JO MARIE: rambling on.

[msjomarie]

Seriously, the Best Day Ever! . . #disneyland #familyfirst #cousinstrip #rosegoldminnieears #travelphotography #morelife #morelove #issafamily #bestdayever (at Disneyland)

[msjomarie]

“Man should not destroy what it cannot create.” —Dr. Ruth Kiew For all you environmental earth lovers, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is a breathtaking site. The Cloud Forest dome contains the largest indoor waterfall in the world. . . . #exploreeverything #grateful #blessings #seesingapore #travelingasia #travelphotography #iphoneography #shotoniphone #shotoniphonex #morelife #morelove #issavibe (at Cloud Forest Dome, Gardens by the Bay)

[msjomarie]

at Sri Subramaniar Temple Batu Caves

[msjomarie]

Day 90: New Everything. Real quick, can we bow our heads in a moment of silence? I made it, we made it... The 90 day challenge is now complete! We’ll dedicate this last post with a cheers to the new year. New chapters, new goals and new beginnings offering new chances. Let’s step into 2018 leaving our past, negativity and attitudes in 2017. With every end comes a new beginning... Today I launched withacupofjo.com. Every Monday morning start your week off #withacupofjo. Check out my first blog post (link in bio)! Sending all my love and wishing everyone a prosperous 2018 ahead... . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #loveyours #happynewyear2018 #itslit #newnew #withacupofjo (at Everywhere)

[msjomarie]

Day 89: 2017 Memories. This last year is one for the book. The transformation of self and many others around me makes me so proud. I brought in 2017 surrounded by loved ones followed by a trip with my family. Mid-year @Warriors won the Championship. Then the following month I traveled to Spain with the mister, which inspired me to finally leave a job I was miserable at (leaving a job your grew up in for almost 10 years is an emotional decision). Also during the summer, Maiyah and I started dancing with our @ManuiaPolynesianRevue family for the first time. Then, to close the summer out I celebrated my 30th birthday with some of the most nearest and dearest of family and friends. I began working an amazing job with a boss I love during the fall. Now here I am in the Philippines bringing in the new year with my family. I can honestly say, I have no regrets about 2017. I am overfilled with joy and gratitude. Photo 01: My siblings, Maiyah and I in Hawaii earlier this year in January. Photo 02: Maiyah and I enjoying the sunset on Waikiki beach. Photo 03: Celebrating the Championship with my young life. Photo 04: An image I took of a breathtaking architecture in a church in Cordoba, Spain. Photo 05: The mister rowing us around in Madrid, Spain. Photo 06: The cutest little patch I found in Gihrardeli Square (which reflected my every day mood at my old job) a day I played hookie from work with the kids. Photo 07: Performing with our Tahitian dance group at AT&T Park, San Francisco. Photo 08: A few of my loved ones having some photo booth fun at my 30th birthday party. Photo 09: Image capture flying into Cebu, Philippines. Video 10: Some dope fireworks we bought at the palenke (market) that we set off in front of my grandma’s house here in the Philippines. . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #travelblog #shotoniphone #shotoniphonex #iphoneography #travelphotography #travelbug #holidaysinthephilippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #filipinopride #cardonarizal #loveyours #happynewyear2018 (at Cardona, Rizal)

[msjomarie]

Day 88: Being First Generation Filipino-American. My family comes from a small fishing town called Cardona in the Rizal Province of the Philippines. Although I’ve been back “home” as a child, coming back as an adult makes me appreciate my roots as well as the upbringing my parents and entire family provided for me and my siblings. I’m glad Maiyah could experience this at an age she could remember. This trip is truly unforgettable and I’m beyond grateful... Stepping into 2018 living my best life counting my blessings. Photo 01: An abandoned canoe on the shores of Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol. Photo 02: The view from my Lola’s front window this morning in Cardona, Rizal. Photo 03: Uncle Homer’s tricycle we rode to the market today. Video 04: Our tricycle ride to the market through Cardona earlier. . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #travelblog #shotoniphone #shotoniphonex #iphoneography #travelphotography #travelbug #holidaysinthephilippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #filipinopride #cardonarizal (at Cardona, Rizal)

[msjomarie]

Day 87: Natural Monuments. Ahhh visiting the island of Bohol was short, sweet and such a balance from my Euro trips. There are so many natural beauties in Bohol that were so astonishing to witness. Glad my siblings and I decided to detour from our parents for a few days to check out this island. Swipe left to see some images I captured in Bohol. Photo 01: A hill we zip lined to and from for only ₽400 per person (absolutely breathtaking and quite peaceful view). Photo 02: The Chocolate Hills. There are over 1,200 of these naturally formed hills all over the island formed overtime due to the island once being submerged under water (I strongly suggest to Google it cuz it’s quite amazing). Photo 03: The Loboc River. We were able to take a little mini cruise up and down the river while inhaling local Filipino food (#nomnoms and nature, can’t beat it). Photo 04: Hinagdanan Cave. The cave was founded by a farmer digging on his land around the 16th century and discovered this cave. Apparently you can pay a small fee to swim in the water but we arrived to late in the day to take advantage of that... The water is crazy clear and gorgeous! . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #inspiration #morelife #morelove #travelblog #shotoniphone #shotoniphonex #iphoneography #travelphotography #travelbug #holidaysinthephilippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #filipinopride #bohol #chocolatehills #lobocriver #hinagdanancave

[msjomarie]

Day 87: Natural Monuments. Ahhh visiting the island of Bohol was short, sweet and such a balance from my Euro trips. There are so many natural beauties in Bohol that were so astonishing to witness. Glad my siblings and I decided to detour from our parents for a few days to check out this island. Swipe left to see some images I captured in Bohol. Photo 01: A hill we zip lined to and from for only ₽400 per person (absolutely breathtaking and quite peaceful view). Photo 02: The Chocolate Hills. There are over 1,200 of these naturally formed hills all over the island formed overtime due to the island once being submerged under water (I strongly suggest to Google it cuz it’s quite amazing). Photo 03: The Loboc River. We were able to take a little mini cruise up and down the river while inhaling local Filipino food (#nomnoms and nature, can’t beat it). Photo 04: Hinagdanan Cave. The cave was founded by a farmer digging on his land around the 16th century and discovered this cave. Apparently you can pay a small fee to swim in the water but we arrived to late in the day to take advantage of that... The water is crazy clear and gorgeous! . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #inspiration #morelife #morelove #travelblog #shotoniphone #shotoniphonex #iphoneography #travelphotography #travelbug #holidaysinthephilippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #filipinopride #bohol #chocolatehills #lobocriver #hinagdanancave (at Bohol, Cebu, Philippines)

[msjomarie]

Day 86: Endangered Species Sanctuaries. While in Bohol, my siblings and I got to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary. According to my Google search, there are only about 5,000-10,000 left in the world. Tarsiers only birth up to one offspring per year. They’re highly shy creatures and often will commit suicide if in captivity... Crazy right? They’re super cute nocturnal primates that look like Yoda meets Furby meets finger monkey. Swipe left to check out the photos I took while at the Sanctuary. It’s really cool to see when humans understand that they’re apart of the reason that species become endangered for things such as deforestation and come to realize they have to take action like building sanctuaries. (at Tarsier Sanctuary)

[msjomarie]

85: Traffic Laws. Riding around Manila, Cebu City and Tagbilaran these past few days really really make me grateful for the traffic laws back in the U.S. I pretty much feared for my life most of the time being driven around here, and feared for others lives walking around on the streets. I always tell people back in the U.S. that driving is a privilege. No one is born with the right to drive a vehicle, it’s something that’s earned... And for a reason. There are a ton of douchebag drivers I’ve come across in my lifetime, as well as inadequate drivers. And to think those drivers are super spoiled with all the traffic lights, lines in the roads, signs and more! All of that here in the Philippines is super minimal and they’re crazy aggressive. I’m not sure if the traffic laws help us be better or just spoil us quite frankly. But there’s no way I could drive out here in the Philippines. . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #traffic #privledged #blessings (at Tagbilaran City)

[msjomarie]

Day 84: Being Present. As the saying goes “I am the gift!” Lol, just kidding (kind of)... As this year is coming to a close there’s a lot of reflect on; accomplishments, goals, things you’d do differently and things you’re grateful for. I used to worry, a lot... About the future, and a lot about my past. And although I still often think about these things, I don’t worry so much. I’ve learned how to plan for the future but be completely present in the now. Spending more time with my parents and my family has taught me to take life as slowly as possible because you really can never know what’s going to happen. Be present, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Love yours fully, because love is eternal. of Bohol. . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #tbt #present

[msjomarie]

Day 83: Hospitality. Filipinos are known for their hospitable traits. I never much resonated with this and often took it for granted being a first generation Filipino-American. Now as an adult I totally get it. Tons of my friends say how sweet my parents are and traveling to the Philippines as an adult opened my eyes to it even more (especially after traveling to a handful of European countries). Traveling to third world is an experience in itself... But it was really nice to come across a hospitable staff where we checked into for a few days on the island of Bohol. . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #travelbug #holidaysinthephilippines #filipinopride (at Tagbilaran City)

[msjomarie]

Day 81: Time Travel. You call it plane travel, I call it time travel... Same difference, lol. But, Joanna Marie Zapanta (and the rest of my family I traveled with) did not exist on December 26th, 2017. My family and I left San Francisco on the evening of December 25th around 11pm and landed in Manila on December 27th around 6am. Kinda cool huh? . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #timetravel #travelbug #holidaysinthephilippines (at Cebu City)

[msjomarie]

Day 80: Holiday Cheer. These past few weeks have been crammed with adulting (not the fun kind of adulting). And although today was a day full of packing and cleaning I was still able to connect with my loved ones via phone and social. Seeing all the little kiddos with their joyous smiles made my heart smile. This Christmas evening my family and I have been waiting in the airport for hours anticipating our annual family trip. A few years ago we all agreed on “no more presents throughout the year...” in order to save for a nice getaway. Cheers to you all and happy holidays! Sending all my love from SFO... ♥️ . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #happyholidays #familyfirst #familyovereverything #travelbug (at San Francisco International Airport (SFO))

[msjomarie]

Day 79: Talented Friends. My friends not only impress me with their talents, but their ambitions constantly inspire me. At times I can get so tunnel visioned in my own goals and dreams that I get impatient with the process. Taking the time to step back and appreciate my talented friends working at their crafts every day is a blessing... It humbles me and reminds me that I’m not alone. To all of my talented, ambitious friends: I love you. P.S. Read the book “The Artist’s Way”, it’s so good! . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #friends #inspirational #motivation (at San Francisco, California)

[msjomarie]

Day 78: Arts & Crafts. In a DIY world it seems like arts and crafts are just a trending thing... But I’m definitely one to jump on this bandwagon. Maiyah and I were in Michael’s yesterday picking up last minute Christmas gifts and there’s soooooo many DIY arts and crafts we want to try. You can’t beat a legit arts and crafts day with your kid, especially since I’m not a huge fan of kids being hooked on electronics. Got a favorite arts and crafts activity for kids? Drop ‘em in the comments! . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #diy #artsandcrafts #mommyandme #mommylife (at Michaels)

[msjomarie]

Day 77: Chosen Family. I have my friends, whom I adore. I have my family whom I absolutely love. And then I have those few I consider family and I will go to the ends of this world to protect and be there for. The bond I have with these ones are unlike any other. Our careers have taken us miles and miles apart and we still continue to make efforts to check in on one another, FaceTime and send random I love you texts here and there. There’s only a few of you I really call my “sister” outside of my actual biological sister, but that bond is real and I love you to the moon and back! Happy birthday to my sis @janae_nunii_marie. Everyone swore we were blood in high school, but that wouldn’t have made us any closer. I mean who else would pretend to be Grandma Mila to get you out of school (Filipino fob voice and all)?! Lol... So proud of the woman, mom and wife you’ve come to be sis! No matter where or how far the Air Force takes you, you still take the time to stay in touch. Enjoy the last year in your 20s... Ate Nana loves you Nunnii Blaaad! 👌🏽 . . . . #90daysofgratitude2017 #gratitude #dailyinspirations #issavibe #instagood #90daychallenge #spreadpositivity #morelove #morelife #chosenfamily #familyfirst #familyovereverything #sisterfromanothermister #tbt (at San Francisco, California)