35 things I did to heal my broken heart

I know it’s quite difficult to be in this situation. Until now, I still can’t believe that I was able to overcome the loneliness and hurt I felt after I was left hanging by the person I envisioned my future with. I still believe everything has a reason and God allowed such things to happen for us to realize our worth, that there is more to life than whining and looking back at the past and there are greater things bound to happen after the Big Storm.

I know there is no easy way to heal a broken heart, but these helped me get through the darker days and I hope it helps you too in healing, letting go and moving on.

1. Cry ‘til you can’t cry no more. – I cried my heart out. I cried every single day after the break up until I fall asleep..and it felt so good to release your hurt and pain through your tears.. It will pass.. titigil ka din kasi wala ka ng iluluha pa!

2. Read the Bible – only God can understand the hurt, talk to Him! You will find comfort in reading the Bible because somehow you will find the answers to your heart’s questions.

3. Call your Best Friend – in my case, the first thing I did was to text my Best Friend, she called me up because she knew right away that there was something wrong.

4. Email what happened to your other BFFs abroad – it was nice to share what happened to the people you know who cares for you the most. You will feel a whole lot better reading their reactions. Glad that I have great friends!!

5. Eat your heart out – My BFF asked me if they could join their family lunch out the day after the breakup and I obliged. It was a heartwarming treat from her mom.. I went home stuffed!

6. Drink like there’s no tomorrow – When my boss learned about the breakup, he told immediately asked me if I want to go out.. I said yes (of course!) He invited the whole team for a drinking spree (and videoke) to celebrate my singlehood. We went home drunk and happy!

7. Go to the Gym – stress buster.. especially if you have a cute trainer helping you out..hahah!

8. Watch your favorite Romantic Movies – I never got tired of watching “The Notebook”, “One more Chance” “If only” etc. I am a sucker for Romantic Films and watching them over and over again makes you want to cry even more but still hopeful that Love still exists.

9. Put all the pictures of your ex, cards and everything that will remind you of him in a box - I kept mine in a safe place where I won’t be able to reach or open it easily.. I never threw anything from my ex’s.. They have been special and I want to keep it that way. No regrets. :)

10. Delete your ex’s mobile number, messages, pictures and anniversaries in your cellphone – good thing I’m not good in numbers, so it was easy for me not to text him or call him coz when I deleted all his numbers I know it would be impossible for me to remember all of them.

11. Clean your closet- I found a lot of old clothes I haven’t been using in years, a lot of keepsakes which are not usable anymore (movie tickets, plastic, boxes, empty perfume bottles- GARBAGE!) so I threw them all away.

12. Cook your favorite dishes and let your love ones enjoy it. – Cooking is my therapy. I love cooking for the people I love and I love it even more when they liked what I cooked for them.

13. Go to a Salon - have your mani/pedi, foot spa and hair fixed. You should still stay beautiful even you’re not feeling well.

14. Get a weekday off and work on weekends- I was used to having weekends off at work but to prevent me on wallowing and reminiscing our weekend dates I chose not to bid out and get a weekday off instead. It works..

15. Write an everyday journal – you can write anything.. your feelings, angst, pain.. whatever.. it will amaze you as to how you’ve progressed each day.. and you will realize how strong you have become.

16. Get a Massage or SPA – this will make you feel really good. (kahit sa bulag pinatulan ko!!)

17. Go Shopping or Window Shop - Treat yourself with that pair of shoes you’ve been dying to have or get the bag you’ve been eyeing for.. It doesn’t hurt to splurge on yourself once in awhile. You deserve it!

18. Play with your pet often - Gifter, our dog, helped me a lot in making things easier for me on days I can’t even put a smile on my face.. Unfortunately, he got into an accident and died which made my healing process a little longer. We are seriously thinking of getting a new dog but we know that Gifter will never be replaced in our hearts.

19. Facebook all the way- Who doesn’t enjoy facebook? There are lot of things you can do on facebook (chat with friends, update yourself with the latest chismis, finding out who will react on your status) and it’s fun. And if you are a gamer, there’s a lot of games to choose from to get addicted to.. I just don’t like the flooding of my friends’ game status though.

20. Read self-help book/ blogs – A lot of friends gave me self help books and it really helped. It gives you a brighter perspective from a different point of view and you will find out that a lot of people have experienced or are experiencing what you are going through… you are not alone!

21. Trying Photography – Friends have been trying to help me out improve my shots, borrowing their cameras whenever and tinkering on how to use them.. it’s therapy. And I know I have to buy my own soon.. konti nalang!

22. Get hooked on Sports - Me? Sports?? I never thought I would be addicted to Badminton. Now, I don’t think my week will be complete without me playing it!! I just love it and I’m loving my new racket!!!

23. Go to a beach or travel as often as you can – I love the beach and the sun… and everything about it! I don’t mind the long travel because once you are there it means only 2 things: Rest and Relaxation.

24. Go to a place where you have never been before –Learning how to go there all by yourself, exploring what the place can offer and creating new memories is such a wonderful experience.

25. Start a new blog – I deleted the old one and started a new one.. New Life.. New ME!

26. Enhance yourself – I had my eyes corrected last March at the American Eye Clinic. It was one of my biggest decision to push through with the operation and I’m glad I did it. Thank God for this once in a lifetime opportunity and thanks to Dra. Badj Bolinao too.. (she was heaven sent!)

27. Reunite with Old Friends - Thank God for Facebook! I have constant communication with my High School Batchmates, Officemates and past Acquaintances. Now, its easy to plan an instant reunion…

28. Meet up with your Single Friends as often as you can – I’m glad that I still get to hangout with my 2 single BFFs every now and then..

29. Listen to another breakup story – it made me feel better that I’m not the only one experiencing it. Help each other move on and let go.

30. Watch your favorite Band play or a Concert with your best buds – then dance till you drop.

31. Open up to your friend’s husbands or boyfriends - I am blessed to have friends whose husbands/boyfriends are also concerned about me. It was insightful to get a man’s point of view especially they know how men think.. and it gave me a lot of things to ponder on and some realizations of the previous relationship

32. Share your heartache with a total stranger - I met someone online who is also in the same situation and we exchanged stories of our heartaches.. it was easier to tell him because I know he won’t judge me.. misery loves company! we became friends but we haven’t seen each other yet.. I hope to meet him soon!

33. Surround yourself with kids – It’s good that I have friends who have cute children and intelligent pamangkins.. You will just be amazed as to how smart they are now..just the sight of them makes you go aaaah… They are so lovable and adorable.. can’t wait to have my own pamangkin too!!!

34. Attend ALL birthdays parties, company activities and reunions as much as you can

35. Enjoy your new found Singlehood – sometimes its fun to do things alone. Do things you don’t normally do alone.. like watching movie, eating in a restaurant..you might look silly but it’s the start of loving yourself again.


Breaking up is one of the most painful thing you have to experience in love. But you have to let go of the things that can no longer be fixed. If you force to try to put them back, things will only get worse..

“Holding on is being brave but sometimes moving on makes you even tougher”. Remember that God has better plans for each one of us, all we have to do is be obedient and wait for his perfect timing.

Separation Anxiety

My BFF Leanne will be leaving again for New York this Monday and I'm starting to have separation anxiety already. I can't believe her 2 month-long vacation is over and we haven't even had a single out of town road trip! (I hate my Days off!) .. I guess 2 months will never be enough for us... good thing we were able to spend quality time together, going back to Bora after 11 years, catching up on tagalog movies and having our usual coffee chitchats on my days off.

I'm proud of what she has become and knowing that she will already finish her PhD next year makes me even prouder. We'll surely miss you, Lehy!! Konti na lang.. =)

It's You

I'd like to share one of my favorite song sung by Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder.. I wonder when will I be able to sing this? :)

Stevie Wonder & Dionne Warwick live ~ it's you
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IT'S YOU
I look inside my crystal ball of desire
And know why rapid beats my heart
I see the spark, I feel the flame of the fire
Letting me know love wants to start
No more playing around
No more waiting around for the special one to come
No more wearing a frown
No more tears coming down 'cause I know what I want
And I want what I know

Is you
Nobody has to tell me so
It's you, it's you, you're the angel sent from heaven above
It's you, nobody has to tell me so
It's you, you're that angel sent from heaven above for me
([Background]-Me for you and you for me)
If only I had not waited I would have picked the wrong one
If only I had not waited my life would be undone
If only I had not waited I woul have picked the wrong one
If only I had not waited for you [Harmonica Solo]

I look behind and what I sight is the mire
So very lonely was my heart
I look ahead I hear the sound of the choir
Singing that love will never part
No more hearing the sound of the rain coming down
No more I can't see the sun
No more hurting for fun 'cause the moment has come
When I know what I want
And I want what I know

Is you
Nobody has to tell me so
It's you, you're the angel sent from heaven above
It's you, nobody has to tell me so
It's you, you're that angel sent from heaven above for me
([Background]-Me for you and you for me)
If only I had not waited I would have picked the wrong one
If only I had not waited my life would be undone
If only I had not waited I would have picked the wrong one
If only I had not waited for you
'Cause Baby it's you.....

And I love you so..

Was able to catch up with my BFF's, Carla and Leanne, last night and watched "And I love you so".. I'm not a Bea Alonzo fan neither a Sam Milby follower, but when I saw the trailer I said to myself "I just got to watch it", Good thing my friends are kaladkarins and is up for anything.. Yes, the movie had some resemblance to the story of "P.S. I love You" and some parts of "Grey's Anatomy Season 5" but the sight of Sam and Derek's six-pack abs makes you wanna go Lady Gaga.. hahahh!! and oh, the beautiful Anawangin Cove was featured in the movie. It would have been better if it's still John Lloyd taking the lead role(yeah, biased ako eh!)coz he acts way better than Sam but I still love "One more Chance" and is still the best Tagalog Romantic film for me!

here's the full trailer of "and I love you so"..



Btw, I'm glad John Lloyd has an upcoming movie with Vilma Santos entitled "In my life"..he is playing a gay lover of Luis Manzano.. Too bad Leanne wont be here to watch this with me and Carla..I'm really excited to see this

My Travel Wishlist~ PART 2

As promised, Here is the Part 2 of My Travel Wish list..

6) Caramoan Island, Camarines Sur - I heard a lot of beautiful things about Caramoan Island when I got to spent a weekend in CWC (Camsur Watersports Complex). The Island is no surprise to be one of the Philippine's Secret Paradise and definitely should be in my wishlist too!

7) Samal Island, Davao- An officemate who hails in Davao told me that I shouldn't miss going to Samal Island. It is one of the famous beach spot in Davao and truly,as seeing all the pictures online, How can I not include this is my travel list..

8) Batanes - the scenic landscape and the simplicity of this small island says it all. The lighthouses, the mountain stretch, and the beach is something to look forward to. I just have to make sure it doesn't rain when I go there :)

9) Bantayan Island, Cebu - One word: PARADISE!!!

10) Bohol - I want to see the Chocolate Hills, have pictures with the Tarsiers, listen to the Loboc Choir and enjoy Panglao Island.. there is so much to do and see in Bohol..will 3days be enough?? I don't think so!

more to come... :) up next.. the 10 Places in the Philippines I want to go back again!

The One that got Away

Source: The Manila Times
By: Mark J. Macapagal

In your life, you'll make note of a lot of people. Ones with whom you shared something special, ones who will always mean something.

There's the one you first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you lost your virginity to, the one you put on a pedestal, the one you're with...and the one that got away. Who is the one that got away? I guess it's that person with who everything was great, everything was perfect, but the timing was just wrong. There was no fault in the person, there was no flaw in the chemistry, but the cards just didn't fall the right way, I suppose.

I believe in the fact that ending up with someone, finding a longtime partner that is, does not lie merely in the other person. I can actually argue that an equal part, or maybe even the greater part, has to do with the matter of timing. It has to do with you being ready to settle down and commit to someone in a way that goes beyond the little niceties of giddy romance.

How often have you gone through it without even realizing it? When you're not ready to commit in that mature manner, it doesn't matter who you're with, it just doesn't work. Small problems become big; inconsequentials become dealbreakers simply because you're not ready and it shows. It's not that you and the person you're with are no good; it's just that it's not yet right, and little things become the flashpoint of that fact.

Then one day you're ready. You really are. And when this happens you'll be ready to settle down with someone. He or she may not be the most perfect, they might not be the brightest star of romance to ever have burned in your life, but it'll work because you're ready. It'll work because it's the right time and you'll make it work. And it'll make sense, it really will.

So that day comes when you're finally making sense of things, and you find yourself to be a different person. Things are different, your approach is different, you finally understand who you are and what you want, and you've become ready because the time has truly arrived. And mind you, there's no telling when this day will come. Hopefully you're single but you could be in a long-term relationship, you could be married with three kids, it doesn't matter. All you know is that you've changed, and for some reason, the one that got away, is the first person you think about.

You'll think about them because you'll wonder, "What if they were here today?" You'll wonder, "What if we were together now, with me as I am and not as I was?" That's what the one that got away is. The biggest "What if?" you'll have in your life.

If you're married, you'll just have to accept the fact that the one that got away, got away. Believe me, no matter how fairy tale you think your marriage is, this can happen to the best of us. But hopefully you're mature enough to realize that you're already with the one you're with and this is just another test of your commitment, one which will just strengthen your marriage when you get past it. Sure, you'll think about him/her every so often, but it's alright. It's never nice to live with a "might have been," but it happens.

Maybe the one that got away is the one who's already married. In which case it's the same thing. You just have to accept and know that your memories of that person will probably bring a nice little smile to your lips in the future when you're old and gray and reminiscing.

But if neither of that is the case, then it's different. What do you do if it's not yet too late? Simple...find him, find her. Because the very existence of a "one that got away" means that you'll always wonder, what if you got that one?

Ask him out to coffee, ask her out to a movie, it doesn't matter if you've dropped in from out of nowhere. You'd be surprised, you just might be "the one that got away" as well for the person who is your "the one that got away."

You might drop in from out of nowhere and it won't make a difference. If the timing is finally right, it'll all just fall into place somehow and you know, I'm thinking, it would be a great feeling, in the end, to be able to say to someone, "Hey you, you're the one that almost got away."

My Travel Wishlist PART 1

I am proud to be a Filipino born in the Philippines. I love this country to bits, not because of the sudden uplift of emotions from Pres. Cory Aquino's passing but I love the beautiful places our country has to offer. It amazes me that it never ceases to surprise me (or us) with a new place yet to be discovered or a famous spot to make memories anew.

I am not a well-travelled person who boasts where she has been in the world, I am just a simple person enjoying my hard-earned money through simple vacations, squeezing my vacation leaves on long weekends, and finding the most reasonable packages so it could fit my tight budget.

I have visited and enjoyed a few of the most beautiful places in the Philippines but it would never be enough. We have more than 7,000 islands and I still have a long way to go.. Let me share with you some of the places I am planning (or wishing) and saving up to go to..

My Travel Wishlist (only in the Philippines):

1) Anawangin Cove, Zambales - I know the road trip is quite long.. around 6 hours since this is near Potipot Island which I just visited recently. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate and we don't have enough time to go to Anawangin anymore. They say going here is back to basics since the nearest hotel is in nearby San Antonio which is a boat ride or mountain hike away.. but who cares?

2) Vigan, Ilocus Sur - My very good friend, Leanne has been prodding me and Carl to schedule another vacation when she comes back again from NY next year. All of us have been wanting to go to Vigan to see the famous Calle Crisologo with all its historic glory and walked down on its cobbled street and of course try the authentic Vigan Longganisa and Empanada.

Calle Crisologo

3) Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (Saud Beach and Bangui Windmills) - A lot has been said about Pagudpud and I myself wants to see why a lot of people raved about this place. I read a lot of good things about Saud being the "Boracay of the North" and as well as the beautiful and the breathtaking Bangui Windmills.

The Bangui Windmills

"The Boracay of the North"

4) Coron, Palawan - Palawan is famous for a lot of places: Coron, El Nido, Amanpulo, Turtle Island and the Tubbataha. I know going to those places can be a bit pricey but who knows? ButI'll start with Coron first and then the rest can follow. :)

5) Sagada (Sumaguing Cave and Hanging Coffins) - I know I'm not the hiker or camper type of traveller since I need a decent Bathroom, but I have to experience this. I know the Cave and the Hanging Coffins can be really freaky but I know the experience will be worth it.

Inside Sumaguing Cave

Hanging Coffins

... TO BE CONTINUED.. part 2 to follow!

*all images from google

Cynicism and Kris Aquino's Eulogy

It's been almost a week after Former President Cory Aquino's death, and all of a sudden most Filipinos relive their love and passion for our country again.... Really now???

I find it so cynical that whenever one important person dies, that's the only time we value or give importance to what he/she has done..is it really hard to show this when he/she is still alive? ...When they can still hear our praises and good words for them, when they can still share to us how they have become the person we look up to now and when they can still feel the love that we have for them before its too late?

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Anyhow, I've been glued on TV to watch her funeral rites and all I can say the best part of it was Kris' eulogy. Her eulogy was one of the most touching I've ever heard especially the part she was thanking her siblings.



I just hope there will be someone who can actually make a difference, someone who can inspire or motivate us even after the national fervor has died down.