The Macbee Story

 

Why are we called macbee?

This is how the Macbee story started. Si hubbee kasi, nung simula, ang term of endearment niya sa akin, "Mio". May meaning yun which I forgot, derived from a foreign language daw. Hanggang nag-evolve ang Mio to "Mac". Siguro change of mind, ewan ko kung bakit naging Mac pero yun na ang naging tawag niya sa akin ever since. Shortcut daw from my first name. Latest na lang yang "Mackee". Pero ayan, sure ako kung paano nag-evolve.

Kasi nga mabunganga yang si hubbee. Pag naiinis o sinesermunan ako niyan, yung mac, pag nasamahan nang gigil, humahaba. Pag tinatawag niya ako, o pag gigil na siya, yung mac, nagiging mackee. "Mackee, ano ba yan!", "Ang tigas naman nang ulo mo kasi mackee eh", "Bakit ang kalat nang kusina mackee". Ayan, yan ang mga samples. Alam niyo yung sa mga sinaunang tagalog movies, pag galit yung misis, natatawag nila yung asawa nila sa original name nila na mahaba. Ganun. Haha.

Ako naman, dahil kung ano anong term of endearment na ang nagamit ko sa mga ex ko, ayaw ko nang repeat performance. Naisip ko ang hubby kasi di ko pa nagamit. Kaso common na. Iniba ko na lang ang spelling. Ginawa kong "hubbee". Minsan, shino-sortcut ko to "Bee". At yun po ang short, simple and sweet background nang story nang tawag ko kay hubbee. Haha.

So when you combine mackee and hubbee, we call it "Macbee".

Love And Break-ups

Hindi mo man makita na trending worlwide ang #Hiwalayan sa twitter, pero mukhang uso siya recently ha. I'm an avid fan of love and romance. Gusto ko masaya mga tao. Pangarap ko nga maging kupido nung bata ako. Gusto kong nakakarinig nang mga love stories, how it all started and how love is shared by couples. From time to time, masarap kiligin sa mga ganito. Aminin man natin o hindi, masarap talaga ang love. Ang ma-inlove. At yung feeling nang in-love.

But it sucks to hear when people tell you that they broke up with their partner. Ang standard reaction ko sa ganyan eh "ha? bakit? pano? kelan?". Ganyan. Maraming tanong. Hehe. Palagi kasi akong apektado sa pagreact about break up news. Ayoko kasi nang mga break-ups. Kalakip kasi niyan ang sakit. Ang luha. Ang pighati. May nahihirapan. May tumitigil ang mundo. May nahihirapan gumalaw. Sad that a few people I know, the relationship that just started has now ended.

This is my 9th relationship with a guy. Okay wag na natin pag-usapan yung sa girls. I had to go thru 8 relationships to learn what really love is and how to be in a commitment in this set-up. And in those 8 relationships I experienced the pain of break-ups. So I know how it feels to have that pain inside your heart. It's not an easy stage nor a wonderful experience. But truth to the matter is, you learn a lot from love and break-ups.

 

There's always two sides of the story. One from each other. Sad minsan dahil yung iba, from kilig at suyuan nung una, nauuwi sa away at sumbatan. Some prefer to be civil, be distant from each other and just forget what happened. Maraming versions na din ang break-up ngayon. May "in your face", may thru text, meron na din ngayon thru social media. I wonder, may level of impact ba siya o pareho lang din?

Hindi ako takot masaktan. Hindi din ako takot mawalan. Alam ni hubbee yan. Before kasi, hindi talaga ako nakakatagal sa isang relasyon. Palaging months. Sawain kasi ako. Lame excuses. Pero siguro, hindi lang talaga pa siya yung tamang tao. Although lahat naman sila, minahal ko nang totoo. But most of them, ako ang nag-end. Yung iba, I gave them reason to end it para sa kanila manggaling.

No one knows the future of me and hubbee but ever since we started this relationship, I've always been ready just in case na dadating kami dun. Dahil ganun nga ang trend ko in the past. Pero wag naman sana. Although once, umabot kami sa point na muntikan na pero buti naayos namin. Kaka-expect ko ata ni di tatagal, siya pa yung tumagal. At pinakamatagal ha.

No matter how we don't like it, but as long as love exists, umiikot din kasama sa storya ang mga hiwalayan. Parang kung may araw, dapat may buwan, kung may puti, dapat may itim, kung may maganda, dapat may panget. Habang may taong in-love, may mga tao namang nasasaktan. This is how it works. The irony of life. Pero ang wish ko, sa mga taong nag-decide na magmahal, sana panindigan at pangatawan. Huwag sanang gawing laro ang pag-ibig. Bawasan natin ang mga taong nasasaktan sa mundo...

Shoes

While cleaning the shoe cabinet yesterday, I had to start picking which are the shoes that I will bring to Thailand. Okay, for a guy who loves shoes, that is like a million dollar task. That was not an easy thing to do. So I thought of using different approaches to make it easier for me to choose.

Approach 1: Which shoe is photogenic?

So I took all the shoes out and took a picture of them one by one. Effort! But after 14 pairs of shoes, I realized that I still have shoes inside the car pati sa laguna. So I felt it's an unfair approach. So I decided na wag na nga lang na ganitong approach.

Approach 2: Which shoe is the latest?

I thought of just bringing the ones I bought most recently. Naisip ko, at least bago pa. Yung quality nang shoes, maganda pa. So I segregated and classified them according to the day, month, and year it was bought. Then, pagkuha ko sa pangatlo, hindi ko maalala ang purchase date. Pass muna. Then the next one, ganun pa din. Di ko na rin ma-recall. I don't wanna cheat. I felt it was unfair for some shoes. So okay, I scrapped that approach.

Approach 3: Which shoe will best fit my clothes I'm bringing?

I somehow felt this is the best and most practical approach. Duhh! Even a 7 year old will think of that. Haha. Bakit ba! So ayoko nang pahabain yung storya. Kasi naging madali ang buhay using this approach. Nakapili na ako nang apat na shoes na dadalhin ko. Isang pang corporate, isang pang casual, isang pang jogging ko, at isang pang tour all over Thailand. May ganun? Haha.

Marami pa din ang apat?

Oh you better shut your mother fuckin' mouth!!! LOL. I'm all good. Okay na. 4 shoes.. 4 shoes.. Some, I will sell on sunday for my garage sale sa laguna. Waaah, bye to some of my shoes. It's time to let go and meet new ones... Hehe.

Comfort Zone

I went out to grab some food. While driving, I thought of my comfort zone while inside my car. Like somehow I know the traffic rules and signs, the streets, the parking lots. I can easily drive where I want to go. It's very convenient to go to some place anytime, anywhere. My Khenzo and I have been together for almost 3 years.

Sa Thailand, walang Khenzo. I'm back to just me and my feet. I will explore the transportation system there. Which means, learning it from the scratch and getting myself sweating at times during the day because of the commute. The thought of it makes me sick but that's how it will be soon. Although I will get an international driver's license on monday para you know... Just in case =)

Sana makapulot ako nang isang bag na may lamang 1 million baht. Bibili agad ako nang sasakyan! Haha. According to my cousin, mas mura daw ang sasakyan dun. Malay natin! I will miss driving. I will miss Khenzo. Mami-miss ko din ang forever kong pasahero na si hubbee. Even him is struggling. Kasi mami-miss daw niya yung pinagda-drive siya. Yun pala yun. Akala ko yung driver ang mami-miss niya. Hmpf!

NBI Car Shopping Doctor

Yesterday, we started our day early ni hubbee. Let me summarize our very long day.

NBI. We went to the satellite branch sa Victory Mall sa alabang palengke. Dumating kami doon nang 7:30am at nadatnan na namin ang napakahabang pila. Plus pa yung init nang lugar. Wala pang aircon na bukas kasi sarado pa yung mall. We waited in line for 30 minutes until namigay na nang number. Pagkabigay sa amin, 10:00am pa kami kailangan bumalik. So we have 2 hours pa.

Car. Dahil wala kaming pwede pang gawin at sarado pa ang mga mall, naisip ko na lang na ipaayos ang aircon ni Khenzo sa ATC. Naisip ko may mga sosyal na talyer pala dun. So we gave it a try. Pumunta kami sa McFarren Car Shop. Sosyal nang name di ba! Tunog banyaga. Haha! So naayos na ang aircon nang sosyal na shop pero sosyal din ang bayad. Haha! Nganga na lang. Pero at least malamig na uli si Khenzo!

We went back to NBI, pumila, nagfill out nang form. Process 1, pila sa data checking. When it was our turn, pasok sa banga kami! Process 2, pila naman for payment nang P115.00 for the clearance. When it was our turn, pasok uli kami! Process 3, another pila for data encoding. Dito kami natagalan. But when it was our turn, pasok uli! Process 4, biometrics. Medyo bumilis ang pila doon at natapos kami agad. Process 5, last quick pila, releasing of clearance. 11:55am na nun. Eto ang result...

Hindi ko nakuha ang NBI clearance ko! Pinababalik ako nang July 12! Gusto kong pagtakluban nang langit at lupa. Grrrr! Wala na ako nun dito. Sabay akbay kay hubbee, "ikaw na ang kukuha nun ha". Hehe. Pero nainis pa din ako. Half of my day was spent in NBI pero di successful. Haha! Fine, I have to move on. Wala naman akong magagawa. 

Shopping. Dahil inis, pumila nang pumila, tiniis ang init, then walang napala, idinaan sa shopping sa Alabang Town Center. Kailangan kong bumili nang ilang gamit na dadalhin ko sa Thailand. Pants. Polo. Belt. Underwear. Shoes. I liked the brown shoes I bought. Si hubbee, nainggit, bumili din nang halos kaparehang shoes. May konting pagkakaiba lang sa design. Then I had a haircut sa fix, nagpa-print nang e-ticket for my flight at nagpa-picture nang 2x2.

Mackee

Hubbee

Doctor. Dahil may 4pm appointment ako sa doctor para i-check na yung status nang left ear ko, umalis kami nang ATC nang 3:30pm. Pero eto ang catch. Pagdating doon, wala pa yung doctor. Sabi ite-text daw nila kung darating. Kung darating???? So hintay hintay. Hanggang sa hintay hintay pa din. Ang ending balance result: WALANG DOCTOR. Grrrr!!! Nakakainis. Paano na ang tenga ko!!!

Ending nang story ---> Umuwi. Pagod. Natulog. Bow!

Hubbee's To Do List

 

I saw a post it note sa laptop. It's hubbee's to do list later paggising niya. Kasalukuyan kong bina-blog ang agenda niya habang mahimbing ang kanyang pagkakatulog. Haha! At nakita niyo ba ang first item sa to do list niya? Haha! We plan to have a photoshoot-photoshootan later. Sayang kasi ang maraming magandang background for a photo shoot kaya lulubus lubusin na namin bago kami umalis. Haha!

Pagkatapos nun, magsisimula na kaming mag fuck, este mag pack. LOL. Hindi ko alam kung paano sisimulan but I'm sure, these have all been figured out by hubbee already. Ugaga yun sa mga ganitong eksena. Kaya ilang araw na rin siyang walang halos tulog kakaisip. This is it.

Macbee's Visayas Adventure

Tatlong province lang ang naikot namin ni hubbee sa Visayas pero marami rami namang bayan ang nakita namin in separate occasions. Sad lang kasi yung na-cancel na Cebu birthday trip eh gagawin sana naming Cebu-Dumaguete-Siquijor adventure. Matagal na namin kasi gusto makita ang Magandang resort sa down south nang Cebu, pati na din ang Mystique province nang Siquijor at ang kilalang Dumaguete. But anyways, here are the Visayan memories of me and hubbee..

Badian, Cebu. This is where we witnessed the beautiful Kawasan Falls and enjoyed the trek going there. And most especially the waterfall massage. Hubbee is a good swimmer so he enjoyed jumping and diving to the cold water. We were accompanied by our good friend Wee Dimalanta on this trip. This was also memorable for hubbee because of his tooth ache that we had no choice but to have it extracted sa Town Health center for P100.00 only. Haha!

Bantayan Island, Cebu. Our memorable commute and journey to the northern part of Cebu. I think we took all types of transportation. We took a taxi, bus, ferry, multi cab and motorcycle to get there. That was an adventure! But the beach in Bantayan Island was just spectacular. And the privacy and intimacy of the island was really captivating. 

Boracay, Aklan. Every year, every summer, hubbee and I go to this island. The first trip was with our good friends Hazel Pobrero, Drey Lallo and Aldrin Isidro. We did so many activities and maximized the days we were there. The second trip was with my sister for my 30th birthday celebration. Friends flew in (Laarni Zamora, Ella Salvador and Al) to have a quick vacation and for the celebration. Best party night at Epic bar and seafoodtrip at dampa. This year was just me and hubbee. Honeymoon kunwari. Hehe.

Carmen, Bohol. This is where we visited the famous Chocolate Hills, the tarsier and the big phyton. This is where we discovered the fake chocolate hills background used for photo effects that has deceived me for years. Haha! But seriously, the view of the hills is just beautiful. Very unique. Only found in the Philippines. This tour was joined by our girl friends Michelle Paras, Monica Guce, Grace Consolacion, Bianca Barreto and Sara. We had a quick stop also at the man-made rainforest. Beautiful!

Cebu City, Cebu. We’ve been here twice as well. On our first trip, we just checked out Ayala Mall, church visit at Basilica de Sto. Nino, and had buffet dinner at The Port in Waterfront Hotel since we don’t have much time. But on our second trip, we did the Sky Experience Adventure, visited the Taoist Temple, The Capitol and The Strip. Hubbee was more of looking forward to experience the Edge Coaster and finally, he has experienced it. And of course, it won’t be complete without a buffet again at The Port.

Loboc, Bohol. The Loboc Church was nice, most especially inside as they have preserved the old beauty of the church. It's like going back to the old era. We also checked out the sandugo shrine where the first blood compact was held. And of course, the highlight, the Loboc River Cruise. Good lunch buffet and good Loboc Kids Choir serenading the tourists. And of course, the giling giling dance of hubbee and monica!

 

Mactan, Cebu. We really wanted to visit this place because we want to see the Lapu Lapu shrine. So when we had an opportunity, we booked an overnight stay at Be Resort and visited the famous landmark in Cebu, the shrine of Lapu Lapu. We did a little adventure. We chose not to ride a taxi and explore the local transportation in finding the resort. Twas fun! But the best part was the hotel. Such a beautiful boutique resort in Mactan where most of the luxurious resorts in Cebu are located. 

Moalboal, Cebu. It was time for us to check out the southern part of Cebu. On our last trip to Cebu last year, we visited Moalboal known for its diving spots. But our best spotted place was our resort, the Club Serena Resort. We enjoyed our accommodation, our food, and our total stay in that place. We did not enjoy the beach that much but the time spent with hubbee in this place was of course the highlight of it.

Panglao Island, Bohol. This island is known for its beautiful panglao beach because of its white powdery sand. And when we finally had a chance to see its beauty, it was just simply amazing. We liked the beach, most especially during the morning when it was low tide. We had a great time there, took so many pictures and stayed at Lost Horizon Resort. 

This September, we have a booked flight going to Bacolod. And when we purchased that, we both said "finally!". Matagal na kasing nauudlot yung plano namin to visit Bacolod. Pero mukhang di na naman matutuloy kasi nga I'm leaving na. We plan to do Bacolod-Guimaras-Iloilo adventure pa naman sana. Oh well, sa pagbalik na lang siguro. Soon!

Clothes Clothes Clothes

Yan na lang talaga nasabi ko kagabi nang inilabas ko ang mga damit ko para piliin na kung ano ang mga dadalhin ko at kung ano ang mga iiwan ko.

"Clothes Clothes Clothes"

Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na mas madami pa pala ang mga damit ko na di ko ginagamit compare sa ginagamit. I realized I have shirts and polos na di ko pa nagamit at yung iba, once or twice ko palang nagamit. Habang hinihintay si hubbee umuwi, sinukat ko talaga lahat. With matching Call Me Maybe as my background. Lakas maka-teenager. At after nang ilang oras, pagod na pagod ako. Sign of aging? Haha!

May naisip ako bigla. What if sunugin ko kaya lahat ito nang wala nang alaala nang nakaraan pang matira. LOL. Just kidding. I thought of having a garage sale on sunday sa bahay ni mommy. Sayang. They are all local brands and in good condition pa. I'll have to sell a few shoes na din. Mga polo and polo shirts. Jackets. Shorts. Jeans. Sakit sa dibdib. After nang mga naipundar na gamit, mga damit naman. Waaah!

THIS IS CRAZY. So here's my number, go to my garage sale and buy maybe?

Wish ko lang bumalik lahat ito in the future. I mean not the actual items but replacement of a new ones. And better pa. Hehe. Wish lang naman. Malay mo!

Random Thoughts About Thailand

Ilang araw na lang. Di na mapakali utak ko. Andami kong iniisip. Ang pagmove out this saturday. Yung mga bills na dapat bayaran. Ang backpay ko na hanggang ngayon eh wala pa. Paano magiging buhay ni hubbee dito nang wala ako. Ang family ko. Yung mga documents na dapat ko pang ayusin at lakarin. Maintenance nang sasakyan. Sasabog na ata utak ko.

Aside from sa mga aalalahanin at aasikasuhin, naiisip ko din yung pagmove sa Thailand. First time kong magabroad na doon titira at magtatrabaho. First time kong maging OFW. Parang baliktad. Dati, habang bata ka, you do everything para makapag-abroad. The typical filipino dream. Ako, kung kelan tumanda, saka susubukan ito at makikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa.

Iniisip ko din paano magiging buhay ko doon. Ano magiging lifestyle ko doon. How will I deal with my comfort zone na kinasanayan ko dito. Ano magiging trabaho ko. May mga magiging kaibigan ba ako doon. Mao-overcome ko ba ang language barrier. Papayat ba ako doon. Mame-meet ko ba si Mario Maurer. O magiging kamukha ko siya. LOL.

Pag nasa kama ko, napapaisip ako. Pag nasa banyo ko at nakaupo sa trono nang kagitingan, napapaisip ako. Habang nagda-drive, minsan, naga-auto pilot ako, nag-iisip kasi utak ko. These random thoughts about Thailand is killing me. I guess I think too much. Well, that's the typical me. I always want to prepare myself. I sometimes over analyze. Hay! Bahala na. Andito na ito. Itinakda na nang panahon. Go go go na!

EXCITED NA AKO! EXCITED NA AKO! Change of mantra na lang..

Toiletries for P2000

 

Yes you read it right. Toiletries for men are, ugh, expensive! Today, while waiting for hubbee, I went to Shopwise to buy few toiletries that I'll bring to Thailand. Products that I'm accustomed to use but not sure if it will be available there. Kaya si siguristang ako, bumili nang pang 2 months na supply. 2 pieces for each item. Nagulat na lang ako na sa iilang piraso na yun, umabot na nang ganung halaga, toiletries for P2000.00. Haha! Oh well, yung iba, doon ko na bibilhin...

Define Yourself

I grew up like a normal boy. Mataba. Hindi masyado matalino sa school. Pero laging nominated as class president or vice president but never an escort. Hehe. Love na love ko si mommy. Mama's boy. Nagka-crush. Naglaro nang 10-20 at chinese garter pati luksong baka.

Grumaduate nang elementary. Nahilig sa volleyball. Na-inlove. Natutong gumawa nang love letter. Naadik sa pagsagot nang slum book. Di pa rin matalino. Medyo mataba na lang. Pero palagi nang class president. Then grumaduate nang highschool.

College days. Pumayat nang konti. Nagbulakbol. Tinamad. Nagcut nang classes. Hinanap ang sarili. Sumali sa banda. Gumirlfriend girlfriend. Nagkabarkada. Gumigimik. Typical college student.

Pero, proud naman ako na di ako na-involve sa drugs nor tried yosi at nagpakalulon sa alak. Hanggang sa nabuking nang magulang ang pagloloko. Nagtino. Nag-ayos. Lumipat nang school. Nagseryoso sa pag-aaral. Pero di pa rin masyado matalino. Tama lang. Haha. 

Then, nakahanap nang trabaho. Natutong tumayo sa sarili. Kumikita na on your own. Nakakabili nang sariling gamit. Hanggang sa araw nang birthday ko noong 2002, madaling araw, nagsimulang magbago ang buhay ko. It was that year when I stepped in to this new world where it has changed my lifestyle and my sexual preference. It was like a reborn moment kasi on the day of my birthday siya nagsimula.

Nagsimula sa curiosity. Hanggang sa sinawsaw na ang kaliwang paa to test the water. Hanggang sa nag-enjoy, nag-explore nang nag-explore, na-inlove, then nasaktan, at sumubok uli, at lahat nang yan nangyayari habang nakatago ako sa loob nang cabinet (figuratively). Nagwork ako sa dalawang kumpanya na di naglaladlad. Piling kaibigan lang ang nakakaalam. Di rin alam nang family ko. Takot pa ako noon. Dahil dati, hindi pa ganun ka-open ang society. Parang automatic ang judgement sa mga gays. May generalization agad.

Until I decided to be just out and free. I felt I'm not doing anything wrong and I'm still a good citizen. It was the most recent company where I worked for almost 5 years where I really introduced myself as gay and wasn't ashamed of it. I embraced the culture of the company because in there, I am accepted for who I am. And they have respected me. Although normally, yung iba di makapaniwala nung una because hindi naman ako kilos babae at hinding hindi mangyayari yun. Wala akong pangarap maging babae.

According to my friends, I'm a gay guy trapped in a straight guy's body daw. I never dress, move, talk and live like a typical gay daw kasi. Wala akong alam na gay linggo. Hindi din ako mahilig gumimik sa gay bars. At awkward ang feeling pag napapalibutan ako nang madaming bading. Para akong nagshi-shrink. At konti lang din ang gay friends ko. Hindi din ako active sa mga meet up for sex. Hindi din ako nainom o pala gimik. Hindi din ako maingay. At hate kong tinatawag akong "bading" for a nickname.

The way I want to write this is to let everyone know that it should not be the society that needs to dictate on who we want to be. It's us who should define ourselves. It's you who needs to define yourself. Yung preferences ko were my personal choices according to what I want, what I like, and what I want to be. Choice kong maging kilos lalake, manamit lalake, kasi gusto kong maging lalake. Choice kong hindi gumimik at pumunta sa mga puntahan nang mga bading kasi hindi ako nag-eenjoy dun. I may but I don't find any satisfaction at all.

I realized that before, kaya may generalization, may automatic classification ang mga gays kasi everyone tends to follow the fad. Pag sinabing bading, dapat ganito, dapat ganyan. Nawawala ang personal identification. Nowadays, I'm happy na unti-unting nawawala na ang generalization. Society is starting to accept different ways and styles of gays. Personally, I still have never experienced any discremenation for being gay up to this point. Because maybe, I worked hard to put dignity on my name na din.

I don't regret any decision I made in the past. The choices I made when I was still young, when I was in elementary, highschool and in college. I'm happy where I am right now. I'm happy with my wise choices about my life and who I am today. I'm happy that I'm free and not hiding. My family knows it and accepted me and hubbee, same for my friends.

That's what you get if you allow yourself to define who you are. Because our lives should only be dictated by us, and not by our society. Do what you love, what you like, what you enjoy, not by what the society wants you to do. Follow your heart. Find your true happiness!!!

Ice Cream

Exactly at 6:55 in the morning today, Von Viajero is so craving for an ice cream. Takbo siya nang takbo sa utak ko. Alam niyo yung apang may dalawang scoop nang ice cream, tapos lagyan mo nang paa, kamay at mukha. Tapos naka-smile pa habang tumatakbo. Inaakit ka. Ganun, yun yung image na tumatakbo sa utak ko. Aminin mo, inimagine mo talaga. LOL. 

Mahilig talaga ako sa ice cream. I can live a day na ice cream lang ang kinakain. Masaya ako kahit ice cream lang handa ko sa birthday ko. I love ice cream!!! Gusto ko nang ice cream!!! Sana umulan nang ice cream!!! Excited na ako sa Thailand kasi mahilig sila sa matatamis, sa ice cream. Pinapalaman nila yun sa tinapay. Yahoo!!!

Thailand: Did You Know Part II

 

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

There’s a lot of stray dogs/cats in this city and people do feed them as if they’re their own pet.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Prostitution is “illegal” in this country. But they’re probably the best known destination for sex tourists.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

New Bangkok International Airport is probably the airport that took longest time in the world to complete.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

They call old, pervert sex tourists “It” like what you refer to animals.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Some Thai spoiled brats like to go to shopping in Hong Kong and Singapore even things are more expensive there.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Thai people learn English since they are 6 years old but never use it in real life. Because they are too “Shy” and afraid that they’re going to make mistakes.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Thai guys sometimes are more beautiful than Thai girls.

Unpacking And Packing

It was July 16 of last year when we moved to Tribeca Private Residences. From Centropolis Communities located in west service road between Alabang and Sucat, we transferred to Tribeca which is just in the east service road. In short, para lang kaming tumawid sa gitna nang SLEX. Literal na magkatapat lang. I remember that day when we we're so excited to move in because the place is really good and the unit itself.

Kaming dalawa lang ni hubbee ang naghakot nang madami naming gamit. Mano mano yun. We did all the unpacking. Si hubbee na mahilig sa pagi-interior design, excited din ayusin nun yung unit namin. It was a whole tiring day for us because alam niyo na, naka-energizer si hubbee pagdating sa pagkikilos kaya no choice ako kundi sabayan ang pace niya. Gusto niya tapusin na agad.

Then this saturday, we will again do the packing and move out. But this time, half of our things na lang. Because the unit owner liked so much our unit design she bought most of our stuff. Para kaming nag-garage sale. Ang mga pinundar naming gamit, soon, mawawala na because of this life changing move na gagawin namin. Masakit sa dibdib pero this is part of the story. Hay, goodbye Tribeca. Thank you for giving us a very relaxing, peaceful and secured stay for one year!

Macbee's Luzon Adventure

Since I'm leaving the country and I don't know yet when will I return, I'd like to share this summary of me and hubbee's adventure in Luzon. A snapshot of places that we've been to. A collection of great travel memories!

Baguio, Benguet. This is where we celebrated our 1st year anniversary, where we bought our anniversary ring. It was hubbee’s first time in Baguio too that’s why it’s another unforgettable adventure for him. But the most relaxing part of that journey was the Coffee Time at Starbucks Camp John Hay, and the scary search of our way out from the camp during the night. It was memorable!!!

Bolinao, Pangasinan. One of the best road trips we had last 2010. We were joined by our friends Chi Santos and Joy Tingson on this adventure. We stayed at the beautiful Puerto Del Sol Resort for an overnight stay and visited the White Beach, the underground cave, the church and the Light House of Bolinao.

Busuanga, Palawan. Our adventure together with our friend Drey Lallo and her son Asejia. This was our “welcome summer” get away last 2011. And we were just in awe when we experienced the beautiful wonders of Coron. We went to Mt. Tapyas, Maquinit Hot Spring and had island tour. Beautiful! But the highlight was our trip to Kayangan Lake, dubbed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. We enjoyed swimming there as it was really clear and clean. 

Enchanted Kingdom. We've been there twice, first was with my team, and second was with my family. Our all time favorite ride is the Rio Grande. Although hubbee enjoyed also some rides which I didn't. You know that those are some exciting rides  which he is fond of and I'm not. Haha!

Intramuros, Manila. This is where we had our first couple shirt. And I think it was the first and the last. Haha. This was our first activity on the first day of the year 2010. Hubbee and I met our friends Jze Guion, Francis Chua, Monica Guce, Michelle Paras, and Grace Consolacion and we had a photo walk and a food trip in Binondo as well. I think we have explored well the streets of Intramuros with tons of pictures as our proof. Haha!

Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Highlight of this trip was our empanada food trip and our movie watching of My Amnesia Girl in Robinsons Mall. Since we had a late flight, we only stayed in Laoag for one night. Then returned to do quick trip to several landmarks and museum. And since we still have a lot of time to kill before our return flight, we decided to watch a movie. We also liked our visit to the museum as it showed the rich culture of the Ilocos Region.

Lemery, Batangas. Another unplanned road trip we’ve decided to do one saturday and we we’re accompanied by our good friends Hazel Pobrero and Aldrin Isidro, together with their son Uno. We tried the beach there but it wasn't the one that made this trip unforgettable. It was when my car stopped in the middle of the road going home due to over heating. My first for that and had no idea what to do. Haha! Good thing we stopped in front of a local store.

Los Banos, Laguna. It was my team’s teambuilding held in Splash Mountain. It’s a big group so it was a nice bonding time for my team together with hubbee and my mom. Also, one of my agents who’s from Los Banos (Yron Retuta) invited us to check out the Christmas decorations in U.P. Los Banos. So we went there and saw the giant christmas tree and the beautiful belen. Finally, hubbee saw the big and huge university in Laguna. 

Manila Ocean Park. Our first Valentine’s Day as a couple. Although it was not my first time there, I went back and brought hubbee to experience the giant aquarium housing aquatic life and mostly visited by kids and students. The best part of that trip was the fish spa where a lot of doctor fish cleaning all the dirt in your feet. It was very ticklish but once you get the hang of it, it will then become a relaxing experience.

Nagcarlan, Laguna. This is another road trip adventure for macbee together with my family. In short, this was a family excursion. Haha. But it was our first time in Villa Martha. It was a series of discussion for me and hubbee on which resort we’ll go to since we checked out different resorts along the way but we ended at Villa Martha and it was all worth it. Natural springs.

Nasugbu, Batangas. One time, we decided to check out this famous Calaruega Church.  Biglaan lang. When we got there, it just blew us away by its beauty and wonder. That’s why on our second visit to the Church, we brought along my mom and my sister so they can experience the beauty that this place holds. And no wonder, the place did not fail us. I hope hubbee and I can just get married to this place. Just a wishful thinking. Haha!

Pagsanjan, Laguna. Another unplanned trip. Biglaan. Niyaya ako nang isang agent ko na ang girlfriend niya, taga doon talaga kasi Bankero Festival noon. Sumama lang kami. They brought us to the famous Pagsanjan Falls also and to the location of the Tabing Ilog show before. We also watched the Ginoong Bangkero Contest and had series of food trip. Saya!

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Our farthest northern adventure so far. We continuously seek best beaches in the Philippines and this was one of our agenda last 2011. And we were so happy to finally visit the famous Blue Lagoon and Saud Beach. But aside from the beaches, we also had a chance to visit the Patapat Viaduct and the Bangui Windmills. But the best part for us was the delicious food served in Kapuluan Vista Resort where we stayed. Their Bagnet was just delicious. Haha!

Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This is one of the most memorable trip I had this year because it was a vacation spent with hubbee and my mom. First time naming tatlo na mag-out of town. We went to Baker's Hill where we had our dinner when we arrived. We had our underground river the next day. Then hubbee and I spent our 3rd day sa Dos Palmas while mom just stayed in the city.

San Juan, Batangas. It was an invite from our friend Au Dimalanta to join their event in Playa Laiya. Together with my travel buddies Wee Dimalanta, Jinggay Gonzales and Rhoger Reyes, we had our fun road trip. The event was nice, we got to experience free poi session and listened to the reggae rhythm live band. We stayed there for overnight after the event and experienced the camping life. Fun! Pauwi, we had our very nice Lomi experience.

San Pablo, Laguna. My aunt who took care of me when I was still a baby is from there and their house is just in front of Sampaloc Lake. That area is famous for the locals as they do their morning jogging there. So when we arrived, hubbee and I were so overwhelmed by many cute guys jogging around. Haha! Just kidding. That was not the highlight. My cousins toured us around, we went to the park, had street food and took some pictures. 

San Pedro, Laguna. Our usual weekend getaway. This is where my parents' house is. This is where we celebrate christmas and new year. Andami na naming memories together sa house ni mommy. And usually, pag andun kami, lagi kaming busog lusog. Ang sarap kasi nang lutong bahay at ang pag-alaga ni mommy sa amin.

Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Few places we’ve been to are Enchanted Kingdom, Paseo De Sta. Rosa and Nuvali. The visit to Enchanted Kingdom was with my friends and family. Hubbee’s first to the theme park. Visit to Paseo De Sta. Rosa and Nuvali are usually with family. Our favorite place is the koi area in Nuvali. We always buy food to feed the kois who are just so cute to watch while they fight for their lives in having pieces of fish food. Haha.

Subic, Zambales. This was a teambuilding of my team. I asked hubbee to join since we have not explored Subic yet together. We tried the Tree Top Adventure. Ako lang ang photographer, si hubbee lang ang taga-try nang mga death defying stunts. Haha. Then lunch at meat plus and a quick shopping at Duty Free. Tumambay din kami sa Yacht Club.

Tagaytay, Cavite. Because of its close proximity, I can’t count how many times hubbee and I went to Tagaytay to either just hang out at Starbucks, dine in to many restaurants found there, or have picnic at Picnic Grove. Several friends have joined as well on our Tagaytay road trips and the place has always made it special for us. We never miss to stop by at the market to buy meat and fresh vegetables.

Tiaong, Quezon. Our first trip there was to visit Villa Escudero. We experienced the carabao ride going to the resort while being serenaded by their employees, the raft ride, the large collection of the Escuderos on their museum, the lunch at the falls while your feet is stepped on a running water, their sumptuous buffet lunch, and their cultural show during the afternoon. Second trip was at Hacienda Escudero for another event courtesy again by our friend Au.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a quick day trip to Ilocos Sur to see the famous Calle Crisologo. That visit became more memorable for hubbee when he saw Dingdong Dantes in front of him when he entered the store and was just beside him. Haha. It was a star struck moment for hubbee (as always). We also visited the Baluarte where we had close encounter with the animals of Governor Chavit Singson. Our first time to see a camel. We also visited the Hidden Garden and where we had our first taste of bagnet. Yummy!

There are still more to go to in Luzon. I hope someday, I'll be back to fulfill that. Sayang lang kasi yung Tuguegarao flight namin dati, na-cancel due to a storm. We plan to do sana Tuguegarao-Sagada trip. Anyways, madami pa sa listahan. Ang Batanes, ang Corregidor, ang Hundred Islands, ang Anawangin, ang Mt. Pinatubo at ang Bicolandia. There's more to visit pa. Soon, pagbalik!!!