jm avenido

The district of the future

Usually, at 9P.M., it’s either I am back in my place in Brooklyn, or out seeing usual faces around. That night, I caught myself heading home for an early night cap, but then I decided not just yet.

Soon as I got back at my friend’s apartment — I grabbed my helmet from my desk, rushed downstairs carefully, not making too much noise because the slab  is made up of wood that one move can make a resonating sound, and then crossed the street towards the lamppost where I latched my friend’s bicycle that same morning. By this time, I was already plotting how to get to the nearest park. Which park should I see the skyline from? Is it safe riding a bicycle at night in Brooklyn? Am I gonna make it alive tonight? I was partly anxious but my endorphins are running high. 

I went on towards Hoyt Street turning left at the Atlantic Avenue until I make a right at the Bridge Park Drive. In 15 minutes, I could already see the skyline of Manhattan. It was not too cold but I made a wrong choice for opting for shorts instead of a pair of jeans. My legs could easily freeze on my dry fit. I didn’t mind it too much, though. I looked for a nearby parking rack, locked my bicycle, and went to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, engaged in a small talk with the parlor’s staff, went towards one of the benches, saw Jane’s Carousel barely having even a strand of hair on its platform, and finished my ice cream while looking at this view.

Little Italy, New York City

The Bowery, New York City

Yes, I didn’t have to say where this place is because I know that you know where this is. To be fairly honest, the MET is really overwhelming for me. It spans through several wings and sections with around a hundred or more pieces per exhibit. I would be honest to say it exhausted me. So I sat down, and placed down my stuff by the steps of the Temple of Dendur, got my tickler moleskin, and sketched.

The Metropolitan Museum, Midtown Manhattan, New York City

For my 22nd birthday last year, I decided to go on a solo trip to the big apple. 

I have only traveled solo once, and that was when I hiked to Mount Pulag last 2015. In those moments, I told myself I wouldn’t do it again — imagine no one to share the fun and the cringe moments with, and freezing like crazy, alone. But there I am, catching an 8 P.M. flight from Manila to JFK, again, alone.

Day 1 - My boss’ brother called me up past 12MN as soon as I set foot in the airport. I took an uber to his place in Brooklyn and since I couldn’t sleep my night away, I decided to wait for the sunrise to see The High Line, and the Guggenheim Museum. 

PS - it was only my first day and I already fell in love with the West Village.

Vessel Hostel

Vessel Hostel at Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

The morning after

Wrapping up this year with gratitude and facing 2018 wiser. 

Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union

Holiday celebration with my usuals.

These are Glen and Steffie.

Two souls who boosted my aim to get to Surigao del Sur and immerse. Wouldn’t have accomplished that much without them.