Reminiscing with a hot cuppa tea

It's June 16 today! And it's a doubly special day for me because it's Loving the Distance blog's 1st ever anniversary AND it's our 8th anniversary as a couple. I take this time to reminisce on the good year that was…

The  VERY FIRST TIME I received flowers

On this very same day last year (2009), Dodong surprised me with 7-Dozen Yellow Gerberas on our anniversary It was the first time I've ever received flowers in our then 7-year relationship. I remember him in his video message (yes, ala ASAP ito!) that the 7-dozen flowers represented each month of our relationship. How sweet!

Our Pagudpud Roadtrip

After 8-months of separation (It was the looooongeeeeesssst ever!), Dodong came home and we took off to the northern-most tip of Luzon, Pagudpud, for a much needed homecoming date. It was also the first time we took Dodong's super gwapo car, Sharkface, on a joy ride…a 13-hour one. Oh 26-hour road trip considering it was a roundtrip. Hehehe.

Our Impromptu Photo-Opp at the Bangui Windmills

On the way back to Manila, we just had to pass by Bangui Windmills. The very reason we went on the looooong road trip. It was such a blast taking photos of each other, whether day-off mode (i.e. solo pic) or the two of use together. Oh we also just had to take photos of Sharkface too!

The time I lost 8-lbs for Dodong's Birthday

I had no idea of what to give Dodong for his birthday then. So I decided to take on the challenge of losing weight for him (a much coveted dream of his). I was super successful and I'd like to think that made him very happy Hihihi!

How Dodong continues to show his soft side (heart flutter!)

Long distance relationships make people miss each other like CRAZY. So duh. I just super love reminiscing about how Dodong misses me like WILD! Hehehe!

Sigh. Just thinking about that made me sad again. This is our 3rd anniversary apart But still Happy Anniversary to Us: myself, Dodong and Loving the Distance blog! More years of happiness, romance and love

Love the Distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Watch out for the Loving the Distance Anniversary contest winner tomorrow

Bond strengthened by the distance

It was fate to have reconnected with Shelley during our high school reunion last December. She was recently married to her husband, Dave, who is in the US Navy based in Japan last October.

What is extra cute about this couple: Dave shares his version of their love story And I think he is a gem since not all guys are like that. Hehehe. I know Dodong isn't! Well I think at least now he isn't. Hehehe. Dave writes extensively but I assure you it is worth your time

Here is Dave and Shelley's story on Loving the Distance….

Share with us your long distance love story.

After graduating from college in 2006, I decided to take off to the United States to live with my mom and dad and to seek opportunities. Parting was one of the hardest moments we have felt, and this is really a big, big step especially after being solidly together for 5 years.

Nights of conversations became loneliness at times. Longing for each other could really get depressing too.

The following year I landed a job working for the US Navy. To go through the stage of the boot camp training, we need to be isolated for about 3 months meaning, no internet nor phone calls. We were only allowed one phone call to tell immediate family members that we safely arrived the recruitment center. I opted to call Shelley to tell her that everything's fine. The best thing I could tell her everything is through snail mail. Each and every time someone delivers letters, I would always wait that one that came from the Philippines. I believe that those moments were the loneliest.

After boot camp training and "A" school, I requested to be assigned in Okinawa Japan in a Naval Hospital so that there will just be a little time difference to where Shelley's at, and thankfully, it was granted! Nearer, but still apart, Shelley and I kept the communication lines open and the fondness grew stronger despite the distance. We could not say for sure that it was as smooth sailing as before, but every time I plan to go back, I always find myself anxious to come home to the Philippines just to be with her again. On December of 2008, During one of my trips back home, Shelley and I went to Boracay island to officially ask for her hand.

A year after, which was our 8th year being together, we got married on the 26th of October 2009 at the Mandaluyong City Hall of Justice. We had a simple gathering with family members only.  It was one the happiest days of our lives.  After the ceremonies, we went out and had simple dinner at Makati. Though simple the celebrations were, we were both glad we finally did it! And now, I am in the process of taking care of the paperwork that will get her to me, for good.

What are the Top 3 Challenges you have faced in your LDR?

Making use of technology to nurture that LOVE!

1. TRUST – For you to trust someone most of the time, it requires you to be there to see for yourself what's happening. Believe me, no room for errors on this one. Once broken, it'll be as twice as difficult to fix.
2. Physical presence – The touch, kiss, hugs, etc… are still different when they are felt rather that typed. Being in a steady relationship for 5 years made it really challenging for us. However, the anticipation would always gets us excited, making us feel that it was all worth the wait.
3. Misunderstanding – Yes, even in simple cases of typing messages, emails, even the tone in speaking could be misleading and thus simple petty fights can happen, which shouldn't have to begin with.

How did the distance help you build your relationship into what it is now?

The Proposal!

The distance made us struggle because it's hard when you badly want someone to comfort you when no one else is there. However, it builds you as a person because it makes you stronger to think that it's…just distance!  It made us stronger in a way that through an experience such as this, you will now know what you have to do and how to cope with it. Distance helped us both grow in a way and helped a lot in our maturity as individuals.  It helped us learn that complaining would just stress us both. Instead, find solutions! If it doesn't work, try again! Distance is now just a factor, and not a problem anymore.

What are the Top 3 words of wisdom you can share to those in LDRs like yourselves?

Yiheee! KISS!

1. Communication is ALWAYS the key. It is much easier now than in pre-historic times! Also, be clear with the messages you are sending out and never assume. If anythings unclear, ask away. "Tampuhans" can only worsen it.
2. Have a plan, the PLAN being in the end you'll end up together. Just like what a wise man once said, "begin with the end in mind".
3. Make every effort to get each other closer to you physically or emotionally. In our case, we are both diligently working on our paper work to get to that goal of being there physically. On the emotional aspect, daily assurance is also a key factor.

See? You can make it through the distance just as Dave and Shelley did Keep that love alive guys!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. If you want to share your own long distance love story, email us@lovingthedistance.com

2 out of my 3 weddings for JANUARY alone!

2010 is definitely a year peppered with WEDDINGS. Gosh. I'm not sure if weddings are a trend nowadays or if I am in that stage in life already. But this January alone, I will attend 3 weddings! (Well, I've attended one last night so 1 down) 3 weddings in a month! CRAZY! There are more lining up for later this year. So it's really just crazy, crazy, crazy wedding year.

At first, I did thought that attending weddings on my own was okay. I can survive. It's just like any other party I go to alone. BUT no, I must say it is different. It makes me feel more alone…lonely…sigh.

So how do I survive weddings without Dodong, my plus one??? I do try. So here goes…

Dress to the nines!

I must admit I am not much of a fashion person. So I hardly get to prettify, dress up and all. Weddings are the perfect opportunity to buy a new dress (which unfortunately I do not have the budget yet for) and be all girly

I know sayang Dodong would not be able to see me in a dress. But I can always take a solo pic and email it to him right? Oh, yea. I already did email him my look from last night's wedding

Check if you have at least one friend who is attending

I am not much of a friendly friend to all person. What i noticed is that i am really close to the bride. Obviously, the bride cannot entertain me on her wedding day right?

So I kind of ask my bride friends who amongst our friends are also invited. Hehehe. Then I do (I did yesterday) my texting rounds to check if they will be there.

Make sure you are seated in a table with your friend/s

Upon RSVPing for the wedding, I did ask again my bride friends, with whom am I seated with. I just wanted to double, triple, quadruple check that I had someone to talk to while at the reception.

Thank God (oh, the bride and her wedding planners) that I was seated with some familiar faces last night. I was about to go crazy with loneliness…almost.

Chitchat and reconnect with friend/s: old and new

Last night, my college blockmate came in late. But this was a blessing in disguise as I was able to reconnect with a college batchmate It was interesting to hear where people are, what they are doing and how they have changed through the years.

It was just a chance to spruce up my people skills as I am a bit of a hermit in terms of socializing, small talking. Hey, I was sincere in striking up my conversations. Hehehehe. Not just for the sake of talking to another warm human body.

Take LOTS of pictures

Unfortunately, since my camera is still not functioning as well as it could have, I was not able to do so. But taking photos would be a good way to just take note of details for future reference…Perhaps for my own wedding in the near future? I hope!

Drown yourself in good food and BOOZE!

Last night, the buffet spread was smorgasbord. But unfortunately, there was no booze. No mobile shooters bar, which is quite the trend nowadays, or even just the usual bar.

If there was just a mobile bar last night, I would have drowned in the shooters. FYI I prefer sweet cocktails (that don't have the alcohol taste) over bitter beer. Of course, I would not (hopefully) get myself drunk though. I'd drink responsibly

Okay this last tip is the telltale sign that I am lonely. Hehehe. Would it be bordering on pathetic? I hope not.

But this is the best tip I can give on how to survive a wedding without your plus one:

Ask the bride if you can have another plus one

Not a romantic plus one silly! Perhaps a gay friend or another girl friend, who would be willing to share a romantic wedding with you. At least you're sure to have someone. It wouldn't hurt to ask right?

Weddings are celebrations to be truly happy about. So despite the fact that Dodong is miles away from me, the show must go on and I must celebrate along with the newly weds! Weeee!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Pls do forgive the sucky photos as my camera is still…uhm, broken. Awaiting funding from the universe for my NEW LUMIX LX3 Watch out!

Lucky in Love in 2010

I know it's been quite some time since I last posted anything. What have I been busy with? Well, the doing the usual holiday rounds with friends and family plus I've been bitten by the holiday hangover so it's been lazy. Yes, there I said it. Lazy as a daisy.

But as I get back into the groove of regular programming, I do set my sights out for the goals for the year 2010. This includes my plans for our long distance relationship and, of course, the blog

Celebrate the love some more

Dodong did a great job on our 7th year anniversary this year and this June 16, 2010 will be our 8th year anniversary. So I want to celebrate this milestone with a BANG! The number 8 when turned by 180 degrees becomes the infinity symbol soooo I do hope this anniversary is the official start of "to infinity and beyond"

Another thing to celebrate is Dodong's 2nd year in the desert this March 9, 2010. It is truly an LDR milestone for us since WE, US survived 2-years of being apart (at least physically). We actually call it his desert anniversary. I guess this would be our 1st official day physically apart, so our LDR anniversary. When is your LDR anniversary?

I know there are more of the little things celebrating because in long distance relationships parang everyday is a celebration of love Cheezy! What other romantic nothings do you celebrate?

Nurture the Romance still

I'm still not sure when is Dodong's next homecoming. He is still trying to schedule it as there are stuff he needs to attend to as well…like attending weddings. Hahaha! A lot of our friends are getting hitched this year Looks like a romance year right?

I am still on the look out for cool Future Date ideas and, let's not forget the alone date ideas too. Love yourself syempre! Feel free to drop me a line at us@lovingthedistance.com for your date ideas. I'd like to know more romantic date getaways for the next homecoming

I'm also planning some more gift giving. So gift ideas would also be welcome. I guess in a span of 7.5years I think I've done so much. I need your help too

Defy the distance as usual!

Of course, we will defy the distance and become a stronger, more loving couple Still am looking for more couples who would love to share their LDR stories. I'm sure there are a lot out there.

I do plan on tackling the different kinds of long distance relationships. Mine is only one of those, being in a relationship with an OFW. So would you care to share your unique LDR story?

I'm thinking of doing a club perhaps to really help us support each other through the challenges of a LDR. Whatchathink?

I am really confident that all of us would be able to defy the distance with the kind of love and romance that us couples have and work for I guess then that really love is not enough in LDRs, you have to make it work.

Here's to more love and romance to defy the distance in 2010 Cheers!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

I've really been feeling sentimental these past few days. Like Christmas, approaching the New Year brings me a sense of retrospect into the year that has past: the events that have transpired, the people I've met, the things that I've done that have made me into the person who I am at the moment…Of course, this includes the very LDR I am in. Of course!

This walk down memory lane as 2009 comes to a close also made me realize the many things I am grateful and continue to be grateful for. Again, I thank God for the opportunity given to Dodong in the desert sands of Dubai, UAE.

So tonight, being sentimental and all, I've drawn the courage to watch Dubai for the second time. The first and last time I've watched it was last year, September 2008, Dodong's first homecoming from his 1st 6-month stint in Dubai.

Why did I even have to draw some courage to watch this Pinoy flick? Coming from Dodong's reactions while watching the movie, it was a clear portrayal of the life Dodong and all the other kabayans go through in Dubai.

I'd like to share with the part which moved me the most (to tears in fact)…

NOTE # 1: I can't seem to find a video clip on the YouTube and can't seem to copy the clip and cut it (technical difficulties!) so I will just quote the monologue (because Aga Muhlach's character was addressing a whole crowd and not talking to a single person in particular).

NOTE # 2: I am writing the speech in English (Thanks to subtitles) for better appreciation of my non-Filipino readers out there (if any). I'm not sure if you share the same sentiments but I'd be happy to know about your thoughts though.

This was the scene where two of their kabayan friends got married. The bride was to stay in Dubai for work, while the groom was going back home to the Philippines because his employment contract just expired. Raffy Alvarez (Aga Muhlach) gave a speech to honor the groom who was brave enough to face his relatives back in the Philippines without bringing home a single piece of appliance.

Yes, you heard me right, appliance like a washing machine, a toaster, TV set, etc. In the Philippines, it is "customary" for OFWs to bring home gifts to their families upon returning from the country of designation.

Here is what he said to the wedding guests who were mostly (if not all) Filipinos working in Dubai:

You will bring home your sense of pride for the Filipinos who are working here. And they are truly praiseworthy! We often make mistakes. We seem to forget our dreams. The promises we made. Oftentimes, we even hurt the people we love.

But we, Filipinos, never forget why we are in this foreign land. We are here because of the people we love. No matter how hard life can be, how sad it can be; we are willing to accept it to make our families happy.

For every drop of sweat, every tear we shed, all we ask is their smile. A simple smile from them. Even though we are so far away from our families, even though we don't see them, each of us has the same dream: that is to see our families whole again. And to fulfill that dream, we have to stand up after we fall.

Just like my super crush, John Lloyd Cruz, who played Raffy's brother Andrew; I was moved to tears too. Because what he said, reminded me of the sacrifices Dodong made when he decided to grab that opportunity in Dubai. I know I have my seemingly petty concerns about our long distance relationship, but this does not compare to the hardships they really go through when they are away from home.

This reminded me to be eternally grateful to Dubai. Though it has separated us physically, it has helped us grow to the couple we are now and, more importantly, fulfilled the dreams of Dodong's family (and his dreams as well).

Dubai is one of the biggest things I am grateful for this 2009. Thank you Dubai! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

What are you grateful for this 2009?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

Stuffing myself silly is not the same without YOU

Last year, due to visa concerns, Dodong was able to spend Christmas here at home. But this year is different. After his 2-week vacation, he had to go back to the desert for work. So unlike most OFWs, most kabayans, who are home for the holidays, Dodong is in the desert, working while trying to recreate the Christmas celebrations with fellow kabayans. Is your honey home or away for the holidays too?

This is Dodong's first Christmas away from home in a foreign non-Christian land. Plus, this is our first Christmas apart…

Although when he's home, we do spend Christmas with our respective families, but then again, the whole getting together of families and friends just adds to the "missing him" mood. Thanks to technology, we would be able to be "together" this Christmas despite the distance between us…

Long distance Christmas phone patch

Once the clock strikes 12mn in Dubai time (approximately 4am Philippine time), I will be giving Dodong a call. Thank God for lower long distance call rates, I'd be able to call him without hurting my pocket as much. For Globe subscribers like myself, just dial 12800 + country code + area code + telephone number. Instead of being charged per minute, your call will be charged per second at Php 0.17 per second. Not bad right?

Live streamed Noche Buena

Hmmm with the time difference (4-hours), I think that our food would be wiped out by then. Hehehe! I'm asking Dodong if he could live stream their Christmas celebration. I could join in their kabayan Christmas celebration too It actually is a blessing that Christmas Eve falls on a Thursday which is the last day of the work week over there.

I just wish I could fly in a Christmas Ham to share the Pinoy love this Christmas day. Would you send a Christmas Ham for him?

Merry Christmas everyone! Don't be blue, technology is there for you Be happy that someone out there (literally) is there wishing you all the best for this Christmas

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

I do have to apologize to non-Filipino readers but this song is just perfect for those who are spending their Christmases away from each other like Dodong and myself. (NOTE: I chose to post the Lea Salonga version since she is an International star so that non-Pinoys can somehow relate – Can you???) I really do not know what is it about this holiday season that makes me feel extra lonely. I know I should be used to this but it does get lonely. Super.

Maybe because of the weather. It's cold and it is perfect hugging, cuddling temperature. Maybe because of all the get togethers: families, friends, old friends, new friends…HAAAY.

Here are the heart wrenching lyrics of the song…Sigh.

Pasko na naman
Ngunit wala ka pa
Hanggang kailan kaya
Ako’y maghihintay sa iyo

Bakit ba naman
Kailangang lumisan pa
Ang tanging hangad ko lang
Ay makapiling ka

[chorus]
Sana ngayong Pasko
Ay maalala mo pa rin ako
Hinahanap-hanap pag-ibig mo
At kahit wala ka na
Nangangarap at umaasa pa rin ako
Muling makita ka
At makasama ka
Sa araw ng Pasko

Pasko na naman
Ngunit wala ka pa
Hanggang kailan kaya
Ako’y maghihintay sa iyo

Bakit ba naman
Kailangang lumisan pa
Ang tanging hangad ko lang
Ay makapiling ka

[repeat chorus 2x]

Sana ngayong Pasko…

I know I have a whole lot of other wishes for this Christmas. But really, All I want for Christmas is to be with YOU.

Isn't that your biggest Christmas wish too?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Help from anybody can translate the lyrics in English would be much appreciated Nosebleed kasi e!

A flower for you on our 7.5years anniversary

Today is our 7.5 year anniversary and a few days left till the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. This has left me feeling a bit senti about the year that has past.It really has been a whirlwind of a year but so many things have happened and are really worth sharing and celebrating.

As I was thinking of a title, the word "milestones" seemed so ordinary. But come to think of it, you could break it down into mile and stones. Miles because of the distance, and stones because of the strong foundations we've built in our relationship. Okay I may be analyzing too much here. Wag ng ipilit kasi walang konek!

I'd like to share with you what I consider as our Top 2009 LDR milestones…

The birth of this blog!

Of course, if not for the distance, this blog would not have been born We do love the distance because it did help us both grow as individuals and as a couple. Plus, I super want to help and support all other couples who are going through the same thing we are. It is not a bed of roses really. There are times that it is great, but it can get lonely. So we all need to really support, support, support!

The first time I received flowers!

7-dozens for 7-years <3

Last June 16, on our 7th anniversary, Dodong was such a sweetheart because he sent me 7-dozen of my favorite flowers to the office. Surprise! A super duper pleasant one at that

The first time we went on a VERY LONG roadtrip together

The perfect breathtaking view for his homecoming

The Pagudpud trip was fairly recent during Dodong's homecoming. I guess it was significant because we were driving his very new car, Sharkface the Mitsubishi Lancer EX (Tama nga ba?). It was quality time well spent because it was just the two of us, 24 hours a day (este 3 kasi 3 days lang pala yung trip). I guess we are getting used to the idea of being glued to the hip very soon? Hahaha!

2009 was overall a very kind year, lots of ups but a lot of downs (which sometimes really get to you!). But I (along with Dodong)…Ehem, let me rephrase that: WE thank the Good Lord for 2009. And in advance, thank Him for the year to come

What are your 2009 LDR milestones?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay