Ilocos Escapades: Malacañang Ti Amianan

I've been meaning to finish this Ilocos travel series sooner, but the past days got me feeling like, meh. Some days, I try to do as much as I can. But most days, I just don't feel like moving. The fact that I got to log in on my blog today means it's one of those "some days" and not one of the "most days".

Now on to today's post. Few minutes from the St. Agustine Church is the Malacañang of the North or locally known as Malacañang Ti Amianan (Amianan is the Ilocano word for North). This property is originally owned by the Marcoses, then was sequestered by the government when Pres. Marcos was ousted, but was subsequently turned over to and is now under the jurisdiction of the local government of Ilocos Norte. It was restored and renovated and is now a common stop for tourists visiting the province. An entrance fee is collected for the maintenance of the place, but don't worry because it will only cost you Php30.

Ilocos Escapades: St. Agustine Church

After Vigan City, the next stop on our Ilocos trip was Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Truth be told, I'm kinda looking forward to this part of the trip because of this particular church, I have seen pictures of this church from friends who have visited the place and when I am doing some research while planning our trip. Being a sucker for old churches, (ICYMI, I think I mentioned about my fascination for such structures a few times or so in this blog and on my other social media accounts) I made sure we get to stop by this lovely church.

Life in Squares: Vol. 1

This post's title is a giveaway, isn't it? By reading the title alone you know what this is all about, but  I'm telling you just the same. With the start of a new month, I decided to start something new on this blog as well. While many of you may have seen similar posts from other blogs, I give you my own version of it. Everyone, welcome to Life in Squares, a sneak peek of what's happening in this mundane life of mine through, well, everyone's favorite social media app, that is Instagram. If you haven't yet, you can follow me along here and let's be friends.

one. last month's trip to Ilocos was less tiring despite the 12- hour drive because of these people. Truly, there is never a dull moment when you're with family. || two. This is the St. Paul's Cathedral in Vigan City, one of the places we visited during our trip. We went there during the holidays and it was so festive. || three. The St. Agustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. This one re- affirmed my love for old structures and anything vintage. || four. Caught the sunset in one of the beaches in Pagudpud. A view like this never gets old for  me. This is everything I love, in one picture. || five. Holidays were meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Though I was not able to attend our annual get together, I made sure I squeeze in some time with these awesome ladies, whom I happen to be friends with for 15 years. They're like my sisters from different mothers. Haha. || six. Last year proved to be one tough cookie for me. I couldn't be more grateful enough for having someone to keep me together throughout everything that had happened. || seven. After the New Year, I spent almost a week with B and his family in their hometown. I think life in the province suits me well, no traffic, no hustle and bustle, fresh air, open field. I am happy to have found another home away from home. || eight. Catching up with my lifetime girlfriends over coffee and cupcakes before one of our friend heads back to the States again. It always feels like high school all over again every time I'm with them. || nine. I took this shot over the weekend at Sofitel, where my friend decided to celebrate her birthday. The sunset was stunning as ever. Well, as you can see, I have this thing for sunsets and views like this.

Ilocos Escapades: VIGAN CITY

Time spent away from any screen of sorts is time spent wisely. Trust me. Because that's the time when you become more alive. So during the holidays, I decided to give my loved one the best gift I can think of, that is being present. I believe that time can be one of the most precious gift one can give because it is something you can never get back.

Okay, now, I'm not quite sure if that intro has anything to do with today's post. Well, I'm hoping it would somehow make sense. Today, I will be writing about our trip to Ilocos last month. I don't want to dump everything in one post so I decided to make this a travel series (or sort of like that).

Things to Do in Your Spare Time

With the Bar Exams over, we now have a lot of time to spare. It's like freedom for us. And since I practically have all the time in the world to do everything and anything, that is until I find a job (which is hopefully soon), I made a list of things that will keep my jobless self busy for a while.

Catch up on your TV series

During our review, we missed a lot (almost the whole season) of our favorite shows. So after the bar, the first thing B did was to download all the episodes we've missed. And then we had a series marathon until our eyes bled. Haha

Update your resume and Find a Job

Why? Because we've all got bills to pay, right? While taking a little break or vacation while we await the results of our exam sounds so tempting, it's about time to up our adult game. Hello reality! Yesterday, I took an exam for a possible employment and I'm hoping to hear from them before Christmas.

Update your blog

Due to being overly busy brought about by law school and the review, I admit I have neglected this blog a few times or so. But despite such shortcomings, I still refuse to give up this blog for some reasons. This blog was my escape from the crazies of law school and now that I have time in my hands, I'll try to be more active as  I can. Currently, I am going back to each and every post, salvaging those broken photos, and sending back to drafts those posts that I think shouldn't have been published in the first place.

Learn a new recipe

I'm thinking maybe a no- bake cheesecake? Christmas is just a few days away. And here in the Philippines, Christmas is a time for families to get together and catch up with life over food and drinks. This year would be a little special for our family because my grandmother and aunts would be coming home for the holidays. It will be nice to prepare something for them.

Find a new hobby
Like an adult coloring book, maybe? I know I'm a bit late on this, but I only got my freedom back remember? Thank you to my generous sister for getting me colored pencils. I just realized it's not that easy as those you do in art class back in grade school, I can't even finish a page in one day! But it's still a good way to pass the time.

Go some place new
I have always loved going places, more so the places I haven't been to before. I don't even mind long drives, in fact, I enjoy long drives. I like appreciating the sceneries on the road. There's always a thrill in being in a new place and learning about its history. This year, I volunteered to plan the holiday trip for the family. I almost gave up at first, but I'm happy to say that our trip is pushing thru.

Read a new book
Haven't we had enough reading during our review, you may ask. Yes, but that's all law stuff. So now that I'm done with law stuff, I figured I'd go back to one of my first love, that is reading fiction novels and short stories. I have a downloaded a copy of Grey from a few months back, but which I haven't really had the chance to finish. Currently, it is still sitting in my reader waiting to be read.

Fix your playlist
I've been meaning to do this, really. But I realized that I have little or no patience when it comes to organizing playlists. I give up after 5 minutes! So I just let B do the fixing. Haha. And when he's into it, he's into it. No one can disturb him.

Daydream

Because, why not? Heck, you can dream all you want, it's free for all. These days, most of the things I daydream about is the future. The future can be scary and exciting at the same time.

There, this is what keeps me (us) busy these days. If you have any suggestions on things you do during your spare time, by all means put it in the comments. I would be very happy to add them on my to- do list.

Be Brave Love Deeply Shine Brighter

Well hello all, I'm happy to be back. This will be my first entry after we hurdled one of the toughest licensure exams in the country.

As soon as September hit the calendars I started scouting a planner for myself for 2016. Why? Because it's never too early to prepare for the new year ahead of us! It was a tough choice between one datebook and the Belle de Jour Power Planner. For one, both planners are really cute. Both also reflect my style and each has a unique feature of its own. Having considered all circumstances, I decided to go with the latter, because it's more affordable. Who knows, maybe I'll go for the other one in 2017, when I already have a stable job, and income for that matter. But for now, I went with the smarter choice.

I chose the power planner in leather. The cover is so sleek, by the way. Plus, I love the motto on the cover too. It's pretty on point, agree? It retails for Php 680, but since I ordered it days after it was released, I got it on sale for Php 600. I was surprised by how fast my parcel arrived because it was already on our doorsteps in less than 24 hours.

My favorite features of the planner were the pages for your 2016 goals and the whole spread of the Dream board. With it, I can easily visualize my goals for next year and what I want to achieve in life. It also gives me something concrete to look back to during the times I will feel lost. As of now, I have already started jotting down on these pages and hopefully will be able to fill them up before 2015 ends.

Of course it came with the BDJ 2016 Lifestyle Card which entitles the holder to discounts from partner establishments. That, is besides a number of coupons included in the booklet too. With it, the possibilities are endless!

I know I made the smarter choice because I was even able to get one for my sister too, as a gift this Christmas. Am I a good sister or what? I know. *pats myself on the back*

If you want one for yourself too or maybe as a gift to your friends this Christmas you can visit their website, and choose from their planners the one which best suits you. I think they still sell at a discounted price. Now this is a way to jump start the new year!

Tomato and Basil Pasta

We woke up rather late today after having quite a handful day yesterday. In the morning, we went to Manila for some important stuff and by the time we got home in the afternoon, I was exhausted from the heat (how is it still so humid when it's almost October?) and the traffic. But I only had an hour or so to get some rest and refresh because we were supposed to meet up with some friends during the night. Two different sets of friends, to be exact. Just think of it as our last hurrah before the bar exams. :)

I woke up feeling famished, so I tried to find something in the fridge that I can put up quick. These days with our schedule crammed up, I'll take anything easy. That's why I'm thankful for recipes like this that I'd be glad to share with you guys.

What you'll need:
Pasta of your choice
Clara Ole Three- Cheese sauce
Tomatoes (chopped)
Fresh Basil
Onions
Garlic
Black Pepper
Chili Flakes (optional)
Salt
Olive Oil
Cheese

Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to instructions. Set aside.
2. Sautee onion in olive oil until translucent. Toss in garlic.
3. Add in tomatoes and sautee for 3-5 mins, depending on how you want them.
4. Put in the fresh basil and sautee for about a minute.
5. Next, add in the sauce and simmer for about 5 mins. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. (If you like your food spicy, like us, you can add chili flakes too.)
6. Finally, mix pasta with your sauce and there your pasta is ready!
Tip: On normal days, when I'm not in a hurry, I would usually add spicy canned tuna in my pasta. You can use the oil from the tuna instead of using olive oil. That way, you can do away with chili flakes as well and save on some ingredients.

There you have it, a quick and easy fix for a hungry tummy. I'd like to think this is a great way to start a long weekend, don't you?:)

What is your usual go to meal? I'd love to know. Happy long weekend!

Home Will Always Be Home

Last week, I was not my usual self. I was grumpy, irritated, I didn't know what I want. I was hormonal to say the least. Thinking I was probably stressed from our review, B suggested I take a break. Sometimes I think he knows me better than I know myself. And since a vacation somewhere isn't really an option right now (Read: It is just less than 2 months before our bar exams), a break meant meeting up with a close friend for some laughs and going home to my parents over the weekend to spend time with family. I didn't realize I missed home that much until I was in my old bedroom, lying on my bed. It was a MUCH needed weekend break.

Blogging Mistakes 101

Into the Nude

Disclaimer: All thoughts herein stated are entirely my own.

Friday's Fight Song

I know Fridays doesn't have to be hyped up because it's that one day of the week everybody is looking forward to. But just in case you need a little push this Friday (like I do), here is one song I'm sure would do the job.

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Fight Song by Rachel Platten hits right in the feels. Right? You're welcome! 

Happy weekend lovelies!

Birthday Blues

Two days ago, I celebrated my birthday. And you know what they say, "Growing old is optional, but growing up is mandatory." As I turned a year older (and wiser), I'd like to share with you my thoughts on that day.

Sun and Sky

Give me any day with clear blue skies with the sun shining bright and I guarantee you that you will find a number of snapshots of those in my gallery. I'm the type that you couldn't keep indoors for too long. Even on review days when I know I should be staying put behind the desk I see to it that I get my daily dose of sunshine. Either I open all the windows in the room for the sunlight to get in or sometimes when I get bored, I drag B to take walks later in the day. I couldn't be any happier that living in a tropical country, I get my fair share of sunshine most times of the year.

Here are some of my favorite sky/sun/sunset photos from my gallery.

Halfway There

Can someone pinch me right now and tell me it's not the last weekend of June? But wait, it is. Looking back at those past months got me thinking like, "that was fast". We're halfway through 2015, you guys! So where has this year taken you so far?

It was, and still is, challenging for me. From losing a family member, to being unemployed, and failing, this year is proving to be something. If there's one thing I have learned from it all, it would be how to bounce back, FAST. Because the world will not wait for you to be okay, time will not slow down just for you. Harsh, yes, but that's reality for you. In life, we do not get everything we want every time we want it. Life, as they say, is full of surprises. And it will hit you hard when you least expect it. But that doesn't mean that you're not as lucky as others out there, just means you're stronger to face whatever it is life throws at you. Yes, I'd like to think of it that way.

I'm still happy where I am now. I may not have been where I imagined my life would be this time of the year, but maybe life just took me on a detour. Besides, 2015 is not over just yet. It still has 6 more months to offer. And here's to hoping for brighter days ahead!

Proud Girlfriend Moment

This one's kinda late, like, a month or two late. LOL sorry. But I really wanted to share how proud I am of this guy right here.

Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine x Taal Basilica

These days, I try to keep myself busy to take my mind off the upcoming release of the bar results. But sometimes though, its not that easy because no matter how busy I get, it always come to a point in the day that it still crosses my mind.

One weekend, we went for a quick drive to the town of Taal in Batangas. I cannot believe that I haven't been here before considering that my mom is from Batangas and Taal is just an hour away from her hometown. I love the old Spanish- style feels of this town. It's nice that they were able to maintain and renovate the old buildings and structures as this town had been so much part of our country's history.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

To Beginnings and Endings

Months from my last post and life just gets busier. Just when I thought that I would be able to get hold of my time, life seems to have better plans for me. And yes, there's no complaining because I know all the hard work will soon payoff. All the missed movies, summer trips (yes, even that I had to sort of let go), weekends and time spent with the people I love to be around with. All these are just "little sacrifices" for what the future holds, all these for the Bar Exams and that precious four- letter ATTY. before my name.

Graduation Day. (April2014)

Yes, blog friends, I've finally graduated from law school. And this will be my last post with "law school" tagged in it. ;) But I know it doesn't end there. Law school may have ended on graduation day, but the real battle has just began. I have a lot to be thankful for because I know I couldn't have done this on my own. There's my family who has been very supportive from the very start, my bestfriend for being my foodtrip, study, and fashion buddy throughout law school and who was very excited and was the one who called me and told me about the good news, I am very grateful to each and everyone of you.

And of course, to my always and ever supportive boyfriend for always believing in me, pushing me to do my best in everything and for your unending patience and love. You know it means a lot to me knowing that you'll always have my back no matter what. Thank you for continuously being my inspiration and please know that I love you, no matter how moody I get sometimes. This is for both of us. ;)

Happy weekend ladies! 

Loved and Thankful

Okay, I am warning you this early that this post may be a bit too cheeseballs for you guys but I just want to share how I have been feeling lately.

Over these past few months I felt very blessed and contented with my life. I'm at that point in my life where I feel that everything is falling right into place and that the only thing I pray about every night is our graduation this March. Every morning when I wake up and see this guy beside me, I can only thank God for giving me such an amazing guy.

Reconnecting

Well hello blogging world, feels like ages since I've been here. So I guess the title is very apt. :)

B and I have been kinda curled up in our own ball. Every night after school, all we wanted to do is rush home and hit the sack. (I think that part is just me. LOL). School is just so draining. So one day when my friend invited me for dinner around the area I said why not, it's been years since I last saw them anyway.