ƒŁōяêรHĸд 🐶

"I write-DOWN to speak-UP." M.K. Asante, Jr.

[floreshka13]

We would like to thank everyone who sent their well wishes, those who travelled from outside of Cebu, and all those who took their time off of their busy schedules to celebrate our special day with us. And thank you most especially to those who were involved in making the event a successful one.

Our loving parents, Engr. Fernando E. Alcontin and Mrs. Cecilia O. Alcontin and 2Lt. Rafael M. Policarpio Sr. PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Natividad Policarpio and my eldest sister, Mrs. Michelle P. Carillo, for being mama’s proxy in walking me down the aisle. 💞

Our generous principal sponsors, Mr. Eduardo S. Cabo and Mrs. Isabel A. Cabo, Engr. Rogelio L. Obeso and Mrs. Lydia B. Obeso, MSgt. Buenaventura M. Juanir PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Delia T. Juanir, MSgt. Joselito S. Mondala PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Resurrecion I. Mondala, and TSgt. Nelson M. Tragura Sr. PAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Victoria B. Tragura. 💞

Our handsome and generous best man, Dr. Rolly Gerard B. Obeso who sponsored our dessert buffet. 😄

Our stunning maid of honor, Ms. Veronica Concepcion O. Viñan, CPA who was unexpectedly teary-eyed and who made me cry with her simple yet very heartwarming message during the program. 😭

Our good-looking groomsmen, Mr. Ariel A. Obeso, Mr. Archie T. Obeso, Mr. Carlo A. Obeso, and Mr. Rolan Dennis B. Obeso. 😊

Our gorgeous bridesmaids, Ms. Justine Kay J. Cadag, Ms. Jensine Yvonne A. Oyo-a, Ms. Alpha Pamela B. Bonghanoy, Ms. Agnes E. Seldura who all looked fabulous that day. 😍

Our supportive secondary sponsors, Candle - Mr. Leonides E. Alcontin and Ms. Charmaine O. Alcontin, Veil - A2C Rolando E. Petallar Jr. PAF and Mrs. Dulce Marie P. Petallar, and Cord - Mr. Kingsley T. Obeso and Mrs. Ivy Rose P. Obeso. 💞

Our cute bearers, Ring Bearer - Karl Andre P. Mondido, Coin Bearer - James Andrew P. Carillo, and Bible Bearer - Zac Hendrix E. Aurelio. 💞

Our lovely flower girls, Oana Lucienne A. Obeso, Hanameel Eugenie B. Obeso, and Krystelle Dawn T. Horfella. 💞

Those who took part in the offertory, we will no longer mention you one by one because we might miss some since there were a lot of you but still, thank you. 💞

To Sir Carlo Abaquita of Unique Weddings and Events, the number one wedding planner and coordinator in Cebu, we wished for a minimalist and simple yet elegant wedding and unfailingly, you made our wish come true. We were so honored that despite your very busy schedule, you really found time to be with us at the church and at the reception venue. To Carlo’s angels, Miss Arcelli, Miss Karla, Miss Agnes, Miss Haycee, and Miss Niana for assisting us during the planning and preparation stage; to Sir Geof and Miss Rizza for the inputs in our prenup shoot; to Miss Kendoll and Miss Kim for dolling us up during our prenup shoot; and to Miss Chanel Jacob, Miss Charisse, and Miss Em-Em for taking care of us on the actual wedding day. From the hotel at 6am to the church and finally to the reception venue which ended at around 9pm, you made sure that all our needs were taken care of and made everything smooth and organized. We have heard nothing but compliments from our guests. You guys were all amazing! A happy bride is indeed a #CARLOBRIDE and I am very proud to be one. 👍👏💞

To Josef and Christine all the way from Czech Republic for the wines for toasting, Lim Urvan for our guests service van, Rayne’s Kitchen for the team’s breakfast, South Point Food Express for the team’s lunch, and to the people behind the projector, projector screen, and technical support team, thank you so much. 💞

To Ivan’s fellow architects and college friends, to my college friends, to our airport friends, and to the school teachers, thank you all for coming. 💞

To Cabo, Ordoñez, Juanir, Lim, Cadag, Mondala, Tragura, Valdez, Sta. Rita, Jalang families, and to all other guests we forgot to mention, thank you so much for your presence. 💞

To Alcontin, Obeso, Policarpio, and Sabarre families, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, inlaws, and all our extended families, thank you so much for all the overwhelming love and support you have shown to us and for sponsoring the three lechons. 😆💞

And most of all to God Almighty for always blessing us more than we could ever imagine. We could not have done it without Your favor and grace. We are always and forever grateful to You for everything and for the opportunity of sharing this magical day with all the people we love. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! 🙏❤️

Dress Up: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino

Church: Sacred Heart Parish

Reception: Beverly View Events Pavilion Glass House

Officiating Priest: Fr. Felipe Bacalso, SJ

Event Planner and Coordinator: Carlo Abaquita of Unique Weddings and Events

Photographer: Love and Light Studios

Videographer: Team Panda Films

Gowns and Barongs: Something Borrowed, Something New

Bride and Entourage Robes: Something Borrowed, Something New

Bride’s Makeup: Jonas Borces

Bride’s Hair: Sharisca Lasala

Entourage Hair and Makeup: Dexa May Pulvera, Armaine Rivas Ruiz, and Chix Navales

Florist: Floral Touch by Chaty Archival

Church Choir: C3-Core Singers

Bridal Car and Entourage Coasters: Chierz Matarlo

Event Host: Jen Rodriguez Ramos

DJ/Music Spinner: Jan Ramos

Lights and Sounds: R.A. Audio Pro Lights and Sounds

Cake: Cupkeyk N Art Patisserie by Jeah Bequilla Baron

Dessert Buffet: KayDy Cakes

Cocktails: Ferdinand Alexis Montelibano (Chef Alex Montelibano)

Invitations: CDI Designs

Photobooth: I Pic U Photobooth

Ivan Ray ❤️ Mary Flor

10/05/2019

#FLOReverwithIVAN

[floreshka13]

The most interesting thing that ever happened when we decided to go out in the open with our relationship was that we were able to particularly pinpoint those people who truly support us, those who appeared to be supporting but meant otherwise, and those who raised an eyebrow and started giving harsh comments and talk behind our backs until now. They are the people who are not happy for us since they are not happy for themselves either. We lost some of those we thought were friends back then but most importantly, we already know who the real ones are. And I guess that’s the most important thing, to know who the true people are in our lives, front and back. We can’t bear living a life full of pretensions that’s why we choose to be true to ourselves no matter what and we choose those people who are true and will remain to be true to us. But despite all of the negative vibes lurking around, whatever happens, even if it means you and me against the world, or shall I say you and me against that one team 😜, I will never turn my back on you. That’s a promise. ❤️

[floreshka13]

Never talk about standards to a Cebuano and I’m referring to those true blue world class Cebuanos by birth and by blood and not just those claiming to be one just because they have lived or worked here for less than 20 years. Because Cebuanos’ standards mean dreaming too high but along with those dreams are dreams not only for ourselves but for our families as well. We make sure that when we are traveling elsewhere, eating good food, buying luxurious things, our families are never left behind and they too are enjoying the things that we enjoy. We make sure to provide for our families no matter how small it is because were it not for them, we wouldn’t be who we are right now. If you are doing otherwise, never claim to be a Cebuano coz it would be an insult to us. Cebuanos don’t think only of themselves, living a good life while their own families are in misery. We are not ingrates. We live within our means. If we cannot afford something, we don’t resort to borrowing money, swallowing our pride and throwing away our dignity, and take advantage of others’ generosity just to look sosyal. We don’t have to climb the social ladder and make ourselves present anywhere just to say that we belong. If you call that standard, we call that social climbing and we hate social climbers. We have high standards but we don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone. We are not trying hard wannabes. Cebuanos are simple but elegant and our sophistication need not be forced that is why we are admired and at the same time envied by others. Our backgrounds and achievements don’t have to be mentioned and announced coz it shows naturally alongside our personalities and characters. So before you talk about standards to a Cebuano, make sure you are not just another wannabe in town who seems to be culture shocked and only beginning to experience things we Cebuanos have been enjoying for decades already. And also, before you talk about standards, make sure to check your grammar first if it also conforms to the standards of English. 😝✌🏻

[floreshka13]

I’ve always dreamed of working in the airport because I love the environment and I want to work like my mother’s youngest sister who is also an Accountant and who was formerly MCIAA’s Finance Manager before she retired and before GMR and Megawide took over. Given the chance to have worked here for quite some time was such an accomplishment for me. But there are far better opportunities that await me somewhere which made me decide to leave my dream workplace. The move was not an easy one since there are things that I have to leave behind–friends (real and consistent ones only 😝), professional colleagues, learnings, and of course my ❤️. 😜 But I didn’t come this far to only come this far. It’s not really that bad to do things that I think are best for me, isn’t it? Everyone has a choice and as for me, I chose what I thought was best for me. It’s my life after all. My life, my rules. 😆

[floreshka13]

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO ME! Another time to pay tribute to myself through a very lengthy note just because my birthday comes only once every year and they say the worst damage you can do to yourself is to not celebrate yourself. Char. Guys, please give chance nlng kay once a year ra bitaw ni. 😅✌🏻So here it goes. Today, I leave every thought of age behind and celebrate a younger me at heart (kay bitter man sa age lels). Bitaw, not everyone is so lucky to have lived this long on earth that is why I am celebrating myself not just today but as I would always. My joy is full the past year because I have more than enough reasons to be happy and grateful for: supportive family including of course my fluffy Sasha 🐶, TRUE AND CONSISTENT FRIENDS (caps lock para intense 😜), good health, stable job, and lotsssss of blessings. My life seems complete and successful already. House and lot and four wheels of my own nlng ang kulang lol ☝🏻 Lovelife? Well, I’d rather stay single than to be cheated on and lied to. Maybe I haven’t met the right person yet. For now, all I can do is to enjoy being completely single again until God sends someone spiritual, HONEST, loyal, and FAITHFUL. But if no one comes along, motuo na jud ko nga walay forever! hahaha But on a serious note, I have come to realize that what is more important is to ponder whether I have managed to live and accomplish God’s purpose and assignments for me on earth. I know I am not the measure of what I have done but more of who I am and those who I have surrounded myself with. I hope I have somehow inspired and influenced those I met along the way by just being the REAL me, the person that God wants me to be. Just by that, I can say I have lived a meaningful life. For my birthday wish, I wish myself only what God wishes me. After all, my being alive today is not because I am perfect but because I received God’s grace.☝🏻But Lord, pwede apil sa imong wish for me kay motambok na intawn ko??? Please bitaw jud Lord. Salamuch daan. 🙏🏻 I offer everything to You and to my family because I know no matter how great my accomplishments are, if I do not look and give back to You and to my family, I am good as nothing. Goals? Well, masters and law school sa USJR soon coz once a Josenian, always a Josenian man daw and only the best is good enough for San Jose. Adelante! Aw. Seriously, I have always wanted to pursue masters and law school since time immemorial because I am very passionate about writing and speaking (is it not obvious? 😂) and not just for show and for social status. Unsaon nlng akong pagkabest debater sa PolSci pag college under Cebu’s infamous Atty. Ethelbert Ouano. #hambugera hahaha 🤣 Atty. Mary Flor Sabarre Policarpio, CPA, MBA, bagay ra? 😆🤞🏻🙏🏻 That’s plan A. But if it doesn’t work, then maybe I would have to execute plan B–my overseas dream 😄✈️ Lord, please continue to guide me as I start anew my 365 days (and counting) journey to greatness. 💁

[floreshka13]

One time someone asked me what my father did when there was no war when he was still active in the military service and all the other soldiers out there not fighting in the actual battle ground. Seriously I was insulted because I knew what this person was trying to tell me was, why do these soldiers get a very high pay when they are not even fighting in the war and why do retired soldiers still get paid through the government's pension plan which comes from the taxes people pay? To that person, the fact that you are sleeping soundly at night without worrying whether someone will just barge in and try to kill you and your whole family inside your own house and the fact that you can still walk along the streets not afraid that someone will just throw a bomb in front of u explain everything. Just the mere presence of our soldiers keeps all the bad elements from doing their evil thrusts. I just have one advice for you, too much insecurity is clouding your mind dear, please find a way to clear it out and get well soon! If I am living a life that you don't have, it is because I worked hard and I don't depend on anyone else for it. If my father was able to raise me and my family well out of the salary and pension that the government is paying through the people's taxes, it's because he worked hard for it too. Was it his fault if he opted to become a soldier and your father did not? You don't know anything about what my father and all those other soldiers went through to get to their positions right now so you don't have any right to judge them! Just because you pay your taxes doesn't mean you have every right to insult anyone. There are so many other people out there who pay a much higher tax than you and respect these men in uniform but they don't rant like a child throwing tantrums just because someone has got a better toy than her. Also, I regularly pay my taxes too but you never heard me rant about how I am so not satisfied with the kind of government we have right now because majority of the people have made a bad choice. Ooopppsss, I think I just did. LOL 😆✌🏻

[floreshka13]

Family staycation. Throwback to a time when I really didn't care whether my photos were instagrammable or not (I guess even up to now I still don't give so much damn because I am not a social media fame whore who is only after the thumbs up of people I barely know). As long as the moment was captured, I was already happy and content back then. That was how I was raised, to be simple, humble, and true to myself and not live to the expectations of the world. Just so you know, I am not really convinced with people who try very hard to look sosyal because class and elegance don't have to be forced, they come out just naturally. Char.

[floreshka13]

One thing I love about being a grown up is that I am in full control of my time. I no longer have to hear my father say, "Anong oras na? Pawnga na nang TV/computer. Alas 9 na o. Tulog na. Klase pa bukas." Right now, he doesn't say that anymore even if he catches me still watching TV, laptopping, or fiddling with my phone past midnight already. He just walks across the living room, looks at his wristwatch, then at the clock posted on the wall, and back at his wristwatch, creasing his eyebrows while shooting a glance at me through the corner of his eyes. 😂

[floreshka13]

Tagaytay And Taal Volcano Experience Part 2

On the second day of our tour, we planned to spend half of the day at Taal Volcano. After checking out from the pension house, the driver immediately drove us a good 30 minutes down to the lowest part of Tagaytay or maybe that was already Batangas, I am not so sure. We availed of their package tour for two so we did not have anyone with us at the motor boat except for the bankero. It took us about 20 minutes of boating along Taal Lake to be able to reach Taal Volcano Island. After signing their guest list, we were assigned with our tour guide and the horse we will ride on going to the topmost portion overlooking the Taal Volcano crater. We spent 30 minutes horseback riding on the rough road with all the dust and the scorching heat of the sun and the sometimes stubborn horse but upon finally reaching the top, all of these seemed to not matter anymore and we were just dumbfounded with what we were seeing. Although it was just sitting there doing nothing, it was truly a wonderful sight to see. Everything was beautiful and amazing and we were so lucky to have finally seen it in the flesh. There was also a part of the place they called as Red Lava Rocks and we personally went there also. The tour guide said those were hardened lava expelt by the volcano when it erupted many years ago and when he asked us to try to touch some portions of it, it was indeed hot. From where we were situated, we could also see steams coming out from holes which was one proof that the volcano was still active. But although it meant that the volcano could erupt anytime, we learned that a community of residents were dwelling in the island. After spending an hour taking in all the good sights and admiring the place, we decided to leave just in time for lunch. The boat ride going back to the main island was kind of rough and we got ourselves covered up so as not to get wet. Upon arrival, our driver was already waiting for us and we immediately drove back up for lunch.

Based on our research, one of the recommendations was to try Bag of Beans and so off we went. The place was overlooking Taal Volcano as if we could not get enough with all the beauty of it. We asked the waiter for their best sellers and we ended up with their baby back ribs and blueberry cheesecake. These were indeed two of the best I have ever tried especially the cheesecake. We did not stay at the place for too long and we immediately went to our next stop--The Pink Sisters Monastery. The nuns wore a pink robe hence the name. We were not allowed to take photos inside the church so after praying, we took some outside instead. We also did not spend too much time there and we went quickly to our next and final stop, Starbucks. Like every attraction we visited, Taal Volcano was also visible from the place. We did not really buy coffee from there since my friend just had coffee at Bag of Beans aside from the long queue at the counter. We just took the chance to capture images in the largest Starbucks in the Philippines. And at exactly 3PM, we asked the driver to drive us to the bus station bound for Manila.

The adventure did not end there. My sister texted me to buy Subway as pasalubong (or more of a bribe for them to pick me up at the Mactan airport) since there is no branch of this in Cebu yet. So me and my friend alighted from the bus at Baclaran, took a jeepney to Mall of Asia and bought 11 pieces of subways as requested (we are a big family, including in-laws and nephews, just so you know). After refusing many taxi drivers who asked either P250 or P350 fixed price instead of using the meter, we finally got ourselves one who looked like a gangster (with half of his head bald and the other half ponytailed) but was good enough to drive us to NAIA without asking for a fixed price. It was already 6:30PM and my flight was at 8PM so I needed to get to the airport on or before 7:15PM since I forgot to check-in online. I was already very nervous that I might not be able to make it to the airport on time so I was just singing inside the taxi along with the radio to somehow ease the feeling, never minding the driver and my friend at all. After all the traffics and the taxi driver stopping over to fuel up, we finally reached the airport at 7:10PM. I ran all the way to the airport entrance leaving my friend behind who pretty well understood why I did that and the security at the gate seemed amuse and said something to me. I tried to check-in at the kiosk but I was no longer allowed to do it because the allowed time already lapsed so I was left with no choice but to line up. I looked over to see the shortest queue there was. Luckily, the leftmost counter got only one family to serve so I decided to go there. Unfortunately, that family had to open up all their luggages and repack all their things because they refused to pay the excess weight. It was already 7:15 and I already felt hopeless. When I turned to my right, I saw a Cebu Pacific ground crew waving a board and saying something I could barely hear at the other end of the series of counters and when I read the thing, it was my flight number! When no one responded to her, she immediately walked away. But there I was, running as fast as I could towards her and calling her attention. And then she turned my way and asked if I was bound for Cebu and I just nodded since I was panting already. She asked another Cebu Pacific ground crew who was on the counter to accommodate me first. I was like the last person to be checked in and I swear in that moment, I said to myself that I will never buy pasalubongs ever again! But after all the thrills and actions at the airport, after all the running and hurrying, Cebu Pacific still managed to have our flight delayed for more than an hour. However, I just couldn't get enough with all the Tagaytay and Taal Volcano experiences we have had for two days so I just turned to my phone and scanned all the photos I took while I waited for our plane that would take me back to my home sweet home Cebu.

[floreshka13]

Tagaytay And Taal Volcano Experience Part 1

After my Enchanted Kingdom experience in June 2015, I again booked a flight from Cebu to Manila and vice versa through Cebu Pacific's seat sale promo in July. I scheduled my flight in December 2015 just in time for my resignation from my current job at that time (yes, I was already planning that early to leave my job :D). I immediately informed my friend who is already based in Makati/Taguig and we both decided that our next destination would be Tagaytay.

It was not until the week of our trip that we started drafting our itinerary. We did a little bit of research on the internet and took some advice from travel bloggers who have gone to Tagaytay already. We only had 2 days for the trip since I purposely had my flight to Manila early morning on a Saturday and back to Cebu Sunday night just in case something does not go as planned with my resignation (and I was right with the intuition since I was extended in my job for that week T_T).

And here are the turn of events. My flight from Cebu to Manila was scheduled at 8:25AM so I went to the Mactan Cebu International Airport at least an hour before the flight. As expected, there were long queues at the check-in counters so I stood there in line for about 15 minutes. After checking in, we were immediately asked to board the plane. This was one of the rare occasions wherein a Cebu Pacific flight departed on schedule. Upon arrival at Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 9:40AM as scheduled, I waited for almost an hour for my friend who lives in Makati. And as soon as she finally arrived, we decided to eat lunch at Kenny Rogers just within NAIA. It was on her account since it was her birthday just a week before and she arrived at the airport late (:D). After an hour of lunching, we took a taxi cab from NAIA to Coastal Terminal. "Manila" traffic at its best, we arrived at the terminal almost an hour after. We took an airconditioned bus which brought us to Tagaytay. Bus travel took about 3 hours so there was a chance to take a nap. Upon arriving at Olivarez, Tagaytay, we took a tricycle which sent us to our pension house, Jessar Apartelle. We were already expected there since my friend already booked in advance through Agoda. We just went to see our room, left some things there and we went out again to start our tour. The driver who took us to our pension house offered to be our tour guide for two days for a fee and we both agreed on the offer since it meant saving us a lot of time asking for directions and what ride to take from the locals.

Our first stop was at People's Park In The Sky. It was like one of the highest parts of Tagaytay since it was colder than where we just came from and it seemed that the entire Tagaytay could be viewed from up there. The infamous Taal Volcano was also visible from the place. After we took several selfies and photos of the place and ate their 40 pesos Cornetto ice cream, we immediately went to our next destination--Picnic Grove.

The place was literally a picnic place with cottages to rent. Here, Taal Volcano was much nearer in view than at The People's Park. The place was also an eco adventure trail with lush vegetation and beautiful scenery. They also offered different kinds of ziplines and cable rides but too bad it rained soon after we got there so we left the place after, of course, taking some pictures.

Our last stop for the day was at Sky Ranch. It was a theme park surrounded with a few decent restaurants. We went inside after paying our entrance fee and took some pictures before we decided to go and have dinner. According to our research, one of the best bulalos in town could be bought from Leslie's Restaurant. So we went to one of their many branches which was just beside Sky Ranch and tried their special bulalo. It was indeed the best bulalo I have ever tasted not to mention that they automatically refill the soup without you even asking them. While we were eating, we witnessed a 10-minute fireworks display care-of Sky Ranch since we were seated at the veranda of the restaurant. Based on the reaction of the service crews, it was the first fireworks display for that month or for this year, maybe, and we were lucky enough to have seen it. After paying our bills, we proceeded immediately back to Sky Ranch and tried some of their rides including the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines--the Sky Eye. We took lots of pictures there and bought souvenir items. It was already almost 10PM when we decided to go back to our pension house.

[floreshka13]

Of Friends And Fake Friends

This was supposed to be posted on June 12, 2015 but I was not able to finish the last part until now.

It's been quite a while since the last time I posted a blog. And today would be a perfect day to break the hiatus. No work since it's a holiday in the Philippines today which means a long weekend for me too (busy audit and tax season are so over, my schedule's back to normal, no Saturday and Sunday work, enjoying the slack season as most CPA-auditors can relate to); no WiFi at home because Globe's system has been down for quite a few days already; and my plan to go out malling apparently did not push through 'coz the lazy bug bit me then and again. Since I am not in the mood to watch a movie or korean drama series or read a good book right now, I am going to blog about something instead.

I just turned 20 something last month and I took some time to reflect on the quality of life I have right at this stage, including the quality of people who are present in my life right now. Then a lot of realizations dawn on me. It is absolutely true that it is better to have a few real friends than to have bundles of them but are mostly fake. I am very emotional and melodramatic if you haven't noticed it yet. And the slightest thing you do or the smallest word you say means a lot to me. I've considered a lot of people my friends until I decided to redefine what a friend really is to me.

I understand that gathering everyone in my circle of friends together has been very difficult now more than ever given the fact that everyone has tight schedules already. I perfectly understand that 'coz I myself is such a busy person (yes I am). But although I am mostly preoccupied, I make sure that I still find time to give myself a break from all the hustles and bustles of life. And that includes getting connected with my friends again. More often than not, the possibility of making the plans a reality is higher than the chance of having them cancelled (persistent as I am). So why am I making a fuss about all these things? The very reason is that, if I, who occasionally works on a Saturday or even on a Sunday, can squeeze in a few hours with my friends when I badly want it to happen, then why can't some of my so-called "friends" do the same? I understand (again) that people's priorities in life differ as they age but if it meant delisting friends from those priorities, that is already beyond my understanding.

I am friends on social media, especially on facebook, with most of the people I considered buddies back in the days and I have the chance to know what they have been up to. Most of the time, they post photos of them with their new-found friends and workmates hanging out and chilling for like every single weekend if not every single day. And so I really don't get it when they can't spare even just a few minutes of their precious time to go and reconnect with their old friends. Is it because they enjoy the company of their new friends more than the old ones? Or is it because they feel that they have already reached something in their lifetime that they no longer need the presence of their "just ordinary" friends? Whatever their reason is, at least I am now certain about my role in their lives and the kind of people they really are. I am not the type to go and chase after people who do not want me in their lives anymore. Maybe I just have to thank them for making it easier for me to figure out who my true friends really are. And just so they would know, I always live by this belief: If you don't want me in your life, I also don't want you in mine--twice or thrice as much!

[floreshka13]

Mind Your Own Business!

When Facebook messages moved to Facebook Messenger, I got disappointed at first. But later on, I realized that there are more reasons for me to rejoice than to frown. By the way, I decided not to download the messenger because of some reasons and some of which are the subject of my whining in this blog. My iPhone’s memory started to run low so this is apparently one reason why I never downloaded the application. Also, I’ve read something about threats to your phone’s privacy as stated in the terms and conditions. This has all the more convinced me not to even think of downloading it. But the most interesting part why I chose to ignore the app has something to do with how some people irritate me nowadays. My FB inbox was usually boring. Only a few send me messages and they are not even on regular basis. But when I came to Singapore, the minute I was tagged in photos and uploaded some myself, my inbox surprisingly got busy. As busy as the Singapore lifestyle. A lot of my FB friends started sending their “warm regards”. Some of whom, after being FB friends for quite a while already, only decided to hit my inbox again now. This made me raise an eyebrow because suspicious as I usually am, I doubt the intentions of the effort they put into suddenly keeping in touch with me. Like there was this one person who inboxed me and the way the messages came, she could not seem to believe that I was capable of coming to Singapore that easily. She was the same person, together with her insecure loser circle of friends, who could not seem to accept the fact that I have family members and relatives living in different parts of the world. I just find it funny how big an issue it was for them when they found out I have families overseas just because they had no one from their own bloodline living abroad or if there were, there was no way they could take advantage of them like they usually do to people. I also received messages from people who were telling me the cons of being in Singapore. Like Singapore is an expensive place to stay, people are not that nice, among others. There were also some who tried to collect information about me and report the same to people I have had bad blood with and could not get the information firsthand because we are not friends on FB. But what irritated me the most were those messages coming from people who were so concerned about my whereabouts and what I was currently up to that it seemed like they made it a point to follow up on me every now and then. They pretend to tell me well wishes but I am not that dumb so as not to understand that they really meant the opposite. I know some people so well that I am certain whether or not there is sincerity in things they say to me. I am well aware that some people, even friends, could not seem to be happy with every step I take forward. They are used to me being stuck where I was ever since I existed. And coming to Singapore was like a diversion and threat to the kind of life they imagine and want me to live. A life where I am just a couple of distance behind or below them. And all that just really piss me I want to cut the lines of communication I have with these people. So instead of getting stressed by reading unwanted messages I receive on FB, I decided not to download FB Messenger. If ever I do not get to respond to your messages, probably because I do not have access on them anymore and even if I do have an access, I would still choose not to read them. It may sound harsh but you cannot blame me for it. It is no fun at all when everyone just all of a sudden starts to become nosey. Some people should learn the art of minding their own business!

[floreshka13]

With Or Without Makeup

Makeup transformation has gone viral for a few good weeks now. Many felt the urge to be "in", posting their own versions of four-phase transformation into their how-i-wish celebrity look-alikes. Some even made it hilarious by evolving into someone or something funny. But what is really behind all these fuss? This might be just another icebreaker on the social media world but if you try to take it more seriously, it has got to do with something that many people find disturbing. I have been reading a lot of random commentaries, mostly from the male species, on the issue of women applying makeup nowadays. To make the story short, they find some makeovers to have gone overboard making women look way too different from their original facial appearance which they believe is just another simple form of deceit. They put up too much of a fuss about it especially because men are very particular when it comes to the physicality of a woman. It is okay to wear make up if it makes you feel good about yourself but overdoing something is basically not good. The point is, wear a make up that would not give even your family a hard time to recognize that it was you. Also, admit the fact that every person should be accepted however ugly or beautiful that person may be, with or without makeup, because everyone is unique and beautiful in their own ways. Makeup is meant to enhance rather than change. Aside from that obvious fact, an implied message is also ought to be unfold. Be yourself. This is a big slap on the face for someone who is trying to be not himself. Today's generation have been consumed by the wrong belief that to be accepted by the society, you have to become what they want you to be and let go of your true self that they deem "inappropriate" for their social norms. This has become the trend right now. Wannabes are growing in serious numbers like mushrooms just popping everywhere. This could be downright below the belt but I do not believe that I would get assassinated for this. I am just trying to make sense of something that most people just take lightly as it appears. More than the entertainment, you should be able to dig deeper and learn the lessons it gives. Yes, I am at times a party pooper. And I do not even have my own version of makeup transformation. Just deal with that.

[floreshka13]

There Is Always A First Time

Jumpstarting my own blog is quite ambitious. I am not a good writer. Perhaps people might even crease their foreheads, raise an eyebrow, and half-smile about the idea, dubious of my ability to write something that does not upset grammarians. But I am still doing it anyway. No more procrastinating. There is no harm in trying as they always say. Just please do not hold it against me. I am only making a frustration a bit less frustrated. One item off my bucket list. Anyway, I am open to any kind of criticism, constructive or not. The one I am writing now is just a headstart. No particular topic on hand. Just a welcoming note for a newbie like me. I will be posting my first true entry as soon as I stumble upon something I find interesting that I do not have to rack my brain so hard for ideas that are unsolicited for. I am not spontaneous in many areas but I want to become like one on this, at least. I do not mind at all whether or not someone approves of my ideas. I am here to show the opinionated side of my personality which I am not able to express on my favorite hangout place, facebook, due to some obvious constraints. But I swear to keep my blogs concise. No jargons. Just plain and simple. A reflection of the person I am. But also a pain in the ass to some extent. But I would have to cut it until here. My tossing and turning on the hay for the past wee hours had me this whole blog thing realized by the way. But sleep deprivation does not make me a good blogger. So I have got to go and get myself some good night's sleep. Ta-dah!