JE NE SAIS QUOI

"Je Ne Sais Quoi"

          Etymology: From French, literally, "I don't know what."

          Noun: An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive.

To start with, I know it's not right to post about my personal feelings. Well, who cares?This is my blog. I just need an outlet for all these pent up feelings. Only people who care or are stalking read my blogs anyway.

Je Ne Sais Quoi: An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive.

I don't know with others out there, but the thought that "Many things capture our eyes but it's rare to find something that captures our heart," is so true in my life. Throughout my life's journey, I've learned to love something maybe because of circumstances, experiences, ideals or conformity, perhaps. I've led my heart to love because there were reasons to. But feeling that magic or spark is phenomenal for me.

When something captures your heart, it's magical! It's unexplainable! It's attractiveness is distinct! It's enchanting charm is extraordinary! It has "je ne sais quoi." Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about love at first sight. It's way different. It's deep, not superficial. I used to think this only happens in movies and storybooks. I thought this happens only to pathetic, weak and delusionary people. Well, guess what? It does happen in reality! If you're cynical about it, maybe you're just one of the unlucky ones doomed to not experience this phenomenon.

I tried analyzing why it does happen and this is my hypothesis. Our values, principles, beliefs, desires, experiences and interests are responsible in dictating to us what we really want in life. These things form our inner core. All of these combined outweigh our mind because it affects our emotions, choices, or our whole being I should say. They comprise the symbolical term commonly and abusively used, "heart." 

What the heart wants is stronger than what the mind thinks. These things dictate to us whether or not something makes us truly happy. Yes, we may choose to be happy but that's happiness with effort. Hehe When your heart is captured without reasons to explain why, maybe it's because you've found what you truly want in life. It's a reflection of what's inside of you. I then conclude that if something ugly and detestable captures your heart, it's simply what you have inside of you. 

       Finding that which captures your heart is rare. 

Pursue it for it can only come once!

   
Sad Reality
Females today have the freedom to pursue anything they wish to, except when it comes to relationships. In primitive times, females were the homemakers. Females are naturally designed to stay home and be submissive. Females have to be contented and creative enough in making use of whatever their husbands brought home. I know it has changed over the years. I'm glad it did! The sad reality though is that when females find someone with "je ne sais quoi," they're helpless and unable to pursue it. Why? Read on... Males' nature will explain why.

Males are designed to be hunters. They love excitement. They are designed to chase. Challenge brings out their masculine strength. When there's no chasing, it becomes boring to them. When there's no challenge, there's no excitment. This is why when something captures their heart, they will never stop. They will never give up. The more the challenge the harder they work. When males don't pursue something, it simply means, it hasn't captured their heart.

Personal Feelings

Accepting and wanting are two different things. When I'm given a gift, I'd appreciate it. I'd ACCEPT it wholeheartedly. When I WANT something, I'd always look for it. I'd even work hard for it. I'd never be satisfied. If I don't get what has captured my heart, I can go on with life wholeheartedly ACCEPTING what comes but I'm sure I'll never be as happy as when getting what your heart really WANTS. Men are lucky for they are designed to chase after what they really want. 

Sad truth especially for women, sometimes, we've found that one thing/person with je ne sais quoi. Something/someone that captured our heart. But women aren't hunters. Sometimes, we just have to be contented and creative enough in making use of whatever/whoever hunted or chased us. In relationships, females can chase for a while, but eventually they'd get tired. Not for men. They   are born hunters and have strong instincts to chase all throughout their lives. It's what gives them excitement!

I Don't Know What: the literal meaning

I don't want to think or feel anymore. It's just so exhausting! For unlucky ones, sometimes, finding something/someone with je ne sais quoi should just be concluded as I don't know what! 

***Inspired by reading the book "Why Men Love Bitches."

MY BACKPACKING CHECKLIST

Travelling lite (7 kg.) has always been a problem to me. Shifting from a trolley to a backpack has been a hard transition. Yes, I've successfully traveled twice with a backpack already but I still haven't perfected making sure my backpack was lite enough. 

THE ESSENTIALS
-Passport

-Tickets & hotel vouchers
-Itinerary
-Cash (+extra hidden cash, + debit/credit card in case of emergency)
-Common sense
-Good feet

CLOTHING
-1 sturdy, light, comfortable slippers/flipflops/sandals
-Extra footwear
-1 pair of socks (it's cold in the airplane)
-1 skirt
-1 pair of short pants
-1 nylon/light/comfortable/loose pants
-1 pair of jeans
-1 coat/jacket
-1 scarf (for fashion statement and/or to cover any body part like the head/hair or legs when needed, eg., entering Buddhist temples)
-1 swim wear
-5 pairs of underwear
-1 sarong (to be used as a towel and/or blanket)
-1 casual dress (there's always a time you'd want to dress lady-like/chicky/stylishly)
-1 loose shirt
-5 blouses

TOILETRIES
-shampoo & conditioner (sachets are preferable so you can just throw it away; bottles can spill)
-small soap
-toothpaste
-toothbrush
-disposable shaver/razor
-rubbing alcohol/ hand sanitizer

-wet tissues/wet wipes
-tissue

TRAVEL AIDS
-sunglasses
-camera
-extra battery for the camera
-battery charger
-journal & pen
-ipad/iphone/tab (any wifi device)
-sunblock
-maps

IT'S A GIRL THING
-lipstick
-press powder (with mirror)
-eyebrow liner
-at least 3 sanitary pads

ETC.
-insect repellent
-Imodium (anti-diarrheal meds)
-Biogesic/Tylenol (anti-pyretic & analgesic)
-Claritin (anti-histamine in case of allergic reactions)
-Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream
-plastic spoon & fork
-pocket flashlight
-vitamins

WHY SHOULD YOU BRING A WIFI CAPABLE DEVICE?
      1. For directions. Travelling now has been made easier because of Google Maps.
      2. Documents. Tickets, travel vouchers, etc. need not be printed.
      3. Communication. Of course, we still get in touch with our concerned family & friends.
      4. Books. Bible, Hymnal & other important books are all with you without adding weight.

WHY SHOULD YOU BRING A TRAVEL JOURNAL?
      I can't blog about the trip because I have bad memory. I can't remember the specific important details anymore. LOL! =)

BACKPACKING JUMP-STARTED MY 2013! (Planning)

Travelling has been part of me ever since but I only became addicted to it after my first backpacking experience. After the Klement Backpacking and Ministry, I right away searched online for my next destination. My childhood best friend, Wella, agreed to be my accomplice and companion. As early as September, I've already booked promo airline tickets to Kuala Lumpur.

Many are interested in travelling but lack information on how to go about it. I'd like to go into detail on how our travel went to help novice travelers like me.

Here is my original plan and itinerary. I came up with the OSLOB--KUALA LUMPUR--SINGAPORE itinerary by combining ideas from different blogs online. Thanks to fellow travelers for sharing the info. In travelling, it's important to plan ahead to save time, effort and money. My friend Regin said, "Travelling without planning is like sex without foreplay." (LOL! Can't relate)

ITINERARY

CEBU  Dec.30, 31, Jan.1

Check Ephraim's site for information about his Southern Cebu Adventure 

http://theadventistadventurer.blogspot.com/2012/03/cebu-south-adventures-2-day-itinerary.html

SUNDAY (Dec.30)

                AM-       Arrival

                                MACTAN TOUR

                                                -Mactan Bridge

                                                -Mactan Shrine (Lapu Lapu Monument)

                                                -Magellan’s Cross

                                                -Cebu Cathedral

                                                -Fort San Pedro

                                                -Basilica Minor del Sto. Nino

                                                -Casa Gorordo Museum

                4:00PM-    Cebu South Bus Terminal (Ceres Liner)

                                TRAVEL TO SOUTH CEBU (2.5 to 3 hours)

                7:00PM-    CHECK-IN at ________ HOTEL

 MONDAY (Dec.31)

                6:00AM-    head to Barangay Tan-awan

                7:00AM-    Whale shark watching

                10:00AM-  Tumalog Falls (Toslob Falls)

                12:00NN-   Town Center  

                                OSLOB HERITAGE TRAIL

                                                -Cuartel

                                                -Immaculate Conception Parish Church

                                                -Oslob Coast

                4:00PM-  

                                TRAVEL BACK TO MACTAN (2.5 to 3 hours)

                7:00PM-   CHECK-IN at _______ HOTEL

                8:00PM-   Tops

TUESDAY (Jan.1)

                ***Chill & wait for afternoon flight

                12:00NN-  AIRPORT

                4:00PM-   FLIGHT to KL

          

KUALA LUMPUR-MELAKA-SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR

                Jan. 1(night)  to Jan.5

TUESDAY NIGHT (Jan.1)

                CHECK-IN at  __________ HOTEL

                9:00PM-  Petronas Night (Picture2x)

                                - Bintang Walk

                                -Menara KL Tower (Picture2x)

 WEDNESDAY (Jan.2)

                4:30AM-   Wake up & go to KLCC to get tickets to go up Petronas Towers

                5:00AM-   Ticket Booth; Suria Mall at the base of Petronas Towers

                7:00AM-   Line to get tickets starts

                8:00AM-   KLCC Park; breakfast; picture2x

                9:00AM-   Petronas Towers opens

                9:30AM-   Bus Station at Term B’ Spadu Selatan Station

                                TRAVEL TO MELAKA (2 hours)

                12:00PM- Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal

                                MELACCA TOUR (rent a bike)

                                                -Museums

                                                -Dutch Square

                                                -Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia)

                                                -A Famosa Fort (Malacca Fort)

                                                -St. Paul Cathedral (overviewing sea)

                                                -Jonker Street

                                                -Melaka River Cruise??? (45 mins.)

                                                -Forta de Santiago Palace

                                                -Urban Backwater

                                                -St. Francis Xavier Church

                                                -Taming Sari Revolving Tower

                3:00PM-   Melaka Sentral Station

                                TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE (3-4 hours)

                7:00PM-   CHECK-IN at ___________ HOTEL

                8:00PM-   Night Safari + Tram (**if not possible, move to Thursday night 7:00-9:30PM)

THURSDAY (Jan. 3)

                                SINGAPORE TOUR (hop-on, hop-off)                               

            8:30AM- Heritage Route (1-hour duration)

                                Suntec City Mall

                                Fu Lu Complex

                                Little India

                                Mustafa Centre

                                Thieves Market

                                Sultan Gate

                                Bugis Junction

                                Civic District

                                Peninsula Plaza

                                Boat Quay

                                Chinatown

                                People's Park Centre

            9:30AM -City Route (1-hour duration)

                                Suntec City Mall

                                Esplanade

                                Victoria Theatre

                                Clarke Quay

                                Miramar Hotel

                                Botanic Gardens

                                Delta Orchard

                                Orchard Plaza

                                Macdonald House

                                NTUC Income

                                Suntec City Mall

                                   ***Additional musts???

                                                -Palawan Beach (free)

                                                -Merlion Park

                                                -Cable Car

                                                -Universal Studio???

                                                -Clark Quay (G-Max Reverse Bungy, GX-5 Extreme Swing)

                                                -Ducktour (12NN to 1:00PM)

                                                -Shop at Suntec City, Citylink Mall and end at Raffles City Shopping Center

                                                                 (1:00-3:30PM)

                                    

                10:00PM-    Singapore Woodlands (train station)

                                TRAVEL BACK  BACK TO KUALA LUMPUR (by TRAIN; 11:30PM-6:30AM)

FRIDAY (Jan. 4)

                7:00AM-   CHECK-IN at __________ HOTEL

                8:00AM-    Batu Caves

                9:30AM –

                                KUALA LUMPUR TOUR (hop-on, hop-off bus)

                                                -Putrajaya Bridge

                                                -Merdeka Square

                                                -Thean Hou Temple

                                                -China Town

                                                -Sri Mahamarianman

                                                -Royal Palace

                                                -Genting Highlands

                                                -National Mosque

                                                -Little India –Brickfields

                                                - Central Market

                                                -Malaysia Heritage Walk

                                                -Islamic Arts Museum

                                                -KL Bird Park

                                                - Lake Gardens Park

                                                -Eye of Malaysia

                                                -Berjaya Times Square           

SATURDAY (Jan. 5)

                SDA CHURCH

                FREE  til 3:00PM

                3:00 PM -   AIRPORT

                8:00PM-    Flight back to Pinas

SUNDAY (Jan.6)

                00:05AM-   Mactan Airport

                6:30AM-     Flight Cebu to CDO (Wella)

                11:00AM-   Flight Cebu to Gen.San (Me)

BUDGET

***We tried hard to be on a budget trip. We tried hard to be frugal without compromising cleanliness and comfort. (Yes, I have OCD but I tried hard to overcome it while traveling. LOL!)

***I converted it to Philippine peso for your convenience. I made sure that's the maximum you'd be spending. Thank me if you'd have extra money. =)

Cebu Pacific (Promo tickets)

                Gen.San.—Cebu (back and forth):     P2,000

                Cebu—Kuala Lumpur (back and forth):  5,700

Airport fees

                *Cebu-KL  (P1,700)

Hotels

                *Oslob-1,000

                *Cebu -800

                *KL -1,500

                *SG-2,000

                *KL-2,000

Petronas Towers - P1,120

KL to Melacca bus – P200

Melacca to Singapore bus – P1,020

Hop on hop off bus Singapore –P720

Night Safari + Tram - P1,972

Cable Car – P1,020

SG to KL train – P1,700

Hop on hop off bus Malaysia - P600
Cebu to Oslob -180
Oslob to Cebu -180
Oslob Whale Shark -500 plus
Tumalog falls, Oslob- 100
Meals for 1 week (100 X 21) =2,100

Taxi/LRT/bus/etc ???

______________________________

Total : P25,900

THE GIGANTIC LEAP

December 25, 2012 was to be the most awaited day in my life. It was the date I scheduled to end one chapter of my life and start a new one. But as the date approached, excitement turned to ambivalence and eagerness turned to anxiety. Nearing the said date became a nightmare turning into reality. Time is inevitable, and it did come.

Good thing the Ministry of Education booked me on the 27^th because Christmas is always a big deal to my Sister. I didn’t want her to be sad on that day.

Classes ended on the 21^st. Farewell parties for me here and there kept me very busy. Checking papers and finalizing their grades kept me sleepless even until the dawn of my departure date. Oh, I wished I could prolong my stay in the land I considered home for the past 12 years. (I’d be blogging about Majuro soon. But the day finally came. It was so drastic I didn't have time to do all the things I wanted to do before leaving. I woke up at 4:00AM to make sure I’d be at the airport by 7:00AM. I can’t be late again like last time. (Last time, I was denied to check-in my bags because I was 10 minutes late. Which, I didn’t know of because that time was a 9:00AM flight and I’m used to the 10:00AM flight.)

 

Caren, my sister, didn’t come with us to the airport. I think she didn't want to see me go. We hugged tightly for a very long time and the tears on her face melted my heart. I choked trying hard not to cry and left before I could have broke down.

From Majuro, it’s approximately a 16-hour flight to Manila because of island hopping. Here are the islands we have to set foot on:

         Majuro

         Kwajalein (U.S. military airbase) -45 minutes layover

         Kosrae (Federated State of Micronesia) –45 minutes layover

         Pohnpei (Federated State of Micronesia) –45 minutes layover

        Chuuk (Federated State of Micronesia) –45 minutes layover

        Guam (U.S.A.) –3 to 4 hours layover

        Manila

I used to dread the long travel and island hopping. This time, I was emotional knowing I might not pass that way again since my parents are retiring in June 2013 to return for good in the Philippines. Although they are already Marshallese citizens, I don’t know if I’d still have the opportunity to go back to Majuro.

Arriving Manila at 9:00PM of the same day (Thursday), I proceeded to Manila International Airport (also known as NAIA 2 and PAL airport). That’s where I usually spend the night while waiting for the first flight for General Santos the next morning if I don’t intend to stay long in Manila. May Win picked me up and we spent the night talking before we dozed off. I slept from 1:00AM to 2:00AM and wasn’t able to sleep ‘til morning anymore.

My flight on that Friday, Dec.28, supposed to be at 7AM, was moved to 8AM. Then, again, was moved to 12NN since they were repairing something minor on the airplane. I arrived General Santos at around 2PM.

I’m unsure of what life will be after taking the gigantic leap. I’m anxious about the hardships I will be facing. I am scared of regretting I left my comfort zone. But while on the plane, a book gave me realizations and inspiration. 

“Sometimes, God’s will for you is simply to be patient. Apparent delays could mean that rather than you picking an option, God’s will is coming to you special delivery. You just need to stay where you are and watch what happens. God could be saying, ‘Stay right there. I’m going to change everything without you doing anything…’ But while you’re waiting patiently for new directions, continue to do the work at hand with all your heart. Many fail to fulfill the present will of God for their lives because they are longing for something different.” (Doug Bachelor, “Determining the Will of God”) 

I could say, that’s what exactly what I have been doing for the last three years while in Majuro. Light bulb turned on! I will never regret the three years spent there because I have learned so much about real life while teaching. The words I only used to talk about and idealistically tried hard to have in my life has become part of who I am: unselfishness, service, altruism, patience and true love.

“Sometimes God will place things on your heart because He wants you to do that thing—and because it is in your heart, you want to do it too.” (Doug Bachelor, “Determining the Will of God”)

While waiting for God’s answers to my prayers, I knew I wanted to practice my nursing profession. It didn’t matter where. But that’s what my heart wanted. It took me three years to gather strength, will and enlightenment to finally take “The Gigantic Leap.”