Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Princess!
This is Princess, My Inang's dog. I dont know what breed she is. But it's common here in the Philippines
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
First Night At The Apartment!
7.16.18 Monday
First night in the apartment! Whoa this whole dorm thing is super new to me. So I live more in a dorm than an apartment. There's a public kitchen, public bathroom/shower area, and a public place to wash your clothes. I'll make sure to take pictures. But man. Is it dusty up in this dorm! Whoever lived in the room I'm in smoked because as I was wiping down the area i could see that layer of yellow that I'm familiar with. I wiped my bed area twice and I'll go over it again later. Dust bunnies fell from the top bunk. Like. Oh no! This is NOT how i'm going to live lol. My feet were filthy at the bottom. There is a private kitchen area and bathroom as well.
The only reason why I know there's a public bathroom is because I was in the public cooking area waiting for the water to boil in the kettle me and Dimer bought today and this guy that lives on the 3rd floor walks out with a towel slung iver his shoulder in the nude. I hear him and turn and he just grins and I'm like ....😅😶... *looks away quickly*
He apparently hasn't had to deal with many attendants in the dorms since he moved in early. There's a balcony in the cooking area so I decided to open the sliding door to it and sit in the available chair which so happened to be next to his dorm.
So he finishes showering, I look up again because I hear someone and he has that grin on his face again. This time, I smile back, just glad he has the towel around his waist this time.
Like. There's no hope. I'm going to have to get to know him now. I've already seen more of him than I've asked for so. Welp.
Today me and Dimer bought a kettle, 2 blankets, food for tonight, and 1 fan. I didnt have enough to buy two. Dimer is probably going to sleep with the windows open and I feel bad about that. I do know that if we get an AC (or Aircon as they keep calling it lol) it'll be in my room because Dimer cant stand the cold. He likes cool not cold. And he can take hot.
Tomorrow I'll be going to an Elementary with one of my teachers. She is my (something about childrens behavior I think). I spent some time with her today. I also spent 1k for the kids and honestly I'm probably not going to do that again. It's not me being selfish but I can't flaunt my money around like that or people will think that I have an endless supply and the truth is, I don't.
The teacher's name is Mrs. Alma. She has 3 kids so I'm assuming she's married but she may not be because she never mentioned a husband. She's super nice and we can make jokes with each other. I'll be handing out hygene supplies and teaching the kids the English Alphabet. In the Philippines they call the alphabet ABAKADA where as we call the alphabet The ABC's. She asked me to pick a song to teach them since I told her I could sing. (I should stop sharing information so blately lol it's like these people pay attention or something xD).
I chose the ABC's because you can sing Twinkle Twinkle and other sings but I can't remember pther titles. Let me know if y'all can remember any with the same rhythem because if Mrs. Alma let's me go and interact with the kids again I will. (But i won't pay for her expeses).
I don't want to remove my piercings in fear of lossing the holes but it's probably going to happen since the lip/mouth area is the fastest to heal. Welp. There goes $70 i suppose. Plus the amount i spent on piercings.
Mrs. Alma said I'll be taking classes for 4 years and taking 1 intership year. That's longer than I thought but honestly. It's okay. I'll definatly be able to speak Ilocano, Tagalog, and Itneg by then. I still want to learn Spanish so for those of you who can speak it please! Help me out! I have Doulingo. But i dont always have connection.
Alright. So. I have a lot of dedications written in my notes hut I havent posted any. So I'm thinking of having them separately listed later on that way people can read their dedication and I can know if I've dedicated to them already. I want to show my support for all my friends because all of you support me and that's what friends do!
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These dedications are for people who are currently stuggling. One way or another. I want them to know that I support them and I want you all to have them in your thoughts and/or in your prayers. Thank you ❤
Luna: Im sorry for your loss, Hun. Your brother will always be watching over you. I'm sure his love for you will always be within you. If I was there. I'd comfort you but this all I got. For those of you who pray, keep her in her prayers. And those of you who don't keep her in her thoughts. Lossing someone we love always hurts one way or another. Love ya girl, be strong!
Krystal Mirage: You always post beautiful pictures. I want you to know that (:. Everyone, my friend is going through a rough time. If you could keep them and their mother in your prayers that would help them spiritually.
I dont have too many memories with William, but I do support everything he does.
Here's a link to his donation page everyone. As little as $5 will make a difference.
https://www.gofundme.com/road-to-recovery-for-teresa-moreno
Samantha Howell: Both of her parents were admitted into the hospital on the 11th. They both have chest pain and an additional health issue. We were in Band together back in High School. They are sp
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July 12 2013: #88: Loss of Jason Roberts. The time I felt the whole school's spirit shake
I remember being on the computer at my sister's house while watching her dogs and a sudden feeling came over me. I stopped what I was doing and suddenly checked facebook. When something happens to my friends or something effecrs a mass of my friends I can feel it. And I don't know how else to explain that.
I logged in my feed was full of sadness, heartache, and references that i didnt understand. All I knew was that someone had died. But who? So I google it and I find an interview with one of my elementary mates, Eli Peterson. Him and Jason had gone to the gym early that morning and now, suddenly, he was gone.
My heart sank. All of the references suddenly made sense and I exited the browser to type a poem. A long one that I don't have a copy of. It was about Jason and how he changed the school how his smile lit up thehalls and his laugh was so joyful. He was really an inspiration. His favorite mlvie was the Titanic and he was going to be in football. He was in band as a bass clarinet player but he found more passion in football. Jason was one of thoee people who never frown. He always seemed so happy despite the hardship that I learned after this death. I could only imagine how his grandmother felt. She outlived not only her daughter (Jason's mother) but also her grandbaby. At the time, my heart didnt know how to take the news so I did what I could to participate in his honor. I went to his funeral, there was a candle cermeony, and I wrote the poem hoping that my care for him would be heard.
This week marks 5 years since he departed and I can still feel his impact on the world. And honestly, I hope one day, I can have the same impact on others that he had. I had only one meory of Jason. One definate memory that I felt bad about. Back in Junior high I was very aggresive and he had made fun of me for being short so I grabbed his neck from behind, slung him down and began to kick him in the face. After that, we were good. He never made fun of me for being short. I don't care if someone makes fun of my height now. All I wish is that I had a better memory of Jason besides that. I guess his smile, laugh, and purity is enough to say that he made an impact in my life.
For those of you who still think about Jason, don't worry. He's in our heart and he cared for each and every one of us. He wouldn't want us to be sad over his departure. Instead, we should look forward to seeing him and when that time comes, we can catch up. In the meantime, we should live like he did. Smile every day, be positive, and laugh like there's no tomorrow. Because you ever know what the future holds.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
The Mayor's Collection
Vigan City's Mayor's Hunting Collection
I'm not a big fan of zoos. I know that some help preserve the animal kingdom but this one doesnt. This is the Mayor's obsession... To hunt animals and place their skins here.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Monday, June 18, 2018
Week 9: Progress Made and All The Rain
Me and my cousin Joville at Santiago Beach!
Rain Rain Rain!! (Literally it rained all week lol)
Sun: Rest Day
Mon: Transcript Came In!
Tues: Independence Day (Though no one knows who from lmao) Santiago Dagat!!! High Waves and Gasping Breaths
Weds: Practiced Languages
Thursday: Practuce Languages
Fri: Birthday Catholic Service
Sat Candon,Supplies
My wifi has been picky but for some reason my apps work fine so I found a way around my problem! I am currently using my Instagram browser on my phone. I dont understand why ny wifi wont let me log into the factory setting password through my browser (through my laptop AND my cell) but I wont stress over it since I know now that I can go through other apps to get to the website I want.
There are 3 people that I want to bring up before I get started on telling y'all about my week. I want to thank Eric Hernandez for helping me with my spanish. My best friend's birthday was this week!! Yay 22! Your wishes are official through the blog. And Lastly, Connie Hernandez gets a feature this week because I wanted to show her the blog lol.
I met Eric Hernandez at Stripes while I worked overnight. He also worked overnight as a sweeper for All Clean of Texas. I wanted the job but even through my persistant I wasnt able to land it. Eric ended up changing jobs to work day time and for a higher pay so I asked if we could be friends on facebook and he said sure! Even though he liked to prick at my nerves during my shift I still enjoyed his company and now he's helping me learn Spanish! He's about to have a son soon so congrat and Happy Father's Day! He always post about his daughter, Julissa and I can't help but respect that so yay for good parenting! It's always a good feeling to see children being raised well by anyone, a single parent, a couple, seperated parents, adopted parents, ect. Thanks again, Eric! And I'll make sure I go to the Mexican instead of Google lol.
If you are one of my friends on Facebook who speaks Spanish fluently, please.... Message me!!! The languages here in the Philippinrs originated from Spanish because it was taken over by Spain for 333 years (That I learned from my nephew RJ when I visited Apayao). Because Spanish is the origin some words bleed through and I know I've mentioned this over the weeks but each week somone new views the blog so here it is. Some words in Spanish bleed through or are very similar in Tagalog or Ilocano and even in Itneg. My favorite one, for those of you Anime lovers is is Baca.
In Tagalog, Ilocano, and Itneg: Baca
In Spanish: Vaca
In English: Cow
The Stupid Cow joke makes me laugh but not everyone gets it here and that's fine lol.
June 13th was my best friend's birthday! Happy Birthday Amber!!! Me and Amber were best friends back in Elementary. We didnt have a single course together in Junior high and didnt reconnect until Senior year of High School when we had Goverment and Economics together. it was as if our friendship was on pause and when I got to hang out with her again it was like the gap if years wasnt there.
Amber can have moments of randomly NOT ANSWERING cell phone calls or messages but I dont mind. When I have time, I go see her or if she has enough energy she messages me. I love Amber to death and support whatever she whats to do in life. She's super creative and artsy and she's good at taking care of kids. She watched Rylla in 2015 when I landed the Stripes overnight job for the first time. I asked her to watch her because I was going to school in between. Right now she's with a guy from Canada and he seems pretty cool but I've never talked to him lol. All he needs to know is that if he ever hurts her in a way that I causes me to retaliate he better we ready because I may be cute and adorable but I pack a punch :3 But I'm sure it wont come to that! Love you, Amber. One of these days you and I need to go to Canada. I have family there!!!
And Lastly, Connie Hernandez. We had talked about the Philippines and some fun words like "Puto". Here in the Philippines Puto is a food, which is delicious, while in Soanish it's a curse term lol. Me and Connie had many classes together and if we didnt have the class together it was because she had the other period for the AP or Duel Credit course.
Connie has a strong personality. Our senior year we campaigned for each other for Homecoming nominee. We told each other that if one of us made it on board to Homecoming we'd help that person get more votes. it would've been great if we both had made it but instead I made the court and she did not. I still appreciate Connie, she's a great person and even though we don't hang out I still consider her a friend! (I didnt win homecoming by the way. But I wanted tk get on the court so that I didnt have to play "My Girl" for an hour lol). Thanks for that Connie! Always know that if you need help with something, I'm here and I'll do my best to help!!!
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Now onto the actual post!
I met Eric Hernandez at Stripes while I worked overnight. He also worked overnight as a sweeper for All Clean of Texas. I wanted the job but even through my persistant I wasnt able to land it. Eric ended up changing jobs to work day time and for a higher pay so I asked if we could be friends on facebook and he said sure! Even though he liked to prick at my nerves during my shift I still enjoyed his company and now he's helping me learn Spanish! He's about to have a son soon so congrat and Happy Father's Day! He always post about his daughter, Julissa and I can't help but respect that so yay for good parenting! It's always a good feeling to see children being raised well by anyone, a single parent, a couple, seperated parents, adopted parents, ect. Thanks again, Eric! And I'll make sure I go to the Mexican instead of Google lol.
If you are one of my friends on Facebook who speaks Spanish fluently, please.... Message me!!! The languages here in the Philippinrs originated from Spanish because it was taken over by Spain for 333 years (That I learned from my nephew RJ when I visited Apayao). Because Spanish is the origin some words bleed through and I know I've mentioned this over the weeks but each week somone new views the blog so here it is. Some words in Spanish bleed through or are very similar in Tagalog or Ilocano and even in Itneg. My favorite one, for those of you Anime lovers is is Baca.
In Tagalog, Ilocano, and Itneg: Baca
In Spanish: Vaca
In English: Cow
The Stupid Cow joke makes me laugh but not everyone gets it here and that's fine lol.
June 13th was my best friend's birthday! Happy Birthday Amber!!! Me and Amber were best friends back in Elementary. We didnt have a single course together in Junior high and didnt reconnect until Senior year of High School when we had Goverment and Economics together. it was as if our friendship was on pause and when I got to hang out with her again it was like the gap if years wasnt there.
Amber can have moments of randomly NOT ANSWERING cell phone calls or messages but I dont mind. When I have time, I go see her or if she has enough energy she messages me. I love Amber to death and support whatever she whats to do in life. She's super creative and artsy and she's good at taking care of kids. She watched Rylla in 2015 when I landed the Stripes overnight job for the first time. I asked her to watch her because I was going to school in between. Right now she's with a guy from Canada and he seems pretty cool but I've never talked to him lol. All he needs to know is that if he ever hurts her in a way that I causes me to retaliate he better we ready because I may be cute and adorable but I pack a punch :3 But I'm sure it wont come to that! Love you, Amber. One of these days you and I need to go to Canada. I have family there!!!
And Lastly, Connie Hernandez. We had talked about the Philippines and some fun words like "Puto". Here in the Philippines Puto is a food, which is delicious, while in Soanish it's a curse term lol. Me and Connie had many classes together and if we didnt have the class together it was because she had the other period for the AP or Duel Credit course.
Connie has a strong personality. Our senior year we campaigned for each other for Homecoming nominee. We told each other that if one of us made it on board to Homecoming we'd help that person get more votes. it would've been great if we both had made it but instead I made the court and she did not. I still appreciate Connie, she's a great person and even though we don't hang out I still consider her a friend! (I didnt win homecoming by the way. But I wanted tk get on the court so that I didnt have to play "My Girl" for an hour lol). Thanks for that Connie! Always know that if you need help with something, I'm here and I'll do my best to help!!!
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Now onto the actual post!
Sun: Rest Day
The bus ride back was 9 hours. It wasnt as dreadful because we didnt switch buses. The ticket was 1,300 for 2 people (me and my cousin Joshua). That translates to $25. Which isnt bad. But, we had to take a bus to Tuguegarao (Too-goo-goo-r-[ou like ouch] fitst and that ticket was 1,500 - $28.84. Which again, doesnt look like much but I only took 3k on the trip and luckily that left enough money for snack and a meal but that was it lol.
I've grown to lik the bus snack Mani (peanuts) with garlic. It's only P10 (P - pesos) for a portion, which is small but Filipino size so it's okay. Right now the exchange rate for USD to Pesos is P52 to $1 so the snack was only $.20. I was glad to be home. I missed Inang (She is Lola but everyone calls her Inang so that's what I call her lol). Inang means mom. And even though Apayao feels better on my skin, it's a nice place to visit but I prefer the small town of Paltoc over any city area.
The bus ride back was 9 hours. It wasnt as dreadful because we didnt switch buses. The ticket was 1,300 for 2 people (me and my cousin Joshua). That translates to $25. Which isnt bad. But, we had to take a bus to Tuguegarao (Too-goo-goo-r-[ou like ouch] fitst and that ticket was 1,500 - $28.84. Which again, doesnt look like much but I only took 3k on the trip and luckily that left enough money for snack and a meal but that was it lol.
I've grown to lik the bus snack Mani (peanuts) with garlic. It's only P10 (P - pesos) for a portion, which is small but Filipino size so it's okay. Right now the exchange rate for USD to Pesos is P52 to $1 so the snack was only $.20. I was glad to be home. I missed Inang (She is Lola but everyone calls her Inang so that's what I call her lol). Inang means mom. And even though Apayao feels better on my skin, it's a nice place to visit but I prefer the small town of Paltoc over any city area.
Mon: Transcript Came In!
There was a typhoon here in Luzon, the island I'm on but my family is up in the mountains so we were okay! Jessa, the only cousin on my mom's side that's older than me retrieved my transcript from her address in Candon. I was super excited because it was supposed to come in a week before but I cant control the postal service and the transcript was making to the other side of the world.
Despite all the trouble, I have decided to only turn in my high school transcript because I graduated top 10 percent but I wasnt top 10 percent in college. In order for me to be in the teaching program I need to score an 80 or above on the entence exam. And many people faith in me. Since I dont know what is on the actual test I have doubt that lurks in the pit of my stomach. All I hope is that everything works out and I can start on my journey to completeing the General Education Degree that I have been wanting.
There was a typhoon here in Luzon, the island I'm on but my family is up in the mountains so we were okay! Jessa, the only cousin on my mom's side that's older than me retrieved my transcript from her address in Candon. I was super excited because it was supposed to come in a week before but I cant control the postal service and the transcript was making to the other side of the world.
Despite all the trouble, I have decided to only turn in my high school transcript because I graduated top 10 percent but I wasnt top 10 percent in college. In order for me to be in the teaching program I need to score an 80 or above on the entence exam. And many people faith in me. Since I dont know what is on the actual test I have doubt that lurks in the pit of my stomach. All I hope is that everything works out and I can start on my journey to completeing the General Education Degree that I have been wanting.
Tues: Independence Day (Though no one knows who from lmao) Santiago Dagat!!! High Waves and Gasping Breaths
Because of the typhoon there were waves at Santiago Beach. There normally isnt. But it made a fun experiance. The second time I went I was more prepared but this time, I was not able to keep up with the waves and kept getting knocked off my feet, which was still fun BUT being thrown 20 feet from your original location in one single swoop makes you think twice about what youre doing sometimes.
I wanted to be Navy a long time ago. I knew I wouldnt be able to because of my medical records. But I also know that I dont do well at getting yelled at and in the military, there's lots of yelling. I'm not a person who can fall in line and follow orders without questioning what I'm being asked to do. It's not one of my skills but I am glad that there are people out there willing to do so.
Eveyone was excited to not be in class today but NO ONE seems to know who they won their independence from that day. There's only two options: Spain and America. I'm assuning it's Spain because America let the Philippines do their own thing after helping get the government set up. But, independence is independence so it could have been from either.
According to my nephew Rico Jay (who is 17) the Philippines had natives before Spain. They were tribes and working fine without Spain. Then Spain came along! Then World War Ii happened and the US bought the Philippines. During World War II, the japanese came over to the Philippines to hide and the chinese came over to sell merchandise. Today, many Koreans and Indian (from India lol) come to the Philippines for education because it's cheaper than their home.
Because of the typhoon there were waves at Santiago Beach. There normally isnt. But it made a fun experiance. The second time I went I was more prepared but this time, I was not able to keep up with the waves and kept getting knocked off my feet, which was still fun BUT being thrown 20 feet from your original location in one single swoop makes you think twice about what youre doing sometimes.
I wanted to be Navy a long time ago. I knew I wouldnt be able to because of my medical records. But I also know that I dont do well at getting yelled at and in the military, there's lots of yelling. I'm not a person who can fall in line and follow orders without questioning what I'm being asked to do. It's not one of my skills but I am glad that there are people out there willing to do so.
Eveyone was excited to not be in class today but NO ONE seems to know who they won their independence from that day. There's only two options: Spain and America. I'm assuning it's Spain because America let the Philippines do their own thing after helping get the government set up. But, independence is independence so it could have been from either.
According to my nephew Rico Jay (who is 17) the Philippines had natives before Spain. They were tribes and working fine without Spain. Then Spain came along! Then World War Ii happened and the US bought the Philippines. During World War II, the japanese came over to the Philippines to hide and the chinese came over to sell merchandise. Today, many Koreans and Indian (from India lol) come to the Philippines for education because it's cheaper than their home.
Weds & Thursday: Practuce Languages
I dont quite remember Weds and Thursday. I do know that traveling here mentally exhaust me which is why I don't like doing it to often but we still do it lol. I picked up my story that I wrote back in 2010. Ive written it more than once but I have faith this time. I tried to wrok through some of the lessons in my workbook and the phrase book my brother gave me but I have to have someone check over it and my cousins arent always home.
What I do is write for about an hour. Then I get up and do something else becauee my head usually hurts at that point lol. I ghve myself an hour break and read over what I wrote. I try to finish about a page or two in my journal a day. But the only books I have are for Tagalog. So if I can get a hold of Ilocano, Itneg, and Spanish I write that too. It's a long process but if I want to learn all of the languages it's what I have to do.
I dont quite remember Weds and Thursday. I do know that traveling here mentally exhaust me which is why I don't like doing it to often but we still do it lol. I picked up my story that I wrote back in 2010. Ive written it more than once but I have faith this time. I tried to wrok through some of the lessons in my workbook and the phrase book my brother gave me but I have to have someone check over it and my cousins arent always home.
What I do is write for about an hour. Then I get up and do something else becauee my head usually hurts at that point lol. I ghve myself an hour break and read over what I wrote. I try to finish about a page or two in my journal a day. But the only books I have are for Tagalog. So if I can get a hold of Ilocano, Itneg, and Spanish I write that too. It's a long process but if I want to learn all of the languages it's what I have to do.
Fri: Birthday Catholic Service
I'm not super religious. I havent been church lately. I've been sleeping in lol. But friday there was a birthday party (or maybe it was Thursday I dont know lol. Either way, my cousin Kervin and Lander wanted me to go to a birthday party to eat. But this birthday party was different. Honestly, if the people here can find a reason to hold a service, they will and this time I got experiance or more catholic kid of service.
I noticed that there wasnt a single male adult in the house at this birthday party. It was for a a 3 year old. The people kept standing and randomly singing after they said a verse or so but I couldnt sing along because everyone k ew the songs by heart, in Ilocano (I'm assuming). So I sat awkwardly thtough the service. The women sang and it had an ominious ring to it. I tred to pick up on the rhythems to see if I could think of the english version but didnt find a rhythem i recognized.
It downpoored onced the food was given so me and my cousins headed home. I feel odd not being required to give birthday presents but I do like that the only requirement is taking food home lol.
I'm not super religious. I havent been church lately. I've been sleeping in lol. But friday there was a birthday party (or maybe it was Thursday I dont know lol. Either way, my cousin Kervin and Lander wanted me to go to a birthday party to eat. But this birthday party was different. Honestly, if the people here can find a reason to hold a service, they will and this time I got experiance or more catholic kid of service.
I noticed that there wasnt a single male adult in the house at this birthday party. It was for a a 3 year old. The people kept standing and randomly singing after they said a verse or so but I couldnt sing along because everyone k ew the songs by heart, in Ilocano (I'm assuming). So I sat awkwardly thtough the service. The women sang and it had an ominious ring to it. I tred to pick up on the rhythems to see if I could think of the english version but didnt find a rhythem i recognized.
It downpoored onced the food was given so me and my cousins headed home. I feel odd not being required to give birthday presents but I do like that the only requirement is taking food home lol.
Sat Candon,Supplies
Living in Paltoc means that i cant to the store whenever. There's no short 'ten minute drive' to the store. i was running low on supplies (like my sulfar soap) and my Uncle needed to go buy feed for the pigs so we went. Every time we go to the CSI I have to buy the Buko shake from the stand in front. Don't ask what that CSI stands for but it's like a Sams, the prices anyway. They can sell bulk but they sell indivual items with a free add on. Say that its P120 for 3 + 1 is free so P120 for 4.)
Why my mom insit that i buy things at an SM (Save More) which is basically a walmart is beyond me. AT the CSI the quality is the same and the prices are cheaper so if I can get away with it I am for the CSI but SM sometimes is easier to navigate. I'd like to buy things at The Market but in order to buy things there you have to speak the language or the prices will be raised because English is a higher status marker.
I feel that this post is shorter than the others and that's okay! Not a lot happen this week and I'm fine with that. I dont really want to have a set schedule until school starts. Let me know if you're curious about anything. I try to post when I have connection through my instagram which post for my facebook too.
Til Next week,
Shinar/Cho/Dj
Friday, June 8, 2018
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Corn
Took this photo while waiting for my family to get back from their Underground Cave adventure in Luna, Apayao. This is a field of corn (Mais/MaÃz: Tagalog/Spanish)
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Week Six: One Official Month!
Sunday: Santiago
Monday: Vigan (Rent)
Tuesday: Hang out in Barayok
Wednessday: To Cabaroan! Mangas! Field Day
Thursday: Hung Out with Kervin
Friday: Candon. I made Gulash for everyone!
Sat: Stayed Home. Work on Ilocano/Tagalog/Itneg
So I want to start by congratulating my buddy Leo Ramos for not losing hope and being freed of cancer! I'm super stoke that everything worked out for you. I wish I could buy you some 'Congrats, you didn't let cancer kick your ass' present but I can't so this will have to do! Me and Leo have known each other since sixth grade. I probably have an old picture of us somewhere from being in band together. He played tuba and I played trombone. We've always had each other's backs. No matter how far we stray in our own paths we'll always be there for each other and those kind of friendships are the best! Gad you're good bud. I hope all is well after this. Keep strivin' and survivin', bro!
Also, Friday or Saturday Alan's little sister graduated Kindergarten! His family made me a part of their family and I'll always appreciate that. Before I left I helped her with the last few assignments she had. We had to get pictures that represented words that started or ended with curtain letters. Ex: Beginning or ending with 'th'. Imagine me trying to explain to her that there isn't exactly a picture way to represent the word 'though'. Here little brain couldn't wrap around that concept lol. I want her to know that I'm proud of her. And hopefully sooner rather than later I can teach children her age or older since I'm going for elementary education.
When I have connection I'll have a better hold on whose birthdays are coming up. I'll probably dedicate a photo or a post or something to the people that month because I care about all of you who are in my life (whether we met in The States, in the Philippines, or haven't met at all. Friends from junior high up until High School and even those who have worked with me know that I love giving away birthday presents. They're ways for me to say, "This is what I thought about our time together + it's your special day!"
Here in the Philippines you don't really give gifts of birthdays. You show up and spend time with the person and that's enough. Presents are not expected. Eating the food that is cooked is expected and honestly that's how I feel. Not about the food but for my birthday I enjoy seeing people who care to put the time aside to see me or tell me happy birthday. Although, I don't like announcing my birthday, I never have. Most of my friends know it's either in April or in the week between April 10-20. I know Daniel Lucero knows my birthday because mine is the day before his.
Anyways, Happy Birthday Adrian Fierro. Gosh, I hope you aren't any taller than last time I saw you. I'll always hope for the best for you and hope that everything is going well. You should be 22 today. If I'm wrong I'm sorry that I don't remember lol. I'm pretty sure I'm not. I also wish I could send you something, wherever you are. All I know is that you're living life and you don't seem to be in any trouble and that's all I could hope for. Always know that I'm here and if you need anyone to talk to I can use messenger for free at all times lol. Happy Birthday/ Maligayang Kaarawan/ Feliz
Cumpleanos! I hope you see this!
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IL - Ilocano
Tag - Tagalog
Span - Spanish
It - Itneg
It has been an official month since I've landed in the Philippines. There are so many things to learn here it's making every day a challenge that's fun to beat. Little (basit - IL) by little I learn the languages. And yes, I said languages. I'm sure I've said this before but I'll say it again. I'm currently focusing on Ilocano (IL) and Tagalog (Tag). For what words I don't know I use Spanish (If I know it) and most of the time the person or people I'm talking to understand what I'm trying to say.
Eventually I want to have a word of the day in all of the languages. I'm working with my family to figure out how I want to do this. I'm thinking of having a collection of words per week. Ex: Seven Numbers, Seven Animals, Seven Items, or ect. Most Ilocano and Itneg (It) are the same but not all the words. Tagalog is based off of Spanish. Actually, most of the languages are based off of Spanish. I don't wan to say that they all are but that might not be a false statement.
Sunday: Santiago Beach is about an hour and a half drive from Paltoc. This week and the next we went to Santiago but the week after I hope we can go to Urza (San Esteban) again. I have to pay for the cottage and the general drive because we're going to the beach for me. So hopefully, everything works out. Urza is where I took the picture of me and my cousin on the rock and there are more rocks to swim to swim to so I have my fingers crossed. It's also deeper there. I would really love to become a stronger swimmer than I am. I'm not too bad but my cousins (who can swim) are like graceful fish gliding through the sea lol. There are some of my family members who cannot swim and I hope to teach them so they can enjoy the sea (Baybay - IL) like I do and maybe they'll be able to adventure the ocean with me to small achievements like rocks lol.
Santiago Beach is clean but it's not as clear water like Urza Major (San Esteban). I hope to find more beaches I can swim at. Salt water helps my skin immensely and that's why I try to go once a week.
My skin: Overall my skin is getting better. I started using this Aloe Gel that my sister Lynn (Manang Lynn) recommended. So far it helps die down the itching but it doesn't stop it. I'm not sure what to think of it yet. I do know that my lotion doesn't mix with the Aloe Gel (but according to my sister Lynn nothing does) so I have to wait until the gel is completely dry before I can apply any lotion on top of it. I still use hot water to kill the bacteria in the water and sprinkle baking soda to enhance the effect. I lather myself in Sulfur Soap which I know helps my skin. So far it looks like my efforts have paid off. But I've lacked in taking two showers a day because I've been waking up later and I've been told that we're going somewhere or doing something so I don't have enough time to shower in the morning. Two showers help as well. Even if I'm going over my skin and not washing my hair one of the times, it helps the healing process.
My old habit has been coming back of me waking up at 2-3am in the morning and staying up till 4-5am sometimes 6. I'm trying to eat less in the last meal of the day that way I don't have too much energy when I go to bed but I can't cut the last meal out because if I don't eat my Inang/Lola (IL/Tag: Grandma) will get upset and I don't like upsetting her.
Monday: Vigan (Rent): Went to pay rent with my cousins Dimer and Joshua. We ate Sinigang at a small mall across from Mang Inisal because Mang Inisal was too crowded. Got to share my music with Dimer and introduced him to Skillet (Thank you Hannah!) Although I wish I had more CDs to show Dimer (and the rest of my family who is really into music Skillet will have to be the start). They got me to download a music downloading app and a music player. Right now I'm going through my cousin or niece (I think she's my niece lol) Genalye Rose. She has another name but I don't know how to spell it or say it.
We paid rent in Vigan and looked into turning in our applications but I can't until I have my transcript. (I literally have everything else). Also, I learned a little about the money classes here in the Philippines and how to blend in because converting my paycheck from America into pesos was a BAD idea lol. But that's okay. I have six extra applications for a reason. Hopefully my transcript will come in this next week. Otherwise I can't take the test and neither will Joshua. I don't know how Dimer applies because he's younger and is coming out of Senior High (High School( I think.
Tuesday: Hang out in Barayok
When I was working for Stripes I worked in San Angelo and Big Lake (an oilfield based town). In Big Lake I learned how to speak enough Spanish to get customers in and out of the door and that helped me tremendously when I got back to San Angelo and had a Spanish speaking customer and even in Dollar General when I occasionally would have a Spanish speaking customer. One of my cousins who went to Hawaii for some time thought that Texas was part of Mexico and sometimes, we might as well be lol.
Before my mom left she joked that I should get a part time job helping my Auntie JingJing at her Marienda (Store IL/Snack Tag). Even though it was a joke I thought it was a great idea because of my experience in Big Lake. So Tuesday my Uncle McKenny took me took me to Barayok to get my first experience at the store. Even though some of the words didn't stick it was still easy enough for me to understand. I hope to help her out in the future which I probably will.
Wednesday: To Cabaroan! Mangas! Field Day: This day scared me. My cousin Lander woke me up and said that we needed to go eat in Cabaroan and I thought that meant eating at some restaurant or some side food chain. What he meant was, "Let's go the field to go eat." I asked him why his little brother wasn't coming along and he shrugged and said, "Okay if you want." After getting off the motorcycle we went for a hike to where the huge mango (manga IL/Tag) tree was. Had he told me that we were going to the field I wouldn't have suggested for his younger brother to come along but he wasn't sure how to tell me before hand. Lol. We hung out watching people harvest mangoes. They divided the harvest and we ate (I have pictures that will be posted). It was an interesting experience but my skin worried me. Any unattended cut or open wound (no matter how small) that I have can get me Staph Infection and I'm highly sensitive. The moment I got home I took a shower and thankfully, nothing happened. The field is where my cousin Gary works. He doesn't go to school but he does work out there and that's not necessarily a bad thing! He chose what he wanted to do and he's doing it. I haven't talked much to him. Out of all his siblings (Joshua, Dimer, and Jovelle) he's the one I don't get a chance to talk to because he's out there all day. I hope we get to talk when I learn Ilocano.
Thursday: Hung Out with Kervin:
Me and the Kervin (Lander's little brother) hung out at the house all day. We read through part of his 4th grader book (Tagalog) and watched TV. I worked on some computer things and other than that I don't think we did much. I think I sang with my cousins this day. They really like my voice. I know I have a good voice but in America I never really sang in front of anyone. Here, everyone sings even if they're bad at it and I think because of that I was able to sing in front of them with ease.
Friday: Candon. I made Gulash for everyone!: Angel Hair Noodles are nonexistent here lol. And so is Garlic Salt lol. But Gallic Powder mixed with salt is the same thing. And Elbow noodles will have to do lol. I bought 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs) of lean ground beef (80/20??) and 1 kilo of elbow noodles. I bought 2 big cans of tomato sauce and onions (which were tiny. I'm used to bigger onions this was weird for me. Also the shopping experience was different. (I have pictures of that too!) Lol. I called it American Soapas (American Soup) because I thought Soapas was noodle in Ilocano but it's Soup. Which makes sense. But I asked Lander what it meant and he said it was noodle (This was later explained to me by Jovelle lol). Anyway. It was a success and most of it was gone. They don't have a fridge here so I couldn't put it away when lunch time was over but people still came over and tried it. (Apparently, I need 3 cans of tomato sauce and a 4th just in case for reheating lol but besides that the 'American Sopas' was a success,)
Sat: Stayed Home. Work on Ilocano/Tagalog/Itneg:
I'm going to be honest and say I don't remember Saturday. I'd sit here and type to you every day when the day is over but I don't always feel like opening up my laptop to do so and it gets annoying when you go from your laptop to your phone and sometimes it's on your phone or maybe it's on your laptop and then there may or may not be a chance that there's wifi. Lol.
Overall: One month. Whoa. I can't believe I've made it to a month! It's now officially the rainy season. Hopefully next week me, Joshua, and Dimer will have our stuff together to turn in our applications and get ready to take our Entrance Exams! Woo, College! Another thing about this place is they have uniforms per day based on what you're going to go to school for so that's interesting. I'm not really for it because I like choosing what I wear. All I hope is that the material is cotton and if it's not. I want to know if I can invest in one that is cotton. Because my skin doesn't work well with any other material.
Well, goodnight for now. I wanted to make these short but I only seem to be making them longer lol. But more of you are telling me that you're keeping up with it so that makes me happy! Thank you for reading everyone. My dad this morning even told me that he read my blog and that made me really happy. If you all are commenting and I'm not responding it's because I don't have wifi but please, don't stop commenting! I want to hear what you're thinking.!
Until next time, Dj/Cho/Shinar
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Selfie Taipei
On the plane heading for the Philippines. I was so tired but excited to start my new adventure. I sat next to a Filipino couple who live in Chicago! They were talking about how they appreciate EVA Air. I second their opinion. The ride was nice and the flight was cheap compared to what it could have been. The only reason why my ticket was so expensive was because mine is an extended round trip. One of the few photos I took in Taiwan. One day I might visit the actual country who knows!
Friday, April 27, 2018
Breakfast 4.28.18
Brekfast! Crab, Rice, Clam, and Tomato! There was Fish, Watermelon, and Bittermelon as well.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
April 25th, 2018: And We're Off!
Hello Everyone and welcome to Forward Flight!
(By the time you all read this I'll be heading to the Philippines.)
(By the time you all read this I'll be heading to the Philippines.)
I’m excited to say that even though I didn’t get to see as many people as I wanted I still got to see people that I cared about. If you didn’t see me before I took to the skies then it’s okay. It’s the thought that counts! Besides, I know that most of my friends are antisocial and/or introverts. That alone makes it difficult to get a lot of us together in one spot. Whether you saw me or not I want you to know that I still care about you. No one deserves to not have someone that cares about them!
The plan is to update you every once a week on Mondays. Tuesday my time. I chose Mondays because a lot of people don’t look forward to Mondays. I don’t exactly have a professional way of writing this blog. This will be more of a casual, “Hey by the way! I’m doing okay!” sort of set up.
I know that a lot of you will have questions over time. You can either comment on the post itself or go to my ‘Ask Questions Here’ page. There you can ask me questions and I’ll receive them through my email. I know that some of you wanted to Pen pal me and I’m not against it but being able to send me mail in the Philippines is either expensive and/or difficult because of the postal system. When I have an update on this I'll let everyone know. Until then, if you want to email me directly you always can. I'll answer as soon as possible. I'll have my email at the bottom of this post.
Here's a question that people keep asking me.
When are you coming back: The plan is to go there until school ends so the general trip will be around two years or so.
There are other questions that I've been asked and I don't mind answering. Overall, this experience is one that I want to share. I'll be flying with my aunt and my mother. We'll be leaving Wednesday, April 25th, at 12:50AM (Or, 00:50) and getting to the Philippines on April 26th at 11:40AM (their time).
It's weird to think about the time when traveling but try not to put too much thought into it.The actual travel time that will pass for me is about 25 hours. However, when you look at it from a timezone perspective only eight hours will pass.
I'll make sure to let y'all know what I do in Taiwan. Another question that has come up since I've told people that I'm 'moving' to the Philippines is "how are you going to get your stuff over there?" The answer is quite simple really. I won't be taking my 'stuff' to the Philippines. Here in America a lot of people like to be attached to their belongings and their 'physical' things.
For me, there's no need to bring most of it. Or hardly anything to be honest. All I need to bring is a weeks worth of clothes to last until I can get to the store. I’ll need the minimal amount of toiletries, a journal to write in, and the CD I invested in.
There's no need to bring my posters, my boxes of journals that I've finished, the mass of books that I've collected, and ect. I won't be bringing these things because as much as I like my personal 'stuff' I don't 'need' them. After all, what's stopping me from being able to buy more clothes in the Philippines. What's stopping me from buying the essentials in the Philippines? Nothing! That and, it's cheaper so why not?
These last few weeks have been exciting. I got to be the center of attention even though I’m not one who likes to be in the center of it. Alan (my boyfriend) and I went to New Mexico for our last anniversary. I know that a lot of you wonder what he thinks and what we’re going to do. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what we decide because that’s between us. There’s a lot to think about when looking into a distant relationship. Now, I want everyone to listen to this because this will my only answer. If anyone ask me about my relationship or relationships I’m going to tell them that it doesn’t matter because they’re not part of that relationship. If anyone comes out to me and tells me how much they feel for me I’m going to tell you that I don’t care. There’s no way around it. I’m going to school in the Philippines and my focus isn’t on a relationship. I don’t want to answer questions about any of my past relationships. If the subject so happens to come up and I talk to you about it then that’s fine but please don’t insist that I tell you about my relationships because I won’t.
New Mexico was fun. I got to spend three whole days with Alan and once we came home I had to focus on saying goodbye to everyone else. I got to see my best friend and another close friend on the 19th and then stationed myself at The Gathering Place (a place in town where I could go play card games or meet up with friends in general). I didn’t plan on attending the Pre-Release for Dominaria but since I won’t be planning on playing Magic The Gathering in the Philippines I figured, why not?
For those of you who were able to attend I want to thank you. I had a great time playing different games, eating snacks, and overall socializing with people that I enjoyed spending time with. I was hoping to see more people but I don’t know what I would have done if I had run into more people that I needed to spend time with.
When I sent out invitations Facebook thought I was spamming people and that’s why I didn’t send out too many when I tried to re-invite everyone. It made me sad that I had technical issues but that’s alright. Anyone is who connected to my Facebook is always welcome to message me I have my Instagram linked up on my blog as well. I don’t mind adding people on my Facebook as long as I’ve met you. If I haven’t met you I probably won’t add you on Facebook but you’re welcome to follow me on Instagram. Let me know that you came across my blog and I’ll follow you back.
After today I’ll be posting an update on Mondays at 12pm (-5 UTC/Central Time). Let me know what questions you come up with and what things you want to see. For example, I have a friend who wants me to find out everything about Arnel Pineda (the lead singer of Journey), Now, I won’t be 100% focused on only finding out what I can about him for her but it’s a fun side quest for me to take upon while I’m there.
Say that you’ve never been to the beach. I’ll take a video or take pictures of one in response to your request. I want to know what y’all want to see while I’m over in the Philippines so please don’t be afraid to ask me about whatever comes to your mind.
Till Next Time,
Shinar/Cho/Dj
Email: Lusterdragon72@gmail.com (Title your email:Forward Flight)
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