What are we going to become after this?
Will it be for the better or for the worst?
We have lost and gained in this phase
We have endless wishes and prayers
Some showed their real skins
Some hide their fears
Some are dying
Some are fighting
Some are living
It can get worst before it gets better
Fingers crossed
Whispered to the angels above
For this pandemic to soon end
So that we can all again blend
💖💖💖
You do random things when you’re stressed.
My highschool friends and I have been planning a quick escape since January. We have been thinking of going to the beach, hiking or strolling somewhere. We kept on canceling or changing our minds because of the two obvious reasons – budget and schedule.
It’s almost near the middle of May so we decided that we really need to travel somewhere. We are all soo stressed at work and we needed a breather.
So this happened.
A staycation – somewhere in QC.
It was the right timing since my friend has a discounted coupon from a mobile app. (Sooo Tita) It will expire by the end of the month and we haven’t experienced staycationing together so we grabbed the booking!
We chose Upper Story Serviced Apartments – why? Because the other available hotels only have room for 2 – pang couple lang. Discrimination. Haha! 😂
We paid roughly around 3,500 which includes the extra single bed since the room only have 2. Plus, the buffet breakfast from their own cafe – Cookbook Cafe. We saved 500 php. 😁
How did we get there? GRAB! Haha. Since we don’t know how to, Grab is the answer!
We arrived past 2pm. The ambience of the building gave me modern and industrial vibes. The building is deep seated in Cubao area soo don’t expect pure tranquility.
The receptionist is as expected – welcoming even Kuya Gardo (security guard). Though, there was a little issue before we can check in. The receptionist asked us to pay additional 1,500 PHP for the single bed. I told my friend who booked the reservation that we shouldn’t since it is already included on our payment. The receptionist had to check twice to confirm that it is. She said that it’s their first time accepting reservations from that mobile application – so that explains the minor glitch.
Room 2309.
Yey! Finally! We checked in our room! It’s studio type with a fully functional kitchen. Yes. They have kitchen utensils, induction cooker and even complimentary drinks and coffee. The usual television and cable (Cignal) and the oh sooo fast WIFI that even if you’re at the roof deck, the connection is still strong. Did I mention that the air-conditioning in the room is soo lit, too!
The downside was that since we asked for extra single bed, the interior of the room was somehow off. The television – only facing 1 bed so we can’t all watch while lying down.
Also, whenever we go out of our room there’s a weird smell – we don’t know where it is coming from. 🤔
#Jadine is life. Haha
We chill in the room until it’s 4pm. We decided to go out and swim! Time for pictorial but to our dismay the poolside is crowded. So we went up to check the roof deck and gym area. It’s kinda hot so we went back to our room.
Gym area
By the time we went back to our room, our stomachs are already talking to each other. We agreed to order pizza but I’m also craving for San Mig Apple but the fridge only have San Mig Light and Pilsen – so off we go to 7 Eleven. We asked Kuya Guard for the nearest 7 Eleven and he told us that it’s in Arayat. It’s just one tricycle away – the fare is around 15php each.
When we got back to our room, it’s almost sunset! So we went up to the roof deck! Who would want to miss the sunset? Not us!
The thousand feelings the sunset can give you – how magical.
We hitch back to our room to eat our food. I asked them to turn off the television so we can talk. That’s always the best part of traveling for me. You get to know the person more.
We haven’t finished our beers yet so headed back to the roof deck.
What a view! The moon is as always – mesmerizing.
The moon.
The ambience.
Our cans of beer.
Heart-to-heart talk.
Us Friends.
Best part of the day
Sadly, the roof deck area is only open until 10pm maybe for security purposes. We have no choice but to go back to our room.
The night is still young. We don’t want to end it yet. So we entertained ourselves eating noodles and talking all away. We agreed to wake up early for us to dip in the pool and have our pictures taken without photo bombers. Haha.
Past 1am. We called it a day.
5:30am. Woke up by my alarm but I hit the snooze button. 5:30am became 6am. Not bad.
We waited for the pool area to open. (The schedule is 7am-10pm.)
Of course, before anything else! Coffee!
I love you everyday, Coffee.
(ctto Pau and her snapsneed)
Past 7am. Swimming time!
Luckily! It’s just us and the couple in the corner. We grabbed the chance to take pictures – baby, this is what I came for haha!
Mornings like this with my adorbs friends💕
This is, if I may say, the building’s highlight. The pool area with the view of the city. 👌
Timecheck. 8am.
As much as we want to dip in and enjoy the grand view – we needed to go back for us not to miss the buffet breakfast. It’s only until 10am.
After showering, we headed to the ground floor where the cafe is located – COOKBOOK CAFE. The cafe has its modern yet homey feel. It’s accentuated by bright colors with blue and orange paintings on the walls (my fave contrasting colors, just to share)
The food?
Typical breakfast. Not so many choices but still worth it. They have porridge, pancake, cereals, bread and jam, omelette, hard boiled egg, longganisa, beef tapa, pansit and the list goes on.
For the beverage, they have 2 choices of juice fours seasons or mango, brewed coffee and water.
For the dessert, they have pastry corner which you have to pay separately. They also have watermelon for dessert.
My friends and I tried the beef tapa, pancake, cereals, omelette, longganisa and coffee. I had 3 rounds of cereals and 2 for rice. (hello carbs)
I’m just a bit disappointed coz they don’t have sausages or hotdogs or even waffles. I want an English breakfast haha.
After eating all our heart out, we headed back to our room. This time to fix our things and chill for a while until check out.
That’s the hardest part of travelling – packing. Haha. And why your things are heavier now yet you never added any. 😂
12noon.
We needed to check out. We would love to extend but we have work the next day.. Soo..
At the lobby, we’re thinking of going somewhere else since it’s still early.. I also don’t want to go home yet.. Sayang ang miles.. 😅
But as much we love to stroll somewhere, plans changed as we decided to call it a day.
~ Our first staycation experience was quick yet all worth it! As they say, time passes by so easily if you’re having a good time. Yes! I had a great one and again it’s not about the place
It’s always about the people you’re with. 🙂
Someone asked me,
How was your childhood like?
Well, I remember playing this game. I don’t know but this is one of my favourites. Maybe because I always get the upper hand – haha!
I didn’t find this game really hard – before but yesterday I felt that I really am old.
Haha.
Played this with my lil bro and nephew during my Papa’s death Anniversary. We needed time to entertain ourselves. My nephew suggested for us to play hopscotch or piko in Filipino.
I agreed since I was also bored.
Felt like it was yesterday.
We don’t have chalk so we had to look for the perfect stone that can do the work.
After finding it, I had to draw the pattern. (the one in the picture, yep)
I told them to find their own pamato (stone) that they would need to throw.
Before and during the game, I had to teach them how it works since they don’t really have any idea how it goes 😔 ( yeah, negative side of technology)
We had fun!!!
I did sure have because it brought me back to the 90’s. However, I felt sad too.
It’s been decades since I last played Piko and maybe the first time for them.
I felt sad for them – for not experiencing the childhood that I once had.
The joy that these types of games bring can never be replaced by any gadgets.
I hope the new generation and the next can still have a taste of what’s it like – To play under the sun and get dirty
☀️😊👍
Your long black hair
Your sweet smile
Your deep voice
Your wit remarks
Your honest opinions
Your signature sighs
Your scent
Your lips touching mine
Your hands reaching mine
Your love
Oh my my
Do you remember those days wherein you notice that you got bruise on your body but can’t figure out where it came from?
You press it.
Ouch.
Yeah. A real bruise.
Maybe that’s the same pain I’m going through right now.
I never noticed that I’m hurting someone until today.
This is the hardest part.
Not being able to reciprocate or even give one fourth of yourself to the person who’s willing to share his entire life with you.
Yes, you know how painful it is
Being ignored
Being rejected
Being taken for granted
Being The second option
Or being The last on the list
By the person who means the most to you
You know how fucking painful that is yet –
Here you are
Doing the same thing
How cruel.
Like an emotional version of animal slaughtery.
No words can explain or let him understand why you don’t or why you can’t.
Even if you message him thousands of emojis and apologies
It won’t change a thing
But still, I wanted to let you know that
I’m sorry.
I am really am sorry
From the bottom of my stubborn heart.
🖤
I’ll buy a book
To go back to my first love
That I’ve forgotten a long time
I’ll buy a book
To find my own piece
That I’ve been searching for so long
I’ll buy a book
To maybe find you too
Yeah
That’s what I’ll do
02.17.18
Okay… So two weeks ago, we planned to go to Tagaytay to celebrate Paula’s birthday. We really want to go there coz of the obvious reasons – we want to unwind, feel the cold breeze, get close to nature, pictorial opp and I personally wanted to buy coffee grinds! 😁☕
Well, guess what?! Due to some circumstances, we end up seeing a movie. Yeah. We scratched that Tagaytay get away. Hahaha!
We agreed or should I say, I persuaded them to see Meet Me in St. Gallen (for my Carlo Aquino! ❤) and yes, I heard good reviews – so what.
Nevertheless, the movie was awesome. It was a feel good movie at the start but it will leave your heart wrenching and wondering of the what if’s in the end. I like the ending though.
Warning: Don’t watch this movie if you’re fresh from breakup but if you’re a masochist – feel free to indulge. My rating 4 out of 5 stars. ❤👌
At SM Mega Cinema 5. (It’s been a while since we had our movie date. The last movie that we watched was NBSB)
~ We stepped out of the movie house past 3pm. Since it’s too early for us to go home, I suggested that we to go to Binondo. I told them that I haven’t been there and I really want to go on a food trip in Chinatown (I saw a blog about it also) Since I have supportive friends, they agreed. 😁😁
From Megamall, we hopped in a UV express going to Quiapo. Before 4pm, we’re already there. We decided to pay a visit to Mahal na Poong Nazareno and just in time we’re able to attend the holy mass.
After the mass, we headed our way to Binondo. (I really do not have any idea how to go there, honestly.)
We rode in a jeepney going to Divisoria. From Divisoria, we rode in a tricycle going to Binondo. It’s our first time riding in an ecobike vehicle and we all liked it. It was a smooth and quiet ride.👌
Manong Driver dropped us off near Lucky Chinatown Mall. We walked and walked and walked, till we reached Ongpin St.
Finally! Wooh! Hello Chinatown! May coffee grinds ba dito? 😂😂
Timecheck : 6:30pm ( Just so happen that we’re one day late for the Chinese New Year…but still I liked the vibes here)
Since our stomachs were already talking to each other, our first goal is to have a full good meal. Of course, my veins are craving for coffee!! I need my caffeine shot! haha!
We really don’t have any itinerary – as the saying says, bahala na si batman!
There’s a lot of food choices. From food stalls to restaurants. We decided to dine first at Cafe Mezzanine. It’s a bit pricey but we were all hungry and exhausted so.. (Malamig pati.) 😁 For our meal, We ordered spareribs and for our drinks, Pau and I ordered coffee (opkors) while Jave ordered pineapple juice.
The ceiling @ Cafe Mezzanine
Spareribs 🍴 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Mochaccino ❤☕ ( kaya kang ipaglaban nito, haha)
Happy Birthday Paula! ( she’s in the middle)
~ After having a decent meal, we decided to walk and explore the place. I checked the blog (sorry forgot the name of it) to get a better reference as to where we can go next. We looked for New Po Heng Lumpia House – famous for their lumpiang sariwa that only costs 60php each. To our dismay, after an exhausting walk, the resto is already closed. They are only open until 7pm. Sad story.
We headed back and forth – almost to the point of getting lost. Haha! (Well, that’s the fun and tiring part.) We stopped by Salazar’s Bakery. We got curious since a lot of people are going in. We also needed to buy some bread or anything to eat since we’ll sleepover at Jave’s place. It’s not that pricey, huh. And yes – it tasted good!
Loved the Want Want Senbei Rice Cracker ❤
Timecheck: 10pm
Our stomachs started to talk again and most of the stores were closed.
Luckily, we found this restaurant – David’s Tea House. They’re open from 7pm-2am. Yes, until 2am. 😊
Inside the restaurant. Groufie – for documentation!
The ceiling @ David’s Tea House
We ordered Pansit Bihon and David’s platter of dumplings and siomai. The verdict. The price was okay not that expensive compare to Cafe Mezzanine’s. They also serve hot tea – for free. The food were all good! I really liked their Pork Siomai and Hakaw except for the Kuchay that has a bitter after taste. No, I will not eat that again.
Timecheck: Almost 12mid
After another good meal, we decided to go home. We walked our way out of the streets of Ongpin until we reached the Jeepney station going to Recto. From Recto, we hopped in a jeepney going to Pasig Palengke. (It was a bit scary since it’s already late)
At last, we arrived in Mandaluyong.
Timecheck: Past 1am.
Wait – we’re not yet done. I craved for coffee, again! I need another caffeine shot. So we bought coffee at 7-eleven. Thank goodness for 24/7 stores like this. ☕👌
Timecheck: Quarter to 2am.
Finally! We reached Jave’s crib. Thank you Lord! 🙂 We agreed to watch the movie “When We First Met” but I ended up watching it alone since my two friends – well, already followed the light (haha!)
Timecheck: 4am
Actually, I was halfhearted if I will watch another movie or just sleep. Well, I decided to hit the sack.
End of day. ❤
~
With my Adorbs squad – for keeps.
It was indeed a long and tiring day – but who’s complaining when it’s also filled with fun and adventure! A well spent weekend!
Another tick off in my bucket list. Yey!
And yes, may kape sa Binondo.
-THATREDINK
Tick off that bucket list. A lot of firsts last night.
– Witnessed spoken poetry live. Oh these modern day balagtasan.
-Bonus track, Makatatawanan (Talentadong Pinoy Hall of Famer) and Jezzbox (beatboxer) performed live. Hands down to these two! They really captured our attentions and left us in great awe.
-Had our dinner at Tapsi ni Vivian. Finally, I was able to eat here and try their Tapsilog. I’ve been planning to since.. Nevermind. Haha
-Went to Jave’s place for our overnight stay since it’s already 1am when we left the event. We were hungry but we chose to sleep coz we were all tired. The next morning, we had our delicious breakfast – pancit canton and canned tuna! Yum! 😁😁
– visited St. Joseph’s chapel. Been thinking about going to a church whose patron saint is St. Joseph then Voila! Turned out that it was just few blocks away from Jave’s place. 🌹
Whatta treat for a first timer like me.. Our 100 pesos (ticket price) went a long way. 😁 It was indeed a well spent weekend. ❤
With my adorbs squad. Friends for keeps. 💁
@Tapsi ni Vivian 🍴(the verdict – just fine)
While waiting for the event to start. @RAVE’S Amphitheater ✌
With Jezzbox 👏👏 and Makatatawanan (upper pic) These two completed our night. 😂😂
@Jave’s place. Finally we are able to set foot here. Hehe. We have been talking about this. Iba tlg pag biglaan. Natutuloy. 😁😁 (upper pic)
Last pic ~ St. Joseph’s Chapel. 🌹
Ikaw na ba?
Pagsilip ng liwanag
Isip ko’y lumilipad
Di mawari anong hanap
Nitong pusong mapagpanggap
Ikaw na ba?
Di ko maiwasang magtanong
Sa bawat taong aking makasalubong
Walang tigil kahit wala namang tumutugon
Ikaw na ba?
Tanong ko kay Kuya na naka puti
Pati dun sa isa na nakangiti
Baka naman ung isa na nasa dulo
Hala! Ano ba itong ginagawa ko?
Ikaw na ba?
Tanong ko dun sa taong pumulot ng panyo ko
Baka naman ung isa na nagbigay ng upuan niya
O pwede ding isang bagong kakilala
Ikaw na ba?
Matatapos na ang tula
Wala ka pa din ba
Nakakapagod na
Sana mahintay kita
At masabi ko sayong
Ikaw na nga..
Too close yet too far
Heard of that million times
But little did I know that it will be so literal
I do not hate and I don’t like
This messaging and emoji’s
That’s going too far
I hate uncertainty yet here I am still, believing..
What does the future holds for us?
No one knows.
Will I ever be there?
Will you ever touch my face?
Will we ever cross each other’s path?
The sky knows how much I wanted to run into your arms and see if this will work
We will never know
No one will..
I hope to see you soon
My milkyway love trip.
imtophix 