Riding the Movies at USS!

Here we go!

Who doesn't love theme parks?!

For kids, theme parks are places where they get to live their fantasies. For young at hearts like me, these are the places where we get to be children again. I will always be grateful to my sister for having the passion to squeeze in leisure time with us despite her busy work schedule. I can't help but feel guilty that I should be helping her with these things but I am really -- financially -- powerless as of the moment. I am of help, though, in terms of the entertainment. Haha!

Anyway, it was a Saturday and the weather wasn't in our favor. It was raining. But since we had it scheduled already, there was no stopping us. Universal Studios it is! 

We left the house at about 8:00 in the morning since the park opens at 10:00 and we still have to queue for tickets. Battling the long queue wasn't really the difficult part but it was the rain that poured that day that ruined the entire experience. We were wearing raincoats (almost) the entire day while we go to the different attractions inside the theme park.  Worst part was that we barely had decent photos. But we sure didn't leave without taking enough.

Overall, the experience was awesome! It was worth what we paid for. Rides were fun and unique. My favorite ride would have to be "The Mummy Returns" because it was so unpredictable. It was both scary and exciting. It's like the "stop-this-thing-but-I-want-more" kind of fun. Wait, what?! Haha!

We made sure we've had every area covered but too bad I wasn't able to try the park's killer rides because I was hoping I'd get moral support from my mom but no! LOL When she saw the two intertwined giant roller coasters, she immediately prompt me not to even think of riding them. And the obedient son in me just said, "okay!"

But there will definitely be a next time. I swear! :P

Gab, my sister and mom at the Lost World area

Mom & I at the Ancient Egypt area

Hollywood Dreams Parade

Mirror, Mirror

With Gab

     

All About Summer

It's the season of the sun, sand, and the beach! And while I am not really fond of how hot the atmosphere is during this time, I took time to experience a few activities under the scorching heat. It was fun! :)

The Beach

I started loving the beach when I went to Subic during one of our company outings. The morning after we got there, I made sure I'd wake up early just to walk along the shores while listening to my playlist. 

I loved the serenity that the experience brought me. It may sound corny or something but it really helped me meditate (and God knows I needed that, that time! Haha!) and realign my thoughts.

Since then, my suggestion of a perfect getaway would always be to go to the beach. But I haven't been to the popular ones yet because I still lack the resources to make things happen. LOL 

This year, we went again to Palawan beach in Singapore just to feel the sands on our feet and soak on the salty water. Moreover, I was there to contemplate and just appreciate how lucky I am living this life.

Newly-Found Hobbies

I don't know if it's actually a good thing about having elder brothers that they will make you do things you haven't tried before and they won't take "NO" for an answer. LOL 

In my case, it was trolley-ing. Well, biking was the first hobby they attempted to teach me when I was kid. They failed because I really have a problem balancing myself. Lest my mom would get mad at them when I get hurt, they stopped. Haha!

But this time, I had to obey even at the expense of having bruises on my feet and ankles. Yeah! I got a few but they were worth the fun I've had and in fact, as of this time, I can already flawlessly ride a trolley! Wee! :)

Nothing is really ever achieved without going through a few bumps along the way, right?

We've been also going to a clubhouse near our house where you can swim all you want and dine in after at a cafe or a restaurant also within the establishment.  It also has a gym, massage chairs, a cozy lounge, tennis courts, a bowling center and other amenities. Some of them are limited to members only, though.

I'm no swimmer but I love being in the water. And the good thing about the clubhouse's pool is that it has a Jacuzzi area where you can just stay there and let the water massage you. Mom loves that area so much! :P  



Fish Spa

Another first! :P

I don't know what's gotten into my sister's mind that one summer Sunday and she asked me and my mom to go to this massage parlor offering fish spa service.  She said she's been wanting to try that for quite some time already and thought it was the perfect since we are here with her.

The experience was fun! We were like crazy individuals smiling at each other while tiny fishes tickle our feet. Homemade tea was also served while we enjoy soaking our feet on a tank filled with "doctor fishes" as they call them.

After the session, you'll actually notice that your skin has gotten thinner and smoother so I guess doctor fishes do their job well. :P

SG Explorations

The year started very generously to me as I have had the opportunity, again, to travel to Singapore with the family.  It's bumness at its finest! LOL 

Here are some of the most memorable SG places and events we've been to last January and February:

Sentosa Flower Festival

We celebrated Chinese New Year by attending Sentosa Flower Festival.  It's where tons of flowers (and oranges) are showcased in different forms. I'm not really fond of flowers but the way they were presented was really amazing. 

The exhibition was a long walk under the scorching heat of the sun but it was worth it. 

Singapore Botanic Gardens

It was just an ordinary day turned extraordinary when we decided to drop by Botanic Gardens. It was already about 6:00 in the afternoon and it was about to rain so we were not able to go through the entire garden but it was fun. 

The place is very quiet and has a lot of areas perfect for family picnics. 

Gardens By The Bay

This is definitely the biggest air-conditioned garden I've been to! Haha! You will definitely love this place even if you are not a fan of plants and flowers because the place itself is really amazing. I was also amazed by the structure of it and the various areas outside that are open to the public. Perfect if you love photoshoots.

Me, mom and sis

Inside the garden

Somewhere along Marina Bay also during Chinese New Year

Finally, Merlion! LOL

 

What's next?

Have you ever been completely clueless about something in your life particularly about what's ahead for you in the future or maybe your purpose of existence?  It may sound weird but this state of total "bumness" that I am in right now makes me wonder about those things. Haha!

I've been here actually. But this time, I'm pretty sure it's worse. Moving forward after leaving a life I was so used to a year ago was really THE biggest decision I should've taken more seriously. Ugh! 

And after a year, the biggest question I'm still trying to answer is "What's next?"

Yeah, yeah. Things happened and there's no sense in regretting now. And come to think of it, there's really no one to blame about everything that's happened but myself. It's just that starting from scratch was really harder than I thought.   

But what's good about what's happening to me right now is that I'm getting to know myself more and more.  I've learned to care more about how I look and about how I carry myself in front of people. Also, I am getting stronger facing the world knowing that one day, things will turn out the way I want them. I have also developed that renewed sense of faith; that God is the only one who understands what I'm going through right now.

I basically have what I need but I know life can get better if I help make it better for us. Material things can't make you happy, PURPOSE and that sense of usefulness will. And that's what I need to have/find out. Only then will I feel complete and useful again.

On a lighter note and to those who care, LOL, I just got back from a two-month vacation again in SG. I intentionally overate and eventually gained a few pounds because my mom didn't like how I look last year. Haha! And yes, still struggling to settle down, career-wise. Somebody land me a job already! LOL

I (insert heart icon) SG

I AM SO BACK!  Yup. After three months of vacation slash career hunting slash soul searching, I have finally decided to give up (for the meantime) the SG life with siblings. Of course given the opportunity, I would have wanted to stay there.  Singapore is such a nice place.  

Anyway, I'm back to square one.  

Thoughts kept running as I stepped on the plane going back. It felt like I have nowhere to go. I have so many plans in mind. Plans that weren't there before when I was working.  It was just stupid of me not to think about these things when I still have the resources to make them happen. Life is just...abstruse! Lol  

Next step? MOVE ON FORWARD!  Yep! That's how life is.  You fall down, you get back up. You lose this time, you win the next round.  I still believe that life is fair.  How you face life makes the difference.     

While I am already enjoying my comeback, I still miss Singapore sometimes and wish I'm still there. Aside from my siblings and my sisters-in-law, what I miss the most are the places there that I have already considered my sanctuaries.  

Henderson Waves

Famous for its unique design, the Henderson Waves is definitely one of my favorite jogging places when I was in SG.  

I usually spend at least three hours here just running and listening to my music.  I would stop at the middle of the bridge and would look at the view, trying to clear my mind as the day ends.  At the end of the bridge, a drink vending machine awaits me. I always make it a point to bring at least a dollar and 20 cents in my pocket for energy drink.

Labrador Park

My favorite park among all the rest we've been to. Nothing special about it actually but the view is just spectacular specially the sunset.  If you will go there in the afternoon, you would see a lot of amateur photographers trying to capture a good shot of it.  As for me, I only had my phone when I took this. I usually go to the place just to run.  Not that bad, right? :)

While I was in SG, I have also developed that love for beaches. I dunno, it just feels so serene when you're looking at the sea and hearing the waves reach the shore.  

Keppel Bay

Another jogging area that is close to the sea, the Keppel Bay is where all the rich's boats are located. LOL  

This is also where the infamous Reflections at Keppel Bay, an expensive residential establishment, is located.  And just a small trivia, my brother was part of the team behind that structure. 

There's this wooden path going to Labrador Park in this area where I regularly take. I don't know how exactly far it is from here to Labrador but it usually take me an hour to get there. I would stop for a while to take photos and to stretch my feet then run my way back home.

I guess the best outcome of that 3-month journey was my physique.  LOL  Obviously (as in really obvious!), I lost so much weight and got slimmer. I honestly didn't notice it until my mom prompted me. Yeah, before, I was running to be fit but later on, I was just running because I love to.   

(Sigh) Hopefully I could still come back in SG soon. I hope when my mom goes back this November, I'd be able to join her.  Oh well, that'll have to wait. This time, I should focus on what career to pursue. Hopefully better than the previous one so I can start with all my life plans already. And I am so excited about it. Weee! :)

Hump Day Thoughts

Well, hey! It's my third month here in Singapore and by this time, I am proud (with sarcasm) to say that I am still unemployed.  Yeah,  fate's not been so good to me here or maybe just teaching me a lesson. Haha!  

Seriously speaking -- or writing -- I should be weeping already by now, well, if I were my old self.  It's no joke that I left a job for an uncertain future here.  I just left everything behind just like that to think that I was already earning enough in the Philippines.  Well, enough to sustain the life I was living and enough to regularly share a portion to the family.  

I could say that this journey is one of the most challenging life transitions I've faced. The uncertainty of the future really creeps me out.  But if someone will ask me if I regret anything, I'll proudly say NONE!  Yeah, none at all. :)

The decision to leave my previous job wasn't easy but it was something that had to be done.  Looking back, I think that even without this Singapore plan, I would've still resigned and look for another job.  It might sound like my job was too bad (in every way) but honestly, it wasn't.  It was actually the best job anyone could aspire for.  I wouldn't have spent almost four years in the Foundation if it was that bad.  Haha!  So what made me leave? Uhm, let's just say I was not enjoying the drama anymore and the mood wasn't as lively as it used to be.  And that somehow depressed me.

Hadn't I took the courage to do that, I wouldn't have experienced this awesome long vacation with the entire family.  Hadn't I did what I did, I wouldn't have realized a lot of things.  First, it's really more fun in the Philippines.  You maybe somewhere in the globe right now but there will come a point where you will wish to just go back.  It's not fun living in a place where you are treated as a second class citizen.  Not that I am discriminated here but being surrounded by egoistic people makes me homesick.  I've also realized that money can't overpower pride.  Most kababayans I've spoke with here told me to just grab any job that's available.  I've considered that but thinking thoroughly, I just think that it's a desperate move.  Not that I am being choosy or anything but I just can't picture myself working in a restaurant or a mall selling products.  I mean that would be the most desperate thing I'll do for money.

Whatever happens in my remaining days here, I'll just accept it.  After all, I still have a home to go back to.  I think God wanted me to experience all of this to show me how lucky I am compared to some.  He gave me options.  He made me see that it's not a wonderland out there, abroad.  And also, this break re-energized me, made me want to do things and apply for jobs that suit me.

The future is still uncertain, but I'll be tougher.  I'll stay positive and face every day with confidence for I know that God is with me.  Everything will be okay in His time.  :)

What Keeps Me Going

It's 12:40 in the morning, Maundy Thursday, and I suddenly felt the need to write. I dunno what's gotten into me this morning but I just know that I have to release these thoughts (and Twitter wasn't helping at all! LOL). Well, let's just say this is my way of reflecting. :P

Okay. So where do I begin? Uhm, It's been almost two months already since I left home. Yes, as of this writing, I am currently in Singapore, UNEMPLOYED, and looking for career opportunities here. It was never easy to let go of my previous job. In fact, it was one of the toughest decisions I've made in my entire life. It's like I've left a life and was born again. It was painful but I would like to believe that God paved the way because it's part of His plans for me. It would not have happened flawlessly if He thinks that I'm not ready yet to face another chapter in my life.

So SG was "that" next phase (or is it?). While I was a bit nervous about this SG thing, I was also hopeful and excited to see what it's like to be in a foreign land. I was idealistic. My plan was to go on vacation for a month and cram job hunting on the second month. Haha! Yeah, that's how idealistic I was when I got here. So the first week, I did nothing but go here and there, eat, explore, have fun. It became easy for me to fall in love with the place. I mean, who wouldn't? SG is such a peaceful place to live in. Well, it's just expensive. So having realized that, I had to act fast and look for a job already if I want to stay longer.

Weeks of job hunting passed and still there was no luck. I've been to career expos, bought broadsheets on a daily basis just for that Classified Ads section, searched the Internet and even sought the aid of agencies but they didn't bring me any good news. Finally, a job offer came in with the help of my brother but it wasn't in line with my background. It's a totally different field, which is Architecture. What do I know about Architecture?! Lol So I've decided to turn down the offer and just wait for other opportunities. Well, I maybe wrong since my days here are already numbered. Haha! I'm bound to go home in two weeks if I won't still get employed. But my heart tells me that I did the right thing and I know that God won't let me be in situation that I could not bear.

What's surprising is the fact that I still get to smile and be positive despite all of these "not-so-good" things happening in my career right now. I dunno. I just feel that no matter what, God will always be there for me and that my story is still being written so I should not feel down. If I were my old self, I would've drown myself into depression already. Haha! But thinking about all the blessings that He has given me all these years, I think I couldn't ask for more. I sometimes feel sad that my life's moving slowly these days but I know that He's now working on His plans for me and I am excited about that. I know that despite the sins I have and been committing, He's always there to forgive.

Of course, I wouldn't be this optimistic without my family and close friends beside me who have been very supportive. I feel sooooo loved and that's very important -- the assurance that no matter what comes, they will always be there.

Okay. This is already sounding like the credits page of a music album. LOL. I'm sleepy. Here's hoping to a brighter day. I think I'm okay now. I mean, whatever happens tomorrow, I'm prepared. Thank you Lord and I love you. Thank you for always clearing up my mind. :)