Vis-a-vis

So my dad and I finally decided to apply for a US tourist visa - I was scared at first because I got denied for my UK visa last year.

So after 2 weeks of preparing our documents and scheduling our appointment - the office was kind enough to grant me a leave. I was really nervous because you often hear horror stories from friends on people who get denied even of they can afford a trip to the US.

No gadgets allowed - not even your yosi and lighter! What will I do while waiting for my turn?

So my dad had this brilliant idea - every time someone would come out of the room - we will have to guess if the US consul granted them a visa or not. First guy that came out had long hair and a scruffy look. My dad 'denied , they prob said shave first'. Next was a family with adorable twins. My dad ' Approved. They're all happy and excited to go to Disneyland'. I wanted to do a face palm right then and there. If we don't get our visas it was probably because of karma.

We were already by the third window - I was praying that an American dude would interview us since they're the most lenient. I saw a middle-aged American girl who looked really strict. Afraid. The girl before us got denied. My dad and I looked at each other.

So first question to my dad 'May I know the purpose of this trip?' He replied ' To attend the wedding of the daughter of my only sister '. My bubble thought : ' Wow! Straight English si daddy! You could have just said to attend my niece's wedding'.

Consul asked more questions about our current jobs. Then she looks at my dad and asked 'so where's your wife?'

Silence.

My dad just looks at her and starts tapping on the table 'my wife? My wife? My wife is at home!'

I couldn't take it I started laughing out loud and the American girl started laughing with us. She said 'isn't she joining you in this trip?' and I had to explain that my mom already has an existing valid visa.

Scary middle aged American woman looks at both of us and then says 'okay? I'll be sending your visas in a week'.

Aprub! Oh Bong Vilchez! You are the best! You can know how to make anyone laugh! :)

Happy Birthday, Daddyo! Love you!

Itchy Feet

I can’t believe that I did not post anything for the month of April. Well, I’d like to be consistent and pick-up from my last entry. After my ten day adventure, here’s what I’ve learned in a nutshell. It was supposed to be 5 lessons – I decided to stick to three instead.

Sometimes having no plan is the best plan of all.

In my past trips I’ve always been the type to make sure that we stick to the itinerary. As someone who works in an events agency for the past 5 years – time is gold, money is ticking. When you get to a place you’ve never been – I say just feel the vibe of the town or city and then you’ll figure out what you want to do. You don’t have to force yourself to step out of the hotel every night or every day– sometimes the best moments even happen inside your own hotel!  I’m just amazed where I ended up going and doing for those things for 10 days without having blueprint with me!

Eat like a king!

We all know for a fact that food has a huge impact in every travel. We all do tend to save up and limit ourselves for a certain budget when we fly out. For the first time – I was just like – maaaan! Forget the budget, forget the shopping part – ordering their local delicacy gives me a taste of their culture. I have two references to share:

1. Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love- before she ended her trip in Italy, when she saw herself on the mirror and felt alive again.  Cliché but I exactly felt that.

2. Chef Laudico – In one of my encounters with him a couple of years ago, he was sharing with me that the reason why Thailand, France, Spain have a certain distinct dish. It is because of their history. Coming from a monarchy type of government, the people would “cook” for the king.  They made sure that what they would serve would be the best as if it was for their royal highness.  I’d want to think since I was a tourist in their land – they were serving me the most awesome food – ergo I was the King. (I know this is a weird argument but just go along with it)

If you want to paint the town red – paint a rainbow instead.

I cannot enumerate all the funny crazy anecdotes that all happened in this trip but I know it’s going to take me a long time to get over them. One day I felt like I was part of the movie “Almost Famous”, the next I was prob doing a documentary for “Discovery Channel” with all the tours –sharing my insights, and then I had my “How I Met Your Mother” episode which would always make me laugh every time I replay it in my head – oh and let’s not forget – I felt like I was part of Romantic Comedy Flick and I was indeed the leading lady. <3 

I came back without any savings at all but I never felt so rich because of my experiences.

I would love to do this again – be anonymous in a foreign land, meet new friends but most of all- know myself more.

I choose to be back in my orange cubicle – why? To start saving for my next destination.  I hope and I pray that it will be in a new continent. :)

Ready...Set...Go!

I'm soo egg-zited! I just can't fight it!

After working on 6 presentations, attending a gazillion meetings, managing several events ... I'm finally going to have my 10 day vacation!

Here's the itinerary-- I'm gonna watch a concert in Bandung, Indonesia ; have drinks in Singapore; pray in the temples of Angkor--WHUT, Cambodia and have dinner in Vietnam. Four countries in one week!

I'm scared and excited at the same time! I just have a really good feeling about this trip - I don't know why but I hope I'll be able to surprise you on my next couple of posts!

Thank you Lord for this awesome opportunity! :)

Just Say "Hi!"

Last Sunday, my friends and I conquered Mt. Pinatubo – that was an awesome experience. We definitely rocked it. It felt good that we were the first group to leave the first point and the first ones to arrive in the crater. Before the hard-core trek, we had to ride the 4x4 jeepneys – how badass is that right?

On our way back during the afternoon, we noticed a lot of locals and aetas walking. It was just instinct for me to wave and smile at them. It felt really good when they would smile and wave back. Yeah, I felt like I was a celebrity in a float. Hahaha!

I was thinking in my head – wala lang, maybe I can brighten their day. They were practically traveling under the sun in the middle of nowhere. Might as well spark it up for them, right?

Good ‘ol reliable tumblr, I came across this short story today at work. Talk about timing.

Here it goes:

My drama teacher once said, “the world would be a much better place if everyone just said ‘hi’ to each other.”

When he walks through the halls, he’ll say hi to kids he doesn’t even know, and they’ll look at him like he’s crazy.

But I want to live by this.

I’m going to smile at and greet anyone I see.

Who knows, it might make their day.


I guess it’s a habit that anyone and everyone can do. Let’s spread the protons. A smile can definitely go a long way.



Photo by Calvin Lo

SSDD (Same Sh*t Different Day)

as the plans turn into compromise
the promises all turn to lies
the spite builds up
and it can't get through
passive me agressive you


It's like a good relationship gone bad. When you know it's not healthy anymore, it's time to move on.

Leap Year Wedding

I can't help but feel fortunate that I was able to witness one of the most beautiful weddings ever. This was my first destination wedding and it's true what they say - you'll definitely get a hangover!

I loved all the details - from the colors, the whole beach theme, the surprise poses when the bride was walking down the aisle, the exchange of vows in pure Filipino and of course - the Jason Magbanua AVP .

The one that made it on top of the list is their love story. They were able to last for 8 years with a long distance relationship. I believe that if you want to make it last-- it will.

I think I'll do another entry on this ( the one not written from my iPod touch ) as for now just enjoy a couple of my instagram photos.

Congratulations Reese & Carlo! Cheers to the new chapter of your lives together! :)

Jeremiah

I couldn't summarize the series of unfortunate events into a blog post but I found one image to make me forget about them. Thank you, Papa G.