#sta mesa manila

[istariray23]

SM Sta. Mesa also known SM Centerpoint SM Sta. Mesa stands tall as a beacon of memories and nostalgia, its walls echoing with the laughter and chatter of children who roamed its corridors during their holidays.

It is a timeless sanctuary that holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, a symbol of joy and innocence.

From its vibrant façade to its bustling halls, SM Sta. Mesa embodies the spirit of community and togetherness.

For many, this iconic mall is not just a place to shop or dine, but a hub of childhood adventures and experiences that shaped their growing years.

Every corner of SM Sta. Mesa tells a story of shared moments and cherished memories, of friendships forged over ice cream cones and arcade games.

It is a living testament to the vibrant tapestry of Filipino childhood, where every holiday was a chance to explore, discover, and create unforgettable moments.

As the sun sets on another busy day at SM Sta. Mesa, the memories linger like a gentle breeze, whispering tales of childhood innocence and wonder.

The echoes of laughter and excitement reverberate through its halls, a testament to the enduring charm and magic that this beloved landmark holds for all who have walked its paths.

SM Sta. Mesa is more than just a shopping destination – it is a living, breathing testament to the shared experiences and fond recollections of countless childhoods.

It is a place where dreams were dreamt, friendships were forged, and holidays were filled with endless possibilities. In the tapestry of Filipino life, this iconic mall weaves a thread of joy and nostalgia, forever etched in the hearts of those who grew up wandering its storied halls.

The legacy of SM Sta. Mesa transcends generations, as parents pass down the tradition of spending holidays at the mall to their children. It is a place where the simple joys of carousel rides and movie marathons become interwoven with the essence of family bonding and celebration.

[maabagroup]

RSG Sta. Mesa Residens Condominium for Sale in ManilaProperty CodeB027 Sta. Mesa Residens RSG Sta. Mesa Residens Condominium, R. Magsaysay Blvd. corner C. De Dios Street, Sta. Mesa, ManilaFloor Area 17.68 sqm Php 1,592,000.00As of Aug 2024

[realtyhubph-blog]

Maui Oasis Sta Mesa RFO

Experience Luxury Living at Maui Oasis by Filinvest in Sta. Mesa, Manila

RESORT-STYLE LIVING 📍Maui Oasis by Filinvest Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila Maui Oasis Sta Mesa LOCATION Maui Oasis is located at Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Nearby Points of Interest The Polytechnic University of the Philippines • Old Sta. Mesa Gas Station • Sacred Heart Parish Church • Jollibee Old Sta. Mesa Street • Sta. Mesa Post Office • LRT V. Mapa Station • Pureza Station •…

[pannaginip]

[Start ID:

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel on Twitter @iamRaoulManuel:

Makiisa sa drivers at operators na pinupwersa ni Marcos Jr na isuko ang prangkisa sa mga negosyo!

Commuters, wag nating hayaan na i-phase out ang unconsolidated jeepneys by new year. Magdurusa tayo sa lalong pagbulok ng public transport system!

(Attached is a poster for a fundraising initiative by Tulong Kabataan PH titled, "Sukli Para Kay Manong!")

For monetary donations:

UnionBank:

Earl Benz Molina

1096 6083 8825

GCash:

An*a Kr*****a M.

0921-889-1348

For in-kind donations, we encourage ready-to-eat meals, but other donations are welcome! For those in/near NCR, drop-off site is PUP Main Bldg, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

End ID.]

[jeomee]

Period of Post Edsa 1 Revolution

Photo Credit: https://up-diliman.academia.edu/JoseDalisay/CurriculumVitae

Jose Dalisay Jr., usually referred to as Butch Dalisay, is a professor, writer, and journalist from the Philippines. His short tales, essays, and novels are best recognized for frequently addressing identity, politics, and historical topics. "Killing Time in a Warm Place" and "Soledad's Sister" are a couple of his best-known works. Dalisay has won numerous accolades for his literature, including the Palanca Award, the Philippines' most esteemed literary honor. He is a member of the Order of National Artists for Literature in the Philippines.

Photo Credit:https://suripanitik.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/edgardo-m-reyes/

Filipino novelist, essayist, and short story writer Edgardo M. Reyes rose to fame for his works that highlighted the difficulties faced by common Filipinos. On July 7, 1937, he was born in Sta. Mesa was born in Manila and raised in Tondo and Santa Cruz, two working-class areas. Reyes was renowned for his graphic depictions of the social and economic problems, such as persecution, injustice, and poverty, that the underprivileged experience in Philippine society. His writings dealt with issues of identity, love, and atonement. "Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag," a novel that depicts the harsh reality of life in Manila's slums and the difficulties of its urban poor, is one of his most well-known works. "Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag" is another noteworthy piece.

[impossibleperfectionnerd]

NATO basic let me remind you guys: to negotiate already: bit by bit then ALL - 1 month period 1. all land titles- core land titles (145) ex. Sta. Mesa office, San Juan city home, NAVOTAS, folgueras, there are 2 - 4th st. San Miguel Manila (near San BEda college), paranaque, Ayala alabang properties, binan, Laguna, pasay city. Batangas (talibeach area)…tip of the iceberg. 2. Full receipt of NATO aid- primary- 15,000 euro per day for myself & only & cents & pennies from UST priests 25 cents a day from the priesthood. P6000 per month from the New Vatican state as it’s prime deity. To back it up- for NATO not to have a hard time timewise - Salaries from my banking businesses worldwide as bank owner (110)- 1.2M euro each per month and as law firm owner & accounting firm owner (110) - Dentons (Swiss international law firm)/SGV & co. (Filipino world class accounting firm)/Deloitte (French accounting firm)/Grant Thornton) a. Credit suisse b. UBS c. Sarasin d. Mirabaud group e. Migros group f. Banque Cantonale de Geneve g. Banque Cantonale de Vaudoise h. Vontobel I. Swiss National government bank j.Julius Baer Group k.EFG international l.Pictet Group m.Lombard Odier n.Intessa San Paolo 0. BMP p. CDP Italy q. Sella bank r. PostFinance s. Habib bank (Swiss) - not Muslim! t. Revolut (France) u. Unicredit- (France) v. Chinabank (Capitol commons branch) w. Security bank (Capitol commons) X. BDO (Rockwell the Grove & Silver city pasig & main branch in Makati & BDO corporate center) y. Eastwest bank z. Landbank UP diliman - z1. AUB (Asia United bank) - Ortigas center z2. Lloyd’s of London z3. Barclay’s bank z4. PSbank z5. Metrobank (tiendesitas area & main near San Miguel ave. Ortigas center) z6. BNP Paribas (Italy) z7. Mendiolanum (Italy) z8. Banco Al veneto centrale (Italy) z9. HSBC (UK) z10. Standard chartered bank (UK) z11. Harrod’s bank (UK) z12. Bank of America (USA) z13. Bank of Tennesee (USA) z14. Washington mutual (USA) z15. Citibank group (USA) z16. Goldman Sachs (USA) z17. Wells Fargo (USA) z18. TRB (USA) z19. Desjardins of Canada z20. Royal bank of Canada z21. Bank of England z22. Scotiabank z23. TDbank z24. ANZ z25. Philippine National Bank (PNB) z26. Unilever z27. Coca Cola company z28. Unionbank z29. RCBC z30. Philtrust bank z31. Chase z32. Morgan Stanley z33. Carnegie Mellon bank z34. New York stock exchange z35. Hong Kong stock exchanges z36. Mainland China stock exchanges z37. Swiss stock exchange z38. Italian stock exchange z39. British stock exchange z40. NASA z41. X or Twitter z42. Tumblr z43.APPLE z44. European space academy z45. Various military schools- MILAC (premier Swiss military school) & Royal academy of sandhurst (United Kingdom) & Karlberg military academy (Sweden) & premier Belgium military school (Belgium) & Benedictine military school (Kansas, USA), premier California military school (San Luis obispo), westpoint (Virginia). Premier Italian military school (Naples) - Yale standard/ non - Yale standard (UST working level style) (Naples). St. Cyr military school (France). Z46. Hewlett-Packard z47. H and M & ikea & swedabank z48. Louis Vuitton/Harrod’s/Chanel/balenciaga/van cleef arpels/Cartier/Tiffany’s/bulgari/ z49. SM z50. Microsoft z51. Warner brothers/Weinstein company/MGM/Marvel comics z52.EPSON z53. Union bancaire privee (UBP Switzerland) z54. Banque Luxembourg z55. 7-11 z56. UERM & Veterans bank & Phoenix oil, our lady of Lourdes hospital, Philippine law school, Arellano law school. z57.General Motors Z58. McDo Z59. Swiss broadcasting corp. Z60. Vatican News z61. Keystone SDA (Swiss media) z62. BBC worldwide per country z63. SpaceX (USA) z64. Bucca de Beppo Italian restaurant Z65. Marugame Udon z66. Asakusa z67. Tartufo z68. RPN 9 z69. UST law school z70. GMA 7 3. 1 small car - Chevrolet mini hatchback 🚗. British Mini cooper (not more than P1.5M in value)- green in color or black in color

[rlim1908]

non negotiable:

Credit suisse

UBS

mirabaud

sarasin

banque Cantonale de geneve

lombard odier

all maiden RINA’s Swiss banks

all my banks worldwide

NATO

NATO defense contracts (45)- various

new Vatican state (UP diliman & upwards)

new Vatican embassy (UP diliman)

count Primo & our homes in QC, Pasig city, San Juan City, Sta. Mesa, QC, our new castle in UP Diliman Quezon City, laperal mansion, EDSA shrine Catholic Church, pasig cathedral, Manila cathedral, aquinas church San Juan city

all of Maiden RINA’s land titles

lichtenstein, Luxembourg,Monaco, Sweden, Norway, Finland, USA, United Kingdom, Italy, Andorra, Belgium, normal Switzerland 🇨🇭 (147 in UP diliman)- in Swiss mainland 2.5M population. Philippines. ASEAN. Singapore.

ADB, the neighbors, AIM, the security & janitorial that I get along with, my guardian angels, Powers angels, dominion Rexes, virtues, the forces of nature, sun, earth

airconditioning, clean water, clean air & surfaces, no looting & no borrowing of anything

my friends

My ledgers, journals, notes, pens, keys, cellphones, clothes, shoes, hair accessories, toiletries

all Catholic religious orders globally

anything monetary related & assets worldwide

health & at least 6 hours sleep

church time

swimtime

working time

basic sparse food

jewelry

books

electronics, metallurgical devices & materials & plastics

paper products, IDs, memories, any personal effects

eyesight, movement, speed of doing things

clear thinking

quiet palatable life on airwave

correct & non panicky & comfortable working airwave

ability to be with people & talk & see them & feel them as normal indv. At Work Home religious activities. Being a normal angel with them. right to own things & to my identity as a business owner & the right to spend my money as a normal rich person.

[writeinspace]

7.31.24 Wed.

@Teresa, Sta. Mesa | Manila

just a short trip to my old uni..

wanted to go back to the sisig place we used to frequent, but it was closed. i dunno if for just this morning, or for a while now.

couldn't afford to stay longer so i just looked for an eatery nearby decent enough.

went home after that.

[serenity1998]

2024 Highlights

01062024 to 01082024 Nasugbu, Batangas

Birthday, Beach Trip, Roadtrip

01132024 to 01142024 Pandacan Manila

Feast of Sto. Niño

01162024 Las Tres Marias, Sampaloc Manila

Eat out with colleagues

01262024 Samgyupjuan, Sampaloc Manila

Eat out with colleagues

02022024 Mcdo, Greenhills, San Juan City

Eat out and catching up with Chris

02072024 Tongyang, Eton, Centris Quezon City

Eat out with colleagues, blow out

02142024 Mcdo, Agora, San Juan City

Valentine's Date with Siblings

03092024 Montalban, Rizal

Birthday Treat

04052024 SM Sta. Mesa, Manila

Coffee treat

04062024 to 04142024 Occidental Mindoro

Bridesmaid, Roadtrip, Eat out

04262024 Sta. Mesa to Pandacan, Manila

Trolley Experience

05042024 Tuy, Batangas

Aunt's Post 60th Celebration

05112024 Nasugbu, Batangas

Outing and Swimming

05122024 Nasugbu, Batangas

Eat out at Tambayan ni Khaman, Roadtrip from Batangas to Manila

[istariray23]

The guitar is a bridge between worlds, connecting sound and silence, musicians and listeners, dreams and reality.

"Strumming an acoustic guitar is akin to a heartbeat, a rhythmic reminder that life is a symphony meant to be played."

"With every strum, the guitar weaves a tapestry of emotions, intertwining joy, sorrow, longing, and love into a harmonious melody."

"Whether it's the enchanting melodies of an acoustic guitar or the explosive energy of an electric guitar, the instrument's voice speaks volumes, reminding us of the incredible power of music."

This little boy whom Mamita bought his very 1st guitar will be our future music ministry guitar player💕

[delightfully-chaotic15]

I'm just a ride away from my school. Currently, I am staying in Sta. Mesa, Manila, and my school is located at Legarda. It's only two stations away from where I stay, so every day, I take a train. I could also take a jeepney if I wanted to, but the train is much faster and more convenient, especially for someone who sweats a lot like me. When I take a jeepney, it usually takes 10-15 minutes if there's no traffic, but when I take the train, it only takes me 5-7 minutes to arrive at my destination.

[ritz-says]

Embracing Progress: A Definitive Case for the Demolition of Sta. Mesa Fire Station 8

Within the architectural landscape, the Santa Mesa Fire Station 8 is a prime example of a structure at the intersection of history and necessity in the ongoing struggle between preservation and progress. It is imperative that architects take a pragmatic view of the situation and make a strong case for demolishing this century-old structure. Although we appreciate the importance of preserving the past, we also have to face the structural difficulties and modernization requirements that make the existing fire station unfit for continuous operation.

The drainage system and ceiling of Santa Mesa Fire Station 8 are among the many facilities that have been compromised, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection - National Capital Region (BFP-NCR). Only 150 square meters of the original 335 square meters will be salvageable after the road widening project, which means a full reconstruction is required, according to Fire Superintendent Emmanuel Ricafort. In this instance, preservation efforts would mean keeping part of the building, which would impair its historical significance and functionality.

Ricafort emphasizes how the reconstruction project is in line with the BFP's modernization program. Staying put in an era where infrastructure and technology for fighting fires have advanced dramatically increases the risk of reducing the efficacy and efficiency of fighting fires. The need for a new structure goes beyond simple aesthetics; it is a necessary step in making sure the Santa Mesa Fire Station satisfies modern operational requirements.

Renacimiento Manila, a cultural organization, prioritizes sentimentality over utility when arguing for strengthening and retrofitting the current structure. A careful analysis indicates that the costs and viability of these actions might exceed the advantages. As it stands, the Santa Mesa Fire Station is an antiquated structure that cannot adequately house the manpower and equipment needed for modern firefighting.

The Santa Mesa Fire Station is historically significant, but maintaining the physical structure is not necessary for its preservation. Modern documentation methods, such as virtual reconstructions and 3D scanning, allow the fire station's essence to be digitally preserved. This meets the need for advancement and functionality without sacrificing the ability of future generations to access and comprehend the historical context.

In conclusion, the demolition of Santa Mesa Fire Station 8 is not a rejection of history but a pragmatic acknowledgment of the imperatives of modernization. As architects, we have a duty to put practicality, economy, and security ahead of sentimentality. The reconstruction that is being suggested is in line with the changing requirements of the fire service and guarantees that advancement will not be impeded by the constraints of the past. Digital methods can effectively preserve the Santa Mesa Fire Station's legacy, enabling us to embrace progress without sacrificing our ties to the past.

Reference: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/893779/century-old-fire-station-in-manila-set-for-demolition/story/ Photo by Renacimiento Manila

[mariellaolden]

NEWS ARTICLE: Typhoon Egay

Egay devastates Northern Luzon: Damage to agriculture, infrastructure hits P2.1B

By: Mariella Angela H. Olden (August 18, 2023 | 2:04 PM)

MANILA, Philippines — Super Typhoon Egay hit the Philippines and damaged agriculture and infrastructure across Northern Luzon, reaching over P2.1 billion, as reported last Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Within the first two days, initial reports indicate that towns in Luzons have experienced severe losses to their agricultural sector, amounting to P3.1 million. Meanwhile, reports show that Egay wreaked havoc resulting in infrastructure damages, including homes and businesses, projected to be around P1.2 billion.

Egay (international name: Doksuri), the 5th cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, devastated at least 582,288 residents from 45 provinces across 13 regions in Luzon with continuous rain, widespread flooding, and strong winds. The aftermath made communities begin to grapple while recovery efforts were in full swing to aid those affected by the typhoon.

According to the report of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the economic toll of the typhoon is staggering, with initial estimates of P832.8 million in losses to livestock and poultry and crops like corn and rice.

Oxfam Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Geronimo said they had kept track of the situation since the first day. Government agencies, national and local organizations have united to provide immediate assistance and relief to those affected. They expect the number of affected residents to rise in the next few days.

The extent of the devastation is particularly evident in Baggao, Cagayan, where Super Typhoon Egay destroyed most crops, and power outages have occurred.

Oxfam Pilipinas and their partner, the People's Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN), urge to strengthen evacuation centers' health and safety protocols amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to provide emergency relief and shelter to those in need. 

***

A news article made in compliance with the application and screening process of PUP Halawin Publication for new EB Staff, which unexpectedly won as 1st Place in News Writing for Junior Staff Writer last August 15-18, 2023 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

[masidhi]

How's life lately?

So, i'm typing this in one of the Barnes and Noble in LA and it still amazes me how i got here from where I just used to write my blogs in a corner computer shop in Anonas, Sta. Mesa. I've always been a dreamer you know, like i want things and it's just a great feeling that I'm here now. All things that happened, all the heart aches and the tears and the hardships and i'm here where i never thought i'll be. Life surprises you that way i guess and i wish i will write more again this way. I remember how it was like every class or in between them i will just go and write a post on my multiply or livejournal page and it's not even because there were a lot of things happening. I just have the time and I wanted to document it all. Now that I am older I feel like there's more life altering stories that I can actually share for my future self but I fail to which is sad, because i do like looking back. I love re-living that moment or that day that I actually felt something.

Maybe I'll do it again, maybe not. But I'm just trying to savor this moment when I actually can because I have this time to breathe right now and not worry about deadlines or talking to people or be in some meeting or catch some sleep because I have to be somewhere the next day. I'm just being present at this moment right now and trying to take it all in and it's amazing.

ARRIVING IN THE US OF A Just thinking about it gives me that overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Because who would have thought really? Even the version of me last Friday didn't think I will be here right now typing this and that alone is so good. But yeah, back to like really telling how's life lately. I arrived in the states last month, been around LA a bit with family but it's different you know? I love my eldest brother and sister-in-law but they can be a bit too protective and i get it, he's 19 years older than I am and both of them never had a daughter. They left the Philippines when i was around 15 I think but even then they were already focused on my nephews so in their heads I probably never like grew up. So, after a weekend in LA we went to their new home in Tennessee where I spend a month at trying to work in a different timezone which worked out a bit. Both my work has been so accommodating regarding my trip, all the meetings even the ones done face to face had video conference links that I can attend to. It was nice having that mobility and knowing that everyone was trying to understand that I wanted the change of scenery. There wasn't really a lot of culture shock for me to be honest, Manila is too americanized to begin with so it's not like there's anything so different between it and LA or Nashville in my opinion. Even when I was in Beverly Hills I was thinking, this is just Greenbelt 4 or BGC just a bit more elevated really. I guess the main difference for me will be the driving part. My parents here (aka my brother and sis-in-law) didn't want me to drive in LA but let me drive in Clarkesville and even there the traffic signs were invisible to me. Manila driving is just different because we don't even have Stop signs to begin with so i thought it was just a suggestion really.

DATING AND ITS WOES And then there's dating...which is a foreign concept for me nowadays. Last March, I told myself I'm going to work on myself because I wanted to be ready to date again after ending my last long-term relationship back in 2020. It was a journey if I may so myself. It was unnerving to face the fact that I wasn't ready to date because I actually hated myself for letting all those things happen in the past. I wasn't there for my own self and I resented myself for that for awhile. But, I did the work, little by little, i regained the confidence, I started building myself again. And don't get me wrong, I am winning in life, it's just that by the end of the day, I realized, I didn't love myself enough so how can someone else do? Remember, you are treated the way you want to be treated so if you don't treat or see yourself as gold then why expect others to do so? I don't know if I explained that one as I should but yeah. Going back to dating, like I said my family here can be a tad more strict than back home, i went on a date and my brother actually accompanied me, i mean not on the date itself but I was thinking they will just drop me off. But nope, they went down the car and actually met the guy, introduced themselves, shook hands have some awkward small talk before leaving. I was amused and horrified at the same time, I am 35. And they did the same thing when they picked me up, went down the car and asked my date how was it? like?????? So, yes that happened it was funny but at the same time a story I would love to tell people. I was joking with my mom how dad and her never did that to me but hey, at least now i felt how to be 15 again right? And I thought it was gonna happen just once, just because it was my first date in TN, but nope, i tried again and it's the same thing. But this time, I did warn the guy and it was a nice date. We had great conversation and i held on to the happiness. I can't explain the feeling but i tried to describe it to sarah aka my life coach of some sort. It was good because i was present and enjoyed it and i had no expectations or whatsoever. It's one of those moments that you wanted to encapsulate in a pocket of time and it will always be a happy memory because there were no expectations and regret attached to it. He knew i was leaving and we talked a bit even after the date but we both know what it was and it was good.

FIRST HALF IN NUTSHELL We went to Missouri too so I've met up with a friend but the cold was too much. But it was a great stay overall. I was asked many times by my friends and my ate if i see myself living here for good and honestly until now I can't give a straight answer of yes or no. Like sure, i like the convenience and the cleanliness and the opportunities but I love Manila for all its faults and danger so I don't think I can ever stay away for that long. After our roadtrip to Missouri, I actually felt so homesick i was thinking how i wanted to go home and see my cats already but I reminded myself that there's this instinct in me months before this trip even happened that it will be life changing for me. I don't even know what it is, I just know it will happen so I was really excited to see what comes next.

LA TIME Fast forward to LA, so remember when I said the last Friday me wouldn't even think it'll be here in a bookstore with my Mac and typing this? Yup. So, I arrived Friday morning hauling 2 huge luggages (I am very short). I tried Couchsurfing for the first time which is like a community of travellers who help each other out to save on accommodation and all you had to do is share experiences and such. I've been on the site since 2013 but never really tried it until now, a great tip in using it though is always look for trusted hosts with many many reviews, your safety must always come first. I was supposed to be in LA with a friend because I know how crazy it is nowadays in the city but she had to cancel and for a while I was thinking twice if I still wanna push through it alone. I mean...I do watch a lot of true crime and Eliza Lam is still an unsolved case. But of course we're pushing away that juju and I'm claiming that I am way stronger and more equipped doing this, I braved the streets of Pureza, Tondo, and Divisoria afterall. Not everyone has the grit and training. So, my host gave me the instructions on how to get from the airport to his home which is by the way in the Hispanic area of the city. He failed to tell me that from the train station it was still a good 10 minute walk (i'm not sure if I just have really short legs so don't mind the estimate). It seem like a pretty safe neighbourhood and again I arrived like 11am or something. But hauling those two huge suitcases already made some men tried helping me cross the street which i was grateful for but still a bit scared because he was huge. But what was scarier was someone offering me a ride because i looked tired. It kinda scared me a bit of course because it's broad daylight and the audacity right? And like isn't that one of the things that your mother and everyone basically told you not to do? NEVER GO INTO A STRANGER'S CAR UNLESS IT'S YOUR UBER! But yes, I ignored that person and finally arrived to my accommodations which is by the way great. I tried to reach out to hosts who offer not just a couch but a private room that I can stay at. Thankfully Edy and his family has that and I was grateful for the privacy. (My family didn't know that I was staying with them but i did give the address, but my friends know and i gave all the important details. Once again, be extra careful and prepared) DTLA EXPERIENCE Since, my hosts were all still at work and busy then, I just left my suitcases and decided to go to the Art District. They told me how to get there and all but commuting is of course still confusing for a little Manila girl like me, i missed my stop so I said, I will just walk (even though Google Maps said it's 45 minute walk and i was hungry). It'll be an adventure I said. So, I did go and this my friend is what Google Maps will never tell you: the streets to stay away from so you won't encounter the homeless. My intuition kicked in but it was too late, there was this guy who when i was nearing him threw something at me which thankfully I was able to dodge (i think it was a bag of chips). So, I was really shaking and I don't even know at that time if it was from hunger or fear or both, probably both, but i consoled myself. There was nothing I can do really but to change directions and keep on walking.

Finally, I arrived and honestly, I was so tired I didn't even take photos because i was just plain exhausted. I found this cafe called the Verve which is a nice place, where all the hip and young people in the area converge i guess. I ate my super duper late lunch and just existed there for a bit before planning to go back home. I wanted to find the metro and at that time, I didn't even have the useful apps for commuting so once again I relied in ol' Google Maps (and what did i say earlier? It doesn't tell you where not to go.) I was walking past Little Tokyo and said to myself okay this is San Pedro street maybe there's a metro that will take me home right around the corner but I was wrong. I felt unsafe again so I said, I will go in on a shop as soon as i can and book a Lyft or an Uber there. Thankfully, there was one and the owners and helpers there was so kind. They took me in and at first I was okay, not really shaken but there's that unsettling feeling in my chest you know? I was trying to book a ride and they talked to me, they were asking if someone was following me because that's what they think as someone was hovering outside right after I came in. They also told me that a couple of days ago someone hit a passerby with a chair since the homeless people there are just uncontrollable. They hugged me and told me it's a good thing I went in. They gave me water and gave me their calling card so that I can call them whenever I needed them saying we're all family and I just broke down. The amount of kindness overwhelmed me a bit and I guess the exhaustion mixed in as well. They didn't let me go alone to the Lyft as well, telling me to just stay inside the store and they'll be the one to wait outside for me. I was so grateful and was reminded how there is still good in the world. My Lyft driver also saw how agitated I was and calmed me down with his easy conversations and finally that ended my day 1. I forgot to mention that I only had 2 hours of sleep from the previous day and that was even done on the plane ride coming from the East Coast so you can just imagine. THE RING OF FIRE ECLIPSE

I woke up the next day with my mom panicking because I wasn't replying when I specifically told her before I dozed off that I will sleep (Yes, she keeps on forgetting I am in a different timezone my whole stay here). It was 5:30 am and i fell asleep like before 9 the night before. I was already rested but my whole body aches. I went to check the dating app and see what's out there for me because finally I can date without feeling like 15 again. I wanted to check out the Observatory that day because it's on my list so there was this guy who was actually awake at that time and i was sharing my plans with him and said he's available to take me. I told my host about it and he said "Oh you're going to see the eclipse?" I didn't even know there will be one but the stars aligned for me to actually see it so I was ecstatic. Okay, so we have established that LA is a dangerous place (but everywhere there's danger really so I didn't put that mindset much in me, i just do all my necessary precautions in place). I told the guy that I will be needing him to video call me first, give me his number out of the app, and also his plate numbers. I gotta screenshot his face afterall. He was okay with all the requirements so I agreed he can accompany me. We met up at DTLA again but don't worry in a far less shadier side but still a bit scary for me since it was still early and on a weekend. I went inside a Walgreens to wait for him because standing on the street opened me to a lot of strangers asking me what i'm waiting for and I'm just very uncomfortable about it. The guy was great, he was funny and good in conversations, we vibed and i was glad that he offered me company. The walk up the Observatory was grueling though since like I said i had a lot of walking the previous day. He was understanding and laughing about it. We saw the end trail of the eclipse which is great, didn't see the actually ring of fire. But still to be there at the tail end of it was amazing. It will happen next in 2039, so to say I was close enough to see it this year without even meaning to is definitely a good coincidence. SHOW AT DOLBY THEATRE

When I was at the airport the previous day, my host Edy already asked me if I have plans for Saturday night because he has an extra ticket to see a comedy show and I'll be welcome to come with him. I immediately said yes because I didn't have any plans and I do want to spend time with him as my host and learn from a local about the ins and out of the city. It was also a chance for me to at least treat him to dinner so I said yes immediately. I thought it will be in some small venue with some upcoming stand up but no. I was floored when we arrived in Hollywood and he said it will be in the Dolby Theatre. I mean it is where the Oscars happen and other known shows so to have the opportunity to actually go there and without even paying for anything just was me being the lucky girl that I am. We had dinner at Mel's Drive In, which was a great place to begin with next to the Hollywood Museum and it was just really a day that made up for the experience of walking to the Art District the previous day. CONNECTIONS So, we already know i'm in the dating apps and I do try to reply and be active on it which I don't do at home because i'm like I'm here and there will be more options so why the hell not?

There's this guy who i was adamant to swipe right to, actually, but i was like...hmmm...ok fine let's give it a go. He's older and he just seem put together, i don't know really. But i did and after the show he messaged me and i don't know it was just so easy after that. He video called me when I got home and an hour has passed and I didn't even noticed. It was just easy. The guy wasn't even my type you know but it just was there, the easy flow of conversation without even trying. I was mind blown. I wouldn't go into details for this one but will just go and talk about how life just throws something at you and you feel alive and lost at the same time. My coach wanted me to send her daily voice note updates now so I'm doing that and that's helping in grounding me because I'm just feeling a lot and I won't say I'm overwhelmed but I do need the way to process it. Because I need outlets to just let it all out, the happiness, the gratitude, the awe, all that I'm feeling bubbling up in the surface. I still have more than a week and things are really really looking great and I couldn't even be more grateful that I actually am here typing this and again, for someone who didn't even think I will be right here, right now doing this, it's just plain magical. <3

[realtyhubph-blog]

El Pueblo Annex A RFO

El Pueblo Manila Annex A offers RFO units in a prime location, providing a stylish urban lifestyle with modern designs and convenient access to amenities.

EL PUEBLO CONDORMITEL in STA. MESA 📍 8010 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila El Pueblo Manila LOCATION 📍 8010 Anonas, Santa Mesa, Maynila, Kalakhang Maynila Nearby Points of Interest ✅ Beside PUP MAIN CAMPUS Sta. Mesa, Manila✅ Closer to work areas just 15-30mins. drive to Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan & Manila✅ SM Centerpoint and UERM is just 1.5km away✅ Near U-Belt, CEU, San…

[barbie-gurls-world]

Sojourn to the Land of the Dreaming

Apparently i was living near Shaw Boulevard. It was under repair, totally no vehicles plying it. Asphalt still setting. I was walking barefoot while looking for my lost cat, Doja (yes, Doja, the mother of the gremlins).

Bumped into a former elementary-high school classmate, who’s also inconvenienced by the road repair. Asked her where she was going, said she was going to “La Salle Sta. Mesa” and not the Cavite campus, so it was somewhat a relief to not endure the traffic. Told her she was her parents’ favourite because her older brother wasn’t around besides her being the only girl.

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Watching a sports competition of sorts, at the balcony. There was a rowdy kid who was reprimanded by a former elementary school classmate. Apparently the kid was his son (they look so much alike!) and they were watching the event because classmate’s older brother was in it. I look downwards and saw his kuya (lol they all do look so similar). Got to assess his body build real quick and inferred some muscle dynamics which led to his build. 🤓

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Setting’s in the old Manila house. Was watching a new season of Modern Family. One character was writing a memoir of sorts. Had to lower the volume because the youngest sister was sleeping on the old double deck bed.

Went downstairs to the garage and saw that Elmo 🐶 was left to our care but was in an unkempt condition. (A part of me was still thinking of Doja, because she still hasn’t come home.)

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Was riding a canter with the relatives from dad’s side of the family as we were on our way to visit other relatives. Bumpy roads, someone coughing, small chika. Everyone making sure everyone’s comfy during the ride.