As Told By Jace

thoughts, tales, and things.

[superjace28]

New Shapes

I was supposed to be in Siquijor Island today.

Celebrating my ex-BF’s birthday which will be on February 10th. But today, I did A LOT of things that I’ve always been wanting to try.

I have been wanting to try running in Ayala Avenue during car-free Sundays. Today, I was able to fulfill it.

I would like to give a shoutout to my college friend; Aeril who invited me to join the run and a reader of this blog.

All along I thought this is just a space for me to make kwento, may nagbabasa pala talaga. Lol

I was able to try Deuces as well! Matagal ko na ‘to gusto tikman. I had Latte Fredo (Dalgona)

And this drink! “Yung inumin na may bata” Want Want.

We ended our Sunday visiting Legazpi Sunday Market.

Not sure if you can read by I wrote, “Love, Sex, and Magic”

Lols,

Jace

[superjace28]

New Haircut

There’s this quaint salon in San Juan City that I always go back to. I discovered it by being bored with my hair while I’m with Isse (former workmate)

When I asked Kuya Joseph, my hairstylist why he has a different approach with styling hair. He told me that he worked before in a cruise ship as a hairstylist and was trained by L’Oreal Paris in London.

I was shocked when I learned that news about him and amazed. No wonder why he is so good with styling hair.

I always get a layered haircut kasi with him kasi having a layered haircut with a wavy hair is tricky.

[superjace28]

Zambales weekend

It’s been a while since I visited Zambales. The place that formed me.

Days before this weekend was rough. I have battled raging waves in the past but this one was a different kind of rough.

I wasn’t supposed to go here but thankfully I did.

My weekend in photos:

[superjace28]

An ode to Mclarens Pub

Far flung from where I live, there was a pub that served as my second home, McLaren’s Pub.

Mclaren's Pub interior-- inspired from the Maclaren's from HIMYM.

Situated along Wilson Street in San Juan City, this pub was inspired by the fictional bar in the show How I Met Your Mother.

I used to hate Mclarens-- dito kasi kami nag break ng first boyfriend ko. But this place also saw the every version and rebirth of me.

This place has seen me happy, sad, dreaming, and in love.

Every couch has a story, every bathroom stall has a secret.

with my amiga, Pat-- who introduced me this place.

with my friends from San Juan.

Mga panahon na wala pa akong PruLife policy, Cosmopolitan as my choice of poison as always. (I don't smoke now)

The time when I had Jagermeister and a puff. K.O. talaga.

The connections this place has made.

Panalo ako dito-- pero engga ang manika.

So many stories heard, lips kissed, and moments shared. Thank you, Mclarens! Still ang tanong ko sa mga naka-date ko before introducing this place "Do you watch How I Met Your Mother" kahit di ko pa rin siya pinapanood hahahaha!

Last visit before they go for renovation (November 2024)

Salamat, Mclarens!

Jace

[superjace28]

Rest and Relaxation at Antipolo, Rizal

[superjace28]

Huling Ulan ng Mayo

Sabi nila, swerte daw ang unang ulan sa buwan ng Mayo.

Paano naman kapag huli na? Hehe

This photo was taken at 5pm outside Faber Hall in Ateneo de Manila.

It was a relaxing evening. Kaka-out ko pa lang sa work after spending some kwentuhan with my workmates.

Faber Hall, 5pm, Loyola Heights, QC

Tapos moments after nyan. Nasira yung LRT Line 2. Hassle!

Jace

[superjace28]

Empacho Days

It was the dawn of May 13, the day after the 2025 Philippine elections, when I succumbed to indigestion.

I had a good weekend—Silong on Saturday night, Mendokoro Ramenba on Sunday, and bingsu after casting my vote on election day. I don’t know what caused the indigestion, but I suspect the culprit was the combination of Lucky Me Beef Noodles and Nova chips.

My lunch after a day of pain from indigestion.

I also started reading again— Mula Sa Kilometer Zero.

The book got my attention because of its chapters. It is the same places I’ve been and had stories with.

That’s all from me. Just a cute update.

Jace

[superjace28]

Agonizing Sunsets

If there’s one thing that I realize while being unemployed. Is that there are some nights that will really be lonely. Lonely not because you are literally alone, but the agony of waiting for answers everyday.

You wait everyday for feedback or replies. There are some rejections but that’s okay. There’s just a creeping feeling of loneliness that “gabi na naman” and another day will come.

“Don’t stress yourself to the things you have no control” said my trainer from a company I’ve worked before.

That’s what I’ve been doing. Learning to not worry on what tomorrow brings.

On the bright side, there will always be tomorrow, and I think that is just simply hopeful.

Jace

View from the place of a person who is dear to me. Mandaluyong, Philippines.

[superjace28]

Crossroads at 27

Just when I thought that I made it in life at my current age, I was humbled by my sudden decision to leave the company that everybody think is the pinnacle of my career.

I resigned from my position as a Senior Executive-Social Media last Wednesday after addressing my feelings on Tuesday night that I am totally not happy working for Okada Manila.

I knew that morning that I am leaving that place. There was collective feeling of bravery in my heart that I am ready to leave that place, even if I have no other workplace to transfer with.

I talked to my manager first thing in the morning when I reached the office. I said that I am not happy working for Okada Manila anymore. She was sad for she has seen a potential in me, she calls me as someone that is “promotable”

Sadly, even though I am an Okada Manila-material, it is my choice to leave Okada.

She gave me words of wisdom that what I’m feeling is valid and through this journey, there will be hiccups in my career until I found the company that I will be staying for long.

In my story, Okada Manila has been part of that ‘hiccup’.

I have no regret of leaving Okada but rather thankful. It served as a stepping stone for me to leave my comfort zone which is Hotel Ava.

Currently, I’m at the crossroads of life. I am back again job hunting like the 20 year old Jace would do. Full of life and enthusiasm.

It’s not bravery if you’re not doing it scared. So here’s to seeking the unknown!

Jace

[superjace28]

This song was introduced by a friend I met in Cavite on the summer of 2012— at first, I didn’t liked the music for the song didn’t have a rhyme. Little did I know this will be one of my favorite music.

[superjace28]

Am I there yet?

It was 2003 and I’m already gay. My aunt asked me about my ambition. Back then I still don’t know about the concept of astrology and overpriced cocktails. “I want to become like Barbie” I answered.

She quickly snapped my ambition by saying it is unrealistic. So I resorted to become an Explorer then— just like those characters in Atlantis. 

Fast forward to senior year in High School, we were required to write our ambitions for our yearbook. I knew as early as sophomore year that I am going to pursue a career in media, so I took a Communication Arts degree. I wrote “To become a Radio Jockey” like those you see on MTV. It was also at that year when I got so fascinated to Sex and the City. I want to become like Carrie Bradshaw. Hence, I wrote beside my first ambition that I want to become a columnist.

60 social security cut offs and a pandemic later, I’m still not a Radio Jockey, a Columnist, or an Explorer.

I’m working as a Marketing Officer for a hospitality brand. Though my occupation is far from my ambition. I still get to practice my first love which is writing. Copywriting is part of my job. 

My professor once told me to always reach for your dreams, for it will always be a dream if it is not reached. Looking back at my younger self, these words could easily put pressure on me.

For now, I will stick to what is present. Because the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but rather where you water it. 

P.S. I am a Barbie now.

Jace

[superjace28]

Hello! This is 26

I recently attended a Customer Service Training provided by my work. On the training, the speaker—Ms. Lhoree told us to always list down the things that we are grateful whenever we celebrate our birthdays.

So here are the Top 26 things I am thankful for:

1. I thank God giving me a chance to experience life.

2. I thank my body for being fully abled (kahit na sakitin hehe)

3. I thank my family, especially my parents for giving me a good life.

4. I thank God again for blessing me for a job

5. I thank my significant other for always taking care of me and loving me.

6. I thank my friends and peers— they keep me all sane.

7. I thank my core— Geno, Lucky, and Amiga.

8. I thank my nose. HAHAHAHA! Ang cute nya kasi

9. I thank God again for keeping me healthy.

10. I’m thankful for all the Angkas/Joyride na hinahatid ako sa bahay during alanganin times aka gimmick 😂

11. I’m thankful that I am now reaching my childhood dreams.

12. Thank you sa company kong okay ang benefits hehe!

13. Salamat Shopee!

14. Salamat sa pinsan kong dahilan kung bakit nakikala ko ang BF ko.

15. I also thank my travel buddies— my old HR workmates.

16. I would like to thank myself for not giving up.

17. My house for keeping me warm and safe.

18. My bed. For giving me a good night sleep.

19. My payroll lol

20. The people I’ve met online and became my real life friends.

21. I thank all the Foodpanda/Grab Riders for delivering me food.

22. I would like to thank my mom. I love you.

23: My dad too. I miss you.

24. I would like to thank to all the music that inspired me to be productive or set my mood.

25. The universe

26. I would like to thank myself for doing a great job.

Here’s me celebrating my 26th birthday at J Park Garden.

Jace

[superjace28]

Get Groovin!

[superjace28]

Is this 26?

I just got back from Zambales where I spent my Holy Week. This year’s holy week was a bit long. Came a long that was a soul-wrecking NLEX traffic.

I initially planned that I will just home during the vacation but it’s been a year na rin since I visited Zambales so I gave them the shot na.

I have been quiet lately. At work, with friends, on night outs. I actually don’t know where it started but I guess I was just really tired from everything since I give most of my energy to the people I love.

I used to look forward on weekends para gumi-mick. Now I look forward on weekends to get more rest. I also gave rest meeting my constant friends and met new and old pals.

I am still that Jace— Fun, Enthusiastic, Gemini. But I guess this is 26. (Turning 26 next month lol)

-Jace 🍸

[superjace28]

Currently on repeat.