One of the things that I have never had to question myself about was my ability to love other people. Historically, I have always been the type of person who loves until she has nothing left to give. This is the time that I normally give up on people.

I love and I love until I can love no more. Many have told me that this is not a good way to love because when it's done, you are left spent, broken, and empty.

I agree.

When a relationship ends, I am always left spent, broken, and empty. Friends and family would then help me build myself again piece by piece, gluing things one at a time. Sometimes, a part would break apart once more and leave a gaping hole then my friends or family would scramble to help me fill that hole.

I realized that I didn't want to love like that anymore. It's not healthy and it's not right. This is why it took me so long to open up to a new relationship. I was scared of loving someone the way I used to and then getting hurt again.

I think I became too good at it because my little sister once said to me that Sam Smith's Too Good at Goodbyes has become my national anthem. She said that I was so good at protecting my heart and my self that I can easily say goodbye and walk away just like that.

Then came M.

For the last 3.5 months, he has been around. He would tell me on an almost daily basis how lucky he feels to have me in his life. He would be so grateful for things that I do for him. Heck, he moved from Cainta to the South to be nearer so we could get to know each other better and spend more time together.

He would always tell me that he wants us to sort things if we have misunderstandings or miscommunications. He would say sorry when he does something wrong and assure me, ASSURE ME, that he would never do anything to damage the relationship.

He made me feel secure.

"I'll put our relationship first over my pride."

"You are the best thing that happened to me."

"I never want to lose you."

Last night, we had a MINOR spat or so I thought. No matter what angle I look at it, it was one of those spats that could have been resolved asap. However, it seems that he misinterpreted either my actions or words again and he retaliated. He retaliated and inflicted pain on me because he was mad.

This is why wrath is one of the 7 deadly sins. When we feel anger, we say things we don't mean. We do things we don't mean. We inflict pain because we are mad. We are mad because we hurt and to feel better about hurting, we inflict pain thinking that it will make us feel better. I hope what he did made him feel better because he succeeded in hurting me immensely.  What he did was so painful that I have not been able to cry at all since last night. 17 hours later and no tears but my heart keeps breaking and has been breaking bit by bit for the last 17 hours.


A part of me wants to reach out because I love him and I want to fix things but I don't know how to. I don't know how this can be fixed now that I know he is capable of hurting me that badly and disregarding me completely. Everything he said, promised, and assured me of in the last 3.5 months ... it blew up in my face when he left me standing in the parking lot. My heart started breaking a minute after when I realized he wasn't coming back. It broke completely when I confirmed he got home safe and was sound asleep without a care if I got home safe as well.

A part of me says that I did not deserve that kind of treatment and to not tolerate it. I should just walk away as well and that I'll be better off on my own. I have been okay for the last 4 years so the almost 4 months can be just a blip in the story of my life.

I'm not mad. I wish I was. It would be so much easier. Mad is easy to handle. Pain, pain of this level, that's different. I don't know what will happen. Honestly, I don't even know if we're still together coz we had an agreement that should someone walk out, then it's over.

He didn't just walk out. He drove off in such a hurry I turned around to make sure death wasn't running after him. He left me standing there ... on my own ... in the middle of the parking lot not caring if I got home safely ... not caring if he just broke my heart ... not caring that I am now left with the question do I choose to love him or should I choose to love me?

One of the things that I have never had to question myself about was my ability to love other people. Historically, I have always been the t...

Novuskin Lift is the gold standard in anti-aging and skin brightening, formulated with 18 of nature’s finest rejuvenating ingredients. The unique combination of marine fish collagen, plant-derived antioxidants and co-factor nutrients, this natural ingredients work synergistically to slow down aging and brighten the skin.



Why does anti-aging matter? 

Anti-aging is one of the biggest problems of the people of today. Due to stress, fast paced life, and the constant exposure to different harmful chemicals, people age faster nowadays and the wear and tear of daily life is easily seen.
People nowadays feel that they need to take care of their skin more and more. In fact, this is one of the leading skin concerns that people have. People do not want to look their age. However, there are only a few products out there that can deliver on their promise.

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Novuskin Lift  is the gold standard in anti-aging and skin brightening, formulated with 18 of nature’s finest rejuvenating ingredients. The ...

They said that only women with fair skin can rock pink but Avon begs to differ. Avon believes that there is a pink hue for every Pinay and they got that one right.
We all know that when facing life's challenges or obstacles, all we need is some pep talk from our friends, mentor, or family. However, there are times that all it takes is the right kind of pink lipstick to tell the world that you're ready to slay. As 2018 finally rolls in with the Chinese New Year, it is all about PINK.

Avon ensures that for every phase, stage, moment, or pivotal point in a Filipina's life, there is a shade of pink that will help the Pinay conquer it. After all, there is nothing more dangerous than a woman armed with the right shade of lippie. From soft blushes to energetic pinks, Avon offers more than just lipstick shades. They offer swipes of confidence, happiness, and of course, beauty.





This year's trend in color has a pink for every Pinay. If you're feeling fun and ready for a night out, Avon True Perfectly Matte in Electric Pink will get the job done. If you're ready to ask your boss for that promotion, be gorgeously bold with Avon True Color in Hot Pink. If romance is in the air for you, Avon True Perfectly Matte in Mauve Matters is a splendid choice to make your lips irresistible. Lastly, to give off a pure and innocent aura, the all new Avon True Ultracolo in Sunny Pink is an ideal choice. This coral pink shade has a satin finish and it's bright enough for a summery day at the park.



Pink is for every Pinay and Avon has covered all bases, all occasions, and all of life's milestones. No matter what chapter of your life you are about to step into, Avon will be there by your side, boosting your confidence, cheering you on, and making sure you stay beautiful all the way.

They said that only women with fair skin can rock pink but Avon begs to differ. Avon believes that there is a pink hue for every Pinay and t...

With the gentle swaying of the sea that seems to lullaby its passengers, a timely cruise can bring a much-needed calmness, even to the weariest of travellers. Just imagine, spending days at sea in complete solitude, staring at the vastness of the open ocean with nary a thought of one’s daily troubles. Days full of exciting possibilities with nowhere to be, no one to see, and best of all, no distractions - a complete cruise-cation to celebrate life.

In the past decade, cruises have become one of the most popular ways to relax and see the beauty this world has to offer. With its unique destinations, cost-efficient rates, and state-of-the-art ships, it comes as no surprise that cruising continues to gain popularity, especially among Filipinos.

 

This year, Star Cruises announced that its 269-meter cruise ship, SuperStar Virgo, will homeport again in Manila for the summer months from March to May. With absolutely no visa requirements, the 6-night SuperStar Virgo cruise offers two travel destination packages. The first package will start at the Manila port then a day will be spent on the high seas. The next two days will be dedicated to seeing Naha in Japan, and Keelung in Taiwan. The fifth day will be on the high seas again, and then the cruise will head back to Manila on the sixth day.



The second destination package starts at the Manila port followed by a day cruising the high seas on the way to Ishigaki, Japan, on the third day. The fourth day will be spent seeing the beauty of Keelung, Taiwan, then to the high seas on the fifth day, and then back to Manila on the sixth day.



Besides the great destinations, and interesting land tours, a lot of people miss out on the fact that the SuperStar Virgo is itself, a giant floating destination. Packed with entertainment facilities, exquisite dining outlets, and duty-free shopping, the cruise ship has just about anything one could ever need or want.



The nightly live performances on the SuperStar Virgo showcases some of the world’s best singers, acrobats, and magicians, set to tickle ones imagination.  What’s more, the cruise offers various options and thematic activities fit for the whole family, not to mention, the wide range of dining outlets, retail shops, relaxation, and entertainment facilities.


The huge pool and giant slide continues to be a top favourite of passengers. Imagine sliding and splashing in the pool on top of a cruise ship, right in the middle of the ocean. And what better way to enjoy an unobstructed view of the perfect sunset gracefully going down the horizon, then to see it on the viewing deck.


Cruising offers the perfect vantage points to take photos of the endless sea complimented by the clear blue sky. It features an unspoiled canvass showcasing the breath-taking magnificence of nature’s beauty.  Savor the various sights, sounds, and even the smell of crisp clean air over a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee, while basking in sweet retreat, solitude, and surrender.


Catch exclusive offers for the 3^rd and 4^th passenger for free, if booking is for the Inside State Room, Ocean View State Room, or the Balcony State Room on March 30, April 14, 19, and 24, and on May 4, 14, and 29, 2018. There is also a free balcony upgrade during the mid-season sailing.

A 20% additional Senior Citizen discount will likewise be offered on April 14, 19, 24 and on May 4, 14, and 29, 2018. Avail of other special promos including the “Cruise One, Take One” two-for-one summer promo, a 2-night Manila high seas cruise, from February 14 to 18, 2018 at the 2018 Star Cruises Cruise Fair at the Greenbelt 5 Gallery, Ayala Center, Makati City. For inquiries, call (02) 8366080 or visit www.starcruises.com.

For an insight on how the cruise was for our editor who went last year, here's a peek.
Laoag Taiwan Hong Kong

With the gentle swaying of the sea that seems to lullaby its passengers, a timely cruise can bring a much-needed calmness, even to the weari...

Innovation in Singapore can be found in all shapes and forms, even in the form of an amazing flower shop that changed the way people shop f...

This Valentines, I had no expectations. I was sick and Mark had work to do. All I was thinking of was to catch up on all my articles and surviving the day. Mark and I already talked about spending Valentines some other day so I thought that there wouldn't be anything.

Weird that I was okay with it coz before I used to make such a big deal out of Valentines but I guess when you find someone who makes you feel that everyday is Valentine's, you don't make a big deal out of February 14.

However, Mark had other plans and arrived at the hotel where my Mom, sister and I were looking like this.


Doesn't he look adorable? He had 3 bouquets with him; one for me, one for my Mom, and one for my little sister. He even had dark chocolate for my little sister as well.



And though we had no dinner plans, all of a sudden, Mark had 3 women to date for Valentine's day. Yes, you read that right. We spent our first Valentine's with my Mom and sister.


What I loved most was at the end of the night, when I thanked Mark for being so understanding about having to share this Valentine's with my Mom and sister was him saying that let's spend Valentine's like this all the time so that we can be your Mom's Valentine.

If I wasn't in love with this guy already, I would have fallen in love with him right on the spot.

This Valentines, I had no expectations. I was sick and Mark had work to do. All I was thinking of was to catch up on all my articles and sur...

During our 3 day stay in Baguio, we checked in at Albergo Hotel. We were lucky to stay at a unit in Albergo Hotel that you can book through Air BnB. I say lucky because we got to stay here for 3 days. The day before we got there, it was booked and the day we left, the very next day, it was booked.

It felt like it was really meant for us.

I loved how spacious the place was. It was a condotel but it felt like a home. The placement of the furnitures and the bed gave off the impression that it was a huge place.


There is also a dining table for 4 and a kitchen where you can cook simple meals.

This is the view from the couch.


They also have slippers for people to wear so that you can relax inside the condo unit.


The bathroom is pretty standard and offers hot water.


 And this is the view from the window.


On our first day, I cooked Jin Ramen and had some Korean coffee. This was made possible because on the ground floor of Albergo Hotel is a Korean store.




I really liked the place. It was complete, comfortable, clean, and really near all the tourist spots. It was also near Kamiseta, Cafe Yagam, and a lot of other coffee shops.


I'd definitely recommend this unit in Albergo Hotel. If you need to contact them, message this person.  You won't regret it.

During our 3 day stay in Baguio, we checked in at Albergo Hotel. We were lucky to stay at a unit in Albergo Hotel that you can book through ...

The last time I was in Baguio was way back 2015 and it was due to 2 blogging events, one at Azalea and a food crawl then the other at Brent Residences. Prior to that, it was 2012 and it was for a wedding.

So due to a spur of the moment decision during a conversation with Mark, we decided to bring B to Baguio. You see, B has never been to Baguio and so we made a decision to spend the last 3 days of January in Baguio.

First order of the day soon as we got to Baguio was eat at Pizza Volante then head to Strawberry Farm. Pizza Volante still tasted the same as when I last had it which was back in 2012. For this I am truly happy.

Afterwards, we trooped to Strawberry Farm.



I really didn't want to pick strawberries but B wanted me to join him and so this is the end result. As you can see, I am falling off in the background coz when I and mud get together, disaster happens. Much to my chagrin, my son found this hilarious.


My son had fun picking strawberries though he was a little stressed about the fact that he was picking them for my Mom. He wanted things perfect and since he wasn't familiar about strawberries, he couldn't gauge if they were ripe or good enough to be picked already. Perhaps having an onsite science tutor who could explain things to us would have been good.



Seeing B this happy made me feel really happy. Eventhough I really am not into things like this, I was more than willing if only to see my son this happy.


I love how happy my son is in this photo. I hope that I will always have a reason to make him smile like this.

Thank you Mark for capturing these moments.

The last time I was in Baguio was way back 2015 and it was due to 2 blogging events, one at Azalea  and a food crawl then the other at Bren...