Sandbox and Skyranch Pampanga | January 2015

My mom immediately woke me up early morning of 02 January 2015 when she learnt that my cousins would be going to Pampanga. And being spontaneous, we both took a quick shower and prepared so we could do our first adventure for the year.

We could't get a private car that could accommodate us all so we had to commute. From Malolos, we took a UV Express going to Dau Terminal and paid P100 for the ride. We then rode a jeepney going to SM Clark because we were told that the jeepneys and tricycles going to Alviera Sandbox were there. Fare from the Dau Terminal to SM Clark was P8.

We had our breakfast at Jollibee to fill in our empty stomachs.

Picture before eating!

After breakfast, we went to the terminal at the back of SM. The drivers did a "contracted fare" so we can be brought in Sandbox. We paid P60 each and as if we hired the whole jeepney. We were ten in the family and there were two couples who were with us during the trip.

When we get there, the guard of Alviera told us that there were no more available tickets that we could buy due to hundreds of tourists who visited the adventure camp as early as 9AM. When we heard that, we felt disappointed, frustrated, and miserable... :( Imagine, we had to commute going from Malolos, Bulacan to Porac, Pampanga and we would only be told that we couldn't go inside and enjoy the rides! :(

Well, the good thing was, my family remained calm and cool, and just enjoyed the view. We had a good time though. And these prove that we did...

The youngest ones! :P

We did it!

Ooops. Highest to lowest...

Mother and child

Hi there! :)

Sandbox playground

:D

Another mom and daughter pose

Group picture with S-A-N-D-B-O-X

One more!

Of course, I wouldn't miss doing my favorite pose!

After 30 minutes of taking pictures and joking around, we called the jeepney driver who brought us here to pick us up. We came back to SM Clark as we were bound to SM Pampanga, wherein, Skyranch Pampanga was just behind it. Fare going back to SM Clark was again P60 and we paid P20 for the jeepney going to SM Pampanga.

SM Pampanga is just small compared to other SMs in the metro. If you come from the terminal infront of Robinson's Starmills, you just have to walk towards the event center of the mall. The exit there is the entrance of Skyranch. It's easy to find the exit as the mall provided signs, which were easy to follow, on where to go.

As soon as I saw the giant ferris wheel, I thought of not crossing the road because the place was super crowded! One more thing, there wasn't enough large-and-tall trees to cover us, or become our shed while waiting. Nonetheless, I decided to go to capture some photos and checked out the rides.

Emblem
(much small than the one in Tagaytay)

Skyranch wouldn't be skyranch without this - Pampanga Eye!

Group picture!

Mini Viking

trail of the Express Train

Double Decker Carousel

Last shot!

Skyranch was like a "medyo-pinasosyal-na-perya." I won't be coming back there if I wanted something adventurous and thrilling. Because...
*The place was small for a theme park
*There was not even a bench that we can sit in to rest for a while
*Unorganized - you need to buy ticket/s for the ride/s. There were two booths (I think) that you have to line up to. It's like I have to queue everytime I want to enjoy a ride and it's a hassle thing for me. Moreover, it's quite expensive when you want to ride eveything in the park.
*Majority of the rides are for kids

I would rather choose Enchanted Kingdom (for PH experience) and get the ride all you can pass for a much thrilling event.

Thank you, Carlo!

My first post for 2015 is for the one who stood behind me and my family on my weakest, and probably the worst year. 2014 gave me lots of challenges and struggles in my personal life specially when Tatay joined our Creator. But this guy managed to be the responsible "man" at home while Kuya is in SG. He was there from the time we were in the hospital until the interment. He didn't leave us. He was also with us until we learnt to adjust.

I would always hear from Nanay that Carlo would be our happy pill because he would somehow balance and lessen the feeling of loneliness. He would always share stories to us. He would make sure I arrive office and home safely. He would do his best to surprise me in all possible ways. He always makes me feel I am loved. Despite all the hardships, he never gives up.

Thank you very much, baby. I wouldn't be stronger and have survived 2014 without you. I had too much for last year. Thank you for your genuine love for me and my family. Looking forward to more adventures with you and reaching our goals in 2015!

Thank you, my love. I love you everyday, and always will!


*originally posted in Instagram and Facebook

Remembering Tatay Abe

It hurts. It still hurts.

As day goes by, I am obliged to face the world with a new set up, somewhat a new life, and without a person who I used to see and talk everyday for 23 years.  My dad, Bernabe B. Vinta, died 48 days ago – August 9 or August 8, depending on what time zone you are in, or depending on your belief when the time his organs stopped. My Tatay was still young.  He was only 57. A heart stroke hit him, which highly affected the organ that would allow him to function well, his brain.

It hurts so much that my superman is not physically with us anymore. The reality of life slaps me everyday that it is hard to live without Tatay.

I remember when I was in kinder, Tatay would always drop me off to school. In front of the entrance, I’d be gladly proud to kiss him on his left cheek before he leaves because you know, as a kid, I want to show and brag to other kids that my dad and I were close.

I remember the time when we had this neighbour of ours who pretend that they’d somehow kidnap me whenever we pass by them after Tatay fetch me from school. He would always support me in my acting show - that I fell asleep so they won’t be able to talk to me.

I remember the time when Tatay ran for councilor and won for three terms in Barihan. I was and til now, a very proud daughter because I knew (everyone knew!) how he dedicated his life in politics. Mind you, that was 10 years of service.

I remember when Tatay would be persuaded by the people to run for Chairman. The elders and those involved in politics would go in our house and talk to Tatay. They wanted him to run. But for two elections, he refused. First, he wanted to rest because of health reasons. And second, he preferred to stay at home and be with us.

I remember my elementary days in Holy Spirit. While Nanay prepared for my breakfast and hot water for bath, Tatay was in charge to wipe my wet feet and put my socks and shoes on afterwards.

I remember my red days when I was younger. Tatay would not be ashamed to buy napkins in the store whenever I found out that it’s my first day. From the comfort room, I would just loudly call and ask him to buy one. In a few minutes, he would go back, knock and give what I needed.

I remember the days in high school where there were projects in TLE that needed manly efforts. My Tatay would usually get his tool box and finish my projects using his expertise in carpentry and mechanics. And boom, there goes my finished basket, accessory box, etc. Yes, a father should be expert in those things.

I remember him accompanying me in my school service each and every day of my elementary and high school days – making sure I am safe aboard.

I remember entering college. Tatay was really mad at me when I intentionally failed the exam at BSU just to make sure that I wouldn’t be studying in Bulacan. Eventually, he accepted the fact, and he was even generous in giving me allowances every week. He made sure I’d have excess money during my stay in UST. He would always accompany me to the FX terminal because my things were too heavy to carry.

I remember when I had my heart broken. My relationship with my ex was legal and very open. But my dad would not usually ask me about us. He cared but not much. To my surprise, when Tatay found out the break up issue with my 3yr relationship ex, he wasn’t happy. He was mad because he couldn’t accept I was hurt by someone whom he treated as a member of our family. Through Nanay, she would course what Tatay would like us to do. He wanted us to go somewhere far just to make me somehow forget the pain. He didn’t want us to be together again. And I guess, my Tatay has been right since then. He knew what's best for me.

I remember when he taught me how to drive. He was patient to convince me to practice more to become a good driver. He would tell me that a good driver is the one who can drive without making any car dents or accident. I remember the time when he was the one giving me the confidence to drive farther because according to him, I wouldn’t learn if I don’t have any courage. I remember him teaching me to drive our manual transmission owner type jeepney. It was so hard because I first learned automatic. But he trusted me and made me learn from my own after a few lessons.

I remember when I was held up at 4 in the morning. My Tatay was so angry because the robbers took all my things. I remember he got the car immediately to check hoping that they might still catch the suspects. As the incident happened inside a jeepney, he investigated and even probed the driver of the jeep. After the incident, he volunteered to accompany me until the terminal every morning.

I remember when I decided for a career change. I was in the office then, not in the mood to work because of the news I heard about the people who didn’t want me to work with them. It was too accidental that my dad texted me this, “Wag ka malungkot. Okay lang yan. Kung ako masusunod, yan ang gusto ko.” I cried after I read his message. With such a thing, that’s so unusual for my dad. It's so peculiar to receive a text from him because I didn't let them know how I felt during that day. I didn’t know that he wanted this because he’ll leave soon and if I were still working in NGA, Nanay won’t have anyone to look after her because overtime was such a normal routine for me.

I remember him always saying, “Save up for the future.” Always.

I remember him volunteering to accompany me til I aboard a jeepney on his last three days on earth. He was worried because I left the house as early as 4AM. Back then, I was really wondering why he was doing it. He woke up too early just to get the flashlight and made sure I aboard safely. I didn’t know that it was the last 3 days he would accompany me. I didn’t know that I’d lose a father who would always secure my safety whenever I leave the house. That was our routine since I was in kinder.

I remember the times when you are the jack of all trades. Now, Nanay and I have a hard time feeding and bathing our dogs. Nanay queued very long to pay the bills in electricity, water and telephone which you always do for us. Every Monday, I have to wake up too early because there’s no Tatay to transport me til the FX terminal. It’s so hard to commute each time we need to go somewhere or run errands because I am not confident to drive a manual car and Nanay’s too scared to try – and because you’re not there to tell me that I can. It’s so hard to wake up every Saturday which I am not used to, but I have to accompany Nanay to buy food for the whole week to the wet market. Whenever the electric fans and aircon screw up, you were there to fix it. But 2 weeks ago, the fan and aircon acted up so we had to have it fixed by a technician. I remember how you bravely fixed the roof in the garage during heavy rains. I remember how you would wake up each night and check if there’s someone bystanding because the dogs were barking at night.

I remember my 23rd birthday. It was 2 days before stroke hit you. You bought an ice cream for me, while Nanay was in charge of the cake. I was so happy because Carlo was able to catch up with you again over 5 bottles of beer.

I remember the time that you proved me that even if I was a hard headed daughter, you were still able to forgive me. It was my fault, but still, you were the one who reached out to me and Carlo. Nanay told me that you were doing it because you don't want to see me sad.

Tatay, it’s not easy without you here. A lot has changed and even if it is tough, I need to carry on.  I am always praying to the Lord to give me more strength, patience and understanding because I need to – for Nanay, specially that Kuya is not physically with us. I need to sacrifice because it’s my time to do so.

If you were here again, I will buy you branded clothes as you wish to have. It won’t matter if it’s a Lacoste polo shirt or a Levis jeans. I will book a Boracay trip for you because you wanted to see personally the ladies in bikinis. I know you would still want to travel with us again. I know you would still want to eat in restaurants which you have not been yet. I know you would want to be there on my wedding day and be my last dance as a single lady. I know you would still want to see your own apo and play with him/her. I know you would still want to celebrate Nanay’s 60^th on March. I know you would still want to spend the holidays with us as a complete family. If I could only turn back time and give you a luxury life that you were deprived of when you were still young.

I want to kiss and hug you again. I want to say thank you for all the sacrifices you did for me, Kuya and Nanay. I want to say that I love you because I really do... If only…

I will see you again. Not so soon, but when it’s the right time.

Good night, Tatay. I know that you're still guiding us from above.

Love,

Chacha

  

Anthony's graduation message

FYI, my cousin Anthony is their batch's salutatorian. So I helped him write a speech. Here you go.

***

For the yearbook.

Stand your ground, let your light shine

“Graduation is the first of those pivotal times in our lives when we look back at our past, turn consciously away from it, and begin to stare our future straight in the face.” Dr. Robert Lynch once said.

Distinguished guests, members of the faculty, proud parents, friends, and above all, my fellow graduates – a pleasant morning to all of you.

Time goes by faster. It has been four extremely great years, not to mention, long challenging years, that I spent here in the academe. Our schooling days, which some of us once hated, are finally over. It seems like we were just Freshmen students who were all skeptical and awe-filled with the new environment that we were trying to adapt with. I am still astonished with the fact that we are finally here. We now have our names written on that piece of parchment paper tucked under our arms. In a while, we may be leaving the portals of our Alma Mater  for the final time as high school students, but learning will not stop as it is happening everywhere. 

All of us worked hard to get through here. But we didn't do it by ourselves. There were a lot of important people who were on our backs throughout this journey. First of all, to my parents who guided me towards the right track of life. Without the two of you, I would not be able to accomplish these things and would not have come this far. I wish to give my sincere thank you for the trust, support and unconditional love you have for me. I would also like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers who have been my second parents for the past four years. Thank you for guiding, inspiring, and making us what we are today. I will always be thankful for all the effort and hard work you have put in. Moreover, I would like to thank my friends who stayed by my side through ups and downs. Thank you for all the beautiful memories that I will surely cherish for a lifetime. Lastly and above all, I would like to thank the Almighty God who have been showering blessings since the day I saw light in this world. I found love, kindness, friendship, and everything in between through You. I am offering these achievements to You.

As I am standing here in front of you, I feel honored not so much in being one of the leads of this graduating class. However, sometime during this ceremony, I have a strong feeling that a bit of sadness will come our way. There might be tears in our eyes that will soon slide down our cheeks, but all things considered, this special occasion is just reminding us that the end of one season is just the beginning of another.

High school is the rite of passage into adulthood. As soon as we reach the end of this day, it would make us look forward into something much better. Remember, every good bye makes the next hello closer. Earth will spin around again and we will face another chapter of our lives. All we need is to pursue our dreams and be stronger on every challenge that this journey will bring.

Let me take this opportunity to encourage each and every graduating student here. For we are the youth, the challenge is bestowed upon us. We have the right to change the world, let alone, to betterment. All of us can be heroes of tomorrow. Let us all make a remarkable difference in our generation.

My dearest friends, we may say our good byes for now, but not to the dreams we made up in our minds, not to the lessons that our Alma Mater has taught us, and most specially, not to the treasured moments we created altogether.

Congratulations graduates of Batch 2012. Keep moving forward and strive to fetch for your star. May God bless us all. Thank you... Till we meet again.

***

During the graduation rites

How time flies. Our schooling days, which some of us once hated, are finally over. Mixed emotions are coming on my way. I assume all of us have this too. The bittersweet ending of this journey is quite unexplainable. I'm feeling very nostalgic over what happened in the last four years. But all things considered, this special occasion is just reminding us that the end of one season is just the beginning of another.

We can be the servant in the story that Hans shared to us earlier. Remember? He bought the painting out of gratitude even he had only a dollar left. What the servant did teaches us that we should always remember the people who have been through with us. We must not forget to say thank you to our beloved school, parents, teachers, and above all, our Almighty God. Because at the end of day, those people might be the reason for our sweet success. 

My dearest friends, we may say our good byes for now, but not to the dreams we made up in our minds, not to the lessons that our Alma Mater has taught us, and most specially, not to the treasured moments we created altogether.

Congratulations graduates of Batch 2013. Keep moving forward and strive to reach for your star. May God bless us all. Thank you... Till we meet again.

Doesn't make sense

"Loving again..."

Last night, I found myself asking this question... "Am I ready to fall in love again?" This simple question, yet hard to answer, has been haunting me for the whole day.

3 years ago, I never expected that a heart wrenching break up would happen. I used to believe in happy ever after. I believed in you and me. I believed that the journey of love will remain forever. I believed that we'll conquer every problem that would come our way. I looked forward for more food trips, movie dates, months to celebrate, sweet nothings, crazy stuff, etc. I believed in all of these. I believed in my faith. However, everything has changed. I still remember the feeling I had when I found out that I was cheated on. I tried to be calm, yet my heart couldn't handle the hatred and anger it contained. I let all my feelings came out for a week. And after that, I promised myself to stay strong and avoid thinking about what happened. Truth be told, it was one of the hardest things to do. But I assured myself that I'm gonna win this battle. Fortunately, I ruled out. I moved on. I stopped asking myself with why's.

In a span of 3 years, I met different people with different perspectives in life, attitudes, characters and beliefs. My heart battled and was challenged with unknown signals. It tried to understand, read and decode. But still, questions remain hanging inside it. Though of course, I enjoyed this adventure as it taught me a lot of lessons.

3 years after, my heart stood still despite the fact that it hadn't beaten for someone special. Well I guess, it did but it wasn't sure. It does but still, isn't sure. Uncertainty. Still. And yes, uncertainty is one of the reasons why I'm still single.

But now, I came to realize that I shouldn't be afraid to try and believe again. Who knows, this time, it might work. Who knows, this faith I have at the moment might lead me to the right path.

Team Dinner at Yakimix Podium

And because I don't have work today, I have free time to post a blog about our team dinner last night. :) 


Last week, a guy came inside the training room announcing that we'll be having a team dinner at Yakimix Podium since we were able to minimize the number of tickets to be processed. He also presented the incentive plans for our team which include raffle of iPhones, iPads, GCs and team outing. I and my other co-trainees were really motivated to close tickets after seeing those incentive plans. Hahaha! We also received an email from the team head (I guess?) that we need to be there by 5:30pm with empty stomach. Hahaha!


Okay, so here's a timeline of what happened after work yesterday. :)

So look at us! At NGA's CR before going to Podium.

 

Upon entering Yakimix, we took pictures immediately!

So here's Dawn, Steph and Alex. :)

Anna, Mitch and me :)

Me, Mitch, Cai, Soy, Dawn, Steph and Alex. We shared the same table for our dinner. :)

Picture with Sir Jay who's also helping/teaching us to close tickets.

This was my plate. I wasn't able to consume all since I am not a fan of maki's.

Mitch and I got this plate for raw foods. But we were only able to eat prawn, ham and crab sticks.

I took a photo of Mitch before eating.

So here's my solo photo :p

This is Cai. She only looks 20 but she's uhmmmm, nevermind. :) And yes, it's a compliment!

Dawn was busy cooking for Steph and Alex!

Group picture!!! :)

Cai, Soy, Dawn, Steph and Alex with Ms. Abi Tengco, our very very nice trainor!

And it's our turn. Artista lang ang peg ni Ms. Abi :)

Kuya in light blue polo was celebrating his birthday yesterday! We were teasing him to "blow" the cake with Kuya in plaid polo :))

While getting my dessert, Mitch took a photo of me with Tere also known as Diana Zubiri. :)

And that's it. My tummy was super full. I guess hindi sulit yung binayad kasi ang konti ng nakain namin. :) Nonetheless, I really had fun! We were also laughing hard before we leave because Steph has done something magical. Hahaha! Also, we were introduced to Sir Jason who I guess, is a team lead or a head of something. Sorry, I am not familiar with the organization structure of NGA yet. Hehe!


I hope to experience more team dinner dates! This will be one of my motivations to work hard and close a lot of tickets! Hahaha!

Unexpected things.

Dress stress reliever,

Hi, I missed writing!!!! I've been busy for the past 2 weeks. Grabe lang. Things were fast. I didn't see myself in this situation right now. Sabi nga nila, "Expect the unexpected." Hay nako. Everyone knew naman that I do not want to work right after graduation. First of all, I wanna rest and enjoy the "last" summer of doing nothing. Another reason is that I have a booked trip at Boracay with my bestfriend, and the supposedly trip to Singapore with my family. And because everything went unexpected, my plans changed. Mom said that we'll just go at SG next summer para may VLs na ko noon. :))

Arinso offered me a job. It was good offer, I must admit. But it was not the offer and opportunity I was after to. I felt like I wasn't ready for the real world. It was not part of my plans! So I was really having a hard time deciding. It was like I was torn between what I want and what my parents want.

But everything changed when He helped me decide. After a night of lifting everything to Him, I felt relieved. I felt better.

Okay, so to make the story short, I started working last Tuesday, April 17. My first day was fun. I easily got friends since my co trainees are nice, as well as our trainor, Abi Tengco. She really is. She's very accommodating and helpful. It's good that I'm on the process of learning. It's fun to learn dba! :) So far, I am enjoying my work. But I get tired with the 2-hr travel time from Bulacan to Manila and vice versa. Thank God I survived my first week. Looking forward to the coming weeks. :)


Btw, this is Mitch. My new found friend at Arinso! :) Sa Starbucks yan, nitreat niya ko ng cinnamon swirl and frap. Hihihi. Sweet niya :)





-----


I'd also like to share about my "self-proclaimed guy bestfriend." I couldn't be thankful enough that I have him. He is literally my stress reliever. Buti na lang medyo matyaga siya sakin makipagusap. May social life pa rin ako kahit paano. Charot! Hahaha. But seriously, I highly appreciate what he's doing. Kinakamusta niya naman ako, how I was, how my day went, what I did at work, etc. Feeling ko kasi nawawala pagod ko dahil sa byahe pag nakakausap ko siya. Medyo sad lang that our conversations would be limited dahil nagwowork na ko. Pero okay lang naman. Sana lang after a year and sa mga susunod pang taon, ganito pa rin kami. *fingers crossed* Kasi last year, meron akong friend (or ex-friend na ba? Hahaha) na tulad niya, na ganito rin kami, but unfortunately, bigla na lang nawala. Nagkailangan na yata. Basta. Hay. Ayoko na maulit yun. Ayoko nang isang kisapmatang pangyayari ulit. I just can't afford to lose someone na nasasabihan ko ng lahat lahat (literal na lahat) about me. Na alam kong kahit sino pa ko at kahit anong gawin ko, tatanggapin pa rin niya ko. Hahaha! And kahit na we have super different personalities, nagkakasundo talaga kami. Because we're cool like that. Hahaha! Hindi ko nga ineexpect na magiging close kami e, medyo suplado kasi ang datingan nito e. Saka parang ayaw makipagclose sa mga babae. Hahaha. Oh well. Iba talaga.

My not-so-typical-day.

Dear stress reliever,

Hey, hi. I am writing to you again. I am tired but my love to share the thing that happened yesterday outweighs the exhaustion that I am feeling.

Yesterday, March 26, 2012, I woke up around 4 in the morning to prepare for my interview at Jimini Foods. I was a bit lazy to get out of my bed because I only had three hours of sleep. I am used to sleep like 2 or 3am and wake up around 12 or 1pm since I got in my senior year so this was quite hard for me to do. Hahaha! I arrived in Manila around 7am and went straight to The Luxe Suites to fix the things that I need to bring for my interview. Around 7:30, I left TLS and rode a QC bound jeepney. I am not familiar with G. Araneta (the street that I need to be dropped off) but I knew it was street because there was a heavy traffic. To make sure, I got out of the jeepney after it crossed Araneta Ave. I walked and walked and walked and saw those orange tryks that I need to ride on to get into Jimini. So I asked one tricycle driver to take me to Jimini. Thank God I arrived at the place safely.

It was just funny when I looked stupid infront of Jimini's gate because I didn't know how to get in! They do not have a doorbell! So before the tricycle leaves, I asked him how to get in and he just said, "kumatok ka na lang." So I knocked gently, and after a few seconds, the guard opened the gate. I told him that I am scheduled for an interview so he let me in. I wrote my name in their record sheet and gave my school ID in exchange for a temporary company ID for visitors. The guard asked me to wait and sit on the bench first. There was already one guy wearing formal attire waiting in that place, too. So upon sitting (and because I am "that" friendly. Hahaha), I asked him if he's an applicant. He answered yes but for summer internship only. Another girl applicant came in. She approached me and we started a conversation about her past jobs.

It was around 9am when my initial interview started. Ms. Pau, one of the staff from Hr, conducted the interview. I was a bit nervous but I think, I did good. I THINK, hahaha! After the interview, she asked me to wait at the bench. And after the initial interview of all the applicants, she called us for an exam. It was a mental ability exam that I did not come across when I was studying Psychometrics. The first few items were easy but I find the latter part of the exam really hard. I and the other applicants went back to the bench and wait for our interview with the HR Manager. The guy that I talked to earlier was the first one who got interviewed. Then I was the next one. Ms. Pau called my attention and accompanied me to the HR office. Upon entering the room, I immediately saw Sir Hiroki - the HR Manager. He introduced himself and gave me a hand shake. I was REALLY SHY because my hands were wet! It was embarrassing!! But I really find Sir Hiroki super duper nice. As in nice. How do you define nice? He really is. He was very accommodating. And nice. And cute. Hihihi. He's gwapo talaga. Hihihi. I was feeling a bit intimidated but after our question-and-answer started, it felt like he was making me feel comfortable. I was just bothered that I was not able to answer this question: "What would make you quit to achieve your goals?" Shocks. I could not think of an answer! How embarrassing. I just answered, "none aside from death. Hahahahaha!" Of course it was a joke, but now I realized that I should have answered, "If it's taking too long to achieve and I am not happy with it anymore." Hay. Why didn't I come to think of it?! Anyway, my interview ended when he started introducing the company to me.

I left the company around 12pm and decided to go to Quiapo Church. I had a lot of things to be thankful for. And since I got an opportunity to visit my savior, the black nazarene, I did go. I was 15 mins late for the mass because of the traffic at Recto area. The mass ended and I went to the aisle for the blessing. As I was getting out of the church, there was this kid who kept on following me and instantly rolled two scapulars on my right hand. For months that I have been attending mass at Quiapo, I've always wanted to buy a scapular but there was something that's stopping me to buy. I don't know what it is but I am wondering why when the kid rolled the scapulars, I bought it right away (aside from the fact that he was makulit). I then headed to SM Clearance Outlet to look for a grad gift that I could give to my dormmates. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything nice and cheap. Hehe!

For the first time, I rode an LRT coming from Carriedo station. The LRT was not that crowded as I expected it to be. When I was inside, I kept thinking on the answers that I should have told Ms. Pau and Sir Hiroki. Regrets, you know. I was busy thinking of a lot of things that I didn't realize I was in Monumento station already. I bought a cheeseburger meal with large fries and coke at Mcdo for my late lunch. I felt like I need to reward myself for waking up too early. Hahaha.

When I came home, I told my mom everything happened with my interview. Then changed my clothes, went online, then slept for 30 minutes. It was late when my mom realized that she doesn't have time to accompany me to buy a dress for my graduation. So we hurriedly changed clothes again and headed to SM Baliwag. I asked my dad to drive for us since I can't drive for mom alone. My eyes were a bit itchy that time because I didn't have enough sleep. We looked around as soon as we arrived at SM. But unluckily, for 2 1/2 hours of wandering at the mall, I didn't find any dress that I really like. So we just decided to go home. We bought one whole chicken from Andoks for our dinner.

After our dinner, I went online and had the chance to chat with some of my friends and my brother, Les. I knew I was sleepy but the need of catching up with them made me stay awake. I ended my day eating a piece of chocolate mousse ice cream cake. Heehee! Shocks, I always cheat with my diet! I am soooo faaaat already.

The Luxe Suites Experience

DORM LIFE - one of the most interesting and exciting things in college.

I am about to graduate and I have to say, my four years in college will not be as complete as it has been without the dorm experience, particularly The Luxe Suites experience. Because I live in Bulacan, there is a need to temporarily stay in a place near UST for my convenience. So upon entering my second year in college, I found out about this condo style dormitory named The Luxe Suites.  Though it was not completely finished when we first saw it last April 2009, they were already accepting reservations for the upcoming school year. With my friends Charm, Hannah and Ranne, we have decided to rent a unit from them. We had no second thoughts on the reservation since we were really attracted to the place, the building, its location and their amenities. It is located behind the Dominican School which is infront of the UST Lacson gate, which means that from the gate, TLS is just a 2-minute walk away.


So here it is. A tour of how we enjoyed our stay in TLS. :)


View from outside during day time:



View from outside during night time:



Emblem:



Units:



Annex building. The annex building was built last 2010 located just beside the main building.







TLS Lobby and Study Area. You can stay here when you want to study or when you're just plain bored. :) By the way, the lobby is a WIFI ZONE so you can surf the net anytime you want.










What I enjoy most here in the lobby is the free wifi because I can surf the net whenever I need/want to, and the fact that I can bring my friends whenever we need to do something for school, which is prohibited by other dormitories.


Guard's place at the lobby.  There are guards assigned at the lobby and outside the building who are on duty 24/7. You would really feel secure within the place. And as if that weren’t enough, there are CCTV cameras built in the lobby, on every floor, and even outside of the building.





Corridor. You can see the fire exit in this photo.


There are fire extinguishers for every floor.



Elevator: (Sorry, I can't find a good picture of the elevator. Hahaha!) But the elevator works 24/7.



Stairs. You can use the stairs if you need some exercise. :P



Sample pictures of a unit/room: **This is not our room :p
You can have a maximum of 2 double decks per room.






CR. The CR is divided into two. This picture shows the other half of the CR. The other half is for bathing.



One of the most unforgettable experiences in The Luxe Suites were the christmas parties we attended. The management hosts an annual christmas party for all the tenants of the building. Food, people, bonding moments, liquor, smiles, laughs, happiness, noise, music, dance, games, party, all in one night = I LOVE!


Christmas Party 2009 pictures









Christmas Party 2010 pictures:









Christmas Party 2011 pictures:
















We enjoyed the photobooth!












One, out of many good things about the staff of The Luxe Suites, is that they are very nice and approachable. The guards and other staff are very accommodating with our requests and they always flash their cute smiles with their courteous greetings.

The Luxe Suites is a clean place too. The staff cleans the corridors every morning and they get your trash outside the room. All you have to do is to put your trash bags in the provided trash cans of each room.

Worry not with your clothes because The Luxe Suites offers in-house laundry services. You can get your clothes two days after you give it to them.

They also have housekeeping services, so if you do not have any time to clean your room, you can just avail of this service.

TLS provides each room an intercom telephone, which allows you to make calls locally (Metro Manila only). The intercom phone is also used whenever you have queries and requests such as mineral water delivery, room maintenance and housekeeping services. The guard and other staff will assist you with these services.

You can also request for a cable connection, wifi in your own room, water heater and aircon. But I am not certain with the prices for each service.

I have a lot more to share with my experiences in TLS since I spent almost my whole college life here, but maybe I should just post another blog for that. :P

It's sad that we have to leave TLS soon as we are entering into a new chapter of our lives. But I would like to thank Sir Jason and his very very very nice staff for all the help and service they have provided us. :)


For more info, you can visit their Facebook account and Facebook fan page or contact them at 5591418; 5591305; 5591422. Look for Ms. Nelia.

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO STAY IN, THIS IS THE BEST DORM TO BE. - The Luxe Suites Manila

I couldn't agree more!



Before I forget, this is our dirty room. Hahahahahahaha!

It looks congested because we have a lot of appliances! Hahaha! Photo taken during my 20th birthday.


AND THESE ARE MY LOVELY ROOMMATES :)









My college life would never be awesome without Charm, Hanna and Ranne. :)


Note: Many thanks to Rach Delgado. :) xoxo
**Credits to the owner of the photos.