One little act of kindness at a time, that’s all we need.
It really never hit me that hard until now. I realize that people, myself included, are far too busy on the wrong things. We seem to think that life is being unfair to us. We have infinite number of reasons to be distracted. We complain about every little thing that we have, or don’t have. We are so consumed by sharing everything that we are doing on the internet that we tend to forget to find life’s true meaning. We’re busy with how we see ourselves, and how we want others to perceive us. We rely on small talks for friendships, praises and likes for connections. Technology has deluded us into thinking that this is how life’s supposed to be. I would genuinely like to believe that it is not.
It is very humbling indeed, to witness reality unfold at the most unexpected time and place. I realize that I am in no place to complain, or to demand for more. Life has been, in fact, good to me. Today, I saw how it’s like to really be in need. And I only noticed it because I finally opened my heart. To be able to put a smile on someone’s face and to bring tears of joy to their eyes- there lies genuine happiness. I still think that it’s the kindness that sticks to us, the little acts of kindness which we tend to never forget. This week has been liberating. I’ve been trying to be a better version of myself little by little and it’s empowering to know that these little steps have already made a big impact in my perception of life.
I’ve always been a simple person and I almost forgot this because everyone keeps on telling me that I’m not. I thank that woman’s piercing eyes for seeing right through my heart . I am back to wanting nothing but happiness. I’ve finally come into terms with who I really am. Equanimity does feel good. Life is just more balanced when you have only what you need. The more you have things, the more you crave for the wrong stuff. With having just enough, you don’t take what you have for granted. Simply put, I’ve realized today how blessed I am to have my loved ones, security, and happiness. My life needs nothing more.
Source: iamcathie
New Icon :)
This is me after struggling surviving a month of healthier living. No soda/ iced teas/ any non-water drink, no buffets, no junk food, not even a single piece of french fry. haha Hayyy, how I miss my old, unhealthy LIFE. :))
On second thought, I certainly don’t miss the fats (10 kgs of it to be exact) that came along with it. Just a month after giving up all of those and I’ve never felt lighter. I think that having a healthy lifestyle is much harder than going into any fad diet just because you have to be in it for the long run. So, if I’ll be able to make it my way of living, WE’LL SEE. (thinking of devouring an entire brazo de mercedes roll as I write this post. haha kidding.)
“Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels.” - yeah, whatever. ;p
..our usual way of killing time while waiting for the yummy crepes from Cafe Breton :)
Who takes better candid photos? Your guess is as good as mine. haha
I almost forgot about the crepes. haha
Stefano’s pick: La Filipina (mango & chocolate stuffing + vanilla ice cream)
My Pick: Make your own (mango, condensed milk + vanilla ice cream)
We were gonna share the La Filipina crepe but I found the chocolate a bit too strong for my liking(not really a chocolate fan). Sans the chocolate, Cafe Breton’s mango crepe still never fails to satisfy my craving. They’re absolutely muy delicioso.
Source: iamcathie
My Teddy Love
it’s byebye topknot time again, new haircut for summer :)
This is my 4-yr old shih tzu, my only furbaby, Teddy. When I was still in pre-dent, we used to go out a LOT! I used to put bows on his long hair and take loads and loads of photographs of him. He’s probably one of the reasons why I was into photography 4 years ago anyway haha. But now, since I’ve been very busy with my clinic and with all the trips that I’ve been doing, I sometimes forget that there’s a little furbaby waiting for me at home every single day. The love of a dog is truly unconditional and you won’t appreciate it unless you own and love one yourself.
While I was giving him a two-hour grooming session yesterday, I just realized that I’ve been so unfair to him lately. He shouldn’t be the one suffering from my busy schedule because it’s me who decided to have him in the first place. There’s no one who could take care of him better than me. Sooooo, I decided to make it up to him by cancelling my clinic schedule to spend an entire day with him. I brought him along on our date and we took him to my favorite groomer in Macapagal (near Mall of Asia) which is a good 50 minutes away from our new home. I also got him his favorite food, a bigger bowl to accommodate his bigger physique (he’s not fat, he’s voluptuous hehe), a new toy, a new shirt, and a big bag of doggie treats. I know that it’s such a superficial way of showing him how I love him but for me, it’s more of a promise to him and mostly to myself that I will always, always make sure that he is well taken care of and very much loved because he deserves nothing less.
http://iamcathie.tumblr.com/post/11569485887/to-my-little-fluffy-giant-furbaby-you-will
On a not-that-lighter note, I remember coming across a very nice article for dog lovers. This is why I have no respect for anyone who treats animals badly. I think that everyone (not just dog lovers) should read it so I’m posting it here.
As Sydney Jeanne Seward ones said, “Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” So please, spend more time with your dog & give them the love that these sweet little angels deserve.
10 Things Your Dog Wants You To Know
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. So not break my spirit with your temper though I will always forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.
3. Please have me spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies from me.
4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mind. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Speak to me often. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it’s speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.
6. Take me in when it’s cold and wet. I’m a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well to romp and play and do your bidding. By your side, I stand ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I’ll never forget how well you’ve treated me.
7. Don’t hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old for you will grow old, too.
10. When I am old or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently and be with me on that difficult journey when it’s time to say goodbye. Never say, “I just can’t bear to watch.” Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. I know that number 10 on my list will be very hard for you and I may not at that time be able to say anything to you, but with my eyes. So when that day comes, I would like you to remember the words of my little poem I wrote just for you my loving owner! I call it:
My Last Battle A poem from your loving Shih Tzu .
If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done, for this — my last battle — can’t be won. You will be sad I understand, but don’t let grief then stay your hand, For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, you wouldn’t want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend, only, stay with me till the end And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree, it is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved. Don’t grieve that it must be you, who has to decide this thing to do; We’ve been so close — we two — these years, don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Remember that there are no bad pets, only bad and irresponsible owners. Let’s not be one of them.
Source: iamcathie
..another thing to tick off my bucket list
I thought this Tagaytay weekend was gonna be a typical overnight getaway. Different, yes. Boring, at times. But it kind of felt good to be disconnected even just for a little while. Wag lang tatagal ng sobra sobra. haha
We stayed at this very “Zen”-ish place called T House. Utopia indeed.
that’s their see through kitchen.. they have fantastic food by the way! :)
perfect spot for a good book, a short afternoon siesta, and a nice warm cup of tea
they even have resources available for bookworm guests
Anyway, for the spur of the moment part.. we decided to be Dora the explorers for the day and go nearer the Taal Volcano :)
We weren’t expecting this..
Sunday boatride- pero sige na nga, why not chocnut?
and certainly not this..
The roughest, most dangerous road and ride I’ve ever been on. We went horseback riding for what felt like a lifetime (sabi nila 30 minutes) in a zigzag, uphill path going to the topmost part of that mountain. My cousin, Camille even fainted when we got to the top due to the extreme heat and very intense horse ride! haha I even mentioned that since the horses were walking very near the cliffs, one stumble and it would’ve been the end of us. It was that scary, seriously. Never again- ever. haha
But for what it’s worth.. the view was absolutely breathtaking.
Well hello there Taal Volcano. You nearly cost us our lives.
Source: iamcathie
What Really Matters Most
Sometimes we need a reminder. We need to set apart the insignificant things from the things that really matter the most in our lives and in our relationships. Oftentimes, we lose focus and neglect the things that are of utmost importance.
Love, although they say is the greatest of them all, will not sustain a relationship by itself. I’ve come up with my own list of things which are necessary for building and nurturing healthy and happy relationships. Life has a harsh way of teaching us a lesson but our own values and beliefs are formed because of it.
1. Respect
I’ve always believed that respect is not something that is asked for, it is earned. It doesn’t necessarily mean tolerance or a state of recognizing who’s in power. It just means that you treat the person as an equal and give them a great deal of consideration in all your actions. When you are with someone, this means that you acknowledge his individual qualities, values, and character. More importantly, this means understanding that you may not agree on everything and that sometimes, it’s good to just agree to disagree and leave it at that.
2. Acceptance
In relationships, the first few months may all be of bliss and infatuation but as you both go along, that’s when you get to see the imperfections of the person you once regarded as “close to perfection”. Acceptance means knowing the things you can change and cannot change.. and accepting the hard truth that a person can never change for any other person but himself. This means that even after realizing that the person you have don’t necessarily match your set of ideals, you accept him with gratitude and consider him as more than enough.
3. Pick your battles
Know when its best to argue or discuss and compromise. If it’s something you cannot change, then it’s probably best to try to read the first two things on the list before even bringing up the issue. If it’s something you can change, then talk things out and work together to reach middle ground. Yes, it requires a great deal of understanding but it will save both of you from wasting time without getting the result you want anyway.
4. Listen
In communication, no one admits to being a bad listener but come heated conversations, our ears seem to lose its proper function and we do all the talking instead. We might say that we are listening but at the back of our minds, we are already thinking of our next comeback to defend our sides. Probably one of the hardest things to do is to really listen with an open mind and extract the meaning of the conversation and why it’s being said rather than the actual words itself.
5.Forgive and Resolve
Let go of pride and the need to always be right. It doesn’t mean that you have to deny the hurt and pretend that everything’s okay- it just means that because your love is greater than that hurt, you are willing to work things out with that person. It also means that although making up might be an easier choice, you are willing to go through the harder path of solving the root of the problem. Ignoring an issue is just delaying it until you both aren’t able to take it any longer. Don’t wait for that time. I’ve always believed that disagreements can either kill a relationship or make it stronger. How well you handle these things together will determine whether it’s heading towards the former, or the latter.
6. Forget
It’s always, always good to forget the feeling of being hurt but not what it taught you. If you didn’t learn anything from it, then it means that it’s bound to hurt you again.. until you finally learn. If you dont let go of past hurt, it’ll occupy your mind and little by little, eat up all the space in your heart that could have been used for loving the person instead. When too much time is spent with hurt feelings, there is little time left for love.
7. Appreciate
The greatest form of compliment is appreciation. It may be the little things, or the occasional grand gestures of sincere kindness. Appreciating means that you are always aware of the things that made you love the person. It means that, even in times of disagreements, these things are never forgotten or set aside. It is also knowing that something is great when you have them, and not realizing it later when it’s gone. Mostly, it means never ever taking things for granted.
8. Trust
I cannot be in a relationship without 100% trust. When doubt enters a relationship, it ruins it. The moment you feel insecure about anything means that something is lacking- either self-esteem or affection. Trust that you are enough and trust that you have shown enough love to have security. You have to have complete trust that the person you’re with will never mean to hurt you. In reality, they may hurt you at some point but it will never be deliberately done. You have to trust that the relationship itself will never be destroyed because of what it is, and because of what it has.
9. Support
A major advantage of being in a relationship is knowing that there is always someone to turn to during the best and worst days. It’s knowing that someone always has your back and is willing to be there when you need them most- either celebrating a victory or mourning over defeat. A healthy relationship should help you and not hurt you. This person will not tolerate you if you’re truly wrong, but will work with you instead and make you a better version of who you were.
10. Quality Time
In this fast-paced world with people preoccupied by wealth and technology, it is important to remember that one can never have enough time, one has to make it. There will always be something to do or something to attend to. What sets apart quality time is that despite however busy you are, you are happiest whenever you are spending time with that person. It means that you regard this happiness as something that is more important than all of the other things that make up your busy schedule. It means that every time spent is never wasted because it is something that you will always enjoy and cherish. Having quality time is a proof of how important it is for you to make that person a part you no matter what. Without a doubt, the greatest gift you could ever give is your time because when you give time, you give them a part of your life as well.
They say relationships are hard work but it should never feel forced. It isn’t supposed to be that hard if you are both sincerely willing to be together and stay together. It’s only hard when you’re going through everything alone, or when you are in a wrong relationship with the wrong person to begin with. True, it’s not all bliss and butterflies- both of you will go through trying times.. but trying times are not times to stop trying because no matter how difficult it may be, you know that you have something that is worth all of it.
I shall read this now and again to serve as my own reminder and I hope that in one way or another, it will help you, my readers, too. - Cathie
P.S. Hi babe! I love you :)
Source: iamcathie
Boracay Sunset
Photography and Post Processing by: Cathie ♥ http://iamcathie.tumblr.com
It’s definitely one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I shall post a travel entry soon.
Source: iamcathie
Got to Go to Guam!
Hafa Adai! I’m finally home after my 9-day Guam trip. I needed this trip so badly after being through the most gruesome semester of my entire college life. This truly was a well deserved holiday break for me. To sum it all up, it was filled with stress-free days with my family, long hours of shopping marathons, and world cuisine at its finest. Our tour guide (my papa) knows Guam by heart so we had the best trip anyone could ever wish for. Thanks papa!
With Guam being a very small US state, there weren’t a lot of tourist spots but we got to see almost everything that it had to offer. It’s my first US trip as well so I was pretty excited. Anyway, here are some of Guam’s most popular tourist spots. Enjoy!
(warning: photo-heavy post)
Submarine Tour
A perfect view of Guam’s tropical reefs and expansive marine life. The submarine trip which lasted 35 minutes and reached almost 150feet underwater was definitely one for the books and another first for me :)
outside the Atlantis Submarine
Two Lovers Point
During the time of the Spanish rule, two star crossed lovers plunged to their deaths at this site rather than being separated. As the legend goes, the daughter of a wealthy Spanish aristocrat and Chamorro, herself the daughter of great chief, was promised, against her will, to a Spanish Captain. The disillusioned daughter, walking along the beach to calm her feelings, met and fell in love with a young Chamorro man. When the father found out about the young Chamorro and demanded that the daughter marry the Captain, she fled and met her lover near the cliff where they first met. Discovering that his daughter was gone, the father told the Captain that she had been kidnapped and Spanish soldiers were sent to bring her and the man back. Trapped on the point, the two lovers tied their hair together and plunged to their deaths rather than being separated.
This was definitely my favorite spot and I specifically requested this.
If you want to know more about the legend behind the place, here’s a link that would tell you everything that you need to know: http://www.guamportal.com/attraction/two_lovers_point.html
At present, this place is very popular for couples. They usually leave locks in the same way that the lovers locked their hair in a knot (the legend) and throw away the keys over a cliff as a sign of lasting love for each other. Others, like me, just went there for the magnificent view!
Beach Parks
This is a beach overlooking the Philippine Sea. As you can see, calling it beautiful would be an understatement. To top it all, it’s available to all the locals and tourists 24/7 for free! I wish Manila bay was as pretty as this. I could stay here forever!
Chamorro Village and Sunset at the Paseo
This was the locals’ flea market… very much like our very own Mercato Centrale and Banchetto. Here are some of their goodies!
Sunsets never fail to amaze me. What a wonderful creation! (sabay kanta ng what a wonderful world)
Fish Eye Park
As my papa would put it- instead of looking at an aquarium full of fish, this is the other way around! You are placed inside the aquarium and the fish get to observe you. I didn’t go in the aquarium itself though as I’ve seen too much fish for this trip already. I just had to take this photo! haha
Asian Bay Overlook (War in the Pacific National Memorial Park)
The War in the Pacific National Historical Park-Guam was established on August 18, 1978 to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those participating in the campaigns of the Pacific Theater of World War II and to conserve and interpret outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects on the island of Guam.
some recovered journal entries/notes by injured soldiers
Merizzo Bell Tower
The Merizo Bell tower (Kampanayum Malesso) was constructed in 1910 under the direction of Father Cristobal de Canalas to help raise the standard of living for the people of Merizo village. The tower was constructed with stone and cement and the bell was used to announce religious events, town meetings and mass. Although no longer in use today, it has been maintained and is a well known landmark to visit when in the Southern part of the Island.
Other Must See places:
Jeff Pirates Cove
A place where a perfect mix of good food, good finds and good times coexists. Apart from serving muy delicioso burgers, it also offers water activities like kiteboarding and stuff. It even has its own little museum! Here are some of the pictures..
Here’s their mini museum:
Yacht/Boat Ports of Guam
Guam Buses are lovely jubbly to look at :)
View from the Marriott Hotel
NOW FOR THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY GUAM TRIP: MAJOR SHOPPING GALORE TO THE NTH POWER!!!
In between our tour around Guam and for the rest of our trip, we had loads and loads of shopping sprees! (hey, who am i to complain? I LOVED IT!)
Yes, it was both a shopping haven and a shopping heaven for me! Good thing I had my birthday money with me or else I would’ve been really gutted to let really good things just pass HAHAHA. I found some really good buys (imagine a pretty LBD/ little black dress number for $2 at Macy’s) and I was shocked to find clothes which are cheaper there than here in Manila. Here are some of the shops. (i took really few photos as I was obviously distracted from all the shopping opportunities ahead of me)
My favorite shop, ROSS. I could be here every morning, not eat, and survive.
Some of the food that we had in a little over a week.. filipino(of course), chinese, japanese, american, thai, korean, mongolian, vietnamese AND jamaican.. plus of course some WORLD BUFFET on my birthday. Here are the highlights of our foodgasmic trip!
Cold Stone Creamery
This really is the best ice cream shop ever. I ain’t kidding. I’m obsessed over it and I don’t even like ice cream that much. It’s that good!
Jamaican Food- feast your eyes!
This dinner was really really tasty.. just enough spice for my liking. I really wish we had this in Manila :)
Korean Food (‘cause I miss the boyfriend hehehe)
Marriott Hotel Dimsum Buffet, Guam
(Home of the best dimsum I’ve ever tasted in my life and I have had a LOT)
Because there’s too much food involved on my actual birthday, I shall post it on a separate blog entry. Here it goes!
http://iamcathie.tumblr.com/post/20642621743/my-birthday-in-guam
Hope you enjoyed the pictures!
I had so much fun on this trip! I couldn’t ask for a better holiday trip. I’ll never ever forget this. Thanks papa and tita, I had the best time :)
Source: iamcathie
My Birthday in Guam
..because i just had to pose ala Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s for my birthday :) haha
Apart from the many firsts I’d gotten out of this trip, I was also able to celebrate my birthday the guam way! I totally felt like a spoiled little girl haha. For my birthday salubong,we had a very delicious home-cooked Filipino dinner at a local bar while having some booze and a karaoke showdown with my father dear.
I luckily scored 100 for my song (hindi malakas ang boses ko haha) so I got a tequila shot for free! Also, I had the chance to sing a duet with papa- loved it!
For my birthday lunch, we had a buffet meal at the Fiesta Cafe Hotel and can I just say, it was abso-friggin-lutely fantastic! At par if not better than our most famous buffet places in Manila. Here are some of my takes.. Get ready for some drool-worthy dishes :)
Luxurious Cheese Selection
Cereal, Pizza, Pasta, and more
Bread and Mongolian Corner
Cookies, Dimsum, and other entrées
Main Dishes
AND.. FOR MY BIRTHDAY CAKES!!!
Those 2 white creamy rolls at the top right corner were my favorite out of the bunch. It’s made up of white icing with brazo de mercedes layer at the middle and cheesecake at the center. YUMMY!!!
After our heavy but heavenly lunch, we had a tour around the island of Guam. Of course, I just had to have a birthday bloooper caught on cam. haha
Whoopsie! kunwari walang nangyari
I thank God for all the blessings and the people that I have in my life. He never fails. Each year just keeps on getting better and better. I truly am blessed. (04-06-12)
Source: iamcathie
