Bagyong Ondoy

Please pray for all those victims of the storm Ondoy. Many people are still stranded and have lost everything. despite this disaster, its heart warming to see so many people giving their time, energy, donations and money to help those who need it.

This is the first time that I felt so affected by a natural calamity. I guess its because I know so many people who were affected by it. At this time, I still haven't heard from a friend who lives in a village in Cainta, Rizal which I heard is submerged... I'm really worried about him.

Stay strong Manila. We're here for you.

Chinese Coupons

taken at a museum in Shanghai

Earlier this year, I went to Shanghai with some friends. It was my 2nd time there but my first time in Shanghai was on a study tour and we didn't have time to really explore the city. So this time, we took our time and got lost in the city, emerging ourselves in the Chinese culture.

One of the things that we stumbled upon was a Chinese museum. I remember that Chinese history really interested me back when we had Asian history in college. They were so advanced in science, technology and businesses that its no wonder they have progressed the way they did. They really are a super power to be reckoned with!

The picture above is that of the old coupons that the Chinese used to allocate food among the masses. This was one of the ways they gained control during the tough times.

Manila International Book Fair

taken at the Manila International Book Fair

It was another long weekend and this time, Carlo and I went to the Manila  International Book Fair held in the SMX Convention Center. As far back as I can remember, I always loved reading books. I started with Scholastic hardbound books and Berenstein Bears. As a tween, my favorite authors were Enid Blyton, Roal Dahl and Judy Blume. I would collect the Sweet Valley Twins, Baby Sitters Club and Nancy Drew books. Now I adore chick lit, fantasy (Harry Potter included) and mysteries. I can't imagine life without books! So naturally, this was one event I didn't want to miss.

The bookfair was chaos! There were sooooo many people looking through books, I had no idea where to start. Although after a couple of minutes walking around, I realized that a lot of the books were educational books. National Bookstore was a concessionaire but I didn't find anything I wanted to get. My criteria for buying something from that fair was it had to be on sale and something I wouldn't usually find elsewhere. I did see some interesting hardbound picture books but I felt like I was just wasting my money. so I ended up buying 3 back issues of preview magazine and a journal. Yeah I know... I didn't even follow my own criteria!

Today though, while at SM to check on my stall, I took a detour to the thrift bookstore, Book Sale. Now THAT was a place I could spend my money on! P100 ($2) for a well-maintained 2nd hand book? Not bad at all! Next payday, I'm putting aside P300 ($6) and a couple of hours to browse through the books over there and get me some good chick lit.

Are you a big reader?

vino

taken at Wine Depot

My dad has always been a huge wine lover. Me, on the other hand, sadly can't tell the difference. Like the wonderful daddy he is, he never tires of trying to explain that this wine has a round flavor. Round?? How exactly does that taste?? For the life of me, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Australian and French wine. We're going to Italy this October and my dad told us we'll be going to a vineyard and go wine tasting. I promise that this time I will try to pay more attention instead of just gulping down the wine they give us (I know, you don't gulp down wine, you savor it!)

Are you a big wine drinker?

morning isn't so bad

 taken with my Holga in Cam Sur at 8am

I'm turning in to a morning person. Recently, I've started to enjoy waking up early. I like the feeling of having a productive day and getting a lot of things done.

This picture was taken about a month ago when I was in Cam Sur. We were by the port, waiting for the boat and the sun was coming up behind the mountain. Morning sunrays are the best. :)

Goddess of Mercy

taken at Macau

I <3 Hong Kong

 

taken in Hong Kong

Everytime I go back to Hong Kong, I fall more and more in love with the city.  I love how its so easy to commute around the city and every turn there's something new to discover. I love how its a melting pot of culture. I love the hustle and bustle of the city. I love the variety of food they have. Its a city you can survive in by walking. I really never get tired of Hong Kong!!!!

Sunny Skies

taken at Wine Depot, Westgate

It's been raining for the past week and I miss the sun very much. Gray skies and dark clouds are old. Sun please come back!!! I miss you and all the fun we have together.

Steady Like A Teddy

 

taken at Grilla, Kalayaan

 

Nothing beats a night out with the girls for laughs, tofu sisig and cocktails. It's just what you need to get you through til the weekend.

Doodles

taken at Bonifacio High Street

Drawing is one of the talents I wish I had. I was always so envious of my classmates Trina, Bettina and Kat coz they drew so well. When Trina was my seatmate, I'd always ask her to doodle on my notebook. I adored her caricatures! I always tried to copy her style but I think I better just stick to my smiley faces and stick figures.

what talent do you wish you had?