Tomorrow is the first blank page of 365-page book.

This is long overdue but I took many pictures that I cannot let it go to waste.

We welcomed 2014 away from the heat of home. I believe it has become a tradition in our family to celebrate the New Year in Tagaytay. 

We left the busy streets of the city early morning on the 30th. I am not a fan of road trips, sadly, because of my motion sickness so I spent my majority of the car ride at the backseat with a headache. 

We stopped at Nuvali and ate brunch at the Pancake House - another growing tradition. By that time, I can't wait to lie on a soft, immobile bed and relax. My dreams were delayed though, by nearly an hour because of an intense bumper-to-bumper traffic uphill to Tagaytay. 

Eventually, we reached the hotel with me grateful for solid ground. The Lake Hotel's indoor pools amazed me and even better is their unlimited view of Taal Lake and its inactive volcano.

Still learning how to edit foggy landscapes.

Our room's got front row seats to this.

   

My siblings and I went walking the cold streets to neighboring restaurants/accommodations like The Inn Cliffhouse with its lake view and lanterns. Afterwards, we headed to Starbucks like the "tourists" that we are. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to snap some shots because the 2-story establishment was literally jampacked with people and visiting Koreans. And my shutter was being annoyingly stubborn that night.

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one." -Brad Paisley

Out and About

I have just gotten out of school on the 20th and was busy cramming all over again. It's like I didn't even leave my institution. At least I'm occupied with things that I enjoy and missed doing.

Slightly burnt yet still delicious, wicked oreos sprinkled with confectioner's sugar. Eaten during Sleepy Hollow marathon.

Only a few days were left before Christmas so shopping became essential. We went to church on Sunday, as always, then headed to the mall for lunch and personal errands. We ate at Teriyaki Boy. It was satisfying. I really miss eating there.

I ordered California Roll, miso ramen, and mango shake. Great lunch. (taken via iPhone)

It was every family member to his/herself - parents are taken as one - after enjoying ourselves. I headed to the department store first since it where most of what I need is located. Then off to the National Bookstore clutching a folded and crumpled paperbag. They should use the kinds with handles because it really hurts!

Anyway, I had hoped to buy a new book to read for the holidays but getting a 2014 planner is my top priority.

I had to pick between a lot of colorful planners and they all fit my criteria of spacious in terms of writing. In the end, I brought home the one with a calming, golden color. I've never been excited to fill it with my overflowing amounts of homework. 

I left the National Bookstore, this time literally hugging a huge handle-less paperbag, to meet with the rest of the family at Cache Cache to buy me a dress for the coming eve of Christmas.

As always, among the varying choices, I chose the one with blue and lace. 

Just before we left the mall, my sister and I stopped by Cupcakes by Sonja and bought 2 red velvet vixens and they are amazing.

We got home, took a few hours rest, then I went to work. Translation: Sat in front of the laptop, watched some series, wrote my ongoing novel, and surfed the net. I eventually went on to wrapping my gifts. 

It was one of the most exhausting yet fulfilling set of days. Before the holidays. 

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!