I am lucky because I'm happy!

I feel so uneasy lately, feeling like I haven’t accomplished something good and worthy for the past months, I was feeling so anxious and bothered so I have been trying to work on all the unfinished tasks at work very quickly for me to be able to figure out if those things were the cause.

But then they’re done and they weren’t.

Then I had some time with myself and my notebook and I’ve figured out that it was because I worry a lot for the past months and due to some unexpected sad and tough events in my life, I forgot to live a balanced and happy life with all my dreams and hope backing and cheering me up. I was looking for my balance everywhere, trying to tighten my grip to some happy parts of my life like Taku and wonderful friendships, but it should be “me” inside that I must hold on tightly or else, even the last happy parts of my life will be lost as a result of the behaviour and attitude that mirrors the worries and pessimism inside me.

Then I read the “Happiness at work and in life” by Chiqui Escareal-Go, President of Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. and also an advocate of positivity and kindness. Here are some of the parts that raided me. haha:

There was a study that said “Happier people are able to choose better partners because they perceive themselves as better looking ” and  “(they) also earned more money at work!” I imagined then that happier people are better able to choose a job that fits them well because they know what they want more clearly, and this translates to better productivity.  Just like choosing a partner in a relationship. If you know you deserve better, you wouldn’t settle, right?  And in the end, you will probably get what you want and you also wouldn’t mind waiting.

What is the boss’ role in corporate happiness?  There was a 2009 Swedish study that tracked more than 3,000 men over a period of 10 years which revealed that those with “bad bosses” suffered anywhere from 20 to 40 percent more heart attacks than those with “good bosses”.  Clearly, a leader’s attitude, behavior or mindset impacts the entire organization so much, thereby affecting and dictating the culture and performance levels of his team, and even more seriously, as this study shows, even his people’s mortality.

This leadership effect can be applied in all aspects of society –  from the smallest unit of family to the immediate neighborhood, high school gangs to college fraternities, the smallest barangay to the highest levels of government.   And to further emphasize the dichotomy, we could describe the opposite of good and happy when we look into the effects of divorce, child abuse, murder, hazing, graft and corruption.

Happiness is not a common thing to be read in the same sentence as strategy or innovation, peace and order or rule of law, neither do we often have a leader talking about happiness as a goal or as in incentive. They might say that achieving sales quotas will make everyone happy, but it is said as a consequence rather than as the cause or source.

How do we define happiness?

Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard professor, defined happiness as the overall experience of pleasure (which gives a present benefit) and meaning (which leads to a future benefit) .

Many successful entrepreneurs are naturally positive people who do not mind working 14 hours a day (or more) because their work gives them both meaning and pleasure.  Their love for their work and the promise of success are enough to fire their passions.   We could compare these hardworking entrepreneurs with social workers and medical volunteers who are able to transform lives through selfless acts of kindness, giving up their own personal time or even risking life to help those in need.

Why do people do good?  Because it makes them happy.  Can you imagine if we ask why people work well and the answer is – because it makes them happy?  Imagine what our workplaces will be like, and more importantly, what our country will be like?

To view the whole article, please click here.

                I looked back and realized that I get all the good things (travel and discoveries, good job, more opportunities, happy dinner with friends, daydreaming with my family, good health and Taku) that I wish for when I’m the happiest. I write a lot and hear people say “Cyra, you’re such a lucky person” when I am worry-free and happy…that can only be achieved when you have faith and HAPPY. ♥

                Spend your weekend daydreaming with your Lovies! Happy Friday!

Hunger Games, the next big sequel!

“How I wish the TV Production is that high-tech and systematic,” that was my detached expression while watching the Hunter Games. Haha.

I don’t know anything about the trilogy not until Taku asked me last Friday if I wanted to watch a movie on Saturday. I asked him what movie because I haven’t looked at movie guide since The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo was shown. “Hunger Games,” that’s what he said. It’s actually a story like Battle Royal, a 2000 Japanese thriller film based on the novel by Koushun Takami. Then I looked at the trailer and dreamed about complicated scene and Taku was punched in Africa on a Friday night. Haha.

Watching it, I felt so immersed in the film. I actually didn't want to watch it since I don’t like the feeling that they were unlucky and living in a place, a “district” in particular (as used in the movie), that they were forced to do something that was against their will, but I was very curious on how the story will go. When the movie started, I was feeling the pain of leaving home and the hopeless situation of dying without a choice and I got so hooked with every detail.

Timing is a big part of Success; we should know how to do things at the right time. Practically, good timing was shown all throughout the film but looking at how the film captured a big part of the market I can say is because of timing. They just released the movie when everyone’s almost done with the phenomena of Harry Potter and Twilight and everyone’s still thinking about what could be the next big sequels. Well, it can be “The Girl with a dragon tattoo also though Hunger Games is easier to grasp for most of us I think.

It’s also a very good timing for the Filipinos to watch, or maybe the rest of the world too, since we have more and more reality shows nowadays. Oftentimes, we get so hook to them and think that everything that they show and say were true and we try to imitate them because they couldn’t afford to lie from several little camera planted in the whole place where they’re contained. That’s why this movie is a reminder on the things that should be important to our lives, that the only thing stronger than fear…is hope and maybe, Love.

I know that this is  just a start of the Hunger Games journey and as it led me glued to its world, I’m going to make myself available to get glued to the next few episodes, may it be from books or film. Happy Hunter Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour!

I got my sanity back!

We just celebrated our first anniversary last month and we decided to push through with our long-term plan to visit the majestic Palawan. Taku was sweet when he convinced me to push through with this trip to refresh my "system" since I've been through a lot weeks before that trip. Thanks to him, I got my sanity back. :)

Palawan is very beautiful and this amazing experience made me say what everybody's saying, "It's more fun in the Philippines!" (The Dept. of Tourism's tagline is really working, huh?) When I first visited Coron, I stayed in El Rio y Mar and that was a very amazing and serene escape for me but this time, we stayed in their sister resort, Club Paradise, which exceeded our expectations. You may opt to have a tranquil escape from the city (since they just have TV and wifi in their clubhouse) in this island or try out the unlimited things and trips that they offer. But the part that I enjoyed the most was the intimate moment with the sun, waves, a pen and my notebook, a good book and Amoretto Sour. Plus we met a wonderful couple who were in their honeymoon (It was really nice meeting you Irene & Raine!).

Since we were so hooked with video editing that time, we tried to do the storytelling through video and here's the teaser (haha):

And here's the whole Palawan experience:

Enjoy the sun and the sand this summer!

Please visit http://hoywherewewere.tumblr.com/ for more. :)

(We flew to Busuanga via Air Philippines and flew back to Manila via Cebu Pacific Air)

Cipika Cipiki

It was my first time to travel abroad. It wasn’t the first time to sleep in bus station and airport but it was my first time to meet such a wonderful man with a wonderful song (which I don’t understand. Haha).

I’ve been asking my Indonesian friends about this but they couldn’t figure out what was I singing so here is the lyrics and the video (which I finally found in my old files) and please, please let me know the whole version:

“Sayang sayang, chowoku sayang.

Aku salalu sayang

Satu hari lima kali

Kachup, kaningmu laki…

Satu hari lima kali

Kachup, kaningmu laki..”

As far as I can remember “aku” is “ako” in Filipino and “me” in English, Satu is “isa” and “one” in English and “kaningmu” is “alalahanin” or “remember.” Is it right?

I wonder if this good man who taught me how to ride Bajaj, how to go to Gambir station and how to say “Aku mamili pirdana SL. Terima Kasih” (Filipino translation: “Pabili ako ng SL na sim card. Maraming salamat po.” English Translation: “I want to buy SL Sim Card. Thank you”) just made up this whole song.

(I flew to Jakarta via Cebu Pacific Air.)

Let's pack and move!

There's so many things in this world that we can only learn through travelling. So many things that will inspire and push you to keep going. So many things, moment and people that can give you inspiration and strength to last the tough times. 


We can do whatever we want to do...anytime. 


Just pack and move!

It's been a year, buddy!

I had a happy accident about a year ago and it proved that everything is perfect in its own time. I still smile upon the thought of the first question, "Do you like Japanese food?" 

Until now, he makes sure that I'm very well fed.

I found a buddy (that supports me in pursuing what I love), partner and best friend. 

This was our 2011 (the last part of the video, I couldn't think of anything interesting to say . haha) and we're looking forward for more places, people and culture to love and discover in the years to come! 

NOTE: I used to edit videos a lot when I was in college but yesterday, I was very much inspired by the videos made by Rick Mereki then I tried to incorporate all the photos of our trips last year (which was so hard for there are thousands!). 


You should watch MOVE, LEARN AND EAT, and be inspired too!

She was a beautiful bride.

She was a beautiful bride.


It was one of the most beautiful wedding I've ever witnessed.

I thought that I already prepared for the event and will never be emotional but at the moment the church's door was opened and Zha in a beautiful pink shoes and white tube gown with a very beautiful smile appeared, I've proven that "wedding" is part of my long list of I-thought-I-was-already-prepared-for-this memorable moments. 


After 7 years of having each other, they're now finally Mr. & Mrs. Dilig and words can't explain how happy I am for both of them. Her hair and make up were so beautiful and done by our dear Katchie and their on-site video, covered and produced by Framed Up Productions, was one of the best on-site wedding videos I've ever seen. 

Though my parents missed the event because Dad was rushed to the hospital, I know they were very happy to see the videos and photos and see that the whole family just celebrated love together!

with Taku and my sister, Charmaine.

The Bride is getting ready while cousins were playing.

Guess who's under the table???

Family comes first... in picture taking. Haha.

And everyone's just surprised, MVV couldn't afford to miss the fun.

Then it was time for midnight snack...

And Pareng Jason enjoyed the 2-pc Chickenjoy!

Congratulations Zha & Ego!

Tweeting helped my dad.

My dad turned 59 last Tuesday. This year, he celebrated his great day with the same enthusiasm but in a different venue, hospital. :(

Growing up, he's a very strict dad but he always explain his point. I don't know why but he's very expert in world history (that's why he's very bored in the hospital because there are no CNN or BBC and he keeps on watching teledramas). He's a very naughty and loud person, "makulit" as everybody says. I remember when I was in elementary, everybody's saying that if I'll have a boyfriend without finishing college yet, my Dad will ask me to marry and leave the house as soon as possible because he's very strict. But it wasn't true, he's strict and makes sure that you'll stand firm (and fight for it if necessary) to whatever you believe in. He's a very cool and kind man.


Since he is in the construction industry, he drinks a lot as part of motivation in his workers and as part of "pakikisama." He's always the last man standing in drinking that made him look more scary and strict. We thought we're prepared for this but when Dad's liver started to have a problem, we realized that there's never a preparation for these kind of things.


His hemoglobin dropped to 7.3 last Friday, half of the normal 14. His liver wants rescue in producing red blood cells that made me and my whole family panicked. He was getting weaker and more pale.


I didn't know where to get them but I knew, I must.


Then, I tweeted (part unconscious).


After a few minutes, Tonyo Cruz, a famous blogger in the Philippine Blogging community, retweeted my post. Then 5, 10, 20 people that I didn't know, retweeted what I said. Some of our friends sent group text messages. I was overwhelmed by the fact that many people care about my dad, some were my friends and colleagues, some didn't even know him.


I remember writing about the power of posting and re-posting a month ago because I was so impressed with the natural kindness of people and I didn't know that when it happens to me, it's much more impressive.


On Sunday morning when I was looking for people who'd donate O+ Blood for my dad, Enzo, a Filipino photographer and blogger from Bulacan and Carina delos Santos, a very kind-hearted Filipina from Muntinlupa who started donating blood when she saw the hardships of her family in looking for blood donors when she had dengue (and almost had blood transfusion), arrived in the hospital and told me that they will donate blood to my dad. I mentioned the places where they lived for you to realize how grateful I was that they went all the way to Taytay, Rizal and donated blood to my dad. How cool was that? Who are these people? :)

Though because of the schedule and several other things, Enzo wasn't able to donate. Me and my family truly appreciate his kindness. 


Amazingly, both Carina and Enzo didn't know Tonyo, the person that they both follow in Twitter and the person who disseminated the information about my dad. I am very thankful to Tonyo's big heart and I would really appreciate if I'll have a dinner with him and would be very grateful to finally introduce Enzo and Carina to him. 


Words can't explain how grateful I am.


Several people sent me emails, Facebook and text messages, and even tweets from friends from Indonesia, US and Singapore, expressed their prayers and support for dad's fast recovery and for me and my family's strength. Thank you very much.


My dear sweet friend Agatha Tapan, dropped by the hospital to pray over my dad. 

My ever supportive friend, Danica, brought a cake for me for my dad's birthday.


I don't know how will I be able to thank my aunts (Tita Billie & Tita Carol) who were there from there from the very start. I never felt scared, I was never alone. My Ate Marissa coordinated with the Red Cross for the blood which made me feel so much better together with the prayers of my cousins and friends.


After the transfusion of 3 units, Dad's hemoglobin was 8.7, increased but still not a good number to proceed with the operation since that time we learned from the result of the CT Scan that he has Cirrhosis of the liver. So we asked our friends and colleagues again for help.


My Japanese supervisor, Kaoru Ito, donated blood for my dad. It was very unexpected since Japanese people are mostly scared to visit hospitals in the Philippines unless their familiar with it, so I was very surprised and thankful to her.

These are the people who donated blood for my dad that our family will always be thankful:

And of course, I was okay because of Taku. He reminds me everyday that tomorrow will always be another great day and that tough people know it. For the record, it was his first time to meet my parents and surprisingly, my Mom had spoken Japanese again and entertained him. Haha.


Dad's still undergoing the second unit of blood transfusion and might finish the last tonight. Hopefully, tomorrow morning, he'll push through with the operation and he'll be able to get out of the hospital after.


Again, thank you for the support and prayers and God bless you more! Let's keep on tweeting!

Paskong Pinoy

                There’s truly no place like home and Christmas in the Philippines always leaves wonderful memories. Aside from the usual things that we know about the Christmas Pinoy like the “simbang gabi” with puto bumbong and bibingka, and carolling; what I like about Christmas in the Philippines are the Family Reunions especially nowadays that there are many OFWs and this is the season that not going home seems to be unforgiveable and sad for most of us.

                It’s a tradition for a family to all be together on the Noche Buena and Christmas day and I’m wondering if “videoke” is part of the tradition but it seems so familiar and homey seeing a karaoke machine in a family reunion, a Filipino thing. Haha.

I like what Coca-Cola “Happiness project” has done to the Filipino OFWs. After seeing the TV ad, I realized why Coke stays number 1 worldwide: knowing the right thing to do at the right place and time. Coke knows that Philippines is a country with a very close family ties, that Christmas is a very important time of the year and that there are many Filipinos working for their family abroad nowadays and this is the time to touch everyone’s hearts.

I also like how Filipinos encourage kids to look forward to the “birth of Jesus” and perform for everyone before giving the Christmas gifts. I remember the time that I was singing or reciting poems for my relatives while crying because of shyness and maybe, for not figuring out why I needed to do it. Haha. I miss Christmas carols though.

I spent Christmas with my family, helped out in preparing the food and wrapping gifts for all our grandchildren and some friends. As usual, it was tiring entertaining everybody that visits our home but I was very thankful with these little girls, my inaanak, Ashley and her niece, Isay, when they had a fashion show at home.

I enjoyed them so much; I hope they’ll grow as beautiful women. 

Wishing everybody happy holidays! Anyway, for a complete tutorial of Filipino Christmas, here’s Mikey Bustos in his Filipino Christmas Tutorial!

Bus to Quezon

When we were kids, whenever we go to Manila, we have to leave at midnight and wait for the bus since going to Manila is a 4 to 5 hour bus ride. I got used to it because my dad used to leave and arrive at midnight every weekend and when I was in college and needs to attend to my SK responsibilities, I used to go home at the same time every weekend.

Aside from the schedule, I developed a skill of feeling and knowing what kind of vehicle is coming since we used to play a “guessing-if-bus-is-coming” game; too many lights are usually trucks, one light is always a tricycle.

I missed playing it with my dad and sister.

I never like air-conditioned buses in the Philippines because they’re too cold (I don’t know if I can survive living in a cold country if I couldn’t stand cold buses).

Today, I went home with my sister riding a non-aircon bus. I like it even if my hair is as hard as stone after the ride. But today, I enjoyed the ride much better cause aside from my head resting in my sister’s shoulders, the conductor of the bus took care of us. There was a drunkard who sat beside me and didn’t stop talking to me and the bus conductor didn’t leave until the man got off. I am so happy experiencing that kind of service since it doesn’t happen that much nowadays because usually people don’t work professionally and we just settle for a bad service from waiters to public servants.

There are many buses going to different parts of Quezon.  JAM Liner, JAC Liner (the very efficient bus with wifi), Lucena Lines and A Liner that usually travel until Lucena. Superlines, Raymond, P & O or Barney and AB Liner are the usual buses I ride until my hometown and until Tagkawayan or Sta Elena, the tip of Camarines Sur which is next to the last town in the south of Quezon. When I was in college, I used to ride in Barney/ P&O a lot because I feel safe but after experiencing the good service of AB Liner, I think I’ll have it as an option always. It was bus no. 620, I just didn’t get kuya’s name but I definitely said thanks.

Aside from the fresh air, I enjoy riding a non-aircon bus going to my hometown because of a number of vendors who go up to the buses to sell my favourite food! I like the “Pinagong” in Sariaya that’s why I always make sure to have the energy to eat them when the bus passes by that town. I like quail eggs, pacencia and broas from Lucban Quezon but I like the most the “puto pao” in Lopez cause my mom makes it. Haha.

It’s so nice to be home. Merry Christmas everyone!

Bali, for the first time.

It's Christmas and after a couple of weeks, a new year will begin. I grew up always making sure that I'm with the whole family on the first day of the year because that will be the reflection of the whole year- if I'm not with them, I'll not be with them the whole year, that's what they say. But this coming new year, for the first time, I'll not be with my family, moreover, I'll be in Bali.


I went to Bali last month to attend the Southeast Asian Bloggers Conference and had a glimpse of how rich the culture is and how beautiful the people are.


For me, Bali in Indonesia is as beautiful as Boracay in the Philippines. The difference is just, Boracay is more commercial, Bali is more cultural and maybe, the "sand" and the "bikes."

Beer, book and beach always go together.

Below is one of the most photographed places in Bali, I guess. But before you get to see this very beautiful place, you have to make friends with the monkeys all over the temple of Uluwatu which comes from different sizes and age so you have to be mindful about your little things like bags, sunglasses and even necklace! (I kept my necklace since I was scared to lose it again and I don't like Taku to look for a new one over again.) 


Uluwatu is such a serene and beautiful place, a very good place for reflection but just like any sacred place, please try to be mindful of what you're wearing. Well, just in case you're in a "beach" mode and wearing shorts, linens are available in the entrance for you to cover your legs!

I like this part of GWK Cultural Park- Lotus Pond. It's so vast and green, I can look at it for the whole day!

GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Cultural Park is a good stop when you visit Bali. There, you'll see the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue that will be standing 150 meters tall with wings span 64 meters across.


According to GWK, the statue is picturing Lord Wisnu, as the source of wisdom, riding on the back of the mythical bird Garuda as the manifestation of conscience toward Amerta, the perennial goodness and it is made from more than 4000 tons of copper and brass. The statue and its pedestal will be surrounded by more than 240 hectares cultural park which was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry. GWK Cultural Park is intended to educate, especially the young generations about the importance of preserving and cultivating world’s cultural heritage.


 As of the moment, the statue of Wisnu, the statue of Garuda, and the hands of Wisnu have been placed temporarily in three different plazas within the park. 


You may refer to the photo below to let your imagination fly on how big the statue is going to be once it has been put altogether.

Left to right: Statue of Lord Wisnu, Garuda, miniature of how it'll look like after completion.

One of my favorites in Bali is the Balinese dancer. 

How they move their hips, hands and even their eyes are fabulous plus their colorful costume! The music is also very wonderful and reminds me of the "Singkil" dance in the Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines which I think both dances influenced each other because of their location. Remember, Indonesia have lots of Durian just like our beloved Mindanao. I would be grateful to learn a few steps of their dances, especially the "eye" movements. Awesome!

Balinese dancer at GWK

Of course, I love eating, no one can change it. But of course, Indonesian dishes are so spicy! You have to be ready to have water beside you. Haha. But I think I can eat Nasi Goreng the whole week!

A few reminders to have a wonderful uninterrupted exploration and vacation, please listen to me cause I didn't learn the last time I visited Indonesia and forgot about adapter. 

Philippines uses the flat one but Indonesia uses the rounded one.

Watch your step! Most of the people in Bali are Hindus which makes the place more interesting aside from the beautiful places to go and see. 

Always be careful when walking cause you might step on one of their offerings- a basket or container filled with flowers or rice which is called "canang sari." It is basically a ritual of giving back what the gods has given and in Balinese perspective, giving back or offering is the best way to maintain the relationships between the people and the spirits and it is believed that it will appease the spirit and will bring prosperity and good health to the people.

Offerings in shops

I almost stepped on this offering in Kuta Beach.

Offerings in sidewalks.

One of my memorable experience in Bali is the "blessing" or the prayer. I was astonished with the amount of water thrown to us and the grains of rice that was put in my forehead. Surprisingly, I felt renewed.  

the start of the prayer.

Cheers for good life!

I have attempted to drink Bintang twice during the trip but I guess, it's reserved for the next visit! Most of them agreed that Laos beer is the best (I'll try it soon!) but I hope that this one can beat the best Philippine beer: San Miguel (which I doubt! Haha)

Taku sent me a chat message when I was there saying that "Bali sunset is dangerous" only to keep me away from seeing it because we'll be back soon. Sunset is always one of the best moments in trips and I'll definitely catch more of the Bali sunsets soon, now with him.

I'll be back for more, Bali! See you in a few days!

(From the Philippines, I comfortably flew to Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific Air and flew to Bali via Air Asia)