It's snowing in London!

I woke up to Eunice's 'gif' messages from Frozen, the scene where young Anna knocks on Elsa's door "Do you wanna build a snowman?" I knew there was going to be some snow overnight but I didn't expect it to blanket everything! You can just imagine my face when I opened my window to look out. If you know me very well, you that I would never let an opportunity to play in the snow pass by. The kid in me was giddy with excitement as soon as the snow started to fall. Still with my jammies on, plus two more layers of sweater and a coat and off we went to experience our first legit snow in London. 

Thank you 2017, Hello 2018

2017 has been AMAZING. If there's anything, I think 2017 was "my year". God has been so gracious and all-encompassing my heart overflows. 

Freedom. The past year has been a year of "firsts". First time to do the laundry, cook for myself, budget, wake up for work... To sum it all up, it was my first time to live alone and away from the comforts of home. I've always thought I wouldn't survive being on my own but I did. Honestly, I'm kind of enjoying it! No more curfews and no need to ask permission if I want to go somewhere. Yes, I love my freedom. Through it all, I've met the most wonderful people who I consider as my family here. Thank you Team Bahay. You have been the most amazing housemates Kris, Kat, Eunice and Renz.

Work. I went back to my first love, NICU. It has not been an easy road since I joined the team. I've had my fair share of bumps and heartbreaks but sabi nga nila "Nothing worth having comes easy" Along the way, I've met a couple of real friends and made genuine connections with some of the NICU sisters. 

It was also the year I was given the opportunity to step into my first London University. I felt like a student again. (Well, I actually was! But never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd "studying" again and here in London at that?!) As of this writing, I've finished my Module 1: Neonatal Course but still waiting for my grade. *cross my fingers* Please pray that I pass. 

Travel. It has been my lifelong dream to see the world. 2017 kick started my 'explorations'. I've seen a couple of places in England (Stonehenge!!), Scotland, Ireland, France, Belgium and Denmark and it has been an awesome and surreal experience. I hope to see more of the world and experience life in the eyes of the vast culture the world possess. 

Family. Last October, I got to travel SOLO on my way back to the loves of my life. I was so scared na mawala during the layover, but I didn't naman. The warmth and the love of family waiting for me at the airport arrivals made the 18 hours of flying ALL WORTH IT. The 3 weeks I spent in the Philippines was not enough and leaving was a heart break. And so, I left home with a heavy heart, but with my dreams all packed (again) in my suitcase. It will never be easy leaving home but the world awaits!

2017, thank you for the wonderful experiences and the people I've met. You have been incredible. 

Hello 2018. Please be just as amazing or yet be out of this world more wonderful!

A wonderful whole new world

Aladdin was hilarious, genie-us and visually-stunning! Aladdin's voice was on point and reminded me so much of my Disney childhood. Jasmine's voice was beautiful but I didn't understand her singing. Meggy said maybe its because we got used to Lea Salonga's version and the bar was set too high. Maybe, pero di ko parin naintindihan haha. The genie, like I said was pure 'genie-us'. I loved his adlibs and pop culture references from emma watson's beauty and the beast movie to la la land. Hahaha

                         

 

:Pjiojoijio

Spring awaits

Since Mr. Sun decided to shed some warmth and inexplicably wonderful sunshine in London today, we decided to walk around our neighborhood this afternoon. Several minutes into walking and we found ourselves surrounded with lots of white cherry blossoms on rows of blue fences! Spring is definitely here. Yellow, red and purple flowers are beginning to grow everywhere I look and it feels like everything is coming back to life. Kris reminded me that it has just begun and that more flowers and trees are going to bloom near April. I can't wait to visit Regent's, Hyde and St. Jame's! 

We also walked to Newham Leisure Center today to inquire about their membership. Aisha, the staff at the front desk was kind enough to offer us a free month's subscription because they had an International Women's Day promo. Yay, girl power! We'll be coming back on Sunday, hopefully with our gym bags with us to get ourselves pumped up a little bit. The winter cold has got us hibernating in the warm confines of our bed and kitchen its becoming sinful already.

Our busy feet also took us to the docklands so we ended us getting dinner at Yi-Ban 😅 Very good Chinese food I must say! (We look like we're in Hongkong in this pic!) 

Can't wait for Spring!!🎕⚘

One short day in the Emerald City

I can't even put into words how I feel right now. It's been 10 hours since I've stepped out of the "Emerald City" yet my heart continues to flutter at the thought of finally seeing this magnificent musical. I can't believe I've actually heard and seen Glinda graciously sing "Popular" and Elphaba belt her heart out to "Defying gravity". Aaaah, my heart 💗

6-7 years ago, I came across "Wicked" on YouTube and completely fell in love with it. Since then, "Defying gravity", "One short day", "For good", "As long as you're mine", "Popular", "Dancing through life", "I'm not that girl" and "What is this feeling" have been constants in my playlist. Even more so, "Defying gravity" has influenced my life immensely and has been my "go-to" song when I feel the need to be inspired. A few minutes into the show, while Glinda was floating in her bubble, with the people of Oz singing beneath her about the Emerald City, my eyes started to well up. I felt really emotional because I couldn't believe my dream was coming true! I've always dreamt of watching this musical and to be given the chance to even watch it at London's West End was just AMAZING. 

I've followed Suzie Mathers since the asian tour of Wicked and I think SHE IS PERFECT for the role. Her singing was effortless and I love how she was so perky and funny all throughout. Alice Fearn's voice was magical. I had goosies when she started flying to the sky, powered by all her rage and emotions, belting out "So if you care to find me, look to the western sky!!" 

Tonight, I will let my Wicked playlist lull me to sleep... to remind me to always dance through life and that anything is possible because my future is unlimited.