I love to dance.
I did ballet when I was nine, pep squad when I was twelve and thirteen, dance group till I was sixteen and clubbing with lots of alcohol until now.
My ballet teacher even told me that I have the ballerina feet. I just don’t have the heart… and the guts to wear a tutu past puberty.
I’m not great. I don’t even think I’m good. It’s just something that I can and love to do. So when my new friends invited me to a Latin Night to dance Salsa, I was more than willing to go – despite the fact I’ve never ever danced Salsa in my life.
Lesson number one: there are basic steps to learn. Unlike clubbing, you can’t just have a bottle or two and feel real good. It needs classes, lots of practice and less alcohol. Needless to say, at my first night to salsa, I felt like an idiot.
So I went to a Salsa class. My friends said I can probably get in to the advance class since I was a fast learner. They taught me a couple of steps to get me through the screening and I actually got in. And here is how the class works: they make you form a circle and partner up; they show everyone the routine; then make you try it; and then again with the next guy. It was supposed to make you be adaptable to different partners which make you learn better, if not faster.
I had varied experience. Some were really nice and gave me tips. Some were less experienced or as clueless as I was so any progress was sheer luck. Some were really old and some even smelled funny. But one person really left an impression. He told me: “You should already know this because you’re in the ADVANCED class”.
So I tried the beginner’s class and that didn’t go very well either.
Lesson number two: it takes two to tango. Apparently, it takes two to Salsa as well. No matter how many times they show you the steps that you can do ‘on your own.’ Because unless you’re with a partner, that’s all the Salsa that you can do. And it’s not a lot of fun.
Lesson number three: the guy leads.
So there I was, at beginner’s class, my partner can barely follow the beat and I’m supposed to let him lead. It’s like the blind leading the deaf. It was painful.
I strongly believe that I am the master of my destiny. I let go of things I can’t control. That's why I feel so frustrated and powerless because my enjoyment is made to depend on the skill of someone else.
That is when I raised the red flag. Salsa is not for me.
I am an independent woman and I don’t need a guy.
I will try belly dancing instead.
Heritage Park, Calgary
To Celebrate Canada Day, we decided to explore Heritage Park - Canada's Largest Living History Museum.
It was lovely. I've always enjoyed museums so I really enjoyed this one. There are lots of exhibits to see and many activities to do.
We rode the SS Moyie...
And the Canada Pacific Steam Train...
Unfortunately we were only there for 3 hours and it wasn't enough. While we went around the park during the train-ride, we weren't able to go inside all the historic buildings, weren't able to go on all the rides, weren't able to shop in the novelty stores... although I think my husband will appreciate that last part.
For sure, we will go back. And you will see more pictures.
And I will shop... for hubby's presents... and a little for me too, of course.
It was lovely. I've always enjoyed museums so I really enjoyed this one. There are lots of exhibits to see and many activities to do.
We rode the SS Moyie...
And the Canada Pacific Steam Train...
Unfortunately we were only there for 3 hours and it wasn't enough. While we went around the park during the train-ride, we weren't able to go inside all the historic buildings, weren't able to go on all the rides, weren't able to shop in the novelty stores... although I think my husband will appreciate that last part.
For sure, we will go back. And you will see more pictures.
And I will shop... for hubby's presents... and a little for me too, of course.
Potipot Island, Zambales
I've been wanting to go to Potipot Island for years now. So when my friends found out that I'm going to Manila, they organized a group outing. But the night before the outing, only 4 of us can go. The group outing became a double date.
And that wasn't the only surprise of the trip. Turns out, they don't cook food for the guests anymore so we had to go panic shopping at the marketplace. Good thing we found where the market was.
So the next morning, we got up really early to go to the island. It was lovely. It was super worth it.
But I don’t think everyone will appreciate the Potipot experience.
First, it’s an undeveloped island. No electricity, no running water, no restaurants and no amenities. It’s like camping – without the RV. So you bring everything with you: gas tank, gas range, cooler filled with ice, cooler filled with food, cooler filled with drinks. I don’t think my mom will enjoy it, unless she brings a maid or a cook with her. Her vacation must be housework free. As for us semi-domesticated yuppies, we did have fun cooking fried chicken by the beach.
And second, maybe it’s the timing, but it tends to get crowded there too. Remember: it’s a small island. Unless you’re spot is too hot, too rocky or is infested by insect, don’t expect seclusion. But for us, we enjoyed the crowd. We watched this dad make a fool out of himself, drunken silly. We saw him fall out of a chair, stumble over his 5-7 year old daughter, throw up on the ocean and pass out at the sunny part of the beach.
Some have called the island “the hidden paradise”. The 7 hour drive from Manila might give you the feeling that it’s hidden, but once your there, seeing all the people there with you. You’d think their giving away the map for free.
As for the paradise part, well I can’t argue with that. The place is beautiful.
And that wasn't the only surprise of the trip. Turns out, they don't cook food for the guests anymore so we had to go panic shopping at the marketplace. Good thing we found where the market was.
So the next morning, we got up really early to go to the island. It was lovely. It was super worth it.
But I don’t think everyone will appreciate the Potipot experience.
First, it’s an undeveloped island. No electricity, no running water, no restaurants and no amenities. It’s like camping – without the RV. So you bring everything with you: gas tank, gas range, cooler filled with ice, cooler filled with food, cooler filled with drinks. I don’t think my mom will enjoy it, unless she brings a maid or a cook with her. Her vacation must be housework free. As for us semi-domesticated yuppies, we did have fun cooking fried chicken by the beach.
And second, maybe it’s the timing, but it tends to get crowded there too. Remember: it’s a small island. Unless you’re spot is too hot, too rocky or is infested by insect, don’t expect seclusion. But for us, we enjoyed the crowd. We watched this dad make a fool out of himself, drunken silly. We saw him fall out of a chair, stumble over his 5-7 year old daughter, throw up on the ocean and pass out at the sunny part of the beach.
Some have called the island “the hidden paradise”. The 7 hour drive from Manila might give you the feeling that it’s hidden, but once your there, seeing all the people there with you. You’d think their giving away the map for free.
As for the paradise part, well I can’t argue with that. The place is beautiful.
Barrio Fiesta, Calgary
So my Canadian friends and I thought about checking out this Filipino restaurant that allegedly played Latin music. They were all into salsa and I was just craving sisig. As we entered the restaurant I was appalled. They had red lights. The fear that a stripper will go out on stage started to creep in.
“So you feel at home?” one of my friends asked.
“Hell no.” was what I wanted to say. But I just laughed in an ‘are-you-kidding-me’ sort of way.
Seriously, if I was in the Philippines I would never in a million years go to a place like that. It’s putting all restaurants in the Philippines in a bad light – red, in particular. Considering the vast diversity in the Filipino art and culture, I feel sad that this restaurant had to choose ‘modern-day-strip-club-near-the-airport’ as its inspiration.
On the upside, the band was fantastic, the staff was super friendly and the food was great. The best part for me was the fact that they serve Red Horse Beer. After 3 bottles, I didn’t mind the red lights.
“So you feel at home?” one of my friends asked.
“Hell no.” was what I wanted to say. But I just laughed in an ‘are-you-kidding-me’ sort of way.
Seriously, if I was in the Philippines I would never in a million years go to a place like that. It’s putting all restaurants in the Philippines in a bad light – red, in particular. Considering the vast diversity in the Filipino art and culture, I feel sad that this restaurant had to choose ‘modern-day-strip-club-near-the-airport’ as its inspiration.
On the upside, the band was fantastic, the staff was super friendly and the food was great. The best part for me was the fact that they serve Red Horse Beer. After 3 bottles, I didn’t mind the red lights.
Weddings and Nike Outlet Stores
In keeping with our true style, our wedding was filled with laughter but completely devoid of public display of affection. Even the ‘you-may-kiss-the-bride’ portion was awkward.
But the whole thing was really funny. Even the judge was trying so hard not to laugh. And while everyone was fighting back laughter, our friend bunny was fighting back her tears.
And speaking of funny, when the judge asked the question about talking the other as husband or wife we answered “Yes Ma’am.”
On the way to our honeymoon, in my white dress and his barong, we stopped by a Nike outlet store and bought running shoes. At least we prepared to run after the wedding, not before and preferably together.
But the whole thing was really funny. Even the judge was trying so hard not to laugh. And while everyone was fighting back laughter, our friend bunny was fighting back her tears.
And speaking of funny, when the judge asked the question about talking the other as husband or wife we answered “Yes Ma’am.”
On the way to our honeymoon, in my white dress and his barong, we stopped by a Nike outlet store and bought running shoes. At least we prepared to run after the wedding, not before and preferably together.
Resurrections and Two-week Wedding Preps
So after more than a year of blogging silence…
Here is what’s up with me:
1.) I’ve spent the last 10 months here in Canada;
2.) Joel and I got married.
Here’s how it happened:
There was no romantic dinner, no serenade, no kneeling and no diamond ring. But there was the ‘we-cannot-do-this-long-distance-relationship-forever-so-let’s-get-married-so-you-can-move-here’ conversation. You may think it’s a marriage for convenience. But let me tell you, it was anything BUT convenient - the 2 hours standing up in line to check-in on the airline; the 15 hour flight; the two-week wedding plan. Yup, there wasn’t anything convenient about it at all. But it was hell of a lot of fun.
So this was how I organized my wedding in a little over 14 days:
Day 1 – Applied for our marriage license. We knew the right people so we got priority on the required seminars and we were able to complete the application process in a day – which may actually take 3 days to a week. Now we have to wait 10 business days for it to be released. There goes your 14 days.
Day 10 – Went and visited the Judge and set the date – although a month ago, we already informed her that we want her to officiate the wedding. Bought the wedding rings – depending on the supply, this step can actually take from 30 minutes to 3 months.
Day 11 – Informed and invited 4 (out of six) of our witnesses to attend the wedding - in four days. (It was the shortest wedding notice ever.) And I was informed that I’d need a wedding dress, a reception venue and a honeymoon venue. Shoot. I haven't thought about that.
Day 12 – Went to the beach and got a tan. (Now I think back, we should have gone to the beach after the wedding. I look so dark on the wedding pictures.) Oh. And booked a room for our honeymoon while on the way to the beach.
Day 13 – Met his grandparents and got a pedicure.
Day 14 – Claimed our marriage license. Drove an hour to go to the court to submit it. Made reservation for 20 people for the reception. Spent a mere two hours shopping for my wedding dress and shoes. And thanks to my wonderful witnesses: got a body scrub, a full-body massage, a sumptuous dinner, a Brazilian wax, chocolate body paint and edible panties. Also, informed our remaining 2 witness about the wedding the next day. (I correct myself. This was the shortest wedding notice.)
An hour before the wedding, while on our way to the court house: put on make-up and confirmed booking/reservation for both reception and honeymoon.
Looking back, it was a miracle we actually got through it. Really, this wedding would not have been possible without faith, family, friends and a lot of luck.
Here is what’s up with me:
1.) I’ve spent the last 10 months here in Canada;
2.) Joel and I got married.
Here’s how it happened:
There was no romantic dinner, no serenade, no kneeling and no diamond ring. But there was the ‘we-cannot-do-this-long-distance-relationship-forever-so-let’s-get-married-so-you-can-move-here’ conversation. You may think it’s a marriage for convenience. But let me tell you, it was anything BUT convenient - the 2 hours standing up in line to check-in on the airline; the 15 hour flight; the two-week wedding plan. Yup, there wasn’t anything convenient about it at all. But it was hell of a lot of fun.
So this was how I organized my wedding in a little over 14 days:
Day 1 – Applied for our marriage license. We knew the right people so we got priority on the required seminars and we were able to complete the application process in a day – which may actually take 3 days to a week. Now we have to wait 10 business days for it to be released. There goes your 14 days.
Day 10 – Went and visited the Judge and set the date – although a month ago, we already informed her that we want her to officiate the wedding. Bought the wedding rings – depending on the supply, this step can actually take from 30 minutes to 3 months.
Day 11 – Informed and invited 4 (out of six) of our witnesses to attend the wedding - in four days. (It was the shortest wedding notice ever.) And I was informed that I’d need a wedding dress, a reception venue and a honeymoon venue. Shoot. I haven't thought about that.
Day 12 – Went to the beach and got a tan. (Now I think back, we should have gone to the beach after the wedding. I look so dark on the wedding pictures.) Oh. And booked a room for our honeymoon while on the way to the beach.
Day 13 – Met his grandparents and got a pedicure.
Day 14 – Claimed our marriage license. Drove an hour to go to the court to submit it. Made reservation for 20 people for the reception. Spent a mere two hours shopping for my wedding dress and shoes. And thanks to my wonderful witnesses: got a body scrub, a full-body massage, a sumptuous dinner, a Brazilian wax, chocolate body paint and edible panties. Also, informed our remaining 2 witness about the wedding the next day. (I correct myself. This was the shortest wedding notice.)
An hour before the wedding, while on our way to the court house: put on make-up and confirmed booking/reservation for both reception and honeymoon.
Looking back, it was a miracle we actually got through it. Really, this wedding would not have been possible without faith, family, friends and a lot of luck.
Directions to Valenzuela RTC
I was to attend a hearing in Valenzuela RTC.
The day before, I asked around for directions.
Atty Jun: Alam mo yung dulo ng EDSA?
Siela: Yung SM North?
Atty Jun: Hindi... magleleft ka pa.
Siela: Ah... yung papuntang NLEX...
Atty Jun: Hmmm... mejo... Alam mo yung munumento?
Siela: ah OO!
Atty Jun: Yung dulo ng EDSA, munumento yun. Tas mag left ka sa McArthur Highway. Derecho ka lang until SM Valenzuela. Before SM may maliit na street. Dun yung RTC.
Siela: ah ok. Cge, alam ko na.
Atty Jun: Dun ka nalang sa SM mag-park kasi onti lang ang parking sa RTC.
Siela: ok. Sige, I know na. Thanks po. (left his office)
Yun lang. Wala akong kotse.Pano kaya yun pag-commute?
Siela: Hi mario, pano mag-commute papuntang SM Valenzuela?
Mario: Sakay ka ng any bus na papuntang Malinta, baba ka sa royal mall, then jeep papuntang McArthur Highway.
Patay. I had no idea what he's talking about.
I ended up taking the LRT til munumento and then I took a cab.
The day before, I asked around for directions.
Atty Jun: Alam mo yung dulo ng EDSA?
Siela: Yung SM North?
Atty Jun: Hindi... magleleft ka pa.
Siela: Ah... yung papuntang NLEX...
Atty Jun: Hmmm... mejo... Alam mo yung munumento?
Siela: ah OO!
Atty Jun: Yung dulo ng EDSA, munumento yun. Tas mag left ka sa McArthur Highway. Derecho ka lang until SM Valenzuela. Before SM may maliit na street. Dun yung RTC.
Siela: ah ok. Cge, alam ko na.
Atty Jun: Dun ka nalang sa SM mag-park kasi onti lang ang parking sa RTC.
Siela: ok. Sige, I know na. Thanks po. (left his office)
Yun lang. Wala akong kotse.Pano kaya yun pag-commute?
Siela: Hi mario, pano mag-commute papuntang SM Valenzuela?
Mario: Sakay ka ng any bus na papuntang Malinta, baba ka sa royal mall, then jeep papuntang McArthur Highway.
Patay. I had no idea what he's talking about.
I ended up taking the LRT til munumento and then I took a cab.
January Summary
Jan 1:
Watched School Bukol at Sta. Lucia East
Jan 2:
Had a mani-pedi
Head back to Makati
Jan 3:
FF’s New Year’s Party at Mari’s
The boys played poker, the girls chat up with tyns via YM
Also...
It was the last annual meeting of LC at Devanadera residence.
Wine, Cheese, Pizza
And lots of dogs.
Jan 10:
Went out drinking at Attica in A-venue, Makati Ave with 4D friends.
Went to a girlie bar after,
saw half-naked ladies dancing.
Very interesting night indeed.
Jan 14:
Had dinner in Masas for momsy's despedida
Was glad to catch up with some 4D people we haven’t seen in a while.
Drank at Crocodile Grill after.
Same old, same old kulitan.
Jan 17:
Had dinner at momsy’s house before she heads off to the airport
Drank at Good Earth at Rockwell after to celebrate.
Just kidding momsy. We will miss you.
It will be noticeably quiet without you .
Jan 18:
Sunday lunch at the pots house.
Had a bowling tournament via wii.
Boys drank alfonso after.
Jan 24:
Tambay at Mari’s house.
Ate hotdogs and maling with rice.
And menudo...
Gavin finally talked to us.
Slept at Pots’ house.
Jan 28:
Had dinner with a couple of 4D peeps.
Wala lang...
Jan 29:
Ate at Rap near DLSU Taft.
Super sulit steak.Solve at 125pesos
Watched School Bukol at Sta. Lucia East
Jan 2:
Had a mani-pedi
Head back to Makati
Jan 3:
FF’s New Year’s Party at Mari’s
The boys played poker, the girls chat up with tyns via YM
Also...
It was the last annual meeting of LC at Devanadera residence.
Wine, Cheese, Pizza
And lots of dogs.
Jan 10:
Went out drinking at Attica in A-venue, Makati Ave with 4D friends.
Went to a girlie bar after,
saw half-naked ladies dancing.
Very interesting night indeed.
Jan 14:
Had dinner in Masas for momsy's despedida
Was glad to catch up with some 4D people we haven’t seen in a while.
Drank at Crocodile Grill after.
Same old, same old kulitan.
Jan 17:
Had dinner at momsy’s house before she heads off to the airport
Drank at Good Earth at Rockwell after to celebrate.
Just kidding momsy. We will miss you.
It will be noticeably quiet without you .
Jan 18:
Sunday lunch at the pots house.
Had a bowling tournament via wii.
Boys drank alfonso after.
Jan 24:
Tambay at Mari’s house.
Ate hotdogs and maling with rice.
And menudo...
Gavin finally talked to us.
Slept at Pots’ house.
Jan 28:
Had dinner with a couple of 4D peeps.
Wala lang...
Jan 29:
Ate at Rap near DLSU Taft.
Super sulit steak.Solve at 125pesos
December Summary
Dec 7:
Pacquiao-dela Hoya fight.
Got to greenbelt at 8am, but NSG was already full so went to Capricciosa
So early... the fight started at past 12 noon.
But it was fun. We had great seats. Pizza was good, too.
And most importantly, Manny won.
Dec 12:
Went to a hearing,
Got a scolding from the judge.
It was totally not my fault.
Dec 14:
Went to Tarlac at Papa Jay's Pad.
Rockband to sawa.
Amazing view.
Lotsa food.
Dec 15:
Western theme OSG Christmas Party
images of Calgary stampede flashing in my head)
The team presented a dance routine, ASG included.
And so did every other teams.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 19:
Our division’s Christmas party.
Singing, games and a whole lot of prizes.
Did not recognize my boss as he was really “shaking” it.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 20:
Attended RJ and Dianne’s wedding (Joel’s HS friends from La Salle Antipolo)
The church and the reception venue was amazing.
Loved the photo-booth.
Was not prepared for the unbelievably cold weather.
Got sick afterwards.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 24:
Travelled to Candelaria Quezon.
Alone.
Joel took me to the bus station, though.
Had a window seat and a decent, thin guy sat beside me.
So it was a pretty comfy ride.
Still had sore throat so I had lots of water,
Lots of medicines, and lots of candy.
The church was ridiculously crowded during the mass
Slept thru Christmas eve coz I wasn’t really feeling well
Dec 25:
Read the 3rd book of the twilight series.
Went to my other grandmother in the afternoon
Spent time with my really cute 2-year old inaanak.
I don’t have pictures.
I have Christmas issues this year.
Dec 26:
FF Christmas party at the Pots House
Sara looked really really pregnant.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 29:
Went to Tagaytay with 4D friends.
At bulalo in lightning speed.
Drank coffee before beer.
Pretended we were in another country
Because it was just so friggin cold to be in the Philippines
For more pictures visit Eeza’s multiply site.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 30:
Went to Cainta to spend the New Year with Joel’s family
Dec 31:
New Year’s Eve at the Pagkatipunans.
I still refuse to touch any form of firecracker or sparkler.
Pacquiao-dela Hoya fight.
Got to greenbelt at 8am, but NSG was already full so went to Capricciosa
So early... the fight started at past 12 noon.
But it was fun. We had great seats. Pizza was good, too.
And most importantly, Manny won.
Dec 12:
Went to a hearing,
Got a scolding from the judge.
It was totally not my fault.
Dec 14:
Went to Tarlac at Papa Jay's Pad.
Rockband to sawa.
Amazing view.
Lotsa food.
Dec 15:
Western theme OSG Christmas Party
images of Calgary stampede flashing in my head)
The team presented a dance routine, ASG included.
And so did every other teams.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 19:
Our division’s Christmas party.
Singing, games and a whole lot of prizes.
Did not recognize my boss as he was really “shaking” it.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 20:
Attended RJ and Dianne’s wedding (Joel’s HS friends from La Salle Antipolo)
The church and the reception venue was amazing.
Loved the photo-booth.
Was not prepared for the unbelievably cold weather.
Got sick afterwards.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 24:
Travelled to Candelaria Quezon.
Alone.
Joel took me to the bus station, though.
Had a window seat and a decent, thin guy sat beside me.
So it was a pretty comfy ride.
Still had sore throat so I had lots of water,
Lots of medicines, and lots of candy.
The church was ridiculously crowded during the mass
Slept thru Christmas eve coz I wasn’t really feeling well
Dec 25:
Read the 3rd book of the twilight series.
Went to my other grandmother in the afternoon
Spent time with my really cute 2-year old inaanak.
I don’t have pictures.
I have Christmas issues this year.
Dec 26:
FF Christmas party at the Pots House
Sara looked really really pregnant.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 29:
Went to Tagaytay with 4D friends.
At bulalo in lightning speed.
Drank coffee before beer.
Pretended we were in another country
Because it was just so friggin cold to be in the Philippines
For more pictures visit Eeza’s multiply site.
click here for more pictures.
Dec 30:
Went to Cainta to spend the New Year with Joel’s family
Dec 31:
New Year’s Eve at the Pagkatipunans.
I still refuse to touch any form of firecracker or sparkler.
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