Balanced 2013 ❤

Honestly, doing a year ender post is difficult. Why? Because I have to remember the things that happened for the year, whether good or bad.

But. Reading them again after sometime gives me chills. I love reading all of it, again and again. :)

For this year, I was amazed on how the Chinese Horoscope for me came true and I just realized it now. 

It said that my first two quarters are not so good.

Why not so good? 

MARCH: This was the time when the love of my life went to Dubai and we officially entered in a long distance relationship. At first, it was sooo hard. But as they say, time heals all wounds and it's real. I experienced it myself. 

MAY: I was placed in a new team at my workplace. They said it will be temporary and we will go back to our previous team but that didn't happen. Now I am a team which I really not happy 100%. 

Why I just realized it now?

Because I am too busy thinking of the brighter side of it!

This screenshot is from my Yearender post of 2012. Thankfully, most of it happened! :)

What brighter side of things?

JUNE: To think not too much, my sis and I finally started our long overdue business idea: to have an online shop, Astrid & Rose. It was exciting. I think I became better with communicating to others and it made me more kind and patient! Hihihi! And I was able to talk to some local celebrities! :P

Then I posted this on FB at exactly January 1 to inspire myself to be better, to soar high, to aim high.. It was not meant literally but it happened that way.

I rode the airplane 10 times this year and I am thankful! :)

APRIL: My family had a summer getaway @ Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

AUGUST: Finally, Pikselot had our very first out of the town: Davao!

SEPTEMBER: First out of the town with Nhery @ El Nido, Palawan!

NOVEMBER: LeviJen's first out of the country: Singapore!❤️

DECEMBER: My family had our year end stay @ our province San Jose, Mindoro.

So I told you, all of my resolution almost happened because I didn't exercise hahaha! And I was not able to really save because of my travel. 

That's why my resolution for 2014 is: to take care of myself more, to save more (this I promise!), to invest more and to travel more places I haven't been to! :)

Thank you very much, 2013!

2014 will be awesome and extraordinary. 

It will be life changing! :)

Brief Stay

It was a last minute decision to make it to San Jose with my family, Dec. 28-30, 2013.

The reason was I don't want to be left behind and life is too short to let this celebration pass.

It was supposed to be my first flight solo but as things change, I'm with my siblings flying.

It was my 5th flight of the year and I am happy! :)

When I came back to our house, I saw this beautiful and inspiring photo collection of memories. My heart melted and I want to have like this in my future house. I love reminiscing through scanning photo albums. :)

After having dinner in the house and personalized bar inside, my siblings and cousins decided to go for a drink and fun as the night is young. I chose Strawberry Margarita for my drink! Cheers to all of us!:)

Then the next day, we went swimming @ Gulod Farm Resort! The view made me speechless! Whew! I love Philippines! <3 p="">

We swim, fight in the pool (haha), laugh and laugh and laugh. It was really fun, I tell you!

My trip here this year may be the shortest, but the sweetest. Thank you. :)

I made the right choice. :)

Which "Hunger Games" Character are you?

It's been a while since I posted a quiz I took, but realizing the result, it really is me! :)
Presenting, Which "Hunger Games" Character are you?...
And I am Peeta Mellark!

I agree on everything! :)

• Thoughtful and methodical - I tend to think first before I do anything for me to be sure. I am a bit perfectionist so I study thoroughly what my decision will be.
• Fair for everyone - OMG! This is really me! As a Libra, I love balance. I believe in equality. I always think of the pros and cons before deciding in my life! :)
• A fighter when pushed - Yes, if I know there is something wrong, I will fight with what is right!
• A lover - I simply love life! I appreciate the little things, the nature, the colors, the people! :) I am very grateful with what God is blessing me, good or bad! :)

See? All of it describe me! You want to know what character are you in Hunger Games?

You can take the quiz here! :)

It's CHRISTMAS all over the world :)

I love celebrating Christmas.. :) It makes me happy!

I spent this special day with my family and relatives (on both Mom and Dad's sides).

Reunions, gifts, lots of foods, Holy Mass.. oh traditions, I am loving every bit of it! :)

This year is different as we spent it with our relatives who came from Australia!

Thank God, I don't have work on this day (but on New Year, I have! Oh well!).

Of course, my boyfriend is still in the picture! He surprised me with his gift for me!

How sweet, really! Even if he was surprising me all over again, it was always a success!

He never fails to make me happy and giggly! I love you Baby! 

Thank you for the awesome gift and message! :)

Also, thank you for my family and relatives! I love the gifts you've given me especially the moments we've spent together, priceless!

And most of all, thank You Lord for everything. 

Happy Birthday to You! :) We love and cherish You!

Thank You for the gifts and for the gift of life! :*

Merry Christmas to all! :)

It's my life...

I don't believe in quarterlife crisis until now.

I learned that the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our decisions.

I love my life right now. I am happy with what I have now. 

But I know I can do more. I crave more. 

Now I am making decisions and I compare the pros and cons (perks of being a Libra). 

Actually I have decided but there are "things" that should be considered. 

Oh well. I pray and hope that everything will take place according to Your will, Lord. 

I trust You. Please guide me. 

Now.

Eating together!

Collecting moments and strengthening my relationships are my goals.

I am thankful that my loved ones have time for me.. :)

That was really a collection of events thay happened to me!

We had our team building with my new team last Nov. 5-6 @ Laguna then my Dad celebrated his birthday @ Mesa, Nov. 8. :) 

We had our mini Pikselot reunion @ Star Movies Cafe, Nov. 13 (after SG!! Hehe). 

Then mini CoE reunion @ Golden Emperor Dampa, Nov. 17 (after Baler!! Hehe). Fun times with friends!

Then the unexpected happened, Levi's flight got cancelled and he had extended his vacation! We watched Catching Fire @ SM Aura, Nov. 22! 

I then attended Kerygma Conference 2013: Be EMPOWERED! @ SMX last Nov. 23-24. Thank You, Lord!

Now I have to think that "Life is too short!" that I have to make quality decisions to have a quality life right now!! Now I am empowered! :)

Then as November was about to end, my brother celebrated his birthday @ Yabu, Nov. 27! Yipee! Good times with my loving family!❤️

Finally, I had a mini lunch @ ChicBoy, Dec. 12 with my colleague, Jhen after our exam! Thank You Lord, we passed! Mwa! 

Really, these moments are priceless.

Thank you and I really cherish these! 

As I always say, 'til next time! :')

Baler, Baby!

It's the first time I travelled with my boyfriend' friends.

I did not anticipate coming to this trip, I even have doubts if I'll come.

Thankfully, I joined.

Welcome to a paradise, BALER!

Went here last November 15-17 2013.

We did not ride a plane but it feels like it since we rode a Joy Bus! It was really a joy hehe!

Staying at Aliya Beach Resort, the scenery was breathtaking!

I really love my country!

Our first day was a thrill and very unforgettable!

Going at the top of Balete Tree was like a training ground. Then our preliminary exam was conquering thr strong currents to see Mother Falls and our final exams was surfing!

Unfortunately, I was not able to surf because the waves are strong that it's not advisable for non swimmers to surf!

But it was fun seeing the others do their surfing moves!❤️

Our second day was more on tours: History and Eco tours. :)

A lot of photographs was snapped.

A lot of fun was felt.

A lot of memories was shared.

It was a trip like no other!

Thank you for making me part of your circle. Thank you Honey for I learned a lot from you with our trips.

I remembered when you told me I was like a superhero when I "saved" you as you went out of balance in the strong currents. :)

If you just know how I always feel safe with you by my side.

Thank You God for the opportunities to travel the beautiful places you created.

I am craving for more! :)

Explore Singapore

This is one of most secret travel I had since I only update this trip on almost all except Facebook. Maybe because this is too personal, I was with the one I love.

I booked this flight August of last year, imagine that! So I had a plenty of time to search for the best and affordable deals and I'm proud to say that we really spent less (half or more than half of rates on travel agencies' packages)! Hihi!

So came November 13, 2013 when we went to Singapore, our first out of the country together!❤️

Our first day was basically just strolling around the City, getting lost, asking the locals, riding the MRT, eating authentic dishes and WALKING!

My Honey tagged the place as "WAAAA" which means Walking Again And Again And Again.. Hahaha! Very true! 

Our second day was phenomenal as we went to their main attraction: Universal Studios Singapore! Wooohoo!

We became kids again! We tried almost all the rides! Sadly, the Galactica is under maintenance so the rides were so-so (yes I just expected more thrill)! 

We saw Marilyn Monroe, Frankenstein, some Mummies, Pussy the boots, Po of Kung Fu Panda, Fairy Godmother, Pinocho among others! It was fun! And more fun because I am with my Honey!❤️

Our flight the next day was in the morning so we just had our breakfast and went straight to the airport.

So it was very short! But I learned a lot and enjoyed every bit of it!:)

Thank you Honey for this unforgettable trip! I know this is just the start! Lets make more moments together. I love you so much!❤️

I was in Paradise

Spending time with you is like living in a paradise.

Everything we do together brings joy to me.

Now I am just too happy you are here beside me and this is about to end "again" in a few days.

Why do you have to leave?

Why do you have to go faraway?

I have to understand "again".

We can do this.

Thank you for going home and being with me for the past week. 

I will never forget. See you again next year, I promise.

Mini Dates

I appreciate my relationships with my family, friends and colleagues.

I appreciate food and conversations and I love it when all of these are combined. :)

Last October 13, after my night shift, I attended Feast Pasig with my sisters and we dined at Cafe Verde.

It was my first time there and to UP Town Center and I absolutely love the resto! 

It was cozy, the food was great, large and very affordable. Thank you sistahs!

Then, it was my "late" birthday treat to my good friend Nhery @ Red China, Trinoma last October 15.

Even if we are just two, we can't get enough of stories and laughter.

A time with her is always a good time, thank you! :)

And I also treated my "previous" teammates with our simple Chicken Party @ the office.

How I missed them and how I wish they were still my colleagues. But I have to accept it and move on.

Thank you, guys! :')

These were just few moments I had last October.

My life last month was just so-so aside for my birthday which I really felt loved.

It was because of my shift, my new team and all in between.

I don't want to go through them one by one but I know I have to deal with all of it.

And it will be soon passed.

Now, I am looking forward to an exciting November and December.

I have to choose to be happy. :)

Happy 24 years to me ✿

Hello everyone! It's a special day today for me since it is my birthday!

Oh yes, I am now 1 year older! 

And this is how I celebrated my birthday:

I started it with a family lunch at Thaipan❤️

I barely had a sleep (just 2 hours) but I have to get up to celebrate my birthday with my loving family! 

Then the next day, I contacted my friends for dinner and gladly, they agreed! Yipee! We had dinner at Sumosam, Trinoma.

Just yesterday, I had a "me time"!

I had mini shopping (or should I say, window shopping haha) then eating my favorites and then my most awaited massage with blind! It was so heavenly that when I went home, I slept and that sleep was so good!!❤️❤️

Then I woke up at 12am when my phone is ringing! My Honey is calling!! So we talked and asked me to go to my room (I slept at my parents' bedroom haha) then boom! He gave me a surprise: an Astrid&Rose bag and a bday greeting card! Thank you!

Later, I have work so I just stayed the whole day of my birthday at home (bum!) haha! Nevertheless, I enjoyed it! My sis cooked Spaghetti for me!

I celebrated it with my loved ones!❤️

Thank You Lord for this very beautiful life!

I am very grateful on how smooth sailing my life is! I am super blessed! Thank You!

Happy birthday to me!❤️

Happy Relationships ❤❤

It's cute when I am able to date my family and friends (both from HS & college).

Here is the collection of the events that happened to my life recently:

My Sistah's bday @ Stacey's

Tammy's Treat @ Momo Cafe

Mommy Lola's Bday Celebration

Mela's Bday Celebration

Mela's Despedida/Pajama Party

Mom's Bday @ Causeway

My College Friends Reunion @ Resorts World Manila

It was a jampacked and I'm loving every bit of it! 😊

Thank you and I love you all! 

I appreciate that you take time to be with me.. to bond with me... 😘

God bless! I am so happy!

Lets GO in El Nido!

NeriJen's first getaway: EL NIDO!

Did you know that I booked our flight more than a year ago!? Hahaha!

So the preparation was that long and originally, we'll go to Puerto Princesa but since I went there already last April, we went to EL NIDO!

What about El Nido?

It is one of the most beautiful island in the Philippines! It is a P A R A D I S E!

We stayed at Alternative Inn since we only have a few days so we wanted to be beachfront. We ate at Aplaya Restobar, Alternative Inn Resto, Art Cafe and Ipil lodge bar. We chose Tour C among the tours since I read that it was the most satisfying! LOL!

Let our photos give you a pleasure in the eyes (and I only use IPhone5)!

I am so thankful and blessed to have a friend like you Nhery!

I am happy that you are with me when I went to El Nido! 

It was a short trip, yes, yet very fulfilling.

Thank you! Thank You Lord for this opportunity. What awesome photos! 

What amazing experience.

I am so glad.

I love my country!

It is really more FUN in the Philippines!❤❤❤

Blessed to HAVE you

Happy 6 years to us, Honey!

It's our first anniversary to be apart.

But that doesn't stop us from "celebrating" it, virtually.

I gave you a video, you surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and a greeting card handwritten by you.

Thank you for the effort, for the love and for the time.

I am blessed to have you.

You taught me a lot and I'm sure we will have more adventures in the coming years.

I love you, here and then.

I love you, more than ever.

God bless our relationship.

Stay strong, LeviJen!

Weekday Restdays

My colleagues from my previous team know that I love Sundays because it's a Family day.

But recently, I don't love it because I have work.

I have weekday restdays. So weekends are work days for me.

Well, sadly, until next month.

And I have to deal with it.

On a positive note, I can just do my and my sis' business by answering to queries, photoshooting (haha) and shipping packages on those days.

I just have to think of the brighter side of things. I have no choice but to think more of the pros. 

Less tickets, less stress, less meetings.

And etc etc!

We have to be positive, always! :)