Memoir in the making

After years of contemplating, I finally decided to actually starting drafting parts of what could become my own memoir. I don't usually write, and when I write, it doesn't end up being good. I am not a writer, but I can't help thinking of ways on how to preserve these memories, good ones and the bad. I do blog. But there is something with memoirs that becomes much more meaningful. I always believe that when you are trying to remember a part of you that has happened for many, many years, it's much better if you forget some details.

When I write blog entries, I usually put all the good stuff, the bad stuff, the unnecessary stuff. Because that's what happened. It's log is what it is after all. But making memoir makes you think of instances that you feel you already forgot. But once you start writing it, you remember what must be important at the moment you're writing it.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been trying to remember all the things that happened in my life. And boy, it's satisfying and therapeutic and it really makes me realize things I wouldn't had I not been thinking about it.

I hope this goes somewhere.

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

Today might be a special day. After years (yes, years) of contemplating whether to finally enter into the game of dating, here I am.

That 3 and a half fours of pure conversation, knowing the person in front me, and at the same, actually finding him cute and him being exactly my type, that was one of the most exciting moments I had in a while (well, in terms of trying to be in a relationship). I feel so lucky today, I can't believe it.

Also, I am thankful because I discovered this nice little coffee shop in Teacher's Village. Cozy and not very well know. Perfect for quiet time, or for doing business or acad stuff.

I cannot say anything more but I am just sooo happy today.

I hope he felt that, too.

Almost over

Because of issues that transpired today, I guess this day marks the one-month countdown before I leave this country, finishing my one-year studies for my masters program. Originally, I planned to leave mid-August. But because of school and international student policies, we learned we have to leave earlier. August 10 is the last day that we must stay here. But I'm thinking if I will leave earlier than that. To be honest, I really can't wait to go home.

Next week, we will go to Beijing for four days to have a tour of the Intellectual Property Office there.  That would be fun! And it's for free!

But for now, I have to really study for this is a long hard week! On Thursday, we have this mock negotiation, and on Friday, we will have the final oral examination. And after that, we have to start writing our thesis and present something on August 2 for a conference. Hoping for the best. I am stressed to be honest. Stuff are piling up. And here's the drama with our department, being shitty and disorganized with administrative matters, announcing important things late.

Ok, I am just updating this and I honestly don't know when to update again. Maybe I will be in the Philippines by the time I update this.

Au revoir!

Half-day at Zhenru Temple

If you have a half day to allot for a sight-seeing of temple in Shanghai, try to go to Zhenru Temple in Putuo District. It's easy to go to by metro. Just go to Zhenru Station at Line 11, and walk for a few minutes. Below is the route we took to go to the temple from the station (in red) and the way back to the station, we passed by the opposite side (in blue) to explore some places in the Zhenru Ancient Town.

Zhenru Temple is at Lanxi Road.

Ok, so ang bobo ko, I'm blogging but the pictures are in my phone so I can't post pictures for now. Tinatamad pa ako mag-transfer. Haha!

But basically, it has the same features as any temple. But unfortunately, we went there while they are having a renovation so some parts are covered with scaffoldings. But we were still able to access the essential parts of the whole area. We even made this ritual wherein if you want to wish for something, you revolve the metal figures just outside the temple, all 108 of them for 3 times. So 324 times kang magpapaikot ng metal figurines. I can't explain much of how it works unless I post a picture. Haha!

Albums

Hi, readers. (Haha!)

Just want to update this blog and post something about music. So ever since, I've been trying to find music albums that I can consider my all time favorites. So far, I've posted something in my previous blog posts:

Hello

And so, I am updating it once more. Kasi may nahanap na naman akong bagong magandang album! And this time, di siya masyadong sikat kaya natutuwa ako na na-discover ko siya (through Spotify recommendation haha). Actually, 2 albums siya by the same artist, pero I will list them down under 1 entry since I'm still trying to see if talaga bang gusto ko sila.

Here's the Spotify playlist for the albums ROMANS and NINETEEN by Julian Madrid. And I've been listening to these two for how many days now. Actually, kahit yung ibang mga kanta niya, I like. But so far, these 2 albums I keep on repeating.




So here it goes, a list of all albums I really like (In order). But of course, nakahiwalay si Lady Gaga kasi mejo given talaga siya. HAHAHA.

1. Melodrama - Lorde
2. 25 - Adele
3. What Did You Think Was Going To Happen - 2am Club
4. It Won't Be Soon Before Long - Maroon 5
5. Call Me Irresponsible - Michael Buble
6. Romans and Nineteen - Julian Lamadrid

And of course, the Lady Gaga albums I like (in order):

1. Joanne
2. Cheek to Cheek
3. Artpop
4. Born This Way

Saya! More music to discover!

Shanghai Galleries Day

I am so happy I was able to explore a little bit more the East Nanjing side of Shanghai. Usually, whenever I go to East Nanjing (which is my self-proclaimed most favorite place in Shanghai), I just wander along the East Nanjing Road itself, looking at the shops, going inside the Apple Store (and always buy something whenever I enter there, like phone case, battery case or earphones! I couldn't help it), and merely observing all the other tourists (and even locals) also wandering about. I just like the feel of busyness of the street and it makes me feel like somehow I am in the center of Makati malls.

Anyway, for the past few days, I have been thinking of how is my stay here in Shanghai so far. After checking my Health app in my phone, I felt regret that I have not been exploring the city like when I just arrived. My daily average step has been declining each month. Haha. From 10k average steps in September, I am now over 5.5k in January. Meaning, I am getting lazy of going out. I noticed that since I keep on making food delivery from this Turkish restaurant every single night.

So, when I woke up today, I decided to do some exercise and just go wherever. Last November, I told my classmate I want to explore other museums that are free in the city. So I messaged her and told her this is the day! But then she was still asleep this morning. And my other friend is unavailable. Got to go alone then. It would be much better I think. Searched some museums on the internet, but ended up finding contemporary art galleries around East Nanjing.

For those who do not have anything to do in a day and want to explore art galleries, here is where I went today and the artists featured today (look at the map for reference):

1. Rockbund Art Museum (RMB 20 - student discount included)

• Li Ming
• Tao Hui
• Yu Ji
• Robert Zhao Renhui

2. Shanghai Gallery of Art (free)

• Chen Danqing
• Ma Kelu
• Feng Lianghong

3. Pearl Lam Galleries (free)

• Maarten Baas
• Enrico Marone Cinzano
• André Dubreuil
• Rena Dumas
• Studio Makkink & Bey
• Xia Qingyong
• Xue Tao
• XYZ Design
• Danful Yang

Here are some of the artworks: