2022 gave me a Bang! What is next for 2023?

While for everyone else, 2022 is the time where the new normal is settling in, that everyone is getting used to living with covid, for some of us it’s not quite the same.  All of us definitely we had challenges, maybe at school, at work or at home, and handling these challenges may be different per individual and this is alright.  

What I want to say is that no matter how strong the storm was, we need to get up again and again and personally I know I need to do the following to continue to be strong, this exactly is applicable to all of us! 

As we enter the new year, I commit to doing these things and be more conscious and present. 

Xoxo

Just Like that, goodbye 2022

Time Flies! My last blog post was in February of 2019 and if I recall correctly, I stopped writing because there was a life event change and I think I want more PEACE.  Anyways, I was able to achieve that and have transitioned my blogging to vlogging.   My YouTube account is kldfernando.  

Let me look here, okie what should I write about? Well, it's pretty obvious that Christmas is just a couple of sleep away and 2022 is about to end so what do we need to do then?  I saw this great quote from Brene Brown and it's very simple.  We need to let go of what we think we are supposed to be and embrace who we are.  If you look deeper, this is pretty simple, but is it?

For me, Acceptance is KEY and not thinking about what others think of us is equally important to embrace who we are.  It's 2023 and by now we should have learned the ropes that no one else (well ofcourse our family) will accept us from who we are but ourselves, so let's show that!

In one of the movies that I watched, it said that 

"Reputation is what other people sees in you"

"Character is who you really are"

So let's focus on our character and the reputation will follow.

Aja! Xoxo

Something to Learn from our Fur Babies!

When I was growing up, my siblings and I were not exposed to any pets.  When I met my husband, that's when I was introduced to pets because he has his fur baby, Ciolo.  

Ciolo is a Mixed Japanese Pitz + Tsih Szhu and is a very sweet and clingy one.  This is when I started to recognize my love for our four legged family members. 

Fast forward to this date, we have one Black Labrador (at home in Laguna), 5 AsPins in Angono and 7 more AsPins in Camella + 2 AsPins that we play with who lives within our subdivision. We have a lot of babies and it's very evident that we love Dogs. 

One thing I noticed about them is that they are very approachable, one of course needs to know how to approach our fur babies so that they will not be on attack mode.  I will never forget Ciolo, because the minute Sweets honks when we arrive for work, he will not stop barking.  According to Mama, Ciolo knows what time aproximately we will arrive, say on  a daily basis we arrive at 730pm, Ciolo will wait wait by the door at 7pm (as in nasa pintuan naka tingin) as if Ciolo can smell us from afar. That's how excited they are to play with us.

One thing that I would love to adapt from our fur babies'  behavior is to always (as in always, with not single second fail) be positive.  As if always saying that Everyday is the Best day of their lives.  

That all throughout the day, they are only waiting for us so that they can let us feel how much they loved us! They are very sweet right? I wish we (humans) can be like them at least 75% of the time.  If this happens, we are definitely off to a better world! 

Do you think so?? 

Xoxo

Dating Tips from a Stingy Person

It's still the Love month and this is the month were dates happen very often.  Who doesn't love date nights and cuddle time with our partners? Dating is an important aspect of a relationship because it deepens the bonding between two people and it gives an opportunity to get to know your partners well. 

Dating is not limited for couples, like husband and wives, boyfriend and girlfriend, partners or simply dating couples.. You can also date your parents, your siblings, your best friends or even your friends. Dating can be as glamorous as the royals or as simple as Fishball dates. 

First, we need to find out first the objective of the date.  In almost all of the cases, dates are ways to bond, to know people more, build connection, reconnect and most especially to show how much you care and love the the people you are dating.  

Let me ask you this. What gets in the way why we are unable to date the people that we love? I can think of two things: 

1. Not enough TIME
2. Not enough BUDGET

If it's TIME, this is easy to answer because if a person is important to you, you will MAKE time no matter how busy you are.

If it's MONEY, then this is why I am writing this blog.  I have been married for close to 9 years and I would like to share the tipid dates that my husband and I shared. Here goes: 

1. Movie nights at home - you may rent a CD or copy a movie to your USB and cuddle all you want while watching in your wide screen at home. 

2. Hike - when my husband proposed we hiked a few kilometers going up the mountain. 

3. Jogging - we actually went walkaton.  We were supposed to really jog, but I kept on talking so it slowed us down but it was a lot of fun. 

4. Kitchen Date - when someone is cooking, the other one is preparing the table for dinner.  You are both being productive and are spending time talking to each other. 

5.  Kite Flying - we only did it once but it was a lot of fun.  It would be good to create your own kites but as for me and Sweets we had to buy one for convenience sake. 

6. Biking - well this entails both of you having your own bikes, but if you don't, there are parks that offers bike rent.  This one you can definitely enjoy without the need to buy 2 bikes for this date. 

7. Sunset watching - we are lucky because there is a place near our house with a great view of the sunset.  It's a nice feeling to watch the sunset together. 

8. Gardening - we have a small garden at home.  When I am cutting the grass, my husband is watering the plants and while we were both busy with our greens we are having small conversations which definitely are meaningful. 

9. Walking your dogs - not only have you bonded with your partner, you also bonded with your furr babies. 

10. Staying at home and making all those little chismis and making fun of each other. 

There are a lot of tipid dating ideas, we just have to be creative and go back to your objective.  No matter how fancy or simple your dates are, if you are meeting your objective then you are having a successful dating time. 

Xoxo

Cafe in the Sky: Must visit when in Baguio

Yes it took me a month to write this blog post about Café in the Sky but even if it’s late, I know it will still be worth it because this post will be informative (hopefully). 

When I posted my quick review via Trip Advisor, I have received a couple of inquiries, thus posting an official blog about it (with more details) will definitely help a lot more people who are interested to see the magnificent view on top!

Quick Side Story - Café in the Sky is located at Tuba Benguet and they became extra famous when the teleserye “Forevermore” was played at primetime.
There were influx of tourists at that time and there were some areas of the forest that were taken for granted.  The control that was placed by DENR is to make the place a protected forest area and closed them for tourists.  Their case is still at the court and who knows when it will end – as for Café in the Sky – they want to end the case ASAP so that they will be open for tourists again and be fully operational.


That being said – I would like to confirm that Café in the Sky has NEVER been CLOSED. 

They continue to be operational but not to the optimum level where tourists are coming in and out from breakfast until dinner.

During the day (between 7am – 5pm) there is a DENR checkpoint, where, if you are driving with your private car, you will be put to stop and will be asked for a DENR permit to enter the premises.  This is not only applicable to tourists but also applicable to locals (people from Baguio themselves). So it is not advisable to go during the day using your private car.   Not only there is a DENR checkpoint, if you are a private driver, I doubt if you will be able to smoothly handle the terrain, as it is steep going up the mountain.

My piece of advise – before visiting Café in the Sky – make sure that you have contacted Kuya Marlon (their Chef at 0946 965 9332).  This contact number is also made available online when you look up "Café in the Sky" via Google.

He will be the one to connect you with respective FX Drivers who can drive you to and from Café in the Sky.

The pick up point is at Petron Station (this is just along Marcos Highway). 
It will take approximately 20 minutes going to Café in the Sky.

From Mountain Lodge (where we always stay when we are in Baguio), it was only a 15 minute taxi ride going to Petron Station. 


We were there at 4:30am, had some coffee and burger from Minute Burger and our FX Driver drove us to Café in the Sky at around 4:45pm.  The best time to go to Café in the Sky is before the break of dawn – like as early as 4am to 5am. 

Baguio Sky Line with their wonderful lights.

At this time of day:
1. The DENR checkpoint are a lot easier to pass through (I am note sure how it happened but it’s just that).
2. You will see Baguio City’s Sky Line and lights – it was magnificent and to echo what I wrote in my timeline – it was like looking at the galaxy
3. You will see the bright stars (please hope that it will not be cloudy) and the moon.  A definite view to look forward to
4. You will witness the break of dawn – though it’s not a sunrise golden view because of the mountains blocking the way – it was still a great experience
5. It’s very cold – I will peg around 10 degrees and it’s cool (haha)

The best view to take photos.

Café in the Sky do not serve a lot of dishes. I would say probably because they do not have a lot of visitors.  I must also warn you that they are quite expensive (see below menu) but are a sure win for the stomach, especially their TapSiLog.  I understand this in particular because they have low tourist visitors since their area was closed to tourists (again, 4 years ago) and of course they need to earn some money to continue their operation.

Once you arrive Café in the Sky – my tip is for you to not have breakfast yet. Why? You are really there to witness the view and not to eat.  My suggestion is to have some biscuits with you if in any case you will feel hungry.  Then proceed outside the Café at their terrace – in there, you will see a great view of the Baguio Lights, the stars and the break of dawn.  Below is a quick top view of the Café and where I recommend you to head and set up your cameras. 

Trust me – when we were there, we accidentally stayed at this spot and a lot of tourists guides were guiding their tourists at our exact place to take pictures – so better be there first.

Be prepared with your winter get up – well it’s not as cold as the winter weather in NYC or in Japan but definitely colder than the metro.  Also, the view at Café in the Sky is cool for winter clothes photo opps.

Enjoy your stay there because the view is really worth it!


Xoxo
 

Welcome 2019!

Time really flies so FAST! We just welcomed 2019 and now we are halfway through January!  January is a special month for me and my family -- aside from our get togethers, it's also our Birthday month.


January 4: KL and Louise
January 30: Papa Gary


I am looking at 2019 with all enthusiasm and positivity that everything will go well!  I don't ask for too much from Him, i only ask for these three --


1. For my family (both Diaz and Fernando) to be healthy no matter what!
2. That we continue to spend more time together than we used to! 3. Lastly, to be more forgiving and not being too hard on myself, my friends and my family!


I am actually tired of listing my New Year's Resolution because quite honestly, I am not good at keeping them (and I know how to improve). So I think the best thing to do is to "JUST DO IT".


I am happy that we started the year at the right foot.
We had our yearly Diaz Family Reunion, where the theme is ---
Yes you got that right "GATSBY"

 

 

If you still haven't noticed, we love to dress up!
Well baka ako lang -- pinipilit ko lang pamilya ko! hehe!
But when you come to think of it, it's fun to dress up even for only once or twice a year because it gives us a different aura! 
You can also visit our Hawaiian Themed Party!


Then it was followed by our Birthday Celebration at Baguio.
I am happy that finally we were all able to go to Baguio together!
The best part of it was we were all together, eating dinner,  having some conversation along the fireplace.

How about you? How do you want to spend your 2019? :)


Xoxo

Christmas 2018: Happy Thoughts and Laser Focus Positivity!

I always talk about - even in previous blogs that my favorite season of the year is Christmas Season! Not only (according to the song) it's the most wonderful time of the year - but because it is definitely the most colorful and festive time of the year! 

It's also an excuse to wear those colorful Christmas Clothes wherein no one will mock and make fun of me because its the season =) haha!

PS: This below is the greatest gift that I received!

For me, it's also the time wherein most evidently, people tend to be more patient, forgiving, appreciative, jolly and loving.  It's the time where people (I am not generalizing) tend to slow down and step back from whatever we are busy about the entire year - whether it's working, going to school or business.  it's the time to really be merry and spread joy and happiness with our family and friends.


Another excuse to take photos together with large and colorful Christmas Trees!

No matter how we want to celebrate Christmas Day -- the important thing  for us is to take the time to reflect on the true reason for the season.  To recharge and pamper ourselves to get ready for the coming year and most importantly -- To spread LOVE, HOPE and FAITH to everyone!

Remember that Christmas should not only be celebrated every December.  It has to be celebrated all year round because it's the Love of God to us that Jesus was born and saved all of us!

This should be seen and felt by your family, the gift that cannot be bought and that no amount of money can ever replace.

How about you? How are you spending your Christmas?

Xoxo