What April 2016 Looks Like

“…and I remember all over again that fear is just a part of life. The trick is to recognise it and press on anyway.” -- Julie Andrews

When it comes to setting goals and dreaming up dreams, I don't want to not do something because I'm afraid. If I had a dream and I couldn't pursue it, it would or should have to be because of budget issues. I have to make responsible decisions over my finances because let's face it -- The spirit is willing but the wallet is weak.

On Twitter, I have been gushing about how there's so much for me to look forward to in April. There's always something to look forward to everyday but more so this month because I spent most of my income and my savings on classes and adventures I will be embarking on this crazy summer month:

1. Travel writing with Ayala Museum
2. Freediving
3. Improv classes with Third World Improv
4. French Classes at the Manila International Integrated Learning Center

Namaste, India!

I arrived in India on May 22, 2013 at 2 a.m.

I felt a little nervous upon arrival at the airport because I was supposed to avail of the visa-on-arrival. I thought I wouldn't have enough dollars or requirements on me, etc. But 40 minutes, 2 filled-up forms and USD $65 later, my passport has been stamped.

Another thing that I felt a bit nervous about was the driver that was supposed to pick me up. I think I may have made him wait for quite a long while already and I had no way to tell if he was still at the airport or if he even arrived there. But nevertheless, I was able to spot him as soon as I exited the customs security check area and eventually make it to my host's house.

Here are the places I went to on my first day and some random things I saw. :)

Ms. Nobody

Michelle Maglasang. Student. Blogger. Curious.

Why the title? When I was in Grade 5, we discussed a poem entitled "Mr. Nobody". It was a part of the unit that focused on curiousity, adventure, and little children. You know how kids can be. Inquisitive minds and adventurous spirits. I should know hihi.

Anyway, the poem was about this young boy who wreaks havoc in the house where he lives which drives his family crazy. It's entitled "Mr. Nobody" because they don't know who's been making a mess in the household. Or something to that effect.

Yes I remember stuff like that.

Throughout the entire discussion on this particular unit, my then English teacher kept pointing out what a rascal my older brother was (same teacher). Yeah, he was, as she kept pointing out, "too adventurous", like a kid. If only she knew how I much I was too.

I like to think of myself as Ms. Nobody because I too, am adventurous. I am still very much like a kid (look like one too, as many people like to point out).

Anyway, I like experimenting (no, not that kind), learning new things, meeting people. Wala lang. Just felt like saying so :>

Scorching Wednesday

Can I tell you about my day? Yes? Okay.

I was supposed to submit my requirements today for passport replacement at the Bel-Air apartment in Ermita, Manila. I had no idea where the building is but I know that it's just along Roxas Blvd. Okay, good enough.

I asked the FX driver where Bel-Air apartment is and he says it's right beside Robinson's Ermita so I get off at Pedro Gil. WRONG MOVE. As it turns out, the Bel-Air Apartment is near the Bayview Hotel. From Pedro Gil to United Nations. Get the distance? Pretty far, mate.

So I decided to walk along Roxas Blvd. under the blistering heat of midday Manila. Ugghhh. Luckily, a few friendly breezes blew. But still. I sweat like a pig. After walking for what seemed like forever, I finally reached it. I got nervous because there were a lot of people waiting outside the building so I asked a random stranger if there was a line to go inside.

His reaction? Hmm. He ignored me for full 30 seconds and then said, "Tanong mo nalang sa guard." Needless to say, that really grrr. Ah! Ignored. So I went inside, did my business at the DFA office and headed out. Now I am hungry and tired. Tomorrow, Embassy naman with lolo.

So fun.

Canigao Island

Day 2 of the 30-Day Challenge was delayed because we went to Canigao Island! :D I didn't have a camera on me and I didn't want to use my phone so I grabbed photos from here. Hehe. We actually had shirts made for this trip. HAHAHA. Cuz we gangstahz and that's how we roll :))

Front: Canigao Island / Summer Outing / April 30, 2011

Back: BARANGAY PUNTA / "I'm proud to be a puntahanun"

HAHAHA :)

Urgh. 3-hour road trip, 10-minute bangka ride going there. Hassling but very fun experience nonetheless. It's still new and a little underdeveloped but there is adventure to be had in this little island. Weee.

floating raft!! :)

bangka ride!! :)

Lola Lily and my baby sister, GC :) 

 

There were no cabins so we set up camp and slept in tents. Haha. If I'm not mistaken, that was my first camping experience.

We also had to eat with our hands, which I love doing :>

Aside from that, we played beach volleyball, beach badminton. Yeah, you have to add the "beach" word. Haha. We also trekked the entire circumference of the island and saw sea creatures. :3 We caught a jellyfish! :D

Say hello to Jerry the Jellyfish :D (Grrr. We left him back in Canigao :|)

Trekking! :)

I think it was a 2-day team-building activity for dad and his colleagues. So in team buildings, you have to have games, bonding activity whatnot, etc. They played a LOT. Sobrang nakakatuwa tingnan :)) My sister and I won P500 from playing Pinoy Henyo! Woohoo :D

Bonfire! You must choose between sharing (talking) or performing. Haha

The beach looks lovely :D It kept raining though. Grrr.

 You can't go to the beach and NOT build sandcastles :)) My brother, sister and I are currently building a channel from our castle to the sea.

 

Come again :D

Super fun! YES :D Too bad my older sister missed it. Oh well.

I still have sand on my slippers. I can still feel sea water in my eyes. I am still very exhausted. But the Canigao beach trip was unforgettably undeniably awesome :))

Visayan Holiday

Hello Blog! I missed you :D


Still on vacation. From lola's province (Bogo City, Cebu) and now currently in dad's place Ormoc, Leyte. Cannot make an elaborate post yet because keyboard is kinda fussy and the internet connection is not cooperating. Why you do that, Globe?

Anyway, stressed about Visa application. Thanks, mom. HAHAHA. Till here. Peace! :)

Oh, and HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY everyone! :D

Cubao Expedition

Today, I went to Cubao Expo with Ate Yanyan (older sister) and Kuya Carlos (guy friend). Super fun :D Tiring yes... Absobloominlutely. Because I went to UST earlier today then to the condo then commute all the way up to Cubao and back.

Lovely shots from today's adventure! :D Needless to say, I also put them up on Facebook. Teehee.

@ Libreria! :) The interiors are so cozy. Perfect for reading time.

So many books. I'm in awe :O

@ Bellini's! I am now in love with this Italian restaurant.

meatballs pasta. nom nom nom :3

Complimentary red wine! It tasted really sweet. Two thumbs up v :Dv

Cubao Expo is also known as "Marikina Shoe Exchange". The shoes are cheaper here! Too bad I didn't have enough moolah on me :(

I love the dolphin art displayed on the walls here.

I wanted to chill here but decided against it. Next time I guess. It looks like a cool place :>

This store. So old school. I love it! Nostalgia :">

At the end of the day, I bought two camera rings. Lovely! Wasn't able to picture though. Huhu. One's for me, the other is my sister's birthday gift. Also, I got a pretty London journal. All were bought from The Reading Room.

Heima Store was closed. Sad. Wanted to see it pa naman :( My sister and I wanna buy furniture there, should the need arise. Hihi.

I wanted to take more shots because the place looks so.. uh. Photogenic? :)) The ambiance there was so relaxed given that it was an ukay-ukay haven. Hihi. One thing's for sure, I will definitely be going back there :D

From South to North all for the love of lovely vintage things.