Big City

I believe it was Mall of Asia which shed a light of urbanization into Pasay/Paranaque. When I was a kid, the view outside was the sea. Now, right in front of our house, is Solaire Casino and the newest Entertainment City. (Literally in front)

Maundy Thursday moon

Both in Taiwan and in the Philippines, our houses are usually in the city (father side). Living in the city gives a sense of security. Maybe because the hustle and bustle in the city temporarily silences the problems our hearts and minds are trying to scream out. 
I have to say though, living in the city is stressful as compared to living near the beach or the mountains ( hello there nature lover )

The side which faces Solaire used to be the " most boring " view for me. It showed nothing but the ocean and coconut trees. Now as I grow older and the city is becoming more and more 'Big city like', I treasure every moment I can still see the ocean. 

Spot Mall of Asia

 I grew up in the unit which faces the airport. It is also where the sun rises up in the morning. As the fable of Mencius goes,  where you live influences how you think. Watching airplanes fly in and out each day gave me an open mind, that I can leave whenever I want and it is just a matter of choice. There is always a way. Our place here in the Philippines influenced me in more ways than I can imagine.

The future Entertainment City 

Coastal road

 It is a struggle- one side I want the city to progress and turn into an investment center, but the other side of me yearns for that ocean view again. 

Where I took pictures

Thinking about it, a city is meant to progress.
Let's just hope that this progress is not just a progress on the investors'  part.

---
x Cristine 

Thailand 2012: PATTAYA

Here are the highlights of the trip! 
And some tips if you are travelling to Thailand.

Part 1: PATTAYA

If we have to compare Pattaya to an island in the Philippines, it has to be Boracay.
This is where the sand, the sun, and the party are.
A difference is, Pattaya is also known for its red light district. 
And no, I did not dare indulge in that part of their culture.

Party truck. 

The original Vita Milk

This mango rice up there is one of my favorites in Thailand. 

It is composed of coconut milk (gata), Mango and sticky rice. Sweet, sour and a hint of coconut milk in one bite. A must try! (Around 50 baht= 70 pesos?)

Alcazar

Pattaya is also known for its many variety shows. One of the most popular one is of course the, transgender show. 
If you have watched the Amazing Show in Manila, it's something similar. Except the one we are talking about here in Pattaya is the original one.
(1300 pesos)

If you are not into the arts and culture, this is what most likely will happen to you

Off to Coral Island!

Angel, my dearest family friend

The boat ride gave me an adrenaline rush. Mr. Captain, please do slow down your pace next time.

woo

Here at the stop point. Yay for Parasailing!

The only thrilling part is when you run. When you're up there, gosh I swear I felt like sleeping.

I believe I can fly..

Chilling under the many umbrellas in Coral Island

Next up: Bangkok

Merry Christmas!

Compared to Filipino culture, we don't really celebrate Christmas with as much dedication and passion.

But since our family lives here, more or less we got influenced by the Filipino's festive spirit!

Honestly, I sometimes envy my friends who get to celebrate with their titas and titos. Going to mass together and all. Never got to experience that.

Nevertheless, I had fun this Christmas.

Christmas eve

 We celebrated in our family friend's place in Dasma with family friends. (say what)

At this point, you might wonder where I am. Well, I looked too stressed out that day so never mind. Let us just admire the photography lol

On the way home, we were craving for cake so we stopped by Heritage Hotel to buy one.

Php 1100 

Chocolate with hazelnut. 

I liked the frosting since it wasn't that sweet thus making the cake not "nakakaumay"

It tasted like Toblerone chocolate made into a cake.

The price may be a bit high but it is reasonable considering it was bought from a hotel.

Christmas Day:

So we had a BBQ session with family friends again.

It was more casual so I had more fun this day

uncle Peter

Oyster Miswa// soup

One taste of the Miswa and I felt like I was in Taiwan.

(Leaving tomorrow anyway ;] )

It was really authentic.

This kid is TOO cute and I'm sure he'll be a rocker in the future. We made him try all the instruments in Garage band and the only ones he liked were the electric guitar and the drums.

Cutie patotie!

My new friend from Enduran. She's half Taiwanese and half Korean!

I am a big fan of coconut! So this fruit salad, which was composed of 80% coconut, made me CRAZY.

And lastly, Mango Bene from Mary Grace.

This dessert is a must try!

Each bite makes you go to Mango Heaven.

The mango is really fresh plus the cream.. ahh.

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

Anyway,

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!

<3

Taiwan Day 2- EG, Haircut, Shopping

(I didn't picture the shopping part and the haircut part though.)

We ate in 義果義大利美食坊
This restaurant is known for using healthy and organic ingredients. 

photo credit: my dearest auntie Sara
(They misspelled ITALIAN) 

grabbed from Google

                         The ambiance here is calming and soothing. The designs are really appealing,too.

Girl's C.R.

We each ordered from the lunch set menu.
The meal started with bread with butter and tomato as dippings.

Then there's the salad and soup.

I ordered

Spaghetti with chicken and pesto sauce

Their serving is really generous. Large amounts of chicken and pesto were added to it. It's tasty yet not "nakakaumay".
(I do not know the direct translation for this Filipino word. The closest word I can think of is "fed up".)

I forgot to picture the drink. It's my favorite, Pearl Milk Tea <3

________________________________________________________________________________

Went shopping and had my haircut done. After "The talk" with the hairstylist, I started primping up my hair. Tired of just letting my hair loose without any accessories. 

Fullbangs // side bangs

_______________________________________________________________________

Feel free to bookmark! ~