I change my mind.
I do not dream of becoming a sports and outdoor TV host anymore.
This is the third time in a row that I am invited to speak in public. And I wouldn't say I'm good at it. I just watched my last public speaking stint and boy, was I so fidgety. I can hear my voice tremble. Maybe it was the lack of preparation. Maybe it was the air conditioner in full blast. Maybe it was the stomach ache. Or maybe I am just not cut for it.
I do not dream of becoming a sports and outdoor TV host anymore.
This is the third time in a row that I am invited to speak in public. And I wouldn't say I'm good at it. I just watched my last public speaking stint and boy, was I so fidgety. I can hear my voice tremble. Maybe it was the lack of preparation. Maybe it was the air conditioner in full blast. Maybe it was the stomach ache. Or maybe I am just not cut for it.
I promised myself I will become a better blogger. And by that I mean, take better pictures like how most bloggers would do.
I've been going places and doing stuff lately that would have been blog-worthy. But I failed big time.
1.) I took a Basic Mountaineering Course (1, 2, and 3) and had my first ever rappelling experience at Tagbaobo Falls.
2.) We had an awesome diving experience at the Taklobo Farm where I saw the biggest and most fascinating giant clams my whole life.
3.) I came home with hives and a puffy face after eating too much seafood during island hopping in Samal.
4.) I spent a day and a half basking under the sun and riding the waves in one of my favorite beaches in the world, Dahican.
But why haven't I blogged about this when I had all the time?
Five words: I. Do. Not. Have. Photos.
I don't have photos that will make the reader want to read my post. You know, save you those long and boring posts and just let the photos to do all the talking - specially now that I'm starting to become lazy with words.
Well, at least, I have one decent shot:
Last week, I submitted my entry for Traveloka Blogger Contest. I had a hard time coming up with a way to deliver my article in a different angle because I'm pretty sure all entries will have the same content (how travel changed our lives doesn't really have a significant difference from one person to another). And I'm glad it paid off because I was chosen fifth weekly winner. Yes, writing the entry is difficult, but not as difficult as scouring every part of my hard drive for photos I can use.
This afternoon, I will be speaking in front of a crowd with co-blogger Renz of thetravelingnomad.com about the Challenges of a Millennial Traveler. Honestly, I don't have problems talking in front of many people. I could still use my public speaking skills back in high school and college. Not that I'm good at it, pero makapal lang talaga ang mukha ko. I really don't care if I stutter or screw up. But what's challenging me the most is finding the perfect travel photos that I can share later. Ugh.
You see, that is my problem. I am too lazy to take out my camera when the situation is screaming for me to do so. I have a DSLR but it's too heavy to bring. I have a great action cam, but it isn't too friendly to use. I have a decent point and shoot but it's not great with low light. And yes, I have a big head that's too full of excuses.
Maybe getting a great camera, like a Canon EOS M10 or that Sony RX 100V, will spare me the excuse not to take another photo.
Anyway, I'll be going away again this weekend. And this time, I will nail those infamous blogger poses and Jan be the perfectInstagram blogger boyfriend. Haha. Wish me luck!
I've been going places and doing stuff lately that would have been blog-worthy. But I failed big time.
1.) I took a Basic Mountaineering Course (1, 2, and 3) and had my first ever rappelling experience at Tagbaobo Falls.
2.) We had an awesome diving experience at the Taklobo Farm where I saw the biggest and most fascinating giant clams my whole life.
3.) I came home with hives and a puffy face after eating too much seafood during island hopping in Samal.
4.) I spent a day and a half basking under the sun and riding the waves in one of my favorite beaches in the world, Dahican.
But why haven't I blogged about this when I had all the time?
Five words: I. Do. Not. Have. Photos.
I don't have photos that will make the reader want to read my post. You know, save you those long and boring posts and just let the photos to do all the talking - specially now that I'm starting to become lazy with words.
Well, at least, I have one decent shot:
 |
| Dahican Surf Resort |
This afternoon, I will be speaking in front of a crowd with co-blogger Renz of thetravelingnomad.com about the Challenges of a Millennial Traveler. Honestly, I don't have problems talking in front of many people. I could still use my public speaking skills back in high school and college. Not that I'm good at it, pero makapal lang talaga ang mukha ko. I really don't care if I stutter or screw up. But what's challenging me the most is finding the perfect travel photos that I can share later. Ugh.
You see, that is my problem. I am too lazy to take out my camera when the situation is screaming for me to do so. I have a DSLR but it's too heavy to bring. I have a great action cam, but it isn't too friendly to use. I have a decent point and shoot but it's not great with low light. And yes, I have a big head that's too full of excuses.
Maybe getting a great camera, like a Canon EOS M10 or that Sony RX 100V, will spare me the excuse not to take another photo.
Anyway, I'll be going away again this weekend. And this time, I will nail those infamous blogger poses and Jan be the perfect
2016 was a roller coaster ride. A lot of sh*t happened. But then again, a lot of great things surprised me too. And here are a few pages of the 365-page book that I have just finished writing.
First Quarter
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| L-R, top row to bottom 1. Salomon City Trail Run (12k) 2. Archery. Not bad for a first timer. ;) 3. Twas a dream come true to finally paint the walls of the streets 4. Strawberry picking at Baguio 5. Sea of Clouds at Mount Pulag 6. Won Electrolux's blog writing contest 7. Adopted this little fella and named him Appa 8. One day luxurious weekend getaway at Lorelei 9. My favorite human turned 31 ♥ 10. Sunrise at Mount Apo 11. Ran for the rehabilitation of Mount Apo 12. Team building with Z fam at Maxima Aquafun |
You see, I have been appointed as the sexy-tary, I mean Secretary of the Davao Bloggers Society. Have I known about the drawbacks that come with it, I would have not accepted the role. Because first, I am no longer eligible to win raffle draws nor will I have the chance to bag the Best Personal Blog Award for this year's Davao Blog Awards again. Bummer, isn't it? Second, being an officer can get exhausting. No kidding, kapoy sya.
But then, even if I waive several raffle prizes and grow eyebags from those late night preparations, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm thankful for this. I am thankful for this new family. And nothing can ever get so rewarding when you pull off something you devoted your supposedly-free-time with that made everyone else happy. :)
I have got to admit, I rarely ever check my blog email. Yes, the one I posted on my contact page so people can get in touch with me. I wouldn't know that I was getting a handful of emails until Kuya Andrew (Davao Bloggers Society's President) asked me if I got an email from Resorts World Manila (RWM). So I checked and behold!
I have been exclusively invited to the RWM Christmas Familiarization Tour.
As interesting and exciting as it sounds, I was quite apprehensive at first because I have never been invited to an event this big. And knowing RWM, the words world-class, prestigious, and elite are always attached to it. And buddy, I am none of those things.
I have been exclusively invited to the RWM Christmas Familiarization Tour.
As interesting and exciting as it sounds, I was quite apprehensive at first because I have never been invited to an event this big. And knowing RWM, the words world-class, prestigious, and elite are always attached to it. And buddy, I am none of those things.
This is something far-fetched and different for me. But then, different is something that I always love to try. It is definitely an experience I wouldn't want to miss. So even if it means working double time to make up for the two work days that I won't be around, I gave out a faint, sexy whisper: Resorts World Manilaaaah.
Here. I. Come.
DAY 1: Lunch with the Biggies, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Media Appreciation Night
We flew all the way from Davao City and arrived at RWM just in time for lunch. Five of the media people from Mindanao were invited, the two came from Davao Bloggers Society (DBS). It is such and honor that Julie of astoldbyjulz.com and I got to represent DBS. We had a sumptuous lunch and small talk with some people carrying the big names of RWM.
We even had the chance to take photos with director of Annie, Mr. Michael Williams!
After stuffing our tummies with Korean and Japanese food goodness, we checked-in at the premier room of Remington Hotel. And this was my lovely home for two days:
Nothing gets better than this after work has deprived me of sleep the night before the flight. So I threw myself to bed and took a little nap to prepare for the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Media Appreciation Night.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Since I am dressed to kill and it's not all the time I would give a damn about my hair (though I had a messy bun that time), a few vanity shots wouldn't hurt. Although I wish I knew how to put a makeup on, para level up sana ang ganda. Char! I even asked Julie to do the brows for me. But since we ran out of time, di na ako nakapagkilay. Di ko tuloy alam kung ano nga ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng "Kilay is Life". Haha. Geez. Sarah, tigulang na ka.
To welcome the holiday season with its annual Grand Fiesta, a ceremonial tree-lighting ceremony at The Plaza in Newport Mall was held. And we're so glad to witness and be part of it.
Magic is indeed everywhere in Resorts World Manila's Grand Fiesta Manila 2016. Topnotch performances like Yugyugan Nation - featuring the classic dance hits of 70s Filipino icons, Air Supply, and hit children's TV show Hi-5 Fairy Tale of Australia, are just a few ones to watch out for.
Here are some snaps:
Media Appreciation Night
We proceeded to House Manila, Remington Hotel right after the ceremony. It was indeed a grand party for Media people from all over the Philippines. Prizes pa lang malulula ka na sa bongga (at maiinggit at magiging bitter lalo na kung di ka mananalo tulad ko). Mga international trips and cruises lang naman yun. Sigh. But anyway, just by getting invited to this event is more than enough that I would consider myself a winner. I am grateful to have experienced this. Really.
It was a night of music, entertainment, and drinking. But since mga manang kami ni Julie, behave lang po kami. Pati champagne, inichapwera namin. Boo! Walang mag-react please. Haha.
DAY 2: Marriott Grand Ballroom and Annie
We had a chance to tour Marriott Hotel's Ballroom. But before that, picture po muna. Pagbigyan nyo na ako. Everybody knows that I RARELY (almost do not) ever take selfies. Ngayon lang, pleath.
Here are some of Marriot Hotel's interesting interiors:
What followed was a lunch at Passion's in Maxims Hotel. Then I slept until we had dinner at Victoria Harbour Café. Then at night came what I was so excited about:
You see, I have been part of big and small plays in school and church. So it's no surprise that I get ecstatic about musical plays. And I've not seen a real one with grand production. Ever.
But first, since I kind-of prepared for this night (at pinahirapan ako ng buhok ko), let me take a selfie:
The play was about a story of an orphan named Annie who was adopted by a billionaire Oliver Warbucks and it changed their life forever. Yeah, that's pretty much everything.
I know I suck at giving summaries that's why I always get a B on my book reports. Haha. But anyway, it was a heartwarming, wonderful pre-Christmas treat that will inspire you and teach you hope and will definitely make you look onto the bright side of that hard-knock life. It took three hours of my life but it was definitely worth it.
And of course, we also had the chance to have pictures with the cute little darlings of Annie. :)
To cap off the night, would be another selfie. Promise, last na to. I was all smiles for having experienced such prestigious event. Thank you, Resorts World Manila! And everybody from the RWM team, especially Mae and Cristina for spoiling us and taking good care of us. We definitely had an awesome time. No amount of words can express how grateful I am. Again, thank you so much! 'Til then. ♥
Here. I. Come.
DAY 1: Lunch with the Biggies, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Media Appreciation Night
We flew all the way from Davao City and arrived at RWM just in time for lunch. Five of the media people from Mindanao were invited, the two came from Davao Bloggers Society (DBS). It is such and honor that Julie of astoldbyjulz.com and I got to represent DBS. We had a sumptuous lunch and small talk with some people carrying the big names of RWM.
We even had the chance to take photos with director of Annie, Mr. Michael Williams!
After stuffing our tummies with Korean and Japanese food goodness, we checked-in at the premier room of Remington Hotel. And this was my lovely home for two days:
 |
| I got this large and cozy room all for myself. |
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Since I am dressed to kill and it's not all the time I would give a damn about my hair (though I had a messy bun that time), a few vanity shots wouldn't hurt. Although I wish I knew how to put a makeup on, para level up sana ang ganda. Char! I even asked Julie to do the brows for me. But since we ran out of time, di na ako nakapagkilay. Di ko tuloy alam kung ano nga ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng "Kilay is Life". Haha. Geez. Sarah, tigulang na ka.
To welcome the holiday season with its annual Grand Fiesta, a ceremonial tree-lighting ceremony at The Plaza in Newport Mall was held. And we're so glad to witness and be part of it.
Magic is indeed everywhere in Resorts World Manila's Grand Fiesta Manila 2016. Topnotch performances like Yugyugan Nation - featuring the classic dance hits of 70s Filipino icons, Air Supply, and hit children's TV show Hi-5 Fairy Tale of Australia, are just a few ones to watch out for.
Here are some snaps:
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| The cast of Annie surprised us with a Christmas song |
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| Christmas tree lighting was led by the RWM executives and the cast of Annie. |
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| I can feel the spirit of Christmas! |
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| And of course, photo ops and selfie just because. |
We proceeded to House Manila, Remington Hotel right after the ceremony. It was indeed a grand party for Media people from all over the Philippines. Prizes pa lang malulula ka na sa bongga (at maiinggit at magiging bitter lalo na kung di ka mananalo tulad ko). Mga international trips and cruises lang naman yun. Sigh. But anyway, just by getting invited to this event is more than enough that I would consider myself a winner. I am grateful to have experienced this. Really.
It was a night of music, entertainment, and drinking. But since mga manang kami ni Julie, behave lang po kami. Pati champagne, inichapwera namin. Boo! Walang mag-react please. Haha.
DAY 2: Marriott Grand Ballroom and Annie
We had a chance to tour Marriott Hotel's Ballroom. But before that, picture po muna. Pagbigyan nyo na ako. Everybody knows that I RARELY (almost do not) ever take selfies. Ngayon lang, pleath.
 |
| Barefaced. But damn, I love Ecoskinlove's baby pink lip balm. And the lighting's good too (hindi po ako maputi ha. haha) :) |
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| VisMin represent! With friends from Cebu Bloggers Society and Mindanation. Photo by Julie via Davao Bloggers Society |
Here are some of Marriot Hotel's interesting interiors:
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| This house is edible. |
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| Annie! |
But first, since I kind-of prepared for this night (at pinahirapan ako ng buhok ko), let me take a selfie:
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| Excited! |
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| This is it! :) |
I know I suck at giving summaries that's why I always get a B on my book reports. Haha. But anyway, it was a heartwarming, wonderful pre-Christmas treat that will inspire you and teach you hope and will definitely make you look onto the bright side of that hard-knock life. It took three hours of my life but it was definitely worth it.
And of course, we also had the chance to have pictures with the cute little darlings of Annie. :)
To cap off the night, would be another selfie. Promise, last na to. I was all smiles for having experienced such prestigious event. Thank you, Resorts World Manila! And everybody from the RWM team, especially Mae and Cristina for spoiling us and taking good care of us. We definitely had an awesome time. No amount of words can express how grateful I am. Again, thank you so much! 'Til then. ♥
