Pong Travels: Neenah, Wisconsin ✈

Hello everyone! 💋

Oh my goodness! It's been forever and I don't have much content anymore! It's been pretty busy since I came home (almost 4 months na!).

My US Trip was a blast and I (think) it helped me mature as an individual and as a professional. Well, I hope I really did. 👩 The trip was my first out of the country trip and my first one alone. It was scary and liberating at the same time. Taught me a lot of things. And this trip contributed a big chunk of what I have become. Naks.

So, this is my 5-week US Trip written in one blog post. Happy hanash reading! 😍


Dreams do come true. Who would have thought, right? That I will be in the land of the free and the home of the brave for 5 weeks. And there's snow! Am extremely happy to see and experience my very first snow fall! ❄ Actually, I am the only one excited to see the snow when I was there. They were like, tired of it. Haha. But I know that they are excited for me. Once the snow fell, everyone looked for me to make sure I won't miss it. 

Snowing - just outside my hotel

My very first snow fall ❆

Shattuck Park - just across my hotel

I've been to different places in Wisconsin - New London, Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay to name a few. Have experienced St. Patty's Day in New London. Gangsta feels. Had a great time with Nicole and Deana - thanks for taking me! Booze all over and cheese curds being thrown to people during the parade was just amazing. lol. 

Limited Edition Bud Light for St. Paddy's Day - took the bottle home

Gangsta Mood slash Jeje feels - you can wear anything in the US 💃

The Gang!

Miss you, Deana!

Drinking alone was very liberating, got to talk to strangers and yeah that really felt good. Sooo good! 

Old Fashioned became my instant favorite. Cheers, self! 🍷 (taken at the LevelOne Restaurant and Lounge)

Ace of Spades (Annual awarding ceremony of Alta Resources) - I was supposed to attend my very first Ace of Spades Awards in Manila at The Shang but I was overseas. Thank God Adrienne let me attend the US Ceremony. We had it in EAA Aviation. It was the first time that I had a taste of Old Fashioned Cocktail - so good. The girls introduced it to me 'cause I always say I wanna try anything Wisconsin. We prepared at my Hotel Room before heading to the venue. It was truly an experience for me - I had the chance to meet and talk to a lot of people and the big bosses, too. Couldn't be more grateful. I have learned a lot! 

No edit. This is me with the ladies before heading to the EAA in my messy hotel room.
(Kathryn, Nicci, Lisa, Adrienne, Angie, Pong)

My dry lips dont care look

At the venue with my Old Fashioned Cocktail

with Kathryn

Wisconsin is also the home of Fava Tea! Since I am a certified tea-lover, Trish took me to this place. Heaven! I also tried my usual Starbucks fix at SB - Appleton - same taste. Good job, SB! Hehe. And since SB is far from where am staying, I tried Timshel Cafe and voila! Love their Earl Grey Tea! 

Fava Tea

Iced Earl Grey Tea from Timshel Cafe

Sabino's - I am missing Sabino's so bad. I have fell in love with this restaurant and I can eat all their food everyday. If only they are near, I would love to take family there. Check my post about them. ♥
http://www.joanepong.com/2018/04/pong-eats-sabinos-latin-and-asian-bistro.html

Stage Plays - Lucky to have watched 2 - Seussical The Musical and Les Miserables. Always love watching amazing talents on stage! Emily Bautista is a Pinay talent and played Eponine in Les Mis. Galing! 

w Nicholas George (Horton the Elephant of Seussical The Musical)

My buddy Brady and The Cat in the Hat

Adrienne and Me

Roller Skating - Oh my Goodness! It was the first time I did this. And I swear, I died. It was so hard! 

Poser shot

Louise making it look so easy

The good convo. He was a surprise to me. We hardly talk in Manila. But who would have thought, right? I guess, having no choice makes a good conversation. Haha. Definitely one of my favorite convos in my existence - lupet o! Kinailangan pa natin pumunta ng Amerika para mag-usap. Haha. More than the food and all the panlalait, thanks for spoiling me kahit hindi naman talaga. Totally appreciate it! Salamat, Amerika! lol. 

ang pinakakuripot in the entire universe, John Albert Clave

I will prolly post all the pictures in my Facebook account. Just have a few take aways from this trip: 

• Japan - I fell in love with your heated toilet seats. I had to take a picture inside. Hehe. 
• Talking to strangers is not bad at all. I have met several folks - Donna (Atlanta), she reminded me of Mama, I felt at home taking to her. Given the chance, I will definitely look for her to say hi; a guy, also in Atlanta, he's bound to Appleton, too. Too bad, I did not get his name but it was a short but sweet convo. Thanks for saying hello!
• Atlanta and Chicago Airport - you both amazed me. 
• Being independent is a good thing. You get to learn a lot of things.  
• Being alone in a foreign country for 5 weeks is definitely a life changing phase. 
• My parents missed me so bad. Especially my mom. Haha. Tibzi is as always, supportive. Gotta love the #fabfour. 
• Korea - I love that bear in Incheon Airport. I met a fellow Pinay in Korea. Very inspiring. And SB - Korea has Earl Grey Jelly!!!! 
• Work Ethics - it's always a good feeling to have an amazing support group while you learn new things everyday.
• Life is simple, let's not complicate things. If you want it, you want it. If you don't, you don't. 
• Learn to negotiate. Saying no is okay.
• Subjective vs Objective - google it. LOL
• Letting go is not a bad thing at all. It can result to greater things, more amazing people, etc.
• US - your food servings are so huge. I can eat each serving for 2 days. lol
• Red Door Mercantile, TJ Maxx and The World Market are my favorite shops. 
• Opportunities can happen anytime - thanks, Alta!
• Time - so precious. Adrienne, Kathryn, Nicci, Lisa, Angie, Louise, Kris, Nicole, Trish, Tracy and Juli  - appreciate the time taking me places. 
• Smiling faces and the warmth - couldn't thank everyone enough for being so welcoming. The food, all the offer to take me places, for entertaining all my questions, etc. 
• Liz - if you happen to read this, we don't have pictures? Really? At all? Thanks for taking me to Mass with your fam! Miss you guys! 
• Hockey - sooo physical!! Wrestling on ice!
• Popeye's - I miss you! And Qdoba, too!
• I have yet to try that Guacamole recipe from Tina! That Venison sausage is delish!
• Laundry - yeah, I learned.
• Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays!
• Sausages from the street are the yummiest! Haha!
• Spotted Cow - WI beer
• Potato Chips Day - this exists! 
• DoubleTree Cookies - my favorite cookie in the universe!
• DT experience - fire alarm alarmed falsely, shower floor flooded, no hot water during winter.  Amber - she's the best manager!
• Black Panther - I saw this film in WI. Good experience.
• Ate Leonie and Ate Minnie - thanks for checking on me and Ate Minnie - love the TP jersey!
• Walking and jogging around the snow and braving the Snow Storm just to document my stay is something that I will forever cherish.
• Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to say hello. Toinks! 
• Discipline, change and happiness starts from within. 
• And yeah, it is unlonely being alone. Sarap din!

Now, where to next? Melaka? Hmmm.


speak from the heart, 
pong 🐢💙

Defining Moment | Depression | Handling Compliments 🙌

Hey hey hey! ☺


So, this is yet another "insertion" post on top of my pending drafts. This is just a quick one.
Last June 2, Saturday, was considered a defining moment day for me.


So what is a defining moment exactly?


According to Forbes.com:


"A defining moment is a point in your life when you're urged to make a pivotal decision, or when you experience something that fundamentally changes you. Not only do these moments define us, but they have a transformative effect on our perceptions and behaviors."

Why did I say that June 2 was one? Because June 2 was a super filled day for me. It was a realization day that no matter how kind, how sweet and how generous you are towards a person, they will never reciprocate the gesture simply because they can't. Sad reality, right? So never expect as expectations will always lead to disappointments. Kudos to me (I had to, sorry lol) as I was able to handle it with grace. I've been so down and low for the past month. May has been truly a pain and a struggle. Depression hit me, I can say. This, by far, is the lowest point in my life. Found myself just in our room, so lazy and doing nothing. I do not want to speak with anybody because I do not see the point. I think I do not have friends anymore. Nobody will understand. I want to be productive, but I just can't. Now, I understand why suicide happens. But do not worry, suicide will never be an option for me. I love life. It's just that, this phase has to happen. This, will definitely help me shape my personality. Depression is real, guys. It's serious.


Compliment - this is included here as I need to learn how to appreciate compliments and things given to me by other people. When people give me compliments, I always think otherwise, instead of just saying thank you. If somebody gives me something, I always think na bayaran ko na lang. You do not need to do that for me, ganon. Maybe I am used to not asking people for anything, pa-strong nga kasi. I was raised this way, not to ask people's help hangga't kaya, kaya feeling ko minsan ung iba walang pake kasi people always think that I can. Kahit ano pa 'yan.  I am a work in progress. Please bear with me. Na-appreciate ko lahat, totoo yan. And am thankful to each one of you. The warrior is a child, guys. Always and forever will be grateful to those people who always check on me.






You know who you are.♥







speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Re-evaluating Goals 🏆

Hello! ❤

Mt. Maculot, December 2007 - just me and my RH sa Summit. Hehe. 

So, what's up mga pipol? Finally, I have found the time to write again. I have 7 drafts waiting to be published and this is one of them. This is going to be in Taglish (Tagalog-English). 😀

Re-evaluating goals. 2018, so far, has been a very much filled year for me - both personally and professionally. I am truly grateful. Parang I couldn't ask for more feels, ganon. January pa lang, I know 2018 is going to be different. Mindset lang talaga and change has to come from within. I can say that somehow, I've grown (dapat lang di ba? ang tanda ko na! Haha), I've matured (konti lang naman, hehe). But what prompted me to start re-evaluating my goals? Ano nga ba? 

Since I came back from the US, and from all the stuff that I learned from being by myself for 5 weeks, things have changed. For the better naman, I guess. Natuto ko how to be thrifty, eat leftovers, maglaba, to let go, to be more adventurous and to love myself more. Cheret! Alam mo un, I moisturize, drink Vitamins, drink Lemon Water, use lemon and baking soda for beauty regimen. Simple things.      

I also knew what my goal is - to finish my Green Belt Training, pass the examination and finish my project by December - two down, one more to go. Sana matapos ko, on time. Or namin, should I say. I have core team members. 😂 

But it was a different situation (+ a different me) when I came back. Work is still the same (not so, actually), may dagdag lang because of the project which I am totally fine with. There was a change that let me realize things. Things that I was reminded beforehand. Totoo pala. I really need to experience it myself para ma-gets ko. Just lost perspective in the sense that First Quarter of 2016 came back. Walang wala ako ngayong May. As in. This is very unusual na saken, maybe because back then I have a friend (hi, Jorgeena Dude) to vent out with. And he knows the real situation.  

Now, am asking myself, is the stress worth it, kasi sayang e. And since this is public, my friends would prolly know what am talking about, ung iba, they will just jump into conclusions w their not so smart assumptions. So enjoy! Haha. 

Siguro to answer my question, I know that, what I really need and want is learning. Ang sarap kaya matuto everyday. And a good stress. 😉    

We always have a choice, you know! 
          

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Changing Partners Movie Review 👫

Hello! First blog for February! 💕

The first time I saw the trailer of this movie, I knew I had to watch it. And it didn't disappoint. Apparently, it was originally a stage play/musical then the people behind it decided to have the movie version of it. 

Will make this review short and sweet. The actors were amazing. They gave justice to their roles. Hands up! 👐

photo from SineHub's Facebook Page

At first, I thought the movie is all about changing partners, literally. Same sex relationship then to the usual boy-girl relationship and vice versa. No, it was not. I was a bit frustrated in the middle of watching and I badly wanted to find out what's the ending of the movie for me to understand who were the real partners.

Well, then, I realized that the movie is a simple representation of the relationship types that our society has. It also tells us that in love, all is fair. That in love, age is just a number, and falling in love with the same sex happens and that there is really love there. However, in all relationships, problems occur. Why? One, it's not all about having a good time, having someone to cook for you, to buy you the good stuff and have sex. It's also understanding each other, constant communication, same wavelength would help, compromise, maybe. Relationship is like a plant, both parties need to water it, nurture it and the couple involved needs to work hard for the relationship to work. Now, if the relationship is just one way street, or one party feels like it, then that's where the trouble begins. No matter how long you guys have been together, in just a snap, a relationship can end. And in any ending, there will always be the bitter one. 😂 Nah, nagmahal lang. 😊

Choosing a partner (when I say partner, I really meant the meaning of the word) is never easy. It takes guts, will power and a lot of adjustment. And it requires two brave souls willing to work hard for the relationship to last. Have you found yours?

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: The Sunshine Blogger Award 🌞

Hello everyone! 😚

It's been a while and it has been so busy; finding all the time I need to squeeze in everything has been a challenge. The last couple of weeks or say January has been a roller coaster ride. But all is well. So far, 2018 has been so so great!

So what is this post all about? I have been nominated by the multi-talented, chill and by the person I really have not met yet but it's as if I know her from my past life, haha - Erika Ramona. Go check her beautiful online journal here - http://www.ekachamporadodiaries.com/. There, you'll see how this lady loves life so much, makes you want to grab your bags and go! ✈

As a nominee, I will be answering some questions from Erika. Here we go:

1. When and why did you start blogging?
[pong] I started writing when I was in 4th grade. Blogging - Multiply Days, maybe 2008? Really can't recall but I decided to publish blogs again last December, 2016. Writing has always been my outlet. Once my "writing soul" arrives, I just had to.

2. Which movie or book do you think is ridiculously overrated?
[pong] Uhm, maybe Fifty Shades of Grey? This is the first thing that I thought of.

3.You have $100 to burn, all your friends are busy and you have the whole day to yourself, what do you do?
[pong] Pack my bag and go to the nearest beach.

4. Food for soul or music for soul? 
[pong] Music for the soul.

5. What is your favorite hobby?
[pong] Right now, am into badminton, traveling and blogging. Taking pictures and stuff.

6. What is your idea of fun?
[pong] Beach/mountains + music + beer.

7. What makes you say “What was I thinking?” when you look back on your life?
[pong] Well, I was about to be promoted when I was caught drinking Tanduay Ice with some of my office mates while on shift. Fun times! Haha!

8. What is the best meal you have ever had on vacation?
[pong] The grilled fish I had in El Nido. Super fresh from the sea!

9. Are you a morning person or a night person? Why?
[pong] I guess I am a morning person. I function well and am just asleep at night, so there. Haha!

10. Who was your childhood hero?
[pong] Can't think of any but NikNok and Kombatron from Funny Komiks were the first ones I thought of! Haha.  Maybe, Captain Planet.

11. Can you share one quote or saying you love, that keeps you going in life?

[pong]  Life is the best gift ever, might as well live it to the fullest and happiness is a choice. 😉

Now, it's time to nominate some thrill seekers and individual explorers I know:

Marie Patinio - http://www.marieblog.com/
Claire Madarang - https://iamtravelinglight.com/
Milet Miranda - http://www.projectgora.com/
Allandale Antenero - http://www.utopianwanderer.net/
Celine Reyes-Murillo - http://www.celineism.com/
Dennis Murillo - https://www.facebook.com/thedennismurillo/
Mujee Gonzales - https://eatsinthephilippines.wordpress.com/
Jinkee Umali - http://livelifefullest.com/
Ruel Umali - http://ruelumali.com/
Gina Alward - http://thehereandwow.com/
Kayla Burk - http://buytheplaneticket.com/


Rules:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you for your blog post and links back to her blog.
2. Answer 11 questions that the Blogger asked you.
3. Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the awards and write them 11 questions.
4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post on your blog.

Questions for my nominees:
1.Where is your dream vacay destination?
2. If you can change one thing in this world, what is it going to be?
3. You are to write an article for someone, who is it going to be for and what will the article be about?
4. Describe yourself in three words.
5. What are the things you can't live without when traveling?
6. The beach or the mountains?
7. What makes the sunset beautiful?
8. What is that one thing you learned from traveling?
9. If you are to take a picture of your life, what is it going to look like?
10. It's the end of the world tomorrow, what will you do?
11. Message to aspiring writers/photographers/bloggers. 


Thanks, guys! 💕

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Happy New Year! It's 2018! 🎉🎆

Hey hey hey! It's 2018! Happy New Year!! 🎉🎆

How did your Holiday season go? Well, me just had a couple of days off, still had to work and attend to some year-end office stuff, so it was a bit busy, but the year ended on a happy note! 😉

2017 was a good year, I must say. There were ups and downs but overall, it's still a great year. Am thankful to everyone who've been part of my 2017. ♥

Let's do a simple recap of my 2017. I hope I can do this right and I won't forget anything.

Well, I almost lost my iPhone. It almost gave up on me. I lost the photos, contacts and everything on it as I had it reformatted. I want to buy a new one but bloody Apple, it is so damn expensive.

Lobo, Batangas. Finally, another tick off my bucket list. Suprisingly, my blog about this trip is one of the popular posts on my site (check: Lobo, Batangas). Super budgeted. Sulit!

2017 - the year I decided to get fit and be active again. Joined the Smashville squad, trekked Mt. Batulao. Joined a Fun Run held in Cavite. Did some swimming - beach and pool.

Being active has a catch, was injured last June 17th. I was sidelined for 6 months. I guess, it's life's way of saying that I need to slow down. So I did. I learned a lot during this stint though. I get to spend time with people whom I seldom hang out with. And yes, how could I forget, am back to writing again. ❤

Went back to Puerto Galera. Another tick off my bucket list: was able to swim with the whalesharks in Oslob, Cebu. It was surreal. No canyoneering though as am still injured that time.

Have experienced blogging and pongtograpiya perks - Diving Specials recognized my whaleshark photo and sent me the buddy watcher. And being invited in a festival is just an unforgettable experience. Met Simon Enciso. The Moffatts. Lots of people who are yeah, part of who I have become. Lost a good brother from another mother, Ton. God, I miss you, Ton. I wish I could just hug you and tell you lots of stories. All the people who've been part of my blog are pretty special too. You know who you are. ❤

December is simply an amazing month - I get to play badminton again!!!! After 6 months,  I just missed the game and the people so much.

That's Andrew, right there

My team has been great too. We had challenges, but we're able to recover. We had our Team Pong shirt and I love it!

just some of my team

My highschool friends - last year, we're only 4, now we're 5. Thanks for just simply being there. Jason Landas is the man. Haha! Good times.

love these girls

But Andrew - I must give this month to you. I never thought we could get along very well. Am happy just by seeing you and just by talking to you. I guess, new folks always bring something fresh, yes? More than your endless hanash and your pretty face, thank you. 😍

candid

To more adventures and hanash this year! 🍻


speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

PS my writing soul is a bit off today. I did something that will fire back at me anytime soon, but I still opted to post this. This post should have been way better. Please forgive me. Good night.

Pong Thoughts: Finally Found (someone)?! 🎉

Hello! 👀

Finally found (someone, chos!) time to write before the year ends. 4 days to go and we are going to welcome a new year. How exciting, right? A new beginning is always something to look forward to. Am still yet to finish office stuff - not a lot now, but I still have a few. Should be done, hopefully, by tomorrow. 😊


Christmas has passed and I must say, am really getting a "Tita" now. Titas of Cavite, perhaps. I think of Christmas as a simple gathering of family members at least once a year and the kids mostly enjoy it - which is true. I think I enjoyed Christmas more when my Paternal Grandparents were still here, back when I was kid. Now, every time "ber" months come, and me hearing Christmas songs, it makes me somehow, sad. Maybe because Tatay (my Father's Dad), my walking buddy, passed away December 22, 1992. As a kid and until now, that memory is still fresh and I don't think I'd be able to get over it. Christmas Trees were set aside and we celebrated Christmas with our lifeless Tatay back then. Christmas is totally different now though, I now have my nieces and nephews and they make Christmas lighter and happier. Gotta love kids! ♥

Received lots of goodies from my team, my boss, my family and my friends. How sweet, yeah? Met some of my friends for some catching up which is always a good feeling. And I must say, we've matured. Haha. (Dapat lang, lol) ♥

this one's sweet. pen with my website engraved and Parker for Tony Parker, my ex-hubby. lol. Thanks, BP.  

these ain't all. these are just a few. ❤

This year has been tough - I was injured and was sidelined for 6 months. But the good thing about that - I was able to spend time at home and more time with some people. I missed my Saturday Badminton Session with my Barbies. Missed traveling. Kind of missed a lot, but gained a few too. It's all about perspective, right?

Was able to tick swimming with the whale sharks in Cebu back in September off my bucket list. Met a few bloggers in Bataan and witnessed The Pawikan Festival. And just last week, I was reunited with my Barbies to play Badminton - I was just so happy to be back.

look at these two - andrew and patty. 😍

By now, you realized that the title is just a click bait - lol. But seriously though, I want to think that I found someone, but just recently, I lost that someone just like that. Sad reality. My 2017 Spotify Playlist is almost all about him. Dafuq. Haha. All good now though. Am leaving 2017 behind in a few days.

As a blogger, worldwide, a single post can be read by anyone. I've received compliments, not so good comments, an indecent proposal, love messages and almost everything in between. The people who supported me from Day 1 - you guys are the best! It has been a crazy ride - all of these, I have learned and am grateful. 2018 - let's go!

THANK YOU, all! This is yet another hanash and more to come! ♥



speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Diving Specials - Whale Shark Encounter 🐳🐋🌊

👀 Hello!!!! 👀

Last October 10, Diving Specials chanced upon a photo I posted in my Instagram account. It was a photo of a baby whale shark that I had a chance to swim with last September 17 while am in Oslob, Cebu. It was indeed a surreal experience knowing that these fellas are so big - it's crazy to think that something can eat you whole but chooses not to. Makes me love the marine life more and more. 🐳🐋

Here's the photo that am talking about - used my GoPro Hero 5 Black and did some editing using Snapseed. 

baby whale shark

As requested, added the #whalesharkmoment in the caption and sent Diving Specials an email about doing so. Once chosen, you're entitled to have this super cute Scuba Tank keychain.  

how cute is this scuba tank keychain?

And your entry will then be qualified to join the #whalesharkmoment photo contest wherein the top 2 voted images will win. With the help of my family and super friends, the photo won (yay!!!!) and I got the Buddy Watcher! Buddy Watcher is a device used for communicating under water via vibrations, all you have to do is tap to signal your diving buddy. How sweet, yes? Thank you very much Diving Specials and to everyone who voted, I will forever be grateful. The voting process was not that easy, so I thank you for your time. I wish I had all the names, but I was not able to capture all. You know who you are! Much love from me! ♥♥♥

Thank you, everyone. This is not the complete list though! Much love!

Here's the contents of the Buddy Watcher Box from the mail: 

Buddy Watcher Set (Straps, Charging Clips, Charging Cable and 2 Buddy Watcher Devices.

If you want to avail of The Best Diving Deals, make sure to visit Diving Specials website. They definitely have a lot of good deals to offer and Sarah, CEO and Founder, is very hands-on, accommodating and she always makes sure to respond as necessary and as soon as possible. Danke, Sarah! 😍

Below are the some screen caps of their website. 

And this is me ready to communicate under water. Diving buddy, anyone? lol

let's go!!!!  (haven't remove the plastic protector, lol)

my gear: 

My action cam, GoPro Hero 5 Black: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTXP
My phone, iPhone 5: http://ho.lazada.com.ph/SHXTdi



speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Eiy

Helllerrr! ❤

Random thoughts: It's been quiet. I miss you, Eiy! 10 years. Love you! Please. 2017 is soon ending, please.

speak from the heart, 
xx Pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: Counting the Days! 🎄

Hello! 👩🏻

So, my writing soul visited me yesterday. I feel the need to publish something but was too sleepy to do so. I have been very busy lately with all the things that's been going on. But this busy is a "good busy", I must say.


Month-ends are always busy at work. Timesheets, coachings, etc. Not to mention the endless timesheet challenges and stuff. And me going on an unpaid leave while all these are happening is really a brave move. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

My blog site is also keeping me occupied. It's been overwhelming (but my layout still sucks! Haha). Anyone, sponsor? Help, pretty please? Haha! Maayos ko din yan. 😉 Some drafts are left unpublished. Hopefully, I can publish one on Monday.

I have an event to attend to this weekend - Pawikan Festival in Bataan. Am excited, nervous. Mixed emotions. I really don't what to expect pero kaya yan! Lavern!

I hope I can squeeze everything in a day. I mean all the things that I need and I want to do. Sana ako si Super Pong! Haha. Lahat nakaplot sa calendar e. But am not complaining. Forever grateful.

But sometimes, there are things and people that we, unconsciously, due to the demands of our everyday lives, we almost forget that they exist and they are once part of our daily routine. Sad reality. 😞 But then again, it takes two brave souls for a relationship to work. Even friendship is a relationship too. Siguro it's true that no one is really that busy, we can always make time if we want to. Always make time for folks who matters the most! Love lang, bawal hate.

How Pretty, right? Taken at The Posh Podium

Merry Christmas, guys! Thanks for reading my hanash for today! Happy Thanksgiving to my friends from the US of A!



Lazada Crazy Cyber Pinoy Sale Happening tomorrow until the 27th! Click LAZADA CRAZY SALE


speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Soundtrip: Can I Kill it with You? (I like you) ⏰

Good morning from rainy Manila! ☔



let me kill it with you ♥
photo credits: Google

I have been listening to this song, 400 Lux (by Lorde), since forever. Haha. Nakaka-adik. Yung feeling na para kang sinasapian or high ka pag naririnig mo sya. Lalo na yung intro. Hehe. Sabi nga ni Ken, "basura, labas nyo na, andyan na yung truck". Haha!

Well, anyway, this song, tingin ko, pwedeng pang roadtrip. Yung tipong pang malayuang byahe with your travel buddies, friends or your special someone. Mas maganda. Hehe.

I used to have a partner in crime, kasama ko sa lahat. E now, maybe we grew apart or what not. Not sure. Kaya, am looking for a travel buddy. Pakisend your resume saken. Hehe.

I actually thought of one person with this song, kaya lang ang dami na kasi naming napuntahan sa panaginip. Dun na nga lang din kami nagkikita. Haha. Dun tayo sa realistic, ayt? Haha!


♫🎶♪ We're never done with killing time
Can I kill it with you?
'Til the veins run red and blue
We come around here all the time
Got a lot to not do, let me kill it with you ♫🎶♪

♫🎶♪ I love these roads where the houses don't change (and I like you)
Where we can talk like there's something to say (and I like you)
I'm glad that we stopped kissing the tar on the highway (and I like you)
We move in the tree streets
I'd like it if you stayed ♫🎶♪

Yun lang, just random thoughts. ☺


speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙

Pong Thoughts: The October that Was! 🐢👩🎉

Hooray! It's October! Month #10! 😘

It's my birth month once again and each day, I would like to share what happened, the things that made my day, who made my day, who ruined my day or if it's just a sapat day for me. By this time, it's October 31st. This post has been sitting in my drafts and now it's November 2. Hehe.

October 1 - super busog day.
💦 Spent this day with my PD (pissdrunx) brothers and sisters. We've known each other since 2002, College Days. Now, we're all grown up and most of us have families and kids of their own. Just happy to see them - just like the old days. It's Doxseey's daughter, Sab's Christening.
💦 Attended the 1st birthday of my godson, Arsen, from a grade school friend and a neighbor, Lany. Was with Tibzi.
October 2
💦 Rosary Month and Mama Mary dropped by our crib and we prayed one Joyful Mystery. #blessed.
October 3
💦 Wrote Last Night Movie Review and as of this writing, it has gained 659 views already. THANK YOU! ❤
October 4
💦 John Clave gave me 7 chocolates in exchange to my Nike Cortez. Haha! Well, thank you, Sir. 😍

October 5
💦Trying to lose weight again and Mama had me take sweet potatoes at work. Sarap! 😋 Sunset shot at home.

October 6
💦 It's my birthday!!! Celebrated it in the office as I had to work. Turned out quite well as my folks had my surfer caricature and their sweet messages. Appreciate the time and the effort, guys! 😍
💦 My family and friends showed me love via Social Media and SMS. Thanks, everyone!
💦 Thank God - 33! ❤

October 7
💦  Had my hair rebonded and colored in Dark Mahogany sh*t. Hehe. Turned out fab. Haha! Will have this hair treated in 2-3 months time again. 👱 
💦 My fave 4A's birthday - Nong Turkey. 

October 8
💦  Tibzi and I tried Kuya J Restaurant in Talaba (lost the pictures). Sarap ng sisig nila! Panalo! Had a chit-chat at Starbucks and bought an Electronic Kettle for Pops. Had my profile picture changed too. 
October 9
💦 My website www.joanepong.com is up! Woohoo!!
October 10
💦 Diving Specials chanced upon my whaleshark photo in Instagram and it qualified for their online photo contest! Love it! Thanks, Diving Specials! 
October 11
💦 PH Collaboration and we had Orchid's spaghetti with meat balls for my birthday. 🍝
October 12
💦 I almost forgot what happened, just checked and recalled whatever I could and just had some random chat with Aldous and he sent a photo of him and his ex-girlfriend. Haha. 😅
October 13
💦 Friday the 13th - Michael Pangilinan's cover of Young, Dumb and Broke is just wow. Mahusay! On the other hand, Coachee sent me the amount of commission he got from work and his It is What It Is Cover. 
October 14
💦 Busy shot with Joven, Topher, Nad and Inson. 
💦 Tibzi and Jeth shared my whaleshark photo. 
October 15
💦 That new product from Colgate did the damage. Haha!

First time to use this. Toothpaste for travel only. 

October 16
💦 For some reason, panic buying mga peeps sa SM - Bac. Super haba ng pila sa Supermarket. 
October 17
💦 "May spark!" Haha! Kulet! - ReyBri
💦  Emergency Meeting because we had to and we can. 

October 18
💦 My photo edit with Yumi and A

💦 Happy birthday, Coachee. Nabuset ako ng very light coz I edited a picture and he wants to screen it before I post. Haha. 
October 19
💦 8 years of FB Friendship, Ton! I miss you big time! ❤❤❤
October 20
💦 Metrobank and Citi Card Application - freebies galore!! Haha! 
October 21
💦 Vikings with DMC Gang! Cyrus Baguio in the house too. Hehe. 

October 22
💦 Nuvali with my Mareng Teng! Stress sa Koi. Haha! 🐠

Stampede!!! 

October 23
💦 I won the Whaleshark photocontest - kilig!!! and that dream of Coachee! Hahaha! 

October 24
💦 My phone almost gave up on me and I almost posted the "10 years" post. 🚲👧
October 25
💦 That Mango Chocolate combination is to die for! 
💦 Dyj's born day. 
October 26
💦 PD swim photos uploaded and Martina Hingis' retirement. 

October 27
💦 My Friday: 1. Productive day at work.
2. Chat with Charleston. Bigay ko na spoon mo. Haha. Salamat, Beh! 3. My almost lost phone. Kailangan na talaga palitan.
4. Seafood overload w Bob and Jayson. Busog! #violeyt...
5. Friday Traffic.
6. Am home. Game 7. Sana manalo Shell. CHAR. Ginebra won. Haha.
October 28
💦 Elou's despedida

PD

October 29
💦 Smartphone gone. Huhu. 📵
October 30
💦 Adsense for my own account - approved! Woohoo!
October 31
💦Kitty's gift is just sweet. Haha! Thanks, gurl! ❤


"Happy birthday Jo1" 💖💕💓

speak from the heart,
pong 🐢💙