Eat and Charm

I'm Natasshja (from superman-ly before), been having a precious spicy human life for 26 years.

[eatandcharm]

This is the perfect time to update my blog. I have deactivated my other social media accounts: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook just because I wanted to feel like I’m in a silent world and at peace but of course, a very impossible thing to desire. This week has been very heavy for me and it’s very different. The usual me ignores all the worries and problems that may come into my life but this time it’s different. It feels like all the problems I have ignored for the past years, everything combined vs me now. It’s draining me so much. It’s so heavy and I cannot anymore. I thought I’m long past this phase since I know I have become very stronger compare to the past me but here we are again. But hey, here’s some pictures of my proof of life from my date night with my super busy bestfriend, Pauline, who’s my everyday shoulder to cry on and I know I can talk about everything or anything to.  

I decided to update my blog to have something to remind me that this another heavy chapter will pass. This too shall pass. I know I can win this and by the time I read this again in the future, self is x10 stronger or maybe x1000 stronger who knows. 

Here’s a reminder for everyone battling their own battles right now, KAYA NATIN ‘TO!

It may be hard as hell but we can do this. You are not alone. Talk about it, write about it, draw it, do whatever helps you just don’t absorb everything all at once. Breathe. Rest. Stand up stronger for your battles and do not let yourself lose this. You can win this!

Btw, pictures might show we celebrated my birthday but we did not. This was taken this September 2022 and certainly not my birthday. I just have one crazy friend lol 

[eatandcharm]

040222 - Birthday ride to Lio Beach, El Nido, Palawan. Got the whole beach for my hubby and I. Happy 27th birthday to me indeed!

We rented a motorcycle just to visit this famous beach that I always see on the internet. It’s only a 15-minute ride from our hotel. How lucky! It is a real beauty! 

[eatandcharm]

photos from my Japan trip last 2019

Years have passed but this is my first time to see these photos from my phone that I used to take gazillion photos so there is still a lot to be discovered. Lol. Perfect time to reminisce what became my home for my short 2-week stay in Japan last 2019 with my OFW fiancé at that time, and now my husband.

Those were the days when I really felt like I was on a vacation and at the same time at home. Japan is a very beautiful country. People are very disciplined and nice, all the places we visited were clean. Of course, their foods are the best when it is authentic.

My goal this year is to save up for our Japan trip next year. I'm really crossing my fingers hard here!!!

[eatandcharm]

1 Month Down

So how's 2022 been treating all of you guys? Cheers to us for surviving the first month and coming out stronger for the upcoming months!

I have been very busy at work lately so nothing exciting really is up for me. All I do is work, get stressed, cry a little and enjoy little things. Lol. But I can say that I am enjoying my peaceful life and Im really happy right now. Of course, there will still be a time that I will be tested and a time that I will feel like the world is against me but positivity in life (not in virus) prevails.

It's truly difficult to stay in a good mood when all you hear in news is about the shitty election with the shitty candidates and shitty people who still are irresponsible towards the health protocol but hope you guys still manage to find the hope for this country because honestly, I got no hope for our government anymore.

[eatandcharm]

BATANGAS | SEPTEMBER 2021

It may seem a simple beach trip, because it really was, but for me it wasn't. This was something I know I needed since I lost another beautiful soul. It has happened for the second time but it hit us different this time, it's harder for me this time. This was a break from my everyday pain. A few days without my endless whys. It did not take away my pain but I had a chance to respire. Thank you friends for this beautiful distraction. I love you all. No decent photo bcos "laHat nG uMinOm laShEng"

[eatandcharm]

2020-2021

Here we go again, another new year, another plans and goals, that we strongly wish to achieve. Before this year ends, I would like to make a list of the things I ticked off from my mental bucket list and some of the things I am proud I did the past two years of pandemic.

I’ve had lots of beach trips this year and that’s the highlight of my 2021. I am very happy I had numerous chances to go to different beaches with my husband, Arvin and our friends. It’s a must for me to travel outside the country every year but the pandemic happened so local beaches will do, super loved and enjoyed every trip!

I finally learned to open and soften my heart, emotionally speaking. It feels like I finally have a heart. Lol. Plus, I’ve gotten a control of my anger, which was very difficult to handle for me. I know I have this attitude when I hate something or I get mad of something, it surely shows off like people would surely know and notice. Now, I know how to control and calm myself.

Perfectionist no more, I think? Arvin suffered severely with my perfectionist side. I wasn’t aware I was like this but I still think there’s nothing wrong about being a perfectionist as long as it will not result to something negative. Right???

In terms of career, I got a new job after staying with my comfort zone for four years with an Australian company - I got super lucky with them but of course, it’s not forever. I’m currently working with an American company and to be honest, it’s not easy. It’s extreme pressure and stress everyday but I’m up for it! It may seem tough but I’m enjoying my work.

We are now entrepreneurs! We opened two businesses. We started with baby products last 2020 then opened a second business, wet market, this 2021. Arvin is in charge of that so he’s busy everyday. We are very thankful for everyone supporting our businesses and hoping for more sales! Haha!

In terms of relationship, I got married last June 2020! First plan was cancelled due to lockdown and pandemic but we still pushed through with an intimate wedding instead.

I will post photos and add life to my blog next year, not a promise but a thing I will surely do.

Wishing you all guys a very happy new year!!!!

[eatandcharm]

Boracay | October 2019

Exactly a month after my Thailand trip, I went to Boracay with my friends and despite being hospitalized due to second degree dengue I still pushed through this trip. I was aware I need a month or so for my body to recover as I also felt my body gotten so weak and felt different but I knew I needed this break for my mind to relax. 

It was the month when everything was too much, life was too much. Friends, beer and the beach somehow made it easier or maybe I just need this distraction. I needed some time alone away from the toxic city, my relationship and my family, don’t get me wrong my relationship and family are supporting me with whatever decision I make and they are solid awesome but there will be a time that you prefer to be alone. It’s not bad, it’s okay to give yourself a space away from people you love.

I was with my friends but they disliked the heat so they stayed mostly at the hotel and it was my time to explore the island on my own. I did and I loved it! Souvenirs are cheap and foods are great but it’s extra pricey. Desserts are a must try!  

Random people will offer you activities to do at the island such as helmet diving, island hopping (as usual), buffets etc. and it’s best to take time to canvass to see what everyone offers with a reasonable price. It was my first time for helmet diving and I thought it was an easy peasy dive but it was not. It looked simple seeing it from my other friends’ photos but I’m telling you it’s not. Haha but I enjoyed it and def will do it again.

[eatandcharm]

Thailand | September 2019

This trip was one year in the making but when it was the month of our flight, I got sick, reallyyyy sick. To cut the long drama and sickness story short, I had dengue before my flight to Thailand without knowing it. I thought it was only an on and off fever, which I have ignored for weeks, but it was already a second degree dengue with warning signs and to simplify it, it is a critical condition. I honestly thought I would not be able to make it back to the Philippines and die in Thailand. It’s kinda funny now since I survived my suffering days and crying nights.

I was not in the mood for pictures given my situation but I still got some photos from the trip. These photos are already uploaded on my IG and due to my laziness and lack of creativity, I will re-upload it here.

A must try: authentic pad thai and pineapple rice (try them both from your hotel and from streets)

Places we visited (but of course I don’t have pictures of every places we went, sux)

Temples: War Thewarat Kunchon, Wat Saket, Wattriman Temple, Standing Buddha and Golden Buddha Temple 

Gems Gallery

Leather Factory

Floating Market

Pratunam Night Market (A MUST)

Crocodile Farm and Elephant Theme Show

I extremely wanted to see hundreds of crocodile because I love them so much simple as that and it’s one of the reasons why I fought my dying days. Hahaha!

[eatandcharm]

BAZZI AND RUSS LIVE / July 2019

We were so lucky to watch Bazzi live up close and he even surprised us with Russ. Everyone gone wild when Russ came out and they sung his two top hits together. Imagine how hard I was screaming and singing that night!!! Unforgettable!!!!!! 

Here’s the set list of the concert:

Paradise

Gone

Why

Star

Alone

Honest (extreme concert hungover because of this song)

Cartier

Beautiful

BRB

Drake’s Hold on, We’re Going Home (not a Bazzi song but this is one of his favs)

Dreams

Myself

Russ’ Missin You Crazy

Russ’ What They Want

3:15

Mine

Caught in the Fire

We did not get to hear his new song, I.F.LY. live though but it was still amazing. I’m still not over with the concert so I’m going to continue my life admiring Bazzi on how great of an artist he is. He’s also charming in person, btw.

photos grabbed from here

[eatandcharm]

JAPANESE FOODS

I gained a lot of weight from my trip and when I say a lot, it is A LOT. So it’s true that everything in Japan is much better. Ramen, takoyaki, gyoza and sushi are the best to try in Japan! When a friend/family of yours is quite exaggerating that the foods there are so good, I am telling you, they are 100% telling the truth and you must believe! 

[eatandcharm]

I GOT ENGAGED IN JAPAN!!!

I came alone to visit my boyfriend in Japan and left the country not as his girlfriend anymore but as his fiancé. I can’t believe I’m getting married and someone actually wants to spend his entire life with me! Hahaha!

I want to share the experience of seeing your love kneeling down, holding your hand with a ring and asking ‘that’ question but as I was so awe in that moment, I can’t remember a single word from his speech and I can’t even remember my reaction. We both laughed at this days after to be honest. It was not perfect but it felt like it was. If that even make sense. 

Photos shown above are some of the sights from the places we visited.

It was the last week of April when I visited the country and damn it was no summer feels at all. The weather was ranging from 9 to 19 degrees cold and all the clothes I brought were not for that kind of weather but I still loved how cold it was. I was very much happy to be reunited again with him after months of being away since he is currently working in Japan.

So here’s the first appearance of my future husband. I am so lucky to have you, Arvin. Thank you so much for everything. I love you so much. I’ll see you again soon. 

[eatandcharm]

La Union - February 2019

If you only know how in love I am with water related trips, you will understand why I always say yes to any friend that asks if I would want to join. I can’t even explain why but it helps me to relax; the sound of waves and the smell of the sea. Visited La Union with a side trip to Baguio with my high school friends and it was pleasantly wild - if this is possible. There was no clear plan where to go but at least we booked a house using Airbnb so we survived thankfully.

It’s true when people say La Union is one of the best getaways for surfing enthusiast. We wanted to try surfing but as we were so eager to do this and that without thinking, we went to Tangadan Falls first before trying to surf. It was not an easy hike for everyone, we were told it was only a 15-minute hike but hell no it was not. Everyone got tired so we just stayed in to rest and to reserve our remaining energy for Flotsam and Jetsam (best known for parties ha ha ha). 

[eatandcharm]

Life Lately: Finally, myself.

I’ve been MIA for almost a year due to personal issues since my life had full of drama and shit. Been through rough times and I can say 2018 was no joke! I’ll just jump to where I want to speak out - my past relationship. 

It changed me. Spent five years with the guy I thought worth fighting for. Sounds cringy I know but you get my point  No relationship is all sunshine but two people can share one umbrella and survive the storms but again, I was all alone under that umbrella long ago. It took me years to see and accept what’s really happening. It took me years to learn to choose and love myself. I waited for myself to feel empty and feel drained until I see what I really deserve. It took me years to finally see all the stupid things I’ve been doing and it was just too much. I thought once I leave the situation destroying me will make me selfish but to tell you, you’re not selfish for wanting to be treated well. I stopped thinking about what could’ve been if I stayed a bit longer. I made the right way out this time in saving the both of us by facing the reality that we both deserve someone better, I deserve someone better. Finally learned to respect myself enough to walk away from the person that no longer helps me grow. Make yourself a priority once in a while. It’s not selfish. It is necessary

Always Remember:

The bad days don’t stay forever.

Kissing can and will, get boring.

It’s okay to go to sleep on opposite sides.

Forgetting favorites, dates and replies is only human.

You dont have to like or be friends with all of their friends and vice-versa.

They have the right to spend weekends dedicating to their friends and family. You have the same right.

Happiness can exist only in acceptance.

Choose to be with people who will lift your spirits up when you’re feeling down.

Trying simple things that they like, no matter how much you are sure you will dislike it, is a very small step you can take to show your love to them.

You don’t gotta have the same taste in music, food, books etc.

Saying i love you, thank you, take care, please and i missed you really helps.

You cant agree with all their life decisions and they cant with yours. Keeping an open mind and having an honest and deep discussion about it helps.

They dont need your permission to do things and neither you need theirs.

Dont try and change them. Help them become better versions of themselves and get the same help and support and care from them.

Know what matters most and focus on that.

Here's my selfie of the aftermath of the pain and stress that destroyed and changed me. It pushed me to take care of myself and one of the things I realized throughout this journey was being told that you’re getting more beautiful is nothing compare to hearing “you look happier” and that’s the best compliment ever. Genuine happiness blooms you.  I don’t usually post and take selfies but this time I just want to brag that I got better and finally chose my happiness. :-) 

[eatandcharm]

HOLY WEEK 2018

Cavite - Batangas - Laguna - Quezon Province

[eatandcharm]

CEBU 2018

I spend most of my time at work and away from home but I made sure there will still be time for my family, as I’ve missed going places and trying something new - foods to be specific with them. So last Valentine’s week, I got a date with my family in Cebu. This post may be a little late but the experience is still fresh, means I super enjoyed my visit in Cebu. I do not know much about Cebu and got no time to research places so I decided to book to a travel agency. We don’t usually travel with agencies but since I knew someone because of work, I tried and it’s the best decision I made. I told them our flight details then they gave me the everything-you-need in Cebu. Hotel, van and tours then done. It’s super easy. 

They’re very affordable and caring. Thank you very much Sulit Dream Destinations for our super sulit vacation for the hassle free transportation and tour.

Here are the places we visited:

Twin City Tour: Simala Shrine - Sirao Flower Farm - Temple of Leah - Taoist Temple - Cebu Heritage Monument - Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino - Magellan’s Cross - Mactan Shrine - Lapu-Lapu Shrine - Fuente Osmeña Circle - Capitol Site - 10,000 Roses (more photos on my Facebook account)

South Cebu Tour: Moalboal Island Hopping - Pescador Island - Turtle Swim - Sardines Run - Canyoneering with Kawasan Falls (with free dinner yay!)

My favorite of course, the island hopping, where we got a chance to swim with turtles and sardines!!!!! My advice to everyone who’s gonna try Canyoneering, buy yourself aqua shoes or something similar. There were more than two tourists who were not wearing proper foot wear that had an accident, the first one we saw was severe so please do yourself a favor and take care of yourself.

This was also where my phone joined me in the water from jumping and sliding to falls so the picture taking stopped after this day tour. No regrets though but still blaming the waterproof cellphone case, lol.

I’m just very happy with the beautiful places we visited. Clean and clear ocean, very caring people, delicious and cheaper foods compare in Manila. One week break away from work was worth it! This was my treat for my family for the love and support for me and for the whole fam. As they say, Valentine’s Day is not always for the partners only. Show love to your family who are always there for you.

[eatandcharm]

Ride with Maxeen

Itinerary:

Gen. Trias – Tagaytay – Talisay – Laurel – Calaca – Balayan – Nasugbu – Ternate – Maragondon – Naic – Trece – Gen. Trias

January 2018

The places we visited were very different now compare to two years ago. The trees are fully grown, which have blocked the open space for a wide view of the ocean and Taal plus more stores so more crowd. I liked it more before but there’s nothing to hate of course.

[eatandcharm]

Life Lately from my Instagram Feed…

Life lately has been all about. . .

1.       Spending time with friends before going back to the corporate world.

2.       Finally went to the Philippines’ Maldives (Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort)

3.       The new work and workmates I spend my everyday with.

4.       Spending time with the whole family on weekends.

5.       Staying at home as much as possible to have time to rest and to avoid being very sick, again.

6.       Two upcoming babies to the family!

7.       Eating A LOT of Mexican food (been obsessed with cheesy taco the past few months and I’m constantly craving it!) ps. I LOVE SILANTRO

8.       Binging Prison Break everyday

9.       Finding out Wentworth Miller is gay after having intensive crush on him for months.

10.   Paolo’s mom fighting cancer. It was a tough fight. We will miss you Mama Vic.

A quick update as I try to “revive” my blog, a g a i n. Thank you guys for the new follows and for keeping up with me even though my blog is nearly dead. You’re the sweetest! I don’t have any travels yet since I don’t have enough funds to do so but lets hope it will be soon. I’m not sure when will my next post be but I’ll be honest that it’s gonna be a month or so due to my busy schedule and I need time for grieving my second mom’s death. I’m still in shock. I don’t know what to say but fuck you forever cancer!!!!!!

Lets take care of our health and lets ALWAYS make time for family. Only God knows when will our time be.