To the one that got away

It took me years to tell you things that I never and cannot tell you personnally after the break up.  The things that I wanted you to know, how you have hurt me so bad, how i have been hoping that we would get back together and how I managed my life without you were all kept hidden somewhere in my brain.  Now that we are "okay" and somehow managed to forego of our history, I want to say to you the things that I never said in the past.

The hurt was equally reciprocal to the love

I can say this now because I have moved on and obviously you did too.   Thinking that the hurt was too bad after you left me, it overshadowed the love that we had when we were together.  Remembering the moments of laughter and fun of just being together somehow erases the pain of being apart.  We were so compatible then that even with the colors of our clothes matched without planning or talking to each other.  You pampared me so much that I actualy forgot how to do things without you.  I was always protected by you from any harm be it physical or emotional.  You would always be the shield so that the hurt will not reach me.  You ttook all the blows and the jabs of life for me.  We were partmers, the best that we could ever be.  And I thank you for being loyal and faithful to me.  That is why you will always be my favorite "what if."

Maybe this is how I manged to move on.  The hurt that I experienced was equal to the love that you have showered.  Back then, I wanted to get you back, fight for you and take you back into my arms but you have decided that you do no want me anymore.  I had questions, lots of them.  Like what have I done to deserve this?  Can I do something else to wake up from the nightmare?  Would you love me still?

I loved you then, do I love you still?

After a few years of parting ways, we eventually acted like adults.  Are we friends? Yes, maybe. But they say if ex lovers became friends, it's either they never loved each other or they are still in love with each other.  I loved you then I am sure of that.  The question now is do I love you still?

You are the one that got away, let's keep it that way.

I never wished tto be with you in another life maybe because we were not really meant for each other.  In another life, there would not even be an "us".  Not even in another time when we are older, wiser and bolder that there would be a chance for the two of us.  You have slipped away from me, you will always be the one that got away.

The familiy dream business opportunity

How to buy cheap house and lot in the Philippines

Visit this site to check out the house and lot projetx:   Ultimate secrets - Filinvest

Tula para sa isang OFW nanay (a poem for my OFW mother)

Ang buhay kong isang tula kung minsan Masaya pero marami ang kalungkutan Dahil magulang ko'y malayo sa piling kong tunay San man ako dalhin ng aking paglungkot ang aking baon. Dahil ang aking inay abala sa paghahanap buhay. Nasanay na akong humarap sa pagsubok Maging ito'y madali o mahirap saaking loob Sa tulong ng aking guro na nagsilbing magulang Gabay nila'y baon ko sa aking daraanan Tagumpay at pag-asa pilit kong kakamitin dahil sa aking ina na mahal kong tunay.

This poem that created rivers of tears was made by my son. Out of the blue he asked me, "do you want to see my poem for you?" I excitedly agreed and after reading the poem my tears won't stop. Mothers who are working away from their children were able to relate to this poem. Distance may have hindered us from hugging each other but thank God for high technology where continuous communication happens. I pray that whatever God plans for me and my son, we will be able to travel faithfully and journey together near or far, and pass the hurdles of life with flying colors.

God bless all the single moms and their children!

Things to do in Hong Kong on a budget

After staying in Macau, we headed to Hong Kong by ferry.  Here is our itinerary in Hong Kong.

Day1:
Arival at Hong Kong from Macau
Check in to Fortune Hotel Mong Kok
Hong Kong Disneyland
Dinner at Big Daddy
Street Food Mong Kok
Mong Kok Ladies Market

Day 2:

The Peak Tram
Victoria Peak
Lunch at Burger King - I do not recommend faastfood
Hear Cantonese mass at Rosary Catholic Church
Bar street
Dinner at Local restaurant in Mong Kok

Day 3:
Hong Kong Macau Ferry
Back to Macau
Venetian Macao
Parisian Macao
Lunch at Venetian Macao Food court
St. Paul Ruins
Stret food Macao
Flight back to Manila

Things to do in Macau on a budget

My teenage son and I traveled one day ahead of the rest of our family to Macau.  We traveled at night via Cebu Pacific's budget fare to Macau International Aiport.  It is advisable to travel from the airport to the hotel via bus.  There are a lot of free buses and public buses from the airport.   But since the two of us were tired and wanted to reach the hotel, we took the taxi.  TIP:  Taxi drivers especially oldies do not know how to speak in English.  If you want to take the taxi, be prepared with a Chinese name of your hotel or ask the airpot information to explain it to the driver.

Here is our itinerary in Macau.

Day One or first night:

• Night flight to Macau via cebu pacific air
• Airport to Hou Kong Hotel (Check my hotel review https://theseandbeyond.blogspot.ae/2017/08/where-to-stay-in-hong-kong-and-macau-on.html).
• Check in to hotel.
• Get acquainted to the neighborhood.

Day 2:

• Break fast Portuguese bread
• Visit 100-year-old temple

• Barra
• Ama temple
• Take bus to Macau Convention Tower
• Macau tower glass walk
• Macau creations
• Sto. Domingo church
• Sto. Domingo museum
• Ruins of St. Paul.
• Snoopy shop
• Lover's lane  - Travessa da Paixao
• Macao museum
• Old walled city
• 3D
• Street food free tasting

Day 3:

• Breakfast at Mcdo
• Our lady of Penha
• ferry to hong kong

Where to stay in Hong Kong and Macau on a budget

We stayed in both Hong Kong and Macau during our family budget travel last June.  There were two budget hotels that we occupied.  This is my review.

1.  HOU KONG HOTEL   -  Macau

Website:  http://www.houkonghotel.com/

Address:  No.1 Travessa das Virtudes , Macau, Macau

Booked through:  Booking.com

Price for two days  188 AED  (400 HKD)

Staff:  One female staff knows a little English and always smiling but the rest seem distant and rude.

Deposit:  YES.  200 HKD whch will be given back after the stay and after surrendering the key.  DO NOT LOSE the receipt.

BED:  OKAY.  Firm to hard.  One pillow per bed in a comfort twin room.

TOILET:  Private toilet with free shampoo, soap and comb daily.

WIFI:  Strong even at top floor.

HOUESEKEEPING:  Very clean and orderly.  Cleans daily.  

NEIGHBORHOOD:  Near to all attractions and 24-hour shops and 7-11.

TIPS:
1.  Book the room away from the elevator.  It could be noisy at night if you stay near the elevator.  We stayed very fare from the elevator at the corner.
2.  Always be ready with Chinese translations of what you want to ask the receptionist.
3.  Staff may seem to be distant and rude but they are not, just shy maybe.


2.  Fortune Hotel - Hong Kong

Website:  http://fortune-hotel.hongkonghotelchina.com/en/

Address:  FLAT 24, 5/F, WING WAH BUILDING, 40P SHAN TUNG STREET, MONG KOK, HONG KONG, HONG KONG

Booked through:  https://www.airbnb.com/

Price for three days  8246 PHP  (1253.62 HKD)

Staff:  The owner is very nice.  She attends to every room daily.  Small but very clean.

BED:  OKAY.  Firm to hard.  One pillow per bed in a comfort family room.

TOILET:  Private toilet with free shampoo, soap and comb daily.

WIFI:  Strong even at top floor.

HOUESEKEEPING:  Very clean and orderly.  Cleans daily.  

NEIGHBORHOOD:  Near to all attractions in Mong Kok Area.  Very near the MTR and bus stops. ladies' market is just downstairs.  Sneaker's market is very near.

TIPS:
1.  The owner do not speak English.
2.  Google map is very handy.
3.  Take public transportation.

Family budget travel tips - Hong Kong and Macau

My last budget trip was in Hong Kong and Macau last June 2017.  The weather in Hong Kong and Macau during that time was sunny with a dash or rainfall (very little).  It was too hot.  Nevertheless, we still walked and rode public transportation which is by the way very efficient knowing that Hong Kong has millions of commuter daily.  Both Hong Kong and Macau attractions mostly are walkable if you are really on a tight budget.

I travelled with my family.  We were five - three adults and two teenagers.  I traveled with my son one day ahead from my sister's family.

First stop was Macau where we stayed for three days.  We took the 45-minute ferry ride to Hong Kong where we stayed another three days.  On our last day, we went back to Macau for our flight back home.

Here are few tips to remember when you are on a budget travel to Hong Kong and Macau.

1. KLOOK.  For discounted activities, attractions and things to do, buy tickets at Klook.com   I bought our disneyland tickets and meals (I really advise you to buy meal tickets at klook as it is too expensive inside disneyland), The peak tram tickets and Macau tower tickets.

2.  Book hotels at booking.com for cheaper deals.

3.  Use public transportation = buses, MTRs and ferries.

4.  Walk.   Most attractions can easily be reached on foot.

5.  Food? Go local.  It is always cheaper to eat local food and street foods than eating at  your well loved fast food chains like McDonald's or Burger King.  Our family meal at Burger King costs us 300 HKD while a big heaping family meal at a local restaurant with rice and bubble tea was only 200 HKD less.

6.  Airline.  PISO FARE from Cebu Pacific is always the best.


SO, that's a few tips for a family budget Hong Kong and Macau travel.

10 Travel Photo Challenge - Macau and Hong Kong 2017

I have been out of sight in my blog because I went home to the Philippines and traveled to Macau and Hong Kong.  Of course, it is a family budget travel once again ladies and gentlemen.  Before I share my family budget travel to Macau and Hong Kong, left me share with you my 10 travel photo challenge - Macau and Hong Kong 2017.  I always do the 10 photo challenge wherein in I list down 10 items to be photographed before i travel.

Find these on FB

1. Coffee

2. UNESCO/heritage sites

3. Local people

4. Food

5. Transportation

6. Market/shop

7. Architecture

8. Airport

9. Themed 

10. Street sign 

When you are pushed to the limits

Doodles

I am Saint Mary's Dubai Golden Jubilee

How to invest in farming online

Farming has never been this easy and high tech.  Most overseas Filipino workers (OFW) depend on monthly salaries from employers in the country they reside.  Most of the money goes to their families back home to the Philippines.  Sadly, nothing is being saved or invested from the remittances that were sent  monthly leaving the poor OFW not  even a single penny when he/she retires.

Good thing today in the world of information technology, there are a lot of venues to invest.  We just need to be very careful not be be scammed or all of our money will go to waste.

One easy platform for investing is the online farming called FarrmOn.   FarmOn is a crowdfunding community wherein people invests online for real farmers to do the job.  It started in 2014 all my true blooded farmers.

Read about them on About FarmOn

Farm On

The farms

State of the nation with Jessica Soho

FarmOn-ph-featured-in-Day-Off

FarmOn-ph-featured-in-Philippine-Daily-Inquirer


How to Register on Farm On

1.  First of all, Farm On registers people through referrals.  If you know a member, you can get their email number and include the email number upon registration, otherwise if you have not been confirmed by the member, you cannot register.  You can direct message me or email you need a referral.

2. Go to their website www.farmon.ph

3.  On the top menu, click JOIN NOW.

4.  Then click JOIN as virtual farmer.

5.  Fill in the form https://www.farmon.ph/page/join

6.  Advise your referror to confirm your registration as soon as you have submitted your form.

7.  Once the referror has confirmed your registration, usually 3 to 5 days, then you can start buying crops.  When buying crops, there should be an open cycle at the time you decide to buy crops.  Don't worry everything is online.

Even with big or small profit, at least we can expect some savings for our future.

Invest in farming now!

Saint Marys Church Dubai Golden Jubilee

Saint Mary's Dubai Golden Jubilee

Help me get one more

I was watching the Hacksaw Ridge, a 2016 movie directed by Mel Gibson starring Andrew Garfield.  It is about an American army medic, Pvt. Desmond Doss who served the battle of Okinawa, who because of his strong religious belief refused to hold a gun and ill people.  He saved 75 soldiers during that battle.  He was given the medal of honor even without holding a gun or firing it. Watching this movie tells us about a lot of things. 

1. Life is a daily battle and we have to just keep on saving one another.

In life's battle, it is not how many you have one but how many lives you have touched.  The struggle in our daily life is real.  Every day there is war of hunger and poverty - not just of food but of wanting to be loved.  The hunger for love is much worse than the hunger for physical food.  Our souls need attention as much as our own physical body.  Everyone of us, each individual, is in a situation different from one another.  So, it might be useful to at least help one more every day.  

2.  It helps so much to pray.

  Not only in war that we need to pray.  We thank God, the supreme being, for all the daily small and big amazing miracles that we get everyday.  And when we are weak, He is our strength.  The movie opens with.....

Isaiah 40:28-31, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

This was also the verse I have held on to during my battle with thyroid cancer.  Indeed God will raise us up on eagles wings.

3.  Be passionate and get respect.  

Give 101% in everything you do and people will notice not you but what you do.  Desmond in the movie was laughed at at first but when they saw what he did,  they believed in him even if most of the soldiers are nonbelievers of God.  He gained respect because he was passionate of his calling.

4,  The word of God is our weapon.

Even if we deny the truth in the bible, most of our whys in life can be answered by studying the word of God in the bible.  In times of trials and sufferings, the word is our comfort.  It pays to study the bible.

5.  Leaders lead the first defense.

Leaders should always be front liners so that the followers may truly believe in what they are fighting for.  How can a leader lead when he is hiding at the back?  In saving souls, leaders are supposed to go first into the battle and rescue,  They bring about healing and hope.

As we continue our battle in life, others are also having their own battles.  We should remember that we can always ask God to help us to help more people.

The V formation

Today as I walked home, I saw the migratory birds in V formation flying away from Dubai.  This marks that winter is over.  Here comes the sun.  Goodbye migratory birds...

I cried watching Beauty and the Beast 2017 movie

Beauty and the beast, the animation, has always been my favorite Disney movie before Frozen came.  Well, at least it is still my favorite romantic animation.  The movie was just like the animated movie in 1991 except I noticed that the song "Kiss the girl" was not included and there was an additional time travel where Belle saw how her mother died or why they had to leave her mother behind in Paris when she was a child. Same story plot but it all came to life.

The movie opened with once upon a time, there was a young prince.  Then there was the village song with Belle and everybody saying that she is peculiar.  Who could ever forget Gaston, the captain who wants to marry Belle.  The same arrogant captain who had Maurice, (Belle's father) be eaten by wolves in the forest then had him sent to the asylum.  The same guy who despite him wanting to marry Belle, he also locked up Belle with her father.  Worse, he shot the beast twice to kill him.

What made me cry watching the movie?

1.  The father's love.  Maurice has sacrificed his love for his wife leaving her in Paris during a plague so that Bell could survive.

2.  A mother's love.  Belle's mother had to be left behind in Paris for her to be saved during a plague.

3.  A daughter's love.  Belle came to the beast and became prison in place of her father.

The lesson here is LOVE.  It has always been love that can change a beast to a handsome prince.  Remember the frog prince, the sleeping beauty and all other animation about LOVE.  Love is still the most powerful feeling in the world that even the wildest beast can change into a loving prince.  But the most wonderful love of all is...the family's love - father, mother and child!