Salamat po!

Today’s plan was to meet up with some friends, go to the Komikon then go for dinner. That pretty much went according to what I wanted, but it went even further. Lots of walking and exploring. I’m positive that with these adventures with these friends, I’ll end up exploring the whole of Metro Manila.

Went to visit an old haunt: Greenhills. It’s changed so much since I last went there, but a small part of it didn’t seem to have changed at all. While walking around I was so surprised to see my high school guy best friend lined up to place his bets on the Lotto. Unable to help myself, I ran over and hugged him. Though I don’t see him often, it’s like we’ve never been apart when we get together.

Had a delicious dinner, and once again linked one friend to another. It was a truly awesome day.

More things to be thankful for:

• Seeing so much talent in one room. I’m inspired to be a better artist, and I hope that everyone —- young and old, newbies and veterans, professionals and hobbyists —- will get their chance to further showcase these talents and be recognized.
• Getting home safe and sound. A woman I admire once said surviving in Manila already gives you the advantage of being able to survive anywhere else. It’s not easy to commute within Metro Manila. I’m glad I can, and I’m glad I’m safe.
• Being with my family. I haven’t spent much time with them this week, but I’m happy to have what I can. My parents are cool, even if they’re not perfect. I pray for their success in their ventures, I pray for their continued good health, I pray for their relationship with each other, as well as towards others. I pray that they successfully overcome whatever challenges they face.
• My grandfather is doing well. I pray he continues to be so, and I feel blessed for each day that passes and he is still doing great.
• Knowing that I am loved. That means so much.

God bless you all.

1. Finally saw my heart’s sisters, Den and Ching after a very long time!
2. Videoke session, with two free songs hehe.
3. Got to visit Muji in Bonifacio High Street.
4. I didn’t get wet (much) when it rained.
5. Met with friends Ryan and Drew.
6. Met a new friend, Yue.
7. Got a new Pinky St, yet unnamed.
8. Finally got to try Hana’s takoyaki (the best in the metro!)
9. Long trip home, but arrived safe and sound
10. Stuck to my P500 budget, which included the payment for the new toy.

1. I was told that I was a cool person by someone I just met.
2. I got to spend time with my two best friends.
3. I got to spend an afternoon with two new friends, stuff ourselves silly and didn’t spend anything over P20 (except for fare).
4. Someone bought the books we were selling online.
5. Enough stash of Oreo in various flavors to make myself sick. :) 
6. Hanging out with my sister, getting new clothes (one was even on sale!)

That doesn’t mean I’m not thankful :) I say thanks for…

1. A successful family cook-out last week. It was great to eat something that we all prepared, then spent the rest of the night til the wee hours of the morning just talking.

2. Manang Gaya. My parents decided we needed someone to help around the house, to do the cooking and cleaning. It’s great, and a big relief.

3. Books, books and more books.

4. Freebies. Nuff said.

5. Food trip with my co-workers. I’m going broke and fat, but I’m happy.

6. Being able to love someone, and knowing you’re loved back, even if it’s not in the way you want, it’s still love.

7. Cheap earphones that still has great sound.

8. Cheap (meaning affordable) thrills, like a magnetic bookmark and secondhand books.

9. Music.

10. Not getting caught in the rain.

Last week was so full of win (so to speak). I got a chance to meet Neil Gaiman, talk to him for a few minutes and get my book signed. Never mind that he won’t know me from Adam should we meet again. To me, that was a moment (or two) that I won’t ever forget.

Saturday, I went to run some errands and found a book someone was looking for. I sort of act as a book buyer, so when people email me for a book, I try to find it for them. These books are usually secondhand books, so they’re cheaper and often hard to find.

Sunday, I spent the whole day with my family: brother, cousins, aunt & uncles. We went around Chinatown and had a fun food trip. It was a tiring day, but it was so much fun that we plan to do it again.

It made me appreciate my relatives more. It also made me more aware of the treasure hidden beneath the chaotic world that is Manila.

Today, we got a cash bonus at work. Though it doesn’t make me financially rich by any means, it lightens my load considerably. I can now pay my bills without wondering how I’ll survive til next payday. Thank you!

Also big thanks for the following: bonding time with my brothers, great conversation with friends, cookies, bargain prices and bringing everyone home safe & sound!

I haven’t been religious in updating this Tumblr, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thankful for the blessings around me. So, even though I can’t list everything everyday, here’s a few things that I’d like to say “thank you” for.

Hanging out with my college best friends last Saturday. We didn’t do anything special, but just basically hang around. It was enough for me. Oh and that day in itself has a lot of little things to be thankful about.

Finally got to have Toffeenut Latte at Starbucks. This is the only time in each year that I actually splurge on coffee because I love the taste of this drink. I don’t buy it for the journal.

Spending time with my friends from my old office. Yesterday was a long day, but I had a lot of fun doing, well, nothing again. But it was a day of nothing that was filled with everything: laughter, jokes, serious discussions about odd things, food, sweets… All in all a good weekend.

Also yesterday, one of the friends from the said office gave birth to her first child! We were all excited and visited her as soon as we could. That’s where I saw a handful of my old friends and we caught up with each other. I got teased by them but it was all good fun.

I also got to watch the Pacquiao-Cotto fight live. As much as I hate seeing people punch each other for entertainment, it was… interesting. Although I had more fun seeing my brothers’ reaction while watching it.

Still so many to be thankful for, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I hope you won’t get tired noting all the blessings. Cheers!