Current Reads

Gah! I really can't keep up with the blog, failed at the blog challenge, but anyhoo, I will still post random thoughts and some of the challenge topics when I have the time. In the past month, I've been going overboard on book buying, I feel like it's been a long time since I managed to read a book from cover to cover. For now, I'm currently reading these:

Yeah, I read several books in the same period of time. Some, I finish faster than the others.

Blog challenge Day 3: The farthest you've been from home

Okay, I failed at the everyday blogging part, but whatever, I'll still finish the thirty days of blogging.
Last year, I was very lucky to be given the chance to present a paper in an econometric confidence in London, UK! I would never have thought it possible that I would get to see any part of Europe for real. It's just too expensive. But, last year, God just gave me blessing upon blessing and this was one of the most memorable ones.

Me, on London Bridge, with the London Eye behind

Midnight Mercato

It was our second time to go to mercato centrale.

So many people!

There was so much yummy food, so much variety that it was hard to choose what to try. Here are some of the ones we selected:

Bacon Kani and Bacon Prawn for our appetizers

Roast beef with mashed potatoes

Lechon!

Kebabs

Juice

French Macarons for Dessert

Fun experience, filled bellies. But of course, it would be even more enjoyable if it was easier to park and the EDSA traffic wasn't so bad. But it's still worth the hassle. Haha.

The midnight Mercato is open in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, from 10pm on Saturdays. (Not so sure about Fridays)

Blog Challenge Day 2: A song that makes you cry...or nearly

I forgot to publish this last night...

The one song that makes me tear up every single time that I hear it, on the radio, at weddings, on tv, in public (embarassing) is:

I will be here, by Gary Valenciano.

People who know me well know that I'm not the mushy, touchy-feely type. I have an aversion to sentimental words and actions, and yet, hearing this song never fails to make me cry a little. Not the sad, miserable type of crying, of course. I love the message and feeling this song conveys, a love so gentle, so secure and so protective. A love that you know will last for a lifetime. Not just romantic love, it can come from God, your father, brother or friend.

Anyway, it's a really beautiful song and I think the person who posted this video on youtube did a really good job with the backgrounds and all. It just fits.

Sometimes, it's okay to be mushy. Haha. :D

Blog Challenge Day 1: A picture that makes you happy

Due to lack of inspiration leading to a lack of posts, I decided to scour the net for blog topics and take on a 30-day blog challenge. I hope this inspires me to blog more regularly. :)

This picture was taken at Universal Studios in Sentosa last July when our whole family went to Singapore . Aside from the obvious happiness of being able to get our picture taken with Po (",), I'm very grateful to have had an opportunity to spend a few days bonding with my family.

I left Baguio, my hometown, at 15 years old when I decided to study in Quezon City. From that time until today, I go home around 4-5 times a year, a few days at a time. In 2006, my mom joined me here in Manila, then my brother followed in 2007, leaving my Dad and my other brother in Baguio. In 2008, my mom became an OFW in Saudi, returning home only last July. For most of my life, even when we were still children, that has been the situation: at least one family member (usually one of my parents) is away, either in another city or another country altogether. We're used to it, but it makes times like this particularly special and memorable.

We spent 4 days in Singapore, taking lots of pictures, walking around and shopping. We explored Chinatown, Raffles, Orchard Road, Sentosa and Universal Studios. We ate mostly at the hawkers, trying out the local fare and other delicacies. It was also an opportunity for us to spend time with our relatives who are based there, catching up on each other's lives. Except maybe for the food, I love everything about Singapore. The cleanliness, the houses, the transportations sytem, the shopping, haha. I'm hoping that soon, I'll have an opportunity to stay there for longer.