Wala sa isip.
Hindi makapagsulat.
Walang nararamdaman.
Pano makakapagsulat.
Sino ba dapat, ano ba dapat.
Alin ba ang dapat isulat.
Mugto na ang mga mata,
Pagod na.
Inspirasyon, nasan kana?
Wala, wala.
Wala pa siya.
Joke lang.
This was written months ago and while checking on my drafts, I bursted with laughter because of this! Haha! So funny I have to post this. Haha!
Earlier today, I made some serious decisions in my blogging career.
If you don’t know yet, I have been blogging (inconsistently!!!) for around 10 years already. But every time I feel like someone is reading my posts, I quickly delete it all without even thinking twice. Oh yes! Hello, overthinking me!
However, 2014 came when I decided to get serious in blogging and first purchased a domain for this passion blog, piathought.com.
And then, the rest is history.
After months of blogging, I got exposed to different kinds of opportunities (hotel reviews, fam tours and many more) and lovely people which I gladly thank God for.
After I made a number of websites, I decided to focus on a new business blog, visitmanila.ph.
As mentioned earlier, I made some big decisions for my blogs this year that I really have to stick. No turning back, Pia! Please!
Ever since I started blogging, my main goal is to make my websites one of the main sources of my passive income. Still clinging on to this goal because I know it’s possible! I actually got around $300 already from Google Adsense and some pesos and dollars for my affiliate marketing.
If I earned this amount without even exerting so much effort, what if I start to get serious again?
Maybe you already have an idea of my Week 20 Challenge!
This week, I will be focusing on content. I have already optimized piathought.com and visitmanila.ph and will also check if I can still change the layout for ilovemasbate.blogspot.com.
I already have a calendar for my posts and even a monthly KPI. Haha!
Yes, 8 blogs for a week means crying buckets of tears for me. Haha! I know I have to juggle my full-time work and this side hustle if I want to see improvements already. But these are just some of the strategies I thought of to complete this challenge.
I know this schedule is really tight but I hope I can follow this through. Will let you know if I succeed!
Updated!
CHALLENGE FAILED
Although I was not able to complete the four articles on Visit Manila, I can still say that this challenge is successful! Never thought I could publish 9 articles in just one week!
WEEKLY CHALLENGES
Read more:
Life Lately: Hey. How are we, Pia?
Life Lately: My PCOS Journey
‘Melancholic’
I have been very melancholic for the past weeks. I don’t know if I should blame this on my hormones or if I have a better reason.
Anyway, that’s enough for an introduction. Haha! I have been missing-in-action because I was too focused on my job in the past months but will make time for blogging already.
Had so much boo-boos and highs lately and I want to share some with you.
Shall we start?
Before we go deeper, let me announce today that we have already moved in permanently (!!!) to our house in Cavite.
It has been a roller coaster of emotions and not to mention ~~ wallet ~~ before we finally got the decision to stay here for good.
After about three years, we finally moved in last Sunday, May 6, 2018. Though I’m happy that we’ll have a new journey in Cavite, I’m a bit sad because I will miss Greenpark Pasig which has been our home for the past 5 years.
I will miss the trees, our breakfast dates outside the house, our neighbor’s dogs that I call kaaway (I’m afraid of dogs).
But still, thank you God for the provision and for your perfect timing! It has been two weeks and I am still adjusting from the travel time to Manila for about three hours or so. Haha!
Wooo! I can already feel the pressure and tension of being the sole provider of the family. Though my Mama’s making sure that she is doing side hustles, still, it’s my main responsibility to take care of us even though we are only two in the family.
I love the feeling of being more responsible now but sometimes I feel like the pressure is really on. Ugh. I hate thinking too much.
If we’re close, you’ll know how I always long for a beach escape that I even download ocean/waves sounds. Funny, I know! It’s calming effect really soothes me and helps me live in the moment.
Right now, I just need one beach escape. I just hope time and budget permits because ~~ hello, adulting.
Hey, hey! it’s been more than a year of my single life. And I met a number of ‘good’ guys already. Good? Haha! And then, I met an unusual guy with an unusual story.
I honestly can’t say if this is love already.
I’ve been in constant communication with a guy who has been courting for a while. Doubt, I think, is still in me and would like to really dive into God’s word and be really sensitive to these open doors.
Still, things are complicated and he knows that I’m not ready yet. Not because I am not over my past yet, but I want to really know if someone is so sure of me already. And of course, same with me.
Honestly, this is the year that I have stepped up in my career as a daughter. Career? Haha! I am really tired every single day since we moved in our house in Cavite. Every. Single. Day.
But that feeling of, ‘It’s okay, Pia! You’re Mom’s don’t need to wake up at 4 AM every day because of work’ reminds me that this is the reason of why I am working.
And here’s the reward, Mama is starting to take a lot of rests already because she doesn’t have a job anymore. And with that, I am okay with being tired every day. Tapos na sya mapagod magtrabaho, ako naman ngayon.
It’s also okay for me because I am now loving adulting and responsibility.
It’s actually good that I knew that I have PCOS before trying to get pregnant. At least I still have the time to correct my hormones and stabilize my menstrual flow because I really want to get pregnant.
I’m currently taking pills to regulate my mens. I hope everything will be okay.
I love blogging. I also have the fascination with website making. HTMLs are like mysterious creatures for me and I want to know them little by little.
After months of forgetting intentionally about this blog, I refreshed myself of what I really want to do. And then, I decided to get back on track again.
Check out my business blog, visitmanila.ph
Lately, I come to the realization that I’m not doing the things I love already. Like I quit doing things that make me happy. Now, I am starting to track some of my passion projects – blogging, bullet journal, and my two new projects, cooking, and gardening!
So, there! I actually have many things to say but I’ll put it all in words next time.
Oh, before I end, I just want to say that I missed writing so much! Here’s the start of my hopefully regular blogging again!
Read more:
Life Lately: My PCOS Journey
Self, let’s go back
Pia’s Life Bucket List
I can still remember the day when I almost lost my employment journey with Summit Media (2015) because of my pre-employment medical requirements.
Long story short, the Doctor asked me the date of my last menstruation.
After a couple of seconds, I told her I had my last period a couple of months ago. 4 months, I guess. She quickly asked me to set an appointment with an OB-GYNE so that I can be cleared from my pre-employment medical requirements.
It was almost a week when I set an appointment with an OB-GYNE at Healthway Greenbelt and it was also my first time to have an ultrasound. I was amazed seeing my ovaries (oopsie! haha) and uterus real time. Everything was okay back then except for one thing — my left ovary has PCOS.
According to healthline.com:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels.
Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.
PCOS also causes hair growth on the face and body and baldness. And it can contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Birth control pills and diabetes drugs can help fix the hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.
A year after, I decided to have another check up to see the status of my PCOS since I also accompanied my then-boyfriend for a check-up at the Medical City Ortigas. However, I didn’t like the OB assigned to me then. She just said that I just have to have a healthy lifestyle. I asked if there’s anything I need to do like an ultrasound but she just told me to reduce (even though I have normal weight) and to exercise. She didn’t even bother to check my previous ultrasound.
I want another OB but time didn’t permit since I still have work.
Fast forward to April 2018, I decided to have another check-up. I want to see what’s happening down there since I have been late for my period already for almost two weeks or so. Again I visited the Medical City Ortigas and made sure that I will be set to a new OB-Gyne.
After a couple minutes of waiting, I talked to my new OB. I gave my previous ultrasound but she didn’t check it. She just said what the last OB said. To have a diet and to exercise. Frustrated, I have the urge to visit another OB in the building since I want to know what else can I do other than exercising and having a diet. And then, she asked me what I want to do, and if I want to have an ultrasound.
My mind was shouting, ‘of course!’. Then she gave me like a letter to the Women’s Health Section of the building for the ultrasound.
After I got the results (thanks TravelBook.ph for my free Medicard!), I quickly went to set an appointment with a new OB.
Then finally, I met Ma. Rosario Laarni C. Diaz, M.D. She is by far the best OB for me. She answered all my questions about PCOS patiently. She even said that my PCOS cannot be treated by diet and exercise alone, thus, I need to rely on medications.
Since Aunt Flo is still out of reach on my day 49, Dra. Diaz prescribed me to take 10 Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) for 10 days. She said with confidence that I will have my menstruation a week after my last take of the pill.
I was just so happy that I already have an OB-Gyne that I can visit anytime.
So, I went to Mercury Drug, bought Provera (P87 each, I think) and took the tablets religiously. However, after every take, I always feel that my left side is numb from head to toe! But because I want to finish the 10 tablets, I just brushed it off.
Days after my last period, I was having a very watery discharge. Marami. I was thinking what is happening. Am I getting my period already? And then, hello anxiety! I immediately googled what’s happening and what will happen if I will not have my period.
Gladly, after three days Aunt Flo finally said hello with just some spots.
A day after, I went to Dra. Diaz again (that’s today!) since she asked me to come back so she can prescribed me with pills to regulate my period. I’ll be taking Diane 35. It’s my first time actually and my OB’s instructions didn’t go inside my head. Haha!
*No edits, free flow. Sorry for the wrong grammar if there’s any. I just want to spill what’s inside my mind.
Hi Self,
How are you? Oh, it’s been a while since I asked how really are you.
I miss you. I miss everything about you. I miss how we talk things over when you feel like nothing is going right. I miss how we would just go to places we don’t know just because. I miss how we really want to pursue our dreams. I don’t know if I’m sad but things had been different lately.
How’s your heart now by the way? How’s your healing process? Really surprised that we’ve never talked about it lately. What happened? Are you healed already? Though I’m glad that you are not talking about it always already.
Self, I know you are not okay. We are not okay. Can we talk? Just like before?
I know you want to talk about many things. I’ve seen you cry a lot of times already but this one’s different. You won’t talk to me. You don’t want to know why are you feeling that way.
Why can’t we have the time?
I know you want to tick all tasks on your to do list. But I hope we can talk these over. We don’t want to rush things, I know you.
I know you, Self.
I’ve seen how you love so much.
You have the capacity to love with all your heart, mind, and spirit. You have a very hopeful heart that keeps on saying that things will be okay soon even if everything’s a mess. You have a joyful mind that can turn a sad day to a joyful one. Self, I am proud of you for being yourself.
But lately, you’ve been feeling so down. And self, we clearly know the answer.
Can we just stop being so distracted for a while? Let’s talk. Let’s do this right. Going around and around the circle will never help us go back to the right path.
Self, I will never condemn you.
I know you’ve been suffering lately because of the past mistakes that you’ve done. Hush now. I understand.
But more than anyone else, our Father knows us. Every little detail of us. You know that. Though we all have our struggles and pains, even if we hurt Him again and again for the same exact reasons, even after all the lies, the decisions that aren’t aligned to His will, isn’t it amazing and overwhelming that He still sees us as His precious daughter?
I know I can hear you shout ‘Why, Lord?’. Self, because He loves us so much! Self, we will never be separated from God because He is our Father. Our Father who suffered so much for us because of His love for us.
Self, in the middle of this heartbreak, know that our Father will never forsake us.
Let go of that burden; of that thought that you are incapable of doing things for His glory because of that pain, of those past mistakes. He is still in control of our life, self. He still holding us in the palm of His hand (Psalm 139:10)
Self, let’s go back now.
Your better half,
Me
If you have been following my instagram or Facebook Profile, it is not a secret that I love my Mama so much.
Maybe because I am the only daughter and I don’t have a Father anymore and we’re stuck with each other? Haha! Joke, Ma. Labshu. It is because she is a Mother, Father, Sister, provider, and a friend rolled into one.
Anyway, part of my faith goals for this year is to establish a closer and deeper relationship with my Mama. In the past years, I hate to admit this, but I just realized now that I was not really paying so much attention to her.
I also can’t think of times that we stayed in a hotel for a staycation with just the two of us because it’s either we are together with my ex-boyfriend or cousin.
But last month, I was so excited to share that one of my goals na ma-solo siya in a staycation ay natupad! Huhu!
We booked Siglo Suites at the Azure Urban Resort at TravelBook.ph with the original price of PHP 2,800.00 for the weekend rate.
But since I have 1,350 accumulated reward points from TravelBook.ph (you can get this from your past hotel bookings!), and PHP 632.80 discount code, we only paid PHP 811.20 for a one-bedroom – beach view overnight staycation inclusive of amenities.
Yes, only for PHP 811.20!
Siglo Suites at the Azure Resort and Residences has around 160 rooms ranging from Family room, one-bedroom with the option of city or beach view. I highly recommend Siglo Suites if you’ll book a room in Azure.
BONUS: Enjoy the room and roam around the resort!
At first, I felt how tired she was from our very looooong trip to the resort. She even said that she wants to go home nalang because our Grab driver took 30 minutes before he said that he can’t fetch us. Long story short, we booked another grab/uber from Ayala and prayed deeply to keep calm and just smile. Haha!
Anyway, we really had so much fun in this resort! Thanking God for the gift of time and rest! I also hope you’ll take that initiative and plan for a staycation with your Mama.
Go now and make plans with your Mama. I know she’ll definitely enjoy this place!
Book your staycation HERE!
Read also:
Change the Way You See Beauty
Top 10 Hotels in Quezon City with Swimming Pools
Mt. Ulap: Traversing Heaven on Earth
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably say that I miss you so much
that I long to see your face, and hear your voice.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would really want to send a message to you right now
and say how much I want your presence and arms into mine.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably call you already and
say the things I am feeling right now.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably been crying now
because I know nothing will make us go back to the what we have been before.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably not suppress my emotions,
and let it wander through my cluttered thoughts.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably not stop my thoughts
from wandering through questions again and again.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably say that I wish you were still that guy
who I watched the movies with and hangout with.
If I were to be honest tonight, I would probably hope that you’ll stay loyal and faithful
just as what you promised before so none of this ever happened to us.
But I know that will never happen again.
And that every single bullet that is in me has been fired already.
So tonight, to You I surrender my thoughts,
To You I surrender this longing.
To You I surrender every wandering emotion.
To You, Father, I surrender again my heart.
[Refrain 1]
Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know where I cannot go
Where I long to be
[Chorus 1]
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I’ll know
If I go there’s just no telling how far I’ll go
[Verse 2]
I know everybody on this island seems so happy, on this island
Everything is by design
I know everybody on this island has a role, on this island
So maybe I can roll with mine
[Refrain 2]
I can lead with pride, I can make us strong
I’ll be satisfied if I play along
But the voice inside sings a different song
What is wrong with me?
[Chorus 2]
See the light as it shines on the sea? It’s blinding
But no one knows, how deep it goes
And it seems like it’s calling out to me, so come find me
And let me know
What’s beyond that line, will I cross that line?
[Chorus 3]
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I’ll know
How far I’ll go
Itong yugto ng buhay ko na sadyang mahirap,
Yung parang ako’y mawawala na sa konting kurap,
Pero parang may hinihintay akong hindi ko alam kung ano ba.
Parang gusto ko lang magsuka ng mga salitang pilit na kumakawala,
Ngunit di ko alam kung papaano tutugma, ppaano mag salita.
Itong yugto ng buhay ko na parang ayoko na.
Yung tipong, ang rami kong gustong puntahan, sabihin, at gawin, ?
“Bakit kaya ganon? Ano ba talaga? Paano ba?”
Ang puso ko ay puno ng letra, ganto ka din ba?
Letra at mga salita na pilit na gustong takasan ka.
Pero ito ang yugto ng buhay ko, na naintindihan kong kahit anong
bitaw ko, merong hinding hindi magsasawang sundan ako.
Merong Siya na hinding hindi tatalikuran ang isang kagaya ko,
Na pilit mang lumayo at magpakatalunan sa mundong ito,
Merong Siya na nagsasabi saking, “Mahal kita, hinding hindi ako mapapagod sayo.”
Ito yung yugto ng buhay ko na sa wakas, kahit pagod na ako, merong Siya na
kakapitan ko,
na nagsisilbing lakas ko.
Merong Siya na nagpakasakit sa krus para sa akin at sa mga kasalanan ko.
Merong Siya na sa lahat ng kahinaan ko, merong Siya na kalakasan ko,
At Merong Siya na sasama sa akin sa pagbalik sa nakaraan at pagharap ng bagong bukas Naming dalawa.
Panginoon, salamat sa bagong pag-asa,
Salamat sa bagong buhay na kasama Ka.
Salamat sa mga salita Mong sabi mo panghawakan ko dahil nandyan Ka.
Dahil ito ay galing sa Iyo.
Panginoon, salamat sa bagong yugto na ito.
I had a very hectic work schedule. I was at work most of the time because we relaunched the program I am into at work. But as I go back, I saw that it is also filled with fellowships and fun!
1. Thursday bonding with the best friend at Greenfield City, Mandaluyong
It was September 28, 2017 when Angelic went to visit Manila after a couple of months! Super nagulat ako kasi super pumayat siya! As in! Felt so big actually. Haha!
I’m so happy for her na ako pa ang mas masiba ngayon! Huhu. But thank God because I was able to check me body at yon, tumaba na nga rin ako ng bongga. Haha! She is now into health and fitness and I am just so happy for her!
Anyway, we decided to stay at Greenfield District, ate one of the best beef stroganouf in town, talked about life, with a live band in the background! It is a one happy night indeed!
I had fun roasting hotdogs, kwentuhan with retired teachers, and just be amazed that I am finally in front of the ocean. Haha!
Super na-miss ko ang dagat! Though super low tide nung araw na yon, I still had fun with Angelic and her Titas’!
Check my blog about it HERE.
If you are following my instagram, you will know that my Mama loves to dance randomly. It’s either she feels I am tired, she wants me to wake up already, or she fits on some new shirts or pants. Haha!
Here’s her latest dance moves. Love her so much!
Dahil ang aga ko daw umuwi 😂😄 #MamaSerye
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And.. Thank God kasi her 2nd hospital test sa sakit nya ay naging successful. Her vital signs are improving! Thank God!
If you are my close friend, you would know that I didn’t really love PUP back when I was still studying. But when I went back a couple of times because of work, I realized that this university has been my answered prayer when I was still studying.
While waiting for the permit (working on getting a permit for a marketing activity for Friend Code Program), I roamed around the university, went to the chapel area, the freedom wall, the canteen, the gym, cat walk, said prayers for each area I’ve stepped into.
I was also able to check those missed opportunities back when I was still studying. I had some, ‘I hope I didn’t do those’ moments, but I’m happy that there are more, ‘I’m happy I was able to..’ as well. 🙂
I was also able to file my memorabilia refund! Yey!
Ang saya rin palang balikan. 🌸😊
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Our Manager (Pinky), treated us on a date night at SM Megamall! After dinner, we had some bowling sessions! It’s actually our 2nd time here!
We had so much fun that we ended up for another round! Of course, our team won. Haha!
Thank you, Pinky for the treat! Love you!
Because of our monthly team budget, we were able to book a room at Astoria Hotel, Ortigas. Thank you, Travelbook.ph!
Although we are not complete in our staycation, we still had fun! Pinky brought their videoke and Uno, so our night was filled with laughter!
It was my first to play Uno and was really happy that I somewhat did well. Haha! Each time a player loses, she will share an unforgettable experience during her childhood days. Yee!
5. Saved event and a Saturdate with Ina
Ina, Cyra and I bought a ticket for Saved event months ago. It is a talk for singles on how we can honor God in this season. However, unfortunately, Cyra wasn’t able to come since she’s meeting her Mom.
After the event, Ina and I went to SM Aura and treated ourselves to a lunch date! So happy that we were able to pray for each other and talk about life and God’s Word. Love this pretty lady!
6. Coffee Date with Kristel at Bean Box, Mandaluyong
I actually met Kristel on our Purple Book Class (Foundations Class) at Victory Pioneer and after a number of reschedule dates, finally a coffee date with this lovely lady!
It was a Saturday afternoon when we went to Bean Box Mandaluyong and I loved the place so much! Glad that they also have discount that day for drinks! Haha!
So happy that we’ve shared lots of stories! This young woman inspires me that she was able to stand firm on her walk with God. Happy to have known this woman after God’s own heart!
7. Video shoots and Launch of Friend Code Program
I had a very busy September because of our Friend Code Program launch.
Because I still don’t have an intern yet (hey, if you are looking for internship, message me, seriously! Haha!), I had to do everything on my own and of course with the help of my Manager.
I had a couple of video shoots for the program and other launch related work. But it was satisfyingly good to launch a program you trust.
So, if you want an extra cash and you have friends and you love to travel as well, sign up at TravelBook.ph Friend Code Program. You can earn additional cash on the side each time you refer a guest to us and you can at the same time help me achieve my target! HAHA!
Seriously, please check the program and see for yourself. I already withdrew P1,669 already through the program. Not bad for an extra cash!
Last month, I said enough to a past that keeps coming back and then leave again, who doesn’t know my worth, who is fickle-minded, and not even sure of what he is saying.
For sure, God’s plans are way better than mine.
How about you? How was your September? 🙂
