HONG KONG DISNEYLAND 101: A big girl’s first time in a little child’s theme park

(Sharing to more readers my latest travel story published for The Manila Times. All photos are mine.)

No one is ever too old to enjoy Disneyland.

This is what I realized when I joined the Philippine press contingent invited to experience Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s holiday offerings from November 18 to 20.

A proud 23-year-old first-timer, I still had the energy to go on the fun and thrilling rides, as well as the unadulterated excitement of meeting the eternally happy characters of generations of Disney. Indeed, the magic of the wonderful Walt Disney preserves the child in all of us.

Nevertheless, going to Disneyland also has its challenges no matter how old you are, and especially if it is your first time to visit the magical kingdom. Specifically in Hong Kong Disney, the challenge is how to maximize your theme park experience for a day or two with seven themed areas to enjoy, endless shows to see, and countless meet-and-greet opportunities with Mickey and friends.

Thankfully, I had my wits about me despite the wide-eyed fascination plastered on my face from beginning to end, and guarantee any first time visitor like me the most memorable experience at Hong Kong Disneyland with this special 101 guide.

Get to know the theme park
Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney-themed park. Opened in 2005, it offers immersive and unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy.

To date, the park has received over 38 million guests from all over the globe, with a large number coming from the Philippines. It is also notable that besides delivering a strong tourist force to HKDL, Filipinos also provide the park with many cast members featured in the daily schedule of shows and parades. 

The ‘Flights of Fantasy Parade’ features Disney characters aboard beautiful floats

Over the last three years, HKDL has gone through expansions with three modern and unique themed attractions to provide guests with new experiences. These are the Toy Story Land (2011), Grizzly Gulch (2012) and Mystic Point (2013), all of which are original concepts created solely for HKDL. This trio of expansion adds the park’s already popular attractions like the Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Adventureland.

The park opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., so it’s best to come early and leave only at closing time!

Enjoy ‘A Sparkling Christmas’
Since Christmas is the merriest time of the year even at Disneyland, the worldwide network of Disney parks is currently running a promotion dubbed “A Sparkling Christmas,” which runs until January 5, 2014. Indeed, the magical kingdom becomes even more enchanting with touches of Christmas everywhere.

The Main Street-USA for example has been transformed into Christmas Town with all storefronts dressed with festive garlands, lights and ornaments. Walking further up, one will also see the brand new Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy sculptures at the Sleeping Beauty Castle hub. 

 90,000 LED lights brings to life
the park's Christmas tree ever night

Yuletide cheer extends to the three new themed areas that showcase “Puppets in the Park.” Though performed in Chinese for the majority of mainland Chinese tourists, the puppet shows are entertaining as can be for everyone. These are “Let’s Tell A Toy Story” adventure at Toy Story Land; a hand puppet show titled “The Winter Wish Happens” at Grizzly Gulch; a shadow puppet show called “Adventures with Lord Henry” at Mystic Point. 

Now for tropical country folks like us, “Christmas Illumination” at Town Square and Main Street must not be missed if you want to finally experience snow! A nightly lighting of the park’s giant Christmas tree of 90,000 LED lights, the event also features songs from Christmas carolers, and the special appearance of Santa Goofy, Mickey and Minnie on their silver sleigh.

While there will certainly be more visitors at HKDL during Christmastime, a weekday outing will be your best bet for a relatively lesser influx of guests.

Experience the newest attractions
Prioritized in our HKDL itinerary is the familiarization of the three newest themed areas, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point, which allows guests to discover other Disney stories and characters besides the more famous ones.

As a fan of the Toy Story movie series, I was ecstatic to go to Toy Story Land, which happens to be an area exclusive to Asia. The experience brings the movie to life as the idea is for guests to be shrunk to the size of Andy’s toys, and go on the Slinky Dog Spin, the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and finally, the thrilling RC Racer ride. Other activities in this area include the Barrel of Fun, the Toy Soldier Boot Camp, and playtime with Cubot. For hungry toys, Jessie’s Snack Roundup is also just around the corner. 

Riding the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop gives one a full view of the Toy Story Land

Over at Grizzly Gulch—the most spacious among the three—the sole ride called the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars goes all over the place. Forward, backward and sideways! A prosperous community, the gulch also has its Assay Office, the Old Jail, the Geyser Gulch for photo opportunities, and the Lucky Nugget Saloon for dining. 

Lastly, there is the Mystic Point, which not only serves as the newest attraction at HKDL, but also its most advanced and unique. It is tells the original story of the journeys of Lord Henry Mystic, a renowned traveler and explorer and his companion Albert the Monkey.

The tour of the Mystic Manor is where the mysterious journey begins by riding the Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage, which will show Lord Henry’s antiquities and oddities. Suddenly, Albert will open a newly acquired, magical music box, which will unleash endless surprises.

Besides the manor, there the area also features the Garden of Wonders, Explorer’s Club Restaurant, the Archive Shop and the Mystic Point Freight Depot.

Meet and greet Disney characters
At 23, I never thought meeting Disney characters would still count as a magical experience for me. But to see, touch and play with Mickey Mouse is simply that no matter how old you are. 

Minnie, Mickey and me!

Now, one of the best places to meet Mickey up close is at the Chef Mickey’s at the Disney Hollywood Hotel. Here, Chef Mickey greets guests while they eat their power breakfast. Over at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Mickey also shows up at Enchanted Garden Restaurant, but with the his fabulous gang of four, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy too!

Back at the park, Mickey and Minnie are always waiting for guests at the Town Square Pavilion, dressed in their festive best this time of year.

For more photo opportunities for other larger than life characters, head on over to Tomorrowland where Buzzlightyear is busy saving the universe; to Fantasyland where Sleeping Beauty is wide awake; or to Toy Story Land where Woody and Jessie never cease to play.

And always keep your eyes open as you’ll never know when Stitch, Chip and Dale, Duffy the Bear, Tinkerbell, Snow White and all the other beloved Disney characters will suddenly walk on by.

Stay at a Disney hotel
In my 2012 interview with former HKDL vice president for operations Noble Coker, he recommended guests “not to cheap themselves out” and “find time to complete the whole Disney experience.” What he meant by this is not just to visit the park, but to also stay in one of the two Disney hotels. These are the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and the Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. 

The art deco-themed Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

And while a little bit more expensive, you will see that in the long run, you’ll actually get a better deal. For starters, the room can accommodate up to four people for big groups or families travelling together. Secondly, you’ll save money on transportation because travelling to and from the park is free of charge with round-the-clock shuttle service. And finally, convenience is at the utmost for parents with children who need a midday nap, or those who constantly forget things, since the park is just 10-minutes away from either hotel.

Ride, watch and eat all you can
If you do stay at the hotel for three days and two nights, then you can have ample to time to experience as much rides and shows you can.

The Flights of Fantasy Parade that goes around Main Street USA begins at 3:30 p.m. It features characters from different Disney shows aboard beautiful floats. Besides the Fab Five, you’re sure to see Lilo and Stitch, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Lion King and the Disney Princesses.

At 8 p.m. at the castle forecourt, the Disney in the Stars fireworks show lights up the entire park and signals the end of the day. Reminisce your childhood as the fireworks display dances to the music of timeless Disney theme songs.

For snack, grab a Mickey waffle, hot, fresh and delicious

For the thrill seeker, do not miss the Space Mountain, which is ranked as one of the Top 5 attractions by Filipino guests. It is an exhilarating voyage through the dark universe on an indoor rollercoaster!

Other favorites include the Jungle River Cruise at Adventureland, and Mickey’s Philharmagic at Fantasyland.

Lastly, a must-see is the “Golden Mickeys,” a Broadway-style musical where many Filipino cast members performs. By the way, take note that the music director of the entire resort is a Filipino by the name of Rony Fortich.

For energy, countless food and beverage outlets are all over the park, with my personal favorite, the Corner Café on Main Street. For “A Sparkling Christmas,” it serves a special menu this year in partnership with Coca-Cola. 

Try to avail of the Fastpass available at participating attractions to save you time from lining up. This wise tip may just earn you extra time to board the Hong Kong Disneyland train and go around the entire park.

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There is no time but now to experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland. Just a two-hour flight from Manila, a mere 15-minute from the airport, Filipinos should take advantage of the no-Visa entry to Hong Kong—while it lasts.

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For more information, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

'OTJ': Worth it

I do not watch mainstream, Filipino films in big screen. 

The last time I did was back in college when my best friend and I saw Chito Roño's Sukob starring Kris Aquino. I remember I did so, ONLY because it was my best friend's treat. Take note also that I hate horror movies and do not like Kris' acting, but that's a whole different story--lest I digress. 

My point here is, I do not spend a peso from my own pocket to watch crappy local films MOST especially those romantic comedies (I cringe at the thought) and Metro Manila Film Festival entries. 

The only Filipino films I truly appreciate are independent ones which I annually follow via the Cinemalaya film festival. However, I am sorrowful and guilty for missing this year's edition. And that's also another story so let me go back to why I am writing this in the first place:

I watched 'On the Job' by Erik Matti on Sunday at the Glorietta 3 Cinema! 

Let me begin by sharing that my curiosity was aroused when I first read a The Manila Times article (by our Entertainment editor) in which I found out that the film got standing ovation after it's world premiere/screening AT the 2013 Cannes! 

My interest further shot up after our film columnist wrote a positive review, and as prominent people continue to post good things about it on social networking sites. Giving in, I took Mama to the mall to see it. And as I was buying the tickets, I thought to myself: "This better not disappoint." 

Lucky me for my good instinct, it did not! Phew!

And it was one hell of a film actually--in a very good way. Let me share some random thoughts--hopefully without spoiling--on why you should NOT miss On the Job. 

• The story is gripping. I had watched various indie films tackle the different "cancers" of our society, but OTJ's is far more intricate. Beginning with the note: "This film is based on true events"; the film presented the corruption of those in power, specifically the police, who hire inmates to carry out a "job". Released for a day, the prisoners actually become hitmen and kill various targets. I'm more than sure so much research had gotten into this film. So for translating this "terrible" of a story into the big screen, bravo!  
• The cinematography is beautifully ugly. Throughout the entire film, everything was a clear picture, from the slums, to San Juan's Basaan Festival, to the government offices. For me, the most unforgettable was how OTJ vividly painted the bilibid! I have been hearing for so long how deprived the situation of the inmates in this country's prisons are. But I didn't realize it was like THAT! OMG, ang layo sa itsura ng Prison Break.
• The script is convincing. There were few long conversations and plenty of bad words (the t*ng-inas and p*tas!). But it was fine. There were few quotable quotes to remember either after. I tried to think of one now. Nothing came to thought. But, nevertheless, straightforward and believable dialogues from every character did justice. These were real people who talked of reality. Kudos to scritwriter Michiko Yamamoto (Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, 2005).
• The actors are superb. Yes, all of them even Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson. Let me note, however, that even though OTJ was headlined by the two younger actors of this generation (probably for marketing purposes so I wouldn't complain if it will actually make MORE Filipinos watch it); I still believe that Joel Torre was the main actor of the film. The story really revolved and evolved around his character, Mario Maghari . Known to many as "Tatang", Maghari was the veteran, hired hitman who was currently training his back-up Daniel (Gerald). All I can say is Torre's performance is deserving of major acting awards. Another notable performance was that of Joey Marquez who played the incorruptible police, who thankfully, added humor to the dark thriller; and Leo Martinez, the hateful, powerful, former police general. Of course, much credit of this also goes to Matti's skill. 

All this said, I can truthfully say that my P180 spent for On the Job is totally worth every penny. But more importantly, I feel that my belief for the commercial films is partially renewed, thanks to Direk Erik Matti's creation. This film will be remembered. 

Finally, I hope more of this kind of films will hit the local scene, and along with it, more Filipinos (the common masa) appreciating it. So that I can wholeheartedly declare: Mabuhay and pelikulang Filipino!

Youthful, artful summer

For the third year in a row, the Looban Projects--the unregistered, independent and no political affiliation WHATSOEVER (just had to emphasize on that) youth org that I belong to--held its annual Summer Art Workshop at the Barangay Bambang Hall. A four-session affair, the Summer Art Workshop (SAW) happened on April 20-21 and 27-28. 

Our 2013 classes included Creative Writing, Drawing, Guitar and Silk Screen Printing (more of practical than artsy). New additional class is Painting. 

SAW pretty much explains itself just from the name. A summer art workshop which we organize for kids (grade schoolers) and teenagers (high schoolers). Our mission is bring the youth even just a little closer to art so that they get to understand it at a young age and appreciate it as they grow older. And, if I may higher my expectations a bit, I really also hope that we can even influence them to pursue a creative career in the future. :D

Pretty painters. Sophia (topleft) with her mermaid, and Patricia (bottom right) with her fairy and behind her is their mentor Kuya Dodi

Scenes from the drawing and painting lessons by Kuya Dodi. Student Al Pacey (right) poses with his Naruto drawing

And practically of course, the workshop also serves as venue where the youth can spend a few days of their summer meaningfully--with us! 

Us! Well, our roster of mentors and teachers are a mix of professionals and self-taught people who are terribly passionate with what they do. Promise! Haha! We have on our sleeves a professional graphic and comic artist; guitar teachers who have played guitar since they were young; and a silk screen mentor who will also become an artist himself in the future. 

Serious talk with my little girl, Hazel, plus the mini library

Guitar heroes. Mentors with their students. 

I personally teach Creative Writing with News Writing on the side line since I am a journalist myself already. As to being a literary writer, not professionally but I do dabble on short stories and essays when I can. So I believe I can actually teach writing to my students. Take note, I always have the least number of students but I don't mind. I'm just happy to teach young people to read and write, and write and read. And that's too much on me. 

Scenes and participants of the T-Shirt printing lessons

Well, as one of the groups mentors, I must admit that of all the three SAWs, this one had the least preparation from all of us. So I was very surprised to actually see that the turnout of students this year was even better than the past two SAWs. More so, we even had students all the way from Upper Bicutan!

Mga pasimuno. Looban Projects members  :D

Let's just say that Facebook this day actually works when it comes to promotion and information dissemination. 

And though we cap our SAW 3 successfully, I still believe that we can do way better next year. I hope our group level up efforts and think of new ideas, like a recital in the end of the session perhaps? ;) 

'Til for another artful, youthful summer next year!

With my student/apprentice turned assistant teacher , Enki ♥

The mentors (in black) plus asungot (in blue). From left: Ayban, Paul, me and Kuya Dodi

The UP Valentine's (a)Fair

The morning after Valentine's Day, I woke up with my body sore from slamming, and voice hoarse from screaming. It was a passionate night--of rock and roll. 

For a young pretty (yes, I just had to claim that) woman who did not have a Valentine's date, the next best thing (probably even better) to do was to party rock at the annual University of the Philippines Fair concert. 

A five-night undertaking, the UP Fair is a much-anticipated event for bringing in many amateur, underground and mainstream bands to play on just one stage. 

I had been witness to three UP Fairs already back in 2009 and 2010, then missed the 2011 fair. It is my aim to make it a yearly ritual so that I can unleash my inner rockstar slash hipster slash "koboi" soul. (The truth is I really want to go to so many gigs but I cannot afford because of my very busy work as journalist. A once a year affair will be good enough.) 

This year, the universe transpired for me since most of my favorite local bands and artists--Franco and Urbandub most especially--were scheduled to play on Valentine's Day! Besides the first two mentioned, more popular bands included in the awesome line-up were Kamikazee, Up Dharma Down, Sandwich, Itchyworms, Moonstar 88, Maya's Anklet and Giniling Festival, plus the many independent and amateur bands. 

The poster for the Roots: A Music and Arts Festival
for Valentine's Day 2013

The very able UP Uderground Music Community was responsible for bringing together these musicians and artists for their Valentine concert titled "Roots: Music and Arts Festival." 

From the line-up itself, I knew that it was the night I was supposed to go to! And since it landed on Valentine's Day, I knew immediately that I would date my single girl friends. Unfortunately, from the four, only one was available. But nonetheless, one is better than no one! So hooray for Xerlyn, my awesome (not-so-certified) rakista friend . Also, my UP Fair buddy Julie was greatly missed for she was the one that began this tradition with me!

The perfect date: My rock and roll bestie Xerlyn

Another good friend, whom I will hide under the name Indio Bravo, was also with me most of the night. Thank you tol, kahit na hindi ka babae, ahahaha!

And now to the more exciting part of the story!

The pack arrived at UP at 6:30 pm. We did not want to go in so late, as we were very aware that lines to the ticket booths could go so long you might miss half of the concert. 

However, I also realized that when you get too early at the Sunken Garden (the yearly venue), you might find it a bit boring and lifeless! It was not the UP Fair beaming with people and activities that I know!

So we just spend the time eating, walking around, and listening from afar to the unsigned bands from UP's underground music society. Well, perhaps it was the calm before the storm! 

After getting loaded from food (my first was isaw what else?!), and tired from walking around the vicinity looking at stalls (surprisingly, there was nothing I could't not buy and left behind), Xerlyn and I decided to just sit amongst the crowd and listen to the early bands. And, I couldn't remember the names of the bands that played early on, mostly all from the campus' underground music society.  

The phase finally picked up when Maya's Anklet played their set, followed by another band with a female vocalist, the Moonstar 88. Which was a favorite band of my younger brother, whom I forgot to mention was also there with his classmates. We only saw each other twice, when he arrived, and when he left with my money. 

Maya's Anklet picking up the phase

At some point after these two bands, special hosts of the event Ramon Bautista and Bogart the Explorer came out of the stage, and the rest was history! Ahaha! They were outright funny and full of green jokes. I commend Bogart's British accent which I tried imitating for the rest of the night. They truly made the night more memorable. 

Ramon Bautista and Bogart the Explorer host the epic night

Next introduced was Sandwich. Well, I didn't know why but Raymund and the rest of the gang just did not appeal to me that night. By this time, the people, all sorts, had gathered! It was so nice to finally see again the UP Fair that I was so familiar with! 

Taking a break, my girl friend Xerlyn and I started walking around again, and was taken by a surprise. Apparently, Xerlyn's best friend, Grace, had been in the venue for a long time already and searching for her unreachable friend. Thank you fate! So there, now we were three crazy girls! :)

Best friends reunited

Closely after the reunion, I was startled to hear a man talking. And it stirred something in my consciousness. It was like I have known that voice from the past. True enough, it was ALREADY Franco Reyes of Franco preparing for his set! 

So rush to the middle of the chaos I did--followed by my two girls. And OMG! All the memories of fangirling flashed back in an instant to me. :) It was crazy. It was the same musicality and talent I fell in love with. 

Franco first sang "Soul Adventurer," the single for his upcoming album. FINALLY! After how many years and changes in the band, he has a new music!

This was followed by "A Mass for the End of Time", and lastly, "This Gathering." I enjoyed both because honestly, I love all the songs from the band's first album. There was a time in my life that I was only listening to it--nothing else mattered--I was almost breathing them. 

Needless to say, it was Franco who first had my body that night. :)

The bearded guy in black Tshirt and darkness, Franco my first love

After Franco, I forgot what else transpired. Ahahaha! Kidding. I think another unsigned band played. But the next popular I remembered playing next was Itchyworms. They were a good entertainer band, in a way that they know how to please the audience especially with their song choices. 

After Itchyworms, the next highlight of the night came. They were called the Urbandub. This band, I also started listening to them back in college. From the "First of Summer," I knew firsthand how good they were musically and vocally. They were no nonsense band. And because of that, I did not learn to "unlove" even if they became mainstream and popular. 

Why? Because despite the fame, they did not lose their identity. They did not let themselves be carried away with commercialism, just like other bands. Their sound and soul remained intact album after album, in a way that they evolved into something even better. 
And among all the bands that played before them, it was Urbandub that made the entire UP Sunken Garden alive. Everyone was singing, slamming, jumping, screaming and raising their horns up, all in admiration for Urbandub. 

So far and yet I felt Urbandub touching my soul

They were that good that they were allowed to sing four songs instead of just three! The first three songs were "Alert the Armory", "Soul Searching", and "Guillotine". And to my delight--well everybody else's too--they departed singing "First of Summer"! 

I wish Urbandub sang on for the rest of the evening. But Giniling Festival played next with their drummer Bogart the Explorer. Next up was Up Dharma Down. And hearing two songs from the Armi Millari powered band, I felt content and ready to go home.  

My insider (younger brother who also watched with his college barkadas) told me that Bandang Shirley followed UDD, and finally, the conclusion from another hella mighty and crazy band, Kamikazee.  I felt kinda sad missing their always wild set, but still, it was a night full of love--for rock and roll.  

'Til next year, UP Fair! Rock on!

MORE PHOTOS DURING MY VALENTINE'S 2013

"Tangina nyong lahat ng may jowa." --  Bitter Ocampo LOL!

Artists doing their stuff.
The live public art session was the artistic part of the concert

Grace and Xerlyn took on the Freedom Wall

Indio Bravo finds his way to UP

These Red Cross volunteers take a time out to jam with Urbandub

Mga haggard na! XOXO!

Crossroads

Crossroads. Which to take?

When you just celebrated your birthday, it's really hard not to ask that question to yourself. You just have to. It's not just growing up but truth be told, its actually maturing. 

You come to a point where you just have to make decisions and choose from options. 

Everything I am saying are all vague, I know. I wish I can write what I wrote in my personal journal, but no. So please do understand. All I really feel is that one has to change for THE better. 

I am 23 now. You might say that I am still too young but looking back at my 22 self, I think I could have been better. So I want to do it now--for myself and for the people that matters most. Be a better person in terms of my profession, my attitudes and my dreams. 

I need more than "this." 

2012: A loving year

For a while now, I was not understanding why so many close friends, acquaintances and plain others were writing about "looking back at 2012" stuffs. 

I really couldn't. Until I paused, thought, and looked back at my own 2012. Whatever happened to the year that the world would supposedly end?

Almost immediately, I realized it was the year that my boyfriend (whom I am deeply in love with) left for the United States of America. 

With that thought, I was reminded that 2012 had been a year of happiness, sadness, despair, longing, frustration, hope, adjustment and recovery (in no particular order because the following emotions recur regularly and interchangeably), all from love that was lost physically and regained spiritually. 

Long-distance relationships (LDR) would never be easy. So for my own (with a defeated pride) "looking back at 2012 story," I would like to share my experiences on our one-of-a-kind love affair. Also, I believe these things were the ones that significantly shaped me this 2012. 

In case you would ever wear my shoes, here are my phases of LDR.  

Phase 1: The looming
This was the whole period in which you were already aware that the person--you waited for so long--will leave you one of these days. The one who finally gave you the love you deserved would go away. 

It's not yet soon. It was later but still the feeling was there. The inevitable looming feeling that you would rather not think about but do so. You always tried kicking it out of your thoughts. It would be successful at times, but it's just there. The f*cking truth looms. 

Phase 2: The coming
Of course, the time to leave would not be forever "later". Sooner and sooner it would come. Until it's already so soon all you'd ever want was to be with each other all the time. 

And the most unacceptable part of it was, you couldn't because other important matters hindered you. But, you'd still do anything just to be together. Which made this phase the most tiring one. 

But it didn't matter, really. It was time and memories and experiences together that were on the line. You couldn't exchange those for anything. 

Phase 3: The questioning
The last three days before he left. Loads and loads of confrontations over and over again. It was like understanding what was already understood. Questioning why fate made things as it were. Everything was supposed to be perfect.

Seemed nothing really was ever perfect. 

Phase 4: The depressing
The day of departure and the first week that followed: Emptiness. You were crying every single moment you could. Depression at its finest. 

Phase 5: The accepting
The first month of being away from each other. You were here and he was there. You took everything in. Shit happened. So you were left to make things work. 

And with all your effort, heart and soul into it, you realize that love existed even over distance and time. You could feel it and nothing seemed wrong again.  

It sounded easy enough but no. Quarrels and questions still happened in between but they were all part of the challenge. So you had to understand one another, for at this point of time, more or less, you already knew each other. 

Phase 6: The adjusting
After the first month and so on. You pretty much had built a world of relationship over distance and time, over the world wide web. Normalized everything. You existed in one another's world even without actually being there. 

These included knowing what was happening on his part of the world, and what was happening on her part of the world. Like you knew if he was sleeping, eating, working, playing, and thinking of you--even without him telling you. 

These simple things were enough to make you two happy. Normal right!

Phase 7: The waiting
The present time onward. Your time together would come. You believed in this for you loved him like you never loved anyone before. The mere thought that you would never be together again ached your heart. 

So you would wait all the wait it would ever take. And when it happened, nothing would ever tear you apart again. Never again. 

Phase in between: The longing
Need I explain this? Forever longing. Period. 

So there, my 2012. A year of roller coaster love with lots of ups and downs. But just like the end of every roller coaster ride there is fulfillment. I am happy for everything that I ever did for us. 

So I welcome 2013 with bigger love! :)