Rollercoaster Ride in 2015

"2015 will be the year of revenge, the year of opportunities, the year of chances!"

This was I claiming about 2015.

1. Year of Revenge

- I must say that one of the things I'm thankful for this year is handling my boss properly. Out of 10, 8 times I was able to shake off all he said and that's a good thing! And one of my goals in my career has been received!

2. Year of Opportunities

- One major impact of my stay here in UAE is being with my twinsis! She gave me strength in times when I think I an alone. A lot has been experienced. Places such as Miracle Garden & Dubai Aquarium, events such as Planetshakers Concert & Conferences in Armani Hotel, people such as Feast Jebel Ali family and the list goes on. 

3. Year of Chances

- I'm proud to say that I am able to share my blessings to Pia through World Vision, to save and invest more. I haven't achieved yet my goals financially but I was able to start again and that I am grateful! :)

So far, as I've observed my 2015 started great! I was able to spend the New Year with my family in the Philippines then my Chu and I spent a lot, visiting tourist spots here in UAE and eating in several different restos. 

Then it became challenging since my Honey is experiencing (until now) struggles in his life and I am supporting him.

One time this month, I had a chance for an expert to read my palm. He said that my 2016 will be my bounce year!

When he informed me that, I was ecstatic! I'm excited for the things to come!

I believe this success and hardship happen for a reason: for us to learn and be BETTER!

As I always say, there is no way but UP!

Thank You 2015 for all the learnings!!!

Thank You for the challenges! Thank you for the ride!

See you, 2016!

Merry Christmas in Dubai

This 2015, I celebrated Christmas away from home, my family for the first time.

Thank You God for friends and colleagues who are there to make me feel loved this Holiday season. 

First of all, the odds are in our favor when December 24th (a Thursday) is a holiday. We were able to celebrate the Christmas in our own way. (Sometimes work interferes with our plans right)

I have attended Christmas Parties which I am thankful for! 

Thank you for the company, food and gifts! I will update more photos since I don't have pictures from one Christmas Party I attended from our office buildingmates! :D

I am also grateful with these precious December memories! 

They are all priceless! Thank you for spending your time with me! :) 

I also want to take note those two 12-minute calls I had with my family in the Philippines on 24th and 25th of December that made me tear up and joyful with all their Thanks from our gift! I wonder what they will shop! Haha! I love my family! TT_TT

Happy Birthday Jesus! 

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

I have an unforgettable Christmas! 

THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE! 

Cheers to all of us! 

Christmas Feels

One more day to go and it is Christmas.

Christmas in Dubai. 

I will be celebrating this season untraditionally.

Happiness is a choice. I have to be happy this Christmas even if I don't have my whole family with me. 

I have struggles along the way. This season is not smooth sailing but I gave what I have. 

Hopefully, I will be feeling the Christmas. 

It is my choice, anyway. 

I have to shake it off and be happy! 

I will keep you posted.

Merry Christmas!! 🎅🏼

December Blues

When December came, I was excited since Christmas is coming.

And at the same time, I feel sad because it is my first time to spend this season without my family. 

Yes, first time in my WHOLE life. 

I come to realize that time really flies so fast. We are not kids anymore. 

Thankfully, we have the social media which brings families together. 

I am updated with the lives of my family and that is enough. 

I have also my family in Christ which I love and respect dearly. We may be coming from different walks of life but God united us as one! 

And ofcourse, I have my Chu (who have work on holidays :(( ) and my Honey who are extremely special to me. 

Here in UAE, we had a 2 day holiday plus weekends so that's 4 days of no work which means HAPPINESS for me! 

I spent it with those people I've mentioned and I am grateful. ❤️

Thank You Lord! 

There may be storms and thunders, but You are there to protect us! We have Faith in You! 

Advance Happy Birthday! :) 

Priceless Moments

I may not be financially stable as I was in my HP years but I am full of love in terms of serving the Lord with few bonding moments with colleagues and friends.

I'm a homebody. 

Suddenly, lately, there are several happenings and I was glad to take part of it. 

Priceless moments. 

We (Levi & I) may be experiencing challenges in our lives right now but we know that God will not give us these challenges we cannot handle. 

THIS WILL PASS! 

Everything will be alright! 

There are a lot of negative vibes around and I cannot help but to absorb. 

I need you Lord for your grace and love. 

I don't want to be consumed by these stress and worries. I NEED A BREAK.

Hope to experience that well deserved break SOON.

Busy Bee

Who have thought that I have been a "Ministry Head" in one event? 

I was busy doing the preparations and during the event itself. It was fulfilling yet still not completed (have to post the remaining photos), 

This event is Feastival 2015. 

The community where I am is the host for this year and we are still starting so I imagine a person doing multiple tasks. 

It's tiring but deep inside, it is happiness. 

Before the big day, I believe I have changed a bit since Levi and I seldom eat outside. 

But one thing most notable is attending the Planetshakers Live in Dubai Concert. It's my second concert here in Dubai (the first was Vice Ganda's).

Then my boss treated us a full lunch in Avec. Thank you Sir!

I had also back to back date with my Honey: Chinese & Japanese cuisine.

It was fun since between takes, I was able to chill, relax and have fun. 

Those words I need to work and be focused on.

I am proud of myself being a busy bee, I was able to accomplish many things. :)

AJA! I have to keep this up! 

For the LORD! :)

#MadeIn1989

Because I don't want to expose my age, I thought of using "Made in 1989" as my birthday album title in Facebook.

The gallery of photos above summarizes how I celebrated my birthday for this year! :)

- It started with a sweet personalized gift from my manager in the office then in the start of October 9, my sister and Honey surprised me with a birthday cake! I am thankful! 

- My Honey surprised me with a surprise video present: http://youtu.be/7vyQpLNia9g

When I am sad and having homesickness, I will watch this over and over again! 

- Then I ordered some Palabok, Puto & Lumpiang Shanghai for lunch with Honey's family. 

- And then the three of us went out and my sister gave me a touching gift: 18 carat bracelet! I am so happy! 

- We had dinner at Texas Roadhouse and the food was delicious as always! 

- I bought myself a pair of blue wedge shoes!

- And my family in PH also prepared a mini celebration for me! My sister blew the candle for my cake on my behalf! So cute! 

My birthday celebration was simple yet I am happy. We may be few but I know they will fight for me until the end. 

I love you and thank you for the greetings and wishes!

Thank You Lord! :) I am blessed!

Birthday Blues

It is my birthday now in Philippine time and for one and a half hours, it will be here in Dubai. 

Prior to my special day, when people asked me what my plans are, my answer is "I don't know". 

Yes, I don't have plans. 

It's the first time actually that I don't prior plans on celebrating my birthday. 

Maybe because I am getting old? HAHA! 

Nevertheless, I choose to be happy and enjoy my special day! :) Hopefully I can have my birthday cake! Even just that, I am happy so that I can feel that it's my birthday! :D

Well, I started celebrating it by pampering myself with a haircut, eyebrow threading (my first and it was damn painful), pedicure, a bit foot spa and manicure.

It's like a brand new ME! :) 

I wish that I will be happier, more content and stronger in the coming days! 

Happy birthday to me! :) 

PS.  I don't want to expose my age! OH NO hahaha!

Sweet September

We are now in "ber" month which means Christmas is approaching. 

I have doubts since it will be my first time to celebrate the Holidays without my family in the Philippines but I have to endure and face it. 

This is also the time when it is now Winter! I am always excited for Winter! :) 

Since one of my mottos in life is "Live life to the fullest!", I see to it that I celebrate life by improving my relationships.

To wrap it up, I've been blessed! My life is far from perfect. I have bad days, also but I look on the brighter side of things.

I am grateful to these amazing people of this chapter of my life. 

I have lots of goals and dreams in my mind. Hopefully, all of them will come true. 

Thank you and I love You Lord for this rollercoaster ride!

Infinity Love

It's LeviJen's 8th anniversary and it was a blast!

Who would have thought that our relationship will stay awesome until now as if we are just "new" couple.

I remembered one conversation we had:

Me: Honey, are we really at 8 years already? It feels like only a month! 

Him: What? I thought we were together for only few days. 

*kilig*

Hahaha! It was really cute and it put a big smile in my face. :)

Since our each of our anniversary, we celebrate it! (Except this year, I stopped my traditional gift which is making a video)

- Explored Dubai Aquarium in Dubai Mall

- Dinner @ unique Rainforest Cafe

- He surprised me with bouquet of Stargazers and Red Roses 

- I gave him "Infinity Hearts" cake specifically made for him 

Unforgettable. 

Thank you for everything, my Honey!

Stay sweet and loving! 

Cheers to both of us!

(How I wish I can make a photobook of our beautiful memories!)

I LOVE YOU! *kiss*

Marathon!

They say Filipinos abroad love to do "marathon" of movies and telenovelas. 

I say it is true. 

Since the Internet here is faster, we surf and watch videos online. 

Right now, I'm proud to say that I'm a JADINE (James Reid - Nadine Lustre love team) fan and I got hooked with them last year when I was in Dubai, waiting to have interviews and I fell in love with them when I watched the "Diary ng Panget". 

And everyday, I started my journey and watching every milestone they have. They are my stress reliever. And now, I am loving their "On the Wings of Love" series. :) 

However, not only series or movies which I do marathons, but a handful of memorable bondings! You know me :) 

I see to it that I try something new and bond with family and friends. What's more important is the relationships, right?

July and August are busy months in my work so I overcome this stress by choosing to be happy. 

The perks of having a "food" marathon? It is being FAT! Hahahaha but I just seize the moment and enjoy the ride! :)

Another trivia is I am now "fully" serving the Lord by sharing my talent! Naks! :)

 Being "maarte" plus creative equates meaningful and striking teasers, photos, layouts and social media updates. 

I'm now part of Media Ministry and I am happy. It may be tiring and challenging but I know I can do all these things as long as I am passionate about it and doing it without expecting anything in return. 

Thank You Lord! Even if I am busy, I will always look on the brighter side! 

Yes?  YES! :) 

It's been a while

How am I? 

Well, I'm doing better than ever! 

As I've mentioned, I've been experiencing challenges on my work but I'm SURVIVING it! 

I thank the Lord for giving me WISDOM and STRENGTH through it all. 

It is really a rough and tough life but I'm growing in all aspects!

#AJA 

This is my mantra. 

I can do all things with God. 

Never stop learning. Never stop dreaming. 

There's no way but UP!

I CAN DO THIS!

Deserving

Two people told me today:

"You deserve it!".

What is it? I deserve the prize.

With all the efforts, sacrifices and hardwork, I TOTALLY deserve it!

Right now, I am going through a lot of challenges and overcoming them one by one.

I need to be focused, confident and motivated.

I can do all these things with God's grace! 🙏 #AJA

Food Overload

For the month of June, I can say I have experienced several food dates with my boyfriend and sister! 

It feels like I was back where I used to be in PH! :))

Lets me start with satisfying ourselves with our craving, Jollibee!

How I miss eating my favorite Jobee Chicken & Spaghetti! 

Good thing, there is finally a legit branch here in Dubai! 

The taste verdict: the spaghetti is the same with the original but the sauce is less. Should have added more sauce. With chicken, it was wayyyy difference with the original. It doesn't taste the same :( but the gravy is fine! Nevertheless, I was too happy to experience Jollibee again :)

Then goes my food adventure!! Oh yeah! :)

There you have it in one photograph, I've collaged it! Hahaha! 

My tummy is happy and satisfied but my weight, I have to be more careful! Whew!

Thank you Lord for having moments like these despite the challenges we are experiencing! 

Being in abroad is not always fun, well, I have to save my "hugot" on other platform. 

I have make this blog happy and lively as it can! Focus on the good! Focus on the happy moments! :) 

Thank You Lord for everything! ❤️

100% in Love

Today, we walked in the heat, enjoyed our Strawberry Shake and indulged ourselves with our favorite Shawarma. 

Today, I was simply happy! 

Happy 93rd month to both of us, Honey!

How time flies, really. 

I can't imagine we will come this far and I can't wait for more months, years of love to come! 

Thank you and I cherish every moment I spend with you! 

Mahal kita ngayon at magpakailanman. 

I believe in "forever" because there is "us"! :)

Cheers!

MAY Happenings

With almost a week more, the month of May is ending. 

There were fun moments that happened in my life. 

As you can see, as much as possible, I want to focus on the BRIGHTER side. 

- Chu's Date @ PF Changs. Tried their famous Shrimps but we were a bit disappointed @.@

- Watched Avengers: Age of Ultron and it was damn cool!!!

- Sometimes, with simple things, we appreciate life! Had Shawarma and Strawberry Shake with my love and I was too happy :)

- Then came Mother's Day, I witnessed sons' love to their mother on this special day :)

- Our cousin, Kuya Kenneth visited Dubai and asked us to meet him! He treated us lunch @ Red Crab :)

- After that, we participated @ Feast Jebel Ali Anniversary! Yey! Levi danced and it was awesome! I'm proud of him :)

- When my manager celebrated her birthday, she treated us buffet lunch @ Al Merkaaz! We are thankful! The food was delicious as always!

- Then just last night, Levi & I attended the first anniversary of TRC UAE! It was really a night of abundance! Cheers to our road to Financial Freedom! :)

I was inspired by the talks and I asked myself lots of questions. 

"If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you got."

OMG. Now I am thinking.

Please Lord, enlighten me.  

Busy?

How's my life?

I just realized now that I haven't updated this blog for weeks now, oops my bad. 

Am I busy? Or just workaholic? 

Argghh. Both are not good. LOL.

My life abroad is 3/4 work, sadly. 

I only feel true happiness when I'm with my sister and my honey. And also, my heart is full of love when I got a chance to have Skype with my family back home. 

Just now at work, I was exhausted. 

But I know everything happens for a reason and I believe in Good Karma. :) 

Thank You God for these challenges as they made me better and stronger. 

My limits were tried and tested. 

I am proud of myself as I conquered all of these. 

I can do this! #AJA :)

New Things

My life isn't perfect but I am still thankful!

This April, even if I have experienced ups and downs, I will choose to focus on the good side.

- Visited the famous "Atlantis" with my colleagues

- Watched Fast & Furious 7 with my Honey

- Attended Feast Jebel Ali & had an advanced "Dubai Anniversary" @ Texas

- Had a lovely lunch with Ate Lei (delivered Kpop Chicken)

April 19: I'm proud that I've been here in Dubai for one year already! I've conquered all the challenges and will conquer more! I CAN DO THIS!!

April 21: It's my twinsis' birthday! It's her first here in UAE & I've surprised her twice! Happy Birthday Chu! 🌸

One is a cake delivery at her office and two, I've visited her! ❤️

These are our selfies, breakfast - lunch - dinner! 😁

Papa Johns:

Bloomburry's:

Then we cooked "Beef Caldereta" for dinner! Home:

I am blessed! I want to feel this happiness everyday! 

I should focus on the brighter side of things! :) 

Will do! :)

One of the Few Reasons I Smile

Most of the time, I am unhappy. 

They say, happiness is a choice but right now, I am not truly happy with my life. 

Then came last Friday, my sister, my love and his family visited a beautiful place called Miracle Garden. 

This is first tourist destination in Dubai where I really want to go after watching its KrisTV feature earlier last year.

I was amazed and was glad to see all the gorgeous flowers and amazing sceneries!

I snapped a lot of photos and posed my heart out! I had a funtastic time. I don't want it to end.

This is one of the rare moments here in Dubai when I really felt peace and happiness.

I hope to find the light, stay there and be back to my old energetic, lively self.

Soon. 

Bitten

You read it right.

For the first time in my life, I was bitten by an animal.

I was bitten by our house persian cat, Clyde. 

It was a yesterday night that I was playing with him and was about to give him his favorite wet food when he attacked me. 

I had a fault ofcourse because I am teasing him.

But I never expected him to run on me and bit me hard, hard enough that my blood is flowing limitlessly. 

I have bites and scratches.

After cleaning it with warm water and soap, I went to the hospital for Anti Tetanus & Anti Rabies shots (first of the 5 shots).

It is still aching right now.

Two things I learned about this incident:

1. Don't let yourself off guard to cats.

I mean, honestly I thought we are friends but he stabbed me at my back.

He attacked me when I look the other way around.

2. Emergency fund is important.

Because of this, my budget is ruined.

Money is really a problem when not spent correctly. Oh dear, I hope someone donates for me! :(

This pain that I am enduring will be gone soon. 

I can't wait.

Food Week

Last week was a food blast, it was no ordinary week. 

Chu's dates. 

LeviJen date. 

Date with my manager. 

Date with my Honey's family. 

I can't thank enough. :) 

And honestly, right now, I am searching for it - the eating outside because it is one of my passions to discover different restaurants. 

It is not the same for this week and I think, in the coming weeks, too. 

My sister is having her adventure and I am going to miss her. We can do this. 

I know it is for her betterment. 

It is for the better to both of us. 

We will overcome this. :) 

Lifted High!

If you would ask me, how am I? 

I would say, God is lifting me high with all the struggles I have encountered. 

This is in terms of work, sisterhood, lovelife, friendship, family and relationships.

I was privileged enough to attend conferences in beautiful hotels and taste different cuisine.

Ofcourse, "chu's dates" and "levijen dates" are ongoing. I am blessed! 

Then, I won't forget the time my photo was exposed in a public media page when my Levi won free tickets to...

KERYGMA Grand Feast Middle East worth 60aed each! Wooohoo!

It was my first time in Sharjah when we heard the special talks about life, relationship and finance of Bro. Bo and special guests in Sharjah Expo Centre!

And after a week, again, I went to Sharjah for a seafood dinner feast with LoJ friends. :)

And to top it all, the 3 hour skype call with my family in PH is the best thing that happened this weekend! :)

Thank You Lord for the gift of life. 

I am seeing the light now. 

And right now, my sister is having her exit (A-to-A) and she will start on her new work tomorrow. :) 

Answered prayers. Tangible dreams.

I am seeing them.. I am feeling them.

I am blessed. 

I am lighted high with Your grace, Oh Lord. :)

Getting Back in Shape

When I backtracked how I was been for the last 6-8 months, I was on my darkest hours. 

I was unhappy. I was uncomfortable. 

Now, things are getting better. 

1. CHU'S DATES ❤️

- Spending quality time with my sister.

- Seeing happy with the discoveries we are experiencing together.

- Taking photographs that will surely reminisce those beautiful moments we have.

2. BONDING W/ FRIENDS

- After my family comes my friends. Had couple of bonding time with them.

- Met up my CoE friends @ Lemonade. So much stories & laughters have been shared.

- Had a quick yet awesome overnight bonding with my LoJ friends @ Jebel Ali. Singing, laughing, swimming, eating, you name it! More to come!

3. LEVIJEN DATE

- Last but not the least, spent my first Valentines here in Dubai wirh my Honey!

- First plan is going to Dhow Cruise but I heard not so good reviews so I decided to check on promo deals. And boom, saw this french resto and had a date with him :)

- I gave him a love letter card & sweet chocolatesz

- He gave me bouquet of flowers! Weee

Ofcourse, I don't missed having dates with God every Sunday :)

My life is far by perfect but it will get better :)

Happy Hearts' Day everyone!

Spread the positivity.

Spead the LOVE! :)

Those "Go for It" Moments

This is the time that I have that eagerness to update you what's happening around me now. 

- I am back in Dubai. 

- I am back with my twinsis. 

- I am happier. 

Being with each other in a faraway land really helps us to endure the "homesickness". 

Currently her staying status is unstable but we are praying and waiting for the best! 

That didn't stop us from exploring this new place for her! 

At some point, I felt being an "Ate" to her since I stayed longer here in Dubai. 

It's funny to think she has more photos than me in notable locations here! Hehe! :)

Not only places, but also the experience of food, entertainment and shopping malls! Woop woop! 

My mom told us before both of us went here, "Kayong dalawa, wag kain ng kain don."

She knew us. Now that my twinsis is here, compared last time that I was just by myself, I always go out! Oh no!

We are just enjoying! We have our goals, ofcourse and we have to always remind ourselves the reasons why we are here! 

Speaking of, I am blessed to take part on two high quality conferences: the Intersec 2015 in World Trade Centre and the WiFi-ME Summit in Conrad Hotel! :)

Thank you for the opportunities! Yey!

These are the moments where you can tell yourself, just GO FOR IT! ;)

How's Life in Paradise

My boss always asked us, "How's life in paradise?" 

And everytime, recently, I answered, "Cold".

It is winter here in Dubai. (But it is beginning to get hotter) 

There are no snow, just cold breeze and windy cold weather. It was better, if you would ask me. 

So seriously, how's my life lately? 

It is getting better. 

I consider the last 2 quarters of my 2014, very challenging. I learned to be strong and patient. 

I believe I am a diamond in the rough, getting brighter in the coming days.

The reasons why? 

- I have more reasons to smile going home since my twinsis is with me here. We give each other strength and optimism.

- My boss is starting to slow down and I am starting to understand how he works so I am less emotional now when he is pressuring (shouting) on us.

- I am glad to begin one of my goals and I can't wait for more goals to finish! 

No life is perfect. 

I am happy I am able to see the light again.

I want my life back. 

Here we come, 2015!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Happy 2015!! 

Another year has come. 

Another year to correct all mistakes, to make things right. 

2015 will be the year of revenge, the year of opportunities, the year of chances! 

Today, I do not have fears. I do not have the reasons to stay in a place where I feel inferior. 

I know my worth, I deserve the best.

May God help me. I believe in Him. 

May 2015 be filled with love and HOPE!