By-ik's birthday falls on a Monday this year (March 23). We couldn't really do much on Mondays considering that his dad still has to go to work amidst the quarantine. So, we celebrated his birthday at Isla Romantica, a small man-made island in Cordova with his family on a Sunday instead. It was just an intimate celebration. Wish I had taken more photos while we were there, but I wasn't feeling myself that day. I plan to have this on another blog though.

On the night before his birthday, I was feeling so exhausted from beachin', I wanted to sleep real bad, but I forced myself to get up so I could make him these paper candies with random love notes in it. Did a faux calligraphy for the DIY birthday card as well. I couldn't really head out the mall and buy him something fancy, especially that we are on community quarantine... It's not much but it's something I made with love.

We were in the same room while I was making the paper candies. Oh, the thrill! Haha. He was busy cleaning the laptop and changing the thermal grease though, so he couldn't be bothered by what I was up to. Told him I was journaling so he wouldn't suspect all the crafty papers and pens on the table. ;)

On the day of his actual birthday, I had an "intentional" argument with him after we had our breakfast just so I could surprise him. I managed to make something up just so we'd argue. I even cried. Haha! He was just comforting me though, he was all in trying to make me feel better. 'Twas so sweet considering it was his birthday. I had it all on film, but I don't think I'll be uploading it on the blog. It's something I want both of us to cherish alone. 

Anyway, while I was 'crying', I told him to hand me a box where I keep my "journal stickers". He reached out for it and I told him to open it. He cried when he saw what he saw. Haha!

By-ik was surprised to see a watch. Where could I have gotten a watch? I didn't have the money (he handles the expenses for now), and I NEVER go out even just to buy something from the nearby sari-sari store. But, I sneakily found a way for that... he just didn't notice. Not a fancy watch though. Just a simple watch I thought he could use.

Nope, I didn't go to the mall. Didn't steal money from his wallet either. How I managed to acquire the watch... I'll probably tell him... one of these days.

I swear I had photos of how the baby-ik and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary last October 17th... just that I had forgotten to save copies on my computer before I restored a previous back-up of my phone -- all recent files have been deleted. Careless me, I know! 

But just to make up for it, I wanted to show you guys this montage I made for the years I have been with the baby-ik. Most clips were from our travels. Looking back made us feel so nostalgic... and yes, the usual emotional Alyssa cried, and so did the baby-ik. I bought us a small can of dream cake. We munched on it while we watched this montage together. 

He, on the other hand, had apparently prepared a surprise as well. He told me he'd fallen asleep the night before when he was in fact awake pasting photos of our moments on a wall in our room. He also bought us a chocolate cake. 

We almost always think alike, especially on this ocassion, only I did mine as a montage... it had been a simple and memorable anniversary for us.

June 24, 2018 — The baby-ik and I had spontaneously planned on checking out Naga City Boardwalk very early in the morning. I mean, ever since bloggers, and friends started raving about the place, I've always wanted to go visit and see its splendor for myself. 

But given the lack of time due to werk, and having quite a few difficulties on having our [by-ik and I] schedules meet halfway somehow, we couldn't really find the time. I know how petty this reason may seem to some, but really, sometimes, adulting has its own way of making easy peasy things complicated. 

Perfect timing, though! I was on my rest day, and so was the baby-ik. At around 3am, we decided we wanted to go and chase the sunrise. What perfect place would it be, other than the Naga City Boardwalk? 

Without hesitation, we jumped off the bed, took a quick bath and headed to the south! That's just how spontaneous it was! 

Not gonna lie, this was already the third time I got to visit the place. First time was when my high school classmate helped me snap out of it (maoy days, circa 2013), and helped me find my nice peace and quiet. 

The second time, I was with the baby-ik. We dropped by for a quick dinner after a day in Molave Milk Station, and Mantayupan Falls. (Yes, this is a shameless plug right here!) We got to stroll around the place, and devour some BBQ by the beach. You may not remember, but I did blog about that here.

I believe the boardwalk was still under construction during my second visit.

Third time was this...

The kid within me was beaming with excitement and joy when I first stepped on the boardwalk. Childish for some, but that very moment I was just so happy! Like I said, I've always wanted to visit the place. I required for the visit to either be during the sunrise OR sunset! No in betweens! Though I'm leaning more towards the sunrise... I had been here before and I know how magical it would be if we could just catch the sunrise! I had been very particular about that with the baby-ik. Just didn't want to spoil the tranquil moment, knowing that the place has already been known to a lot, and an influx of people will be expected during the "in between."

We walked around, until we reached the other end. Baby-ik spotted a few guys fishing by the rocks. He seemed to enjoy watching them reel the fishes in, so I let him be. 

I walked over to one of the bench facing the sea. There, I patiently waited for the sunrise. Later on, baby-ik sat down and waited with me. 

And then, there it was! The oh-so-beautiful Mr. Sunrise!

It was such a majestic sight to behold. The ombre... the hues of the sky had as the sun light slowly shone through the whispy clouds signifying a new day... was just mesmerizing!

One of the best sunrise I've witnessed so far. Though, I never really witnessed a sunrise I didn't like. Have you? Each and every sunrise I've witnessed has always been glorious! 

This is definitely one of the most memorable ones though, because I was with the by-ik. 

October 17, 2017 — The baby-ik and I have finally reached a year together! A year full of love, happiness, unexpected hurdles, crying, excitement, fear, jealousy, anger, disappointment, anticipation… It was indeed one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride!

But on our day, we were both so busy with werk that we only had a few hours left to celebrate. A few days earlier, I gave him a personalized “down-the-memory-lane kind of a magazine” because I couldn’t find the time to make a scrapbook, especially with work taking up most of my time. I will be showing you 2 of my favorite spreads from the "Magazine" all throughout this blogpost. :)

I know that excuse sounds the lamest but you know me. I’ve always been an “artsy” person.. If only I had the time, I really would’ve made him a scrapbook. But this time, I opted for a more modern alternative since it’s more manageable to make and I could spare a little time on the computer when on break in the office.

He, on the other hand, gave me a dress from Forever21 which turned out to be a failure (lol) because he chose a dress from the plus size section. Haha! He felt like the dress would fit me because it's stretchable. I am very thankful, nevertheless. He paired it with my favorite Tangerine perfume from ZenZest!

We just dined at our favorite Chicken Wings place near my workplace for Dinner, and went home. Nothing special, really. But for both of us… this day meant a lot!

PS. I had the dress altered by a seamstress so it would fit me. Haha!