Postcard

I was already working when we  had our first landline installed. Not because we can't afford it but simply because the technology in communication was not yet advanced that time (cellphone was not even a known word) and sad to say, private companies and the government were not investing on it as well. So only a few houses in our street will have one. If you need to make a call, go to your nearest pay phone booth. Oh yeah, I remember back in college when I had to drop several 25cent coins just to make sure I don't get cut as I was asking a classmate of a lesson I missed. She was even laughing because she can hear tricycles in the background. 

When it's summer time, the only way I get connected with friends is by writing letters. I have 3-4 classmates I write to regularly. We exchange letters almost every two weeks (because ordinary mail takes around 7 days). And take note, these are handwritten letters that are 3-7 pages (back to back yellow pad). 

Fast forward the time.....just last week, I received a postcard and saw it in our doorstep. From afar, I can see the postcard and I initially thought the apartment was giving away free postcards. But I noticed the airmail stamp and suddenly I felt excited that someone actually sent me a real postcard. The feeling reminded me so much of what I shared earlier --- writing long letters, going to the post office to drop it off then waiting for the mailman to arrive after a week or so. In this day and age, I am not sure if there are still people sending handwritten letters/postcards. 

For someone who used to write, send and receive handwritten letters/postcard, this postcard is very very much appreciated. appreciated.  

Another topic about Rain

I grew up in the city and strong rains never really bothered me at all.

I remember my father, sister and I would usually walk, literally walk, amidst the flood in my neighboring hometown. Little did I know that that activity will soon come in handy. Yes, when I learned how to drive and it's traffic in the main road, I usually take the inner streets. Back then flood water wasn't that "dirty." I mean I can still see the road and I remember kids playing outside, under the rain.

When I started working, I still enjoy it when it's raining. In fact that is the time I would usually invite friends for a lunch out or go to a nearby mall (which was Greenbelt). I just love walking in the rain -- no sweat, no sunburns! Just the cool air touching my skin. 

But now....na-ah! Just the sight of flood water makes me think of all the possible diseases I can acquire. Going outside the building scares me of the worse traffic scenarios. Lastly, the accidents -- falling branches of trees, falling billboards. 

Oh how I miss how life was simple and 'cleaner' then....

Passionate about Passion Spa

I talked about how much I like and am enjoying their services  in this post.  So, let's take a peek on what's inside...




The big facade with their name of course. So you won't miss it. 

For swedish and aromatherepy massages, you will be asked to choose your preferred oil scent

For facial services, the products they use depend on your skin type,  (imported & known brands)

 

Towels everywhere and I can see where they are stacked. so, I am assured that they are clean and if I request for one, they have a supply 

 

They have so many rooms, depending on the service. This one is for the traditional Thai massage. 

 

And after a relaxing massage (body or facial), here's fresh salabat for you

Baguio (Late Post)

The last time I was here was year 2004 with my friends in MBA school. The last time I was with my family was way back college graduation. Now, it's more fun as we have kiddos, my pamangkins, with  us.

<backtrack>

When I went home last April, my sister told me their family is going to Baguio early May and since the vacation house can accommodate more people she floated the idea of us (me & my parents) joining them. It was a no for me as my return flight is scheduled that same weekend and SG airlines flight for the following week was already full. But persistence is the key. I don't know how my sister did it but an hour after, she told me that she was able to rebook my flight. I even thought it was a joke because I've been calling for days but it only took her like 5 min. My doubts were confirmed when I received a confirmation email of my new sched.

So, the next question -- how to get there.   Do we bring our own car,  ride with my sister or just take the public transpo?  Both my parents are discouraged by their doctors to take long road trips (in the Philippines). Driving on our roads is like driving on the moon. For someone who has heart problems, that is not advisable. My parents and I decided to take the bus....yes, Victory Liner at its best. They have a "1st class bus" that has wifi, tablet (which you can borrow in case you don't have one) and reclining seats!!!!

Yeah, that's me enjoying their 1st class service. We got the 1st row seats so there was really a lot of leg room. Not to mention, they offer snacks (junkie, cupcake & bottled water)

It only took us 4 hours as it was an express ride. No need to stop-over as they also have toilet inside the bus. I think we it was a good decision as it was totally hassle-free. You just sleep and when you wake up, you're already in Baguio!

We went to the usual places and my my my....it really has changed a lot. Like in Mines View Park, I was surprised with so many market stalls. I can still remember it was only along the road where people would sell their stuff.

Anyway, my new escapades in this trip include the following:

Strawberry shortcake from Vizco's which is really worth a try. Calamansi cake from a Mongolian (buffet) restaurant.

They say Baguio is not complete without stopping by Choco-Latte de Batirol.

 It is a hot, thick bittersweet blend with a distinctive texture

I don't have pictures inside SM Baguio but that's another new to me. Well, I really hope we can go back there again this time with my hubby. Let's see...what about spending Xmas there.....

Rainy Days are here again

I am just thankful that we moved to a different apartment. In the old one, everytime it rains continuously for 2 hours, expect knee-deep floodwater outside which extends up to 50 meters. I am so scared everytime I need to go out or when I am out. Just the thought of the car not suddenly moving and that I have to go down to push it really scares me lol.

Anyway, I am thinking of having this set-up near our front door. I think it will be helpful to prevent mud sticking on the floor. But it also made me ask ... so who is going to clean the container or the stones after? Like can I just leave it unwashed? because what is the difference if I place a mat instead? but that's just it...mats look very ordinary and with these, it adds some design/character to the house. Oh well, let me think more on this...hmmmmm....

Updates

My sis told me to update my blog so here it goes...

I was not able to update my blog, and I just can't find the time to do it, when we went to the PHL Compared to Phnom Penh, Manila is not yet wired. There are still few establishments that offer free wifi. Even in Starbucks, you need to buy a prepaid card to be able to connect. That said, I seldom bring with me gadgets when i step out of the house. When I am home, I am multi tasking with work and time with family. 

A week before my departure, unfortunately the hard drive of my laptop crashed! I wasn't prepared for it so the last back up was some time in April of 2012. One year of files were gone, just like that. I was in a week of denial, hoping that our IT folks can still recover my files. Two weeks before my deadline for a BIG project under my NEW boss awakened me from that denial. Two months worth of research I have to do it in two weeks but this time it should include my analysis and recommendations. I was literally in a Do Not Disturb mode. To make it short, I was successful in my deliverable. If the content makes sense, let's see next week when the legal team gives their feedback. 

It was just really last week when I felt I was back to normal. My boss was on leave the entire week so it allowed me to catch up with work -- respond to backlog emails and recover lost files. Oh, and I also got sick the past two weeks. Although it was just dry cough but still, it made me feel weak. Add that to the work pressure. But what is life without these adventures. Sometimes we need it to add spice to our lives! 

Passion Spa

I am a sucker for massages. During my singlehood days, I would normally go 2x a week for a massage. I feel so relieved after as if I gained new energy. Even when I travel I make it a point to have one. After a day of walking and walking and walking....ooohhhh, what a relief to have your whole body being pampered.

Here in Cambodia, spa/massage places are everywhere. Prices range for as low as $2 to as high as $100. It all depends on which place you go to and the kind of service you want. But on the average, it will cost you $25 for a full body massage if you go to a "modern/western"-looking spa. It is very unfortunate though that my experience are NOT good. Sometimes I even feel tired as soon as I step out. I prefer hard massage and I guess their interpretation of "hard" is "bugbugin ang katawan."  It totally defeats the purpose of why I'd go there. I've tried a few of those recommended by friends but still no good. Then I read in Phnom Penh post (a newsletter type) a physical therapist talking about most of his clients complaining about the massage here. He even shared that it's because most of the masseuse are not really trained the proper way. Owners ask if they have 'experience' and they're hired.

From then on, I stopped exploring. Anyway, I go to Manila almost every now and then so I's rather wait than spend money on useless things.  Until one night, I met the owner of Passion Spa and Salon and gave me a discount coupon.  I always pass by the place as I live in the area but I've never tried as it looked expensive hahaha. One long weekend we tried going and lo and behold. The service reminded me of my experience at The Spa (in Manila) except the big hot jazzucci pool. But the way they knead your body....exactly the way I want it. The facilities are very modern/western. It's very clean as they use white carpet so one would easily notice dirt. I even liked their salabat and pandan water :-)

I am very happy with this discovery. Just a few meters away from the house, price is reasonable, salon services are cheaper than where I usually go to.