LA County Fair!

TOP: Sunset view from the Skyride
BOTTOM: Shoe selfie from the Skyride ... it's pretty high!

LA County Fair is soooooo muchhhhh funnnnnnn! Pasensya! First time namin ni Aprille! Hahaha! Although the entrance was affordable (I was able to get a discount from Retail Me Not! Hahaha!), instead of paying $20/person weekend rate, we ended up paying $12 each! The carnival tickets are pretty steep, we got the $20 for 40 tickets and it only lasted until our third ride and one game!

The first ride we tried was the Skyride! It's a cable car style ride that goes from one end of the fair to another. I know I have Bathophobia - fear of water body depths (since I can't swim!) - but now I  think I developed Acrophobia as well! Mukhang masaya kami dyan pero pinagpapawisan ng bongga yung legs namin! hahaha! We were able to scout for the next ride we wanted to try from atop! 

Our next ride was the Skyflyer! It's like Up, Up and Away from Enchanted Kingdom but only higher and faster! Di ko alam kung pinagpawisan ako kasi ambilis matuyo ng pawis ko sa sobrang bilis nyang umikot! Hahaha!

And for our last ride, the Euroslide! I admit dito talaga ako nag-enjoy! I think eto na lang ang extreme na kaya ko sa buhay ko nowadays! LELS! Nagbalik bata ang peg!

At syempre lumabas ang aking inner-Monica Geller sa pagiging competitive! All because we wanted the small doughnut pillow ... we spent around $120 in tickets to no avail. Ayayay! NOT. COOL.

At syempre sa carnival games naubos ang kaban ng yaman namin! We did get a few consolation prize ... but all we wanted was the doughnut!!!!!!!!!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR LACF!!!

Pandora Charm Bracelet

Like what I said on my Instagram post, after 3 years of deliberation I finally gave in and bought my first Pandora charm bracelet! I think it's a nice way to commemorate my future achievements, experiences and memories and I can wear it with any outfit (Yun talaga yun eh)! I believe, hope and pray that this year is the start of something huge for me (I really hope so, sayang naman ang pagbili ko ng bracelet diba? Pahiya lang ako! Hahaha!). Luckily, I went to Pandora store at the right time, they're having a Charm Event (you get a free charm for every $100 you spend), and I got 3 free charms of my choice! YES THREE! 

Choosing charms can be a tad bit overwhelming, especially when you see all the charms and you just want to buy all of them! But I don't want to get a charm "just because", I want it to symbolize something and represent who I really am. 

Unforgettable Moments.

CLOCKWISE: Family Ties Safety Chain in 17cm Heart Clasp Bracelet; Angelic Feather charm; Faith, Hope, Love charm

Family Ties Safety Chain
I wasn't planning on getting this one, they said for safety purposes of not losing the bracelet I should really consider getting it. I originally chose the Family charm, so instead of getting that one I exchanged it to the Family Ties safety chain to always remind me that my family is the glue that keeps me together, without them I wouldn't be who I am today. I find it interesting that this safety chain is also the one that keep this bracelet from falling apart!

Heart Clasp Bracelet
I originally opted for the lobster clasp bracelet, but the sales person at Pandora said that clasp bracelet are more safer and easy to put on. Which is true, I had a hard time trying the lobster clasp bracelet on compared to this one.

Angelic Feather Charm
This is one of the three free charms I got, I like this one so much because it's heart shape covered in angel wings to remind me to always give love and be an angel to everyone I meet. (To be honest, I just made that meaning up the last minute I decided to get it because I really, really adore it)

Faith, Hope, Love Charm
This is the first charm I chose! To remind me to always put God first in every decision and everything I do. To never lose hope with God, myself and in every situation and most importantly to radiate love and positivity and nothing less!

CLOCKWISE: Top - Night & Day Clip; Bottom - Globe Clip

Night & Day Clip
I went to Pandora store with a printed version of the bracelet I want: A bracelet with one safety chain and 3 charms. I didn't know I need to have 2 clips as well to even out the charms so it doesn't move around. I chose this Night & Day Clip to remind me that there is always a new day, that even if darkness comes (struggles, obstacles, hurdles along the way) the sun will always shine!

Globe Clip
I have a strong desire to travel! That is something I want to do when I am able to save money! I want to invest on experiences rather than things. (Although I shop too much sometimes hahaha!)

TOP: Sparkling Palm Charm BOTTOM: Majestic Feather Charm

Sparkling Palm Charm
This represents California (Pwede ding In-N-Out Burger hahaha!)! California is my home away from home and I've made quite a lot of memories and friends here, so even if I move to a different state I will always be a California girl at heart! In addition, Palm tree symbolizes vitality, aspiration and resilience ... so it's kind of my new favorite tree (next to Jacaranda tree!).

Majestic Feather Charm
I chose this charm because it means flight and ascension. I believe in the saying "The only way is up", there's no downward spiral in life, just low flying but we always go back to the top - higher and higher and higher!

LEFT: Unicorn Charm RIGHT: Shimmering Rose Charm

Unicorn Charm
Now down to my last two free charms! I got this unicorn charm because I was born in 1990, year of the horse. Yes I know, unicorn and horse are two different things! But I'm a rare horse, hence, the rare mythological creature - unicorn! Hahaha! (Ipilit ba?) Plus, it represents power and purity! MY SPIRIT ANIMAL!!!

Shimmering Rose Charm
I like roses, but I'm not fond of bouquet of roses; I love them alive and rising from the soil! Rose symbolizes wisdom and timelessness. I need wisdom (don't we all?) and I love everything that is timeless; I'm for simple, uncomplicated beauty.

My first Pandora bracelet!

It was a great experience making my first charm bracelet. Honestly, making it was the best part! Thanks to Thander at Pandora Store in Glendale Galleria for being so patient and accommodating to a Pandora first timer like me! She seems genuinely happy helping me out with the process!

PANDORA

• 100 W Broadway
  Ste 700
  Glendale, CA 91210
  (818) 637-2511

Hopefully, by the end of the year I'll be able to buy the Life Saver Charm:

626 Night Market

I may look stick-thin but I eat a lot! I cannot go a day without rice, I end up being grumpy and impatient if I don't get my daily dose of rice. So many people are surprised to learn that I am a foodie (Thank God for my metabolism, I can eat whatever I want!)! So when I found out about 626 Night Market (an Asian-night market held every first weekend of the summer months), I made sure that I'll be able to go this year!

I went with my cousin Deion and Aaron on the last day for this year! It gets pretty packed at night, we have to walk hand in hand just so we can get through throngs of people lined up for food!

Belly & Snout is probably my favorite booth! They serve Adobo Grilled Cheese (which I had the first time I came with Jelma to 626 a month ago), Longganisa Grilled Cheese, Oxtail Hotdog, Adobo Hotdog and my favorite Sisig Hotdog! I must admit at first I was quite skeptical about the Sisig Hotdog, but it turned out surprisingly delicious! You can also add an egg for a dollar additional, but I suggest you ask for a fork since the toppings fall all over the place - which is a good thing.

Belly & Snout menu

Another menu

Live entertainment while waiting for food!

Deion, Aaron and I while waiting for Meg & Aj

Couple of the Year: Meg & Aj

After sitting under the tree and letting the food digest for a while (lazy bums), we braved the crowds  once more to get dessert from Ridges Churro Bar! We shared the Salted Caramel Churros with vanilla ice cream, which didn't disappoint! It was super yummy! I don't think I'm eating churros without ice cream anymore.

Ridges Churro Bar

Churros galore!

I would but I run out of cash :P

Aaron and our Salted Carame Churro!!!

Look and taste AMAZING!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR 626 NIGHT MARKET!!! 

Sunday Currently. (September)

I came across Sunday Currently through Yaya Dub's blog (since I am such a faney), it seems like a good blog post idea. But since I am going to be busy with 'stuff', I will only be blogging about it once a month (or first Sunday of the month).

READING. (okey, this a major hint about 'stuff' but there's no point of hiding it anymore) Saunders' Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN Examination by Linda Anne Silvestri. Which is probably the only book I'll be reading for the next couple of months!

WRITING. This blog post, and a few more blog post.

LISTENING. Drag Me Down by One Direction then transitioned to Locked Away by R.City and Adam Levine (Thank you Apple Radio!)

THINKING. I was going through my photos and scanned over my NYC trip with the the Lily and Marshall of my life, Rain & Maruschka. Even if I was third-wheeling hard on that trip, it feels so surreal; like I'm in a beautiful dream - the city of my dreams! I can't help but wonder when will I ever be back, I still have a lot of places I haven't seen or been to.

SMELLING. Lavender Vanilla room spray.

HOPING. For the best!!! (...and I know God will give it to me, in His perfect time.)

WEARING. Di ako prepared dito ah! A white tee and a navy blue & white high-waisted stripped shorts. (my general cleaning outfit!)

WANTING. 1.) This matte liquid lipstick from Kat Von D! Megan was wearing this amazing lipstick  yesterday and it never comes off even after she ate! I need-slash-want this because it's a must-have for a girl who hates touching up - me. 2.) To pass the NCLEX-RN Take 1 before the year ends.

NEEDING. Boiling Crab shrimp and clams. I've been craving for it for a week now!

FEELING. Very blessed! Everything is going smoothly with my preparation for the big exam! The requirements, schedule, location, etc. I also feel excited because I'm finally making big girl decisions now! Also nervous because I'll be moving to a different city and state by myself, which is a first! YEHEY! I'm a big girl na!!! Hahahaha!

CLICKING. The replay button of Aldub's first meeting! SO KILIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!

Disney X Vans: Belle Slip-on

Okey, I admit! I'm guilty of not posting at least once a week. Especially "Favorite of the Week", I'm pretty occupied at the moment ...  the reason: to be revealed! Hahaha!

This week's favorite is my new Disney x Vans Belle Slip -on! I'm not usually a sneaker girl but when Vans released the Disney collection, I went gaga over all of them! I was on a shopping rehab a month ago - meaning, no unnecessary purcheses; just needs, no wants - so this is practically a splurge! Since I bought three, it's an unnecessary splurge! But hey! It's limited edition, once they're gone they're gone forever! Hahaha! And they sell like pancakes, I had to order mine in three different online stores just so I can have my right size! They're really comfy and can spice up any monotonous outfit, perfect for the upcoming fall weather.

ALDUB Fever!

In case you have been living under a giant rock this past month, there is a new craze in town ... ALDUB! Jologs na kung jologs, pero ang saya at nakakakilig talaga! I was born and raised as a Kapamilya (and I still am!), but I can't help but get hooked everytime they exchange messages through fansigns, their literal on-screen kisses and their raw reactions everytime there is a kilig scene! Sometimes I wonder, "mukhang totoo na ah!"

Aldub is composed of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub (Divina Ursula Bukbokova Smash). Alden who is already a household name through TV shows and movies from the Kapuso network (To be honest, wala siya talaga sa radar ko before Aldub, dahil Kapamilya since birth ako di nagagawi ang channel namin sa channel 7), while Yaya Dub is well-known for her Kris Aquino dubsmash on Facebook (yung totoo mas una kong nakilala si Yaya kaysa kay Alden!).

Sometime a month ago, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I stumbled upon a video of Eat Bulaga. Since it's Eat Bulaga, I just scrolled further down my feed since I'm not interested. Then I started to notice that everybody seemed to like Aldub videos from the Eat Bulaga page. Since, I'm a natural ususera I finally gave in and played the video. I think the first video I watched was the 2nd Weeksary (Day 7)! After watching the video below, ang laki ng ngiti ko sa sobrang kilig! (Note: Level 1 kilig symptom) Sino ba naman ang di kikiligin sa mukhang mabango everyday gwapo na si Alden! Plus dimples pa!

Aldub Day 7

In an effort to catch up on Kalyeserye, I searched on YouTube their first encounter a.k.a Aldub Day 1!  It didn't disappoint! Super kinilig at na-cute-tan ako sa kanila dahil super totoo nung reaction ni Maine! Para bang nakita mo yung crush mo at na-conscious ka bigla! Ay naku! Nagdaan tayong lahat dyan! Hahaha! And thus, the pabebe wave was born! 

Aldub Day 1

I hope they make this into a movie, 20 minutes a day is just not enough! Kudos to Wally, Paolo and Jose for bringing extra hilarity to Kalyeserye!

P.S. I suggest you watch it now to de-stress! Happy happy lang!

See, even my little cousin Dreana is hooked! She barely speak Tagalog!

4 Years In 3 Months!

Pwede mag-panic?!?!?!

I'm about to embark on the journey of no return, the moment of all moments (chos!), hopefully for the better. I've been waiting for this for a long time now, and I pray to God everything will go smoothly. 

It's scary and at the same time exciting, but one thing I've learned from being tengga for a while is that ... wag ng choosy! Step out of your comfort zone! I've let a lot of chances slip through just because I was scared - of changes, challenges and chances (sige i-pilit i-rhyme!). But now, I feel like it's the right time for me to spread my wings and fly (like a butterfly ... korni talaga ako at times, okey?). I trust in the Lord's plan for me - a never too early or never too late plan. So, I lift up everything to You, Lord! Sa lahat ba naman ng nagawa mo sa buhay ko, na akala ko hindi ko kaya pero ginawan mo ng paraan, ngayon pa ba ako magdududa?! Amirite?!

Thank you Lord in advance for the bright future you have in stored for me! I offer everything that I do for You and make me an instrument of Your love!

Let me share to you (kasi wala naman kayong choice, binabasa nyo blog ko) the things I've learned while waiting for the right time (Kasi nga naman, patience is a virtue):

1. Pray: To be honest, there was a time I almost lost all hope. But never let that happen, kasi wala ng mag bibigay ng hope sa atin kundi ang sarili natin at si Lord. Kaya pray lang ng pray!

2. People will drive you nuts! People will ask, criticize, give annoying unsolicited advice. Don't let all the things they say get into you. Listen to God's wisdom, your heart and mind. Let them think what they think, but don't let their opinions run your life. I remember everything they told to me - the good and the bad, syempre I wrote it down para di ko makalimutan. Because I want to look back at the words and say I didn't plant hatred but rather turned their negative opinions to my advantage.

3. Be grateful for everything you have and everything you don't have, yet: I sometimes take for granted everything that I have and focus on the things I don't have. I always ask "why?" and I always forget to say "thank you!". Sometimes I wonder: "bakit ba ako pinahihirapan makuha to?" ... pero naisip ko din, siguro para pag nakuha ko na yung matagal ko ng inaasam mas aappreciate ko sya keysa dun sa mga nakuha ko ng madalian. Diba may point naman?! So don't forget to say thank you even in the most difficult time, because it's God's way of teaching us to be patient, appreciate and be able to handle the the blessing He is about to give us.

4. The people who go through the same stage of life as you do, are the best support system there is! I can't reiterate enough how thankful I am with the friends I have! They are there when times get rough, the super happy ang sakit sa tyan sa kakatawa times, and doesn't judge you no matter what! They know what to say when I'm down, and they give a no holds barred pep talk when I needed one! Because we all go through the exact same phase, crab mentality has no room in our lives, but rather hilaan pataas mentality is what we have! Thank you guys you know who you are!!! :)

5. Stay focused: Okey, sometimes I lost track, but it's important to always re-evaluate the means but never the goal. Right now I can finally say, I know what I really want in my life and I'm going out there to get it!!!

So to my fellow Delayed Success Club members! We can do this! OLRYT?! RAKENROLL TO THE WORLD!!!

Luke 1:37 

Father's Day!

Went to church with Dad, Tita Grace, Rebekah and Bryce at Cornerstone in Alhambra for Father's Day! After an hour of joyride and deliberation about where are we going to eat, we finally settled for Thai BBQ in Glendale. We capped off the day at American Girl The Grove, to get Rebekah's early birthday present!

My bald goofy Dad.

The Fathers! Happy Father's Day to Tito Raul too! (5th from the left)

My tiny pogi brother Bryce! KAGIGIL!!!

More of Bryce because he's adorable!!! 

Rebekah, our little miss gave Daddy a mug!

"That picture looks so alive!" - Rebekah (My super intelligent and talkative sister, I think she could have her own talk show!), referring to this photo! :)

Father and son picture daw!

Candid of Dad, Tita Grace and Bryce at Thai BBQ Glendale

Because Thai food will not be complete without Seafood soup!

BBQ Ribs, Combination Fried Rice and Chicken Satay (not pictured: that BOMB PAD THAI I love so much!)

On the way to The Grove, we saw this giant Minions along Sunset Blvd.

Bryce trying out Ate's Rayban! Car rides with this one will never be a dull moment!

Rebekah got her early birthday present - a ridiculously overpriced doll she named Pearl (because she said pearl is her birth stone) But she definitely deserve it!!! :)

I still can't believe there is a doll worth that much - where you can buy it clothes, have it's hair done in a salon for dolls and have tea parties at the café! Such a genius idea by the founder! If I was 6, I'd probably go insane filling the shopping bag! hahaha!

Happy Father's Day to our Dad! 

I Passed the TOEFL!

Today I received another answered prayer! HOORAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

There was a time I doubted myself if I will ever pass the exam, because even if it's English (which is the only subject I care about back when I was still in school) nothing can ever prepare you to American Standard/Native-speaking English. There will always be a language barrier no matter how good you are in that language.

On the day of the exam, a Filipina approached me and asked if it was my first time to take the test. She told me she graduated Pharmacy (in one of the most prestigious school in the Philippines, which I will not name) and it's her third try already, because, like me, she need a score of 26 in the speaking section (AND she already paid a total of $600 for the exam fee). Naturally, I panicked! She graduated in one of the best school in our country and her efforts to pass the test proved to be futile. So, as the proctors called the examinees name one by one to enter the computer room, my nervousness heightened .... I feel like I'm about to be sentenced to death - Like Tyrion on Trial!

As I opened the email from TOEFL this morning! I closed my eyes and said "Lord, bahala ka na! Alam ko walang makakahadlang sa plano mo para sa akin!", I opened my eyes and I jumped for joy and cried tears of happiness! A small taste of victory!!!

I know this is just the beginning, a step towards a much bigger goal and a much bigger battle, but one thing I know for sure ... God will never let you down!!! He will fight your battles and win it for you! As long as you have faith in Him, His plans, His wisdom, His timing and offer everything that you do in His glory.

THANK YOU LORD!!!

NEXT GOAL: PASS THE NCLEX-RN!

#ToGodBeTheGloryAlways

Happy International Women's Day!

“Feminism became dirty word because people associate it with man-hate and I don’t think that’s what it’s about at all, if you stand for equality, you’re a feminist – I’m sorry to tell you, but you are."

-Emma Watson

Women raised me - my grandmothers and my aunts stood as both the father and the mother figure in my life. I grew up in an environment where women is the authority, that basically led me to live a life not constantly needing men. I didn't realize feminism is an actual issue our society face today, because I grew up in an environment of head-strong women that I thought we're way passed that already. Because I was fortunate enough to grow in a habitat where I am encouraged to be whoever I want to be, contrary to popular norm or stereotype. Whether I like it or not, I am a feminist and it started at a very young age. 

I am a woman who speak my mind. I'll tell you when something upsets me, when I'm sad, when I'm overwhelmed, when I'm happy. I stand for what I believe in, and I stand by my values. I do not allow people to undermine me, to tell me what I can't do, and to treat me irreverently. And when you do, you're gonna hear it from me and it's not gonna be pleasant. 

I was once told that I can't pass the most crucial exam of my life. I can't shake it off my mind, because I felt very disrespected. It saddens me to know that there are still people who would love to see someone fail at something they really care about and I think that's selfish. I focused my energies for the betterment of myself and I passed! I love it when I prove people wrong. The look on their faces is just priceless! I am a woman and I know I can overcome every hurdles that comes my way. Because I was raised that way.

I know a lot of super women. They are the single moms who stand as both the father and mother for their children, the breadwinners who works for the family so there is always food on the table, teachers who molds children to whoever they want to be, nurses who earn their badge everyday, women in service who serve selflessly everyday, and a lot more. There are a lot of super woman out there we can all learn from, but my ultimate super woman is definitely my mother. My mom taught me to think long-term and the value of sacrifice. To love selflessly and to enjoy life. Everytime I think of all the sacrifices she did for me, I can't help but think ... "If I become a mother someday, will I be like her? Or even close to that?". She also instilled in me that beauty is skin deep, that if a man really loves me he will not look for what I don't have (Read: ample amount of breast size) but will accept what I have that cannot be seen by the naked eye. That looks are not that important but a good heart, amazing personality and a mind full of wonder.

Photo by Tito Nathan

Let me share to you the top three women I look up to because they inspired my life and in their own big or small ways, they help shape the world for the better.

EMMA WATSON
This woman need no introduction. She embodies Hermione very much, and I know if Hermione is a real person she will be very proud.

BIANCA GONZALEZ-INTAL

Before Bianca G. entered that famous yellow and blue house and became a household name, I've already been reading her blog The Diary of A Supergirl Wannabe since I was in high school. Growing up as dusky skinned teenager in a society where porcelain skin is the standard for beauty, Bianca G. helped me to embrace that being morena, or whatever complexion you have, is as beautiful. Because that is what makes you unique and beautiful, loving who you are without changing a thing. 

MIRANDA KERR

This woman has it all! The body, a big heart and a beautiful soul. I thought she was just another pretty face ... but she's actually more than that. When I read her books Treasure Yourself and Embrace Yourself, I learned that pretty people like her, also get rejected. But her books taught me to make the best out of the situation, be grateful for the experience whether good or bad and always radiate positivity wherever you go and whoever you meet.

Today, there is nothing more fitting than to honor the women in our lives by advocating for gender equality and women's rights.

Cheers to all the amazing women I know! Keep inspiring and keep hustling!!!