Mission Accomplished

I remember quite well how this blog began. It was one restless Saturday in January 2012, figuring out where to go in the metro(just so I can enjoy my weekend to its full potential), searching the world of internet for something to do and nagging my then-boyfriend to go out with me. I got stuck viewing Celine Novenario’s 30 Before 30 Project posts and felt a pang of envy. That Macau bungee jump video was replayed over and over and over until the crazy thought of doing a bucket list version for myself hit me. Bored, broke and broken, I went off to an adventure that changed my life forever.

Since college days, I’ve been making a list of places I want to go to, restaurants I want to try and activities I would like to experience but at the end of the day, I only get to cross out 10% of them(mostly the restaurants part). On went the excuses (can’t afford, my parents won’t allow me, I’m a weakling!) which “barred my wings from flying”. With a fighting mindset, I tried my best to focus on my goals and did things far beyond what the normal Ayen can: Hiked Pinatubo with a broken heart, cliff dive, enrolled myself in a yoga class, swam in a volcano’s crater, cooked an actual, edible meal (for real!), read 30 books in a year, did an Eat Pray Love version in Dumaguete & Siquijor, tried boxing, watched a Rico Blanco concert alone, snorkeled in the open sea sans vest, gave up junk food for a month, cut my hair short, survived spelunking 300 ft under, and the list goes on..All crazy, fun bucket list entries which made me grow up and bask under the opportunities of this existence. Looking back, I completely changed. I've become more aware, driven, confident, open-minded, faithful, grateful and less worrywart, melancholic, self-centered me me me. Even in my underpants I feel different, but for the better. The road to this bucket list project was a roller coaster ride of bliss, failures, spontaneity, turnarounds and discoveries. I did not even finished them all - driving license and the tricky part, faith - but I have gained more than what I originally set off for and I believe this is a fitting conclusion - Sometimes life takes you to places which weren't part of your plan because maybe, there is a bigger plan. There's a reason why you're in a situation at a certain time and place - let the experience be a lesson and the people with you be the teachers. Now I know why I met 2 German sisters in Apo Island while my mind was  stuck in work-related thoughts, they just told me "You'll never know when you'll be here again. You are lucky to be here, enjoy it".

It’s less than a day before 2013 comes to a close, and so does the decision that this will be my last post. I am officially bidding my farewell to this chapter of my life, but I’ll be bringing with me all the awesome memories of the journey and the most precious realization of all – that I can do things and be things. My life began with this project but it will not be the end thereof. Each day, a new beginning is given to be filled with lived experiences. 

Beginning again,

Ayen

Update!

Hi! I just want to say I'm still alive but been lazy err busy to post. I'm still committed to this project, just so you know, and while I have some time, here's an update:

April -  Day trip to Dingalan Bay, Aurora where we island and beach hopped
May - Elections, Jason Mraz Manila Concert, my 23rd Birthday and my life-changing pixie haircut
June - Boracay trip with the family. It was the first time for most of us and it was so memorable!
We made a family video out it, here's the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvKiQ_8QntI
July - 'Adulting' project - I've started living alone in Manila. Well, technically. I'm home alone most days of the week and the undomesticated persona in me is training to become an independent woman (including saving money lol)

That's it for now. Will try to do proper updates soon. xx.

Spelunking in Sagada - CHECK!

My Banawe-Sagada-Baguio trip last Holy Week was one for the books.

It was my most exhausting commute yet, but the journey boasts
the most stunning greenery I’ve seen.

During my adventure up north, I met another wonder of the world – Banawe Rice Terraces, went spelunking 300ft under in Sumaguing cave(which I think was more beautiful than the Underground River), rode atop a jeepney, drank civet coffee,
had 3 servings of ice cream within 2 hours in chilly Benguet(how can an
ice cream slave say no to strawberry-flavored dirty ice cream?),
and skipped the tour to explore Sagada town by feet, which was a great decision. 

I’m so happy to cross out Sagada & Banawe off my bucket list!

To travel is indeed worth any cost or sacrifice. I love the Philippines.

Broke to the core..

for all the right reasons! :D

Sagada, Banaue, Baguio, Boracay, Coron, Siquijor and Dumaguete, see you in the coming weeks/months.

:) :) :) :) :)

Visit the Underground River, one of the new Wonders of the World - - CHECK!

Palwan is truly an amazing place to be in - countless activities(went snorkeling, spelunking, zipline-ing, island hopping, etc.), warm and grounded people, delicious gastronomic delights and themed restaurants, pro-environmental conservation locality and a really admirable tourism system. I was sentimental when I heard mass at the cathedral because I feel so blessed for the opportunity to travel to Puerto Princesa. I'll always be that girl from Bulacan but I'd love to be a Palawan native. Beautiful, beautiful place. 

What's up?

It's a shame I haven't been updating this blog lately. For three long months.. who does that?!? Apologies for the laziness but I tell you, life's been good. From October-December 2012, I enjoyed getaways to Hundred Islands, Pangasinan, Baguio, Tarlac, Clark and before Christmas, to Manaoag to give thanks. Spent a food-filled(and zero exercise) holidays with my family and friends.I had a brief downfall in mid-November, which at the time felt like the end of me, but I've managed to turn around. 2012 ended with a bang of gratefulness for an amazing year. Thanks to this online diary which instigated it all. I failed to spelunk in Sagada, enroll in driving lessons and go on a HESL retreat as planned, but who cares when I got a freakin' great time? No fret, I've jump-started 2013 with a memorable weekend in magnificent Palawan(blog post soon). Also, a new year means a new chance to enjoy life. I learned a lot from this project - one is to plan & budget ahead, so I'm taking my savings plan seriously now. A couple of days ago, I re-opened my bank account to begin my road to financial stability again(Yay!). Last year, I went on spontaneous road trips and shopped until I dropped so it was impossible to save. This year, I need to grow up and focus on the priorities. Destinations this year are Sagada and Coron, activities are driving lessons, HESL retreat, Jason Mraz concert (if he comes back to Manila) and to work on my career. Fight!

This January, highlights were the New Year weekend in our Laguna home, Palawan trip, my haircut(bangs baby!) and achieving my goal - budgeting for a month & open bank account with actual savings. 

Today's the start of a new month, love month they say, and I'm looking forward for a fit and fab February!

Goal - Back to regular exercise and eating healthy. I'm considering to go vegetarian for a week and pescatarian for a month, in time for the Holy Week. Well, wish me luck err, motivation.

Okay, I have to go. Gotta begin my life today. xx

Reader's Corner: The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood

Julie Garwood's Castles is one of my favorite books of all time so I easily purchased this book on sale. It was a 1900s romatic novel, ala Barbara Cartland style, which I always enjoy.
I love Garwood's female leads because they are smart, beautiful, strong-willed, responsible - not entirely dependent on men to rescue them every time. Ideal ladies for me.
This romantic book had the right amount of sweetness and sensible story - always a good combination.

Reader's Corner: Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

My first Cecelia Ahern novel, and what a surprise!

A charming and heartwarming tale of true friendship, love and fate. The lovely characters and their connection from childhood to old age brought me tears, almost every chapter.

After reading this, I gained more appreciation of my relationships and valued my time with

my loved ones. No, nobody died. The characters are flawed but their story, albeit a lot of down and waiting moments, is perfect. It took a long journey for them to realize they are made for each other but I guess, that made this more relevant because in life, you don't always get what you want but in time, and 

This book came at the right time: I was roaming around the mall, waiting for a supplier I'm about to meet. With an hour to spare, I dropped by Book Sale and the title caught my attention.

Sidetrip: Subic Roadtrip

My cousins and I went to a fun Subic roadtrip last September.
Left Bulacan around 3 in the morning to witness the sunrise, unfortunately, it was raining when we reached Zambales. Had breakfast(I cooked!) facing the bay and tried out the Canopy Ride at Subic Treetop Adventure. I learned that I can't do the free fall jump because of my scoliosis, and worse, as per the staff, I may not be allowed to skydive and bungee jump in the future(but I'm seeking second opinion!).
We continued the journey to Olongapo where we stayed at the beach, had a sumptuous feast of grilled pork, chicken, squid and some shrimps for lunch. Lazed on the shore in the breezy afternoon, before we had to go.
Traveled back to Bulacan, but had a quick stop at NLEX to enjoy some Razon's Halo-halo.
Celebrating a great day for us, albeit unfortunate scenarios encountered.
Until the next getaway, gang!

Sidetrip: American Idol 2012

Two Friday nights ago, I was asked to accompany my "favorite" cousin Patricia to see the American Idol 2012 Concert, the stars and show of which she is a fan of. I'm familiar of the show, especially the Filipina Jessica Sanchez and watched a few episodes but I hardly know them to deserve such pricey opportunity. I said yes anyhow because I'm to thrilled to spend an unforgettable night with one of my best friends, am actually more excited to be with her than to see the singers. I had no expectations and advised her beforehand that I might be a boring chaperon. And then the concert night came...
It was a crazy, fun night. The performers were talented and entertaining, I can't help but cheer for them and danced the night away. Wow, Colton Dixon is a revelation.. I'm a late bloomer on these things, right?
I really had a great time seeing them and more so, seeing how happy Patricia was. I'm grateful for another 'new' adventure. This existence is full of surprises most of the time. Thanks Tita and Tricia! Life is good.

Anyone can COOK!

My family and friends can attest to this - I don't cook. I never cook. The words Ayen and cooking cannot be together in a single sentence.
I have always been uninterested in cooking. I love good food and enjoy eating but to prepare the delectable masterpieces myself, "No, thank you!". I grew up in a family of great cooks - my mom and grandmothers - so it was surprising that I lack the skill and curiosity for it. I think cooking is very time and energy consuming when you can purchase delicious food for the same price of buying the ingredients. The closest thing I get to being in the kitchen is washing the dishes or when, ages ago, I was mom's little helper. I'm always annoyed when people question how I don't cook and how it would be when I get married, how will you feed your family, things like that. Well, my perspective has always been "I will not go to college, work hard to build my career and earn well just to end up cooking for someone else. If I want to cook, I will. For myself. Surely, my future spouse won't marry me based on a cooking show criteria, the same way I won't judge my future spouse if he doesn't sing as well as Jason Mraz. And I'll work so hard to afford a cook and to buy my favorite food, ok?". Hehehe. So yeah.

While making my bucket list for 2012, I included "Cook Something" just to try something new for myself. It was actually one of last things I worked on since, being me, it's unexciting. For encouragement, I listed down my favorite food, mostly from restaurants, so I will be motivated to try this new adventure. I asked for recipes and did my research, and for the months of August & September, I'm happy to announce that I, Ayen Santos, non-cook extraordinaire, finally gave cooking a try. For August, I prepared some of my lunch that I bring to the office. Stir fry cauliflower & broccoli and Ginisang Ampalaya. One weekend in Bulacan, I prepared breakfast for my folks - Tinapa Rice and Longganisang Bawang - which lolo and lola enjoyed. I made the same set for a Subic getaway with my cousins last weekend, they loved it too. In addition, I went to the supermarket, buy ingredients and cooked Korean Beef Bulgogi with side veggies weeks ago, I brought some for my officemates and friends and they were so surprised I did cook. Well, me too!

I am yet to fall in love with 'cooking' but I'm glad I surpassed another challenge.
I'm so proud of how much I've changed for the better because of this 2012 Project.
I did it for myself! Life is good!

Sidetrip: Global Mala Project 2012

Yesterday, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences of  2012.

I attended the Global Mala Project 2012. It is one of the largest gathering of the yoga community, and my stepmom, Tita Jing, made that awesome idea of inviting me to go with her.

I've enrolled myself into a Saturday yoga class in our neighborhood early August. After one class, albeit the thoughts of giving up during the activity because it's really hard for the unfit and inflexible me, the feeling afterwards was unbelievably good. No muscle pains, unlike when I'm from the gym, and I feel my spirit is renewed.

I said yes to the invitation because I want to experience something new, and it was a great decision.

I was surprised to see a lot of people, women and men, young and old,  who were passionate about the course. There were a lot of classes the entire day. TJ and I took the Yin Yoga(I'd love to enroll in a class), Yoga & Chocolates(Difficult but TJ said I did great for a newbie.. and there were free almond chocolates as rewards.) and at night, the Trance Dance, which was the highlight. I grooved my way and partied with strangers in a circle. It was liberating and relaxing. The teacher went around asking "What are you dancing for?". As for me, it's LIFE. I feel free and infinite. During the end part where they played a lovely version of "In the Sun", I got teary out of joy and gratefulness. I am so glad I did this.

I spent a an hour of gym work out in the morning, 3 hours worth of yoga activities in the afternoon, and I can't feel any ache at all. I'm like a goddess. Oh yoga, what you did to me. :)

Reader's Corner: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

This book had a simple and profound message - that each one of us is connected to one another, 

and whatever we do will have an effect to the next person.Yet another Mitch Albom classic.

And my favorite quote *paragraph* from the bestseller:

"Lost love is still love, Eddie. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those weakens, another heightens.

Memory. Memory becomes your partner.

You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it."

"Life has to end. Love doesn't."

Life is indeed wonderful.

Readers Corner: Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Over the weekend, I spent my free time reading this bestseller. Given it's a Mitch Albom, it's inspiring and heartwarming.The story revolves around two preachers, their journeys which cultivated their faith and a request for a eulogy. This book gave me a new perspective on how to lead my life, in faith and in continuous hope. I wrote down a lot of notes and quotes, one of which is -'you may find there is something beautiful to learn, and it doesn't bite you and it doesn't weaken you, it only proves a divine spark lies inside each of us. And that spark may one day save the world". Enlightening, yes?

I'm in awe at how much I have learned and changed(for the better) these past months. Life is an everyday classroom where I meet people who serves as teachers, students or most of the time, both. I am eternally grateful for this existence.
More books coming up!

Reader's Corner: Fifty Shades Series - Grey, Darker & Freed by E.L. James

When I said that Twilight is real deal sweet, romantic, the works, it means I haven't read Fifty Shades yet.

Fifty Shades, in case you haven't heard yet, is an erotic fiction novel which has been making noises all over the world due to its popularity(especially among women) and the controversies that it produced.
Love stories are my weakness so I just had to gave in to the fad and try one book. The rest is history.

It's the usual boy-meets-girl, boy-sweep-her-off-her-feet, plus relationship-ups-and-downs story but it was so captivating, I find it hard to put the bestseller down. I guess it worked for a lot of lady readers because girls being girls, wishes to be treated, cared for and loved the way the main guy, Christian Grey, treats, cares for and loves Anastasia Steele. Oh well, it worked for me that way. Theirs is a relationship so ideal in the cheesy, lovey dovey sense, it makes me giddy and root for their tandem. Though personally, I would not want to be in such relationship in reality because I find it too complicated and suffocating. (I'm so having haters for saying this. Ha ha ha.) There were sexual scenes, which caused a stir globally, but it did not bother me because I've been through more opening book experiences before.
To sum it up, reading the trilogy was a sweet escape.

The main characters in the story shared a lot of firsts in their relationship. As for me and my 'short fling' with Fifty, it was my first set of e-books and the very first time I finished a trilogy in a weekend's span.
That being said, can I just thank my friends Sheshe & Potxee for supplying me with my copies? I enjoyed them to bits. Now, I have to get back to my actuality of zero Christian Grey and continue striving for my happiness in the here and now.

Laters, baby!

Sidetrip: Pamarta Bali Resort, Bataan

On a rainy August Sunday, my office mates and I travelled up north to Bataan for a quick getaway.
We went for a day of relaxation, over food, videoke and swimming, at Pamarta Bali Resort in Morong. The three hour travel time was worth the beauty of the lush surroundings on the way and back, the fun conversations shared, the nice ambiance of the resort, and the great company of my buddies. I liked the Bali-inspired resort theme, the infinity pool that faces the beach, the nipa hut cottages and the nature feel of the environment. It isn't overcrowded. Plus factor was passing by Subic, where I haven't been to in a long time. It would have been better minus the downpour but it was a good way to rejuvenate, away from work.
I love weekend trips and though it's costly, to travel is worth any cost and sacrifice.

Reader's Corner: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

After a stressful Monday at work, I went home only to see this big blue book in my cabinet, with a note from my stepmom. My stepmom loves giving me books and articles once in a while and when I read the shouting title, 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff', I was in tears because I had a bad day. When I started to browse the book, which opened to the page where the bookmark is placed, the title of the chapter was "Life is a test. It is only a test". I was crying and immediately called my parents to share how the thoughtful gesture turned around a horrible point in my life and thanked them for being there and for knowing what I needed.
As stated in my previous posts, May and June had been tough months for me. I was really down and I succumb to my parents for advices. This book is a tangible proof of how much they care for me.

'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff' Omnibus is a collection of articles, one lesson for each, with the same approach as that of Regina Brett's God Never Blinks(which I liked too). There are hundreds of insights and thoughts which will help you address every day 'challenges', how to manage them and be the one in control, and see the world in a lighter perspective. Being the over-thinker that I am, this book is a great help to relax myself and made me realize that the problems I thought were problems, challenges I thought were there to bring me down, were just little stuff that I don't need to stress about because I'm bigger than all of them. I'm the one in control, after all. That it's just all in the mind.

I haven't finished the entire book because I only read 5-10 articles each day so I can absorb and reflect more upon each lesson. I read them in the mornings, during breakfast time, as a positive welcome to a new day. I recommend this to everyone because it provides you a newer perspective to your existence(and the package that comes along with it), gives doable advices on how to treat each occurrence and the approach is simple, straight to the point and understandable. You'll learn a lot, no sweat.

Just do it!

Today, while discussing my health concerns with a friend, I was given an eye opener to this insight - "No don't try to eat healthy, don't try to exercise. Just eat healthy and just exercise.. It's only try or do. If you fail it means you didn't do it. But if you do it, you can only improve." And from there, I was inspired to take this "healthier" project more seriously. For myself.

As this month comes to a close, I am proud to announce that I have abstained myself from chips & junk this July. No Cheetos, No Marty's, No Lay's, nothing. And regularly exercised!

This August, I have a better plan - No Fast Food. Goodbye Mcdo French fries, Jolly Spaghetti & KFC mushroom soup. The thought makes me weak but I'm owning it.

I WILL EAT HEALTHIER!

I WILL EXERCISE MORE!

the lookbook project

Each time I re-organize my closet, I usually see clothes I rarely wear and never get to wear at all, piled at the bottom of my drawer. Quite in contrast with my frequent "I-don't-have-enough-clothes" complaints. Last May, along with my pursuit of looking and feeling better, I started this daily posts of my outfits in Twitter and Instagram, a la Lookbook. I did this project 1) To make an inventory of clothes I wear, I rarely wear but will wear more and clothes I will never wear 2) To let go of stuff I will never use anymore and 3) To have an excuse to dress-up. LOL. For the past couples of months, it had been a regular chore for me before I go out, and I've enjoyed the journey. I get to wear things I forgot I had, mix and match stuff and produced better looking attires, went out of my comfort zone and tried on new clothes, gave away stuff for others' use and as a bonus, received compliments. I used to hate the color red with a passion but since this project of mine, I've been more open and accessorize with red every now and then.

My dress up mantra these days, from a Mraz song, is  "You should look as good as your outlook."

The fun process of trying to look good, gives some positive vibes(and colors) especially during gloomy days.

This project is my way of conquering every lazy morning through 

getting up, dressing up and showing up for life!

Sidetrip: Biak-na-Bato National Park

What's supposed to be an afternoon of Sunday driving with my Punkada ended up in a hike in the mountainous areas of San Miguel, Bulacan. Talk about spontaneity. Our friend, Otep invited us to go for a "stroll" yesterday. We thought we'll just drive around town or go malling but in a spur-of-the-moment decision, we found ourselves in Biak-na-Bato, complete in our 'SM'(local mall) get-up. I was wearing hanging blouse and sandals, while Kaye was in her wedges but it was a go.
We trekked for more than an hour, accompanied by a local guide and 2 kids who were so nice to be our 'photographers' and reached the Bahay ng Paniki Cave. I'd like to believe we spelunked but it was more of a photo session for us. It was a fun experience with my friends. In addition, I get to exercise! We had an early dinner of  barbecues, isaw, etc. before going home. Lesson learned? Double check with Otep his destination plans beforehand so we'll be more prepared. He he he.