PhotoFeels: Believe that it'll be good, soon

lost and found, and lost again.

It's already been a long time since I wrote about anything. The past months, weeks, days, have been bittersweet for me.
I must say, I cannot remember where should I start writing about.

Do you ever feel the feeling of being lost?
I do, I am.

The biggest decisions I made after college were resigning from my long term job and risking everything to reach my dream.

I have heard people ask, say, and even conclude what made me decide to leave my job, (of course, 5 working days, fixed working hours, good office space/materials, accessible place, some good people, and somewhat good paying job for a fresh grad with no experience).

I have been working for that Institution for almost 2 years. It became my training ground, right after graduation they became the newest people outside of school. I struggled, it was not hard to adjust to these people, rather it was hard to prove myself, that I am worthy of my position and that I am not just the niece of the Senior Vice President.

It challenged me until I reached the point that I already build myself. I proved it to everyone, I really mean to everyone. I became good in what I do, I developed my skills and share it to others. I learned things I never thought I could do, I met well-known people and ordinary persons with amazing stories.

I lived by this routine for so long, I never had the chance to go out of the box and think. Think if I am okay with okay, if I deserve something better and if I can do something else.

You know the feeling of being lost?
I did, I was.

I got the chance to get off from work for 2 weeks.
I did enjoyed my time in Singapore, far from the walls of my work, no contact from my superiors, media contacts, or any other friends.
For the first time, I was away from my comfort zone, I was away from the life I had after school. This was the first time I had the chance to explore, to see the world outside of the box, the first time I saw other opportunities, the first time I saw and heard stories from different people from different careers.

Then I told myself, there's more to life than my routine (do coverage-write stories-pass stories-publish stories-do coverage-write stories-pass stories-publish stories). I wanted to explore life's endless possibilities, I want to know what can I do and for the first time, I want to do what I really dreamed of.

Do you know the feeling of being lost, then suddenly you found all the answers?
I did, I found it.

I left my comfort zone, despite everything I heard from everyone, including my parents. I just told myself, these people already had enough in controlling my life, it's about time I own what's mine.

After a month, I went to Singapore and tried to look for a job. It was challenging but I was too determined. Yes, some people never got tired of giving me unsolicited opinions, but I really didn't cared at all.
There were so may chances, but maybe chances doesn't mean any of it is for you. And yes, unfortunately, after almost 2 months of trying, I was able to find a job but not a working pass. (It's too complicated to explain).

Do you know the feeling of being lost in the middle of your journey?
I did, I was, I was nowhere.

But I told myself, I cannot afford that when the time comes I look back my life and I'll find this chapter having regrets, that I should have done and risks things to achieve what I want.

Again, after a month, I go back, and too surreal, I was able to work in a restaurant. People who knows me well will know how I want to work in a restaurant despite graduating from a different degree.

Do you know the feeling of being lost, then finding yourself exactly at the place, at the moment, you've been wanting and dreaming of?
I did, I am.

I have worked for more than 2 months in this restaurant. Everyday, I woke up tired from last night's very late off from work, but it was alright. I was doing things I dreamed of, I was actually excelling in this field.

I was using my skills, I was taking care of answering reservations, entertaining guests, leading my co-service staff, communicating between our guests, kitchen staff, service staff and even to my superiors.

It was the point of my life that I saw the beauty in cleaning tables and arranging plates, cutlery, glasses and menus. I loved dealing with hard-headed guests and some co-workers.
I began loving late night sleeps then late wake ups, doing my own laundry and cooking during off days, wearing my black shirt, pair of light khaki jeans, and my pair of Toms, and valuing my 1hr massage and mani-pedi moments.

I have proven myself worthy of all the sacrifices and risks I have taken. I knew I will be good at this thing, and I really am. People loved what I do and how I do my job, they loved me as the person I am and I loved every sweat I have because of walking back and forth, understanding the demands of the guests, my boss' and yes, even my boyfriend's demands.

I was at the point of feeling that I am actually having everything I want and need. I was enjoying the career I am dreaming of. I am with the person I want to be. I just never thought it would be this hard to feel lost again since I needed to go back because they still couldn't give me a working pass.

Do you know that feeling when you're having everything then you realize you're lost? Again?
The feeling that you don't know where are you going? 
That even the only person you want to understand you doesn't feel like he cares? 
That somewhere along the journey, you unconsciously left parts of yourself, until you realize you're already different.

Sometimes I think I'm already not normal, that maybe I was just over thinking things, or  maybe wanting this dream that really wasn't for me, or even putting pressure in the relationship I am right now. But I can't help it, specially in times where you wanted to express, but I'm ending up still misunderstood.

I ask myself, is this a part of growing up?
That you always have to be lost to be found, then be lost again and be found again? To feel that at one point of your life you know exactly what you want then suddenly at another point you're completely lost? That you still can't figure out on when and where to start? Or kept on asking what's next? That you're thinking if you two is still working this relationship out because you still love each other or just pressured by what others expect?

Think, think, think, think...
How I wish together with being lost, there's always being found.

Singapore Diaries: Soaked under the sun!

Since boyfie left, we really never had the time to enjoy one of the favorite things we both love -- Soaking under the sun. 
So when I went to Singapore for vacation, one of the top-listed activities was to literally soak under the sun.

Our first stop: The Manila Bay Sands Sky Park

And because I like to take photos instead of writing the story...

The ultimate luxurious hotel experience in Singapore.

At the lobby of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the only thing I said was, "wow" while looking at almost everywhere. The architecture was excellent, the huge ceiling at the main lobby gives the idea how big the hotel is. 
The exteriors of the walls (all wooden, glowing and warm) , the position of the windows (which is almost the half of the hotel lobby giving a glimpse of the sunlight inside), the placement of the ornaments (antique stuffs and old fashioned chairs and tables) and the lights (antique lamp shades, hanging lantern-like lamps), almost everything gave me the little "home-y" feeling.

The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

And yes, it was breathtaking. 

The "lush oasis" experience at the 57th floor of the hotel, an infinity pool overlooking everything at Marina Bay. Considered as one of the world's most amazing hotel rooftop pools (and I agree with that), from the view out side the hotel, tourists often see this SkyPark unique because of its boat-shaped exterior, but I prove myself wrong, it was more than unique.

When the elevator door opened, sunlight struck me, then when I opened my eye my mouth also opened and it didn't close easily. It was one of the most amazing place I ever saw and I've ever been, I could actually touch the clouds by doing a little tip-toe.

Oh hello there Mr. Sun!
The SkyPark offers free towels, bathrobes and poolside chairs.

Wearing my first pair of high-waist vintage swimwear and actually rocking it!
(shades: Cotton On; high-waist swimwear: Online shop; confidence: by yours truly)

And we're actually at the edge of the infinity pool overlooking 56 floors down.

It was abcdefghijklmnopqursuvwxyz, oh whatever!
We had so much fun swimming at the top of the world.

Our second stop: Siloso Beach

Found at the advanced city of Sentosa is a nature's hub for water activity enthusiast. 
The water may not be that blue, sands may not be as pure and as white as of those Philippine beaches, still Siloso beach is a must see place in SG!

Welcome to Siloso Beach!

Enjoying the fine white sand at the seashore :)

my little boy enjoying the not so deep and warm temperature water

trying to capture an eye-catching view but finding out we're better view than anything else, hahaha.
 (that little island meters away from the shore line)

cheesy-ness at its finest.
sitting at the seashore, watching the sunset with the person I want to see the sun rise and watch the sun sets.

Forgive him, but he really thinks I'm the cute-est!! 

And there goes, my favorite scene <3

Singapore Diaries: Nature and Wildlife

Cheers to my first blog entry about my recent Singapore trip.

And today's feature is Singapore's Nature and Wildlife

First stop: Singapore Zoo

Rainforest near busy cities.
Animal encounters. Various species of wild animals.
Animal habitats at your foot steps.

(from Singapore Zoo Official website)  

For 40 years, Singapore Zoo has been known to have among the most beautiful settings in the world, where animals roam freely in open and natural habitats. Covering 26 hectares, the park is home to over 2,800 animals representing over 300 species.

Singapore Zoo boasts the world’s first free-ranging orang utan habitat in a zoo. This environment showcases the charismatic apes, which are the Zoo’s flagship species, in natural surroundings. 

Other not-to-be missed highlights include Fragile Forest and Elephants of Asia. 

Australian Outback and the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia are other fascinating areas where guests are immersed in habitats representing the respective geographical region.

Let's start the adventure! Singapore Zoo Map

Treetops Trail

The zone welcomes guests with the Rainforest Courtyard leading to an elevated platform through the forest canopy which brings guests closer to nature and its wildlife.

Remember! Keep your eyes open for the free-ranging treetop friends swinging from trees to trees or even walking at your footsteps.

Siamang
acrobatic and agile gibbons
photo from: treetops trail

False Gavial
They are good at concealing themselves in the murky depths of their naturalistic habitat with their dark colored scales and their eyes and nose on top of the head that enables them to see before submerging
photo from: treetops trail

Tiger Trek

One of the highlights of the zoo is the tiger trek where guests will be able to view White Tigers inches away from it's habitat. 

These Tigers have rare and uncommon characteristics like blue eyes, pink noses, their creamy white fur with brown stripes, and strong staring eyes.

White Tiger

The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia 

The zone depicts life in the Great Rift Valley which begins with a walk trough the tribal entrance, rock landscape that is reminiscent of the majestic mountains, rugged terrain and waterfalls. 

Moreover, be wowed with carved effigies of heroes at the entrance of the Konso village and be acquainted with how Ethiopian tribes lived through huts, tribal utensils, tools and storage containers and their discovery of coffee.

One of the rarest attraction in this zone is the replica of Lucy -- one of the oldest hominids ever discovered.

Nubian Ibex
Mountain Goats with a great sense of balance dwelling on the sheer rock cliffs

Hamadryas Baboon

Australian Outback

Enter the vast, dry bush lands and golden wilderness of Down Under and see hopping kangaroos and wallabies as you walk on the trail.

Agile Wallaby
Kangaroos and wallabies are unique in being one of the few large animals that can hop.
Their long tails helps them to keep balance.
photo from: australian outback

Primate Kingdom

Singapore Zoo houses 39 species of primates each has its own island so as species can have kingdoms to rule.

Be entice with their natural habitat (the tall trees, wild grasses, palms and bamboos) where these primates swing, run, and do their "monkey" business.

Patas Monkey
This monkey is probably the fastest runner of all primates

Lion-tailed Macaque
Macaques' name came from the tuft of their tails and silvery mane that resembles a lion.
Their cheek pouches that can store large amount of food in a short period of time.

Elephants of Asia

The Asian elephants, valued for their size and strength, were once integral to logging the jungle, but now because of deforestation and poaching, a large number of their population is endangered in the wild.

Free-Ranging Orang Utan

This zone in the zoo really amazed me. 
The experience of walking through the natural habitat of these Orang Utans-- Animal encounter at its best.

With the zoo's two free-ranging areas have been created for their flagship species. Moreover, to stimulate the natural rainforest environment, multi-layer platforms have been created for these arboreal friends to swing, climb, and play around.

photo from: free-ranging orang utans

Wild Africa

See the combination of the grass-grazing mammals and the predators in one habitat fashioned after the grassy plains of Africa. 

The zone in the zoo which probably I can say is the most adventurous one, simply because of the clawed and fierce mammals inches away from us. 

Nyala

White Rhinoceros
Because they are hunted because of their horns, there are only 8,500 remaining of these second largest land mammal in the wild today.

Zebra
The eye-catching stripes, more than making their herd distinct, serves as protection against predators.

Cheetah
In the zoo, a spacious area is where this fastest land animal is housed, a resemblance of their natural habitat in the wild, with low lying branches and fallen trunks. Their lines, aside from being a distinctive characteristic, also function to block out glare from the sun.

Leopard

African Lion
And yes, unfortunately the King of the jungle is not in the mood when we visited the zoo.
We got the chance to have a closer look with the big cats (including the leopard) in the indoor viewing gallery.
photo from: wild africa

Meerkat

Giraffe
This one's my favorite, it's the first time I saw a real giraffe and they're really really awesome, except for their smell.
Their loooooong neck, loooooong legs, loooooong tongue, loooooong eye lushes and I think everything's long with them.

(forgive me but I'm really not a fan of these cold-blooded species)

Reptile Garden

A collection of cold-blooded species crawling around their reptilian habitat.

Wide range of reptiles including Komodo dragons, tortoises, turtles, false gavials and wide range of snakes.

Komodo Dragon
The largest lizard

Iguana

Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Longest life span

Frozen Tundra

A cool temperature, ice cave, a large pool filled with giant ice blocks and an igloo -- resemblance of the Arctic habitat.

Inuka -- the first polar bear in the world born in the tropical region.
Bears may look cute but being the largest land carnivores, they are smart hunters.
Their keen sense of smell allows them to sniff their prey as far as 64km and also, they are great wanderers in search of food.

Igloo

Second stop: River Safari

Asia's first and only River-themed wildlife park, Singapore's River Safari!

Embark on a journey of discovery into one of the largest repositories for river dwelling animals. 

Explore the Rivers of the World, Dive into a whole new wildlife adventure in one of the world's collection of freshwater fauna and almost 5,000 largest land and aquatic animals.

Let's start the adventure! River Safari Map

Mississippi River 

The largest river system in North America, which flows through 10 states, and the world's 4th longest river. The Mississippi has been a home to a large number of wildlife species, human communities and migrating birds.

Beaver
The nature's greatest architect and the scond largest rodent is prized for their dense, water-resistant and chestnut-colored fur.
photo from: mississippi river

Nile River

"River of Life"

The lifeblood of the ancient Egyptian civilization and the world's longest river is a habitat for creatures both spectacular and savage. 

Mekong River

Yangtze River

Asia's longest river, the world's third largest and China's longest river is home to some of the world's most critically endangered wildlife. 

One of our favorite pose, haha.

Yangtze Alligator

Chinese Alligator
One of the world's rarest predominantly found in slow-moving bodies of water.
 This alligator has a fully armored body with bony plates protecting its belly and upper eyelids.

Giant Panda Forest

The largest Panda exhibit in Southeast Asia and meet Kai Kai and Jia Jia, China's gift to Singapore. 

Remember to turn off those camera flash and maintain silence upon entering the exhibit.

Red Pandas
Also known as firefox because of its rust-colored furry coat and fox-like face.

Giant Pandas
We arrived at the panda exhibit a little bit before its closing so the pandas were already nesting themselves preparing for rest.

The River Safari viewing deck

the real cute Panda sculpture

sorry but we're allowed to be cheeesy