Posted on: 1st of October 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Oh yes, I do. Here are a few of them:
- Not having my favorite magazine (Cosmopolitan) available in Singapore. I must find a local alternative.
- Sweating when I’m all dressed up.
- People calling me Ann/Anne. Only my family and a few other close relatives/friends are allowed to call me that. My name is Anna, thank you very much. =P
- Crazy truck drivers in Manila. The drivers should really consider having driving training (like CDL training, maybe) before they are allowed to drive those big vehicles. I saw two separate accidents caused by trucks while I was there last week.
- Driving during a heavy downpour in Manila. Not only because it makes seeing the road close to impossible, but also because it’s even harder to see the annoying pot holes that’s practically everywhere.
- Having a rather slow metabolism. I envy those who can eat all they want, and never have to worry about putting on weight. Unfair!
- Barristas who don’t know their coffee. I encountered one at the McCafe near our flat, who didn’t understand what I meant when I asked for a Caramel Latte! I had to explain to her that it was just a regular latte with extra caramel syrup!
- KFC here in Singapore. Not as good as KFC back in Manila. They don’t even have free flowing gravy!
- Cebu Pacific. They gave us a headache on the night of our flight back to Manila last week. I’ll probably save the rant for another post (if I get around to it), but they were such a hassle! It’ll be the last time we’re going to fly with them! We’re also composing a formal complaint, which we will email them within the week.
My Dream Home
Posted on: 15th of September 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Posted on: 15th of September 2008 | Under: Life & Love
I’m an interior designer and I enjoy fixing homes. I find thrill in turning ordinary rooms into spaces that showcase each inhabitant’s character; each corner must be fit to the likings and lifestyle of the owner. I believe that a functionally designed home is just as vital as eating healthy.
I don’t have my own house yet, but I’m always thinking about my dream home. What I want changes from time to time, because my needs and desires change too.
Here is a list of what I want in my dream home (at the moment, anyway):
- Fully equipped kitchen where I can cook and bake. I miss baking! I also want it to be a place where I can entertain family and friends.
- My own studio filled with lots and lots of office/art/design supplies. I want the room to have big windows that open to a nice view.
- A music studio with good acoustics for JR. =)
- A study with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Plus, I also dream of owning that many books!
- A walk-in closet! Big closet spaces for my clothes, plus floor to ceiling shelves for my shoes and bags.
- A big master bath with a tub (or a jacuzzi, maybe?). It will be the perfect retreat for some relaxation.
- A home theater. I want the room to be equipped with state of the art entertainment systems, complete with soft and comfy sofas to lounge in.
- A play room for my future kids.
- A big garden with water features, plus a small pool where I can relax during a sunny day.
Such a long list, but anyone can dream, right? =P
What about you, what’s your dream home?
Missing Manila, but Loving Singapore
Posted on: 2nd of July 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Posted on: 2nd of July 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Things I miss about Manila:
- My family. Although, I am actually in constant contact with them through the internet. My mom bugs me almost everyday about finding and buying her nice shoes and bags! LOL!
- Gucci! I miss coming home to her waiting by the door, ready to fetch my slippers. I was actually on voicechat with my family the other night, and I was calling out to her so she could hear me. She was crying out loud when she did and was running around the room trying to find me. The poor thing misses me too! =(
- My pillows! I must remember to pack them in my suitcase when I go home in December.
- My entire closet (clothes, shoes and bags). I could only bring so much when I flew here. I always have days when I feel as if I have nothing to wear!
- Cibo! I want some of my favorite Manzo Panini!
- My books. Sometimes I find comfort just staring at my bookshelf. =P
- The rest of my art supplies.
Things I love about Singapore:
- Finally being with the boyfriend. Just as he say’s it: “We’re finally Together Again!”
- Being independent.
- Cooking breakfast, cleaning, doing the laundry, and feeling all domesticated.
- Riding the MRT everywhere. I do miss driving around in my own car, but being just a passenger is quite relaxing. :)
- Clean toilets with tissue everywhere! Something that you’ll rarely, if not never, find in Manila. =P
- Going to the gym and hearing several people speaking in Tagalog. Makes me feel like I never left Manila at all.
- JR’s band (En-X) and finally being able to watch them play, even if it’s just during their jamming/practise sessions.
- Yummy food! I love, love Chinese and Malay food. =)
- Shopping! But, I must really take control, because I am going broke! =P
- Living on the 4th floor, with no elevator. Going up and down the stairs everyday serves as my quick exercise when I’m too lazy to go to the gym. XP
Wonderful Things
Posted on: 9th of May 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Posted on: 9th of May 2008 | Under: Life & Love
- My trip to Singapore last month was lovely! I got to spend a lot of quality time with JR. Food tripping, shopping, lazing and a whole lot of fooling around. <3
- Like I mentioned 2 posts ago, April was wonderful for me at work. My best month, indeed! May isn’t so far behind either. And it’s not even the middle of the month yet. =)
- Despite the great months at work recently, I will be starting yet another phase in my life by mid-June. I am beyond excited! :)
- I’m turning 25 in a couple of weeks! I’ll be flying off to Hong Kong to spend it there with my family for a three-day getaway. It’s been ages since we last traveled together, so I’m really looking forward to it.
- April was great. I know May will end just as wonderful. But I am more positive that the next couple of months will be exactly what I’ve been yearning for.
April Updates
Posted on: 16th of April 2008 | Under: Artsy Pantsy
Posted on: 16th of April 2008 | Under: Artsy Pantsy
- I received my 5 free moleskines from Italy (thanks to Marsida Shyti) yesterday. :) I have yet to get photos of the actual exhibit.
- I got my Vivitar PN2011 from Mikko early in the month! :) A few bloggers / photography enthusiasts met at Abea, Serendra for dinner. It was nice finally meeting old online friends, and meeting new ones as well. I went shutter happy and used up 2 films in 3 days!
- It’s been a great month at work. My best month, in terms of performance, so far. And it’s only the middle of the month! :)
- I fly off to Singapore on Thursday. Lots of activities with JR! I am so excited! :)
Photo time:
Free goodies! :)
Bloggers / Photography Enthusiasts unite!
THE WHEEL. One of my favorite shots using my Vivitar PN2011 and an expired Konica Centuria 400.
April, Here I Come!
Posted on: 31st of March 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Posted on: 31st of March 2008 | Under: Life & Love
Things that I’m looking forward to in April:
- Getting photos of the London Book Fair, where my Moleskine Art will be exhibited. I already sent my sketchbook to Milan. :)
- The 5 new moleskines that I’ll be receiving for free! Yey!
- Meeting up with Mikko and a few other camera lovers on the 3rd. I finally get my first ever lomo cam (Vivitar PN 2011)! I’ve been itching to get one for months, and I just couldn’t stop myself any longer. =P
- My trip to Singapore for JR’s birthday. I can’t wait!!!
- Getting my Holga 120 CFN when I get to Singapore. <3
- Spending quality time (5 days!) with JR. <3 Lots of hugs waiting! :)
- Shopping galore!!!!
- A good month at work. I’m expecting really positive clients in April.
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Posted on: 7th of August 2007 | Under: Life & Love
Posted on: 7th of August 2007 | Under: Life & Love
The silence in here should speak for itself. Yes, I have been busy, but frankly, not as busy as it actually seems. I just haven’t had much to talk about, really. =P
A quick update, in bullet form, just because. ^_~;;
Things that are making me happy lately:
- Work. My Ethan Allen family’s just wonderful. Everyday at the office is opportunity, not just to learn something new, but to have fun while at it too.
- Going to the gym. I’ve turned into a real gym buff. I’ve been going three to four times a week, and I love the feeling every time I walk out of the gym. I can really feel that I’m finally getting back into shape.
- Mondays. My ultimate rest day. The only day when I can just sleep in, and have my DVD marathons.
- My grandma’s well again. She’s no longer using her wheelchair, and has been walking around the house by herself. She’s improved so much in the past couple of months that her doctors have approved of her finally flying back home to Canada. I think she’s scheduled to fly before the month ends.
- The wonders of cellphones and the internet. With the distance, it’s the only way JR and I keep in contact. Text messages, webcam sessions, and calls, topped with virtual hugs and kisses. <3
- JR. We’re turning 4 years in 2 months, and even with the distance between us, our love for each other hasn’t stopped growing. I never used to believe in long distance relationships, but with JR, I know things are possible. <3
Things that I’m looking forward to:
- JR’s 5-day trip back in Manila! We’ve been physically apart for almost 3 months, and the distance has really been tough for both of us. I’ve really missed having him around, and I know 5 days is not enough time, but it definitely is better than not seeing him at all. I’m beyond excited! =)
- Getting off work for 3 days when JR gets here. It’ll both be extra rest for me, and quality time for us. Food escapade, here we come!!! XP
- Getting my room back in a couple of weeks. I love having my grandma around, but sometimes I miss the comfort and privacy of having my own room.
- My nephew / godson’s birthday party this weekend. It’s been a while since I last spent time with my relatives, I’ve missed them.
Remembering 2006 and Looking Forward to 2007
Posted on: 5th of January 2007 | Under: Life & Love
Posted on: 5th of January 2007 | Under: Life & Love
2006 passed quicker than I had imagined, and just as I had predicted, the whole year was definitely full of wonderful memories.
- Early on in 2006, I finally got my driver’s license. I had been putting it off for years, and pushing myself to take classes was indeed one of the best things I did. I enjoy taking public transportation (learning how to commute when we moved back here was something I was really proud of), but I also enjoy having the comfort of driving myself anywhere I please.
- 2006 also gave way to numerous reunions with old friends from Brunei, including this one. Of course, more pictures can be viewed in my Multiply account.
- Graduating was my biggest achievement of the year. Walking up on stage made me feel so good, especially since I had a medal pinned on my toga for an honorable mention. :)
- As a graduation gift, my parents bought me my MacBook, which actually still keeps me up all night. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it! XP
- Our Singapore Trip was probably the highlight of 2006. Ten days spent with JR, sight-seeing, shopping and meeting up with my dear friends. It was one big adventure that definitely tops all the adventures that we’ve had as a couple. <3
- Family occasions are something that I love, and my parents’ 25th Wedding Anniversary was a family effort that we all enjoyed. Despite the obstacles that popped up along the way, we still managed to push things through beautifully. :)
- 2006 was also full of love, and celebrating our 3rd year together was fun. Probably the best anniversary spent together. <3
Greeting the New Year was extra special, because JR spent it with my family and I. He came over early in the morning of December 31st and tagged along as I did my errands the whole day: shopping for bathroom fixtures with my mom and dad, doing the groceries, mass at 7pm, and then making tacos and onion rings for dinner. By midnight, we were out on the street watching pretty fireworks. We don’t buy fireworks/crackers, so our New Years are always spent watching our neighbors light theirs.
We watched….
Anna. 25. Filipino. Interior Designer. Living in Singapore. Optimist. Gemini. Geek. Bookworm. Frustrated dancer. Mall rat. Shopaholic. Shoe addict. Crazy over flats and flip flops. Adores pointed shoes. Bag-aholic. Travel junkie. Gym buff. 
