A Round Trip on the Last Day

On the last day of year 2010, my hubby decided to bring me to “Circle” – a round-shaped (thus its name) park which always been a landmark of Quezon City because of its MLQ (Manuel L. Quezon) mausoleum tower. We used to visit this park often when we were just friends, but lately, or I guess it’s better to say since we got married, we hardly come around because of busy work schedules, lack of interest, and also we preferred to do our bonding moments at home (*wink* lolz!). Okay, so we went there - to our old dating venue. Returning to this place after quite a long time makes me reminisce that it’s a haven for us when we were just starting to build our own dreams together. (Uh-huh.)

Relatively, a lot of changes happen to this place. Using the underpass which built, I guess 2 years ago – a project of the former mayor of QC, Sonny Belmonte; we cross from Philcoa to the park’s premise. Walking to the dimly, golden litted underpass which apparently gives the impression of classiness, we saw the halogen-illuminated posters which summarize the history of QC from the Spanish era to the present times. The well-designed streamers also showed the struggles of the “Quezonian” for its freedom. The queue of picture-decors hanging on the wall also exhibits the past and the present Governors and Mayors of the city, as well as the park’s highlights. It’s so nice to stroll and take pictures, as we did while learning the city’s history!

Going upstairs, you’ll see the wonderful fountain! Although we didn’t see the drama of its multi-colored lights since it is a daytime, I already saw it multiple times as I'm going home from work.  It is such an attraction!

Walking our way to the center of the park which is the tower itself, we saw some bazaars selling shirts, Christmas presents, accessories, etc. which costs cheaper than those merchandise sold in “We’ve-Got-It-All” big air-conditioned stores. Other stalls were offering the comfort of their chairs while selling foodstuff for those who are tired and want to have some break from their stroll and needed some energy-boost for their walking exercise. I remember some scenes on those Korean dramas where the heartbroken lead drowning their sorrows in soju on those streetside food tents (pojangmacha). You could picture the same blanketed-roof as it is, tables and chairs, except that they’re not offering “soju” or beer to their patrons. Lol.

Together with me and my hubby is my youngest brother, B. I told them that we can take a tour inside the mausoleum for free. I was thinking of that because we (referring to my classmates) did it during our high school days. Passing through the soaring tower, we did our “thing”. Selfie, posing, selfie, posing, and all that, forgetting my first plan to make a tour inside the mausoleum.

Momentarily, we saw the “Circle of Fun.” It is a theme park inside a park actually, which offers different rides, arcade fun, games and amusement. We wanted to wander inside but the park’s schedule didn’t allow us. They are closed on December 31, so we just satisfied ourselves with a bunch of photoshoots. Many people were also just taking pictures of the rides outside since they can’t go in like us. Maybe they were thinking of enjoying the last day of the year on an amusement park, but unfortunately they can’t. I feel sorry for them, too.

Then, here comes the playground. This is way better than before. More swings, see-saws, and slides for the kids and for the kids-at-heart to enjoy. More tables and chairs for the picnickers and passers-by - a whole lot more perks to enjoy bonding with our family! For those who are jaded of walking around, they offered a wide selection of bicycle, from young ones to “young-once” type, single and pedicab-sort of bikes. And for those who are too languid to prepare and bring provisions, you can try the restaurants within. You might want to choose from Max’s, Mang Inasal, or a Tropical Hamburger to name some, depending on your taste and your budget.

Our trip is really great! I enjoyed it! And I wish we could go back there more often. The place is also perfect for those who wants nature-tripping for the place has a lot of trees. Or maybe you’re looking for a serene place for your yoga practice. You just have to find an ideal spot, maybe a less population, for you.

2010 Review

A day from now and the year 2010 is waving goodbye. This year’s a good one for me. Good? Well, actually, good is a flimsy word to use, so I’ll use the words “enjoyable, fruitful, and a truly memorable year.” And why is that? Here are the reasons why.

Lately, I’ve been acquainted again to my long lost relatives and friends. I met and had some chat with my Aunt B (my “neighbor” in my “own city,” lolz!) whom introduced me to his son, MK, which eventually added to my friends in FB. Last night, I also got to yak with my cousin, JC on which I never had been any talk for years,  I guess more than a decade ago. I also got some bonding moments with my cousin, Ate C when she visit me here in my house before she flew back to Japan. I also met and added some new friends in FB. Some were from my kpop communities, minoz and hyunnies too! Some were old friends, like FO and SB (my HS classmates & also FASJAM too). How I wish our high school group had a reunion next year.

On this year, one of my dreams came true. My angel visited me. Kim Hyun Joong came here to visit me. Nah, all his fans including me (Lol!). I know someday he’ll be back to be with me again! (adik talaga, ‘no!). On this year also happened the confirmation that his brothers, Sweet Kyu and Cutie Saengie, will be holding their first fanmeeting with their Triple S fans here in the Philippines next year. Whoa! Only two weeks ago there’s a rumor, well, it’s not rumor anymore ‘coz of a photo, a proof that they really visited Cebu and they actually tweeted it too. These two came here for some photoshoots. Their solo activities - I preferred to use that term instead of “disbandment” ‘coz I believe the latter doesn’t exist for SS501- is I guess, some kind of a blessing in disguise. Because of that, they made it possible to come, perform, and mingle with fans here although not as a group. I remember Leader KHJ promised that he will come back here again, together with his other brothers, the whole SS501. He’ll include the Philippines in their next Asian Tour. Hope it will happen soon!

I also expanded my k-pop interest this year. I met my 2^nd and 3^rd angels, i.e. Jang Geun Suk and Lee Min Ho, respectively. I watch quite a lot of k-dramas this year, both through Viikii streaming and DVDs, not to mention the ones I watch on TV, a truly k-drama addict, huh! At present, I am watching the latest drama of Lee Seung Ki, a rom-com titled “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho”. This is also one of the cute and funny drama I’ve watch so far! My brother who’s not really a k-drama fan enjoyed watching it too.

I also learned how to read Hangul characters, understand some Korean phrases, and of course, singing their songs, which I always do!

On this year, I learned many things, especially on myself. I get to know my own self more than ever. And it feels overwhelmingly good to know, that now I can say or write a simple definition of what kind of person I am. Sometimes, it takes a same person as you to understand and to know who you really are. And by carefully watching how she does a thing or how she react on something, you feel the connection, and then you would say, “Yes, I would do that too" or "That’s definitely me!” Now, I guess I was more matured, stronger, and I think I already learned from my past mistakes.

Now that’s it! Another year is passing again and 2011 is coming our way. I’m just hoping the following year may bring more happiness to me, to all my loved ones, and to all the people in the world. May Year 2011 be as fruitful, as prosperous, as enjoyable as 2010 or even more! Annyeong haseyo, 2011!