Always in pursuit of something, that’s my state of mind.

Due to Althea "Thea" "Tetet’s" Request…

1. It can be (damn) too much of a routine.

2. I’m becoming too vain. (That sometimes I only eat when I remember I have to.)

3. Since people know everybody else, gossip goes around fast.

4. I won’t get to watch Spiderman 3 when they release it. And Harry Potter… and the last book… and Civilization period.

5. There’s a constant struggle to be too nice, lest people think I’m one of those biyatch Manilenas who they only appreciate for the tourism during the high season.

6. People speak another dialect. (which can be good bec. I can try and learn it, but it’s irritating sometimes: not knowing if they are already talking about you.)

7. It can be hella boring sometimes.

8. I miss the many conveniences of Manila and Cavite. That when I’m tired of the city, I can always go home to Cavite. And when my relationship with my Mom starts to be a bit too intense, I can always run to friends in Manila.

9. I miss ALL OF YOU my dear dear dear dear FRIENDS.

10. I miss my family, especially my nephews.

Actually, I think I can take all the negative things. I just need a boyfriend here. Someone to take care of and someone to look after me as well. I know that I should complete on my own, but you have to admit it can be lonely sometimes.

1) I can actually go to work in slippers. The dress code is dress down.

2) Work and Home is just meters away. Traffic is of no issue.

3) You can go home wasted without spending a single peso.

4) People are generally nicer. (pero baka kasi tourist season pa)

5) I have a good view of the sunset at the salon.

6) People know everyone who lives in the area.

7) Jasper’s (the place where they serve the cheapest and yummiest burger in town) is just a stone’s throw away.

An unspoilt beach is just in my backyard.

9) Everywhere there’s yummy men.

10) I GET to actually CUT hair.

All these are good… but somehow, I feel like it ain’t complete. I need something that will hold me down here. Everyone says that during the low season (that starts by end of June and lasts till October) business can be as bad as the weather.

I think. Problem is there ain’t no weighing scale around. My clothes as gauge says I am losing weight, but I need the scale for a second opinion.

Last Sunday, I finally saw the famous Boracay sunset. I was awed… floored is more like it. Enjoying it in the solace of my own thoughts. Paraw boats passing by, the clouds turning crimson-ish, and everyone blurring into mere silhouttes.

This is the only time of day when everyone are just human beings - no Filipino, no American, no Korean, no European - just people and children. All happy and at peace.

Hope you guys all pause and see the sunset wherever you are. Let the lines blur. Life is good.

Today is Friday the 13th. We all think it’s a bad day or it’s a day without luck. But for me, it’s my luckiest day yet.

Just as I was about to pack my bags and with my little money left (less than a thousand), head to Kalibo and book my earned miles via PAL to go home were my security blanket is waiting for me… The angels spread their wings and lead me to this job in a high end salon here in Boracay.

It’s not all luck. Of course, I’m qualified. I was just hoping to get a stylist’s position to probably cut hair for the entire summer and leave just when the peak season dies. Here comes luck and God’s blessings rolled into one: I am offered the Salon Manager position, with more than minimum wage this time, get a cut from the net profit (the more clients I get, the more I earn) plus they gave me cash advance so that I could pay my first month’s rent.

With this job, I can imagine a long term commitment. I think I was cutout for this. Like God has molded me for this: all the knowledge I’ve gained; the skillsets which I’ve earned from college; my little managerial skills (the ones I learned from Wanda); my passion to make everybody pretty; and my goal to be the best at what I do… It’s all falling into place.

Thank you God, for being good to me.

Now, I can erase my previous thoughts of Boracay and proudly say that "I’m living THE LIFE in Boracay."

Friday the 13th must be a myth.

I didn’t think I’d cry about sending someone off to a ferry ride.

The morning I was leaving for Boracay, I already now that it was gonna be my ultimate independence test. Fortunately or unfortunately, (I still wasn’t sure at that time) Raz’s trip to Bohol got cancelled and he decided to join me on my Bora trip via Negros Navigation. At first, I thought, it would be easier without him cause I’d only have myself to take care of. For my first 4 days in Bora I stayed with him in his hotel room. This is the first lucky thing, I guess, cause I had free breakfasts… The days went well, however, I’d still worry about him having an okay time alone around the island, while I already started work. The nights were much more like having a vacation. I was able to meet up with Mica and Ramil. I even went to an Embassy event (when I haven’t even been inside Embassy at the Fort) The following night I had dinner and coffee with Raz, Mica and Ramil (and Ramil’s High School friends (na they look so much younger)).

Mica and Ramil left Sunday morning but it wasn’t such a big deal saying goodbye to them. I didn’t have them as roommates and Mica will be back on the 28th.

This morning was different. I was really really sad. Thinking about it even makes me well up. My only friend here in Bora has left and I have no one else. I will have no one to have a conversation with. No one to go around with. No one to take care of. No one to have lunch with.   

Raz, thank you again for the 5 days, you were with me. Now, I have to say FORTUNATELY your Bohol trip was cancelled. It was really a good thing that you were here my first few days. I miss you already.

I miss all my friends in Manila already. The only way I could get in touch with friends is if I go online. And that is asking too much from my meek salary (if you can call it that).

Friends, text me please. And I hope it wouldn’t be asking too much if you’d send me load to be able to reply to you guys. That is if you want and expect replies. If you just want to make your presence felt (which I’ll appreciate so much) you can just text.

I guess it’s time to make new ones.

To most people I guess living in Boracay seems like heaven. And the key term here is the word "seems". It is a misconception.

First, having a job here doesn’t really amount to what you have to spend. The prices here are almost Makati level, however, the salary and work conditions are very provincial.

Here’s the deal: I’m earning 3,000.00 pesos for an 8hour no day-off salon job. I am the secretary, receptionist, booking agent, sometimes stylist. The only way to survive is if I get to cut hair, I have my 10% commission and a possible tip. (P75 ang haircut dito!)

I thought, living far away was gonna be easy for me, since I’m used to moving around. But that, I think is going to be my main problem: I’m so used to moving around! that I may get too bored too soon. (Well, 3 months lang naman)

I actually didn’t expect the best of life here. I just thought I might as well spend my summer somewhere nice. But I didn’t think somewhere nice was gonna be the test of how thrifty I can be. (Mel Laurel-Guba, this is the best time to give me Savings advice)