Franced Pinazo

It has been a great and tough year for me to conquer .. 

As I write this year end post at this very moment, I do not know what to say nor can’t find the right words to put on all of the things that has happened this year. All I could say is that I’m very thankful and grateful for every good and sad memories. Pause for a while .. Let me breathe the goodness delivered this year.

It was a challenging year. A huge thanks to our good Lord for guiding me whenever I took risk and took a great leap of faith. I never knew I could make it, I never knew I’ll surpass all the struggles and challenges that this year offered. - For now, a huge realization flew into my spine, that all of these struggles, challenges and trials were part of the preparation, preparation to something big, something big I only dreamed years ago .. and it’s finally going to happen pretty soon.

AH, as we close another book of hope. I would like to thank God for all the blessings he poured unto me and my family. I’m thankful for the preparations, and the opportunities that opened for my future life growth. The lessons of every ups and downs, I will never forget. Thus these I will bring soon. He truly make miracles on time, in His perfect time.

No one knew how much patience I had on waiting for more than a hundred days of waiting. No one knew how much patience I put as my turn comes. The waiting game was real until I found a glimpse of the silver lining.

Let me bullet out the events that took me out of my range and out of my comfort zone: 

In January we visited our relatives in Cavinti, Laguna. A new place for me to visit somewhere South. My Drug Test Training certificate also arrived this month stating that I passed the training and now I’m a Certified Drug Test Analyst. (achievement unlocked Pinazo, RMT, MLS (ASCPi), DTA). In February, I applied through an agency called Medpro. Moving on to the Month of March. I flew to Mindanao (completing my trip to the three island regions of the Philippines) Yes, Siargao is my favorite among the best places I visited from Luzon (Coron) and Visayas (Cebu and Boracay). I never knew I’d fall inlove with the waves, the people and the simplicity of life in that Island.

As part of the requirement of my plan of working abroad (to the US of A), I took my second try of IELTS exam in April and I waited for almost two weeks for the results. Unfortunately I failed. But despite of that failure, I took time, took a leap of faith and had my score remark (regrade) .. to make the story short, I met the scores I needed without taking the exam again. In May, that was when my result was delivered right to my doorstep. Also in this month my application was selected in the Lottery system of the agency. (Cheers!) I started processing my Visa Screen in June, and thank God I finished and submitted all requirements needed.

Of course as a self reward from all the battles and stress that the previous months stored, I flew to Boracay Island with my co-workers in July. Also celebrated two weekends of July in BGC and Escala in Tagaytay. My travel didn’t stop in Tagaytay. Believe me. Not tired yet? Continue Reading. 

I turned 24 in August. Me and Nikka decided to flew somewhere people do not mostly go to. We started our indochina trip in Vietnam, then Cambodia and Thailand for the second time. Witnessing different cultures is what I seek every time I travel outside our country. It is totally different, but very captivating. Ah, the coffee in Vietnam I will not forget, the crocodile meat burger in Cambodia, and of course Thailand’s boat noodles.

Coming back on September fresh from Bangkok. I bought a Nintendo switch as again, a reward for myself. Skipping October. I had my Panel Interview in the latter days of November to a direct employer abroad which I thought I was denied after my recorded interview. 

And this December, a major plot twist happened. The decision that I’ve been waiting for more than a hundred days has been approved. I wish I could spill all the details here now, but I have to wait for the next steps of this journey until it is a hundred percent sure. All I could say for now is that I won’t be spending next year holidays here. (Guess it?) I am claiming that the dream will happen soon.

And that’s a wrap! What a wide 2019 it has been. I’ve been through a lot, but God gave me a huge plot twist in the end. Made me realize that patience is a virtue. As we open another book of life, as we start writing down all plans and dreams and as we start a new life.. May we enjoy and celebrate the next year with more positive outlook. May we start new memories, may we refresh ourselves with the lessons that we learned, may we recharge ourselves with the grace from above. 

May all our dreams come true next year. May all what we’ve praying and preparing for be granted. I may now know what the future holds, but I pray that I can succeed, that I can surpass and adapt to the new place I will be living. I know being alone is hard, but I have to make a huge sacrifice to fulfill the plans and goals that I set years ago. May we not put out the fire in us, thus let’s keep it burning. Let’s keep on dreaming and believing. There’s a process in everything.

I couldn’t wait for 2020! Cheers to more goals and dreams! I hope you include me in your prayers. I hope the next time I make my year end post next year, I’m in a different place already. (maybe sitting in a coffee shop while I watch others pass by). 2020 has so much in store for us! 

It has been a great and tough year for me to conquer .. BUT I MADE IT! 

Salamat, Pilipinas! Mamimiss kita. Salamat, 2019!

Good bye 2018, Hello 2019!

Less than two hours before this year ends. I have to thank our good Lord for all the blessing he poured upon me, my family and my friends. He made me see life, he taught me lessons that I will store for life, he also showered me so much colourful confetti and felt them through my face. The victories and failures will totally be part of this year, ‘cause these are the sweetest. Thank God, I surpassed everything. This has been a busy year for me, I had to manage my time perfectly to meet every goal that I set. I’ve visited different places every month, I’ve witnessed different cultures, I’ve seen how beautiful this world is and gave myself time to recharge.

Basically we started the year right on January. Started to think of rewarding myself something that I dreamed of having when I was in high school on February. I rewarded myself a Fujifilm camera on March, also visited our relatives and had a quick side trip in Tagaytay City on the same month. April means summer, so we hopped on to Olongapo City to play in the biggest floating island in Asia (Inflatable Island PH) with my friends and I spent a day tour with my family in Vista Tala resort in Bataan too. It’s on my bucket list to visit a museum this year, luckily the National Museum of Natural history in Manila opened its doors publicly, I also had the chance to see the famous “Spoliarium” painting of Juan Luna, plus I tried Ice skating again at Mall of Asia. Let’s hop on to the 6th month, June. Summer never ends in this country, so a good friend and I took a long trip to San Juan, La Union which is 4+ hours away (by bus) from our place. We had an overnight stay catching good waves and sunset. That sums up a good half of the year. But stay this page cause I have to talk more of the travels I had ..

Moving on to the month of July, our relatives from the United States paid us a visit after 12 long years in America. We went on an island hopping in Coron, Palawan. I swear, it is one of beautiful places I’ve ever been. White sand beaches, preserved beautiful islands and infinite activities to do. It was my first time to snorkel, I was amazed how beautiful the life under the ocean is. We also had a quick jump off to Villa Escudero in Quezon Province in the same month.

August is my birth month, I turned 23.  My friends and I flew to Singapore. We finally saw the famous Merlion, Gardens by the bay and ofcourse the Marina bay sands hotel. We extremely went on the best  time of our lives and enjoyed most of the thrilling rides in Universal Studios. I swear (Battlestar galactica: Human vs Cylon and Mummy) were the best ones for me. It took my standards for theme parks really high. After Singapore, we travelled to Kuala Lumpur by bus on September. We’ve seen the current tallest twin towers (Petronas towers), Towers so silver really captivates eyes. We can’t get enough of it too.

From Local flight, to International flight, to another Local flight. This time, I left Luzon and I went to visit a huge province in Visayas. I went on a three day vacation last October in Cebu, mainly in South part. I challenged myself to try the famous Badian Canyoneering, Swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, visit the famous sand bar in Sumilon and go on City tour. I have to be proud of myself for surviving all the thrilling and sweat paving activities Cebu has given me. Indeed this province is historical truly rich in culture and tradition. Plus I’ve seen the famous Magellan’s cross and paid a visit in Sto. Nino de Cebu parish.

November took me to Tagaytay City (second time for this year) but this time it’s for a work related trip. I attended a three day seminar/training for Drug testing analyst to get a license and to allow me to perform drug test screening tests. *Hopefully I pass*. December is tiny whirlwind, I came back and forth to Manila to meet the goal I’ve wanted to meet, but unfortunately I didn’t meet the expectations. I’ve tasted salt water again in the last week of December and played again in the biggest floating island in Asia with my friends.

And that’s a whole year of travelling. Ah, I had so much travels and adventures. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m indeed thankful for this year. Truly grateful for all the experience that made me even stronger. I’m excited for what the next year will bring. For now, I have few plans to meet. But I’m praying that 2019 has so much in store for me. I pray that it’ll be life changing, I pray that it will take me to a whole new level.

As we open a new book, as we start to write down on the first pages of the three hundred sixty five leaves, may we treasure what has the previous years has taught us. May we embark new memories and challenge ourselves even more. May we empower ourselves, may we be enlightened to do better and may we embrace ourselves with positivity even more. Thou shall set the rocket to fly high and meet all the goals that we plan, all the dreams our hearts our dreaming and all the prayers that we speak. May the seed in us grow.

Let’s celebrate as we welcome a brand new year that will spark a light in guiding us. A year of light to the darkness go out of the way, a light to let the seed grow. I couldn’t wait for what 2019 has for me. May the stars align for me and may the heavens hear my prayers. To more travels, adventures, achievements, and learnings.

So where we up to next year? Do I see more passport stamp? Or Do I smell the ultimate American dream and start life abroad? Let’s see how the next year goes. “A goal without a plan is just a wish – Antoine de-Saint Exupery” I really hope and pray that the next time I’m writing down a year-ender post next year is I’m in the United States.

May all our dreams come true and may we achieve what our heart aspires. Let’s continue igniting the fire within us and never stop the fire burning! Swim deeper and fly higher! Keep soaring, Franced! Keep believing, ‘cause it takes time and courage for the cup to fill and be ready!

Thank you Lord for everything!

Thank you 2018, NEXT!

I've been a little hubadero this year.

June: La Union

July: Coron, Palawan

August: Singapore

September: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sawadee Ka!

Hello! It’s Franced, and I’m writing down a blog of our trip in Thailand last July 2017 before it turns a year old in few days. Basically I’ll be needing to focus and reminisce the memories that happened 12 months ago in a kingdom known for its outstanding ancient ruins, lavish royal palaces, fancy temples displaying royal Buddha and exquisite Thailand cuisines in all sort.

Dated back. It was July 3 when this 4 days trip to Thailand started with Ellane and Bien. We had a quick jump off in the land of smiles in Asia and we were really fortunate to see almost of what this golden kingdom has to offer to its tourists.

DAY 00 | JULY 02

The pre-travel night chill with Bien and Ellane. Before our trip to Thai. We decided to stay at Bien’s place a night before the flight. So after my 10 hour morning to afternoon work in Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I went home, prepped up and bid farewell to my family. Lane and I travelled from Pampanga to Manila by bus and meet Bi. We also had dinner together before jumping off to bed.

Prior to having this trip. We planned our itinerary:

** We tried following this as much as we could

DAY 01 | JULY 3, 2017

It’s the day of our flight!

We all woke up early as possible, get dressed and prepared all the things that we need before going to Ninoy Aquino International airport, Terminal 3. We arrived at the airport, nearly 3 in the morning, passed the immigration, and had a quick breakfast at Wendy’s. So you know, It took me a less than 2 minutes before I passed the immigration. I still remember what the officer asked me

“What is your occupation?” “Where do you work?” “Is it a government or a private hospital?” “How many days are you in Thailand?” “When are you going to fly back?”

Felt like it’s my first time flying out of the country. Anyway, our flight was at 6AM. So we spent the remaining time sleeping.

06:00 AM: Departure from Manila 09:00 AM: Arrival in Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkok.

TOUCHED DOWN!

After 3-4 hours, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport. We took the long lines of Bangkok’s immigration, had our US dollars and Philippine peso exchange to Thai baht, waited for our luggage in the carousel and rented a pocket wifi at the airport’s ground floor (we had this idea of renting a pocket Wifi, so we can keep in touch to our social medias prolly instagram).

So right after we made all our airport errands, we booked our Uber ride straight to our Hotel.

Hotel de Bangkok. Location: Pratunam, 133/48 Ratchaprarop Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

We had our luggage drop at this hotel before we had our activities. We booked this hotel through booking.com, we had it at a cheaper price and comes with a free breakfast buffet. Its location is near to shopping mall and markets. Plus the staff were so helpful and guiding whenever we ask them how to get to this place, or can you book us to this place.

Here’s a quick selfie before our uber comes. We had brunch, and our first meal in Thailand was in Mcdonald’s.

So our activity for the day as mentioned in our Itinerary is TEMPLE HOPPING

First temple: Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald buddha)

Second temple: Wat Pho (Temple of the reclining buddha)

I have no words to describe how beautiful and mesmerizing the architectural concept of every temple in Bangkok. Everything is in gold, everything is in marble. Truly Thailand is very rich in art and exquisite designs. All structures were truly embedded with royalty. I can’t help myself but be astonished as a stare at all the designs of the temples.

Our first street refreshments! Bi and Lane had their first milk tea in Thailand, and so I had this cheap melon juice from the street since I’m not a milk tea fanatic.

After our temple hopping, we went back to our hotel to unload, check in and rest. Our room was spacious, it has 2 beds (1 queen size, and 1 single bed) It has chairs, table and TV. It’s bathroom too is spacious. It has a bath tub and enough space to have that glorious time for meditation.

When the dawn came. We took a bus going to one of the famous places in Thailand. The Victory Monument (which is famous for its Thai street food, milk tea and boat noodles).

We walked in the entire area and barely asked google for help just to seek for this famous Boat noodles in Victory Monument. I still remember we almost walked in and out of different noodle restaurant and malls just to find its exact location. And we were so fortunate! As a reward for not giving up, we found the best boat noodles in Bangkok as said in most blog sites that we’ve read.

“So the hungry walkers ordered its three flavors and they had two bowls each.” Hello, it was worth searching for this place. I swear, this Thai street food is a must if you get in Thailand. Too savory, too classic, undeniably worth the hour walking.

We also tried Thai different street food at victory monument. One of our favorites was this crepe looking delicacy, it was sweet and delicate (sorry I forgot its name). Ha Ha. We also tried their versions of squid balls, bubble juice, and that veggie street food that tasted like grass (which we didn’t like)

And that ended our First night in Bangkok!

The Fatburger experience. 

Location:  Main Mall, SM Central Business Park Bay City, 123 MM, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines

So me and my friends departed from different provinces in Luzon like Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Bulacan and Cavite .. and we wanted a food chain that we rarely see or if possible we do not see in our places. We first decided to get into a buffet but unfortunately it will close in 30 minutes, we moved to the next door but we didn’t like its menu, and here we landed to this food chain that we do not know. All we know that it has wings! 

We ordered chicken platters in different flavors plus a glass of iced tea, my two other friends ordered its famous burgers, and we had a little extra 15 pieces boneless chicken wings (The death valley flavor, the Honey Garlic and the Lemon Pepper) the death valley flavor is the maximum spicy level and indeed gave us that spice and made us sweat and crave for more fluid intake, the honey garlic and lemon pepper were okay (sauce is love). Thank you to the kind staff who gave a complimentary onion rings for Free. 

Next time you visit Mall of Asia, you better give Fatburger a shot. Price is not that expensive, surely you pay for what you have to pay. PS: You better bring your charger, or your charging cable cause it has charging ports built on its long table. 

May 26, 2018 | National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of Fine Arts.

Location:  Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

I still have that huge heart for art and no career will ever take it away from me. I really appreciate that they have decided to renovate a part of the National Museum to reminisce the past, and what our country had before (and what our country still has up to this date) 

Getting inside is easy because it has no Fee but expect really long lines outside the Natural History hall since its getting the hype on the internet these days. The line going in is moving every second, but better bring your umbrella to protect you from the heat while you wait for your turn. (Do not bring backpacks, they only allow small bags that can contain wallets and phones only. You have to deposit your big bags upon entering which is too hassle).

The inside interior is pretty amusing. All those hand painted canvass painting of the Philippine Tarsier, Philippine Eagle and the Philippine Carabao gives a little taste of richness in the culture of arts. We also went inside different rooms that has different themes mainly the Yamang Lupa and the Yamang Dagat. We’ve seen different preserved species that I do not have any idea it existed and exists in our country. Ah, our country is very rich, if we only take our part in saving our environment then we’ll become richer. 

We also had the chance to visit the National Museum of Fine Arts since I’m a great fan of arts, paintings, drawings, structures and statues. And .. Finally I had the chance to see Juan Luna’s famous Spoliarium in real. Really stared at it for about 3 minutes and appreciate the event happening in that painting. It was majestic. Indeed a beautiful masterpiece! Plus, I also appreciate the work of hands of the famous artist, Fernando Amorsolo! I’m now a fan!

Ticked off my bucket list: Visit an art museum.

How to go to National Museum: 

For NORTH people only:

1. Take a bus going to Cubao/Pasay 2. Tell the driver to drop you off in Balintawak (Roosevelt station) 3. Go to Roosevelt station and purchase your ticket going to U.N avenue. Fee is 30 pesos. 4. When you arrive in U.N avenue walk your way to the National Museum of Fine arts. You’ll see the exterior building, and use it as guide to reach the location.

April 28, 2018 | Vista Tala

Location: 2112, Orani, Bataan

A quick jump off to this quiet, beautiful, serene resort perfect for those who unwind and those who wanted to relax and forget the stress that the world gives. Raising half an arm to this resort which is located on top of a mountain with a beautiful nature’s view from the room and over the infinity pool. Truly it brings peace, and relax our system. But sadly our date fell on a weekend so there were groups of people and made the place a bit crowded. 

Let me put a part of negativity that we encountered here. My family ordered 4-5 dish. We placed our orders 5 in the afternoon before we dip into the pool. We arrived in its restaurant at around past 6. We waited for 2 hours inside the restaurant but unfortunately our orders were misplaced. In the end, our overnight stay turned into a mess and went home at 10 in the evening instead. What a disappointment. 

April 17, 2018 | Inflatable Island PH.

Location: Samba Bluewater Resort, Purok 6, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines (outside the Freeport Zone)

It’s a perfect time to distress, get out of town and enjoy summer under the sun. So we hopped on and went straight to this so called Biggest floating island or biggest floating playground in Southeast Asia which is located in Olongapo City, Philippines. 

Getting there is easy as pie, purchasing tickets and doing what you could as well. The entire place is spacious but it gets crowded in specific days such as Saturday and Sunday. Great thing our date fell on a Tuesday. We arrived at around 11:00 in the morning, purchased a two-hour pass tickets (we picked to play at 14:00), had our Lunch by the Samba beach shore and spent the remaining hours talking and watching those who are in the playground.

Life hacks: 

1. I think you can bring food from the outside since the groups we encountered were bringing there own snacks in baskets. Plus bring gallons of water! 2. Put as much as sunblock as you can. The heat will freak you out and can even dehydrate you. 

13:00 was the green light for the orientation, filling up of forms and life vest fitting. (PS: they will tell you to exercise and get ready, please do exercise before you hit the floating island if you will visit this place.) At 14:00, we left the Samba beach and enjoyed the different obstacles on the floating playground. Every obstacles were challenging. It wasn’t easy balancing, walking and playing on top of the inflatables .. it takes pain to reach certain obstacle ride, but surely worth it. 

Our ticket price was PHP 599 (a two-hour pass) but you can have unlimited time lurking around the Samba beach, and get free seats at the Bali beach.

It was fun, I enjoyed playing under the sun!

March 30, 2018 | Good Friday

Location: Guagua, Pampanga | Here are some shots I took using my Fujifilm XA10.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.