Cherry Blossoms and Mermaids

After getting my first tattoo almost 3 years ago, I knew I would get another one. The only problem was the design I would choose for my second tattoo.

There are a lot of beautiful tattoos out there but most of them are very common. I wanted a tattoo to have meaning and at the same time be unique.

My first tattoo was a branch of Cherry Blossoms on my right foot. I've never grown tired of my tattoo. I really love the design and where it is placed on my body. Although this tattoo is due for a retouch.

Cherry Blossoms meaning in Japanese Culture - transience of life; represent life in that life is something of great beauty yet it is very quick and passing and in the end is full of suffering also; the true way of a Samurai - to live their life to the fullest.

Sometimes I think I'd find the right tattoo but then think twice about it. I've considered dragonflies, tigers and daffodils, infinity signs and mermaids. Out of all the designs I've considered, I've been attracted the most to Mermaids. I like how enchanting and mysterious their depictions are in tattoos.

So, I've decided on getting a mermaid tattoo. I searched the web for sample tattoos but couldn't find anything I liked. Finally, I searched drawings and sketches of mermaids in hopes to find a unique and enchanting design. Which I did. Below is the design I want.

I have yet to decide whether to have it colored or to keep it as is. I'm going to have my tattoo done together with my husband and my sister in November. I'm so excited. It will be the second time for my husband and I, the third time for my sister. Hopefully, it'll be her last too!

Follow Your Passion

I've been part of the corporate world for 10 years. I've been quite lucky with the companies I've worked for in the past. I can say that I am a seasoned HR Practitioner with experience in various branches of Human Resources. 

Recently, I've done a 90 degree turn in my career and shifted to a more IT driven practice. Although the focus of my work still involved working with HR practitioners, I am now at the other end of the stick. I am a Business Consultant providing implementation consultancy to customers who purchase our HR software. The work is definitely challenging for a newbie like me but the pay is good. Our team is highly results oriented. The company sincerely strives to give the best to its employees. 

I can honestly say that I cannot ask for more. This is as good as it gets. I like my life the way it is. I can't find anything to complain about. But the question is, would I settle for just 'like'? Although life is good, I feel that it can still be better. I like where I am now but I am not passionate about it. I feel as though something is still missing. 

I envy people who wake up each day looking forward to what lies ahead. People who love what they do and are passionate about it. That's what I'm looking for, that passion to drive me to do the very best I can every single day.

Would I feel much better if I returned to HR? I feel that I would be much much happier doing something else. But not back to HR, definitely not. 

This feeling has been bugging me for quite sometime. I've had this nagging feeling that won't go away. I've always had flashes of these feelings come up from time to time but I try to push them away. But now, I think I have to accept it. 

After working as an employee for 10 years, I feel that this is not enough for me. If I transfer from company to company, this nagging feeling would still be there. I realized that I don't want to be an employee anymore. 

I want to go into business.

There I've said it. I've finally accepted what has been deep inside me for the longest time. Now I know where to go, but how do I get there? 

The answer is, baby steps. I'm going to keep my day job to ensure that I have a steady cash flow. But I will begin with a little capital first and set up an online shop. 

I've actually already purchased my first batch of items to sell. I'm going to be selling Braided Cables at a low price. These are sellling online for about Php500. In Greenhills, you can buy them at Php300. But I'm selling them for only Php150!!!! 

I've also been brain storming about my shop's name. I've chosen the name 'Bonne Affaire" (pronounced as Bun Afer), which means "Good Bargain" in French. My store's concept would be to sell popular and quality items at a cheaper price. My business goal would be "To be the affordable alternative". 

I've also commissioned my husband to come up with a logo for my shop too!  

I'm going to begin with selling online then at the end of the year, I will join bazaars with my cousin [so at least we get to split the rent]. Hopefully, as I earn more, I get to buy more items to sell. I already have other items in the pipeline that I would want to include in my store. 

This is it! I'm feeling really excited about it. Hopefully this project turns into a success! 

Just as my blog theme says, Life the life you Love! 

Look who's back for good!!

After almost 3 years of living in Boracay, my sister is back home!

We're a complete family again! This would be the first time we would have both Jai and Monik living in the same house. Good times are definitely here! 

So happy to have my sister back! The same old little sister but a better and more confident version! Welcome back Monik! Mwah!

The Missing Piece

We're originally 7 in the group. Unfortunately, our 7th kabarkada (close friend) is based in New York. We only get to see her if either we take a vacation in NYC (like I did in 2007) or if she comes home to the Philippines for a vacation.

I think our 20th year Anniversary is a good year because this time, Gia is home!!! So its definitely a must for the group to meet up once again! Gia we missed you!!

Here's Gia's son Sebastian, who is also my Godson, enjoying the merry go round.

Gia's only gonna be here for 2 weeks, so we only have limited time with her. Next week, we're going to have another photoshoot, this time with Gia! Finally, a complete picture! I'm excited about this and can't wait to post about our photoshoot soon!

Celebrating 20 years of friendship

I believe that in life we don't really need so many friends. As you grow old and mature, you discover who your true friends are. These are people that have stood the test of time, people who have the same values as you and who you can always trust.

These type of friends are hard to come by. So I am very proud and happy to share with you that I have such friends. I've known them since we were in grade school. Back in the day when our biggest problems we're how to pass all our subjects.

Now, we've all grown into strong women with different hobbies and interests. But one thing remains the same and that is our friendship. We've been friends for 20 years already and to celebrate that milestone in our lives, we decided to go on an out of the country trip!!

The chosen country: Bangkok! Our trip was one year in the making but it was all worth it, definitely a trip to remember! I had so much fun and enjoyed every minute of our 6-day vacation.

Here's a few highlights and snap shots of our week long anniversary celebration:

Of course, we visited the customary temples of Bangkok. We went to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (The Leaning Buddha)

We also experienced and appreciated anything that was strictly Thai [Tuk Tuks, Ronald McDonald doing the Swa Dee Ka and a Thai photoshoot]

Here's a sneak peak and behind the scenes coverage of our photo shoot. It felt so old school! Just like how we did it when we were in grade school! Laugh trip! We definitely had fun with this one.

Our group loves to eat! A big bulk of our pocket money was spent on eating at different specialty restaurants across Bangkok.

The highlight of the trip for me would definitely be the Dinner Buffet Cruise. Although the food was too spicy for my taste, I totally enjoyed the spectacular view of BKK city!! We went on the Dinner Cruise on the actual night of our anniversary. Yes, we have an exact date!

Last but certainly not the least activity in BKK is SHOPPING! We went to every shopping area in BKK: MBK, Siam Center, Chatuchak, Central World, Indra, Pratunam Market, Platinum Mall, Baiyoke Tower, you name it we've been there!

I hope this isn't our last out of the country trip as a group. It doesn't matter where we go next, as long as we all go together. (I hope next time, Gia can join us too!) In 20 years of friendship you'd think we couldn't get any closer but after this trip, we bonded even more. Cheers ladies! Here's to more years to come! Til the next trip!

A day at the MUD: Make-up Designory Cosmetic Professional School

The night before at Locale Gastrobar in City Golf Compound along Julia Vargas...
Michelle: Shucks, I need a male model for tomorrow's class!
Trish: Why don't you use Matt?
Matt: [shaking his head]. No way!
Trish: How about Jai? [Facing Jai] Baby, do you want to be the model for Michelle's class tomorrow? 
Jai: [All flushed red and drunk] Sure! Why not. 
....and that folks is what you call, "taking advantage of the confusion"! What can I say, I learned from the best!

So on a lazy Sunday afternoon, armed with nothing but Iced Coffees to get us through the day, we drove off to Serendra to watch Jai participate as a model at the MUD Shop's Make-up Designory Cosmetic Professional School. 

Poor baby, didn't know what he got himself into!

I watched in the sidelines as Jai was used as a guinea pig. Hehe!

He helplessly sat there as Michelle did her magic

After 45 minutes in the hot seat, Michelle was finally done. Here's Jai's before and after shots:

The goal was to give Jai a natural, flawless look that didn't give away the fact they he had make up. I must say, he looks good and thinner too! Thanks to the contour make up applied on him that gave the illusion of a smoother and thinner face.

While I was laughing away at my husband's predicament, little did I know that I would be used as a model for the day too!

One of the student's model was a no-show for the day. Since I was already sitting on her chair, the teacher asked me if I might as well fill in for today.

As she started with her make up, she explained to me the different techniques needed to achieve a desired effect. Being a novice on the topic of make up, I enjoyed listening to her and seeing the techniques being done to me at the same time.  I told her about my issue that whenever I would have my make up done, I always end up looking "chinita". I told her that I would like to maintain my almond shaped eyes -- which she was able to do! Nice!

Here's my after photo:

I was supposed to be used as a "Mature Make Up" model. You know, the Mother of the Bride kind. But the student was nice enough to consider my request of a natural, no make up look instead. I have to say, she did a good job!

Here's our couple's photo:

Kudos to these lovely ladies whose passion for make up truly defines being a real artist. Unlike a painter who works with a blank canvas, they work with an existing canvas [human face] which I might say is difficult enough and turn the person into the best version of himself.

Great job and good luck on your finals next week!

It's time for the stork's delivery!

One of the main reasons why Jai and I got married was because we wanted start a family of our own. Unfortunately, before we got married, I acquired Choroiditis -- its the inflammation of the choroids [the area behind the retina of our eyes]. I was treated by huge doses of steroids and methotrexate [immuno drug] for more than a year. Because of the amount of medicine I've been taking, we had to put on hold our plans to have a baby.

Finally on Jai's birthday, my Opthalmologist cleared me of Choroiditis!! He told me that I'm back to normal and there would be no chances of the sickness ever coming back. That was probably the best gift I could give Jai that day.

After that, the logical next step was to consult an OB-GYNE. So I visited our family OB-GYNE [who is the head of the OB-GYNE department at the Medical City] and asked her if it is safe for me to conceive a child? I gave her my medical history and she had me undergo a pap smear and a transvaginal ultrasound just as routine check up. After she received my ultrasound results, she told me what I've been wanting to hear for a long time...."Go and conceive a baby. I will see you in 3-6 months. Don't forget to have intercourse on the 14th, 16th and 18th day after your menstruation"

Aaaaahhhhhh!!! I am so excited! This is cause for celebration!! I can't wait.
 

Happy Birthday to Us!

Jai and my birthday is just 3 weeks apart. For this year, Jai and I opted for intimate celebrations with only each other and our immediate family.

For my birthday, we went to Pangasinan to Our Lady of Manaoag then ate at Vikings with Jai and my parents. 

We went to Manaoag because I firmly believe that when you pray and request from Our Lady, it will be given to you. Right now, I will keep my birthday request a secret. Hopefully in time, it will be granted and I could tell everyone about it.

Jai had his birthday salubong with me and his friends at Distillery in Eastwood. We spent the entire day together, ate at Stacey's and ironically went to the doctor to visit my optha. The results of our visit to the doctor was perhaps my birthday gift for Jai (I will tell you about the good news in another post). Finally in the evening, we celebrated with our families at their house in Ipil. 

This is our first birthday celebration as Mr. & Mrs. I know for Jai it is a very different kind of celebration from what he is used to. But I am happy that he changed all that and spent his birthday with me. 

I don't really mind where we celebrate our birthdays as long as we celebrate them together. I am definitely looking forward to more birthdays filled with love and celebrated with each other. <3 

Chasing Angels or Fleeing Demons

I can't for the life of me understand this craze over mountaineering. For me, a one-hour Thai massage or facial would be time worth spending as opposed to traversing a mountain for hours or even days!!

But as they say, love conquers all. Since my husband is so into mountain climbing, for the love of him, I needed to try it out. I needed to know this side of him and understand where he is coming from. I don't think this interest in mountain climbing is going to die anytime soon, so might as well get on with the program and enjoy the show.

And so, last weekend, I joined him and our friends on a day hike to Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu Batangas. Since Jai & I have yet to really test my capabilities, interest and passion for this sport, we decided a simple day hike is a good place for me start.

Here's a little background on Mt. Batulao:

MT. BATULAO

Nasugbu, Batangas

Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu

LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault

Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas

information taken from pinoymountaineer

photo from pinoymountaineer.com

Our group decided to take the Old Trail going up and then down the New Trail. It looks pretty short and easy in the pictures but looks can be deceiving!

To be honest, Jai and I really did not physically prepare for this day hike. We did not exercise nor diet before this trip at all. So I knew that my only weapon for surviving Mt. Batulao was to be mentally prepared. As the weekend came close, we asked Chrys [who was the only person from the group who has been to Mt. Batulao] what we could expect from this trail. I also read through pinoymountaineer.com for information that would help me better prepare for our upcoming trip.

We left Manila at around 5 in the morning and finally reached Nasugbu by 7. After settling down and changing into our hiking outfits, by 8 am we were on our way. Our hands clasped together, with only our enthusiasm and sheer will power to get us through the day. So help us God.

photo by Ruel Abion

We opted to walk all the way to the start of the trail instead of taking the tricycle. By the time we reached the little bahay kubo at the tip of the fork that separated the old and new trail, I was already dizzy and nauseous from the heat.

photo by Ruel Abion

Jai and Chrys asked me if I still wanted to continue. I didn't want to quit so early in the trip, of course not! We barely even begun so backing out is not an option. I was thinking that this was only a matter of will power and I knew I had it in me to finish this trail.

Good thing, one of our group mates offered to lend me his hat. That actually helped me a lot. I realized as we continued on with our hike, that I no longer felt nauseous and dizzy. I felt my heart beating steadily. I was able to hike and climb with the rest of the group with no complains! It was like my body suddenly jump start and just needed time like a diesel engine to finally warm up and run smoothly. But once my body got used to hiking, it was like I didn't want to stop.

After 3 hours of hiking, we are finally near the peak.

photo by Ruel Abion

The last part to the peak required us to climb up a short rocky slope. From the bottom it looked quite intimidating. But thanks to my coaches Jai and Chrys, I was able to reach the top!

Finally!!! We've reached the peak!!!! Yehey! 

photo by Ruth Cabria

photo by Ruth Cabria

Of course, we can't leave without the required group shot at the peak. After we ate halo-halo and drank Mountain Dew. Yup, that's right. There is a little store on the peak that sold halo halo and soda. =)

photo by Ruth Cabria

Now for the long road down....

The last leg of the hike was extra difficult for Jai and I since we ran out of water. With the scorching afternoon heat, both of us were ready to pass out. The whole time, all I could think of was that we're almost there. After an hour and a half, at 4 in the afternoon, we finally reached our pit stop.

Looking back, the trail wouldn't have been that hard if it weren't for the hot, dry weather. The trail was bare under the heat of the summer sun at noon with barely any winds. It was really a struggle against the elements that added to the difficulty of the trail.

But what I realized about this trip was that, the whole time, I didn't or couldn't think of anything else but reaching the peak. Other concerns were all far away, left here in Manila. I felt a certain relief that even for a few hours, I didn't have to think about them. Although I enjoyed the challenge of a day hike, I am unsure if I have the passion to fully immerse myself into the sport and join them on their 5 day trips. Well, maybe if my backpack matched my hiking shoes.... just kidding!

I'm sure people have their own definition of mountain climbing but for me, I think it is best described by author Jeff Rasley, writer of Bringing Progress to Paradise: What I Got from Giving to a Mountain Village in Nepal when he said that if you are "chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains". So maybe, just maybe, in times when I feel like clearing my head or run away from it all -- I might do this again.

Remembering Papa Arthur

Arthur Brown Tamula 

January 11, 1932 - January 26, 2013

Today is my grandfather's 40th day.

It is a Filipino Catholic belief that the soul wanders the earth for 40 days after death. This is a belief rooted in Christ's resurrection on Easter Day and his ascension to Heaven. Just like Jesus Christ, finally after 40 days, we say goodbye to Papa Arthur. He has now crossed over to eternal life in Heaven with God and my grandmother, Mama Babe. 

To celebrate his ascension to heaven, I would want to share with everyone my short eulogy for my lolo on the day of his funeral: 

"You are all here to honor and remember a man who to you may be a friend, boss, land lord, benefactor, brother, cousin or father. But to me, he is Papa Arthur. 

I remember him as a child when we would spend summer vacations in Kolambugan. Early in the morning, he would always be in his office watching the people in his store from his one-way mirror. I would go to his office and he would greet me with a warm smile and big hug. Then at the end of the day, in the rare moments he would join us in the music room to watch a movie, he would be snoring even before the movie began. 

That is my Papa Arthur, a simple man who is very easy to love. He has helped so many people with his generosity not just with his resources but also with his love, affection, friendship and time. 

Papa, you will always be in our hearts. I am proud to be the granddaughter of Arthur Tamula. Thank you for being our Papa. We love you." 

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.  

Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace; my soul's at rest there is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed for all those many years.

There is no pain; I suffer not, the fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts, in your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath, remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death, but celebrate my life."

 - unknown

 

So now what?

After almost a year of planning, the "I Do's" have been said, the gifts have been opened and the honeymoon is over. The 12.08.12 most awaited wedding ceremony and celebration is done. So now what? 

Now, the adventure begins. We embark into the most exciting part of our life together as husband and wife.  As the dust settles and the buzz die down. Jai and I learn how it is to live together and discover each others quirkiness. 

With nothing but hearts full of love and moments filled with laughter, we journey off into the unknown. Please allow us to share with you every little triumph and disappointment, as we live the life we love. <3 

photo by Wesley Oraña