[744] Wishlist

There were a lot of things I was planning on purchasing this new year. Unfortunately due to things that were beyond my control I lost the financial flexibility to do so. However once I'm back on my feet I may just buy some of the things I was planning on getting. Here they are in no particular order.

1. A new laptop. I have been planning on getting one since last year, and thank goodness I haven't bought one yet. Since there are already some laptops getting the newest GT1080 video cards, or variants of that video card, I can wait until more laptop models come out with the latest video cards before I make my new decision. Hopefully the prices also drop before I decide to buy.
2. Substance Designer and Substance Painter. This was the year I was supposed to try this out at work. We all know how that ended up. Okay, you may not know but I do. And since these two are pretty expensive I don't think I can afford both at the same time. But I am definitely getting these once I get a new laptop.
3. New sneakers. I've been doing brisk walks at least three times a week and I have lost weight, but that's another story. However my walking shoe isn't really something I'd consider as a good walking shoe. I need a better pair of sneakers that I can not only use for walking but also for going out. My latest target is the Nike Metcon 2 Flywire.

That's it. And yes, it will cost a pretty penny. I would have bought these one at a time during the year but since my plans were changed, I guess I have to adapt and rise above it all.

Out.

[743] Introspection

I guess right now I am living in the "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" phase of my life. I have to say that I was totally unprepared for the trials I have been experiencing in my life since 2017 rolled around.

Sure, there are plenty of things to be thankful for. And if I shifted perspectives I'm sure I could find the positives in what I am currently going through.

I'm not like that right now, however. I have a hard time accepting the positives when I had so many great plans for 2017. So many plans brought to a sudden halt because of what happened last January 6, 2017.

And now as I am scrambling to find a new normal in my life, I find myself at times feeling very, very depressed.

I am not used to this, and I should never be used to this. I must strive and overcome.

Out.

[742] New Year, Major Changes

Due to factors beyond my control my life was shaken in a major way last January 6, 2017. It was a bittersweet day. Bitter because of the earth-shattering news I got at work. Sweet because it was also my wedding anniversary.

I've kept quiet too long. I won't post too many details since I now know the value of self-censoring. Let's just say I got beaten to the punch. And now I'm scampering to find a new sense of normalcy in my life.

I'm actually surprised I am handling these changes quite well. I'd normally be a depressed and angry person by now. I am not as depressed nor as angry as I was before. Maybe because I am growing up.

Anyway I've decided to ditch the 3 posts a month quota on my blog. I will not force myself to write random ramblings just to fill my blog. I will write when I feel like it. Like right now.

Two things I really want to improve this year are my health and photography skills. I want to force myself to walk at least 3 km five times a week. As for photography, I really want to start taking photos again.

Out.

[741] Reasons to Drive to Vigan (Again)

Before I go on, apologies in advance if I get some of the names wrong. I should be bringing along a small notebook to take notes next time I travel.

A few weeks ago my family and I drove to Vigan for a three-day holiday. It was a long and tiring drive, about 10 hours at our pace from Metro Manila to Hotel Veneto de Vigan.

I won't be recapping what we did on our trip. I will be writing down reasons why I would happily do this again. Budget and schedule willing, of course. So here they are, the reasons why I would want to go to Vigan again via road trip.

The Food

Before getting to Vigan my family and I stopped to eat at Bistro Candon in Candon, Ilocos Sur. We intentionally did not have lunch anywhere to eat here. My mom mentioned how good the food was, and boy it did not disappoint! The two highlights of our meal were the Bagnet on Poque-Poque Pizza and the Sunny Vigan Longganisa Pizza. Great food, so great I would probably willingly drive all the way and spend a night in Candon if I can eat lunch, dinner, and breakfast there before driving home!

My favorite pizza - Sunny Vigan Longganisa. Look at that egg!

Bagnet on Poque-Poque Pizza - also a great dish

Good food is INDEED meant for sharing.

Another amazing surprise was the restaurant in Cordillera Inn. The food was also very good, if not a bit pricey. Pricey in the sense that in the eateries outside you can get a meal for around Php60. But the price here is definitely worth it. The food is just great. The fact that the restaurant is air conditioned is just a lovely bonus. I am just glad my mom also recommended we eat here. I honestly didn't have any plans to eat here since every time we passed by the restaurant it was always empty.

Cordillera Inn's Bagnet Sisig

Poque-Poque, Fish Croquetas, and Bagnet from Cordillera Inn

Another reason to go back is the Ilocos Empanada. I only had one the whole trip, and to be honest it wasn't as great as the empanada from Laoag or Batac. I think I have to go back there to try Vigan empanada and not just from one branch.

Finally a good friend of mine recommended we try Tongson's Royal Bibingka. Good thing Maica went there early to buy because the lines were already getting long. Their bibingka was heavenly. It was made of cassava and was a lot chewy and creamier than the usual budin I eat from Quezon Province.

Tongson's Royal Bibingka - bite sized and very delicious

The Sights

So on the only whole day in Vigan Maica, Martina, and I took a calesa city tour. We were lucky our kutchera (female calesa driver) was very nice and pleasant. Aside from that she was also a very experienced tour guide. She brought us to the two places I wanted to visit -- Bantay Bell Tower and the Pottery places. If ever you want to take a city tour in Vigan, look for Manang Ditas.

Manang Ditas with Maica and Martina taken at Baluarte

This building is older than me. Obviously.

One of the Spanish era houses in Vigan

Calle Crisologo is the most famous place in Vigan. It is a cobblestone street and all the buildings there are Spanish-era restored buildings. This street is full of stores selling pasalubong and there are plenty restaurants to eat at. Calle Crisologo is also where Cordillera Inn is located.

Calle Crisologo at night

Finally, Vigan has two Churches to look at. San Agustin Church with Bantay Bell Tower and Vigan Cathedral.

San Agustin Church

Bantay Bell Tower - Decorated for Christmas Season

View from Bantay Bell Tower. The left mountain range is Cordillera and the right is Benguet.

Vigan Cathedral at Night

Family Bonding Time

Of course time spent with my family was the best reason to go to Vigan. It was a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company in a different environment. We spent around 72 hours together, for good or for bad.

Our family photo just outside the hotel. The start of our city tour.

Anyway that's all I have as reasons for going back to Vigan. I would definitely love to save up for another trip there.

Out.

[740] RIP Grandma

My paternal grandmother passed away a little over a week ago, November 18, 2016. She was 96.

It was her time, and as much as I was saddened to see her go, I was also relieved that she was not suffering here anymore. She did have cancer, and she was in pain. What little improvements I saw when I last visited were minor victories for us, not for her. Maybe she fought through the pain for a few weeks to be able to interact with everyone. Just to say goodbye.

I am just very happy that I managed to visit her a few weeks before her passing. I was glad she waved goodbye to me that time and I was glad I was there in her wake and in her funeral.

You will be missed, say "Hi" to Lolo Pabling for me. Also to Lola Berting and Lolo Turing in case you see them.

Out.