You know what birds do? You know, their thing -- relocating, moving, migrating? Yup, that's what I did.

Last February, I have decided to leave Manila and work in (*drum rolls*) ILOILO City.

As soon as I got off work on the 28th of February, which was my last day with that company, I headed to Philippine Airlines ticketing office to redeem my free flight (should blog about that) and I booked for the March 2nd flight without batting an eyelash.

The next day was spent packing and looking for possible jobs and a place to stay in Iloilo. I didn't know anyone in the city aside from distant relatives and my bestfriend who lives in Guimaras— and aside from the fact that I didn't want to bother them, the pretense that I am a strong, independent woman must be consistent, so I had to find my way to my own place all by myself.

When I finally found an available room, I messaged the owner and found out that it was very near to the developing MegaWorld business district, where I plan to spend my next working months and years in. So I told her that I am coming from Manila and that I will check out the place on March 2nd and will move in immediately if I find it to my liking.

And boy, was I ever lucky to find this place. It's just by the outskirt of the business district, and going to the mall and workplace would only take 5 minutes by car, maybe less. It's situated at the end of a road though, so that means I'd have to walk 5 minutes to get on a cab or a jeepney (thank God for taxi-hailing apps!)

I have to tell you, the morning walk is so therapeutic! The sound of the trees and birds, the greetings of my distant neighbors, or even some passers by/street vendors, really gives a calming effect and a sense of peace (of course, until I get to my workplace, which is often toxic —a very usual ambiance in the BPO industry).

In the afternoon, I get to walk the same street and enjoy the many colors of the sky brought about by the sunset. AND AGAIN, it only takes a little less than 10 minutes to get home.

Isn't that just fantastic? Compared to Manila, this is really where I find my peace and calm.

Iloilo is the city of LOVE. And this bird loves it here a whole lot!

Plus, Guimaras is a boat-ride away! *heart-eyes*

Time check: 4:50 A.M.
Sleep time: ZILCH.

Care to know why?

Right now, my laptop's volume is turned to the highest level, and yet, the words are being drowned by the air conditioner's sound. Oh, no -- let me rephrase:

...the words are being drowned by the air conditioner's NOISE.

Imagine yourself in a propeller jet. The sound is like that, only --you are seated outside the plane.
Or you are very near or in front of a fan. A. Big. Industrial. Fan.

And here's the best deal, this is the SUITE ROOM. I actually upped myself because the price difference between the EXECUTIVE  and the SUITE ROOM is so small. A cab fare will be more expensive from any SM to any other nearest SM.

Anyway, I called the receptionist and asked if I can be transferred, even if I had to be downgraded to the single standard ones (for I really want to sleep!) but was told there was none available right now.

So, here I am, awake and wanting to write a note-to-self and a friendly advice:

• The water smells like just a bit too much of red corpuscles. 
• The TV has less than 10 channels. (cable pa, partida!)
• No TV remote.
• Sheets are stained.
• The fixtures are worn.
• The loo is not at its natural color.
• The bathroom is an oxymoron. (The dark light.)

I am very attentive to hotel (or pension houses, inns, hostels, what-have-you's) reviews before checking in, and I know I have read some reviews about this one, but forgot, thanks to my reliable slate, and a last-minute change of decision.

Here's a good deal here though, they approve of late check-out  til 3PM! (but with a P50.00/hour rate!) The last two other hotels I've stayed in only gives 'til 1 PM with no extra charge... ^_^

Whoever invented the phrase "Change is good" must really try this hotel for a rude awakening.