Royal Porto Real, Mexico

My husband surprised me a trip to Mexico. He booked this resort. Actually, the whole trip was. He had planned it for our 1^st wedding anniversary. He had asked me prior whether I want to be surprised. I had said no at first but changed my mind. I bothered him about it so he told me days before we left as to what areas we’re going. Our first stop will be in Playa del Carmen.

The hotel was very beautiful. The building structures, lay out, paintings and details were pretty well put into placed. We stayed at a Junior Suite Room. It has a vanity area, Jacuzzi and balcony. Outside the balcony you can see the other side of the building similar structure as our room. It is a good feeling to lay and relax on the hammock looking far at the sky and the beach.

If our flight wasn’t delayed for 6 hours, we could have spent the entire 2 days. Instead we arrived before midnight on the first day, just slept and ate. It was a short stay. It wasn’t bad though because the experience was well spent in the beach, dining out and shopping at First Avenue.

The surprised made by my husband was a special gift. It was a great moment to be in that place and having the time well spent.

Katanoi Beach, Phuket Thailand

As you could have seen my other post, I am posting more pictures of here of places that I visited especially the beach. I grow up with an ocean just few miles from where I live and I am fascinated to be in the area where I could smell the sea, playing the sand, listening to the waves and just relax my mind.

After the devastated Tsunami in Phuket Thailand, my husband and I were interested to see the place. We stayed at Katathani Resort. It is so nice there especially during sunset and the night could be so magical. I had enjoyed my vacation over there for few days and it was well spent. I had a picture here posted that I felt like there was no tsunami that happened. The beach looks great, the weather and the sand it’s very comforting. If you are an aquatic person, don’t miss this chance to visit this beautiful place. You will surely love it.

Maribago Blue Waters, Cebu Philippines

Cebu is the queen city of the south. The second largest city in the Philippines. A lot of tourists from neighboring Asian countries, Europe, America would like to visit the island. It is famous of its nice beach and scenic views. I just want to talk to you here about one which I felt was memorable for me. The resort called Maribago Blue Waters. It was my first time to see it and a very surprise moment of my life happen that day.

I was being proposed there before the sunset where I was sitting in a bench December 24, 2004. Joey knelt down his knees asked my hand in marriage. Romantic it is to be in a solemn cool place. It was also a lucky day for us because that very time it was not crowded. It is like we own the beach ourselves. I had made "yes" and we were engaged.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol Philippines

This is one of the most attractive areas to visit in the Philippines. Bohol itself has lots of things historically and nature to speak with. For now I would like to focus on this very particular site where I pretty love to visit every time I land in there. I think these days there could be some changes with progress involve but this landmark I guess won't change.

Chocolate Hills is composed of tiny hills scattered over the vast of land in Bohol. If you go set foot at the peak of Carmen where it has a shrine made for tourist to see this overlooking creation. You can ask where and how this hills come from and who made this. All I know is a legend which doesn't really co-relate with science. Is it nature or is it man made? But if you come to look at it, there's no way people long before I was born or our great father existed could create such many hills. It's very fascinating to see this place.

Poplar Beach

One sunny windy afternoon in Poplar Beach at Half Moon Bay dated March 1, 2008 where I was with my hubby relaxing, reflecting inside our car looking at this charismatic view. We had tried to walk at the edge of the sea cliff and I took this picture. I love nature especially the beach. Listening to the splash of the waves and wind caresses my skin is so refreshing it could clear my mind from the stress of work and life’s spices. It is soothing to be in a place like this where you need to take time to loosen up and just be happy of what you have.

Big Buddha, Hongkong

This website is basically focus on the world's scenery that I have seen, traveled and witnessed by my own very eyes. I will start from now on to write something about my experience and how wonderful our world is full with.

This is a very picturesque view behind the Big Buddha located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island in Hongkong. The mountains captivate the beauty of nature and the statue is situated near the Po Lin Monastery. Getting there you need to take a train or ferry and ride a cable car passing the wonderful scenery with temperature dropping. I am so lucky I had the chance to visit this wonderful creation of man but amaze by the exquisite appearance of the surrounding. If you have the chance to visit Hongkong, you must not to miss this site. It is part of man’s creation with nature’s magnificence.

Loading Prob

Several days now I was wondering of the loading time my page is having into. I just have no choice but to change everything. I had tried looking ways as well to my other website but until now I can't figure out what causes it. I am no savvy with css and up to this point my mind is twisted. I wanted to change the lay out with the other page but my blog archive will not appear. I hope I can figure this out or else redo it once again.

What's for today

Nothing much, except that the entire morning I spent my hours watching tv and the same time browsing online for photoshop tutorial. I got some stomach problem perhaps due to last nights milk shake from Jack in the box and the coffee that I drank. They said its not a good combination of a drink and so I was kind of sick going back and forth to the bathroom.

In the afternoon, just spend the hours with hubby watching tv and talking until decided to go to a bookstore to buy some books for my little passion. Took sometime to get what I want and drove home then later ate left over food for dinner. Not very interesting day, but very interested to the books that I bought. Hopefully it could help me get what I really wanted doing someday.

A talk with a friend

I have this cool friend Ji-ann. I've known her from friendster. I saw her from one of my friends network and I had made the move to know her. At first I just sent her an email at the site hoping she could be one of my friends list. Eventually, we both added our account and we started our friendship. It was like May last year if I was not wrong. Some months past with a very good conversation on the phone, we've decided to meet. The instant we saw each other, there was this connection that we can really be good pal. From that time on, our lines of communication is very open. Sent email, text messages and so on we click.

I invited her to met and know my friends and all of them like her company. How can you not like her when she's very bubbly, spontaneous, thoughtful, with so many good things you can describe about her. She's such a dear close pal of mine and I am happy that she became friends of my friends too here in the bay area.

When I spoke with her yesterday, I asked her about our friend Josie. With the unusual course of time something came up with the latter’s personal life that her family decided to resettle back to San Diego. It is much farther away here in the bay area but not so far. An hour plane can be easily arranged but only time can tell when. But there's now a reason to visit SD because she's there and she's a very good friend. I am just too sad about this and Ji-ann is very comforting. She's just one of a kind that I really treasure and she will be for keeps that I could guarantee.

Woud you Feel the Same?

I have been working like a dog today and had a relief when the phone shut off. My boss and my co-worker came early today with some breakfast treat. I was hoping I could get much help but the result was it gave me much headache of the two. I was thankful they fed me but to pass all the work and I could be stressed on their mistake, it's a hassle. It made me irritate too when they would just talk not minding about me struggling to keep up the busy lines, joggling the phone with pick up schedules. Honestly I got frustrated with how they behaved at work.

It's not only one time this is happening but everytime they talked, it just like they wont stop. They would careless on other people working so hard just to keep up with the work load. It's very irritating but I just keep it to myself. His the boss and my co-worker is like a bestpal to him. No way I could voice out my opinion on how mistreated I was. Their personality is cool, I can be happy with that. With work ethic, I don't very much like them. Well, for now it's just for me to hold on until I can get started to work on my own.

Christmas Spirit

written: Dec 21, 2007

With jobs that is too overwhelming and pretty stressful, hubby texted me past 11am yesterday before lunch and told me he was looking for Christmas spirit. This year wasn't a year for him due to the fact there are a lot of things that we did personally and most goes with investments concerns. Not yet done with that until now and we are hoping next year will be a better year.

As soon as he gets home, he told me to dressed up and invited me to do something different. He asked me first whether I would like to get some hot chocolate and I had liked the idea. We got it from Starbucks which was 3 blocks away from where we lived or distance of 2 light intersections. It wasn't so crowded and just a few minutes we enjoyed savoring it and made us a little warm.

As far as searching for Christmas cheer, while enjoying our hot chocolate inside the car and driving. We passed nearby neighborhood and looked at some decorations of several houses where homeowners were laid out there decors at their front lawn and roofs/gutters with series lights with different colors and designs. Many are using inflated characters of Christmas such as Frosty the snowman, reindeer, Santa Clause, bears, and a lot more. Hubby was glad it uplifts his spirit.

Mostly toured the nearest streets, with a stomach empty we decide to stop and come back another time to look for another area. We stopped by at Chicago for pizza. The usual order half and half, hawaiian pineapple and sausage and mushrooms. I paid the bill using the money I had received from my company the other day and it was so nice to be able to take care of that.

Today, with me mostly doing all the calls and paperwork at the job. I got a little stressed and my boss told me he really appreciated my hardwork. 10 minutes before I had stamped my time card using ADP while I was writing the route schedule we had in our white bulletin. My boss gave me a white card. He said it is for me and I should not forget it. I took it with me when was done writing the updates and log off from work. I extended my boss and the director with a greeting for Merry Christmas and they both gave me warmth of a hug. I felt so touched. I walked away and looked for my car outside and gave sometime for my car to heat up, I opened the card. My boss' message was touching. He even put a $50 bill. He noted that "Dont stress!" phrase I usually told him everytime he got frustrated and a simple gift like that letting me know how genuinely he appreciates me. I reflected that with a smile and drove home.

Birthday Falls Before Christmas

Written: Dec 14, 2007

To be born on the day before Christmas day is lucky?? Growing up, my mom would always throw out a party for me as well as to have something for "Noche Buena" for everyone. Remembering those times, living now in the US, I miss home. It's very different here. Though I am happy that I found my man and relocated, its not the same when my family is around. I would say celebrating without them is not totally complete.

My first Christmas here last 2005, I was fortunate that my hubby's friends throw out a party for me. I didn't know they would spare their time to surprise me with food, cake and gifts. That small get together at their place was absolutely appreciated. Perhaps if it didn't happen, I could be sad and wanting to get back home. The 2nd Christmas, within the year. I met couple of friends online. Get some few acquaintances and establish friendship. I throw out a small party for new found friends and it was great. Though there were few that I no longer friends with but some remained.

The disadvantage of celebrating birthday and Christmas eve altogether is that I can only receive one gift for the year. I had hope I was born earlier or after so I could have the same feeling like most everyone else who can receives 2 major gifts annually. Other times, not so many people would attend my party because everyone is preparing for their own. At work, since the 24th is considered holiday, the benefits of being double paid can only happen once and my birthday bonus is out. Geezz! That's absolutely not lucky.

With this, I can reflect that money or material things will not certainly be happening. But any other source like having a husband who's always there for me, great friends who is very supportive of me and family who loves me can make all other things perished. Its the value of having people around you and not by what you received physically.

Doing Some Errands

When the time hits 4:30pm, I bid goodbye to Liz and head to my car then go home. But today is payday! I wear a smile and a time to spend. I do want to buy something for myself as a pay to all my hardwork. Not to spend all that I have but some and save some. So I went to the closest bank, withdraw some cash. Head to one of the store few miles from the bank, shop some clothes and satisfied myself. Though not all the time I shop, still money is very easy to spend. It's really amazing you can just spend it in a flash. I also went to do some grocery shopping since our bathroom supplies are getting low. I took some few items that are very necessary for a few days and will just have my big list prepared when we will go to Walmart. Much more savings in that store especially now that prices are keep on going up. Afterwards, I saw my headboard in my car flashing, gas low. I forgot to add some gas so I hurriedly went to a gas station and filled it up. Prices of fuel are way too expensive this days. Commodities keep on rising and its too sad salary won't keep up on the expenses. Better to really save this days and not really spend all the money that you have.

Day in the Office

It's just okay today and I feel better working. Yesterday I had a terrible headache due to monthly sickness. How I wish I could get rid of not feeling it every month but I guess there's no way for me not to get away with it. Though my illness is not as worst like many other female that I know of. They will have this painful stomachache. I don't have that, maybe once in a blue moon but I tell you when I have it I wish I could just die because it hurts a lot.

Anyway, there's nothing much to tell about what's going on in the office. Except that there's this lady who called yesterday about her scheduled pick up that was supposed to be picked but not done. I don't know if I did set her up for that schedule but there was no trace of the transaction or it was Liz or Kristal's fault. We ended up have a talk with the boss and another advice again. But I really don't mind it anymore. There will be no room for being emotional at the company. I need to be strong to stay.

I guess that's all about it for the day. Will see you again in another time.

Mexico Part 3

written: Sept 14, 2006

The hotel zone is the area most travelers prefer to stay. With all the most luxurious hotels and to the beautiful Caribbean Sea, it is a good place to choose from. Beside that, its location and roads are accessible to transportations. If you don’t want any hassle or not to walk by far, taxi is the way to go and its not expensive as the fare in the US are. Riding a bus is not so bad. There are many in the area. It is safe, clean and very cheap. The shopping areas are near too. You can pick for luxury branded items shopping at Plaza Kukulcan or the La Isla Shopping Village for others but majority has similar goods. At night if you would like to party, shop and eat Forum by the Sea is a good place to hang with. It’s pretty very much noisy and crowded. They called the area ‘The Little Las Vegas’.


We stayed at Royal Islander. It has other four resorts the Royal Caribbean, Royal Mayan, Royal Sands and Royal International. It’s a private club for timeshare owner. We had our own villa with an oceanfront view and it was incredible. The scenery at the veranda was outstanding. We could see the shoreline and other hotels. Your eyes can see near and far the turquoise water, hear the splashing of the waves and smell of the fresh ocean breeze. It was the best room ever.


We had a day tour at Kukulkan, “Chichen Itza” where the famous ruins of El Castillo. It was hot that day but we had fun at the site. Not only we did explore places we did with our taste buds as well. We had a few times to eat out and we had the chance to dine at the resorts restaurants Caya Largo and Pacos Tacos. At Plaza Forum by the Sea, Cambalache the Argentine Steak House was good. Our last night dinner in a fine dining romantic restaurant at Puerto Madero was awesome followed by an entertainment at Hacienda Sisal at the Royal Sands. We had memorable days at Cancun and choosing it to spend for our first wedding anniversary was all worth it.

Wedding Anniversary

written: Sept 27, 2006

The 4th week of the month was tough with mental & emotional distress. I thought it will be non-stop but the week was restored with a loving thought, an excitement at the near theme park and the classy fine dining.

Friday night, with having a worrisome day earlier Joey brought me a huge flower arrangement of roses, stargazer lilies, and greenery attached a simple sweet note greeting. He gave me a wide huge hug and said the word “I really love you.” Emotional as I was, I responded with a phrase “I love you too.”


As we would like to exchange gifts but because we had no time during the week, we decided to go to Westfield shopping mall. We ate our dinner at the food court and alone we did separate shopping. An hour was not plenty but managed to run down some items to buy. Then later, met up carrying the gifts to swap this Sunday and head home.


Mid Saturday we came up to do some fun at Great America. We rode Top Gun & Invertigo that gave us both the dizzy feeling after taking off. It was an exciting ride but it was terrifying. Sitting on the ride I believed I could die from there on the contrary I survived. Those rides can only go for those brave strong willed people but if being afraid of heights I would say don’t bother.


On the day of our anniversary, in connection with our earlier anniversary vacation in Mexico the Mexican breakfast was our taste. El Torito at Milpitas was nice, it reminisce our time when we had spent our days in Cancun & Playa del Carmen. We tossed champagne and ate brunch.


Romantic dinner at San Francisco was another brilliant idea of Joey. Sutro’s Restaurant at the Cliff House could have a good picturesque of the sunset at the Ocean Beach, but the weather was foggy. Though the climate didn’t match his expectation, our food was great with another glass of champagne for tossed. It was a very neat evening with the smile and thoughts dripping to our mind. He gave me a necklace after our main course while waiting for the dessert. Never he would forget to give me something during special occasions and in return I gave him a sweet kiss and said thanks. When we got home, I gave him my gift and he exchanged me with a huge smile on his face and a loving kiss.

Mexico Part 2

written: Sept 11, 2006

Two months before, my hubby asked me what could be our plans to spend for our anniversary. I suggested that it’s better that he will do the choice instead of me to decide on it. He has more experience in many places and I am confident that his choice is better than mine. Base to our past travels as well as with his experience for all the trips that he’d arranged, his really good at it. He wanted me to take part of it but I preferred it as a surprise. So he worked days on booking and making reservations trying to hide it from me. Until days before from our departure, he asked me if I would want to know where. So I was tempted and surprise that the original plan of surprise was ignored. He let me sat down with him at the couch open his laptop and browse the hotel websites. He showed me two different locations, one at Playa del Carmen and one in Cancun. Both hotels were really nice and so it increased my excitement.

We arrived at the airport past 10pm and cleared at immigration after an hour. We rode the van we booked from Entertainment Plus, droved us 30minutes to Playa del Carmen. We hoped we could have seen the places that passed us by at daylight but the deplane and delays had caused that and there’s nothing we can do but to complaint at the airline. We safely reached Royal Porto Real and checked in. Though drained and sleepy, we wandered the place. It has a huge ground, eye-catching swimming pool, medieval buildings and beautiful beach. Nearby is 5^th avenue, a place for good shopping. We missed to see it at day 1 but did able to visit the day after. By morning the place is quite and solemn but at night it will be alive with mariachi music, people smoke Cuban cigar, other shops with free tequila drinks and you cant avoid the persuading travel tour agents. If you’re a shopping freak for silver and souvenirs, definitely it’s a cool place to buy lots of jewelries and handy crafts.

Staying at Playa del Carmen for 1 and half day didn’t maximize our time. We had breakfast twice at Spice Restaurant and one dinner at IL Pescatore. I loved the service at the Italian restaurant and I had 2 mango margaritas there. It was a lovely drink with a very accommodating waiter. There are other more restaurants affiliated by our hotel but we never get the chance to explore the others and taste different cuisine. In our mind if only we had no problem at Dallas Texas we could arrive earlier and it could have been better. We did our best to spend our time there before we could drive to Cancun. We had fun at the beach mesmerizing the calm, turquoise crystal water and fined white sand. We enjoyed the few times we had there from swimming, shopping, good drinks and a massage. We are thinking ahead that someday we would like to go back there again.

1st Wedding Anniversary - Mexico

written: Sept 2006

When cupid strikes its arrow, no matter where you are, love can find you. It happens for a reason. Our timing was right. The past relationship we had was a learning experience. Together we both face lots of adversity in falling and searching for love. The suffering we had play against was inclined for building a good foundation to our relationship. When we met, Emotinally and spiritually we were both ready. An answered prayer and the search was over. We fell in love, got engaged and at different times got married twice.

Now it’s almost our anniversary but we tend to celebrate it in advance. From the beginning I wanted to be surprised but later changed my mind and asked what’s the setting and where. My hubby chose to have a short vacation in Mexico to feel the carribean sea atmosphere. He booked two different locations, showed it to me and got so excited knowing it.

Thursday on August 31, 2006 departing from San Jose to Dallas, Texas there was no problem. Our connecting flight had and the mechanical problem took us to deplane. We waited for 6hrs at the airport. American Airline gave us a $10 voucher each for dinner and for the inconvenience. The meal didnt pay the lethargy we had to get stocked. It wasn’t enough for such long hours to wait at the airport. The patience was tested and we stood by it. We we’re expecting we could arrive to Cancun in the afternoon but instead at past 10pm we landed. We had an hour at the immigration and had no problem entering the country. The hour waiting was in effect that there were only 4 immigration officers on duty.

Our hotel amenities were wasted for a day. We checked in past 12midnight tired and exhausted. Money spent for the hotel was too bad in our part since we didn’t arrived at the time we should be expecting we could be there. But, having to see the place was luxurious and pretty laid out though worn-out from the long travel, we walked around, took pictures and savored the moment. The place is huge and rated as high class. Subsequently, we rested in our junior suite room and let the night passed by.

The following morning we had a breakfast at Spice Restaurant. Dishes were great not lavished but absolutely tasteful. I had a mouthful of food and made me got full for hours. The service from the waiters and the cook were great. Inside the restaurant, you can see the grounds, swimming pools and the buildings surrounding by. We would like to stay more time just to sit there and relax but we wanted to maximize our time for the day and time we had left. Under the warmth of the sun, we roamed around the resort admiring and not minding how we extremely perspire. Health wise with the lack of sleep and the exhaustion I got the day before, I got sick all of the sudden. The intension to shop at 5^th Avenue for the whole afternoon was not attained full time. Though we had walked the street passing by all the fine arts, good arti crafts, mexican clothing, silver jewelry and many other souvenir shops the illness swept me to decide to get back to our hotel which was a walking distance. We took some hours to rest. At our suite we laid there to loosen up and it was magnificent. The view outside and the wonderful architecture inside were splendid.

One Year in the US

written: July 12, 2006

A year had passed there were so many things that had happened. I didn’t know all those wishes and dreams will come true. Infact, just within the year I've reached all those goals and fulfilled it.

As you see me today it is as if I didn’t experience hardships. Many years I have been so lonely and none made my life easy. Frequently, I was faced with nightmares and oftentimes so painful. I thought I could live all of it and never wake up. At all times negative vives like aches, pains, sorrows, loneliness and emptiness were there by my side. I tried several times to surpass it until I was trapped and it worsen my fears. It lead to a point of not knowing what road to take and couldnt determined what path was right from wrong. My world turned upside down. I had lose hope, no direction, and even turned against God. Nobody knew I had a self esteem problem and my faith was in trouble. One day, a concerned friend convinced me to dedicate my time to pray and recognized the will of God. Years gone by the spiritual advices had no significant meaning until I opened my door to get back to him. I know I was foolish but I repented. I now see miracle, I renewed and regained my faith. I give up my life to him and I wouldn’t have been better now if I don’t put my trust to him. Prayers works wonder and I am so happy I am blessed Alive and being Love.

Part of God’s blessings and through all my prayers things gets better. I tried to pray for someone who could be right for me and He listened to me. He gave me a friend in the beginning like an angel who cared to understand what I had gone through until feelings we’re developed, bloomed into something special and finding him to be the person I can live my life with. He proved to me his genuine intensions in getting married to two different Catholic Ceremony just within 5 months lapsed of time with the distance each one event took place. God was our witness besides our family, relatives and friends. I only heard few people who can do the same thing as he did and for me it was the greatest gift of love. He stood by me in all means through his compassion, sincerity and dedication. There will be no person better for me other than him because if not through him my life will be different. I probably will still be on the crossroad undecided what to do with my life and what road to walk through. We might be tested by time and will be tested more but his always there to show what his heart can capable of. How lucky I am to have him by my side.

I am more than blessed for all the wonderful adventure that my husband shared to me. From way back when we were in the Philippines, on the day I arrived here in the Us, on the special day when we exchange our wedding vows, to the night of our honeymoon up to the present, he took time to spend it with me. In his own way he is very thoughtful. Every occasion he dared not to miss anyone of them. He wrote love letters and cards, surprised me with cakes, balloons, flowers, and gifts in any special day. For once he never forgets. How can anyone like me not to feel so special with somebody who wants to make you happy? He deserves to be cared for and loved, not because of what he shows or do but because of the kind of a man he is. It’s not all the time you can find someone who can love you for being you and who can takes care of you.

Part of our journey we visited so many places and each one of them had great memories to cherish and reminisce. We started in the Philippines and continuing to explore places. It doesn’t matter where, how expensive or cheap the place is, as long as the adventure can fulfill our excitement, there’s no experience such as great as this. With all of these trips, I don’t think I can forget it all.

You'll never know how the time runs and I am a year older since I got here. I was given a surprise today at lunch where my hubby brought balloon and cake. It was really nice of him for being so thoughtful and never miss to remember my first day here in the US. The day didn't end without eating dinner out. We had a quick stop at Sizzler where I had my salad buffet and separate steak and grilled shrimp. I ate a lot and mind you another thing to blow me up. The only person who will be happy of me gaining weight is my mother in-law and myself to get worried. Somehow have to loose weight sooner. 'Til next day!

Four Day Weekend

written: July 06

June 30 - Today was the start of a 4-day weekend. My day was awarded early with good news by passing the written exam at DMV. As for a celebration after my hubby came from work, he showed me with a movie ticket and rushed to dined out to catch the movie “Superman”. The movie was great. There was a surprise at the end of it. Superman has a son. I think there will be a follow up movie and I will not going to miss it. I love superheroes!

July 1 – I begin my day of having my driving skills to use and to my surprise I didn’t handle much of the driving anymore. In time of my hubby was teaching me, I gave him a shock by almost hit another car. It was embarrassing but still thankful there was no accident. After 30 mins of learning to drive in a parking lot and satisfying my partner for the first day of driving, we switched seats and headed to Sausalito. It was a little windy and chilling over there. The weather wasn’t so bad to walk. Stayed there for window shop. Souvenir shops were quite over price intended for European tourist. I didn’t find what I was looking for instead I just grab an ice cream to please myself then after went home.

July 2 - We tried to call some friends to have some get together at Santa Cruz but the invited couple has some other things to attend to so we droved by ourselves to the site. It was a long journey of traffic at the curves of the hill. Before getting to the wharf, we passed by a restaurant to have lunch. It didn’t take us long to finish satisfying our appetite, we moved ahead to the wharf parking area to look for a spot. It was in time that we find a right place not too long to walk to the beach and to the boardwalk. Kind of a busy crowded day but I had a great time at the beach just trying to relax. We had a little walk on the boardwalk, didn’t stay long nor had the urge to ride on the spectacular rides. It wasn’t as bad as you might think because just by walking and to feel the crowds noise and loud screams of people at the background was already a moment to enjoy.

July 4 – Just a day of shopping and I am pleased of it but wonder if I can wear what I bought. Summer is here indeed but it’s a little bit chilly. Much more when we went to San Francisco to watched for the Fireworks. I had layered clothes again, its odd to feel it in summertime. Anyway, I had a marvelous time to dined there and witnessed the fireworks. Too bad we didn’t make it to Aquatic Park where our planned was at first, but most restaurants could take you long to wait so we had a late dinner but the good thing was we didn’t miss the whole show. I enjoyed my chilly night spending Independence Day there.

Here's the clip of the fireworks:

House Searching

The real estate market is not in pretty good shape and a turmoil for the country. With so many foreclosure in the market, it would just show how bad it is. As for a family who wanted to have home it is a good time to buy. But you need to get a better credit history and show good financial documents since banks and lenders are very strict in approving home loans. Me and my husband consider buying another house this year if we are able to find a very affordable house. We already have our investment homes rented though not showing a positive cash flow. We're just holding it for long term hoping the market will turn good.

We drove some couple of houses in San Jose and Morgan Hill. Both has good neighborhood and the prices are way below market value. A very good price but we don't know if we can buy it considering there are investors who got lots of money and right now they're the one who's buying properties. I just hope one day we can be lucky to find our house and we can build a home.

California

There are many things to see and to explore. I may not have traveled all parts of the counties but the places Ive went to were all so memorable. Someday if I can and have the time I will discover new exciting adventure and share it here.

Cebu Wedding & Thailand Honeymoon

written: Feb '06

I never thought it would be possible to get back to Philippines with all the processing of my papers. At first my Travel Document didnt arrive as what I was hoping I can have it in my hands 3 weeks before the wedding instead I had it 5 days before. We then made changes to everything what we booked from Church, reception and all the vendors we had made contract with. It was a big task from far across the globe to do it while my sort of coordinator was not doing what I really wanted but anyway we had the date fixed. I re-arranged my flight on the 2nd week of February and made the running around mostly by myself. I only got few help. I was thankful that my bestfriend, cousin and other friends helped me coordinate and I appreciated it a lot...I fulfilled my promise to have a renewal of vows to my family, relatives, friends and get married on February 25, 2006. We had renewed our vows in Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and had two different receptions after.

Right after the wedding with a little time of booking and preparation I had arranged a flight to Caticlan to Boracay. I was thrilled to see the place because it was my first time. We just spent 2 whole day there and on the 3rd day had our flight to Bangkok, Thailand. We had a tour in places over there and seen lots of buddha temple. 3 days of being there wasnt enough but our time was hectic. OUr vacation wasnt over until we flew to our last destination to Phuket. I was amazed how the place was destroyed by the Tsumi but surprised how the city was rebuilt too quickly. It is as if nothing happened there. There were only minimal remnant of places that were destroyed. By the looks of it, its like brand new. So crowded and I never seen other places like it and majority of the tourists were from Europe.

Wedding & Honeymoon

written: New Jersey & Hawaii: Sept '05

Dreams do come true, with all the effort and sleepless nights we made, our wish to get married in a Catholic Ceremony was fulfilled by the help also with Joe's family, relatives and friends . It's not easy to get married here in the US. More than what I can imagine marrying in PI. We had many papers and documents to acquire and by God's grace everything that the church needed we had arranged to do it. The Priest who even conducted our ceremony was amazed that we did able to secure they need in just two months after I arrived from Cebu, considering the locations that we live in California and the wedding was at the south of New Jersey. From the west to the east coast, I believe God was at our side. We were blessed at Sts. Peter & Paul church with my two high school classmates who were there to support me and Joe's families, relatives, and friends. We had our reception at The Mansion in Mainstreet, Voorhes New Jersey 30 minutes away from the church. Guests were anxious to eat from the travel and we didnt fail them. We had the cocktail hour at the Crystal room. Joe and I missed our pictorial at the Mansions grounds because we chose to spend it with the guests. After 1hr and a half proceeded the main program, food served individually from soup to main course up to the desserts. There were so many left overs but no doggy bag. We had wished to have a room to eat or bags to carry. Everybody was happy with the food and we as the bride and groom hearing them satisfied of the choices and selections we made were very grateful for their responses. Though nights were odd previously but knowing that the hard work you gave was paid for by the happy guests, everything fall to a very good feeling.

Our first night as a couple, Joe made a surprise to check in at an Egyptian Suite accomodation at Clarion Hotel in Philadelphia. I'd never seen anything like it. Staying there was like we were in Egypt. It was one of the best surprise that my hubby did for me, an evening night full of memories to cherish. The wedding didnt only made my day, the day after we were at PA airport, my hubby's surprise was screwed by the check in personnel. I then knew our trip was to go to Maui and Oahu, Hawaii after. I didnt know where we will stay and once again I gave my hubby a credit for chosing two of the top resort Hyatt Regency Resort Spa and Hilton's Hawaiian Village.

Maui:

Oahu:

Thanksgiving '05

written: Dec 2005

My friend called me days before Thanksgiving Day inviting to go and celebrate it to Los Angeles. I had not said yes to the invite because I wasnt sure enough if my hubby had plans of celebrating. Then on the night before after he came from work, he told me to look for a ticket online. So we spent hours searching tickets and its quite pricy for a last minute flight. We found a suitable time, packed whatever clothes we can get and arrive the day after before 12pm. We made a quick tour, stopped at Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills to walk around at the most expensive branded shops and Hollywood to see "the walk of fame". Just too quick then we rushed to check in for 2 days at Fairfield Inn Marriott Hotel in Anaheim just walking distance to Disneyland Park. We had dinner at Mimi's Cafe and it was past 8pm when we went to the park. We didnt achieved so much rides but I had a blast. My first time to see choreograph firework display.

On the second day, we were in California Adventure right across Disneyland Park. We had spectacular rides there. I rode "California Screamin" the roller coaster ride and once again my first time. There were many first times I had spent there and I enjoyed most of it.

Las Vegas & Florida( Dec 31'or - Jan 6 '06 )

written: Jan 2006

My hubby got a week off due to their company policy to avail for vacation time. He decided to do business with pleasure in going to Florida. So together we looked for certain flights and balancing the costs. Part of the itinerary was to set foot in Las Vegas to spend the New Year for 2 days and we did. We arrived Dec 31 in the afternoon and stayed at Tropicana Hotel. We had our dinner inside the hotel and then we walked on the strip. We enjoyed the crowd seeing them carrying beers with a very unsual container but fun to look at. Police were everywhere monitoring crimes. It was safe to walk but the weather was too chilly. Before the fireworks show we waited near the street across MGm, tv screens were side by side counting the time. Though its just me and my hubby, we really had a good time there. Never was a dull moment to celebrate in there....I called my friend Cristina Alen my former classmate in highschool where she lived nearby. Together with her hubby Ricky, they picked us up at the hotel to have lunch together the day after. They chose to dine at Mimi's Cafe and they even paid it. Such a great host and she managed to tour us around in their house and other sites. For 2 days there it was enough, legs were tired and lack of sleep but we need to move on to our next flight to Orlando. Here's the clip:

Upon arrival, we didnt waste time. We check in first at Comfort Inn Hotel and by our rental car, we plotted areas to look and go around. We did it for 2 days to drive around different areas and we found one place that we were interested in. We talked some real estate agent there and she happened to be Filipina. A very accommodating person eventhough she's on the job, knowing us that we were both Pinoy she instantly like us. There was no sales pressure and she was good. Time were so limited, we hurried to catch a ride to go to Disneyworld though its past 6pm. I didnt mind if we stayed short there. Seeing the place, its like Disneyland but far big than in L.A but the thing there the electric parade of the cast, I loved it. It was colorful and magical. For whole day the next day, we spent it there in Universal Studio "Islands of Adventure". I rode the "Hulk" and riding it was like you will going to die for body aches and pains. Joe got sick after that and the rest of the time he was there, he felt so bad. I pitied him but he coped up not to spoil my day. He was great though in pain. My best travel companion.

Surprise

Written: Dec. 3, 2005

A very surprising day because I woke up without my husband at my side. Its almost 10am gush I didnt know I slept longer and I guess my longest sleep ever. I went to the bathroom and do my freshing up then saw a note attached to the mirror saying "Im out to a store". I wonder what is he up to again. Suddenly as I walked pass to the kitchen I heard a "good morning", oh his here! and I am amazed to see balloons floating, a dozen of pink roses and a box of cake. His full of suprises and later he wrapped another gifts for me. I have more than what Im not imagining I could have for my birthday and christmas....Now the thrill is on me until tomorrow and christmas to open my presents...

Hongkong 2008

My week stay in Hongkong was a blast. I love everything that is in there. Though, it is costly and expensive. I had a good time with hubby. We spent some days at the Convention center where we attended some seminars. The remaining days and spare time, we toured places that was fun to watch and more with scenic view.

I got to ride their most clean and accessible subway trains, rode the cable car from the hills, riding the taxi bus which I called it in my own terms two layered bus, took a ferry to another destination like Kowloon, great shopping in Mongkok and the laser show at Kowloon bay. It was a lot of fun in there.

Here is my video at Hongkong. HOpe you enjoy watching it.

My Bestfriend

I’ve known her for 2 decades or more probably. We’ve grown up together in the same neighborhood and we had common friends. When we were younger, we we’re not attached for she went into a school different from where I was studying. The only common thing we had back then were the friends we had in the neighborhood. Her brothers and my brothers were good pals too. Oftentimes, we saw each other but we never really got into deeper friendship. We will just be saying hi and hello and other than that, it was nothing.

When we became teenager and younger adults, our path crossed at our town fiesta and at some occasional parties of common friends. Until one time, I made some connection more with her family when I got to know one of her brothers beyond friendship. Though it didn’t work out, I respected her family so much.

We get to know ourselves more deeply, when she was attached to my brother. It was a good thing and a blessing at the same time. With the start of that, our friendship blossomed. We grow fond with each other until this very day. I might have lived far from her today, with the help of messenger over yahoo chat and other friendly website our communication goes on. I recently went home and I was so glad to see her once again. Seeing her makes the loneliness gone but right now since I am here in the US and just chatting with her online, I miss her more. Someday, in God’s will, if I can retire soon we will hang out more often.

Here is the current picture I have with her. When I miss her, I take a look at this picture and put some loneliness away.

Some thoughts

Today was quite relaxing for me in the office. I am not pressured to work hard since my boss is out of the office. I can work freely and comfortably. Since we have that talk some few weeks ago, I no longer trust his personality. It's better now to be cautious and be attentive to all the people around me since I don't want no trouble or I don't want them to second guess about me working there. I would still hold on to stay to the company and who knows I might be keeping it for now. I wanted to try thinking about something to do better someday and I am working on it still. Once I get it running, that could be the time to evaluate whether to have it part time or just let it go.