#herwritingalias2025

[herwritingalias]

July 💃

The past month was a blast that I needed to charge my social battery for 3 weeks. I don't know if it comes with age or the days were so beautiful that I wanted to savor the moment before I completely move on.

One of the major highlights was Capt arriving in the PH. It felt like we were just away for a few months and he came to see me again and also to join the wedding. My poor man had 3 flights and 2 layovers and more than 24 hours travel time.. the things you do for love.

He wanted to see the dense and populated areas in Manila (places that usual foreigners are curious to see and experience 😁). We went to Divisoria to buy his barong and Santa Ana, Manila where my maternal side was born and raised. I thought Capt will get scared of these places but he enjoyed. He even went tusok-tusok with my cousins and a group of kids were playing basketball under the rain asked him to shoot the ball in the makeshift ring. Cute!

Surprise bachelor party for my brother in law in Poblacion, Makati. We went altogether to the area then separated so the boys can enjoy and the 3 of us girls (me, my sister and my cousin) went to a cafe shop instead. After a couple of hours, we went altogether to Ringside Bar to watch midget boxing and had a few drinks. It was raining hard but it didn't stop us to check out places then drove to San Andres and ate the best hangover silog meals at almost midnight. So fuuuun!

Stayed for a night in Vivere, couple massage and dinner in The Nest 🌃

Went to the Nail salon together to pamper ourselves before my sister's wedding day. Was even working while in the salon for last minute handovers and reminders before the long vacation.

Dropped off the dogs to the pet hotel. They stayed for 3D2N and this time, I was more relaxed to leave them since it's their second stay in Kingsroad Pet Hotel and the staff were amazing.

WEDDING DAY 💒 There were 3 typhoons that week and everyone prayed hard for a beautiful weather and the Lord really listens! Drizzles in the morning and the whole day it didn't rain or until the reception is over. God is good! 🙏

Call me biased but my sister's wedding is simple yet fun, elegant and so beautiful! Knowing my sister's fun personality, it really radiated to every detail of her wedding. I think we have watched the SDE for 1000 times already. Haha. It'so wonderfully stitched together. I am also happy that Capt made it and we were the Maid of Honor and Best Man 👩‍❤️‍👨

Proud of my MOH speech 💁‍♀️

Who would even forget the wedding after party? The same faces in Poblacion hit the streets of Malate this time hahahahahaha. We went to a club, drank and danced like crazy. Everyone's already dead tired and almost forced to finish the drinks. We went back to the hotel around 3 am and was knocked out. Zzz.

Only had a day to pack-unpack-pack again for our Bohol trip. We regret not alloting a whole day to rest before flying but nobody regrets the first time. Lol. We had a very early flight and from rainy Manila.. Bohol was a shock. It was scorching hot. We prefer that way than unable to go out and see the beauty of the island.

Our Bohol trip felt like the recovering and healing holiday. From the exhausting past days, we went slow and easy this time. We stayed in Panglao and it wasn't crowded which made it more relaxing. I think we stayed 60% in our hotel and sleep. Hahaha. Capt even felt unwell so we didn't really push a lot of activities but got to visit the famous spots in the area (will dump photos ☺️)

Capt and I talked that this holiday made us closer and our relationship became deeper. Thank you Lord for gracing us opportunities to see each other and enjoy the time together.

See you again soon, love? 🥰

[herwritingalias]

Gone is my birthday but I still received a gift from Capt. My customized tear drop bean bag arrived. The color fits the theme of my room and is the perfect size. So pretty and comfy even Bailey beats me in taking the spot.

I had a cheap one but it got broken rightaway (considered it's cheap hahaha). Capt was even "We both know in the beginning that this was not going to last love". Sorry naman kasi ang tigas ng ulo ko hahaha. I was quite unhappy with my bean bag ended up in the trash which is entirely my fault. Anyway, thank you loooove 💚

[herwritingalias]

May ☀️

Celebrated Bailey's 4th birthday. We got her a pet friendly burger and a mini cake for her hoomans. May you live forever dear Bailey. I love you with all my heart 🐾

Me and my sister visited our college alma mater after so many years. What a joy to reminisce every corner of the university. We also had a snack at the Food Square and surprised Pot Dog stall is still there! My favorite cheap go to lunch meal. I survived eating the Chicken Saucer + rice combo almost everyday until graduation since my allowance is only enough for the week. I'm lucky if I have spare to treat myself Ministop's sundae cone for 15 pesos. Hahaha! Kinda miss the student life 😀

Japan goodies from my aunt. I finally have a Matcha whisk.

Started to practice putting the dogs in a pet hotel so they will get used to this set up if we really can't bring them on some occasions or nobody will look after them in the house and we have to go away for a verrrry short time. This is rare but we also want our dogs to build their confidence and trust on some place and people. Leaving them for a night made me really worried 'cause I don't know how it will go but grateful for Kings Road Veterinary Hospital and Clinic (they have a pet hotel in Vermosa) everything went well. The staff who looked after the dogs kept us updated and even sent photos/videos.

Pho Chin, Nam, Gan, Bo Vien. Pho is one of my comfort foods and I feel a renewed person everytime I finish a bowl. It really has the perfect balance of flavors! 🍲

Changing a flat tire made me stay in bed for 3 days hahahaha. The amount of energy and force I used to raise the jack, loosen the nuts, remove the flat tire, install the spare tire to placing back the nuts and made sure they are snugged was really an experience. Whew.

Netflix's American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders, A Deadly American Marriage and so on. Keep the docuseries coming! 🧐

Plenty road incidents lately and decided to install a dashcam for our car. The pros outweigh the cons.

[herwritingalias]

The week has been generous of natural Vitamin D. We're always grabbing the chance to be out and fully enjoy the nature. We met my boyfriend's guy best friend to walk his dog, Paco (a Border Collie). See how proud and happy he is everytime we throw his stick in the open and he will move fast like a tornado to get it. He is a well trained dog. I think all dogs here are trained as part of being responsible pet owners. They don't bark even in public places, crowded or not and, can go off leash in parks/ nature reserve areas. I love how they are treated with utmost care here and how they are free to run in nature. The same time that I feel sad hoping people back home will show love and care to animals especially strays.

Dogs here will even meet in parks and won't even fight nor bark to one another. I get amazed how discipline they are. My boyfriend will even say its normal in NL hahaha but of course, he understands where I'm coming from. I remember during Kings day, it was supeeeer crowded and we went out to the centrum to enjoy the festival. I saw a huge dog (literally bigger than me) walking towards me and I got scared thinking it might bite. My boyfriend was even pushing me to the dog (Bwisit! 😅) but the dog didn't even mind like I was invisible. Lol.

[herwritingalias]

February 💫

Finally used the fragrance sticks I got from Christmas. I've always been a green tea scent fan but this one smells so calming. Someone who is dear to me thought I will like this scent and I loooove it ☺️ The bottle looks beautiful too and is a perfect addition to my room.

A 'Maid of Honor' gift box. It will be my first time to be one of the key parts of the wedding and I think wala namang ibang choice yung bride to be so the MOH has to be me. Haha! The celebration is in a couple of months and I still have time to prepare to fit in my gown and, my speech.

Into true crime documentaries (fixes my attention span) and whenever there is new on Netflix, I will drop everything. Done with American Manhunt: OJ Simpson and American Murder: Gabby Petito.

80% of accomodations and fares booked. Excited for another adventure with Capt 🥰

Brotzeit German Bier bar and restaurant. We treated Papa for dinner before he went back overseas. The place has a welcoming atmosphere, the staff was gracious and the food portions were generous and delectable (Schnitzel, Farmer Salad with Feta cheese, Spinach Feta & Mozzarela flatbread, Brunch steak, King Henry Porkchop and Grilled Pork Medallion).

Got my tax refund and such a coincidence our electric kettle broke. Wiw.

Enjoying the low key tambay in the parklots lately. We will drive to an area where we can hang out in the trunk or sometimes with a few folding chairs and table and bring/buy refreshments. Not much to see but also people in their cars/camping chairs. Everyone just wants a place outside home or office and enjoy the peace and quiet.

[herwritingalias]

I'm home! I'm back in the PH which means navigating traffic, feeling the heat and waking up to the sounds of urban environment (wow akala mo naman 1 year sa NL 🤣). I slept 60% out of 12 hours flight from Amsterdam then 4 hours layover in China then another 3 hours to Manila. Thank God for the safe flight. Tbh, I was nervous the entire travel especially there are plenty aviation accidents lately. It's a huge relief and super blessed I arrived safe and sound 🙏

Majority felt January went slow but things are different to ldr couples. We made most of our day, we didn't do much of travelling but we had slow and beautiful days at home and did everything what normal couples living together will do. We learned a lot from each other especially our dynamics under one roof and we can confidently say that we really get along well. We aren't perfect. There were misunderstandings but never a time we will fight over petty things and if there is, I will just slap his butt or he will show me his crazy dance moves and off we go laughing. We are always reminded that we are too old for BS and time is wasted to linger on negative energies. Our communication is our strongest foundation and it's easier to do things when both parties talk and listen.

Since I got home, I did a lot of things already.

I replaced my Google Hub in NL (Had to bring my previous Hub since I bought it there). I set up my voice automated ceiling light and mood light connected to my Hub. No more getting up from bed to switch off my light when about to sleep. Let's go laziness 🤣

My boyfriend has a huge influence on me when it comes to tech stuff. I'm not into these things but I find it convenient and cute (LOL) cause all of his lights are automated and I wanna do the same in my room. He got me the lights. He got me a lot of free tech stuff. I'm so spoiled.

I met up with one my closest friends (I have the smallest circle in the universe) and gave her a few pasalubong. We went to a cafe shop and the never ending kwento from 8 PM to 12 MN. So fun! We should do it more often.

Attended Fiesta in Manila and saw my closest relatives from my mom's side. I missed Filipino foods. Iba padin talaga.

Cleaned my room and a lot of decluttering in the house. I bought organizers, racks and bottles/jars for the kitchen. My boyfriend's place is my motivation and little by little, I want to do it in our house too. Our house is clean but I can't stand eyesores like cables, unused tools and paraphernalias sitting in the cabinet for 48 years. We have to make space for new things and opportunities. Luh? Haha.

Speaking of declutter, I rearranged my wardrobe and surprised to see my clothes look old and faded. I am working from home and I go out often so I don't really use them. I removed a couple of things but of course, I still need pieces when I go out so let's see when and where to buy.

1st quarter at work will be busy and I'm glad I started the year with an amazing trip. This pushes me to do better (pero syempre work lang ayon sa sahod 😁)

I love doing scrapbooks but I got this Junk Journal Frame idea somewhere (I don't use Tiktok) and collaged my trip mementos in an old frame. It turned out beautiful and such a lovely piece whenever I look at it. Scrapbook is nice but I love to see it on display.

My old body mirror was gone and the new one is still on it's way. Can't wait to play ganda-gandahan. Char!

Capt is also back on board and I miss him very very much. I miss him everyday but I can't wait to see him again. It's already planned and before I knew it, I will be in his arms again.

[herwritingalias]

Starting and ending the year with the same person ♡

I never thought we will celebrate special occasions together. Having a long distance relationship is hard but love will always finds its way for you to be together, no matter how far or long it will be (I pray one day we will close the distance. Sana di masyado matagal but through faith and actions, nothing is impossible. All in God's plan 🙏).

When I count my blessings, I always count him twice. I have so much to be thankful for. A lot has changed since he became part of my life - all for the better. My prayers shifted from everything about me to people who are everything to me. I think when you really love someone, you become selfless. I pray that he will always be safe, healthy and happy to the extent that may he always find happiness (even if time comes he will no longer be happy with me - because nothing is permanent in this world but of course, we will make the best of everything ☺️). He is such a good person and he deserves to be happy.

Hayy I'm starting to get emotional but thank you, universe. I pray we get to spend more and more occasions together.. more and more years together until we grow old-er.

[herwritingalias]

It's my first time to experience negative 0°c , the landscapes and small water forms were frozen. A girl from the tropics will always be amazed how environment changes in a country with four seasons. Due to climate change, even the temperature in NL rise and drop in less than an hour. The younger generation might never experience long days of deep snows anymore. Since I got here, I only experience snow once (only for a couple of hours and boom.. melts in a snap) and the fact it's winter. Climate change is real 😐

The Dutch weather is a sh*tty weather (locals complain too haha). I experienced gloomy - sun - rain - hail - sun in 10 minutes and I'm not even kidding 😅 Whenever the sun has opportunity to peek, people will go out to walk, bike and enjoy the rays even for a short time. We went to a reservation area to walk for an hour. There were runners, bikers, hikers and people walking their dogs in the area too. Ang sarap lang ng simoy ng hangin tipong di ka magkakasakit. Capt said there are deers around. Sadly, I didn't see one. This country makes me feel happy and sad same time. I'm glad for the opportunity to be here and it's such a beautiful country (expensive but there is quality of life) while sad 'cause I hope PH is the same. Anyway, can never compare Apples to Oranges. I remember we went to an Asian store and found Skyflakes and thought, "Di naman to pinapansin sa Pinas pero buti pa siya nakaranas ng quality of life" 😂