A Summer To Remember

It's starting to rain again which makes me realize that summer's really over. I know that the rainy season will cause lesser night outs, lesser beach trips (yes still hoping!), and more bucks to spare on coffee but I am not complaining. After all, I think I had an amazing summer to  remember and to keep me sane. 

1. Beach escapades

A had two this summer. 

One is a very spontaneous trip with my family to Zambales. We already planned about this trip over a year ago but it never happened until that one "peaceful" afternoon came. Right then and there, we packed our bags and drove our way to Zambales.  

We went to Capones island, stayed at Nagsasa Cove, and dropped by Anawangin Cove before we went home. It was a short but awesome trip. Spontaneity at its finest! I'll be definitely going back to Nagsasa and spend a night or two there. 

Capones Island

Boat ride to somewhere

Hot couple alert. CHOS.

I also went to Puerto Galera with Jigs- such a memorable weekend, I can almost feel the sand right now. It was a super duper planned trip but of course, there are unexpected things along the way. We stayed at the White Beach for two nights with side trips to the town of Puerto Galera, Talipanan beach and Talipanan falls. We had our meals by the beach- my favorite was the pasta, pizza, and beer dinner while we're watching the moon and the clouds. More over, we got a chance to chat with the locals and to get to know their lives. We made a promise to them that we'll go back and yes, I don't break promises.

Super duper clear wateeeeeeer!!!!

Passed by the Mangyan Village in Talipanan

after lunch back massage by the beach!

2. Food trips

Since I got all the time in the world...NOT, I take all the chances to experience good food with lovely people. I consider eating together as the best way to bond with old and new friends. Here are some of my most unforgettable food trips this summer!

Lunch at the Pinto Art Museum. Gambas!!!! :D

Dinner at Claire Dela Fuente Grill and Seafood located at Seaside Macapagal Ave. 

The IHOP experience :)

Diliman food trips with Jiggy! <3

3. Creativity at work

Our house was renovated this summer. And for the record, I was the one who chose the wall color as per dad's request:

My nails and our wall match!!! HAHA. Plus, I got the chance to buy stuff for my room like that cutie wall clock!

We're still in the process of decorating since we're still looking for cute and cheap finds that can match our candy-inspired house. But so far, I am loving how it looks! Simple, happy and cute just like my family. 

Aside from being artsy with our home, I also got reunited with my wit and humor on stage! I was able to write a new skit for Dramatista and I am currently working on another one. Yiiiiieeee. :"> Kilig!!

This year really have a lot in store for me. I can feel it from the awesome season that passed. I feel hopeful and energized! Goodbye, Miss Sunshine, 'till next year! And oh, hello there, Mr. Dark Cloud, be nice!  

-JJ

*not all photos are mine. Credits to Jigs Tenorio and Mariel Quiogue

Why WE TELL THE STORY: The Real Reason

UP Manila DRAMATISTA's We Tell The Story: A Musical was a success! I expected that it will end good but I never expected it to be this over whelming. PAK. To say that I am happy is an understatement. 

After long days and nights of sweat, tears, pain, and all, I hate to say that it's over. I hate it because all I can do right now is look back. *insert emo music here*

The relationships (friendships and etc) that were built in the production are just priceless. I thank the people who allowed me to establish friendship with them and to become part of their lives. Plus, I really admire the cast of this musical. Those guys endured all the pain, conquered insecurities, resisted temptations and gave their hearts out just to make the show that awesome. And man, they are not getting anything in return, beat that!

I also look up to Direk Gigo and Sir Jun who willingly gave their best to help us with this show. Seriously, nakajackpot talaga kami. I worked with several directors already but directors like them who'll play, laugh, and joke with the cast and prod are very rare. I remember working with someone who'll throw chairs at you (literally) just to tell you that you are stupid. OHM. I thank them for unconditionally helping my org. I wish they know how that really means to me. I love introducing them to my fellow alumni members to let them know who are the good directors who took care of our org for this production.

My heart flutters big time 'cos of the post-production hangover. May I just say again, thank you! To all who gave me a chance to come home to my stage again, you don't know how much you saved me from being insane forever. I needed something to remind me that I am good 'cos to be honest, I almost totally forgot who I am, what I love, and where I will go. I almost closed my doors for new journeys and not care about the world at all. I almost decided to keep myself to myself, and not welcome new people to my life. This production made me realize that life goes on so there's no such thing as giving up. 

I was hesitant at first. I was not really sure if I can pull it through. I was afraid that I might screw it up. I was scared, worried and unsure, like always. But after taking the challenge, I learned that there's nothing to be afraid at all. I learned that as long as I put my trust to people, and do my part, everything will turn out fine. 

I ran into myself again because of this production. I am grateful to my Dramatista family for letting me join this one. For the record, these guys made me proud again. Seeing them working well together makes me feel that I have imparted something to them- maybe not the skill nor the talent but the passion for theatre and the love for each other . It feels great seeing that my beloved organization, the one that I have fought for (with my dearest batchmates), is now growing wings and learning to fly. :') 

And I am really happy that through this production, we now have our extended family. <3

The WTTS Cast and Prod <3
Photo from Nieves Reyes

I'll forever treasure this group. Surely, these people are worth all the hardwork. 

Gratitude. Self fulfillment. Trust. Pride. Love. 

On my end, these are the real reasons why we tell the story. 

Breaking the Wall

It's been a long time since I last felt that genuine happiness. I miss those priceless moments of laughter and good company. I miss those carefree days, those days I didn't care what would happen for tomorrow.

These times have been too tough and too unbearable for a weakling like me. And what's worse, I can't share it to anyone. It feels like I built a wall between my emotions and the people around me. I'm afraid people will just tell me, "It's alright, it will all end", or "Be strong, everything will be fine". Man, I've heard those for 15 million times, I'm allergic already. I'm afraid people will just listen to me and hug me because they pity me. They can say that they understand me and feel me but fyeah, no one can really understand.

Don't look at me like that. Don't look at me with that bitch-why-don't-you-tell-me face. I tried opening up several times already. I tried speaking one-on-one with best friends and with my most trusted people but no one ever made me realize that everything will be fine. And I think no one can really make me feel better.

No words can ever describe this feeling and that's the painful reality. Sometimes I just breakdown, cry, and get grumpy for no specific reason. And when somebody asks me, "What's wrong?" I cannot answer 'cos I cannot put these emotions into words just like how I make no sense right now. I already prayed too much (and gave up) and prayed too much again. I was looking for specific answers to my questions. I needed someone to tell me straight to my face what's really wrong and tell me WHEN all of these will end. I was trying to look for someone or something to blame for making me feel this way. But for all those times I did, I ended up being hurt, 'cos I know it's just me and I can't put the blame on somebody else.

I wish it's just this easy

-JJM

How to Make a Woman Happy (?)

I accidentally found this on Facebook and I just want to share few thoughts about it. :) Note: I'm crossing out some things I think don't have to be there exactly. :) 

HOW TO MAKE A WOMAN HAPPY

It's really not difficult. To make a woman happy, a man only needs to be:

All I know is that I was so happy at that moment.

1. a friend
2. a companion
3. a lover
4. a brother
5. a father
6. a master
7. a chef
8. an electrician
9. a plumber
10. a mechanic
11. a carpenter  HEY! Girls can do those too!! 
12. a pest exterminator 
13. a good listener
14. sympathetic
15. warm
16. attentive
17. intelligent
18. funny
19. creative
20. strong
21. understanding
22. tolerant
23. ambitious
24. courageous
25. determined
26. dependable
27. passionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

1. give her compliments regularly
2. Go shopping with her we have girlfriends, you know! But a little shopping time w/ you may do. 
3. be honest
4. be very rich NAH! Kain bubog!
5. not stress her out
6. not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:

1. give her lots of attention
2. give her lots of time, especially time for herself
3. give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes. We actually like you worrying about us.

BUT MOST OF ALL IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to never forget
*birthdays
*anniversaries
*arrangements she makes

It's not that hard, guys. IT'S NOT THAT HARD. :))

Maybe these tell us that girls are really hard to love and to handle. I beg to disagree. If you really love a girl, these things come naturally. If you love a girl, it doesn't really take too much effort to give her lots of time and to appreciate her beauty once in a while. Same goes to loving our gentlemen out there. A person who loves truly doesn't need tips or a guideline to show it the right way. I believe, everyone has his/ her own special way of expressing his/ her feelings. :) 

A Spontaneous Blogpost

I had a weird scary experience while riding a PUV on my home.

Sumakay ako from Batasan, umupo sa may bandang gitna ng fx. After few minutes, along Commonwealth, pumara yung kuya sa likod.

Kuya: Philcoa na?
Driver: Hindi pa. Malayo pa.
K: Ah, sa Philcoa na po ako bababa, sensya po hindi ko kasi alam.

So, pagdating sa Philcoa, hinihintay kong bumaba yung kuya. Pero we reached QC circle na, hindi pa din siya bumababa. Gusto ko na siyang sabihan na, "Kuya, super lagpas ka na". I was so worried dun sa kuya pero ayoko makialam so nagsuot nalang ako ng earphones at nakinig ng music. Pero syempre, may naririnig pa din ako. Before we reach EDSA, naririnig ko si kuya, habang paling-linga siya sa paligid. Akala ko, nagccomplain na siya kasi malayo na. Pero pagtanggal ko ng earphones para pakinggan siya, eto sinasabi niya:

K: Manong, bilisan niyo ho. Bilisan niyo lang.
Driver: Bakit? Malelate ka ba?

Hindi sumagot yung kuya but everytime, hihinto yung fx para magsakay ng pasahero sinasabi niya yun at naffeel kong tensed siya at medyo nanginginig at naluluha.

K: Manong, huwag kayo hihinto, huwag kayo dadaan sa traffic. Bilisan niyo. Para makarating na ako agad kay Tulfo.

Kabado na kami at that point. Yung mga kasakay ko, tinatanong na siya kung bakit ba. Hanggang sa pumara yung babaeng katabi nung Kuya. With a nanginging voice.

Girl: Manong, bababa na ho ako! *sabay bukas ng pinto sa likod ng fx*

Just then and there, naglabas ng baril yung kuya at itinutok dun sa nakamotor sa labas ng fx na sinasakyan namin. (oh my geee, super linaw sa memory koooo)

After nun, black out na ko. Narealize ko na lang na nakababa na pala ako ng fx pati yung mga kasakay ko at nakatakbo ng malayu-layo from where we alighted. Hindi ko na alam yung nangyari sa kuya, sa driver, sa nakamotor and all. :(( But one thing I'm really sure is that I'm aliiiiive!!! Kahit may konting heart attack moment ako dun. :(

Ingat sa lahat ng commuters! Hindi talaga natin sure yung mga ganitong bagay. :(

"The Magic Stays with You" Part Two

"Kaya ka nagpunta dito para gawin yung mga ayaw mo" (Arguelles, 2013)

He's right. That Enchanted Kingdom trip earlier this month was like eating an extra spicy food. You don't really love it like eating a chocolate bar but yeah, you enjoy the thrill. We went there knowing what to expect. We'll get scared but we'll still be coerced to ride that crazy ship and won't be able to do nothing except for screaming and cursing endlessly. 

We almost had the trip cancelled. I tell you, our barkada is one hell of a circle of friends. While on our way to Laguna that Saturday, I was thinking whether we ever had an easy get-together, trip, or whatever as a barkada. We never had. So anyways, we we're still able to get there though we're not complete. Ask the workaholic chic and the girl who lost her iPhone on the day of the trip why. LOL. Kidding, friends. :D

We arrived at the park by 2pm and started our stroll with a very relax attraction: The Rialto. We watched the Polar Express on 3D and it was such an amazing experience. It was the first time I enjoyed a 3D film without getting dizzy. Haha! Tip: Sit at the back. The farther you are, the better the viewing experience, I guess. 

So there's the mandatory group shot outside Rialto. Snap while we're still fresh looking! :))

Next stop after the Rialto is my favorite ride (before). The roller coaster!!! During our last EK trip back in 2011, Mariel challenge me to had my eyes open the whole ride and boy, it was fantastic!! I can't even explain the feeling. So this time, I did it again, with Jigs beside me screaming out loud. Hahaha! :)) 

Ready for the Space Shuttle, friends? 

Unfortunately, after we got off the Space Shuttle and just right after we had our lunch, we decided to hop into my least favorite ride. I REALLY HATE THE ANCHOR'S AWAY #ICAPSLOCKMOPARAINTENSE. Huhuhu. It feels like I'm leaving my soul and internal organs in the air!! In fact, Tessa's mom was laughing at me the whole time because of my epic reaction. I was so embarrassed but I am happy, 'cause I made my friends happy through that shameful experience. 

Before the ride starts. Saya ko pa eh. 

We also tried the other rides and attractions like the Flying Fiesta, which made me extra dizzy and the Horror House (I can't remember the name) that made my throat come out of my mouth.... literally, JOKE! Then, the most memorable one!! I already told you what's the best part of our trip is.. for me. That Disk-O Magic (which is now my favorite ride) experience was really magical. See my post about it here. And like I said, it was raining while we're on that ride that's why when the fireworks display started we looked like this: 

Akala namin swimming. Sorry. 

At nine pm, we heard a voice saying "The park is not close, thank you for blah blah blah". Me: Okay guys,  Ferris Wheel or EKstreme? Being the TOO ADVENTUROUS PEOPLE WE ARE, you already know what's the answer. 

Tadah! How about a free fall drop from how-high-i-don't-know tower?  

It was really another thrilling experience with my friends. :) Indeed, it is sweeter the second time around. And yes, I thank my ever loving significant other for coming with us. Who knows? Maybe next year, we're off to Disneyland! *dreams* 

With my Jiggy beybeh

TUKS minus Eks and Ash PLUS Tessa's sister, Irish and their mom. :)

\What a good way to start the year! :) 

-Jhei

*credits to Jigs Tenorio and Irish Trazona for the photos. 

"The Magic Stays with You" Part One

For the second time, I and my college barkada decided to celebrate our annual Christmas Party/ Holiday Get-together at Enchanted Kingdom. The planning part's so buwis-buhay, fortunately, we're able to push through. I'll reserve the whole adventure story on a different post as I still wait for the photos so for now, let me just share with you the part of the trip I appreciated most.

The Disk-O-Magic
source: Paper + Lens + Sneakers

It was half past seven when we decided to try the new ride at the park, the Disk-O-Magic. We didn't care how long the line was 'cause it's so engaging!! Like how that famous lines go in Eat Bulaga, it's a tanggal-kaluluwa ride with background music! Hahaha! It really has a disco vibe with it's nakakaindak background sound playing while you're spinning and going up and down, at the same time. But the craziest part of the  experience was when we're still on queue, the power at the park went out! It was raining that time and we really got scared. WHO WILL NOT GET SCARED?! But being the adventurous kids we are, we decided to stay and still wait for things to get stable. While on line, we had some realizations, played a game, and even made up stories. When it's finally our turn to get on that nerve-cracking ride, we we're shouting and panicking but hell! it was one of the best experiences I had. We were just pouring hearts out as we scream, curse and dance in the air. When we got off, we were on full smiles... then the fireworks display started, just like it's on cue. Perfect! :)

*insert tears of joy here* CHAROT.

-Jhei

visit Enchanted Kingdom and experience the magic too! :) 
Enchantedkingdom.ph