Random . September 2023

 

Dream that I can remember a bit. 

20 minutes uninterrupted yoga. 

That timehop reminder 2 years ago. 

I was hoping that I will start this month right but nope maybe we don’t deserve it. 

#TheBlacklist season 10 to make up for today. 

“He’ll reach out when it’s safe” - Reddington #TheBlacklist S10E06

Time to grow my undercut

I keep on dreaming going back to Hong Kong. 

The pronunciation of my name was somehow repeatedly mentioned on #TheBlacklist S10E10 with a natural poison called, Abrin and for the storyline it came from the Philippines. 

Now I need to get out of this bed and finally workout. 

Barbie.  

Started to read a poem book, Sea of Strangers by Lang Leav. Maybe this will help me or wreck me with my current feelings. 

Maybe I’m too lazy these days because I don’t have something to look forward to. Well I’m looking forward to that online order that’s been taking way too long to arrive. Lol

And I keep on forgetting things. 

Sometimes I gamble with this reality even it will cost my anxiety. 

Finally my orders have been shipped. 

Magic Keyboard is finally here after a week!!!! Yay!!

Ordered that Crocs. 

Not sure how some people can torture themselves being on social media for so long. 

Its been 15 years. I miss you, Papa. 09.11.2023

Hello anxiety. What’s up. 

Literally, running out of time.

I’m running out of distraction to think of. 

New plot shit to make me distracted. 

Weird dreams that I can’t figure out but somehow I know I’m with you in it. I just want to sleep more so I can understand. #21

Wtf. I’m almost done with my workout but I didn’t put my watch on workout. Hahaha 

Mcdo! 

Cleaned the house. 

KFC. 2 days fast food is not a good idea. 

911 season 6. 

Why do popcorn smells so good while cooking. 

Coke have caffeine. Fuck. Haha. 

 Woke up feeling woozy. 09.20.2023

A sign that I can have an off today. 09.21.2023

IKEA / MOA. I’ve missed you. 

Happy Birthday to my dude!!! 09.22.2023

UAAP schedule is out!!! 

Bought a candle yesterday and I think I’m better with essential oils than candle

Outside world is really seems scary sometimes. 

Room revamp still bugging me. 

Normal beat for now. 

Texting with a none emergency message at unnecessary hour is a big NO. 

You don’t need to sing praises for yourself but then it got it your head. 

Somewhat thankful for the candle that’s on tonight for some calming vibes.

Fact check, you are wrong. 

I understand that you are frustrated but as the saying goes, don’t speak when you are angry most especially when you are frustrated and maybe drunk. 

I always try to understand and be the bigger person but damn it is so tiring. 

Busy week is done and it’s UAAP opening day!!! 

UE won against UST // NU won against ADMU.  #UAAPS86

All online streams have subscription now. Sad

Book . Sea of Strangers

Another poem book just to reach my 10 books goal this year, if it is even possible to reach. Also to lessen the unread book list on my kindle. 

I love poem books because from time to time I do write my own even though I don’t know if I can call them poem but I called them letters. 

I don’t even know how to review a poem book but I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads just because I can relate to some and book like this makes me inspire to write more even that one liner that you just want to get of your chest. 

Book that contains poems shouldn’t be critically judge 

 

Hong Kong 2023 . July 26 (Day 8)

We were on our way to bus stop by 5AM since the bus will be arriving a little before 5:30AM. Witnessed a sunrise while on our way to the airport and we were there after an hour. 

This day just consist of toxic Filipino trait at the airport, waiting in line to check in our baggage, immigration and running to the other side of the airport for our assigned gate. 

Delayed flight because runway traffic.

Experienced one of the scariest turbulence, landing of all time for me since it is very cloudy in Manila.

Finally landed at 1PM in Manila and we ate at Burger King then booked our own Grab on our way home. 

Arrived at home by 3:30PM ate a little then catch up on sleep. 

Tomorrow, we go back to reality. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023 | Macau 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 25 (Day 7)

 

Our last full day in Hong Kong which we don’t have plans since I think we already somehow maximized our stay.

Though I think we skipped a part of Hong Kong that shouldn’t be which is Central.  

We haven’t been to Central so that’s where we go and chill for our last day. 

Decided to give my feet some break from wearing shoes so I decided to wear my Birkenstock which at some point scares the shit out me because I forgot how fast the escalator at MTR stations and the horror stories of escalators haunts me. Haha 

This day is one reason why we are in Hong Kong, Gem wanted to be away for Tita Bing’s birthday and we were supposed to celebrate it by buying cake and just chill. 

Left TST by 12noon which is a bad idea without having breakfast or lunch going to Central because it is really hard sometimes to look a place where to eat. Found Iron Cow Taiwan but then somehow we realized that we don’t have cash anymore and our Octopus card is running low so we have to exchange again my last peso. So bad idea because we haven’t eaten yet and I can’t think straight. Haha 

Finally after looking for an hour, we found a cute place called “2 Cafe” remind me so much of a diner movie scene. 

Saw the Central-mid-level-escalator but we didn’t explore more again, because of the summer heat. 

We just went to another mall and decided to go to the station and just go back to Gateway (Harbour City) just when I thought we saw it all, I missed the part of that mall where Dr. Martens store is located and I just found out when I’m already back home. 

Went back to Donki just to chill but Gem is so tired that she wants to go back and rest at our room it was 4PM. I went with her and then also rested a bit and I’m so game to push this last day and not waste any time to at least explore more so I went out alone.

Saw that famous ice cream truck but I don’t have small bill so I just passed by on my way to Avenue of Stars to chase that sunset which unfortunately was on the other side of the island but it was still a beautiful scenery. 

That alone time somehow fucked my feelings and emotions. (Maybe for a separate post for the realizations). 

Thankful that we were able to survive another adventure after that lockdown for years. 

Very much thankful to a week of no stress. 

Just love having that alone time with a beautiful view. It doesn’t usually happen because there’s no easy access for a beautiful skyline just to have such life realization.

And just when I about to break down, someone reminds me that she’s always there. Thank you, Lulu. <3 

Gem messaged me that she’s already awake and rested she got lost track of time she thought that is was still early but my alone time isn’t over yet so I said we meet outside by 8PM.

I went to K11 Musea looking for Five Guys. Haha saw that in Macau but wasn’t able to see it in Central and since we are still going to have dinner I just ordered a Strawberry Milkshake. One more reason to go back is to try their burgers. 

Went around the mall while having my milk shake. 

Tried that Nike that I want but I still refuse to buy and I even forgot to take picture when I was trying it on.  

Met Gem before getting our deposit back so we can have dinner again at V&B Cuisine then told here I’ll buy chocolates at Donki and drop by SASA and before going back to our room I insist we should try the ice cream from that famous ice cream truck. 

Packed our things and alarm at 3AM for flight back home. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong / Macau 2023 . July 24 (Day 6)

We left TST at 9AM and we are already at HZMB by 10AM.

Of course, I read and watched some vlogs regarding on how to get to Macau by bus. Ever since I knew that you have to do the ferry but recently the trending is the bus where there’s a bridge that will go underwater and I’m amazed by that again. 

We arrived in Macau by 11AM and we ate our food before we go out to ride the bus. Our first stop should be Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul but again, there are a lot of people and the only restaurant we saw right away where we can stay and eat is Jollibee. 

Went out to finally walk at Senado Square to Ruins of St. Paul by 2PM which is still somehow a wrong idea but we got to move. It was still so hot and the streets are full of people which is beyond our control and you don’t have to wonder anymore on which way to go since the wave of people goes to the direction of Ruins of St. Paul. 

I wish we can spend more time to go near it but it was again, freaking hot. 

I didn’t even tried the beef jerky since every store have tons of people but I was able to manage to buy an egg tart. 

To be honest, Macau is a little bit confusing to travel on. We came from Hong Kong which everything is reachable by the MTR but in Macau, you really have to read and be alert on what number of bus you should ride on. Some other Filipinos makes it less confusing since we are somehow going to the same attraction. Haha 

After seeing the Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul, we find our way on how to get to City of Dreams where we will be instantly transported to London, Paris and Venice. We arrived there at 3PM.

I love the Londoner area since it’s very cold on the inside. 

Was able to visit the 3 parts of that area but I somehow regret not going to teamLAB which have an exhibit there. 

Of all the people who are vlogging or sharing stories, they forgot to mention on how you can go back to HZMB from City of Dreams. (Ride 26A bus in front of the Eiffel Tower going to Grand Lisboa area then transfer to 101X bus going to HZMB). Good thing we figured it out and again, Filipinos everywhere and we are all going to the same direction - going back to Hong Kong. 

Our wifi from Klook doesn’t have connection when we were in Macau. I don’t want to order another one just for a short time in Macau so I found this sim card on Lazada which both work in Hong Kong and Macau. Bought it for 400 pesos and another reason why I bought it is that upon arriving in Hong Kong prior on getting our wifi, we also need to be connected already same with when we already surrender the wifi before checking in when we leave. 

That also saves us in Macau because from time to time I have to research things so we can know directions. 

Witnessed a beautiful sunset on our way back to Hong Kong. 

Since we are familiar to where we are staying already and with the help of some apps, we rode a bus straight to TST because we are tired to walk from station to station. 

Arrived at TST by 9PM and almost everything is closing but thankful for the restaurant on the streets. We ate at V&B Cuisine and we became a regular for 2 nights on our last days. 

Back in our room by 10:30PM and that’s when I realized how sun burned I am. Haha 

My Photographs: Macau 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 23 (Day 5)

 We checked in at Chungking Mansion on Friday and upon that time we were told that our room is scheduled for disinfection on Sunday morning so we have to pack again and leave our things at the other block. 

That is also one reason why we rest early the day before and while we rest, we pack and plan for the next day. 

Since our room will be cleaned we have to plan on what will we do on Sunday. 

After a tiring day on Ocean Park, I also don’t want to go to Macau on a Sunday but it is also a wrong idea to go to Tung Chung on a Sunday but we got no other day already for it so no choice. 

I don’t plan to shop since I knew that the pricing is the same in Manila and there’s nothing special on the products in Hong Kong maybe except for the chocolates but with shoes, nah. I’m not a sneaker head but I’m also aware of the good and the bad or what’s in or not. 

We arrived at Tung Chung early that the stores aren’t open yet and I was surprised as they are just there right at the exit of the MTR station. I don’t plan to shop but good to see what specific stores are in there. We looked for the food central because we haven’t had breakfast yet and we ate at Pepper Lunch. I regret not eating at any restaurant with Michelin stars this time because we were able to do that in Taiwan. 

While eating we also decided that since we are already there to go to Ngong Ping 360 I booked just then and good thing I booked with Klook because the lines were crazy if you don’t have ticket yet and I just booked the standard one because the crystal one is a bit pricey for 2 people that will never be able to go solo on the cable car and the line for the crystal one is longer too. 

I’m amazed how we get to the other side of the mountain or island by cable car. Saw the Big Buddha right away and I’m ready to go up there but I can’t with the summer heat. I will be back to go up to that Big Buddha and the stairs remind me of Batu Caves in Malaysia. 

We also went back to Tung Chung by cable car again and good thing there’s no longer lines going back. Even we sacrificed Disneyland, we plan to still go there since you can stay outside where the arch is and the fountain. After Tung Chung we go straight to Disneyland to just take pictures and feel the vibe but the people who are already going home are cute to see most especially those tired kids who are wearing costumes after a full day at the park. One more reason why we will be back in Hong Kong is because of Disneyland. 

It just so good to sit there outside and feel the vibe but I don’t regret not pushing Disneyland since I really enjoyed Ocean Park and we won’t probably enjoy Disneyland because of the summer heat. One more reason is that the Frozen theme will be opening late this year. 

We are back at Tsim Sha Tsui by 6PM and the sun is still up. I researched and this time we exit at (I forgot where exactly) but it leads us to Canton Road and we explored that side of TST and just roam at Gateway. Bought that lululemon bum bag that I’m eyeing because I also just want something from Hong Kong since I will not be able to buy shoes or any footwear. 

Ate at Cafe de Coral near Chungking Mansion before getting our bags and settled again for the next days. We rested early because tomorrow we will be going to Macau! 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 22 (Day 4)

Finally we can move freely and not be worried if we are a disturbance to others. 

We woke up at 6:30AM and started to move since we are going to Ocean Park. 

Ate breakfast at Mcdo then took the train to Ocean Park 

Originally we really wanted to do both Ocean Park and Disneyland but due to our poor planning and that uncertainty on our first days, we have to let go of one and we decided to let go of Disneyland also Ocean Park is much cheaper. Haha 

My sister even said that Ocean Park is more enjoyable than Disneyland.

I somehow watched some travel vlogs about Hong Kong in general and for Ocean Park on what to expect and some tips. 

We arrived at 9AM and the park opens at 10AM. We lined up and I’m already amazed how that place is divided on 2 places and that other part of the park is at the other side of the mountain. I thought when I was watching vlogs that it was just a short trip to the other side but it was a bit far and I just realized that when we rode the Cable Car. I was already amazed how they built a train inside the mountain. 

We went around first on the main land where the Aquarium is located. I know about the panda and some animals but I don’t have high expectation. 

~

Side story: the only vlog that I really do watch daily ever since 2020 is Brian Barczyk. I always love snakes and never thought that people do make reptiles their own pet not until I saw Mr. Brian and discovered much of reptile community in the states. Mr. Brian have “The Reptarium” in Michigan and now he is building his “Legacy Aquarium”. The animal lover in me is happy when I watch and see the animals they have. Since it is hard to keep a reptile with the weather in this side of the world, hopefully one day I will be able to visit The Reptarium. 

~ 

Even I’m not part of planning the Legacy Aquarium I somehow imagined that the aquarium at Ocean Park will just be like at the Legacy Aquarium like how Mr. Brian talks about the fishes and some other plans for their animals. 

Next in the aquarium is the Golden Monkey and the other Panda. Unfortunately, I already read it somewhere that the Panda died couple of weeks ago. After in there we went to where the other panda is staying. 

I will not elaborate but I saw a lot and my animal lover heart was happy that day and watching Mr. Brian gave me some knowledge about reptiles and animals in general. 

But I can’t contain it so here are some of the animals that really makes me so ecstatic about it:

• Panda (of course) 
• Salamander 
• Sloth (even though they are sleeping)
• BALL PHYTON (my dream animal to own but I’m don’t have much knowledge on how to take good care of one) and if only the kids are not so amazed by it I might ask the care taker if I can hold it
• Penguins !!!!! (Cuties) 
• Green Tree Python
• Different kinds of frogs
• ARAPAIMA (one of Mr. Brian’s dream animal) 
• GREEN ANACONDA (which I was able to watch giving birth for 41 babies on Mr. Brian’s Youtube) 
• Sting Rays, Sharks and Dolphins 
• Meerkat, an Aldabra tortoise 
• Koi fish and some more different kind of fish and turtles 

That concludes our Ocean Park adventure. 

I did enjoy much seeing animals that I have saw some from the first time and now hyped because I only see those at the Mr. Brian’s vlog so I’m happy about it and you can’t see those on Disneyland. 

We were back at TST by 6PM and done with dinner before 7PM and since we are tired from Ocean Park and need to be early tomorrow, we decided to call it a day. 

So happy but because of the weather, my arms are tanned but I’ll take that than having rain on our visit to Ocean Park.

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 21 (Day 3)

 Gem took all the explaining and stuff and of course we still have to pay for our stay in there which is we thought will be much cheaper but it wasn’t and its not worthy of the price. 

Since it was hard to talk, Gem and I are chatting on WhatsApp we planned to leave by 11am since check in will still be at 3pm. It was 10:30am when we left we didn’t even took a bath we just pee and change our clothes to yesterday’s clothes again as we will be traveling and wait for check in. 

TST isn’t hard to navigate we saw Chungking Mansion right away and for the first time we ate at Cafe de Coral then decided to walk around the area even it is so freaking hot. 

Went to Kowloon Park but I know it is a huge place and having our whole baggage with us is not a good idea. We just take a seat and breathe some fresh air even there’s mosquitoes around. 

Went down and cross the street to check another sneaker shop then went inside Mira Place because aircon! Looked for comfort room to freshen up and saw someone who looked like Kakashi from Naruto cleaning restroom and that is like the best restroom ever. Lol 

One more hour to wait so we checked Donki and stayed until check in and drink Coke. 

We were able to finish checking in by 4:30pm and as Gem was taking a bath I’m already planning where we can go after we get settled. We are not wasting any day now since at some point I think we wasted the first 2 days already but at least we still have days to make up for it. 

I took a bath like I didn’t for days. 

I decided we go to Causeway Bay just another day of window shopping. We just roam SOGO and the streets and we wanted to have ice cream in IKEA but they are selling DURIAN ICE CREAM and we get out after reading that. Lol 

Went to another Donki and it was a bit confusing. Hehe we went out and left Causeway Bay by 8PM and arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui minutes before 9PM and almost everything is closing but not that one restaurant where I ate goose. Passed by a mini grocery store because I want some chocolates and milk then we went back to Chungking Mansion because tomorrow we go to Ocean Park. 

Finally, first night where we are not living with some strangers even you say that Chunking Mansion is crazy, for us that night it was a peaceful one. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023