Goodbye, 2012

Today, I want to look back at the year 2012 before I totally say goodbye to it. 2012 was a roller coaster ride for me...up and down, but it was fun! It could have been greater, but I'm satisfied.

picture from brewpublic.com

Here are the highlights of my life this 2012:

Achieving my 2012 New Year's Resolution
If you read my last blog in 2011, I came up with a list of things I wanted to do for 2012. I'm happy to say that 8/10 of the things I listed, I was really able to do. The top 3 things I am very proud of:
A. Winning the Biggest Loser Competition at work and starting a HEALTHIER Lifestyle

Boxing at Elorde

B. Travels: This has been top priority this year:
Korea

Bellarocca

Cebu

Palawan

Of course, I must not forget the little road trips I had this year: Tagaytay, Batangas, Subic and  Pampanga

C. Trying something NEW
For the very first time in my life...New Hairstyle for 2012

Unfortunately, I still didn't find the opportunity to open a personal savings account nor was I able to find a significant other. These two things, I hope to achieve by 2013, which gives me something to look forward to.

Second highlight of my life:

Hotel Escapades with friends. Sometimes, it's just nice to be able to sleep and relax in a hotel where you're far from worries and stress. This 2012, I had the opportunity to stay in 4 beautiful hotels


March- Edsa Shangri-La with my good friend, Bess

June- Crowne Plaza with Rina, Rey and Allen (not in picture)

July- New Horizon Hotel with Rina and Rey

August- Grand Hoyah Hotel, Subic

Third highlight would be the Wednesday Group Food and Bonding Sessions

At Sunrise Bucket

At Tin's House

At Pastry Princess

12/21/12---The complete group picture

In Snow World, Star City

Ending the world with an outreach

Fourth highlight: MA in Educational Administration in Ateneo

I never thought I'd ever step foot as a student in Ateneo...  but since the offer was too good to resist, here I am taking my M.A. studies

While the proctor was giving intructions for our entrance test

After the first sem with Fr. James and Mr. H

Fifth Highlight: Erzullie Summer Collection

Being in a photoshoot is not as easy as I thought

Sixth Highlight: Nuvali Torchbearer

during the closing ceremony of the Faculty and Staff Sportsfest 

Seventh Highlight: 3 major concerts and one meet and greet

Simple Plan 

New Kids On The Block with Backstreet Boys

Lee Min Ho's meet and greet

Jlo's awesome concert : )

Eight Highlight: My grandfather's 85th birthday

He was in and out of the hospital this year, but he made it to his 85th birthday. Thank you, God for taking care of my grandpa. May he have more birthday's to come.

Ninth Highlight: my Magazine Article on Health Today

Tenth Highlight: The gift of Middle School...

Things may have been different this year, but because of the love and bonding...We survived.

Eleventh Highlight: Leaving Unit 3

Because of the transition into k-12, we had to say goodbye to the best unit ever

During our closing celebration

Twelfth Highlight: The last Singles' Valentines Dinner

This 2013, I have promised to let go of organizing this singles' event.

Since it's 2012, I shall end with the twelfth highlight of the year. I do still have a lot to be thankful for, and therefore, I conclude that despite the difficulties of the year, I am truly BLESSED

I hope 2013 could be just or even better than this.

Until Next Time, Fierce Ladies

Andrea

Why It's More Fun In The Philippines Part 1

This summer I had the chance to go around. I went to Korea, and that has been written about in my previous blog. However I haven't had the chance to write about my trip to two AWESOME places here in the Philippines: Bellarrocca Resort in Elephant Island, Marinduque and Cebu.

Last 2011, my friend informed me of a promo voucher to go to Bellarocca. At first, I was quite hesitant because there were a lot of scams out there, and I did not want to fall victim to those things. I did not want to plan and expect a beautiful trip, only to be disappointed in the end. Anyway, eventually, we were all convinced because the offer was just really good: Buy 1 Take 1 for 22,000. Normally, it's 22,000 for 1 person. All four of us, (BG GIRLS)--- if you want to know what BG stands for, it's in one of my previous blogs--- agreed to have the Bellarocca trip on April 2012. Honestly, the wait was super duper long.

The view exactly outside our hotel room

After my 1 year wait, I can say that it was what I expected. The place is quiet and peaceful. It's a place more for the young couples or for those newly married. Here, you can have all the alone time you want. The hotel rooms and villas are to die for. Beds are too comfortable that at one point I was just tempted to sleep all day. The view around you is breathtaking and the beach, though not having white sand, is a great place to swim. Of course the food and service is excellent. It's a complete package : )

Here are some pictures of Bellarocca Island

 Bellarocca Island

 BG arrives in Bellarocca

At the Hotel Lobby

My favorite part of the room

View from the Infinity Pool

Sunset

Can you imagine me in Greece?

A view of Marinduque--- the heart shaped island

By looking at the pictures, you'll definitely fall in love with this Greece-like island. However just like most trips, there were some flaws to it. 

First, the only plane that would get you to this small paradise is Zest Air. I don't think I have to elaborate how great their service is (Being Sarcastic Here!). I actually believe that eventually this airline will kill Bellarocca's business soon. To give you an example of how bad their service is: my 1:30 p.m. flight became a 6 p.m. flight. Can you just imagine how late it was already for the people who were just arriving. I was lucky that it was my departure that got delayed. Aside from the horrible airport or should I say nipa hut, the plane was really dirty, aircon was not functioning properly, and the aircraft had a disgusting smell as I entered. I'd definitely go back to Bellarocca if given the opportunity, however, I'd prefer a different airline if possible.

Second, everything is really expensive. Food is priced from 350 to 650. Yes, I must admit it tastes good, but to spend 400 per meal on average is quite not my thing. Take note, there is only 1 restaurant in the Island, so you actually have no choice where to eat, however, there is a wide variety of food to choose from.

Third, aside from sleeping, walking around, eating and swimming, there is not much to do. You can rent their DVD's or sing at their karaoke room, but if you are the party type of person, and you are looking for some happenings then this is not the place for you. It is nothing like Boracay if that's what you are expecting.

Fourth, they don't have stores or groceries, and their souvenir shop only sells branded items like a dress worth 18,000 but actually looks 150 pesos for me.

All in all, I'd rate this place an 8.5 over 10. It was a good place to relax and get out from the very busy life of Metro Manila, but honestly, with their new rates of 44,000 a night in a hotel room on 95,000 per night in a villa, and the crappy plane that has to get you there, I'd suggest that you try some other place. I'm sure there are more fun places in the Philippines.

A New Beginning

The New Year is a chance to forget the old and begin anew. It's a time to change and learn from mistakes and past experiences. A time to explore and try new things.
New Year is one of my favorite celebrations not because I get to dress up, party and eat all night because honestly I don't do any of that. I actually celebrate New Year at home watching New Year Celebration parties on television and drinking red wine with my parents as the clock hits 12 midnight.

So why do I love New Year? It's because it gives me hope that something better can come to my life and it holds a future full of surprises.

Since the New Year is a time for new things,I have prepared my New Year's Resolution for 2012. It's a list of new things I want to try and achieve.

1.  Live a Healthier Lifestyle.

Actually I have already started by going on a 7 Day General Motor's Diet. A way to cleanse myself from everything I have eaten during the Holidays. Hopefully this could jumpstart better eating habits. I plan to start walking around the oval track after work, and I have decided to at least walk home from work 3x a week.
I'm not in it to be thin because I actually very happy being a plus size. It's more of wanting to be healthier since I am not getting any younger.

2.  Win the Biggest Loser Contest at my workplace.

You got me! I also want to live a healthier lifestyle because I want to win a contest we started at work last Dec 16 which will go on until March 16, 2012.
Of course cash awaits the one who will win, but aside from the cash, I got into this because it's easier to get healthy when you're surrounded by people who have the same goal. When you are busy with piles of paperwork, it just gets more difficult to stand up and take time to exercise. Hopefully, with 13 people in this contest, I can be motivated to get myself out of my desk and in the oval track.

3. Get Out of the Singles' Valentine's Day Group

2011

2010

2009

This may sound really funny, but my friends and I started a Singles' Valentine's Day Group because we wanted to celebrate just like everyone else during this very commercialized day. I think we have been doing it for about 5 or 6 years. It has been really fun. We usually eat dinner together and watch a movie or drink coffee after.  Believe it or not, I have been going with almost the same people every year. What's actually funny is that every member hopes to be out of the group by the next year, so instead of saying, "See you next year", it's more of, "Hopefully next year, I'm not part of this group anymore".
In my workplace a lot of us are still single. Being single is not that horrible because you have all your time for yourself and you can stay focused on what really matters to you, however, at one point in your life everyone wishes for something different or for someone to sway her off her feet
So if I have one favorite resolution...I think this would be it! To do everything I can to get out of this group. Kidding aside, I love my friends who have been celebrating Valentine's each year with me. They are my true and closest friends, and I have been having a blast with them...but I wish that every single one of us finds that someone who will make us happy.

4. Open a Personal Saving's Account

I know I should have done this a long time ago since I have been working for 8 years already... but I think I never had the courage to have one. I must let you in on a secret. I really had this fear of putting my money in the bank because from time to time, I'd here of banks that would close, and people being left without anything, so I decided to just keep my money or ask someone else ( a trusted friend of course) to keep my money for me, but I think I now know better. I need to save for my future ahead so that when I'm grey and old, I wouldn't have to worry, and I can enjoy the fruits of my labor.
So yes!!!! I have finally gathered courage to open an account this 2012.

5. Spend my Summer in Korea and Bellarocca Island in Marinduque

South Korea

Bellarocca Island

Korea has always been a dream of mine and I'm very excited to announce that I'll be going this summer. Aside from Korea, I'll also be going to the Luxury Island, Bellarocca which is called the Greece of the Philippines.

I love to Travel and I make it a point to visit a new place every summer. I have been to countries like France, Israel, London, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and China and I just can't wait to go to more countries in the future. God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to travel and explore the world : )

6. Cut down on Retail Therapy

I love to shop for clothes, shoes and accesoories! They are all my weaknesses, but this year, I promise to make wiser choices when I buy, except of course, when items are on SALE or when Erzullie, the best plus size brand, releases new fierce items. I don't think I'll be able to stop myself from buying great finds.

7.  Do Better at WORK

I believe I am a workaholic and perfectionist... It has its disadvantages like staying really late in the office or not having enough energy to do anything else but sleep once I get home, but the I love my work, and I want keep doing my best and improving myself. So for 2012 my promise would be to do even better without forgetting to put a balance in my life.

8.  Clean Up and Organize

I must admit that I love this cabinet and wish I could fix all my things this way. This 2012, I promise to let go of things I have not worn or used so that I can get/ buy new stuff haha. 

Honestly, I cannot open myself to new things if I keep holding on to the old ones, so to be able to reinvent myself, I have promised to let go and free myself from anything holding me back.

I will give more to charity and to anyone in need.

9. Try something new or adventurous

Well, it doesn't have to be as adventurous as the picture above. May be sport a new hairstyle or learn a new hobby. I haven't really thought of this in detail yet, but I promise to do something different this 2012.

10. Pamper myself

Because I'm always so busy, sometimes I forget the most important thing in my life and that's me. 

I promise to give myself more time by putting a balance in everything I have to do. 

How will I enjoy life when I don't even have time to enjoy me : )

This year I will not forget to treat myself for a spa, massage or even just good make up.

This year "I" will be the priority.  

2012 brings hope, but for some, it brings fear because of all the talk about the END of the World. Whether those rumors are true, one things is for sure... don't waste your time thinking of what if's or how the world will end.

Enjoy life while you still have it. Live every day as if it is your last so that when that end comes (we certainly don't know when that is) we can say that we have lived life to the fullest without regrets.

Happy New Year Fierce Ladies, until next time

XoXo

Andrea