Grab a book and finish it.

So today I decided to do something I haven't done in a while. Instead of driving around to run errands I chose to take the bus and the MRT to my destination. It was kind of fun, considering that I was spared of the famous and always annoying EDSA traffic. To accompany me on my journey I took this book called Fat Cat with me, something I got hold of thanks to my sister Louise. A book which she also borrowed from her classmate. She was supposed to return it yesterday but I practically begged her not to. It's a long weekend and a good read is exactly what I needed. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a short-term relationship for I was able to finish it in less than 24 hours. I have to give myself props for 1.) being able to read while on the bus- Coming from someone who feels a sudden gush of motion sickness by reading a two-liner text message while on the road, this really is something. 2.) being able to finish a book on my usual time frame. (Eat Pray Love was good but it took me months). I remember I wanted to get to my destination quick but I was also half wishing for a little delay (thanks to the usual Imus-Bacoor traffic) just so I can crack open Fat Cat and read some more. It really is a good read. Somehow, I was reminded of the days when I was following the lives of Jessica & Elizabeth Wakefield of Sweet Valley Junior High (I hope this doesn't give you a clue how long ago this was) but Fat Cat is loads, loads better. It is fast-paced, hilarious and close to reality. Most importantly, this young adult novel has a heart. It shows a girl's transformation from a fat nobody to a hot somebody. It's not all about the looks, though. It's about setting a goal for yourself and working real hard to get it. It's about the value of real friends and the gifts of forgiveness. :)

I told you I will catch up.

It's been a year since my last real post. Not counting my promise featured on the last post, that is. A lot of things have changed. For one, I am now working as a Sales Engineer in this company in Metro Manila. We deal with various industries from Semiconductor Electronics to blah blah blah. I could go on and on and on but it'll be no fun. The cool thing about my job though is I get to travel frequently and talk to various kinds of people. To some it may appear typical just like any other jobs out there but its the part where I learn a lot of new things and try things I haven't tried before. Most of my free time were still spent on traveling. Basically, I am just enjoying the 'fruits of thy labor' going places.

Last year's highlight was when I flew to Phuket, Thailand for the Phenom-World Sales Meeting. T

his was my first trip out of the country. Though the trip was mainly for work, I sure did enjoy it a lot. Lots of firsts for me, gained a couple of acquaintances. Some I'm still in touch until now both about business and personal.

We stayed at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. I instantly fell in love with the place!

My favorite place at the Dusit Thani.

This is the view from my hotel room window.

I've also been to lots of beautiful places for the past months. Take a look!

It was August last year when I visited Zambales together with a couple of friends. We went to Anawangin Cove. Seconds after our boat sailed off I knew that I'd always want to go back this place. I was simply blown away!

Great friends are always travel must-haves! They never fail to convert a simple weekend getaway to something special & ultra-amazing!

Balite Falls in Amadeo, Cavite has already been my favorite spot when I want to go on a road trip during Saturdays. The cold water washes away all the stress & anxiety accumulated during the week days.

Gotta go to bed now. I have to be up early for the Sunday Mass. Until next time! :)

Love and Hot Air Balloons are in the Air.

For some reason, my 2009 journal entry for February 14 is "I now officially dislike V-day. :(" I can barely remember why, but since it is evident that that day belongs to the not too good memories of the not so distant past, I refuse to ponder on it any longer. In fact, my February 14 this year is way too much fun that it makes up for last year's and some other days of its kind.

This year's Valentine's day celebration was a Sunday of everything that flies! I gladly spent the day with friends at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga for the 15th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

We took an hour and a half bus ride from the Cubao Terminal to Dau, Mabalacat then another 15 minute ride to Clark Freeport Zone. We arrived there at lunch time, so naturally we missed the first flight of the hot air balloons scheduled at 5:30 to 7:oo in the morning. (There were over 22 hot air balloons from all over the world.)

After lunch, we busied ourselves watching the Skydiving and Kite Flying Exhibitions followed by the Light Airplane Flyby while we patiently waited for the Valentine's day Flowers and Candy Drop scheduled at 3 pm. Now this part is a bit disappointing because I didn't see any flowers but I did see three candies fell from the air. (Yes, I counted. It's either there were only three or I just wasn't in a good spot during the Candy Drop.)

To make up for the Valentine's Day Flowers and Candy Drop, amazing Aircraft Formation Flights and Paragliding Exhibition soon followed.

The highlight of the 15th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta for it's final day was the Valentine's Fireworks to cap off the event. The Valentine's Night Glow was another wonderful sight too. This time, the hot air balloons went up to lit the night sky and to add a romantic glow into the night.

This is one Valentine's day I'd always remember. And eventhough I could hardly feel my legs by the time I got home, I'd take the trade any day. :]