eat Bulaga) and most of my classmates would even say the same thing or perhaps they would want to be a dentist, lawyer, manager ( I wasn't even aware there are different types of manager back then)  or a noble teacher, some would dreamed of being an actor/actress ( Ang TV was very influential you knowl!)

Come college (and I am not so sure if I attended our career week in high school) I took up BS Biology  as my pre-med,  but as I was exposed to  different kinds of people and joined a list of organizations my Doctor Dream seems to fall apart. For one, I love to write and lead people ( high school classmates despised  me when I directed Noli Mi Tangere :P), I have a passion for dancing and  I also love Arts and Literature and a lot more things outside a science course . So I boldly declared to everyone that I'm not pursuing Medicine anymore after graduation. I wanted CommArts, MassCom or maybe a more specific course that will make use of my right brain.  But a series of events did not led me to my dream course, a "course redirection" happened instead. I took up BS Nursing and mind you, finished it, took the boards and glued an RN at the end of my name.

Where am I today? You bet! I neither practiced being a Biologist or a Nurse. I chose to discover something that will really make me happy ( I thought my ‘rents moola was overflowing so I ended spending 7 years of serious studying and costly tuition fees, sorry Dad) but never did I regret in doing so and just  ignoring what a bunch of negative people would say.

Now, after working my a** off and trying to trek the  corporate ladder  for 3 years (imagine how excited I was  to receive my first paycheck at the tender age of 25!) I finally waved goodbye last December 2010 and jumping up and down on my way of being an Entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurship? What again? Does this word exist in the 80’s when I was trying to decide the route of my future? Maybe it was but I never heard of it ( or was I absent at my class?). Never did I heard one little beauty contestant said " Paglaki ko, gusto kong maging entrepreneur!" way back my younger years. I can’t remember it was even taught by my teachers; instead we were prepared for the cycle of the 9AM-5PM work or the on-call duty of most prestige professionals like well, doctors.

Now, I am proud to say I am on with People Business – building relationships that last for many years.  I am an entrepreneur and dreaming of making a lil bit difference in my own little way. So let me share with you this remarkable  video I stumbled upon You Tube (where else?!) and motivated me or let's say an affirmation that I am on the right track.

“…. Remember when you were a kid, when everything was within your reach, and then say to yourself quietly, but with DETERMINATION: IT STILL IS”

                                                                                         

Maybe you are  saying this is not your calling and you have your own passion  but it wont kill you if you try  being an entrepreneur,  it is always been about your compelling WHY :)  
Soar like an eagle and find that one thing that can make you say  "It is all worth it!"