We heard what silence sounds like, right upon our arrival in USA… distractions fade away, meanwhile contentment fill its space seamlessly
We sense what fresh air feels like, from the moment when we sit in the e-trike heading home at Boracay, easing ourselves into the pace of a small tropical island lifestyle, connecting with mother nature once again
Not really sure how lucky we are, but definitely acknowledged how blessed we are… not only for finding each other in this life time, but also for these beautiful places and countries we have discovered, experienceed, as well as people we have encountered, and embraced, while continued to live and love in a good way
We went out for dim sum at one restaurant at Boracay… ordered one beancurd wrap up delicacy (steamed pork wrapped in tofu skin)
Came out small… well, that is expected (we have got used to long time ago that the food is not authentic as the ones in China)
First bite… ouch, it is bad, the wrap up beancurd sheet is not fresh
We called the waiter… came out the supervisor, soon the manager also got involved
All of them diligently back and forth, verifying with the chef back in the kitchen… later on, brought out the raw material of beancurd sheet as the original source I had suggested them to check
Smell it… immediately I know it is BAD (same as the moment I put the steamed wrap up into the mouth, although the inside pork is fresh and tasty)
‘You know, however… it is the same product we have been using at our restaurant in Manila as well’
‘I don’t think there’s any problem with it… because it is the same tofu skin we have been using/applying for this dish all the time’, the manager continued
OOOOK then
Kindly ask the waiter to remove the dish in front of us, meanwhile allowing them to continued charging it on the bill… quietly finished the meal, my husband and I walked out of the restaurant and we both know that we shall NOT be back there any more
One can NOT wake up the ones pretending to be asleep, you know… we have to let go, to keep our serenity intact with us
Quality standard, good or bad, people always know it from the very bottom of their heart… so please, don’t ever try to fool them unless you have been so used to fool yourself
Then no common… as it is who you are and what it is
Life is so FAIR and simple, all one does and what one believes, after all, pointing directly back at one self… so be careful, if you prefer not to be the nightmare in your own life
When Hope in person surprised the whole world by coming forward from the future into the present… Have a blessed Easter weekend my friend
The Chinese New Year of the Wood Dragon, starts from Feb 10, 2024 to Jan 28 of 2025… represents a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and full potential for growth and progress
It is a year of innovation, vision and transformation… brings evolution, rapid changes and abundance of opportunities for everyone
While the wood element associated with the east and springtime, energy linked to the color green, windy weather, besides the potential to ignite passion and creativity… the symbol of the majestic Dragon known for its power and nobility, leads to an optimistic, ambitious and adventurous year ahead
It is an excellent time for people to focus on building and strengthening relationships, connect with like-minded individuals, explore new ideas and pursue goals with confidence and enthusiasm… be proactive, flexible, and adaptable to make the most out of this lunar new year while achieve greatness
Due to dominant nature and independent spirit, people born in the Year of the Dragon are full of fighting spirit and strength, energetic, and unwilling to admit mistakes… sensitive and easily overwhelmed by chores, the Dragons do need pay more attention to their mental health
By eating well, reducing pressure timely, exercising regularly and getting enough rest to avoid being nervous and exhausted… outdoor activities to explore nature are also helpful for them to achieve stability in the coming year
As 2024 ushers in the Year of the Dragon, let’s welcome the blessings… dream big, stay positive while embrace the powerful energy of this auspicious year
I was lucky… met so many older Boracaynons during the residential rental hunting last December
Loved the conversations about the small island of Boracay… what it was like then, what is going on right now, and why we are still here as long-term local residents
We each have our own story and opinion on the constant change of the island, good or bad, supportive or not really care… yet magically, there is the small unobtrusive smile always curved each other’s lips, while we were talking about how beautiful the white beach is, how gentle the soft sands are, as well as how amazing the floating energy are shifting on the island with time
Every year, the island attracts people from different areas, regions, and countries… in accordance with the tremendous energy one can so obviously be aware of here there and everywhere, that brings vitality to the economy and business of different station of the island
Yet, the atmosphere of relaxation, loosening up, together with the genuine happiness in general… are continued in the air, shaping a non-stop healthy mind, body, and behavior all in one island lifestyle
P. S. as of this moment, my husband and I have settled in the quiet and refreshing neighborhood, meanwhile indulging in our intimate lifestyles as we had enjoyed for years before the COVID… all I have is gratitude, to those older Boracaynons once again embraced us warmly, allowing both of us for a continuous simple and happy lifestyle in the paradise under the sun
We were preparing to move in Newcoast (either a small yet cosy service apartment, or a private villa in the residential village area) for the next move at Boracay… before the Cambodia and Vietnam trip
We thought two weeks spent on the road were plenty and we would head back before Thanksgiving yet finally, it took us an entire three weeks arriving home
We both indulged ourselves in a big time (not only culture but also food) on this trip, and deeply grateful that we have discovered a new country we fond of and possibly a new place to potentially live in
Spain is still on our list, therefore we promised each other that we would not rush into any decision before the final destination visit as for our retirement option
Felt the welcoming warmth wrapped in the quiet and loving Christmas atmosphere upon arrival in terminal 2 of Manila airport… as well as the miracle, that everything seemed apparently changed after the trip
Started from Dec 2, my husband stopped drinking (alchohol), exercising more, and I kept my promise, beginning a serious rental hunting (due to Pinjalo where we are currently staying in, will get demolished from Jan 16 of 2024)
Followed the gut feeling, securing the locations between Station 2 where we currently stay, to Station 1 White Beach… everything is going seamless and smooth as the magic signs Boracay showed while guided me everywhere
With the fast approaching of the Christmas and New Year of 2024, we are confident that by next January 15, we shall be well settled in for the Chinese New Year of Wood Dragon ahead
May all the joys of the holiday season fill your heart and follow you throughout 2024 my friend
Thought we would be back at Boracay before Thanksgiving… yet my husband and I are still both in Ho Chi Minh city, which is the last stop before we head back to the Philippines this Wednesday on Nov 29
Started from Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia on Nov 9, we then travelled to Siem Reap for the ruins of Angkor… both got Vietnamese visa there and continued to Hanoi on Nov 16, three nights later we took an overnight train to Hue, staying inside the Imperial City, peacefully surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls, qiuetly away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and on Thanksgiving day, we flew to Ho Chi Minh city, commonly known as Saigon
Although we have been indulging in varieties of sightseeing, cuisines, as well as experiencing different cultures in these two countries, Boracay as the home we have been calling for 13 years, undoubtedly along with the stunning white beach view, constantly popped in our mind and urges us back
While the full moon is upon us, partying here instead of there… we finally know it is the time to bid farewell to the most populous city in Vietnam, and head to our familiar land of the Philippines with happy and easy-going people all around
Encountered and walked in quite a few bazaars in different places of the Philippines so far, the one in front of lake town at Boracay operating till Oct 22nd… provided a variety of food options from different countries with authentic and exotic flavors
Quick 30minutes to 1hr passing, my husband and I both had local freshly made, sliced and chopped pork roast as well as Korean seaweed roll in take away boxes… meanwhile snacking on a cup of spicy rice sticks mixed with gravy, standing in front of a Chinese BBQ stall waiting for the specialized seasoning prawn and squid sticks to be ready
The night we walked out… the sky was clear, and the moon was super bright, so many people around, all is friendly and genuine, warm greetings, and huggings with each other all over the place
Certainly, there is no lack of fun with a wide variety of entertainment options on this small tropical island… more friends gathering, leisurely dining, drinking, while chit chatting without thinking about business any more, our retirement seems only better, even did not visit anywhere yet
Thank you Boracay… we are so happy, also deeply grateful retiring since, with stunning nature beauty surrounded all the time
We are lucky… find a place like Boracay, settle down, and live on, happily ever after
Boracay is also lucky having all of us here together, as a small international community… unite, support, as well as nourish each other with time
I did not feel the heartbeat from the island for a while (counting the two and half year’s absence due to the awkward COVID-19)… still remember during the heartbreak time of shutdown, there were the widespread destruction overwhelming us with the scene of scars and gashes almost everywhere
I did feel the pulse days ago while walking on the white beach… for the promise I kept myself to feel the vibe of the paradise again
The dusty truck and the noises on the shore caught my attention at first… it was around 4pm, outside still bright with sun shining, so were the piles of the logs and branches on the white beach by the crystal blue ocean
I thought days after the tail effect from the recent typhoon hit the north Luzon area, all mess should be well taken care of already
Yet, I did not expect it takes people to sift through the stacks of debris by hand, pile up for the convenience of the truck to carry away… also, it takes equipment like tractor shovel to dig in the piles, lift, then dump into the back of the truck until it’s full to finally drive away
All in all, it takes tremendous efforts behind the scenes to reach the perfect shape and condition of a pristine island that we are so proud of in front of the international tourists from all over the world
Hats off to all those down to earth and hard working individuals and organizations at Boracay… to help maintain the gorgeous tropical island we call the paradise under sun
Frogs are croaking loud in the pond, and cicadas are singing even more spiritedly at sunset after the heavy storm just passing by (due to the tail effect of a typhoon recently hit the north of Luzon)… nature continues to amaze me with its mightiness over time
After sold our sailing yacht by the end of this February, I soon get so used to nestling in the garden surrounding of residential area… reading, painting, or practise cooking, quietly indulging in a complete retirement lifestyle, slowly forgot how stunning the white beach front view is, as well as the vivid energy floating along the four-kilometer white powdery beachside at Boracay
Until recently, I started stepping on the white beach for 10 days straight (due to an initial yet impulsive desire to help a friend)… while the island is calling me with its everlasting mysterious and magical power
Everyday, when the refreshing wind greeted me right from white beach, there is this inherent happiness immediately full of my body and soul… the memory for why I fall in love with Boracay at the very first sight finally struck me while woke me up from the pandemic trauma, consistently reminding me the very beginning moment of travelling on the small tropical island during similar rainy season yet whether rain or shine, it is the true Paradise to my heart from then on
Thanks for the ten days go around come around detour, reconnected me to the magnificent beauty and profound wonder here there and everywhere… now I know how to better take advantage of the luxury of time all I have for a simple yet more dynamic retirement lifestyle at Boracay
Months later, bullied by the same guy in the seafood section of a local wet market at Boracay again
It was not a pleasant scene… I was a bit too stubborn and could not help pursuing the real cost of the three giant tiger prawns caught my eyes hand picked and put in the basket for weighing
‘Six hundred’… the guy hesitated before punching numbers in the calculator and quoted
‘How much per kilo…?’ I was curious about the seafood prices nowadays since dining out often and did not step in the wet market for quite a while
The scales registered 0.3kg, I checked… also later realized the board actually listed detailed price for every seafood item
Even though my math is not that good, by quickly glanced at the board for the highest prawn price of P1200 per kilo… it shall not be over 400 total
Yet the guy persisted in his six hundred figure
Back and forth even to his fraudulent 0.35kg weigh, and the calculator showed 420 as the result… turned around, he looked at me and said, ‘six hundred, it is YOUR price’
Oh wow, now I learnt… there is some price especially created for me locally, as well as there is no truth to find out if someone prefers to cheat on the other
I am grateful that majority of locals here at Boracay are honest and kind
Life does shifty things and yes, we encounter and put up with people like that occasionally… do not waste energy and let them bother the beautiful lives of ours my friend; smile, and walk away from the nonsense
Back in Paradise 