Christmas in my Heart

There comes the time of the year when Pinoys get gaga over the perfect party outfit, moms panic in preparation  for the infamous 'Noche Buena,' streets get filled with beautiful ornaments, celebrations are everywhere and  that breezy, familiar spirit fills the air.  Christmas has finally arrived.  Need I say more?

Unlike the other ones I've had so far, I had to spend Christmas Eve away from my family this year.  Imagine, I was busy dealing with sickest patients at the hospital when my cousins were at our grandparents' house celebrating.  It was really not the usual celebration I came to know but I'm glad that I was able to use my knowledge and skills to take care of other people on that magical night.  It was amazing!

How was my Christmas this year?  Oh well, I've had a memorable one so far.  I attended tons of parties, ate a lot and took a bunch of pictures.  Plus, I was able to complete the nine Simbang Gabi masses and prepare gifts for my loved ones.  It was just surreal!

Simbang Gabi, Simbang Gabi, Magsisimbang Gabi kami...

taken at the Divine Mercy Chapel, Calapan on one of the Simbang Gabi masses

The first party I attended was the one prepared by the Nursing Service Department of our hospital. It was held on December 17, 2011, on a cold, rainy Monday afternoon when Typhoon Sendong hit the shores of Mindanao.

The girls of Surgery Ward and their winning pose

The (RN Heals) Registered Nurses for Heath Enhancement and  Local Service and their Christmas presentation

The ER (Emergency Room) nurses on a dance number

As always, the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital held its annual decorative competition.  With its theme 'Winter Wonderland,' such competition has kept the spirit of Christmas alive all throughout the month of December.  I feel lucky though that I was able to keep the memory of such competition with me by posing for some pictures during the party.

at the Emergency Room Fireplace

Winter Wonderland at Surgery Ward

at the Christmas village of the Operating Room

Say Cheese :)

with my dear Caselle

By December 19, 2011,  the Overall Christmas party of our hospital pushed through.   I wasn't able to have my pictures taken because my photographer had to take some rest but I had fun.  I watched OMPH Got Talent  by the evening and toured the hospital on its Winter hibernation.  

 
Let's party! 

By the way, I was at the hospital on Christmas Eve but it wasn't that bad because my dear Caselle was also on duty by then.  We exchanged gifts and spent our first Noche Buena together.  I also gave presents to my co-workers and dealt with a number of people who drank a lot of liquor causing them vehicular accidents.  What a bloody Noche Buena it was!  Anyway, I went to San Teodoro on the following day to spend Christmas with my family.

Feraren family portrait

with my cousins

The Feraren clan with our beloved Mamu

twins on Christmas day

my twin sis and her Forever 21 outfit

my cousin Mervyn

me as America's Next Top Model

Mara- Clara?

by the stars

Henceforth, after all the merry-making, nonstop parties, endless pictorial sessions, delicious feasts and memorable 'Simbang Gabi' masses, my holiday ended.  What a colorful Christmas of  2011 it was!  I can only wish that the next ones will be fun-filled as well.  I am really grateful for all the blessings coming my way. It may not be a lot but at least I have with me some special people who will support me all the way.

Lovelots, 

Maica Angelle

Masked for the Halloween

How are things going on lately, bloggerbuds?  I was out of the blog world lately and inasmuch as the magical season of Christmas is just around the corner, I want to first share my memorable halloween with my long time friends- the 4As.  I know this post is a week-long overdue but the memory is still there.

I was spending my day off in the comforts of my bed when my high school friend Jobelle arranged a meet-up.  It was October 31, 2011 and while the whole Philippines was already preparing for 'All Soul's Day,'  I was at home, sleeping my day off.  Hence, I went to McDonalds, Calapan by mid afternoon and  after some time, my friends Ralph, Jobelle, Kathrina and Angelito came in.  We planned for a road trip by the end of the year.

I, Ralph, Marian, Angelito and Kathrina at McDonalds

Jobelle and I smiling for the cam

By the end of the day, we all bid goodbye to Mr. McDonalds for a masquerade party.   We even invaded Citimart and the outskirts of downtown Calapan to buy some stuff.  It was our way of welcoming Halloween 2011. 

Paparap...pap...pap... Love ko 'to :)

This is how we shop.

at Citimart

As the evening went on, the gang invaded Kathrina's house to party.  We ate a lot, took a bunch of pictures, reminisced old times and planned for the future.  It was really fun! 

Marian, K-Anne, Me, Kath and Ralph at Kath's preparing for the party

Care for some pizza?

4A's Halloween goodies

It has been eight days since I and my high school buds wore our masks to welcome Halloween and the pictures and memories of that day are all that's left of me.  However, I will always treasure those in my heart knowing that such events might not happen again.   We only live once, right?  So, let us make the most of it.

Happy Halloween, Bloggerbuds!

Lovelots, 

Maica Angelle

Some photos copied from:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2182983662338.2111279.1479360682&type=3

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.258793010839024.81815.100001249825564&type=3

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2413429949609&set=a.1776770513521.93513.1667119082&type=3&theater

The Subic Invasion

Guess what?  I am officially back after a long vacation!  I have already survived a couple of shifts at the hospital after a week- long absence but there is this one place that I still can't get off my mind- SUBIC.


The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)- Luzon Chapter held its annual conference last October 18-20, 2011 at Subic Bay, Philippines and I, together with my mom and twin sister were allowed to join.  It was surreal!

Well, I was sleeping off another morning after another toxic night at the Emergency Room when my mom invaded our room to have us prepare for the trip.  Imagine, I was really sleepy by then.  Hence, our ship sailed forth to Batangas by noon and before we knew it, we were already scheming through the various boutiques of SM North EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) by sunset.  As the evening came, we landed into a hotel at Quezon City to take some rest.

We had a good night's sleep.  Thanks to the comforts of  Fersal Place Hotel.

Furthermore, the next day started out early as the real trip pushed through.  Subic is a two- hour drive from Quezon City.  As http://en.wikipedia.org claims, such place is a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay. Dubbed as 'the number one destination for extreme adventure in the Philippines,' Subic is well-known for its wide array of beaches, shopping spots, casinos, water sports and historical places.

Rise and shine, dear!  The roadtrip begins.

Hence, we got there by noon of October 18 when we accompanied Papa for his registration at Subic Traveller's Hotel.  Then, we went to Subic Holiday Villas to set up our things.  However, although we stayed there for only a couple of days, I am still at awe about it.  Honestly, I was speechless upon seeing the villa.  It is a very classy and traditional inn with a modern touch.

twin beds for Mara and I

the master's bedroom

overlooking the Villa

By mid- day, we left the villa for a while to explore Subic and Olongapo.  We had a memorable lunch at one of the well-known restaurants at the area and did some shopping. It was tedious and tiring but it was really worthwhile.  We went back to the villa before sunset and Mara and I had the chance to take some pictures.

posing by the villas' banner

Mara and the tree

posing by the heart-shaped pool

my twin sis Mara

Me and my twin sis Mara

The real adventure began the following day as we visited Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari. It was really tiring and memorable as I saw various animals and one of the most famous bays in my country- that of Subic. I was at awe with the performances of the dolphins, sea lions, tigers, monkeys, cobras and the humans as well. It was clearly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

breakfast at the villa

Ocean Adventure

Mara, me and Mom by the aquarium

by the bay

gotta love the dolphins

Mara and the surf board

chilling out at Ilanin Bay Cafe'

at the Dolphin show

Mara at the Sea Lion show

Maica conquers Ocean Adventure

Subic Safari

at Subic Safari

Mara riding the Safari train

surviving the Tiger Safari

at the bony area

sitting by the Aeta's trail

After experiencing the wilderness, we had a sumptuous feast at one of Papa's fave restaurants- Shakey's. I bet he brought us there for the sake of his fave thin-crust pizza. 

Shakey's and the thin-crust experience

Thus, the last leg of the tour has finally come to an end.  We had our last breakfast by the next morning as we were preparing for the trip back home.  Then, we took a bunch of pictures, reminiscing every bit of Subic for the last time.

by the terrace

Mara chilling by the bed for the last time

Subic: One last time

As for me, this trip has enhanced my love for travelling and dining into various restaurants in different parts of the globe. It is an experience that I can always look back and be proud of.  I will always treasure the memories of my stay there in my heart and soul. 

Lovelots,

Maica Angelle

P.S. The next convention of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines will be held at Cebu this upcoming December. I really hope I can go there as well