South living

I've been a "North" girl all my life. I was born, raised, studied, lived in the Northern part of Metro Manila for more than 30 years now. But since I got married and we decided to build our home in the South, slowly I've been loving it here.

Though it's actually much closer to the business districts, I find the South area much more laid back. There's a certain vibe here that makes me want to stay more at home than go out. Or is it because I'm still knowing my way to the shopping malls? Haha. Unlike in the North where I exactly know the stores like the back of my hand.

I also love that the air here feels more fresh. Maybe because the factories are far far away in the provinces. Unlike in my parental place where there's a paper mill, a log factory, and a big brewery just around the corner. The water and air are so polluted.

But now I'll tell you what I like best living now in the South. This:

Yes! Seeing airplanes this big crossing the expressway every single day is so cool for my life! :-)

My Papa

Today is Father's Day and I would like to honor the man responsible for the being that I have become, my Papa.

He didn't reach college level. Parang hindi nga rin ata sya naka-graduate ng high school. My grandparents were so poor that they couldn't afford to send them to school, all 10 of them.

But based on their stories, my Papa was a smart kid. Honor student. It didn't matter that he had to walk 4-5 kilometers (1-way!) a day to get to his school. He was also a student athlete, sprint was his sports. Sya ang pambato ng school and even of their regional division. If I remember the stories rigt, he got scholarship because of this.

I don't know what happened along the way, why he didn't finish school. Must be because of their family's condition that he felt obliged to just work to help his family with the daily needs. He became a cab driver in Metro Manila. He's the best cab driver! He's honest with the fare and won't ask for anything extra. He is a very careful driver so you know you're in good hands.

When I was around four, he went to Saudi Arabia to earn more. He was the superstar driver! His employers liked him and will give him anything he wants. Except for long and regular vacation with us.

Yes, my Papa was unlike the other fathers with high-paying prestigious jobs. Yes, my Papa was not with us during my formative years. Yes, my Papa was not able to shower us with Disneyland trips whenever we liked it.

But my Papa taught me the value of independence. That I should not rely on anyone for my financial needs. That to reach my dreams I should study hard and work hard for it.

My Papa taught me honesty and integrity.

My Papa taught me the value of hardwork.  

My Papa taught me the value of friendship. He doesn't have many friends, but I can see that many people have high regard of him. They respect him.

These are the things that money can't buy. And I am glad that I have my Papa as an inspiration. I am so proud of you Papa. I love you very much!

For the book lovers out there

I am a book lover. And I mean, the printed ones. It's just unfortunate that I don't have the time to read as much as before. I've also accumulated a lot of books that I haven't even read that I just donated/gave away to friends and officemates.

Once it cross my mind to buy a Kindle or Kobo just so I could read anywhere, anytime. But aside from I cringed when I saw their price (they're affordable, mind you!), I can't seem to turn my back against paperbacks. Nothing can compare to the scent of new pages... ah, heaven!

I came across this Facebook post. I know it's not the same as today but still, it made me love and appreciate the printed ones even more!

https://www.facebook.com/Tenthandfourth/videos/342953712577550/

MyB and Car Racing and more!

MyB loves cars and car racing. He is a Formula One fanatic. Throw him a question and for sure he knows the answer. He’s like a walking Formula One encyclopedia. He loves it so much that I once gifted him with Gran Turismo PS3 game. I won the Best Girlfriend Award because of that, haha! And because I’m so exposed to anything Formula One related because of him, I feel like I know the sport too. For one, I know that Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger of Pussy Cat Dolls were once an item, haha! They broke up because Lewis is still not yet ready to settle down and wants to focus on world championship. They said if you are married, somehow your race will be affected. You’ll not be as daredevil as you used to be, of course you have to be careful because you know someone is waiting for you after the race. You tend to slow down, hence good bye podium finishes and world championship.

Aside from Formula One, he is also a follower of the endurance racing or 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also plays this on Gran Turismo as well :P This is like Formula One but the race goes on for 24 hours straight. A driver will race for two hours before a relief driver can take over during a pit stop while they eat and rest. Three drivers share each competing vehicle. Imagine! It will really test the endurance not only of the driver but also of the car.

Imagine my surprise when I saw McDreamy competing in Le Mans! Yes, Dr. Derek Shepherd err, Patrick Dempsey! Apparently, he has a team called Dempsey Racing and the last weekend’s race was his fourth try already. His team won 2nd place in the GTE-Am class! They drove a Porsche 911 lang naman! Ironically, he died in a car accident in Grey’s Anatomy, nyahaha!



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Mr. Grey versus Mr. Darcy

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Stumbled upon this photo from Instagram and all I can say was, Heck yeah!

In case you don't know, Mr. Darcy is from the novel Pride and Prejudice. I've read the novel and watched the movie adaptation too. It was the film I first saw Keira Knightley. The last scene in the lake was one of my favorite scenes ever! Watch this in YouTube so you know what I'm talking about. Even up to now when I watch it I get so kilig ! And you know what? I even named my then brand new HP laptop (which I scored during the Black Friday Thanksgiving sale in the US!) as.... Mr. Darcy! Haha!

Mr. Darcy is the epitome of a gentleman, aloof romantic hero. He is a man who puts other people's needs above his own. He will not take advantage of anyone. He is someone who will offer you marriage because he loves you and not because he wants your body.

Now, I've also read the 50 Shades of Grey (I was given an e-book :-p) but somehow I didn't have the ardent desire to watch the film. I even ditched the Grey movie in place of a local indie film. Uhm yeah, I will still watch it given the chance, but only if someone offers it for free :-p

Hands down, between the two men, I will still choose Mr. Darcy over Mr. Grey. A million times over. :)