Finally!

I have not written anything for the longest time, but today seems like a good day to write something and I want to be able to look back and smile, cry and maybe even laugh while reading this... This... Milestone.

So, why FINALLY? Well, I've heard this word countless times last month (this article was meant for January but due to time restraints, I'm only posting this now) so why not name the article that? Where exactly do I begin? Uhmmmm.. Before I continue, I just want to say that this a love story. LOL! Beginning of a love story to be exact. If you are not a fan of romance it's not yet too late to back out.

A few months ago, just being my quiet old self, I saw this guy named Jeff who also works in the same company as I do. I said hi, I'm no Miss Congeniality, I even have a resting b***h face. But, I do say hi to everyone I know. And this guy, I met him once in the recruitment area, I remember he was going to transfer to this gaming account, and met him again in Boracay back in 2012, we were actually in the same group as in same group of friends (coincidence? Maybe). Going back... So I happened to bump into him in the locker area, he looked at me and faked a smile. Okay, so I figured he doesn't remember me. It didn't really matter to me. This was, I think November 2014. So, my life, of course continued. After a few days, I saw him again and I said hi again. And still, he looked dumbfounded. I think I even commented "di mo na ko matandaan?" haha! Same thing happened on the 3rd time I said hi to him.

A few days or weeks after that, I got a message on facebook and it was from Jeff. Sooo, someone did a research. LOL! We chatted for hours, and to be honest I thought he was, uhmmmm, interrogating me asking me a lot of stuff like where I live, etc (this was still in November). We talked for a few hours, then that was that.


After a few weeks, 2 weeks or so if I'm not mistaken. I got a message from him again. We talked almost the entire day, talked about a lot of things and out of the blue he asked me why I'm single, so I explained that I didn't really have the time to date given my current situation. I am a single mom so I thought it would be emotionally and physically draining to be in a relationship. And I also told him that no one has really asked me out on a date, after saying that he immediately said "sine tayo". My initial reaction was... What?! Sine agad?! I felt like I was cornered, put on the spot. And wasn't really able to respond how I would really want to respond. Thinking straight, I would say, I really don't have time for this but instead I said, "ayoko ng movie, okay lang coffee or milk tea" and he said, "okay so it's a date?". I just said, "date agad?" "let's not call it a date, let's just chill."





Okay, so we did "chill", "hung out". First impression? My first impression was, PRESKO! LOL! I think I explained this to him, presko because, first of all you didn't recognize me, and when you finally did, you messaged me on facebook and then asked me out the second time we talked.But, he did explain that that was him nervous. Ohhhhkkaaayyy.

So the first time we hung out went okay, we talked about anything and everything but still, I thought we didn't have that much chemistry so I was thinking there won't be any follow up after this. (Or maybe that was just me, telling myself there shouldn't be a follow up) 

So I managed to turn that to a "non date".  I really have no plans of getting into a relationship, not even dating. My priorities are set straight, I have set rules for myself and I didn't want anything interfering with that. I remember I told him this before I agreed to go out with him, I told him my son is my priority. What he said was this, "yeah I understand, but eventually you're going to need a partner who will help you and support you...", I was like, what? But I guess that was one of the reasons I said yes, he seemed genuine enough so why not give it a try, and my best friend also told me "Okay, so you don't want to be in a relationship, but at least give yourself a chance. Who knows you might find a friend in 

Days passed, and exchanging of messages became a daily routine. We do work in the same company and site, but I told him that I wanted this to be discreet and just keep things on the down low. For the reason that, I didn't want to feel pressured and I didn't want to be teased, considering the fact that I was the only person in the qa red room who has been single for years (morning shift only I think) Sad truth. LOL! Only a few people knew that we we're errrr, dating and by few I meant two, very dear friends. ^wink^ They both made things lighter cause I get to talk to them about it.

Going back to what my best friend told me... What she said stuck with me like glue. And I was beginning to like him too, so one day I told him, I don't get to see you that much and I think it would be better if we hang out more or maybe walk me to the mrt after my shift so we can talk and catch up. So we did hang out that day, and this became a routine too. Well, not a daily routine though, but it was good cause I was getting to know him better. (And that song, we're getting to know each other a little too well, starting to show our feelings and people can tell... Started playing in my head) LOL! Well, it is only fitting.

(Grabbed this status from a friend in FB and it sort of became a wake up call for me. Hehehehhe!)

Okayyyy, so a few more days passed... We went out to see my best friend this was on January 10th and it was that same day that we really got to talk (well, we got to talk hours before my friend came, since she's always so fashionably late. We had the chance to have quality time away from work) and we got to know each other very well. I must say, "feeling high school" is the best term to describe this day with matching HHWW (OMG! I hope I am not too old for that. And for those who are wondering, I am 5 years older than Jeff).



Okay, so I was close to saying yes. I couldn't help it, the guy is just so affectionate and it rubbed off on me. All those years of building my walls, came to a halt. YES! I like him too. What I did, I prayed hard. (Actually, I have been praying since the day he asked me out, until now) I wanted to make the right decision this time around. I waited a few more days, but of course he already knew that I liked him too. A few more days passed, the papal visit, in which the photo he uploaded on our walls caused quite a stir.

Then his birthday, January 21st 2015, it was official. Then this caused chaos in Facebook, "Monica Halcon is now in a relationship with Jefferson Ang".

So there, finally final na. So far things are going smoothly. I'm sure things will also get bumpy, just remember the "21 things" and we'll both be fine. =)

And I just would like to add, I love a lot of things about you but what I love the most is how you treat Kobe and how Kobe likes you. ;)

I love you Jefferson Ang! Happy puso day to you.

Charmed Binondo Girl

It was a sunny Monday morning when I decided to go to Binondo, particularly in Ongpin. What lead me to this short field trip was my cousins Tibetan Mantra bracelet. 

The yellow one is the Tibetan Mantra Bracelet, @ P650

                          

The night before, we were having a chat when I noticed his bracelet, black in color and has gold characters inscribed on it. So I asked what's that? That's when he said that it's a charm bracelet that gives good luck and blocks all the bad vibes, he has experiences to prove that it is indeed lucky.

I strongly believe in the power of prayer, and I hear mass every Sunday. But I guess, it's okay to believe in something, something that is far from the tradition and culture that you grew up in and far from things that you are familiar with. But, I had this strong urge telling me to go get yourself one. So I went to Ongpin! (Ongpin is a long street that stretches from Santa Cruz, Manila to Binondo)

                                       

I guess you'll also get this look on your face if it's your first time here. Amazed by the dragons and gargoyles that can be seen along the streets.

                                                   

Binondo has a rich history, and you can even say that they have their own culture. Well, they have a chinese culture and tradition. Binondo or Chinatown as it is fondly called is believed to be the head of the dragon based on chinese beliefs. 

A lil trivia---Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594. Binondo was created as a permanent settlement for Chinese immigrants (wiki). So you can just imagine the history, the people and the rich culture that lies in this place.

Feeling turista. Well, it's not very often that I get to walk the streets of Ongpin, although Binondo is just a few steps away from where I live. 

                                              

Okay, back to the trip!

Before I reached the store where my cousin got the bracelet, I had a short but fun trip in Binondo.

First stop, said a lil prayer...

The Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz or most popularly known as Binondo Church. Lighted candles for my prayer intentions.

A sight for sore eyes

                                           

                                                                       

Next stop, Lunch!

There are lots of Chinese restaurants in the area, but what caught my eye was this vegan resto.  New Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian, there are so many customers inside, which is a good sign coz it means it's good and affordable.

                                          

Had steamed broccoli, Bicol express (meat magic), shabu-shabu and kiampong rice. Everything there looked so yummy and very affordable. The big bowl of shabu-shabu costs P150, if I'm not mistaken 1 viand+rice costs P50, 2 viands+rice P70 add P10 for kiampong rice and add P20 for fried rice. :)

Next, snack!

A trip to Binondo wouldn't be complete if you didn't go to Eng Bee Tin, the famous hopia store. Also Salazar's one of the oldest bakeshop in that area.

                               

                                         

And after the long walks, the food trips, I have reached the shop where the bracelet was bought. We didn't know the name of the shop, so we had to ask around. The only mark my cousin remembers was the construction building in front and the red building. Glad we found it!

If you see this red establishment, the shop is right in front of it.

               

This is it!

                                              

This is Miss Gina, such a doll. :)

Very accommodating even to Filipino customers, which in my opinion is very rare. She did Feng Shui and suggested mantra bracelets that best suit me. The bracelets will be based on your lucky colors, in my case the colors are red, orange and yellow. The bracelets are blessed, and can not be worn or touched by anyone but you, otherwise your luck will go to the person who tried it on. Some of you might think this is crap, that's okay. I guess it's best to just respect each and everyone's belief. Let's all embrace positivity and release good vibes! ;)

                                             

And finally, this short trip is almost over we reached the end of Ongpin, across the street you can see another church called Santa Cruz Church.

Across the street is the beautiful Santa Cruz Church

Now have to head back to Binondo church, it's my way back home!

               

My son chillin' by the fountain while I have my last photo op in front of Binondo Church. Just a few more steps back home and this trip is over. Feeling lucky with my bracelet, and feeling happy with this trip.

                                          I was about to end this blog.. When my son suddenly wore my bracelet, the most important rule is not to let anyone touch and wear the bracelet or your luck might be transferred to them. So I had to go back to Binondo the following day.

Here's what happened...

It was Tuesday, my first working day of the week. While having breakfast, Madz, one of my team mates noticed my bracelet and asked if she can see it. So I immediately said, sorry but you can't touch it. She knew of these bracelets and asked me if I can buy her one. I said I'm going back there later, you can just come with me. So that afternoon 2 more office mates, Cath and Amilie tagged along including Madz and myself. This will be fun!

Just a quick shot in the street! Thanks for this pic Madz.

We reached Binondo quite fast, passed thru short cuts just to get there right away. We made it just in time, their shop closes at 6:30 P.M.

                                       

Miss Gina wasn't there that day, but the owner was as accommodating as she was so it was all good. The prices of the bracelets may vary, my office mates bracelets cost P800 but both our bracelets included a "Pampaswerte" it's a chinese envelope that has a prayer inside it. You put it inside your wallet, make sure to bring it with you wherever you go.  I got another bracelet, the one with the heart that one costs P300. :) 

Anyway, they had my bracelet blessed again for free, they will give you a calling card and if you have questions you can just send them a txt and they will be happy to txt you back. In case your bracelet gets broken, just bring it back to them so they can fix it and replace the lost beads.

Since it was a little bit late, we have decided to have dinner in the first restaurant that we see. That lucky restaurant was, Four Seasons. LOL!

                   

                            

The food was okay, the only food I can eat was broccoli. According to my friends, their food was good and affordable too. I wasn't able to take note of the prices and names of the food, we were all so tired and hungry then so we just ate right away, chat a little, and drank tea.

This trip was about to come to an end, we took some pictures and went for a short stroll.

             

                                                       Streets of Ongpin by night!

Last stop with my friends, it was getting late and the traffic was becoming heavier so we just had a quick stop at Salazar's bakeshop for some pasalubong.

The mongo hopia is a must-try! But I enjoyed the Lotus cream with red egg a lot!!!

                           

Mission accomplished! That was it, we were planning to go around some more but we still have work the following day. Overall, happy with the food, the purchases and most of all happy that I shared this experience with my friends. We were all tired but definitely enjoyed this short trip!

A positive attitude and good vibes will surely give you good luck!

Extra! 

On my way home, I passed by Lucky Chinatown Mall. I just thought these lanterns looked bright and pretty.

                            

                                          

 Till next time! Cheers!

    

Fun on the Run

So why write about this particular event? Cause it was a fun and share worthy experience. Fun runs seem to be a big hit in the Philippines, it has been around for quite a few years now. And most of them are for a good cause. Early this year my friends and I were lucky enough to be a part of a benefit fun run, portion of the fee went to super typhoon yolanda survivors.

A lot of my friends are now on a healthy diet, and are running. Running is a way of life now, as funny as it may sound but it's true. A lot of Filipinos have changed their lifestyle, and I think fun runs has a lot to do with it the more organizations organize a run, more people join and more people are encouraged to live a healthy life. Take this particular run as an example, 5K Color Dash organized by CCAP, my team mates and I joined not only because it was going to be fun but we are also on a race to having a fit and healthy lifestyle.

"Healthy living huh?" ;) LOL! Here are some photos.

                         
We arrived in BGC @ 5:30 A.M. we were all psyched and ready to run. 5K here we come! LOL!

Selfie before the run!


Seriously sweating it out...

                                                     

Taking a break, walking and posing. Honestly, most of the participants of this run were walking and just taking pictures. We are a bit guilty for all the selfies and pics we've taken, but we couldn't help it. Peace! 

 And I thought the paint was going to be sprayed for every kilometer you finish. But no, you have to put it on yourself which was kind of gross. The paint kinda looked like fertilizer only with color and it stinks too and it was inside a sack of rice. Oh well, what can I do? Color Dash nga eh, I wouldn't want to finish the run without any color on my shirt while everyone else looked like a face with smeared make up on. Hehe!

Oh so refreshing! Yes, I made it. We all made it!

Tryna be funny! Kasi fun run!

 

After party! I imagine zombies coming out of that thick smoke. LOL!

My victory jump. ^_^

And yes, I just have to make that jump! I think I only ran 3K out of the 5K, the other 2K were spent walking and picture taking.

This was definitely a fun and exhilarating experience. I would join another event like this, can't wait for the zombie run this November. I would surely win that if it were a race. LOL! Two thumbs up for this. It was all goooood!