Decision-Making

It has almost been a month since I last opened my blog.

Confusion. 

Self-Discovery.

Soul-Searching.

And.

Desicion-making.

I have to make up my mind what way to follow and where to go to. I looked for myself and searched for that missing part of me. 

I wanted to travel and explore the world at the same time trying to discover what is it that I really wanted to do. I want to know what is it that will make me happy. The kind of happiness that I have never felt before.

I went to Singapore and after a month of silence, I finally made up my mind...

I went to different places, tourist spots and heritage sites. Places that will surely make people happy, places that will give joy to one's heart but when I was there, I was totally unhappy. There is something still missing. Something I need to achieve. Something more. 

A friend of mine invited me and my bff/room mate to go to a creation church. That time, my mind was full of confusion, reluctance, fear and self-pity. The pastor made us understand what God really has for us. He made me realize that I have no power over the events that might happen in my life yet I have the choice to choose if I will take it in a positive way or not. You don't have a choice what's next or what's up for tomorrow so why worry on that something where in you know you don't have the power  to change Yet You have the choice on how You will take it. This made me realize, I was unhappy because I never gave myself the chance to be happy. I was so scared to fail yet I am already a failure. I want to walk with pride yet I don't know my capabilities and so I stopped and humbled myself down again.

 

Friends Along the Way

The month of August seems like a month of travel back and back again from Bacolod City to Cebu City. I have to go back and process papers to Cebu. I have done this for 3-4 times in just one month and imagine how exhausting it is to travel for 8 hours where in you can even barely have the complete time to rest and sleep plus the cost of travel. Wew! This has been a very busy travel month for me. But along the way, I met  a lot of people from Chinese Sisters, Schoolmates with common friends, Classmates, Relatives, Neighbors and most of all a Friendly Seatmate in the Bus. In my travel during the last week of August, I met this witty girl who became my friend. Since I got so bored, I decided to invite her and tour around Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.

I toured her to Mactan Shrine together with her boyfriend. Mactan Shrine is a very famous spot in Mactan Island. One of Philippines' National Hero, Lapu-Lapu, has a monument in the shrine. In addition, every April, "Kadaugan Festival" is being celebrated to commemorate how Lapu-Lapu fought the Spaniards and won the battle by defeating Magellan and his men. A reenactment or play is being shown and there are lots of food booths from the famous hotels in Mactan. Also, the souvenirs are very cheap. I recommend you this place once you step foot in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu.

Lapu-Lapu's Monument

Beautiful and cheap accessories sold in the place.

Unique and Affordable Souvenirs

Mactan Shrine has a lot more to offer than this but I'll show you more on my next post. I'll have to rest and take a break for a while. Reis Your Heart out and believe!

Difference of Treasuring from Winning

Last August 22, 2012, it was my sister's birthday but we weren't able to celebrate it because we were so busy. I grew up in a busy family and since I started working, I barely got the time to do some family stuff. In addition, at that same time I also went back to Cebu to arrange some of my papers. 

I was alone in the apartment. I got nothing to do so I took my phone scrolled all my contacts and luckily I found my High School best friend's number. I texted him, just trying my luck if he still haven't changed his number. After a few minutes, he called me. I shared to him all the latest happenings in my life as he shared his' also. Almost all of my best friends in high school are guys. I really feel more comfortable with them though I also love my girl buds but having male friends is really advantageous. They can give you a different perspective that a female can't.

 (One of the gifts I got from my suitor :))

The main point of our topic was about love life and he opened up to me about the famous quote from the movie "Courageous". It was a very beautiful quote that really caught my heart and mind because it was true. The quote indeed talks about reality when it comes to men. There was a scene where a father tells his young daughter this quote: “I know how young men are. They want to win your heart but they don’t know how to treasure it.” Hearing these words, I realized indeed the father was right. I never had a boyfriend in my entire 22 years of existence here on Earth but I had suitors and some of them we share mutual feelings but they got tired after a few months and gave up. As a young, dignified Filipina, I have to accept every young man who surrenders and try to move on. I was brought up in a very conservative family. My mom and dad were good disciplinarians. I entertain suitors but as a conservative Proud Maria Clara type, I always give my suitors challenges and time to prove their love and sincerity to be my first official boyfriend. Sad to say, as time flies, I only realized that young men, usually men of my age, only want to get the "first boyfriend" title but they never had the intention to treasure my heart and to take care of me. And so that's the sad reality of young love or puppy love maybe... Young men always think of winning and having something to brag to other people but not all of them. There are a few out there whom you can also trust and maybe they are also willing to treasure your heart. So, never loose hope and never stop believing in true love and fairy tales... If there's faith, there's hope for a dream come true... Always Reis Your Heart out and love, love, love... :)

"The Reunion"

Its almost one month since I haven't published anything new in my blog. My life went down. I became dormant. I have nothing new with me. I became sad and sometimes hopeless. But He is always present within me. His love for me gives me hope. He is my only light and shelter. He gives me strength in my darkest days. Together with my family and friends, the Almighty One gives me more reasons to continue living amidst this rocky portion of my life so I fought my "nega" part and tried to look at the brighter side. I cried but I learned how to wipe my tears away. I tripped but I learned to stand up once again.

I went home and planned a reunion with my college friends. Good thing, a movie entitled "The Reunion" is also due to show on that week. The movie was really good. It was totally funny and good for the Barkada. The casting is perfect plus the songs are really our generation's featured songs. That day felt like a start of the fulfillment of our dreams, a promise we made where in we will always back-up each other no matter what happens.

With God's guidance, I know that we will be able to achieve our dreams and that no matter what obstacles may come our way, each of us already knew one's own uniqueness and attitude and each of us will be together as one. A friendship with no boundaries, like brothers, like sisters, like parents and will always be friends forever. Though, we still don't know what are the incoming hardships in our relationship, still I believe that with our Heavenly Father that guides us and unites us as one, we will stay together comforting one another. For all those SOLID FRIENDS and BARKADAS out there stay strong and Always Reis Your Heart out in understanding each others' personal issues in life...

Prayers are all I Have

The past few days were filled with anxiety, confusion, nerve-wracking, pain-filled lazy days. I never went out of the apartment like I used to. I felt lonely and in pain. I got great job offers from good companies abroad, not to mention they are five star hotels. But, I felt like "He has more plans for me". I really felt so bad to refuse the offers. It was a very good opportunity to go abroad and gain a competitive advantage of having a work experience in a five star hotel. But again, the time was not right. I can't explain how I felt but I have to accept it and be strong. I have to have more faith in Him. Trust in Him and Believe that nothing is impossible through Him.

Prayers help me cope up with every difficult situation I encounter. I have this favorite church in Mactan Island where I always used to go and pray. I would always consult to God anything that bothers me. Then after every sharing, I would feel like my soul is free from all the negative vibes of the world. But what I have in this post are previous photos taken from one of Cebu's most religious places, Simala. I went there with my sister last year. It's a very holy place. There are special areas that will really feed your soul. 

There are fresh flowers always in the church and their mass starts at 12 noon. They usually have only one mass per day or in special occasions two or more. It was Mama Mary's Birthday when we came there and it is also an important celebration there.

Mama Mary Halok is the most sacred place in there. Taking pictures is not allowed inside and also proper dress code should be observed to show respect to the place.

Everyone is free to express each one's religious beliefs and practices in the place. 

There is a gallery of Mama Mary from different parts of the world in there.

Lighting candles play a very important role in our religious lives. Whatever one's religious practices are, still, the most important aspect is the faith within. Never forget to thank God everyday and always Reis Your Heart out in prayer. :)

Got fully loaded in T.G.I.F.!

I just can't miss July 1, 2012 as it is the first day of my birthday month. My friend "F" went to Cebu for the Nursing Board Exams and after taking the exams on her Big Day, we decided to have a fully loaded seafood dinner.

We both had fun and enjoyed the seafood platter and the vanilla and chocolate shakes though we weren't able to eat everything... hahaha... as it seems that there were so much food... hehe... but the platter was good for 2-3 persons. We especially like the place because of the cozy and friendly environment it has. I don't kinda like formal dining. 

And because I said, "First, I have to wear my new bought accessories before I post them", so here they are... hehe... but I only wore the two neon accessories I bought. I still have one left to show you next time... hehe...

And so... here we are... goofing around like crazy... hehe... MUKHASIM! :D

In life, despite the tough moments we have, unforgettable ones still do exist... So always Reis Your Heart out and enjoy life's blessings despite the obstacles that may come... Always stay positive! :)

Batch 1 of Earring Collection

Just like what I said... I'm going to post my earring collection... and I think today is the right date for this! :) Well, my earrings may not seem to be that super expensive or that super cool but each of them has its own unique story how I got them. I may be too sentimental about my so-called collection but that is the exact reason why I take good care of them.

This is my first batch of pictures... I won't post the other sets yet... not until I wore them all... hehe... Most of my fave earrings are from F21 and Mags. They sell cute and unique earrings that I just can't resist! 

I wore this during the 2012 Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

This is my most favorite earrings. I almost lost this one and the flower fell so many times but I was so lucky that I was able to find it... Wew! Anyways, I really wanted to blog more about anything but as of now, especially this month, I'm just so busy and I have a lot of things to do... So, I think my blog is only until here... I'm sorry... if only there's a lot of time... huhu... but I'll try to blog more next time... Just don't forget to Reis Your Heart and keep life moving...

The One and Only Items From Online Shops!

At first, I was very hesitant to buy items online or to shop through the net. I was thinking,... what if I won't receive the items and all the money I paid will go to the ocean???... (oh well) Being so paranoid about those crazy events that might happen to the packages... Ahahahaha but then... One time, there was this item online and I just can't help it! It's too affordable plus very unique. It gives me the feeling that if I buy them, I would be the only person who will own and possess that One and Only Item!!! Hahahaha... What a lunatic, right?! Wew! hehehe... Because of my love for earrings, my desire to possess the item became so strong that...  I ended up... OK, fine! I'm going to purchase it! And so, the next day, I sent messages to the seller regarding the product. 

I don't know but I felt so sure and confident at that time. And luckily, everything went as planned. I received the item just before I left for my trip to Guimaras Islands... :) My heart was filled with so much joy because I have a new accessory to wear and the good thing is it's waterproof and good for swimming activities and island hopping! Hahaha... They are neon rubber danglings and I have never seen it in any shop in Bacolod City nor in Cebu, that's why I was so sure to buy it! Not only that, I only ordered one but I received two items and both were so lovely that I'm taking good care of these set in my earring collection??? hehehehe... I'll try to post my earring collection next time. :)

This is the first time I purchased online and the second time, I got my package yesterday! It was another set of neon accessories and again I got a new freebie... :) Thank you so much Online Shops! You make every girl's crazy imagination come true...(if some things are really not easy to find and buy in their hometown... you know... hehehe... :))

This is the package I received yesterday... hehehe... I won't tell you what's in it yet... hehe... just wait and see when I'm already done using the accessories hehehe... Anyways,... this day is all about risking. If you wont take risks, you will never know what tomorrow has for you... So Reis Your Heart out and always be ready to take some challenges in life! :)

More Hopes Please...

I would wake up everyday with the hopes of a happy and fruitful day... Though, I know my day won't be as perfect as it may seem but I still have the positive thought that atleast it will be remarkable and something new or different...

We went to Tops, known as one of Cebu's highest points and tourist attraction, last year. It was an unplanned tour but we had so much fun and we got so tired because we didn't sleep just to see the sunrise. It was so cold but the view was so breath-taking and worth the trip. From total darkness to sunrise... the changing of the colors is so beautiful that words are not enough to describe it. God is so good to create such wonder and that day made me think of my dreams and my supposedly life in the future.

These photos were taken from my sister's camera and though they may not be that good and it may not explain how grateful I am to see such magnificent view, still for me, this is worth my day. The lights of the city were like golds and diamonds sparkling... I want to touch them and hold them but of course it's impossible... just like our dreams... sparkling like diamonds... impossible to hold and touch but we can only see ourselves reaching it as we feel the happiness and unexplainable feeling it gives...

Today, I feel the desire to reach my dreams... I want to move even just one step at a time though sometimes I want to quit and forget about it because I'm getting tired and worn out already but I can't.... I just can't. What keeps me going on everyday is the goal to reach it so I just can't stop here. I have to exert more effort if I must. I know that one of my purposes in life is to reach it. I can feel that I can do it... So my dear friends... never surrender if you feel you can still do it... Ask a sign from above. If it is for you and if God wills it then It is... so Reis Your Heart and God bless!

Too Much Pain in my Heart :(

We still smile though it really hurts deep inside our hearts... Maybe its pure human nature that we don't want others to see us unhappy... so that they won't get affected by the negative energy emitted from our emotions... Some don't want others to pity them that's why they would rather choose to keep their feelings.

Sometimes, we would rather choose to run away from all of the troubles and discomfort of the world... but... it's no use... Instead of  making us feel better it makes us even more paranoid and even makes our worries bigger... What we need is a break from this state of mind.

That's why it's always good to travel and relax. Set your mind free from stress and all the troubles the world can give... Let's put all of the problems away and let God take care of them... It can never be considered as a problem if it has no solution... Just pray... Meditate and ask God for guidance... Prayer can heal all the negative vibrations away...

And even in our happiest moments,... we should also never forget to thank Him... whether it is a blessing of family, friendship, love, career, good health and achieving your goals.... That's why I feel so sad lately. I am so sorry because sometimes when I become so Happy I tend to forget Him though He never forgets me. I feel the pain in my heart as I think of the times I have failed Him... This day is for You. I am blogging and sharing this because I know you too might have felt the same or might have done the same... So Reis Your Heart out and start thanking Him and ask for forgiveness... Why do it tomorrow if you can do it now? 

Cave Girl!

Stalactites and Stalagmites... Clear Fresh Water... Calmness and Darkness... Serenity... CAVES...

Caves are totally amazing... Though some people are afraid of caves because it's dark and it's mysterious... Still, we cannot deny the fact that caves are beautiful...

One of the nicest caves I went to is in Camotes Island. I love the clear, cold fresh water and the miraculous and mysterious feeling it radiates in the place...

I also took some photos of the parts of the cave that really looked so scary... hahaha... well... scary in my own perspective... hehe...

I'm sorry I'm not really that specific in this portion of my adventure... Maybe next time, if I have more time to blog, I will share more photos to you and also more words... hehe... I'm really sorry and I hope you forgive me for still publishing this blog... Though, I don't have enough time today... Still, I hope, you would never forget to Reis Your Heart out and explore more caves in our country... We are so lucky that Philippines is rich in natural resources and wonders...

One, Two, Three... same YOU!

Sorry, I missed blogging my whereabouts these past few days... I went home (to Bacolod City) and took a grand vacay... hahaha... well... not really... I went to the dentist for the removal of my braces.

I had braces for more than 4 years and I think NOW is the right time to say GOODBYE! Wew! Actually, I had crooked teeth and I had super low self-esteem because of that... I carried that bad ego with me from grade school to high school... I thought my life will forever be like UGLY DUCKLING or I'll forever be a FROG... But thanks to Dentistry! Now, I have a more comfortable life with... (well) retainers for 2-3 months before having a life free from metal touches... Atleast... They're removable...

Life with a crooked teeth was not easy... (Good thing, I was able to save a pic with my crooked teeth though... in this photo... it's not really that obvious...) I never smiled showing my teeth though I really want to... I felt so shy and so ugly thus lowering my self confidence... Still, I focused on my studies despite the self-pity emotions I had. I always put in mind the quote "Beauty and Brains". I was thinking... If I can never be BEAUTY then atleast I can be BRAINS...

I was so skinny and I focused so much in my studies that I forgot to value my time. I seldom bond with my friends unlike an ordinary teen would. That's why I missed a lot of fun and experiences in high school. Though, if given a chance to change everything... Still, I won't undo a thing... they all happen for a reason... and maybe this happened to me to make me realize how important friends are, how every second of your time should not be wasted, how others look at you and think about you is never really important, how the pressure from the society never really marks your life (actually, it just makes you act and feel like a paranoid freak if you would really give in to the influence of the community)... 

(Whatever other says, don't mind them. Just be the confident YOU... like as if no one's watching.)

I'm not saying the community is bad but what you do to your life matters. What you do makes you, molds you as a person and will lead you to your goals and dreams... We all tend to have that feeling like as if that someone might think like this or like that about us but... the truth is... no one really cares... Even if you soaked yourself in mud... maybe they will see you and laugh at you and SO? So what? Will it change the fact of what just happened to you?! No it won't! And once it's already done, it's done! Forget about it! And if you see your audience again and they laugh at you... So what again? Still there would be no changes... You are not an actress playing a main role in a movie nor a teleserye... unless you are really a famous actress like Anne Curtis... maybe that's the time where in you guard your actions from the public and the paparazzi but YOU are YOU and no matter what they say about you.... nothing will change...YOU WILL STILL BE YOU...

Do what your heart says... but always take note of the limitations of life... Before you Reis Your Heart out, be sure that you are ready to take the responsibilities of your actions... Take Care!