Celine's Life Adventure

Ugh. It's my fifth day back home. My vacation is almost over. I can't believe it! For today, I scheduled to meet with my high school best friend, Deci. Good morning Manila! Before meeting with her, Jomar and I had breakfast at Jollibee! Yes! Longganisa meal, corned beef meal, and 2-pc Chicken Joy just for the two of us. Corned Beef Chicken Joy Longganisa That's a 900 calorie meal for breakfast. If that's not enough, on our way back to the condo we saw someone selling taho! Of course, I purchased some and we enjoyed it by the pool area. Taho! Pool Area After that, Jomar and I went up north of Metro Manila to Trinoma and SM North EDSA. I lived in Quezon City most of the 1st 25 years of my life. Because of that, my optician is in SM North and I decided to get my eyes checked for free (sorry, Canada eye care is way way cheaper here). I decided to have my lenses changed to one that would turn into a darker shade when

It was my fourth day back in Manila. I spent it with four different ladies who played a big role in the different stages of my career and life. Mama Chelle My day started with breakfast at the Google Philippines office with Mama Chelle and Wayne. I first met Mama Chelle when I was at Orange and Bronze Software Labs, Inc (O&B). She was head of sales and I was a fresh grad Jr. Business Analyst and Quality Assurance engineer. We had not much interaction then, except for that one time where we went to Gelatissimo and I shared my work challenges and she gave me advice. We became so much closer when she moved to Codeflux because that's when she started helping out with the Google communities. She and Jomar worked closely for the community and since I am Jomar's plus one, I became a volunteer for the Google Developers Group. I helped with registration and welcoming attendees, usually with little Josh (who is now a teenager). Breakfast at Google Philippines with Mama Che

It's my third day back home and it feels great to take a break from my routine life in Canada. Date with Jomar When I planned my itinerary for this vacation, Jomar requested that we have a date. I moved things around and told him that I would free up Tuesday morning and we could go out then. I asked him to surprise me with what he had in mind. Manila There is a building along Pedro Gil that look likes a dome. I have been curious about it but didn't thought of checking it out. Apparently, it's the National Museum Planetarium. It was close for so long until recently and Jomar wants us to visit the Planetarium while it's still open. We went there at around 9:00am after having the remaining Kare-Kareng Gulay for breakfast. The exhibit was okay. There was nothing that made me say wow and it was last updated 2009(?) so the information is a bit outdated. National Museum Planetarium Jomar also wanted to see one of the shows which costs Php 50.00. It was a 30-minut

For my second day in Canada, Jomar and I spent the morning having our planning meeting. It took us the first 3 hours of the day to discuss our plans. Then, I had "Me" time. I went to Let's Face It to have a facial. After that, I went to Chowking. I got my first dose of cultural difference between Canada and Philippines. I was in front of the cashier and said, "Hi". She just stared at me impatiently. I gave her my order (Yang Chow fried rice) and she offered toppings which I declined. What's so shocking about the encounter? Well, in Canada, there's always pleasantries and small talk. Always. When ordering, the cashier would almost always ask, "Hi there, how's it going?" or "Hi there, what can I get for you today?". They don't just stand there and wait for your order. It's different. When I was new to Canada I always feel awkward about the pleasantries and small talk but now that I am used to it, I am surprise when it does

As soon as I boarded my flight to Manila from Beijing, I fell asleep. I did sleep for an hour, watched Sing, then watched The Intern. I was in the last 2 minutes (2 minutes!!!) of the movie and they closed all in-flight entertainment because the plane had landed. I was sitting in the first row of the economy class and I only have my backpack to carry so I am the first person out of the plane (well, first person from the economy class since they apparently, give priority to Business Class).  I love saying Magandang Umaga! I am home. The Immigration was quick since I was one of the first few people out of the plane. After the immigration, I waited for my luggage which felt like a really long time but no more than 15 minutes. I went out and walked down the arrival extension area of Terminal 1 and saw Jomar. He booked an Uber and finally, home to my dearest Gateway Regency.  I unpacked and went straight to bed (around 2AM). Good morning Manila! I woke up at 5AM and decided to ta

I am writing this at the airport while waiting for my flight from Vancouver, Canada to Beijing, China. I have a 6-hour layover in Beijing before my flight to my dearest Manila, Philippines. I am excited to see friends and of course, Jomar. I am looking forward to all the Filipino food that I miss back home. A few days ago, Gordon (CEO of Gumstix ) asked where I was going for my vacation. I said, "I am going back home." I, honestly, did not expect his response, "But this is your home." If you've been reading this blog (I doubt people read this but oh well), you would notice that I have a love-hate relationship with Canada and as much as it has become a home the past almost 2 years, Philippines will always have a special place in my heart. I don't know. Maybe this feeling will be gone after a decade of living outside of the country but right now, all I know is I miss home every day. I read this post from a fellow immigrant (I think she's fr

The first time I tried Peri-Peri Chicken I had to Google search what it is and its origin. "Piri-piri chicken is a spicy dish with roots in both Africa and Portugal." - www.epicurious.com Below is the Peri-Peri Chicken I have tried so far. Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken at Kapitolyo, Pasig, Philippines Eduardo's Peri Peri at SM Light Mall, Mandaluyong Philippines

Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is on top of my fave places to visit in the country. Why? I love the fresh vegetable, and I like staying at Azalea Residences.

Cagayan de Oro City Innovation Tour last May 2015.

Thanks, Google+ Story for this compilation of photos from my trip to Davao City last May 2015.

Finally! Some summer fun in Cebu.

Flying in of Iloilo Monday evening of May 11, 2015, and flying out midnight of May 13, 2015, was one of the quickest adventures I had in recent months. My good friend Jerome asked me to host one of his events. Below are some of the very few photos that I have of the short, sweet stay. Google for Education Innovation Tour Iloilo Google for Education Innovation Tour Iloilo Chocolate Cupcakes Fun Lunch Biscocho Haus goodies for Jomar Mangoes from Guimaras c/o Jerome Such a short fun stay. Thanks, Iloilo!

After graduation and the joy of your first pay slip, one of the next major events in one's life would be their wedding day. Thus, I find so much pleasure that Jossel Tigcal (Jomar's brother) and Rosemarie Turan invited me to be part of this glorious and blessed day. Here are some of the photos that I have of their wedding.

We left Thursday, March 26, early in the morning (4AM) and headed to Subic, Olongapo. The night before I arrived late from a meeting in Calamba, Laguna. Shaine conducted the first day of training, and I did the second day. Yay for a training road trip!

When we hear the word, Taal, the first thing that comes to mind would be the volcano best viewed from Tagaytay City. Surprisingly, there's a Taal town in Batangas with a rich history. Below is a Google Plus Story of the day trip we did in Taal, Batangas. Enjoy!

Below is the Google+ Story of my quick and sudden trip to Dagupan, Pangasinan.

Below is the Google+ Story of my short stay in Biñan City, Laguna.

Below is the Google+ Story of my 11 Days in Cagayan de Oro City. I'll probably write a more comprehensive post about it soon. :) For now, enjoy the story!

To end my 4-week in the provinces, I had the most amazing 6 days in Iloilo. Food trip galore! Below is my Google+ Story. Enjoy!