26 December 2015

Back to reality

Hi there! So I'm back to the reality of my life where Singapore is the base of my work and my everyday. It's now four days since I returned from Kansai and I would say that I miss Japan.
For some reason, after my Japan trip, I simply went back to my normal routine of eat-sleep-work. It's like I did not even go to Japan and stayed there for eleven days. Save for my room that's currently in its post holiday state of disaster, everything else is back to normal. I really wanna be back to Japan right now, but this is my reality. It's the accepted fact that I am already back in Singapore living my everyday life in a routine. I would admit however that something just felt a little different. It's probably just my post holiday mood.
Despite my tiring schedule back in Japan, I am still in a good working condition. I did not get sick, though I really thought that I would, granted the dramatic difference in climate between Japan and Singapore. My body probably is dumb. Even if it did register that from the ten degrees and below temperature that I got used to, and that I returned back to over twenty degrees, it did not harshly react to the change. Some would probably be sick the day they returned, but I wasn't normal. Never been, and probably never will be. I don't get sick often, and my worst would just be flu and I could still go to work. Sometimes, I think of being sick in bed as a luxury.
I still need to catch Victor Frankenstein in cinemas before it completely disappear from the big screens. I waited for it since the first time I learned of it. It just so happened that it was released in Singapore while I was busy making arrangements for my trip. Last time I checked, it's still showing at Shaw so I'll go there on my next off which is this coming Tuesday.
Well, that's it for now. Ciao!

(Original post on WP dated 14th December2015)

Last two days

Alright! I have some time right now, as compared to what I initially thought that I won't be in WP for at least two more weeks. Mainly because I was pretty much locked outside the house while my friend, who's hosting my lodging, is out for yaki-niku.
Yes, I'm still in japan for my holiday. It's sinking in now that an eleven-day trip for Kansai only is a little too long. Or really too long. But if I want to really go through every city in every prefecture of the region and actually enjoy every single one, that's probably not enough. I'm taking my time and I also go to places where most tourists wouldn't even go, like Kurama-dera and Mount Rokko. Going there takes too long and it's not very wise place to visit for a short term stay were you want to see as much as you can, granted that usually tourists only stay in the city for at most five days. Oh well, I did go there. I even went to Iga Ueno which is really far from where I was staying. It also took me five effin hours just to get there.
My thoughts about the Kansai region of Japan, and Japan in general so far? Great. The country is really beutiful no matter where I go. It's like every part of Japan has something to amaze me. Even the train system, which by the way had me lost a number of times, is becoming something very familiar to me now. The food is great, except I don't always eat proper meals because I keep on munching down snacks I see on the road, and I don't understand what's written in the menu. The train ride itself and its breathtaking sceneries. The one I really fell in love with is the ride from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station. I'll let you know more about it when I make a post about my Japan trip, because I must. (Yes, my Vietnam trips are still on pending.)
So far, everything is just beautiful and great. Even if I got lost, or almost couldn't find my way home, or had a tiring time figuring out my destination route, or aching feet because I walked for far too long. I love everything here. Really. You can check my Instagram for initially snapshots. There should be a link somewhere in my homepage.
So, that's it for now. A+
(Original post on WP dated 6th December 2015)

The day,finally.

So it's the 29th of November year 2015. The day I am finally flying to the Land of the Rising Sun, temples, castles, takoyakis, and animes.
Am I excited? Overly, I would say. I am so much excited that all the excitement had died down leaving me in a state  of patient waiting, and silent anticipation. No giddy fan-girl mode with squeals. Just an adult (though I really looked like a student still), with trained patience and composed attitude. Perhaps, my inner self has locked in a closed room the overly excited part of me, because, I'll be honest, when I get too excited sometimes on the spot, things tend to be...well, damn bad. So as precautionary measures, they've locked Excitement somewhere in my inner world! She would be pitiful but it's for her own good. Yes, I did watch Inside Out, it's  cute and emotional and educational, alright.
Anyway, back to my trip...winter-suited clothes, basic toiletries, lodging address and contact details, camera, power bank and spare batteries, necessary documents, Japanese Yen, green and black nails, and short hair: ALL CHECKED. I painted my nails just last night and it turned out really nicely. I should have discovered top coat a long time ago. It's the first time I did my nails in two solid colors though, apple green and black, given a matte finish. Few quarters after I did it though, I already chipped it, like always. Oh well, I love how it turned out anyway. I decided to be pastel-punk for my trip to Japan, but it will only be my nails.
Though I did bring a lot of clothes, I will still do a lot of shopping there as well. First in the list would be a pair of black boots, which of course, will also be used there. I failed to find nice black boots in affordable pricing in Singapore so might as well just purchase it there. And I want a coat too, in light color, since my winter jacket is already in dark blue color. And I'm getting myself cardigans and lots of other stuff too. Make p as well! When I checked in my luggage minutes earlier (yes, I'm already in the airport), it was only about 15-something kg and that leaves me 5kg allowance for my shopping and souvenirs. I still have my 7+3kg hand carry so I guess I should be safe.
My concern right now is if I happen to be in the same flight with our guests who are going back to Japan today, and they remember me. That's so gonna be awkward because I don't remember all our guests, and I already make an effort to remember the guests I checked in and those who I have assisted in the counter. It's a matter of putting a name and room number to the face.
By the way, my original plan of staying in Japan for ten days changed to eleven days, because of flight conflicts. On my way back to Singapore on 8th, supposedly, I am transiting in Kaohshiung in taiwan, and I need Visa for Taiwan which I did not get. I did not really bothered about it  because I never planned on leaving the airport anyway but I want to be on the safe side and prevent hassles from getting back to Singapore. For all I knew, I might be deported back to Philippines instead! So I changed my flight to 9th, since that''s the only earliest flight available that's not  going through a visa-required country for my passport. Yep, more money out but more hours to spend in Japan so I guess all's good.
I'm happy to be going to Japan and this is yet another unplanned plan so I will just go there and decided what to do on which day. I at least have a plan for a day, just putting the plans on actual dates.
So, I think I should head to my boarding gate if I don't want to be late for boarding. Well, I'll be out of Singapore, and probably  won't be posting anything else on WP for the next eleven days and a few more days until my next off after my leave.
Ciao! A+!
(Original post on WP dated 29th November 2015.)

21 November 2015

Just another late night ramble

I am still having issues with my home wifi and Chi. And it's worst on weekends. I should remind myself to call the owner first thing tomorrow.

So, I am just doing my count down to my most awaited Japan trip, that is about to happen in nine days. I still haven't done enough research about getting around the area, the train system especially. The country has so many lines running in Kyoto and Osaka alone. To top it off, it's expensive. I purchased a 2-day JR Kansai pass just so I could go to Himeji and Iga Ueno-Koka areas the cheapest way possible. A trip to Nara is still affordable as compared to the other three places. I will also get Haruka and ICOCA package when I arrived in Japan, for the train from the airport and back, and for my general trips. Half of my pocket money might go to transportation expenses, and as much as I wanted to avoid that, I couldn't. My friend offered for me to stay in her place in Neyagashi, somewhere between Osaka and Kyoto, and that was too good of an offer to pass up. That had me saved about four to five hundred for accommodation, and the supposed budget for that will go to the transportation, which would still be cheaper as compared to the accommodation.

I was so glad that my friend asked me to stay with them, because the guesthouses I booked have shared bathrooms. I tried to look for better ones, with private bath attached to the room within my budget but it was to no avail. It doesn't really differ much with my current situation but total, and to share shower areas with complete strangers is just making me queasy I guess. I remembered when I was looking for rooms near my Uni before, bathroom is more of a priority to me rather than the very room. So long as the room doesn't feel very cramped, it's fine. But if I think the bathroom just feels off, well, it's already  no-go. And the bathroom shouldn't feel and look small at all. I am that particular with my bathroom at least.

So now, I am staying in Neyagawa-shi and I will cancel my accommodation bookings soon. I have also started to pack my things, and my room is in a state of calamity right now. My clothes are every where, because I have to try and see my outfits when i actually go around in Kansai. I will be wearing layered outfits, which will be taken for granted because everyone else is wearing the same. Another thing I am excited about is the clothing. Since it's the beginning of the winter season, if it hasn't started yet, the temperature will be definitely cold. I'm actually afraid I might not be able to take it so I will come prepared, bringing all my clothes meant for cold areas, and some other pieces I could match with them for layering, to keep me warm. the term hypothermia has been in my mind every since my friend told me that the temperature might be less than ten degrees when I get there. I am pretty weak to the cold so I am not sure how my body will react to the change of climate.

I wanted to wear black boots for my trip but I could not find a much affordable one with guaranteed quality here in Singapore. I am also looking for a particular style and design so it's pretty difficult to find one too. Otherwise, i'll by one from Japan, since my friend told me it might be cheaper there with all the Winter sale going on. Despite not being one for shopping while on holiday, I might make exceptions for Japan. It's legit shopping for winter clothes alright. Not simply buying cardigans, knitted-wears, hoodies and pullovers because I like them and they're on sale. So far I think my baggage can still handle a few more additional stuff on the way back to Singapore.

Well, I am simply excited for my trip. By the way, I had finally gotten a haircut and treatment. It's somehow a routine to cut my hair short around September because I try to go back to Philippines then. But I purchased a groupon package for a haircut-chemical treatment-hair treatment for a lot better price than the original. It was still more expensive as compared to when I had it done in Philippines.

I had also tried out two new cafes the past week. Ronin Cafe is an instant favorite if not for the fact that it's always full. The Book Cafe is not exactly my kind of coffee shop. But the ambiance is good.

So, I have turned on and off the router more than three times while typing this and that gets on my nerves. I am so calling the owner tomorrow and bitch about the terrible internet connection. A+!

17 November 2015

Hi there

Been a while, or not. But it sure has been a while since I last opened my new laptop to use for web browsing. Because I always end up just crashing into the bed the moment I got home. Or go for a quick run, eat something, take a shower and go straight to sleep. I still read my fan-fictions though, using my phone. And the battery is slowly dying. Although my reading has slowed down by a lot, my fandom on the other hand, seemed to grow by a lot. I had started to imagine one character in the image of a real human, and well, he just happens to be the actor in my head whenever I read the fictions. The other character, on the other hand, is pretty difficult to give a proper human image for some reason, and he happens to be my favorite too. And I am reading too much pastel-punk that I am starting to think that pink is a nice color. And if you happen to know me for a long time, you would be overly surprised by this thought because when you say pink to me, that is just a flat out no. And I had a grave thought that baby pink Converse would look so punk, and I can handle that - not!

And yeah, I did post a random story recently which is not a story at all if I cannot put a proper follow up, which is both easy and difficult. I have a material, based on a true story that I know very well, but has forgotten some bits and pieces of. Though it will be based on a true story, the actual story posted  here will be different than the original to make it more fictional. And while I was typing the second part of it, I suddenly stopped as a question hit me: Where am I going with this? Yes, there's already a second part.

Honestly, I don't know. I have two different endings for it. The story will just make itself, I am just giving it the form it needed to materialize. The story is alive on its own.

Yes, this is another random blabber because I just have to. And I actually chose this over mapping out my Japan trip. Oh well.

Well, that's it. Ciao!

What If

He groaned, our lips still locked in a deep, hunger-filled kiss, my grip on his hair tightening as I pressed my body even closer to his. It took my all to prevent a smile from tugging on my lips, knowing perfectly well that he would make a remark on my action, eventually breaking the kiss, which I don't want to happen. I find it extremely sexy every time he groaned through a kiss. It just turns me on and he does not even realize the effect it has on me. I pushed harder, deepening the kiss even further, tongues dancing, breathes mixing, and lips swelling more.

I let my left hand trail down to his ear, playing with the lobe a little, before letting my nails gently graze the skin of his neck. I traced what little skin is exposed of his collar bone, and I did not miss how he shivered with the touch, making him softly groan once again against the kiss. I continued drawing invisible lines along his collar bone, enjoying his reaction, before I finally rested my hand on his chest, feeling it rise up and down on his irregular breathing, and his heart beating loud and fast under the layers of clothing and skin. I left it there, enjoying the thought that I was causing his loud, erratic heartbeats. I love listening to it, and I would probably put my head against his chest just to feel the beats and listen to it, if I don't enjoy kissing a lot better.

I like kissing him, but I like it more if he was the one kissing me. The feeling I get when he slides his tongue inside my mouth unexpectedly was indescribable. It sends shivers of pleasure down my spine, making me weak on the knees, and feeling like I was melting in his embrace. Although it was already many months ago, I could still remember the first time he did it. We were kissing lightly back then, before he pulled back, then held my face in both his hands before he kissed me again, deep and gentle at the same time. The moment I opened my mouth, his tongue immediately found its way inside it. He took me by surprise then, that I sat on his lap a little frozen for a second, with eyes open slightly wider, and mind thinking but not processing anything. Then, I shivered at the feeling of his tongue playing with mine inside my mouth. It was pleasurable feeling and I like it. Why he suddenly decided to dominate a kiss, was beyond my knowledge. I never asked him. It was not exactly a topic to be talked about.

Opening his eyes, gazing to my half lidded ones, he pulled away, breaking the kiss, resting his hands on my hips. I leaned forward, reaching for his swollen lips, wanting to taste more of him, but he slowly shook his head, eyes narrowing into a scolding but loving glare. If not for the apparent amused glint of his eyes, and the knowing smirk on his lips, I would have believed that he was giving me a silent scolding. But still, I came to love that look, when he wanted to deny me of something that we both knew we liked.

I wanted to protest, to say it was not enough and I want more, but I know that he would not listen. Sometimes, we would kiss for a long time, tongues playing and never getting tired of each other. Other times, he would be the one to break the kiss, pulling his head away from me, expecting me to reach him for more, while keeping his gaze focused on me, watching my every reaction. I came to think that he just wanted to see how I would react, but I realized that was not the case. Those times when he pulled away after a long kiss and just look at me as if studying me, are usually the times when we have not met for a long time. In my vanity, I thought he would just do so to simply look at me, awed by how he have me, and savor the little moment that we are together. But every time I would reach for more deep kisses, he would refuse with hesitant eyes, looking as if he wanted to give me what I was asking for but at the same time firmly standing his ground that we both had enough physical contact.

It took me a long time to figure out that behavior of his, and never did I ask him about it. But I came to understand that it was his own way of enduring, keeping himself sane, and preventing himself from doing something stupid that he never intended to. We both wanted to be connected, just as much as the other wanted to, but we also both know that we need to set the limits for our own good. We are still students, and we definitely cannot support the consequences of our rash actions. I understand that, but with every time we see each other, I am growing more hungry for him, more wanting to feel him, more needy to have him. Every time we see each other and part, I grow more impatient.

Knowing that I could not get him to continue, I stilled, sitting on his lap, straddling him on the couch, gaze not leaving his. I puff a cheek, a simple indication of my dissatisfaction, but it only made his knowing amused smirk, more apparent, this time, he was not even trying to hide it. I brought the hand that was just playing with his messy, black hair down finding his hand, entwining our fingers. His thumb started gently stroking my hand, and I rested my head on the crook of his neck, letting out an inaudible sigh.

I really wanted to continue kissing but this is one of the times that he would not give in to my demand. His silence means I cannot do anything about it. I have come to understand that simple habit of his, how he would give his final word without actually saying anything. If he even open his mouth to say something in his defense, I knew right away that I could try to push him until he agreed. But if he only stared at me as if studying me in close proximity, after breaking free from the kiss, I know that means we need to stop, no matter how hungry we were for each other.

I snuggled my head on the crook of his head until I find it comfortable enough. I took in his scent, feeling fuzzy inside from the familiar smell that I grew to love. I smiled through his skin, before letting out another sigh. I wanted to touch him more, to be as close to him as possible with every inch of my body, which I know is impossible. I felt him shift in his seat, moving me together with him. He wrapped his free hand on my waist, supporting me. He took back his hand that was held in mine, only to have his fingers tangled in my hair as he stroke it, fingers grazing my back ever so slightly. The feathery light touch along my spine sent shivers to my whole body, making me arched my back, pressing my body against his. I managed to stifle the sound from escaping my lips, the sound drowning between his neck and shirt, afraid that it would sound much like a moan.

He knew how sensitive my back is, especially around the line of the spine. But he loved to stroke my long hair, the length running low on my back that if you stoke it through the tips, you would not miss touching my spine. His fingers continued to brush my hair, as they continued to send trickle down my spine line, again and again. Just that simple action of his is making me feel strange inside, and it was the good kind, a sensation that I liked. I burrowed my face deeper in his neck, biting my lower lips preventing sounds I would not dare him hear. Instead, I let out a shaky breath that brushed through his tan skin, as my head snuggled comfortably on his neck.

As he continued to stroke my head, my lips parted, and I started placing light kisses on his neck. I felt him stiffened on my action for a second, fingers getting caught in the tangles of my hair, and I let a smile tug on my lips on his reaction. I glanced up at him, his head turning down to meet my gaze. In his eyes, I can see a battle going on, and in that battle depended on whether I can keep my lips on the warm soft skin of his neck. In a matter of seconds, the battle ended, and the decision has been made. And it was to my favor. I felt his chest sunk as he let out a sigh of defeat. He placed a soft kiss on my temple, fingers continuing to trail invisible lines along my spine, before he leaned his head on the backrest of the couch, giving me more access to his neck.

I trailed soft kisses on his neck, from the back of his ear down to the line of his collarbone, staying on the latter as I heard his stifled groan. I watched his Adam's apple bubbled p and down as he gulp on his saliva, my lips never leaving his warm skin. I continued to trail kisses to his ear, nibbling on his lobe, my left hand playing on his hair, trying to keep his head in place when I felt him move his head away. I noticed that his eyes were closed, and the sight of him just tugged something inside me. I straightened up, leaving the warm feel of his skin, to get a complete look of him. His breathing was steady, but at the same time heavy, and despite coming a little further from him I can still feel his comfortable warmth with the small distance of our body.

Seeming to realize how I stop from raining him with kisses, he slowly opened his eyes. I bit my lower lip at the sight. Sleepy looking eyes, with orbs of a beautiful light brown color, edged with a darker tone, the loving look as he set his sight on me never disappearing, hair messy with how my hands have been all over it a while ago, and lips stuck in between a shy smile and a pout. I thought to myself that it would be nice to wake up in this kind of sight. If it would be what I see first thing in the morning as I awake, I would probably not leave the bed for a while more then.

Unable to keep the warm feeling that was filling up my chest, I wrap my hands around his head before leaning my forehead against his, smile staying in its place on my lips.
I closed my eyes, as if it would make a difference with what I'm about to say.
"Hey, you do know that I love you right?"

My breath ghosted over his slightly parted lips. I felt his head move, wanting to nod if my hands did not secure them in place. An awkward grumble left lips, as the words he wanted to say got stuck on his throat. It only made the smile that was already adorning my lips even wider, a giggle escaping my lips before I could stop it. He bit on his lower lip, keeping himself from laughing, but he could not help a breathy chuckle from escaping him. I felt him placed both of his hands on my lower back, clasping each other together, as if not wanting to let me go anywhere, which I had not plan on doing so.

He reached for my lips that were only millimeters ways from his, placing a soft, chaste kiss on it.

"Yeah, and I love you. And I will remind you that you're mine."

He said and I managed a hummed for answer before he placed another kiss on my lips, longer than the first one.

And just like that, we continued to cuddle, kiss and be in each other's embrace, neither of us leaving the other with no physical contact. But unlike earlier, it was not the affection-hungry and needy kind of contact, but the kind that was wrapped in gentleness and sweetness and brings about a warm fluffy feeling within me. And honestly, I prefer this kind of contact rather than earlier, where I was hungry for him. I was simply enjoying the moment, looking forward to the next time that we see each other, and we'll be once again in each other's embrace.

We have been like this for over two years, engaged in a relationship where we give the other a lot of time for their personal lives. It was tough being college students, studying different majors, in different schools, and different states. The travel period just so we could visit each other's places would take hours, and being students we cannot afford to go on a lot of dates every week, both with what little spare time we had on our hands and the resources we use to barely spend on ourselves. Yes, it was a relationship that grew on a long-distance basis. Yet somehow, we got to make it work. And two years had passed by just like that. In just a couple more years, I'd be out of school, and becoming a part of the world of the working adults. And he? He will be continuing his studies for his medical career. I do not know if being both students or a student and a working adult would be much difficult or easier. I would only find out years from now. The thought can wait until then.

For now, what I know is that I enjoyed being in his embrace, feeling his warmth against my skin, and knowing that I have him with me. We were so lost in our own little world of 'us', that nothing else really mattered as long as we have each other. And we would stay like that forever.

But forever could only last for so long. I did not know that that sweet moment that seem to last was the last time.

And it was me who made it that way.


Note: I wrote this up when I was in that mood. I don't even know if this story will actually have a continuation because I usually leave them in my forever pending drafts. I probably got back to writing because I have been reading amateur works once again. Whether this work of fiction will have its continuation or not, you can just try to drop by every now and then. I would usually update my Wordpress blog first, so you can check that. The link would be somewhere in the homepage.

14 November 2015

Fairy tale called school

I do miss Uni days, though in all honesty, it wasn't much different with my current situation, except before, I go to school and pay for it to run, now, I go to my workplace and the company pays me to run it. Besides that, everything else is more or less the same.
I'm not a very big fan of schools. After finishing my degree, I did not even think about doing Graduate classes. It was costly, and being the practical me, though I know it would be for my greater advantage, I decided against it. The thought of having a title beside your name was appealing, but I don't think I was cut out for anything of the sort. After all, I am not very fond of high recognition. Also, I just do not like the idea of spending more boring hours in school. So I joined the workforce right after graduation, so much that I stress out about the fact that I was not able to get employed one month after it. Yes, I did not even think about having a vacation. I am such a workaholic, so...
Ever since grade school, I have been itching to be independent, to live away from home and not depend on my parents for anything. Unfortunately, I wasn't very resourceful, or I am just too lazy to tend to my own needs without having to rely on somebody else. Or I am just plain naive and ignorant of how the world actually works. I finished high school, living in the same place I grew up for over ten years, being taken care of by my parents. Even up to second year of university, I was relying on my relatives to look after my basic needs. Back then, it felt natural, since my parent are giving money to them for food, water, electricity and other utilities. My grandmother lives in the city, and I used to go there for vacation when I was a kid. So staying there doesn't feel strange or anything at all. It just felt natural, like it's a given and doesn't even need to be questioned. I didn't really think anything of it back then, granted, I wasn't even of legal age then.
When I reached my third year in uni, I decided to change things a little. I have grown closer to my classmates, so I have decided to rent a place near my university, like most of them did, just so I could spend more time with them, and I could save time and energy from travelling for an hour from my relative's place to uni. I only rented a small room by myself, and it was only a few minutes walking distance from my university (though the building where my classes are held were on the other side of the university). I found the place the summer before my classes started again. Now that I think about it, it was a good decision, because when school started for my third year in uni, I barely even have time to go back to my hometown. I was so glad I decided to move closer to uni because I was practically there everyday, even weekends, dealing with school-related stuff.
I would say that it was the busiest period of my university life, or maybe the beginning of the hectic period. I drowned myself with school works that I almost neglected the life I have outside of it. And having some relationships lost couldn't really be helped.
It was then that I started being more independent, though I still rely on my parents for financial support. Coincidentally, I turned eighteen when I reached my third year of uni.
I only stayed in the same place for a year, having to terminate my contract before it ends because of my internship in Singapore, which started summer the following year. As it doesn't make sense to hold onto the room, paying rent when no one will occupy it, I let go of it. It was a good place though.
So on April 2010, I flew to Singapore for my internship. I just turned nineteen, and it was the time when I felt most independent. No parents, living on the measly allowance that interns get,  working full-time, and abroad. For six months. Even if I do not want to, I have no choice but to learn to stand on my own, take care of myself, and deal with my own troubles. I could handle myself pretty well, living practically by myself, though I am staying with my classmates. It was the first time that I lived off on monthly paycheck, which honestly wasn't much. But I wasn't paying rent, so all the money I earn from work or internship is solely for my basic living and leisure expenses. Work-party-dorm. That was my kind of lifestyle for six full months until my internship ended on November 2010.
It was a full six months of independence and freedom. That was how I thought back then. Now, looking back to that time, I can say that that was really an overstatement. My parents usually left me to my own devices, as if they already knew fully well that I can do just fine without their help. Which might be true. I am not  very sure, but, from what I know, the last time that they have decided for me was for my high school, which I completely have no say at all, no matter how much I complained and grumbled about it. All is good in the end though. My best friend went to the same school as me and we were stuck for another four years. I got to learn stenography, which was very useful back in my university for speed writing, and was used for nothing else besides that, except hate letters that I was certain no one will understand. I don't even know anyone else in my college circle who could understand it. The only time that they have intervened with my life and decision making after that was for my choice of college or university. And it was not really intervening so long as my chosen school was in the city, they were off my case.
After that, for some reason, they just leave me alone. I get what I need and what I want, so long as I tell them. They were my benefactor, and they support me financially after all. Anything that involves money, like big amount of money that my allowance could not afford, I go to them for support. I get to participate in all school-related events and trips because they just let me go. I got to go to Bohol for the local tour, Thailand for the international tour, and Singapore for my internship. They give me money for anything I need be it a school event that needs 5-digit worth of funding, or a room near the school. We actually purchased a small condominium unit near my school, which was said to be ready the following year (it never did though, and I never got to use it while in school), because I told them that I want to stay near the uni. It was like money wasn't really  a problem to them, my dad especially. We were not filthy rich, just well-off. But money never came as a struggle to my family for as long as I can remember. I am pretty practical so I try not to ask for more than what I need. My two younger sibling was a different case though, my sister more than my brother. They were spoiled brats.
And for anything else that I want to do, I get to do it. Not because I'm being stubborn, although I admit that I am, but because my parents just let me. Honestly, I do not even need their permission for anything, because I will do it anyway, but I still let them know for formalities sake. Well, you wouldn't really want to find out that your eldest daughter is alone in some country outside her work area from Facebook, or from a relative or a neighbor right?
Even after university, my dad still paid for my agency fees when I acquired a full-time job in Singapore. I am now paying for my brother's school fees, but even if I wasn't, my dad would not really bite me back ĵfor that. Four years into the work force, I could say that I am more mature than before, but I do not feel like anything has changed at all.
Basically everything is the same. The only difference is that I go to work to earn money, and I do not rely on my parents anymore for financial support. I can support myself now. I live on my own now. I do things without having to let them know.
I am no longer a student. And every time I meet a uni or college student who were the same age as me when I was in school, I feel kind of silly. I was such a brat back then and I had not even realized it before. I complain a lot back in school, about how much school work I need to finish within a short period of time, about how frequently I lack of sleep finishing reports if I actually get to sleep at all, about how difficult everything was when dump at you all at once. I was so very silly to think like that. In my defense, I grew up a little pampered even if I am not spoiled. But meeting college students who can juggle working part-time while attending school and still get to have spare time for themselves just make me think of how much of a spoiled brat I was back then. They are working to cover part of their schools fees while going to school. I only had to go to school, and everything was already provided for me. I don't even need to think about where I could scrape money from just so I could secure my fees for another semester. I had it easy. But I didn't know it.

Well, hello again

I am pretty proud of myself that I finally got to post about my Malaysia trip (minus all the bad trips). it was generally a fun experience honestly, if the really long bus ride did not put me on the edge of insanity. I know well enough that I cannot stay put, or that my attention span is much like a child's. So long as my brain is working on something, I am actually fine. You can leave me alone for hours with a read to my liking and I wouldn't complain very much. Probably.
Anyway, point is, Malaysia trip is over and done with although I shall return. Next thing I need to work on is my first Vietnam trip covering Danang-Hue-Hoi An-Ho Chi Minh. I must finish it before I got too immersed with my next trip, which I am already planning now. Besides I still have to put another one about the coffee culture of Sai Gon. It's only sometimes that I indulge myself with travelling and seeing places, because I do not always have the resources to do so.
My next trip is Japan, Kansai region. I am intending to go there by the end of this month, and I still have no Visa, no flights booked, no hotel bookings, no minute-detailed itinerary...basically, nothing 'confirmed'. the only thing I am certain about is that I am going there and eat takoyaki and okonomiyaki day in and day out.
I already have temporary travel plans for next year. Philippines for summer, Vietnam again around May to June focusing on Da Lat  and (probably) Mui Ne, and Australia after July, if my friend's plans of going there to study actually materializes. Maybe I could add Korea and drag one of my Korean friends to be my tour guide and let me crash in their place. But I was also thinking of trying out European countries, and Greece is just on top of the list, because why not? Or maybe Spain. If only Romania isn't such an odd choice (which is not really new to me), I would probably risk going there alone just to see the Castle that was on Dracula.
But first, I need to proceed with my Japan trip and actually make a proper, easy itinerary for sight seeing, eating and just simple walking around. My targets this time are Kyoto and Osaka. That's it! I need to continue on my planning. A+

I locked myself out at 4AM

It's not the best situation to be at considering the time. I did not even intentionally did it to myself, because why the f should I. How it all came to be? That's the funny part.
After I had enjoyed my fandom to an extent that I was satisfied with, I had decided to hit the sack. I was already past the point of being sleepy. I just held it off for a little bit longer just so I could read more of the fan-fictions I was currently addicted to. By the time my mind is no longer processing the words from the screen of my phone, and my eyes could no longer keep itself up steadily, I had decided it was time for me to give in to the needs of my body - sleep.
Before I fully retire for the night, I decided it  was best to make a quick visit to the bathroom, and so I did. I always keep the door of my room close, because I was technically staying with strangers in the same house although I have a room all to myself. I flicked the switch of my room light, not wanting to go back into a dark room after my business, and step on the scattered books and paper on the floor. After I closed the door to head to the bathroom, I gave my doorknob a funny look, like something was off with it. But I shrugged it off, too tired to think of what might be wrong with it.
Then I returned to my room, and turned the knob to open the door. But it didn't. I paused, the gears in my head was already in motion, and tried to turn the knob again but to no avail. As tired as my mind was, I was able to effin' figure out, in that short span of time, that I had locked the door, after I turned on the light and get out of the room. It was a reflex habit whenever I leave my room and will be out for long hours, most of the time for work. I tried a few more times, wanting to make myself believe that I might have been just too sleepy, and that my door was just playing a trick on me. Apparently, this was really happening. My feeling back then? Awful.
I had thought before of what will I do should I actually lock myself out, but never got to any conclusion believing that  I would never do such a thing to myself. Well, accidents really do happen when you least expect it. Who would want to be locked out at four in the morning, geared for sleep, and without anything on you besides the clothes you are wearing and a messy state of mind? NO ONE.
So what had I done to get myself out of the unexpected predicament? Think. My phone was not with me, and I cursed myself for not always bringing in with me where ever I go. Now I have proven that it was best to always have my phone with me, no matter what, for emergency cases like this one, despite not really wanting to. I came up with a few solutions to my problems. Crashing into a friends place for the night was one. I could probably find someone with a phone and logged into Facebook to get one of my friends who's currently up at four am (because I am definitely not the only one). I could borrow money from that friend too, for taxi, and immediate shopping first thing in the morning. Second was to go up to the floor where the owner of my place is staying. I do not want to bother them but I have no choice but to do so. I tried ringing the bell a few times but there was no answer. There was a lock on the gate, so I figured they are out of town again. Well, that made me feel like I was screwed big time.
So I went back into my place, thinking whether I should bother one of the tenant for help. To my luck, some people were still up at that certain time. I hesitated to knock on their door, but they eventually went out to probably cook some supper. I borrowed the girl's phone to call the owner's number, which rang about ten times before going to voicemail. I tried a second time but the same thing happened. So I gave up. They were so willing to help me that they even took out several cards (the easiest way of trying to be a locksmith), and even some pins to pick the door. But it was not working. They knocked on another room to call out their friend, who ended up calling another person to help, before calling two more person for the job.
I honestly found it amusing how six strangers were gather outside my room door, at past four am trying to pick the knob, or force open the door. They were speaking a language I don't really understand but I still find it amusing, despite the desperate situation I was in. I was even trying to keep my frustrated look on, because from another person's view, I probably don't appear to be the person who's supposed to be stressed out about not having a place to sleep for the night. A smile, or laughter even, was threatening to slip out of me, and it was a hard feat trying to keep that from happening. I allowed myself small, shy smiles at their jokes, at least.
Seriously though, my situation was dreadful. But I was not exactly worried about not having a place to crash for the night. I could work something out once I got a hold of one of my friends. That was my last resort, which I did not share to any of them because I still have hope on my door being opened. If worst comes to worst, we could always break the knob, or the door. The first was a better choice, because it's easier and cheaper to change the door knob than the entire door. So I was just enjoying the experience then.
Luckily, one of the guys managed to open the door, and they all let out a frustrated sigh to find out that the lock was the easiest to open actually. As to why it wouldn't simply open? I don't know, probably someone out there just wanted to give me a good time right then, which I actually did. More than be annoyed at the situation I got myself in, I really find it amusing.

24 March 2015

Moody Foodie Report: Kazbar

I love to eat but I was never the adventurous type when it comes to food. As of recent years, however, I got used to eating out and trying new dishes, with friends of course. I realized that I wouldn't know the finer things in life if I don't go out of my comfort zone and try them for myself. So, with recommendations from friends, I managed to get myself acquainted with other kinds of cuisines.

I was always the one who would go for the conventional I-know-this-dish-so-I-will-order-it when eating outside, but I figured that I should stop that. I would actually check the menu, see the chef's recommendations, and even ask the staff for their best seller or what they think was the best. There were other ways to be able to try out new food as well, you just have to put in a little effort so as to enjoy the good stuff.

Okay, I'm gonna stop with the random blabber. I just really want to share a restaurant that I tried out recently. The name is Kazbar, a restaurant and bar serving Middle Eastern and Turkish dishes. The resto was located at 25 Church Street, in the area of Raffles Place. It was my friend who was working in the area who recommended the place, since my other friend wanted something different.

It was a Friday night when we went for dinner, and just after office hours. I was kind of surprised to see how packed the area was. It was probably because of the happy hour in almost all the restos in the area. Fortunately, the place was easy to find, because I do not wish to walk around a couple of times in the place with so many people.

The place has a relaxed but a little upbeat vibe. The inside looked spacious but we decided to have a seat in the alfresco area. The lights were noticeably a little din, but I guess it was like that for most restaurants of the same theme. Anyway, we ordered what my friend had recommended for us. For starters we had Labneh and Merguez, and for main dish, we had Shish Taouk and Mix Kofta Kebab.

Labneh is a cold starter made of Greek yogurt mixed with garlic-infused oil and mint. It was served with warm pita bread. Merguez is spicy grilled sausage, choice of lamb or chicken, served with garlic sauce and homemade harissa. Shish Taouk is actually grilled chicken kebab. Mix Kofta kebab are grilled spiced minced lamb and chicken, made separately. I really am not sure how to describe the Kofta kebab, but it was also delicious.

The personal favorite of mine was the Labneh. I am not a very big fan of yogurts, and I have never tried the Greek ones before. But it being mixed together with garlic and mint flavors is really interesting. There was a taste that tease your palate to make you want to eat more. But you will eventually get sick of the flavor if you eat a lot. So take it as a starter, and do not make it your main dish. But I really love this dish so I will try making it at home.

Kazbar is a really nice place to hang out for drinks, and they even offer good food. Do note however that the place gets busy after office hours.

Kazbar
25 Church Street #01-03 Capital Square 3 S(049482)
Contact number: (+65) 6438 2975
Email address: info@kazbar.com


Operating Hours
Mon-Fri: 12nn to Midnight
Sat: 6pm to Midnight
Sun and PH: Closed

27 January 2015

Coffee Art

I love coffee. I usually go around town to visit cafes that interest me, and to find out where good coffee is served. But my interest in coffee doesn't end there. Actually, it went up a level higher recently.

I was always fascinated with the latte art whenever I order a cup of cappuccino in a stand alone coffee shop. So, I started to learn how to do it. I tried watching videos and read instructions so I could do it myself. My problem is that the microfoam needed for the proper way of doing latte art is not possible with the machine that I was using. I thought of giving up on it and just enroll myself to a class, but then, after a few adjustments, and several trial and error, I was able to get a milk consistency that is closer to the velvety microfoam that I need.

I probably have too much caffeine in my system now because the minimum two cups of coffee a day became four. It was all because of the practice that I was doing. I still can't make the tulips and rosetta and stuff because my milk consistency doesn't allow me to make it. My coffee art are mostly free pour and just drawing on the foam, and I am satisfied with it. At least for the time being. It's still kinda frustrating that I can't make the latte art that I want though.

Well, after getting a better milk foam consistency, I realized a new problem. I need to improve the way I pour the milk as well. From the videos I watched, there were quite a few ways of doing it, and to be honest, I have not tried it. So right now, whenever I try to make something, it's sometimes good, and most of the times not. Which is fine, because I have not properly studied the professional way of doing latte art. I am thankful that I have an artistic side to me to make up for it.

The best part of it is that the guests always compliments the coffee I serve them, saying how good it was or how nice the art was. I would say that I still have to improve on the ratio of coffee to milk because my cappuccino is becoming a latte since I started doing the art. I find it too milky. Perhaps the single shot espresso is not enough for me.

Besides doing latte art, I started learning various kinds of coffee drinks as well. Some guests would come to me, and order a flat white, or americano, or cafe au lait, and I would be like, 'how is that made?'. The machines that we use are calibrated to make lungo, espresso, cappuccino, and macchiato. And since it is a machine, there were still quirks on it which I am very familiar to by now. I am probably the only one who knows of it though.

Anyway, to be able to make a coffee drink that the guest actually wanted to have, I started doing research on various kinds of coffee drinks. There were a lot for both black coffee drinks, and coffee and milk drinks. The thing is they were all similar, just varying in the coffee to water or milk ratio, and the serving sizes. I like to drink coffee but actually doing the coffee drink is pretty tedious. Man, I wanted to try working in an actual coffee shop just so I could improve my knowledge and skills in this particular field.

By the way, I always take photos, whether failed or successful, whenever I try to do latte art, and post it on Instagram with the hashtag: #lisamakescoffee. Below are photos of my work. I'm sorry for being such an amateur. c '-_-)

Tried doing a 3D version but it failed.






















21 January 2015

100 Random Things To Do For 2015

To rid myself of boredom, and feeling unaccomplished, I made a list of a hundred random things to do for this year. At least there were things I wanted to do and try. I originally posted this on time before 1st of January in Wordpress, but I have completed my list ever since so here's the updated version.

100 THINGS TO DO FOR 2015
1. Play darts.
2. Play beer pong.
3. Enter a competition of any kind.
4. Watch a theater play.
5. Watch an old film (screened on early '90s).
6. Play a new sport.
7. Win something through an online competition.
8. Plan a birthday party.
9. Travel overseas.
10. Visit a museum.
11. Organize and execute a photoshoot.
12. Go to the beach.
13. Watch an entire TV series.
14. Watch 20 movies released in 2015.
15. Read 30 books.
16. Watch 10 animated films.
17. Buy a CD of a music artist you really like.
18. Make a jack-o-lantern.
19. Attend a Halloween party.
20. Attend a cosplay convention.
21. Attend a music concert.
22. Go to a night festival.
23. Learn 10 new dishes.
24. Have 5 new dresses.
25. Run/jog an accumulated 500km throughout the year.
26. Paint something.
27. Give out handmade gifts.
28. Make a crafting project.
29. Make a nice espresso art.
30. Write a hand-written letter and send it by post.
31. Meet a new person.
32. Do a good deed for a random stranger.
33. Brighten someone's day.
34. Cook a meal for another person.
35. Make a video.
36. Dine in a restaurant you've never been to, and eat a dish you've never had.
37. Go for cycling.
38. Visit an old friend.
39. Get a hair cut.
40. Dye your hair a different color.
41. Get a full body massage.
42. Treat yourself to a foot spa.
43. Try scuba diving.
44. Try an extreme sport.
45. Attend a class for learning something new.
46. Ride a boat.
47. Fly a kite.
48. Build a new friendship.
49. Learn to style your hair.
50. Attend a party.
51. Draw a portrait.
52. Play an instrument.
53. Have a sleepover.
54. Take portrait photos of people.
55. Visit a zoo.
56. Go to the aquarium.
57. Write a poem.
58. Finish writing a story.
59. Donate to a charity.
60. Go on a holiday trip.
61. Go to a bar a lone to chill.
62. Buy a new kitchen utensil.
63. Call a friend.
64. Share a really old photo of yourself.
65. Get a manicure and pedicure.
66. Break something.
67. Create a new cocktail drink recipe.
68. Ask someone for advice on anything.
69. Ask someone to take your photo.
70. Tell someone a quote.
71. Cry.
72. Be a volunteer on a charity work.
73. Buy a plushie.
74. Own a new gadget.
75. Go to the amusement park.
76. Own 2 new heels.
77. Discover a new hang-out place.
78. Create a new tea concoction.
79. Experience a long bus ride in a different country.
80. Move to a new place.
81. Ride a train in a different country.
82. Go for a mountain hiking.
83. Treat a friend to dinner.
84. Invite someone for coffee.
85. Surprise someone.
86. Play a prank on a good friend.
87. Buy yourself something worth more than $500.
88. Travel alone to a place you've never been.
89. Visit a friend in a different country.
90. Buy a big plushie.
91. Accept an invitation to eat out.
92. Visit the club.
93. Go on a date (with a guy).
94. Earn a raise in salary.
95. Be hired by a new employer.
96. Drink out with friends, and drink a lot.
97. Read a whole book in one day.
98. Do not go online for an entire day.
99. Suddenly make a plan with friends and execute it on the same day.
100. Lay down in a field and just stare at the sky.

Note: Print out the list and keep it with you, like in your wallet or something so you can check it every now and then. By the end of year 2015, re-blog your own post and write a comment beside each item of what you did. Sounds good, yeah?