How I Found My New Love

I was stalking a guy on my way to Rustan's to try on Native shoes for our then upcoming photo shoot at the beach when I ended up in this small store in Glorietta. I have been desperately looking for sandals or "mandals" for some time now but I realized I needed something that can withstand the elements, especially once the rainy season comes in so the leather ones at Zara were out of the question. For the lack of better choices, I was down to Native's boat shoes and some very basic flipflops at Aldo.

We were on separate escalators going opposite directions when I caught a glimpse of the buff guy. While he wasn't exactly my type, my compulsive stalking did lead me to this.

As always, this pair was out of my budget (neither did I wear them to our shoot) but I thought the purchase would be worth it. They look durable and since they appear to be a cross between sandals and shoes, it's really like hitting two birds with one cash withdrawal. I actually find them weird but I think it makes them more interesting, like conversation pieces. Come to think of it, that's also pretty much the kind of guy I've been drawn towards.

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Mr. Movie Date

Right from the start, I already had an inkling that it wouldn't work. This is why it took  me almost a month to finally send him a text. His immediate response was, "Hi. Horny?". Not what I was hoping for but I can't say I wasn't tempted. Surprisingly, that exchange of messages didn't lead to me being a trick but a future date.

That date was last night. Before we could finalize the plan of meeting up, he was very clear about his disinterest towards effeminate guys. This was understandable. I told him honestly about where I place in the scale and sent pictures. "See you Friday :)," he said, sealing the deal.

I knew yesterday was going to be a physically taxing day at work so I brought an extra shirt. Casual Friday started with a teal tee with a nice glittery print in front. For the date, I brought out this nice, navy 5cm shirt that I must have worn only five times (or less) since I got it about four years ago. It's special like that. It also has a less casual feel, which made it more appropriate for the occasion.

One of my favorite shirts.

After changing into my second look in the men's room, I proceeded to the cinemas where he had been waiting. I walked towards him hoping everything turns out fine. He looked good. But he may have lied about his age. I don't know. His profile says 32 but he actually looked a tad older, maybe 37? In any case, he appeared fit and neat. What struck me later on was his resemblance to The Chef; from the looks to the manner of speaking! It's was 2009 all over again except there wasn't as much chemistry last night. No affection, no naughtiness. no intimacy. He was stiff in a way that I don't like. Or he just was not interested.

It was apparent that the disparity didn't stop with age. The choice of activity itself was off.  As he had suggested, we watched Iron Man 3.Watching a movie on a first date? Not a good idea if you're really aiming to get to know each other. We didn't even eat after the movie. He was nice enough to drive me home, though. It was during that ride when it became even clearer that there's just nothing there. What's good was we both handled it decently, I think, like two civilized individuals who respect each other. We talked about his chihuahua, our respective jobs, hometowns and families--chunks of silent moments in between. It's safe to assume the pleasantries we uttered before I shut the car door were the last words we would hear from each other.

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Baler Beach Break

This weekend was pretty epic. I had many firsts in a matter of 30 hours or so.

A few weeks ago, what was a bagnet-fueled conversation ended with a plan to go to Baler.  It's one of those spur-of-the-moment things, which we didn't really make a fuss about but materialized anyway.

I have to say, I wasn't really that excited because I've never tried surfing and I didn't think I would enjoy it. Also, Baler is not exactly as scenic as Boracay or even Batangas.

True enough, the beach didn't seem spectacular but there's something captivating about it. It actually reminds me of the beach we have in my hometown--its's probably the black sand.

We arrived at our resort very early so the room, naturally, wasn't ready yet. We decided to tour around town to kill time. The waves weren't good at that time anyway.

One of the highlights for me was when visited this approximately 400-year-old balete tree. It looked really creepy but also intriguing. I was surprised when this teen asked me if I'd like to climb it and he was offering to guide me. I was apprehensive what with all the mysterious tales attached to balete trees. But curiosity and an odd sense of adventure prevailed.

It definitely was not an easy climb. I literally had to squeeze myself into branches. But it was fun and rewarding. I'm so glad I did it.

After the balete tree visit, we went to Ditumabo Falls. We weren't briefed properly. I didn't know we had to trek for about an hour to reach it. The way up was rough and quite treacherous for untrained mountaineers like ourselves. But my, my, was it worth it. The sight of the water crashing down from several feet to form a crystal-clear pool at the bottom was majestic. It wasn't part of the plan but we couldn't help but take a dip in the ice-cold water. The girls had to swim in their shirts, which was unfortunate. How "provincial", I thought. :)

What followed our Dimatubo Falls experience was not exactly as scenic but definitely planned and needed and vital; a heavy, shameless buffet lunch at this inexpensive joint called Gerry Shan's. It was pretty decent at only P185  per head.

We were ready to go home after our little feast but the driver had a different idea. He brought us to Ermita Hill, much to the chagrin of our surf-hungry friend. It was nice and pretty but nothing breathtaking if you ask me.

Unfortunately, the waves still weren't as sizable as we were wishing for that afternoon. I decided to postpone my first surfing lesson to the following day. It turned out to be a good idea as the sea gave better swells the next morning.

Can I just say, getting to stand up on a surfboard, riding the waves gave me a sort of I've never had before. It was an awesome experience. It was my first time and I'm hoping it's not my last.

After learning how to surf, I took time to take in the scenery.

I decided to leave the girls who had extended their lessons and walked back to the resort. On my way, I was stopped by this interesting scene. Curious, I walked closer to and observed the local way of life unfold before me. It was pretty charming--touching, even.

It was a short trip and it was far from luxurious. There were a lot of mishaps (mostly involving our accommodation) that could have ruined this weekend but I'm glad none of those dampened our spirits. My entire back is burning at this very moment and my body still hasn't recovered from the physical stress of this trip but my gawd, was it all worth it.

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I Deserve A Break

I flunked school.

Just kidding. I passed, thank goodness! It's been bothering me for days. Yesterday, I went to school and finally found out that somehow, I made it through. Most of us barely passed, though. I wasn't 100% convinced because the grades have not been uploaded online yet so I just had to take a picture. That's how stressful it has been. I never thought Advertising would be such a taxing subject. It didn't have to be, actually. Now that I'm pretty much done with the subjects, I just need to do my thesis/advertising plan, which sound oh so exciting, I know.

Anyway, I've obviously been busy lately. I'm wearing different hats for work. Hopefully, it all works out fine. I do need to get away really soon, though; as in a real vacation.

Also, what the fuck is up with this heat?! Seriously. It makes me want to run to the beach even more.

'Til next time!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Workout Music

Here's the new theme song of my life.

My friends and I were in Dillingers last night and this song played! You know I almost lost my shit. I didn't get to get up and dance though. It didn't seem right, even after three bottles of beer.

Anyway, this song is also one of my favorite workout tracks. Yup, I went to the gym yesterday after almost a year of negligence. I think I've mentioned several times that I don't really enjoy working out that much but thanks to my updated playlist, getting fit was a little more enjoyable.

Here are other songs that keep me going on the treadmill:

Cliché - Hey Champ
Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch
Clarity - Zedd feat. Foxes
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities

Here's to good health and great music!

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Detox

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack.

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't go out of town because a. none of my friends can go with me, b. I don't drive and taking public transport is a bitch at these times, and c. I'm trying to save money. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? Well, I'm taking that quite literally. Since I'd be holed up in this apartment for a few days, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a cleanse, which is something I've been meaning to do for quite some time now.

My boss does it and another colleague has done it so why can't I? It's good for the body and with all the stuff I've been shoving down lately, it's exactly what I need. I'm doing the Master Cleanse and it has been a little over 24 hours since the last time I had solid food. It's basically just lemonade with grade B maple syrup and natural cayenne pepper. It doesn't exactly sound appetizing but it's bearable, refreshing even, especially in the morning.

Apparently, the spicy lemonade alone is not enough to flush out the contents of your stomach so this morning, I've also decided to do the Salt Water Flush. I could have taken laxative or decaf tea last night instead but salt is just more accessible. It tastes horrible but I it did bring me a little closer to the beach. And my gawd, did it do the flushing. Seriously. Here's a piece of advice if you're doing the Salt Water Flush, if you think you're going to fart, run to the toilet because it's not a fart.

I intend to do this until tomorrow, Saturday, so I hope I make it through. I've been fantasizing about actual food since yesterday, especially when my housemate gave me a plateful of pasta, but I haven't given in so far.

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Lenten Suckrifice

Unlike some people I know, I haven't been really been one to avoid meat in observation of Lent. I think the only time I succeeded was about two Fridays ago.

Today, I may have made the biggest sacrifice for the season. Well, it's not exactly to honor the catholic church's teachings but I'm sure the new pope would be proud of me. Call me an old maid, an old fart, a virginal hypocrite or you can call me wise.

He's cute, fit and has a very good job. He actually reminds of me of The Chef, if not better looking. They're also about the same age. It's too bad we couldn't agree. Maybe I was too demanding and conservative. But it just didn't seem worth the paranoia that's likely to occur afterwards.

I'm probably going to regret this. Maybe not. Gawd, I hope not. In any case, have a meaningful Holy Week--with or without meat.

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