Favourite Spots at The SM Annex

Ma-an Gorospe

Favourite Sights at Trinoma

fountain upon entrance

lovely landscape gardening in restaurant area

where coffee and other drinks can be enjoyed on top

Ma-an Gorospe

Reconnecting With A Lovely Friend

loveliest smile from my lovely son at heart, emailed photo

My days has been exciting since last week, I get updates from a couple of friends who went to The Netherlands and yes, I had successfulluy reconnected with my lovely friend Maline whom I shared my life with not too long ago during our overseas studies. Reading her emails has kept me smiling and receiving another email with attached pictures have given me immeasurable joy.

I have always been the lousy communicator most especially the past year but I have been extremely happy to receive a reply from my lovely friend. Yes, we are reconnected and it feels great.

lovely bridge with my lovely friend, emailed photo

We cant help to reminisce happy memories of our student days and many things in relation to our years of stay way back. But its interesting to note that yes, we had heaps of fun and just like me, she did not dwell on the negative but on the positive side of things thus making living a lot easier, and happier.

I am excited to see her latest photo in the city and it seemed like yesterday. With the same familiar smile, she looked almost the same, considering the years and kids that have grown bigger through the years. This is a woman whose challenges has made her more beautiful inside and out.

lovely kids in my favourite place in the city, emailed photo

I was ecstatic to see the photo of her kids in a lovely spot in Elizabeth Street. That has been our favourite meeting place come winter or summer. Somehow it has brought back happy memories of the days when my friends would patiently and lovingly wait for me in that same spot. And it made me excited to consider going back even only for a short visit.

But going there to finally stay is itself, not a bad idea.

Ma-an Gorospe

Sky,Grass and Cattle

blue sky, green grass, and cattle grazing

I was awed by the beauty of this sight on my way from a waterfront resort in Coron Town to the airport in Busuanga to catch my flight back to Manila. Sharing the van with foreign tourists, the sight brought back happy memories when we were foreign students driving in Country Victoria with the sight of cattle grazing on vast lands. At one point we stopped the car and took photos with the cattle and the pine trees in the background. The photo above was taken while the van is slowing down to give way to a couple of cows crossing the road. To me who was quite tired of the urban sights of Manila, it was a refreshing sight.

Somehow I am glad that the Philippines has preserved this lovely place and I hope it remains this way. This sight is one of the reasons (in addition to island hopping activities) why I love going back to Busuanga Island everytime I have the chance.

Ma-an Gorospe

Miss Universe 2009

the universe's most beautiful,

photo from http://english.rednet.cn/c/2009/08/24/1813506_1.htm

I missed watching the quest for Miss Universe last year(the last one I watched was Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins getting the title) but I am quite lucky I was able to witness this year's final part, the question and answer portion which has been most interesting for me in every beauty contest that I get to watch.

Miss Universe crown, from Miss Venezuela to another Miss Venezuela,

photo from http://english.rednet.cn/c/2009/08/24/1813506.htm

I immediately rooted for Miss Venezuela when I heard her respond to her question with wit, confidence and grace not to mention the lovely face in a stunning gown. Yet at some point I was open to the possibility that Miss Puerto Rico will make it or probably Miss Australia. My companions, who watched the show earlier had their tally sheets and listings in their own notepads but they did not argue with me at all when I said that I'll go for Miss Venuzuela because she's got the big "it". It turned out that from the start, they were all hoping and wishing that their top candidate, Miss Venuzuela will bag the coveted Miss Universe crown.

the top five finalists

photo from http://english.rednet.cn/c/2009/08/24/1813506.htm

Yet all those who made it in the top five can be the Miss Universe as they are all beautiful in the real sense of the word. When the announcement came, I was quite certain that Miss Venezuela will make it when Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Australia were called as runners-up. Me and my companions watched with glee when the outgoing Miss Universe hugged the new one and to their excitement, the crown fell, and picked with grace as if no blunder if could be called like that, happened. It turned out as I found out later, that both the outgoing and the current Miss Universe came from Venezuela. Here is the link on the official news from the Miss Universe website, http://www.missuniverse.com/news/view/44.

And it left me excited to place Venezuela in my wish list for lovely places to visit. I wish I can make it in the next couple of years or so. Going to Bahamas for a holiday would be lovely too.

Hail to the fairest of them all, Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez!

Ma-an Gorospe

Bon Voyage Chrys and Lani

smiling for me with the Philippine map on the background

Today Lani and Chrys, two dear friends whose company I have always enjoyed (and vice versa I hope) , are flying to The Netherlands to pursue postgraduate studies. I have wanted to send them off at the airport but I have to forego this due to an urgent presentation that my supersiror has requested me to do in behalf of the office I am representing. This is one of the downsides of having a five to eight job but at the moment, I cannot complain. I can only wish them a safe trip from Manila and happy arrival to Amsterdam and to the university of their choice.

the farewell party for Chrys and Lani at" my room" the conference room

Well anyway, I wish you well and may you enjoy stepping and listening to the rustling of the leaves as its autumn in there, nice time for arrival and adjustment period, its not as cold and dreary as the coming winter, yet no matter how long and cold the nights of the winter could be, it promises the coming of lovely spring mornings. Now that your turn to explore such lovely place has come, relish it. May you have more happy days than sad ones. Have heaps of fun and be open to many possibilities.

To studies, to love and to life, all the best, cheers, cheers!

Ma-an Gorospe

Villa Angela

Vigan's Villa Angela

Ma-an Gorospe

Tita Cory at Manila Cathedral

bottled water absolutely quenching mourner's thirst, just before noontime

yellow ribbon tied everywhere

flashing the meaningful L sign while approaching the cathedral

familiar sight of nuns where Tita Cory is- in life and in death...

a beaming crowd after paying last respects for Tita Cory

leaving the cathedral at quarter before noontime

happily being photographed with Tita Cory's yellow banner


a man in yellow makes his way to the cathedral

blogger's turn to be photographed with Tita Cory's banner

I also did my farewell to the much loved Tita Cory and such experience will be happily memourable in my lifetime.

Ma-an Gorospe

Dakak's Orchid Greeter

taking time to smell the flowers

the sight of pink orchids welcoming me in Dakak

MarieAntoinette

Shayne

Shayne and his mudpie

Today Shayne flies back to Melbourne after spending a couple of weeks or so in Clark, Pampanga and Manila. He intentionally flew in to join his beloved's birthday celebration. It was quite unfortunate that he came when the typhoon Insiang brought heavy rains and strong winds, thus the idea of going out for island hopping or going to the beach was not interesting. At any rate, spending some time with his beloved has made Shayne's visit to the Philippines wonderful.

I had a great time chilling out at the nice and quiet cafe overlooking EDSA at the SM Annex with his beloved and a friend sometime last week. On our way to meet a friend for dinner, we did jumpology and photography at the SM North's skygarden. On our way to one of the restaurants at the SM's The Block I was telling his beloved that having him around makes me happy listening to the native Aussie accent I have grown to accustom with, during my Melbourne studies. Yet partaking with his mudpie was my favourite moment. Although the mudpie is not exceptionally special(he struggled to finish if off), it reminded me of the times that we relished finishing lots of sweets while dining at his beloved's apartment close to the uni many years back. His beloved repeatedly told us that we have this "sweet tooth" and we responded by saying we are " sweet people" too.

Yesterday, I saw the fridge magnet with his favourite colour that I got for him from one of my travels. I forgot to give it to him last week! But I smile in the thought that he will be coming again probably next year.

Bon Voyage my dear Shayne! Looking forward to see you again next time. And I wish that the next time would be soon.

Yellow Flower

yellow flower up close

island flora

House on the Hill

house on the hill up close

house on the hill with the clouds

house from the beach in a coastal town of Ilocos Norte(Philippines)

MarieAntoinette

Elena, The Tree and the Deep Blue Sea

the fascinating sight of the tree and the deep blue sea

I have been hanging around with my dear friend Elena the past few weeks. We lost contact, (thanks to me) for more than a year but I am so happy about how life has turned very kindly to her. She is now gainfully employed in the legal department of the arguably biggest and most influential media organisation in the country. Yet the highlight of al the happy news about her is that- she has found, or his one great love found her. I am quite lucky to meet this nice guy before he flew to Sydney(Australia). Their eyes clearly showed how happy they are( and so much in love) over coffee at the Shang Plaza and their happiness is highly contagious.

A couple of weekends ago Elena took me to her office where I loved the view. It reminded me of that long drive to Cape Boreador in Ilocos Norte(Philippines) where I took this photo on my way to the lighthouse while she was trying to look for a parking space.

Truly, the deep blue sea has always been fascinating to me and it still is. But looking at Elena's love filled eyes and happy face is definitely more fascinating than ever. And I am extremely glad that finally, she has found her one great love when she almost stopped believing.

MarieAntoinette

Sunrise

taking a photo of the sunrise

MarieAntoinette

James' Birthday

at the Old Arts Walk, Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne

James at the South lawn after an intensive class in autumn 2005

James and me at Port Melbourne Beach in summer 2004

James, last row, right, in a photo taken on a dinner in March 17,2008 at a restaurant in Timog, Quezon City

Today I join the many friends from all places in celebrating the birthday of a person I am immensely blessed to have. He is a great friend who never failed to be there for me at all times yet gives me space when I wanted it. He is like a parent who nurtures and loves unconditionally.

Happy birthday my dear James! May you continue to inspire many others whose lives have been touched by your friendship. May you have more candles to blow, and may all your birthday wishes will come true.

Cheers! cheers! cheers!

MarieAntoinette

The Yarra River and Its Memories

sitting along the Yarra River in spring, photo by James

Today my dear Shayne flies in from Melbourne to Manila to visit his beloved and the thought of it makes me very nostalgic of the happy days I had as an international student not too long ago. Yarra river is very significant because this side of the river has always given me immeasurable happiness. It have done great walks from winter since I first arrived until the summer when I left. Most importantly, it was a summer when my dear Shayne first met up with his beloved, and they had a walk on that summer night, not many years back. That walk has given birth to a beautiful relationship for quite a number of years which led to committment which goes on deeper though the years.

with the seagulls and poppies at Crown in winter, photo by Dahwin

It is also in this river where I had the final lunch with my dear friends Maline and Dahwin, at one of the restaurants in the Crown. When I was a new student, the sight of the river and the Crown, and the sounds of the casino has in many ways, lessened my homesickness and a trauma that I have to deal with silently ironically from someone who was expected to be very friendly to me.

sitting in Crown facing the Yarra river, photo by Eden

When I am down and confused, I would go to the Yarra river when I cannot board a tram to St Kilda Beach. This is where I spent the last few days with dear friends Eden, Anna and Adam. The picture above is one of mt favourites while we were sitting by the Yarra River. We originally wanted to ride the river cruise but I arrived late from a lawn bowling with my Oz friends. Yet the company of each other and the long talks on that sunny day made me very happy and content.

playing with the fountain in winter, photo by Dahwin

I have always loved the fountain, whereever it is located. The sight of the water going up and down has tremendously excites and at the same time soothes me, depending on my moods. Dahwin on his few last days after finishing his studies took one of my favourite photos successfully capturing my joy of playing with the fountain.

Yarra River had given me happy memories. And although I have a share of painful ones in this river, I opt to look back at the happier ones. Probably my Mummy Henny would agree that Yarra River is truly a wonderful place.

This is where she had her first date with Shayne which has became my Dad. Welcome back Daddy Rooster, I hope to see you soon.

MarieAntoinette

My Travel Postcards

my Dakak souviner mug and postcard

Not too long ago, I read a suggestion from a travel magazine that aside from scrapbooking, it would be fun to "send yourself a postcard." Looking like a good idea, it lingered on my mind . When I had the chance to go to Dakak which I discovered is located in Dapitan City(Philippines) contrary to what I always thought that it is in Dipolog, I remembered this. Going to Dakak was practically unplanned so when I got a promo rate via my favourite airline, the flag carrier of the Philippines, I flew in. That was an opportune time for me to relax, enjoy and be refreshed after feeling unwell for around a couple of weeks. After I swam in the pristine waters and walked in the fine white sands, all my pains, physical and emotional- went away.

With the hope of sending myself a postcard, I got five from the Dakak park and resort souviner shop and wrote each of them on my last night in my hotel room in Dipolog. I was having that adventurous idea of riding the local tricycle from the hotel to the post office and back on the early morning prior to the airline's lone flight leaving Dipolog. I woke up late so I requested the driver who drove us to the airport to mail the five postcards for me. When I saw the postcard reaching my apartment, I felt the joy of that trip being doubled. My parents were happy but I was ecstatic to receive a postcard that I sent myself while on holiday.

my Coron postcard

Yet somehow, part of me is not content knowing fully well that it was the driver who dropped the postcards in the mail. So when I had the chance to go island hopping in the Calamianes Islands close to Busuanga, I took postcards again and made sure that I would be the one who will do the actual mailing task. When I stayed in the seafront resort in Coron, a lovely town in Busuanga Islands, I did the mailing of such postcards for my friends and myself. A day prior to my scheduled trip leaving the island, I went to the Coron post office, a walking distance from the Seadive resort which made my Coron stay very memourable.

writing myself via the postcard

My joy when I saw such postcards in my apartment is beyond words. Now they never fail to make me smile as they bring back very happy memories.

MarieAntoinette

Refreshing Sight

the refreshing sight of green leaves

A couple of weeks ago, I went unceremoniously to the place I has became my favourite since the first time I saw it. It has always given me the joy of being having " peace and quiet." This is where I go when I simply wanted to be "away from it all". As this has been the first morning since my previous visit, I was excited how the sunrise would look at this time. I woke up early with the sight of sunrise coming out of the mountains in mind. I slowly opened the door connecting to the terrace and I was quite disappointed it was still a bit dark. Yet there was something new to my sight that has been left unnoticed during my past visits.

The refreshing sight of the leaves from a branch of the tree just close to the open terrace got my attention. It was indeed a great morning and even it was quite cloudy and foggy thereby missing the grandiose rising of the sun, along with the changing colours of the sky that comes with it. However, the green leaves with lots of dewdrops aginst the backdrop of the still dark sky has made my morning very lovely. This added to the excitement of going out and basking in the sun in the field after having my breakfast.

That refreshing sight reminded me that in life, there are people who are like that. They may get unnoticed yet they are always there, never failing to give encouragements when we are down and out yet they remained unnoticed simply because they are always there beside us. And just like that tree left unnoticed everytime I enter this favourite room in a house on top of the mountain in an island which I cannot disclose since it has been my favourite "hiding place", I have friends who always made sure to be there for me even if I fail to listen to them or even recognise their efforts in showing how much they care. And like the refreshing sight on a possibly dreary morning, their smiles and presence have been a source of joy. Same goes to my family who never failed to show me how much they care since time immemorial even though at times, or many times I tend to be too individualistic believing that I can take care of myself very well. I call it emotional independence which I claimed since I left my parent's house for college albeit at the time I was economically dependent on them.

I have to thank the tree and the lesson it has brought me.

MarieAntoinette

Window to Paradise

photo taken from the window of LM Sealodge, Coron, Palawan in May 2009








MarieAntoinette

Sunset in Coron

awesome sunset photo taken in Coron, May 28,2009

MarieAntoinette