I don't know about you, but I've always loved the idea of summer vacations. 🌞 But there's something so magical about being able to make the most of your free time. 😌

I went on a beach trip with my family! 👪 We went up north where we stayed for two nights and had such fun adventures together. We swam and played games and ate some delicious food. It was incredible! 💛😊

We booked the Bayview Villa in Sundowners Pangasinan. This whitewashed villa is a Santorini-inspired retreat that offers a private sanctuary away from the city noise. The Bayview Villa can accommodate up to a maximum of 12 people which is perfect for big groups. There's an additional for excess headcounts though. 👪 Pets are allowed but I believe there is an additional charge for each pet. 🐶🐈 Sundowners villas offer spacious living areas with an open kitchen, dining area, and living room with comfortable seating arrangements that allow you to relax in style. However, one thing I didn't like about our accommodation is the air conditioning and wifi. It was terribly hot in our villa and wifi just sucks big time.😞 If we have known, we would bring our own fans.

Hey there! Just a quick check-in here. I'm sure you've all been doing great, but I'll let you know how I've been doing. ⏩I've been in a slump for the past few months and it feels like no one cares. Does anyone still read blog posts btw? 🤔 Hehe 

Anyhoooo, I'm not sure if you've heard, but I turned 31 a couple of weeks ago. But, do you ever feel like being your age? Sometimes or most of the time rather, I still feel like I just turned 21! Maybe because I watch too much Disney. 😅 I had a small celebration—I just went out to dinner with my family 👪, and it was really nice. Then a couple of weeks ago, I went to eat out with some of my college besties 👯. I missed them so much! 💜

Aside from catching up with some friends, I'm finally catching up on my reading! 😃 I've been enjoying some interesting books 📚 lately. I'm currently reading Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover. I've been a CoHo fan since I finished Ugly Love and even before Kathryn hyped It Ends With Us. Though I wouldn't want to be in those kinds of Toxic relationships, tbh! 😖 I am also currently reading Empathy in Action by our beloved CEO, Tony Bates. We got free hard copies! Yay, employee perks! 💛

It's almost July! 🤯 I can't believe it. 🤯 Where did the time go? 😃 I'm just going to blabber here for a minute: in the next few months, I have a couple of plans lined up that I hope will make me a better person and help me live my life more authentically. 👍

So, yeah—let's do this!! Self, I'm rooting for you! 👍👍👍

XO 💗

R

I can still remember the time when I started blogging, we always put our age in the "About Me" section. Lol. Well, I don't do that now. Which reminds me, I think I need to check mine if it is still stuck with the " A 20-Something *insert adjectives here*" intro because I am no longer 20 something. Yep, based on the photo, I recently turned 31. 👩

XO,

Ria

Dear Self,

You have been through so much in the last couple of months and I know it felt like every time you are this close to winning, you always end up losing so much more. But I admire you for still being here. I know how many times you thought that quitting is the last resort yet here you are -- smiling as if nothing bad has ever happened. Your strong willpower is one of the most beautiful things about you. Thank you for staying brave, thank you for being a fighter. 

You have always been an amazing listener to everyone that matters to you. During the tough times when you felt like you needed to face things on your own, you met the real people who will always have your back. And that is one of the wonderful things that came out of it, you were able to keep the real ones and discard those who are only there in the good times. You learned to let go of things that aren't meant to be. You learned that you can still lose despite playing the game right. I know it was hard to accept because you know how hard you've worked for it, how hard you prayed for it -- but, I am so proud that you're slowly letting it go. Lessons are learned and you still believe that one day you will get there.

Self, there are still more challenges that await you in the coming months or years but all these circumstances have prepared you to be strong. Remember to rest when you're exhausted. Remember to fight when needed. Keep the things that matter and let go of everything that makes you doubt your existence. You are never a waste of space. You are worth it.

And I hope that one day when everything starts to sail smoothly - remember all the battles you fought and be grateful that you made it to this day.

XO.

R

You know what, I have been up to so many different things towards the end of 2021 and early 2022. I feel so overwhelmed of what has been going on with my career and personal life. Many people knows only the bits and pieces of the process but not a lot of people knows the complications in between.

But I don’t want to give up just yet. I am writing this blog entry for me to have something to look back on regarding this experience. I honestly think everything is worth fighting for until the end, I can still feel my silver lining shining so I really need to pull myself back together. But, allowing myself to take a quick break is what my soul needs to heal and continue fighting. We’re almost there and we’re gonna make it.

This is a reminder that a lot of people has my back and is willing to take every risk with me for my dream. I’m not gonna be a victim of this shit-ass system, no not this time. Remember my name cause I am gonna bounce back. Remember what my mama Taylor says: “I come back stronger than a 90s trend”.

In time, you will know what this is all about and please please, if you’re reading this, please pray for me. 

Light and Love 💛

Riri

Muni-Muni - reflection/reflecting, pondering.

While I'm writing this entry, I am almost done with all my meetings for this year. Unless another one comes up in the next two days. We are actually given time to have a break and I honestly need this well-deserved break. What a year it has been! I don't know, it is a year that has played with my mental health, physical health, and my emotions. I don't how I made it, but somehow I survived - with flying colors. 💛

It may be because we're stuck at home since March 2020 and the only places that went to were groceries, hospitals, etc. Or maybe because I haven't seen anybody else for over 12 months. Maybe I miss eating at my favorite fast-food restaurants that are not available nearby. 😢 Probably because losing a loved one all of a sudden is the hardest -- or losing another one a few months after maybe harder. 😢 I don't know but with God's grace, I am still here -- alive and kicking and writing this entry. Or is it because I still got sick despite staying at home most of the time? My faith was almost shaken and I wanted to give up right then and there. Or was it because of people with judging looks on their faces? Not knowing what you're going through, not knowing how you managed to survive and sustain the needs of everyone who relies on you. 2021, you were pretty hard on me. But somehow, I am here. 

Despite all of these, seeing the smile on the faces of the people I love is worth every teardrop I have shed in the last 12 months. 💛 The wagging tails of my dogs is enough reason to keep going. The dreams that nanay left all of a sudden are enough to keep on dreaming. 💛 And all the battles that I have won are enough to keep on fighting. 💛 I may not still understand why I had to go through all of these but someday I will. I will look back with a brave face and tell myself that it was worth it. 💙 Thank you, dear self for fighting. 💙 

And in a couple of weeks, my dear you'll be in a better place. 🌙 Everything will make sense one day, all you have to do for now is to live one day at a time. 💜 Make mistakes but bounce back! Break your heart but never settle. By now, I truly believe that with everything that you went through, you've learned your lessons. 👩

To everyone who stayed, thank you. To those who believed in me, I appreciate you.

And to those who loved me, I thank God for you.

Xo,

Ria💕