Pens and Lens

Well, no shit? I know I’m getting fatter but being told straight to my face actually hurt me.

Then once I came to my senses, I realize that I needed to do something about it.

I took it as a challenge to lose weight or at least be healthier before the year ends. The first week, I tried cutting my rice intake to one cup per day, then week two I stopped drinking sodas and avoiding coffee and this week I tried something I never thought I would do.

I went to the gym.

Yeah sure, it’s free since it’s a perk of my current company. Is two or so weeks enough to help me lose weight? What is my current goal?

Because let’s be honest, I don’t even know what I am doing. I went to the gym, clueless on what to do. I started with warm ups, a couple of minutes planking and then I tried my turn on the treadmill.

First a brisk walk, then it gets faster and holy shit! I am almost sprinting. This isn’t hard for me since I am used to walking and running with my dog but I haven’t been doing that for a while because of the weather and the feeling I got after 30 minutes on it is both tiring and challenging.

How long can I keep this up? I honestly don’t know, but I hope I have enough will power to continue what I started.

So here’s to me, trying to improve my lifestyle! Yay progress!

Well... not really!

I never grew up to be a confident speaker. I always keep my thoughts and agree passively at everything. I have a case of stage fright. Enrolling myself in a workshop like this is a challenge for me just because it is something I rarely do.

I mean sure, I used to teach, but I’ve got ample time to prepare for the lesson and it’s really something that I know. Plus, they’re kids! I’m more comfortable talking in front of kids than full-grown adults who could either take you seriously or as a joke.

I am an introvert and most of my insecurities come from prejudice from other people. I guess that’s why I don’t want to let my voice be heard because I am afraid of criticisms and rejection.

During the course of the day, I we were given activities to challenge our oral skills and techniques on how to overcome stage fright, mental blocks and dead air. 

We also had the chance to watch videos of public speakers. One of the speakers talked about what defines an individual. And that made me wonder. What defines me? At that moment, I don’t know what does define me.

Is it my glasses? My physical appearance? My humor?

Then it hit me. My defining trait is my persistence.

Yeah sure, I procrastinate. But when I set my mind into something and give myself a deadline. I will work non-stop to finish and perfect it. No matter how many challenges and trials there are.

Overall, it was a fun day. I get to meet new people, too!

Soooo... I just turned the big 3-0. 

I’ve celebrated my birth month with a lot of people. First are my workmates whom I am happy to be working with.

Next is my SO and mom who are both celebrating the day with me.

correct spelling! YAAAS QUEEN!

We braved the rain and the gusty wind to walk from one museum to the next. I thought they’re gonna be so pissed because we lack sleep, we’re cold and we’re tired from all the walk, but hey, no one complained and everyone enjoyed it. It’s an amazing experience.

Lovelies! <3

Spolarium!

The marvelous collection of Fernando Amorsolo’s sketches

The creepy yet interesting Manunggul jars.

I have lots of photos from this trip but these are just a few that I could filter from over 400 photos I took! Til next time, perhaps?

I can’t even begin to describe how amazing the place is!

With the SO. Awkwardly posing. Lels.

Happy kiddos!

And now the food...

Smoked  salmon... Mmmmm 

This shrimp cocktail.

I have never really liked oysters but this... I can never say no to.

This slab of steak and...

This Parmesan! 

I enjoyed everything. The ambiance, the service and of course the food. I didn’t get to try everything because there’s so many options and since it’s intercontinental, I didn’t get to try most Filipino dishes because, you know, I get to taste them more often than the others. Their indian and Halal section is a must try. I didn’t get to take a picture as I was too busy trying out their biryani.