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things change. it doesn't mean they get better. You've got to make things better, you can't just keep talking and hope for the best https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvqh8dBAGEcQMSMdhOllOdH6un6AJMco6bQ-c00/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sahjtqyhw0zg

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MY ROUTINE

I try to wake up between 5:30 and 6:30am. I set my alarm for 5:30am, but sometimes I end up hitting snooze several times. I’m a night owl by nature, so waking up early is absolutely painful for me. I know that it makes a huge difference in my productivity and overall happiness, which is why I push myself to do it even though I don’t want to. But I’m not someone who bounces out of bed. Those first few minutes are brutal.

I leave my phone downstairs in the kitchen so I’m forced to get up and walk down a flight of stairs to turn it off. Then I immediately check messages, all of my social media accounts, and a few news sites. I do this to wake myself up. I stand at the counter and scroll for about fifteen minutes. Then I really get started. I make a double shot of espresso and down it like medicine. I go back upstairs and get dressed in my gym clothes, brush my teeth and hair—the whole routine. I grab my gym bag, kiss my husband, peek in on the kids, and go back downstairs.

I roll out my yoga mat and do about ten minutes of stretching. I read somewhere that physical movement prepares the mind for meditation. I don’t know if that’s true, but it works for me. It also helps to wake me up a little more so I don’t fall asleep while meditating. After stretching I sit on the couch and spend a few minutes reading a spiritual text. Then I do some journaling. Most often that consists of making lists: gratitude, prayers, my intentions for the day  I pray and then meditate for about ten minutes. Then I grab my gym bag and head out to a class—yoga, Some days I’ll work out on my own, but I prefer classes because they push me much harder. After class I have a protein shake, shower, and then start tackling the list of intentions I made that morning.

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3 DAYS AT CAPIZ

Still in the city plaza are the city bridge built in 1910, the likable structure of Capiz Provincial Capitol with a fountain that serves as rotunda for motorists, and the Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral on the other side of the road. On the rear part of the road stands a monument dedicated to President Manuel Roxas, whom the city was named.

The second stall suggests some smaller servings so I ordered a medium-sized crab, a grilled squid, 2 cups of rice and a fresh coco juice. Since Roxas City is tagged as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, I expected that seafood is cheaper here than any place in the Philippines. I was wrong to find out that the grilled squid and crab costs Php 125.

Right after I settled my things in the lodge, I took another tricycle ride going to Baybay Beach, the famous beach in the province for offering a wide array of seafood. I went through the kiosks on the left side of the People’s Park to survey the prices. Most orders are for groups.

Capiz is a province that is not on my list of destinations to visit alone. But because a dumbass traveler booked a flight a day prior to the Antique Heritage Tour, I was forced to find a place in Panay Island to spend the day. First choice was actually Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo but considering the time to go back to Iloilo City the next day, I disregarded the destination. Second choice was to go to the nearby shifting sandbar of Concepcion, Iloilo, but boat rent doesn’t fit my budget, again dropping it on the list. 

I was left with Capiz. I was really hesitant (I bet you know why) if I will be going to give the idea a go. Since I had no choice, en route to Iloilo City proper from the airport, I immediately searched some list of attractions to see in the province, particularly in Roxas City.

After an hour, I was already sitting inside the van with the driver recklessly taking the Iloilo to Capiz road. And before noon, I was standing in the temporary terminal of Roxas City as I looked for tricycles bound to the city proper. Chaos surrounds the area so I eagerly hopped on the first tricycle leaving the terminal.

“Beehive Inn,” I mumbled to the old man maneuvering the vehicle. He overcharged me at Php 20 fare when I found out that it’s only 15. I chose to stay in Beehive Inn since it is the only option around my budget. Rooms are decent for the rates. I availed the room with common bath (Php 300/night) but to my surprise, one of the windows of the room was broken. I decided to transfer and get the only vacant room, with own toilet and bath, and a TV for Php 380. 

My solo day tour in Capiz was ended by walking along the streets of the city going back to Beehive Inn. The unexpected trip on this part of Panay Island was really rewarding as I got to enjoy some destinations not being frequented by tourists. Capiz is well worth a visit to see and discover its unexploited attractions than just avoiding it due to the superstition that was never proven.

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EAT LIKE A VIKING

We/I have a confession to make. You would think that a big eater such as me (Michelle, Ian, Matthew, Migl) would jump at the chance to visit a food paradise such as Vikings, but life got in the way. It wasn’t until a few years, month ago that I was able to dine there.

 Vikings is one of the favorite restaurants of all people. Our besfriend (Julianne Tudla from 9-pearl) she wanted to celebrate her birthday at the SM North, EDSA Branch (Biethday Celebrants eat for free).

 Truthfully, I was expecting a more “Tavern” looking dining are, to match the “Viking” theme, but I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with lavish interiors, sophisticated enough to give a hotel buffet a run for it’s money.

  But who was I kidding? I wasn’t there to check out the art! Vikings oofers you an extensive selection of fresh juices and shakes to choose from, as well as Pepsi Products to wash your meal down. Our favorite of the day was the Four Season Juice, and the Apple Cinnamon Iced Tea from Twinnings. Also, my dearest friend.

 The biggest problem with dining at Vikings (aside from the long queue), is the moment you step on the floor, you have no idea where to start. Your selections are so cast and diverse, you get confused on what your stomach wants… because it clearly wants EVERYTHING. A good problem, but a problem nonetheless.

Vikings has a delightful collection of Breads

Being the carnivore (Matthew) that I am, I head straight for the mains. Ian, on the other hand insisted that I was missing out on some delicious canapés.

The Japanese Section has the requisite Shrimp Tempura that is always in high demand, but aside from that, enthusiast of cuisine from the orient will be pleased with the Sushi and Sashimi choices that Viking has.

If you’re looking for an Italian food fix, then Vikings Pizza and Pasta station might interest you. You can make your own pasta, with the different types of freshly made pasta laid out for you to choose from, as well as assortment of ingredients that you select to concoct your personalized pasta dish.  

There is also a selection of condiments, (both meats and vegetables) available to construct your own pizza pie!

Those who enjoy Shabu-Shabu would be happy to know that Vikings has Station where you can make your own Shabu-Shabu.

                      Your choices of soup ranges from Sate, Tamarind, Singaporean Laksa and more, than you choose your ingredients, from Beef, Porkloin, Lobster Balls, to Fresh Corn, Bokchoy and Vermicelli Noodles. A Burner is brought to your table where you may adjust the flavor of the broth by adding the sauces to your liking.

Whenever I go to the Buffet, I feel that attacking the Carving Stations are the best to get my money’s worth. By filling up on slices Rib Eye, Lamb and the like.

I first attacked the Vikings Boneless Lechon, and I found it quite good. I’m a little bit biased though, because I’m more particular to the Visayan Style of Lechon that packs loads of flavor even without sauce. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth visiting.

 I made sure to get just a little bit of the Roast Turkey. The white meat was a tad dry, but the dark meat was all right. Although the cranberry sauce was adequate I would have enjoyed this more with some sort of bread stuffing.

 If you think that Viking serves cheap, low quality food. The Rosemary Baked Leg of Lamb will debunk that notion after one bite. The lamb was very tender and juicy, and covered in a mouthwatering layer of fat… Just the way I like it.

 The Texan Beef Brisket was much leaner, but just as tender as the lamb. It was quite a sight watching the brisket being sliced, with the natural juices of the meat pouring out… Considering how much you’re paying, and what you’re getting in return? This was nothing short AMAZING for us.

DESSERT

                      Like most buffets, the quality of desserts ranged from average to good, but your options almost felt limitless. You can choose from a wide array of Cakes and Petit Fours, or you could customize your own Ice Cream Sundae, or make your own Crepe! For those who are a little more health conscious, you could even opt to create your own Frozen Yogurt treat

Customer Feedback is an integral part of what makes Vikings work so well with the public. As a testament to that, the waiter handed Minjin and Migl a Viking’s Tablet at the end of the meal, which allowed her to punch in her thoughts on her experience eating like a Viking!

I think it’s great that restaurant such as Vikings is making the feel of luxury dining more affordable to the people. I’ve always felt that there is a special bond share when dining together, especially with friends and family. Though it often need not matter how fancy the place is, it’s refreshing to see that there is an affordable alternative when wanting to dine at an eat all you can buffet

        Can it go head to head against places such as Spiral? Definitely not, but Vikings shows that you need to break the bank for Buffet, that perhaps may not have the sophistication of a hotel, but neither are they a slouch in the quality department either.

 Definitely worth visiting!

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      My father was the one who decided on getting a Chihuahua; he believed them to be an intelligent breed of dogs. I was twelve years old when I first felt the tiny, black and white fur ball in my arms. As soon as I looked into those dazzling blue eyes, joy and delight enveloped me. This is why I chose to give her the name Joy. I felt the fervent bond form as soon as our eyes locked. As I nurtured, cared for, and watched this innocent puppy grow over the years, I was unaware of the overpowering effects she would later have on my life. I was clueless that my complete existence would rely on this playful, furry creature that walks on four legs. I was oblivious that she would become the most important living to ever enter my life. I believe in the everlasting love of my dog. 🥰🐶

My father has always told me, “If danger approaches, your cat would run up a tree and hide while Joy would fight to her death to keep you safe.” As a child, I was very adventurous. I enjoyed scurrying around outdoors. I climbed trees, rode my bike, and explored the woods. My trusty sidekick was my dog, Joy. Wherever I went she was sure to follow. I have to say that at the time I only thought of her as my playmate. Boy, did we have fun! One fall afternoon, I decided to go on a speedy bike-ride to the bottom of the gravel road I lived on. It was no more than half a mile; I had been riding down the same road millions of times so nothing was new to me. This time was different. I felt the rocks bombarding into my arms and face and the sturdy metal bike topple over me as I crashed. Pain shot through my whole body as I lay there unable to move. Liquid poured out of my eyes and screams crept out of my lungs. I felt a wet nose nudge my cheek. I was barely able to lift my head up, but I did just enough to stare into the eyes of my guardian angel, my dog, my Joy.

The last thing I registered was a pitiful whimper as my blurry vision made out my dog running in the opposite direction. Don’t leave me! I thought pleadingly as the trees surrounding me became a blob of green. Wait a minute; I could hear something it was her barking! Off in the distance, I could hear her persistent barks and whimpers demanding help. She was rescuing me! The last thought that went through my mind was how much I loved my dog, my Joy. The next day, I woke up in a hospital bed with my parents on either side of me. I attempted to reach for them only to discover a cast weighing down my entire left arm. I instinctively asked what happened to me. They replied that the crash bent the bone in my arm, and the doctors had to operate and break the bone so it would heal properly. I wanted to leave the hospital it smelt like old people. I wanted to go home to my precious border collie and wrap my arms around her silky black-and-white fur and tell her how grateful I am to have such a dog. After a few days, the doctors released me and I finally returned to the comfort of my home. I was bed ridden for about a week. I hated that I could not go outside, run, or even play. I lay in bed all day, all twenty-four miserable hours of hurting. I would not have been able to stay there in bed, but right there beside me, every second of every hour, laid my devoted Joy. She refused to leave my room. Stroking her velvety fur calmed me, I smiled every time I felt her cool, wet nose nuzzle against me, and I could snuggle up against her to keep me warm as I slept. She is my guardian angel, my dog, my Joy.

There have been many times in my life when I felt as if the world were crashing down around me. Problems with my friends and the typical teenage drama plagued my first few years of high school. I was under pressure not only in school, but also with playing three after-school sports. It came to many points where I would just have an emotional breakdown, and I felt as if I could not to talk to any of my friends to express how I was feeling. I can remember coming home from school, curling up in my bed and pools of emotion would spill out of me and onto my pillow. I also clearly remember hearing a concerned whimper from my door. I would run to her, to my best friend. Her precious eyes filled with worry as I would rant on and on about the troubles that stirred in my life. She gladly let my tears soak in her fur, and she would even gently lick them off my face. She was a very good listener to my venting. I could tell her anything I knew I could count on her not to share anything I had told her. Her floppy ears have heard my deepest, darkest secrets; secrets that I could never trust with one of my friends or a family member, secrets that most humans are forced to keep deep down inside of them. Not many people are able to say they fully trust their best friend. I trust my best friend with every thought that runs through my mind, with every feeling that goes on inside of me, and overall, with my life. I could never ask for a better friend and companion. She is my best friend, my dog, my Joy.

There are many varieties of love in this world. There is the unconditional love of a parent, the joyful love of a friend, and the romantic love shared between couples. Most humans will experience one, if not all three of these in their lifetime. I have experienced four. The other love that is always present in my life is the everlasting love of my dog. She loves me endlessly, without any limitations or boundaries. She loves without expecting love in return. She gives and does not demand to be given anything in return. It is the utmost unrestricted and selfless love that exists in this world. My dog is able to distinguish my moods from simply being around me. Bad moods are contagious, but dogs are immune. I vividly remember a conspicuously dire day I had last year. I was lounging around downstairs watching television while Joy rested on nearby blanket. Everything was normal enough; it seemed to be a typically boring day. I jolted when I heard my phone ring and quickly answered not knowing that that phone call would make my day turn to absolute horror. One of my close friends had passed away. After abruptly hanging up the phone, I stared into a deep abyss. My rapidly beating heart sent shock throughout my veins and I felt like I had turned to stone. I could not even let out a sound or a tear. Before I knew it, my beloved Joy was right beside me, attentively watching my every move. She let out a pitiful whine as she licked the palm of my hand. One notable variation between humans and canines is that while the human sees another is upset and merely shows interest to know why, the canine does not care why it purely wants to comfort. My dearest Joy is aware of all of my emotions, and I do not have to say a word for her to be able to acknowledge that something is bothering me. She stays by my side whether I am joyful or depressed. She knows my heart, and loves me for who I am. She is my beloved, my dog, my Joy.

George Graham Vest once said, “The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.” She is the only one that will die to save me, the only one who will be by my side no matter what the circumstances, the only one who will never question to me and always listen, and the only one who will always love me. Every part of my heart and soul believes in my furry best friend that walks on four legs, my dog who will love me forever more; my hero, my companion, my Joy.

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"it's not lupus"

Dr. House

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i love you...so much

chelle