Me and My Two Cents

ON E V E R Y T H I N G

[joannabarrientos]

Hello. My New Year’s resolution is to be active in blogging and sharing my experiences. I realized that I have so many stories to tell especially now that I live here in Australia. I came here all by myself and my closest relative (whom I have never met) lives in Gold Coast. I spent six months in Melbourne and now I am in Adelaide. I will be talking about several things – from the progress of my Masters of Business Administration (MBA) to living in a share house. Of course, I will still talk about my love for KPOP and traveling.

Speaking of traveling, I will be going to Taiwan this June! I’m so excited and that’s one more interesting thing to share. See, there are loads of stuff to tell but I should warn those who would stumble upon my blog that my English is not perfect. My native tongue is Tagalog (Filipino) so expect grammatical errors here and there. Sorry about that…

Anyway, I look forward sharing more about my journey and hopefully I can interact with those who have similar interests like mine. My entry next week should be a run-down of the life I had in Melbourne. It was a short but sweet stay in the most livable city in the world! Till then… cheers!

[joannabarrientos]

It has been years since I fully watched a Korean drama and I am totally having a late reaction to the recent one that I watched. The drama is called Descendants of the Sun and it's very popular so I'm sure a lot of people have seen it. I waited for my term break to do a marathon with of course some constant coaching from my friends. Song Hye Kyo is my first ever favorite Korean actress because of Full House. At that time, I was praying that she and Rain would end up together in real life. It was also because of that drama that I dreamt of going to Korea and eventually opened my doors to Kpop. Anyway, I was thrilled to know that Hye Kyo is the lead actress for Descendants of the Sun. I am not very surprised with her acting because I know she's both good in comedy and drama. Her eyes are so expressive and I believe the role suited her. Don't get me started on how she looks like she never aged! So pretty! Next is Song Joong Ki. I haven't watched a drama of his before but a lot of my friends love him. Now, I think I have a 'joongki' hangover. I don't know if I love him already or what but I like seeing his smile. And to think that he is thirty years old but looks very young! Wow! Usually - I'm drawn to the likes of TOP and Jung Yun Ho which I believe have strong facial features. Joong ki is probably the first "baby face" Korean actor that I liked. Acting wise, I truly admire the way he handled his character and his action scenes were pretty cool. When I watched Episode 19 (the special), my admiration for Joongki's increased ten folds because he handled the action scenes by himself - there was no stuntman for him. So hands down to that. I am also happy that after he left the army, Joongki was blessed with a successful drama because I noticed that Korean actors tend to loose their popularity after coming back to the army. Kudos to you Joongki! Anyway, moving on to the story. I think Descendants of the Sun clicked because the storyline is refreshing. Aside from that, I'm sure more Korean men were encouraged to happily join the army since technically they are required to do so. The show express the reverence that perhaps they practice and it is very inspiring. I laugh, cried and fell in love with the characters. I particularly liked that the love story is not just centered with the Song-Song couple. The love story of Jin Goo and Kim Ji-Won's characters can be a whole drama on its own. The director, writer and staff deserve a round of applause. Although, I have to admit that at first (for me), this drama is unlike the old ones where you can't just stop until you finished. Or maybe I just grew up from that phase. Anyway, I still finished it and was actually left hanging. I am happy on how it ended but I want more. My other favorite characters are Daniel, Sang Hyun and the construction manager that died :(. I'm now looking for the next Korean drama that I will watch on my next term break. I am open to suggestions. Thank you!

[joannabarrientos]

I’m sorry I’m not smart enough.

The past few days I’ve been feeling down because I think I failed my essay in one of my subjects. I followed all the guidelines, read until my eyes can’t take anymore, and devoted my time and everything in me in writing that essay. I love writing but this time around, I’ll have to wave a white flag because the first thing that should have been done, I failed to do. I can’t go into specifics because it might be some kind of violation. All I know and feel right now is that maybe… I am not smart enough.

I shouldn’t have aimed high and applied for MBA. My parents should not be working so much to send me to school because I think I don’t deserve it. I am not good enough. They are probably wasting their money. I should have stayed put in an office desk and work as an assistant forever. I am sorry, I am not smart enough.

I wish I am in Grand Canyon again and just stare at its beauty without worries in the world or heartbreak. Now I have another essay to do and I’m scared. I am scared that I will give my all again and fail because of a simple thing like writing a different kind of essay than what was required. I am afraid that I am not smart enough to know the difference and that all this time I thought my love for writing is enough, that applying what I learned is enough… But maybe even giving 110% effort is not enough.

I am sorry, I am not smart enough.

UPDATE (08 January 2017): I should be deleting this post because THANKFULLY, I passed the subject I was ranting about and I even got a B (Distinction) for that essay. Whew! And guess what, at the end of term I got an A (High Distinction) so technically, there’s no room for quitting. Turns out, I am smart enough and this was just a rather weak moment. Another lesson learned so I’m keeping this post as a reminder that  from now on, my life should be filled with good vibes! Let’s do this!!!

[joannabarrientos]

There’s a very slim chance that my parents will be able to find this blog and read this post but in the off chance that they do, I hope my words will somehow express how thankful I am that they are supporting me in the path I decided to take.

We are not rich but here I am in Australia starting a Masters Degree in Business. I hate that I am so darn ambitious to want this so much and I hate that my parents who are nearing their retirement age are still working their asses off (excuse my language) to send my butt to graduate school.

I am ashamed that at the age of 25, I wasn’t able to save enough to send myself to school and that my capabilities are not enough to give me a hundred percent scholarship. Yet here I am willing myself to stand tall because I believe that at the end of this journey is a brighter future.

I may not be smart enough to get in an Ivy League university, a complicated immigration system might have prevented me from taking the masters of my field, I might not be qualified for an automatic permanent residency but watch out because I will be the best that I can be. I shall slay my graduate degree with flying colors and conquer the industry I am destined to be in.

To my parents, one day soon, it will be my turn to provide for you. Your feet will no longer hurt from walking too much, you won’t need to brave the cold every winter, and we will finally get a chance to live in your dream home together. One day, someday. For now, mama and papa, thank you. I don’t say it often but I love the both of you to the moon and back. We’ll get that "someday" soon.

[joannabarrientos]

My Airline Experience

2015 has been a year of travel for me. I went to Bohol, Cebu and Coron before my adventures in Dubai, New York, Las Vegas, Arizona, and Los Angeles. And to begin my 2016, I traveled to Australia. Now I would like to share my experiences with some international airlines.

For the record, I flew with Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Emirates, EVA Air and the most recent is Singapore Airlines. I also flew with Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Tiger Air but I’ll rank the first five I mentioned. I like to try different airlines to see where I will invest my future miles and I can say a decision has been made.

Here is my ranking:

Overall 1. EVA Air 2. Korean Air 3. Singapore Airlines 4. Asiana Airlines 5. Emirates

Food 1. EVA Air 2. Singapore Airlines 3. Emirates 4. Korean Air 5. Asiana Airlines

Notes: I chose EVA Air because the time I flew with them was the first time I enjoyed and finished the whole meal. The food didn’t taste like typical “Airplane food.” Emirates is number 3 because of the presentation and the variety of knick knacks on their meals. Instead of just appetizer, main course and dessert they even have additional biscuits, cheese and chocolates.

Services 1. EVA Air 2. Korean Air 3. Asiana Airlines 4. Singapore Airlines 5. Emirates

Granted I flew with mostly Asian airlines but the cabin crew in general are very accommodating and polite. Emirates is last on my list and I don’t want to cause any trouble but the memory of my flight from Dubai to New York was not very pleasant. I hate to say this but I felt like I was judged and I missed the sweetness of Asian flight attendants. (No racism intended, I’m just saying that the Asian attendants made me more welcome and comfortable)

Airplanes 1. Emirates 2. EVA Air 3. Korean Air 4. Asiana Airlines 5. Singapore Airlines

By far Emirates has the best plane among five, I loved the starry night sky effect on the ceiling when the lights are off. The seats are more spacious and the entertainment system is updated. Singapore is last on my list because it looks like the planes I rode from Manila to Singapore and Singapore to Melbourne are their older models. I’m not sure with other flights but this was based on my experience.

In conclusion, I would love to always fly with EVA Air plus the airport in Taiwan is ADORABLE! I had a 10-hour layover but I didn’t mind because being in a cute terminal relieved the stress.

Please open flights to Australia EVA Air. When I was booking my ticket for Australia, it was my go-to airline so imagine my disappointment when I found out there’s no flights to the land down under. For my next flight, if EVA doesn’t have flights to and from Australia yet, I’ll probably try Qantas. Till then, I hope my list helped anyone who is choosing their airlines. Safe travels and Cheers!

[joannabarrientos]

Today I arrived in Melbourne, Australia. It is a start of a new journey but also a wake up call. My choice to be here is to fulfill a dream but I can't help but wish that I didn't have to dream this high, or that a friend of mine didn't have to go all the way to New Zealand to practice her profession, or that the thousands of Filipinos abroad didn't have to leave their families behind to find their luck elsewhere. The accounting head of the company I used to work for in Makati told me that banks predicted that the Philippines will be a first world country by 2020 or so. Incidentally, election is fast approaching and whether this is true or not, I appeal to my fellow Filipinos to vote wisely. Do not let the candidates fool you, do not let the media influence you. However, remember that we should not completely rely on the government and we should not always blame them for all the hurdles our country has, is, and will be experiencing. Be disciplined, be cooperative, work hard, be respectful and truly love the Philippines. I may not be as patriotic as the rest who remained in our country but Philippines will always be home. Stand tall my beloved country, I'll see you later.

[joannabarrientos]

With a heavy heart, I would like to dedicate this post to my 8 year old Mac Book Pro. It is a gift from my parents and we were together since college. We have endured countless sleepless nights and have created hundreds of artwork together but the time has come for it to retire.

Mac is still working but occasionally freezes and being OS 10.5.8, any update or new installation is virtually impossible. I feel like I left my best friend behind but I know it is time for it to rest. I have been extremely happy with my laptop and it was a wise buy. At the moment I bought a cheap Windows laptop but once I have enough money I will sure buy a new MacBook.

So to the years that we’ve been together, cheers Mac! Thank you Apple, thank you Steve Jobs.

[joannabarrientos]

JYJ Return of The King Concert in Hong Kong.

Last August 16, 2014, one of my dreams came true - I got to see JYJ up close and watched them perform for their Asia Tour Concert stop in Hong Kong.

When my friend told me that JYJ will have an Asia Tour to promote their new album "Just Us", we made a deal to watch it in Korea. Unfortunately, we weren't able to secure tickets so imagine our joy when they announced their concert in Hong Kong. It's only 2 hours away and I wound't mind having a side-trip at Disneyland.

I arrived in Hong Kong, August 15 - my birthday and went to Disneyland. It was an amazing day but I kept counting the hours till it was 8:15pm at Asia World Expo. The concert started on time and their first song was Creation. We got VIP seats on the side of the stage and we are close enough to see them really well. Most of the time, it was Junsu who goes to our area and he's just so charming! Jaejoong has powerful vocals and I'm really impressed. His solo is amazing and sexy! Yoochun is a little reserved for me but I almost cried with the emotion he is sending when they sang their last song, Fallen Leaves. The Kings have definitely Returned!

It's my third time to watch a concert by a KPOP group but it was my first time to watch it in a different country. My friends and I agreed that there is something missing in their performance. I'm not sure if it's because we are still hoping for TVXQ to reunite or because the concert was held in Hong Kong therefore the energy is different compared to when we watch it in our country with our fellow Filipino fans. I can still remember Bigbang's concert here and it was a blast. I just hope JYJ will finally visit our country because I would definitely watch again. 

Always keep the faith!

[joannabarrientos]

“Dance. Smile. Giggle. Marvel. TRUST. HOPE. LOVE. WISH. BELIEVE. Most of all, enjoy every moment of the journey, and appreciate where you are at this moment instead of always focusing on how far you have to go.”  ― Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass

Since 2010 I have been traveling with my college buddies. We have been mostly to the Bicol Region and Palawan, Philippines. Every travel is another milestone in our friendship. Like what some might say, you get to know more about another person when you travel with them. Five years of going around the country made us appreciate the bond that we have formed since we met way back in 2007. In this recent trip, I continue to live with these two things. First is that true happiness can be found in true friendship and second is that "It is More Fun in the Philippines."

So where are these photos taken? It's in Calaguas Islands, Vinzons, Camarines Norte. Our vacation lasted for 3 days and 2 nights. I wish it was longer because Calaguas is indeed a hidden paradise. I have been to Boracay and Palawan. I have my own praises for those destinations but Calaguas exceeded my expectations. Boracay is popular for it's clear and blue waters but Calaguas, in my opinion, has clearer and crystal blue waters. It's like swimming in a huge swimming pool. With swimming pool I mean the water is calm and you can float away all day long.

On our first day, we enjoyed swimming on the island. We played volleyball, walked along the seashore and took lots of selfies. It was relaxing and just the break I needed after months of work. For the second day, we went island hopping. There is not much islands to visit like in Caramoan but the experience of climbing a mountain and seeing the Pacific ocean even from afar was indeed memorable. Stargazing and searching for glowing blue plankton in the sand became my favorite past times on the nights of our stay. Mornings are perfect for jogging, trekking or just walking. I sure did inhale all the fresh air I can get.

And because Calaguas is somewhat still a virgin island, we slept on a tent and to take a shower, you have to pump water the old-school way. Nonetheless, it was all worth the effort and the 10 hours or more travel time. On our last day, we went to Bagasbas and tried out surfing. Wasn't my sport but I don't mind trying it again. The whole trip didn't cost much especially if you're in a group so go and visit Calaguas!

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and TRAVEL.

Photo Credits: Mark R. (Thanks!)

[joannabarrientos]

It has been a while since I posted. Things have been slow for my Kpop fandom and I am not anymore updated with What's New in Kpop... Well, 2ne1 is coming to Manila... yey! But I'm not watching because I chose Calaguas over that. I'm excited to travel and with this summer heat, it's a must!

Anyway, back to business. TVXQ's 10th year anniversary album, Tense. Hmmm... I guess it's okay. I mean I love TVXQ and I've known them since 2004, so that's 10 years too, BUT I have noticed how their music has changed. Feel free to correct me but whenever I listen to their albums - Time, Tone, Catch Me, Keep Your Head Down, there's just something missing. I love their ballad and although their up-beat songs are catchy, it's too techno for my liking. Don't get me wrong I'm a huge TVXQ fan and I still love them but I dream of the day when I will get the feeling that I had and still have when I'm listening to their old songs... Why Did I Fall In Love With You, Proud, Hug, Balloons, Don't Say Goodbye, Stand by U, Heart, Mind and Soul... and the list goes on. Gosh, I miss those days.

Oh well, the packaging is alright. It's similar to Bigbang's Still Alive album. And I chose the red one because the black seems bland. For the songs, I enjoyed listening to Smoky Heart, Love Again, Steppin', Rise and Always With You.

Despite my ranting, I will still look forward more TVXQ albums and buy them of course. Always Keep The Faith.

[joannabarrientos]

"Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." (Forrest Gump, 1994)

So why did I start with that quote for this post? Well, it's because Kim Jaejoong's WWW album looks like an expensive chocolate box. Seriously, it's gold and it's sophisticated. I love it!

First of all, I really admire how JYJ seems to put an effort on their albums. Since "The Beginning", they never failed to be creative. Take Junsu's albums for example. Even Jaejoong's previous album looks good. How they showcase their album is the reason why I buy all the way from Korea. These artists take their job seriously and I hands down admire them.

Now, I am not sure but I think Jaejoong loves rock music so his current songs are towards that genre. I don't mind too because it fits his voice but I miss his ballad songs. Actually, I miss JYJ. When will they release another album anyway?

I also heard that there's a probability that JYJ members will start entering the military next year. This makes me sad but I will wait for them. Always.

[joannabarrientos]

Late post but better than never right? For the 21st album to be added to my Kpop collection, I bought G-Dragon's Coup D'Etat. I must admit that I was kinda confused with the music video of Coup D'Etat but I liked the sound of it so I just had to have the album.

Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the packaging. I really liked One of A Kind so I was expecting more for this one but it turns out to be just like an ordinary album with the plastic casing. It wasn't as creative as the last but it's still bad-ass. I choose the black version because the red gives me the creeps - it looks bloody.

Overall, I would say that GD is an artist with an eclectic taste. I don't know if I should feel disturbed with his choices of themes but I would rather believe that he wants to showcase himself as an artist and if black, red and dark are his inspiration then so be it. I still love GD and BigBang.

[joannabarrientos]

Who knew last minute decisions could be worth it! Last year it was with Maroon 5, this year it is with OneRepublic. If last year I've been to concerts almost every month since September this year OneRepublic is my first and last concert of the year and I don't mind at all! I've been to quite a few and the ones I truly enjoyed are those that played good music where I can freely sing along and enjoy with my fellow audience. I love KPOP but I have to admit that nothing beats songs that I can understand.

All of the members of OneRepublic are AMAZING and TALENTED musicians. Man, Ryan Tedder has a very high pitched voice! And I think I fell in love with Brent Kutzle!!! Love, love, love their songs! My favorites Secrets, All the Right Moves, Stop and Stare, Apologize and Good Life were sang. Counting Stars, Feel Again and If I Lose Myself Tonight are now officially added to my favorite songs. I have a concert hangover so the next day I purchased the rest of their Native album on iTunes. I'm listening to it now too!

My brother and I got patron seats so they are about 50 feet away and I was so happy. I am glad that OneRepublic appreciates the Filipino crowd (and food) because in all honesty, we were really loud. I wish we could have gotten closer seats because Ryan went down the stage and the guys gave away picks and drum sticks. I am looking forward Ryan's promise that they will be back next year and they will do not just one but two-night shows!

[joannabarrientos]

Xia's album is indeed Incredible! I love the songs, the packaging and the photo album. The pop-up style they did for the CD was brilliant! When I saw it, I was like "Woah! Cool!"

Definitely worth what I paid for. Xia is one of the colorful artists in the Kpop industry. I really appreciate how he experiments with his albums. From the black and white motif of Tarantallegra, to the pastel colors of Uncommitted and now the pop art style of Incredible - it's really amazing and shows how unique Kim Junsu is.

My favorite song in the album is 11am. I've watched his showcase and the acapella part was very emotional. I also liked his song Sorry. I'm a big fan of Junsu's ballad songs.

Too bad Philippines wasn't part of his Asia Tour. :( I'll be waiting for that day when he'll  finally sing for his Filipino fans...

[joannabarrientos]

"Life is short and you've got to get the most out of it." -Gwen Stefani

Okay. This is the last photo of my Flashback Friday series. And this one is just taken recently in Matinloc Shrine, El Nido, Palawan. Save the best for last right? 

First of all, I think we are more than a hundred feet above sea level here and I still get goosebumps remembering the feeling. And we're in, ummm, are those limestones? Pretty cool but it was an effort getting up there. Too bad if one's scared of heights, I'm glad I'm not but I was shaking a bit after I got down. The VIEW was again PERFECT! El Nido is perfect!

And yes, my second destination for this year's August Adventure is El Nido and Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Paradise at its best. I'm a big fan of Palawan. I am yet to go to Coron!

My cousins from NY and friends are with me this time. We are a group of 9 and boy was it amazing! My cousins who were used seeing the buildings in NY were mesmerized by the beauty of Palawan. Made us really proud of being Filipinos. The islands that we have visited are Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Snake Island and Seven Commando. We weren't able to go to the Secret Beach (or was that the Secret lagoon?) because of the strong current. 

I love the big lagoon but we're unable to go further because we don't have a Kayak. Lunch at Shimizu Island was good and the sunset in the Seven Commando is unforgettable.

The second half of our trip was in Sabang. We stayed in Sheridan Beach Resort. We decided to indulge ourselves with some luxury so it was the perfect place to stay. We went to the underground river and even though it's my second time, I'm still in awe. Also my second time in Sabang's Zip line! And my first time in their Mangrove Tour and it's mother nature at her best!

Reminiscing my adventure makes me want to go back there again... I can't wait to book a flight to Coron! 

Gotta love traveling!

Photo Credits: Bettina C. (Thanks!)

[joannabarrientos]

It's Flashback Friday for me today! I'm getting pumped up posting photos of my travel whereabouts. This one is from 2011 and my destination is Hong Kong.

Went there with my relatives and it's somewhat my graduation gift. And it's perfect! Hmmm, looks like I've been saying that word a lot! Anyway, why wouldn't it be perfect? We went to Hong Kong Disneyland!!! That's my childhood dream come true! The fireworks display that night is forever engraved in my memory. I got teary eyed a bit, it was like graduating from childhood and I'm graduating from college that time. Again, perfect...

So... what I love about our visit in Hong Kong

Food. Try their street foods too but make sure you know what you'll be eating.

Shopping. Well this one is most likely what my dearest cousin and brother loved about Hong Kong. I enjoyed window shopping though.

Disneyland. I will go back there because there's no Toy Story yet when we went there. And I need a better spot for the fireworks display!

Airport. It's huge but we have no problems locating our gates.

We're on a tour so I wasn't able to maximize my visit. I want to try their public transportation next time and continue my trip to Macau.

Photo Credits: Jossa V. (Thanks!)

[joannabarrientos]

This year's first August Adventure destination is Cagayan De Oro, Camiguin and Bukidnon. Pardon my love for photo effects, I can't help it. :) This photo was taken in White Island, Camiguin.

Another lucky year for me because even though we encountered heavy rain on the way, we were still able to enjoy our trip. I am happy to be able to spend it with my office mates. Today, October 18, 2013, is my 2nd year work anniversary. A perfect date to post this photo that will always remind me of how blessed I am to have met these wonderful people and to be part of an amazing company. I am looking forward more bonding time with the ladies of WSA!

Dahilayan Adventure Park is also a must visit in Bukidnon! If you love the rush like I do, try their Asia's Longest Dual Zipline. Gotta love it! I will sure go back there for their Dropzone!

Plus don't forget to hoard Camiguin's Lanzones and Pastel bread of CDO!

Lol! Funny how I'm wearing the same rash guard from last year's trip in Caramoan. I must buy a new one!!! I want to travel around the Philippines - then the world!

Photo Credits to Ms. Lei M. and Jaya (Thanks!)