A Glimpse into her smile

The Louvre (Musee du Louvre)

- Paris, France -

- The Mona Lisa -
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If you happen to stumble across Paris, you would be a fool if you don't visit her. By her, I would mean Leonardo da Vinci's famous portrait of a woman...

 " The Mona Lisa"

Mona Lisa's smile has repeatedly been a subject of many—greatly varying—interpretations. Some have described the smile as both innocent and inviting. Many researchers have tried to explain why the smile is seen so differently by people. The explanations range from scientific theories about human vision to curious supposition about Mona Lisa's identity and feelings.  ( credits: Wikipedia )

The intrigue behind those smile has baffled millions of people. Every time you look at her, it's as if a secret is being hidden. A curiosity springs deep within that just captivates and makes you stand still.  That smile mysteriously wants you to see a glimpse of her world... her life... her secret.. 

I would say, she is the perfect muse to invite you to explore the Louvre. I was in awe just to see the architectural design of the building. With the modernistic approach of having a glass triangle in a middle of a traditional Renaissance design palace; the Louvre would make your heart just stand in amazement. 

The Louvre
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This magnificent structure holds works of art that are simply spectacular. In your quest to learn and enjoy your glimpses of a world known in the past; I would definitely suggest to spend and rent an audio guide. A moment to yourself to simply enjoy and learn is one thing that you would cherish for the rest of your life. For my fellow artist and writers, while inside, this is your time to simply immerse yourself in the creativity of our forefathers. 

Let each glimpse

Each mystery

Each feeling

Be our own 

As we step behind Mona Lisa's Smile...

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Soul Mates

"Do you believe in soulmates?"

That is always the question that sits back at the far corners of our hearts. Our minds try to deny the notion of their existence, but can't explain the feeling of dejavu. 
That very moment where your eyes meet and you know that you have known that man your entire life. That one person God placed in this earth to be your Adam and you're his Eve.

Yet, in this day and age where the mind overrules the heart; people will always judge you to be insane. A person living in a fairy tale bubble that needs to open her eyes to reality. They might even say you're naive, and illogical. 

Yes..
Illogical.

But Tell Me..... 

Can one's heart be logical?

 We cannot just settle simply because we fear of finding the one person that will give us true happiness. Happiness that would need us to trust our heart's desires. I know we have been hurt too much that we simply fear. Yet, a true testament of our soul mate's love is how they will be there for that person when they are at their worst. 

In times where the heart blackens and suffers. 

Depression can take a toll on a person, it's an evil venom that slowly eats the essence and reason for living. But our soul mates, our partners, our true loves will be there no matter what.

To hold our hand when we are crippled with fear

To breathe air into us when we fail to inhale no more

To be our shield when life begins to be too much

Yes, I do believe in soul mates.. in true love.. in that one person who wouldn't let go. The one man who will be forever yours from this day and until the end of days.

Your one true love exist

It's only up to you to be brave enough 

To fall in love
To be in love
To trust in your destinies entwined

Feeling

"Numb"

- inspired by the tracked La La La cover by Jasmine Thompson -

"I'm covering my ears like a kid"
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I closed the door behind me.

I could hear his screams, the plates breaking, and the baby crying. 
His voice like amplified sounds of hate. 
With everything happening, I can’t even bring myself to cry.

I am stunned.

I am numbed.

I am frozen.

Covering my ears to block his words, yet I can still hear him. I can still feel the daggers pierced through my heart no matter how much I try to shield it.

“I hate you, you good for nothing bitch! I own you! You worthless piece of shit! Stupid whore”

From behind the door his rage silence all other noise. The sad part about it is I don’t remember the reason of the fight, only the pain it has caused.

Then ... the sound of the door being slammed.

I am alone.

I walked to the bed to get my packed suitcase underneath it. It’s been months since I have this ready. I had meant to leave the first time his hand marked my cheek. 
I had meant to but I am still here. I don’t know why I stay; some would say because I love him so much. However, love without expectations, is it really worth it?

I caught myself staring at my suitcase and our wedding picture. I have been staring at it not doing anything. I am so pathetic I can’t even bring myself to stand up, get a cab and get out.

Why?

I am just holding on I guess.

Holding on to a promise of tomorrow.

I keep telling myself that it will get better, that when the sun will shine and the darkness gone, he will be the man I married. 
The man who loves me unconditionally and swore to never hurt me.
 If there is anything that I am fighting for… it is that hope.

Yet, in this very moment, I can just feel the coldness of my heart.
 His venom reaching through its core and slowly killing me.

I am numbing out all the pain and I want to scream and cry but all I can do is shut down.

 I need to get out.

 I have to get out.
I must get out.

Before I lose ...... me.

Eat Pray and Just Eat : Macau

Macau

" Food: Culture in a bowl "

When we think of Macau cuisine, we automatically think of egg tarts and almond cookies. Yet, Macau is so much more. Ever wondered that when you step into the city center, you would automatically see Spanish language like Senado or Banco? Macau became a colony of the Portugeuse empire in 1557, much like the eyes are windows to a person's soul; food are windows to a country's history and culture.

Portugeuse Sauce

Molho português (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈmoʎu puɾtuˈɣeʃ], Portuguese sauce) in Macanese cuisine, refers to a sauce made of curry powder andcoconut milk, that is milder and richer than the usual curry. (Credits: Wikipedia)

A must try when you visit Macau is the famous Macanese curry sauce. Nothing beats fish balls, fishcakes, lobster and all other bizarre food like pig's liver, cabbage, cheese infused balls you wouldn't think goes with CURRY. I know it sounds weird, but the taste is incomparable. 

In a steaming pot of spiced infused water, the produce gets cooked to perfection. After that, for just $40 that you can't finish on your own; you get a bowl of fishballs, squid, and all things you picked out combined with that fresh macanese curry sauce. This combination is like fireworks of flavor, and it simply indulges you how the local's eat.

Travelling is more than just site seeing. The best part of it all, is experiencing the culture. What better way than a taste of what is distinct about the country.

So next time you visit Macau, try one of the local cuisine which is the fish balls and etc with macanese curry

 Oh and one more thing... don't be shy to simply

Experience

A Kid at Heart: Hongkong Disneyland

Hongkong Disneyland

" A kid at heart "

"Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought - sometimes it isn't much, either."

- Walt Disney -

Disneyland  has always been branded as the happiest place on earth. This would be my 3rd time coming back to Hongkong Disneyland, and it still never fails to amaze me. The creations of simple joys makes a 27 year old adult remember her 5 year old self. A glee that we tend to lose when we decided to leave Neverland and grow up. Life tends to harden even the most precious of hearts; and yet, when your feet steps inside those walls; you would soon realize what pure happiness is.

This is a child's happiness, a carefree way of seeing the joys in simple things; may it be from putting on your Elsa costume or from having a Mickey mouse ice cream.  

Simple things we forget...

Yet.. 

The simple pleasures...

That we need.

- Hongkong Disneyland -
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- New Attraction: Mystic Manor-

- Flights of Fantasy Parade-
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- Lion King Show-
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-Aurora-
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Amsterdam: City of Freedom

Amsterdam

"City of Freedom"

- Sunset in Amsterdam -
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Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme,[11] indicative of the city's origin as a dam of the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century (Credits: Wikipedia)

From a humble fishing village in the past, the city now evolved to a place of freedom. Liberty from the constraints of norms and righteousness. Here, where the Red Light District is legal and smoking cannabis is considered acceptable, Amsterdam has paved way to the new method of thinking.

LIBERALISM

We grew up to conformity, and since birth we follow the traditional ways that was set for us. Yet, when you travel and opened your eyes to the culture of freedom then you would understand the meaning of living. In the city where boundaries are broken, we tend to realize that with this comes an awakening.

We break the taboo and see how people respond.
Some choose to taste the sweet nectar of sin and others choose to leave it. That's the beauty of it all... liberty..

At the end of the day, we have that to live by. It is our own

CHOICE


To Choose what Is Right

To Choose what Is Wrong

" Cafe "

-la vie parisienne cebu -

If ever you happen to pass by the Queen City of the South, Cebu; find a moment and time to take your loved one to a cafe. A touch of Paris right here in the streets of Cebu. 

Wine .. a decadent cake.. and memories that will last you a lifetime.

They say romance and chivalry are dead, however I beg to disagree. In my own opinion; those never left... we just learn to accept and settle what we have. 

People deserved to be treated like kings and queens, especially if it would mean forging a love incomparable to the ones' written in storybooks. 

But ofcourse, one is not Cinderalla and can never be Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, but one can be just simply be... them. 

To be you and to be accepted

To be loved and not judged

To be happy and had lived..

'Coz after all.. you only have one life to live... let it be spent with the one person who will be yours for eternity

Perfection and Expectations

Perfection and Expectations

- Idina Menzel " Let It Go " -

Expectations... 

A young girl grew up with the idea of success equates perfection; that to be someone, she needs to achieve a level of excellence. So all her life, she kept trying to achieve that said expectation. Everything she does was to make the Queen proud of her, and someday will call her.. daughter. 

Growing up, she always follow what is to be expected. Hiding her weaknesses and tears behind masks. Her mind numbed her heart to be frozen, in this way it only follows and never question. 

Thinking that if she would do that.. she would be loved. 

Thinking if she does what is expected, she would finally be acknowledged. 

All her life, that was all she did. Yet, it was never enough. 

People expected more. People demanded more. 

On one faithful day, she found love. 

A love so strong, her frozen heart begins to melt. However, with this requited love comes a painful reminder that the veil of perfection will be unfolded.

Her true self .... her weakness... her heart.. will be shown.

The only question is, will the love be so strong to be her shield from the eyes of disappointment?

Venezia : City Of Masks

Venice

" The City Of Masks "

Back in 2012, my feet made me wander off to the city of masks, Venice. 

Venice has been the inspiration of love, lust, and deceits. Masquerades were very popular in this city. Colorful masks adorned the shops and you would see it everywhere.

Yet as I was walking through the streets of Venice, and watching the gondola rides; it dawned on me.. am I really in the city of masks or am I in the City of DECEPTION.

People hide behind masks to never say what they really feel inside. Maybe with the masks of deceit, they would not be able to show their pain.

Behind the masks are words.. words of wrenching pain that might say...

I put on the mask when I look at you. I always wanted to shield you from the weakness that is me. Is it so wrong to protect you? Am I wrong for you to never see?

Thoughts one would wonder when they get lost in the sunken city that is

 Venice..