The Year I Skipped

I realized that it's been a year since I posted anything. That somehow tells you how busy that past year has been. 365 days. How can so many things happen in what seems like such a short span of time?

The year I skipped was really rock n' roll. Arnaud and I decided to become friends, and I faced a new "Boracay Season" with a little heart ache. But, as with every new season, the winds and the tides brought in a beginning of sorts, along with new friends, new experiences and new opportunities.

 Aaah the kites up at Bulabog. The view we look forward to every year. 

The island's party folk greeting the sunrise after a mad Halloween party. 

The famous Boracay sunset that steals the show every single day.

Laid back days in the sun, wild Full Moon parties, island drama, more kindred spirits--that season was everything it promised to be. And for me, it was the best one yet. I could specify the many events that happened this past year but I think it's better to mention the most significant one:


I moved to another island.

Wait, what?

I believe I've been hinting at "graduating" from the island in past posts. I guess I was just waiting for an opportunity. I moved to Boracay to get out of my comfort zone, then it turned into a comfort zone. So after 6 priceless years in paradise, it was time for a new adventure. And that's how I ended up here, in Bali. :)

Rice paddies in my neighborhood. 

Me practicing on a scooter--the best way to get around Bali. 

Hanging with the girls after an afternoon with the waves.

Bali. Wow, this is a whole new story. 5 months in this place and I already have a book-load of tales. But we'll save those for another time.

Truth is, Bali doesn't feel very different from Boracay. In fact, it feels like Boracay on a bigger scale. Wider beaches (though mostly dark sand), more parties, more tourists and more groceries! Haha! So although people would consider moving countries a leap, I consider it more of...(you guessed it)a skip. A happy one. The kind you do when you're strolling along to your favorite song. The kind you do when you excitedly want to get to where you're going to. 

C'est Possible

Louvre-in it! The interiors of the 2Go ferry on the Boracay - Batangas Route

The people at the ferry port recognize me. That's kind of remarkable because there's probably thousands of tourists and residents that pass by everyday. I guess that's how often they've seen me the past month. April has been hectic. I've gone back and forth to Manila to take care of my Schengen visa application on top of a demanding work schedule and a big family event.

It isn't easy putting official papers together and making them convincing enough for judgmental French eyes. First of all, I'm a freelancer; second, I'm single; and third, I unfortunately, am from a third world country where it's almost automatically a disadvantage for opportunities like this.

Let's see - no permanent job or employer, no husband or kids to come back too and a third-world citizen... my chances seemed as slim as a French mustache. I had desperate thoughts of showing up to my interview in a striped shirt and beret while waving a baguette.

But, there were signs. I came home to my mom wearing a shirt that said "Je t'aime" - where she got it, I don't know; suddenly all the movies on TV are set in France; the Eiffel Tower designs on trinkets and knick knacks in various shops; the ferry I rode where they had massive wallpapers of Paris sights... France was just everywhere.

My little coffee corner with a red plastic Eiffel Tower
it was given by a friend to remind me of my goal

We walk into a crepe shop and see this: a massive map of old Brittany - Arnaud's area in France

Was the universe telling me it's going to happen? Or was this the universe's way of reminding me not to give up?

Whatever it was, I acknowledged it. Visiting France was one of the big goals I set for this year. And even though it was sometimes easier to forget about it and spend my time and money on other things, I was reminded of this thing called integrity - where you do what you say, even when it gets really, really tough.

I may tell my application experience in another post. But for now, let me tell you this (it's not original but it's true): It works to have a goal and it helps to pay attention to the signs. But most important is to not give up too easily. Persistence and work - that's how the impossible happens.

I Feel Good, Na-na na-na na-na na!

Today I ran into an old neighbor. Someone I haven't seen in over a year. "You look good!" She said. People say things like this to be polite. So I said thank you and complimented her too.  A bit of chit chat and then she starts to walk away. She looks back at me, smiles and says: "You look younger."

That's just what I needed to hear! I was suddenly propelled into doing that thing which I've been procrastinating on. Loading up on fruit and veggies! So I headed to the market, bought my ingredients and made myself one of these:

It's a green smoothie. With spinach, banana, pineapple & strawberries in coconut water. :)

If you want to try making one, they've got a simple formula for beginners here:

Oh and if you freeze your fruits, you don't need ice. This can be a nice, healthy alternative to a choco milkshake when you're looking to survive the hot summer weather. Or you can add a little rum for happy hour! Just kidding!

Backlog

I don't like backlogs. There have been so many stories I wanted to tell, and haven't. Unfortunately 2013 wasn't a very nice year for me. So many downs versus ups. You could say that everything took a beating; my health, my heart especially my wallet.

But hey, it's 2014 (it's been 2014 for 3 months now, hehe) and I finally find the time to sit down and update my millions of readers as to what's been going on! I'm kidding, I don't have millions of readers, I probably don't have a single one anymore. But I'm giving an update anyway, because like I said, backlogs stress me out, so this is for my own sanity. 
So... to make long stories short, a quick run through of the significant events of the past year: 

First of all, early last year my youngest sister Monique moved to the island too. 

Fresh out of the airport!

Back when she had her pale, pasty, city girl complexion :P

***

Then Arnaud and I went on our first out-of-the-country trip together.

We went to Thailand and were there in time for the Songkran Festival.

We went to Bangkok, met up with my old friends and had a REALLY good cup of coffee. 

We took a sleeper train to Chiang Mai. :)

We had a nice and scenic Songkran in Pai

and a huge and wild one in Chiang Mai

Then Arnaud flew back to France and I to Manila.

***

Monique and I got Dengue Fever.

We had to go to Antique and spend a few days in the hospital.

And I had to move out of my pretty yet mosquito-infested kubo.

Monique and I moved in together to a new place.

A few weeks later, we got robbed.
My laptop, camera, phone, our Ipods, wallet and bags

were taken while we were asleep.

I start over.
And become even more grateful for the love of my family and friends.


***


Arnaud returned and things felt a bit better. :)
We decided to move in together.❤

We went as Waldo and Wenda for Halloween.
(Our mermaid friend, Pauline "finds" us)

I went home to spend Christmas with my crazy family. 

My dad gave me a new camera. ❤

Back in the island, we had an awesome New Year's Eve party until sunrise.

I turned a year older and celebrated with a kiddie party.
photo from renegadeloverrr

***

Arnaud flew back to France. Monique got darker and I moved a couple of times to my present single studio again. Phew! There, no more backlogs! Although, I feel that the Thailand trip deserves a post of it's own.

For now, we'll see where this blog goes. I admit it's hard to find its relevance with the existence of Facebook and Instagram BUT, I like telling stories, and nothing beats blogging for that. :)

Freaks and Geeks (Why Halloween in Boracay is So Fun)

Halloween in Boracay is one big, crazy party. Being the first major party after the quiet Habagat season, it's a much-anticipated event. Everyone (well the cool ones) plan, order or make their costumes weeks, days or minutes (depends on how diligent you are) before the evening of the 31st. 

I love it because it's a visual feast. Imagine a packed island crawling with different creatures - colorful, flashy or just plain gory. Every year you have your usual fairies, zombies, the guy in the scream mask, Fred Flinstone, Joker, and the I-just-put-this-together a few minutes ago kind of costume.

The thing about wearing a costume as they say is you can forget about being yourself for awhile. Being in some sort of disguise gives people an excuse to be a little more crazy and reckless… which is the scary part. :)

I have always loved wearing costumes, I enjoy going to themed parties and showing a little creativity and resourcefulness with what I come in. With Halloween, it's no different. Now I'm not the type to take advantage of halloween to look cute or sexy (which to the availability of costumes would be so much easier). I always prefer to be funny or funny scary. Luckily I have someone who is super game for the same kind of costume I want. But working with an equally creative and crazy mind can be hard. It took us HOURS to think of our costume. We would throw ideas at each other during mealtimes, while walking, before sleeping… and nothing grabbed us. We're hard to please. We didn't want anything typical. We wanted something funny, interactive, recognizable by most people, something we shared in our childhood (despite cultural differences)... sounds almost impossible doesn't it?

The idea came during lunch, the day before the party. While finishing our plates of rice and tortang talong. A just blurted it out and I instantly knew it was THE ONE. We immediately went around the island shops to gather our materials and start building it. We had to make it from scratch but we knew it was going to be worth it. :) Oh and it was. But before that, check out some of my favorite costumes that night.

The Bath Sponge (she came with her own bubbles)

Best Execution :) I've seen a lot of Mia Wallaces over the years but not the one with heroin and blood dripping from the nose and the adrenaline shot to the heart. 

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. I don't know, I just love the design :) 

And now of course, how can I not post OUR costume. Haha!

Tadaaa! Tetris! What do you think? :)

It wasn't the most convenient costume in the world but we loved the idea and so did everybody else! Yay!!! Our costume did get a lot of photos from friends and strangers, it got us free drinks and lots of pats on the back (or should I say pats on the box? :P) Of course everyone kept asking us to "volt in" - which was a bit of a hassle when our "tops" were off and we were drinking - but it was fun to do too, so we didn't mind so much.

We allowed our friends to have a little fun with us.

See, our fronts double as bar tables too. :)

 Due to precise engineering, we can remove our tops and turn ourselves 

into a perfect square.

Unfortunately our costumes didn't make it from our favorite hangout Exit Bar to Area 51 (another bar but in Bolabog) partly because of the inconvenience and partly because a certain wasted Lego man drenched us with water. After a few hours and a few beers, it was game over for the Tetris costume. And so we partied on til morning in our normal clothes. BUT after seeing everyone else's costumes that night, and even if there was a non-existent competition, we the Tetris pieces went to bed telling ourselves one thing - we won. :)  

My Life, In Print

Well, actually just a small part of it. Remember that article I was writing?
Well it's now in the latest issue of Sidetrip Magazine! :)

 I am so excited to see the published story and the photos! Just in time for my island anniversary too!

You can grab this issue in newsstands next week or you can get advance copies at the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX, SM Mall of Asia, starting tomorrow until September 16.

Just visit the Side Trip/A-Z Direct/A-Z Publishing booth near the entrance of the book fair grounds. :)

I'm excited to get my copy. As soon as I do, I will post photos of it here.

Happy Island Anniversary - The 4th Year

Today is my 4th Island Anniversary! Yay! And what great timing it is because, just this week, I welcomed an old friend as a new island resident!

It feels almost ceremonial to pass on some island tips to an island newbie as I am celebrating my 4th year. It's just like highschool! So-called wisdom from the senior to the freshman.

My high shchool friend Marge worked for a hotel in Manila and got transferred to it's Boracay branch. So now she's here! She's not sure about staying long, much more staying as long as I have, but we both want her to enjoy this island experience as much as possible!

So the past few days have been lessons in where to eat, where to get the cheapest beers, some Bisaya or Aklanon vocabulary and most of all how to make the most of her time here.

Tip No. 1

The best and cheapest coffee will always be at a friend's place.
(That's my friend Marge enjoying my coffee AND company! hehe.) 

Tip No. 2

Angol - one of the quieter spots on the island and a good place to watch the sunset or spend a day off.

Tip No. 3

This is how to spend a day off. Not watching TV inside the staff house (which some of her officemates do).

The newbie puts on her Puka Shells. An accessory you will spot on lots of locals and residents.

Tip No. 4

Exit Bar - the best bar in the whole island! :)

Tip No. 5

Make friends...

...lots of them.





(Marge you've got some serious tanning to catch up on :P)

Tip No. 6



Dance. Because it's (almost) always ok.

Tip No. 7



Laugh.

Get involved only in discussions, activities and relationships that make you feel good. Because that's what a beach life should always feel like. It may be tough, it may be crazy, but it should always make you feel right.

Should you have a choice, choose good vibes.

Speaking of good vibes. I had a good anniversary day. It started with yoga class, then a yummy homemade brunch, a little work on the side (as it's a weekday), sunset beer and billiards and a skype date. ♥

But the celebration doesn't end here, I may have a little surprise tomorrow or in the days to come. :)

Happy anniversary to me and welcome to the island, Marge. :)