Endangered Specie

This morning I plan to finish the "Pen on fire" book I borrowed at the library. As I start to read Chapter 2 I noticed that the laptop is available so I thought of checking my emails first while Hubee is not around to use it.

As I check my emails, I wanted to reply to one of my friend when Hubee went inside the room and asked me if he can use the laptop because it’s really important.

So I logged out and waited for him. But it took him forever so I decided to go back to my reading again.  As I reached for the book, I noticed my cellphone is dead. I haven’t charged it yet since last night so I went to look for the charger.

The phone charger is plugged in with the O2 fully charged so I removed the O2 and charged my Razr. While holding the O2 to place on the table, Hubee asked me if I have erased his name on the highest scores. There’s this PDA game that we play in O2 that makes us both crazy. So I turned on the phone and checked the highest score. Hubee erased my name! He’s now the highest scorer in the land. I was so overwhelmed, I decided to play one serious game.

As I was playing I asked something to Hubee and he replied. After a few minutes I asked him the same question again because I don’t remember if he ever replied to me or what his response was. Irritated, I went back to what I was doing. But I was confused. What was I doing at that time?

Now, that’s when I really noticed something. Time out! Wait a minute! What’s going on here? I am supposed to finish the book I’m reading then I ended up playing a game in a cellphone?

That’s when I realized something seemed not right. Something that Hubee said I have it but I just ignored it. Something that almost everyone has it but are not aware of. Could it be?

ADD also known as Attention Deficit Disorder.

What in the world?

ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder is a debilitating, little-recognized, and widespread condition that is surrounded by confusion and debate in the professional community. (ADD in Adults by Dr. Lynn Weiss). In layman’s term "lack of focus, short attention span, and something that has got to do with so many things to think about" - that’s my own definition =P

It’s a good reading material that for the first time in my life I was able to read the whole chapter with my full focus on it because it’s all about real people and their experiences of having an ADD. The first one was pretty much like me.

Yes, because when I read a book sometimes within the chapter I think of something else like what if I can go to the moon, cut my hair short again, or buy a new pair of boots. I am nearly finishing the chapter when I realized it doesn’t make any sense! So I’ll go over the chapter again and read one more time because I was thinking of something else. Like right now, I’m thinking of what to eat in the breakfast tomorrow, pancake or cereals? See?!

Anyway, here’s sharing a piece of the book about an ADD person who’s more likely with the same life as me:

He plan to clean his desk up but first he decided to pick up a bill and put the stamp. The stamps are next to the paper clip box so he thought the paper clips should be on the desk so he placed them all to the desk. He saw more pencils on the desk and threw some. Then the phone rang. While he’s on the phone he started to throw junk mails but the waste basket was full. So he went out to empty it and passed by the kitchen and saw somethingto do there. At the end of the day he wasn’t able to pay his bills, the desk is a mess, the waste basket is full, and there are so many things to do in the kitchen.

Not that I am a very disorganized person, oh no. I’m so in-love with a room that’s very clean and organized but the point here is we both see a trail. It’s like there’s a path to follow, there are a lot of things to be done, and I just cannot accomplish a thing because I think of so many things to do in a row. I’m trying but I can’t focus.

Dr. Weiss said, living with an ADD person is terribly painful because it presents a new set of problems. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I kept on asking the same questions to Hubee which irritates him.

Dr. Weiss said, it’s best to understand the person with ADD and it’s best if detected at an early age.

So who has it? How do you know if you have? Is that a disease? Is there a cure?

I’m going to tell you on my next blog. Because right now it’s past my bedtime already and I haven’t read the "Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren". It’s a book I read one chapter per night so before I think of something else to do again, I’m placing the period in this sentence now.

Since we don’t have a Filipino channel here, I surf the net for local news and update myself atleast twice a week about what’s going on at home.  Then there was this issue about an ignorant writer who belittled our OFWs based in Dubai.  NO, she wasn’t a famous writer but right after her article got published, (I began to think, does she has any editor at all?) she got all the attention now like she’s an unknown specie placed under a microscope.  Her article was entitled "From Boracay to Greece".

Here are some of Malu Fernandez’s key statements published in People Asia Magazine and Manila Standard Today (enclosed is my reply):

"However I forgot that the hub was in Dubai
and the majority of the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) were stationed
there. The duty-free shop was overrun with Filipino workers selling
cell phones and perfume. Meanwhile, I wanted to slash my wrist at the
thought of being trapped in a plane with all of them."

(When an OFW works for his family, sends money to the Philippines, I always think of one thing: "dignity of work".  This so-called writer seemed to know nothing about our beloved OFWs’ role in our country.  You should have slashed your wrist right there and then!  You have no idea how great the sacrifice of these people are in order to provide their family in the Philippines a comfortable life.)

"While I was on the plane (where the seats were so small I had bruises
on my legs), my only consolation was the entertainment on the small
flat screen in front of me. But it was busted, so I heaved a sigh,
popped my sleeping pills and dozed off to the sounds of gum chewing and
endless yelling of “HOY! Kumusta ka na? At taga sann ka? Domestic
helper ka rin ba?” Translation: “Hey there? Where are you from? Are you
a domestic helper as well?” I though I had died and God had send me to
my very own private hell".

(I never expected this would come from a Filipino.   This judgmental statement is a plain example of bigotry, discrimination, and disrespect to his own fellowmen.  The ignorance of this woman has harshly offended the status of our OFWs trying to survive against the challenges of life they face outside our country.   Why would  God ever think that being with them is like spending hours in hell?  Speaking as a Christian, this woman needs to learn a lot.)

"On my way back, I had to bravely take the economy flight
once more. This time I had already resigned myself to being trapped
like a sardine in a sardine can with all these OFWs smelling of AXE and
Charlie cologne while Jo Malone evaporated into thin air."

(Jo Malone?  If you’re so into signature products, then why do you have to go economy class?!  Why don’t you criticize the rich people who shop in Divisioria, 168, and other tiangge in Manila when they can afford to go shopping at Anne Klein, Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton?  Or maybe you just enjoy the scene being with people who uses "cheap" colognes while you have your "expensive" Jo Malone.  I understand.  I think people who’s loud about the expensive products they use are the ones who just had it the first time.  My two cents.)

"All in all, it’s been a pretty good summer. Jetting from the Aegean Sea
to the Pacific may sound a bit pretentious until you wake up in economy
class smelling like air freshener."

(Next time, take a business class instead and see if your Jo Malone has a place in there, moron.)

The latest news said she already replied to a number of complaints she received since this "garbage" went out.  This is her response (enclosed is my reply):

"As I type this, I’d like you to know that it’s not about whining,
complaining and bitching but just stating the facts. Just recently, I
wrote a funny article in my magazine column and my friends thought it
was hilarious. It was humorous and quite tongue-in-cheek, or at least I
thought so, until the magazine got a few e-mails from people who didn’t
get the meaning of my acerbic wit. The bottom line was just that I had
offended the reader’s socioeconomic background. If any of these people
actually read anything thicker then a magazine they would find it very
funny. Most people don’t get the fact that they need bitches like me to
shake up their world, otherwise their lives would be boring and
mediocre. I obviously write for the a certain target audience and if
what I write offends you, just stop reading."

(First of all, IT’S NOT FUNNY.  Second, it’s offensive.  And third, this is not an issue of socioeconomic class.  I’ve been in the writing business for 5 years and if I was your editor, your travel bogus article wouldn’t have any place in my magazine.  You simply put shame to a group of people who are making a clean living for their families and who by the way are sending off dollars to the Philippines to help strengthen our economy and pay huge amount of taxes.  They probably deserve worthy of praise than you are.  If your circle of friends find it hilarious and "witty" then I suggest the next time you write something like this, just keep it to you and your friends.  Since none of us here find it entertaining.  It’s more like a senseless crap.)

"Although it may sound elitist to you the fact is this country is built
on the foundation of haves, have-nots and wannabes. One group will
never get the culture of the other. Although I could mention that it is
easier to understand someone who has a lower socioeconomic background
that would entail a whole other page and frankly I don’t want to be
someone to bridge the gap between socioeconomic classes. I leave that
to the politicians in my family who believe they can actually help. Now
I seriously ask you, am I being a diva or are people around me just
lacking in common sense? Perhaps it’s a little of both!"

(You are one pathetic psycho.  Our politicians and government officials in the Philippines may have issues of corruption, traditional politics, and all but atleast they are trying their best to put our country up and running against other well-developed Asian countries.  Same goes to our OFWs, ordinary Filipino employees, and businessmen.  We are all distinctively created according to our purpose.  Whether you’re a domestic helper, cook, driver, maintenance, or fast food chain crew, the meaning of life makes more sense if you understand the word "respect".  The bottom line is, we don’t have to be in a group of "elite" to understand  why we belong to different cultures.)

I’ve said so much.  I would have easily forgiven the author is she grew up in an environment entirely different from ours but it was not.  It was from someone who should be the first one to understand why sacrificing one’s life outside home mean so much.  Sad.  Well, I guess someone just had to learn the lesson the hard way.  It’s just a matter of dealing with it. 

‘Kelan ka ba babalik?’

‘Hindi ko pa po alam eh, depende kasi sa work ni Poms.  Basta pag may chance na makabalik ako, I will go home.’

And then I kissed her and hug her tight.

‘Ma, alis na ako’.

‘Anak, mag-iingat ka ha. I will always pray for your safety everyday…’

Without looking at her eyes, I bid goodbye.  Right at this very moment, I am still suppressing the emotions I feel, leaving my family behind whom I loved so dearly.  It happened 9 months ago and it’s happening again.  Indeed, human emotions are so powerful that the Nature has ever given to mankind.

It was like yesterday that I just walked down the aisle, chose to live with the person whom God has blessed me.  And is seems like yesterday too that Poms just left for a foreign country to prepare a bright future for us, to secure a comfortable life for our future children - a discernment we humbly asked from Above. 

Ang bilis ng takbo ng panahon.  Sa sobrang dami ng pangyayari sa buhay hindi na namamalayan ang mga pagbabago.  Like most people say, ‘for every joy in the pages of your life, little sacrifices spring.’  My attachment to my family especially to my mother is a gift that something God has bestowed upon me.  And with Poms as I entered a new chapter in my life is an even amazing gift to keep my life going.  Ang hirap pagdaanan pero madaling intindihin. 

Did I mean goodbye?  No.  For my family, it’s a goodbye that means ‘I’ll just go somewhere else and I’ll be back in a while.’  It’s happening again.  I felt the same thing few days before my wedding.  Suddenly, life became a mysterious and unstoppable cycle just keeps on going.  Like a part in a theatrical play, every scene closes to a new chapter.  And what it seems to me a like new chapter is none other than even better and brighter surprises in life.  I want to stick with optimism because it’s the rock that hinders the flow of my tears in the river of loneliness.  Nalulungkot ako but I try not to.  Gusto ko ilabas pero ayokong umiyak. 

And so, not a seeing my family for not sure how long is a sacrifice that I bravely encounter.  Isipin ko na lang, nasa kabilang bahay lang ang pamilya ko.

Reuniting with my husband whom I loved so much is the start of our life together as one.  Blessed by the church and witnessed by all Christians, we will face the challenges ahead of us in a land where God has purposely brought us.

With Christ as the only third party in our relationship, how brave can we be?

Ok so this is again one of my famous better-late-than-never post.  My dad-in-law enrolled me to a driving school just a few months ago so that when I get to the US, I’m going to drive my husband to his work place and pick him up on our way home.  Isn’t that so sweet?  :)  Actually, I did like it because I never had a chance to enroll to a driving school and get a real driver’s license until I quit my job and wait for my plane tickets haha!

I had 12 hours of driving lessons for 2 weeks before Christmas last year.  My instructors were ok.  I have 2 different instructors with different style of teaching.  My mom-in-law asked one of our helpers to go with me during my actual driving lessons because aside from she’s a caring mom-in-law, I am going to be with a stranger for more than an hour a day and who knows what might gonna happen.  Hey, I’m not being judgemental here but better safe than sorry.  I heard some not so good stories about going through a horrible actual driving lessons.   

Anyway, my first instructor was silent at first.  He taught me how to park my car backing up and park in-between cars.  It was really difficult believe me.  For a beginner like me, I guess I now realize why he scratches his face most of the time. 

My second instructor was the one strict.  He reminds me of my teacher in Algebra when I don’t get it right, he will ask me to do the same thing again until I get it right - perfectly right.  I got a picture of his personality when on the first day of meeting him we were asked to stop the car by a subdivision guard near our place.  Take note, I was driving the wheels.  I was trying to park the car so I slowly turned the car to the right side when the guard suddenly tapped the back of the car. 

I was shocked!  Now I know the feeling of the professional drivers when traffic enforcers tap their vehicles at the back and duh?!  What’s my violation?  We are not even driving in a public highway.  The guard, aware that I’m a student driver, went to the side door of my instructor and told us to go back where we came from because as their rule, we are only allowed to enter and exit the subdivision with a sticker on the car.  Now this is plain silly and the guard is obviously crazy!  I live inside that subdivision next to them and we are on our way out.  How did my instructor get in to pick me up in the first place?  He entered that same area and they have been passing by that road for years and this is the only time we were being questioned.  Naturally, they had a fight.  The guard won’t listen to me and they were both yelling and threatened to use their gun to my instructor but my instructor who is also an offspring of Lapu-Lapu didn’t get threatened at all.  After that moment of what-the-hell-is-going-on-here, we were asked to just go and never pass by that area again.  Now after that incident, I got nervous with my instructor.  That stupid security guard just made my instructor lost his temper so what else was left for me?  What if my instructor really has a gun and points it against me if I don’t get his instructions right?!  (Does this sounded like in a movie or something?)I should file a complaint with that guard on the next subdivision of ours but he’s an old man so when I got home I quickly told the story to my husband on the other line.  Anyway, my first day with him wasn’t that bad at all.  Thank God Inday was with me at that time, otherwise I would be running like crazy when my instructor and the guard pulled each other’s guns haha! 

Though my instructor got pissed off, he was still professional enough to tell me that what I did at that moment was right.  I did not panic and I did not yell at the guard.  So why bother ask him why he did that, he might get pissed off again haha!  He saw my weakness.  I always eat the space on the right to avoid the cars on the opposite lane but it was not the right thing to do.  I learned that a driver is supposed to get the space from the left side and not on the right to avoid the pedestrians on the side and to prevent the car from falling.  He brought me to the most narrow public road in Quezon City where I thought only 1 and a half car could pass by.  It was a lot of pressure but I tried my best.  Luckily, I am now confident to pass by a busy street overflowing with pedestrians on both sides of the road. 

Driving schools help specially for beginners like me.  Their edge over a relative or a friend teaching you how to drive is like saving your precious relationship with them - you know what I mean!  I’m just so lucky my hubee never ran out of patience when I almost hit the tree with his luxury car before our wedding

So there.  I guess confidence and perseverance should be the first on the list when learning how to drive.  I already had my dream come true, to drive along the harrasing highway of Commonwealth Avenue.  Now that’s something to me

Now I wouldn’t feel guilty at all if I’d say I wanted to travel the East side of the globe.  Not long ago, I dreamed of travelling atleast 1 or 2 provinces or city located in each 3 Philippine island groups Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao if I do that, I’m good.  I’ve been to Pampanga, Pangasinan and as far as Baguio.  Bohol, Aklan, and Cebu in Visayas, and of course Koronadal City in South Cotabato, Davao, and General Santos so I guess that makes me feel good =8)

4 days in Cebu was more than a lot of fun in the water, road trip, and the dreaded thing that makes you big - FOOD! 

We stayed at Hilton Cebu hotel and resort, the newest hotel resort in Mactan just 15 minutes away from the airport and a 30-minute drive to downtown Cebu.  It has a smaller beach front compared to Shangri-la Mactan and their building is higher but the view is also perfect.  The architectural design of the building is impressive specially when the lights are turned on at night but not too much at the day.  The color of the building reminds me of Paris Hilton

The food is sumptous with a lot of choices.  Boutique shops are open til 10pm and the hotel staffs are extremely nice.  Their excellent security measures to all the guests makes everybody comfortable to walk around the premises.  Over-all the hotel is a good place to enjoy vacation at the beach, relax and unwind, and a romantic place to celebrate special occassions.  It’s like another hidden paradise unfolded in the white sands of Mactan beach.

Auntie Nilda’s bestfriend during her medicine years Tita Mila was so nice and hospitable to tour us around Metro Cebu with major cities include Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay.  She brought us to the historical Magellan’s cross and one of the oldest church in the history of Christianity the Sto. Nino shrine right in the heart of Cebu.  We went to Taoist temple and saw the top view of the busy city of Cebu.  We passed by Malacanang South better known to them as Malacanang sa Sugbo where Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had her oath-taking for the first time as the duly-elected president of the Philippines. 

Cebu is a progressive region with infrasctructures already comparable to Manila.  The people’s fund are well-utilized and visibly seen in every corner of the road.  It’s not that "provincial look" that I was expecting to see.  I wish the government in the South particularly in Mindanao can do the same because honestly speaking, Mindanao has a lot of potential to invite foreign investors and businessmen in Manila.

Before hitting the road back to the hotel, we had dinner at Tita Mila’s house.  We had Cebu’s lechon as our main dish and it was really good and take note without the sauce!  I have no idea how much servings I had that night so to avoid the feeling of guilt better not look at the weighing scale…oh boy.

The next day, we just stayed at the hotel and soaked in the water the whole day.  The sun was really freaking hot to go swimming at the beach so we decided to stay in the pool.  One thing we all noticed, most of the checked-in guests are Asians - Koreans, Japanese, and some Chinese.  I attended a yoga at the beach one morning and we are only 2 Filipnos in that activity - me and the instructor and the rest?  They’re all Koreans!  Where are they coming from?  Anyway, all of them were nice and quiet.  Aside from the outdoor activities, Hilton hotels also have cooking demos so for those of you who are taking an indoor buddy he would not really feel bored in the hotel.

4 days was really enjoyable I wish my hubee was with me but I didn’t really missed our chats and my emails because I checked them once in a while in their free internet located in the lobby.

Thinking of the place to go in Cebu?  Check out hilton.com and explore Metro Cebu.  What a Cebu experience! =)

Better late than never, our trip last year was worth remembering. It was my first travel outside the country with the most special person in my life, my hubee Poms. Here are some of the highlights we had during our stay in China.

My parents-in-law treated us for a 9-day tour in the 3 big cities of China with stop-over in Hong Kong. It was right after our civil wedding when my parents-in-law decided to have a short vacation in China at the same time look for a cheaper tokens for the members of our wedding entourage (at that time we were also preparing for our church wedding).

Hong Kong Disneyland though small is a great place for kids and young ones who haven’t been to any Disneyland yet. If any of you plan to visit Europe, Tokyo, or LA Disneyland, you better visit Hong Kong first. Otherwise, you will not appreciate HK Disneyland. It was raining when Hubee and I got there. At the entrance gate, raincoats with Mickey and Minnie mouse logo are on sale. Though we already have 1 big umbrella enough for the both of us, we still bought raincoats as souvenirs.

For the first timers of Manila you won’t get lost. For each area there are 2 languages on all sign boards – English and Chinese and the best thing about it, all the Disneyland staffs speak fluent English. The mascots are in every corner of the store. The line at Mickey and Minnie mouse were the longest under the drizzle. We chose to have a picture taking with them because they are the highlights as in the symbols of Disneyland. After that rainy but enjoyable trip to Disneyland, we departed for China.

Shanghai – China’s most modernized city

Our Chinese tour guide is extremely nice and friendly. He met us at the airport which I thought looks like the whole Ayala Avenue in Makati. That huge! And I thought the Hong Kong airport was already 5 times the size of our very own NAIA wait til you see Beijing’s airport.  After checking in at the hotel, our tour guide brought us to the heart of the city.

We went to see Jin Mao building, the country’s tallest building which is said to be the 5th tallest tower in the world. It has 88 floors situated in the area of Pudong. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get a glimpse of the top because it was cloudy and the weather is not as good as we left Manila. Then we went to Oriental Pearl tower, the TV station where its building has a peculiar shape like 3 big pearls stuck in a barbecue stick. Our architects in Manila would surely enjoy seeing the odd but creative shapes of the buildings in China.

The next day we were brought at the factory of silk and pearls. I must say the Chinese people are so gifted in making earring designs for the pearls but the best pearls in the world are still found in Mindanao – not because it’s the homeland of my hubee but I’m telling the truth Before we left Shanghai City we went to the night market in Nanjing to buy some pasalubong. Believe it or not, the bags, blouses, and purses that I see in Greenhills are more than three times cheaper there. We were able to buy our tokens for 250 each there compared to Manila’s price that costs 700-800 each and you can still haggle! With already heavy luggages on our way to Beijing we can’t imagine how heavy it would be after Shenzhen trip.

Beijing – History tells it all

Summer Palace, our first destination, was swarmed by the different nations. Old caricatures, beliefs and sayings, accessories used by the ancient Chinese, the royal family, all these made me want to know more about the history of China. Why they made a man-made lake, man-made hill, and their prayer to Buddha to protect them from flash floods. The Summer Palace was a resort where Empress Dowager Cixi lived for a long time.

After a long walk at Summer Palace we crossed the street to enter the Forbidden City or the Palace Museum. I really don’t remember how big it is but sure it was a 3-hour walk within the premises not to mention how hot it is under 42 degrees temperature under the sun. It’s called Forbidden City because nobody is allowed to enter the palace without the emperor’s permission. Only the emperor, the royal family and the royal guards/households live there. This is also where the emperor keeps his concubines. According to history there was a time when the emperor had more than a thousand concubines all at the same time. Like a rented townhouse in the city, the emperor chooses his favorite concubine every night and sleeps with her. The color of the royal family is yellow so the roof tops are mostly colored yellow with dragons on each side of the roof which is said to bring protection to the royalties.

Just outside the forbidden city is the Tiananmen square where an unforgettable tragedy happened in 1989.

The next day we went to the Great Wall. For me, this is a dream come true, to see and feel the grounds of one of the world’s historical places. The steps are high and you need to bring water with you when you go up there. The oldies there were amazing! They can go up and down as their form of exercise. Then I thought maybe herbal wonders really work. Isn’t that originated from China? During the ancient times, soldiers wear a heavy armored gear and they go back and forth the towers of Great Wall. I was wearing very comfy clothes, sandals with socks and I wasn’t even able to finish climbing the first high tower. Maybe I should start drinking tea before and after every meal.

After climbing what it looks like forever to me, we went to Ming Tomb. This is where the bodies of the ancient emperors and his empresses rest. It was literally 7 steps down the basement and it was really cold. Don’t ask me where the air we breath was coming from coz I really didn’t bother to ask. I was impressed and amazed on how the ancient Chinese people were able to make such tomb 7 floors deep. The doors are all made in marble and every gate was carefully touched by feng shui.

For the first time in my life, I had developed an interest in the field of History. It was a boring subject to me but once you get to see the actual places you’ll ask for something more.

Our last stop was Shenzhen. We had a really hard time communicating with the vendors in the market here because none of them knows how to speak English. So before our Chinese tour guide left us to do our last minute shopping, she took us to the night market where some few Chinese knows how to speak English. Better few than nothing.

So there it is. Whew! That was a relaxing and tiring but enjoyable travel for us all. Next time I go there, I’ll make sure I know some few Chinese phrases.

Xie xie! (Thank you!) Zai jian! (Good bye!)

5 hours on the road is the longest road trip I ever had. Poms’ Auntie Nilda and the rest of her doctor friends based in the US are here in Manila for a medical mission which they do every year. And the designated area for them – Pangasinan City. Instead of joining them she preferred to have a short vacation with us in Pangasinan. The last time I visited this province was when I was 4 years old.

This is the homeland of my grandma and after she got married to my grandpa they moved in to Manila. I have no idea where our relatives stay there which again reminded me of how big the Ramos clan is.

We had fun touring Lingayen and Dagupan. On our way there, we noticed that the houses hung their washed clothes in front of their houses which is funny because the heat of the sun emanates at the back of their houses. The cows are extremely thin. I haven’t been to New Zealand but Auntie Nilda shaking in laughter said “kawawa naman ang mga baka dito, bat malnourished ang mga ito halos kita na ang mga ribs.” We thought it’s probably because of the grasses in their land which are almost turning into brown color.

Fish pens are everywhere on both sides of the road. Most of the houses are tourist’s spot. They’re old with windows made in kapiz. The churches are also well-preserved.

The government offices are a stone thrown away to the beach. It was my first time to see the hundred islands. Talk about the beauty of nature it still has its beauty. Clear waters, clean shores, and lots of foreign visitors too. I want to go back there and this time with Poms.

On our way back to Manila, we took the other route. We went to Clark and played casino at Mimosa. It was fun though but beginner’s luck? Nah, I really don’t have it. Poms is the luckiest among us when it comes to luck. Tomorrow, we’re off to Cebu until Sunday. And we’re going to have fun again with Auntie Nilda. She should do this yearly so everybody will be happy

Up next: Conquering Cebu in 4 days!