J: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The long hiatus is over!! And, it's time to share what I've been up to for the last few months. 

Well, for a start, I found a new job and that's what's keeping me super busy. But, I never fell short on adventures and social life. Let me begin my series of stories by sharing with you a movie I recently watched and basically changed how I see India, optimism and love, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

The movie is about a group of retired people from different walks of life, with different stories and somehow escaping from something. They all received an email from a very optimistic young Indian hotel/retirement home owner, offering them to stay there for free, all expense paid. And, when they get to India, everything that they expected came crumbling down and they found out things about themselves they never knew existed and one of them revisited his past and he proves how true love can transcend time, distance, culture, age and even gender. I love the twist of the story and how their lives suddenly changed; from being just plain comfortable to complicated yet fulfilling lives. 

They went through all the the hustles and bustles of India, adapted to their culture, which is very different from theirs, accepted their differences and found what true love really means. 

Let me share a gist of the story of the two main characters that really hit me straight to the heart. 

The first one went to India to find a new purpose in life after her husband died. And, she found a new job that made her realize that her purpose wasn't really lost and that her age is never a hindrance to continue her dream. And that it is never too late or nobody is ever too old to fall in love again. 

The second main character is a judge who once lived in India and found his true live there but the country's culture got in the way and forced him to go back to his country and never got the chance to ho back there until now. His search for his true love was quite a journey and when they met it felt like they were not separated even just for a day, they talked, explained things and forgive each other. They proved that no matter what other people say, it can never stop a true love's beating heart. 

I would love to go on and on about every detail of this movie, but I don't think that would be fair, because I want all of you to experience the love and joy that I experienced whenever I watch it. I hope this movie touches your heart the same way it touched and warmed mine. This movie is all about love, hope and second chances, and don't we all need to see that unfold every once in a while?

And, to borrow a very inspiring line from the movie, "Everything will be alright in the end; if it's not alright, it's not yet the end."

Enjoy! 

-J

J: 24! (Updated)

Today marks the 24^th year of my existence. It has already been 24 years since my mom was rushed to the hospital’s delivery room in Lipa City, Philippines. And, look at where we are now! Our family is now residing on the other side of the world, in a different time zone. That’s how blessed my life has been; I thank God and my parents for that, they have given me a life some people can only dream of.

Forgive my indulgence but I intend to talk about my gratefulness, dreams and aspirations in this blog entry.

I am more than grateful for all the efforts my family and friends are exerting to make this day extra special! And for that, I love them even more! I’ve had a very wonderful weekend with my family, I also had my hefty dose of retail therapy and most of all I am filthy rich with LOVE. I am one spoiled baby girl! ;)

Also, I am very touched and thankful for all my friends, colleagues and family who have overwhelmed me with their greetings and love.

I don't have the perfect life, I have major ups and downs in my 24 years of existence. But, I am just one lucky gal; having the kind of family that I have and friends that backs me up flaws and all. I may never be perfect, we may not be as wealthy as I would love to, I may not have the life I dream about yet, but I have my family, no less. We stick with each other, we go through hell together and then back to earth as a whole.

In my 24 years, I have to admit that I am still looking for my purpose or how I can make a difference to my family, to the community I belong, to my country, to the world. I know it’s a long shot but I aim to make a difference in the world, even in just a small way. I’ve always dreamt of being a humanitarian, to be one with UNICEF and UNESCO; to promote education and the right to live in a comfortable way with the 5 basic needs; shelter, clothing, food, means of transportation and security. I intend to be the best that I can be so I can inspire other people and who knows through my inspiration, I may be able to empower someone who will lead our country and inspire the world one day ;) I may lose hope and faith at times but I will always grab it back again and hold it for dear life, I always spring back! My hope and faith for humanity is the same, I will never lose hope that this world can still be a better place for the generations to come.

On a lighter note and speaking of dreams and aspirations, I would also love to travel and study fashion photography. Fascination is my middle name and I always want to explore further so I can acquire knowledge regarding whatever I am fascinated by, may it be the mega structures of different countries, their culture or how fashion designers work and how models make the designer’s dresses sell. I’d like to know everything about it.

So, that’s me at 24! Nothing’s really changed since I was 23, haha! I am still growing and I still have a long way to go. I am yet to fulfill my dreams and find my purpose in life but in my short existence, there’s one thing I am already sure of; I AM LOVED :)

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With all of that said, I’ve had what felt like a week-long birthday extravaganza! Lemme share with you what I’ve been up to during my birthday week ;)

I’ve spent the weekend with my parents and my cousin, kuya Lean, checked in at Four Seasons Hotel here in Doha. We spent a lot of time in the beach then in the Hydrotherapy pool! I love it, it’s a pool full of massaging jets and two pressurized showers that can massage the back! It’s a slice of heaven!! And then before we retire to our hotel rooms, we went out for a drink at the beach side. My parents are the best! I can never thank them enough ;)

Hotel Arrival



Swimming Galore!

Bare Faced!

Night Out! 



                                                                                                                   

Birthday Treats at the hotel!

(Jelly Beans and Tequila Sunrise + Heineken)





And, then we went shopping after checking out and I got loads of gift from my inay! And, another gift is on its way from Singapore thanks bebi A!! The days just keeps on getting better!

Wave of Gifts from Inay!

Then, April 1 came to town and I celebrated my day with my family. we had a simple lunch in a restaurant called Market by Jean-Georges and had what I would like to call the 'I SURRENDER!!' meal. I mean I love to eat, but this 3-course meal really filled my tummy! And then, we went on to find my temporary work out shoes, in preparation for next month's series!, while my Nike Free Run + (that I forgot to pack going here in Doha!) is being shipped from the Philippines. And, to complete this day a SpongeBob plush from my tatay!! Love this day!!

Birthday Lunch

Wave of Gifts (Part 2)

My Birthday Dress!! :)

The face of a very happy birthday girl!



I am a very happy, blessed and spoiled birthday girl!!

Spreadin' the love and birthday goodness!!

-J