Holy Week Staycation = Instagr.am

So I can't seem to fall asleep. Though when I told myself last night that I'd take a nap, I slept until the next day. Yes, my body clock is screwing me over.

Anyway, I'd like to explain the title. Holy Week is an awaited part of the year for every Filipino [whether you're a catholic or not]. Mainly due to the fact that you're given nearly a week off from work/school. It's traditional for families to journey and spend this time together, giving thanks or just basically having a short vacation. Everyone seems too be on the road back to the province or to some getaway touristy location. 

Well, everyone except me and a couple of people I know. I do not choose to travel during this time, cause I don't like crowds. [One of my biggest pet peeves when travelling is the noisy call center agent group that won't let other people sleep as they loudly flaunt some of the English that they have. This is usually a group of girls trying to get the attention of some foreigner in the same vehicle and....*forcefully ends rant*] I am the type of traveler that likes getting lost and being immersed in my destination. So, off peak travelling is more of my thing. Oh another thing is that since everyone is travelling, everything is booked, there's traffic everywhere and everything is a hassle. So during this time I stay in and have myself a staycation (stay-in vacation). 

During this year's Holy Week Staycation, I was able to do the following things: 

1. Teach! Chemistry moreover. Since, I had no work to attend to and my former student needed help with some homework and her regular tutor was out. I was more than happy to take the job. As weird as it is, I loved the 6 hours we spent researching and answering Chemistry problems [I hate Chemistry btw.]. I also loved the chance to catch up. She's definitely grown but I'm really glad she's a happy kiddo now. Let me just say that I miss being a student[and a tutor]!

Me And Brina

2. Midnight Coffee Bonding. One night, Arck and I got stuck in a deserted Eastwood City. Good thing Aya was there too so we had a nice midnight gab session. I like Manila when it's quiet. Arck and I hung out a lot over the weekend. Since, we had opposite work hours we haven't spent as much time together. So here's a snippet of what we did: 

 

When you find someone that doesn't mind your weirdness and you guys can be weird together then there's definitely some love there.

3. Ninang Bonding. I also got to visit my best friend, Mai, and her twins. We had a lot of catching up to do and I missed her little girls. I wanted to get her some Gong Cha before I got to their place but the establishment was out for the entire weekend. I ended up bringing pizza instead. 

Me and Leigh

4. Hacking: An Old Habit. As a child I liked tinkering with things. Sooner or later this tinkering moved into the nitty-gritty workings of computers and electronics. I have never tried hacking a phone before but once I heard that Instagr.am was released in Google Play, I had to have it. So I read around and initially bricked my phone but I was able to fix it and upgrade it to a compatible Android version. So the pictures below are ones I've taken with Instagr.am of our Holy Weekend:

   

 

And I've been active ever since. As much as I want to bring my DSLR everyday, it's not really allowed at work. I appreciate Instagr.am cause I finally found an avenue for my everyday mundane documentations. It's turned into a look book of what I'm wearing, what I find funny, what I'm reading and an avenue for me to practice my photography in terms of composition. So if you guys are interested, you can follow me on Instagr.am. I am @xylith. Here are some other pics from my mesh of material there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My current read.

Not too bad with the post processing effects that Instagr.am has already incorporated but I use another app for post processing on my phone. That's Photoshop Express and Photoshake if you guys are wondering. 

So I'm going to crawl back into bed and try to fall asleep again. Wish me luck.  

My ZALORA Wishlist

Arckham and I just reached our 4th year together last April 23 2012. I am of course super happy that we have come this far. [I love you, Arck!] 

Anyway, we haven't quite celebrated yet. Mainly due to the fact that we are both working and we have other responsibilities [money wise that is], moreover our shifts are in opposite hours. That's right, he works at night and I work in the day time. You now probably have an idea of how little time we spend together. We have a joke about this saying that we barely see each other... at the same time. ;P This is since he sees me when I'm asleep which would be at night and I see him when he's asleep which would be during the day. 

Basically, we wouldn't last this long if we didn't put time and effort into our relationship. Hence, we figured that the best time for us to bond would be when I get home from work and right before he starts his shift at night. Which is why our dates as of late have been slotted for dinner. Arckham and I are rarely picky about the food as long as it's good and affordable and we're together then we're both happy and so are our tummies.  

Though, I wanted to do something special seeing that we've reached a milestone in our relationship. Nothing too fancy, just a nice dinner where were both dressed up nicely in a nice place. That's why I was really excited when Nuffnang and ZALORA started the My ZALORA Wishlist Campaign and is giving me a chance to make a part of my dream anniversary celebration come true. I'm an avid online shopper[I mean with a schedule like mine definitely a big help not having to walk around all the time just to shop.] so I signed up for ZALORA and checked out their awesome pieces where I made a wishlist. 

I picked out these pieces not just for me but also for my boyfriend as well [They have a great selection for men]. The key thing that I paid attention to is that pieces should be something I can wear from work and straight into a date and in his case from a date and straight into the office. It's casual but chic and classy. 

So here are the things I would love to have for our 4th Anniversary Dinner: 

1.  This Gibi H2082 for Arckham. I took into consideration how it looks with slacks and the comfort that he would also be needing since he'll still be spending a full shift after our dinner.

2.  This nice Jacket by Merger. It's called a Zipper Hidden Flap Pocket since there are 2 Zipper Pockets and 2 Flap pockets on the chest area. I like the style and the details of this item. It's casual without being overly so.  It's also very functional since I know that he would be needing a jacket to stay warm in a 16degree environment at the office.
3. This perfect pair of Button Toe Heels by Everbest. Since, I can sport it at work and it's comfy enough to be moving around in the office for 8 hours before our dinner. Plus its simple elegance is what really draws it to me.
4.  This AMY Empire Pleatted Dress by Nana G which can be both fun and business casual at the same time. It also matches Arck's Merger jacket since the skirt is not too casual but still quaint.
5.  I chose this shoulder bag by The Little Things She Needs since it would be able to pull the entire outfit together. It's also big enough for me to carry my DSLR for me to take photographs during our anniversary dinner. Plus it also matches the shoes. :D

I really want all these pieces together so that Arckham and I would just need to worry about where and what to eat. I would really like to make this dinner special by not worrying what we're going to wear and just focus on each other. I really want these pieces to complete our evening and make it something awesome. 

And if you're looking for a great place to shop, check out ZALORA where all the above pieces came from 

[credits to ZALORA for the photographs as well]. They have a great selection and awesome payment plans. [I totally love the COD and 3 Hour Delivery feature.] Click on their badge below and create your own wishlist: 

Oh and just a quick note before I got cross my fingers for this one: when you sign up for ZALORA's newsletter you get a PHP 250.00 rebate on your next purchase. Awesome isn't it? 

Channeling My Inner Dragon Part 3: March

So right around the end of this month, I have sort of committed to start going home on time. I know my responsibilities already and this was basically a rough month for the team. I don't want to get sick or burnout since I like what I do and I'm with a great company.

March always is a herald to an influx of applicants since a lot of people will be graduating. [Congratulations, y'all!] I've always been a big believer in education and this is a good time to celebrate those that have accomplished a lot.

So let's go to grad celebrations first. First would be that of Stef, Arck's little cousin's heading to high school. I wish her all the best. This kid is just adorable. Anyway, we had lunch in CPK in Shangrila and watched Lorax after.

Congratulations, Stef.

After which, I invited Arckham to join me for the exhibit: Out of Orange that was also opening that night. My bestfriend's sister, Ikit, was one of the exhibitors. So I decided to check it out and hopefully Ami would be there. Oh but I stood in as the psuedo sister. :P Proud of all the participants and it was a pretty good exhibit too.

Congratulations, Ikit. Welcome to the working world.

 

My favorite.

As everyone would know, Hunger Games came out last March as well. So the Dream Team and I set up a date to catch the movie. It wasn't that good but the people I was with made it awesome. Of course, Ryan and I had to fetch KA and Tin at Shaw and while waiting for them we ate at Adobo Connection. It was pretty good and affordable as well. Then we headed to Megamall for the last full show.

Katniss was definitely hot though.

Definitely on the A Team

I will also be updating Arxy with reviews so you can check out what Arck and I though about Lorax and The Hunger Games.

Well, looks like I can chill now. I've caught up to the present already. 

Channeling My Inner Dragon Part 2: February

As I patiently waited for breakfast, I was also able to do this: Follow my blog with Bloglovin

So, big things happened in February. One of which is that I started working on my first goal of this year which is saving. Hence, I applied for a retirement plan. [Sounds very adult, noh?] I want to make sure that when I am old, I can definitely fend for myself. I would appreciate help from my future kids but I'd not want to be a burden. Yes, it does seem like a bill now but I have seen people who are not prepared and trust me it is NOT pretty. Of course, I will also still be working on my life savings.

Another of which is that I bought furniture and let me tell you it was definitely fun. [That sounded old.] I got a bookshelf, chair and closet. I rearranged my side of the room and I find it more organized. I am definitely enjoying my current space more than I used to.

View from my bed (top bunk)

My bed and the bookshelf created a bedside table

My space

Let's move on to the not too adult things. We also finally gathered as a team and I was finally able to introduce Arckham to my new Work Family. We had dinner at Hyphy's which by the way is by Chef Bruce Lim which Arckham and I are not too fond of. Props though since we liked the food. We also were able to bond with Jenn and her husband over drinks. Let me just say that I admire this woman a lot more now.

The next day, Arckham and I joined one of our friend's at the 2012 Pyromusical Competition. Mainly for me to practice photography. I enjoyed it a lot since Fritz was there to teach me how. We got gold tickets to make sure that we would be seaside. Not too many great shots but it was pretty good for my first fireworks shoot.

We were able to see Spain and Britain battle it out. I voted for España mainly due to their Ode to Joy part. [Wow, didn't know blogger had their own video hosting but then again, Google has YouTube.] Here's a short video on that one:

Just before the month ended, I took a few days away from the Metro to celebrate my brother's birthday back in Baguio and also to use my remaining leave credits left over from last year. :P Little did I know that Panagbenga (the Baguio Flower Festival) would coincide with my weekend getaway which turned it to the exact opposite. I was headed to where all the people were headed and I really don't like that. Anyway, I had to circumvent to get to Baguio so I decided to take the Partas Busline instead of Victory [which everyone took] and stopped over at La Union before heading up to Baguio. I think it was meant to be since I was able to catch the deluxe bus. Super comfy seats for the win!

In Transit Snack and Comfy chair made the side trip worth it.

Though that first day back in Baguio was not very good for customer service. I know it's peak season since there are a lot  of people coming in got the Festival but quality of work should not diminish. Strike 1: Kris and I met up with the Bookclub in Gecko. There I ordered the apple pie that took 6 follow ups to get to me and roughly 1.5 hours. When we told them that I'd rather cancel cause we decided to have dinner already was the only time they rush ed to serve it. Strike 2: We were in a diner in Session Road though I can't remember the name of the place. [It's at the left side going down at the entrance of La Azotea] Service was slow but that wasn't the problem. Kris' chicken was undercooked and bloody and we wanted the dish changed as is standard. Oh but the chef said that since he started eating the dish already they would no longer replace it. Fine. So we asked them to change the chicken. They offered to take the chicken and refry it. That was the last straw, I mean c'mon Kris is one hell of a whiz in the kitchen and Jake is a HRM graduate. The one thing I learned in UP is my consumer rights [got 1 for that class too]. So we asked to see the manager. They still only changed the chicken. Strike 3: So after that Kris and I decided to drop my stuff off at my dad's place and go have coffee in Kaffee Klatsch. I really liked this place until I found out how illogical they have become and the music has changed as well. Once Kris and I got there, they told us we weren't allowed to sit in the smoking area cause there were only 2 of us. [Yup read that again] So we insisted and asked nicely and the waitress acts like fixing us a spot was her doing a  big favor for us. This really pissed me off since I used to go to this place on my own and had no problems with sitting anywhere. Let me just say that this is one huge AFI for Baguio restaurants. I recommend places to my friends here in Manila and I fear they now think I'm an idiot and don't know good service.

Good friend's that stuck through bad service.

Food from that diner place. It wasn't too bad it was just the service.

An improvement in Klatsch but doesn't excuse bad service.

The second day was decidedly better. I had lunch with Lor in a place called Zio's along Leonard Wood Road. Awesome food, clean place, affordable rates and pretty good service. I think I should stick to NOT eating in Session Road. Then I headed off to this Comic Convention some good friends invited me to check out. It was definitely not what I expected. Gerry Alanguilan was suppose to be there but he cancelled since the organizers moved the dates last minute. So another AFI would be event organization. It was not so much of a convention and more like an org gathering. Lor and I felt pretty left out. Since I took more pictures of Lor than anything else then that should tell you something. Though what I really liked is seeing two of my most favorite people in the world, which made attending all worth it. Oh and seeing Lara all in love and meeting her new boyfriend. :P

Zio's

Awesome siblings I love

Of course, after that I had dinner with my family which was nice. It was nice to see my little cousins and my Grandmother. It's in these times that I wish my family was okay and I can just go see my siblings whenever I want too. Anyway, I wanted to have some drinks and so I reached out to people and my childhood friends decide that it's a good idea to meet up. We met at Pizza Hut and headed to Citilights for drinks. Let me just warn you guys to bring cash when you head there. They're credit card service isn't star worthy the drinks were though. It's a good thing we had cash on us. [It's not my card with the problem, I used it the next day in SM and it was fine.] Oh well, it was nice hanging out with Ave and Jena's new boyfriend. [Apparently, it's meeting the boyfriend day for me.]

From diapers to now. 2 decades of friendship right here.

My last day was definitely the best. I was able to spend so much time with my siblings and celebrated my brother's birthday. I had lunch 3 times that day too. Lunch 1 was in Jay-j's Inasal in Legarda for my tall brother's birthday! He's 18 already. Then Lunch 2 was in Happy Tummy where my tummy was definitely made happy. I introduced Meg and Jonas so that they can work their IT powers on some project. Jonas so knows the best places to eat. Lunch 3 was watching Jake eat at Brother's Burger in John Hay. Meg and I hung out at Manor and had dessert. Lastly, just before I was to board the bus. I was able to see my siblings one last time. So all in all a good day.

All gangster like :P

Happy at Happy Tummy

The fish was heaven!

With my brothers. I love you guys.

So yeah, February brought out the dragon in me. Text heavy and picture heavy, I did mention that this would be the case until the next post right? I hope you enjoyed the long read though.