My Lovestory with Asiandramas

Netflix catalogue and the latest in streaming has been a staple group conversation topic in this time of quarantine.  I get all thrilled seeing comments, images, features on Korean dramas in my feed!  Kdramas give a totally wholesome feel good and giddy impact. It´s funny because as the years go by, as more and more kdramas are produced, they just keep getting better!! 

I am now in my early 40s but kdramas continue to give me the feels! It all started when I was in my mid-20s. It was triggered by my first ever asian drama, Meteor Garden. It was a phenomenal hit! The lead actors were just so handsome, not the stereotype looks. The story is shallow and too much for middle schoolers, a lot of bullying, but as a young professional in my mid 20s, I got so hooked! 

From Meteor Garden, Taiwan based asian drama, the subsequent dramas that I invested my time on were Korean dramas.  I started watching kdramas in my mid 20s, took a pause when I was on my 3rd year here in Spain and resumed watching 3 years after and from then on, so far so good. The list just keeps getting longer!! :D:D:D:D I still remember my "commuting days" - after a productive day at work, I lwould leave the office on time to make sure that I reach the primetime block (1930h) in the Philippine television. 😄😅

Kdramas tick because of the storyline. It tackles love, family, love triangle, ambitions, values, beliefs and all sorts of relationships.  Needless to say, the lead actors are just so gorgeous! Poreless! Beautiful! Eye candies!  They are oh so fashionable as well! There is something with the way the leads look at each other as they profess their love! The kdramas also paved the way for the famous Kdrama heart sign. 

Kdramas are good stress busters, stress relievers. A glimpse of the gorgeous Korean leads is a perfect way to cap my busy, demanding and strenuous week combined by family and work obligations. I get so thrilled, I would scream like a giddy teenager and my husband gushes and supports me! Isn´t that amazing? 

I am self confessed Asian drama fan and I am proud of it! It has helped me as I coped with my anxiety and with my busy lifestyle as a working mom.  It has been a perennial topic with my closest friends and it rekindles so many good and beautiful memories.  

I would like to share with you a shortlist of my favorite Kdramas, Actors and Playlists. 
Warning: Some our super old, which is a reflection of my age/generation. :D

Kdramas: 

1. Winter Sonata

2. Meteor Garden 

3. Jang-geum A Jewel in the Palace

4. Moon Embracing the Sun 

5. All about Eve 

6. Love Letter 

7. Goblin

8. Its Okay That´s Love

9. My Love from the Star 

10. Crash Landing on You

11. Legend of the Blue Sea 

Playlists:  

1.Legend of the Blue Sea - Someday, Somewhere (by Sung Si Kyung) 

2. Moon Embracing the Sun - Tears falling like Today and Every Moment of You (by Sung Si Kyung) 
3. Two People (by Sung Si Kyung) 
4. Last Love (by Kim Bum Soo) 
5. Lee Min Ho´s My Everything and Always 

3. Love Letter 

The Hearthrobs: 

(all photos not mine. CTTO. All photos grabbed from the net. Thank you). 

 The original: Jerry Yan

  The original: Jerry Yan

 Kim Soo Hyun

 Lee Min Ho

 Hyun Bin

Park Seo Joon

Top 10 Kiddie Places to Visit in the city centre of Madrid

Ever since I became a mom, every vacation, travel always takes into account kid friendly places.  My kid deserves his own itinerary in our travel and holiday plans!! My kid collaborates and behaves exemplary everytime we would go on an out of town trip.  He deserves his own itinerary in our travel plans where he be himself – run around, walk freely, hop/jump, roll-over and simply enjoy the kiddie stuff!!!

As we live in the city centre of Madrid, I love the feeling that we just keep in exploring the touristic part of Madrid and everytime, we have a different

For those of you who will be going to Madrid, Spain (in the city center) here is a recommendation to what I think are the best kiddie places to visit!! Even us, parents can have a great time here!! The kids, the peter pans in us will surely have a great time!

I hope you will find this useful! Thank you for your time!

• Museo de Ferrocarril:  This is a historical train museum with artifacts of the trains (steam engines, diesel trains) as early as the 1940s!! This is like a travel back in time!! There are 4 hallways filled with old trains.  In some of the old trains, the visitors can actually explore the interior!!  Both parents and children can enjoy the natural feeling of high just by looking at the trains remembering that those seemingly old looking trains were the mode of transportation by our great grandparents and grandparents!! There are also several showrooms displaying various collectors´ rich collection of trains and railways!! During the 1^st 2 weekends of the month, the Museo de Ferrocarril organizes a flea market (Mercado de Motores) where there is a very festive ambiance! There is live band, food trucks, artisan items for sale and good, organic food!! Entrance is fee during the Mercado de Motores weekends.  On regular weekends, there is a regular rate of 2,50€ per adult and child 4 years old and above. 

• Museo de Nacional de Ciencas Naturales:  This is located near the business district of Madrid.  This is a historical museum that tackles about our rich mankind and living evolution.  A visit in our Natural Science museum will give you a walk down the dinosaur era, evolution of mankind, the animal and plants kingdom!  There is also a section about fossils and other relics!! Kids here have fun especially as they are able to appreciate the skeleton system!  

• Templo de Debod:  This is an open space near the area of Plaza de España, Madrid.   It is famous for the special stones which originated from Egypt and they were presented as gifts to the Madrid town office!  The original Egypt stones are in the middle of a fountain.  It is an open space, free of vehicles where the parents and children can have a good run, good walk, good time simply lying on the grass or sitting on the benches enjoying the majestic panoramic view of Madrid (Principe Pio) and the Royal Palace.  As this is a free, public space, children can actually bring their rollerblades, bicycles, trolleys, etc.  There is a variety of crowd here so it serves us right to be mindful of our belongings. 

• Jardin de Sabatini: This is an open space garden beside the Royal Palace.  This is very “green”, very “nature” where you have a feeling of breathing fresh air within the city! There are statues and monuments within the garden, which adds up to the views and tranquility of the place!  This is free of vehicles so our lovely children can jump, run, sit down on the bench, enjoy a good book!!  

• Campo del Moro: Very similar to the Jardin de Sabatini, this is a very big gated garden where the trees, flowers, grasses offer a great deal of nature and tranquility!  

• Cable Car (teleferico from Pinto Rosales to Casa de Campo):  For the adventurous, you can try the cable car.  It is an approximately 10 minute trip that takes you to the South part of Madrid.  You will have a panoramic, aerial view of the city and appreciate the nature (the green trees) and also, the dry parts of the city.

• Cuesta de Moyano y Parque del Buen Retiro:  Cuestra de Moyano is a short uphill walk in the heart of the center which will take you directly to the Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park).  During spring, Madrid holidays and the merry occasion of Christmas, there are kiosks within the hill that doubles as stores and food stores! There is also a big carousel which the children can enjoy! The Parque del Buen Retiro is like the Central Park of Madrid.  There is a man made lake where you can enjoy a quick boat ride.  There are various man made lagoons where the children can enjoy a sight of beautiful fishes and ducks! There are many fountains within this big park.  It is very green, very nature and kid friendly and because it is free from any vehicles (except the roving security surveillance cars) you have that liberating feeling of breathing fresh air! In here you will also see the Palacio de Cristal and several playground where the children and children at heart can enjoy a good see saw or swing ride! 

• Royal Botanical Garden This is within the Paseo del Prado Area, very central.  You can enjoy here a very methodical visit and appreciation about plants and flowers.  There are also benches where you can sit. During summer, it can get pretty hot so make sure that you are well hydrated! 

• Madrid Zoo As the name indicates, this is a zoo!! Madrid has a very big zoo and has a variety of animals to be seen! Elephants, Lions, Panda, Birds are properly taken cared of!! There is also a farm for the kids where they can actually play and touch and feed the farm animals – goats, chickens! This is an amazing experience for the kids!! Make sure though that you bring your hygiene kit here! 

• Parque de Atracciones This is a theme park but not as flamboyant and as grand as the Six Flags! Hahaha This is a kid,  teenager and adult friendly theme park.  It is advisable to bring your own food unless you want to queue for a minimum of 30 mins (depending on the season) to eat fastfood. J hehehe hehehe There is a Nickeledeon area where the kids can enjoy the treats of trains, Sponge Bob, kiddie circuit, small roller coaster, Dora the Explorer, etc!

Other recommended places: 

Atocha Railway Station: Atocha is the biggest and an important intercity station that connects the N/E/S/W parts of Spain! It has a beautiful interior garden!

La Caixa Forum: Another modern, contemporary museum in the area of Paseo del Prado.  There is a kiddie section where the children can have a better understanding of history!

My Spotify Playlist

One of ABBA´s hits during the 80´s is the song Thank You for the Music.  Its lyrics stated so I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me.. Have you ever imagined our world without music?  I can´t! Music is a universal language of love, of genuine care and appreciation.  It is one element that binds us all together.  

In my bouts against anxiety, aside from meditation and basic yoga, music has been a crucial coping mechanism.  Thank you to brilliant team behind SPOTIFY! They were responsible for making music accessible to us, at all times.  Even when I am in the Madrid metro and there is no internet connection, my Spotify playlist is on the spot!! I was a later bloomer with Spotify. I subscribed to it, fairly recently, this year sometime  May 2018 jejeje.  I first tried the free trial period and then, subscribed to the promo of 0.99 centavos for the 3 months.  And now, I am paying the regilar premium rate. 

I would like to share with you my favorite Spotify playlists which are my go to, preferred music during my much needed quiet moments.  They are a combination of emotional, pop, therapeutic,sentimental, personal and pop music!  

1.  My Christmas Playlist which is a collection of what else! Christmas carols, from blues version, 60´s and 70´s, to the current pop Christmas songs. 

2.  My Christian, Worship Songs - God Is in Control, He is Exalted, The Warrior is a Child, etc. I always start the day listening to this playlist. :)  

3.  OPM - Original Filipino Music. I also have a specific Basil Valdez playlist.  

4.  Asian Pop Music:  What else! Of course, I have my F4 Music, the soundtracks and singles of my favorite Hallyu Star, Kim Soo Hyun and some of my favorite Korean Dramas!! I also have the piano collection of Yiruma.  

5.  Studio Ghibli soundtracks.  Studio Ghibli is a Japanese production responsible for the mainstream launch of Ponyo, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Totoro, etc.  They have soothing, relaxing and emotional soundtracks.  

6,  The best of the 80s and 90s.  Of course, afterall, I am an 80s kid.  I have depeche mode, orchestral maneuvers in the dark, fra lippo lippi, bananarama, madonna, hahahah!! 

7.  Cinema Paradiso:  Is a beautiful Italian movie that tackled the relationship between Toto and Alfredo. I first watched this movie when I was 12 years old.  The soundtrack by Enrico Morricone is just so sentimental and emotional! It evokes a lot of mixed feelings of happiness and sadness! 

8.  Broadway classics such as Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Rent. :) 

9.  Mindfulness, Relaxation Playlists. :) 

Thank you!! 

*** all pictures are downloaded from the internet.  Credits to the owners.  Thank you. 

  

A decade since I moved to my second home..

This is a very personal message.  The month of April is very significant to me as it marked the month when I officially made the big move to my second home.  And this year, 2018, is extra special to me as I am celebrating my 10th year here in Spain!! Wow!!! 10 long, challenging yet beautiful and productive years!  

I am very grateful to the blessings, mercy, compassion and grace of my Savior.  My faith and His Love for me have kept me going through these years!  

I am grateful to you Spain for accepting me as one of your citizens, for giving me these opportunities. 

I always, always look back with a grateful heart.  I am scribbling my top 10 most memorable moments/achievements in Spain, in no particular order.  

Muchas gracias España!! Te quiero mucho mi maridito, por eso he venido aqui a España para estar contigo. Nos casamos en mi pais pero construyemos, desarrollamos nuestra vida aqui en España.  Juntos estaremos mi amor con nuestro pequeño! Sois mi vida. Os amo!  

1.  Learning a 3rd language:  I know that I will never be fluent in Spanish.  But I am grateful that I am able to learn my 3rd language, Spanish.  I will never forget my Telefonica colleagues - Javier DR, Javier M, Lucia, Raul who were kind and accepting of me.  They pushed me to speak Spanish with my broken grammar and with my soft Filipino accent.  Now, I am able to confidently express and defend in Spanish and use it in my day to day activities.-  

2.  Buying our unit/house.  Adult´s decision. :)  

3.  Family Life.  Adult´s decision. :) 

4.  Being a mom.  Adult´s decision.  One of the best, most meaningful purposes of my life.  Thank you Lord God for givine me the opportunity to become a mom and a wife. 

5.  1 year sabbatical:  I always believe that things happen for a purpose.  So when I became a freelance IT PMO consultant and my client did not renew my contract, I took that as a chance to rest as I was already physically, mentally exhausted.  And that resulted to an amazing 1 year sabbatical which I dedicated 100% to my  son who then has entered preschool.  We built an amazing tandem and relationship that until today, I look back with a very grateful heart.  

6.  Rebuilding my career:  Thank you to eSolium and Accenture who gave me my 1st ever opportunity to work here in Spain.  And thanks to Aventia and Telefonica who gambled on my program management skills in spite of my then very broken Spanish.  It was never easy starting from scratch but these companies have given me the golden opportunity which I valued. It pays to be a dedicated, talented and productive professional.  I am a professional and I will continue to demonstrate my exemplary skills and capabilities.  

7.  Building and keeping friendships.  Friendship just like any other relationship is something that we should nurture as well.  I am thankful to all my friends overseas and to my closes friends here in Spain who have given me the chance to know them and who in turn appreciate, accept me for who I am. 

8.  My mom´s visit.  My mom visited us, stayed with us for a month and we had a lovely mom-daughter bonding. We even went to Rome, Italy.  Love you forever Mama!! 

9.  Spain getaways.   Spain is a beautiful country to visit and to live in.  Rich museums, good food, wine, Sangria, tourist spots.  I particularly love Sevilla, Barcelona and San Sebastian! 

10.  Integrating with the Spain social community.  Understanding the taxation system, social benefits, participating in church activities, communicating with our neighbors. :) 

DESIDERATA by Maxx Ehrmann

I memorized this poem during my highschool/middle school years in the Philippines. 
I am thankful that the Catherinean nuns in our school, Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Sena, shared this poem with us. 

Now that I am in my early 40s, this poem still resonates as it talks about contentment, positivism, gratitude, growing up, being like water and living and loving life.  

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism. 
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. 
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself. 
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. 
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. 
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

My Top 9 Favorite Dine In places in Madrid

Hello!  Welcome back to my top 10 list!! I would have wanted to make this a Top 10 list, but the truth is I only have 9 go to places for dining in! 

When you come visit Madrid, Spain, please take into consideration these restaurants! They are all in downtown, city centre of Madrid, so very accessible!!  Casa Lucio and Restaurante Botin boast of their longevity, fame and traditional cuisine!  All of these restos, except Casa Tonis accept credit cards.  

Enjoy! Buen Provecho!  Bon apetit!  Thank you.  

1.  Casa Lucio 
Cuisine:  Traditional Spanish 
House Specialty:  Huevos Rotos 
Dessert Specialty:  Arroz Con leche 
Price Range:  40€/pax 
Serves Wine?  Yes
Kid Friendly:  Yes 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  http://casalucio.es/es/

2.  Restaurante Botin
Cuisine:  Traditional Spanish 
House Specialty:  Cochinillo 
Price Range:  50€/head
Serves Wine?  Yes
Kid Friendly:  No 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  http://www.botin.es/

3.  La Veronica 
Cuisine:  Vanguard Spanish 
House Specialty:  Pasta con Carabineros
Dessert Specialty:  Tarta Maruja con Frambuesas 
Price Range:  40€/pax
Serves Wine?  Yes 
Kid Friendly:  Yes 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  http://restaurantelaveronica.com/

4.  Go Hyang Mat
Cuisine:  Korean
House Specialty:  Jap Chae, Jemulchon, Bulgogi
Dessert Specialty:  Not applicable
Price Range:  15-20€/pax
Serves Wine? No but they do offer local beer  
Kid Friendly:  Yes 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d5776136-Reviews-Go_Hyang_Mat-Madrid.html 

5.  Maceiras
Cuisine: Traditional Galician (north of Spain)
House Specialty:  Chorizo, Mejillones, Arroz Marisco
Dessert Specialty:  Queso con Miel, Tarta de Chocolate
Price Range:  15-20€/pax
Serves Wine? Yes
Kid Friendly:  Yes 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website: http://tabernamaceira.com/

6.  Ginza 
Cuisine:  Japanese - Melts in your mouth sushi
House Specialty:  Nigiris!! Hotate, Anguila, Pollo Yakitori, Pollo Teriyaki 
Dessert Specialty:  Cheesecake, Dorayaki 
Price Range:  35-40€/pax
Serves Wine? No but they do offer local beer  
Kid Friendly:  Yes 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  http://www.restauranteginza.com/


7.  Empanadilla Tres Cerditos 
Cuisine:  Chinese
House Specialty:  Home made noodles with beef, home made steamed dimsums
Price Range:  8-10€/pax
Serves Wine? No but they do offer local beer  
Kid Friendly:  Yes
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  https://foursquare.com/v/tres-cerditos/59e2096e002f4c4049f9e180 

8.  Ramen Kagura 
Cuisine:  Japanese
House Specialty:  Ramen!! 
Price Range:  18-25€/pax
Serves Wine?  No but they do offer local beer
Kid Friendly:  yes 
Accepts Card:  Yes
Website:  http://www.ramenkagura.com/index.html

9.  Casa Tonis 
Cuisine:  Spanish Tapas
House Specialty:  Croquetas, Callos Madrileno  
Price Range:  15-20€/pax
Serves Wine?  Yes
Kid Friendly:  Yes 
Accepts Card: NO.  Only Cash Payment
Website:  https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d1907082-Reviews-Casa_Toni-Madrid.html 

10.  TO BE DETERMINED. 

Top 10: Favorite Movies :)

Hello All!! One of the sections that I am hopeful to share with you is the top 10 section.   This will itemize my personal favorites on topics, subjects that make us tick as humans.  Even if I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a professional, at the end of it all, I am still human being with hobbies. 

I would like to start by sharing with you my Top 10 Favorite Movies and in no particular order.  This list contains a wide variety of movie genres. 

Hope you enjoy reading this! Thank you!!

1.      The Godfather Trilogy:  This movie tackles the rise to success of the Corleone Family.  Al Pacino was amazing here as an actor.  Actually the acting of the cast here was awesome!! James Caan as Santino, Robert Duvall and of course the late Marlon Brando as the patriarch was cool.  And also, this movie amazed me on how the characters, the Corleone alpha males were able to “disguise” their livelihood. 

2.      The Lord of the Rings Trilogy:  This movie to me is breakthrough in terms of visual effects and technology advancements.  The script was a genius! I did not read any of the books but the storyline is straightforward that you are able to follow the movie plot right away.  My heart immediately feel for Lord Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen).  Elijah Wood (Frodo) was amazing especially on the scenes that he was trying to resist the temptation of the ring of power. 

3.      The Harry Potter Series: Who wouldn´t want to watch this movie?  We saw the trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione grew from wizard kids to adolescents.  The cinematography was excellent!! I hope one day I get to travel to the Studio where this was filmed.  The storyline ad script were great!  It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for Snake, considering that he was strict and rigid when after all, he was just being protective of Harry. 

4.      While You Were Sleeping:  My favorite chich flick movie of all time.  Shot in the beautiful city centre of Chicago with the flawless acting of Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman.  It was so touching when the character of Sandra Bullock was talking to the unconscious Peter Callaghan in his hospital bed and she blurted “Have you ever been so sad and lonely that you do not mind speaking alone to a man in come?” (well something like that… And also, the way Jack (Bill Pullman) and Lucy (Sandra Bullock) looked at each other was just love.  This makes me all giddy!!! 

5.      Serendipity:  Love will find its way.  I love this movie because of its soundtrack, the emotions associated with it that makes you glue tied in your seat and of course! This movie was shot in New York during winter.  Beautiful!!

6.      The Prince of Egypt:  A religious animated movie that tackles the life of Joseph, the Dreamer.  This movie is beautiful because it talked about faith, prayers and the love and power of God.  Nothing is indeed impossible with God.  The scene where Joseph (Ben Affleck) was detained, he had to grow a plant and he sang “For you Lord, know better than I, you know the way.. I can´t know the reasons why, I´ll take the answers you will supply, for You know better than I” was very emotional. 

7.      Elsa y Fred: A Spanish movie that talks about finding love almost at your twilight stage. It showed the city center of Madrid and Rome.  The banters/exchange of dialogues between the 2 lead actors was funny, witty and also touching. 

8.      Love Actually: an ultimate feel good love story that took place during my favorite time of the year Christmas!!! 

9.      Cinema Paradiso: An Italian movie that talks about the friendship between Alfredo and Toto, a man and a young boy, who eventually became like father and son.  This is no love story at all but the pure love between Alfredo and Toto is just commendable.  The soundtrack is to die for!!!

10.   Ever After:  This is a Cinderella story. Jejejeje