Slambook (2025 Edition)

As I was looking back on my blog posts and drafts (unpublished posts) from the last 19 years, I chance upon this post I made almost 13 years ago. And while I was reading that post, I realized that so much has changed from my preferences in the last decade or so. My likes and dislikes, my favorites... heck, even my personality has somewhat changed. Which is why I decided that maybe it's time to update that post to reflect the current me. Obviously, I'm old and a bit more mature now. I mean, I made that post when I was 27 years old and now I'm 40 (turning 41 this March!!!). But it's fun to think that there was a time in my life that I liked what I liked and enjoyed the things that I listed in here before. (Oh my twenties... how I've missed you!)

Anyway, without further ado, here's my current answers to the following items:

 

name:  abby mercado
nickname: abbymercs
age: 40
birthdate: March 04, 1984
birthplace: STUH, Sampaloc, Manila
zodiac: Pisces

MBTI: INFJ
height: 5'1 1/2"
weight: 75.20 kg (from just 54 kg 12 years ago!)
bloodline: Filipino - true-blooded Pinoy!
school: Malate Catholic School (1991-2001), University of Santo Tomas (2001-2005)
hobbies: reading, dancing, writing, making art & crafts, taking pictures, blogging?
talents: none. still waiting to be discovered...
biggest (wildest) dream: to be an astronomer and a famous choreographer
active member of: none
fave hang-out: my room
gimmick guide: malls and cafes
more likes: sleeping, coffee, photos, travelling, k-pop, K-dramas
i like to bounce to the beat of: K-Pop, hip-hop, dance tunes
fave CD: enhypen - romance:untold
fave music: K-POP!!!
food trip: ice cream, carbonara, mcdonald's fries, java chip frappe, chicken skin, kfc hotshots, chocolates, greenwich lasagna, Goldilock's polvoron, avocado shake, cheese!!!
must haves: brain, faith, sense of humor, common sense and money! $$$
prized possession: photo albums, books, k-pop CDs
fave TV show: dawson's creek, amazing race, are you afraid of the dark?, running man, 1n2d, grandpas over flowers, jinny's kitchen, amazing saturday
silverscreen likes: schindler's list, my best friend's wedding, the patriot, jurassic park franchise, mighty ducks, miracle, the cure, home alone, my sassy girl (korean), the admiral: roaring currents, train to busan
Oscar Award for cutest actor goes to: Ryan Philippe
Oscar Award for cutest actress goes to: Sarah Michelle Gellar
"suki" stores: Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Bench
fashion sense: comfortable/loose shirt and skinny jeans
fave item in my closet: jeans and sweatshirts
the man of your life is: currently, it's Heeseung of Enhypen. But I think I will always be a fan of Mike Cortez. I mean, he's been my ultimate crush since 2002! 
if you're Barbie, Ken would have to be: god-fearing, family-oriented, understanding, athletic, smart, witty, well-rounded, affectionate and super-TALENTED! or at least dances well. 
thumbs down on: guys who smokes, does drugs, acts like they're going to hell, drinks like there's no tomorrow, and also guys who are demanding, has no sense of humor, and irresponsible. and of course, those who cheats in relationships.
ideal guy: I don't think I could go out with anyone who can't carry his end of a conversation.
describe your personality: moody
how would your best friend describe you: moody but has a good heart... 
you can kick butt in: in my forty years of existence, I don't think I've found anything that I'm really good at. procrastinating, maybe?
korniest thing you've done: write letters and give small trinkets to friends... but I'm sure I've done much kornier stuff than that.
bookworm babe: The Alchemist, Harry Potter, The Baby-sitters Club
life philosophy: No one can put you down when you have the knowledge. There's so much more you can do with your brain than with any part of your body. 
moments that made your heart skip a beat: watching my favorite groups and biases on Youtube.
pet peeve: traffic, large crowds
sibling revelry: I have 5 younger sibs. 2 boys and 3 girls.
my zoo: we currently have two dogs: Bella (3) and Kobe (1)
i like me, because: I'm unique.
i'm not too crazy about me, when... i say things that can hurt someone. i'd wish to take them back, but the damage has already been done.
motto i'd want to live my life by: "Live your life as if it's your last."
if i had an alias, it would be: storm because: i'm magulo?
my hidden talent: like I said, it's still hidden.
my cheap thrill: mango shake, fishball
people don't know i'm... mabait!
i'm a: bag, books, k-pop, movies addict.
i would never eat: insects!
i want to be more: punctual and less: timid
if you want to get a glimpse of me, you'll find me in... my room
anyone you're currently addicted to: Enhypen's Heeseung, NCT's Jaehyun, Seventeen's Minkyu, Hwang Inyeop, and Jung Haein
top 3 life essentials: Faith in God, sense of humor, and your brain!!!
people describe you as... masungit, moody
but you're really... malambing and friendly
what can scare you? Ghosts
what can make you cry? losing my love ones. 
what are you like when you're angry? when I'm mad, I really don't talk to anyone -and I mean ANYONE!
what's the family like? typical!!! and I wouldn't have it any other way.
standout personality trait: flexibility? I can adopt to all kinds of personality.
fave place in the world: paris, france!
beauty secret: beauche skin products
beauty weapon: brains!
life-changing moment: when I realized that I'm not to blame if my partner cheated on me. If he cheats, it's a reflection of his character, not mine. And that you don't have to be sorry for loving someone even if it hurts, especially when it hurts.

girl power mantra: never sacrifice your values and principles. Don't try so hard to fit in that you let go of what's important... -words of wisdom from Bianca Gonzalez, my role model.
most exciting thing happening in your life? Right now, I do want to attend Enhypen's concert in March.
if I could be any person or thing for one day, i would be: a wish-granting machine.
my favorite people in the whole world: My family, my friends from high school to college, my work friends, my life-long friends, my favorite artists, and my k-pop biases.

Movie Theme: Best New Year's Eve Movies

Following my resolution about watching more movies, I decided to go about it by using a theme for each month of the year. I've seen so many list about what movies to watch during a certain month or a certain theme, or a ranking of the best movies to watch during "insert theme", that I decided to just compile them and watch as many as I can without considering any other factors.

Anyway, since it's the beginning of the year, the theme for this month is New Year's Eve Movies or New Year Movies. It might be movies about the new year, movies that took place during new year's eve, movies about new beginnings, or any movie that basically fits the theme.

I've sourced the list below from Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Purewow, Oprah Daily, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, and Esquire. I will be linking a separate post for an individual review of each movie and maybe come up with my very own recommendation on what movies to watch. I will also probably add movies to this list for as long as it fits the theme.  

So without further ado, these are the movies that were listed as the best movies to watch during new year's eve:

200 CIGARETTES (1999)

A LONG WAY DOWN

A LOT LIKE LOVE (2005)

ABOUT A BOY (2002)

ABOUT TIME (2013)

AFTER THE THIN MAN (1936)

THE AGE OF ADELINE (2015)

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (1957)

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)

THE APARTMENT (1960)

ARE WE THERE YET? (2005)

ASSAULT IN PRECINT 13 (2005)

BACHELOR MOTHER

BOOGIE NIGHTS (1997)

BRIDGET JONE'S DIARY (2001)

CAROL (2013)

CITIZEN KANE (1941)

DINER (1982)

EAT. PRAY. LOVE

FORREST GUMP (1994)

FOUR ROOMS (1995)

FRUITVALE STATION

GHOSTBUSTERS II (1989)

THE GODFATHER II (1972)

THE GOLD RUSH (1925)

HAPPY NEW YEAR (2014)

HAPPY NEW YEAR (1987)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN (1986)

HIGH BALL (1997)

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (2006)

THE HOLIDATE (2020)

THE HOLIDAY (2006)

HOLIDAY INN (1942)

LADY BIRD

MERMAIDS (1990)

MONEY TRAIN (1995)

MOONSTRUCK

THE NEW YEAR

NEW YEAR'S EVE (2011)

NEW YEAR'S EVIL (1980)

OCEAN'S 11 (1960)

PHANTOM THREAD (2013)

POSEIDON (2006)

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972)

RENT (2005)

ROSEMARY'S BABY

SERENDIPITY (2001)

SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE (2008)

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1998)

SNOOPY PRESENTS: FOR AULD LANG SYNE (2021)

SNOWPIERCER (2013)

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

STRANGE DAYS (1995)

SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)

TRADING PLACES (1983)

TWO LOVERS (2009)

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

WAITING TO EXHALE (1995)

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989)

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)

2025 Resolutions

 A New Year. A New Beginning.

2025.

Oh-eM-Gee! 

I still can't believe that it's been nine long years since my last 'New Year's Resolution' post which was in 2016. I had been away from this blog for far too long. Aside from my very personal post last 2022, I haven't posted anything in this blog at all. 

Looking at my list from nine years ago, I must admit that I haven't accomplished much. I think I've done them for a good couple months and then completely forgotten about them. And then there were some that I never even bothered to do. Anyway, with that being said, this will once again just be a repost of my 2016 New Year's Resolutions with a few tweaks here and there. Because in those eight years, my likes and preferences has also change. So I'm also going to incorporate them on this list.

And without further delay, here are my new year's resolution for the year 2025:

1. Be More Punctual.

This year, (1) I will strive to be on time for work and always arrive 15 minutes before get-togethers or any scheduled engagements (e.g. meetings, seminars, etc.), and (2) I will only use my vacation leaves and sick leaves when necessary.

This resolution has proven to be the most difficult one for me. Judging from how I always include this on my NYR lists, you would already get the idea that I'm having difficulty accomplishing this. Sure, I am able to do this for a good couple of months but the consistency for me is the problem. After a few months, I always go back to my usual self. So this year, I will strive to avoid being late. I know it's a big commitment so to make it more realistic, I promise to lessen my tardiness to just five per month. And the second point is self-explanatory. Actually, I've already done this before, but based from last year's attendance record, I need to get this back on this list. Also, I'm planning to use my leaves in my future travels so I would really have to do this.

2. Save moohlah!

I promise to allot a portion of my salary on savings. I should also keep track of my expenses and learn to budget my money wisely. 

Again, this is something that I struggle with. Like my tardiness, I did this one for a good few months and completely disregarded it. Last year, I was able to save up until June and was able to keep track of my expenses up to October. And then for some reason (most probably my laziness), I just stopped doing it altogether. Recording my expenses is actually fun. I get to keep track of where my money goes and then I feel disappointed in myself whenever I see something that I should not have bought. Lol! Also, I'm already at the age where I should have been financially stable, but due to my obsession with material things, I'm thousand of miles away from becoming one. So this resolution is a non-negotiable for me.

3. Renew my faith.

Attend mass every Sunday and other holy days of obligation; pray the rosary; read the bible and the purpose driven life; do not forget to thank God for all his blessings; and finally go to confession.

Unfortunately, I never bothered to make any improvements for this resolution in the last couple of years. As someone who attended Catholic school for all of her student life (First grade to College), I suck at this. So for this year, I again promise to be closer to God. 

4. Live a healthy lifestyle

Exercise regularly; sleep before midnight; avoid staying up late (except on weekends); no more coffee after 6PM and limit coffee intake to at least one per day; take multivitamins everyday; take a shower at night regularly; do skin care routine every night without fail; and drink tea at night.

As of this writing, I currently weigh 75.20kg which is significantly over the recommended weight for my height. No wonder I am now having trouble standing up for long periods of time and that I feel pain in my joints and ankles from time to time. So this year, I want to lose even just 10kg. 

Also, I feel like my coffee dependency is going back to its old ways. Until early last year, I've done very well at having only a cup of coffee per day. Two cups if I'm putting an all-nighter. But around April or May, I found myself drinking two cups of coffee per day and three cups (or more!) when I have to stay up late. And speaking of staying up late, my insomnia is at its worst. Unless I'm really tired, I sleep at 3-4AM and had to wake up at 6-7AM for work. That's three hours of sleep plus the other two or three hours I manage to sneak in after work when I can no longer stay awake. So this year, I hope to make a few changes (even just a little) to my health.

5. Reinvent myself.

Wardrobe change and update at least once a month; wear accessories; change my hairdo; and learn how to apply make-up.

Again, the problem is that I have too much of everything but I never wear or use them. I couldn't open my drawer because of all the boxes stored in front of it and some of the clothes that I have no longer fit me. As for bags and shoes, I have a lot but I keep wearing or using two to three pieces at most. For about a year, I always use the Jansport backpack I borrowed from my sister and worn two shoes out of the 30+ pairs that I have. For accessories, I seldom use them and I have like several drawers containing earrings, rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, and hair accessories. When I was also cleaning my drawer, I threw out 30+ nail polish and a pile of expired make-up that I've only used a few times. So this year, I want to only buy things that I will definitely use and use everything that I already own.

6. Take up a new hobby.

Knitting, sewing, or dancing; learn photography; update my bucket list; make art crafts more often; start the outline of my scrapbook and travel photo-book; get into any kind of sport; learn how to play the guitar; lettering; painting; and coloring.

Again, everything that I needed to start some of these hobbies are collecting dust in my room. Last year, I even bought a ton of stickers to start my scrapbook and journal, but as of today, I never even bothered to open them. Also, the paint by numbers kit that I've bought a few years ago are also left unopened in my room. 

Another thing is that, I also wanted to make accessories again. Not for business, but for personal use. When I was cleaning my room, I saw all my tools and beads and I kind of miss making something beautiful out of them. So this year, I want to visit this shop that I frequent at Quiapo and stock up on my jewelry-making supplies or go to Divisoria to get more materials for other hobbies like cross-stitching or knitting.

7. Learn.

Learn a foreign language: Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, or Mandarin; study world history; review other subjects like Psychology, etc.; search a topic that interests me and read more about it; finish an online course; get into the habit of reading the news daily; and read more books.

Since I'm turning 41 this year, I realized that although there is no age limit when it comes to learning, I really need to start learning a new language now or else I will be too old to even bother doing it. And then there's my 1,800+ books that I still have to read. I'm afraid that if I don't start now, I won't have the time to do so in the future. 

8. Travel more.

This year, I should go to a place that I've never been before; If possible, be able to go out of the country again; and/or revisit Baguio, Tagaytay, Intramuros, Antipolo, and other places that I haven't been to for years.

I'm planning to make a travel bucket list of places I want to visit this year (here and abroad). Also, I've already made plans for a tri-city tour (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia) with my friends at work this coming December. So hopefully, that will push through. 

9. Accomplish something on my bucket list

Again, I should work harder on crossing off items on my bucket list. I made that bucket list for a reason, not just stare at it and imagine things about it. I should be able to live it and experience it for real.

Since making the list, I was only able to cross off probably less than ten items on it. It's such a pity really because you know, I'm getting older, and I really wanted to finish everything on that list. But judging on my track record, I will probably need another lifetime to get everything done. So I really really need to work hard on accomplishing them. Even just to finish half would be awesome. Otherwise, I will live the rest of my dying days full of regret. I also plan to reorganize my bucket list and just put in those that I know I can finish and remove some things that have become impossible for me to do as I got older.

10. Redecorate my room.

I used to like the idea of fashion spreads on my wall, but now that I'm on my forties, my preferences has also changed. Now I want my room color to be gray with a few pops of green, black, and pink. I also want to be as organized as possible that's why I'm planning to purchase storage boxes for my things. 

11. Learn my way around the kitchen.

It's about time I start to learn how to cook something edible. Something other than instant noodles, canned goods, and fried foods. Hopefully, learn how to bake too.

Last year, I finally learned how to cook rice and use the rice cooker. So this year, I want to learn how to cook even just one dish. I also plan to seriously learn how to bake. Because the electric oven that my dad bought for me before he died has been collecting dust for ten years now. I've only ever used it once when I was trying to learn how to bake from my aunt, but since then I haven't used it at all. 

12. Try out something new this 2025 or my 41st.

Paintball, Go-Kart Racing, Target Shooting, Archery; or eating something that I haven't eaten yet: sushi, isaw, dinuguan; or experience something new: watch a theatrical play, visit the Dessert Museum, or ride a roller coaster.

This item is actually linked to my bucket list as some of the items listed here are part of it. Looking back, I'm proud to say that I've crossed off bowling and ice skating (which apparently I sucked at!) from this list. Though, I wouldn't mind doing them again.

13. Stop Procrastinating. 

I've always been honest with this: I AM A MASTER PROCRASTINATOR. I keep on finding or making these excuses not to this or that and putting things off for later, and then completely forgetting about them. I really need to fix this "habit" of mine as my to-do list keeps on getting longer and I haven't finish most of them. 

14. Become more confident, decisive and organized.

My closest friend could really attest to me being indecisive. When they ask me what do I want, I keep saying I don't know. I will say one thing then change it to another one and then go back to my first choice then still think of my second. It has always been like that for me so I really need to fix this too. I need to learn how make decisions on my own and not rely on my friends especially with things such as where to eat, what to eat, etc. 

Also, I need to be more confident. Actually, I've been improving on this one but it's still lacking base on my own standards. So yeah, this should also be addressed this year. With being more organized, I think my room and my life needs an overhaul. I used to be kind of OC when it comes to my things, but looking back at the past years and how my room looks like now, I need to bring that side of me back.

15. Keep a Journal

I need to do this one as I want to remember things that happened to me on a certain day or  period of time. I also need to keep one as I'm getting all these ideas that I sometimes forget about them especially when I don't write them on paper. Keeping a journal is like a pensive. I can remember things or moments that took place on a particular day. I will be able to remember the people, the emotion, etc. This is based on actual experience as I have been rereading portions of my diary and I felt so happy that I was able to capture the emotions I felt on a particular day. Reading them again was like travelling through time. So yeah, this one should be done again.

16. Don't dwell on the past.

Lastly, this is something that I should also work on this year. I've been feeling nostalgic about so many things lately. I've been re-living and re-imagining my past. I mean it's okay to revisit the past once in a while, but I realized that I've been doing it a lot lately. Even my conversations with friends are all about past memories. I couldn't even tell a new story because I've been living on my past. Dwelling on it. Letting it consume me. And then I started thinking of the 'what if's and if only' which is not good for my mental health. So for this year, I promise to live in the present and look forward to the future!

---

Like always, I wish that the new year would prove to be a lot better for me, resolution-wise and otherwise. Cheers to 2025! 

Dear Abby,

August 22.

The day I've got my heart broken again by the same person who broke it three years ago. This time, I knew it was the end. And that there was no hope left in ever rekindling what we had. On that day, he finally told me that he plans to get married again and is currently living with the mother of one of his children.

I knew I had no right to be sad about it because we have broken up long ago. But it still hurt so so much that I couldn't think of anything else and just cried. I cried at work, I cried on my way home. I cried while having dinner. And again, like the many nights before, I cried myself to sleep. I felt the same pain I felt when I found out I was being cheated on. The same pain I felt when I asked him to stay with me and he refused. The same pain I felt when I begged him to choose me and he didn't. And the same pain I felt when we had our closure and he apologized for doing me wrong.

A month has passed since I got the call. And to my surprise and utter relief, the pain didn't last for very long. Maybe it's because I already knew and finally accepted that we were over, and that I have already come to terms that someday this will happen. I guess you could say that my mind was already prepared for it. I thought it will take me longer to get over the pain, but as I am writing this now, I feel kind of weird that I could write this and be completely okay about it. I am no longer shedding tears over him and that my heart and mind is finally at peace. I could look back on the times that we spent together as memories I will cherish and that there's no anger or hatred in my heart. I could think of him fondly as someone who taught me valuable lessons in love and life rather than someone who broke my heart. I feel like I was finally free. And that after a very long time, I finally feel happy. Genuinely happy. Like I no longer have to pretend that I'm fine and I don't have to convince myself that I am over him. Because, I can say this now with much confidence, I AM OVER HIM. 

I actually tried to reassess if what I am feeling is true and surprisingly, there were days that I no longer think about him. And that when I do think about him, I no longer felt the need to cry. Thinking about him no longer makes me sad. And I feel like that is the sign that I've already moved on. I'm glad that I could, once and for all, close this chapter of my life.

And I promise myself that before I give my heart again to someone else, I have to learn to love myself first.

XOXO.

Photo-A-Day: April 2016

We're done with the first quarter of 2016 and the new list for the month of April is finally up. As usual, don't forget to head on over at Fat Mum Slim for more details on how to play along as well as info regarding the daily prompts. Ciao!

Photo-A-Day: March 2016

The list for my birth month is out. I got a totally ordinary prompt for my birthday though. Sigh... Anyway, don't forget to head on over at Fat Mum Slim for more details on how to play along. XOXO.

Photo-A-Day: February 2016

Wow! January went by so fast and now we're looking into February's new prompts. As usual, don't forget to head on over at Fat Mum Slim if you need more details on how to play along. Ciao!

#family-bonding: Tagaytay 2016

January 3, 2016

This glorious view of Taal Vocano from our cottage at Picnic Grove

Starting the year right. Me and the fambam (which consists of me, my siblings, my parents, grandmother, my uncle and his family) finally went to Tagaytay. I think that this trip has long been overdue. Let me tell you why. When my Dad was admitted in the hospital a year ago, he wrote that he doesn't want to die and told us (in writing) that once he has been discharge from the hospital we would go to Surigao, Antipolo and Tagaytay. We've been to Surigao last March-April and I remember that we also went to attend mass at Antipolo Church. However, my Dad chose to delay going to Tagaytay as he seem to think that once this wish has been granted, he would, likewise, be dying soon. Something like fulfilled requests of the dying. I think we had been watching too many dramas and movies about this situation for him to be thinking that way. So imagine my surprise when my Mom told me just yesterday that it is confirmed, we are finally going to Tagaytay. Although a bit reluctant, what the heck, it's still Tagaytay!

There wasn't much of a preparation really. Since my uncle is a very good cook, he was in charge of our lunch today and my mom for the breakfast. We were scheduled to depart at 5:oo am to avoid traffic. We figured that there's going to be a lot of people visiting Tagaytay since (1) it's the last day of vacation and (2) it is Sunday.

However, due to habitual delays (i.e. waking up late), our scheduled departure has been push backed to 7:00 am. Haha. I guess being late really runs in the family. Anyway, we left for the bus terminal as soon as my uncle arrived at our place. We hired three tricycles to drop us off at the bus terminal at Coastal Mall. Regular fare is Php 8.00 and you get discounts if you're a student or a senior citizen. Since the normal route for the tricycle doesn't include our drop off point, we paid extra for the service. I think each tricycle got around Php 70.00 as payment. That is twice what we normally should pay. I don't encourage this but given that my dad and my lola are still patients, and because we have too much luggage, we had no choice but to adhere to the drivers' request. 

It took us about ten minutes to decide which bus to ride. I would have loved to ride on an air-con bus but the cold atmosphere is not suitable for both my dad and lola. They both cannot handle the cold and I know how cold a provincial bus can get. So we decided to ride the ordinary bus instead. The pros of this buses is that they are extremely fast and they are cheaper. The con would have to be the "mahangin ba sa labas" look you'll get after. I suggest to tie your hair in a ponytail or wear a cap if you don't want people staring at your lion-like mane once you get off the bus. I forgot how much the fare cost but I think that it is between Php 80 - 90 each.

After a good hour and a half (yes that's the normal travel time), we finally arrived at Tagaytay. The bus dropped us off at the jeepney terminal which will take us to Picnic Grove. Fare costs Php 10-12 each. 

It's been years since my last visit at Picnic Grove. I remember the last time I was here was back in 2009 with Tey and Julie. So much has changed since then. It' been more, how should I put it? "commercialized" now. Before, there's so much space for you to fly a kite or sit on the grass or put up a tent. Now, there's still a place to do such but it's much narrower/smaller now. I think they also changed the venue of the zipline. I remember looking down and seeing a cliff with loads of trees underneath me. Now, you get to see people or spectators looking at you, wondering if they too would go for a ride. The thrill of possibly falling off the cliff is gone. Hahaha. 

mi familia

Anyway, we settled near the foot of the hill. where the last cottages are located. The view of Taal Volcano still amazes me. And I promise myself that next time, I will definitely visit the volcano itself. After we all settled, we finally got to eat breakfast. And our family's idea of breakfast is to eat the viand for lunch. LOL. I really thought that it's going to be a little cold but the scorching heat of the sun is mocking me and my choice of wardrobe.

not the most fashionable, but i live for comfort.

me and my sisters

After taking a short break, we headed off to People's Park in the Sky. My mom, dad and lola chose to be left behind because there's too much walking to be done. So we were accompanied by my aunt and uncle instead. The jeepney fare to People's Park was around Php 10-15 each (I forgot!). After a few minutes of travel, the driver told us that he could only go as far and we were then obliged to get off and walk towards our destination. I thought it's going to be a short distance, but lo and behold, I was already out of breath before we arrived at our destination. And before I could object, the rest of them decided to walk the way up at the Palace. Entrance fee is at Php 30. We made occasional stops for me to rest a bit and for the others to enjoy the view. 

the uphill climb

the fambam ahead of me

Once we were at the palace, I remember that it wasn't as rusty looking as it was before. I was actually a bit disappointed that the maintenance of this place was obviously lacking. There's thousands upon thousands of people who visit this place each year and with the money derived from the entrance fees, I expect that they will be able to make improvements on it. Nonetheless, we do what we do best and still took some pictures.

me & my sibs

view of the park

To keep myself from thinking of all the things that could have been done in this place, I focus on the view ahead of me. Down below, we see the infamous Tagaytay Highlands. A housing that only the EXTREMELY rich can afford. I once asked my brother's friend whose a real estate agent about the requirements in order to own a place there and he said that  aside from the money, you also need to own a significant amount of shares/stocks. Poof! there goes my dream.

view of the highlands

We made our way down the palace and walk another great length to catch a jeepney ride back to Picnic Grove. On our way, we saw expensive cars going in and out of the gate towards Tagaytay Highlands. Should I aim to be extremely rich so as to fulfill a promise I made to my late grandfather that I will buy him a rest-house at Tagaytay? Or should I just take an empty can of Highlands corned beef, fill it up with soil from Tagaytay and build a house made of matchstick in there, presto! house and lot in the "HIGHLANDS".

Anyway, once we got back at Picnic Grove, I, of course, decided to buy coconut shake to quench my thirst in this unbelievably HOT weather. When we arrived back in our cottage,  we had our lunch and took another round of pictures. 

We decided to leave at 4pm. It has been extended to 5pm  because my dad was still sleeping and we decided to give him that much needed rest since he's been having trouble sleeping lately. So at around 5pm, we packed our belongings and made a visit to the restroom before embarking on our journey home. The long queue in the girl's restroom made me want to skip it but knowing that it'll be an almost two-hour drive home and there are no rest stops, I had no choice but to wait my turn. Turns out that the reason for the long line is that among the three stalls, only one is working. And the place seriously needs to be cleaned and good lighting should be provided. Another dismay.

When we finally left Picnic Grove, I noticed that even though it's already 5pm, there are still a lot of vehicles and people entering the venue. They must be there either for the night view or as a last stop to their Tagaytay trip. Anyway, it took as a good 20 mins before my dad decided to just take a tricycle towards the bus terminal because there aren't that many jeepneys around and those that passes are already full. 

i promise to come back

On a side note, I spotted a cutie at the bus stop. Haha. Me and my wandering eyes. I thought the adventure was over since I already got to fall asleep in the bus, but halfway to our destination, our bus broke down and we spent around 20 mins waiting for it to get fixed. We couldn't leave the bus because we already paid for our fare and it will be quite a hassle to ride another bus again. After 30 mins., we arrived at the terminal and after walking to the tricycle terminal, we're finally home and ready to call it a night.

XOXO

2016 New Year's Resolution

A New Year. A New Beginning.

2016.

Wow! Time sure does fly so fast. Next month, this blog will be ten years old. haha! Despite not being active for long periods of time, I'm still proud that I was able to keep this blog instead of deleting it completely. Anyway, let's save this conversation for later and move on to what this post is about. 

It's been two years since I last posted a 'New Year's Resolution'. That yearly tradition of mine has been broken when I opted not to post one for 2014 and 2015. The reason being that I felt like I was just doing a "copy-paste" of my new year's resolutions every single year and I wasn't really doing anything about them which is why I couldn't cross anything off the list. I actually got tired of seeing the same old things over and over again. 

But since I'm really trying to put my life back together, I thought, "what the heck?!" and decided to make one again for this year - just to start things off.  What better day to begin self-improvement than the first day of each year, right? 

Warning: If you happen to read my posts regarding my new year's resolution during the past years, this post is just going to be a repeat of the previous posts because, yes, I am that lazy. And I admit, I didn't get to do much. Also, I've added a few more items on this list which I've found on the internet. 

So without further delay, here are my new year's resolution for the year 2016:

1. Be More Punctual.

This year, I should strive to be on time for work and always arrive 15 minutes before get-together or any scheduled engagements (e.g. meetings, etc.).

Previously, I also wrote that I should not use my vacation leaves and sick leaves unless when necessary. I crossed this off now because I've done it in 2014 when I've been only absent for six days for the whole year. And in 2015, I was able to convince myself to report for work every time I feel the urge of filing for leaves which is really a lot of improvement on my part.

2. Save moohlah!

If I'm fortunate enough to secure a new job this year, I promise to allot a portion of my salary on savings. I should also keep track of my expenses and learn to budget my money wisely. 

2015 was a year that I've bought so much stuff that I failed miserably at keeping track of my expenses. So for 2016, I will try and limit my purchases (mostly books) to just one per payday. Also, I need to open my own savings account to start saving up for the future.

3. Renew my faith.

Attend mass every Sunday and other holy days of obligation; pray the rosary; read the bible and the purpose driven life; do not forget to thank God for all his blessings; and finally go to confession.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make improvements on this resolution for three years now. I did try, but I guess my will wasn't strong enough. So for this year, I promise to be closer to God.

4. Live a healthy lifestyle

Exerise regularly; sleep before midnight; avoid staying up late (except on weekends); no more coffee after 6PM and limit coffee intake to at least one per day; take multivitamins everyday; take a shower at night regularly; do skin care routine every night without fail; and drink tea at night.

There's only one thing that has improved on this list and that is my dependence on coffee. Over the span of three years, I was able to significantly lessen my coffee consumption. Right now, I only drink coffee three times a day, sometimes even lesser. I think that is the most number of cups I've consumed in a day as compared to my usual five to seven cups per day.

5. Reinvent myself.

Wardrobe change and update at least once a month; wear accessories; and learn how to apply make-up.

I've only accomplished one thing that was previously listed on this item, and that is to change the color of my hair. I've done it last 2013 and have been doing it to this day. I've also purchase a lot of make-up since 2013 so the only thing left to do now is to actually learn how to apply them.

6. Take up a new hobby.

Knitting, sewing, or dancing; learn photography; update my bucket list; make art crafts more often; start the outline of my scrapbook and travel photo-book; get into any kind of sport; learn how to play the guitar; lettering; painting; and coloring.

Over the past three years, I was able to purchase a lot of art supplies and coloring materials. So now is the time to finally put them to use. I also bought a lot of coloring books last year and finally printed most of my travel photos. I also acquired a new digital camera so I can start learning photography. I even bought a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle as a new hobby for 2016. And of course, my guitar which I've bought some years ago, should finally be put into use as it has been collecting dust in my room.

7. Learn.

Learn a foreign language: Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, or Mandarin; study world history; review other subjects like Psychology, etc.; search a topic that interests me and read more about it; finish an online course; get into the habit of reading the news daily; and read more books.

So last year, I've also bought a lot of books. And when I say a lot, I really mean A LOT! Sadly though, I haven't read any of them. So for this year, I would really love to read most, if not all, of them. Also, I wish to finish one of the online courses that I've sign up for for this year and be somehow fluent in at least one other language by the end of the year. In addition, I also want to read all the TIME magazine that I have now. What's the use of the subscription if I don't really read it, right?

8. Travel more.

This year, I should go to a place that I've never been before; If possible, be able to go out of the country again; and revisit Baguio, Tagaytay, Intramuros, and other places that I haven't been to for years.

I really love to travel. So for 2016, I wish to at least visit a new place or revisit a place that I haven't been to for decades. As for travel abroad, I hope to do so by the end of the year since I wan't able to join my friends on our supposedly Japan trip. I still feel regretful about that. 

9. Accomplish something on my bucket list

Again, I should work harder on crossing off items on my bucket list. I made that bucket list for a reason, not just stare at it and imagine things about it. I should be able to live it and experience it for real.

Since I've made that list, i was only able to cross off probably less than ten items on it. It's such a pity really because you know, i'm getting older, and I really wanted to finish everything on that list. But judging on my track record, I will probably need another lifetime to get everything done. So I really really need to work hard on accomplishing them. Otherwise, I will live the rest of my dying days full of regret.

10. Own a pet.

Fishes. When I finally have the resources, I'll buy 13 angel fishes and name them after Super Junior members. Also, I'll decorate the coolest aquarium ever. 

I actually wanted to have a dog as a pet but I still haven't gotten over my fear of dogs. It's such a shame really, because dogs are man's best friends and I couldn't even hold one. Should I also try to get rid of my fear of dogs this year? Let me cross my fingers on that one!

11. Redecorate my room.

Another plan that I keep on postponing. Nothing much has change with this plan. I still want fashion spreads on my wall, collage of pictures, and a world map and a map of the Philippines so that I could mark the places that I've already been to.

My brother and I plans to save up to renovate our house by end of the year so we'll see how this one goes.

12. Smile Often.

Smile. Smile. Smile. In order for me to not be mistaken as a snob, I should refrain from frowning. I should also be more welcoming, accomodating, and a lot friendlier toward others - no matter the gender, status, or even politicial views. 

I must admit that this one is a bit hard as I have a resting bitch face. hahaha. Seriously though, It's hard for me to just smile at random strangers because I am an introvert. But since this is something that I should really improve on, I will try my best at it.

13. Learn my way around the kitchen.

It's about time I start to learn how to cook something edible. Something other than instant noodles, canned goods, and something other than fried whatever. Hopefully, learn how to bake too.

I haven't done any improvement on this one as well. As a matter of fact, I still don't even know how to use the rice cooker. I know, right? But anyway, since my dad bought a mini oven just for me, I will start learning before the year ends. I am running out of excuses not to finish this one. I should probably start with the basics and then finally learn how to cook my favorite dishes. If my mom was able to learn, so can I!

14. Try out something new this 2016.

Paintball, Go-Kart Racing, Bowling, Ice-Skating, Target Shooting; or eating something that I haven't eaten yet: sushi, isaw, dinuguan; or experience something new: watch a theatrical play, play lotto, or visit museums.

This item is actually linked to my bucket list resolution as some of the items listed here are part of that list. Anyway, I really wanted to do something new this year. I wanted to change my oh-so-boring life. So, hopefully, this will get done even before the year ends.

15. Start a meditation process.

I've read in a blog somewhere (sorry, I forgot the name) that meditation is actually good for a person. If you want to escape your stressful world even just momentarily, this is the way to go. It will actually heal your spirit in so many ways and it is actually rather beneficial for the mind, soul and body.

16. Stop Procrastinating. 

I've always been honest with this: I AM A MASTER PROCRASTINATOR. I keep on finding or making this excuses not to this or that and putting things off for later then completely forgetting about them... I need some professional help. Hahaha. Kidding aside, I really need to fix this "habit" of mine as my to-do list keeps on getting longer and I haven't finish one of them. No wonder I couldn't even finish this new year's resolution.

17. Become more confident, decisive and organized.

My closest friend could really attest to me being indecisive. When they ask me what do I want, I keep saying I don't know. I will say one thing then change it to another one and then go back to my first choice then still think of my second. It has always been like that for me so I really need to fix this too. Also, I need to learn how make decisions on my own and not rely on my friends especially with things such as where to eat, what to eat, etc. 

Also, I need to be more confident. Actually, I've been improving on this one but it's still lacking base on my own standards. So yeah, this should also be addressed this year. With being more organized, I think my room and my life needs an overhaul. I used to be kind of OC when it comes to my things, but looking back at the past years and how my room looks like now, I need to bring that side of me back.

18. Keep a Journal

I need to do this one as I want to remember things that happened to me on a certain day or  period of time. I also need to keep one as I'm getting all these ideas that I sometimes forget about them especially when I don't write them on paper. Keeping a journal is like a pensive. I can remember things or moments that took place on a particular day. I will be able to remember the people, the emotion, etc. This is based on actual experience as I have been rereading portions of my diary and I felt so happy that I was able to capture the emotions I felt on a particular day. Reading them again was like travelling through time. So yeah, this one should be done again.

19. Lose Weight

Eat more fruits; learn to eat more vegetables; eat fewer calories; drink plenty of water, and make breakfast a priority.

This one is actually my top priority this year. Two years ago, I weigh 120 pounds. It's actually kind of okay as it has been my goal to gain a few pounds since I used to be really skinny then. That was already an okay weight for me. Now, I weigh a whooping 146 pounds. It seems like I've been gaining ten pounds each year. This new weight of mine is rather unhealthy for my height of 5'2". Also, the soles of my feet are starting to hurt even if I've only walked short distances. It's also hard for me to climb stairs which wasn't a problem two years ago. I also felt that I've been catching my breath a lot lately. 

So this year, I want to go back to my old weight two years ago, if I'm hardworking enough, I want to weigh even less than my goal. I want to enjoy being fit again. So I really need to start working on it this year. 

20. Don't dwell on the past.

Lastly, this is something that I should also work on this year. I've been feeling nostalgia about so many things lately. I've been living and imagining my past. I mean it's okay to revisit the past once in a while, but I realized that I've been doing it a lot. Even my conversations with friends are all about past memories. I couldn't even tell a new story because I've been living on my past. Dwelling on it. Letting it consume me. So for this year, I promise to live in the present and look forward to the future!

Well, there goes all my resolutions for 2016. As for item #14 on my previous list (falling in love), I decided not to make it a priority for this year. I just want to focus on improving myself first. But hey, if the heavens finally permitted me to meet the one that is a perfect match for me, who am I to refuse right?

Like always, I wish that the new year would prove to be a lot better for me, resolution-wise and otherwise. Cheers to 2016! 

Photo-A-Day: January 2016

Yey! A brand new list to welcome the year ahead. I love doing photo-a-day! And I'm glad that I have something to look forward to again next year. Anyway, if you need further details on how to play along and some more info regarding the prompts, please head on over at Fat Mum Slim. You'd be happy you did!