#byhermes

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Falling in and out of love so many times in the past just wore and burned me out in the process. Sure, I miss the thrill, I miss the butterflies in my stomach, and I miss everything that comes with sharing a piece, if not all, of my heart with somebody else.

The thing is, I've been told that love should never be hard to find. I've been (or probably still am) a victim of the cliche saying, "If it's meant for you, it will come," but until when should I wait? Is it a blessing or a curse? No one knows for sure.

I'm not one to shy away from pursuing something or someone I love. I've always loved that about myself — always going after what I want until I get to call it mine. But as I grow older, I realized how it also made me very cautious of people and things that are worth my energy. Is it a blessing or a curse? No one knows for sure.

I like someone, and while I hate to admit how it's been so confusing lately, I decided to pine, albeit not seeing any light from the tunnel I'm currently walking on. But the point is, the thrill is there, the butterflies are there, and my heart is so ready to be enchanted. All I need is a hundred percent reciprocation because I have never entertained half-assed interest. Is it a blessing or a curse? No one knows for sure.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Here's to hoping that I'll get it right this time

The last week of October '23 really challenged my outlook in life and how I want to live in the days to come. I was full of regrets, full of guilt. Admittedly, I wasn't the best person you'll come across who knows all the right things to say or do. I was never that… until I had an epiphany that I wanted to be.

I'm 26, turning 27 in less than two months. Is it too late now to be the person I wanted to become?

Most people would say it will never be too late, but as a mere human, I couldn't help but feel like I wasted so many years trying to become someone I'm not meant to be, someone I thought I was meant to be.

Less than two months into this year, and I want to make things right. My vision is not crystal clear as of this point, but I know now what path I'd like to take, and it's nowhere near similar to what I thought of in my early 20s.

I was wrong all along.

— Here's to hoping that I'll get it right this time.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Currently in Vietnam, living my best life.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

"By the way, you look beautiful tonight."

It was during the most unlikely time when you utter these words to me. We were already drunk from one too many shots, unaware of what would happen next. And yet, you remained clear to my eyes. 

At that moment, I was relishing how good of a company you were, unbothered by the people around us, while the speakers left no room for silence.

Your skin was cold, so I held your hand. But you leaned in to kiss me instead as if that press of your lips on mine would keep you warm. Nevertheless, I surrendered.

With you around, I simply find myself relinquishing all my willpower and just going where your high would take me.

Carefully and gently, but oh so intensely.

— past midnight

[oeuvrebyhermes]

You're addicting

I tasted you once and, since then, I keep looking for you in all the places I go to.

You're addicting, and the high you give is the only high I chase.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

A new K-concept in Poblacion

A lot has changed in Makati's hippest bloc Poblacion since the onset of the pandemic. Many Poblacion favorites have succumbed to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, yes, but new concepts have started to open, ensuring the streets of Poblacion are more alive than ever.

One of the few new concepts in Makati's most interesting neighborhood is West 32, a Korean-American fusion restaurant located in the bustling area of Kalayaan Ave.

Read the full story here.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

You have a lot in common, except for one

One of the main reasons you previously kept running through my head was your wisdom and how much of a conversationalist you are. You have a way with words and make me want for more. But sadly, you lack with intention.

There are many instances in life where we overthink how things would have turned out differently depending on how we wanted them. It would have been lovely to end this story of us the way I wanted it, but I guess I was the only one wanting it so bad.

Then someone so similar to you walked towards my direction. Suddenly, my stomach churned, my heartbeat fast, and my brain echos, "here you go again."

That's right. Here I go again.

But if "here I go again" means knowing a soul as beautiful as yours, then count me in. If "here I go again" means having the privilege to learn your perplexities, then sign me the fuck up.

You have a lot in common, except for one, you don't know what you want, but he does.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Goodbye, 2020!

For someone who’s relatively young and hasn’t experienced a global health crisis as huge as this pandemic, 2020 surely gave me more than just a taste of it and how it could upend our lives and turn the entire world upside down. 

In this article on PeopleAsia, I reflect on 2020′s greatest life lessons as I prepare to welcome 2021. 

Happy New Year!