Balongging wanders! #ohmyShanghai

My trip to Shanghai, China in a nutshell. First frame is with my beautiful, Mongolian friend, Ene. Enjoy!

This is my first video created using GoPro Hero 4 Silver Edition and using GoPro Studio. Great product and great program to edit.

8 Things You’ll Love in Hong Kong

I never intended to be a travel blogger. Don't get me wrong, I love to travel. I want to visit places, eat something peculiar and challenge every fear I have in me. I just don't have the luxury of time, money and courage to do so. Then I got the chance to go to Hong Kong so I grabbed it!

There are lots of things to love in HK. And I'm just so lucky and blessed to have been there. I've listed 8 things you'll love in Hong Kong:

1. The Weather

February is the coldest in Hong Kong. It was so friggin' freezing when I arrived there, the weather app says the temperature is 15 degrees centigrade, but it feels like 8 degrees or lower. My body can never tolerate extreme cold (hence the thick clothing I am wearing in the photos), anyone from a tropical country would really feel the same.

2. The Hong Kong International Airport

My nephew (who’s an International studies student that time) once told me, that in every country you visit, the airport is already considered one of its tourist spots. True indeed! Hong Kong International Airport is HUGE! It has its own MTR Train (inside the airport) to take the passengers from one boarding gate to another. Shuttle buses are also available to take the passengers to the bus terminals outside the airport. Boutiques and food shops can be easily located as well. HKIA is also a one-stop shop for laid-over passengers who have no time to shop outside the airport premises.

3. Victoria Peak a.k.a. The Peak

It is the highest point in Central Hong Kong. If a single image could encapsulate Hong Kong, it would be the panorama from Victoria Peak. Looking down at the city from this famous vantage point, you'll see one of the finest harbors on Earth and a skyline so improbable. Everything you've heard about Hong Kong's restlessness and energy is dramatically reaffirmed by the view from the Peak.

You can reach the peak via the Peak Tram, the 120-year-old funicular railway that departs from the Garden Road (nearest MTR: Central).

4. Harbour City

It is Hong Kong’s largest mall. It is also near HK wharf, where you can see flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colors, popularly known as the Hong Kong Symphony of Lights which is staged every night at 8:00PM.

5. Mode of Transportation

HK has an excellent public transportation system. Two-storey busses and cabs are available but they’re a bit pricey for backpackers. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the best mode of transportation in Hong Kong. It’s easy and convenient to explore the city with MTR. You can also travel beyond HK with cross-boundary services to cities in Mainland China. The good thing is that, MTRs have quick intervals so you won’t have to worry about waiting for the next train. You can access the MTRs by buying single journey tickets from the teller or use the Octopus card.

6. Mong Kok Ladies’ Market

With over 100 stalls of bargain clothing, accessories and souvenirs, the Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok provides a one-kilometer stretch on which to practice your haggling skills, disclaimer on the haggling though; tindera’s are persistent to the point of chasing you and getting physical (like hitting or pinching), safety first!
It gets its name from the huge array of clothing and accessories on sale for women of all ages; however, with watches, cosmetics, bags, home furnishings, CDs and trinkets also up for grabs, you don’t need to be just in the market for a pair of nylon stockings to find something within its crowded aisles.

7. Cross border to Macau

Macau is approximately 1:45 minutes away from Hong Kong via Ferry. We took the Cotai Water Jet, departed at 7:00 AM. The Cotai ferry leaves every 30-minutes starting 6:30 AM until 12:00 MN. (I’ll post a separate blog about my adventures in Macau).

8. Hong Kong Disneyland

“A dream is a wish your heart makes”.
Since I was a little girl, I’ve already dreamt of going to Disneyland! Who doesn’t? Disneyland is the best place to be child again. You can just wander around and be carefree! It can be seen in the photos how happy I am to have set foot in this magical place.

#FriendshipGoals in Cagbalete Island

I always do crazy things whenever I'm with my friends. In our case, crazy means jumping cliffs, diving waters, food trips and CAMERA whoring! Hahaha! Here’s a video of a crazy stuff we did, taken in the beautiful Cagbalete Island, Mauban Quezon. More #FriendshipGoals videos to come!

This is the very first #FriendshipGoals amateur video created by Rommel. Enjoy Watching!

People of my Year 2014

I know, it's already 9 days late haha! It's better late than Never dba? hehe! 2014 has been a very memorable for me. A LOT has happened to me personally and professionally. In 2014, I was able to make a career move (well not necessarily "career" kasi same position lang...wink!). The most important thing that gave soul to my 2014 were the people who were with me thru the ups and downs of last year. Here are the People of MY 2014:

1. Kuya DJ and Family (Mommy Joy, Nyle and Nathan)

Kuya and his family in their New year family portrait

I live far away from home. Living in Manila will make me crazy without this bunch. My weekend is never complete if i'm not able to go home to QC. Being a new south girl, i really need a home away from home. Whenever i'm with them, i never felt homesick coz i am really at home in their home :D

2. Kumares and Kumpare

This photo was just taken last December at baby Hendrix's christening. 

I've been friends with this bunch for a long time. We shared a lot during night shift in my previous company (may it be food, advice, life experiences, chismis or work related concerns), and i'm so happy to have them. Even if we're not officemates anymore and we don't spend much time together so often, we are still friends and connected to one another. Thanks Guys! Let's spend time together again, soon.

3. Jasminians 2004

Jasminians at our 10th Year celebration held at Aurora Mountain Resort. The photo above is with our HS advisers from first to fourth year.

2014 is a great year for us Jasminians, coz it's our 10th year since we graduated from High School. I for one loved High school so much (especially our school, APMC), since those were my formative years. It was in high school that I was able to discover my strengths and weaknesses as an individual. It was also in HS that i was able to meet friends that are for keeps. You know as well as they say, the friends you meet in High school, will be your friends for life! It is true, for me! I really treasure them! And I am very proud of what we have become after 10 years. Hopefully we'll have another reunion next year guys, I am really looking forward! (fingers crossed).

4. BSN Blockmates

Roel, Nikki, Me, Dee and Friday at Cafe Noriter, Cebu (still the same noisy people haha!)

We had a reunion/lunch date last March. We weren't complete coz some were already busy with work and family. But I am happy coz i was able to spend time with some of them again after 6 years of not seeing each other after graduation. Some are still practicing Nursing (lucky them) but most of us (including me), are now in different fields. College for me was one heck of a roller coaster ride, from studying for exams to out of town RLE duties (plus the NLE review every Sunday). Without a support system (like them) you would really go crazy! I am eternally grateful to God for giving me such wonderful people coz they made my nursing journey easier despite the stress and pressure. If i could turn back time, i would still choose nursing in college so i'll still be able to meet and go through tough times with them. I miss you guys!

5. Eastwood Fambam

Early dinner at Lugang Cafe, SM Aura last April.

For the 3 years that I've spent living in Eastwood, I am so proud to say that i gained a family! Tito Willie , Tita Mai and Cinzana. When I'm with them, I feel that I belong to their family. By heart, I am a Ragaza! I don't see them so often now and I miss them so much! Hope to see you soon guys, di ko pa nabibigay christmas gifts nyo hehehe!

6. Team Heather

Photo taken by Lou at Pansol, Laguna

I never had a dull moment with this team!Leaving them left me heartbroken and even if i already work for a different company, i still want to be with them. I do not like all members of this team (of course, ayoko maging plastic) but mas marami naman akong like pa din. I miss you team! See you very soon :D

7. Bianca Gonzalez-Intal

At Bianca's Paano ba to booksigning at MOA.

My fangirl side is ignited this year! I finally got the chance to meet and greet my girl-crush and life peg! Oh my God! just the thought of it makes me giddy and so kiliiiig! For years i have been following Bianca (ever since that pantene commercial!). I am so happy that finally she has written a book, yun mababasa mo in the flesh (yun mahahawakan and maaamoy pati hahaha!). I always read her blog, esp her fondness over her pamangkins, kasi we're the same (hands on tita din ako). I look forward to more meet and greet with her this year :D

8. Pamangkins Galore!

Top photo (back L to R): Moshe, Kimboy, Bea

(front L to R): Trixie, Benedict, Nikko

Bottom photo (L to R): Nyle, Nathan

Here i am again getting gigil over these kids. Well six of them are now grown ups! I just want to post their yagit picture above hahaha! One is already a Registered Pharmacist (Bea) and 2 of them (Trixie and Benedict) will graduate from High school this year. 2014 is a milestone for us coz we welcomed our 8th baby - Ryndall Nathan. We're all so crazy about our new baby! I know Nathan will grow up to be a respectful and pleasant kid, just like his Kuya's and Ate's. Like my wish for them every year-I wish for them to have good health and always honor their parents. I'll still make sure that they will be better versions of me (just like what i said last year, unli si tita-paulit ulit hahaha!)

9. Sergia "Loloy" Villamero-Tapdasan

Photo with my siblings taken last November at Kuya DJ's awarding ceremony as Most Outstanding Auroranian 2014 (wind effect yun hair ni Manang hahahaha!)

I am forever grateful to God for the gift of family! Most especially to our mom who reared us with love and compassion. She's 73 (in papers she's still 72 hehe!). When people compliment us siblings on something we did, the honor is all for our mom. This year she's been so active in social media and that made her more visible and connected to the people. We love you 'My!

10. Al Di La Tapdasan-Bajuyo

Manang with our lovable and cutest baby Nathan.

My sister never ceases to amaze me. If some people say they are impressed by what I do, the answer is, "wait til you meet my sister." She's just the bravest person in the world! I always say that she's the person I always look up to. 2014 is so memorable for her coz her eldest kid, Bea passed the licensure exam for Pharmacists, and that reflects on how good she is as a single mom! My wish for manang this year is to achieve more and make us more proud of her...

So who gave soul to your 2014?

2014, it's been a great year!

It is the last day of the year. Where did the days go? It seems like it just went in just a snap. A lot has happened in 2014. Here are some of the highlights of my 2014:

In 2014, I've:

...witnessed Sinulog festival after 6 looong years!

...been a tita for the 8th time!

...welcomed my 8th pamangkin, Ryndall Nathan.

...resigned from the company i've been working for 3 years and 3 months.

...started a new venture in a different company.

...transferred from one city to another.

...been able to rest from the night shift---for good!

...had a new serious "crush" (talagang kasali hahaha!)

...gone to Baguio and fell in love with the place all over again!

...organized a reunion with my High School batch twice.

...been able to spend time and bond with my HS friends from morning til night (mix and mixing!)

...been able to spend christmas and new year with my whole family after 3 years!

Whew! It has been a series of roller coaster experiences. Good or bad, I've learned a lot from those (a lot, a LOT!). And i'm more than Grateful to the Lord for the blessings He showered on me and my family. As what the new app on Facebook says, "It has been a Great Year!"

Hello RYNDALL NATHAN GARLITO TAPDASAN!!!

 March 31,2014, another Tapdasan was born into the world.

Little brother to my godson Nyle, baby Nathan has his own face! He has the same sweet smile and body type as Nyle, but his skin is naturally tanned (which will I envy forever hehe).

So happy to have finally meet you Nathan! You are already a light in our lives and I pray you grow up to be a good boy with your Dad, Mom, and Kuya Nyle with you, I'm sure you will. :)

People of my year 2013

The past year was full of ups and downs. A series of bad and good fortune came across the way but I have no regrets in experiencing those. Charged to experience, I guess. And as I walk my way to 2014, I share with you the top 10 people who made a mark on my 2013.

1. Maria Rosalie "Bart" Bartolome

I am forever in awe of this woman's toughness. She's been through a lot, but despite all those bad circumstances that came her way, she made sure that nobody is responsible of your doings but yourself. She is one of the few people who proved to me that long distance relationships do work. Trust and the ability to hold on for your one true love, these are the two main keys to a STRONG relationship.

2. Ragaza Family (My Eastwood Fam-Bam)

A very fun family, no doubt. Tito Willie, Tita Mai and Cinzana. I never had second thoughts in renting their place the very first time I viewed it.  I never mind spending my new year away from my family for I have them, my second family. I am eternally grateful to God for giving me this family, not blood related but there's a certain connection between them and me that no one can explain.

3. Team Kenn

We were together for only 2 months but I love this team. The moment we were introduced to each other, we clicked in just a snap! We are no longer teammates now, but every time we see each other in the office, we find it so easy to have something to make fun of. I miss them, I just wish we'll have another bonding this 2014.

4. Team Heather (Team Perfection)

At first I was very hesitant to be a part of this team because I was afraid that I might feel intimidated with these folks for some are already tenured and top performers in the process. But when I came to know each one of the team, everyday in the office became fun and easier to work on difficult tasks, not to mention the comedic topics we have in the chatroom! First impressions really never last, that's a known fact.

5. Team Bella (Forever Bellables)

I've never been in a team for a long time. Talking about longevity, I've been a Bellable for more than a year, the longest for the record. Bellables have been through a lot of sudden changes and reshuffling (with emphasis on the SUDDEN). We were never ready when TL Bella left us, but when I see each bellable now and the each person we have become, I am proud of them. For sure Bella is much more proud.I miss these guys BIG time.

 6. Pamangkins galore!

Kimboy,Bea,Nikko,Moshe,Trixie,Benedict,Nyle and Baby R (name to be determined). They are my bundle of joy! I became a certified "Tita" at 5 years old. So my relationship with them is so special. I grew up with them, we're like siblings! Because of them I became mature and selfless. I never felt being the youngest in our family, with them I feel like the eldest! And I'll make sure they will become better versions of me.

 

 

7. Nyle Quinzel Garlito Tapdasan

The joy that a baby brings to the family is like no other! For this whole year, Nyle has been my wallpaper on every gadget i have, the content of my stories for all my friends, the topic of discussion within our whole family, and my happy thought ;) And just last October (even if we still see him as a baby), Nyle is expected to be a kuya. My brother, kuya DJ and his wife ate Joy has done a great job with Nyle and now baby R (name to be determined). We now have an addition to our BIG family.

8. Bianca Gonzalez (my girl crush)

Well i don't know her personally of course. I just included her for she's the woman I wanted to be. I admire her for being so free-spirited and laid-back. She never hesitated to invite change in her looks. Bianca is such a beautiful person inside and out. Not to mention her wit and being such a street-smart kind of lady.

9. Al Di La Filomenita Tapdasan-Bajuyo


My one and only sister in the whole world. Manang Al has been through a lot of ups and downs. I witnessed her breakdown and saw her fight for her kids. Such a strong woman indeed! She's the person I always look up to. Not to mention being my number 1 fan! I love you Manang!

10. Sergia Villamero-Tapdasan Ed.D

My Mommy Loloy, of course! 2013 is also a happy year for her. She's so tough that she's so manly as her nickname. Sure our relationship is not that perfect, we fight a lot, yes! But I wouldn't trade her for anything in this world. God knows how much I love you 'My ;)

Thank you to these ten people for being such a blessing in my life. Looking forward to a happy 2014 ahead.