Mammoth

After a very stressful week, I feel the need  to just go out and relax.  So, my boyfriend and I went out to watch the European Film Festival in Ayala Center Cebu which started last Sept 30.  Thanks to my friend who informed me about the festival as we were able to catch up with the last day.  We were lucky to have watched two movies Mosquito's Tango(Slovakia) and Mammoth(Sweden).  The movies are entertaining, heartbreaking, and most of all it's free...

I'm glad I let go of my plan to just sleep as I have not enough sleep the past days.  The first movie from Slovakia has a good story but I think it fails to present the highlight or the climax of the story effectively to the audience.  But the second movie  Mammoth from Sweden really caught me by surprise as there are Filipino actors and actresses involved.  The plot is something that every Filipino can relate to.  It's about the life, struggles, sacrifices, pain and the longing of loved ones of Filipinos working abroad.  The movie reminds me of the importance of family and relationships.  It's kind of ironic that we work so hard for our family but in effect our work brings us far from them.  It hurts to think that after all the hardwork and pain, we grow apart from our family.  This is the sad reality.

Reality indeed bites.  So, I thank God for my family, friends and my boyfriend for being part of my life.  I'm so blessed.  Just like the Mammoths who were here a long time ago but are not forgotten, we  should not forget our families...they are priceless.

Crossroads

So many times in our lives, we come to a point when we are in a crossroad.  We turn to left left, turn to the right, look forward or look back.  Indeed, undecided. 

Events happen that makes us confused and bewildered of what actions to take.  Whether we move on or just go back.  I've been in a lot of crossroads in my life, there those that I dared to cross forward and there those that I just turned back and succumbed to fear.  Yes, fear paralyzes even the bravest, the richest, the most popular or even the most powerful person on earth.  Fear of rejection, fear of betrayal, fear of being ridiculed and laughed at, fear of not being loved in return, fear getting hurt, fear of failure, fear of losing our loved ones...the list is long.  As I recall, there are a lot of things that I should have done but I did not because of my fears.  Some of them I regret and keeps me asking "What if?". What if I crossed the road.  What is in the other side?  Would I be happier now if did that? However, there are times that in spite of my fears, discouragement from other people and challenges, I moved on and close  my eyes and let God's hand take the wheel in my life.  And I'm glad I did, because now I know that after overcoming fear and strong faith is unmeasurable fulfillment and real joy.

I believe everything happens for a reason and God has His plans for me.  I know that when I am in a crossroad, He is there is guide me which road to take...

JOEds Lutong Hapon, Japanese Food for the Cebuanos

Had another satisfying dinner tonight in one of our favorite restaurant JOEd's Lutong Hapon  now located in their new place Enmore Residence, Jose Avila St. Capitol Cebu City just beside the Sacred Heart School for Girls.  I had my favorite Pork Carbi while my partner had the Beef Teriyaki. Lutong Hapon as it is commonly called offers affordable Japanese food to its clients, allowing ordinary people like us to taste Japanese food which we know are expensive. 

I still remember when we had our first taste of Katsudon and Karegodon back in Mabolo it was indeed a "Carenderia Lutong Hapon".  It was far from being a called a restaurant then.  After that first experience, we came to love this restaurant because of the various choices, the excitement we get every time we get to taste another menu, the cool staffs who greets you in chorus as you step in the door and the chance to take home the chopsticks(hehehe) so I can practice at home.

Entrance of JoEd's Lutong Hapon.

For the price and the quality of food and service, I say this ones a must try in Cebu.

Money, money, money...makes the world go round.

If I have the money like Jingky Pacquiao, I would have taken my breakfast in Thailand, lunch in Japan and dinner in Paris(wishful thinking!). Unfortunately, I don't have "Manny" but God permits I see myself taking my pictures on those places.  On the positive side, I can visit our own domestic destinations with airline promos, free ticket from my sister(hehehe) and good weather.

When we think of traveling, it's synonymous to MONEY.  However, I always believe that going to new places doesn't need to be expensive.  You can always find ways to enjoy and not spend to much.  Watch out for airline promos, look for affordable accommodations, scour for affordable but good food, pack your own food or look for a friend in that place to tour you around and treat you out(saves a lot!).

In my blog, I will share to you our tricks and tips of our real experiences to guide you in your plans. No sugar coating.

Finally! I'm blogging.

Last night my niece was asking me to help her in her assignment that is to make a story of the monkey and the turtle fighting over the banana tree.  Who doesn't know about the story of the monkey and the turtle, right? Suddenly, the smell of writing again came to my senses and I realized I indeed missed writing.

Back in elementary and high school days, I 've always love to read and write.  When I was in college and at present, I'm still reading and writing...computer programs. Since then, I missed those times when I lay in the couch or in my bed with a good book and doze off to sleep with a book in my face.  Anyway, times have past and things have changed and it might have been quite a long time since I was able to finish a book (yeah, I tried to start reading E-books but it  seems I can't seem to finish one, hehehe) but I've been able to do things I wasn't able to do when I was a teen and that is...to travel.


I've always been fascinated with the thrill and the excitement of going to new places. I love to learn the lifestyle, the beauty, the people, the culture and please don't forget the food of different places. I stand by this motto of mine "travel if you can and while you can". "You can" if you have the money, the time, the right timing and good company. "While you can", if you have good health.  If you have this, travel now.


Finally, indeed this is my first blog.