Challenging 2016

"2016 will be my bounce year in all aspects of my life.

It will be a year of hope, realizations and more success!"

- This is from my new year post for 2016. 

I claimed that it is my BOUNCE year.

Yes, it was, but not all aspects in my life.

Being an OFW taught me many lessons and I learned a lot in terms of knowing myself and capabilities. 

2016 is a challenging year. 

It is not my best year but I'm glad I survived it. 

1. Career

- this is the aspect I bounced back. I initially resigned but my boss insisted me to change my mind several times. Believing his advices, I gave it a second chance and I told him that I will stay as long as I'm happy.

2. Finances

- and this is related to number 1, I must say, it increases and hoping to save and invest more. And to give myself more and others as well. 

3. Family

- as always, I am extremely blessed to have a loving and supportive family. They are always there for me whenever I need them. I am thankful for their advices, concern and Love for me.

4. Love

- it is difficult to discuss here. This is the reason why my year is challenging. My relationship is not in a good shape. Time, trust and effort, gone in a snap for several months. He had "friend/s", super close to someone, some might think they are on. I fought for it. I'm not sorry for it but proud that I did it. Lets see what comes next.

5. Ministry

- I became a ministry head, for the reason until now, I do not know. But I have to believe in myself, and to the ministry. All for You, Lord.

6. Travel

- Blessed to travel to Philippines for twice this year. My Australia trip, my first time is one of the highlights, a dream come true to finally visit it. 

2016 is imperfect. It should have been better.

Hoping for 2017 to be better, brighter and braver. 

I am still hopeful for the years to come to be happier and more successful. 

I have realized that you cannot have it all, that to be grateful with what you have.

Thank you 2016 for the lessons! 

Cheers! 

Christmas Surprise

I am in the Philippines right now! 

You read it right, I got back home this Christmas! 

Thankfully my boss allowed me to go home and I grabbed it. 

At first, I'm planning to tell but my sister thought of surprising my family esp. my parents.. And why not?

And the rest is history.

I flew alone via Thai Airwayswith one stopover in Bangkok airport, though there is one hour delay, it was all worth it! 

My big sister was the only person who knew about my homecoming (but my mom and big bro also knew since I share to them what happened to me at work).

So today, Christmas day, I arrived in Manila! 

First time to have my Noche Buena above the sky!

It was unforgettable moment! 

The moments took place in Trinoma where everyone is on shopping mode. Suprised, my family and relatives from Australia hugged me and I felt loved!

My love tank is getting full! Thank You Lord!

Being at HOME is the BEST! And making my parents and family happy was even better! 

The greatest present I gave to them is my PRESENCE! This trip is expensive but the moments and time were all PRICELESS.

Thank You Lord for giving me a fruithful and truly Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday and We Love You!

Giving Back the LOVE

I am so happy to share to you a happy story.

So I pushed my sister to continue what she started: to give back to the needy. 

She has a "foundation", it may be small now but I know it will be big in the future as long as we will continue it. 

And it was successful. Many donated and many families and kids were happy and delighted. 

It is a big deal for me. I was so touched seeing the photos my sister shared to us.

The smiles, the joys, the happiness, these are priceless! It's like I want to give MORE.

We have many plans and I know it will be a reality! I can't wait for more! 

Advance Merry Christmas! 

It will be unforgettable! :) 

Busy Bee

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS GOING ON IN MY LIFE. 

Capslock to highlight the intensity of my emotions. 

That's right, so many events and memories happened, both good and bad. 

Being an OFW is not always happy. On photos online in social media, they only see the good side but there is a bad side.  My life right now is a rollercoaster ride. 

Meaning: 1/2 happy + 1/2 sad = LIFE.

That's how life is. Recently, my heart is not completely happy but I know all my decisions will direct me to the right path where I should belong in terms of my career, love and everything in between.

Christmas is near, 2ne1 is disbanded, winter is coming here in Dubai, 50php to 1 usd now, lots of good and bad. And that's what life becomes life. 

But let us focus on the better side. As I've said there are good things happened lately in my life. 

1. My work is getting better (my boss becomes kinder)

2. My finances are growing, hoping for more.

3. My lovelife is so-so. Wishing for better and stronger relationship

4. My family is always supportive with my life decisions and I am thankful to God to have them.

5. My Feast community is getting bigger and I have more responsibilities now. I can get through this as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing.

Then let the photos do the talking :)

Smiles. I need to smile more, to appreciate more.

Less worries, more good vibes.

Enjoy the ride, Jenny! :)

Wheel Of Emotions

If I have spare time, I play online tests to verify and determine my personality.

One of these tests is the "Wheel of Emotions".

It interests me as it involves colors and it is simple to answer.

Here is my result *drum rolls*:

YOU ARE A DEEP EXTROVERT

You are a passionate, mature and calculated person. You are always there when people need you, you always know the right thing to say, and you are always able to help. 
You have a great career, amazing family and lifelong friends, but you are no stranger to hard times as well. 
You’ve had more than enough struggles through life, and although it seemed very daunting at the time, your good spirit and amazing set of skills has always helped you to overcoming them.


And the irony. I always believe I am an introvert, but the result begs to disagree.

The findings are far more mind blowing because it is TRUE!

You are a passionate, mature and calculated person.
- The adjectives are on point! When I love what I'm doing, I'm 100% passionate of it and the results are great. They say I am matured with my age. I love baking since I always plan and likes organized, exact measurements.


You are always there when people need you, you always know the right thing to say, and you are always able to help. 
- I am a shoulder to cry on especially when my friends need someone to talk to and listen for advises. They can depend and I will defend them with all my heart.


You have a great career, amazing family and lifelong friends, but you are no stranger to hard times as well. 
- I'm not fully agree with the "great" career but I'm getting there. Right now, I'm being grateful with what I have and I have to focus on my long-term goals. I'm blessed to have a loving and supportive family ever! It is one of God's gifts to me that I will forever treasure! I have few friends but I know they won't leave me ever! It may sound perfect but before having these blessings, I had struggles and challenges, well, until now.


You’ve had more than enough struggles through life, and although it seemed very daunting at the time, your good spirit and amazing set of skills has always helped you to overcoming them.
- Proud to say that this is TRUE! I have overcome and will overcome life challenges and that will make me a better version of myself: STRONGER and WISER.

Thank you for this as it made me reflect with my life right now. :)


Want to know yours? You can take the test here!

Happy Kaarawan!

10 days ago, I celebrated my birthday and it was awesome!

It started at work, my manager gave me a gift and my boss bought a cake for me! I'm thankful!

Then my boyfriend and sister surprised me after, we had lunch at Kuai, a Japanese resto in Box Park.

Thank you for the cake, the bday card, the gifts, the spa and the time!

We ended the night in Ailuromania Cafe, a cat cafe in Jumeirah! It was a destressing time with the cute and fluffy persian cats while having some juice drinks!

Then I had celebration with my family (virtually), Tita and friends! 

Thank you for spending your time with me!

Thank You Lord for another year to change for the better, to appreciate more the things I have and to never give up on my goals (dreams with deadline). 

I won't let You down.

I won't let myself down!

I'm going to succeed and be happy & contented. :)

#Happy9

Bouquet of flowers, sushi overload and everything in between: this is how Levi & I celebrated our 9th year.

OMG. Yes, it is our 9th year. When I posted my greeting on FB, one of our college classmates commented that he was there on the first year, feeling proud. It was cute, it was an accomplishment. 

We had our work during the day, that's why we celebrated our anniversary with a Japanese dinner, sushi overload!!!

But wait, it is incomplete without Levi's surprise. He gave me flowers and rented a car to drove us to Manga Sushi! 

I was so excited coming to this resto! It was #ChildholdFeels since there are several anime displays, designs and manga.

Every Tuesday night, they are offering Sushi night for unlimited sushi, imagine that! We grabbed it!

I personally love "Otaku" and "Gold Ring"!

It was a "solemn" night, we had fun experiencing sushi we haven't experienced before and read some manga haha!

Thank you Honey for everything!

Hope everything will come together as God planned for us. 

Happy Anniversary, my love!

#KidsAtHeart

It started with a joke and a cake.

I was asking Levi what is his plans for his birthday and he said nothing. 

I release a joke: you want a Pokemon themed birthday? We just laughed. 

Then after few days, our two friends sent me message that they will give a Pokemon cake to him. 

I said wow! This is the sign that I will push the surprise party. Then the preparation and execution were next. 

I was so happy that it was a success!

Those were few pictures from the advanced celebration. There were gifts, videos, efforts and more friendships built!

Thank you to all who supported this short noticed party! I am so happy that everyone loved it! 

It started with an idea that became a reality! I had fun making and organizing this personalized party!

Happy birthday my love! Wish you all the best and success! Cheers! 

Who would have thought?

Quiet. Shy. Introvert.

I am these adjectives. 

But due to the push of my boss, I became not too quiet. 

I mean I have strengths and also weaknesses. One of those not so good things about me is public speaking in English. HAHAHAHA. 

And tomorrow, it is my third time to present. Who would have thought? NOT ME!

But God knows I can handle it. 

And these presentations are big deal, they are government entities. I mean the executive and municipality levels. 

Who would have thought, seriously?!

This is me on the Dubai Municipality.

My first demo presentation at Emirates Towers

It is one of a kind experience! 

Nervewracking at first, but after it, I am PROUD that I made it. 

It is definitely one of the books I will never forget. 

Hopefully, I can manage the next remaining presentations. It will not only enhance my English (haha) but also increase my self esteem.

I can do this! 

I know I can! AJA ;) 

Life is Short

In the past week, life changing events happened.

1. My boyfriend's brother died due to cardiac arrest. He was like a little brother to me. He was only 23.

2. I already filed a resignation but my boss is always telling to think about it. For now, my decision is firm.

One thing I learned about these: LIFE IS SHORT. 

I want to live my life as if it is my last day. 

What I'm trying to imply is doing what I believe is right for me so that I won't regret.

My family supported my decision. It is a RISK. (I'm definitely a risk taker!) 

I have to do it. My life has become extremely stressful. I want my life back.

I need to omit those people / things that are not doing good to my life.

I cried, mourned when John Hiel passed away. He was young, full of ambition and goals. Sadly, he won't be able to do all of these. 

Now I have more time to implement mine.. To make things happen. 

I will LIFT everything to You, Lord!

I surrender ALL to You. 

I will accept your PLANS and WILL for me.

I TRUST in You. 

10 Years since Highschool Grad

Yesterday on Facebook, I saw some pictures of my HS Batch's reunion.

At first, I told myself, "Sayang! Wala ako sa Pinas, di ako nakapuntang Reunion!".

Why? Because of #highschoolfeels! haha!

And because I felt that, I reminisced some of my "highschool" posts (or rather rants) haha!

My present self is laughing to my teenage HS self.

As in, I was giggly reading my stories back then.

Some of it, I really don't remember (I have this "cannot remember" thingy on my head)!

Thank God, this blog is still up and running.

As my tagline  says: "Speak my mind. Things to unwind. Stories to remind."

It really is doing its purpose. It reminded me of myself.

I made me realize that I learned, I grew, I matured, I changed.

I am not the same anymore, I miss my old cheerful self, though.

But I still love who I am today.

"To thee we pledge our loyal hearts and soul... Quezon City Science High School"

Oh #highschoolfeels. Thank you God for a happy highschool life! :)

Doing and Getting Better

One thing I realized is do not ever decide when you are too emotional. 

In the first weeks after my happy vacation, I felt that feeling: HOMESICKNESS. 

I want to go home, to leave everything I had in Dubai. Honestly, it was okay but I have to believe in God's right and perfect time before making a decision, a life changing one. 

Now, I am doing good, but I have to be firm with my goals this year, emotionally, financially, psychologically.

I know something has to change. 

I want things to happen and that will start within me. 

Yesterday, I purchased online trainings. It was actually last year when I want to go to school, learn something new or improve what I know. Thank God I decided to start it. My class will start 3rd week of June. Wish me luck! 

One by one, all my goals will happen. 

I know and believe it will ;) 

Be patient. Be calm. :) 

My Philippine Vacation 2016

After spending 2 weeks in Australia, it is time to go back to my home country, the Philippines!

Straight from arrival, I have to be ready to my next trip: EL NIDO! 

Imagine the tiredness and jet lag I felt that time, I told myself to never do that again. Why? I am stressed with what I'm going to bring and wear and I looked tired! 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed my second time visit in this paradise with my HS barkada, Jamie & Pam. :) 

We experienced Tour A and went to Nacpan beach. It feels like we are in Amazing Race to see the sunset in Nacpan haha! I also tried Kayak-ing!

I also went to the City of Pines with my college BFF, Nhery! I loved how we are chill and enjoyed the simplicity of the place. We picked fresh strawberries in Strawberry Farm, row a boat in Burnham Park, my first time to eat "the" strawberry Taho and wore the Igorot costume in Mines View Park.

When in Manila, I spent a moment with my HP friend, Jhen to watch Captain America: Civil War in IMAX and had dinner in Greenfield with some CoE friends.

My family had a mini getaway in Manila H2O Hotel, Liquid Pool and Manila Oceanpark. We had underwater shots, thanks to my Ate's powerful phone haha!

A lot of photographs and memories have been shared. My vacation this year is going to end and I woke up sad today. 

I asked myself, is it worth all the pain, tears and sadness? Is leaving home the right thing to do? 

I am fine living and working here in the Philippines. I always asked myself if all of these are worth it. 

Then one thing I don't want to go back to is my work. I have to do something about it this year. I will do something, I promise. 

Thank You Lord for all the happy times spent here! Thank You for everything. 

I know that to be able to feel happiness, I have to also feel sadness. 

See you all again next year, or next months? See you and I love you!

My Australian Holiday

As promised, this post will focus on my unforgettable experience in Australia. 

Primarily, we've been around Sydney and then spent a day in Canberra. :)

- Attended 1st bday of my nephew, Marqus

- Explored Darling Harbour, tried Lindt Chocalate Cafe

- Visited Nurragingy Reserve Park, had dinner @ Nando's to celebrate wedding anniversary of Aunt & Uncle

- First time to see and touch a real Koala and Kangaroo @ Featherdale Wildlife Park

- Visited Blue Mountains: Three Sisters and Scenic World and experienced Autumn :D

- Explored the capital city: Canberra. Visited MINT, Parliament House, Telstra Tower and Australian War Museum

- Visited Kiama Blow Hole and Berry Town

- Finally saw the real Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Also went to Watson Bay! 

- Malling at Paramatta and Westpoint

- Went to see my highschool friend, Monica

- My Sister's birthday celebration and our despedida dinner at Harmony Inn

Our 2 week vacation was well organized and happily spent! I was so grateful to be able to experience this awesome country and I know that there is DEFINITELY next time. 

Thank You Lord for living this dream. :)

Where have I been?

I am currently in Sydney, Australia!

Sorry for keeping a secret, I want to make sure I actually landed in the city! 

It's been a longtime dream to come here since my relatives (Mom's side) are here. 

Since childhood, they were the ones who always visit Manila and now, it is the other way around. 

5/7 of my family are here (almost complete) to visit and explore this beautiful city. 

I will share on my next post all the happenings and tourist spots we've visited. 

I am just overwhelmed right now. 

In few days, this adventure will end but I will definitely go back! 

This is us on THE Sydney Opera House.

More funtastic stories and amazing photos on my next post! 

(If I have free time).

4/5

I am HOME!

I am officially in my vacation and I am having a blast! 

The weird part is I am not too excited. I don't why?? 

And that is a good part, too. 

As there are no expectations! 

My big sister and big brother fetched me and my sis! Yes, we are in the Philippines! 4/5 Noynay kids are together! 

Special thanks to my Levi for coming with us in Dubai Airport. It's my first time to ride Emirates and experienced the free WiFi! Weee! 

So going back, we stayed in Sea Residences (SMDC) near Mall of Asia. It was neat and great to stay on as it is convenient! The amenities are awesome! Very picturesque!

We shopped in MoA and my first PH resto: Greenwich! OMG hurray for the lasagna. 

Now, we are heading to a new awesome place and again, I am not excited. Whyyyy.

But I will definitely enjoy and make the most out of it. 

Welcome to the dream, self. 

Yes, it is becoming real. :) ✈️