It was 3 am, my cough won’t let me sleep, and a song played on my Spotify which brought me back to Cedar Point Amusement Park — the roller coaster capital of the world; the place where I had my internship more than two years ago.
I wasn’t really that active with blogging when I was in the States but after two years, here I am, back on doing what I love, active as ever. So of course, as the girl who always has stories to tell, I’d love to share how it has been a roller-coaster ride for me having to experience the American-dream even just for three months.
Here are (some of) the craziest things I have done and experienced in America (in no particular order):
1. I had my first ever snow experience
I was actually working as a Human Resources Associate (best job ever if you’re the type of person who wants to talk and get to know a lot of people every day) and I was at work when I saw from the window in front of me that it was snowing.
It wasn’t the first snow fall, there’s still snow everywhere we go, but it was the first snow fall ever since we arrived there. I was working that time, there are a lot of people to process in, and even though I badly wanted to go out and experience it, I can’t!
Luckily, Mama Pam (our manager; love her so much) came out of her office and said, “Oh, it’s snowing! Have you experienced snow before, Emilia?” (She calls me Emilia because she’s having a hard time pronouncing my name. Haha.) “No,” I answered with the most paawa look on my face, and she replied, “Then go outside! My God, I can’t believe it’s the first time you see snow and you’re just working there!”
Just like that, I left my work for a few minutes, went outside and experienced it with her. I was also with three girls from the Philippines – two who became my co-HRAs – and even if the people inside the building were looking at us like we’re acting crazy because it’s just snow for them, we don’t care. We took photos, videos, and it’s just one of the most amazing things that I have experienced in my whole life.
2. I was asked to be the girlfriend of someone I don’t even know
Believe me when I say that American boys are totally different than the Filipino guys I grew up with. I am aware that America has a different culture regarding love and relationships; they don’t do “courting” just like what we do in the Philippines and if you started dating, you will absolutely be confused on where you stand in his life. Are you his girlfriend already? Or are you just dating?
So anyway, employees of Cedar Point have a Recreation Center where they can get to stay, play games (billiards, volleyball, basketball, foosball, etc), buy and eat food from the cafeteria, and just hang out whenever it’s their free time.
I was sitting alone on this super comfy couch in front of this television with basketball on the screen, talking to my boyfriend on Skype, when a guy I know-by-face sat on the other end of the couch.
“That’s the thing with working in HR. It’s either everyone knows you or you know everyone.”
When I finished talking to Wel, this guy randomly talked to me.
“When are you going to finish talking on your phone?” he asked. “I’m done!” I answered him back, laughing. I mean.. it’s not much of a big deal for me talking to people I don’t know anymore. I’m used to it, being HRA as my job. He then started talking and asking questions about me, the exchange students around (there were a lot of Filipino students in our batch), and so many other random things.
Until he asked me, “So will you be my girlfriend?”
I was SHOOK. Or just like how the memes now say, #shookt. I was totally shocked, the first thing that I said was, “What?! I don’t even know you!” Hahahaha. And sweetie, his answer was, “I’m Tyler. Now you know me. Now, will you be my girlfriend?”
Bes nakAKALOKA!! Ganda ko sa part na ‘yon char HAHAHAHA
Ending: I keep on saying no and that I have a boyfriend; he keeps on insisting; but thankfully, in the end, he stopped and we just remained acquaintances. (Fun fact: he cute but i’m taken that time – i still am – so, sorry hahaha)
3. I had my very first tattoo
This was actually out of the blue. It was my last day in Ohio, was going to fly to California the next day, when my friends and I decided to have a tattoo. I never even had the time to think about it. I just.. YOLO-ed.
I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo even back in the Philippines but I don’t know what design I’d love to have and all that, so when they talked about it, I was like.. Okay, let’s do this.
I wanted it to be small but meaningful so what I had was an airplane, obviously symbolizing my love for travel; but other than that, for me, it symbolizes my courage to live abroad independently since I’ve never had the chance back home. I also see it as my “souvenir” from the beautiful city of Sandusky, Ohio.
Hannah and Chris, two of my super close friends paid this for me and told me it was their farewell gift. Hehe awwww.
4. I was almost kicked out (and banned) from a bar
Nope, not because I was drunk as feck but because I removed my under-21 mark.
If you’re not familiar with how it goes in bars in America, you will be asked to present an ID before paying and heading in. If you’re under 21 (18-20 years young), an X will be marked on your hand so that bartenders won’t get to sell you drinks. (Some still do.) You aren’t even allowed to be seen drinking alcoholic drinks. And if you’re 21 and up, you will be given this orange badge which is super hard to take off just so you can’t share it with people under 21. lol
Anyhow, being with crazy friends that night, I removed my X mark because my under-21 friend told me that it’s incredibly easy to erase it and that she had already removed hers. God, I don’t even know what happened. No amount of alcohol was in my system; I was probably just completely cray cray.
So I successfully removed mine as well; I can finally dreeenk, and I was dancing with my friends on the dance floor when the bouncer came and told me to go with him outside. Oh oh. This sounds trouble.
Once outside, he asked me, “Where’s your badge?” As in, the orange badge for those 21 and above. Holy shiz I was dumbfounded, I can’t even construct a valid reason. So what I did was I keep on saying “WHAT?” pretending that I couldn’t hear him because of the loud music. HAHAHA! Pakshet! He then asked for my ID, and I was like, “But my bag isn’t with me! It’s with my friends over there!” Hahahahaha!
I guess I wasn’t believable (because I won’t believe myself as well) and what he did was he just put an extra LARGE X on my hand so I won’t be able to take it off. My GOD. What a crazy night.
5. I experienced having a fire-alarm alarm on our company housing just because of an egg
I know. Eggs.. Again?! Haha! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s about my experience in America being thrown with eggs just because and you can read it here.
A little disclaimer: it wasn’t because of me, okay? It was because of my friend who accidentally forgot that she’s boiling a freaking egg until all the water in the pan had evaporated and smoke was freaking everywhere after. The fire alarm was on and there were even firetrucks sent; so imagine how crazy that was!! All because of an egg!
6. I have ridden a police car & held a real gun (all for the first time!)
I actually became really close with one of Cedar Point’s police – his name is Chris, hey Chris!! – because he’s friends with our manager, Pam, and he’s always at the HR building.
There was this one time where he was the one who drove us back to our company housing and it was amazing. I saw how it looks like from the inside (I don’t know if I’m allowed to post photos of what it looks like inside so I won’t); he also taught us what those things/buttons were for, and this guy just drove past the speed limit. My goodness, what a good police this guy is.
Chris also brought us girls to where he lives. We got to meet his parents, had legit smores for the first time, plus he showed us his guns and other police stuff. (Men, he even taught us how they do the random check if a person is drunk or not.)
Okay. I didn’t even realize how long this post already is because I enjoy writing it so I guess I have to stop there; for now. Don’t worry, I have a lot of more stories about my US experience and I would love to share it with you.
If you’re reading until this part, thank you. I hope you enjoyed all my crazy shenanigans. Hahaha! Which one’s your favorite? Let’s talk more about it below. See you!
nakakaloka yung will you be my girlfriend agad hahahahaha. pero mas bet ko makafeel ng real snow. inggit ako. hahahaha
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Bes totoo shookt yung buong pagkatao ko!! Tbh, nalito ako kung may right ba akong kiligin kasi ene eh cute sye very slight hehehe
HAHAHA harot
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ang harot, amielle. harot. hahahahaha pero ang saya mo lang dyan sa post na yan. wish ko rin makapaglaro sa snow. 😂😂😂😂
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HAHA soon bebe!!! Tyaga muna tayo sa “generic” na snow sa Star City 😂
Nako, nalabas ko na ang harot ko sa post at hinanapan ko talaga ng butas maipost lang yung picture ng crush ko…. Hulaan nyo kung sinoooo hahahahaha
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Hahahahaha!!! kung hindi yung kasama mo na may hawak kang plastic cup, yung last picture tas nasa gitna. Hahahaha medyo nacute-an din ako dun sa gitna e. lolXD
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Huy nilagay ko lang yung second kasi yun yung couch na inupuan ni kuyang tyler hahahaha! Oo yun na. Jusko nakakastress mamsh alam mo ba wala syang gf that time tapos tinanong ko sya why, sabi nya kasi yung gusto daw nya di daw sya gusto..
BAKIT :—( Hahahaha
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AWWWW. pagkakataon nga naman. pero cutie talaga siya amielle. S A Y A N G lol
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Pero may gf na sya now!! Sakit sa heart (awow hahaha) pero at least happy na siya at gusto na sya ng gusto nya. 💖
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Ay buti naman kung ganon. At sana meron siyang poreber di tulad ng NamLee. Lol hahahahahaha
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OMAYGAAAAD!!! Naloka ako dyan bes jusko parang kelan lang nagdidiwang ako kasi sila na tapos break na agad. JUSKO TALAGA
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SHOOOKT talaga ako. isa rin ako sa mga nagdiwang. nasa in denial stage pa nga rin ako, hoping na pakeme lang yung breakup nila hahahahaha 😂
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This was so interesting to read, you did so many things! X
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Hi Chloe, sorry I’ve only read this now since it was on spam, idk why! Thank you!
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Okay, amazing experience! Hahaha. The first and only time I was at the US was when I was really young (like 5 years old) so I didn’t get to experience much. Inggit me, please :( LOL
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Balik ka na, Ate!! :) Saan ka sa US noon?
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Walang pera, bes. Tsaka expired na ang via. Hahaha. Sa West Virginia.
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Kahit ako gustuhin ko man, ipon ipon muna e. HAHA. Saan ka based now, Ate? :)
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Balik Pilipinas kung saan napakainit at mas nakakapanginit ng dugo ang mga tao. Hahahaha
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Truuu! Dagdag mo pa yung mga nakakagalit na balita at nakakaawang mga tao na nadadamay. Hay
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Haaaay. It’s getting more and more annoying and tiring in this country. :(
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Looks like you had a ton of fun! Love your tattoo (: I might be getting my first one this year for my 21st birthday
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Thank you, Shannon! Yes, I really did. :) What design would you want to have? Have you decided on where to put it, as well?
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I’m thinking of getting the constellations of my parents zodiac signs on each shoulder, but not the connected-with-lines ones you see all over the internet, just the stars in the positions themselves. I found a friend from my school days that is now a tattoo artist’s (my art teacher from high school) apprentice and asked him if he could do it. He agreed, so hopefully you’ll see me posting about it in early October!
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The constellation-tattoo is beautiful!! 💖 It’s actually one of my choices for my next tatt since I love stars so much. (It was my theme for my 18th birthday 3 years ago – starry night!) I was also thinking of coordinates. :)
Can’t wait to read about that, bb! So excited for you! 💖
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Grabe yung nilaki ng x mark mo dun sa second pic ng x. Gigil na si kuyang bouncer. Haha! 😂
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Ngayon ko lang ‘to nabasa OMG sorry! Nasa spam kasi di ko alam bakit??? Hahahaha. Truly! Qiqil mo si aq HAHA
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You sound like you’ve had an amazing time in America x
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I did! Wishing I could go back reaaal soon. :) T’was a second home for me.
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Ang ganda nung tatt mo, ate!! Best impulsive decision ‘yan. Hahahaha
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Hi Pauleen! :) Nako, totoo!! Hindi ako fan ng pagiging impulsive buyer o decision maker pero napasubo ata ako bigla. HAHAHA
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grabe yung now you know me will you be my girlfriend? hahahaha kakatawa. nakakaadik magpatatt no? parang kapag naumpisahan mo na, gusto mo na ulit magpatattoo nanaman.
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YESSSS!!! Actually parang after a month ko magpatatt, gusto ko na ulit magpa-tatt na naman kaso pinipigilan na ako ni jowa. Saka na daw muna ulit. Hahahaha
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Hahaha I loved every single story! I’m glad you got to experience snow for the first time, that’s super exciting! And you look so cute enjoying it. 😊
Americans boys are crazy, they’re always like that…lol and what a perfect idea for your first tattoo, it’s so cute, simple, and meaningful!
That’s funny how big he marked your X the second time and you’re so lucky you didn’t get kicked out haha I laughed out loud a lil at that story.
I’ve never held a real gun before but I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to, like you were!
I loved hearing about your experiences in America! 💗
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And I loved how you have reactions to every story!! Haha I really appreciated that! Thank you! :)
Oh I’m sure you can hold a real gun someday, too. Or you know.. If you’re really afraid, just touch the gun like it’s your pet and that would be fine HAHAHA 💖
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Gwapo ‘yung naka-baby blue t-shirt sa ika-anim na picture, ‘yung lalaking nasa likod mo at matamis ang ngiti. Wuw, ‘yun talaga ang napansin ko?? Hahaha! Saya ng eksena sa police car girl! Hindi lahat may ganyang kwento! 😂
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Ate… Sa totoo lang, sinadya ko siyang ipost kasi (sobrang) crush ko siya talaga. HAHAHAHA :(( Gusto ko sana magpost ng pic lang namin kasi naka-close ko siya kaso baka mahalata n’yo atsaka selfish kasi ako. AWOW HAHAHAHA. Ukrainian si Kuya mo! Sarap iuwi!
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Ay nako baks, ‘wag selfish. I-share na ‘yan, tayo tayo lang naman dito e! Hahaha. :D
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Te girl kapag napagdecide-an mo ng magpaka-half anon nalang at sumali sa jologs keme sa fb, sesendan kita everyday ng photos niya pampaganda ng gising mo HAHAHAHA
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Okay bes, I’m actually considering this offer. Hahahaha. Hmm. ‘Pag jumoin ako we will share pogi pictures, k? Hahaha!
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HAHAHAHAHA AYAN TAYO E! Nadadaan sa gwapo e. Jusko #TeamMarufok
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I love the fire alarm story! Hahaha we had our batteries removed from our smoke alarm because… of you know.. like your friend I have this forgetfulness problems! Its really loud when it goes off! Hahaha
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HAHAHA ate!!! Suuuuper lakas as in nagulantang lahat ng tao sa building, naglabasan talaga! Ganung drama! 😂
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Hahaha I can imagine. Ganon din ako lumabas din ako ng bahay sa takot. Yung neighbor namin tuwang tuwa naman. First time daw nya makakita ng “little Filipina” na tumatakbong nakapaa dala dala passport! Hahaha
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totoo ate??? Natawa ako dun sa dala ang passport!! Naalala mo pa talaga yun in case of emergency HAHAHAHA
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Grabe humaba hair mo bigla nung tinanong ka ng “will you be my girlfriend” no? Hahaha! Ang saya nung mga experience mo!! Inggit me :)
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Thank you Ate Kat! Nako, kung active ako sa WP nung time na yun, baka nai-auction ko na lang siya dito. Sayang e! Cheret!! Hahahaha
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Hindi ko kinaya yung “will you be my girlfriend” agad. Instant. Relate ako dun sa getting tattoo. Plano ko din yan and hopefully soon. Naenetertain ako sa kwento mo :)
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Mamsh super instant!! Nahiya ang spicy noodle challenge! Hahahaha. Go sa tattoo, push! May naisip ka na ba design? :)
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Hahaha, makapunta nga din diyan sa America baka may instant bf ako. Yep. Gusto ko yung simple lang. Yung triad logo ng favorite band ko, 30 Seconds To Mars 😊
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Hahaha nako te shur ako dyan! Yung gantong mukha nga basta na mabatuhan ng will u be my girlfriend e. Ano pa kaya yung sayo baka ayain ka na pakasal ate. Haha!
Pero hala ang tagal ko na hindi nakakaparinig ng 30 Seconds To Mars, ah! Nakapagdecide ka na rin saan? :) Parang ang cute ng maliit na ganito sa likod ng tenga. Hehe
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Hahaha pag nakarating ako doon tiyak hahanapin ko yang mga instant bf na yan.
Oo maganda nga doon sa ilalim ng tenga kagaya nung drummer nila. Pero gusto ko sa may bandang dibdib. Medyo baba ng balikat.
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I have a feeling you should stay away from eggs, Amielle. :) An airplane tattoo is a nice idea. I love meaningful tattoos. I know a writer who has a paperclip tattoo, symbol of how she’s keeping it together. When I find the right one, I’d get mine, too! :)
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Ay gusto ko ‘yung paperclip!! May dagdag sa mga idea ko for my next tatt. :) Gusto ko kasi parang minimalistic keme lang e. Yung cute lang ganun HAHA
Nako ate. Kahit anong iwas ko sa itlog, minsan dun pa rin ako bumabagsak kapag tinatamad magluto ng matinong ulam 😂
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Eggs – blessing & curse :)
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Teh, nabigla ka sa culture no? Pero ang hair mo teh kasing haba ng EDSA. Lalabas kabaklaan ko kapag ako tinanong ng ganyan. HAHAHAHA.
Aw, sadly kahit gusto kong magpatattoo mukhang di pwede since may chance na magkeloids sa akin. Can’t do hennas din kasi may allergies ako sa dye. Kaya pati hair colors, witchekells.
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Ate ko sinabi mo pa! Akala niya ata madadaan nya ako sa kacute-an nya. Baka konti pa…. cheret!! HAHAHAHA (Joke lang nagbabasa yung jowa ko ng blogs ko hahahaha)
Kelan mo nadiscover na may allergy ka sa ganun, Ate? Pero ‘yung mga chikang tattoo sa mga bubble gum nung bata tayo? Okay naman sa skin mo?
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Nung nagdye ako ng buhok. Namula buong mukha ko kinabuksan. Eh may awra pa naman ako a few days after nun salon ko. Takbo ko sa derma, allergies nga daw. Nasolidify nung ng CT Scan ako, kasi they will inject contrast dye sa’yo, naER ako after nung procedure.
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Love this post!! ❤️❤️ The stories are very nice and interesting!!
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HAHA thank you bebe!! Ingat ka sa American boys dyan ah 😂
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Oo ateee! So far sa school puro mexican at koreans sa school ko😭😂
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Ang saya naman ng mga adventures mo sa kalipaan ni uncle sam. 😅 Pero naloka lang talaga ako ng bongga kay Tyler bes – ano daw? Jusmio marimar, santisima! 😂😂😂 Kung ako yun, baka tumakbo na ko. By the way, I like your tat. 😍
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Haba ng hairrrr abot mula Ohio hanggang Manila hahaha!
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HAHAHA tru! Ate kahit sa amin sa Batangas umabot!
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Huy ang saya ng pinag gagawa mo sa America Amielle! Bakla ka ng taon! Hahaha!
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HAHAHA kaya nga gustong gusto ko na makaipon at bumalik dun e. Huhu
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Push mo yan ipon para sa future! Pero katakot yung baril ha baka makalabit mo, pag nasa US ka na wag mo ko kalimutan hahaha!
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Ikaw nalang kalabitin ko te 😏 Hahahahahaha!
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Wag ako wahahhahahahaha!!!
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The egg. Bow. Haha ang saya! Kwento mo sakin in real life. Haha!
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Hahaha jusko talaga ate. kaya kapag nakakakita ako ng kalbo medyo kinakabahan na ako eh
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Snow!! Ang fun ng snow experience! :) Also, medyo nakakahiya yung may firetrucks pa na dumating dahil sa egg hahaha
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Nakakahiya talaga! 😂 As in naglabasan pa talaga ng building, akala mo kung anong sunog. Hahahaha
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Aw, I love your thoughts on the USA!!! Hey! Would you consider doing a blog exchange post on travel with me? Would love to have your thoughts on my blog and vice versa! Let me know, cheers!
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I don’t like the way American boys approach relationships. I wish there were more men who’d court ladies! Tyler may have been cute, but he sounds annoying haha. Glad he didn’t pester you even more so! I also have yet to get my own tattoo, but hopefully soon! I also laughed reading your bar story! Good thing you weren’t kicked out! I loved reading this! :)
Natalie | http://nataliesalchemy.wordpress.com
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Then I think you’d like Filipino men! Haha! It’s in our culture to “court” ladies they really like before jumping into a relationship. Yeah, I’m glad he didn’t push himself too much, too! 😂
What tattoo would you want to have? Do you have anything in mind already? :)
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Haha, I think I would too :) Oh, I have so much in mind, I’m just waiting for the extra cash to roll in to actually spend my money on it haha. One idea for sure is, I’d like to get an ouroboros. :)
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I’m floored that a guy you didn’t even know asked you to be his girlfriend! :o I’m Asian but born in the U.S. and that is just weird even to me. I wouldn’t know much about American dating customs anyway since I have no dating experience whatsoever, lol, but that is crazy how fast he tried to move with you.
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Hahaha I know right? Maybe some guys are really just too confident of themselves. Oh well. 😊
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