Ramadan Kareem

*Not my photo, Credits to Freepik*

Ramadan Kareem! 

It has been ages since my last entry to this blog. 

The worse part is, I had accidentally deleted some posts! 

It is the 8th day of Ramadan and this year is definitely different from what I use to experience. 

This year is like the game Jumanji just like a meme stated - there are a lot of dreadful goings on - from wild fires, volcano eruption, Kobe Bryant's death - and the COVID-19. 

I am working from home for the past 6 weeks and never have I imagined that I will have to go through this - countries and cities are in locked down, no flights in and out, temperature checks when you go inside the grocery store, wearing gloves and masks, etc. 

Still, I know that this will be over soon, Inshallah.

Though we are socially, physically distant from our friends and loved ones, we are trying our best to stay virtually connected. 

May this Ramadan be a season of praying, sharing, caring and staying home for everyone's safety. 

My Fave Fashion Blogger

I know most of us have someone that they look up to or admire. 

In terms of fashion blogging, I am a huge fan of Tricia Gosingtian. 

I love her style - how she matches colors, prints, stunning photographs and plus she has loads of astonishingly amazing photos taken in Japan and South Korea! 

She is also showcasing some local and affordable brands. 

Oh my! 

These are amongst my top picks and please do check out her blog in this link.

2018

As I officially say goodbye to 2017, I would like to recount some of the things that happened in this wonderful year. 

2018...Oh man, that's quite surreal! 

I am always grateful to be here, working, living a healthy life, was able to travel and know a whole lot of people and these are amongst the best and most memorable of them all (not in a particular order): 

1) Do Volunteer Work 

I have always been passionate about doing volunteer works (it is good for the soul). 

I was a volunteer tutor in an institute here in Doha and was helping my fellow kababayans to review for the IELTS Exam. 

After almost 4 batches, I met a lot of Filipinos who would like to have better lives and move to countries that would benefit their families. 

It is quite inspiring as they have come from different walks of life and have one goal: to move somewhere (some in Canada, New Zealand, the US, Australia, New Zealand). 

Mere "Thank Yous" are quite heart-warming! 

2) Death and everything that comes with it. 

It may not be the best experience that I had, however, it is one of the most memorable. 

We had celebrated my Dad's first death anniversary and remembering his death always makes me teary-eyed. 

We have come together as a family and am always proud and thankful to have him as my Dad. 

I have always wondered what it feels like on losing someone, yes, you may have seen it in movies but it is indeed different if it is one of your own. 

I could clearly remember taking that flight home all alone and praying that I make it just in time; cannot feel my tummy, was feeling cold all over and was relieved that I made it to the hospital. 

My Dad was in Coma and never woke up. 

Signing that waiver, removing the life support and waiting for him to breathe his last are the most painful, heart-wrenching experiences that I have ever had. 

Seeing the flat line and hearing that beeping sound is still echoing inside my head up until now. 

We had said our final words of love to him and I promised him that being the eldest, I will take care of the family, as always. 

3) Work, Work, Work 

Yes, I still belong to the elite group of people called "employed" Alhamdullilah. 

It is almost 10 years since I move to Qatar and am lucky to have my job still. 

I know that living and working in this country is just temporary and I know that if the time comes that I will have to leave - it only means that I have done my part and there is another mountain to climb, other opportunities to explore and other world to rule.

4) Finished a short course.  

My friend and I are always talking about having a small business. 

I enrolled in New Enterprise Planning Course in the UP Open University and was so happy to finish it with distinction. 

Am planning to take the Project Management Course in a few months time and I hope I can pass the exam certification exam too. 

5) Travel. 

We were lucky enough to travel to Africa this year! 

It was great as it's the first time for my husband and I to travel alone. 

We are now looking for our next itinerary. 

6) Save.

Thanks to my Hubby for keeping our finances in check. 

Being married and having to deal with all the aspects of life that comes with it is not easy-peasy. 

We are blessed enough to be in the same pace and like what I told him before, we are always a team no matter what. 

We are working towards our target or goal and are hoping that we can achieve that. 

We are always finding ways to save more - talk about the vouchers and the discounts and those points-earning things! 

The goal is to be rich and not look rich. 

7) Shop Less. 

By shopping less, I meant clothes and shoes and things that we don't really need. 

If it's on sale, it does not mean you have to buy. 

I was quite happy that we are not having a lot of trips to the malls except when grocery shopping and when we do, we only but the things that we only need or those that we are to cook. 

This 2018, I am not to write a New Year's Resolution - am not really a big fan of that. 

Instead, I plan to list down the things that I want to do without the pressure of doing them within the year. 

1 - Invest in Mutual Funds or Stocks religiously. 

2 - Enjoy more chill, relaxed time. 

3 - Travel. 

4 - Live minimally. 

5 - Do that Peso-Savings Challenge 

Wheew, that's not a lot but I hope I can commit to them. 

What's on your list? 

Less Bitter...More Glitter..

Whoa! 

I've been on hiatus! Where was I? 

The past months were quite busy and am trying to gain my traction back. 

Here are just some of the things that I was occupied about: 

1 - Work as always is challenging. 

2 - I have managed to finish my New Enterprise Planning course from University of the Philippines Open University with Distinction! 

3 - I had finished another batch of IELTS Review class in a Social Enterprise school, however, I will be sitting the next one out. 

4 - Housework and Wife Duties of course! 

Well, to be honest, I was feeling a bit lost these past few days - was feeling out of direction and believe that I have to recalibrate my compass. 

There are days when I feel so down and days when I am extremely happy - talk about a rollercoaster ride of emotions. 

Things are just simply overwhelming earlier - final paper was due, a new project had started and then the review class is there too - and I was exhausted. Freakin' exhausted! 

Alhamdullilah, we got two days off because of the National Day. 

I got to "chillax" today: I was just lying on the couch, watching series on Netflix (so far I have watched Victoria and two Dragon Ball Z Movie, and some Phryne Fisher), devouring Dandy's Chocolate Ice Cream Bites and some potato chips. 

It is a well-deserved break indeed! 

Tomorrow, I will have to go to the office for couple of hours maybe and head back home again. 

Well, I was able to think and contemplate too in the morning and I am just relieved that I can do the same in the next coming Friday mornings since I won't have classes. 

Oh, how I miss my mornings - just sipping my coffee and enjoying breakfast; the quietness and empty streets! 

After much thought, I have found ways to relieve my stress: 

1 - Deleted social media apps on my phone. 

Yes, I had formed a habit of waking up and browsing directly on Facebook or Instagram. 

It is not healthy nor productive for me at all so I have decided to remove my apps and have just installed them today until tomorrow. 

I had also unfollowed a lot of people, pages that are just distractions. 

If it is not a source of happiness or inspiration then it is not worth having. 

2 - Exercise 

A simple stretching exercise will do. I hope I can keep up. 

3 - Added a Motivation Playlist and New RNB Songs on my YouTube playlist. 

I am listening to the motivation videos everyday. 

The RNB Songs keep my blood pumping especially that I have to start working before 6AM and did I mention that the weather is brrrrr cold here now? 

4 - Do not compare yourself to others. 

This was a great source of my depression previously. And I am thankful to online articles that I was able to read mentioning that one should not compare one's situation to that of others. Instead, compare it to yourself - you should be better than that of your old self. 

Having accepted that, I started to feel relieved and positive. 

5 - Develop a healthy habit. 

One article I've read said that one can stick to one thing and keep on doing that over and over again. 

Am just proud to say that I had developed the habit of sleeping and waking up early every single day, even if it is my day off. 

Waking up early actually gives me a head start - I can plan my activities for the day without being overwhelmed. 

6 - Live the moment. 

At times, we are always preoccupied of what are the things that has to be done, about future plans etc.  and we normally forget living and enjoying the moment! 

So I am learning to live slowly and enjoy every moment - my cup of coffee, my travel going to the office, the quick office breaks and small stuffs. 

7 - Be Positive. Be Grateful. 

I am guilty of having emotional outbursts. 

There was a time when I did not let a somewhat complaining team mate pass. 

I know work can sometimes be tedious and a lot however, it is not a reason for someone to be a chronic complainer. 

I told her that if she has any complaints tell me directly and not her seat mate. 

Well, not everyone is grateful - especially with the current situation, I am constantly reminding myself to be thankful for each and every opportunity that comes. 

I am always telling myself that I am way farther from where I used to be and I know I can go further - Inshallah. 

8 - Minimize Physical Things 

Have you read about Minimalism? 

I had given it a try with the Project 333 and I am liking it. 

The main idea of getting rid of stuffs that do not serve their purpose anymore is already de-stressing in itself. 

I would write more about it soon. 

To wrap up, I want to add more glam, glitter in my daily life - discover more about things and experience a whole lot more. 

Like what my new mantra says, "Life is too short to be mad or sad or feel bad. Live life with less bitter and more glitter". 

Hello September!

And just like that it is already September!

Where did the days go? 

Whoa. 

I am quite excited as we are planning to go to the Philippines come December 'til January Inshallah. 

Days are hectic since I am also studying and still doing volunteer work as a trainer and am thankful! 

I am still thinking on how to live a healthier life (seriously looking at the box of donuts I just bought and the Baskin Robins I have just consumed). 

Am working on a healthier diet and thinking to limit my rice consumption and switch to organic quinoa and greens. 

An unopened pack is still sitting in the pantry though. 

Will share whatever I can come up with in my soon to be lifestyle - just would like to live healthier and be fit given our family background of high blood sugar cases and cholesterol. 

What are your goals this month? 

Travel Time: Kenya, Africa

Yes, we made it! 

I never did imagine that I will be able to travel to Africa.

It was actually on my husband's Bucket List and when we got the chance, I said, f*ck it, let's go. 

And there we were getting our Yellow Fever shots and booking our tickets. 

Here's how we had spent our days in the lovely African country: 

Day 1:

We left Doha in the morning via Qatar Airways direct flight (and we love their Business Class hahaha). 

We reached Nairobi at around 2:30 PM. It took around an hour at the Immigration. 

We then headed to Amboseli. 

The travel by land was a bit exhausting because of the rough roads but it is all worth it. 

We reached Kibo Safari Camp at around 11 PM. 

The camp was ok. The food is also ok. 

As expected, there are mosquito nets and hot water is also available in the washrooms. 

The camp has a pool but it was freezing so I opted to lounge at the side.

After dinner, we sat for a while near a bonfire while admiring the night sky full of stars. 

Day 2: 

We spent the whole day exploring the Amboseli National Park. 

Masha'Allah. 

Animals (elephants, zebras, monkeys, different species of birds) are roaming freely and us, humans, are watching and admiring the view. 

We are such in awe of what we were seeing. 

Yes, keep it at most 40 kph.

A baby elly!

Zebras...Zebras everywhere

I don't know but I can hear "I wanna be a Super Model". 

Day 3: 

We left Amboseli early in the morning to head to Lake Nakuru. 

We reached Lake Nakuru like around 4PM and stayed in the Sopa Lodge that had a pretty amazing view.

It reminded me of Tagaytay in the Philippines. 

We also had a balcony overlooking the lake and the mountains. 

The dinner and breakfast buffet are also great - there are lots of choices. 

It was near also the lodge where we had seen the first lioness!

She was, I think, had just finished feasting. 

A great view of the lake

The first lioness we saw

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Hyenas feasting over the lion's kill

Day 4: 

We started our travel to Masai Mara at around 8AM from Lake Nakuru and as expected we reached there before 4 PM.

We stayed at Osero Camp and that was the most comfortable stay we had: food was excellent, the place is great as well, it is also inside Masai Mara itself.

We stayed there for 3 nightsand enjoyed every single meal!

Day 5 and 6: 

We spent two whole days exploring Masai Mara - witnessed a part of the Great Migration wherein the animals are crossing the Masai River, saw a lot of lions, hundreds of wildebeests, tons of zebras, elephants and giraffes.

Talking about being in two places at the same time. This is the border of Tanzania and Kenya. 

Visited this place of the Hippos. You have to go with an armed guide. 

Hippos are huge and so are their feet!

Amazing Cheetah. He actually approached the car ahead of us.

I've never seen the bluest sky than Masai Mara. 

We had our lunch under this tree. 

Seeing double

We also visited a Masai Village and got an idea on their way of life.

They still build their fire the traditional way - a lighter or match is not always at hand.

Men are tasked to start the fire. Women build the houses. 

The villagers' herd - a mix of cows and sheeps. They mark their cows so they know which family owns them. 

They can take your photos too!

This is the highlight of the trip: seeing lions: the alpha male, lioness, cubs! 

We think it is the mating season - these lions are just exhausted.

This lion had actually climbed on this rock while we were watching. My heart was beating so fast, I  thought he is gonna roar!

Some of the things worth noting down about this unforgettable trip:

1 - This trip is not for the faint-hearted. It got a bit bumpy before we landed because of the clouds. Also, the travel by land took long hours - not all the roads are paved and according to our guide, it is not allowed to transport tourists at night for safety reasons. Some roads are pretty tight; we have traveled a road climbing the mountain and we have mostly trucks alongside us. The steering wheel is also on the right side, so you know the confusion at first! It is also dusty so be prepared to pack your things well and be ready to cover up.

2 - The traffic in some parts are horrible, sorry to say. You may have noticed that it took almost the whole day just to travel from Amboseli to Lake Nakuru, then Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara.

3 - Packed lunch are included in the package that we got. The guide would normally take it with him before leaving the hotel in the morning. We only return back to the hotel just in time for dinner. It has a sandwich, chicken, egg, a pouch of juice, a bottle of water and some fruits. For someone like me who has a fast metabolism, make sure to bring some light snacks with you (biscuits, some chips, energy bars and extra bottles of water).

4 - Be ready to pee behind the bushes. Haha. There are stops wherein you can use clean washrooms but there are also times wherein there were none or they were too far still.

5 - Make the most of your time and savor every moment. Mobile phone signal and internet connection are not always available so it is a great time to "disconnect" for a while. We managed to survive without TV, we got one when we moved to Nairobi the day before our flight.

6 - Every trip is always a learning experience. I learned a lot about wildlife, about other cultures.

Given the chance, I would not hesitate going back.