Before the Official Break!

While everybody is busy trying to fight their insomnia and get to sleep because of Misa De Gallo, I, on the other hand, is busy getting tired for the day hoping to have a good night sleep. It's been days since I had a good night sleep. You know the ones where you wake up and you don't feel tired at all? Just satisfied and happy? I haven't felt like that for a very long time, around two weeks. 

I used to be an early sleeper. When I was in high school, I couldn't stand sleeping late! I usually sleep around 8:00-8:30. I miss those days. It's 1:35 in my computer clock and I'm tired but I still have the energy to write.

Today was fun! I had fun with my college soul mates Hanna, Sheena and Fiona. We had lunch together and had really fun talking to each other. When it's just the four of us, everything seems to be right. We always laugh even if we have different personalities. Fiona and I probably have the most similar attitudes, we're so similar, there's not a day that we don't argue (in a sweet friendly way). In the end, we both shut up. Sheena and Hanna have the most compatible attitude. When one is weak in one point, the other is strong (Voldemort and Harry ang drama!) After the simple and late (Fifi was the first one to arrive) lunch, we all went to SM. We separated ways with Fifi and the three of us sticked together with the plan of going to WOF (as in dog!) kidding, World of Fun, and buying me a ticket for my trip home tomorrow (today?). The ticket line was hell! But, lets not dwell on my suffering. 

We had fun at WOF with a kiddy game called "The Butterfly Garden," and had a goal to have as many ticket as possible. Although it was a really kiddy game and it was only in a very short time, we exchanged our WOF tickets with rings! :) Yey!!

But unfortunately I had to cut our fun because I really needed to go home (bhaus) because I had a gift to give to a friend who's living in a few hours. I immediately went to the person as soon as I arrived and gave her the gift. I knew she loves Cecelia Ahern so I gave her one of her books. I hope she's happy, she looked happy though when she opened it. The message in one of the pages was really well thought with rhymes on it (right Fi, Shin and Han? hehehe ^_^).

I was supposed to pack immediately but I got stuck with talking to the three boys at the bhaus. Those three boys are really fun to be together, we didn't even notice the time. It was almost 12 when we separated ways. We had fun at doing games, cards and logical and stupid games. I didn't even notice how tired I was.

When I arrived at my room I packed immediately. Now my luggage is full and really heavy! It's because of the extra baggages (THE GIFTS!). One of the three musketeers went up the room, Edward, to copy a film. We had a little chat about some things. This time I was the one who was really talkative (LOL!). See, when Edward and I are alone, he's usually the one who talks which is so unusual, because I'm usually the one who talks. He is such a talkative person when there are only a few people. Last night, we talked for about an hour  and he talked most of the time. Hay naku! 

I think I've done much writing and chit chat. I think I can finally sleep. I'll wake up early tomorrow because my float is at 11AM. I'm excited to go home! :)

The Answered Prayer

Today has been one of my best fulfilled day since second semester has started. This morning I woke up feeling like I should be happy. As one of my principles, happiness is a decision. So I decided to be happy, and I was! I was still at bed when I decided to play some music and then a song pop in my head. I hurriedly searched for the song and played it. It was then I realize that it might have been the Lord's doing for making me think of that song. 

See, I've been feeling low for the past few days. I've been going to church for three consecutive days, searching for solitude and promise of my sanity. I was confused, upset, hurt and many other negative feelings. I've been crying for two nights and still, I haven't found the peace that I wanted even when I'm calling unto the Lord's name. The Lord is amazing.

The song that popped into my head? None other than Eraserheads' With a Smile. And as of that moment, the most compelling lyrics from the song are the words, "Don't be scared of the things that could go wrong along the way," and "Girl I'll stay through the bad times, even if I have to fetch you everyday." Call me insane or what, but it was as if the Lord was singing to me. He was telling me that everything will be okay and that he's always on my side, no matter what. 

The song told me what to do and that's to lift my head and smile. I now know what my morning song will be. 

His grace didn't stop there. When I went to church, the gospel was talking to me. I didn't know that today was Joyful Sunday and the gospel talked about real happiness and joy. He was talking to me again, telling me that he is the real joy. I almost cried as I listened to the priest dissecting the gospel, I felt like every word was intended for me. 

Sometimes, we get too busy pursuing happiness, we tend to forget the things that are around us. Sometimes, we need to feel sorrows, because it is only till then that joy is appreciated. As what the priest said, citing Lebanese poet - Kahlil Gibran, "Sorrows carves an empty space in our hearts, but this very empty space will be the one filled with joy."

The Lord meant to tell me that there's always going to be sunshine in the rain and that all the sorrows and pains that I'm going through, will be replaced with much joy and happiness. 

This was the answers to my prayers. For two days I asked him what to do, and he told me. I am very overwhelmed by the feeling of thinking that the Lord answered my prayer and was talking to me directly. He works in mysterious ways and I love it. 

This Sunday was awesome. I got to spend it with a very close friend and with the Lord rejoicing in my heart. :)

Today is December 12, 2010, the day the Lord talked to me in many forms. 

Thank you Lord, I love you so much. 

It's a Saturday!

I began my Saturday in a very different way today. I woke up early to go to Confession. The rain was pouring but it didn't stop me to want to go to confession. It's been so long since I had my last confession. Rey accompanied me to Sto. Rosario. 


I had some issues with my confession but I shouldn't say it. Anyway, I was drawn to the prayer room again and somehow, my heart seems lighter whenever I'm there. I don't want to be a hypocrite, ever! But the prayer room, its as if I can feel the Lord inside me. I'm very happy with it. 


After finishing our Christian duties, we stopped by at Unitop to buy a water pump for my water. The day went by fast. Before I knew it, I was on my way to school. 


We had pizzas in our class. The thickness of my skin (hahaha) was revealed to our teacher when I told her that it was almost Christmas and thus she should let us eat pizzas. :) It worked anyway! It was a delicious class. :)


Before I knew it, I was heading to the dorm and it was dinner time. Time flies by so fast! It's Saturday which means its movie night for me. I invited my Red Gate barkadas in my room, because I was alone, to watch a film. Although we didn't understand the movie much, I was glad to have seen it with them. After watching the said film, we all went down to the Long Table. There we stayed for awhile. One of our ates promised to treat us to ice cream, but we ended up eating pizza anyway. 


It was such a fun night. Its one of those nights that made me smile. I'll surely miss these nights after graduation. :)

The Beginning of the End.

She knew the words even before he spoke them. She looked into his eyes deeply as the two of them lay side by side at the king size bed. He touched her face and brushed her hair away from her face. She had to close her eyes as she felt his fingers lingering in the places that it touched. She breathed deeply and she had to bit her lips so the tears wouldn’t fall.

She thought of how they ended up together in the same room. She thought of how faith was too cruel for her, for them. Along with her closest friends, they created a system on who should be roommates for the night. They cut 5 pairs of stick, each pair with a different length. Whoever gets the same length will be roommates for the night. She had to cursed faith when he held his stick and she knew that they had the same length.

Dawn had come and the sky hid the stars behind. They were both alone and they just talked, fronting each other. Finally, the overwhelming unspoken feelings will be their subject. She knew she was heavily attracted to him and she knew that he was attracted to her too. They both enjoy each other’s company and some would even mistake them as a couple. She would just laugh at them, but inside, she dies each time he holds her close. She knew that right now wasn’t the right time for the two of them and she doesn’t even know if there is a right time for the two of them.

“What makes you happy right now?” He asked her softly, his voice so gentle. She had to smile before she answered,

“Chocolates,” she answered. She studied his face and thought she could continue doing it for a very long time. She admired his long nose, his thin red lips, and his ocean green eyes that always seemed to be smiling and then there was his hair that he never managed to tame. He was beautiful, of that she was sure.

“Chocolates are your guilty pleasure,”

“Yes, they are,”

“Can I be your chocolate then?”

She looked into his eyes and smiled bitterly.

“You’d be my dark chocolate, my favorite,”

“Why dark chocolate?”

“Because I love the bitterness it brings,”

He held her right hand and kissed it softly. She closed her eyes, her heart beating so hard. It was only a matter of time before they would say what has never been said. He held on her hand, his eyes closed, it awhile before she spoke again,

“What makes you happy right now?”

He opened his eyes and let her hand go. She looked into her eyes and saw the pain in it.

“Butterflies,”

“I love butterflies,”

“I know, you always love going to butterfly sanctuaries,”

“Can I be your butterfly then?”

“Yes,”

She touched his nose and smiled. He smiled back, they were both admiring each other.

“What hurts you right now?” He asked.

“I have loved chocolate all my life. But sometimes, there are those that I cannot eat or I cannot taste. Sometimes, there are those that are too good to even be real,”

“Like dark chocolates?”

“Somehow, yes. The bitterness that dark chocolates bring in my tongue is unique. I don’t want to taste it but I can’t stop wanting for more,”

“What hurts you right now?” he asked again.

She took a deep breath; she closed her eyes and whispered in the night her answer.

“You,”

She felt him stir in the side; his hand was on her right hand again. He held it tightly yet gently. When she opened her eyes, he was still staring at her. She couldn’t help but give him a bitter smile.

“What hurts you right now?” She asked back.

“The fact that I can’t trap a beautiful butterfly. She’s too beautiful to be in a cage,”

“What do you want her to do?”

“To fly away, like she always has. To be beautiful and colorful and most of all, I want her to be happy,”

“If the butterfly goes inside the open cage, would you close its door?”

He stared in her eyes and said the words she had feared,

“There is no open cage, there is something else in the cage,”

“Someone, there is someone else in the cage that the butterfly could not …”

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence. Her tears were filled with tears and silently, it fell on her face. She turned her back on him.

“We should stop this,” she said, “it’s killing me,” she added.

“I’m sorry,” was what all he can say.

His eyes were filled with tears too. He listened to her crying softly as he stopped himself from making any sound. His heart was torn, he love her, of that he’s sure but he was with someone else already and she deserved his loyalty. Does he love his lover? As of now, he was sure he wasn’t in love with his lover anymore because his heart got stolen by the girl he found funny and witty. He is in love, but not with his lover.

As the crack of dawn whispered in his ears, he slowly closed his eyes and wished that she’ll understand. It wasn’t the right time for them. Someday, he wished that they can be together.

This is inspired by the song California King by Rihanna. Click the link and read the lyrics. :)

California King

This is a new song from Rihanna from her latest album, Loud. I love it so much!

California King

Chest to chest
Nose to nose
Palm to palm
We were always just that close
Wrist wrist
Toe to toe
Lips that just felt like the inside of a rose
So how come when I reach out my fingers
It feels more than distance between us

[Chorus]
In this california king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I bet california wishing on these stars of the heart for me
My california king

Eye to eye
Cheek to cheek
Side by side
You were sleeping next to me
Arm to arm
Dusk to dawn
With the curtains drawn
And a little last nite on these sheets
So how come when I reach out my fingers
It feels more than distance between us

[Chorus]
In this california king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I bet california wishing on these stars of the heart for me
My california king

Just when I felt like giving up on us
You turned around and gave me one last touch
That made everything feel better
And even then my eyes got better
So confused wanna ask you if you love me
But I dont wanna seem so weak
Maybe I've been california dreaming

[Chorus]
In this california king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I bet california wishing on these stars of the heart for me
My california king

In this california king bed
We're ten thousand miles apart
I bet california wishing on these stars of the heart for me
My california king

The Serenity of the Prayer Room

I woke up today feeling excited about what we, Donna and I, were supposed to do. We were supposed to go to a confession. It has been a very long time since my last confession. When we arrived at the church, the confession schedule was already over. I felt sad but nevertheless, we went to the prayer room.


When I was in high school, my friends and I would go to the church every Friday. We say our little prayers and light some candles. This went on until we graduated. Sometimes, we would go inside the adoration chapel or the prayer room. I never really appreciated the peacefulness of the place until today.


Today, I needed God more than anything. When I went inside the prayer room, a sudden peace came into my heart. The room had a few people, all of which were saying their own prayers. I sat and closed my eyes, feeling the air and the overwhelming feelings I had inside me. The overwhelming feelings were sadness, doubt and at the same time, peacefulness. 


I couldn't help the tears when I asked God what was happening. It wasn't because I doubted him, but it was because I knew I doubted myself. I couldn't help but cry when I thanked HIM for giving me so many things to be thankful of. I was probably the only person crying in the room, but I didn't care. At that moment, all I can think of was Sorry, Thank You and You're Amazing. Those were the words that constantly came into my mind when I was talking to him. 


I know that my life is a little messed up right now, but I know that he will provide. I know that most of the time I feel so low, but I know he is carrying me. I know sadness envelopes my heart right now, but I know this is for a reason. I may not know the reason now, but I know I will know the reason soon.


The serenity that the prayer room gave me after I poured everything was exhilarating. Thank You so much Lord for being there for me and I'm sorry for ever doubting myself when I know your there every step of the way, and you are so amazing. Thank you so much. 

On Forgiveness

I once asked God to take away my pains, my sorrows and my angers. He touched my heart and as his hands left my heart, it brought with it every negative thing I felt. From then on, I felt calmer and then I started forgiving.


Now, as I stared into the shadows of the past, I asked myself, have I truly been given the gift of forgiveness? The answer is yes, I have. Because the truth is, forgiving is not easy. It doesn’t come when you need it to; instead, it comes when you’re ready. I was ready for forgiveness to enlighten my heart and it came. The truth is, forgiveness hurts. How can you look at a person who have hurt you and doesn’t feel any anger towards that person? That’s the power of forgiving.


Sometimes, when I look at what is around me, even though I’m trying so hard to put everything back the way it is and I still don’t get the treatment I deserve, I hang on to the thought of forgiveness. I have forgiven and I asked for forgiveness, even though I knew most of it wasn’t my fault. Unfortunately, I am being shut down and rejected over and over again. I tried reaching out even though I know I wouldn’t get an equal chance of being reached out.


I am contemplating, what has really become of this? It’s sad, so sad I don’t even want to say it because I’m afraid, I’ll finally admit it. Yes, I am still in denial with it. As of right now, I have reached my limits, but I’ll give it one more try.


I am the type of person who cannot let go easily when it comes to this issue. Yes, I must admit it, I’m emotional when it comes to this. It’s difficult for me, but right now, even if I’m trying, I slowly understand the things that are happening. I am slowly letting go, I am slowly losing hope and I am slowly becoming free from this. I could say that this is an emotional burden for me.


Tonight, I asked the Lord to give me strength. I need strength to try once more. I need strength to face what is coming. I need strength so that when I let go, I can stand up on my own. I need strength for myself, for not letting this even in my life affect me in my perception of friendship. I need strength from him to continue believing that there are people who will stay through the bad times. Most of all, I need HIM, because I know, I can’t go on without HIM; he who never stops protecting me and shielding me from more sorrows.


I am sorry for what this mess has become but I am sorrier for what the person has become. I can still be happy because I have forgiven and at least I know I tried my best, the person? I don’t know. I pray to the Lord to give the person peace in my and heart.


May the shadows of the past remains a shadow and may the light of the future shines even brighter, for me and for the person.

Update on the tales of my world ...

It's been a very long time since I last wrote something here. I remembered that I promise that I would try to write something in this blog everyday. That didn't happen and it might never happen. There are those times when I really want to write something and I click on the "New Post," icon but then, the words in my mind escape me and thus I just close the tab. 

There is nothing much to do today, its Wednesday, no class. I thought that I'd be busy today. I was wrong, I'll be busy tomorrow. So how is my life?

Well, I posted an article that I wrote about my Singapore trip. The Singapore experience is something I will never forget. It was my first time abroad and it was full of happy moments except of the fact that my feet were like slaves. We walked the streets of Singapore, only flagging a taxi when we went really far from the hotel. We also rode their fast MRTs. The hotel that we stayed in was simple but it really had the feel of comfort. It was in one of the uptown mountains of Singapore. It was my cousin who suggested the place and we didn't regret it. We got it for cheap compared to the first hotel, my mom saved around P30,000 when we opted to stay in that hotel. The name of the said hotel was, Hang Out @ Mt. Emily. Yep, the place we were staying at was Mt. Emily. Anyway, other than experiencing the beautiful city of Singapore, we also went to Singapore's Universal Studios, and when I tell you that the experience was awesome, its an understatement. And to think that Universals there was small compared to the original. I wonder how much fun I would have in the LA Universal Studios. I rode my first roller coaster there, it was thrilling but it made my heart turned so fast! 

We also went on a side trip, we went to Batam, Indonesia. It was so fun there because we had our shopping spree there. We felt like millionaires there when my mom exchanged her almost 400S$ to Rupiah and the value was worth 2,750,000 Rupiah. I know, we were millionaires there. The only thing memorable about Batam was a traditional performance and the shopping experience. We weren't able to shop at Singapore because it was expensive there! 

All of this happened during the sem break!

What else have happened in my life?

I'm back to school, its almost Christmas by the way.

I recently discovered a certain feelings for someone. Nope, I'm sure its not a crush. Friends told me to be careful and made me realize something. I'll be careful and I promise I won't let it get to the point of the feeling like I'm having a crush on him, because I really don't. 

Also, the past came crawling back again. I told two new friends about a secret and a beautiful memory I would always have. This past will always be a part of me. I don't mind when it crawls back in the surface, because the memories I had were beautiful. There are those times that I can't help but wonder what could've have been if I never let it go. But, I know I made the right decision so for now, its a beautiful memory, nothing more and nothing less. 

I'm also dating my date friend. Our date night is one of the nights that I look forward to every week. She always make me feel like I say the right words even though I don't think I'm not and I hope she feels the same way. I thank the Lord for giving her to me and for making us realize that we need the date night every week to just simply talk. We just talk and it make us feel great. For us, the Lord is the center of our friendship. 

Red Gate.. You know, the friends that I have in Red Gate is irreplaceable. They're one of the few people I know I want to have even in the future. The bonding moments that we have will always leave a mark on our hearts. Last December 5, we went to Toleda for the beach. We ended up dipping in the pool. It was also a celebration of Donna's birthday. We really didn't mean for it to be like that, we only wanted to go on an outing, a plan that never seemed to realize. It just so happens that everybody was busy on other days. Anyway, we had soooo much fun! We want to do it again! The plan is to go to Camotes, hopefully before graduation.

Speaking of graduation, I have finally realize how near it is when Rey, a red gater, pointed out the months. Graduation, it'll be the day I waited for the entirety of my 19 years in this world. I'll be missing a lot of things. The most obvious one is the friends that I made in my four years in an institution called UP Cebu. My Churbarbies Sisters are the people who really made a difference in my life. Looking back, I didn't even realize that slowly, they  made me this way now. I will always miss the bonding. After graduation, it'll probably take a grand reunion for everyone to be all together again. :( I know, sad. Then there's the red gaters. I've been here for four years, all my college life! There were people who come and go, but they made a footprint in my heart. Now my closest friends in Red Gate are the kids. I will miss them so much. Thanks to them, I've felt like I'm like a child again. :) Oh, I will surely miss everything about it. I hope that the friendship we shared will always be in our hearts and mind and that it will never change even when we're far away from each other. 

I would like to think that I made a difference in the lives that I have touched in my four years here in Cebu. Guess, my tales about college will end soon. But fear not, my tales are not over yet, there's another journey I shall embark. I want to assure that the tales of my world would be even more exciting and thrilling. 

'Till next time!

-Mayang-

Trip to Singapore

The Singapore Experience

They call it the Lion City, some call it the City of Fines, one thing is for sure, Singapore is a city worth experiencing.

It was almost midnight when my family and some members of the Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay arrived at Changi Airport. The Singapore trip was planned by members of the Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay, which my mom is a member. My first cousin from my mother side, Kuya Merlin, was in the airport waiting for us. We separated from the group because we opted to stay at a different hotel recommended by my cousin. We waited at the airport for awhile because my sister took a different flight which was bound from Manila.

Even at the airport I could feel my excitement, the thrill of the chase! When my sister finally arrived, we didn’t waste any time and went to our hotel. It was almost 1 am when we arrived at the hotel. To our luck, the receptionist was a Filipina and we instantly felt at home.

The whole 3 day trip was amazing. Even in that small amount of time, we tried to squeeze everything that Singapore has to offer, sadly, we couldn’t. Still, we experience many things and went to a lot of places, we even went to Batam, Indonesia for the last day.

Allow me to take you to Singapore’s iconic places and the best that it has to offer. These were the places that our tour package took us.

Budget:

The Merlion

Probably the most famous landmark of Singapore, the merlion is a fictitious creature that has a body of a fish and a head of a lion. This landmark can be found in Merlion Park, that doesn’t only offer the original Merlion statue but a wonderful and breathe taking view of the prestigious Marina Sands Bay and Singapore’s Esplanade Theater.

Mt. Faber Hilltop

This hilltop is a favorite of Singaporeans to show off their country’s achievement. The hilltop offers tourists a view of Singapore’s continuous progressing industry. On one side, you can see the ocean and a view of the famous Sentosa Island. You wouldn’t miss the big ships anchored near the bay of Singapore. I didn’t realize that I was actually in plain sight of one of the world’s busiest port. On another side is the view of Centre Singapore, or simply, Singapore and all its tall buildings. A breath of fresh air and a little exercise if what you’ll get from this hilltop. Seeing the magnificent skyline of Singapore from Mt. Faber’s view made me realize how far Singapore has reached after only 45 years of independence. I couldn’t help depressing thoughts in my mind when comparing it to our country.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. It has been standing since the 1820s and was rebuilt in the 1830s. An interesting fact about this temple is that on 1998, while the temple was being restored, a scroll was found in one of its roof beams. Further studies revealed that the scroll was written by none other than Emperor Gaungxu of the Qing Dynasty. See, how old this place is? Furthermore, the architectural beauty and the carvings of this temple are simply amazing!

Orchard Road

Getting there: To get there, you can either take the bus or the MRT, so all you need is S$1-5.

The name Orchard Road is equivalent to shopping! In some way it is because it is the shopping capital of Singapore. Personally, experiencing Orchard Road isn’t really experiencing Singapore. It is just a street that is full of bold letters of brand names you recognize and probably haven’t seen in the country. Taking a walk to admire the beautiful gold painted Gucci store, or the wide bold lettered Emperio Armani outlet is enough to experience Orchard Road. Unless you have hundreds of dollars at your disposal, then you can have the shopping experience you’ll never get in the Philippines, and that is, buying originals! Just kidding, Orchard Road is full of shopping centers where you can spend your time walking around. Seriously, one thing I noticed about Singapore is that its full of malls, lots of them! You can go inside one of Singapore’s most expensive mall, The Paragon. This is where you can find those ridiculously expensive branded clothes. If you don’t intend to shop, you can spend an hour or two at Orchard Road and move on to the next tourist spot in your list.

Singapore’s Flyer

Cost: S$30

This is the largest observation wheel the world has. This looks like a ferries wheel ride from afar, in fact, it is the tallest in the world. It offers visitor a bird’s eye view of Singapore. We went to this place after experiencing Universal Studios and after realizing we wouldn’t be able to catch up with the Night Safari’s schedule. The ride will take about 30 minutes because it’s really very slow. Still, you would appreciate the beauty of Singapore, especially at night, when headlights are like fireflies.

Sentosa Island

Getting there: There are many ways to get to the famed island of Singapore turned theme park. You can go by car/bus, the monorail train or the cable car. Car/bus would likely to cost around S$20-30. If you choose the monorail or the cable car, you need to get to Vivo City, Singapore’s largest shopping centre. To get there, you can either ride a taxi or MRT, the MRT ride causes around $S5-10. The mono rail causes around $S5 and the cable car is $$24 one way and S$26 round trip. If you haven’t experience cable car and a mono rail train ride, I suggest you get a one way ticket to Sentosa via cable car and go back to Vivo via monorail.

If you are planning to go to Singapore, your trip will never ever be complete without going to Sentosa Island. This is the most exciting part of the ultimate Singapore experience. This is not just because I’m still a teen, because some of the “middle-aged” people I was with were definitely enjoying the Sentosa experience. Sentosa Island is a theme park where you can enjoy different attraction that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. It is also where Singapore’s Universal Studios is located. I would like to say again that you should try the cable car going there.

Songs of the Sea

Cost: $10

Songs of the Sea is a musical show that uses laser beam lights as its main attraction. People from different ages would enjoy the show, mainly because of its magnificent laser effects, pyrotechnic displays and some water jets and flames bursting in front of the live audience. The set can accommodate 2,500 people. The people in front might get wet, but that’s ok, it’s totally worth it. The show only runs twice a night, 7:40PM and 8:40PM.

Luge & Skyride

Cost: S$12.50

Sentosa’s Luge & Skyride consists of the Luge, a self-steering, gravity-driven three wheel cart ride downhill and a Skyride for the Luge drivers to experience a top view of Sentosa Island. This one is a drive you shouldn’t miss. The Luge is a wonderful experience and doesn’t really need lots of driving skills. The ride downhill is a fun, fun, fun experience!

These two attractions were the only one we experienced during the short time that we had in Sentosa, but the next day, we went back but to experience Universal Studios, which by the way, is another must go! There are many other attractions that Sentosa has to offer, the MegaZip Adventure Park is one of them. Sentosa also have a few parks such as the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. The truth is, you need to allot a day in order to fully enjoy this island resort.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Cost: S$72

Our second day in Singapore was allotted for one sole place only, and that is, Universal Studios.

Singapore’s Universal Studios is a mini version of the original but it offers the same thrilling and exciting feeling even when you’re still lining up in the entrance. It has the replica of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and New York’s most iconic places such as The Plaza Hotel. Most of all, it has its different attractions that can either relaxed you or make your adrenaline rush.

One of the most popular attraction of the place is the Shrek 4D. The group opted to try this first because, first, everyone can enjoy it and second, we don’t want to get caught up with the pack of people lining up for the show. This attraction will take you to a different Shrek experience and would make you appreciate the 3D effect, which most 3D movies can’t capture. This is popular for people of all ages, young or old.

The next attraction we went to was a roller coaster meant for teenagers because it didn’t have as much twists and turns as other rides do. This one is great when you would want to try your tolerance for roller coasters. We had so much fun on this ride despite the fact that it only has small turns and were probably was only a minute ride.

We then decided we want to try The Lost World. This is an attraction that has a Jurassic Park theme. We tried the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Thrill seekers are placed on circular rafts and are tossed on waterways within in the Jurassic Park. This certain attraction has a warning that says that adventurers might get wet, and yes, you will get wet. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to fully experience this attraction because at the middle of the ride, we were informed that they were experiencing technical difficulties. The staffs were fast in compensating the said mistake and gave each of us and “express ticket,” to any ride we want, this means, no line for us. But we lined up almost an hour for that ride! Anyhow, the express ticket came in handy for us.

After the disappointment of not fully enjoying the river rapid ride, we decided to have lunch. Lunch was simple, we just ate at one of the little restaurant in the street because the big food court were full of people. After refilling ourselves with food and energy, we went to the next attraction we had in mind.

We went to New York City and got the chance to see an empty sound stage turned into a setting for hurricane hitting New York. Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg is where visitor can experience the magic of the famed director in turning one room into like that of a movie studio using amazing special effects. We exited this attraction with our mouths gaping in amazement; we just survived a hurricane after all.

The most memorable and exciting ride we ever tried at the Universal Studios was at the “Ancient Egypt.” We tried The Revenge of the Mummy which was a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns all in total darkness. I personally thought I would lose my breath during the ride. We do not have an idea where we were going or when we are going to stop. I just kept my eyes closed and screamed at the top of my lungs. At the end of the ride, there was a souvenir shop that featured a photo during the ride. All our faces were either full of laughter or were full of terror. Then again, it’s a ride you don’t want to miss. It’s thrilling and you’ll never experience your adrenaline run that fast.

We also went to see the Monster Show, a musical featuring Universal’s classic monster such as the Frankenstein’s Monster and his bride, Wolfman and Shewolf. This one is a little boring but it’s a good way to relax after all the rides and walked you had. You can sleep while the show is happening, some of us did.

We also went to see Waterworld, an attraction designed based on the film with the same title. It’s basically a stunt show with the plot of the film. Be careful thought, because you might get wet.

We went back to our hotel with memories of the amazing rides and tired feet. It was definitely full of moments to remember. The truth is, I wish to go back there and experience other attractions I missed.

Singapore is a trip I will always treasure. It was full of memories and even though most of the time our feet were tired, it was all worth it.

Remembering You & US

First of all, I would like to defend myself. I’m over you. That’s it. You are a thing of my past, I meant, WE are a thing of MY past.

I know you have your own life and I also know that you know that I have my own too. We’re both happy with how things are going on with our lives. I know I made the right decision when I decided to get over you, to stop liking you, to stop wondering and to stop hoping for an US, or a better us, if we really had something going on.

I did stop but it doesn’t mean that I have cut you out of my life, or that I have forgotten the memories I had with you. Sometimes, the past crawls up in my mind and I think about you. Sometimes, when the rain pours hard, I remember that time when we were both stuck in the rain, you didn’t know, but I kept looking at you. Sometimes, before I go to sleep, I remember the nights I cried myself to sleep because I thought I couldn’t take it anymore. Sometimes, when I hear a song, I remember how you sang it to me and how you look deep into my eyes. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision. I still do think about what could have been for us. But then I think about the reasons why I chose to get over you.

I remember the times that you’ve hurt me; the times that I wished I didn’t love you. I can’t keep going on loving you when I know its never going to work in the end. You’ll always be you and I’ll always be me. And no matter how much we love each other, we just wouldn’t work out because we’re too different. I know it and you know it and it just came to the point where we couldn’t deny it anymore. I’m just glad that I’ve realized it early, because I saved myself a lot of tears and pain. It was the best for the two of us.

I remember you and there’s nothing wrong with it. You were the one that got away. You got away because I let you. No one would get away if the other person didn’t let it.

I stop loving you, I wish I could say this and mean it, but I can’t. I still love you and I will always will. I can’t help it that I’m writing this now and think about you, think about us, think about the love we once had. I truly wish your happy now.

As for me, I’m happy of that I’m sure. Now, it’s time to close the curtain and let the past be the past again. Let’s just say, we were two souls who love each other so much, we chose to be friends in order not to hurt each other more.

November 7, 2010

November 7, 2010

It was around 6:30 in the evening when I went inside my mother’s room and kissed her goodbye. My father, as usual, brought me to the port and kissed me in the cheeks before he bid his goodbye. I left home with a heart heavier than that of my suitcases.

It was the moment before I went to my mother’s room that I felt the saddest the most. I look at myself in the mirror and I realize, I wasn’t a child anymore. There, around me, are my suitcases, constantly reminding me that sooner rather than later, I shall leave in the comforts of my parent’s embrace. If God allow it, with his blessings and guidance, in five months time, I shall do “the walk,” this event in life, only happens only four times.

There is the first time you walk, you very first few steps, with someone there happily cheering you. You were then a child, you would probably not remember it but the people who witness it, will never forget it. Then there is the walk of graduations. This symbolizes that you are a person that has accomplished something in life. Graduations may not be as important as the last two, but it is still a walk one would never forget. Of course, there is the walk that a lady has dreamed about, and that is walking down the aisle. This, for both men and women, is a symbol of a journey through marriage, family and most of all, love. This is the walk that would turn your world upside down, the walk that would change your future forever. Lastly, there is the walk of death. In this chapter of your life, you walk and embrace death as you embraced God. For in this moment, you will never feel pain, or suffering ever again. You embrace God’s touch and from then on, eternal life is easier.

In five months time, with God’s grace, I will be having my graduation walk. This is the moment that I have been waiting for. Finally, I am done studying with my notes, done making papers and essay; I am done with all the easy things. Because after graduation, comes the difficult part. The real world is a continuous learning center. It is a school that doesn’t have any building or campuses, a school that doesn’t grade you with what you have achieved in life but how you used it to help others.

As I sit and wait patiently for the announcer to say the boat is ready for boarding, I thought about the things that I would do someday. I want to become a travel journalist or a travel host for that matter. All I want is to travel and at the same time do something that I am good at. I want to write and publish a novel so that other people can see an inkling of my mind. I want to get married with my “the one,” and I want to have a family with that person and watch my children grow. I want many things in life and I wonder if I can reach one of them.

I am yet to touch the real world. I am yet to feel real joy and pain. I am yet to see what the universe has in store for me.

I kissed my mother and father goodbye and I boarded the boat, with my hopes and dreams. But first, I need to be sure to make that walk and study hard.

Regrets of Love

Wrote this today, inspired by the song Somewhere over the Rainbow. I just listened to it and every time I do, it gives me a certain feeling. Today, I identified it as a melancholic feeling. Like that of a love that was right, but never meant to happen.

This is his side of the story, hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to write her side. 

HIM

------------------------

I gaze at her smiling at me as the wind blew her hair. I smiled back and she suddenly touched both my cheeks with her hands and kissed me at the nose. I smiled to myself, feeling every moment of it. Her lips touching my skin, the smell of her hair and the scent of her perfume, she simply took my breath away. I held on to her hips and started tickling her. She started laughing and moving away from me until she was freed from my grasps and she started running along the green fields. We were at the top of a mountain, overlooking the whole city; that was our place, something that only the two of us shared. She looked back at me as she was running and shouted something but I was too busy admiring her to even hear her. I just started running, catching up.

I caught up with her and I lifted her from the back and started spinning her. I heard her laughing. It was a moment I would always savor. I fell to my back and she immediately rolled over to my side and stared at me. For a moment we gaze at each other’s eye and I wondered if she read my soul through its windows. She gave me a funny smile, one I haven’t seen her in. She then turned her head and looked at the sky. She talked about how beautiful the sky was, I couldn’t agree more. She talked about how she missed me; I couldn’t have said it better. She talked about a love she never had, and a love she never told me because she was afraid it’d change everything, I thought she had it all. I asked about the man she was talking about, she just told me it doesn’t matter anymore because she was sure he doesn’t love her.

That’s when I thought to myself, who wouldn’t love this beautiful woman? I have loved her since the day I first saw her. She was nine and I was ten. She walked pass by me at a party, I followed her and I talked to her and things went crazy after that.

It was that day that we became best friends. I was always on her side and she was always on mine. Then one day when I was nineteen, my mother decided to move. The day I was to go was the worst day of my life. I watched her cried and I watched her heart being torn apart as I walked away and didn’t look back. I didn’t look back because if I would, I wouldn’t have strength to walk away from her.

That’s when everything changed. I got busy for a few months, adjusting and doing everything to fit in. At first we talked every day, then it went to talking every other night, then it became once a week, then once a month and ultimately, a few times a year. But I never forgot her, never. Now, after five years, we met again.

We watched the sunset together that day, holding each other’s hand. Then, we walked away from our place, not looking back. We walked away from our childhood. We walked away from the friendship we had and we would always have. We walked away from a love, too strong yet never said. We walked away to a life of what could have been for both of us. We walked away and didn’t look back. But I cheated, I turned my head slightly, and there it was; I saw us. Oh, the regrets of love, how I wish I could tell her how much I love her and how much I regretted the day I didn’t look back.

The mountain top would always be where I find both our love. It’s always going to be the place where we shared our dreams and hopes of having a life together. Unsaid, we have always loved each other, always.

Left Unsaid

I received a news today about myself. I have been prepared for this news because I know that sooner or later, it would come. I don't know how I felt when it finally came down to it. Did I felt disappointed with myself? Maybe. Did I felt regret? I don't know. As I said, I've seen it coming, just never thought this early, but I've been ready for it for a long time, just not now. But it is now and I can't make it go away so I need to prepare myself for it. 

I watched Grey's Anatomy today and something caught my attention. There's a lot of things that people don't talk about. Yes, its true. I have a lot of things I don't want to talk about myself. This news for example is one of them. I don't like to talk about some things about my family, friends, and myself. Maybe because it's embarrassing or maybe because people simply want to escape that fact. People would always look for an escape, and you can't blame them for it. When your face with a difficult situation, all you want to do is not to be in those shoes. When you face regret in front of you, all you want to do is not think about the decision. You can't blame people when they don't talk about a lot of things. You can't blame them and tell them that if its that important to them, then the world should know. You just can't tell everything about yourself. Some things are better left unsaid and some things are better left in the deepest part of oneself.

Everyone has a secret. It doesn't have to be dark, it only has to do something with oneself. 

There's so many things that should be said, but cannot be said. It's how life works. Sometimes, only you can carry a burden about yourself because people, not even the closest friends, can understand it. 

Somewhere over the Rainbow

I really can't remember the first time I've heard the version of Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo Ole' of the song Somewhere over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World. The song is a mashed up of the two songs but the first one has more exposure.

The song totally gives a new meaning to the two songs. I still have goosebumps whenever I hear his voice in the beginning of the song. The feelings and the right harmony, it just, simply beautiful. I am in love with this song, with the voice, with the ukulele.

Hearing this song gives me a sudden rush of peacefulness and it makes me relax. I don't know why, but this version gives a new meaning to the lyrics of both the songs. It's amazing whenever a song can reach deep in your heart. A good voice is when it reaches the highest note, a great voice is one that reaches the heart of the people.

Rest in peace Iz, you have touched my heart with your living legacy in the form of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Here is the lyrics of the mash up.

Ooooo oooooo ohoohohoo

Ooooo ohooohoo oooohoo

Ooooo ohoohooo oohoooo

Oohooo oohoooho ooooho

Ooooo oooooo oooooo

Ooooo oooooo oooooo

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dreams that you dreamed of

Once in a lullaby ii ii iii

Somewhere over the rainbow

Blue birds fly

And the dreams that you dreamed of

Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh

Someday I'll wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney tops thats where you'll find me oh

Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly

And the dream that you dare to,why, oh why can't I? i iiii

Well I see trees of green and

Red roses too,

I'll watch them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white

And the brightness of day

I like the dark and I think to myself

What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people passing by

I see friends shaking hands

Saying, "How do you do?"

They're really saying, I...I love you

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,

They'll learn much more

Than we'll know

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld

Someday I'll wish upon a star,

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney top that's where you'll find me

Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high

And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I hiii ?

And you can listen and watch to a video of the song in this link

Somewhere over the Rainbow

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do. 

:D