Lessons from 2013

          2013 has been a roller coaster ride. I created many memories, I learned a lot of things and hopefully I have left a mark on some people. I will not be enumerating the things that have happened to me but I will be sharing the life lessons I have accumulated this year. 

1. Make time for your family. Whoever you choose to call family, either your biological or adopted. If you are like me who have both, then it is always better to get in touch with the one as well as the other. Your family will always be there for you. You should do that for them. REMEMBER: Some relatives can be excluded. You should never feel guilty for cutting negative people from your life. 
2. It is a cliché but, really, LIFE IS TOO SHORT. Enjoy every second.
3. Cherish the good and bad things. Smile and laugh for the good stuff and cry and mourn for the bad ones.
4. Rejection does not always mean defeat. It can be an indication that you have won against a lifelong misery.
5. Celebrate your birthday in a charity. 
6. The highest achievement that a person can attain is unconditional love. Love without judgement and break down your walls, but that being said, I do not mean you should permit emotional abuse. Tolerating offense and stupidity are the same.  Love and stupidity are different.  
7. Treasure each one of your friends. They are golden. 
8. It is alright to be mundane sometimes. 
9. Give yourself some me-time. Pamper yourself more. 
10. Baking soda is the bomb. You can exfoliate your skin and remove teeth stains with it.
11. Prevent lines in your 30's by moisturizing in your 20's. Prick a vitamin e capsule and apply it on your face before going to sleep.
12. Drink lots of water. 
13. If you think you are ready to have kids, get a pet. You should learn how to be a parent first.
14. Travel.
15. It is not worth it to be a damsel in distress. Wear red lipstick and kick some ass. 
16. Forgive yourself for being late on some occasions. Julie Andrews should always come to mind when you are in panic, “A queen is never late, everyone else is simply early."
17. Fall in love with your bestfriend. 

She dines at : Ashoka (Indian Healthy Cuisine)

 When I went to Elbi, I asked my bestfriend to take me to a vegetarian restaurant. She willingly complied to my wishes. She took me to Ashoka. It is located at Ruby Street in Umali Subdivision, sandwiched between Moonleaf and Crayon Box. It is easily spotted for its authentic Indian vibe.

                                   

                                                   

            From the entrance, we could smell the scent of curry unjustly enticing us to fix our arse on the  perfectly aligned red chairs. We composed ourselves, as Revo let me admire the hanging image of potent Krishna and his lover, Radha.

          Ashoka is a combination of comfort and exoticism, an amalgam difficult to find. It offers more than 60 healthy dishes. You can choose whether you want your dish spicy, moderately spicy or not spicy at all. 

                  

                  

                            

                 

           We ordered thali, moderately spicy. I could say that the chapati was gloriously made.The combination of softness and slight saltiness takes you to an Indian journey where you see the local girls trying to knead the dough with their bare hands. Every bite made me reminisce the rainy days when Papa used to make some kubus bread paired with hot milk tea. Ahhhh, those days when all I had to think about was to get home by 4:30 to watch Inu Yasha.  The spices in the mixed vegetables gloriously tickled our tounges and the daal soup worked its magic to dumbfound us until we found ourselves not even giving glance to each other.  It is thick and the depth of flavor from the beans were satisfying.

          Not only the food was amazing, but also the owner, Mr. Raj Prasad, was accommodating. He was very friendly.  His waiters diligently explained to us the different dishes they have, the ingredients and how it would taste. They served us with a smile. After we consumed our food, they offered us mukhwas. It cleanses the palate and acts as a mouth freshener. It has a sweet minty flavor. Trust me, Revo and I couldn't get enough of it.

           

              Me and my bestfriend loved the food and the service. We will definitely go back to the place.So if you happen to be in Elbi, make sure to drop by.

Contact Ashoka @ 0949 836 7595
 Facebook:  ashokaPHIL

She wanders:UP Los Baños

          I love visiting Los Baños or Elbi as they call it to catch up with some of my friends who are living or studying at UPLB. I was 15 when I first went to Elbi to study. I took up BS Food Technology yet I had to leave after two years to pursue my passion in the city...or I guess I just really loved the urban life's uncertainty. Yet I have to admit that Elbi touched my soul and took a piece of my heart. I always go back hoping that I might reclaim it but I just can't. No one can. As the old folks in Elbi would say, "Blame it on Mariang Makiling. She enamored you." 

          Elbi people are warm and welcoming. You will always feel at home. They will feed you good and fresh food. They will give you a comfortable bed to sleep in. 

          My proposed itinerary was to stay there for a day and a  night, but I had to extend it for 2 more days and 2 more nights. All my friends are free during the whole week. We can bond. James bond. Nice pun, isn't it? No? Really? Oh well.

          It was 7:30 pm when I arrived Elbi. I need to learn how to pack lightly because I took 3 bags with me and with my frame, I am glad that I still am able to walk. Actually, my plan was to go directly to my bestfriend's house but I was so hungry when I got there. So I went to Barbie's instead but by the time I was at his place, he was not there.  Note to self: Always read your text messages. Good thing my big brother from another mother ,Alex, came to the rescue like a contemporary knight with his beloved car, Gale . What a relief! We went to meet his friends. Kuya Alex might intimidate you with his tall, badboy, handsome looks but he is really a sweetheart and I will always stick up for him. I had so much fun talking to his friends until Barbie came to pick me up. I was also supposed to meet George, unfortunately we never had a chance to hang out a little longer because he was busy and I was hungry. Stayed with Barbie for a while after dinner then we went to campus to take pictures of the lights and lanterns. Then when I felt like my eyes are about to droop, I asked him to take me to Revo's house. He went to a party after that. He never sleeps. Such a vampire. 

lights and lanterns

        

            Revo and I went out the next day to try the vegetarian place. I have always told her that I have been craving for a good vegetarian food. She said she knows a place, hence Ashoka. Revo will never admit she loves you verbally but she will show it in her own little way. I love her as if she is my own sister. She is the most beautiful girl I have ever met and she will always be.  We  also went to watch a kid's talent show. But the most adventurous part of our day was when we got splashed by  the sea  water when we  were inside the tricy. It was fun! 

 See, I was being a good girl. No meat!

    " Swooosh swooosh," the wave said.

        

            My second day to Elbi was the IRRI/volleyball tournament day. Barbie and I went to UPOU,  cheered some triathletes then hiked to IRRI. I planned to go home after visiting the institute but when the evening came, I changed my mind and  watched the volleyball club's tournament instead. I had to support my friend. I love Barbie, he has always been there for me. He loves me unconditionally.  He tucks me in when I feel cold. He always make me feel special. He loves me with all his soul. Through him I met a lot of friends,

                                                                             

- Cha- Very fabulous person. Cha likes to blame himself for everything,I like that vulnerability in him. 

- Marty- Unapologetically good looking with his beautiful brown eyes and ripped arms. He's cool and friendly. 

- Ate Chok- Ahhhh I get starstruck all the time. Ate Chok is beautiful inside and out. 

- Ate RR-  Smart, sexy, intoxicating. 

- Ate Chan-  Funny and talented. Beyonce is thatchu?...and how can I forget Nilda?

- Maki, I used to think Maki hates me but I was wrong. He's really funny and spontaneous. 

I miss them.

Marty, Cha, Maki

We got this baby!

          Something that separates my recent visit to my other visits is that I have gained more friends. And with them I was able to be mushy, I was able to be needy. I can say the words "I love you", "I will miss you" ,"You are amazing", "Call me all the time " without them being judgemental. Infact, they are just the same. True friends indeed. 

            "That's it!"

                                  Then came the dreaded day of saying goodbye...for now.

DIY: Manicure

           One part of my regular beauty routine is to have my nails done. I love having clean and beautiful nails. I usually get a manicure and  pedicure two to three times a month but regular salon visits tend to be costly. I began to carefully observe my manicurist while she's cleaning my nails so I can do it by myself if I am on a tight budget. So if you want to have gorgeous nails yet save some money, here are the things you need:

1.  2 spray bottles (optional)
2.  nipper
3.  cuticle pusher
4.  nail polish remover
5.  cotton
6.  cuticle remover
7.  cuticle tint with sanitizer
8.  cuticle oil or vitamin e oil
9.  nail file
10.  nail brush

Here are the things you should do:


1. Remove your nail polish with a nail polish remover.

2.   Spray cuticle remover on your nails to soften the cuticle.

3.  Push your cuticle using your cuticle pusher.


                         

4.  Nip your hangnails using a nipper.

5.  Brush your nails to remove the excess cuticle.

6.  Spray cuticle tint with sanitizer to protect yourself from possible infection.

7.  Put 2 drops of cuticle oil or vitamin e oil on each nail and massage your fingers, this will soften your cuticle and prevent hang nails.

8.  And the final result! 

               You can paint your nails with your desired nail color but make sure to give your nails some rest to keep it healthy looking.

           For inexpensive nail care tools, I suggest products from Bobbie. You can find Bobbie products at any major grocery store here in the Philippines. *

*This is not sponsored  and I am in no way affiliated with Bobbie. 

                                                                                          

                                                                    Photos by: Me

                                                                    Hand model: Johna M. Onza