Chescadventures

BATAAN

Bataan (/bɑːtɑːˈɑːn/; Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Bataan; Kapampangan: Lalauígan ning Bataan) is a province situated in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Its capital is the City of Balanga. Occupying the entire Bataan Peninsula on Luzon, Bataan is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north.

I’ve been to Bataan, particularly in Balanga when I had my On-the-job- training during my Caregiving course. It was in Bahay Puso- Home for the aged located in Sitio Mathay, Upper Tuyo, Balanga City.

It was quite a very memorable OJT as here, We happened to interact first hand with our Filipino elders. I gained a lot of experience, a real experience dealing with them that is far different and more difficult compared to when you were just doing your demo of Basic life support, First aid, Infant bathing, and others at school using dolls and mannequins.

So, it was actually not an Out of Town trip from my side, but a part of my studies. But then, I enjoyed a lot and learned a lot during my stay. It’s just bad that I didn’t pursue my career as a caregiver coz I went to a different path to my BS studies.

Rj and Me

HOW WE MET

01. Friends.

Early 2013- Known this guy for the past 4 years but never in my life I thought that one day, four years later, after being acquainted for so long, I would learn to like this guy…not to mention that this is the person I will soon call my husband.

My idea of him was quite not good since I was fed wrong information about his personality by our common friends.

We used to be in a group eating/ drinking together with some of our common friends and right there and then, I defined him as an alcoholic, loud and irritating, war freak, brutally frank, but funny kind of guy.

During that time, I’ve seen this guy in his worst, a drunk, haggard, dirty and smelly, eats like a pig/dragon, (sorry for the word, my love), sometimes he would look like he has never gone into the shower for days, walking with messy hair, wrinkled bacon shirt with holes on it, like he has gone out to buy a bottle of vinegar for his mother only then he decided to go see his friends. Straightforward to everyone. Someone who always does the talking, and usually the loudest and the goofiest one in any conversations.

But hey, It’s not something that would make you dislike him, he may sometimes get the nerve off you, Frank, intimidating, irritating, disturbing, annoying and very vulgar, but you know, it’s just something that he is very real, comfortable and at ease with his friends.

During the entire four years, we happened to talk and chat from time to time and some days I would seek his advice regarding some of the issues I have dragged myself into and in fairness, he would give me one good piece of serious advice. Though we may differ in most of our points of view and ways, well at least I could still get something useful from him.

Fast Forward!

02. A little more than friends.

Late 2015- Sometime later, After hibernating for a while, I happened to rekindle my communication with him on a regular basis again. But this time, it was not something you would treasure afterward.

During this time, he was in the stage of just-recently-recovered-from-a-very-bad-relationship and I was then renewing and trying my best to survive an almost about to fail relationship for the nth time again, (Well actually, I’m only trying my hard- best to save/stay in a relationship that is no longer beneficial to me in all aspects, I just don’t want to waste the time and effort though I’m really fed up!) then we crossed each other’s path. A different him and a different me. No more other friends around. Something happened that I wouldn’t want to elaborate much but it ended questionably as there was no beginning nor an end.

He comes and goes and most of the time pissed me off – that this guy would only come and fool around. In short, it was just one of those yeah, just one-of-those kind of whatever I have around and even worse than that, because this guy has the nerve to name that relationship. It took sometime before we finally lost in touch but continued to remain as good friends, and casual chats from time to time, forgetting what happened in between.

03. Lovers

2016- A few months later, after our PH vacation, before the end of the year, I was out with friends (Marriot Hotel) having a couple of drinks when he chatted with me again. This time, he gave me the best laugh I ever had in my life for years when he invited me out to spend a night with him in a hotel. Polite as I always am, I do not want to humiliate this guy for telling me that he wants to spend some time with me with all his naive honesty though later apologizing for being frank, I gave this one a good laugh.

Doubtful about his intentions, I reminded him as a joke that he forgot the promise he made before leaving for vacation the previous year.

He invited me for a dinner at his home (not in the hotel, but a home-cooked meal prepared by him) and from there, he gave me a NIKE Airmax rubber shoes as a gift for all the occasions we missed. I was expecting a very aggressive RJ but no, he was not.

We’ve been constant chat mate and running mate for the next few days after that. He would also come from time to time to bring me food at home. A few days later, while we were at his friend’ s house he told me that he would buy me rubber shoes again the next day for my workout. True to his promise he did that, plus some other stuff from Victoria Secret. Since that day onwards he kept asking when to see me again or if he could see me again the next day even when we are still together, which is very unlikely of him that made me wonder what’ sup with this guy these days? Few more days again he told me he would take me to the salon to fix my hair, and at the same time on the same day, he gave me a paired watch, one for him and one for me.

Still doubtful, I was getting surprised by his recent actions and one night he told me that he has feelings for me and at the same time he felt bad about the feelings because it might cause him another heartbreak to have someone who will take advantage of him again. I could sense somehow that he is real as he looks at me in a different way this time, like with so much love and affection and would always give in to my whims, but I’m the one who wasn’t that sure about my feelings. I liked him as a friend, and I’m getting used to being with him most of my afternoons but nothing very serious at that time, but then he showered me with kindness and caring ways.

04. Today

2017- And the rest is history.

I have seen different RJ. Thoughtful and caring. Not so reserved/ refined (straightforward) in some ways but tolerable. Would serve you like a Queen. Would do everything for you I would say. Would always please you in any way that he could. Would always ask to see you. Would always prepare food and drinks for you. Would even do the laundry for you. And yes, would spend money on you.

I don’t know how it happened or what made him love me like that because I do not see anything special in me, but it happened, and we were not able to control everything afterward.

Spending straight six months with him has a lot of adjustments, ups, and downs, highs and lows, petty quarrels, but I know this is true, or I may call it a developed love thru the years, four years in the making, but one thing I confidently sure, we love each other.

05. Future

But of course, you have no hold of where the future might take you, but then if ever, in case there would come a time that you are no longer with me, I would say that you are one of the kindest men I had ever encountered in my whole life.

06. Conclusion

One thing I have learned in this relationship is that there are really some people out there who would do everything for the person they love. Been in a lot of relationships before but never I did something like this to anyone, to be honest, like how you would take care of me and all my needs every day.

And yeah, in every relationship that we got into, we always had something new and something different to learn and vice versa.

And for that, I want to extend my sincerest thanks for everything.

Now and the days to come.

Forrj2017

Update: 2018

Happily Married for more than a year now. With all the ups and downs, highs and lows, thick and thin, occasional fights and a lot of laughter afterward, I’m happy to say that we are still here! Managed to conquer all the trials we faced and will continue to pass all the ordeals that we have to face- together.

Steak Lovers

For the record, Steak, medium or well done is my comfort food ever, this is my simple pleasure. Whenever I’m out to reward myself, Steak is always my first option.

And since this is my best food, here are the types of steak cut;

Tenderloin- I believe that this is the most expensive cut of steak. This is usually taken under the ribs. The meat is lean and usually cut in thick slices.
Sirloin- Boneless. Behind the ribs and comes with a little fat throughout the meat.
T-Bone- Bone-in. Just as its name, it comes in t-shape bone with meat on both sides with fat on the sides of the meat.
Rib Eye- Boneless or bone-in. Lots of fat throughout the meat.

Since I’m a certified steak lover, I happened to track down almost all the Steaks-houses within the area, and some were not even in the picture as I wasn’t able to take photo of the hundred steaks I’ve eaten, haha! If you are looking for the best steak in BH, here are some places where you can find the best steak ever.

The best I’ve been- Bennigans, Juffair, Bahrain. I’ve tried almost all of their steaks.

tumblr_phyysfXW861ugdymoo1_1280 — Bennigans

Location: Avenue 22, Bahrain

Phone: 1781 3750

The steaks in Fridays is not bad either, I would always love to match it with a grilled corn & mixed veggies.

Fridays

Location: Murjan Centre, Juffair

ISDAAN FLOATING RESTAURANT

Over a year ago, in 2017, during our vacation to the Philippines, We happened to check some of the nice Restaurants within Metro Manila area and near Nueva Ecija. Then, my Grandmother suggested that we should go and try the new branch of Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Talavera Nueva Ecija which is fortunately very near to Cabanatuan City. I had no idea as to when it was first opened in Talavera, but I guess it was sometime in early 2017. I remember when we planned to go to the same branch somewhere in Tarlac a few years ago during my vacation as well but couldn’t able to.

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To refresh with, Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a Theme restaurant that offers homey Filipino food along with a good ambiance that is perfect for family gathering.

There is also “tacsiyapo” wall where you are able to throw mugs, plates, or bowls on a specific part of the wall while shouting “tacsyapo”, which is a great way to vent your emotions and a stress reliever for everyone but unfortunately, it isn’t available that time.

I forgot what we ordered but it is a meal set good for a family of 10 and we had a variety of chicken, fish, pork, vegetable, and dessert for something like PHP5,500++.

We chose the floating dining hut and after the meal, we had the chance to roam around the park and took photos from the sculptures everywhere and the small pond with a lot of fish that you could also feed. But since we went on dinner time, I couldn’t able to snap nice photos from my phone camera and how I wish again that I had a better cam, haha!

Anyways, here are some of our photos taken;

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What to eat in Bahrain- Local food

Food, Drinks, and Dine.

When visiting any country, the very first interesting to know is their Traditional Food. Living in a different Country requires you a lot of adjustments according to their culture and traditions, rules and regulations, and other things particularly food. Living here for more than a decade, I have learned to embrace and mix with the Country’s entire Standard of living according to their norms.

Tbh, you wouldn’t have a hard time blending in the Country and with the people due to the fact that this Island is inhabited by a lot of ex-pats from around the world and since this place is not that very conservative, mingling with the locals is a common practice. In addition to that, you would learn to love their food which is mostly made of spices but quite tasty.

Bahrain Staple Food

Machboos- One of the most famous Bahraini dishes is machboos, which is made up of meat or fish served with rice.

Machboos-3-sm

2. Ghoozi- This is grilled lamb stuffed with rice, boiled eggs, onions, and spices.

Ghoozi-Meat

3. Sambooza- This is very addictive. This is either cheese or meat or vegetable wrapped to a triangle shape in spring roll wrapper and deep-fried. This is good for a starter.

samboosa

4. Shawarma- Well, shawarma is a very famous Middle Eastern food. Middle Eastern meat preparation based on the döner kebab of Ottoman Turkey. Originally made of lamb or mutton, today’s shawarma may also be chicken, turkey, beef, or veal, cut in thin slices and stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie.

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5. Hummus- Hummus is a Levantine dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It is popular in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, as well as in Middle Eastern cuisine around the globe.

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These are only a few of the Bahrain food you must try. There is still a lot to name with that you would only find here; such as grills, tikka, kebab, lamb chops, broasted, a different selection of sweets and desserts like baklava, halwa, kunafa, umm alli and others.

Whenever you are in the country, don’t ever leave without trying any of these. Definitely, you will love all this food.

WRITER’S MENTAL BLOCK

“Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all”

– Charles Bukowski, The Last Night of the Earth Poems

Webster’s dictionary defines writer’s block as “a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.”

It happens to everyone. Writer’s mental block. There were times that I do have a lot of ideas in mind but I couldn’t put it all together and when I began typing, all my words came out to be total nonsense. Often times too, my mood affects my writing.

The reason for this:

My mood. Whenever I’m happy about something, then my mind could create a lot of ideas to write about. The same feeling when I’m sad or exasperated or hurt by anyone or worried/upset about anything, then I could become a great poet.
Timing. It’s not always the right time to write. Sometime, my ideas would come out of nowhere whenever I’m out, or at work, or just walking in the street observing things and people, I would keep the idea on my idle folder head, then will start fabricating the right concept to be able to write it correctly.
Obsessions to perfection. Whenever I started typing on my keyboard and I felt the inability to express my thoughts on a certain topic, then It upset me, I would immediately stop writing.
Distraction- One main factor is disturbance. Whenever I’m hooked about something, then just one single annoyance would immediately distract me from pouring my thoughts.

How do I overcome these?

Go for a simple walk- This always elevates my mood and relax my mind.
Exercise- Like running. All I need is a clear head to write.
Listen to music- Music never fails to change my mood from being sad to happy to being emotional to dramatic to being hyper.
Change of environment- A new place, a new restaurant, a new park, a new activity always gives me flowing ideas to write about.
Free writing- Write anything that comes to your head, without editing, just write.
Eliminate distraction- Have your own personal space away from any interference. If you could go off-line, switch-off your mobile phone and stay away from any interruptions, then it would be better.
Think about progressing and not about perfection-Just write. And believe me, in time you will find yourself improving. From the petty things you write, your ideas will flow spontaneously and you will find yourself writing much more mature stuff.
Spend some time with the people you love- Just like a regular working person, the usual routine of going to work on a daily basis makes us irritable. So break the ice, and enjoy quality time with the people who make you feel happy.

I’m just a person with a passion for writing but I wouldn’t consider myself a professional writer because I’m not. I write as much as I can whatever pops in my head as a hobby. I just find writing as a form of escape. It’s like I’m traveling somewhere else even without actually leaving.

Must Watch- Movies

Since RJ is on vacay, I have a lot of free time these days after work just lying idle at home watching online movies.

And I’m not saying I was bored because definitely not. I was always looking forward to my alone-time every evening, lying on the bed with a bag of chips or anything to munch, dim lights, under my blanket, streaming movies online.

Just sad that every movie I picked to watch always turned out to be a good Lovestory with a sad ending.

But I love those!

To name a few, Here’s the best I’ve seen:

1. EVERY DAY. Oh well, this is the story of a traveling spirit named A who wakes up each morning in a different body. Never to the same person again, and never on the same body twice.Until he wakes up to the body of one teen named Justine and fell in love with Rhiannon, the girlfriend of that person. From day onwards, he tried to communicate with Rhiannon from different bodies and they fell in love. But of course, how could a story like that end up happy? At the end of the film, A decides to find a true-love for Rhiannon, a real person and not a soul while he keeps traveling from body to body but leaves a track by posting photos on Instagram.

I like the song from the film,

“Well you didn’t wake up this morning ‘cause you didn’t go to bed

You were watching the whites of your eyes turn red

The calendar on your wall was ticking the days off

You’ve been reading some old letters

You smile and think how much you’ve changed

All the money in the world couldn’t buy back those daysYou pull back the curtain

And the sun burns into your eyes

You watch a plane flying

Across a clear blue sky

This is the day, your life will surely change

This is the day when things fall into place….”

2. MIDNIGHT SUN. Well, actually doesn’t really seems original but I loved the flow of the story. With no dull moment. A girl who had a rare disease that she couldn’t be exposed to sunlight. She had a long time crush since childhood and eventually, they fell in love until the day of her death.

3. MEET ME IN ST.GALLEN. This is a Filipino Film. An artist met an aspiring musician one day and spent the entire day with him and though they created a great impact on that day, they went on separate ways at the end of the night like a total stranger just so not to spoil that wonderful perfect evening and only to meet again several years later at the same coffee shop where they first met but then the guy is already engaged to someone else, but this time, they made love only to part ways again both with heavy hearts and to meet again two years later when the guy followed her to Europe and proposed to her that he realized he loved her and that he didn’t pursue the wedding plans only to find out that she is now in love with someone else and wouldn’t change her life just because he has changed his. But you can clearly see that they both have a fascination with each other…a real love that is always at the wrong time.

It’s really heartbreaking. How could be two people that you know is so much in love with each other couldn’t be together until the end? Another sad ending.

4. 100 TULA PARA KAY STELLA. Another Filipino Film. This is the story of two College Students who met and became the best of friends while they were still freshmen, and all throughout the film which is the entire duration of their College days, the guy is secretly in love with her though he couldn’t say it loud because he had a speech problem, but he writes poem for the girl to express his love (and made 100 poems) and when he finally had the guts to show to her, and tell her that he had loved her from the beginning, the girl is already married to someone else who was there during the time when she was really down and hopeless and nowhere to go. They remained friends since then but the heartache the love caused both of them is really devastating! It’s really heavy to accept the pain.

And the heartache these films gave me is also incomparable, haha. But really, I enjoyed it.

I’ve seen a few more, but I guess this four is enough for now.

Highly recommended!

Review- Meteor Garden 2018- Things I love and Hate

My personal thoughts about Meteor Garden-2018- NETFLIX

As much as I liked the Meteor Garden I, I equally like the 2018 version which I completed in less than a month in NETFLIX. 🙂

Though some may differ from the old version, I have listed the things I love and hate about this series.

WHAT I LOVE

1. DYLAN WANG – Oh well, have you seen how cute, charming, and boyish at the same time & extremely handsome this guy is? Just his smile will definitely melt your heart right away!

Although I’ve also fallen in love with Jerry Yan as well in the first version (his rough looks, fair complexion, and cute round eyes that speaks along with his smile) which actually made me think of flying to Taiwan to see him 15 years ago, Jerry Yan’s bad boy look won my heart on this one, but Dylan Wang’s childish ways are nonetheless perfect!

2. DARREN CHENG- As Hua Ze Lei! Yaey! Just like Dylan Wang, I got to like Darren Cheng as Hua Ze Lei so much too! With his tantalizing eyes and cute lips. His serious looking face with a ready smile on the corner of his lips & the eyes that says a thousand words every time he stares is really just WOW!

3. THE OUTFITS/ THE LOCATIONS/ THE VISUALS– Just like what I have mentioned earlier, the F4 wardrobes, the filming locations, the visuals are fantastic!

4. THE STORY- Of course, what else is better than the story itself? I literally cried a river on Daoming Si & Dong Shancai’s Love story, I almost felt that I’m actually a part of this story (and not to mention that I started to feel like I’m Shancai, doing the same facial expressions, saying the same translated words, lol but not on purpose, haha!)

5. THE DIALOGUES- Who wouldn’t melt a heart with Daoming Si’s vocal expression of his true love for Shancai? He is the kind of person we all want to have, someone who will run and chase after you wherever you go and most likely to never give up, not in the past, not in the present and definitely not in the future. The sparkle on his eyes every time he looks at Shancai with so much love and admiration will make you cringe in envy! Okay, I get it!

WHAT I HATE.

1. I occasionally hate Shancai’s (at the beginning part) actions as she was not able to show her sincere affection towards Daoming Si and that she couldn’t clearly open her heart and mind to him which is a little different from Barbie Sue’s portrayal. I love Barbie Sue on the original as she have the strong & fearless yet naive, nice, down to earth, playful, and funny but willful character.

But overall, I like Shen Yue, her big round circling eyes full of surprise and happiness.

2. THE WEDDING ENDING- Am I the only one who didn’t like the last episode of the series? It literally jumped towards that part I assumed at first that it was just a dream.

I was actually expecting a much dramatic ending and and not the dance wedding scene that looks like a dream but turned out to be real after all. I thought they have died or something and this sequence was just part of their hallucination.

3. SEASON II- As they got married in this season, I doubt if there will ever be part II just like the Barcelona version in Meteor Garden I? I really love those!

Oh well, that’s it! Overall rating, I 100% love this one!!! As I’ve’ said, I cried a lot in every situation and obstacles/sufferings Shancai & Daoming Si had to face and eventually passed. I’m still not over it as of now. I could still hear the theme songs continuously playing in my ears, the loud, authoritative and powerful voice of Daoming Si as he says the name, “DONG SHANCAI!!!!!!“ and cute little voice of Shancai as she utters the word “ DAOMING SII”

…And Dylan Wang, I think I’ve fallen in love with you, lol

Can’t wait for the sequel!

P.S. After completing this version, I’ve also started watching the Korean version of the same, and then the Japanese version of all parts including the movie, and needless to say, I loved them all!

Things to do in Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 33 islands located in the Arabian Gulf between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Manama is the capital of Bahrain and also its largest city.

Bahrain is a country that prides itself in being a thriving multi-cultural hub which welcomes people from all around the world, thanks to its tolerant attitudes, low cost of living, and abundance of educational and health facilities and services.

The beauty of Bahrain stems beyond its rich culture and pristine shores. It offers a multitude of entertainment, art, shopping, and historical destinations.

Although the things to do in Bahrain can extend over days and weeks, it is possible to get the best of this island nation in a few days.

When you happen to visit Bahrain, here are the Top things you can do:

1. Bahrain National Museum: Step back in time when you step through the doors of the Bahrain National Museum. Get a glimpse of the nation’s rich cultural and historic legacy as you walk through the main halls that hold ancient artifacts, each with a story to tell. From the traditional handicrafts to the local customs and traditions, a tour of the museum will be an enriching experience that proves why the Bahrain National Museum is still the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain.

2. Qal’at al-Bahrain: As you walk through the empty hallways of this ancient fort, you are filled with the realization that you are walking among legends. Just a 10-minute drive from the capital city of Manama, the Qal’at al-Bahrain is one of the best-preserved sites of the ancient Dilmun heritage.

3. Al Fateh Mosque: This beautiful testament to Islamic architecture has been built with marbles from Italy, glass from Austria, teak wood from India and finally crafted to perfection by the local Bahraini artisans. Explore Islamic architecture at its finest at the grandiose Al Fateh Mosque, located in Manama.

4. Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve: When the wild calls, you can’t help but answer. Especially when it’s the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in Bahrain. This expansive reserve is home to the Arabian Leopard, the Ostrich, the Arabian Gazelle, the Oryx and more. Al Areen is the perfect place to experience Arabian wildlife unlike ever before.

5. City Centre Bahrain: No visit to Bahrain is ever complete without spending an evening at the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in Bahrain. Give your children the ride of their lives at Magic Planet, enjoy exciting water rides at Wahooo! Waterpark or watch the latest blockbusters at Cineco20 Cinemas. With over 340 exclusive brands, 60 dining outlets and a million possibilities, you’ll be spoilt for choice at City Centre Bahrain.

6. The Tree of Life: If you are looking for a miracle in Bahrain, you’ll find it under the shade of this 400-year-old majestic mesquite tree. This tree is believed to be from the Garden of Eden and is a popular tourist destination. The tree has miraculously survived the ravages of time and still stands fresh and green among a sea of sand.

7. Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park: Discover a refreshing experience amidst your travels in Bahrain at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. Centered on the theme of the Dilmun civilization, this state-of-the-art water park is a fun-packed adventure for adults and kids of all ages.

8. Al-Jasra: Watch women weave mats from palm fronds both plain and bright, learn basket making, pottery and boat building too while you are at it. At Al-Jasra, a popular handcraft center, get a taste of the local Bahraini life as you stroll past historic homes and tree-lined pathways.

9. Suq Al-Qaisariya: Explore this ancient marketplace trading in wares of envy for a charming shopping experience. More than 100 years old, it has been recently renovated and has several shops selling traditional wares.

10. Bahrain International Circuit: Get a taste of the fast life at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East. The Bahrain International Circuit is open throughout the year and has recently opened a Karting Circuit for the thrill seeker. The Grand Prix week is a yearly event that attracts the who’s who of the racing world and speed enthusiasts from around the world.

Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is the largest and one of the oldest public museums in Bahrain. It is constructed near the King Faisal Highway in Manama and opened in December 1988.

It was considered one of the finest museums of its kind in the Gulf region. Today, the Bahrain National Museum is one of the island’s main cultural landmarks.

About Bahrain National Museum: