Hooray For October!

     It's final! Everything is set for my short vacation on Thailand by the end of this month! ♥ I am so excited! Can you not tell by the many times I've used the exclamation point already??? Hahahaha.

     Yesterday, I've already paid for my hotel accommodations and tours and earlier today, I paid for my plane ticket. If that doesn't suggest that my travel plans are final, then I don't know what is. 

     Last night, as I was booking my plane ticket, I conducted a research regarding the "must-see" spots in Thailand. I got so caught up on it that I managed to fill an entire paper with all the places I want to visit. I refuse to leave that country without seeing such places! So my 5 days of staying there better be filled with plans and tours. 

      I'm so excited that I can't wait for my own photos to upload here and let you all see what I saw! But since I won't be leaving for another 2 weeks, here are the places I want to see in Thailand. 

*All photos are NOT mine

PATTAYA

1. Sanctuary of Truth 

           A temple made entirely out of wood filled with religious artifacts and sculptures made of wood as well. With its gothic look, it's not hard for me to really want to go there. I've always been fascinated with all kinds of temples. This is probably the closest thing to La Sagrada Familia that I can visit... but you'll never know. Someday, I just might get to travel around Europe as well. 

2. Mini Siam and Mini Europe

          Have I not said that maybe someday I'd get to see Europe? Well, apparently I'd get to see some parts of Europe on my trip to Thailand. They have a mini version of the Window of the World in China. Even if I've read quite a number of negative reviews regarding this place, I'd still like to go see it. 

3. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

          I'm not a green thumbed person but I do appreciate the beauty a garden brings to this world of ours. Apparently, I'd get to see yet another part of Europe here... the Stonehenge. Is this place awesome or what? 

4. Wat Yansangwararam 

          Another set of temples that I'd like to visit. I don't know if it's just me who likes seeing the intricate designs of temples or it's just a fact that Thailand is a religious country and that temples really are abundant. Whatever the reason is, I'd like to see this place. 

5. Pattaya Hill

          Based on what I've read and seen on pictures, the hill is a main attraction in Pattaya because it enables one to overlook the amazing beach and coast of the area. Aside from that, there are also some statues (i think) on top of the hill where patrons get to pray. 

6. Ripley's Believe It or Not

          I was quite surprised when I stumbled upon a website that says there is one in Thailand. Looks like I'd be visiting a part of U.S.A through this one. Hahaha. I can't wait to see this museum/exhibit. It's mostly haunted stuff based on what I read. 

7. Underwater World 

          I'd like to see this one too. Although, not so much. But if we get there, I'd be more than willing to go inside and see the ocean creatures. It may just be better (i mean, bigger) than that of Manila Ocean Park. 

     And of course... the main reason and attraction of Pattaya: beach! According to our itinerary, we'd go on a coral reef diving or some sort. Although I cannot swim and I don't want to get a tan, I am willing to experience the beach life in Thailand. Jomtien beach, I'll see you soon! ♥

.....to be continued.....

Fashion's Yin and Yang

     Nowadays, fashion trends are more edgy and daring...sometimes even to the point of complete absurdity.  However, no one really protests because fashion is no longer just about clothes and the such: it's an art. So call me old fashioned or whatever, but I still strongly believe in the balance of all things -- including that of fashion. 

     Plains and prints are what I consider the balance in fashion or, as the title implies, the yin and yang. Most people dare to parade around wearing printed clothes clashing on with different printed pieces. I should admit, though, that it looks good sometimes. But the thing with this "print on print" trend is it's not for everybody. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes, I myself dare to wear pieces of clothing with clashing colors and prints together just to be fun looking and catch attention from everyone around you. And trust me, here in Manila, you get everyone's attention when you dare to even dress with more than shirt and jeans. 

     With that said, I opted to walk my talk a few Sundays ago and I wore this plain blue dress with my, possibly, wildest and most vibrant looking wedges. 

Accoring to one of my friends, this pose is called "wall, meet my foot" Hahahaha.

Pretty yet simple detailing on the back of my dress (People Are People)

Mint Green Bag: Tomato | Jewel Bracelets: Divisoria

Aztec Wedges: Jellybean

Excited

     My long absence from blogging is inexcusable. For a time, it was because as I've said before, our internet connection sucks. Apparently, the area of our house is prone to our internet server's "down area". Which practically means that if there's a problem, it always starts and ends here in our place.

     Anyway, I have also been busy with school. Have you ever neglected something you love dearly (like sleep and blogging) due to school? What great students we are! Right? Hahahaha. Keep it up, loves! ;) So as I was saying... I haven't had much extra time. Also, I am psyched about a few other things that they tend to keep me busy as well these past few weeks. In fact, I ended September with a BANG! But more on that later. 

     First off: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! And yes, I'm pertaining to my Dada.♥ Yup, I'm a lucky daughter to have such a funny, loving and kind father. I took up my love for arts, music, movies and food from him. If it wasn't for Paolo, I'd probably his junior. 

Yes, that's me when I was little. Don't judge. Hahahaha.

     Second: I finally got my application form for the Work and Travel Program. I've been wanting to join this since last year but my professor said that it's just for 3rd year students... Well, now that I am one, I can join! Yaaaaay! It's this program wherein they'd send me to some place in the USA and I'd have to work there for 3 months then go back here in my country. And well, I'll be exempted from all my 500 hours of practicum duties before I graduate! ;) Is that not worth it? I mean, I'd get to work and earn my own money and even get to travel around the country for a few weeks before I'd have to go back here in Manila. 

     I just hope that my J1 visa application gets approved. Pray for me, friends. I really need all the divine intervention I can get. ♥ 

Filling out my very thick application form. Wish me luck!

     Third (and lastly): I am going to Bangkok, Thailand! Okay. Don't jinx it. It's just that, in order for my J1 visa application to 'be approved' easily, I sort of need to have my passport stamped with an abroad sticker or stamp pass that proves that I went on a recent trip abroad and I actually went back...and not immigrated there illegally or something. So yes... I'd need another set of prayers on this one. I actually can go and it's all set. But I have monetary issues. 

     It's scary to think that I'd be in a foreign land and have limited cash in me. It's not like I have a credit card or can just ride a cab home if I ever run out of transportation fare and money. I'd be miles away from home. Also, Bangkok is like the shopping capital of Asia. For bargain hunters like me, more like it. So how sad will it be to go there and not even savor the moment of having a mall with 5 floors full of women clothing, shoes and accessories near your hotel??? Very sad. 

     I hope, still, to be able to roam around Thailand and even Malaysia for short while. I like being tourist-y and taking photos of places and people and things. I'm really excited. I hope it pushes through! I'd be devastated if not. 

Thailand! 

Malaysia! 

     Have a GREAT October ahead of you all! ;) 

     A.