Nadine Ell

- b -

[nadineeb]

"Why do we even try when the barriers are so high and the odds are so low? Why don't we just pack it up and leave? That would be so, so much easier. It's because in the end, there's no glory in easy. No one remembers easy. They remember the blood and the bones and the long agonizing fight to the top... And that is how you become legendary."

- Amelia Shepherd

[nadineeb]

"break my heart. break it a thousand times if you like. it was only ever yours to break anyway." - Prince Maxon Schreave

[nadineeb]

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

-Anonymous

[nadineeb]

Four Sisters and A Wedding - A Movie Review

Hi dears! It’s me again for a movie review after the Holidate one. Here’s my third one and my favorite family movie from the Philippines. I promise it’ll give you a sweet memory of home. Hope you’ll like it! All credits goes to the owners of the Photos and GIFs. Thank you, dears, bigtime!

-XOXO, Nads<3

CJ’s wedding is the only event in the Salazar Family enough to make their Family reunite again. All the way from Spain - Teddy, The New-Yorker - Bobbie, The Aspiring Director – Alex, and the youngest sister, Teacher Gabbie, made their way home for CJ, their youngest sibling was now engaged to Princess, a rich girl but the sisters don’t like her.

Teddy goes home with her fake boyfriend while Bobbie with his boyfriend and his daughter.

Catching up in their family dinner, Alex mentioned that Princess is a “Chararat”, another word for ugly. CJ, offended by what her sisters called her fiancé, he is sulking in their playground. Her sisters immediately said their apologies, but they have to be quiet at the engagement dinner at Princess’ house.

The engagement dinner came and the whole family is in awe of Princess’ house, it was a big mansion. They stayed silent though they seem awkward because Princess’ parents are a little bit braggy.

Still, the four sisters don’t want CJ to be wedded to Princess. They still have to make moves so that CJ will not like her. Thoughts of bringing back CJ’s ex-girlfriend, they can’t make it because CJ’s ex is not in the country.

They came to an idea to let CJ have options. Toti Marie, they’re boyish nanny, was the one in-charge. Little did they know that Toti Marie and the boys went to a motel and a bunch of “decent” (that’s what she calls them, according to her, they are in their school uniform before they came there) girls in their strip costumes.

The next day, the sisters were worried because the boys didn’t go home after the party. The sisters were walking outside their house, they saw the van that the boys used for the party. And there they are! Drunk and sleeping.

While walking the boys inside their house, there arrived Princess and her nannies carrying food for breakfast because she said that it was her instinct that CJ needs her. Gabbie, annoyed by her because Princess is cooking at her kitchen, left her there instead. She told everyone to eat the food she prepared.

Princess walked out of the kitchen with pancakes in hand for CJ’s mom – Grace and for CJ. Grace was impressed at what Princess prepared for her. She actually liked it! But the sisters, still no.

Alex arrived there while they are having their breakfast with her boyfriend, Chad, which was Bobbie’s ex – boyfriend. Princess, not knowing the past, told him to sing her favorite song which was made for Bobbie. Wrong move for princess, it only adds up to CJ’s sisters’ annoyance with her.

Bobbie’s boyfriend – Tristan, went abroad for he has to attend to his work. He left Trixie, his daughter with Bobbie for them to have a bonding since they didn’t get along well. After leaving, crying Trixie told Bobbie that if she has no plans to marry his dad, don’t let his dad hope and just leave him alone. That left Bobbie speechless.

Alex went to Chad’s recording studio and she had a hint that Chad is cheating on her, but she just shrugged it off.

Teddie, with Frodo, his fake boyfriend, went to Princess’ Family Business, the men – only Papa’s Spa. Which according to Teddie, she can smell something wrong with it since the best-selling package for spa is the Happy Ending. Frodo went alone but he told Teddie that when the happy ending at the end is happening, she will call the police and they did.

Upon entering the Spa with the police, they found out that there is nothing wrong with the spa. The police officer and Princess’ mom are both close friends. An embarrassing story for Teddie to tell!

When their sisters found that out, they clashed. They went on a cold war with each other. Some issues from the past were opened up. They just stopped when their Mom arrived. They said they were just playing charades.

Bobbie and Trixie went to the store to get some juice and chocolates, but while she is waiting for Trixie to choose what she likes, she saw Chad and another girl buying condoms while flirting. That only means that Chad is cheating on Alex!

Gown fitting at the Salazar’s came. There goes Princess family – the Bayag’s. They didn’t like the gowns and they just had to have a game that when the Bayag’s wins, they will get to wear the gowns but if the Salazar’s won, they will dress whatever they like.

The game didn’t go well as planned, the Bayag’s had been making fun of the sisters and that Teddie is the Maid in Spain and that there is something off about the Salazar’s. They ended up being tossed by Grace away from their house.

They questioned what is happening in her household. Teddie told that Frodo was just a gardener and her fake boyfriend, she is just a maid because she is one of the teachers that had been laid off because she is not that good in teaching.

More viewpoints opened when she told that she lied to them because they don’t want to disappoint them. She is jealous of Bobbie because she is the smart kid in their family. It turns out Bobbie also had her fair share of grudge to them.

According to Bobbie, she is the least favorite in their family and Alex is the only one that favors Bobbie because growing up, they are bestfriends, but when Chad and her broke up, Alex was the one comforted Chad and they ended up being together.

Bobbie is also jealous of Gabbie because she had the maternal instincts among them, also with CJ because he had the charm and innocence.

It ended up Grace comforting her children and assuring them that no one gets left behind. They are both okay now and no more grudges, finally.

The siblings joined Alex to confront Chad in a restaurant that they used to have gigs, but she found that Chad and a girl kissing. Chad was shocked, he tried to explain but the girl called Alex desperate for his attention. She went on rouge and dragged the girl outside the resto with her sisters helping her. Lucky for the girl, she just let her slide.

It’s Grace birthday and they made her a little surprise. With much icings on their faces, they celebrated Grace’s birthday. The sisters also made Gabbie a cake, their way of thanking her for taking care of their mom.

They had finally accepted Princess but then his grandfather died. In the wake, they decided that the wedding was cancelled because it is a superstition here in the Philippines that no wedding should be conducted on the same year a loved one died. The gowns were going to waste!

Of course, it isn’t because finally, Bobbie will make use of it by marrying Tristan. They ended up having a surprise wedding for Tristan after he landed from the airport. Off to the church they go!

You see, there is nothing we can do when it comes for true love, maybe we’re just rushing on things, but if it’s true love, it can conquer all. At least for me, that’s what I’ve learned, and I came to my senses.

Family should always be treasured, no jealousy, because we are all loved by our parents although we thought that they have their favorites. They don’t have one. We must think that maybe sometimes we are jealous on one another not just because our parents gave more time for them, it’s just that they need more attention because they are more vulnerable to weaknesses.

I was stunned when they’re having their grudges out on each other. That’s my favorite scene! I like confronting others because it makes me feel that my worries are being sorted out. Much kudos to Teddie! She conquered her fear of telling her mother her problems and her downfall.

My favorite character was Bobbie, not just because she is living my dream. She is a corporate communications manager in New York by the way. I love her for being the frank one and the one who can easily adjust to anything.

I’m also like that before, I’d rather shut my mouth when others are speaking ill of me. But now, I’ve learned to manage it by talking to them because if not, I will be like the old Bobbie who kept grudges in her heart.

That’s my movie review for this amazing movie! If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you should! Thank you so much dears!

[nadineeb]

Netflix’s Holidate, one of the top movies as of today - Movie Review

Hi Dears! It’s Nadine again for a movie review. After my last movie review, Crazy Rich Asians, and here’s my second one since Christmas holidays are getting nearer each day. Hope you’ll like it as much as i did. all credits goes to the owners of the Photos and GIFs. Hope you’ll like it as much as i did. Thank you so much! 

-XOXO, Nads<3

Sloane is in her 30 years of age now and unlike any other women in their 30’s, she is still single. She is tired of everybody telling her to get a man every time she goes home for the holidays although there are many men that her mother used to matchmake to her.

On the other hand, Jackson, an Australian hottie, made its way in the US of A. Went with Carly, his fling, to her hometown to celebrate the Christmas with her parents. Carly’s parents, sure they’re very welcoming and comfortable around Jackson to the point that Jackson felt awkward. They even made him to wear their Christmas jacket.

Much worse is that Jackson didn’t got a gift for Carly which made her upset and he walked out of the house. Same madness goes with Sloane, she is much jealous that her brother was being engaged in his girlfriend for months.

Both Sloane and Jackson found each other on a line that seems to be for exchange of items in a lingerie store. They both didn’t want the khaki pants and large set of pajamas that they got for Christmas. The store didn’t have much to offer to them, so the lady behind them just offered to buy it for 45 bucks and a voucher of two pretzel for one.

As they roamed around the mall, they bumped into Sloane’s aunt’s, Aunt Susan her holidate. As she explains to Jackson what a holidate means, which is a date (not friends with benefits though) to be with for every holiday possible. They decided to be each other’s holidate since the next holiday is the New Year’s Eve.

They’ve gotten closer. Valentine’s Day came, they bumped to each other in the mall while Sloane went rouge on chocolates because she saw her ex-boyfriend with his new girlfriend – yes, a new, hot, and young lady. Jackson saw Sloane struggling for words while she is catching up with them. He then helped her get away from them.

Other holidays came, still they were each other’s holidate. Fourth of July arrived, they were in a picnic with Sloane’s family and there came an accident. Jackson cut his middle finger off while throwing a firecracker. He and Sloane go to a hospital and they realized that the doctor is Faarooq, the one Slone’s mother did matchmake to her.

Jackson seems a little bit jealous. He realized that he is catching feelings for her. Same feelings go with Sloane, but they did not want to admit it to themselves. Sloane’s sister told her that if Jackson would invite her to be his date at Sloane’s brother’s wedding, that’s her signal that Jackson really loves her. But he didn’t.

Funny is, her Aunt Susan, made Jackson her date and Faarooq made Sloane his date. Maybe to make each other jealous, huh? Until they both left their dates. Made their way to the bar and found Aunt Susan and Faarooq flirtly dancing.

It was Halloween when they both came into Pirate costumes. They both look stunning! They had some sort of a problem, but they managed to do well. They made out in Sloane’s apartment, but they haven’t still admitted their feeling for each other. Sloane didn’t mind what they did but Jackson wanted to talk about it until thanksgiving came.

They argued at the supermarket which made Jackson walked out because of Sloane’s in denial treatment to him. Until she went home to realize that she’s lonely again.

They rushed Aunt’s Susan’s holidate to the hospital and there is Faarooq again, the doctor. Aunt Susan and Faarooq confessed their love for each other.

By then, Sloane also did realize that she had feelings for Jackson too. They were are at the mall by that and her niece told her that if they will saw Jackson at the mall, it is Sloane’s sign that she should follow after him. And they did!

Along with the ocean of people, Jackson can’t hear her calling his name. The choir of the mall said Jackson’s name in choral and everyone looked their way. Sloane then confessed her feelings in microphone to Jackson while everyone was looking. Of course, they end up together. <3

This movie will teach you the importance of grabbing your chance while you can. Regrets will come after it’s late and you’ll know it. Don’t settle for what if’s in your head. That’s why I’ve learned my lesson here. I don’t want to miss a chance at every opportunity life will come at me.

Also, you just got to have patience. The right one will come at the right time and you just don’t want to mess it up. Everything will fall into place someday. Just make it happen. If you want it, do what you can to get it. The world doesn’t only revolve around you and your wants.

The part where Sloane stood up in front of the crowd and told Jackson that she has feelings for him and that she had fun with him more than her loser ex-boyfriends combined is my favorite. She told him that she messed it up because she was scared.

“I thought I just want a holidate, but the truth is, I just want you for all holidays and weekends and weekdays too would be great.”

Sloane didn’t only mention her feelings, she is also brave enough to make things brighter for her and Jackson. I’m totally in love with them!

Sloane, also my favorite character, is courageous for she goes what she wants to make herself happy. Chase until you get what you want, but not until it’s too late.

I remembered the time when I was still not sure which path I will take just like Sloane. I’m jealous of everyone knowing with what career path to take. I know in myself that I’m getting left behind. That time, I just sit still until I found what I want to do for my future. That’s where I realized I want to engage in business.

The only message I want to convey here is just be patient. You will know what to do and that’s the time to go after your dreams.

[nadineeb]

CRAZY RICH ASIANS -  MOVIE REVIEW

Hi dears! It’s me again. After my tech review, I’m navigated to this 2016 movie -  Crazy Rich Asians which came from the first book of its trilogy novel. This is always at the top of my list and my favourite movie. Hope you’ll enjoy this movie review as it feels like you’re watching it when you’re really just reading. All credits goes to the owner of the photos and GIFs. Thank you so much!! Enjoy it as much as I do. 

- XOXO, Nads <3

New York City - Rachel Chu, a young, lovely, part-timer economic professor who dates for over a year now, a hunk, eye-turner, history professor, Nick Young, at New York University. Rachel already introduced Nick at their family dinners but since Nick's family are from Singapore, he hasn't presented Rachel formally to them.

Nick's closest female cousin, a double - heiress in her family, an icon in the fashion industry, had already chatted with Rachel. She's the only one that has known her cousin's girlfriend. Astrid was always busy with the Paris' fashion week, shopping spree every week, buying ancient jewelries that costs a fortune and building her own family with her only son and her husband who's also busy gaining investors in his technology business. 

(Astrid down below)

Being that it's Araminta and Colin's wedding, Colin, who happens to be Nick's bestfriend and cousin since their diaper days. Colin wants him to come home for he is his bestman in his wedding. He wants to take this chance for Rachel to meet his gigantic family and have her experience his childhood in the country where he grew up. It's also a great opportunity for her to visit her college bestfriend, Peik Lin , who always asks her to come to Singapore where she lives.

Excitedly, Rachel asks his mom for help with what dress will she be wearing when she meets his boyfriend's Ah-ma (grandmother in Chinese) during the family dinner to welcome the guests of the wedding. She forcibly agrees when her mom tries to get her wear the red dress. Her mom says that red is a color of good luck in Chinese traditions and also a little bit more of a plus point from Nick's Ah-ma though she also got a pure Chinese blood but grew up in America which promotes an entirely different culture.

Amazed by their First Class seats and soft silk pair of pj's given by the airlines, Rachel couldn't contain her happiness while sipping on their glass of champagnes on their flight to Singapore. Astonished as she seemed, she nags Nick on why he can afford the First Class tickets to a country miles away from them while Nick uses her Netflix password. He admits that they are living "comfortably" which what exactly a member of a crazy rich family says.

As soon as they land in Singapore, Araminta and Colin, the soon-to-be wedded couple was there at the airport with balloons in their hands and joy in their auras. After introducing them to Rachel, they plan to eat Newton Food Centre, a place where they serve delicious street foods especially laksa curry and satay bowls from street food vendors which gained Michelin stars.

Right before the Nick's family welcome dinner, Rachel visits Peik Lin in her house which everything is brilliantly gold-plated and was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. While catching up over their food for lunch, Peik Lin's mom interrogates her about her coming to Singapore. When she said that it's for the wedding of his boyfriend's bestfriend Colin, Peik Lin's family were shocked, they said that it is the wedding of the year and even them having that rich, they aren't invited to the wedding. It seems like Rachel didn't do a research at his boyfriend's family!

Peik Lin also warned Rachel that the Youngs are kind of snobbish that would belittle a commoner. She would not let Rachel wear that little red dress to the dinner so she gathered all of her fancy clothes and choose the best for Rachel to wear.

The Youngs - migrated in the 1800's to the small island of Singapore from their main land, China  with a vast amount of fortune. They started real-estates business until this family became most probably the landlords of Singapore.

Nick escorted Rachel and Peik Lin to his Ah-ma's house which is the largest, most beautiful house that Rachel didn't expect to see. A house that Nick and Astrid grew up in. A house that has lots of wings that you'll probably get lost once you enter the wrong one.

Finally, Nick introduces Rachel to all of his cousins. Nick's mom, Eleanor, is busy in the kitchen scrutinizing every detail of the food to serve to their guests. When the couple went down to the kitchen, Rachel thrillingly hugs Eleanor which made Eleanor uncomfortable around Rachel. That is why Rachel immediately concluded that Eleanor doesn't want her for his son.

In the middle of the garden, sits a fragrant Tan Hua flower which usually blooms fully once a year, a great opportunity for the guests to see this once in a year. While waiting for it to fully bloom, Nick introduced Rachel to his Ah-ma, surprisingly, she likes Rachel the moment they talked in Chinese. She said that Rachel should come back to the mansion when there are no more craining necks so that she can teach Rachel how to make their family's traditional dumpling recipe which was passed to generations.

The Bachelor and Bachelorette's  Party where Nick and Rachel's love was tested. The Bachelor's party is located literally in the middle of the ocean, filled the cargo-like ship with sexy girls and men that is enjoying the scenery. As they are talking about anything under the sun and with the influence of alcohol, some men questions Nick on Rachel's details. Though the men want to know more about Rachel, Nick went hot-headed as the men start to sexualize his girlfriend. He decides to leave the ship that day with Colin, the bachelor, to an island with a small wooden floating house and a raft.

On the other hand, Rachel met Nick's ex-girlfriend, Amanda, in Araminta's Bachelorette party at a private island. She did not know that Amanda wants to be friends with her so that she and her mean friends can pull off their plans and that Rachel would want to leave. Their plans succeeded, while crying Rachel went to her villa to get her things and leave, she bumped into Astrid. They two found that Rachel's bed was covered in tuna's blood with a tuna head at her headboard.

That incident led to them to the seashore talking about why Amanda is like that. Astrid also opened up to Rachel how she found out that her husband is not really busy going to business trips but rather he is busy having an affair with a woman she doesn't know. It seems like the two found comfort in each other.

Dumpling day comes and also another day to test their relationship. While making dumplings, Rachel found out that Ah-ma doesn't want Eleanor for Nick's father way back then and she doesn't have the heirloom engangement ring of the Youngs since Ah-ma didn't approve of her. Ah-ma arrived at the dining table exactly after Rachel knew the backstory of Eleanor and Nick's father. Ah-ma was pleased after seeing Rachel again. She adoringly expressed her interest in Rachel's face features which made Eleanor jealous of Rachel.

On her way to the toilet, Rachel's lost in the mansion and was shocked that Eleanor found her. Eleanor talked to Rachel and frankly told her that she will never be enough for her son.

(Rachel and Eleanor Scene)

The wedding of the year came, famous business elites and the royalties attended. Rachel wore a pretty blue elegant dress paid respects to Eleanor and Nick's aunties though Eleanor doesn't want her to sit with her.

Princess Inta, who demanded a whole row of the front seats to herself so she would not be bothered by anyone, approached by Rachel who doesn't have seats, she talked about the princess' book about economics and that they have the same stand. They immediately been comfortable with each other. Escorted by Astrid, Ah-ma came and everyone was shocked at her presence. They said that Ah-ma never came to such events.

Not long after Ah-ma arrived, the grand wedding started which left everyone in awe on how beautiful the oriental, Gothic-themed was.

After the ceremony, the program continued at the Gardens by the Bay, a reception for the wedding. It was filled with laughters, everyone is having a great time dancing and enjoying the beat. In contrast with this, stands Rachel and Nick called by Ah-ma and Eleanor for the truth behind Rachel's identity. They said that they cannot let Rachel join their family for the fact that she lied to them about his father after they hired a peivate investigator. Little did they know that Rachel only found out then that her mom's husband, which all throughout her life she believed wa sher father, isnt really her biological father. Rachel walked out for she is deeply hurt by their actions. Ah-ma later then gave Nick an ultimatum. Once he leave, he can't come back. Who will he choose? His family or Rachel?

After a few days of crying, Rachel's mom found her in Peik-Lin's house and not eating. Her mom admitted that she left her husband because she was impregnated by Rachel's father and that her husband was not kind after all. She flew all the way to America to start a new life with her baby, Rachel.

Before leaving Singapore, Rachel wanted to talk to two people; Nick and Eleanor. She ended her relationship with Nick and declined Nick's offer to marry her and start a new life in New York as he will cut his ties with his family.

Rachel meets Eleanor at a Mahjong Parlour where they had a mahjong game along with two deaf players. She told Eleanor everything that had happened before she met with her and that she knew that Nick loves his family so much that even though Nick decided to leave his family for her, she couldn't stand to see Nick away from them. He is the only son that would inherit their wealth. She decides to let him go.

Also broken-hearted with her cousin Nick, Astrid decides to leave his husband for she cannot be blinded by her husband's affair. She decides to take their son with her.

Rachel and her mom are boarding the aircraft when Nick chased her to fly to New York with her.   She don't want to listen to Nick at first but when she realized what Nick's doing, she decided to  clisten to him and is completely speechless when Nick get down on one knee. Her face brightened when she saw the small box with the emerald stone ring embedded in diamonds that Eleanor wore on their engagement with Nick's father is vividly shining right infront of her eyes. She said Yes!

Them three left the aircraft to celebrate their engagement with their friends at the top of Singapore's most popular hotel - Marina Bay Sands. Ended as Eleanor genuinely smiles at Rachel as Rachel shows her engagement ring.

This movie taught me that you can’t choose who you’ll love. If you're looking for someone with the same wealth level as yours or even the same race as yours, you may never find your true love. Given the circumstances of Rachel and Nick, they don’t want their wealth status to be a hindrance in their relationship.

Though family always comes first, if it's a matter of going through what your family wants for you or going through what you want for your future family, always choose the latter. I only get one chance to live and I don’t want any regrets, so for as long as possible, if my decisions don't violate a person's right, i’ll do everything and whatever it takes.

This part below, where Rachel met Eleanor at the Mahjong Place where they talked about why Eleanor didn’t want Rachel for Nick the second she arrived in Singapore. Eleanor said that there is a Hokkien phrase “Ka ki lang” which means “Our own kind of people.” This is why the Chinese people tend to want to marry the same ethnicity as them because they want to preserve their traditions and would want to keep it going for as long as possible, which Rachel is not. Not because she is not wealthy, but because she is a foreigner, an American, although the Chinese blood runs through her, she grew up in America and Eleanor doesn’t want that.

One of the Chinese’s cultures is that they are taught to build things that last and not to feed in what they want, but in what they need. I understand Eleanor in this part because as an Asian, we are taught by these things - to prioritize our needs and build connections that will benefit us in the future. But for me, we should give respect to other cultures and not close our circle entirely. We all have different perspectives regardless of our race, that is why we should not judge one’s personality based on their race.

Rachel said that Nick proposed to him the day before and she turned him down, though Nick stated that he will stay away from his family for good. She said that if Nick would choose Rachel, he would lose his family, and if Nick would choose his family, he might spend the rest of his life resenting Eleanor.

Eleanor shows her Mahjong tiles which she thought she won, but Rachel looks at her, sighs, and says,

“ I’m not leaving because I’m scared, or because I think I’m not enough, because maybe for the first time in my life, I know I am. I just love Nick so much. I don’t want him to lose his mom again, so I just wanted you to know that one day, when he marries another lucky girl, who is enough for you, and you’re playing with your grandkids, while the Tan Hua’s are blooming, and the birds are chirping, that is was because of me. A poor, low-class immigrant nobody.”

Then she showed her Mahjong tiles and she won to Eleanor. She left the table and fetched her mother with a smile at the other table to leave the place. What a queen! Powerful. That is the best scene ever. The feels, the script, the emotions, they are just so perfect.

Astrid, my favorite character, not just she is stunningly beautiful but among all the cousins, she has the purest heart. She doesn’t want the people around her to feel that they are left out when they are with her. She wanted everything to be perfect when it comes to her family. Though her shopping spree every time she’s going to Paris fashion week is a bit overwhelming to commoners, she deserves all of it.

Astrid and I have similarities in our personalities. I’m also calm when there are problems that are coming my way. I can remain composed and I buy my time until I can find solutions to it. I remember the time when the man I loved cheated on me just like when Michael (Astrid’s husband) cheated on Astrid.

I can relate to her when she said that she’s wrong when she’s turning down jobs because Michael might feel lesser than her. I used to lower myself when I’m with him because I worry that he might feel that I’m the superior one between the two of us. But when he cheated, I realized that it shouldn’t be like that. It will be his fault for being insecure in me. Just like what Astrid said,

“It’s not my job to make you feel like a man. I can’t make you something you’re not.”

[nadineeb]

GPS Maps: An invention to be grateful for.

Hi dears! it’s me again for a tech review. Hope I’ll influence you in using this! All credits to the owners of the photos.

- XOXO, Nads <3

Perhaps this technology had you saved for a couple of times, a lot of stress, and of course, the hassle from traffic. Let’s admit it, we can say that GPS is really helpful in our world today.

They are being used as a tracker for something in relation to its users. Here’s how. 

·      Lost? GPS got you.

Personally, I like using GPS Maps whenever I go to crowded places, it helps me find the exact location of what I’m looking for. This was in 2011 where GPS Maps were installed in our car, there’s a typhoon on our way to Tagaytay.

Some of the main roads were closed and there’s nothing we can do at that time. My pops remembered that we had a navigator in our car, so he entered the address of our rest house and it’s like a magic that there’s still a way to go there.

On our way, we passed by rivers, vast lands that were empty, and there’s no house in the area. It is kind of scary though that the navigation system led us there, but still we arrived at our house. Nonetheless, we are still thankful.

·      Can’t miss a flight due to traffic!

Another miracle of GPS was when we almost missed our flight because of the traffic then of course, GPS to the rescue. Luckily, we got to the plane on time.

·      Can’t find your phone? This system has its GPS features.

Yes, you saw that right. It can track a phone when it’s lost. Just turn on the find your phone on your device. It can track your phone in minutes.

·      Huuuuungry? No need to go out and grab a food.

I also love it brings me food. Especially that we’re in quarantine, food apps are growing like mushrooms at our place. I’m happy that I can order anywhere and anytime. There are also discount vouchers that are helpful when you’re in a tight budget. 

I just type my location and yes, I can now eat. All thanks to the food apps. How cool is that, right?

·      Explore places that you can’t when you’re riding.

A lot of missed opportunities to explore a place when you’re traveling when you ride in

a subway or in a car. Navigational Maps are essential when you’re travelling in a foreign place. It has an option which you can choose either to walk, ride on a bike, or ride on a subway.

           Me, I always go for a walk. Not only it can be an exercise, but there are places that the system will lead you. Some places are not that famous but still, it’s a good place to visit and experience. While when riding, you may miss this one-time opportunity. You know you can never go wrong with this. *wink*

After a bunch of dramas that goes our way, I can say that this system is a great help for me and my family. It’s a multi-function system that is essential for everyday use.

You see, my experiences with this technology, if I were to rate it, it was 11/10. A superb technology that is my favorite one, for now.

[nadineeb]

Hey, it’s Nadine and this is my first blog!

Welcome my dear readers to my first blog post! I want to extend my arms to all of you for reading this blog and the future ones. I’m delighted that I found this platform on the internet which makes me give a stand and voice on things that matters to me and the people around me. All the blogs that I will post here at Tumblr are only my thoughts and opinions. If we don’t have the same stand regarding a matter, feel free to exit. I believe that we all have the right to express ourselves with utmost freedom we can have. I hope we all vibe together. -XOXO, Nads <3

Allow me to introduce myself to the blogging world!

I’m Bernadine Bayangos, a teen from a small town in Isabela, Philippines.

A LOT of people I met outside Region 2 and in the upper part of Luzon, they always tell me “Where is that place?” or sometimes, “Isa - what?? I haven’t heard of it before! It really is a place huh?”. Hearing these things I don’t know how to react to be honest.

Most of the time I try to explain where it is but sometimes, I just shrugged them off because some of the people especially those I met who came from well-known cities offend me. They ask me if we got a mall here or just the random, common sense questions.

Let me tell you, yes, we’ve got malls here where we get our stuff from our day to day living. I felt so lucky that we still have to shop at the farmers’ market. It’s available and open anytime of the day. We can find cheap-priced things and foods that are essential to our daily lives. Some grocery store-bought vegetables cost a fortune unlike in the farmers’ markets.

Well as for clothes, I usually go to Manila every month but since it’s locked down, I order online. The Internet + my love for clothes really make a huge difference especially now that we’re locked down in our areas and can’t travel that far.

I grew up with my family and some extended relatives which are way older than me - my grandparents. I learn my instincts from them - self-defense, way of life, how to be smart, and most importantly, my virtues. That’s also explains why I’m a bit talkative.

I want my Tumblr to be my avenue to express things to others which I cannot do since face to face chatting with your dear friends is not really advisable at this moment.

One of my favorite things to do back then and now, is to read books. I can remember when I was like 6 to 12 years old, when we go to Manila, I could never go back here in the province without the 4 big bags of books and school supplies that I bought from a famous bookstore. Thinking of it now, I quite made my dad go broke. Yikes!

Feeding my love for learning, I’m always a girl that is curious about a lot of things. If I’m not satisfied, I will surely ask about it. Though now, that I’ve grown so much, I refrain myself from asking now that I can solve issues that affects me.

I also love travelling! When I’m somewhere near the ocean or the mountains, I feel that I’m at peace. Not much of a city girl, that I’m tired of being it since then. My favorite place to visit here in the Ph is Cagayan de Oro and its nearby towns. The Dahilayan Adventure Park which has the longest zipline in Asia. You can also visit the Del Monte pineapple plantations and see acres of pineapples while eating a medium-rare steak at their restaurant. If you’re also fond of adventures in line with having to see the beauty of nature, I highly suggest to visit this place!

The people, they are heartwarmingly hospitable. In the hotel we stayed, Limketkai Luxe hotel, the accommodation was amazing. Also, I love to stay there every time because when mom and dad leave me for meetings, there’s a backdoor and an overpass which leads to the entrance of the shopping mall. How I miss!

Cagayan de Oro also holds a special place in my heart because as what I’ve said earlier, I’m fond of reading books whether it is online or a hard copy one. I’ve read the Montefalco Series on Wattpad by Jonaxx, the author, I’ve fallen in love with the place immediately. I feel like one of the main characters whenever I go to CDO.

When I travel I always tend to adapt to the cultures of the place I’m going. It’s a sign of respect to the. Being able to mix in with the crowd is a great advantage for me in the future especially that after I finish my studies, I want to go abroad to master my skills. That’s why I’m always day-dreaming at things that may be going on for the next few years of my life.

After 10 years, I will be 26 by then, I suppose I’m with my family in Australia by then. I’m working as a business associate while studying law at one of the prestigious schools in Victoria.  From then, I can continue to work at the Parliament of Australia in Melbourne. I may still be single by that time, busy building my career, and play with my cats at home after a stressful day.

This is me at the Parliament.

Let’s talk about the 2019 Corona Virus disease that had struck our world last months. I can say that it’s getting a lot worse that I had imagined. I know that our scientists have done great work in finding solutions to this. Money isn’t everything once you’ve get a hit by this virus. I myself can prove that.

I have this auntie who is a doctor and she’s very successful in her field. She even had one of the biggest shares at a hospital but then things got out of hand, she had the disease. There’s nothing she can do except to lie down her bed, get better, fight for it so that once she gets better, she can continue curing her patients.

My grandfather’s cousin, a former senator of the Philippines, also died from this virus. I’m proud to think that he had served our country well, but I’m devastated that he had to die this way, I didn’t even saw his last moments nor his dead body. He is immediately cremated and left the hospital bill with millions of pesos.

This shows that even the strongest person, the most kind, the rich, the nobody – can’t get away if we all are not taking care of our own health. We should love our body more! Think about ourselves more!

Before this pandemic, I did not have this realizations yet. I realized that more than taking care of our body, we should express to our loved ones how we care and love them dearly. We never know when death comes our way. Yes, we do know that we can’t escape it but the thing is, we know that it’ll happen and we can’t accept the fact the God will take them soon. I think that’s the problem, we, people, tend to just shrug it off and don’t make the best out of someone that we love because they will stay, what we can’t accept is that they will stay but not forever. That is why we have regrets.

(one of my best times before this outbreak)

Indeed, life is short as they say. If you’re dealing with your what ifs’ I recommend you don’t. Just make it happen. If you don’t, you’ll spend your life thinking about that `what if’s’ it’ll only make your life nonsense. So for me, I’d rather do it. If it fails, stand up again, fix yourself, and go on. Instead of letting yourself not doing it because of what might happen on the way. Your happiness depends on you. Choose it. Don’t wait for the things  to happen right before your eyes. Act on it and make it happen.

My first blog is a bit long now and I’m getting emotional, I’ll have to say goodbye for now. I’ll see you on my next one. Ciao!