Hello World (again!)

This is technically my 11th post, but I am nonetheless a newbie in the world of blogging. My not-so-shitty first draft (I hope) was posted a year ago, but life happened and got in the way of writing, so I just re-started writing a couple of months ago.

Unlike with blogging, I used to journal during my pre-teen years (9ish) to navigate my then increasingly tumultuous family life; realization of a broken family, unofficial parental custody, looming separation with siblings, school friends, the works. I also wanted to express myself and acknowledge my thoughts and emotions non-verbally, secretly.  Without realizing it, I had a good sense of self-preservation at a young age and journaling helped me to stay aware and not act out.  Deeming myself unemotional, I was surprised looking back that I could write with such impassioned feelings, even horror, suspense stories in between. I digress.

Back to blogging — so far; 11 posts, 12 followers, 13 or so likes on a post. I prefer a certain anonymity to this online journal/blog/learning-crunching portal/therapeutic exercise. Anonymous or not, I’d like to be part of a community of travelers, writers, foodies, adventurers/explorers like me. I’d also like to learn from people from all walks of life who take time and effort to understand themselves and/or the cultures, this world we live in. It feeds my eternal curiosity. I hope to contribute by writing consistently, honestly, accurately and coming up with better content over time. Oh, I also love taking pictures (strictly a newbie).  Happy blogging, you and me! 🙂

Of Weddings and WhatNots

I’m getting married!!!  Ok, it’s been almost a month since fiancé asked (hilariously, I might add, details in another post), and we haven’t announced to people except some family and friends.  There is this unspoken agreement that we want to enjoy this time and keep it to ourselves until possible, maybe until before the save-the-date 😉  We’ve done a bit of planning as well; We plan to be hands-on and not spend too much on the wedding; we’d rather put more funds into our nest egg.  That being said, I know that the wedding will still be pretty costly and probably the most expensive celebration we’d have for a long time.  We plan to focus on finding a good church/venue for the ceremony, a good place with a garden or mountainside that bundles in good food (being the foodies that we are) and making it unique and personal and memorable without breaking the bank.  So far so good! 🙂

It only actually felt official when we already finalized the date last weekend, after checking out churches and venues for the past two weeks and realizing that all we wanted to book were available one weekend (just!) in March 2018.  This is really happening! 🙂

I was pretty realistic and was not really expecting that we’ll get all we want, but lo and behold, things seem to be falling into place! 🙂 🙂  We managed to book a church we’re both happy about, a chapel overlooking Taal volcano and most of Tagaytay, and Antonio’s for a dinner celebration.  Yes! 🙂

Chapel on the Hill , Don Bosco Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas

Garden at Antonio’s Tagaytay

I just love the Scripture on the wall, reminding us of what matters most..:)

Another thing I want our wedding to be aside from being special, personal and memorable is it being green/eco-friendly.  Maybe zero-waste is a remote possibility, but we’ll try our best.  I’ll DIY a few things because hey, I didn’t even know I’ll get married until late last year, nor did I really think I’ll find someone.  Cheers! 🙂

A Mountain Top Experience

A recent trip to Tagaytay for a survey/weekend getaway/quality time with my fiancé led to a deeper appreciation of this oft traveled, very popular tourist destination in the nearby South of Manila.  Whereas before I’d forgo stopping by this all-too-familiar place en route to/from beaches in Batangas, this past weekend trip led to a change of heart, an epiphany of sorts.  While looking for possible venues for our wedding ceremony and reception (I’m still getting used to this :)), I slowly started seeing Tagaytay again with a ‘new set of eyes’, like realizing a deep appreciation/love for an old friend.  By the end of the trip,  we were actually seriously considering living here!

Now, I and my fiancé are very much city people —  I once stayed for 2 weeks in a small town in beautiful Bicol and couldn’t take the slowness of pace before the end of 1st week, despite seeing all the beautiful spots my relatives showed me around to.  Granted, that was in my late teens/early twenties and slowing down was not an option.  He, on the other hand, just enjoys the convenience, connectedness and all the city has to offer.  But maybe it was Tagaytay changing to this energetic, urban yet predominantly scenic, green, relaxing haven, or maybe it’s us almost done with the excitement of life on the fast track and ready for something new.  Either way,  it’s given me a sort of vision of what life would look like in the next few years or longer; it looks a lot more serene and wholistic, and that’s something I can look forward to.  Let’s see if this realization from a mountain top experience sticks 🙂