Sugbu City

These are just a few of some shots I took while we strolled around Cebu. These are the food I really miss eating in Cebu. 

My Aunt Fe and my mother posing with Halloween characters at Metro Colon

Mactan Bridge

I dunno what they call these but they look like smaller versions of Siopao and bigger versions of Tikoy or Macy.

Machang at La Fortuna Bakeshop

Calamares beside Best Buy

The whole time we were just eating the things we really missed in Cebu. Some places have changed since we last visited while some remained as they were years back, bringing back good memories. :)

Ambitious

I've never looked at buildings before the way I look at them now. I find myself staring at that certain spot where I envision myself making a difference, which some people will thank me for several years from now. :)

A view from the Golden Peak Hotel and Suites

Alegria Heritage Park

I have been traveling back and forth from Iloilo to Cebu for several times now since last month. There just seems to be a lot of activities in our place that I need to see and be a part of.

I know it's been quite a while since my last post. The next posts will be more of my travel to Cebu and the latest about my decisions about my career and life.

These photos were taken in Alegria, Cebu and this stone structure used to be a fortress. History has it that the Japanese used this structure to guard their territory from possible intruders traveling through the sea.

Well, I'm still really sleepy from last night's party and I need to rest so I'll keep on updating. Til next time. :)

West Visayas State University: 2nd Top Performing Nursing School in the Philippines

It's really true that you don't really know what you got until it's gone. My high school days were, for me, the hardest yet the happiest time in my life. It was a combination of extremes when it came to burning midnight oils and enjoying what life had to offer as a teenager.

I stayed up late at night studying and there are still times right now when I don't want to remember how there used to be an exam for every subject from 7AM to 5:30 PM, but boy was it fun! Haha.

Anyway, I took the Nursing Aptitude Test (NAT) at the West Visayas State University and luckily passed. I don't know how I did it, but yeah I passed. Then, it was time to take those tortuous interviews where the interviewers pretended to be really rude. Weak souls got no place in those interview rooms, baby. If your mom and dad simply pushed you into it and you fear that you might just say something you might regret then, I suggest you back off.

I had to deal with clinical instructors pushing me to not attend nursing in their school. Instead, they convinced me to take up medicine [my one great love at that time]. It was not surprising for them not to know the latest trend in Med School since the two buildings- nursing and medicine- were just a few blocks away from each other and that our clinical instructors weren't stupid individuals not able to watch TV and hear the news.

To keep it short and simple, I was successfully admitted as a nursing student and passed four long years of tiring studying and cramming. Haha. Crazy seminars, unbeatable deadlines, strict teachers and fun activities. I enjoyed them all.

Ahh... Those were the days. Anyway, going back... I present to you something that makes my heart skip with joy. This was the latest result for the Top Performing Nursing Schools in the Philippines. Can't believe we had the 2nd slot. This is not so surprising [I'm not bragging though] since our school has always been part of the top ten ever since. Sometimes I couldn't believe I used to be and graduated from that school. Sometimes, it's all surreal. When people keep praising our school, I feel really proud inside but I pretend to be cold and unappreciative on the outside. Hahaha. Must be some form of coping. 

To sum it all up, we ranked second and we got five students on the top ten examinees for last July 2012's NLE (with their corresponding places and marks) namely:

              (3) WAYNE STEVEN MIRANDA ZAMORA - 85.20

            (5) JOENER BALEDIATA BANGERO - 84.80

            (6) VINIE OBERIANO OBERIANO - 84.60

            (9) JANE THERESE DE LA ROSA DORILAG - 84.00 

           (10) KARL JAYSON GENTUGAO CAÑETE - 83.80

I'm so proud and happy. Keep it up! :)

Ice Cream Cake for My Weary Soul

I don't know but for some reasons, I find it hard now to trust and love people. It's like I'm always afraid people would turn out differently when I really get to know them. Plus, my familial relationship isn't that good these past 6 months.

I have a lot of dreams. I have a lot of goals, but I find myself working so hard yet going nowhere. It's like I know what I want, I want it badly and I know I'll get there BUT how and when?

I wish I could just openly tell you everything. By that, I mean "every" thing. Haha. But I know I couldn't, so I'm just gonna tell you that yesterday, I went out with a Korean friend. Her name's Yerin. She's a lot younger than me but she thinks differently. There are even times when I feel like she's more mature and confident in her decisions.

She'll probably be staying here for the next couple of years, so I'm really gonna have a lot of fun with her. Anyway, it was our first time to go out together yesterday after asking permission from her father, who by the way, used to be a popular football figure in Korea.

Anyway, we had a good time. We talked and talked. We shared secrets and talked about the future. I'd tell her my frustrations and she'd tell me hers. Then, we both end up comforting each other and laughing in the end. Hahaha. 

The picture on top is an ice cream cake from Maridel's here in Iloilo. It's located at the Plazuela Iloilo. They sell lots of cakes and they all taste yummy and sweet (HAHA). I wanted to have coffee but they only serve brewed so I opted not to order instead. Well, this ice cream cake really made me feel a lot better.

Here's to my weary heart. I hope everthing's gonna turn out just fine... Bon appetit!

Out with the Old, In with the New

We live in an era where being up-to-date defines status in the human hierarchy. People find more credibility and trust on institutions, hospitals, government offices and the like using the latest technology be it for simple customer service or for diagnosing one's health.

It's the latest so far here in Iloilo City: The Siemens SOMATOM Definition AS CT Scanner

The hospital where I am presently working is in the process of restructuring itself so as to resemble that of her mother hospital in Manila. The hospital, all together with it's doctors, nurses and other staff, have been working hand-in-hand to reach the goal of becoming the best in the region.Thus, they use the lastest possible gadgets and health care delivery system in dealing with their clients. 

I must say the first time I worked at this hospital, everything about what I had learned before as a student in our university suddenly crumbled to pieces. It's not that I'm not proud of where I came from and the hospital where we were trained, but this is just the "ideal" setting so to speak.

Below is a picture of a Siemens CT Scanner that we presently use in our hospital. If I'm not mistaken, the hospital takes pride in owning this doll for it's the first in Western Visayas. It can make 128 slices in 5 to 10 seconds. 

Uses voice-recorded instructions depending on client's primary language

Not only does it relieve anxiety and perhaps fear for claustrophobics, it also saves a lot of time and energy. Also, this techie machine uses voice-recorded instructions in different languages. All you have to do is press the button for the language of your choice.

Fascinatingly Back

It's been a long time since I made my last blog entry. I feel like I've really missed a lot, so now I bring you an update of what has been going on in my life recently...

Guess who's back! That's me and my friend, Maggi in our white nurse uniforms.

1. I quit my previous job.

Yes, teaching has become something very important to me now. I never imagined I would fall in love with teaching this badly. I used to tell my mom that I would never- ever become a teacher. I often wondered why teachers loved their profession when all they get are tons and tons of stress from shouting, getting impossible things done, being misunderstood "a lot", burning midnight oils for endless lesson plans, et cetera.

Sigh. It really is difficult to teach, but hey! I like it. Maybe I'm not really a "real" teacher. For one, I didn't finish B.S. in Education and two, I don't work for a real school or university for that matter. I used to work in a language center and it's a lot easier than teaching a group of maybe 30 to 40 students in a day. All you have to do is just wait in your cubicle for your student to come, close the door and start conversing. The difficult part sets in when you have to make your student speak. Of course, they can't speak well! That's why they're in your center. Sometimes, I find it sooo difficult to talk to a student who doesn't even understand a simple question like: "Where do you live?" Haha.

However, things began to change. Every single day didn't feel like a day to fret. It was exciting for me to go and teach students. My favorite days were when my students thanked me a lot for teaching them. You know that feeling when they tell you: "Oh, really?", "Ahhh... (A sign they understood you or simply a sign that they heard it from you for the first time.)"... and the list goes on. I can't quite simply express to you how good it feels to teach. Sometimes, it gets a little overwhelming that I start to cry. Alone, that is. Haha.

Anyway...

2. I was accepted as nurse trainee in a new hospital. 

Yeah! Sounds weird. huh? In the Philippines, thousands of nurses a year work for jobs they weren't meant to do or simply end up doing nothing at home, being useless parasites to their parents because:

a. Number of Nurses > Available Hospitals

b. Government Funds for Medical Services = Not Enough (Thus, the 1:35 ratio of nurses to patients.)

c. The popular trend of: " There are only two major courses in the Philippines: (1) nursing and (2) other courses."

d. Revenge. Most of us nurses didn't choose our careers. Our parents did! Thus, some people add insult to injury by being big, fat parasites watching TV the whole day and getting drunk and wasted at night. Sigh. I can't understand why they have to be losers and give up! Hey! It's not the end of the world. Prove to them that you're big enough. Give nursing a shot and if it doesn't work, go out and set sail! Travel and find what you really love to do and do it for Chrissake!!!

Anyway, it's a happy and warm "Congratulations!" for me. Hey! Not everyone gets the chance to be a part of the hospital where I work. I mean it's not that big and popular here yet but I know it will soon be. Haha. The main branch in Ortigas is like 'ohmygod' big and popular, so sooner or later it's just gotta keep up with it's mother branch.

I will be working here for 2 months more. Maybe on the second week of September, I will be done. I am sooo much hoping that I will graduate being part of the top 25 so I  can work at this hospital. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed til then. Tah tah.

After I finish, I might be reviewing for IELTS and taking TESL for my certification in case I want to work abroad as a teacher or something. Well, they're not definite and a lot of things can happen. I just hope that by the time I finish, I could easily decide so I wouldn't be wasting much of my time...

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. Give me some advice in case you feel there's something I'm not doing right in my life right now BECAUSE I'm dying to know. Hahaha.  :)

Cute Ring

I bought this ring from a shop here in Iloilo. It's my favorite place for unique yet affordable finds. I have always been looking for that serpentine type of ring, which I never found until now. However, as I stepped into the shop, I found this by accident and fell in love with it the first time I laid my eyes on it. There are stones (of course, they're not diamonds!) in blue and white colors. 

I really love the way it hugs into my ring finger and make all the people notice it immediately as soon as I write something or do something that has to involve the use of my hands. Accessorizing, I believe, should be something every woman should know. Although natural beauty is better than artificial, let's admit it, accessories and jewelries add that stunning look and feel to every woman- making her look all the more beautiful and sophisticated.

Have a nice day :)

Ayala Cebu

I really enjoyed strolling inside this mall. It has a unique structure and I love how they were able to think of putting up that colorful landscape outside for the people to enjoy. Inside, the mall's a little big and the stores are nice. I remember going inside Forever 21. There also lots of restaurants to choose from.

Sometimes, I am reminded of the airport when I see this photo. Lol.

We looked like we were really having a good time. Haha. At that time, we really did except the time when we had to go back home. I really felt exhausted and the sun was sooo hot.

Another view from the outside. This is a one-with-nature shot. Hahaha.

Wardrobe Panic

Looking at this mess makes me want to puke! I'm not exaggerating but my clothes look better than this if I just have enough time to fix them.

Lately, I've been very busy to the point of being not able to prepare my clothes the night before.

Thus, I always end up eating less than my usual breakfast and putting on make-up in less than 10 minutes.

Sigh. I really want to unwind. Say go to the beach.

Wear my swimwear and simply enjoy the sun and the feel of cold smoothie going down my throat. Hahaha.

How detailed! 

However, I can't. I just wish I had more time for myself. I also end up wearing not-so-good clothes so I end up wearing an outfit I never really wanted to wear. Sometimes, it just pisses me off to think that I could've worn something better had I prepared it the night before.

Maybe I need to use my time wisely and try my best to balance my time. :(

Tukila with Friends

These were photos of me and my friends drinking TUKILA WITH FRIENDS, a mixed drink of Tequila and something else. We ordered another pitcher. This time it was a MANGGA TUKILA (Mango Tequila). By the way, it's TUKILA because the place's name is TUKI. 

 This one's the unique and cute menu. Almsot everything had a TUKI word in it. Hahaha. 

Dining at Ponsyon by Breakthrough

I've always wanted to travel, see many beautiful places and of course, EAT! Perhaps one of the best things about my working as a teacher in a language center is that I get to dine out in different restaurants, go to different places and do a lot of exciting activities I never thought were possible. 

Aligue Rice and Grilled Pork Belly

I mean, I'm definitely not Ms. Congeniality and I often hesitate to do things or try something new, but with my students, I feel like I've got nothing to lose. They make me value and live life as if it were my last. Sometimes, I do regret ever spending that much at the end of day, but after a long time and I start reminiscing about the past... It just makes me happy and smile.

Grilled Managat

Anyway, these were shots at Ponsyon, a restaurant by Breakthrough at Plazuela de Iloilo. Breakthrough's really a popular restaurant here in Iloilo especially when it comes to seafood. They've got all the mouth-watering Filipino dished you could ever think of! The famous Breakthrough restaurant is situated in Villa, but Ponsyon is located at Plazuela de Iloilo near SM City.

Your money's worth it and the waiters and waitresses are just so kind and polite. 

Grilled Pork Belly = Ssamgyupsal for Koreans

Teacher Yuri and my third dad, Jay Jeon

NEO News Plus

You may have forgotten so let me reiterate that I am a presently working as a teacher at NEO International Language Center. I've been working full-time for almost 6 months now. However, I am planning to leave and pursue my nursing career as mandated by Parents and Relatives Act of 2012.

That's me and Teacher Carl

I really feel bad about leaving especially that the staff as well as my students have played such an important role in changing the way I view life, work and love in general. I really don't want to go but the law is the law. Do I have a choice? Yeah. Sure I do. I can actually decide but it's going to be one month of cold war in the house. Haha. 

Me and my boys
From L to R: Teacher Erl, Teacher Ronnie and Teacher Renz

Deciding on what to do next. Boy did we feel nervous!

Well that's me, and I look pregnant! Hahaha.

Anyway, enough of my UNSURE future. Let's just hit it with my post about our school's activity for the month of March.It's NEO News Plus. Well before I touch that subject any deeper, I'd like to inform you that our school holds monthly activities for the students to enjoy. [Hmm. Did I say enjoy?]

Anyway, these were some shots my student took during the event:

From L to R: Teacher Steve, Richie, Renz and Sandy

Sir Johnny, Ms. Sky, Teacher Clara, Ms. Janice and Teacher Renz

Our panel of judges (although it's not so clear)
From L to R: Teacher Clara, Mel and Yuri

Alain

Awarding of the Winner

Best Student of Month: Shota Komukai

The birthday celebrators: Teacher Hans, Teacher Vito and Teacher Pauleen
(Actually, there were a lot more but only the 3 of them showed up to receive their cake.

Singing a Korean song with Teacher Clara and Jaewon Kim

That's Teacher Tom assisting his student

A song number from Japanese student Yasutaka Kishimoto

There were four more contestants. However, these were the only shots we got.

Photo Credit:  ©Kyungmin Joo

Top 4 Things I Can Probably Never Live Without

These are perhaps one of the many things one can find in my 'beauty' purse. I'll discuss each one and tell you just how happy and satisfied I am with them.

From L to R: Loreal Bare Natural Mascara, Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick,

Mary Kay Matte-Wear Foundation and Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer

1. Loreal Bare Natural Mascara

This one's pretty handy and it comes in an animal print design on the outside making it look like some fashionable accessory in your bag instead of 'it' looking like a real cosmetic thingy.

It really lives up to its name: Bare Natural. When you put it on, it really gives that natural look on you lashes. It's just wonderful! Just don't forget to shake it before using though. This gives better results.

2. Revlon Superlustrous Pearl/ Sparkling Cider Lipstick
This lipstick is really one of my favorites since it gives your lips that natural and almost 'nude' color. It's pretty simple yet it leaves that little demure metallic glow after putting it on. This one's really nice to wear on the day time and especially when you're wearing pastel-colored shirts and skirts.

3. Mary Kay Matte-Wear Foundation

Every woman should know that foundation serves as our protection against the heat and dust. Whenever you put on foundation, you are preventing dust to penetrate your pores and eventually cause the growth of pimples.

This foundation had been my favorite since I was in college. I had been using this for almost 6 years now. It's always so good to use. It gives your skin that natural look. This foundation comes in different shades to suit the color of your skin like Ivory 1 (for Caucasians maybe), Ivory 2 (a little darker shade), Beige 2 (for most Filipinos and Asians with not so fair skin) and Beige 4 (for the darker ones).

This product is especially made for oily-skinned individuals who'd like to get rid of those excess oil. It's just 29mL but believe me, I can consume one tube in a span of almost 2 years. No need to worry. This product expires 3 years after you buy it. So no stress. :) By the way, this one's got no SPF++ factor so it can't basically protect you from the sun, so the next one's my solution to that.

4. Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer

The reason why it's called tinted moisturizer is that it's got color or shade (tint) and it already contains moisturizer so you don't need to apply moisturizer before applying it unlike the Mary Kay Matte-Wear Foundation. It's got SPF++ also so you don't need to hide under wide umbrellas. Haha.

Anyway, I really like to use this one especially when I'm in a hurry and I anticipate to be under the sun for a long time. The drawback is that you need to retouch often or use your mineral pressed powder to keep your skin looking dry and smooth. It's got moisturizer so you can expect a little greasiness. Nonetheless, it's really good.

So, these are the reasons why I just love these four!

Hope you learned something from me today.

Have a happy Sunday! :)

Retro Phone

This Retro Phone was a present to me by someone pretty special and close to my heart. The phone's really cute plus you can use it for your iPhone.

It's really chic and elegant! They come in different colors and this one's a hot pink. 

It may not be that convenient especially when you go for a device to help you free your hands from anything but it's pretty cute. Giving it as a present is simply such a sweet idea.. :)

Casa Verde Restaurant

If you want to enjoy mouthwatering and great-tasting food, 

take a time to visit Casa Verde restaurant in Cebu City, Philippines. 

This is Casa Verde's Special: Brian's Baby Back Ribs

The platter is way too big and eventhough it tastes really good, 

I can't consume the entire platter by myself.

And this me enjoying a glass of their watermelon smoothie...

This one's a green mango smoothie...

My cousin-- savoring everything at Casa Verde.

Aside from the good food, the place has got that "homey" environment.

The waiters and waitresses are really friendly and accommodating. 

  I forgot this one but this one's a Banana Boat thingy... :)

The cake in the center really tastes good! Soft and moist! Hmm...

 ~Fin~