Bailey is already 5 years old and she gets clingier to me everyday. If she could only talk, I think she will call me mama.
Worst Ex Ever Season 2 is out. My attention span with docuseries and true crime stories is unshakable. It’s either funny, cute dog videos in IG or YT shorts, Netflix documentaries or nothing.
Had my annual bloodchem check up and I’m happy with the outcome. Everything’s normal and far from borderline. Hitting 30’s is different and the best birthday present is to live and move healthy. Amen.
I miss my boxing sessions but seems I can’t squeeze everything in one day. So many things to do but so little time 🫠
Papa is home. Even i’m old enough to buy things for myself he never fails to give us presents. I don’t ask him anything. In fact, I can’t remember a time I ever asked my parents anything or expect that he will give us stuff but that’s just how he is. We are blessed having a generous and a good provider father. He isn’t perfect but he made sure we have things we need, sometimes even more than we need. I feel ashamed in a way because he still spends on us, his children but really, thank you always, Papa ❤️
Finally switched to Apple and my boyfriend always teases me as “Iphone ghooorl”. HAHA. Funny how I take photos in front of the mirror and would joke “hala ganito pala magselfie ang naka-iphone” Lels.
Slept in the wee hours of the morning for 3 consecutive days watching shows such as Ms. Gay singing and teen beauty contests in our village. I watched with neighbor friends and really had a great time.
Bought a couple of kitchen items for the house such as rotating spice rack, storage baskets and mineral water container rack. I just get the satisfaction in organizing things or I must say, ganito na talaga ang nasa trenta 😆
MIA in socmed and in the first quarter of the year but never in life. Though I failed to capture photos along the way, I did not miss out on reconnecting with people and living in the present. It's the quiet shift for me and I am liking it ✨️
I reconnected with old friends and these people I haven't seen loooong time. I blend easily in the crowd and most will say I'm an extrovert but I am not. Some would even tell me I am like a sunshine but I have a hermit personality. It's just the Aries in me. This year, I thought of reaching out to people. I prefer one on one friendship dates to focus on what they've been up to and just savor the long overdue catchup. Though we never forgot each other, we kind of drifted apart because that's how life sometimes. People find their paths, build careers, meet more people and a lot of life discoveries but at the end of the day, your schedule will meet up again just like how mine and my fewest friends on Earth did. It was lovely to get to know them again - their dreams, struggles, loss and wins during those times we weren't so much communicating. No promises but we will try to see more often or even plan to do things together someday. I am looking forward.
I never won a raffle in my life until I asked my neighbor friend to go out with me one random evening. She has anxiety and thought she needed a breather, we went to Mcdonalds and there was a raffle activity for anyone who has a 500 plus pesos receipt. I wrote my name at the back of the receipt, dropped it in the box and was like, I'd never get it. She said my name might even be called in first and boy she didn't stutter. I got the first raffle prize! A Mcdonalds mini duffel bag. Wow. She was a lucky charm.
The Word Search book keeps me sane. I bring it everywhere I go to fight boredom and lessen screen time. When I don't have schedule on weekends, I go to cafe shops alone, enjoying my drink and sharpening my brain with this lol. Time passes quickly and calmly just by searching words in the grid. One time I went to a clinic for a minor check up and everyone's looking at me encircling words while waiting for the doctor to call me. You do you. Haha.
Consistent with my walk and slow run in the morning. I make sure to move and achieve steps before I lock in for the day. It really helps me focus at work and balances my mood the whole day. I also incorporated lympathic exercises lately. I swear I'm not the healthiest but the simple things are the most powerful.
I don't usually share work stuff but I'm getting the hang of things now. It was difficult at first. All the things I knew and confident at, I had to drop everything and started to absorb everything as well. I was nth years with my previous company and being new to processes, people and data got me scared. I was sad even. But then I learned that I don't need to be hard on myself. I'm starting from scratch again (well not entirely) but someday, it will be a walk in the park. I'm with the new company for a few months now and it will just get better. Amen!
I miss my man very much. Can't wait to see him again. Our love is the reason I look forward to in life ✨️
Our mini dachshund Bailey is under medication. She was supposed to be neutered but series of blood tests did not turn out well. It's treatable only she has to take a couple of antibiotics and supplements for the time being. It's a lot of money but still I am grateful because I have means to provide for her especially times like this. I really love Bailey and I will do anything for her to be fully recovered. Prevention is better than cure and this is what we are doing.
Invested with laser again for my high maintenance to stay low maintenance things (read that somewhere haha). It's an early birthday present. I had my upper lip and pits done already so guess which part now I'm doing (as if someone is reading my posts haha). Thrilled to see the result every session.
Bryan Adams' Roll With The Punches concert | Manila | 01.31.26
The man is already 66 years old and his voice is still incredible. He sounds exactly like his records ages ago. He even sang for straight 2 hours without a break. The best part was the crowd singing along his greatest hits - Straight From The Heart, Heaven, Everything I Do (I Do It For You) and went wild when he finally sang Summer of '69. His songs are timeless and brings the good old days of our lives. Super solid!
So happy me and my sister went to his concert and I think I'd be playing his songs on repeat for a month. Hahaha. Truly a night to remember! I even got teary eyed when he played an acoustic of All For Love as his encore song ✨️
It's just the first month of the year yet so many feelings. Who also celebrated the first day of 2026 sick and gloomy? Me. I don't want to believe that it's bad luck to start the year sick. January is a peak virus season and the change of weather and temperature can really weaken the immune system but I'd skip beating around the bush and just be honest that I feel down lately that I end up crying myself to sleep. I don't share a lot about my feelings 'cause, I don't know. Discomfort? Shame? Judgement? Afraid to be perceived weak and petty?
I've been so hard on myself lately. I worry a lot and try to solve things that are out of my hands, try to control things the way I want it. I know that's not the way the world works and we can't have it all. Sadly, I tend to overlook what I have and compare my life with others, not realizing that I have come soooo far and the things once I prayed for happened, the things I wished to have were handed to me effortlessly, like God knew what I needed in the right time and place. Sometimes, I just need to be more patient and know that there is beauty in waiting and once I am ready, it will be given to me fully. Minsan nga di lang sapat, sobra pa.
I need to cut myself some slack. To be kinder and gentler to myself. To look back and appreciate the progress I've made. It took time and still taking time (on some things) but what's mine will come to me. To celebrate small even the quiet wins, take things one step at a time and, be in the moment. I'm not perfect and no matter how many times I remind myself that it will all be okay, I know sometimes the devil's in the playground but I don't have to let it win. I don't always have to be loud, proving and impressive. I am stronger than that and I deserve to be happy, stress free and worry free.
Jen, remember that before the universe gives you the life you dream of, it will first build the version of you that can handle it. So live and be merry ✨️
We were having our Saturday dinner when my mom said she wanted to visit Baguio. No dilly dally and came Monday morning we were on the road just like that 😁
A lot of firsts about this trip - first time to bring Frankie and Bailey to Baguio, first time to drive on Kennon road, first time to bring laptop and work in a cafe shop (plenty things going on bruh!) and, first time to be here for only one night (usually we stay for a few nights).
We were able to secure a nice airbnb a day before the trip and just the whole trip went well. Amaziiiing 😄 It was a super chilly evening and expected the town is crowded due to holidays, it was still a lovely quick getaway. I might be back one day but I'd rather take the bus and stay a bit longer. Let's see.
Gosh. A few hours and it's 2026! I don't really feel any difference but might as well enjoy the holidays. I don't say this a lot but I manifest more moneyyyy for this year please! Universe alam mo naman na yan. So random hahaha ✨️
Christmas feels different today but the most important is to celebrate the reason for this season -- HIM.
Me and my mom attended the Christmas eve mass. We were even assigned to light the white Advent candle and bring the wine and bread offertory to the altar. Towards the end of the mass, the church members sang Christmas carols in front of everyone. I enjoyed the short presentation and felt the Christmas spirit seeing everybody clapping and singing along.
I prepared our simple Noche buena - baked macaroni, caesar salad, chicken tenders and baguette garlic bread. I like sharing foods to some of our neighbors and the joy in their eyes is unbeatable.
So many things happened since I got home. It felt like life didn't give me an opportunity to be sad and make time pass quickly by ticking off tasks I need to do.
OA girl, why the need to be sad? 😅 There so many things to look forward to and it will just get better 💫
Year end lunch buffet and coffee over chika with ANZ team. We only have annual meetup since wfh but even so, we are really close and always make every meet up memorable. I'm gonna miss them so much :(
Memory foam pillow from the team. Funny story though, they asked me what I want to receive as a farewell gift and I gave 3 options - Nespresso machine, ergonomic chair and memory pillow (specifically Mandaue Foam brand). I was only exaggerating about the items since they know me as the crazy girl and to my surprise, they gave me a pillow. I was really shocked. These guys! So sweet! I also bought a yard of silk and have it customized since the pillow has a curvy shape and huge compare to standard pillow size. Looove it!
I craved for Pho so much! I rarely have soup dishes in NL and as a Filipina na pinalaki ng sabaw, I had my bowl of goodness and I felt healed. Hahaha. There is something in Pho that really touches the soul 😌
Bought a new laptop (i7) and sold the old one (i3). I'm not into gadgets nor techy so I am happy that Capt helped me decide what to get.
Met a few of my female elementary batchmates. We all live in the same area but we rarely see each other. It will take ages before catching up and I think that's one of the downsides of socmed, seeing what they are up to through posts is enough to know how they are. Majority of us are working from home too and as the 90s gang, we are just in the same boat. We just want to live quietly but then again, there is beauty in seeing each other too even once in a while. It was such a lovely night talking about adult things. So lovely that we forgot it's midnight already and the cafe was about to close hahaha.
A whole week of errands. It was tiring but just grateful I had time to settle personal stuff before I started with my new job.
I didn't know that Army Navy has pancakes at ang sarap pala for only 190 pesos! The portions were huge, was hard to finish everything but I didn't want to waste money. I think I spent 1.5hrs just to eat the whole thing 😅
Gift hunting for my godchildren and closest family members. I don't know if it's just me but everything seems expensive. Some items can be OA pa sa price but doesn't even look quality. Pft. At least I was able to find goodies for them without really breaking the bank.
May sound shallow but I got myself a Hua Mulan peachwood comb. So nice on the scalp and minimizes hair breakage. I even gave my mom, aunt and grandma too.
Early Christmas grocery to avoid traffic and long lines. We will just have a simple mini noche buena since my sister who recently married will spend the holiday with her husband's family. They will be here on New Year's though.
Scheduled a catch up with my college friend. Excited to see her again after a decade hahaha.
I never thought I'd be leaving this company after nth years of service and spent a great time with the best people turned into friendship. Saying goodbye is never easy and the decision wasn't made in one day.
I'm grateful to the management for taking me under their wing, for seeing my potential and believing that I can be more. The last call with the team was very emotional. My mentor even cried first and I did eventually when our director spoke to me. She said I am the sunshine in the team and though she was sad and (wanted to get mad at me), she didn't want to hinder my growth and find my purpose. That getting a new job can be scary, overwhelming and confrontational but she is confident that I will excel wherever I am. She even hoped the new company will love and take care of me or else, she will find and fight them. Haha. Everyone said their wishes and when it was my turn, I can't help but bawled my eyes out 🥹
I didn't leave because of the workload, people or environment. In fact, I have a lot of good things to say especially to anz team. I even love my clients (even they didn't trust me at first and fussy all the time lol). As time went by, my clients appreciated me and even didn't want a backup whenever I'm on PTO. The camaraderie and culture I have experienced here is amazing. I really felt important which made it harder to leave.
However, there's a point in my profession that I would like to experience more. There's still a fire in me that wants to learn and discover. My work became my comfort zone, it's a nice play to stay but nothing ever grows there. Trying can be scary but not trying is scary too. Also, we have bills to pay and the world doesn't stop for anyone. There is no way but up and to upgrade lifestyle.
My clients were sad after receiving the news and transition was done. One even sent me a farewell board with every member's message and even shared their group photo. It was bittersweet but who knows one day, we might work again.
I never felt heartbroken leaving a job except for this company. The director even said if I want to come back, she will accept me and will make arrangements for me to be with the team again. I'm not the best employee but to hear this meant a lot to me 🫶
I completely signed off, returned company assets and signed my clearance. I hope it's worth the jump. Well, if I will never try, I will never know. I will only bring good memories with me and of course, the relationship doesn't end there. I will remain in contact and still see each other as much as we can.
I didn't have the energy to write anything since I got back. The airport is the happiest and saddest place on Earth. The airport has witnessed both our joy and pain whenever we pick up and drop off each other. The reality of long distance relationship. It is not for the faint hearted. Though I know we will see each other again and God knows the right season to close the border, we have to be at present (cause we have bills to pay and the world doesn't stop for anyone lol). We are still blessed to have means to see each other. Looking back, we have seen each other a lot than I can imagine -- went to several places and plane rides, met new faces, discovered quirks and irks and, cooked and shared plenty meals together. There's a lot to be thankful for 💫
The thing about spending time with him in NL is I built my routines and don't consider myself as a tourist anymore. I adjust to live how they are everyday. I am a foreigner in their country so I follow rules, mingle with people, learn their language and embrace the community. I like their independent, peaceful and collected culture. They are simple and straightforward (things I like about him too) though they might sound rude since they are direct (and I believe most of us are clouded by emotions when talking or judging than be rational), I learned that it's best to be honest to fix things quicker.
I am so blessed to experience the beauty of NL the same time it saddens me about opportunities lost and abused in PH. They say travelling to developed countries will expose you to new perspective. I am sad everytime me and Capt part ways and sadder that again, I'm back in this shithole. In my defense, I don't want people to see me as the girl who feels like having the upper hand just because I have a foreigner partner. No. Never. It's the system which makes it exhausting. I think it's hopeless :'(
Anyway, I left again with a hole in my heart. Better days are coming and one day, everything will be okay 🙏 A cute scenario though, I was passing through immigration and greeted the officer in Dutch. She smiled and appreciated how I try to speak their language. We exchanged a few words and she was surprised how I can converse in a very very basic Dutch. It encouraged me in a way to learn more. Haha. I wasn't hungry but I grabbed a Chocolate bread and bottled water which costed €€€€. The hours turned to minutes to seconds and just like that, the plane took off. It's back to reality. I always choose aisle seats and such a coincidence a sweet couple was sitting next to me. What a life! 😅 The flight was smooth that I woke up 4 hours remaining until we arrive in China. I had 4 hours layover and met a couple of OFWs (they were vocal about being happy to see their families but not so looking forward about the government circus).
The flight from China to Manila was bearable cause I sat with a fellow Filipina who has a Dutch partner too. She was very friendly and we even shared stories about our NL experience and partners. It's a pity we did not exchange contacts in case I come back (wow hahaha) and we could meet again. We introduced ourselves though and I only know her as Vanessa living close to Rotterdam.
And so I'm back and I have a list of things to do to keep me occupied and no room to be sad 🙂 I will be surprised how time flies and we will see each other again. I missed my room and its paraphernalias. I missed our pets especially our mini doxie, Bailey. She clings to me like a glue. I missed daily conversations with my mom too.
Europe is famous for Christmas markets and I'm so happy to visit the largest underground Christmas market located in Valkenburg, NL, the Gemeentegrot.
Good thing Capt bought tickets online in advance with visit time slot to avoid overcrowding the place. So amazed navigating every corner and passages, checking the stalls with all kinds of Christmas decorations from snowglobes, gnomes, ceramics to candies, chocolates, cheese and liquors. Also winter clothes, boots, slippers and blankets. There are food options from sandwiches, pastries, Stroopwafel, sausages and cafe area to enjoy coffee, beer, wine and hot chocolate.
I got a Goebel Dachshund figurine (was always looking for a display that looks like our mini doxie, Bailey) and Capt told me his mom will get it for me as a gift. So thoughtful of her ♡ We spent a good amount of time in the cave and truly an experience I will never forget 🎁
Limburg is known for its traditional pastry called Vlaai. We ordered the Cherry and Apricot filling with whipped cream. So good paired with coffee!
I've tried a couple of desserts in NL and I can say they have less sweet flavored pastries or desserts. Not sure if it's the same all over Europe. The sweetness doesn't overpower the taste and quality of the food. They really prefer healthy and natural ingredients (that's why they aren't obese haha). This vlaai is bigger than my hand (of course everything is bigger, larger or taller than me in NL lol) but even if I have another slice, I'd still take it without feeling guilty (only the €€€€ will make me feel otherwise 😅).
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