Skip to main content

May: A month of many firsts

Sorry if I haven't been posting anything lately. Actually, I should have left for Canada this month, but I'm still in the middle of a quarter life crisis that's why I decided to still stay in the Philippines (so melodramatic, I know). Of course, being the proactive person I am, I can't just sit around and keep on thinking about what I want for my future every day. I have to keep moving while finding the answers I need.

After four months of vacationing in the Philippines, I decided to get myself a job. When I think about it, I could probably survive a whole year in the Philippines without working since the cost of living here is not very high (well, at least, not as high as compared to Canada). It's just that, I don't like the idea of using up all of my savings (the idea is just to dip into it), my hard-earned money, my sweat and blood, and be unproductive at the same time. Just not that kind of person.

I celebrated my first month in my new job earlier this month. Hurray to me! And guess what? For the very first time in my life, ladies and gentlemen, I am a full-time Philippine employee. What I earn here is a far cry from what I earn abroad, but, oh well. I migrated to Canada right after I graduated, so I never get to work here (except for my short stint at GMA Network). I guess getting to experience working life in the Philippines is what's missing in my life.

My first pay in Philippine Peso-- framed. Hihi.
It's actually not the job I originally planned on doing, but I'm happy because I still get to do what I love doing the most -- writing. It's also my first time to do lifestyle journalism; I'm used to writing scripts for news and documentaries. It's a whole new adventure and you know me, I love new experiences.

Speaking of adventures, one of the early job perks I got was having the opportunity to visit the atelier of world-famous Filipino designer, Francis Libiran! (Yes, another first!) I became a big fan the moment I saw him and his creations on ANTM, so just imagine how I had to control my giddiness and contain my excitement when I saw him - for the very first time in my life - in person. It was just too bad that the time we arrived at his shop to "pull out" the dresses we need, he was entertaining a client. And being the professional people we are oin our team, we didn't want to make epal. Although, I was very happy he looked at me and we had eye contact. That moment, I felt like a mutual understanding passed between the two of us that we'll be BFFs one day (sort of like Rebecca Brandon and Danny Kovitz in Shopaholic). A girl can dream, right? Haha!
first time to hold a Francis Libiran dress in my arms 3)
This month as well, I moved back to my original home town, Las PiƱas. I had a hard time looking for a new place (long story), but I'm thankful that I finally found a clean and decent one. I'm also thankful to have a very nice landlord.  


Because it's my first time to live on my own, I find it a bit challenging. They say that you'll learn how to be independent in North America. That wasn't the exact case with me. I learned so many things an adult should learn there (like saving for retirement, paying for your own insurance and other bills, getting loans, learning how to drive, buying a house) but I NEVER, EVER lived on my own in Canada. I never wanted to anyway (not till I get married). So, in short, all this independent living is new to me. Anyway, moving back to the Philippines this year was a decision I made and I have to stick with it till I make up my mind. 
 clean and decent. check, check!
It was very difficult at first, to be honest -- especially that I'm very far away from my family. But I'm getting used to it. The first few days were the worst because I always think of my family and the comforts of my eucalyptus-smelling room in Canada. Plus I get paranoid too that someone might be lurking and waiting to attack me when I go home late. I guess it's the price to pay for a taste of independence.

Although it felt lonely in the beginning, I'm forever grateful for friends who keep me company by either taking me out on weekends, or downloading movies for me to watch, or lending me books to read when I have nothing to do in my apartment. Love you, guys! <3 font="">

Do you have memorable first-time experiences this month as well? Share it with me in the comment box!

Comments

  1. I think that even with all of these "firsts" you experienced as of now, there are still a lot of "firsts" to come! :D

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Typhoon Haiyan: Ways to donate if you live in Canada

#prayforthePhilippines Philippines needs help. I just left the Philippines to move back to Canada when the storm hit the country -- being away, this is the least I can do. As you all know, Super Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) made headlines around the world not just because it is one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded in history, but also because it had caused great devastation to many towns in the Philippines, and killed thousands and thousands of Filipinos. Even though the storm had left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, many are still in danger of getting sick or dying because many are without home, food, clothes and even clean water right now. Video from CNN It is known that Canadians are among the most generous of people in the world. Let us show, once again, how compassionate we all are by donating to the typhoon victims.  I have compiled links to different NGO sites where you can forward your monetary donations. Please feel ...

Thank You for New Windows

Photo by Thea Sandoval Who doesn't love beautiful and peaceful fall mornings? All mornings spent at home are beautiful to me, but the magnificence of the autumn season just magnifies its simple beauty. Last night, we had a fun, gleeful Thanksgiving celebration with my parents' Couples for Christ family. This morning I woke up to an opposite ambience -- it was quiet and calm, with sunrays coming through the windows and all. I sat beside our living room window and I said a little "thank you" inside that all is well with my soul again. I started thanking God for all His small blessings that we fail to notice when our lives become a little less than perfect. Art from seedsoffaith.com It's been months since I was able to really stop and appreciate the beauty of life and all the gifts that were given to me. I thought this morning was the perfect time for me to reflect and say a " salamat " (thank you) for everything. First and foremost, I am thank...

Happiness in a cup

photo by Thessa Sandoval I'm a certified tea lover. Truth is, I used to ignore tea. I have an overly sensitive tummy and when I was younger, my  lola  (grandma) often told me that drinking tea would do my tummy some good, but I didn't take her advice. I started loving it when I moved to Canada. Since it's freezing cold there, especially during winter, a hot drink in your hand is a staple. I don't drink coffee and I can't have hot chocolate all the time (because, as I've said, my tummy's ultra sensitive and having hot choco all day will set it off like a ticking bomb), so my last option is to have tea... and that's how I fell in love with it. It's true, love can be learned.  Hihi .  I love it so much now that I would visit the Vintage Tea Room on  Locke St. in Hamilton  with my friend Ayeza and pay for tea reading afterwards!  "Tea Freak" image source: downthatlittlelane.com.au my friend Ayeza and I share the ...