The many things I miss about you

I am not fond of missing people. It’s probably one of the worst feelings I've ever had towards a person, a place and/or an object. Being this far away from home just makes it harder to try and escape these feelings and the saddest part is, there’s nothing I can really do to remedy this ghastly nostalgia. I guess I was trying so hard to run away from it as much as I possibly can but I can only avoid it for so long. It has caught up with me and at this very second, I am what you call – an emotional mess. Homesickness is so not cool. The thing that makes me scared is that I still have a long way to go, I mean – I still have a whole year and a half in this city. I better start getting used to these mood swings and try to cope. I can’t complain though. I mean, I’m having the time of my life here and it’s amazing beyond words but sometimes; I just want to be with the people I used to see every day. I’m four months in and I am about to unravel into a sentimental pit– pretty soon I’ll be one of those pinoys who watch TFC 24/7. Thank God I don’t have a TV. lol.

Missing my family and friends is a given. Other than that, I have a number of things that I miss just because I don’t get to do (or see) them as much or even at all anymore...

Flash back, shall we?

I miss. chilling at our backyard, lounging in my dad's kubo. a great set of speakers and one smooth playlist.

I miss. The 16 peso movies at SM. on lazy Saturday afternoons.

I miss. Late night Dimsum from Golden Fortune.

I miss. Playing UNO, stacker, scrabble and indoor mini basketball at Robert's

I miss. Our Bubble tea fix.

I miss. Taking in all the fresh breeze i can.

I miss. my triba.

I miss. Hanging out with these people after church service.

I miss. going on "foodie" adventures with these two.

I miss. The Philippine shoreline.

I miss. bonding over truffles at Heavenly chocolates.

I miss. Driving.

I miss. This view.

I miss. playing dress up with my girls.

I miss. My saturday night jam sessions with the team.

I miss. Waking up to this.

I miss. Going on road trips.

I miss. This little guy right here.

I miss. my one and only.

"How far do I have to go to get to you? many the miles. But send me the miles and I'll be happy to follow you, Love" - Sara Bareilles

when I least expect it

Hello there. This month has been a whirlwind of surprises. July has been soo complicated lately, certainly my most complicated month thus far in 2011. For one, I met a guy who turned out to be such a drama (king?) – I mean seriously, over possessiveness is such a turn off, even for a girl. To say that I am a girl is somewhat true. Contrary to popular belief however, I still do have a feminine side in me. It’s just that I really don’t act like one 50% of the time; my closest friends can attest to that. This was my first ever test drive on how the dating scene is like here – not that I date around when I was in the Philippines, I don’t really (that sounds overly defensive of me but I never date around, at all really). Seriously though, there is nothing wrong in trying and getting to know people in the context of friendship right? I guess I was “exploring” a friendship with this guy and turned out we were never really that compatible – even as friends. But it was a nice experience over all, no regrets. When I finish compiling the chronicles of my life in New York, I’ll probably dedicate one chapter of it to this guy; and rightfully name it “the Lorenzo”. LOL. Yes, that is his name and yes, he is Italian – the fake kind. LOL.

Moving on to more exciting news, I never shared to you that I have been desiring to pursue a masters degree in New York. A graduate certificate course is a far cry from the benefits you get with a masters degree; and so after all the yearning and discerning I have finally made up my mind and accepted the fact that God as well wants me to continue on in the hopes of becoming America’s next top model – LOL JOKE, I’m kidding! What I really meant is the masters program (although plus size modeling sounds very promising too, HAHA!). Anyway, this also means I have until December of 2012 to complete my degree. I am staying longer after all. I give all the credit to God, I never expected any of this to happen to me and for that I am eternally grateful to all those who prayed for me for these passed weeks. My parents have been extremely supportive and I just feel very blessed to be granted an opportunity as unexpected and as great as this. This has been a very humbling experience since I really feel that I truly don’t deserve all of this. These are the times when you just have to take a step back and absorb everything in. one thing is certain; I would not trade it for anything. And the last but not least, one more unexpected turn this week was when I received a call from the Biggest and greatest non-profit organization in the world… scroll down to see the pictures. Just when I’ve given up all hope, an invitation comes up. God, why art thou so great?

some photos of the highlights of my week, mostly are from UNICEF

and in case you were wondering how he looks like; well this really does not help. my only photo of him and its blurred. sorry :(

"In the state of love, we can soar to that higher state where everything stays clear and still like the stars above the sky." - Oliver M

FINALS: this is my two weeks notice

I only have 2 more weeks before finals and I can't seem to muster the willingness to start working on my paper. I guess photo blogging is my excuse to procrastinate. so this is how it went (in no particular order):

1. I went to class - class got cancelled

2. Walked around, took pictures of downtown Manhattan

3. shopped around the upper east side for some swanky new rings

4. Looked at ducks - took pictures of ducks

5. Went to Coney Island - ate hot dogs

6. played Frisbee and rocket on the beach

7. went to eat (devour) barbeques in Harlem , err, the upper westside

8. walked around Columbia

9. Had a watermelon at the trade fair

10. Attempted to kill a squirrel... NOT! (har har)

Meet my new BFF

At long last, I have finally purchased a Trustworthy, fixed lens camera! Now I can finally document my romance with the City with a hefty friend by my side - say hello to coby! :)

Here are some snap shots of what my week looked like.

"There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are" ~Ernst Haas

Breathing IN the city

Sometimes I forget that I live in New York City. It would literally take me 5 blocks before I realize that all this is real: the Lights, the people, the culture.. If only i can take IN every corner, every drop of what this city can offer me I would - in a heart beat.

I guess what I am trying to say is that, I love this city. everything about it is ecstatic and mortifying. It's rough on all its edges but gentle in its core. it is everything they said it would be, and the contrary.

this is now my city, and the city has me.

Mindrelic - Manhattan in motion from Mindrelic on Vimeo.

CHECK!

It’s been a month! So sorry for being in hiatus for the past few weeks. As you may have guessed, I’ve been profoundly busy for these couple of days by(1) school work – I really ought to be writing a paper on sustainability and computation of ecological footprints… blah blah (I know right? –my business classes has gotten me so high on these things that I don’t even have time to talk about my personal life); (2) social events that I cannot seem to say no to (some of which are for good causes) and (3) the “lazy bones” syndrome – I can’t seem to shake it off.
So as an attempt to revive my blog (and my blog readers) – here I am again! Draining a few inches off your precious time. I cannot believe May 2011 is down to its last few days and slowly I am creeping into my second month in New York! Can you believe it? I have survived New York! What seemed to be a far-off crazy dream of mine is actually unfolding bit by bit and who would have thought, after barely 2 months, I would still be in it? LOL.
I never had a check list of the top things that make you a true New Yorker; it was only up until I got so excited to be acting like one for the past month. This is nothing relevant really, I just laugh at the fact that I’ve done these things that I never thought I could. So please indulge with me for a bit – or not.
One of my proudest moments in the city would be was when I gave the CORRECT directions to a complete stranger at the subway some few weeks ago.
(1) Make everyone believe that you’re a New Yorker by giving them right directions at the subway – CHECK!
I had the best 5-course dinner in my life at Del Posto! It was an experience I will never forget, heck, I will probably even blog about! Mario Batali and his Italian food was pure… Love.
(2) Eat at one of the most coveted restaurants in the City – CHECK!
 Someone asked me what I think was the best thing about NYC that I can never compare to other cities. I answered: “I love that everyone’s weird in the city, some even flaunt it around like a Channel bag”
(3) Love all people, Black, White and Weird! – CHECK!
 This one, I’d rather not expound upon:
(4) Get hit on by a shirtless (cute) construction guy yelling “Ola, Mama!!! Want some of this? (he was referring to his abs) While walking down 42nd street at 12 midnight. – CHECK!
There are a few dozen more of these that I will publish but right now I just realized I must get to my other writing excursions – the kind I’m actually being graded upon. I really hate to cut this short but I really have to get things done ASAP. And just as promised, this article does not end here. The city and I have so much more to “reveal” and I hope you stay tuned for that one. And on that note, I will leave you with one more:
(5) Smile and stare at the most ridiculously handsome guy on the subway (surprisingly he smiles back!) – CHECK!

;)

My first New York

The other day I celebrated my birthday in New York City; Since America is 12 hours behind, it was actually the 13^th day of April in the Philippines. Appropriately so, the start of my class as well fell on the same date as my birthday. Among other things, April 12 was oddly stimulating on my part. It could have stood on its own. Apart from it being my birthday everything else was, for lack of a better word, EPIC. So I hope you don’t mind if I switch to storytelling:

I walked to Trump Tower to meet up with a classmate. It was a solid 10 blocks from where I was and the cold kept creeping up on me all throughout the walk. Rhanda and I went to look for books at a Barnes and nobles store along 5^th avenue and 46 St. only to find out that they didn’t have it in stock. As advised, we went to check out their other branch all the way down to 18^th street and Broadway – the long walk from 46 street turned out to be worth it! With no luck finding the books, I went on looking for a good map of the city. I stood in line to purchase my map and I saw this woman in front of me holding a different map, which I thought was better than what I had; so I asked her “Excuse me ma’am, Where’d you find your map?”. When she turned around and answered me, I realized I was talking to KATE WINSLET. She answered me with a predominant British accent and pointed to the east side of the store – I of course, was not paying attention to what she was saying and just looked straight at her with an eager stare. Can you blame me? In all fairness, I was very proud of myself for keeping calm about it; there was not even a hint of panic when I answered her back “Thank You very much, have a nice day!” I left the store with excitement and disbelief across my face – I guess I have to get used to things like that in NYC.

We took the subway and walked across Rector Street to our school in 42 Broadway – a block away from Wall Street. Is there any other place that’s more perfect to study business than at the heart of New York’s financial district? Somebody pinch me. The classes at ESE are very interactive and multi-cultural! Just in my classes alone, I have several classmates who are from Italy and Greece, two from Russia, one from Mexico another from Columbia, and one from Indonesia. I feel like I have already explored the world by just being in the same room with these people! LOL. All classes are very challenging as well, all because I am with MBA students. I hope and pray I can keep up.

Royce and Bryan were so nice enough to bring me to a karaoke place in 13^th street for my birthday. I sang about a DOZEN of songs which was mostly the highlight of my evening. And the best part?? They didn’t even let me pay! As you know, Filipinos are accustomed to treating everyone out for their birthday, not the other way around. So it was a very nice way to celebrate my birthday for a change – celebrating it the AMERICAN way. So that’s how my birthday went. Here are some photos you may want to see:

I pass by Time Square every time I walk to Trump Tower

this is right at 5th ave and 56th street.

and Trump Tower, our school office is on the 19th floor.

one of the classrooms in 42 Broadway

my classmates says hi! or should I say, HOLA!

lunch.

so sweet :)

at the karaoke place

and... that's me!

do you want me to blog about something? just send me a message in facebook and we'll work something out :)