Where?

I've never stopped wondering.

And waiting.

I'm at the point in my life where I really DON'T KNOW where I'm going, or what my future holds.

I surrender ALL, Lord.

Take me where you want me to be.

happy.4years.and.6months!

Boracay : an EYESORE

This 'drainage' was there in 2006, in the midst of Station 2, right near Bamboo Bungalows, and Red Coconut. At that time, I thought it was a bridge of sorts because the water was still clean and free-flowing.

People forget the BAD and UGLY side of Boracay -- when all they want to do is lie on the sand and lounge around in the beach.

When you stay there for awhile, you see how the locals actually live, and how bad the environment has been exploited, you'll think twice about throwing your empty softdrink cans and bottles on the beach, or throwing out cigarette butts on the sand, or even plastic bags and candy wrappers.

The more progressive and modern the front beach gets, the more devastated the environment becomes.

Boracay truly becomes an eyesore, and THAT drainage tourists see on the white beach, that has started countless blog entries, forums and reports, is just the tip of the iceberg.

A year after...

The last time I was in Boracay (to work) was early December 2006, right before the big storm that devastated the island.

I missed the island I already called 'home.'

And when I finally came back (just to visit), my best bud there - Vivid, said that it was like I went to Manila to work for a year, and NOW, I was HOME.

I missed the sand, the waves, the sun, the food, the fun, and the friends I made along the way. But I know that Boracay will always be Boracay.

'Till the next trip! (Thanks Gin and Sherylou!!)

Bring.IT.On.

My PERSONAL Legend

Will I ever find it?

And will it be all I think it's worth?

It takes every ounce of determination and belief in me to strive for my dream. Things seem impossible at this point, but I know it's the ONE sole thing I have to do for MYSELF first.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29 : 11

I continue to BELIEVE.

The DARKSIDE

My sister and I call it GOING TO THE DARKSIDE.

Despite the whole Metro's fascination with European brand ZARA (which isn't all that special back there), we DID NOT join the Zara bandwagon.

I couldn't fit into their clothes (YET) anyway. But they carry shoes till size 41 to 42, so I could buy their shoes, and their bags as well.

But still... we didn't.

Not until a week ago, when I convinced Ginger to try a blouse (which I knew she'd like very much), which she BOUGHT. :)

We were teasing her that she's gone to the darkside.

And then yesterday (Friday), I find out that it's the YEAR END sale of Zara. Since it coincided with Debenhams sale, I dropped by Shang Mall -- to find this.

One lone pair, in my size... and it was within budget!

So I line up for about 30 minutes...

And yes, I've gone to the dark side myself. Mwahaha.

I love it!

See you later, Starbucks...

The race for the Starbucks planner is officially OFF, for us at least.

Gosh, after 6planners - and a few thousand pesos (and calories) later... it's about time we REST from Starbucks for about a month maybe? I wonder how long I can last. Haha.

For the love of me, I don't know how people can take the taste of the Christmas drinks. I cringe even at the smell of it. Weird.

Truly, Starbucks has become a lifestyle. I'm sure everyone was doubting the Tantocos some 10years ago when they decided to open their first franchise at Ayala 6750. Back in the day when you could get a frappucino for about a p100. See how they're doing NOW.

It's now part of our lives. Aminin.

This is how the store looked at 12midnight, even without the double sticker promo...

PS. Third Starbucks branch I visited in a DAY

Imagine! We line up that long for a cup of coffee that we pay good money for? AND it only costs ** pesos?

Yes, my name is Pepper, and I am a Starbucks addict.
(I don't even USE planners! Haha.)

Since I easily get sick and tired of bags/shoes/clothes, I can hardly buy something that's worth more than a few hundred to two thousand. (I can't afford it anyway.)

Thus far though, the ONLY thing I have been lusting so far is...

the GOYARD St. Louis in White!

DROOL. I want!

When can I afford this?
Stel? Haha. :)

Holiday Hangover

When I'm bored, and the internet's working, I blog-hop.

And I'm utterly surprised by how people have evolved and transformed -- people I personally know, that is.

I think I haven't changed much since highschool. I may look a little different, and see the world with different colored glasses -- but basically, I'm still the same Pepper since time immemorial.

Ewan ko lang ha.
But for people who read my blog, who've known me since way back, have I changed much?

The whole Manila is still on vacation mode. My brother and I dropped by Greenhills today, and the tiangge was teeming with people! Stel and I planned to have an early dinner at Serendra -- and most of the restaurants were fully booked, we ended up in Gourmand (not that that was a BAD option).

I'm still taking a break. Going back to work on Monday -- then who knows?

I wonder what 2008 has in store for ME.

Have a great one!

Dear God

Dear God,

If only I stop and think about ALL the blessings I have had the past year, I can fill up a whole book full of things I have taken for granted, and things I do not deserve. After everything, I am truly grateful that I'm still alive. Without Your unsurpassing grace and Your undeserved mercy, I'm lucky I'm still sitting in my airconditioned room, with a roof above my head, in the company of my family, and with Stel in my thoughts. Oftentimes, I choose to fret, and be depressed, and think about how things COULD HAVE been -- and I end up much sadder than when I started. Forgive me for ALL the times I disappointed You, I strayed away, I went AHEAD of You, I neglected to listen to You, and I did things MY way. Forgive me for the times when I doubted Your promises, and I questioned my existence.

THANK YOU for the wisdom and the understanding that can only come from You. Thank you for all the good times, and for the bad. Thank you for all the emotions I felt over the past months, that have somehow taught me to LOVE and to BELIEVE in myself more. Thank you for allowing me to nurture my relationships, and to find joy in the company of new friends as well. I know that each time I felt helpless, each time I cried, each tear I shed, all the pain I felt, and all the trials I went through -- have shaped me and molded me into the PERSON You want me to become.

I trust that I can say goodbye to 2007, and welcome 2008 with open arms -- with renewed hope, a renewed sense of purpose and a renewed sense of comfort that I know I can ONLY find in You. Thank you for loving me, Lord, and for showing me that You are the answer to all my questions. I know that You have went ahead of me, You have prepared a place for me, and You have a plan for me. I will be still, and I will wait, Lord. Teach me to trust and to be patient.

Love,
Pepper

Good Vibes