Top 10 Things I'd Like to Do While Living In Asia

I'm going to live in the Philippines soon. For a whole year. Starting February 7th, 2010. Before I go, I'd like to think of things I'd like to do in hopes to accomplish them. This isn't just a "Travel" list. It's a list of dreams, hopes, wishes and genuine intentions, no matter how "out there" they may seem. So, in no particular order:

1) Try modeling

I've always had modeling in the back of my head as something I'd like to do someday. Only thing is, at 5'1", and Asian, I don't exactly fit the profile. African Americans and Caucasians seem to dominate the modeling world. Asians, among other professions, seem to be wildly underrepresented. In Asia, however, I feel I would have a better chance to "make it" in this profession. I can dream, right? Or, I can work out, eat healthy, answer local Craigslist ads for photographers needing portfolio work and models, get professional pictures, and find modeling agencies in the Philippines. It's possible! And, I will be modeling for a girl who is doing a scar project, which possibly means gallery exposure. I don't know if I will be posing topless but I'm not against it. Nudity allows for more vulnerability. And thus, more intimate, fragile and true. Nudity in Art is simply beautiful.

2) Seduce a Sexy Female

Along with point #1, I would like to tie this in to female Floduction. The year of 2010 is not only the year of the (Crouching) Tiger, but the female prowess of lesbian sex! I am absolutely determined to have my "first" experience, and possibly, not my last. What could be a better way than finding a hot lady friend, preferably a model, or at least someone that looks like one? How am I so certain it will happen? Because six years ago, when I last visited the Philippines, my first best friend belonged to an all-girl volleyball team. I met her and her volleyball friends and she told me that they were all bisexual. Yes, bisexuality in the Philippines is much more open and accepted than in the U.S. Before Katy Perry, there was a whole bisexual volleyball team that probably kissed each other, and liked it. She kept telling me I was "very beautiful" and pretty much alluded to being open to trying things with me. Only thing is, I was in the beginning stages of a relationship at the time, and this girl doesn't cheat!

3) Visit China and Volunteer at an Orphanage

I volunteer for a local non-profit that builds schools for orphans. I designed and maintain their website and am part of their "marketing" department to help promote events like their upcoming Chinese New Year party in February. I will be designing and developing promo flyers, save the date postcards, etc. It would be completely surreal to me to visit China and see their actual school. The kids are truly talented artists and hand paint Chinese scrolls which are sold in donation to the non-profits' efforts. In addition, it would just be a cool way to solidify my sense of travel, adventure, and compassion for making a difference, while hopefully visiting the Great Wall as well.

4) Start My Own Business

Who knew that I would ever become an entrepreneur? Recently becoming unemployed has given me the momentum and direction to pursue working for myself. When Life hands you Lemons, make lemonade! So they say, anyway. For whatever reason, these are where my thoughts have been gravitating towards. Since I try to live my life by my intuition, thoughts and listening to them, are very important to me! In my mind, pursuing this venture would be a much better option than trying to work at McDonalds or retail for a month and half before I leave. No, I refuse to hit the "oh shit" button yet and yes, I believe in myself, my ideas, and my abilities! I would love to have a "Location Independent" job and feel that my year in Asia would be a great place to help see that happen. I won't spoil my ideas here yet, but just know that I hope to be manifesting them soon and that you'll definitely see the process.

5) Visit Japan for a Travel Writing Scholarship

I just entered my writing essay to visit Japan in 2010 and hope I have a good chance at winning. Another contest I found is hosting a travel writing assignment for Rough Guides in Japan! Basically, I would need to be comfortable with solo travel and be available for the month of February (yes and yes!), and write a stellar story based on personal experience that has to do with a) a journey that changed lives b) adventure in an unknown culture c) responsible travel d) a memorable experience involving food in a foreign country. I happen to believe I have a great, "winning" idea for option d that I plan to embellish! I don't mean to be cocky, but I truly believe I have what it takes to "win" either the travel writing scholarship, or the Travel Japan essay contest! I feel I need to have this type of attitude in order to succeed, whether that means winning a contest, or not!

6) Learn How to Cook

The kitchen intimidates me. I haven't cooked anything past a grilled cheese sandwich or Kraft macaroni and cheese. Really simple moronic stuff. The microwave is my friend. Unfortunately, my family in the Philippines doesn't own a microwave. Fortunately for me, my uncle is a great cook and could seriously become a chef. In fact, he does have a side business as one of those street vendors trying to sell food to passersby, especially school children in the area. I feel it would be a damn shame if I didn't learn from him and come home with a few good Filipino recipes under my built! Chicken adobo? You've got it!

7) Buy A Guitar Made Out of Tropical Fruit

Did you know that guitars could be made out of tropical fruit? I didn't until I researched handmade Cebu guitars! Some are made from lychee, which sounds pretty cool and badass to me. After selling my first (and only) acoustic guitar, a Washburn D-10, I would love to acquire another guitar that I can take home with me (export quality) once I'm back in the states. The best thing about these guitars? They come in colorful varieties! I can pick from green, blue, yellow, or red guitars! It feels like I'm picking my favorite M&Ms, but it's true. Someone once told me that he thought the Philippines seemed like such a magical, happy place, full of Unicorns! Apparently, also full of colorful guitars! And yes, that makes me happy.

8) Meet New People

This should really be a no brainer, "no duh", or "no shit, Sherlock!" But I really want to stress it here. A big part of this experience is meeting new people and making new friends. Being an introvert, it will be great to expand my horizons in this way and make connections with new people. I hope to meet some bloggers that I know in the Philippines, as well as a longtime U.S. pen-pal that will be visiting the Philippines next year! In fact, I hope to get as many people to come visit me as I can. I have a feeling that I will become quite social in my mother land, and I can't wait!

9) Learn Filipino Martial Arts

I have been involved in American Kenpo, and Indonesian martial art styles and I would love the chance to learn the Filipino martial art, Eskrima. Eskrima is practiced primarily with sticks and knives. It is a weapons sport and the headquarters for the "Doce Pares" style happens to be in Cebu City! Although I have at least 3 years of martial arts experience (off and on), I feel like a very humble beginner. A year studying Eskrima is nowhere near the amount to master it, but it's a start. Hopefully, I could continue in the states, where Eskrima is taught in some cities.

10) Learn Cebuano and Tagalog

I was born in the Philippines but no longer remember the language. I feel this greatly unfortunate and saddened that I cannot converse in my own tongue. Still, the first 3 1/2 years of my life was spent learning the language. English was not my first language, and deep in the recesses of my mind I probably still have it. Somewhere. I just need to be around it daily. And use it. I know enough to eavesdrop every time my mom gets on the phone and talks boisterously in Cebuano. I can understand most of her conversation, so I feel I'm in a fairly good spot to (re)learn the language again. I know that within a year's time, I should be fairly fluent again.

Whether or not any, or all, of these things happen is partly, or mostly within my control. I would be happy if I could achieve even one of them! In fact, I already feel happy. The important thing is that I meet new people, have new experiences, and appreciate life.