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 Eats: Sabino's Latin and Asian Bistro 😋

Hola! 😍

How is everyone? It's been ages, a lot has happened and my writing soul has a lot of things to share - LOL. Am starting with the easy and short one first - food. 

I have eaten a lot and gained a lot of weight during my stint in Neenah. I was there for 5 weeks and God, I wanted to try everything! But for this post, I am featuring Sabino's. It's interior is a combination of Latin and Asian inspired theme. Music, too. I find it very relaxing and the feels that you are in a foreign place is there, too. 

Sabino's Latin and Asian Bistro - the first time I saw this restaurant, I got excited. I knew I wanted to go. I fell in love with the place and the food. I mean, I can eat there everyday! I tried their Lomo Saltado and wow, it was soooo delish! Gone in a snap. Too bad, I didn't have a picture of it. That was the first thing I tried. Next, was their curry. They have 3 kinds - Sweet, Red and Green. The color denotes the level of spiciness. Green being the spiciest among the three. Not in the menu though is called the Fusion - this is the "in between" (spicy and not so spicy). So this is the one that I tried. It's still spicy (for me) but it's so yummy at the same time.  

Pork Fusion Curry. Chips are free (+salsa dip)

Every Tuesday is a Taco Tuesday, so you can eat Tacos for as long as you could. 😋   

Tried one of their desserts, too. I forgot what it's called. But it's like a fried ice cream - sinful, but delish. Thanks to Amanda for asking me to try! 😋 

Fried Ice Cream (the cherry fell, lol)

I have some snaps to share. So, if you are in Neenah, make sure to drop by Sabino's. I highly recommend it. 😋

Find me! lol

The Bar

Dining Area

Punch Card

Their Menu - almost the same for lunch and dinner. Dinner has a different pricing as it has larger portions. 😋

Lunch

Dinner

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SabinosLAB/
Location: 208 W Wisconsin Ave., Neenah, Wisconsin 54956
Phone Number: +1 920 969 9549
Store Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11AM - 2PM; 4PM-9PM
                   Friday, 11AM - 2PM; 4PM - 10PM
                   Saturday, 4PM - 10PM


speak from the heart, 
pong 🐢💙

First Time sa Snow ni Pong! ❄️��

Hello everyone! 💋

Oh my goodness! It's been forever and I don't have much content anymore! It's been pretty busy the past weeks with all these "adulting" things that's been happening! Currently, I am in the land of the free and the home of the brave - hopefully I got that right. Who would have thought? Dreams really do come true. I was like, hey snow! ❄😍

This is all I've got for now. I have been so preoccupied that I don't have time to post anymore. But I've got a short clip for today. Too bad, GP failed me today. But tomorrow should be better. I've got a lot of stories to tell. Tagilid! Haha! Sorry!

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 Eats: Kko Kko ㉿ (ft. Lai)

Hello everyone! 👀

Before 2017 ended, Lai and I had a catch-up eating session at this Korean restaurant near our offices. She liked it here, so, go. It's called Kko Kko - Home of Seoul Chicken. 🐔 

Located in Ortigas Central Business District, it's has a cute and cozy spot in Garnet Road. It's not your typical Korean restaurant where you get to eat your Samgyupsal with lettuce, grill it yourself and stuff. You are allowed to cook noodles though (with a stove) - how cool is that, right? It's like doing a mukbang. 🍝

We tried the Chicken Cheese Fondue. It's the bomb! If you are a cheese lover, then this is for you. We had the spicy variant - has chicken, onion rings and fries and look at the cheese!! 

Chicken Cheese Fondue

I am a fan of Samgyupsal. I ordered it and it is in a lunch-box type container. The taste is just fine, it has a sunny side-up egg on top. I still prefer it with lettuce though. (Hmm, was not able to ask if they have lettuce, maybe on my next visit)

Kko Kko's Samgyupsal  with Kimchi, Egg, and Anchovies

Lai had her fave, the Snow Chicken.

Snow Chicken - cheesy! 

I have some snaps to share. Kko Kko - Home of Seoul Chicken is worth the try. If you happen to be in Ortigas, give it a go! 

They have draft beer too

Some snaps on the wall

She knows what she wants. Chili Cheese! Okay?

Menu - a bit blur, sorry

🐋🐳

Interior

LOCATION: 35 Garnet Rd, San Antonio, Pasig City 1605 Manila, Philippines
HOURS: 10AM - 10PM
PHONE #: 02 535 7689
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/KkoKkoPH/



Planning to go to India? Make sure to check: http://travoxi.in/
(thanks, Travoxi!)



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.