12,775th

Today marks my 35^th year of existence. 35. Wow! I used to write things here on my birthday until heartbreaks, anxiety, and the busyness of life happened. Now, I am writing again because despite a handful of fears, I am just really thankful for everything. I thank God that my loved ones and I are healthy. Grateful that even with the pandemic and all the ish, we still have reasons to smile about. Relieved with the fact that there are still moments when we can be more optimistic and a chance to feel that better days are coming.

If God will grant me a birthday wish, I wish for healing – healing of this country and the whole world. I wish to see people smiling at each other again, unmasked. I wish for a “better normal” where we are not afraid to be around one another. May we be able to shake hands again and hug someone anytime.

35. During a mock interview at a Speech class way back in college, I was asked the typical “where do you see yourself in 10 years?” I answered, well, non-verbatim “a wife and a mother”. I was 18. Never came close to this vision at 28. Not even at 30. Now at 35, I am neither married nor with kids (only a niece who looks like me). Not that I am complaining, I am rather happy with how my life turned out to be. I am where I wanted to be. I am working on pursuing every goal and dream that I have, and if God willing, maybe I will be living a life that I envisioned on my seat during that interview 17 years past.

 

Cheers to 35 and to 35 more.

 

_Anj

...

I wish I never met you. But really, it is a little too late. Four months of reflecting what went wrong, I still carry the pain of feeling I am not good enough. People will say I should not blame myself for what happened to us. You left me with issues and every time you cross my mind, I always end up beating myself for our unfortunate ending.

You had the final say. I had no warning. You witnessed how much I cried at that time – us going on separate ways. I still cannot believe I cried that much. And you know what, at that moment; I wanted you to comfort me. I waited for you to comfort me. But you did not, and that was too painful for me.

I still cry every now and then.  You know what they say, pain is inevitable. I can still feel it. Sometimes I find myself not able to sleep. Other times, I wake up to it. A big chunk of me wants the pain gone. But there is a part of me that wants it there. Not to keep me up all night, but to remind me of my capacity to love someone so much. So much that even if all I feel is pain, I still want what is best for you. I still pray that you are always okay no matter where you are.

better days are coming..

I am usually someone who writes something about heartaches and sadness. I guess being sad is a good material for writing. Songwriters would agree, hence, a lot of sad songs are liked by many. I, for one, get inspired to write during a heartbreak.

When I met him, suddenly, the world I live in became a better place. I was full of life. All the things I feel for him I always tell myself to put into writing. But it is only now that I have decided to finish it. Now, that we have parted ways.

Have you ever felt something so strong for someone in a short span of time?  Does it feel so easy whenever you are with that person?  No complications.  Less drama.  You know you have been happy before.  But this was a different kind of happy.  It was a happy – happy kind; the kind where you smile like a child with her favorite ice cream and cookie in hand.  That was a new feeling – a great, new feeling.  Being with that special person made you forget everything.

You and me.  Us.  Do you like the sound of that? I did.

I swear when you look at me, my heart flutters.  I even question if that was still normal, considering my age.  You made me feel young again. The thought of being with you gave me so much fear and excitement at the same time. Yes, I had so many fears. I feared the arguments that will come our way. I feared the moment that you will get sick and tired of me, of us. But above all, I feared losing you. Remember the time when you asked me if I were ignoring you (just after our third date), at that exact moment, I knew that I do not want to lose you. I know, you had your fears too. But we still tried. And I am glad we did. I am thankful for everything that we have been through as a couple and as an individual.

How I wish I published this long before when we were still okay. So you could see how much you have inspired me. I may have finished this a little too late, but I hope you would still be able to read this. To my great plot twist, here I am raising my wine glass.. a toast to our hopes and dreams. Until we see each other again. :)

Adulting..

As a thirty-one year old lady, I sure have thoughts of moving out and start living independently. Though I gave myself until 35 to move out, I thought it really would not hurt if I try finding a place [now] where I can practice being an adult. Adulting surely took over me for months battling against whether to look for a place to rent or start having my own. This alone made me so stressed; I felt that I am not emotionally ready for it.

But I know the journey has to continue. I searched for condominium units for rent online. Yes, I decided to look for places available for rent first and then just compare rates for that of the rent-to-own ones. Of course, I have to align my [future] cash outflows (for rent, utilities, dues, etc.) with what I am earning as of the moment. I found places near home and ecstatic to find out that I can actually walk to and fro work. Less hassle (because of traffic in the metro) and less travel expenses. I contacted one of the lessors and was invited to view the unit. Ocular visits are a must, so you can have a look and feel of your next possible home. I actually liked the studio unit that I chanced upon. A 20-sqm area is enough for a single lady like me. The rate being offered is reasonable as the unit comes with an air conditioner, bed, cabinet, refrigerator, heater, and induction stove (with exhaust hood installed).

At this point, I feel like I am ready to move out. But stress still creeps in. A friend told me that two of the most stressful parts of life are 1) planning a wedding and 2) moving out. I could not agree more. At this point, my skeptic mind is overruling. Am I really ready for this? Are my parents ready for this (being I am their youngest offspring)? 

Just recently, I came across my finances. I made a plan with my inflows and outflows as I have planned trips here and abroad and business ideas that I want to venture in. I figured that if I really want to move out this year, I have to be unstoppable. So maybe 2019? Yes, 2019! Wish me luck. Until my next update.

Cheers!

_Anj

#adulting #movingout #titahits

iLUalways

La Union will always be a special place for me. The five-hour trip is always something I look forward to. This year marks my third visit, but I still feel giddy every time I think of what this place can offer. This is my go-to chill place and you do not have to splurge so much to enjoy your travel.

For this trip, I stayed at Flotsam and Jetsam. It was my first time to stay here and true to what others have been saying; it was pretty, chic, and chill. Artsy or not, anyone can enjoy the vibe here. Also, their bar offers drinks worth trying for. Lychee Mojito, I must say, is a personal favorite. But if you have been craving for that much-needed kick, go for the famous 5-minute drink!

Flotsam & Jetsam. Overnight stay - PhP 880 with breakfast.

Rates vary depending on room type and booking dates.

Now, what is the first thing to try when you are in the surfing capital of the North? Yes! Surfing, of course! La Union is blessed with quite a number of surf spots that are suitable for beginners and pros. Best time to go surfing here is from October to March (so they say). Surf board rentals and instructors are patiently waiting for you at the beach. For PhP 400, that stoked feeling is within reach.

That's me getting all stoked in Urbiztondo.

For the food lovers, La Union can be your next haven. Restaurants, coffee shops, and even food parks have ventured in. Thinking of where to eat next will never be a problem. Some of the recommended food and drink hubs are El Union Coffee, Tagpuan, Surf Shack, Mad Monkeys, and so much more. You might also want to try small eateries found in almost every corner. Budget friendly, but best-tasting.

Ilocano Pizza at Surf Shack

Cordon Bleu at Bar-You-Tayo

Crab Roll at Great Gamble

Beef Tapa at Tagpuan

There are a lot of things to do and discover in La Union. I still have a lot to try like the trek to the falls, pottery making, and more. Clearly, this province has abundant places and adventures to offer - much more than what you could have imagined. Fret not, I will tell you about my new experiences as I will always find time to unveil what La Union has in store for me. 😉

Sharing with you my Elyu 2017 experience.👇

Here is the link if you cannot view the video: https://youtu.be/ZmDrrey44kY

_Anj

#LaUnion #Philippines #iLUlongtime #surfing #surftownLU #surfPhilippines

29th.

Another year.  New beginnings.  New challenges to face.  More bottles of wine to devour.

When you say you’re 29, people will automatically feel pressured for you especially for a single lady like me.  And I’d be like “What? It’s not like I’m 30!!!”  Then it would hit me….. Of course being 30 is like 365 days more to go.  Great!  And then you’ll calm yourself that everything will essentially turn out okay.  I need to face being 29 first before embracing what being 30 has to offer.

April 20, 2015.  The special day.  At least I tried to make it special by taking a leave from work.  I had a good day.  Celebrating was not really part of the plan because I just wanted the day to be quiet and calm.  And so the day ended just like I hoped it would be.

But then you know what they say, the best moments in life are those that happen unexpectedly.  And I never thought that I was in for a wonderful surprise.

I was actually feeling sad and almost depressed for no apparent reason.  You know the feeling of not really knowing what your purpose in life is and all that drama.  Maybe it is part of being a year older.  I am usually an optimistic person, but at the moment I was a mess.  I could not do anything but pray and feel the feeling.

Two days after the special day, I received a gift from a dear friend.  Part of the message read:  “greatest birthday…”  I thought to myself that this was perhaps my worst birthday because of my-almost-depressed state.  But God, as great as He always is, made me feel really special.  He reminded me that I am surrounded with amazing people.  He made me grasp the idea that I was given this life for me to be able to touch the lives of these people – to spread love and enthusiasm.  And then I woke up the next day feeling okay and…….. happy!

The smile on my face right now will not easily wear off because I know that I am truly blessed beyond belief.  This year is probably going to be the best.  And this, by far, is undeniably one of the greatest April 20^th of my life.

 

_Anj_

Plana's Pantry - where calories are counted as happy memories.

Last February, I was given a chance to dine in a new place in Mandaluyong.  It is continuously and graciously making a noise because of its great food and nice setting – think homey vibe with a touch of western style.

A very lovely place named “Plana’s Pantry” is located at 50 Domingo M. Guevara Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.  If you are not familiar with where it is situated, Google can surely help you.  A good internet connection and a friendly attitude towards the cab driver are all it took for me to get to the place.  I was on for an adventure.

Upon entering the restaurant, I instantly fell in love with it.  I loved the way they played with the interiors.  You know right away that it is a prodigious escape when you want to dine alone; and could be one of your go-to-places when you want to share a few good laughs with your family, friends, and that special someone.  And like any other great dining place, a friendly staff comes along with it.

Now here comes the things that will make you famish.  They have a marvelous variety of food choices.  On this visit, I tried their Frizzy French Fries (P75).  Then the Plana’s Sisig with Pesto rice for the main course.  Yes, you may look back to what I have written, but you read it right – I wrote Pesto rice!  It was a mouthful of heaven for only P230.  Just amazing!  For the drink, I chose their Calamansi juice with honey (P75) served in a mason jar/glass.  I have yet to try their Lengua, pasta, and hand-crafted ice cream on my next visit/s.

Frizzy French Fries - sizzles in your mouth for just P75.

Planas' Sisig with Pesto Rice.  Now that's interesting!

Calamansi Juice with Honey

With a great ambience and reasonable food prices, you will not be able to get enough of the place.   I clearly could not – especially with John Mayer playing in the background.

Plana’s Pantry.

Operating hours: 10:45 am – 10:30 pm (Mondays - Sundays)