How To Move On: The Unusual Tips

Forgetting that special someone who had been part of your life is never easy. The longer you have been together the more painful it is. Worst if you are the one being  left out.

But here are few tips that can help you jumpstart on a brand new beginning:

On your social media: Most common tip in moving on the internet might teach you is to unfollow or block that person. Of course, who wants to see updates of him/her having a good time or worst changing his/her profile pic in facebook with the new one? None. But you see, the more you get to see this, the more you get immune and be reminded that he/she is not worth your while. It’s okay to delete your pictures there though.

On your phone: Blocking or deleting his/her number. Hell, what is the point in all of that if you memorize it? Just let it stay there until you get tired of looking it. You will surely have the impulse of messaging that person once in a while but just be resilient. If you fail, then what now? You might be contacting that person yet it won’t change the fact that you broke up already. Send 10,000 “Hi’s” until you get so frustrated and get the hang of no message from him/her.

On your daily activities: You get to think of that person too much because you have so much spare time in doing it. Go get a hobby you can think of. Get loads of books if you happen to be a reader. Jam-pack your hard drive with movies if you are a junkie. Go solo backpacking! Learn guitar! Enrol free online courses at Coursera! Join organizations in line of your interest! Blah balah blah!

On your new relationships: They say getting a new apple of your eye is the best way to get over someone you treasured. For your sake and that of your future rebound, please don’t do it. It is just a waste of time, money and effort. Savour being single and jump into it when you are ready.

On being sentimental: Feeling like all the sad songs were meant to be written for you? Seeing someone who is a carbon copy of him/her in manners? Watching that movie you watched on your first date? Yeah, that is very normal. Just remember that you are not the only person going through it. And really, with the right attitude it won’t kill you. Always think you deserve the best. J

Affordable Summer Spree at Bohol Island

At the infamous Chocolate Hills.

For two years now, I've been able to set foot in Bohol during summer time. I've been to quite a number of provinces in the Philippines and this city is one of my personal favorites because it has so much to offer. From the picture perfect Chocolate Hills, scenic falls, and white sand beaches to mouth-watering seafood.

Strolling at Panglao Beach in sneakers.
Yeah, I know, I know!

Thrift Experiences

Transportation

As a budget traveler, my mantra is always to spend less and experience more. As we head out from the airport, barkers offered us a cab for P600. The fare price did not make any sense to me because going to our accommodation will probably take us 5-8 minutes. Had we known how to get to there and had the sun been friendly, we might opt to walk. In the end, we hailed a tricycle for P8 each. What a save!

There a number tour offerings here according to your budget. Tricycle drivers offered us P2500 for a day tour. There are also SUVs who do touring for P1500-P3000 depending on the tour specifications. If you are alone and hiring one could be so pricey, go commute. It is not as hassle as deemed.

Hotels

On my first visit, I stayed at a hotel (I forgot the name) for more or less P1500 per night. The rooms were clean and they have a very relaxing ambiance. I thought that was the most affordable I could get. El Portal Inn is way affordable. It only costs P900 per night. For barkada escapade, they have P1200 room good for 3 persons already. The linens could be a bit shabby looking but were clean and staffs are approachable.

All About That Food

Golden Cowrie's grilled squid, mango salad,
spring rolls and baked tahong.

I am very picky when it comes to food. I always wanted something that is 'lutong-bahay'. On our first day, we had lunch at Golden Cowrie. This restaurant has a wide array of Filipino food to fill my growling tummy. This island really screams teeming seafood. I mean, you can have a baked tahong for more or less P250 that you will get the metro for double or triple price? I am just so amazed! For vegetarians, their adobong talong is love. There is no meat on it but it's hella delicious. Gee, my mouth is watering just the mere thought of it.

Bee Farm's complimentary appetizer, steamed fish,
organic avocado ice cream, halang-halang,
and grilled fish with organic garden salad.

For dinner, we went to Bee Farm. A restaurant that offers organic food. It is a bit pricey for a budget traveler but the food is worth it. No not just worth it. It is hella good too. The serving is very generous. I had grilled fish with organic garden salad on the side. I am not really a salad person but I was curious to try some. For fish lovers, try their steamed fish! For desert, chill yourself with organic ice cream. It comes in avocado, ginger, langka, and malunggay flavour.

Good food with good people.

On our second night, my colleague’s friend, a local there, brought us to Abi's Restaurant. I never imagine buffet dinners could be so affordable. Imagine dining with unlimited grilled fish,  baked tahongs, pork adobo, squid adobo, fresh fruits and many many others for just P250.

Priceless Tips On How To Survive Metro Manila Traffic

Commuters, D-R-I-V-E!

Hunger Games. That book series turned to movie where two representatives from different districts have to participate in an annual death match in the name of food.

The battlecry? Survival of the fittest, elimination of the unfit.

Our day to day life is indeed a survival of the fittest and elimination of the unfit. You need not read or watch Hunger Games to see that. Just try commuting in the Philippines. And it’s more fun in Metro Manila.

For those who have cars, all you have worry are the following: money for gas and toll fees, coding days, plus double, extra, super patience for the metro’s traffic.

For us commuters, what we have to worry are just two deadly things: 1) running out of bus to ride, and 2) running out of oxygen chasing buses along with other feisty and desperate-to-get home passengers.

As an experienced EDSA commuter where falling in line is a deviant practice, I urged everyone to D-R-I-V-E!

D is for Diet. Imagine a pack of tigers, only they are humans, pushing everyone around in order to get in the bus’ minimal door. No offense meant but being thinner (and flatter) is helpful in slipping inside a bus swarmed by hungry passengers. But like toothbrush that needs toothpaste for better result, diet must be coupled with exercising. I learned it the hard way. Being petite makes it easier to just slip but also it is easier for you to get off balance when the big bad guys are your competitors. Okay, time to hit the gym and put some muscle here (my triceps I mean).

R is for Run. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on record, so the report shows. I beg to differ, ladies and gentlemen. It’s humans! Go to Ayala bus station during rush hour and you’ll see what I am talking about. Hundreds of them running like hell to approaching buses just to get in.

I did not entertain this novelty of commuting so I missed a lot of dinner at home and soon grew tired of this so I learned to play the game. I am an experienced runner now and still on training every day!

I is Ignore Good Manners. My mom brought us up with utmost respect especially to elders. So when an oldie gets on I gave way. You’re welcome. And that’s one of the reasons I get to my destinations late. I know better now. I must be objective. Who cares about the PWDs, the pregnant women, the mothers with their infants? Put your game face on! But just like drinking reminders, do it moderately.

V is Vigilance. Once I too preoccupied getting to office on time so I made my way through the crowd as quick as possible. When I finally boarded, I fished for my smartphone only to realize it was gone. Should I scream? No, I would be nuts to do that! Should I call the police? Oh God! Where are the police? Lesson? Use handphones.

Vigilance is also necessary for all sex maniacs out there who pretend to brush off your chest or butt when the bus is jam-packed or in sudden break. This is also as equally important for those conductors who do not dispense tickets and play deaf when asked for change.

Extend Patience. No matter what you do, shit happens. I wonder how many commuters out there had their relationship shattered after being late on a date or on a birthday. I wonder how many business deals were postponed and how many love letters they got from the HR giving suspension for the well-performed lates. In all these, patience my dear, patience.

I cannot pinpoint what really is the root of this problem. Is it so many people that our vehicles cannot accommodate? Or just so many undisciplined people that makes commuting an agony? On the one hand, could it be that we have so many vehicles our roads can longer accommodate or simply a lack of effective system. Might as well call MMDA…

Meanwhile, if you want to be on top of surviving, go DRIVE.


Basic Speech No. 6 (Pioneer Trailblazers Toastmasters Club)