Mariah Carey's The Elusive Chanteuse

I have few prized possessions in my life. And one of them is my Mariah Carey original cassette tape collection.

I've been waiting for her to have a concert again in the Philippines. Her first time here was in 2003 and I remember feeling sad and depress not being able to watch it back then. So imagine my delight when I heard she will have another concert here, for all her Filipino fans! 

Yah. That's the only ticket I can afford. Hehe. Our seat somewhat takes the joy out of the concert. But I console myself, it's her music I came for. And I was trusting my friend's DSLR to take decent photos of Mariah but unfortunately, DSLR are not allowed at MOA Arena. What a hassle. But I still manage to snap pictures of her while performing and some off the side photos. 

Sana totoo ka na lang na si Mariah. Hehe. 

My first time in MOA Arena.

I'm so happy to witness it even if I'm feeling a little bit under the weather that day. She performed some of her hits and some new songs. It was nice to see how much she evolved through the years. She really is one of a kind. Her voice, yung sobrang taas na parang pumipito (sorry, hindi ko alam ang english), is really remarkable. One of a kind. She is undoubtedly talented regardless of what critics are saying about her. No one can sing the way she does. There will only be one Mariah Carey!

Well, that's the end of it. I hope she'll come back again and hopefully I'll be able to buy a VIP tickets! Hehe. I wish! One down in my 20 things before 40 bucket list, 19 to go! :)

20 Before 40

This is not planned. Not at all. I am searching for stuff that my son can do for our "mini school" tomorrow. But since I am awake I might as well greet myself first. "Happy Birthday to me!" There. It's not a secret anymore. I am officially not in the calendar. Yep! I am 32 years old right at this moment! :)

Being older is not something I look forward to but is something I have accepted and make peace with. We're all going to get old. But how did we live this one life God has given us is the BIG question. I have to confess that before Riley, I was a lost soul. Didn't know what to do with my life or what I want. If I had only known that he'll be mine to keep, I would have made better choices while I was younger. Like maybe took a college course that I am passionate about. Or took risk and pursue some dreams. Or be braver and not mind other people.Yeah, I have regrets in life. But my son made me believe that nothing is ever too late! I want to set new goals, dream new dreams, and live the life Riley and I deserve. And we're only just beginning.

So, I came up with this list: 20 things I want to accomplish before I hit 40. Some are just downright OUTRAGEOUS! It's my birthday so I can write whatever I want to write, ok?! Haha. Okay, let's get down to it. This is in no particular order.

1. To have a house for me and my mother (and Riley of course!)
2. To experience a Mediterranean cruise.
3. To manage a tutorial service center together with my sister.
4. To be a certified CISCO Network Administrator.
5. To touch the snow at Mt. Ruapeho at New Zealand.
6. To watch a Mariah Carey's concert live.
7. To write an article in a magazine or newspaper or website tapos may nakalagay "written by Joyce Ann Magtanong." :p
8. To have my own car, a Volkswagen Beetle to be exact (and drive it!)
9. To see the cherry blossoms in Japan.
10. To be an active volunteer of Red Cross or World Vision.
11. To explore the Underground River at Palawan.
12. To eat a sumptuous meal while cruising the Loboc River in Bohol.
13. To finish a 10k run.
14. To walk while holding hands with Daddyfriend and Riley in Boracay.
15. To see the pyramids in Egypt.
16. To create an iPad apps (and hopefully my bumili so I can earn money from it.)
17. To have a business of my own.
18. To travel to Greece.
19. To have a stable and enjoyable job where I can use my creativeness.
20. To inspire, touch lives, and serve God.

Big dreams, HARD work. These are enough to keep me busy in the next eight years! We'll see how it will turn out. :)