Matt's post birthday gift

(Meant to post this last month but was very busy. This was actually in November.)

Turning 7 years old is a huge deal. I was told that it’s similar to a debut for kids since it’s a milestone. We asked what kind of party he wanted to have but he wasn’t interested. He likes birthday parties, except for the balloons (terrified because he’s had bad experiences with balloons popping on his face). He wanted to go to Disney. Now isn’t that every kids’ dream? So off we went!!!

I always make sure that we have a checklist whenever we go out of town. What more going out of the country. We only had 2 weeks to prepare. Dennis and I are poor at planning things ahead because we just go wherever our feet take us. So, checklists are very important. To make sure that we didn’t bring too much (and leave plenty of room for shopping!), I listed down the clothes that Matt and I were going to where for 4 days. I was assuming it was going to be hot as it’s been a summery December, considering this is the “coldest” time of the year in the Philippines. It was so hot in Manila! With our messed up weather, I assumed it was going to be warm even if I was told it was going to be chilly. I wasn’t prepared at all. It was freezing! Worse, I thought the “cool” or stylish clothes I brought were fine. Was I wrong. Define stylish! People on the streets were so stylish that you’d think that there was runaway or something. All were in their branded bags, tall/ankle boots or heels and black stockings, scarves and thick coats. Most were in leather prints or just really dark colored outfit. And what I brought with me? Aside from my jeans, I brought my red jeans, floral pants, silver flats and nautical stripped shirts. Feeling summer? Imagine how I stood out. Well, at least if I got lost, Dennis would easily find me.

I truly enjoyed HK. Such a small country but so progressive. All spaces were maximized, yet they were still able to create parks and playgrounds, which I really appreciated. Spend more time outdoors instead of malls which tempt you to make unnecessary expenses. It was very clean and public transportation was efficient. No need to have a car, in my opinion. Public toilets everywhere (with running water, tissue papers and pretty clean). This might be common to many countries but not in the Philippines. I don’t mean to offend anyone but it’s the truth. Even the toilets in the malls don’t have tissues unless it’s the pay toilets. Pay P10 for a toilet with tissue paper. Pity. I mean, it’s the little things, you know. I guess all countries have their good and bad sides, right? What I missed, though, is customer service. This is something the Philippines can really boast about. Every Starbucks I went to was different and I missed our friendly and cheerful baristas, which we’ve all been used. Even just the small conversations. I tried to make small talks with the barista and asked if they also had the Starbucks planner promo thing and showed him the card where I had all the stickers. He wasn’t interested and seemed I was wasting his time. Hehehe!

Anyway, I super enjoyed our HK trip and hope to return. Matt loved Disney. Doesn’t everybody? He didn’t enjoy Ocean Park as much, though. I would have if Dennis and I were able to go on the rides but we couldn’t since Matt didn’t want to and we wanted to go together. It’s not like we could leave Matt on the bench to wait for us. Hehehe! No way!

Enjoy the pics!

Jump Refusal

It's one of those bad riding days. Wait, did I ever have a good one...like ever?

I'm not going to dwell or rant (much) but just when you think you're doing well, something always has to go wrong. Now that I have no issues with recovery after a jump nor feel the need to lean way back after the jump, in fear of Trojan taking off (as she did in the past since she gets excited over jumps), the opposite happens. She refuses the jump nearly making me topple over. Of course everything that goes wrong is my fault, which can be really frustrating. Worse was when I was asked what I really wanted to do, jump or do dressage. Clearly it means I'm hopeless when it comes to jumping.

I approach the jump, not gripping too much on the reins, looking straight ahead and lightly lift my butt off the saddle. I no longer cluck nor nudge her with my heels as I am told to sit quietly and let her  go over the jump. But she started refusing, and it's because I'm not being aggressive and encouraging. Honestly, I'm confused. This is the disadvantage of riding only once a week. I don't know the horse I ride well enough and perhaps we don't have that connection and getting mixed signals from each other.

Anyhow, it's good that Dennis was there and was able to video it. Here it is. I welcome feedback :o)

Pinecrest Village

It's been almost five months since we went out of town, not including the day trip we made to Lipa. Doesn't count since it was short. Anyway, Dennis was going to attend a wedding at Tagaytay Highlands and Matt and I were glad to tag along, hang out while Dennis was out.

For almost forever, we've been staying at their family rest house and didn't need to rent a place. Now that they've closed down the place, we had no choice. We were lucky to get a place at the Highlands. No matter how many times we go to Tagaytay, the view will always take my breath away, but from where we stayed and waking up to the sight of the Taal lake and volcano, was definitely something else.

We stayed at the Pinecrest Village. I've only been to Europe once and this felt like Europe. The weather was very cool and windy. What caught my attention was the architecture and the different designs of apartments/condos. It reminded me of the small apartment we rented in Crimea, just near the Black Sea. Pinecrest Village didn't feel like we were in the Philippines. It's great to get out of the city every now and then, and experience a totally different place.

Well, good morning!

Can I possibly give up the city to live here? YES!

Dabos. This was our building. It was very scary at night because we were only 2 occupants and it was so quiet. The only sound that can be heard was the howling of the wind. That was very spooky.

So cozy!

Having his late night snack.

We originally wanted to stay here, at the Woodlands, but there were no vacancies. Perhaps next time.

If you're planning a trip to Tagaytay, staying at the Highlands is a must. A lot of activities to do inside without having to go out. Plus, not wise especially when it gets dark. The roads are very steep and have sharp turns. You might end up driving straight off the cliff. We wouldn't want that, would we? :o)

Horse Haven in Lipa

For none horse lovers, I’m not sure if the excitement will equally be the same as for those horse-crazed people such as me, or the likes. Many kids, if not all, sight of the playground or play area excites them to the point they don’t know what to play first. It’s a place where kids look forward to! For me, it’s the same feeling every time I go to a stable. I don’t necessarily have to ride a horse but the stables, being around horses, sight and smell of a tack room, etc… is really my happy place.

This weekend, V texted me as early as 5am inviting me and the boys to go to Lipa with her. Toni was going to ride her horse, who’s currently “vacationing” at the farm. From the pictures I’ve seen and posts I’ve read on the internet, I’ve wanted to see the place. I even sent a note to the email address on the website if it was open to the public. I’m so bibo. There used to be a restaurant there but I don’t think it’s operational anymore. Anyway, I wanted to go but Matt had an appointment with the DFA for his passport application and we’d finish by noon and the plan was to leave for Lipa at 9am.

Good thing it wasn’t too late since they were still on the road so we were able to follow. We normally plan and prepare for out of town trips. Imagine how unprepared we were for the out of town and didn’t set expectations with Matt. He whined about the long drive.

When we got there, there were two gates and we ended up entering the wrong one. Nevertheless, whichever entrance you take, it was breathless. The place is amazing! As soon as you enter, you’re welcomed by tall trees (mahogany, I assume), thick green grass, huge paddock where the horses were grazing. That was heaven right there! We walked a bit looking for everyone and found them on top of a modernized kubo or tree house. It overlooks the bullring where the lessons are being held.

Paddocks and outside stables...


The main house, library,  greenhouse and indoor stables...

I was too caught up admiring everything and didn’t mind that we weren’t introduced to the owner, Toni, yet. They were in the middle of a serious conversation. Meeting her for the first time was interesting. You’d instantly feel that you’re in the presence of a very strong, tough and accomplished woman. All of a sudden I felt insecure and didn’t feel worthy of being surrounded by these ladies (V and Toni) and felt like an equestrienne wannabe. V hates it when I refer to myself as a wannabe and should proudly acknowledge that I’m a rider, an equestrienne. Okay, perhaps a rider but not yet an equestrienne. I still have a lot to learn, a long way to go.

My smile was so stiff. Hehehe!

The article I read about the farm was true to its word that the owner really splurged on creating the equestrian farm. It was definitely an opportunity and to be toured around was a treat. Absolutely beautiful! To meet little V, Marcel Violet, was also special. She's going to be just as horse-crazed as we are :o)


Indoor stables







Big Horses. Big Brands.

There's something about horses that also inspire a lot of high fashion brands to create pieces towards the equestrian lifestyle. From clothes to bags with details such as the snaffle bit, stirrup buckles and leather pieces. As for the clothing, I have yet to see anyone in Manila sport an equetrienne attire as a casual wear, aside from riders. Maybe it's because there are not many stores that sell them, except for Zara.

I'm lucky I have a pair of black breeches from Dover that I can use, aside from riding, as leggings both to work and to malls by just pairing it with either a plain or striped top and flats. People just normally ask what the patches are for. Hehehe!

My all time girl crush

RL Blue Label

Hermes

Hermes

Longchamp

Loewe

* Images from the web

My.September.

Not much to write but as the song goes - "...picture paints a thousand words..."

To be surrounded by wonderful people in my life is proof I am truly blessed. I wish the same for you all :o)

My boys

Crazy people @ work

Friendly friends

Family

Horse Jumping Clinic

Oh my! It’s been that long since my last entry. I’ve been very busy and will do my best to post some of the activities during the gap. It’s all been good, I must say. I did go through a difficult phase during my seemingly hiatus status but will write about it when I’m ready.

So many exciting happenings! I attended my first jumping clinic with Penny Stevenson and her granddaughter, Samantha Mcintosh. Obviously, I’ve started riding again. After my 1st week, succeeding lessons focused on jumping. Rusty from the break, affected the confidence of my riding. I wasn't able to shake off the fear of falling. It didn’t help that Trojan wasn’t being very helpful. I don’t think anyone’s jumped her after I stopped riding because she was way too excited to jump one jump after the other. I had to hold her back because she just wanted to take off. My hand had calluses after that lesson. Nevertheless, I was still determined to join the clinic and was fortunate enough that the schedule was just perfect.

Violet couldn’t go with me so I was more nervous. I didn’t really know anyone there and I’ve had bad experiences from the past with some female riders (in Lusaka during my time) – snobs, weren’t too nice and territorial. I was pleasantly surprised because the organizer of the clinic, Karen Concepcion, was very nice and friendly. And you know who else talked to me? Mikee Cojuangco :o) With so many people she meets everyday, riders riding in MPC, she remembered me from last year’s Jump Club from Pook Ligaya. I had just entered the bullring to warm up with another rider when she rode towards me and said hello and just started chatting with me. Silly as it may sound but I was star struck and in a state of disbelief. Genuinely a nice person.

I have always wanted to join a horse clinic to hone my riding skills. The opportunity to see other riders will help me learn and pick up technics here and there. It was also a good way of seeing others style.

I had a good time. I'm feeling more confident with my jumping and landing on the right lead. So when's the next clinic? :o)

gawd! i look so stiff with my arms that way