Hello! SHOUT OUT TO ALL! It’s been a while and for my comeback post lemme share to you our SAMYANG Spicy Noodle Challenge version. Samyang a korean spicy noodle brand is making its wave in the country for its level of spiciness. If I’m not mistaken it comes in five different flavors which all have its own kick when you eat it. The famous flavors or must I say a must try that’s making a buzz here and there with all these social media influencers, bloggers, and even friends taking on the challenge are the SAMYANG HOT Chicken Flavor and the SAMYANG HOT Chicken x2. I guess the latter means the spiciness is a notch higher than the first.
We originally planned to have the x2 flavor but it was out of stock in the city. Can you believe that? People are really up for the challenge. We ended up having the regular SAMYANG HOT Chicken Flavor. Here’s our Spicy Noodle Challenge experience.
Facebook link below:
What’s do you think of this spicy noodle? Have you had your share already? Let us know your thoughts. 🙂 🙂 🙂
We normally remember or if not at least mark the decades of our lives in some memorable way. Later as we aged, we’ll remember how our twenties went, our thirties happened, and the milestones on our forties. I don’t normally do birthday write ups but since I am on the last year of my twenties, this deserves a spot on my blog site. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Cheers! Twenty nine is twenty nine. This includes giving some thoughts on how to make my twenties memorable in some positive and life-affirming way.
Just like how it has always been I THANK Papa God for giving me another year to live, learn and enjoy life. I thank Him for the gift of life, opportunities and chances. The best gift I have been receiving for the past 29 years of my life. My best years are not yet over. My best years have happened, are happening now and are in the future.
At twenty nine, everyone I know has lost someone they loved. I AM NO EXCEPTION TO THIS. I, however, have come to realize that death is inevitable. What’s meant to be is meant to be. I have lost dear friends in the past years. This year, I had to let go of the one that matters to me most, my mother. Losing my Mama has made me realized a lot of things. It made me see how great life is even after a fall – not that I am never grateful of the things I’ve had. It just made me see life in a whole new perspective.
I spent a lot of money traveling and have no regrets about it. This year, I gave up traveling on my birthday to realize something that I have always wanted to do. Something worth-while and worth it to conclude my twenties. Indeed something that will be remembered for the rest of my life.
I have always volunteered for outreach programs and activities. Traveling for hours or so and going off remote areas to reach out to the kids and spend time with them were priceless to me. Since this is what I have always wanted, I pre-celebrated my birthday with the kids of Baslay, Dauin Negros Oriental. A meaningful Thanksgiving for all the blessings received even after a storm. What better way to give thanks than by giving back?
I have always been thankful for my family as well. I never had a perfect one but at least I have supportive people behind me who helped out to make my birthday bucket list possible. Also, at twenty nine I realized that the friends I have for more than 15 years are the people who are likely to stay in my life forever. The bond we have means more to me year after year. They’ve became my family. I can’t thank them enough for making this outreach activity possible for me as well. They’ve definitely played a good role and a good part on my birthday this year.
I also thank God for giving me an amazing work colleagues and friends who have been a part of my journey and joy. Who didn’t think twice to spend time with me and pre-celebrate it with the kids. This year is indeed special in so many ways.
This is my final year in the decade of my 20s. There is no blueprint to life. As I continue on my life’s journey, I will try to be more forgiving this time. Forgiveness makes us stronger. I will also try to treat people a little more gently since we really don’t ever know what someone is going through.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
I have always wondered how those people who have lost a parent or their parents felt? I’ve gone to some obsequies before and I have seen how people grieve for their loved ones. My family is no exception to this. At the age of 10 my mother lost both her parents and I have experienced and felt how she and her siblings grieved for their loss. I was too young back then that it feels like the sadness has never reached the deepest part of my heart and soul until recently when I finally have to face the same fear seeing my mother battling for the last days of her life.
Growing up without a father makes me think if somehow it feels that way. However, I never held grudges towards my father and I never felt like I needed one before so I don’t think the feeling will be at par. After going through a dreadful experience of losing my mother, I would say the feeling IS NEVER AT PAR.
My mother has suffered from Diabetes Type II for quite some time now. She’s been through near death experiences three times too with this illness. She’s battled against diabetes until her body could no longer stand the disease. A year ago, she suffered hypoglycemia. For the first time in my life reality hit hard on me that I may lose her anytime. That’s when I knew I was never ready to let go of her yet.
My heart was pounding hard I could almost hear my heartbeat like a drum inside my ears. When the doctor said it was normal for her blood sugar level to be erratic since her kidney has been affected, I didn’t know what to think. One thought just keeps looping in my head. SHE CAN’T DIE YET. SHE CAN’T DIE YET. SHE CAN’T DIE YET. I wasn’t ready for what may come. I guess no one is ever ready for death?
Since then, I always have one prayer every single time I get the chance. “Lord, please let my mother live a little bit longer. DON’T TAKE HER YET. If she’s every beyond healing, let her at least recover a bit from her illness because I still want to spend time with her.” This was like a song looped in replay since last year up until a few days ago.
After a year of that dreadful experience, I have faced another dilemma seeing how my mother’s health and body have deteriorated over the months. The number of medicines she’s taking remained the same. Every single month we visit the hospital, there’s no news of improvement. We only either end up having the same amount of medicines to take for the month or there are additional ones that she has to take.
She never complained about it but her body could only take so much especially that her kidneys were also affected. Until one day, her body could no longer take the medicines. Her food intake also became minimal. No amount of encouragements from me and her siblings were able to lift her up. She was bedridden. She knew her death was inevitable.
Seeing my mother struggled was painful. Painful because I can only do so much for her but I will never be able to ease her out of her miseries and pain. I knew it was only a matter of time but I didn’t want to entertain the thought that I should prepare myself for what was about to come. I was in denial that my mother could still make it out of her pains even if my aunts kept telling me that I should start processing to myself what’s impending.
In her last month, she refused to go the hospital. She said she got tired going back and forth the hospital monthly. Rather she asked us to help her pray. Pray that God will take her soonest because she’s burdened too much. I knew she was ready. This made me ask God if it’s too selfish of me to hold on to her still. I knew things will never be the same especially when she decided to accept the last sacrament.
On September 3, 2016 at 8:46 am, she’s finally bid farewell to this world. She died in the arms of her sister who was helping me feed her that time. She even nod to us when we greeted her good morning that day. My world has stopped revolving that day. My long lost question about how people really feel when they lost their parents has finally been answered – because that day, I lost my own.
Today, I will have to face my own fate with a strong heart and a determined mind. Life has to move forward. Until we meet again Mama.
A Hindu saint who was visiting river Ganges to take bath found a group of family members on the banks, shouting in anger at each other. He turned to his disciples smiled ‘n asked.
‘Why do people shout in anger shout at each other?’
Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, ‘Because we lose our calm, we shout.”But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you? You can as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner.’ asked the saint.
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the other disciples. Finally the saint explained, ‘When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other to cover that great distance.What happens when two people fall in love? They don’t shout at each other but talk softly, Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small…’
The saint continued, ‘When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper ‘n they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other ‘n that’s all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.’
He looked at his disciples and said. ‘So when you argue do not let your hearts get distant, Do not say words that distance each other more, Or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.’
DISCLAIMER: Please note that I did not write this story. I do not know who wrote this. Someone sent it to me two years ago. I am only sharing this now on my blog. I have shared this previously in my personal Facebook account.
DUBSMASH! Ever heard of this recently? Dubsmash is a mobile application for both apple and android users which allows you to create short videos dubbed with famous sounds and lines from known movies both locally and internationally. You can have a selfie video dubbing your favorite songs or movie lines or you can do a group video dancing to the latest tracks and trending dance moves.
The application is really easy to use and will allow you to save the finished video directly to your gallery so you can share it to various social media sites when you’re brave enough to share your creation. Video clips are really short lasting only to 15 seconds or less. You then have the option to compile your video clips into one video file to make a longer video mash up of all the dubs you’ve made.
One with the craze again, my cousins and I decided to make our own dubsmash entry to join the fun. Please see below for our dubsmash entry. Have fun! Click HD for a clearer video.
Dauin is known for its many popular beach resorts. The coast of Dauin offers scuba dive sites. The municipality has several established sanctuaries in which fishing and boating are absolutely prohibited. The marine sanctuaries offer huge variety and quantity of marine life forms.
So off we went fish feeding this morning in Dauin when the weather was so convenient! There are resorts along the sea coast that offer snorkeling gears for rent and life vest for those who are not good swimmers. The best thing about the sanctuaries is that you don’t have to go that far. Just bring with you a piece of bread and the fishes will surely come near you.
Below is one of the many videos we have captured this morning. We went snorkeling at District 1 site. Dauin has about four or five marine sanctuaries that are well preserved by the town’s local government.
I always say that age is just a number, what matter’s the attitude. I believe that we all have that inner child in us. At one point in summer, we decided to let our inner child run wild. Bringing back the innocent and carefree days, we headed out to Gloria’s Fantasyland in Dapitan where everyday is a festival! 🙂 Just like what their slogan says.
Gloria Fantasyland is an amusement theme park that’s good for the entire family and your group of friends. They offer an array of thrilling rides and attraction. Let me share to you a video made and posted by Maan, Muriel’s husband during our trip to Dapitan last May 9, 2015.
Another thing you shouldn’t miss when you go to Gloria Fantasyland is their spectacular show at night where they pause for a few minutes (including all the other activities and rides in the area) to witness a grand show and parade. I was most amazed with their fire show. This one is nothing but full of awesomeness, eye-catching, breathtaking show. I know that’s too much of adjectives there but see the video below and judge it yourself. This one is truly outstanding.
So who says you need to go that far to witness such great show and experience such wonderful moments with friends and family? Gloria Fantasyland surely awaits you. Unleash that inner child in you now and bring out the fun once more.
I found another story that made me fall in love with how it was written and how the writer described how it is to move on. Time indeed heals all wounds. This one is no exception to it.
We broke up in the parking lot of an Uno Pizzeria in Boston.
He wanted to settle down. He wanted kids and a good job and a yard for a dog to run in. I wanted New York. And London. And maybe Thailand for a year or two. I wanted to write and to live in a shitty apartment and to be in love in a tumultuous way. I was barely 21; I didn’t want it to be easy yet.
WANDERLUST: a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.
They say every summer has a story and that summer always ends with good memories. My summer this year surely has a lot of good memories I can tell you. This is definitely one of those perfect summer experiences I have ever had. I gained new friends, get to spend quality time with old friends, and make some fun with the current people I’m usually with now. What else can I ask for?
I’m a CERTIFIED Wanderlust I’d say. Shhhhh! Well, that’s nothing new considering that I keep a travel blog myself. This year, I made sure my experience is a series of getaways here and there to make summer more memorable, fun, and exciting. From island tours, waterfalls escapades to simply enjoying the beaches around the islands. Now that summer is about to end, let me share with you all my wonderful moments through this blog.
Officially kicking off summer last April 2015, let’s head out to our first destination, the mystical island of SIQUIJOR! Mostly known as Isla del Fuego or the Island of Fire, Siquijor is an island province located in Central Visayas and known to be the third smallest province in the country in terms of population.
Not that the island is on fire though because of how it’s called. Its moniker started long ago when Spanish colonizers noticed the glow of multitude of fireflies that would gather nightly around the island.
The island maybe small in size and can be toured in just a day, but the activities you can do in the area is definitely unlimited.
Since the island can be toured in a day, you have the option to rent vehicles that you can use around the area. For those who can ride motorcycles, there are a lot of motorcycle for rent in the area as long as you have a driver’s license. For groups, you can rent a multicab (including the driver) which will take you around the places you would want to see.
The island has two boat ports. One in Larena and one in Siquijor (capital of the province). If you happen to dock in Siquijor, you will get the chance to take your photo here just outside the port.
Here are the things you can do in once you’re in the province.
1. Fish Spa: A popular landmark in Lazi, Suiqjor.
Fish Spa at Old Enchanted Balete Tree is a must try when you visit Siquijor.
2. Cambugahay Falls: Located in Lazi, Siquijor, Cambugahay waterfall consists of multi-layered cascading falls.
There are many things you can do in Cambugahay Falls. Aside from swimming, if you’re one brave soul you can do waterfall jumping. You can also be like Tarzan where you swing around using a rope and let yourself drop into the cold water.
3. Salagdoong Beach: Located in Maria, Siquijor, this one is one of the most popular beaches in the island. The best thing you can do in Salagdoong? Well take a look at this?
Just stopping over on the long and winding road to Salagdoong Beach in Maria Siquijor. We just couldn’t miss this view.One thing you can do in Salagdoong to make the best summer memory you can ever have is to do challenge yourself and conquer the cliff jumping experience. There are two concrete jumping boards situated on a cliff. One is a 40-meter high jump while the other is a 25-meter high jump. This is Argey living up to the moment jumping from the higher jumping board.
These and more are the things you can do in Siquijor. I’ll be posting a separate post all about Siquijor in my travel blog (www.adventuristacorner.wordpress.com) so stay tuned.
Now off to our second destination, let’s hit the island of Cebu and discover one of its magnificent waterfalls: Tumalog Falls. This has been a trending destination among my Facebook friends, so the weekend after our Siquijor escapade, we decided to hit Tumalog Falls.
Tumalog Falls is located in Oslob, Cebu which is a few minutes away from my hometown by sea and land. (Specific details will be posted in my travel blog).
One of Oslob’s pride is Tumalog Falls aside from its famous Whale Watching. Just a few meters away from the whale shark site, you get to see habal-habal or motorcycle for rent which can take you to the falls.
with the girls
Ending the month of April chasing waterfalls, I started the week of May by heading our to Mindanao this time and exploring the beauty of Dapitan. Hopping to our third destination in my summer escapades, I welcome you all to the famous resort of DAKAK!
One thing this experienced gave me is earning new friends and meeting new people. I just happened to join this group knowing only a few and ending the travel knowing everyone. (details will be posted separately in my travel blog).
Wacky pose I guess? 😛The famous jump shot. You can’t skip summer without getting your own version of jump shot.Group picture
For the kids and kids at heart, once in Dapitan you can’t miss Gloria’s Fantasyland. Get the ‘Enchanted Kingdom feels’ without having to go that far especially if you’re within Visayas area. Just like their slogan: “Welcome to Gloria’s Fantasyland…Where everyday is a festival!”
The Zimmerman ride. If you have a brave ride then take this 30-second roller coaster ride
5D movie experience in the themed park. One thing you shouldn’t miss
The themed park offers a lot of rides and activities for friends and families who visit the place everyday. Details of it will be posted separately in my travel blog. 🙂
Now that we’re down to our last two weeks of the month of May before rainy season officially kicks in, let me take you back to the island of Cebu and back to the town of Oslob. Whe came to visit Tumalog Falls at the end of April, however, the town of Oslob is rich is history and beautiful beach resorts that you can visit to unwind and have fun with your friends and family.
So before the month ends, let me take you back to a little of our country’s history. Hmnmmm, I should say a little of the Oslob town’s history.
Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Conception is one of the oldest churches in Cebu City.The ruins of Oslob Cuartel. This serves as barracks for the Spanish armies before. The infrastructure is made of coral stones.
the ruins of one of the seven watch towers in Oslob called Lantawan or BaluarteTake a walk along the pavement of Oslob’s Heritage Park and fall in love with its picturesque ambianceTake a leap and capture that moment in Oslob’s beautiful Heritage Park by the sea.
After learning some history, you can just go anywhere in the many beach resorts around the area. For us, we chose to be in Seafari since most of the people seem to go there this summer. Just curious what’s in the resort and what’s driving people to get there. Details will be posted separately in my travel blog.
Once you get to the resort the challenge is going up and down its long stairs made of 270 concrete steps.
I don’t have to say anything about the beach because Oslob sure has a nice stretch of beach which is obvious in our picture. Take a dip in its cold water and have fun. After all, summer always has a story.
Since we are now down to the last week of May and technically the last week of Summer here in the country, I definitely have that planned out too. And the best way to end your summer? For me it’s going to Apo Island and discover its marvelous underwater view and breath taking marine sanctuary.
This has been Maja. Signing off. Till my Apo Island Adventure! Ciao! 🙂
Let’s continue the craziness. So here’s what happened in day 2 of our Baguio Trip last month. Still as crazy as day 1 but totally adventurous and extreme this time. We brought up the excitement one notch higher as we spent the day in Camp John Hay doing its Tree Drop adventures.
We spent the first part of the morning biking around and enjoying the scenery of Burnham Park. We rented bikes and it was my first time having it ran more than a meter without falling off. What an achievement right? LOL! Then we walked off to Baguio City Cathedral. We lighted some candles and said our wishes but we didn’t get to go inside the church since they were having their Sunday mass and our outfits were inappropriate for the place.
Just about lunch time we headed to Camp John Hay where our adventures begun. See below:
Free Fall : 60ft hight; 2-second drop
Silver Ride: swinging up and down a hillside while standing on a platform
Potpourri 