December 31, 2011

It's the last day of 2011, what did you do?

~Photo of the Day: Helmet Head~

We had a little midnight snack since I was still a bit hyper and my parents were fine with it. So, go to Aria! I love Italian cuisine!

~Half-half Pizza~

~Family shot, Cham was asleep~

Still here in Bora, sadly we didn't get one of those more upbeat New Year's Eve (NYE) parties so we settled down to our hotel's NYE celebration. It looks promising because we could see the other hotel's program from right here. And look! fireworks at random times.

~Cham watching the fireworks~

Today, I had done a lot of firsts. I was able to play with the ATVs, which were fun 'cause it would probably be the closest thing to playing with other power sports like snowmobiles and whatever. My mom and dad had the Buggy(?) 'cause mommy was too lazy to drive her own. The ATV thing brought us to a high tower where we could see people on the beach kiteboarding... or was it kitesurfing? Either way they were using the wind to play with their boards on water. After that, we saw some weird birds at the aviary farm.

~ATV rentals~

Our mister tour guide, Ricky, was very nice. He was the one who brought us parasailing yesterday. Today, he brought us to the ATV, Zorb and Flying Fish. The Zorb was a new experience for me since I've only heard it from Jeth and she did that somewhere else. It was fun 'til Cham and I had suddenly moved about the place and got tangled inside the ginormous ball. LOL.

~Getting out of the Zorb~

~Hamster Ana~

Lastly, the Flying Fish was funny, terrifying and tiring in one. I thought it'd be like the Banana Boat Ride where they would just pull you left and right 'til you fell in the water. But no... the Flying Fish just had to be ten times more, it pulled you left, right, literally flying, and to a 90-degree angle.

~Just before take-off~

I was screaming so much, I think I'm gonna lose my voice sometime soon. I have the worst muscle mass in my family since I have not done any sports since Summer Swim School but Cham and Luis have their gyms. Luckily though, I have the strongest thighs from swimming and a very good grip to save me from falling. Those two fell off, laughing like hyenas on cocaine.

I fell asleep right after watching the sunset... with my dad and brother. It was the very first sunset that I watched from beginning to end, it was... magical, calming, and truly something sweet.

They've switched the music here so there's the countdown already and the DJ has finally arrived. No more of that music from my dad knows when.

Wherever you are, have a happy new year!
AnaRay

2011, it's been nice. ^^

December 30, 2011

I got a hat!

~Photo of the Day: New Hat~

I now own one of those awfully big hats, claps. I'm not a girl who likes a lot of accessories because I also worry about them. Whether I still have them or not, are they getting wet or misplaced. So, like this hat, I've been holding it like my life depended on it until I realised that I should have just placed it in my bag. Epic fail. The whole reason why I was so wary of the hat was because Cham had let my brother's cap fly away. You read that right... fly away.

We were riding one of those big jet skis where it lets a lot of people in. The three of thought it'd be a good idea to sit in front. When the boat moved, we were holding on for dear life. My mother said, "Hawakan niyo yung mga hat, baka liparin" (Hold on to your hats, it might fly away). Ten seconds after that, I see this black thing fly pass me and Cham said, "Yung cap ni Luis!" (Luis' cap!). My brother's face fell, it was like trying to portray, "WTF?". We had to go back and get it and Cham and Luis were arguing about the cap.

On the jet ski to where, Ana? We were going to the other much bigger boat to be able to parasail. Yes, that really big parachute that brings in two people to the sky on top of the deep seawater. I kinda have a love-hate relationship for the thing because though it was exciting, it was terrifying too. My mind was going on different PoAs (plan of actions) for if ever the parachute would suddenly collapse. I rode up with Cham and we were really screaming our lungs out every time the parachute moved in any way.

~Dad and Bro Parasailing~

It didn't collapse, thank God, but by the time they were pulling us down, I was totally getting airsick because I really do hate it when I'm going down, literally and figuratively. Being airsick did not help being on the boat because I instantly got a bit seasick. The view up above is really cool, though looking down is not a good idea. I did not bring my camera for fear of accidentally dropping it and losing all the photos. The dizziness from being both airsick and seasick had me being quiet for the afternoon until now.

I'm posting early because I wanna sleep, and maybe get to ride an ATV or Zorb tomorrow morning.

~Kicking back to Michael Jackson songs~

Listening to Rockin' Robin,
AnaRay

Bora had a sudden blackout twice tonight, hopefully it doesn't continue!

December 29, 2011

Hello friends! I'm at Bora already.

~Photo of the Day: Boracay, here I am!~

~Airline on the way to Bora~

We got on Airphil Express on a flight to Kalibo. I packed so many bags that I had a hard time keeping up with everything that I had. I didn't want anyone else taking my laptop from me so I had been holding it with me.

~Overpack, I left out my Strauwinsky~

~waiting for the plane to take off~

~bus seat on the way to the seaport~

From Kalibo Airport, we had a van waiting for us and it took us to this private port where we had to wait for the boat that would take us to Bora. I don't exactly like it there on the port because there were so many mosquitoes. I had dengue before so I'm very aware of mosquitoes. When we got to our boat, the sun was already setting. I wanted to have a good shot of it so I barely had anytime to concentrate on taking pictures of myself.

I have this one good shot among many.

~sunset shot~

Since we got there pretty late, we looked for a place to have our dinner. Considering the last time I ate something with sustenance was at 12nn, I was really hungry. We're located at Station1 in the White House Resort but the good ambience was at Station2 and we decided to walk there. We ended up to eat at this place called Nigi Nigi Nu Noos "e" Nuno Noos, whatever that could mean. I love eating grilled squid so I was happy to see that mom ordered us one.

~might as well call it that~

I'm such a fail right now at taking pictures of my food because I'm always so hungry. I can't stop myself. Lol. There are so many foreigners here this season from New Zealand, Brazil, USA and from places I dunno.

Here's where I'm writing my blog.

~Beach front, baby!~

Crappy photo, I know. For everyone else who's travelling, be safe.

Enjoying the sea air because I badly need it.
AnaRay

yummy, fresh air!

December 28, 2011

Packing... again.

~Photo of the Day: Baggage~

This seems to be the third adventure I've gone to since I turned 18. I am so excited and because of that, I don't think I'll be able to keep my promise to myself about the layout change for my blog. I'm having a really hard time on choosing from different websites because I want the blog to be as simple as the one I have now but a lot more personalized. Maybe I'll do the change when I actually learn how to do this... or find someone who does.

Anyway, I'm supposedly packing for Boracay... yea! And, I have absolutely no idea what to wear. What do you wear when you're celebrating the New Year's at the beach. Obviously, swim wear and stuff like pajamas but the daytime/nighttime wear. I'm so confused, I don't even have a pair of shades!

~Oatmeal~

Remember when I said. I had rashes on my face? well its gone now thanks to Bubz's oatmeal mask. if you want to try it, go to Youtube and type in "Bubz oatmeal mask". It should come out as the first suggestion entitled "Beautiful Skin Remedy".

Gotta get to packing,
AnaRay

So yea, me and my sis will be going to bora tomorrow. So I think my sis will be a bit conscious of her skin. As well as me XD .


Recovering,
LuiZ


waiting for nail polish to dry.

December 27, 2011

I am sick.

~Photo of the Day: Cuddle with Strauwinsky~

I've done nothing but sleep and eat today. I was supposed to do a little bit of art but I can't. My lower back hurts and my head is spinning. Having my scoliosis does not help with my lower back so I'm in pain. Not really that much but I just don't want to walk, sit or stand any more than necessary. Then, I still have this awful rash on my face it's better than yesterday but I still have to be careful.

~Fictionpress~

I've been laying on my bed bored just hugging Strauwinsky (still cannot get over the name) while going on the Internet reading, sometimes I'd pick up my book but it just causes me dizziness. I slept a lot today, ate Froot Loops and Chips Ahoy. I don't like being sick!

Compared to my last post, I know this is super short but I really do need to rest. Me and my family are going to Boracay for New Year's. It will be the very first time that we won't celebrate it at home so hopefully our house does not burn on New Year's Eve. My mom's probably gonna take in a few guards but our dog, like any other dog, hates the sound of fireworks.

I just took this picture for the benefit of this blog.

Going to sleep,
AnaRay

i want to get better!

December 26, 2011

I tried shopping today.

~Photo of the Day: Shopping Bags~

Honestly, I went back to buy Eeyore but I think the Christmas sale is over thus the items go back to their original price. He was originally priced at two thousand apiece. Yikes! So, I gave up on Eeyore. Insert sad face.

I did enter every single store in the mall because I shop like that. It's very tiring and I never notice the time until my tummy starts rumbling. Before shopping, I ate a handful of chestnuts to keep the hunger at bay thus I am able to stay on my feet for a good four hours.

If there's one store I did not enter into long, it would be the department store. Yes, it's supposed to be the most complete but I get so frustrated with the many people and the noise. To save my sanity, I rarely or quickly pass through the department store. Noisy teenagers squealing on a shirt or whatever. Bratty kids who complain but secretly want to be there. I hate standing there.

~Strauwinsky~

I went around to the toy store, as usual. Kids' noise make me laugh because they're happy noise like the ones in the department stores. That's when I found out about the price change. Disheartened, I went to Blue Magic. I'll be honest that it's been a long time since I've gotten a stuff toy. And so, I got myself Strauwinsky the multicolored dog. I love these kinds of plush they're huggable and colorful.

~Movie Ticket~

It's beginning to look like a long post but carrying on... I finally got to watch a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie. I saw the movie Segunda Mano starring Kris Aquino and Dingdong Dantes, with my mom. I loved the actress who played Ana/Anna (obviously did not wait for the credits) 'cause everything she did was totally how I would react to what was happening. The name thing adds too because I like my name. But, I am not as stylish /fashionable as her.

~Really bad rash~

I should be resting because I have this horrible rash on my face and it's so bad.


Saving my face literally,
AnaRay

go watch the movie... it's funny and scary at the same time. more funny though.

December 25, 2011

Too much food... and finally we are complete!

~Photo of the Day: Our 8th Christmas Together~

~Woah! Big Family~

Most of our cousins work already, and for the past years they couldn't get the vacation leave for the holidays. The challenges of working in a call center was the night shift but now they got the day shift and BAM, there's so many of plus the little kids.

All pictures are courtesy of my mom's new DLSR camera. I had way too much fun with it so I don't have that many pictures.

~AmGirl?~

~DEVOOONN!~

~Yumm, Hamonado~

~Babyface~

~Always part of the Christmas season~

~Our oldest dog, Tomi~

I was super anxious as to what their reaction would be when they opened the gifts that they gave them. But, thankfully, they seemed to love their gifts, especially the one with the ice cream game. Originally, I wanted to keep it to myself. And, I got a new charm bracelet and earrings combo.

Some mysteries in the family is how they guess what you want. And the most embarrassing mystery that midnight was how in hell's name did they know my bra size. I thought it was supposed to be like a secret or something but now... they know.

I woke up a bit late at ten-ish. Since then, we've been packing some old stuff to give away, donate or whatever. Lastly, we are supposed to watch a MMFF movie tonight. Not so sure if that still gonna happen though.

I'm so sleepy and bloated,
AnaRay

MMFF did not happen tonight... sad face.

December 24, 2011

Last-minute Christmas shoppers, I am one of those.

~Photo of the Day: Last Minute Christmas Shopping~

Since yesterday was a fail in buying the gifts, we had to do it today. Now, we got all of them after being in the mall for around seven hours, 10am 'til 5pm.

I'm keeping this really short since I have to be gone after I gift wrap these presents. Alright, gift wrapping to me is an art, like most of the things that I do, so I always want it to be perfect in my eyes. Since kids are going to open these, I've done the math (or prediction, whichever) and I believe they will open the present wherever the nametag is. I am literally planning ahead how the gift wrapper should fit the toy and when they open it, it should show the front part of it.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Gotta keep wrapping them toys,
AnaRay

plus, it sucks when you're a perfectionist.

December 23, 2011

Can't feel the Christmas spirit?

~Photo of the Day: Our Christmas Tree Has No Presents Yet~

Don't forget us Santa!

I woke up with that same feeling as well. Some say that that happens as we grow older. Life gets a little more serious and complex, problems start to pile up and stress us out. That's how it is I guess, kids never think of those. When I was a kid, I thought we had all the money in the world because presents appeared like magic under the Christmas tree and our house was fully decorated inside and out. And, Christmas was a magical time of the year where family come together and have fun.

Christmas STILL IS a magical time of the year. It just so happens that we don't get the jitters when Christmas eve comes. Because when we turn a certain age, we no longer just receive presents but we start giving out some ourselves. Others feel like it's a chore, but one shouldn't because it's a gift.

I'm saying that because I just came from the mall and spent three hours finding the perfect gift. That's right, I don't buy a present unless I'm absolutely sure that that person who receives it will love it. And, you know what? I couldn't find any. People around here have told me what they wanted but those little kids of ours, I have no idea.

Brainstorming for gift ideas,
AnaRay

if i could get my hands on an awkward bunny from wongfu, i'd be happy.

December 22, 2011

Bum day...

~Photo of the Day: Saxophone and Guitar books~

I actually have nothing to report, for once. Other than, me and my brother practicing our instruments, guitar and alto sax. Apparently it's harder for him to play very low notes and when he does try. It sounds like a ferry went by my ear. The notes are practically the same and so, we've been trying to play Twinkle Twinkle Star together.

On the other hand, I don't have a wishlist yet. 'Cause I can't think of other than the MS Office Professional for my laptop, and maybe an awesome case. But, yea... I don't have anything else in mind. I'd want a PS2 game (Toy Story3, Ratatouille or Up) but I won't have the time to play it next year. Still want those though...

What's hard is buying presents for everyone else 'cause it's difficult to know exactly what they want, especially when they answer with "whatever" or "kahit ano". I mean, what am I supposed to do with that?

Let's play!
AnaRay

i just wanna go christmas shopping tomorrow.

December 21, 2011

Oh my gulay, what was that?

Today is actually our official day of grade consultation. So, I thought it'd be appropriate to tell you guys that I got my very first chance of being a  Dean's Lister. Wooh! And then, I also passed my qualifying exam and I'm so happy because I never thought I'd pass. Why not? Because, I only had two days to remember everything from my first year in college. Before I went to sleep the night before, I was recalling all possible formulas (because I totally suck at problem solving).

I've gotten a good number of messages saying, congratulations, congrats and the likes. But, I could never have done it without God's help. I believe in the saying that in studies, especially exams, the formula is: 1/4 stock knowledge, 1/4 luck, and 1/2 divine intervention. So, I am totally telling you all that He is watching over us and He always answers my prayers (with yes, no, maybe and later).

When I'm troubled I say, "God please please please..." dramatically. It may sound funny but it's kinda therapeutic for me to know that He's always with me. In highschool, we called Him our Superfriend, very super indeed.

Okay, so onto with other matters... Today is also my mother's business' Christmas party! Yaaaay! It's usually hosted by gay people and let me tell you that they are really funny. I mean, oh my gosh, I cannot stop laughing. Even though I don't know most of the people in there, I enjoy going because the games are fun, food is good, and well, I see people happy.

~Photo of the Day: Christmas Party Hosts, Airbender???~

~hello!~

~brother~

~what we're playing~

Complete 360 from my belief in God, right? I'm sorry, it's just that I've grown with them (gay people) in my life and I see it as normal.

SOME OUTTAKES from yesterday's Christmas party.

~lovable Lounge Kroo (LK)~

~presents for the little kids~

~look who got me for exchange gift, YIN YANG!~

~aerial shot, blurred~

Hoping you all have amazing Christmas parties, mine are awesome.
AnaRay

trip to jerusalem (talong version) never gets old.


p.s. photos grabbed from friends on facebook.