ALY ♡

🍃 It's better to love and be in pain than to not love at all. 🌠 CHILD OF A GREAT KING//TWENTY

[alizzalee]

SPENDING HALLOWEEN ON TOP MT. HAPUNANG BANOI 

I know. Even I myself can’t believe that I am officially back at blogging again! *sheds tears of joy* I had been extremely busy lately due to my practicum training at Asiana Airlines so I was not able to update for so long. But hey, I’m back, so let us not make this any longer and here is my Mount Hapunang Banoi trip for you guys! 

I really had no other plans for my undas break last October 29 - November 2, so when my Asiana friends decided to go hiking last November 1, I just unknowingly found myself at Jollibee Farmers Cubao at 7 in the morning, all set to go mountain climbing that day. From Cubao, we took an fx going to Rodriguez, Rizal and upon reaching Rodriguez, a tricycle going to the Barangay Wawa. Upon arrival, we had to pay P50 for the registration fee and there we have also met our tour guide for the day. His name is Jaime. *he is the one doing the thumbs up sign in the photo* He was very accommodating during our entire hike and may God bless him for taking such great photos. This hike is very different from my first one (Mount Balagbag) since it now involves a lot of rock formations wherein arm and body strength are greatly needed. But I honestly found this hike easier that Mt. Balagbag maybe because of the cool weather when we went up, add to that the difference of the two in terms of height: Mt. Balagbag is higher at 777 MASL compared to Mt. Hapunang Banoi’s 517 MASL. 

Tip: there are stores along the way if you suddenly want to have a drink or snack in between your hike. But it is best to bring your own especially if you want to save some money. A liter of water there costs P45.

We started our hike at around 9 a.m. and reached the summit around 11 a.m. There were of course, several breaks and photo sessions along the way but we somehow managed to climb the mountain faster than what we had originally expected. *cheers to us* 

Here are some of our photos during our Mt. Hapunang Banoi climb:

Now if that did not inspire you to pack your bags and go hiking, I do not know what will. It was just my second hike and I know for sure that it will definitely not be my last! Thanks again for the awesome shots, Kuya Jaime! And credits also to Sir Laurence and his mighty Go Pro, as well as to Sir John, for the photos. 

Here is the breakdown of expenses:

Transportation (starting point is Cubao):

FX from Cubao to Rodriguez - P50/pax

Tricycle from Rodriguez to Brgy. Wawa - P20/pax

Tricycle from Brgy. Wawa going back to Rodriguez -P20/pax

FX from Rodriquez back to Cubao -P50/pax

Other Expenses:

Registration fee - P50/pax

Tour guide fee - P500 (we decided to give P100 each)

Use of CR - P10 (change clothes only) / P25 (with use of water)

Total: P300-P315 

Extra fund for food, transportation expense going to the meeting place and other emergency expenses: P150-200

Grand Total: P450-515

*It is safe to bring P600 for the whole trip and you are good to go*

We also passed by Wawa Dam upon descending but we weren’t able to come close to it due to the high tide on that day. That probably sums up our Mt. Hapunang Banoi hike, I don’t know if I have forgotten to mention several other things but feel fee to comment/message me if you like. I have also just recently climbed Mt. Batolusong, still in Rizal, so expect another mountain climbing post sometime in the near future. *So glad to be back hehe*

Lovelots,

Aly  ♡

[alizzalee]

OJT Experience at Philippines’ AirAsia

I have never thought I would be part of AirAsia since the idea never even bumped in to my mind. 'Til one day, I woke up to a text saying, "Good afternoon! This is Geraldyn from Philippines Airasia. After reviewing your application for OJT we would like to invite you here at the office for an interview. Kindly look for me. Please come on thursday June 30, 2016 10-11am in corporate attire. Thank you!". That is when I found out that my practicum adviser has sent my resumé to the company. I was hesitant at first but I thought to myself that there is no harm in trying and that there may be is a reason why I am being deployed in the said airline. Eventually, I did make it and started my internship under the Cabin Services Department.

During my first days in the company, I was excited with everything. I loved how I can be around pilots and flight attendants everyday aside from the admin people I work for. However, as days passed by, the excitement slowly faded away; I got bored of all the sitting I had until my butt hurt, and I got sick of facing the photocopy machine every single day. Later on, it became understandable to me though, considering I work in the office where the work is expected to be in routine. But unlike most would think (or rather unlike what I used to think), I believe I have learned greatest things I can acquire in no other way during my stay in the hands of AirAsia and I would never regret being part of this family.

Thank you my OJT Buddies, Lyka and Chelle, for making my job bearable, alive, and colorful each day. I would also like to use this time to thank my witty boss, Sir Narciso, you may not know it but you made me laugh countless of times and thank you for all the learning you have imparted to this ever-quiet trainee of yours. I'll miss making competency cards together with the nodding of heads during printing time with you HAHAHA. To Sir Andre, I'm not even sure if you'll see this but thank you for always giving us your time despite your very, very, VERY busy schedule. Haha. It's unfortunate that I was not able to spend time with you more (kasi naman sir first day na first day ko sabay 2 weeks kayong nag leave HAHAHA). But anyway, it may be short-lived but you still made your mark as one of the most hardworking people I know. Thank you Ma'am Neri for giving me loads of work when I am really bored and have nothing to do. You just don't know it but you always save me from the boredom of the office work. Thank you Ma'am Geraldyn, Ma'am Hannah, Ma'am Shiela, Ma'am Karen, Ma'am Cheer, Ma'am Glorie, Sir Sonny, the three funny sirs at the back who made each day a little brighter, Sir RA, Sir Ian and Sir Abe, my entire CSD family, even to the Flight Operations Department people, Naviga, and to the Captains. Thank you sa mga napakabait kong mga kuya guard hehe. Thank you, Philippines AirAsia for the 300-hour long roller coaster ride. I would forever be grateful for the opportunity you have given me. See you in the skies!

All my love, Alizza Cabin Services Department Trainee

Now signing off.

[alizzalee]

It has been several weeks since I started my practicum training, the reason why I’ve been inactive on Tumblr for so long. I’ll be posting about my OJT experience once I have finished it including the requirements I had to accomplish and processes I had to go through. *Feeling expert! HAHA* For today, I’ll be sharing with you my experience during my stay in Hotel Benilde two weeks ago. My sister studies in Benilde taking up International Hospitality Management. They have to check-in in the hotel with another guest, which in my sister’s case was me, to practice some night auditing and hotel reservations. So to cut to the chase, we were able to check-in at around 6 p.m. *too late, I know but she had classes and I had my ojt so… * But you can check-in by 2 p.m. To be honest, I was quite astounded when I arrived at the hotel. The aesthetics were superb, I felt like I was in a 5-star hotel (Hotel Benilde is a 3-star hotel, if I am not mistaken). We stayed at a Deluxe Queen room so there was one queen-sized bed inside with a personal shower. We had an overnight stay that costed 2,970 php. The shower room is spacious and is fully-equipped with toiletries, a heater, towels, a sink, a phone near the toilet and my ever-favorite bidet *who doesn’t love bidets?* Inside the cabinet placed just in front of the shower room, you can find an extra pillow and blanket readily available, a vault and a laundry bag. Just across the bed, you can find the vanity and refrigerator together with some mugs and an electronic kettle. The room is also equipped with cable television, an aircon and has unlimited Wi-Fi access. We stayed on the 12th floor so there was quite some view staring from the window. We enjoyed our stay in the hotel and the only thing I found quite problematic during our stay is that the bed felt quite itchy under the blankets but I think I am just being overly sensitive about this one; though I think improving their housekeeping might do the trick. There were also two complimentary buffet breakfast coupons to Cafe Romancon, Hotel Benilde’s restaurant, wherein most employees are actually student trainees of the college. I personally rate the food 3 out of 5 since I found the selection too few but the taste was satisfactory. I cannot say too much about the food since I haven’t tried a lot so that’s about it. I guess I’ll end here! If you have any questions about my experience with Hotel Benilde, feel free to ask. Also, if you are interested to stay at the hotel, you may contact (63 2) 230 5 230 or email them at [email protected]. For more details, please visit their website at www.hotelbenilde.com. Have you ever checked-in at Hotel Benilde? Share me your experience! *I’d love to hear about it hehe*

[alizzalee]

And as promised, here are the deets from my previous trip to Zambales!

Itinerary:

Day 1:

08:00 Departure from MNL via Victory Liner Sampaloc Terminal 14:00 Arrival at Iba, Zambales 15:00 onwards, Bonding and Karaoke night at my friend’s house in Iba

The first day of our trip happens to be my friend’s birthday so we decided to just spend the entire day in each other’s company *aww* and btw, we will also be spending the rest of the night at our friend’s house in Iba which also means… goodbye *coughs* accommodation *coughs* expenses! 😂

Day 2:

06:00 Breakfast 07:00 Departure from Iba 08:45 Arrival at Pundaquit 09:30 Boat ride to Capones Island 10:00 Arrival at Capones Island 11:00 Boat transfer to Agnain Cove Island 11:15 Arrival at Agnain Cove 11:20 Lunch 12:00 Beach time 14:30 Depart Agnain 15:00 Back to Pundaquit, Resort Check-in

Too sad that our vacation happens to be in sync with the rainy season so our supposedly Anawangin Island trip was cut short to Agnain Cove. Probably not as beautiful as Anawangin but it’s the better and safer option during that time according to the experienced boatmen of Pundaquit. The travel to the islands were very tough due to the big waves but what can we do? We are a bunch of brave-hearted souls! *honestly cried in the middle of the sea* The weather was gloomy but I was still able to see the richness of the place. I’d be glad to come back during summer!

P.S. : A private car brought us from Iba to Pundaquit, still sponsored by a generous friend *cheers*

Day 3:

07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Check-out, Depart Pundaquit 09:00 Back to Iba 10:45 Depart Zambales via Victory Liner Iba Terminal 17:00 Arrival in MNL

Last day! Spent most of the time with friends before parting ways. It was indeed a great time despite the struggles we had due to the weather condition. Can’t wait for our next adventure! *anticipates*

Expenses:

Bus Fare: P278 Manila - Zambales (with Student Discount) P278 Zambales - Manila (with Student Discount)

Accommodation: P3,000 Small, cottage house type with aircon (we are seven in the house making the share about P430/pax)

*there are a lot of resorts around Pundaquit if you wish to have a place to spend the night

Boat Transfers: P2,000 1 Boat for 2 islands (P286/pax)

Cottages: P500 Agnain Cove Cottage near the beach (probably can fit up to 15 people, P72/pax)

Contingency Fund: P500 (for other expenses)

Total per pax: P1,844 (P1,344 w/o contingency fund)

For everyone who wishes to visit the islands within Zambales, I still highly recommend you to visit during the summer, or just when it is not raining, to better appreciate the wonders that it can offer. Hope this helps! ☺

Photo taken at Agnain Cove, San Antonio, Zambales with my Samsung Galaxy J7.

[alizzalee]

Mabuhay!

It has been awhile… Sorry I was not able to update for so long due to acads, you know how it is. *tears slowly fall down the cheeks* Thank God I was able to survive Junior year and was also able to maintain being part of the dean’s list! *phew*

Anyway, this photo was taken during my trip to Zambales, Philippines last June 8-10 with my friends. Been sharing photos from my trip on Instagram with the hashtag #visitphilippines2016 for the whole world to see since I can’t contain my love and admiration for my country. Check out @al1096_ on IG! *teehee* Btw, I’m gonna post a more detailed summary of my trip here on tumblr including transportation and accommodation rates. Stay tuned! 👌

Photo edited with PicsArt App

[alizzalee]

Never the Strangers playing last night at the University of Santo Tomas for CTHM’s college week finale concert.

[alizzalee]

“In the end, fate and timing do not just happen out of coincidence. They are products of ardent desire and earnest, simple choices that make up miraculous moments. Being resolute, making decisions without hesitation – that is what makes timing. He was more ardent, and I should’ve had more courage. It wasn’t the red lights, nor the timing that was bad… but the countless times I hesitated.”

– Kim Jung Hwan, Reply 1988

It has been quite some time since I finished watching Reply 1988. From start to finish, I have always been #TeamTaek because (c'mon) who could resist that cute and handsome face of Park Bogum? I was so happy when he ended up with Dukseon at the finale of the drama. However, there has always been a little pang in my heart whenever I would see Junghwan and his ‘never confessed’ love for Dukseon. I know it’s not only I who feel the same way. I think this is because Junghwan’s character is a representation of our life’s biggest regrets. He portrays that hesistant person inside all of us. Just like what he did in the drama, we always look for excuses to hide our biggest fears. Rejection, disappointment, getting hurt, failure, not being good enough; these are just some of the things that stop us from grabbing the opportunities offered before us. He said, “It wasn’t the red lights nor the timing that was bad… but the countless times I hesistated.” That was the most memorable line for me that up until now, I think of it. Do not be afraid to get hurt. Everyone hurts at some point in their lives. But if we always hesitate and think that we will get hurt everytime we try, then we can’t advance to the greater life prepared for us. Take the risk. Take the chance.

P.S. : Sorry for my drawing, that’s the closest to Junghwan that I can make *cries*.

Photo taken with Samsung Galaxy J7 Edited via VSCO and Picsart

[alizzalee]

A DAY-HIKE TO MT. BALAGBAG

Last Tuesday, my friends and I decided to climb Mt. Balagbag in Rizal for a cup of new experience and a little pinch of self-renewal. We were four in the group and it was everybody’s first time to hike so we have decided to try Mt. Balagbag since it is on a beginner’s level of difficulty (3/9) plus, it’s near Manila so it’ll be convenient.

As agreed, we all met at McDo near Fairview Center Mall by 8 a.m. (supposedly 6:30 but you know how it is with people and punctuality *chuckles*) then we rode a jeepney to Tungko. Upon reaching Tungko, you have to walk a short distance to reach the jeepney terminal going to Licao Licao. It’s quite a long ride and you’ll know you are in Licao Licao when the jeepney has made it’s final stop. You will see a tricycle terminal upon arrival which you can ride going to the barangay (or you can walk if you’re used to really long walks before starting the actual hike). When we have reached the barangay, the officials welcomed us and introduced us to our tour guide (we decided to get a tour guide since it was our first time and the officials highly recommend to have a tour guide even if you are experienced enough so that in case of accidents, someone can immediately report to them and send medical assistance). You have to pay P10 as entrance fee and P300 to the tour guide but can increase up to P500 if you will traverse to Mt. Maranat. We decided to hike only Mt. Balagbag since we were only beginners. We felt like giving up in the first five minutes of our hike (seriously). This was because the beginning trail is so steep we can hardly catch our breaths, different from the easy to difficult pattern we have expected. We had to stop several times to rest but fortunately, as we go uphill further, the slope begins to flatten. The upper part of the mountain up to the summit was said to be private so we have to pay an additional amount of P20 if we want to continue the hike and so we did. After 15 minutes, we have finally reached to summit where there are cottages for people to stay at. We stayed there for about two hours eating our packed lunch and taking plenty of photos before going back.

Here is a list of my expenses for the whole trip (coming from UST):

UV from UST to FCM - P35 FCM to Tungko - P18 Tungko to Licao Licao - P26 Tricycle to Barangay - P30 Entrance Fee - P10 Tour guide - P400 (we added P100 as tip to make our share P100 each since we’re four) Additional Fee to the summit - P20 Tricycle back to Terminal - P30 Jeep to Tungko - P26 Tungko back to FCM - P18 FCM back to UST - P35

Total of P348

There you go. I hope this helps for those who wish to visit Mt. Balagbag for the first time. :)

Additional tips:

• wear light and comfortable clothes

• bring only the things you need

• keep your backpacks as light as possible

• you’ll survive with only a bottle of water (you can refill it in between your walks to the summit FOR FREE) though it’s still safe to bring atleast two :)

and lastly, HAVE FUN! *cheers for you, brave heart*

Photo taken with Samsung Galaxy J7

[alizzalee]

My brain is already rusting due to this long break and so I thought I needed a little something to renew the mind. Bought this lovely notebook at Landmark for only P49.00. 

[alizzalee]

South Korea Trip 1130-1204 2015

만세! to my first out of the country trip! I am really grateful that Korea was the first country that I have visited. It was such a pleasant experience and I can’t wait to come back. The country is so clean and beautiful, add to that the extremely refreshing cold weather that made my stay an unforgettable one. Since I am a fan of KDramas, I enjoyed listening to the osts from my favorite dramas during my stay there. I can’t believe that I was actually experiencing what I was only capable of watching on my tv screen before.  대박! In terms of hospitality, of course, no one can defeat the Filipinos. I’m not saying that Koreans are rude, although there are some, but it was bearable since Yumi eonni (our tour guide) told us that Koreans normally behave like that due to difficulty communicating with other cultures. Overall, I had an amazing experience and I will definitely be back for more!

P.S. : There are a lot of handsome oppas everywhere in Sokor! 

[alizzalee]

from left to right (JC, Pam, Jeh, Aure, Tricia, Joy, Me, Zia, Jeff + invisible Vien)

SQUAD \’skwäd\  noun : a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation (Merriam-Webster, 2015)

Hello Tumblr Peeps! Today, I would like to share to you one of the most important groups of people in my life. Before I begin explaining further, I would like you to know (whoever you are reading this post wondering how you even got here in the first place) that this is some kind of an appreciation post dedicated to my ever loving friends. We all started out as classmates, probably the most common way of meeting your destined group of friends. On the first day of class, any normal person out there would choose people with the same interests as they have. The awkwardly funny thing about this group is that we are actually a clash of diverse personalities and contrasting interests. Not one of us has a clear idea on how we even started talking to each other. But no matter how odd our grouping may seem, I can say that I have never been this contented, when it comes to friends, in my entire life. Without even noticing, I came to realize that meeting them is not an accident but was rather destined by God. In their company, I came to learn a lot of things. I have learned to be understanding (that not all people are like me), patient (that some people often times just need some time), honest (that keeping hatred only to one’s self will benefit nobody) and lastly, a giver (that everything you poured your heart out to will eventually come back you). To my squad, I love you all and cheers to more happy walwal moments together! 

PS: Since I love talking about them to other people, I am planning to have an individual, descriptive, message post for each of them soon so that you’ll get to know them more.   ♥ 

[alizzalee]

Launched in January of 2010, LG Lollipop has been one of the most adorable phones ever (or at least in my opinion). I used to own the Samsung counterpart of this which is the Nori F which is better in many ways but for a second phone, the lollipop is actually very good. Since the phone was released way back, it was quite hard for me to find one on the internet. I actually got mine from Aliexpress, an online shopping store. I am used to ordering stuff online, my very first order was when I was like 13. It was my first time ordering from Aliexpress though, that is why I researched on it first. I saw a lot of negative feedback regarding the store but since the phone was cheap (i got it for only 2,100 in Philippine peso) and there were a lot of positive feedback from the shop that I was planning to order the phone from and I really really want to have that phone, I took the risk. Luckily, it arrived after 2 weeks of (anxiously) waiting and the overall performance of the unit is not bad at all. I currently use it as my second phone for texting and I’m loving the feeling of touching the keypad of a flip phone, I mean, who doesn’t? *insert happy emoji here* I don’t know but there is definitely something about flip phones that will never grow old. 

By the way, this is my very first post here though I am not new to blogging. I used to own another blog which I deleted after 5 years of being together *cries* because.... c’mon, that blog was basically a summary of my preadolescence and well, I guess you got my point.    

Photo taken with my Olympus E-PM1 14-42mm f3.5-5.6