NOT a Prenuptial Crisis: Sleepless over Paris

 

2:00AM - Wide awake.  Moments ago I was watching a music video by one of my favorite bands - Snow Patrol. It's for their song - Open Your Eyes.  I played it three times in a row.  Tears filled my eyes.  Two weeks into my wedding, I've become vulnerable to the idea of being single and the joy of traveling.  I've always wanted to see the world.  I really miss it.  It's more of exploring places and culture by myself - it's one afternoon of coffee, al fresco...watching people and the world go by.  I'm so at peace with it. 

This feeling suddenly hits me.  It's scary to a certain degree.  I should be over this, right?  Am I having a deep recollection of the book, Eat. Pray. Love?  Or may be it's about some sort of influence from the independent women of Sex and the City?  I really don't know which is which, but I feel that I have to let it out as a pre-wedding jitter.  As I'm writing this, I'm feeding my mind with positive thoughts...though my 'single life' will soon be over, I shall look forward to wonderful travel photos that speak of love and togetherness.

For now, my contentment lies in posting my favorite photos of Paris - the City of Light from my Seine River night cruise.

April 2012, I was a dreamy lady gazing at the most romantic facade of the Eiffel Tower...Time flies really fast...Carpe diem.  


Spring 2012 - 11:45PM - Never mind the near zero temperature - appreciating the grandeur, that is the Eiffel Tower. 

Pont Neuf (English, New Bridge) - oldest standing bridge across the Seine River in Paris.  It is an stone arch bridge built from 1578 to 1607.



Notre Dame de Paris (English, Our Lady of Paris) - It showcases one of the finest examples of the French Gothic Architecture.  It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral, seat of the Archdiocese of Paris. 

Latin Quarter - Paris' University Belt, named with reference to the Latin language - it was once the language of learning in the Middle Ages.

A structural marvel, completed by contractor Sir Gustave Eiffel in 1889, in celebration of the French Revolution's centenary.  The 'Metal Lady' lights up at night until 1am (up to 2am during the 3 months of summer).  The splendid (bluish white in this photo) lights twinkle every 30 minutes. 



(Night stroll, back to Radisson Blu) Boulevard Haussmann - a wide tree-lined boulevard, host to (mostly) apartment buildings with regulated cornice height.  It's O.C...but it's grand! 



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Now, here's the music video that made both my eyes and mind opened until wee hours of the morning - the familiar route by the Seine River - Louvre - Opera Garnier - Galeries Lafayette - Eglise de la Sainte Trinite (my 'neighborhood' church for a few days) - Basilique du Sacre Coeur (serene, wonderful view of the Paris skyline minus the bustling city life)...the song that made me miss Paris and the sense of autonomy attributed to a collective state: single + traveling + learning + enjoying life.  It was a beautiful experience. 

Snow Patrol - Open Your Eyes (grabbed from SnowPatrolVEVO at YouTube)

My 2nd Anniversary in 'Blogging': Why I Write

I love to write.  This means tackling any topic which I feel strongly about, be it positive or negative.  I'm loving the sweet life, while accepting of the harsh realities which go with it.  I write. I rave. I rant. 

I write because I want to communicate.  It's like taking a screenshot of a section in my brain.  The ideas become words.  It translates abstract into something tangible.  I started writing since I was 11.  My long-time relationship with writing may be viewed as a paradox.  I didn't pursue a college degree in writing; instead, I went for engineering (numbers). 

Thanks to the Internet Age.  Blogging is a channel for writing that is now readily made available to me.  My blog doesn't focus on one or two topics alone, because it would mean restriction, an embarrassment of riches - the richness of thoughts, that is, shouldn't go to waste. I believe in influencing and educating people through writing. Writing can be entertaining, and powerful or influential to a certain extent.

When I started my blog at Wordpress two years ago, I knew writing found me again...in retrospect, it's with me all the time.  It stayed in the sideline for long, waiting for the day to re-emerge along with deep / mundane / entertaining thoughts earned from living and breathing under the sun. 

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My blog posts are hodgepodge of ideas. 

I'm currently maintaining two blogs - a two-year old blog at Wordpress and this one (Blogspot).  Though I stopped publishing fresh articles through Wordpress, I still revisit it once in a while, especially when there are new comments or questions posted by the readers. 

Since this is my 'anniversary article',  I'm making a list of the more frequently accessed articles in my blogs. 

Opinion

*  Is it impossible to fight graft and corruption?  -  my worst experience in an international airport - May 2012, Wordpress

*  'Positive Activism' - Trying to Keep It Really Positive - on death penalty and social obligations - November 2012, Wordpress

Lifestyle / Travel / Culture / Sports

*  Schengen Visa for  Application for Pinoy Tourists - Schengen Visa 101 for Pinoy tourists who are based in the Philippines - April 2012, Wordpress,  January 2013, Blogspot. 

*  Paris Museum Series:  Chateau de Versailles - a chronicle on my visit to a century-old royal estate, recognized for its grandeur and historical significance...think, Marie Antoinette.  -  July 2012, Wordpress

*  Shoe Review:  Saucony Type A5 - my take on a popular racing flats - March 2013, Blogspot

Single Blessedness / Family Life / Pinoy Wedding

*  Part I - Single, Happy, Sexy-and-I-Know-It - on being single and happy...years before The One.  =)  -  August 2012, Wordpress

*  Tatay Ko, Nanay Ko, Si BFD, at ang Pamamanhikan - a tribute to a time-honored Pinoy tradition - January 2013, Blogspot

In anticipation of some life-changing events,  I hope to grow my list of quality articles this year.  =)

Shoe Review: Saucony Type A5

I want to run, jog, or at least brisk walk until old age. I've always been keen about keeping injuries at bay. Experience taught me the importance of wearing a pair of shoes that is most suited for my feet. My happy feet are classified as neutral with a mild tendency to overpronate. 

I was skeptical about minimalist racing shoes since I started running.  I thought of it as that type which could injure my feet, and that it was designed for elite athletes only.  I'm referring to those (mostly) bright-colored, thin-soled shoes donned by elite runners in last year's London Olympics. Impression. 

Oh, but I drooled over those shoes....they are so cool!  I couldn't help but think about buying a pair every time I pass by any specialty shops. Tempting.  I wonder what 'magic' they bring.  Until the thought became frequent...I finally gave in and bought my first pair.  It was love at first sight.

Amazing beauty! Performance doesn't mean boring.  =)

I got tired of reading so many shoe articles - theory overdose, but no action.   Armed with basic knowledge of minimalist shoes, I let my senses guide me in the selection process.  After two trips to the shoes section, my feet found its solemate - Saucony Type A5. It's super light weight, thin-soled.  Surprisingly, it provides the right amount of cushioning to protect my feet from harsh elements.  After 40KM of running in A5, I can now share without apprehension, that I finally found the perfect pair of racing flats to go with my restless but happy feet. =)



Saucony's FlexiFilm overlays, which effectively reduced weight in the upper portion (based on manufacturer's specifications).

The soles allow my feet to breathe.  The design is also suited for running in the rain; it offers good traction for wet roads - whether cement or asphalt.  The soles act as drainage, my feet don't get soaked. 
I can run...rain or shine! =)

Shoe width is neither wide nor narrow.  I don't have to worry about discomfort attributed to a wide or narrow toe box.  (I go for width 'B' - American shoe size chart).  

Manufacturer's Specifications

Weight: 5.2oz / 148grams; Color: White / Purple / Black / Blue

Description: Saucony's lightest racing flats; designed for running and triathlon.  FlexiFilm overlays help reduce weight in the upper portion.

Other color options for women:

How would I rate this pair of shoes?

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5

Performance: 5.0 - I've been trying to re-introduce speed to my maintenance runs.  A5 seems to help in a way that my feet don't need to deal with excess weight (other than my body weight, of course).  A5 doesn't hurt my feet.  It acts like a guide for my feet to achieve (almost, almost!) consistent landing - mid foot strike.  

Style: 4.5 - It's the coolest pair in my shoe cabinet. 

Durability: 4.0 - Right now, it's a 4.0 - still has some things to prove in terms of durability.  The pair has to measure up with those shoes that I used in my first three full marathons. 

Why I run

Running is an effective stress-buster. It's fun, healthy, and it feels even better when I'm able to stretch the time to cover a longer distance.  I have a colorful history of competing in badminton, but not in running where I only have one competitor - myself.  =)

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Disclaimer:  I do not work for Saucony, or any of its PR outfit or subcontractors.  The article presented here is a personal write up.  This is not a paid advertisement. 

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You might also be interested in these articles:

Running for Keeps -- 101% sugar & spice, a case of running for love and in-love while running :)

My Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Anniversary  -- from my old blog

Minsan lamang ako mag-full marathon -- from my old blog

Island SPA @ Island Cove's 10th Anniversary Blowout

A trip to the SPA is always a welcome treat.  You do not have to break the bank, stop eating, or pray that your next vacation leave gets approved.  No need to go through such drastic measures for you to experience a refreshing mini-vacation in one of Cavite's premier SPA - Island SPA @ Island Cove.  Tucked in a private cove cum urban haven, about 15 minute-drive from Manila via CaviteX, you are never too far from experiencing the best services this Mediterranean-inspired SPA has to offer. 

Great news!  This merry month of March, Island SPA celebrates its 10th anniversary with a fabulous blowout.  

A truly SPAholic way of saying 'thank you' to its dear clients, Island SPA invites you to take part in the celebration and enjoy these fantastic treats.  Oh, and please don't forget to extend this invite to family and friends! =)

Note from Island SPA:  Have your spa treatment scheduled before and after pica pica so you can join us in celebrating a decade of giving you a true spa experience.

 

 

 

       Mechanics:

·        Pay only 10 pesos for the lowest priced spa treatment that you avail from the 3 treatments that you purchase.

·        Every set of 3 availed will entitle you to a raffle envelope for your 10 peso payment.

·        Fill up the details completely and drop this to our fish bowl.

·        We will pick one winner every Sunday at  9:00 p.m. at Island Spa lobby.

·        Winner will get the same set availed for FREE.

Book an appointment today and enjoy a well-deserved pampering only at Island SPA! 

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Getting there - easy!

From Manila (private vehicle) : Take Manila - Cavite Expressway (CaviteX).  After Kawit Toll Plaza, drive 300 meters towards Centennial Road (going to General Trias), take the u-turn slot going to Covelandia Road. About 10min- drive from Mall of Asia, light traffic.

From Manila (public transport) : From Baclaran, board a bus going to Cavite City or Naic/Maragondon taking the Island Cove route.

From Alabang (public transport) : From Zapote, board a mini-bus or jeepney going to Cavite City or Tanza/Naic/Salinas taking the Island Cove route.

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My other posts about Island SPA (from my old blog - http://meowthmoments.wordpress.com):

Mini-vacation by Island SPA @ Island Cove  - June 2012

Island SPA @ Island Cove:  A Take on Wellness - June 2012

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Disclaimer:  I do not work for Island Cove, Island Spa, or any of its trade or non-trade partners.  I'm posting this article as a satisfied and loyal client of Island SPA.

Running for Keeps

Recently, I've been receiving advice from family and friends in the medical profession.  They're trying to talk me out of an impending full marathon (FM) training.  

Training for an FM could be more challenging now, as I've been wanting to see some significant improvement with the way I run - and how far and fast I could run.  I was logging longer mileage and faster pace in 2011 - something which I wasn't able to do in 2012.  Should I pursue an FM training plan today, the gamble is in its unpredictable impact to my endocrine system (that system responsible for hormones).  In the past, I didn't bother about delivering my first baby at mid-30s...Now, I need to slow down, get fresh perspective, and enjoy life all the more.  Science is convincing, and so are those people around me who are truly concerned.  I've made a deliberate decision to cut back on training as I open myself up to living a healthier lifestyle. 

Lower mileage and almost zero badminton in the last 7 months - a scenario that allowed for unwanted pounds to inch their way into my system.  I couldn't dwell on frustration. I keep telling myself that I have every reason to stay fit - one of which is to prepare my body and mind to juggle responsibilities of being a homemaker, career woman, and life partner to BFD. There's also this exciting possibility...hopefully, in God's perfect plan (ah, next year?) - I could be running for two.

BFD and I still manage to run together, about 2 - 3 times a week. Running is already a staple in our relationship. Thus, running for keeps. 

I couldn't help but reminisce how our friendship developed through blogging and running...



Runners/bloggers exchanging thoughts...nothing else =)

August 2012.  Our first road race as a couple - 32KM - The Afroman Distance.
It was raining all throughout the course.  We called it 'blessing'.

October 2012 - Our first full marathon as a couple. Lack of training and injury did not stop me from reaching the finish line. Bothered by sprain in my left ankle, BFD wanted me to stop at KM34.  I told him that I could tolerate the pain, and we should enjoy the rest of the course as if it was a Sunday morning date - a walk in the park, literally.

November 2012 - BFD said it would be like this soon. I might need to take a break from running, in order to train for a very special finish line known as, delivery date.

January 2013 - Friends expected a prenuptial photo shoot at MOA or BGC - running gear, running shoes, lotsa' running...but we tried to depict a turn-of-the-century (circa 1900) tableu of a free-spirited couple, running in spring time bliss (though we don't have 'spring season' in 'Pinas). 

2013 BDO Race for Life

Run for a cause!



http://www.bdo.com.ph

 

To register, please follow this link: https://www.bdo.com.ph/raceforlife

 

Info from BDO website

 

 

Race Map

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Making of TIMELESS: Our Prenuptial Pictorial

Like a period film, we wanted our pictures to depict the elements of love and heritage - things which transcend the boundaries of time.  Simply classic. 



Timeless. In love and walking the high road together.

Candidly, BFD and Kuting. 
At first, it was difficult for us to get a real serious shot.  The photo shoot itself was fun, especially the people around us. 



Break time!!!

Fishball, anyone?

CAVITEX Billboard?  =)
Wedding: more romantic in the Philippines

With Garla and Aijhay of Makeup by Garla

Love and romance never go out of style.
Just like this mansion, first built in the 1800s and still stands in its entire grandeur to date.

BFD playing some funny antics...again.  =)

"Hanggang sa maabot ng iyong paningin..."





Photoshoot cum playtime



i-Dawn Zulueta daw ba ako???
Kung alam ko lang ikakasal ako this year, sana noon 2011 pa ako hindi kumain...

KUTING / UFC Warrior / BRIDEZILLA!!!  =)





Eloped???







Ano ang title ng movie? =)



Our signature shot =)

Another candid shot. =)



Jump! - with our hair and makeup artists: Garla and Aijhay

HMU artists at work  

Ernie and Teng of Close Up Photography




Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite, Philippines



Acknowledgment

Location:  Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite
Contact:  Mr. Angelo Aguinaldo and Team, and the Cavite Historical Society
Photography:  Mr. Lito Perez, Ernie, and Teng of Close Up Photography
Hair Stylist:  Aijhay Enriquez of Makeup by Garla
Makeup Artist:  Ms. Garla Cabuco of Makeup by Garla
Creative input:  Ms. Maricar Aman, Ms. Carmen Reyes of '8 and a half', Ms. Geri Bregonia
SPA services (post-pictorial):  Island SPA at Island Cove, Kawit, Cavite