Mi Semana

I always see life as an infinite set of challenges, like that of online games. One that gives you a harder undertaking after another, and it will only end when the Almighty deems it fit for you to retire and accept the "game over" finale. In every problem, in every journey, there is this undeniable enthusiasm in me to not just "pass" the test, but to really give my best and look back, knowing that I've given it all. However, we must also accept that we cannot stay in the same level forever. Our nature binds us to this constant moving-on-and-moving-forward cycle that no matter how much we wanted to stay on the victorious grounds we've gone so far, it is with utmost necessity to start back into one again and break our own previous record. I don't know about you. But this is how I feel in behalf of humanity. HAHAHAHA >.<

A week before I left for Makati, I found myself crying in the middle of random things I do on a daily basis; may it be after dressing up for an errand, sitting down alone on the sofa, or even before I sleep. I can't actually point out to you why or what for, all I know is that some emotion hits me and then I find it hard to resist the urge to let the tears go and just cry. Maybe because I'm gonna miss CdeO just as how I consider it my own modern-day version of Hobbiton, and how I consider myself as the female version of Bilbo, starting off an unexpected journey, leaving behind comfort and so many things I haven't yet experienced in my hometown. The decision to move on and move forward is unnecessary but timely for me at the same time. Unnecessary because my parents never bugged me (not even once) about not getting hired immediately, and they even suggested for me to wait for more months for another job offer if I really wanted a comfortable life. It is timely at the same time because this moving-on-moving-forward thingy is undeniably the much-awaited chapter of my life after the boards. I knew that if there'd be anything I've yet to learn before I rise up the corporate ladder it would be to be able to live well...all alone. Independence. Finally. Indeed, I was able to afford to pay the price. I have to deal with loneliness, discomfort, pressure, a hostile surrounding, a rush-hour-every minute environment, and the sad reality of being far from home. It took me so much courage, so it better be worth it.

THERE

Wakeup.Eat.Work.Eat.Sleep. This has been the constant routine I've had ever since I started working. Of course, there has been so much "fun" in between as you know it. (I am a catastrophe magnet so to speak) It would be injustice for me to deprive you of my entire 5-month story in Metro Manila. However, I've decided to just share some photos and a bit of summary since I am sooooo preoccupied right now to meet friends and spend quality time with my family. It's really hard to be a celebrity, like fit in a bunch of people in your schedule to meet you in 5 days?! Tsk -_- (I DO HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND. Good.)

Now working is synonymous to the word "eating" and I don't speak for myself. Better meet my batchmates and compare their body state right now with how they looked in our college yearbook..SPEAKING OF THE ASDFGHJKL YEARBOOK WHERE THE HECK IS IT BY THE WAY?! Which reminds me of going to XU later to really know what really is what. GRR

Anyhow, back to eating, here are some photos I've to share to account for the additional weight I gained and the unnecessary fats I've accumulated. Oh well. ^_<

To start off, this is how we bid someone farewell. We order food a day in advance and eat without the presence of the team member we were suppose to surprise. THANKS TO ME. >.<

Basically everything we've eaten during that awesome lunch date with our SVP at Chef Jessy's.

Breath-taking food at Okamase Japanese Restaurant at Ayala Triangle <3

This was from another salo2x at work. NOMNOM.

Oh, and this was given by the woman next door, she was celebrating her daughter's birthday and was generous enough to share some Tuna spaghetti with me ;)

My office mates shared this treat to me. REALLY CREAMY AND TASTY! Thumbs up!

As a food advocate, I participated (together with roommie Shiela) in the Krispykreme 77th yr anniversary. A dozen for only P154!

Frenchies shared with roommie Shiela during our random weekends.

Oh, this was when me and two of my close office mates sneaked out for a drink at Glorietta. <3

AND WHO SAYS I'M ONLY GOOD AT EATING?! FYI. I cook. As a matter of fact, here are some photos to prove to you that even before I left for Manila, I already cook decent meals at home AHEM. ;)

So this was back when I was cooking for home. And with all honesty, leftovers never existed in my cooking dictionary HAHA

Okay, so as proof, I almost lost my eyesight, got some knife cuts on my hands and oil splash on my skin. But it was all worth it! :D

This was what Shiela and I had been doing lately during weekends. Cook-eat-cook-eat! lol

Veggie dish courtesy of Shiela!

Epicfail adobo by yours truly :3

PS..

and I have to REALLY share this in my blog: I haven't been paying a single cent for electricity ever since I moved into our apartment. Man, the electric bill subsidy in Manila was awwweesome!

AND BACK AGAIN

I just arrived home last Saturday, 26th of July for a week-long leave (and barely had sleep the night before due to excitement). Good thing my boss was considerate enough to let me go home for a while :')

Cagayan de Oro City is indeed a place to be proud of. There hasn't been much change after 5 months (what do I expect?) Just more people with eyes wide open and smiles and hugs when they recognize you! I had a very warm welcome by the time I got home. The next day, we celebrated Dad's birthday and I didn't post any photo on facebook since he clearly banned it. Yes dad. Didn't expect you to be too secretive; like that. :3

The birthday cake.

My grilled chops <3

Mommy and daddy

Oh, we ate outside too, cause dad wanted it to be a 3-day celebration :D

Crispy <3

Mom's fave, Bicol Express

ONE W-E-E-K

This  has been one of the most meaningful weeks of my life! To start off, mom and I got our passports. It was a very tough day for me indeed. We started at 10 am (since the mall opened at that time) and mom finished hers by 2pm BUT lo! And behold, I finished mine at 5pm already >.< Here are some shots:

I also had bonding moments with my family while doing the grocery (the weekly  stuff I so love to do even just by myself)

And of course, I had moments with friends I missed the most <3 So touched with the fact that they really gave time for me :')

JAYN.ROBE.KYLE.CHUMMY.KARINA.MAU

With Ira and Yang ^.^

With the novel prowess Rye ;)

The family date before I left for Manila :')

I consider the last week of July as one of the most well-spent weeks of my entire life so far. Not only did I feel at home, I felt needed, loved, and missed. It's such a wonderful realization and it makes me look forward to the many more vacations I will hopefully spend here in the months to come.

Indeed, life is a cycle. And what I am going through right now is a part of the many plans God has already laid for me. Even if it caused homesickness, crying-myself-to-sleep moments, and missed celebrations with people that matter, it's okay. I will forever be submissive to the changes God has allowed for me.

To Him be all glory!